Times - 15 February 2023

Storm fells trees, closes roads

QUESTIONS OVER CIVIL DEFENCE

By CHRIS HARROWELL

The severe damage the recent storm caused to Auckland is raising questions about whether a plan is in place to help local residents respond to such an emergency.

Four people lost their lives and numerous homes were damaged by floodwaters and landslips across the city due to the torrential downpour that struck on January 27.

Mayor Wayne Brown was publicly criticised by councillors for his initial response to the weather emergency and a lack of communication with residents.

The situation led Howick Local Board deputy chairperson Bo Burns to write to Howick ward councillor Sharon Stewart asking to be sent a copy of the official civil defence plan and “standard operating procedures” for east Auckland.

Stewart chairs the council’s civil defence and emergency management committee.

It serves as the city’s “strategic forum for civil defence and emergency management planning and policy” and is responsible for establishing the region’s emergency manage-

ment structure.

“I have been asking for this information for 3.5 years and know the previous board and chair Adele White has also,” Burns wrote to Stewart.

“This was ramped up for me specifically over Covid and questioning what was the ‘plan’ for our area, what were our roles as local leaders, what stakeholders were included in this plan and where was a live and ever-evolving document that could be accessed by officials.

To date I have had nothing.”

Burns told Stewart Civil Defence officials were planning to meet and talk with the board in May.

“That’s a little late now. I have major concerns we do not have a firm plan in place to ensure we ‘the leaders’ know when, who and where to go and lead people to safety.”

Stewart’s written response to Burns states each Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) group in New Zealand is required to have a group plan.

The plan is a statutory requirement under the law and the current plan by the Auckland CDEM group came into effect in August 2016.

Stewart said the plan’s

title is ‘Working together to build a Resilient Auckland’ and it’s publicly available on the Auckland Emergency Management website.

The only reference to the Howick ward in the 92-page document relates to a map of a city showing each ward’s boundaries.

Stewart told Burns she believes that because every community is different, each local board in Auckland should develop its own plan.

“It was always the intention for the 21 local boards to each develop their own, custommade, emergency response plan.

“As of today, I’m not aware of any local board having completed that task as Covid and lockdowns disrupted a lot of those work programmes.

“These concerns have been discussed with Civil Defence staff last year and this will be re-examined when they do the new emergency plan, which is currently being reviewed by the Auckland CDEM group.

“The draft document will be made available for public consultation in due course and the consultation period will be advertised prior to this.”

QUICK CLUES

ACROSS

1. Earlier (8)

6. Mountains (4)

8. Den (4)

9. Convict (8)

10. Denude (5)

11. Tropical fish (6)

13. Hue (6)

15. Zodiac sign (6)

17. Material (6)

19. Grey (5)

22. Industrious (8)

23. Fever (4)

24. Plucky (4)

25. Spirit (8)

Battling cancer with daily swim

By BEN PLUMMER

When Eastern Beach resident Amy McAuley began her goal of a daily swim in 2022, being diagnosed with breast cancer was the last thing on her mind.

McAuley, originally from Scotland, moved to New Zealand in 2013, and established a business called Powerhoop NZ which uses a weighed hula hoop for exercise purposes.

“It’s for people who ordinarily don’t love exercise because I used to be allergic to exercise,” she says.

For many years, McAuley suffered from depression, which led her down the dark path of alcohol dependence, an eating disorder and deep self-loathing.

She used her smile as a shield, which hid her pain and shame from the world.

But McAuley found a way out, in the form of a colourful hula hoop.

She published a book in 2020, documenting her journey from addiction and depression to selflove and fulfilment.

McAuley has now been a life coach for 17 years and runs wellness retreats as well as happiness courses when she isn’t power hooping.

“I’m very interested in how we can

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

PUZZLE NO. 8097

be happy for no reason rather than waiting for outside circumstances of life to dictate,” says McAuley.

“My passion really is helping people to be the healthiest and happiest version of themselves and that is why I do what I do,” she says.

Finding herself in a Covid lockdown rut at the end of 2021, McAuley took it upon herself to go for an ocean swim to try and boost morale.

Immediately it made her feel better, despite not enjoying cold water and having a fear of fish.

And thus began the 365 days of her swimming campaign, where she challenged herself to have a dip on every single day of 2022.

McAuley says she finds creating habits for herself naturally quite easy because of what she has overcome and her experience in life coaching.

“It started off nice and easy in January because it was summer and then as the winter came around I was questioning my decision for sure but powered through it,” says McAuley.

McAuley says the cold water has had extensive benefits on her health. “There were days throughout the year that we went on trips, so I always made sure we were near water to carry on the tradition,” she says.

1. Having intended to support, does, somehow (8).

6. Shut up in the zoo, it might be (4).

8. An animal centre, we’re told (4).

9. It’s hard to understand how bats manoeuvre. Artifice? (8).

10. To one with your cold heart, it’s irritating (5).

11. Having one’s doubts, is diffident (6).

13. Sounds a rough route (6).

15. Mull over the resume (6).

17. In floods of tears, a little Eastern girl (6).

19. The picture of the lake is inside (5).

22. What could be a warning device on the bush (8).

23. Aims to have a send-off (4).

24. Are against taking her back (4).

25. Thanks to the two men having a flair for it (8).

2. Pan cook (5).

3. Did he give the old crock the chuck? (7).

4. Go back mad (4).

5. Dead wrong about us, is working to put us off (8).

6. Puts in order and types (5).

The vibrant and lively McAuley had her life turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2022.

“It was so out of the blue because I do really take care of myself, but it’s one of those things that can happen to anybody,” she says.

Despite her diagnosis, McAuley continued her daily swim journey, whilst battling with chemotherapy.

“There’s been some days where honestly I thought I couldn’t do it, especially just after chemo when I was really weak, but I’ve had heaps of people join me on a daily basis,” says McAuley.

Now, McAuley has finished six rounds of chemotherapy over 18 weeks and will soon take on a double mastectomy surgery as well as radiation therapy.

“Chemo was really hard. If you imagine your worst hangover, that’s how I would describe it and I haven’t had a drink in over 12 years,” she says.

Despite everything that she has been through, McAuley remains positive and full of energy.

“There are definitely moments of feeling down, you wouldn’t be human without them, but I absolutely believe that everything is dictated by mindset.

“To get through something like this you must get your mind into

that place of coming to terms with what has happened and then deal with it,” she says.

She has now had over 400 consecutive daily swims and aspires to reach 1000.

McAuley says that after her journey with breast cancer, she might consider adjusting her career to help people going through their own cancer journey and find joy in the moments.

McAuley and “Amy’s Army” also featured in the 2022 Howick Santa Parade, raising money for a worthy cause, the Pink Ribbon walk.

Howick Guitar School

It’s never too late to start playing guitar Howick Guitar School can help you reach the musical goals you always dreamed of...

Whether you want to be in a band ,record and write you own music or just have fun with friends we have the experience and know how.

One-on-one tuition is by far the best way to learn guitar, you have the tutor’s full attention the entire time. No wasted time which you can get in group settings. Learning and playing guitar is fun and easy. If you have always wanted to play, then don’t delay, try One-on-One lessons and get started today. Call or email for your free assessment lesson. Beginners Welcome!

“All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself” Johan Sebastian Bach

Email: howickguitarschool@gmail.com

Phone 021 267 5702 DE0299

DOWN

2. Cook (5)

3. Dizziness (7)

4. Revel (4)

5. Deficiency (8)

6. Colour (5)

7. Steal (7)

12. Crazy (8)

14. Musical instrument (7)

16. Cosmetic (7)

18. Lift (5)

20. Fit out (5)

21. Engrave (4)

THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TIDES

7. Says the twits have a right to enter (7).

12. Attend to, when you show Jack to the door (3,5).

14. Too old but, as ever, having a go anyhow (7).

16. Has everyone gone berserk, capturing the ship? (7).

18. Spare the actor (5).

20. To avoid the bounding dog, the man turns round (5).

21. Dye mixed in Finland (4).

Amy McAuley has completed more than 400 daily swims despite a cancer diagnosis and extensive chemotherapy treatment. Photo supplied

Fight to save our local Citizens Advice Bureaux

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Auckland Council’s ongoing effort to reduce debt may lead to cuts in the funding received by the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

The organisation provides a free service that helps people understand “what their rights are and how to access services they need”.

