Times/EastLife - 14 February 2024

H o w i c k & Pa k u r a n g a Profiles, travel, fashion, health and beauty, food, interiors and more VOL 53, NO 6 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024

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MARKING YEAR OF THE DRAGON

PAGE 5

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, centre, joined people including Venerable Abbess Manshin, third from right, and Howick Local Board chairperson Damian Light at this year’s Chinese New Year festivities at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush. Photo supplied

PAGE 14

SAYIN’G

‘ do I

“LOWER SPEED LIMITS WILL GRIND CITY TO STANDSTILL” The Howick Local Board has told Auckland Transport it opposes blanket speed limit reductions.

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Police warn over tool thefts from vehicles

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Read the news online

www.times.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz Editor Farida Master 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz ADVERTISING Janine Hickmore 09 271 8023 janine@times.co.nz Diana Honey 09 271 8050 dianah@times.co.nz Kelly Cooke 09 271 8026 kellyc@times.co.nz DESIGN Claire Robertson clairer@times.co.nz Published weekly on Wednesday Printed by Beacon Print Published by Times Media Ltd, PO Box 38232, Howick, Auckland 2145, New Zealand.

B

razen thieves are making life miserable for tradespeople and their families across east Auckland by breaking into and stealing tools from their work vehicles.

The frequency of such incidents in the local community has sparked Howick Police community services supervisor, sergeant Brett Meale, to urge tradies to make their work vehicles less appealing targets for criminals.

“It’s the same old thing of tools being stolen from work vans and utes,” he told the Times.

“If they can, get an alarm in them and park them somewhere secure, and if the tools can be engraved so they’re definitely identifiable that’s helpful.

“We recover at search warrants various tools, but trying to make them back to where they’ve been

A community without its own independent newspaper is a community without a voice.

stolen from [can be difficult].

“The offenders are selling them through Facebook Marketplace and Trade Me so we encourage people to secure their vans and utes, especially if there is thousands of dollars’ worth of tools in them.”

A quick glance at local community Facebook pages reveals numerous posts during 2023 by people who had a vehicle owned by themselves or a family member broken into in east Auckland and their contents stolen.

One person reported a ute parked on a driveway at a house in Westerham Drive, Dannemora, being broken into overnight on November 21 and a tool bag and tools stolen from it.

In a second incident, in the early hours of September 21, a vehicle parked in Cockle Bay was allegedly broken into by a person riding an e-scooter who stole

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Howick Police community services supervisor, sergeant Brett Meale, is warning the local community about the theft of tools from commercial vehicles. Times file photo work tools from it.

Work tools were also stolen overnight on June 4 from a ute at a house in Bronte Place in Somerville. The victim’s wife warned people to “please make sure your trade vehicles are parked close to where you can hear or keep an eye out”.

An in a fourth incident, overnight on February 4, power tools were stolen from a work vehicle parked in Clydesdale Avenue, Somerville. The post said the Milwaukee-brand tools had ‘KV’ branded on them.

“Hope the scum that stole these are pleased with yourselves. He [the victim] is an apprentice with his tools costing over $2000 and you have taken his ability to earn a living.”

Meale says while he hasn’t seen

an increase in such incidents in east Auckland recently it’s a “continual problem for police”.

“It’s just that it’s so enticing for the offenders. These goods are easily turned into cash for them so that’s what they’re after.”

Meale says it can be too much hassle for a tradesperson to transfer their tools back and forth from their work van or ute into their house or a shed.

“It’s a lot to do every day, so if they can park their van or ute in their garage that would be ideal.

“It’s the ones that are parked out on the roads [that get targeted]. It’s about trying to make it as secure as possible by having an alarm in the vehicle and parking it under good lighting. Things like that, and taking some precaution to avoid being victimised.”

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Now is the perfect time to get your interior painting booked in before the winter sets in.

As the to-do list around the home builds up, refreshing the interior and exterior becomes a top priority and adds appeal and value to your property.

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“In today’s working family scenario it so easy to let maintenance slide,” says Greg.

“Unfortunately, when paintwork deteriorates it can downgrade the value of a home, and if you’re thinking of selling it’s a turn-off to buyers. Peeling or grubby paint can make people wonder if there are bigger maintenance issues at stake. Also it is much more effective to keep on top of small jobs than put off maintenance until suddenly one is confronted by a big and costly bill to put things right.”

Debbie says now is the ideal time for painting houses, fences, garages and other buildings.

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“In fact, now’s a good time to plan ahead and take advantage of this special,” says Debbie.

As always before painting, Debbie and Greg consult thoroughly with clients as to colour, the type of paint most suited to the job and the number of coats required.

“We use all major paint brands, such as Wattyl, Dulux and Resene, and work with oil and water-based paints. We also advise on the correct sheen to use as this can make a big difference in high traffic areas, wet rooms, or where exterior walls are exposed to the worst of the elements.”

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www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 3

LEAD STORY

LOWER SPEED LIMITS WILL GRIND CITY TO STANDSTILL

By CHRIS HARROWELL

A

firmer commitment to traffic speed limit enforcement in east Auckland, including the use of speed cameras and fines, is being called for in an effort to reduce crashes and fatalities.

The Howick Local Board signed off on the feedback it’s providing to Auckland Transport (AT) on the agency’s interim speed management plan at one of its last business meetings in 2023.

The board says it doesn’t support lowering speed limits “carte blanche” across urban streets as “drivers who choose to ignore speed limits will do so irrespective of whatever limit is set”.

The previous Labour Government implemented blanket speed limit reductions, a move opposed by the National Party.

One of the most outspoken opponents of the speed reduction policy was Pakuranga MP and now Transport Minister Simeon

The speed limits on some signs in east Auckland were temporarily covered over last year before being reduced.

Times file photo Wayne Martin Brown, who last year launched a petition calling for AT to reinstate the previous, higher speed limits on Pakuranga Road, Ti Rakau Drive, and Te Irirangi Drive.

“These roads are the critical main arterials for east Auckland and they’re incredibly important to moving tens of thousands of people in and out of the area on a daily basis,” Brown said at the time.

“It’s important they’re operating as efficiently as possible and that’s why the speed limits should be reinstated.”

In December last year Brown announced, in his role as Transport Minister, the coalition Government would amend speed limit rules as part of its commitment to stop blanket speed limit reductions.

The local board’s feedback to

AT states it supports reducing fatalities locally and nationally via well thought-out speed management planning.

It also backs a vision of fewer vehicles on the roads, but for that to happen public transport needs to improve.

The board supports the installation of traffic-calming methods and wants to “see a firmer commitment to traffic speed enforcement on identified roads, including the use of speed cameras with infringements”.

Its members told AT there are community safety concerns around numerous roads in east Auckland. They want the agency to provide a timeline of when the roads will be addressed and which recommended suitable options will be identified.

The board supports speed reductions where there is significant pedestrian traffic and backs the use of temporary speed reductions where children are entering or leaving school grounds.

It wants to see traffic-calming measures on roads where there’s been a “frequency” of crashes due to poor driver behaviour and its members oppose significant speed reductions replacing speed limit enforcement.

“Dangerous driving/racing, particularly involving youth, can often be resolved by interaction with police,” they told AT. “Enforcement should be considered as an essential tool for changing driver behaviour.”

Nor do they support reducing speeds on commuter roads.

“Larger arterial and well-used roads need to have their existing speed limits maintained in the majority of cases or the city will grind to even more of a standstill than it has already, particularly in peak flows.

“Congested traffic is generally able to keep moving on roads with higher speed limits.

“Penalising law-abiding drivers by increasing journey times is both unfair and not the answer.”

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Where to for our city?

Have your say H

owick residents will be asked if they support Mayor Wayne Brown’s pathway to a financially stronger and more resilient city when consultation on Auckland’s Long-Term Plan opens on 28 February.

Long-term plans, reviewed every three years, cover what Auckland Council intends to do, and how it would be funded, as it outlines its plan to shape the city.

Howick Local Board chair Damian Light says the board will be making representations of its own, but it’s important it first hears from residents to understand where they sit.

“Residents have the chance to provide their input directly, and I’d encourage as many people as possible to do so.

“The city faces some real challenges, particularly financial ones, and that impacts what work can be done, and more critically, what can’t be funded or might have to be cut.”

He says council’s budget committee has put forward a broad range of options, allowing Aucklanders the chance to influence the direction the city takes.

“Mayor Brown’s proposals outline his priorities for our city, and it’s important people have their say on that while consultation runs to March 28.”

