General election: race for the Beehive is on!
By CHRIS HARROWELLSmall armies of enthusiastic volunteers equipped with timber, power tools and political hoardings descended on east Auckland on Saturday to mark the start of the campaign for this year’s general election.
Candidates campaigning for Parliament at the election, scheduled to be held on October 14, are legally allowed to erect their hoardings from midnight on the day that marks nine weeks out from polling day.
Botany MP and National Party leader Christopher Luxon teamed up with his father, Graham Luxon, and a group of helpers to erect a campaign hoarding outside Paradice Ice Skating on the busy corner of Ti Rakau Drive and Botany Road.
Luxon told the news media his team had put up 200 hoardings that day and the plan was to erect a total of 220 across Botany.
“We have two months to go until the election.
“I think the choice is a very stark one between the ‘coalition of chaos’, or a strong, sta-
ble National Government that can rebuild our economy, lower the cost of living, deliver better health and education, and importantly, restore law and order in New Zealand.
“We’re excited about the campaign. It’s been awesome to be out here in Botany with our team who are doing a great job getting signs up and around the country and certainly across our electorate.”
Luxon was asked a number of questions by the news media, including about a South Island hospital’s emergency department, which has closed its doors at certain times due to a chronic staffing shortage.
He said it’s a “huge concern” and “what we’ve seen across the country is every health metric has gone backward”.
“A big part of that is we don’t have the workforce to create doc-
tors and nurses in regional hospitals in particular.
“That’s why National wants to open a third medical school with a particular focus on regional hospitals and community centres where the training would take place.
“Our belief is we would attract doctors and nurses into those areas, where they would stay.”
Luxon was asked about reports some candidates had erected their campaign hoardings just prior to the legally allowed midnight start time.
He said: “We had a lot of people out and about last night getting ready to go over midnight and into the early hours of this morning.
“We’ve had a lot more teams up and about today and that’s fantastic.
“We have a great country but we are heading in the wrong direction.
“New Zealanders know it. They understand it, and what they need is a strong, stable, Nationalled Government and that’s what they’re going to get on October 14.”
‘We’re going to come to a halt’
By CHRIS HARROWELLDeep cracks in an east Auckland road are causing concern about the impact on residents and the environment should they result in a large amount of silt falling into the water below.
A segment of Marine Parade in Mellons Bay, on the coastal side and adjacent to a grass bank, is impacted by a slip that’s seen one lane blocked to vehicles as cracks in the road continue to widen.
Local building company Faulkner Construction has a project under way on Marine Parade.
Managing director Ross Faulkner says he has major concerns about the potential for the slip to worsen.
“My concern at the moment is access for the neighbourhood to the west of the slip, and if they get cut off,” he told the Times
“The crack is through the centre of the road and if it goes further than that there’s going to be no way vehicles will get up there.”
Faulkner says his company’s building project on Marine Parade is “halfway through” and it’s scheduled to be finished by Christmas.
“This slip is going now and if the whole bank goes before then
we won’t be able to get all our service trucks in there. We’re going to come to a halt.”
He says a slip could take out the main sewer line, “because it’s very close to the slip line”.
“That’s going to be a major problem for anyone who lives up that end of the road, if they haven’t got a sewer line to be able to flush their toilets and have a shower.
“It’s a major failure of the cliff in that particular area and it’s been happening for 25 years.”
Faulkner says he contacted Auckland Transport (AT) via its website in November last year to raise concerns about the slip on Marine Parade, but never heard back.
“I know one of the neighbours has also been on their case.”
He says some repairs that “looked good for the first month” were carried out to the road.
“But then the whole lot started to go again, really badly now. It’s going to be a major issue for the locals.
“It’s a big slip. It’s a whole gully that’s going to go down there and it’s a wide area, probably about 50 metres wide from the road all the way to the cliff face.”
Faulkner is also worried about the potential environmental impact to marine life were the slip to fall into the ocean below.
“I want to know what the council is going to do when the slip comes.
“Are they going to let all that silt slowly disperse into the Hauraki Gulf or the Tamaki Straight?”
AT spokeswoman Natalie Polley says: “Any repair here is not a straightforward fix as there’s still some significant ground movement within this slip site.
“It’s been aggravated by the recent weather and six months of heavy rainfall/extreme weather.
“Our consultants have looked at some possible options we could consider for this slip, but these require further investigation and analysis which we are working on now.
“Marine Parade is under regular monitoring for further deterioration.”
Auckland Council’s Paul Klinac says: “We’re aware of the slip on Marine Parade and do not currently have concerns about debris or silt to the coastal environment.
“However, we’ll continue to monitor and support Auckland Transport, as required.”
Brown: What am I to do in emergencies?
By LAURA KVIGSTAD,Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland’s Mayor has asked for clear guidance on how future emergencies will be handled at Auckland Council.
At an Extraordinary Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee on July 25, members approved the draft Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
Plan for consultation.
The plan includes roles and responsibilities for officials including elected members like Mayor Wayne Brown.
While Brown acknowledged the responsibilities were laid out he wanted very clear guidance on what his role was during emergencies. “I think this document deserves to have a structure about what happens when something’s happening – when the bomb goes off, I have got to really worry about what’s going
on,” Brown said.
He said during flooding in January he was told how to declare a state of emergency but did not really know what was going on. “How can I be absolutely sure that the right person is going to tell me at the right time?” Brown asked.
He said he wanted the document to be explicit because he was “still not sure,” what he was supposed to be doing.
“I need to be absolutely sure when we send out a manage-
ment plan to be announced that when I am quizzed about my position that I feel confident that I know what is going to happen.”
Auckland Emergency Management general manager Paul Amaral said he was taking responsibility for communicating with the mayor.
“[The document] does not have the operating procedures. We are developing operating procedures for all the different functions and all that detail will sit in an operational document
that is not part of this document,” Amaral said.
He said he would meet with the mayor to hash out the details of how things will work in an emergency.
Cr Ken Turner said the document created more questions than answers. “It is like all the other resilience documents we have all over the place. All verbiage, a lot of philosophy, with little specification and it stimulates in me more questions than it does answers,” Turner said.
to 8
It’s going to be a major issue for the locals.”