East Auckland is serviced by two bureaux in Pakuranga and Botany.

Mayor Wayne Brown has said he wants to significantly reduce council spending to plug a budget deficit of more than $250 million.

Written staff advice provided to Brown to support his proposed mayoral budget outlines a $20m cost reduction from 20232024 across a range of regional services.

Some or all of a range of activities are proposed to be “reduced, stopped or alternative funding sources found to a total of $20m”.

One of the five social activities listed is the Citizens Advice Bureau.

But Howick ward councillors Sharon Stewart and Maurice Williamson say the CAB pro-

vides an “incredibly valuable service”.

“Cutting their funding makes no sense when there are many much larger cost areas where spending has exploded and should be easy to rein-in and make meaningful savings.

“Both of us will insist any of the needed cuts come from the big wasteful spending line items and not from organisations that provide an amazingly valuable service to the community.”

A petition opposing the funding cuts has been signed by more than 3450 people as of February 13.

Louise Boswell manages the two local CABs, in Pakuranga and Botany, and Sue McKinnon chairs their board.

They’re both extremely concerned at the prospect of the service’s funding being cut or stopped altogether.

“We don’t seem to be deemed a vital service by council,” Boswell says.

“That surprises me.”

She says about 400 people contacted the Pakuranga bureau for help in November last year and that’s roughly how many people it helped in each of the months prior.

In 2019, the 32 bureaux across

Auckland had client interactions with more than 157,000 people.

Boswell says the two local bureaux have four paid staff and about 51 volunteers.

In the worst-case scenario, if they were to close, she expects clients would go to the library for help instead.

“They could go there to get a Justice of the Peace to sign a document.

“We host clinics here as well and we have counsellors and legal and immigration advisors.

“One of our top categories is ‘legal and Government’ and

Cyclone fells trees, closes roads

East Auckland appears to have largely escaped the worst of the damage Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted to parts of the North Island.

we’re dealing with people having problems with Government departments.

“Not one of those Government organisations funds us but we are constantly having inquiries about whatever their policies are.”

McKinnon says the council strongly supports residents maintaining healthy relationships as they’re good for mental well-being and if the CABs closed, many people would be adversely affected.

“If we disappeared, which is the worst-case scenario, [it would be harmful as] we actively do counselling here and listen to people.

“A lot of people might sort their own problems out, or there’s something we can tell them that they don’t know about that takes the stress away.

“They’re reassured that someone’s listened and they’ve got a plan.”

The council’s draft budget will soon go out for public consultation and is set to be voted on in June.

 To sign the petition, go online to https://our. actionstation.org.nz/ and search for ‘Save Auckland CABs!’.

Strong winds and heavy rain were felt across the community from Sunday afternoon. A large tree fell onto Priestley Drive in Bucklands Beach, blocking one lane, and had been chopped up and removed from the road as of Tuesday morning.

Part of Whitford Road in Somerville was closed on Tuesday morning, as was Mellons Bay Road in Howick due to a branch having broken off a large tree on Stockade Hill.

The Government on Tuesday declared a National State of Emergency to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle. Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty signed the declaration at 8.43am.

Over the weekend, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) established a Civil Defence centre at the Fencible Lounge, beside Howick Library, in Uxbridge Road, for people who needed to evacuate their homes.

A community-led centre was also opened at Beachlands School in Bell Road. AEM’s update on Tuesday morning said strong winds were being experienced across the region and were expected to continue until Wednesday.

The heavy rain warning had been lifted for the Auckland region.

“There is significant surface flooding affecting roads across the region. Take extra care and do not drive through flood waters. Make sure you have enough food, water and medicines for the next few days.”

That’s the power of print.

In addition to 70% higher recall, according to neuroscience research it’s proven that print content is 21% easier to understand and more memorable than digital media. That is why print content connects with our brain more efficiently and effectively. So, choose to read print. Choose the Times –your most trusted local news provider.

When print talks, the brain remembers.

Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau manager Louise Boswell, left, and board chair Sue McKinnon.

Times photo Chris Harrowell

Submissions close soon on big development in Beachlands

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Pohutukawa Coast residents are being encouraged to have their say on a plan change that would allow the development of a new coastal urban neighbourhood in their community.

The proposed development in Beachlands includes the construction of about 3000 homes as well as commercial, retail, education and open-space amenities. Beachlands South Limited Partnership has applied to Auckland Council for a plan change necessary to facilitate the development.

The partnership is jointly owned by the Russell Property Group and its partners the NZ Super Fund, local iwi Ngai Tai ki Tamaki and Hapai Development Property LP.

The project compromises about 250 hectares and consolidates the Formosa Golf Course land in Jack Lachlan Drive as well as an 80-hectare property on WhitfordMaraetai Road.

As the Times has previously reported, Russell Property Group managing director Brett Russell said the company plans to provide modern and sustainable high-quality housing choices and

lifestyles with links to improved public transport services.

The master plan includes improvements to the landscaped environment including coastal boardwalks, community playgrounds, parks and open spaces.

It will provide a catalyst for the community to get new primary and secondary schools and the planning provides space for both of these and future planning for the next 15-20 years at Beachlands, he says. “This is exactly the sort of development our city needs if it is to address the housing crisis.”

Submissions on ‘plan change 88’, which seeks to rezone about 307 hectares of land south of Beachlands township, close at midnight on February 24.

The Beachlands, Maraetai, Omana Concerned Residents

Group has been established to share information on the project among locals. It’s chaired by retired civil engineer Dennis Bartlett and drew about 80 people to a recent presentation and discussion on the issue at a venue in Beachlands.

Bartlett says he spent much of last week at Beachlands Countdown talking to people about the development, asking if they’re aware of it and telling them how to make a submission.

“Most people aren’t aware what’s happening and how to go about it and most don’t appreciate that 307 hectares is about the size of the whole of Beachlands at the moment,” he says.

“It’s a massive undertaking and it’s got some big backers.”

Bartlett says most of the residents he’s talked to about the devel-

opment don’t oppose it as long as it has sufficient infrastructure.

“The biggest issue out here is we don’t have the infrastructure to support a development of that size, particularly with the roading.

Poppy volunteers needed

Howick RSA Poppy Day is Friday, April 21. Volunteers required to collect poppy donations. Various local locations available for 2-4 hour timeframes. We would also like administration support prior to the 21st. If you would like to support the RSA to raise funds for our welfare assistance programme, please get in touch

“If you’re leaving Beachlands at 8am and coming home at 4.30pm, there are long queues.

“This is just going to make it worse. We’re trying to make people aware it’s a big development.”  For more information on the plan change and to make a submission, go online to www. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and search for ‘PC 88 (Private): Beachlands South’.

Submissions can be emailed to unitaryplan@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz.

People who want to join the residents’ group’s email discussion can email raymondb062@gmail. com.

with Kylie admin@rsa.co.nz or call 027 270 8642.

Howick U3A

On Monday, February 20 at 9.30am, Howick U3A will meet at the bowling club in Selwyn Road, Howick, to hear Dr Ian Ferguson, formerly Chief Science Advisor, speak on “China Through Western Eyes — China in the last 20 years”. Visitors are welcome. Phone or text Jan 027 220 3777 or email j.n.w@xtra.co.nz.

Our doors are open

An artist’s impression of the Beachlands South development.

Image supplied

OPEN DAYS

EVERY THURSDAY FROM 10AM-2PM

We believe a full life is one that gets richer with age. Discover the Ryman difference and see why our villages are the measure of retirement living.

Every Thursday until the end of March, you can view our show homes and learn more about independent and assisted living. Feel free to drop by any time between 10am-2pm.

It's also a great opportunity to view the quality of a Ryman village, amenities and learn more about the lifestyle we offer.

If you’d like more information, give us a call, otherwise we look forward to seeing you there.