Among proposals designed to control rates rises are a self-insurance plan – the Auckland Future Fund – created by selling remaining airport shares and the proceeds from any port lease, releasing port waterfront land for public use, and better public transport affordability with a $50 weekly cap on buses, trains and inner harbour ferries.

“More cost savings are being sought, and the mayor remains committed to getting a better return from the Port of Auckland through a 35-year operations lease for $2-3 billion.

“Inevitably for most it comes down to a question

of what it means for rates bills.”

The plan seeks to keep rates rises within 1.5 per cent of inflation from yearfour, but the mayor has already signalled larger increases will be needed in the coming years.

“Mayor Brown has made it clear he wants things done better, faster, and cheaper,” Light says.

“Howick will also be consulting on its annual budget, asking locals how we should prioritise our limited funds. We had an incredible engagement last year that helped us make some tough choices and we’re hoping to hear from you all again.

“No-one ever agrees with everything – that’s why consultation is so critical. It’s a chance for residents to speak up and agree, or to take a stand against what is proposed.”

Consultation is open from 28 February to 28 March.

You will be able to see more and give feedback online at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.

GET YOUR GROOVE ON AND REVISIT THE 80S Kiwi music icon Annie Crummer headlines the show when Music in Parks hits Lloyd Elsmore in Pakuranga on March 10 from 1-4pm.

There’s a reason why it seems like the chart-topping singer of Rarotongan and Tahitian descent seems to have been around forever, either singing solo or collaborating with bands as diverse as Split Enz and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Netherworld Dancing Toys, or as a founding When the Cat’s Away member.

She has been, releasing her first single in the early 80s aged just 16 after winning Opportunity Knocks – the TV talent quiz of the day.

Having performed with Australian greats John Farnham and Jimmy Barnes, and opened for Michael Jackson’s New

Zealand tour, these days much of her music industry work centres around mentoring in song writing and performing.

Crummer was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2017 for services to music and in 2021 she and the other four members of When the Cat’s Away were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

Joining her on stage are the AutoMatic80s, famed for their own irrepressible energy delivering the smash hits of the 1980s.

From New Plymouth, the ninepiece band Banana Mundo round out the line-up, with their irresistible and danceable salsa beats.

The smoke and alcohol-free event offers limited mobility parking and is brought to you by Howick Local Board, with the support of The Hits and iHeart Radio.

Join us and help celebrate Howick’s rich cultural fabric The city’s cultural melting pot will again be saluted when Howick Local Board hosts Celebrating Cultures in March.

The free family-friendly event runs from 11am to 4pm at Barry Curtis Park and features music, performances, workshops, crafts, food, displays and exhibitions delivered by different cultural groups making East Auckland their home.

Board chair Damian Light says Celebrating Cultures has become an important date on Howick’s social calendar.

“Only last year we hosted a forum where members of ethnic communities could come along and tell us about their experiences living in Howick, and we were pleased to hear that most felt safe and enjoyed a sense of belonging.

“That’s critical to us. We want all our people to feel welcome and to be able to share aspects of the cultures they have left behind. As a board we want to engage with our community in different ways, and events like the forum and Celebrating Cultures allow us

to do that. We need all our communities to know we will support them and that we value their input.”

Forum participants suggested there was an opportunity to improve engagement with them and Light says the potential for forging deeper

relationships was evident.

“That has to begin with talking to each other and coming together for events like Celebrating Cultures.”

Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and Howick one of the most diverse

local board areas within it.

Light says the diversity of cultures and ethnicities makes Auckland what it is.

“Bringing Aucklanders of all ages together to celebrate that diversity helps unite us as a society. Seeing everyone together sharing and celebrating an array of ways of life makes me proud to be an Aucklander.

“It’s fantastic to see people’s commitment to celebrating our diversity. The only problem I have with it is an ongoing failure to resist the wonderful smells from the incredible food on offer, but it would be rude not to partake.”

Celebrating Cultures, Barry Curtis Park, March 23 – 11am-4pm, is a free family fun, smoke-free, alcohol-free, and zero-waste event.

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 5

Woman searching for driver who crashed into parked car

By CHRIS HARROWELL

K

aren Gillard is working to solve a mystery that’s left her with a hefty insurance bill and her 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan off the road.

Gillard parked her vehicle opposite the driveway entrance to the Howick Countdown supermarket in Fencible Drive at about 8.45am on Tuesday, January 30, and walked to nearby Honeybun Jeweller, where she works.

At the end of her work day, at about 5.30pm, she walked back to her vehicle and was shocked at what she found.

Her dark blue Volkswagen appeared to have been crashed into while parked, and to make matters worse, the other driver hadn’t left a note with their contact details on it.

“I saw a bit of plastic in front of my car but no damage to the front of it,” Gillard says.

“Then I walked down and saw

the back door side-swiped on the back rear corner. The panel work was missing. No note was left and that’s what annoys me the most.”

Gillard says she was upset at the sight. “I basically burst into tears. I’ve owned it since it was new and I look after it.”

She phoned a friend, who arrived to help, and together they phoned the police.

“I wasn’t sure whether it was driveable,” Gillard says. “In the end, after trying to get a tow truck, I decided to drive it home.

“The tow truck picked it up from my place the next day to take it to the panel beater.”

The vehicle is insured and is being repaired, but as the driver of the vehicle that struck Gillard’s left the scene without leaving a note, she’s stuck with an insurance excess bill for $500.

“I was just trying to work to earn a living,” she says. “I’m disappointed they [the other driver]

“

I basically burst into tears. I’ve owned it since it was new and I look after it.”

KAREN GILLARD

Karen Gillard’s 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan was crashed into by another vehicle while parked in Howick on Photo supplied January 30. couldn’t stop or come back and leave a note on my windscreen just to say ‘sorry’.

“Accidents are accidents

and I get that, but it would be nice to know someone had a conscience.”

Gillard is trying to obtain CCTV footage of the area her vehicle was parked in when it was damaged.

Her friend posted on Facebook about the incident to ask for eyewitnesses to come forward. The post received numerous comments including from a person who says they saw her vehicle at 9.50am and by that time it had already been damaged.

Gillard says the vehicle that crashed into hers will have sustained damage to its front lefthand side.

She urges people with information on the incident to phone police.

A police spokesperson says under the Land Transport Act anyone involved in an accident with an unoccupied vehicle is obliged to report the incident, with their details, to its owner within 48 hours.

“If the driver cannot make contact with the vehicle’s owner, they should report the incident to police within 60 hours.

“A driver who fails to do so could be liable for an infringement if they are later identified.”

People with information on the vehicle that crashed into Karen Gillard’s Volkswagen Tiguan while it was parked on Fencible Drive, Howick, on January 30 can phone police on 105 quoting file number PO57612432.

Getting transport back Luxon joins crowd marking Chinese on track in Auckland Year of the Dragon T T ransport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed his high-level transport priorities for Auckland, in the lead up to releasing the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.

“Our economic growth and productivity are underpinned by a transport network that enables people and freight to move around safely and efficiently. At the same time, we also need to ensure that we are maintaining and repairing our existing network,” Brown says.

“The previous Government focused on slowing Aucklanders down and making big promises on things like light rail, while cancelling critical projects like Mill Road and the East West Link.

“Acknowledging the essential role of transport in Auckland’s future, our Government will prioritise the delivery of key infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating congestion, enhancing productivity, and building a transport network that is not only more reliable, but also resilient.

“To make this happen, I am currently writing a new draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport as part of our 100-day plan. We’ll be refocusing the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) on the basics – building and maintaining the roading network to support economic growth, reliable public transport and delivering

National’s draft Government Policy Statement will confirm the Roads of National Significance, like Mill Road [pictured] and East West Link, are back. Times file photo a safe network which makes efficient use of every dollar spent.

Maintenance and fixing potholes are also immediate priorities.

“Our draft GPS will confirm the Roads of National Significance, like Mill Road and East West Link, are back, underscoring our commitment to critical infrastructure that supports economic growth and regional development.

“On public transport, key priorities will be on the completion of the City Rail Link and Eastern Busway, followed by the Northwest Transit Corridor and the Airport to Botany Busway.”

Brown has told NZTA that a more realistic and cost-effective proposal for the Waitemata Harbour crossing should be inves-

tigated to focus more on better connectivity and resilience.

“The previous Government’s proposal for the Waitemata Harbour crossing was unaffordable, unrealistic, and unfunded. We’ll be looking at pursuing options that help enhance the Northern Busway, and overall harbour connectivity and resilience.

“I’m committed to working with Auckland Council on delivering a transport network in Auckland that represents value for money, enables strong economic growth and productivity and delivers better connectivity and resilience. I look forward to having constructive conversations with mayor Wayne Brown on these issues.”

housands of people including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have celebrated the arrival of the Chinese New Year in east Auckland.