– ROSS FAULKNER
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Ruskin the dog is helping to keep alive his late owners’ memory after they were tragically killed in a car crash in east Auckland.
The four-year-old fox terrier was the only occupant of the vehicle he was travelling in to survive a crash in Botany on May 31.
It claimed the lives of popular local artists and devoted animal lovers David and Jill McArthur, who were aged in their 80s, and their other dog, Misty Rose, when a vehicle collided with theirs on Botany Road at about 2.42pm.
A police investigation into the crash is ongoing.
The couple’s daughter, who doesn’t want her name published, is now caring for Ruskin.
She says immediately following the crash the dog was rushed by persons unknown to Sommerville Veterinary Centre.
“He had a few scratches but internally he was okay,” she told the Times “He was the lucky one. We didn’t know he’d survived.”
She and her siblings are immensely grateful to the person or people who stepped up to help.
“One of the things we would like to say is ‘thank you’ to the people who transported him. We don’t know who they are.
“And ‘thank you’ to Sommerville Vets because one of the vets there was taking him home at night and caring for him. I didn’t know what to expect but when we got there he was so happy to see us.”
In another act of kindness from the local community, people generously donated money to help pay Ruskin’s vet bill, which came to more than $1000.
“We weren’t expecting that,” she says. “We got a phone call from the vet saying the Auckland Beagle Club and a couple of other people had asked whether they could donate to help with the vet bill.
“He’s really good and he’s come a long way. I’ve got two dogs and he’s become part of the pack.
“He goes bush and to the beach every day. He is very loved.”
She says Ruskin recently started at doggy day care and he loves it. “I’m really happy I’m able to do this for Mum and Dad.”
By CHRIS HARROWELLEast Auckland members of the Killer Beez gang are among those targeted by police as part of an investigation into alleged unlawful behaviour during a funeral procession.
Police executed 20 search warrants on August 9 to seize vehicles of interest from properties in suburbs including Half Moon Bay and Flat Bush, as well as in communities across south Auckland.
Counties Manukau East Police prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says 14 vehicles and motorcycles were seized and three people arrested during the operation.
He says police were deployed to the funeral, held at Manukau Memorial Gardens and which drew a large gang presence, on July 10.
Police have clear expectations around how the people involved needed to behave on the day and gang members were told police would respond to any issues, he says.
“The large gathering of bikes and vehicles affected part of the
Southern Motorway and several people were witnessed driving dangerously or in un-roadworthy vehicles,” Cook says.
“Police have zero tolerance for driving behaviour that puts other road users at risk.
“The bikes and vehicles seized have been responsible for nuisance driving in the community, including doing burnouts in public areas and driving dangerously.
“The community has had enough and we hope this reassures residents that police will continue to target dangerous and nuisance driving.
“Any offending will be investigated and follow-up action taken.”
Cook says as part of the crackdown, a 27-year-old man was arrested for sustained loss of traction. He will appear in the Manukau District Court later this month.
A 28-year-old man was arrested for dangerous driving, possession for supply of cannabis, and possession of a weapon. He will appear in the Manukau District Court at a later date.
One other person was arrested for an unrelated matter while two other people were summonsed for dangerous driving.
Foxy survivor starts new life Police swoop on Killer Beez
Cook says police work hard to ensure their communities are kept safe.
He’s pleased with what he deems to have been a “very successful” operation.
“We employ a number of strategies to target offenders and reduce victimisation, including the execution of search warrants to recover vehicles unfit for road use.
“We will continue to actively target those involved in anti-social and criminal activity.”
On the day of the funeral, Cook said police arrested two people following the mourners’ procession through parts of Manukau.
“Both arrests were in relation to breaching their court imposed bail conditions.
“An imitation firearm was also seized by police.
“Further follow up enquires will now get under way into the driving behaviour by those involved in the procession.”
HOWICK COLLEGE OLYMPIC CHAMPION’S YALE AWARD
By BEN PLUMMERHowick College’s first ever rower-turned-Olympicchampion has been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards at Yale University’s graduation ceremony.
Daniel Williamson, 23, was awarded Yale’s William Neely Mallory Award in May for his efforts in rowing during his time at the esteemed university.
“This was a special one, a very special one. A place like Yale is a very academic-heavy institution and there are numerous prizes for academics but only two for sport, so to be one of two people representing all the athletes of Yale was a very proud moment,” says Williamson.
The William Neely Mallory Award is presented to a senior man who, on the field of play and in his life at Yale, best represents the highest ideals of American sportsmanship and Yale tradition.
“For his tremendous athletic accomplishment on one of the greatest Yale rowing teams of all time, his relentlessly hard work, and his excellence as a person and a teammate on a team that requires that every man pull hard at the oar, Yale takes great pride in awarding the William Neely Mallory Award to Dan Williamson,” said a spokesperson for Yale University.
Williamson attended Howick College for three years. During that time, he played a raft of different sports but “struggled with all of them,” he says.
It wasn’t until year 10 when a childhood friend of Williamson asked if he wanted to give rowing a try. Intrigued, Williamson went out to the Counties Manukau shed at Mercer one Saturday and jumped in a boat with his friend and his friend’s mum, who was also a rower.
“That was it really. I just kept going back each weekend, then started to do more sessions on the rowing machine during the week, and then, all of a sudden, I found myself doing it full time. I never looked back,” he says.
And thus sparked the beginning of rowing at Howick College. Williamson was the school’s flag bearer at the Maadi Cup regatta in his first year of rowing, not to mention their only competitor.
Williamson says it was his then coach, Raechel Cummins, who got his rowing career off the ground.
Cummins lent Williamson her own boat and oars, allowed him to train on her rowing machine in her garage and would pick
him up each morning for practice at whichever boat club was happy to have them.
“It was a pretty small and personal operation and I will forever be grateful to Raechel for her dedication toward me,” Williamson says.
Fast forward seven years, Williamson says “it is pretty cool to see plenty of Howick coloured oars out at the big regattas mixing it up with some of the most competitive programmes in the country”.
Williamson completed his final two years of high school at Kings College, where he and his crew mates earned four gold and two bronze medals at the Aon Maadi Cup, including gold in the coveted U18 Pair while Williamson and his partner were only 16-years-old.