BRUCE MCLAREN VILLAGE 795 Chapel Road, Howick, 535 0225

APARTMENTS AVAILABLE

NOW

The lifestyle at Bruce McLaren Village makes it easy for residents to connect with like-minded people. With a wide variety of activities on offer and a lively, supportive community.

Apartments offer spacious open-plan living and modern interiors.

Quality appliances, fixtures and fittings

A neutral colour palette to make it your own

Patio or balcony with views of the village gardens or native bush

Call Rose on 535 0225 for more details or visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz

795 Chapel Road, Howick

Child Cancer Foundation needs volunteers for annual street appeal

Child Cancer Foundation’s street appeal is back on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11, and they need volunteers across the country to help raise funds for Kiwi kids with cancer.

The street appeal is the foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year, where hundreds of volunteers take to the streets to collect the critical funds needed to support these children and their families.

The foundation had to cancel its physical collection in 2022 due to Covid-19, so it is urging Kiwis to get involved this year.

“It was a devastating blow to have had to cancel our appeal last year,” says Child Cancer Foundation’s chief executive Monica Briggs.

“That’s why the tamariki and whānau we support need your help now more than ever.”

“We need to raise $6 million each year and we don’t receive any direct government funding, so these families rely on the generosity of their fellow Kiwis.”

The foundation is currently supporting around 1300 families nationwide through all stages of their experience with childhood cancer.

Getting involved in the 2023 Street

What’s on

TRAP LIBRARY EAST

AUCKLAND

Trap handout and return 3rd Saturday of every month. Borrow or return a possum or stoat trap. Join our Mustelid Control Zone project. Register for a free rat trap with Pest Free Howick Ward, February 18, 9am to noon. Underground carpark directly below Pakuranga Library, Reeves Road side. Look for our flags.

The Child Cancer Foundation’s street appeal is the foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year, where hundreds of volunteers take to the streets to collect the critical funds needed to support these children and their families.

Appeal is easy – simply volunteer two hours of your time at a collection site near you.

“It’s a lot of fun and every dollar you collect will make a real difference for Kiwi families impacted by childhood cancer,” says Briggs.

h Sign up to volunteer at childcancernz.rosterfy.co/register

Feedback

lection. The 2023 One Page

Competition will begin. Swap boxes will be available. Contact David 534 5656 or 027 277 5969.

MIGRANT CONNECT

Citizens Advice Bureau

GENEALOGY

HOUSE CAPTAINS POLISH SPEAKING SKILLS

Speaking to an audience can be quite daunting for many people. The house captains of Macleans College know the importance of having this skill as they take on their roles as leaders of their school in 2023.

On January 27, as the students prepared themselves for their leadership roles, they took part in a special speaking skills course run by iSpeak Trust. This course is designed to help senior secondary students gain speaking skills and grow their confidence in public speaking. They learn to manage nerves and any fears they may have when speaking to a group of students or adults. They are supported to find their own voice.

The house captains met in Te Kanawa House and quickly found out how easy it was to speak in public if equipped with speaking skills and strategies. Led by Gaye Stratton, the group listened and participated in speech making for the morning. They were given feedback by their peers and facilitators. They all made vis-

ible improvements as the course progressed.

From impromptu speeches about unusual animals and interesting homes to live in, to presenting and polishing a prepared speech, the students all remarked on how their speaking confidence grew when they were well prepared.

iSpeak Trust is a charity. The course was funded by The ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation. Feedback from students who completed a questionnaire after the course showed they all would recommend this course to fellow students.

There is no cost to the school for this course, it is available for all senior high school students.

For further information about iSpeak Trust and how it can help your senior students you can contact Gaye Stratton on 021 778810 or check out the website on ispeaktrust.com.

Gaye Stratton iSpeak Trust

THANKS FOR CARING

Recently when shopping at Countdown Howick, I had to cross

EASTERN

DISTRICT COUNTRY MUSIC

CLUB

Next on Wednesday, February 22 – 7pm. Everyone is welcome to listen to our live music or come and sing or play an instrument. Bucklands and Eastern Beaches War Memorial Hall, Wharf Road, Bucklands Beach. Non-members $5. For more information, phone Bev 021 11 56 866.

HOWICK PHILATELIC SOCIETY

The Stamp Club is holding its next meeting, February 16 in St Andrew’s Church Hall starting at 6.45pm. Members will present a brief talk on a favourite stamp or set from their col-

Pakuranga is hosting a free Teen Positive Parenting Programme facilitated by Oneness Tang, counsellor. The topics covered are Getting Teenagers to cooperate – Tuesday, February 14 from 10am-12 noon; Reducing family conflict – Tuesday, February 21, 10am-12 noon; Coping with teenagers’ emotions – February 28, 10am-12 noon; Developing survival skills – March 7, 10am-12 noon. Manaia Room, opposite Pakuranga Library, Pakuranga Library Building, Pakuranga.

Registration: text 021 459 520/ 021 027 44220 or email settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz.

SPOTTING SCAMS

All Welcome to come along and hear our guest speaker Alana Marck (Age Concern) at Howick Library, Friday, March 3 at 10.30am talking about different scams that are operating now and how to avoid them. Refreshments provided. Free.

Ryan Price believes this is due to the weight of the atmosphere (99 per cent oxygen and nitrogen) in “Maxwell’s gravito-thermal 1872 theory”.

In those days, scientists like Lord Kelvin were trying to explain the Sun’s heat by “gravitational contraction” having realised if it was burning coal it wouldn’t last long. Then Becquerel discovered radioactivity and science moved on.

Facts – 1. Thousands of thermometers show the surface and oceans are heating up – but there is no more oxygen or nitrogen, so why?

Scottish Interest Group, Research Day, Sunday, February 26, Auckland Public Library, 2nd Floor, Lorne Street, City. Open 10am-5pm with the Scottish Interest Group Meeting 12 noon-1pm. Speaker: Gail Wilson-Waring, Researcher for the programme “David Lomas Investigates”. Bring own lunch, tea/coffee provided. All welcome Phone Barbara 5757968.

U3A ORMISTON

General meeting – Thursday, February 23, Flat Bush Old School Hall, cnr Murphys Rd/ Flat Bush School Rd, Flat Bush, 10am-12 noon, main speaker: Warren Taylor – ‘My Time at Skellerup Industries’, mini speaker, Val Lott – ‘Our Trip to Japan’, visitors welcome (no charge). Morning tea provided. Contact Dave 022 6449650.

What’s On is a free community noticeboard for non-profit groups. Send notices to whatson@times.co.nz or drop into our office at 10 Central Terrace, Howick. Notices must be received by the Thursday before publication. While every effort is made to run the notices, space restrictions may mean notices may not run. Keep notices to less than 50 words. There is no guarantee your notice will run.

Everyone is free to refute the science – win a Nobel prize and the everlasting gratitude of every politician and oil billionaire on the planet.

Ryan Price believes textbook science explaining why Earth is warming and why we need to reduce emissions is of no practical use to mankind. It would seem so. Faced with bonkers beliefs and timid politicians what our children need now is a miracle.

Dennis Horne Howick

STIMULATING THE ECONOMY

the drive which runs from Cook Street to the parking lot.

What is no problem for most people, using a walker like I do, combined with the roughness of the drive and the slope, is a scary experience.

A kind Chinese lady tried to pull me across, almost had me down, with me screaming, “no, no, no”! I could not explain my hysterics as she had little English and took off in fright.

If anyone should know who she is, please apologise on my behalf.

Anyone else, please ask first before you help. We are just very uncertain of our feet when we use a walking stick or a walker. But thanks for caring.

Maryke Pose Cockle Bay

OUR CHILDREN NEED A MIRACLE

Re: Speaking for the dead, Ryan Price, Feb 8.

Nobel physicist Wolfgang Pauli once described a student’s work as “not even wrong” and Ryan Price deserves the same accolade. Earth is not -18°C as expected by its distance from the Sun, but +15°C.