The Botany MP joined dignitaries including National MP Nancy Lu, Howick Local Board chairperson Damian Light, Counties Manukau East Police senior sergeant Anson Lin, and artist Richard Monk at a colourful event hosted at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush on February 9.

The temple says almost 20,000 people turned out to take part in festivities over three days marking the start of the Year of the Dragon.

Luxon praised Fo Guang Shan’s Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and offered flowers in appreciation of his establishing the temple in New Zealand and its significant contributions to the well-being of the community through educational, artistic and cultural services.

Luxon also expressed his thanks to Fo Guang Shan NZ for organising the vibrant Lunar New Year event and committed to leading New Zealand to a prosperous future.

Venerable Abbess Manshin presented Spring Festival couplets to Luxon, imparting to him wishes for peace and joy

amidst his responsibilities.

The event also featured New Year greetings from Lu and Light. They expressed joy at participating in the celebrations and wished people harmony and success in the Year of the Dragon.

Local police officers participated in the Fo Guang Lion Dance Performance, which added a unique flair to the celebrations and showcased the co-operation between police and the community.

Lin thanked the public for their support and stressed the importance of co-operation in ensuring public safety.

Fo Guang Shan Auckland prepared more than 10,000 auspicious New Year red packets which were distributed by Abbess Manshin, Luxon and Light, while conveying their best wishes to attendees.

The temple says the enthusiastic participation of the public in the countdown and New Year performances underscored the warmth and blessings extended by Fo Guang Shan Temple to the people of New Zealand. “Prime Minister Luxon’s attendance highlighted the Government’s support for the Chinese community and the broader message of New Zealand’s commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity.”

6 | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

www.times.co.nz

Your opinion matters to us.

Feedback

COUNCIL ENTERTAINMENT EXPENDITURE

With Auckland Council complaining it is strapped for cash, I would question why it is spending money on providing entertainment for the populace.

The council are not the only ones feeling the pinch. Those of us on fixed incomes, especially the elderly superannuitants, are finding we are having to cut back on our expenditure but the council can get more money out of us by putting up the rates. It is a situation we have no control over but it reduces our income still further.

I would like the council to cut out things that are nice to have and concentrate on essentials.

We do not need movies or music in the parks for example. They may only cost $45,000 but this is 15 people’s rates.

How do you feel about it?

Also other giveaways could be canned such as the Howick Local Board’s giveaway of $32,000. If this is multiplied by all the local boards, it will amount to a very large amount (how much did the local board members contribute out of their own pockets)?

The latest daft idea is to cut the number of rubbish bins in half.

The ones outside Domino’s are overflowing and it is not even rubbish collection day.

We will soon become the city of slums.

Email us at editor@times.co.nz. Letters should not exceed 200 words and should carry the name, residential address and contact telephone number of the author.

Where have the bins gone?

Local artist RS, who wishes to remain anonymous, uses a combination of AI and other other digital tools, mainly Photoshop, depending on what he is working on at the time.

His latest illustration is entitled Looking For A Bin. “My thoughts on the lack of rubbish bins in local park,” he says, responding to a page 1 story in the Times [January 24] regarding the removal of bins in a move to save Auckland Council $10 million across the city.

In the Howick Local Board area, 175 bins have been identified for removal while 412 bins will remain.

The council needs to spend our money on essentials not on frivolities.

Arthur Moore, Pakuranga

POLICE NUMBERS

All the talk about more police joining the force. What they don’t tell us is how many leave or retired. I believe that it could even result in a reduction in the total number of officers.

Bob Wichman, Botany

DOES ANYONE CARE?

The Hauraki Gulf is over-fished, over-polluted and is, basically,

stuffed. Its beaches are increasingly polluted, snapper en masse are starving and in more and more are cases are becoming inedible [due to] microplastics, wastewater – not just from the land but from cruise ships – and hulls of container ships and floating debris are bringing in alien fish species and weed is choking the marine life off the west of the Great Barrier. Crayfish are all but gone.

In short, the Hauraki Gulf within decades will resemble the Dead Sea. And there is a solution. The current marine reserve is a pitiful 0.3 per cent. Leading experts say for the Gulf and marine life to have any hope of survival,

marine reserves will have to at the very least cover 30 per cent of it.

Does [Auckland mayor] Wayne Brown, any politician or Aucklanders for that matter care?

I doubt it and that they even tolerate the infinitely futile miniscule 0.3 per cent of the Gulf as a marine reserve is testimony to just that.

Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay

NAME AND SHAME

Can anyone tell me the name of the idiot (in my opinion) who had two of the three public rubbish bins removed from outside the Domino’s Pizza area at 2

Johns Lane, Pakuranga?

Please print the idiot’s name and I will make sure that person never gets a vote from me.

These were not bins hidden in some remote bush area. They were always full, sometimes overflowing, especially the one right outside Domino’s.

Now there is only one bin outside the laundromat which, of course, isn’t coping.

I see whoever had this innovation put in place made sure it was done over the holiday period, no doubt hoping no one would notice – yeah right.

If this council is serious about saving money, they should have thought about this before putting the silly little scrap bin idea in place – now that (in my opinion) is a waste of money.

Susan Bentley, Pakuranga

DON’T REMOVE THE BINS Re: ‘Rubbish bins are being removed to save $10m’, Times, January 24, removing rubbish bins is a big mistake. It will not take long for rubbish to accumulate everywhere. It is bad enough now especially around takeaways and at the beach.

Whoever thought up this scheme needs to step down – no vision whatsoever.

Catherine Prow

Government fulfils promise to scrap Auckland fuel tax L

ast week, the coalition Government announced that from July 1 we’ll be scrapping the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax (RFT), which added 11.5 cents per litre tax on fuel for Aucklanders.

Throughout the campaign those of you in our electorate continued to tell me the tax was putting an unnecessary extra cost onto your household budgets while you were already coping with the cost-of-living struggles.

Roughly half of the money raised by the tax so far is still unspent, meaning some of you were being taxed more without seeing any benefit in return.

Removing this additional tax will help ease that burden a little and provide some relief for those who were feeling the pinch.

The tax was supposed to help fund important projects like Mill Road and Penlink.

While Mill Road was cancelled,

From the Prime Minister

Christopher Luxon and Penlink received full Crown funding, Auckland Transport has used RFT revenue to fund many non-roading projects including more cycle lanes, red light cameras, speed humps, and the lowering of speed limits across the city.

Aucklanders have repeatedly been told there’s not enough money to fund major infrastructure upgrades, with projects like the Eastern Busway suffering from budget shortfalls.

But with more than $340 million in RFT cash sitting unspent, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for our local commuters to accept such excuses and the resulting delays in delivery.

Auckland is facing significant infrastructure challenges.

Population growth combined with years of poor road maintenance and degradation have made it harder to get around.

Our city needs real investment now to get projects under way that will reduce congestion and improve transport options, particularly in poorly served areas.

The Government has signalled our intention to spend the remaining RFT money on projects that will do just that, namely the Eastern Busway, electric trains and stabling for the City Rail Link, road corridor improvements, and some growth-related transport infrastructure.

The cost to build the infrastructure New Zealand desperately

needs is high, and we cannot continue to rely on increasing fuel taxes to pay for everything we want.

The Government is committed to seeking new funding methods that will allow us to build the infrastructure we need sooner rather than later.

This could include the use of value capture, tolling, and public-private partnerships, and we have agreed with Auckland Council and mayor Wayne Brown to prioritise enabling time-of-use charging to help deliver more reliable journeys.

The reality is a fuel tax is an increasingly regressive form of taxation, with low-income earners disproportionately affected as cheaper, less fuel-efficient vehicles use more fuel than their pricier modern alternatives.

This is why the Government ultimately intends to do away with fuel excise duties in favour of user-pays, by eventually bring-

ing all vehicles into the road user charges (RUC) system.

For now, the removal of regional fuel taxes will allow Aucklanders to go further with what they’ve got and make filling up the car a little less daunting.

In more local news, I thoroughly enjoyed being in the electorate to attend the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, seeing in the Lunar New Year with thousands of Aucklanders.

It’s important for me both as your local MP and now as Prime Minister to spend time with all our diverse and multicultural communities.

Botany is lucky to boast a diverse population of Kiwis from different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds and your contribution to our community and wider New Zealand society is welcomed and honoured.

 Christopher Luxon is the Prime Minister and MP for Botany

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 7

Retirement residences designed with luxury in mind Summerset St Johns will be a sophisticated retirement haven right in the heart of the eastern suburbs, with breath taking views towards the sea, city, and neighbouring bush.