At the 2018 Rocket Foods New Zealand Rowing Championships, Williamson won the U20 Pair, U22 Pair, and U22 Coxless Four in dominant fashion, leading him to forgo his World Rowing Junior Championship eligibility and be selected straight into the New Zealand team, to compete at the 2018 World Rowing U23 Championships in Poland. His crew of four took home bronze. Williamson departed New Zealand to the US to study at Yale where he was the first first-year oarsmen at Yale ever to sit in the stroke seat of the winning Varsity 8. He was a member of the 2019 and 2022 IRA national championship crew.
As Covid-19 struck and the Yale rowing season subsequently cancelled, Williamson found himself taking a year off his studies
to return to New Zealand with nothing to do but row.
With the 2020 Summer Olympics also being postponed due to Covid, Williamson found himself as part of the rebuild for the NZ Men’s 8 squad and, before long, was on the plane to compete in Tokyo at only 21.
Alongside other esteemed Kiwi rowers Hamish Bond, Thomas Mackintosh, Tom Murray, Michael Brake, Phillip Wilson, Shaun Kirkham, Matt Macdonald and Sam Bosworth, Williamson won the gold medal.
“Going to the Tokyo Olympics – never mind winning a medal, or a gold medal – was not supposed to happen for me. It was never a part of my plan. It actually took many months for me to fully understand and accept that it had happened, I was almost in
denial for a while,” Williamson says.
There was no rest after that for Williamson, who returned to Yale straight after the Olympics to complete his studies in an astronomy major and row the university to another IRA national championship in 2022.
“It took me a year to get back to New Zealand and celebrate the Olympic win with my family,” he says.
Williamson’s athletic achievement has been called “close to incomprehensible” by his Yale coach, Steve Gladstone, who is recognised as one of the greatest rowing coaches of all time.
As for what’s next, Williamson has his sights set on winning another medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and will spend his New Zealand summer training at Lake Karapiro.
In May next year, Williamson and his crew head to Europe for four months to prepare for the Olympics. During that time, they will compete in two world cups in Poland and Switzerland as part of their preparation and have training camps in Italy and Belgium.
“We train two to three times a day for six days a week, and when our day off rolls around, you are usually too tired to get out and do anything. So, not quite the touristy European summer most people would expect we have,” Williamson says.
Howick College says Williamson is a young man who works hard to achieve all he sets out to. “He is an inspiration to all young people, proving that if you set yourself clear goals, work hard and believe in yourself, doors that at first appeared closed will open to you.”
“This was a special one, a very special one. A place like Yale is a very academicheavy institution and there are numerous prizes for academics but only two for sport, so to be one of two people representing all the athletes of Yale was a very proud moment.”
DANIEL WILLIAMSON
Charity store scoops awards
By CHRIS HARROWELLThe team at a popular east Auckland charity store are being recognised for their hard work and drive to get results.
The Salvation Army Howick Family Store, based in Rices Mall, recently scooped a trio of awards in the charity’s Auckland Central Area. It was named Top Store runner-up, Surplus to Sales; Top Store runner-up, Sales to Target; and manager Myra Tissing was named Team Leader of the Year.
“It means a great deal for the store and for Howick,” Tissing told the Times. “It’s not a competition. It’s just running the store properly and organising the stuff that comes in and putting the right prices on them. People come here and they love it.”
The store sells a huge variety of stock including furniture,
books, clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac, CDs, jewellery, and more.
Money it makes from sales is used to fund services the Salvation Army provides to people in need around the country.
in Burswood, Glen Innes, Mount Albert, Mount Eden and Howick.
“We visit each others’ stores to see how well everybody is doing,” she says. “We share what we’ve got too many of and we share it out to other stores as well.”
Tissing has been at the store for more than 14 years and she’s chuffed to be named Team Leader of the Year. “I just love it, this is my passion. I’ve won other awards in my life but this is big because it’s for the community.”
The Howick store has three paid staff and about eight volunteers, who do an amazing job, she says. “My volunteers are the best volunteers you can have. They’re responsible and they work hard.
She says the store won sales awards because of its stock and its team’s efforts to meet their targets.
“We have to earn the money to hit the sales target or surplus. We work very hard to get those two [awards]. We work as a group, we support each other, and the girls love what they’re doing.”
ager, Ryan D’Gama, as a factor in the store’s success. “He’s brilliant and supportive and he’s always bringing in something for us. He appreciates what we do and he goes to the other stores and does the same thing.
“They love what we put out there and it’s affordable,” Tissing says of the store’s customers.
The charity’s Auckland Central Area includes its Family Stores
EAST AUCKLAND’S BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION
“When I’m off work, if something happens, they take over the role and work more than one day. They work three or four days and they come in and fit in wonderfully.”
Howick
The store’s staff and volunteers learned they’d earned the awards at an event staged at the Salvation Army’s headquarters in Mount Wellington.
Tissing praises her area man-
“The people who come in here to shop, we appreciate them, and also our people who donate the goods we sell.
“There’s really good stuff here and we clean and wash it and get it sparkling so it looks nice on the shelf. We thank them for bringing their stuff here to Howick.”
“My volunteers are the best volunteers you can have. They’re responsible and they work hard.”
– MYRA TISSING
Howick Guitar School
Crime under the spotlight with election looming
By CHRIS HARROWELLConcerns over New Zealand’s growing lawlessness drew several hundred people to a public meeting to hear what the National Party would do to reduce crime if it wins this year’s general election.
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown hosted the recent event at St Columba Church in Botany alongside National Party police spokesperson Mark Mitchell.
Brown said National will restore law and order “as part of our leader Christopher Luxon’s plan to get New Zealand back on track”. “It starts with restoring law and order and making sure we have a plan to ensure you are safe in your home, in your street, and in your business.”
Mitchell, a former police officer, said public safety across the country has “gone backward rapidly in the last six years”. “I have seen lawlessness, I’ve seen gang members who feel like they can come out on our streets and take them over and intimidate and abuse law-abiding members of our society. I’ve seen a huge spike and an over 500 per cent increase in youth and juvenile offending, from ram-raids through to serious aggravated robberies.
“I’ve seen a 70 per cent increase in gang members in this country.”