2. Satellites show the warming is due to less heat being radiated to space by CO2 – because we have added CO2.

3. The level of oxygen in the air is actually decreasing as more fossilfuel carbon is burned to CO2.

As Ryan Price said, Richard Feynman once explained your favourite theory is wrong if contradicted by just one fact – and I’ve given three.

Then of course Mr Price must explain why adding more CO2 to the atmosphere would not cause warming. Eunice Foote showed in 1856 that CO2 “traps” heat, and John Tyndall demonstrated increasing CO2 in the atmosphere would warm Earth – in 1861. How many centuries do deniers need to adjust to facts?

Mr Price doesn’t understand the nature of science. Scientists make a name for themselves by showing other scientists wrong, not by agreeing with them. That is precisely why the scientific consensus on global warming is so powerful. The American Physical Society describes the evidence as “incontrovertible”; the IPCC “unequivocal”.

Economic studies show that the best way to boost economic growth is to give more money to those on low incomes as they are more likely to spend it.

This stimulates the economy by putting cash into local businesses rather than leaving it tied up in banks or other funds. National’s tax cuts for those reasons would do just the opposite.

Gary Hollis Mellons Bay

USE OF RATES MONEY

Being involved in a project funded by Auckland Council through the Howick Local Board grants scheme, I think Mr Moore needs to look at the recipients of this funding before making his comments.

In our project we have saved Auckland Council a considerable amount of money in providing free labour in making our community a better place to live. The results we are achieving will not only benefit the environment but the community as a whole.

Barry Wood Cockle Bay

House captains of Macleans College took part in a special speaking skills course run by iSpeak Trust. Photo supplied

Photo CCF

9:30 to 2pm Sat

STOCKIST OF: Humidity Staple the Label Mink Pink Elm Drama the Label Eb&Iv’e • Haven • Fria • Italian Star Monaco Jean Betty Basics and many more….

37 Picton Street Howick 09 532 8255

JH17929

T & C’s: The ‘Spend & Win’ promotion is to commence 9am, 15th February 2023. Promotion concludes end of business on 15 customer to place their till receipt(s) in the entry boxes in the Village. Businesses participating will clearly display a ‘Spend on the reverse of the receipt. Winners will be selected under Police supervision and in the presence of Reay Neben, managing unsuccessful for any reason, the prize will be awarded to the next selected entry. No voicemail messages will be left – this public photographs and for the Times website. Business owners, Times Media staff

> The Good Home Gastropub Howick – $150 food & beverage voucher

> Howick Monterey Cinema – two complimentary adult theatre passes & a $20 food and drink voucher

> I Furniture – Hanging Egg Chair RRP $300

> Cinnamon Brown Homestore – Gift Basket Value RRP $100

> Botany Hunting & Fishing New Zealand – Traverse Folding Table and Chairs, RRP $250

> 101 – $200 voucher

> Basalt – $150 food & beverage voucher

> David Fels Jeweller – $100 voucher

> Rydges Formosa –Golf for four with two carts RRP $450

With over a decade

With over a decade of experience and using locally sourced meats and veges, our homemade kiwi roasts are cooked to perfection to bring

Offering a seasonal and exciting menu with a few twists on some old school favourites, great service and a passion for local & boutique produce

• Quality and speciality coffees from Toasted Espresso from Wairau

• Family owned and operated

Open 7 days, breakfast & lunch

121 Picton Street, Howick themanager@urbanineast.co.nz facebook.com/urbanineast

JH17966

People looking for an experienced and friendly dentist in east Auckland shouldn’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call Dr Elena Artyukh.

The owner of the successful Dentart practice in Howick’s Selwyn Road has more than 30 years’ experience.

She’s worked from her premises in Selwyn House for the past 18 years.

Dr Artyukh’s clients are treated with state-of-theart equipment, including a 3D x-ray machine that allows her to identify problems with pinpoint precision.

It also means her

patients can often get all of the required work done at one location.

“It’s so much better in terms of making a correct diagnosis, which means correct treatment,” Dr Artyukh says.

“The 3D x-ray can show us hidden things when dentists used to have to guess what’s going on.

“Offering the correct treatment the first time is vital.”

The high-tech equipment also comes in handy for procedures such as root canal work.

That’s because teeth have complex anatomy and a dentist may miss small canals, resulting in a failed treatment.

“We can now see exactly what’s

going on so nothing is missed and there isn’t an extra canal in a strange place,” Dr Artyukh says.

“The 3D x-ray allows us to do fully-guided implant surgery.

“With the x-ray and our other equipment we can make a surgical guide that is precise.

“Before, we had to outsource some work and send it to a lab, which was sometimes overseas, to construct the guide, but now we can do it all here.”

The benefits to having all work done in-house at her practice include time and convenience, in that the patient doesn’t have to go to a second location, as well as reduced cost.

Dr Artyukh says she’s pleased

to see more patients taking their dental health seriously and returning for their six-monthly checkups.

“After they were given the appropriate advice and instructions they got so enthusiastic that many of them took it on board and were coming back with a different look in terms of home dental care.

“People understand they should improve that, which is reflected in their oral health and their general health.”

Dentart – The Art of Dentistry Phone 09 534 2614 16 Selwyn Road, Howick www.dentart.co.nz

Wax/thread: Eyebrows $10 | Full face $45 | Brazilian $55 Full legs (both) $45

For the guys: Eyebrows/nose/ears $12 | Chest $35 Other services: Lash extensions, lash perm, spa mani & pedi, Dermapen4 needling, derma planning, makeup, observe520 skin analysis, massage, relaxation & advance facials and skin peels.

Dr Elena Artyukh

Speak up on plans for your area’s future

East Auckland residents are being urged to make submissions on Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Budget between 28 February and 28 March.

Howick Local Board Chair

Damian Light says it’s also important people provide their feedback on the Local Board Plan when it opens for submissions later in the year.

“We know a rates increase is proposed, but local board budgets are going to be significantly reduced, and that will see an inevitable reduction in what can be achieved in our area.

“Due to contractual commitments and timing, only a small portion of our operating budget is available to be considered for savings so the majority of the $1.1 million reduction will come from our Locally Driven Initiatives. This represents a 44 per cent reduction to our funding for grants, events and local programmes. The reality is that this means we won’t be able to deliver or support everything we have in the past, so we need the community to help us priortise what’s important to them.

“People often call for lower rates, and certainly for targeted spending and reducing it in what they see as wasteful areas, but few people ever agree exactly what those areas are.

“That makes it imperative the board gains a good understanding of what people see as local priorities, where they want the money spent, and which services they want maintained.”

He says it is a simple equation, lowered budgets mean services must be cut.

“Some people might favour spending on environmental issues, others on funding for the arts and community groups and events, while others would give those areas a low priority.

“The only way we can know is if people engage in the process and make submissions,” Chair Light says.

Council’s Governing Body confirmed its Annual Budget consultation items late last year, including consulting on significant reductions in council group spending, increasing general rates, using debt and the sale of Auckland Airport shares to counter some extraordinary economic conditions.

Since then, the city has been struck by the adverse weather that

caused not only widespread damage across Auckland, but fatalities, and only a fortnight later by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“These events, coming off the back of the Covid crisis and the Emergency Budget in its wake, will only add to the difficulties we face,” Chair Light says.

“We have some tough decisions and significant challenges in the next few years.

Auckland Council is facing the consequences of inflation

and interest rate rises, which are impacting operating costs and financial forecasts. Those and other challenges have caused an estimated operating budget gap of $295 million.

“Any option you use to close a budget gap has short and longterm implications,” Chair Light says.

Mayor Brown is proposing an additional $60m in operational savings on top of $30 million required to meet the current Long-

term Plan target of $90m a year.

Achieving those targets requires reducing back-office support costs, simplified management structures, stopping or providing some services differently, and a significant local board funding reduction.

Also proposed are more shared services to eliminate duplication across council and its organisations, alongside further cost savings for each Council Controlled Organisation receiving ratepayer funding

Those moves call for Auckland Transport to make $25m of operational cost and revenue changes without further cuts to public transport services, the same savings from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited with a further $2.5m by reducing some economic development activity, and for $5m in savings from Eke Panuku – to be achieved by delaying capital investment and reducing the costs of urban regeneration.