The village will offer a range of sophisticated retirement residences, enviable resort style facilities, and Summerset’s renowned continuum of care, all of which will be fully operational from day one.

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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 9

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Country’s top polo event is on its way T

he start of the 47th NZ Polo Open tournament in Clevedon yesterday [February 13] will see 30 teams competing throughout the week in various grades.

In the high-goal, six teams will contest in very competitive polo to secure a place in the renowned NZ Polo Open final, to be held at Auckland Polo Club on Sunday, February 18.

Polo is one of the world’s oldest sports originating more than 2000 years ago in Persia as a training game for cavalry before becoming a national Persian sport played by nobility.

It eventually spread to India where the modern day game was established by British soldiers who can be credited with advancing polo worldwide at the height of the British empire. Military officers imported the game to Britain in the 1860s and it soon made its way to New Zealand.

Auckland Polo Club was established in 1887. It is the country’s largest polo club and host to the sporting and social event of the summer, the NZ Polo Open.

Founded in 1977, the NZ Polo Open is cemented on the global polo circuit, attracting overseas polo professionals to play with the best of New Zealand’s polo talent.

“We have a great line-up of teams this year and the international professionals have arrived from global polo hubs, Argentina, England, Australia and South Africa,” says Lucy Ainsley, executive director of the NZ Polo Open.

“It will be by far the best and most exciting polo played this year.”

“

It will be by far the best and most exciting polo played this year.”

LUCY AINSLEY

Amongst the players taking to the field, captain of the English polo team, James Harper, will play in the Brinks team while his son Will Harper will compete in the Rodd & Gunn team.

Paco O’Dwyer in the Ecogas team returns from Argentina for his sixth NZ Polo Open and Australian Lachie Gilmore, son of polo legend Glen Gilmore, will play for Kim Clifford Distillery.

Jack Spilsbury from Harrismith, South Africa, recently turned 17 and is the youngest player to compete in the NZ Polo Open. Spilsbury grew up playing with his family and plans to

Jack Spilsbury is the youngest player to compete in the NZ Polo Open.

Photo Chukka Magazine

Photos supplied

make it as an international polo professional.

“I am really looking forward to the open. I’m playing some nice New Zealand horses and am feeling good about our team,” says Spilsbury, who will play in the Cambridge Grains KHS team with Clevedon local James Worker, one of the country’s most experienced players Craig Wilson, and accomplished polo sportsman Thomas Hunt.

Clevedon brothers Edward Elworthy-Jones and Henry Jones will compete against each other while the formidable duo of Kit Brooks and New Zealand’s best polo player John-Paul Clarkin, of Tiger Polo, will be defending their NZ Polo Open title.

“NZ Polo Open has never looked this good,” says Ainsley.

“With plenty of action on and off the field, we can’t wait for everyone to join us next Sunday.”

NZ Polo Open partners with the US Polo Assn New Zealand’s most prestigious and competitive polo tournament, the NZ Polo Open, has announced the recent collaboration and partnership with U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA).

The final of the 47th NZ Polo Open will be held at Auckland Polo Club, Clevedon, this Sunday [February 18]. Six polo teams will compete for the celebrated trophy before thousands of fans. The NZ Polo Open is touted as the social and sporting event of the summer, showcasing the best in action, fashion, and hospitality.

“We are thrilled to have U.S. Polo Assn. as our new partner,” says Lucy Ainsley, executive

director of the NZ Polo Open.

“To be recognised internationally by global polo partners is an exciting step for NZ Polo Open. The growth and opportunity this can bring to the event and the sport of polo in New Zealand is tremendous.”

J. Michael Prince, president and CEO, USPA Global, the company that manages and oversees the multi-billion-dollar, global U.S. Polo Assn. lifestyle brand, said they are proud to be sponsoring the NZ Polo Open which features the best polo players and professionals from New Zealand and around the world competing for one of the country’s oldest and most sought-after polo trophies.

“As our brand enters the New

On Saturday, March 23, we’re recognising the amazing diversity in our community with our Celebrating Cultures event in Barry Curtis Park.

Zealand market, we are excited for this opportunity to sponsor such an exciting lifestyle event for the very first time, and to connect with New Zealand sports fans and consumers,” Prince said.

With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. There was also a recent, multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn.

The Howick Local Board is working for our community  By DAMIAN LIGHT

We hope everyone had a relaxing and restful break as we’ve got another big year ahead of us!

The Howick Local Board is responsible for your parks, libraries and community centres as well as funding and supporting local community groups.

While our first business meeting isn’t until Thursday, February 15, we’ve been back for the past few weeks, planning the year ahead and attending community events (like Lunar New Year).

We’re looking forward to the pending opening of the Youth Space in Botany (details to come soon) which will provide a dedicated space for our rangatahi (youth). Moving onto the next big challenges, we’re hoping to resolve the future of the Howick War Memorial Hall and make progress on the much-needed Flat Bush Community Centre and Library.

Our new Local Board Plan that we consulted on last year takes effect in July, along with continued pressure on our limited budget. In March, Auckland Council will be consulting on the Long Term (10year) Plan and we’ll be looking for input into our annual budget for the upcoming year so we can continue to focus on what’s important to locals.

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT MARCH Music in Parks Kiwi Anthems returns to Lloyd Elsmore Park

Chair of the Howick Local Board

Damian Light

on Sunday, March 10, with Kiwi icon Annie Crummer and her band the AutoMatic80s, supported by Banana Mundo.

On Saturday, March 23, we’re recognising the amazing diversity in our community with our Celebrating Cultures event in Barry Curtis Park.

Come along for performances, food and activities.

And there are other amazing community events which we’re proud to provide funding and support for. This includes the Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show on Sunday, March 3, and the Pakuranga Rotary Community Carnival and River Festival on Sunday, March 17.

Throughout the year our incredible Libraries and Leisure Centre teams continue to run a wide range of activities and events that provide you and your whānau nearly endless opportunities to learn, grow and stay healthy.

Find out more and stay in touch by visiting www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick or facebook.com/HowickLB or read the monthly e-newsletter bit.ly/42kdAlK.

 Damian Light is chair of the Howick Local Board

10 | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

www.times.co.nz

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Bucklands Beach Yacht Club is celebrating its 75th Jubilee this year. The club was formed back in 1949 by families in those days who were not necessarily financially privileged but rather inspired by creativity building themselves seaworthy craft for family and neighbourhood experiences.

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

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

Social activities are prevalent which include Trivia nights, themed nights, Halloween, and Christmas parties for the kids along with club picnics and the famous brunch on the spit where the top half of dress is formal to go with casual down below. On the Members night there are raffles and a jackpot members draw of which $1,500 can be won.

JUNIOR LESSONS Sunday Programme: 24th March 2024

We continue to foster and introduce both the young and old to the clubs learn to sail programmes which are conducted on a regular basis through our Sailing Academy using our very experienced

Join the fun on the water this summer at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club

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coaches. We have a proud tradition of developing young sailors and with our new fleet of Elliott 7’s high performance keelboats this will develop our youth sailors into Olympic medallists and Americas cup sailors.

We are more than just a yacht club; our membership attracts all types of boaties and just as importantly those people who do not own a boat but just want to enjoy the nearby waterfront and wonderful views in a relaxing way.

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

The open day is a chance for the public to check out the club facilities, try out sailing, see what we have to offer one and all. You will find the staff and members friendly and welcoming, happy to answer any questions you may have about membership.

As a very special offer during the open day a membership of $80 will be available for the period February through until the end of July.

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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 11

Public Open Day SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2024 At Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, Ara Tai Dr, Half Moon Bay, Auckland

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12 | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

12 | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

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SITUATIONS VACANT

CHURCH SERVICES

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20 HOURS PER WEEK – NEGOTIABLE

Rugby team gets stuck in

MP289778-v2

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One Lord, One Faith, One People Sunday morning 9.30am (with children’s programme) Youth Group every Friday 7.00pm 17 Wellington St, Howick; Phone 534-5142 www.howickbaptist.org.nz

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SITUATIONS VACANT

NIGHT STAFF Stand Tū Māia works to support tamariki who live with whānau or are in care, and are vulnerable to cumulative harm and have complex needs.

The candidate needs to have a can do attitude – this position requires an active person as children are checked half hourly.

St Kents are Auckland rowing champions

The Saint Kentigern College Rowing Club has won the inaugural Auckland Secondary Schools Rowing Championships held at Lake Karāpiro.

The Pakuranga school collected 10 gold medals, three silver and eight bronze.