Mitchell described the Mongrel Mob’s takeover of Opotiki in the Bay of Plenty in June as a “debacle”.
“They had to close the schools because it was almost physically impossible for parents to get to them. “Do you think parents want to drop their children off when you’ve got 300 patched gang members milling around outside, doing burnouts, drinking, the profanity, and the intimidation?
He said strict supervision orders and electronic monitoring should be used for youth and juvenile offending. “So we actually know where they are, because a 10-year-old isn’t just a risk to the community, they’re a risk to themselves. “We said we would fund community organisations and make sure they’re properly supported, to wrap the sup-
port around these young people, but they have to demonstrate they can deliver results.”
Mitchell said National would introduce military academies for offenders aged 15 to 17 years old.
“We made this announcement because I believe this is the most effective way of removing those 15 to 17 year olds out of the community where they’re doing harm.
“At the same time, we invest in them, and we put them in an environment where it’s Defence-led, [with] police mentors, Ministry of Social Development, partnering with community organisations and the private sector to deliver job fairs.
“You put them in an environment with the best mentors and role models we have as a country and we invest in them and we try and get them back on the right track.”
If that isn’t done, they’ll end up in the adult justice system and it’s then “much harder to turn them around, much harder to rehabilitate”.
Mitchell also talked about how National would crack down on offending by gang members, empower police to seize illegal firearms and address the ability of judges to excessively reduce prison sentences.
VAPING AND ADDICTION TALK
Two local clinical psychologists will head a talk at Howick College next week to address vaping, addictions and strategies for parents.
Clinicians from The Psychology Group – Anmol Chawla and Dr Kirsten Davis – will discuss the increasing prevalence of vaping amongst youth and the psychological aspects of addiction.
“We will provide practical advice for parents and caregivers to have brave conversations to both understand vaping and motivate their young person to make decisions around their use,” says Davis.
“The aim is to provide valuable insights and evidence-based strategies to create a safer and healthier environment for our youth, fostering their wellbeing and guiding them towards a brighter future.”
The event is on Tuesday, August 22, 6.45pm for 7pm at Howick College’s Bill Dimmery Performing Arts Centre in Sandspit Rd, Howick.
Cost: $5 cash koha/donation at the door.
Your Local Experts In Your Local Paper
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Experienced plastic surgeon gets results
Plastic surgeon Amber Moazzam is known for his compassionate and down-to-earth approach and his ability to make patients feel comfortable and listened to.
He brings more than 27 years’ experience to his work and is based in modernwlises in reconstruction, burns and scarring, skin cancer, and hand surgery and has worked as a specialist consultant for almost two decades.
The bulk of his work at his premises at the marina relates to skin cancer surgeries as well as hand surgery such as carpel tunnel, trigger finger, and Dupuytren’s contracture, which can impact people who spend a lot of time on boats.
He also performs a range of breast surgeries including enlargements and reductions.
“I also do breast reconstruction for women who have had a mastectomy,” Amber says.
“If it’s a procedure that would be done under local anaesthetic or simple sedation, we have a very well-equipped theatre in our rooms here at the marina and we’re able to do the surgery here. The theatre is staffed by nurses who are trained and very experienced in plastic surgery.”
Amber performs surgeries that require general anaesthesia at Ormiston Hospital. Patients who arrive at Amber’s clinic at the marina will be greeted warmly at reception before he takes them through to the room for the appointment.
“We listen about what their issues are and what they’re looking for,” he says. “We have a discus-
sion until they’re happy and have answered all their questions. If there are any issues later, they can contact the clinic and talk to us. The channels are always open.”
His practice is accredited by health insurance company Southern Cross and he handles ACC cases.
Amber says he may be another
option for patients currently in the public health sector but who can’t keep waiting for whatever reason.
“Because of the pandemic, public hospitals are being put under a lot of pressure and sometimes have to cancel procedures, so I’m seeing more patients enquiring about how I can help them,” Amber says.
“I’m happy to talk to people
about the options we can provide.”
Amber underwent specialist training in plastic surgery in the UK, worked as a surgeon in Northern Ireland, and ran a prominent burns centre in the UK for two years as a consultant.
“We moved here and I started working at Middlemore Hospital as a consultant when it was establishing a burns centre. It’s the largest plastic surgery unit in New Zealand.
“I performed reconstructive and hand surgery in the plastic surgery department and burns surgery with the National Burns Centre.”
Amber’s skills were called on to help treat people who suffered serious burns injuries in the eruption of Whakaari White Island in 2019.
His patients are primarily referred by their GPs, but people can also phone or email his practice at the Marina to book a consultation.
“I’m happy to consult and give them advice,” he says.
“There’s no pressure to have a procedure carried out and we don’t make them feel rushed.
“We always try to make sure the client feels comfortable and has confidence they’re dealing with professional people who have expertise and experience.”
VOTING CONCERNS
The ballot boxes should be sealed both top and bottom.
Also they should be numbered and every one accounted for. At present it is far too easy for an additional box to be smuggled in or one taken out or ballot papers to be removed or added.
We are voting for people to be members of Parliament to make our laws and control our country and its destiny. This should be done by its citizens not by people who are citizens of another country which is what permanent residents are.
The countries of the permanent residents may have policies that are in conflict with those of New Zealand but because of the permanent residents block voting, they can alter the composition of our government and inflict those laws, which are contrary to our interests, on us.
Will the politicians have the guts to restrict the right to vote to citizens or will they pander to the permanent residents who make up a large proportion of their electorate?
Arthur Moore, Pakuranga TREES CUT DOWN IN RESERVE
Due to the persistent adverse weather conditions in Auckland since the start of the year, there has been a notable occurrence of landslides and fallen trees within the Mangemangeroa Reserve.
Regrettably, it has come to our attention that an individual from the community has taken it upon themselves to fell live cabbage trees and a Mamaku (black fern) tree in order to create a makeshift bridge over one of the landslides located on the southern side of the reserve.
These particular trees hold significant value in the ongoing
restoration efforts of the reserve. These trees are 11 years old, having been planted in 2013 through the collaborative efforts of the Friends of Mangemangeroa, local schools and the community.