The rates changes outlined would result in an increase for the average household of 4.66 per cent – or $153 a year, around $3 a week. This includes a 7 per cent rate increase that’s offset by reductions to the environment and water quality targeted rates.

That means the 4.66 per cent is close to what would have occurred under the previously planned 3.5 per cent increase, without the targeted rate offsets.

Chair Light says the Annual Budget proposal also includes a change to the Auckland Airport share policy. A full sale of the council’s 18 per cent shareholding would raise about $1.9b that would be used to pay down debt.

“Obviously that would mean a reduction in interest costs. But other options will also be considered, such as retaining the shares or selling a smaller parcel to keep a 10 per cent stake.”

To improve its returns to the council as its owner, Ports of Auckland has also been urged to increase its profitability by at least $10m more than previously forecast, while increased debt of up to $75m could be implemented if needed. The council uses debt to fund capital investment.

The latest consultation information is posted on the council’s akhaveyoursay.nz website.

After public feedback and any new financial information, an updated proposal is prepared, with the Governing Body to adopt the final Annual Budget by 30 June.

Celebrating our uniqueness

A free community event, Celebrating Cultures, returns on March 25.

Howick Local Board is hosting the festival to showcase the many cultures found in the area.

Board Chair Damian Light says the event will bring Barry Curtis Park in Chapel Road to life between 11am and 4pm.

“One of the highlights of living in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the diversity of people and cultures, Celebrating Cultures allows us all to come together and recognise the uniqueness of the people who combine in our area to create the wonderfully diverse community we call home.

“We have no doubt saluting and promoting the wonderful cul-

tures, customs, music and food of our area will make for a hugely successful day.”

Ahead of Celebrating Cultures is the Howick Village Cultural Food Festival on March 4.

Light says the association has a long history of activating the town centre.

“We can all be guilty of thinking Ponsonby or the Viaduct are the cuisine capitals, but East Auckland can match anything on offer, and supporting local outlets has the advantage of putting money into our own economy.”

The festival will feature food stalls from local businesses, markets, visiting food trucks, and music and entertainment from local groups and schools.

United in culture:

The Howick Village Cultural Food Festival on March 4 and the Board-funded Celebrating Cultures event at Barry Curtis Park on March 25 both celebrate the unique cultures that combine in Howick to make the are what it is today.

The natural environment usually features highly in the priorities of local residents, but the annual budget proposes to lower the targeted rate.

The explosion of growth in East Auckland continues to load pressure on infrastructure and budgets.

Can you help identify these graffiti vandals?

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Police want to hear from anyone who can help identity several people captured on security camera defacing multiple locations in Howick village with green spray paint.

In an effort to track down the culprits, Howick Police sergeant Brett Meale has provided the Times with a photo that depicts the two offenders in action while tagging a wall beside Howick Village Optometrists in Picton Street.

The incident happened at about 3.45pm on December 18 and Meale wants to hear from anyone with information on who the vandals are.

Numerous locations in Howick village were tagged at the same time including an area near Rices Mall, on the side of the Monterey apartments, and near the block of

shops that includes Subway and Pizza Hut, he says.

“It looks like they [the taggers] did their thing in the town centre and then we have some footage of them walking along Cook Street,” he told the Times.

“Then there’s more [tagging] by Paparoa Park at the Litten Road shops.

“It’s the same paint and it all happened that night heading from Picton Street toward Cockle Bay.”

As the Times recently reported, the Howick ward last year experienced a 39 per cent increase in graffiti vandalism compared to 2021, with 1328 tags removed from within the Howick Local Board area.

Meale says the security camera photos show one of the taggers filming the other one as they deface a wall, “so it’s highly likely they put it up on social media”.

He says there’s a major impact for the business’s workers when they turn up and find their shop has been tagged.

“What value is there in doing that? It’s not like people are getting any money out of it. It’s a pointless crime.

“It causes a lot of cost, time, and resources for the people who have to paint over it and get it repaired.

“It’s one of those crimes that’s very anti-social and just a nuisance for the community.”

Howick Village Association manager Jane Newbury says the recent incidents of graffiti in the village are not only disappointing and unsightly, but also project an unsafe and unwelcoming image to the community and visitors.

“These incidents are needless acts of vandalism.

“Thankfully the Howick Village Association has a

Retail crime reaches record levels

across New Zealand

Data obtained by the National Party shows the number of reported retail crime incidents in New Zealand has skyrocketed to more than 10,000 in a single month.

That’s the highest in recorded history, according to the party’s police spokesperson, Mark Mitchell.

“In the 12 months to November 30 last year, an average of 8541 retail crime incidents were recorded monthly,” he says.

“In October 2022 alone, there were a staggering 10,020 incidents. During the same 12-month period to November 30, 2018, an average of 4336 retail crime incidents were recorded – just half the number we are seeing today.”

The data shows a staggering 96,195 retail crime incidents reported across the country in the 11 months from January to November last year.

Numerous east Auckland businesses were targeted in ram-raids or smash-and-grab burglaries and robberies in the past year. LiquorLand Howick was ram-raided twice in 2022.

The Michael Hill and TJ Handcrafted jewellery stores at the Botany Town Centre were both robbed multiple times.

Ormiston Town Centre was ram-raided on several occasions.

Other local businesses impacted by the ongoing crime wave include a petrol station, a book store, a health food shop, a vape store, an appliance store, dairies, and more.

Mitchell says criminals in New Zealand feel “emboldened because they know they

will not be held accountable by this soft-on-crime Labour Government”.

He says that’s why violent crime has risen 21 per cent and gang membership is up 56 per cent.

“The new Prime Minister [Chris Hipkins] was in charge of the police portfolio when this data was recorded.

“Any suggestion his Government is not soft on crime, or that crime is decreasing, is utterly misleading and total spin.”

Mitchell says the Labour Government removed the Three Strikes legislation for serious repeat offenders, reduced the prison population, and not given police the powers to take firearms off violent criminals.

The new Police Minister, Stuart Nash, says he has a “very clear understanding” of the portfolio and he’s completely focused on the issues that matter for police and the public.

“These include ensuring police are supported with the people, resources, and legislative tools it needs to keep communities safe and prevent

great relationship with the Beautification Trust, which is contracted to Auckland Council to remove graffiti from east and south Auckland’s public spaces.

“The trust provides a rapid response and in most cases graffiti can be removed within 24 hours.”

Newbury encourages local businesses and residents to report graffiti to the Beautification Trust on 0800 363 824.

According to the Summary Offences Act, a person is liable to a community-based sentence or a fine not exceeding $2000, or both, if he or she damages or defaces any

property without lawful authority and the consent of its occupier or owner.

 People with information on the

culprits who tagged several locations in Howick village on December 18 can phone 105 and ask for the Howick Police station.

Crime, truancy, cost of living top of Nats’ list

You might have seen news reports last week that showed retail crime has spiked to more than 10,000 incidents in a single month – the highest in recorded history.

On average, 8745 retail crime incidents were recorded per month to the end of November last year. In October 2022 alone, there were a staggering 10,020 incidents. That’s both alarming and incredibly concerning.

Criminals feel emboldened because they know they will not be held accountable by this soft-on-crime Labour Government. That is why violent crime is up by 21 per cent and why New Zealanders have seen a 56 per cent increase in gang members.

Another issue is our truancy rate. Our kids are disengaged from education and not going to school. More than 100,000 Kiwi kids are still chronically absent from school.

National would hold ourselves, schools, and parents accountable for ensuring that kids are regularly in school, including setting clear expectations for schools and parents that kids not going to school is no longer an option.

harm.

“Whether it’s continuing the rollout of frontline constables, supporting communities and businesses to respond to youth crime, reducing road deaths, making inroads to gang offending and organised crime, responding to natural disasters and emergencies like the Auckland floods, and preventing family harm, police is in a very strong position.”

As the Times recently reported, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has said he has a plan to help retail workers impacted by crimes such as ram-raid burglaries.