It was a high-level performance across

the club that lead to a total point tally of 105 compared with second placed 69. “It was a fantastic achievement from the whole squad against strong Auckland competition,” premier team sport manager Lynne Scutt said.

Gold medal winning crews for Saint Kentigern College:

Boys U15 Double Sculls Girls U15 Quad Sculls Boys U15 Coxed Octuple Boys U15 Quad Sculls Boys U17 Coxed Four Girls U18 Novice Quad Girls U16 Coxed Four Boys U17 Pair Boys Novice Quad Girls U16 Double Sculls

We are a growing, well-resourced, vibrant school set in spacious and very attractive grounds, with a strong focus on family and community.

We are seeking a full-time Caretaker to become a valued member of our Botany Downs School Team.

The role includes the management and upkeep of our school buildings and grounds, including the responsibility for ensuring a safe, well-maintained physical environment. This position would suit a person with versatile handyman skills, and strong organisational and communication skills to work with staff, students, community and contractors.

Please email your CV to: Vicki Parkins, Principal vickip@botanydowns.school.nz

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We are a 24/7 residential care facility looking for a NIGHT SUPPORT PERSON to work shifts from 9.45pm through to 6.45am.

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DE290014

“Over the years it has also been a place where my sons and their mates could play basketball during the weekends, and now my mokos enjoy the fun activities too.

“Fourteen years ago, a group of mates and I installed five large garden beds so the kids could grow kai for their lunches and to help their families.”

Riverhills School principal Sarah Allen said the gardens were in need of a makeover.

“Unfortunately, the past

three years with Covid interruptions and a parttime caretaker, the gardens became a low priority compared to the increased needs of our kids, so when Tu approached us to help revive the veggie gardens and clean up the rest of our gardens, we couldn’t believe our luck,” said Allen.

The team of 25 were done in two-and-a-half hours, the veggie garden’s ready for planting and the school gardens are manicured just in time for the students’ return to school.

“One of the aims of this project was for us to help save money for the school so they could do even more for their tamariki,” said Edwards.

“We need to acknowledge the wonderful support from our team sponsor Susan and Arron from Ascon, Sue and her team at Placemakers Pakuranga, Nick from Loan Markets Howick and Dawn Patrol.”

MP288417

I

n the heat of Waitangi Day, the Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s under 85s rugby team invaded Riverhills School for the sole purpose of giving it a full garden makeover.

Named after local champion All Black, the late Waka Nathan, the Black Panthers wanted to undertake a community service project as part of their pursuit to becoming a champion team.

Assistant Coach Tu Edwards said, “After making the final in the Auckland competition, and top 8 in the National Cup in 2023, a project like this, was a great way to give back to our community, help with pre-season team bonding, as well as a good dose of physical fitness too.

“Riverhills is an amazing community school that may be small in stature but has a big heart for caring for their children and community.

MP290032

Macleans College is a leading co-educational state school with a reputation for high standards. We are seeking a Health and Safety co-ordinator with the initiative and organisational skills to help us provide a safe environment for staff and students.

To be successful in this role you need: • Strong organisational skills and an ability to work systematically and logically • Excellent written and verbal communications skills • Initiative and the ability to work independently • Enjoy building strong internal and external working relationships • A working knowledge, or understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) Salary: Market rate – depending on experience and qualifications. This role has the potential to become full-time.

Key responsibilities include: • Reviewing and developing H&S systems and procedures • Risk assessment and mitigation across the campus • Managing all documentation and record-keeping related to H&S • Promoting a positive H&S culture • Identifying staff training needs Applications and enquiries to lizzie.simpson@macleans.school.nz

by Friday, 23 February 2024.

Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s under 85s rugby team – the Black Panthers – got stuck in on Waitangi Day at Riverhills School.

Photo supplied

We are an importer for bathroom products, our office is located in East Tamaki and we are looking for someone to help our busy office with varied work in regard to the smooth running of our business.

If you’ve got excellent communication skills, love working as part of a team, with attention to detail, good computer literacy and proven organization and planning skills, this role is for you.

Please email your CV and covering letter to diana@kbstore.co.nz

DE289154

CLASSIFIED BOOKINGS Close at 9am on Tuesday.

Book early to avoid missing out.

Phone 271-8052

Key Attributes: • Good timekeeping and reliability • Common sense • Friendly & a sense of humour • Ability to work unattended • Loyal and trustworthy • Police vetting & Oranga Tamaki vetting required

EVENING SERVERY PERSON REQUIRED

Applications close Sunday 18 February 2024 or for an informal chat or visit, contact Michelle Pangestu on 09 5344017 or email your cover letter and CV to: auckland@standforchildren.org.nz DE289991

Stand Tū Māia works to support tamariki who live with whānau or are in care, and are vulnerable to cumulative harm and have complex needs.

We are a 24/7 residential care facility in Half Moon Bay looking for an EVENING SERVERY PERSON. Monday to Thursday 3pm to 7pm (16 hours per week)

CAE

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International Department This is a fixed term, part time position of 20 hours per week and will include some evening, weekend and school holiday work.

For more details about the position and how to apply, please refer to our website: www.pakuranga.school.nz.

DE290062

The candidate needs to have a can do attitude – this position requires an active person as the role involves working with the cook, setting up the dining area for children/family meals and then doing the dishes and clean-up of the kitchen and dining room.

Key Attributes: • Good time keeping and reliability • Common sense • Friendly & a sense of humour • Ability to work unattended • Loyal and trustworthy • Police and Oranga Tamariki Vetting required Applications close Sunday 18 February 2024 – for an informal chat or visit, contact Helena Dean on 09 5344017 or email your cover letter and CV to: auckland@standforchildren.org.nz DE289988

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 13

www.times.co.nz

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PAINTER, experienced in int/ext, roof & plastering, free quotes. Phone Mark 022 666 6380 PAINTER Int/Ext painting, high qual workmanship, plastering. Howick based. Phone Kenny 021 897 445 WALLPAPERING specialist. Strip, hang. Ph Andrew 027 4600048 or 5244 111

PAVING ADL PAVING & LANDSCAPING. Phone Adrian 027 603 1919, a/hours 537 2345

535 1111 027 235 2517

DE276820

RUBBISH REMOVALS

Boat Covers Outdoor Blinds Outdoor Furniture All Canvas Repairs

WATERBLASTING

Call Nick 5374602 or 029 7700581

Household, Garden Waste & General Rubbish

CATKIN

Quality guaranteed Free Quote Waterproofing Best Prices Wall and floor Underfloor Heating David Yang 273 6566 or 021 1867 361 l l

l

l

l

l

SPOUTING AND ROOFING

CONTINUOUS SPOUTING IN 41 COLOURS OR COPPER No joins - No leaks - guaranteed

n Enhancing the look and value of your home n Made to measure on-site in Colorcote steel or Copper n All work guaranteed

We accept donations of: Good Used Furniture Household Goods • Clothing

9 Ben Lomond Cres

Open 6 Days

0800 677 467 Pick Up Service Available

INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH 2 Dannemora Drive, Howick (opposite Kmart Botany)

Ph. 273-3349 - www.ibcchurch.com

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TRADIES...

Just started out in business?

Need a little help getting your name out there?

We can help you with print and digital options Phone the classified team today for options to suit your needs.

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We sell:

Furniture • Household Goods Antiques • Quality Used Clothing

09 271 8052 classifieds@times.co.nz For a free quote contact Drewe Ph: 027 539 9851 or 0800 432 724 drewe@fasciaandspouting.co.nz www.fasciaandspouting.co.nz

FOR SALE

MP278382-v2

TRADE SERVICES

TILING

Transit Traders Ltd

POPULAR

Issue Feb 21 Deadline Feb 16 Ph 09 271 8052

TILING

Phone 09 532 9204 or 027 479 8942

PUBLIC NOTICES  Specialist waterblasting & housewashing, driveways, paths, decks & windows  Domestic & commercial  Low pressure bio-wash  Professional presentation

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Ph: 0800 789 248

QUICK NO. 8146 Across – 1, Military Cross.

8, Psalm. 9, Rhubarb. 10, Eleven. 11, Attire. 12, Ditty.

14, Fatal. 18, Homage. 20, Hawser. 23, Virtual. 24, Green. 25, Liebfraumilch.

Down - 1, Moppet. 2, Lease. 3, Tempest. 4, Rare.

5, Count. 6, Ocarina. 7, Sobbed. 13, Immerse. 15, Amalgam. 16, Shovel. 17, Drench. 19, Gruff. 21, Spell.

22, Flea.