The trees originated from ecologically sourced native specimens and have since flourished to a point where they play a pivotal role in soil stabilisation.
Auckland Council is informed about the landslides and resultant damage that have affected the reserve. Reports submitted by The Friends of Mangemangeroa and concerned members of the public have conveyed the incidents to the authorities.
In response, the council has taken measures to install warning fences and tape in the affected areas. Regrettably, these precautions have been repeatedly removed by members of the public utilising the reserve.
For those venturing into the reserve, please exercise caution while walking in the reserve. We are hoping that the Auckland Council will promptly address these issues, ensuring the safety of those who derive enjoyment from exploring the reserve.
Marion Skelton, Chairperson, Friends of MangemangeroaHOW CAN A THIS IS HYPOCRISY
BlackRock [the world’s largest investment and risk management firm] is the biggest investor in 12 fossil fuel expansion projects that could drain 3/4 of the global carbon budget.
[Prime Minister Chris] Hipkins’ ignorance, including the threat spent solar panels pose to future generations’ drinking water, already in dire straits, is hypocrisy almost beyond belief.
Gary Hollis, Mellons BayUkraine fundraising
Dr Elena Artyukh (local Howick dentist for 22 years) and Valeriy Boyko (logistics) both Ukrainian born New Zealanders, joined a global campaign to take action by fundraising to help Ukraine. A supporter from east Auckland gives an update below.
Like many people I had wanted to do something to help the people of Ukraine, but in a tangible way.
I knit so I mentioned my idea to family, friends, and colleagues and, along with others from Waipu to Whanganui who heard about the knitting project, we made several hundred woollen jerseys for babies and children, which were sent to Ukraine and distributed to maternity hospitals and locals in need. Each jersey had a heart shaped cut out with the message, “With Love from NZ”.
Robyn, a generous supporter, supplied Italian thermal fabric to the Highland Park sewing group, who offered me a bundle. I cannot sew but thought if I could find people with overlockers and time, we could make thermals.
So, Janet a friend from Whangaparoa, sorted patterns, templates and overlockers and our first working bee was underway. Michelle from Beachlands organised another working bee, we drew and cut out piles of long johns and got sewing. Others from the Beachlands, Maraetai and Clevedon area, including the church, helped sew over 400 thermal tops and pants for newborns aged two years through to 10 years. A company kindly donated the elastic. Rachel from Beachlands spent many evenings sewing and she completed about 150 items. Valeriy and Elena, local Ukrainian Kiwis, who were aware of the needs of people in the war zone, said there was a
need for wraps, so we made 80. Patsy from Pakuranga edged 60. Each article was stamped with a label “Made in NZ with Love” till the stamp ran out.
Many people assisted with enabling this project to be such a great success, a few letters accompanied parcels saying they were very grateful for the opportunity to contribute, they wanted to do something but did not know how to.
The project was an absolutely privilege to organise and facilitate and a pleasure to be able to help keep folks in Ukraine warm in the coming winter.
Valeriy met with Jane and Sarah [of the Howick Village Association] and we can now confirm that we will be returning to Howick on Saturday, August 19 for a fundraising event and also to say our big thanks to all of our supporters from the community.
Our fundraising stall will be at the corner of Picton St and Uxbridge Rd (Howick Rotunda).
Let’s not continue to fail our kids
Education achievement has been in decline for the last 30 years and a recent NCEA pilot exposed just how far achievement has fallen.
It showed that two-thirds of New Zealand students failed to pass the new minimum literacy and numeracy standards for NCEA, while 98 per cent of Decile
One Year 10 students failed a basic writing test.
This is utterly unacceptable. National believes our kids should be totally focused on learning the basics, so last week I was proud to announce a ban on cell phone use in schools.
National has already announced our Teaching the Basics Brilliantly plan, which will ensure every primary and intermediate pupil has one hour each of reading, writing and maths
every day. To make the most of that, cell phones will be off and out-of-reach for the entire day –not just class time.
Teachers and parents have told us the use of devices is affecting schoolwork and contributing to a lack of socialisation during breaks – and social media is a perpetrator of bullying. Research also indicates there are health and social benefits to reducing screen time.
Many schools here and overseas have experienced positive outcomes, including improved achievement, after banning the use of cell phones.
Student achievement has declined over the past three decades, jeopardising kids’ future livelihoods and threatening New Zealand’s future prosperity.
While New Zealand once
ranked in the top 10 OECD nations in maths, science, and reading, we have fallen outside the top 10 in all three core subjects and more than half of Year 8 students are behind expectations in maths, science and writing according to the National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement.
Schools will be able to decide
exactly how they enforce the cell phone ban, but it could mean requiring students to hand in their phones before school or leave them in their lockers or bags. Parents will still be able to contact students via the school office, and exceptions for students with health conditions or special circumstances will be permitted.
Education should be the great enabler that means every New Zealand child can pursue their aspirations regardless of where they start in life.
However, when half of Year 10 students cannot meet basic reading and writing benchmarks needed to succeed in further learning, work, and life, we are failing our children.
Christopher Luxon is National Party Leader and MP for BotanyPaul Stephens, one of our supporters and an experienced string player, will join us. He will perform a programme of Ukrainian and world music to help raise funds for our campaign.
Want to contribute?
Check out our givealittle page set up to help Ukrainian hospitals with medical supplies and provide humanitarian aid to the misplaced Ukrainian people.
www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/ medical-and-humanitarianhelp-for-ukraine
Emma [surname withheld], East Auckland
BOMB THREAT AT SUPERMARKET
People were evacuated from an east Auckland supermarket after police received a report of a “bomb threat”.
A police spokesperson says police received a report shortly before 6pm on August 12 of the threat made against a retail premises on Pakuranga Road, Highland Park. It’s understood the premises in question is the Countdown supermarket. Several people who were at the store at the time posted about the incident on local community Facebook pages.
“The premises was closed by store management while police attended and conducted enquiries within the premises,” the spokesperson says. “At this time the threat has not been substantiated and it is believed to have been a hoax.”
The incident comes just over a week since a threat was allegedly made to carry out a shooting at Botany Downs Secondary College. That threat, made on August 3, is being investigated by police and the school remains open for learning.