He said a Government fund established to support businesses that were the victims of ram-raids has been extended to those targeted in aggravated robberies.

The Government is also putting funding into partnering with councils on initiatives that will help to keep such businesses safe, he said.

“We’re making sure we’re doing everything we can to identify who the young offenders are, hold them accountable for their actions, and stop that offending from continuing.”

A National Government I lead will crack down on crime. New Zealanders should feel safe in their homes and communities.

We know a lot of the crime is being committed by youths and people who are associated with gangs.

National will introduce a Young Serious Offender category to increase consequences for repeat offenders, and the worst repeat offenders could be sent to Young Offender Military Academies for up to 12 months for intensive rehabilitation.

National will also ban gang patches in public and give police non-association powers to prevent gang members from communicating and planning criminal activity.

We will allow police to issue dispersal notices where gang members come together in public to intimidate, threaten and sometimes assault members of the public, and give police the warrantless search powers they need to take the guns out of the hands of violent armed gang members.

Under Chris Hipkins as Police Minister, Labour has been nothing but soft on crime.

So far, Labour’s record in law and order has been to remove the Three Strikes legislation for serious repeat offenders, reduce the prison population despite the clear increase in crime and not back our police to give them the powers to take firearms off violent criminals.

We will shift resources from backoffice bureaucrats in Wellington to the frontline, so schools have the support they need to give every child the opportunity to benefit from a worldclass education.

Finally, you will have seen Chris Hipkins parked up a number of Labour’s unpopular pet projects until after the election.

Hipkins wants Kiwis to think Labour is listening to voters’ concerns about their priorities but the reality is the Jobs Tax is just being delayed, hate speech legislation is out for more consultation, and Three Waters is still happening.

You can’t trust Labour. The leader may have changed, but Labour hasn’t. They’re still obsessed with ideological pet projects, they still have no plan to reduce the cost of living and they are still addicted to wasteful spending.

New Zealand needs more than a Labour Government who have changed leader and woken up to the fact the country is going backwards. They need a National Government that knows what it stands for, won’t abandon its programme in an election year and will deliver results so that all New Zealanders get ahead.

National will address the cost of living, lift incomes, restore law and order, build infrastructure and deliver better health and education.

National will repeal Labour’s Three Waters, stop Labour’s hate speech legislation and axe Labour’s Jobs Tax once and for all.

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, left, with National Party police spokesperson Mark Mitchell, who visited Howick to discuss law and order issues last year. Times le photo Wayne Martin

Police are working to identify the people seen tagging a wall in Howick in this CCTV image. Photo supplied

MP

Hunt on for Pablo the missing blue and gold macaw

By CHRIS HARROWELL

East Auckland, last year you found George the dog after he was missing for nine long weeks, and now it’s time to find Pablo the bird.

Pablo’s a large and colourful blue and gold macaw who lives in Russell in the Bay of Islands with his owners Lulu and Hamish Peterson.

An incident two weeks ago sparked him to take flight and he’s somehow made it all the way down to east Auckland.

He’s been spotted in areas including Howick, Pakuranga, Cockle Bay, and Pigeon Mountain.

Lulu Peterson told the Times Pablo flew south from Russell on January 29.

She put a post on her local Facebook page about him being missing which led to her being informed of sightings of him in the local community.

“We took off in the car in our work clothes as we were standing and drove down to Auckland. We’ve been here ever since.”

She says Pablo turned three years old in December last year, weighs about 1kg, and is about 60cm from head to tail.

“He’s highly trained and very well socialised and he absolutely

adores children.

“He’s been trained to land on people if they put their arm out to the side with a clenched fist.

“If people don’t want him to land on them they should cross their hands and wave them in front of their face.

“We fly him on the beach in Russell and people adore him.

“We’ve had people with bird pho-

bias able to hold him and they’re amazed at how gentle he is.”

Peterson says someone is more likely to hear Pablo before they see him if he’s in the neighbourhood.

He loves sitting on power lines, scaffolding, and in dead trees, she says.

“The most important thing for us is we want to reiterate how bloody amazing east Auckland and

SEEING GREEN

ECO-FRIENDLY PRINTING FOR A GREENER WORLD

Howick have been with support.

“We’ve had people come and bring us food and coffees. It’s just incredible.

“Wherever we go – we’ve been walking the streets since last Wednesday – and there’s little children calling ‘Pablo! Pablo!’.”

The Petersons initially stayed in the CBD while searching for Pablo in east Auckland but have also stayed with a person in Howick and most recently at a motel in Half Moon Bay.

“We’re doing 19-hour days at the moment,” Lulu Peterson says.

She says he “goes bananas” for Chunky dog roll and that’s being used to try to find him.

“We don’t feed him that but the dogs get it and he goes absolutely mental because he wants a tiny little piece.

“We went out and bought 10 or more rolls of Chunky dog food and put them on stakes all around the area.

“We’ve just had a message from the chief executive of Chunky saying they paid our accommodation for last night and tonight.

“We’re so incredibly grateful and happy because it takes a lot of pressure off.” h Anyone who sees or hears Pablo can phone or text his owners on 021 102 9841.

News bites

LOCAL GRANT

The New Zealand Community Trust has awarded $363,974.77 of grants in Auckland region recently. It includes $15,000 to the Howick Pakuranga Hockey Club for turf hire.

C21 INDUSTRY AWARDS

Century 21 Edwards Realty in Flat Bush has won several key real estate awards for Century 21 New Zealand, covering the fourth quarter of 2022.

Botany branch manager Vicki Southgate took out Top Property Manager of the Quarter. Administration Team Member of the Quarter went to Julie Verrall, Personal Assistant of the Quarter was Jerry Li, and star agent Fenny Ang won a Silver sales award. Top Property Management Office (Over 250 Managements) was won by Century 21 Sunrise Realty in Meadowlands.

As part of our programme of innovation, service excellence and our environmental initiative, the Times Media team is introducing changes from February 2023. Our EastLife and Rural Living publications now join the Howick and Pakuranga Times, and will be printed using a coldset process on uncoated paper.

ECO ADVANTAGES

GREENER INK:

We print using vegetable-based inks instead of petroleum

SUSTAINABILITY:

The change in paper stock gives us a more sustainable and organic product in line with global trends

REUSING:

The waste paper from printing our publications is used to hydroseed grass verges/berms

RECYCLING:

Uncoated paper yields a higher percentage of fibre for recycling and less sludge

SAVES ENERGY:

Pablo the macaw is missing in east Auckland. Photo supplied

Cricketing dominance

h Story continues from page 20 HPCC chased the colossal total down with two overs remaining in the day and seven wickets to spare.

Rain on Sunday meant that day two of the match was abandoned and HPCC walked away with a first innings win and bonus points.

The premier men now return home to take on East Coast Bays at Lloyd Elsmore Park on Saturday in another two-day match.

The premier women had another perfect weekend, dominating in their final two round robin matches of the Pearl Dawson T20 competition.

In their first match, they limited local rivals Papatoetoe to 88 runs owing to star bowlers Marama Downes (3-11), and Josie Penfold (3-16).

They chased this down with six wickets to spare, Skye Bowden topscoring with 22 runs not out.

The women saved their best performance for last however, bowling

PREMIER CRICKET RESULTS

Premier Men Hedley Howarth Two-Day

Competition | Round 4

North Shore 152 (S Keene 47 not out, R Mudford 42; H Johal 5-49) and 20/0 (S Hinds 14 not out) won first innings against Eden Roskill 143 (S Desai 49; T Chitongo 5-46).

Takapuna District 289/6 declared (Q Sunde 119, C Neal 43; W Somerville 3-63) drew with Parnell 83/1 (R Clinton 52 not out; S Singh 1-18) after rain abandoned day two.

Papatoetoe 322 (S Setia 163, R Ravikumar 49; U Patel 4-50) drew with Cornwall 105/0 (S Dixit 62 not out, A Edekar 38 not out) after rain abandoned day two.

Suburbs-New Lynn 234 (M Barry 66, T Payle 55; K Mackenzie 6-51) drew with Auckland

first against Suburbs-New Lynn and skittling them for just 45 runs with dominant figures from Mansimran Kaur (4-8), Ayaan Lambat (2-4) and Holly Lightbourne (2-13).