CRYPTIC NO. 8146 Across – 1, Changed person. 8, As-I-an. 9, Singers.

10, Pan-try. 11, Feeble (anag.). 12, Scale. 14, Agat-e. 18, Al-lies. 20, Parrot. 23, Chowder (anag.).

24, A(n)-(o)lder. 25, Left well alone.

Down - 1, Champs. 2, Alien. 3, General. 4, D-ish.

5, Er-ni-e. 6, S-her-bet. 7, Nes-Ted. 13, Call off. 15, Gran-Ada. 16, Parcel. 17, Sta-r-ve. 19, End-O-W. 21, Rode-O. 22, O(the)r-Al. FILL IN BLANKS NO. 127

171 Moore St. Howick 0274 760 577 easterncovercentre.co.nz

Advertise your club or classes in our SPORTS LEISURE & FITNESS FEATURE

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Phone Terry 021 927 921

A.J. & S.J CONTRACTOR

• Specialises in plumbing maintenance • Hot water cylinders • No job too small • Small roof jobs

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535 6227 021 726697 Sam 027 4981810 Adrian

PLUMBER

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Small jobs ok. Ph Rob 021 2750255

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Call Simon 021-0247-4706

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Ph: 535 9155 thebehersings@xtra.co.nz

BRANCH MANAGER

CD140634

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Ph 021 831 975

• Car chargers • Hot water, extract fans • Lights, power, switchboards • No job too small

LANDSCAPES

534-7361, 292-8930 0274-767-746

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ELECTRICIAN registered Lights, Power Pts, Extract fans, Sw-board, Hot water Phone Mark 021 959 439

Terry’s

1. In accepting an advertisement for publication and in publishing it we are doing so in consideration of and relying on the advertisers express warranty, the truth of which is essential. a. That the advertisement complies in all ways with the Advertising Codes of Practice issued by the Advertising Standards Authority inc (ASA) and with every other code or industry standard relating to advertising in New Zealand b. The published advertisement will not give rise to any liability on our part or in a claim being made against us. 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 failure, mistake, misclassification, early, late or non insertion of advertisement or loss or delay in the delivery of replies) and if we are found to have any direct liability for any circumstance that liability is limited to the cost of the space of the advertisement.

9. To cancel an advertisement a cancellation number must be obtained from us.

Times Newspaper Limited, 10 Central Terrace, Howick (behind Rice’s Mall) www.times.co.nz

BUYING

We purchase good quality house/flat and estate lots.

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

DE279274

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Local NZ Registered Electrician No job too big or too small!

24 hour Emergency service No call out fee if you mention this advert.

Brett 534 3562 027 493 0181

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Qualified Arborist

Ph Brett 533-0473 or 021-279-9118 H3X019

Be Cool this summer, install a heat pump Sales | Installation | Service Phone 09 534 1244 or 027 534 1244 E: celsius@outlook.co.nz www.celsiusheating.co.nz

TREES

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& STUMP GRINDING

Ph Murray

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• Outlets • Home Theatre • Security Cameras • Lighting Phone Jack 532 8723 021 661 469

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Fence & deck repairs.

Text or phone Brian 021 285 1153

WANTED TO BUY

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TV AERIALS APPROVED TECHNICIAN

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PUBLIC NOTICES, 3 columns wide

HOWICK AND PAKURANGA COMMUNITY HOUSES INC

ANCHORAGE PARK COMMUNITY HOUSE 16 Swan Crescent, Pakuranga Are you looking for a meeting or Workshop training venue?

Do you need space for extended family gatherings?

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We have two quality & affordable rooms for hire (max. 50 per room) Further information and bookings: Ph (09) 576 5381 Email: donna@hpapcommunityhouses.org.nz

www.hpapcommunityhouses.org.nz

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BOOKKEEPING Service simple solutions. Xero, MYOB, GST, PAYE. Sheryl 0212982786

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14 | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

www.eastlife.co.nz

What can be more beautiful than eternal love? This issue is a celebration of love.

FARIDA MASTER, EDITOR

‘IT WAS THE BEST DAY OF OUR LIVES’ Like many modern love stories, Simone Botherway met her dear future husband on a dating app only to realise that they lived 500m away from each other in London. Daughter of long time Howickians Jan and Colin Botherway, Simone recently tied the knot with Josh Thompson. A chinwag with the beautiful new bride on the next page of their love story.

JH18586

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 15

www.eastlife.co.nz

BEFORE YOU SAY

COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF? I grew up in Howick and then moved to the UK. After spending nine years living in London, I returned to NZ at the end of 2022. Both Josh and I absolutely love to travel and have seen much of Europe and Central America together. Being back in NZ, we love spending time with our families and keep ourselves busy tripping around NZ. I work in advertising and Josh is a teacher.

‘I do’

YOUR FIRST DATE? We met each other at a local pub in Dalston. We spent the evening going to a few other local spots while we got to know each other.

Joanne Adonis, wedding planner of JLA Weddings shares a few pointers on planning the most magical day of your life.

THE PROPOSAL?

MOST ROMANTIC THING JOSH HAS DONE FOR YOU? I’m very lucky and Josh treats me extremely well so it’s hard to pinpoint the most romantic thing he’s done for me but I absolutely love a good cheese platter and one day, while living in London during one of the many lockdowns, he went to great lengths to make a picture perfect / Pinterest inspired cheese board with all of my favourite things.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE WEDDING LOCALE? When we moved back from the UK, I was unemployed for a couple of months so jumped into wedding planning by looking at Instagram/Pinterest for inspiration. I came across a photo at Orua Beach House and assumed it must be in a different country. When I discovered it was in NZ and on the Coromandel Peninsula, where I’d spent most of my summers, I knew we had to go and look at it. It was the first venue we went to see, and we knew it would be hard to beat. When a cancellation came up for January 2024, we knew we had to jump on it.

YOUR WEDDING GOWN LOOKED GORGEOUS. DETAILS PLEASE? My dress was made by Nazneen at Alter Me. After trying on a number of dresses, I had a clear idea of what I wanted but wasn’t able to find it in store so took my ideas to Nazneen and worked with her on the design.

WHAT WAS THE BEST MOMENT OF

F

YOUR WEDDING DAY YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER? The day was honestly the best day of our lives.

Being surrounded by so many of our close friends and family was super special. I was quite nervous to walk down the aisle but seeing some of my best friends in the crowd and then Josh at the end of the aisle made all the nerves disappear.

The moments Josh and I were able to steal by ourselves (plus our photographer!) in another part of the farm were the most special… and we absolutely loved partying with all our friends under the stars until the wee hours!

ARE YOU PLANNING A HONEYMOON? We spent five days on Great Barrier Island straight after the wedding which was amazing to completely disconnect after a hectic few week. We are going back to the UK in August for our friend’s wedding and are hoping to spend a week in Corsica as it’s one of the places we didn’t get to while living over there.

ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING TO TIE THE KNOT? Don’t try to achieve everything at once. Break it down in to manageable chunks. I created a ‘to do’ list and broke it down into monthly tasks.

One fun thing Josh and I did was a date night on the 27th of each month in the year leading up to the wedding, we’d talk a little bit of ‘wed-min’ but mostly a good excuse to get excited about the day!

Another bit of advice would be to choose the three most important aspects of the day and put your money into that. You quickly learn that most of the beautiful things you see online come at a high cost/the small things quickly add up!

Luxurious lingerie

To do list ...

SET YOUR BUDGET: wedding finances should be the first thing your partner and you discuss. Set a realistic budget on what you can afford. Weddings are expensive so avoid any pitfalls by sticking to your budget plan.

DECIDE ON YOUR PRIORITIES: what are the most important things to you and your husband-to-be? Is it a certain venue, style, or theme, splurging on flowers or inviting all two hundred of your closest family and friends? Deciding where to allocate more of your budget is vital to your wedding plan.

IDEAS, STYLE AND THEME: choose your favourite ideas, themes and styles and keep them in a folder. Create a mood board of everything you love. This helps with selecting the theme and style of wedding. Then decide on your colour scheme to bring all the elements together.

FIND A VENUE: finding the perfect venue will start shaping your big day and what it ultimately will look like.

SEND OUT YOUR INVITES: with the venue booked and date set, you can send out those invites. Invites usually include an RSVP date so you can start planning the table seating.

HIRING YOUR VENDORS TEAM: wedding planner, celebrant, photographer, florist etc. A wedding planner or wedding day coordinator is highly recommended, followed by a celebrant, photographer, videographer, florist, and other vendors.

FINALISE: now that you’ve already planned and purchased everything, you need to just finalise it. Make sure you call to confirm all your vendors, double-check the numbers and make sure everything is set and ready to go.