Four secondary schools from east off to 1st XV finals
By BEN PLUMMERAfter an exciting weekend of schoolboy rugby, four east Auckland schools are off to their respective 1st XV finals.
With an unbeaten round robin season under their belt, Saint Kentigern College were clear favourites in their 1A semi-final against De La Salle College.
St Kents took the upper hand at half time with a 17-15 lead.
The men in white and blue had to defend courageously in the second half with De La Salle scoring early and converting to take a 22-17 lead. In the dying minutes of the game St Kents crossed the line in the corner but were unable to convert.
After 70 minutes, the two sides couldn’t be separated, settling on a 22-22 draw.
With St Kents scoring the first try of the match, they have progressed through to the prestigious 1A 1st XV final this weekend against Sacred Heart College.
It has been six years since St Kents were 1A champions, ironically beating Sacred Heart 26-19 in 2017 at Eden Park.
Meanwhile, it will be an all-east Auckland final in the 1st XV 1B competition, with Howick College and Botany Downs Secondary College (BDSC) each winning their semi-finals. BDSC made light work of Avondale College, storming to a 42-5 victory. As for Howick College, it was a bit more of a nail-biter, managing to offset Tamaki College’s home advantage and prevail 18-15.
The two east Auckland schools will do battle on Saturday for bragging rights and the 1st XV 1B championship.
Macleans College are also through to the final of the bottom 7 pool in the 1B competition after a comprehensive 26-5 win over Otahuhu College at the weekend.
AUCKLAND 1ST XV
RUGBY SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:
1A Semi-Final: St Kents
1st XV vs De La Salle
Times photos Wayne Martin 1A
SF1: Saint Kentigern College 22 - De La Salle College 22
SF2: Sacred Heart College 32Auckland Grammar School 8
1B (Top 8)
SF1: Botany Downs Secondary College 42 – Avondale College
5
SF2: Howick College 18 –Tamaki College 15
1B (Bottom 7)
SF1: Macleans College 26 – Otahuhu College 5
SF2: Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate 20 - Southern Cross Campus 14
AUCKLAND 1ST XV
RUGBY FINAL FIXTURES:
1B (Bottom 7): Macleans College vs Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate (Venue TBC)
1B (Top 8): Howick College vs Botany Downs Secondary College at BDSC (Venue TBC)
1A: Saint Kentigern College vs Sacred Heart College at Saint Kentigern College (Venue TBC)
Sun, views & spacious luxury at Park Avenue Apartments
James Donovan Solicitor
James G. Donovan L.L.B.
James Donovan Solicitors has been established for 34 years and is the oldest law firm in Howick. It represents more than three decades of experience in High and District Courts, and has built up an in depth knowledge of all aspects of services needed in relation to court work, conveyancing, matrimonial, traffic, family law and estates with particular reference to trusts and wills.
Come and experience a choice of two beautiful show apartments we have available, where you can wake up every day to spacious luxury and wonderful north facing views. Our residents rave about the size and quality of their new homes and the perfect location is just the icing on the cake!
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Experience and balanced judgement are the watch words of this practice.
Pop in for a visit, or call 09 576 5990 or 027 314 5767 to arrange a personal viewing.
As we come to terms with an economy in recession, advertising can seem like the last thing on your mind. But it can be money well spent.
During a downturn the uncertainty will, understandably, make us avoid unnecessary spending and extra expenses. But there are advantages to be had when you continue to advertise. Studies during previous unstable global periods have proven this.
By advertising when others are holding
back, could gain you a competitive edge. It sends out a message to readers that you have a strong and stable presence. This increases consumer confidence and attracts more people to your brand.
Your services will still be needed going forward so this is the right time to get your message out there.
While sales may not go through the roof just yet, it’s timely to rethink your plan and build brand awareness. When customers do spend, your business will be top of mind.
Asiata takes silver at Youth Commonwealth Games
By BEN PLUMMERMacleans College Year 12
student Danielle Asiata has tasted success, winning one of three silver medals for New Zealand at the Youth Commonwealth Games.
The 16-year-old was one of 12 swimmers selected to race for New Zealand at the Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
She competed in two events, the women’s 400m individual medley and 200m individual medley.
Asiata breezed through her heat for the 400m individual medley, finishing first to progress to the final.
She took second place in the final, finishing 0.32 seconds behind first place.
“I just went into autopilot as soon as I hit the water,” Asiata says.
“I followed the steps my coach and I had been prepping and on that last lap really gave it
everything to bring it home.”
Asiata narrowly missed out on a second medal in the women’s 200m individual medley, finishing fourth. “To be taking a medal back to New Zealand is amazing, I’m over the moon. I didn’t expect it and just want to say a huge thanks to all my supporters,” she says. Her qualification for the Youth Commonwealth Games came on the back of her results at the
National Age Group Swimming
Championships in April this year.
She took gold in the 200m and 400m individual medleys, silver in the 100m backstroke and 200m butterfly and bronze in the 50m and 200m freestyle events.
She joined her current club (HPK Swim Club) at age seven to pursue swimming at a higher level. Following her success at the games, Asiata was also selected as
Club Spirit Honours award for Howick
By BEN PLUMMER
Howick Tennis Club [HTC] has been honoured with the Club Spirit Honours award at the Tennis Auckland Gala Dinner to celebrate 100 years of Stanley Street.
“In the company of well-recognised players of the sport both in New Zealand and famous names internationally, Howick Tennis Club was both humble and proud to accept the award at this historic event held at the Cordis Hotel for over 400 guests,” says the club’s vets convenor Lindsay Olney.
The club came together on March 10 to run a highly successful tournament and raise funds for a Hawke’s Bay tennis
club after Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged its facilities.
The Waipawa Lawn Tennis Club’s courts and facilities were severely damaged during the extreme weather conditions of Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay.
In total, $3330 was raised to help aid the club.
Tennis Auckland also acknowledged that players and visitors feel that the club ‘has a great vibe’.
The criteria for the honour covers community involvement, social events, club days, spectator support, team and tournament opportunities for all levels, sportsmanship and fair play.
Both social and competitive tennis are major HTC activities. Interclub, club champs, tourna-
flag bearer for New Zealand at the closing ceremony.
ments and long-standing trophy events are a feature of club play across all levels and combinations (singles, doubles, juniors and seniors and parents and children).