University 74/3 (S Sharma 19; A Ashok 2-18) after rain abandoned day two.

Tom Hellaby Two-Day Competition | Round 4

Waitakere 213 (S Variath 63; H Singh 4-71, K Chetty 3-43) lost first innings to Howick

Pakuranga 221/3 (L Winn 112 not out, D Young 40; M Atkins 1-31).

Ellerslie 216 (P Narsimhan 51, S Venville 50; D Taylor 3-51) drew with Grafton 136/8 (J Houghton 40; P Narsimhan 5-38) after rain abandoned day two.

Birkenhead City 253 (B Barnard 101, A Jayampathi 60; U Ghani 4-45) drew with Kumeu 77/6 (R Jenner 21; P Fernando 2-17) after rain abandoned day two.

Premier Women - Pearl Dawson Trophy T20

Competition Round 9: Papatoetoe 88/9 (Private 37 not out;

HPCC made light work of this and chased down the total with eight overs to spare to top off a fantastic weekend.

The Llamas (premier women) have remained unbeaten throughout the round robin stage of the competition to finish top of the table.

This means that they have qualified directly for the final on March 15 where they will play the winner of the 2nd/3rd play-off between Auckland University and Takapuna. HPCC’s premier women have made the finals for each of the past four season, finishing second once and third three times, but are confident they will take out top spot this season with the return of all their White Ferns, Auckland Hearts and Northern Brave players giving them a full-strength side.

For now, the Llamas get back into one-day matches, and will face Auckland University on Saturday at Colin Maiden Park.

M Downes 3-11, J Penfold 3-16) lost to Howick Pakuranga 90/4 (S Bowden 22 not out; K Anderson 2-9) by six wickets.

Round 10: Suburbs-New Lynn 45 (S Samadi 14; M Kaur 4-8, A Lambat 2-4) lost to Howick Pakuranga 47/2 (C Stevens 18 not out; D Chauhan 1-14) by eight wickets. Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club Upcoming Fixtures

Round 5, Day 1 Tom Hellaby Two-Day Competition- Howick Pakuranga Premier Men VS East Coast Bays CC Premier Men at Lloyd Elsmore Park- Saturday February 18, 11am. Round 7 Prichard Cup Limited Over Competition- Howick Pakuranga Premier Women VS Auckland University CC Premier Women at Colin Maiden Park- Saturday February 18, 11am.

New Kiwi social media education platform launched to keep kids safe

How do you know your child will be safe when using social media?

Howick-based digital experts Sense Data have the solution for parents who don’t know where to start.

They have launched Mobile Guardians, a social media education platform for parents to empower them with the knowledge and tools they need.

It includes everything from social media health checks through to password and device security.

The idea is to educate parents in such a way that their children can be confident of asking for help if they come across inappropriate content or find themselves in unwanted situations online.

With almost 90 per cent of Kiwis being active social media users, Mobile Guardians founder Sarah Kavanagh says it will provide a much-needed, one-of-a-kind service for parents, and young people alike, in New Zealand.

“We want to help young people understand these platforms better so they are using them safely and are able to enjoy the human connections social media brings, without the unwanted negative side effects,” says Kavanagh.

“We don’t think banning social platforms is the answer,

as young people always find a way.

“Our education platform is a positive step towards helping parents support young people on their devices and on social media.

“We know we have a lot of work to do to help the next generation find better balance between devices and their mental health, and Mobile Guardians has big plans to be this catalyst for change.”

Mobile Guardians’ first parent course, Social 101, includes social media health checks for TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and WhatsApp. It helps parents understand how kids are using these platforms, the pitfalls and how to use the safety features.

Parents can find out the meanings of emojis, understand acronyms that teens and tweens are using and get help with the practical side of setting up kids’ devices.

The Howick Pakuranga premier women have stormed their way into the Pearl Dawson T20 competition final, remaining unbeaten through the roundrobin stage. Photo supplied

Mobile Guardians founder and chief parent officer Sarah Kavanagh. Photo supplied

PAINTING

Terry’s

BRADSHAW PLUMBING

UPHOLSTERERS

PERSONAL

PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN MARY

(Never known to fail)

O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruit of the Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, Assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity There are none that can withstand your power. O help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times).

Oh Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (3 times)

Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. The prayer must be said for 3 days and the request will be granted and the prayer must be published. Thanks for prayers answered.

VSK CD245818

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FOCUS ON FEET Home visits. Professional gentle care. NZ trained nurse Ph Marlena 5331150 or 0211865496

WEED SPRAYING

SOLUTIONS

WANTED TO BUY

Ter-E-sa. 19, S-L-ide. 22, Hawt-horn. 23, Ends (anag.). 24, V-era (rev.). 25, Ta-Len-Ted. Down - 2, Roast. 3, Pitcher. 4, Stab (rev.). 5, D-issu-ade. 6, Sorts. 7, Asse-rt-s.

12, See AB-out. 14, Overage (anag.). 16, G-all-eon. 18, Extra. 20, D-odg-E. 21, Anil (anag.).

ADVERTISING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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.

ABADALE Respite (50+) qual rms, suit passive compassionate baby boomers. No drugs/parties/unsavoury visitors $260-$290 + exp pw. Please text 021 486269

SUNNYHILLS studio flat, osp, close all amenities $390 pw. Ph 021 292 3922

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

SITUATIONS VACANT

SWIFT CARRIERS

RETIRED CASUAL DRIVERS

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

BUILDERS WANTED

We require experienced builders to join our small energetic team of passionate tradespeople specialising in higher end renovations/alterations and the occasional new build. You must be experienced, have all your own tools and transport and enjoy the team atmosphere.

Be time conscious, polite to clients and willing to go that extra step to impress.

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

ASSISTANT CARETAKER –PART TIME

We are seeking a part time Assistant Caretaker for our school. Duties will include a variety of maintenance activities around the school. The successful applicant will have practical skills, be reliable, presentable and relate well to young people and adults. Applicants will be required to complete a police check.

Hours will be 20 hours per week, 4 or 5 days per week and daily hours to be mutually agreed.

Please email your CV, Cover letter and completed application form from our website: www.howickcollege.school.nz/careeropportunities to Mike Stanghan employment@howick.school.nz

Applications will close on 3 March 2023.

ACCOUNT MANAGER –SMART POWER

This full time role managing utility billing for a portfolio of clients, is based in our busy, friendly Howick office.

We are seeking someone with:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Ability to multi-task, determine priorities and meet deadlines in a busy environment

Excellent attention to detail and accurate data entry skills

• Proficiency in Excel and the ability to learn new systems

A positive work ethic and a team player

Previous customer service & accounts experience an advantage

Please send your CV’s through to: nick.oldham@smartpower.co.nz.

SITUATIONS VACANT

STOCK FOOD POWDER BLENDING

Ideal candidates: Fit, strong, keen to learn and develop your skillset. Basic understanding of food hygiene best practices. Enjoy working as part of a team. Monday–Friday 7.30am–4pm, 40 hour week.

POWDER: Able to lift 20kg regularly (blending powders).

Basic understanding of food hygiene best practices.

WAREHOUSE: Able to lift 20kg regularly. Labelling data entry.

Contact: Brendan Ellis – Phone 021 106 2483 Email: souter@xtra.co.nz

PROPERTY MANAGER

Permanent Full Time

Sancta Maria College is a coeducational Y7–13 state integrated Catholic college in Flat Bush, East Auckland. We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate and hands on PROPERTY MANAGER for the management of the day to day maintenance and property related tasks at the College.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a strong property team culture and required to support the Special Character of the College.

Commencing as soon as possible.

Applications close on Friday, 3 March 2023

Please visit our website for an application form and full role description: https://www.sanctamaria.school.nz/ employment/

Apply via email enclosing application form, CV and covering letter to: The Business Manager at m.littlejohn@sanctamaria.school.nz

CARETAKER/PROPERTY MANAGER

Macleans Primary School is looking for a new Caretaker/Property Manager. Hours of work are from 7.30am-4pm, 5 days a week. Duties include general handyman jobs, lawn mowing and management of security and cleaning. The position begins April/early May; exact day to be confirmed.