Lastly enjoy your day, creating beautiful memories.

JLA WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Wedding Planning & Events

Lily Whyte Fine Lingerie & Gifts stock high quality lingerie, sleepwear and hosiery. Our stylish products are carefully chosen for you and the highest level of customer service ensures perfect fit. Lily Whyte is located in Howick Village, Auckland and is locally owned and operated.

We look forward to welcoming you into our luxurious haven.

Visit us in store or online at lilywhyte.co.nz.

Creators of bright, wowfactor, luxury & affordable weddings, events, elopements and proposals for stylish chic couples

Joanne Adonis

Phone 022 031 5846 jlaweddings@yahoo.com New website coming soon JH18576

113 Picton Street, Howick Phone 09 537 2806

www.lilywhyte.co.nz

irstly congratulations on getting engaged! Getting married is one of the most exciting times in life but can also be very stressful. Some key items to consider when planning your dream wedding.

DY1126

Josh proposed at Glastonbury Festival in South West UK. I had always said that I would like a quiet proposal, on a beach somewhere. Instead, he chose to do it in a field in the middle of the UK in a crowd of 200,000 people. Glastonbury is one of my favourite places on earth so I could easily forgive him for going against my wishes! It meant that we were able to have a 5-day long engagement party with a lot of our friends.

16 | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Photos Lisa Monk Photography

Find your future IN OUR PAST AT HOWICK HISTORICAL VILLAGE!

www.eastlife.co.nz

Few venues truly make an impact as Howick Historical Village does.

E

ast Auckland’s heritage museum has more to offer than the living history of Tāmaki Makaurau.

The Howick Historical Village also offers a charming historic church holding generations of love stories within its walls.

The space has an unmatched atmosphere, set in over seven acres of heritage gardens with over thirty historic buildings located just outside the city – a hidden gem sure to amaze guests! The Village offers two separate spaces to hire for your big day.

Built in 1851, Bell House homestead makes for a picturesque backdrop. Original French doors surround the main room,

JH18571

providing plenty of natural light and leading out to a veranda and private garden. Bell House’s grand beauty is accompanied by functionality with its large kitchen and free car parking. The newly refurbished mid-19thcentury space is a timeless white chapel with wooden pews and picket fence surrounded by old oak trees, creating the classic vintage aesthetic.

The variety of architecture within the museum encourages creative photography, and is an ideal location to say, ‘I do’. With tranquil gardens filled with wildflowers, grand homesteads, and rustic cottages, you are sure to find the perfect spot to make memories of your day.

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING DAY FROM BEGINNING TO END WITH INTIMACY AND STYLE AT HOWICK HISTORICAL VILLAGE.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 17

www.eastlife.co.nz

Trending WEDDING FAVOURS Wedding favours are a fun and personalised way to express your gratitude to your guests. It’s a sweet reminder of the most special day of your life. EastLife suggests some trending ideas for wedding favours.

W

e’ve come a long way from the traditional wedding favours of five pieces of either sugar cubes, candy or sugared almonds known as bonbonnieres. Given as a symbol of good luck, it is said these traditional wedding favours represented fertility, health, wealth, happiness, and longevity.

However, now with the wedding industry becoming a billiondollar business, wedding favours have upped their game with the mantra being fortune favours the innovative.

Raising the bar in wedding favours is a personalised label on a chocolate bar with a customised message from the bride and groom. It is instantly more appealing if its locally sourced and ethically produced chocolates that support local artisans and reduces the carbon print. Edible favours be it personalised chocolates, candy or biscuits are delightful to taste and have an aesthetically pleasing presentation.

Keep your love burning bright by gifting scented soy candles as favours. Travel-size candles and a box of matches, printed with a special message from

the newlyweds, adds a touch of romance and warmth to the keepsake.

At an Irish wedding it is common for guests to receive small wedding bells as a wedding favour. Bottles of olive oil are the perfect favour for a Greek destination wedding—or a bottle of tequila for a wedding in Mexico. Leather travel tags for a destination wedding, with a personalised card within, is a gift that could be used almost immediately by the guests who have travelled from far and near.

When it comes to wedding favours, useful items are always appreciated. For instance, a bottle of sunscreen or flip flops for a beach wedding, or a miniature bug spray for a woodland event, would be a fitting gift.

Another brilliant idea that has gained popularity is calligraphing guests’ names and seating arrangement onto framed pressed flowers and Pov! You’ve just created a one-of-a-kind place card and a pretty wedding favour!

In terms of sustainable gifts, wildflower or herb seed packets that guests can plant and watch grow is meaningful. It symbolises your love that continues to grow, as well as contributes to a greener world.

Jessica Sit and Jun Lee

TO RELISH AND SHARE Interestingly, when it comes to wedding favours Jessica Sit and Jun Lee who tied the knot recently decided that their common love for Wattie’s Tomato Sauce would make a perfect gift for their guests.

Each Wattie’s Tomato Sauce bottle featured the names ‘Jess & Jun’, serving as a heartfelt thank you to their loved ones for attending and being an important part of their lives.

For Jessica and Jun, their

connection with Wattie’s holds a special place in their hearts.

Reflecting on the role Wattie’s has played in their relationship, Jun says, “Growing up in New Zealand, Wattie’s can be found everywhere from your local bakery to backyard BBQs with friends. So, as a couple who love to eat, Wattie’s has been there for many moments throughout our relationship.”

Jessica adds saying, “We wanted to make sure

the wedding favour was a representation of us. We both grew up in Auckland, with my family owning a typical fish and chip takeaway shop and Jun’s mum running a local café, and could always rely on Wattie’s Tomato Sauce to complement every meal.

So, when we were speaking to Wattie’s about their personalised range, it made sense to gift their tomato sauce bottles to our guests.”

HOTSPOTS Its 100% Custom Made

CELEBRATE AT AMBROSIA

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.

Kent Morgan Jewellery in Howick is a cherished gem, renowned for exquisite craftsmanship and personalised service. With decades of experience, Brendan creates bespoke pieces, capturing emotions in gold and gemstones.

His artistry transcends trends, resulting in timeless treasures that resonate with each wearer.

Celebrate summer by savouring our cocktails and indulging in a delightful seafood platter in our outdoor seating area.

Ambrosia Bar & Restaurant delivers down-to-earth cuisine, from bar snacks and breakfasts, to lunches and dinners.

Ambrosia (open weekdays, 10am-11pm, and 8am-11pm, weekends) offers a wide range of fare from around the world, including a sumptuous Sunday roast – just $24.90 including any house drink!

90R Wairere Rd, Manurewa Phone 09 267 6979 Email john@beaufords.co.nz www.beaufords.co.nz

Beaufords

in Totara Park

Studio 4, Cleave House, 61 Picton St, Howick Ph 021 159 1251 Brendan@kentmorgan.co.nz kentmorganjewellery

JH18588

KENT MORGAN JEWELLERY

DY0848

BEAUFORDS IN TOTARA PARK

44 Third View Ave, Beachlands Phone 09 536 4151 E: ambrosiabar.beachlands@gmail.com www.theambrosiabar.co.nz

DY1128

Wedding coming up? Ask us about our wedding package with set menu for up to 100 guests – so easy, so beautiful

18 | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

UPCOMING

www.eastlife.co.nz

WHAT’S ON OUT EAST

EVENTS LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Sunday, February 18, 11am-12pm Celebrate the year of the dragon at the Botany Library. Organised by the Botany and Flat Bush Ethnic Association it promises to be an enjoyable morning of Lion Dancing, Chinese waist drumming and laughing yoga. What better way to drum in the Lunar New Year with dance and laughter!

Morning tea will be served.

RSVP to: botany.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

WEDDING COLOURS

that wow!

NZ POLO OPEN

From flower arrangements to table settings, cakes and décor, wedding colours play a stellar role on your big day. If you’re planning a wedding but still undecided about what colour scheme to use, here are five trending colours that create a feeling of joy, happiness and a celebratory feel to your special day. > EGG-YOLK YELLOW: this vibrant and energetic shade is perfect for summer weddings. It has an air of vibrancy. Egg yolk yellow also sits well with coral orange and tonal browns for a spring wedding. A touch of yellow and orange to the tablescape, candles and glass accents will add the perfect glow and warmth to the D-day setting. > TERRACOTTA PINK: this vintage shade of pink adds a touch of romance to your big day. It’s a delicate colour that can be paired with other pastels like blue, yellow and pearl grey. For the more adventurous and fun loving, hot pink hits the Barbiecore viral trend. However, industry experts reveal that it’s the return of the softer shades of pink like the blush and pale pink. > DENIM BLUE: denim, cobalt, royal blue, indigo are versatile hues,

suitable for any season. Blue has been an all-time favourite colour that exudes a feeling of calm and yet adds a pop of colour to a classic wedding look. You can pair it with crisp white, black, jewel tones or combine it with just about any shade. > MINT GREEN: add a fresh twist to your wedding day with mint green. Various shades of green from pistachio to sage and emerald green can be paired with black or white to create a modern look. Or even pastel pink for a whimsical feel. > BLACK: is chic and can be incorporated into your decor as either an accent shade or focal point. It’s both contemporary and timeless and can make bright colours pop. When combined with gold and silver, black adds elegance and refinement.