“The club is inclusive and family-centric. Juniors are carefully coached in sportsmanship and behaviours that enhance the game and, from youngsters to seniors, all are encouraged to take part in competitive play giving them the opportunity to develop tennis and life skills that bring credit to the club and the game,” says Olney.
“It was a great night in the history of Tennis Auckland and a great night that will go down in the history of the 121-year-old Howick Tennis Club.”
super-honoured the closing ceremony flagbearer New close for prin-
“I’m super-honoured to be the closing ceremony flagbearer for New Zealand. It was such an amazing experience and to be able to close for the New Zealand team is really awesome,” she said.
Macleans College principal Steven Hargreaves says Asiata’s results at the games were fantastic and staff can’t wait to celebrate her success with the whole school.
“We have acknowledged her regional and national swimming successes previously, but this is a whole new level.
“She is an extremely hard-working and disciplined person who gives her very best in everything she does and now she is reaping the rewards of that dedication,” Hargreaves says.
Fencibles AFC record draw against Ngaruawahia
By BEN PLUMMERRound 19 of the Northern Region Football League (NRFL)
Men’s Championship saw Fencibles United AFC play host to Ngaruawahia United AFC.
Fencibles AFC found them-
selves on the back foot after a Ngaruawahia penalty midway through the first half and went into half-time 1-0 down. A goal to Fencibles’ Kodie Nichol in the second half evened the scores. Full Time: Fencibles 1 – Ngaruawahia 1.
DAZZLING AERIAL DISPLAY
Some stunning action in the skies, to Barbie Beauty and an amazing giveaway, enjoy!
Continued from page 15.
Dave Brown thrives on pushing boundaries and taking calculated risks.
The chief flying instructor and flight examiner for New Zealand Warbirds understand the gravity of extreme precision, aerial coordination, and meticulous attention to detail, as he leads the high energy Roaring 40s Harvard Formation team to showcase awe-inspiring aerobatic feats. The commercial and aerobatic pilot has been a part of jawdropping aviation moments over the last 50 years but doesn’t allow himself to get complacent.
“There is a lot of trust and training involved,” says Brown who trains pilots in aerobatic, and airshow displays. “Everyone must be at the right speed, altitude, angle, and as the pilots are formatting off me in the lead, I need to be extremely precise throughout the display. There is a lot of responsibility, trust factor on both sides, time commitment, and strict regulations to be followed.”
The Roaring Forties Display team are known to be the flagbearers of New Zealand Warbirds.
Flying ex-RNZAF Harvard trainers promises to be a captivating, visual spectacle as the highly skilled, precision formation team pay a tribute to those who served in the armed forces by their stunning display.
The Harvard has been synonymous with the thrilling international airshow since the very first event in 1988.
The flying display at the Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 are expected to draw around 50,000 spectators.
“Wanaka is the most picturesque part of the country,
“By the age of 23, I started flying the Skyhawk. Now, when I think of it, we were twenty-something and bullet- proof! We’d fly halfway across the world with not much fuel and a planeload of weapons.”
which is amazing for the aviation enthusiasts and visitors alike, that fly in from different parts of the world for the airshow,” says Brown, also an investigator for aviation accidents and safety incidents. “But in terms of the terrain, the mountains around Wanaka, do pose a challenge. We use the visual horizon a lot and so must take many factors into account. Also, in display flying, no two days are the same with direction of the wind and weather conditions that keeps changing.”
Taking after his father, who served on bombers in the Pacific during WW2, Brown was barely 18 when he joined the Air Force.
The Half Moon Bay resident joined the RNZAF in 1978 and took to the skies with No. 75 Squadron where he operated Skyhawks. He notably served as the Strikemaster display pilot in 1988 and 1989.
“By the age of 23, I started flying the Skyhawk. Now, when I think of it, we were twentysomething and bullet- proof! We’d fly halfway across the world with not much fuel and a planeload of weapons. The average age was 25. What possibly could go wrong?” he laughs.
“These days the training takes longer,” says Brown whose son
Alastair is also a former transport pilot in the Air Force.
Talking about the adrenalinfuelled days, he acknowledges that while his dad made it a point to attend all his display airshows, his mum chose not to witness them.
“She was not a big fan of it. Mum used to say I was crazy and would kill myself doing it,” Brown reflects.
The father of three, has also been an airline pilot with Cathay Pacific. He took an early retirement after 28 years of flying the big passenger aircrafts across the globe, to avoid the constant jetlag and lack of sleep which has also enabled some longer holidays with his wife.
From piloting Warbirds to commanding Airbus A350 and jumbo jets, Brown also does test flying to check the airworthiness of newly refurbished/rebuilt aircrafts. Nothing frazzles this seasoned aviation instructor and flight examiner who believes that it’s not about the risk involved as there is a proper process to everything.
Ask him to compare flying Warbirds to airline flying, and he says, “The Harvards are 80 years old and still going! They have a lot of personality! Its main appeal is the lack of technology. It’s a pilot’s aeroplane. Many pilots have learnt their flying skills on it. There are no gadgets. It’s also a part of history as World War 2 pilots flew the Harvards. They have stories which must not be forgotten.
“Now with the number of people at the ANZAC Day Parades there is renewed interest in New Zealand’s military history, so it is an absolute pleasure to share them with the people. A lot of young people who have grown up with technology now want to be taken for a ride in this very special piece of history.”
Warbirds over Wanaka 2024, the fourth largest airshow in the world will be held on March 29, 30 and 31.
To watch action at Ardmore most weekends, as well as museum displays, go to nzwarbirds.org.nz
ZZZZ… GET SOME SLEEP
If counting sheep is not working, try finger breathing to calm down and get some shut eye.
Sleep deprivation can lead to loss of concentration, memory, and performance as well pose an increased risk of inflammation and Type 2 diabetes.
While sleep inducing drugs can be addictive, relaxation techniques, such as meditation target the brain and body, and help you unwind after a hard day at work or play.
With wellbeing in mind, the sleep experts at MattressOnline have compiled tips on how to practise a technique known as ‘finger breathing’, a quick and easy selfhypnosis method that can help you both remain calm and reclaim your sleep. It is also a form of the ancient yoga asana.