Please send a CV and/or cover letter to the Principal, Matthew Cooke: m.cooke@macleansprimary.school.nz.

School visits are welcome as are any further questions/queries.

Please email Matthew if you have any further questions/queries or would like to organise a school visit.

DE286234

SITUATIONS

HOUSEKEEPING

Cleaning role at our Aged Care Hospital in Pakuranga. 30hrs/wk: Tues-Fri & Sun 8am-2.30pm. Please email your CV to brian@ambridgerose.co.nz DE281574-v2

DE286189

NCEA SUBJECT AND JUNIOR LITERACY/NUMERACY TUTORS REQUIRED

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

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

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

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

Please apply in writing, stating:

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

• Experience in these subjects and/or tutoring

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

• Preference to offer online or in-person tutoring

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

DE286276

by Friday 24 February, 2023

LIVE LOCAL, WORK LOCAL

KITCHEN HAND

Minimum between 15 & 17 hours/week

Pakuranga Park Village is seeking a kitchenhand to join our friendly, supportive team. We need your can-do attitude and your passion for working with older people. You must be able to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within the team. Ideally you will have some experience working in kitchens, however we will provide on the job training as required. Knowledge of food safety is an advantage but not essential.

JUNIOR CHEF

Minimum of 35hrs/week

Pakuranga Park Village is seeking a Junior Chef to join our supportive team. We need your can-do attitude, your honesty, your enthusiasm to learn and upskill and your passion for working with older people. You must be able to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within the team. Ideally you will have some experience working in kitchens, however we will provide on the job training as required. Knowledge of food safety is an advantage but not essential.

If you are interested in joining our family at Pakuranga Park Village apply online by scanning the QR code.

Winn tons up, women off to finals

By BEN PLUMMER

Despite weeks of cancelled cricket matches at the hand of Auckland’s sombre summer and extensive flooding, the Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club (HPCC) was perpetually impressive, storming to three dominant premier wins.

The HPCC premier men travelled to Te Atatu Park to take on Waitakere in their first two-day match of 2023, which was planned to be played on Saturday and Sunday.

Knowing that day two (Sunday) was likely to be rained off, the side was very keen to earn as many points as possible on day one.

After electing to bowl first, a slow, flat wicket made dismissing the Waitakere batting line-up a tall order.

HPCC’s legspinning duo of Harmeet Singh (4/71) and Kimesh Chetty (3/43) took some life out of the pitch and helped HPCC dismiss Waitakere for 213 after 75 overs.

This left just over 20 overs in the day for HPCC to chase the total, in an effort to get first innings points by the end of day one.

The HPCC batters went on the attack from ball one, destroying the Waitakere bowling line-up in the process.

Liam Winn (112* off 67 balls) led the mammoth chase, with 12 fours and 3 sixes, and scoring his second century of the 22/23 season.

Fellow opener Daniel Young (40 from 29 balls), youngster Lachie Stackpole (26 off 20 balls) and Andrew Morrison (25* off 12 balls) all played vital supporting roles.

 Story continues on page 17

Bongiovanni takes on new major rugby role

By BEN PLUMMER

Michael Bongiovanni is the new general manager at the Pakuranga United Rugby Club.

Bongiovanni, originally from the United States, moved to New Zealand in 2013 with his wife and three children and instantly became involved in the Howick-Pakuranga community.

“I think they were pretty excited to get a sports community guy in but not necessarily a rugby guy,” says Bongiovanni.

Bongiovanni’s name may be a familiar one in the baseball community, currently also holding the title as president of the Howick-Pakuranga Baseball Club.

He has also run the kitchen at the Bucklands Beach Association Football Club and served on the Parish Council at Our Lady Star of the Sea, a Catholic school in Howick.

Bongiovanni has an extensive background in business

management and is excited to manage the business of a sports club.

“I am excited for the future of Pakuranga United Rugby Club and the growth of the Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre,” Bongiovanni says.

“Increasingly sporting codes are finding ways to work together; this hasn’t always been by choice but necessity in order to survive and thrive,” he says.

BRAINSTORM TUITION

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

MATHS, ENGLISH, SCIENCE & STATISTICS TUITION

CAMBRIDGE, NCEA & ICAS

SOME AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS BY OUR STUDENTS:

Anonymous: $20,000 scholarship to Auckland University

Dulina: A level mocks 72/75 pure 45/50 stats (from year 12)

Golden: Up from 50% to 68% in one term

Justin: 80% for year 9 accelerated maths

Jacob: 95% for AS Maths mock exam. 85% for AS Physics

Jaqueline: 97% for milestone test on measurement

Justin: 90% for mid-year – 2nd in class

Gabriella: 87% for year 11 IG Physics

Nora: Merit for year 12 networks

Gabriella: 90% 3 for trig and geometry – top of class

Jacob: 87% for physics structured questions

Oliver: Excellence for level 3 mechanics milestone

Josh: Excellence for systems of equations.

Aakarsh: Excellence for year 12 Chemistry: “precipitants”

Harrison: 1st equal in fractions test – 59/60

Divya: 30% to 67% in 2 months

TESTIMONIALS:

“We are so happy and very thankful to you for giving directions to my sons. Also, we will always be grateful to you for making them confident enough to take the next step. Thank you so much again for everything you did for them.”

“Thanks for all your assistance and invaluable teaching for my Cambridge exams. I am also extremely thankful to Sachini and all my past tutors. I have received admission into Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University in Palmerston North.”

Expert Tutors Small Classes

Limited Spaces BOOK NOW

“An update on Jaimee: She got Level 2 Math Endorsed with Merit, which she wouldn’t have achieved without the work you did with her. She is maintaining Merit for her topic tests and internals so far this year, she feels it is because you gave her a solid foundation last year which has taken her well into this year.”

“Thank you very much for your fabulous knowledge” –Emma’s mum

“Thank you for your help all these years, I would have died otherwise.”

For

Bongiovanni says he is looking forward to an exciting season ahead for the Pakuranga club, which will include a 10-year anniversary celebration of their first Gallagher Shield win, which was in 2013.

He takes over the role from John East who had a shortterm stint as general manager from mid-2021.

There have also been big shifts in the coaching staff for the 2023 rugby season for Pakuranga.

Former director of Pakuranga rugby, Grant ‘Boof’ Henson, will take the reins this season as head coach of the premier men’s side, with Cole Mooney and Glen Rowe as assistant coaches.

Henson says the coaching crew is looking forward to building on the 2022 season.

“Last year we looked to improve the culture across our whole club, and the Premier team was relied heavily upon to model the behaviours that we want to strive for our peo-

TEACHING STYLE:

ple to live by,” he says.

As a coach, Henson brings plenty of experience, being involved in campaigns with the Chiefs age group and development sides, Manu Samoa and seven years as part of the coaching team for the Counties Manukau Steelers. He also played more than 100 games for the Counties Manukau side after debuting in 1998.

Henson says the coaching group is excited for the possibilities ahead.

“Last season we used 46 players on the field for the Premiers so we believe we have developed strong depth within the club. With depth comes competition for positions and with competition comes a more intense training environment which ultimately will lead to better rugby teams,” he says.

The Pakuranga premier rugby season gets underway on April 1 when they play Grammar TEC at Bell Park.

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

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

Up to year 11:

Casual $90 per lesson

5 lessons $400

10 lessons $750

40 lessons $2800

Year 12 and 13*:

Casual $100 per lesson

5 lessons $450

10 lessons $850

40 lessons $3200

Fees must be paid in advance. All lessons are for 2 hours

* This rate applies to ANY students studying at year 12 or above, including accelerated year 11 students

Term Times:

Monday to Friday: 3.30pm-5.30pm

Sunday: 1pm-3pm

LOCATION: 35 Macleans Rd opposite Macleans College

Michael Bongiovanni has started in his role as general manager for the Pakuranga United Rugby Club. Photo supplied