2024

CONSTRUCTION COSTS ARCHITECTURE BUILDING & RENOVATION UNITARY PLAN BEACHLANDS BOOMING A TOUCH OF EUROPE

Bespoke wedding flowers to perfectly complement your style Sandra Hainsworth E: sandra@harbourroseflorist.co.nz | P: 021-024-35299 www.harbourroseflorist.co.nz

DY1119

GIVE IT A GO DAY The wider community is invited to find out about an array of local sports, hobbies and activities, and maybe discover a new passion for their kids to thrive in!

We will have an Owairoa Fun Zone, food and coffee trucks, ice-cream, candy floss, bake stalls, spookers room, music, face painting

&build

design Your building & renovation magazine

Sunday, February 18, 11am-8.30pm, Auckland Polo Club, Clevedon-Kawakawa Bay Rd, Clevedon Saddle up, open season is almost here! After cancellations due to the pandemic and last year’s Anniversary Week floods, players and horses will be champing at the bit to get the 47th NZ Polo Open back on track! Six renowned teams will compete for the trophy with crowds cheering. For more information visit www.nzpoloopen.com.

SOUTH EAST

PUBLISHING MARCH 2024

Make your plans come true...

FAULKNER CONSTRUCTION

WWW.FAULKNERCONSTRUCTION.CO.NZ Proudly produced by Times Media

Ltd

www.timesmedia.co.nz

and plenty more to entertain everyone.

We have some wonderful clubs attending, who will be running free activities, including Pakuranga United Rugby Club, Fencibles United, Uxbridge and Manukau City Pipes and Drums. Owairoa Primary School, 85 Nelson St, Howick. Saturday, February 24. Visit the Facebook page.

LEARN ENGLISH WITH THE BIBLE Join our friendly, informal classes for term 1 starting Tuesday, February 13, 10am – 12 noon; Thursday, February 15, 7.30pm - 9pm, Christadelphian Church, 51 Dale Crescent, Pakuranga. Contact Val on 021 613 649 for more information.

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand to people building, buying or renovating in South East Auckland, by advertising in the popular Design and Build South East.

Ph 09 271 8068 | Email info@times.co.nz

www.eastlife.co.nz

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 19

PUZZLE TIME 1

2

3

4

6

5

7

ACROSS

9

8

11

10

12

14

13

15

16 18

17 19

Quick Puzzle NO. 8146

20

21

1. Decoration (8,5) 8. Hymn (5) 9. Plant (7) 10. Number (6) 11. Dress (6) 12. Song (5) 14. Deadly (5) 18. Respect (6) 20. Rope (6) 23. In effect (7) 24. Colour (5) 25. Wine (13)

22 23

24

DOWN

1. Rag doll (6) 2. Rent (5) 3. Storm (7) 4. Uncommon (4) 5. Title (5) 6. Wind instrument (7) 7. Wept (6) 13. Plunge (7) 15. Mixture (7) 16. Implement (6) 17. Soak (6) 19. Harsh (5) 21. Period (5) 22. Insect (4)

WIN! To enter the draw visit www.eastlife.co.nz.

One entry per email address / person; entries close February 21, 2024. Winners notified by phone or email.

SUDOKU

25

YOUR LOVE, YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

Cryptic Puzzle NO. 8146 ACROSS

1. What Newman is? (7,6).

8. Because one took on an Oriental (5).

9. They go too far in toasting the entertainers (7).

10. Where you’ll find the provisions on a vessel go (6).

11. Feel and be strangely weak (6).

12. Peel off and climb up (5).

14. At the time, holding a stone (5).

18. Partners Capone isn’t honest with (6).

20. Its words mean twaddle (6).

23. Without a word, each produced a dish (7).

24. No no, an older tree (5).

25. Isolated those who hadn’t been infected and did no more (4,4,5).

An ace wedding photographer with over 14 years of experience in the industry, Lisa Monk specialises in local East Auckland Weddings. She considers it a huge honour and a privilege, and says that her goal is to create exceptional photographs that tell the story of the couple’s love, life, and day. Photographs that they can delight in, share with friends and family, pass down the generations and enjoy for many years to come. For this special Wedding feature, Lisa has offered to give away a $300 credit towards a Lisa Monk Photography Wedding Package to one very lucky couple. Could it be you?

of (4,3).

15. Somehow rang the woman from a place in Spain (7).

16. Land that may be a gift (6).

17. Bash right in, fast (6).

19. Give one, at last, the ballpoint (5).

21. For show, got on horseback with nothing on (5).

22. Dropping the other boy from the test (4).

FILL IN THE BLANKS puzzle no. 127 3 LETTERS Cup Law Pub Rag

4 LETTERS Isle Mode Ufos Yoga

DOWN

1. Munches away with the best of them! (6).

2. Having the right to pursue a foreigner (5).

3. He’s in uniform, as usual (7).

4. The daughter, to his bewilderment, is beautiful (4).

5. He got round and stand-in before (5).

6. Best mix and take the lady in a drink (7).

7. Having raised the money, the man got a home (6).

13. Ring no longer worn, back out Solutions under Public Notices in the Classifieds.

6 LETTERS Anchor Cereal Letter Racine

7 LETTERS America Berries Eyelids Useless

10 LETTERS Brightness Chichester Diesel Fuel Productive

THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TIDES WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY Sun: Rise 6.48am Set 8.18pm Moon: Rise 11.25am Set 10.47pm High Tide: 11.35am 11.58pm THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY Sun: Rise 6.49am Set 8.17pm Moon: Rise 12.36pm Set 11.17pm High Tide: 12.25pm FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY Sun: Rise 6.50am Set 8.16pm Moon: Rise 1.47pm Set 11.52pm High Tide: 12.49am 1.17pm

SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY Sun: Rise 6.51am Set 8.15pm Moon: Rise 2.56pm High Tide: 1.42am 2.10pm

SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY Sun: Rise 6.52am Set 8.14pm Moon: Rise 4.03pm Set 12.31am High Tide: 2.40am 3.06pm MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY Sun: Rise 6.53am Set 8.12pm Moon: Rise 5.03pm Set 1.17am High Tide: 3.43am 4.05pm TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY Sun: Rise 6.54am Set 8.11pm Moon: Rise 5.55pm Set 2.10am High Tide: 4.46am 5.07pm

WISHING A PROSPEROUS HAPPY AND WISHING YOU A HAPPYYOU AND NEW YEAR PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR Find out more about Purewa’s rich history, first-class chapels and reception lounges, and Purewa’s beautifulrich park-like Find out more about history, gardens. first-classwww.purewa.co.nz chapels and reception lounges, and beautiful park-like gardens. www.purewa.co.nz We are here whenever you need us.

Purewa – part of our community since 1889.

We are here whenever you need us.

Purewa – part of our community since 1889.

PUREWA CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM

4a Parsons Road, Meadowbank 09 528 5599 | enquiries@purewa.co.nz | www.purewa.co.nz PUREWA CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 4a Parsons Road, Meadowbank 09 528 5599 | enquiries@purewa.co.nz | www.purewa.co.nz

DE0560

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Contact Sole Agent for further details and inspection times.

Kristos Tsitsiridakis (021) 179 74 95 Michael Boulgaris (021) 366366 Info@boulgaris.com KC16224

Once in a Lifetime Opportunity The vendors and their families have lived in the Howick area for over 70 years including in this house designed in 1991 for them by a prominent Christchurch architect.

With family gone it is time to move. Located on the exclusive Marine Parade Reserve it has unobstructed views over the Reserve to Flat Island (Motukaraka), Waiheke, Beachlands and to the Coromandel.

A well designed 5-bedroom family home sited on a full site comprising 735m2 (freehold).

The sturdy weatherboard exterior and a high-quality steel roof is complimented with a high stud, an abundance of light from large windows encapsulating the spectacular outlook. (CV $2,520,000).

Details front page: Boulgaris.com.