WHAT IS FINGER BREATHING?
Finger breathing is a form of self-hypnosis that can be used to bring you back into a calmer and more rational state of mind during times of anxiety or restlessness. It involves a combination of touch and controlled breathing, cycling
through a series of finger holds and hand movements whilst focusing on inhaling and exhaling deeply.
Studies have shown that effectively controlling your breathing can not only help you relax mentally, it also promotes the release of melatonin, the hormone produced by the pineal gland in your brain that is responsible for regulating your body’s circadian rhythm and managing your natural sleep cycle.
Clare Longstaffe, a leading
hypnotherapist at charity Cavendish Cancer Care, has developed a number of different finger breathing techniques to help both patients and their loved ones cope with the impact of cancer.
Our innate fight, flight stress response can cause us to automatically speed up or hold our breath in times of stress or general ‘busyness’ and most of the time we do not notice until we start to feel tension.
Chloe Angus, corporate wellbeing manager at Cavendish says, “In
HOW TO FINGER BREATHE:
times of stress, if we can become aware of our breath and focus on slowing down and relaxing into our breath it can be helpful in moving to rest and digest.”
Creating the habit of giving our breath some attention at different times of day can help to manage emotions and stress. It gives us moments to pause and re-centre ourselves in the present moment.
Practising the breathing technique regularly when you are not stressed, is highly recommended.
Here’s how you can use finger breathing to bring yourself back into a calmer state of mind during times of anxiety, including at bedtime.
Step 1: Start by laying or sitting down in a comfortable position. Relax your breathing by inhaling more deeply and slower than you would normally.
Step 2: Bring the fingers and thumb of one hand together in a relaxed pinched position. Using your other hand, cup and loosely rest your bunched fingertips in your palm. Count five relaxed breaths while keeping your hands in this position.
Step 3: Swap hands and count five breaths again.
Step 4: Next, make a thumbs up with one hand and then wrap the fingers of the other hand around the opposing thumb. Loosely hold your thumb while you count 5 relaxed breaths. Then swap hands and count five breaths again.
Step 5: Repeat this process on the rest of your fingers, i.e., wrap the fingers of one hand around your opposing index finger and hold for five relaxed breaths, before switching hands and repeating the process.
That way you are likely to remember to use it when you need it the most.
BEACHLANDS
• Beachlands Countdown, 129 Beachlands Rd
• Barfoots, 42 Wakelin Rd
• Pepperjacks Bar & Cafe Pine Harbour, 190 Jack Lachlan Dr
BOTANY
• Ray White, 20 Crescent Lane, Botany Town Centre
• New World, Botany Town Centre
• Info Desk, Botany Town Centre
• PO Box Lobby, Te Koha Rd, The Hub
• The Vet Clinic, 739 Chapel Rd
• Mirrabooka Superette, 116 Botany Rd
• Kings Garden Cafe, 280 Botany Rd
BUCKLANDS BEACH
• Books N Bricks Cafe, 83B Hattaway Ave
• Bucklands Beach Superette, 224 Bucklands Beach Rd
• Priestly Dr Superette, 56 Priestly Dr
COCKLE BAY
• Seaside Meats, 3 Litten Rd
• Bellevue Bakehouse Café, 11 Litten Rd
FARM COVE
• Farm Cove Superette, 190 Fisher Pde
• Whiteacres Superette, 31 Whiteacres Dr
FLAT BUSH
• Pizza Hut, 345 Chapel Rd
• Texture Cafe, 1 Arranmore Dr
• Xpress Mart, 3/123 Ormiston Rd
• Ormiston Hospital, 125 Ormiston Rd
• Ray White Ormiston, 240 Ormiston Rd
• Ormiston Town Centre,
240 Ormiston Rd
• Physio Moves, 142 Stancombe Rd
HALF MOON BAY
• Fresh Choice, 1 Ara Tai Rd
• Ray White, Compass Building, Ara Tai Rd
• Sealink, 37 Ara Tai Rd
HIGHBROOK
• The Quest, Highbrook, Highbrook Dr
HIGHLAND PARK
• Palmers Pakuranga, 189 Pigeon Mountain Rd
• Laundromat Pakuranga, 44 Fortunes Rd
• Aviemore Dairy, 168 Aveimore Dr
• Highland Park Library, 16 Highland Park Dr
• Countdown Highland Park, 507 Pakuranga Rd
• Paper Plus Highland Park, 491 Pakuranga Rd
• Howick Historical Village, Bell Rd, Lloyd Elsmore Park
HOWICK
• Apothecary, 27 Picton St
• Rices Mall, Picton St
• Poppies Books, 83 Picton St
• Lily Whyte/Marbled, 113 Picton St
• Ray White Howick, 12 Uxbridge Rd
• Howick Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd
• Times Media, 10 Central Tce
• Taste Explosion, Howick Village Mall, 21 Central Tce
• Fig and Plum, 109 Vincent St
• New World Apothecary, 77 Union Rd
• Bin Inn, 219 Moore St
• Botany Road Superette, 6 Botany Rd
• Juliet Dairy, 59 Juliet Rd
MEADOWLANDS
• Countdown Meadowlands, cnr Meadowlands Dr & Whitford Rd
NORTHPARK
• Sunny Dairy, 3/128 Millhouse Dr
PAKURANGA
• Pakuranga Plaza, Countdown Foyer
• Pakuranga Plaza, rear entrance by Steakhouse
• Ray White, 102 Pakuranga Rd
• Tiraumea Superette, 56 Tiraumea Dr
• Ti Rakau Dr Superette, cnr Edgewater Dr and Ti Rakau Dr
PAKURANGA HEIGHTS
• Gossamer Dairy, cnr Ussher Pl and Gossamer Dr
• Pakuranga Heights Four Square, cnr Reeves Rd and Gossamer Dr
• Gossamer Mini Mart & Lotto, 147 Gossamer Dr
• Cascade Superette, 123 Cascade Rd
WHITFORD
• Whitford Dental, Whitford Village
Our senior readers won’t miss out either with copies for residents available at the following retirement homes: Bruce McLaren, Pakuranga Park Village, Edgewater Retirement
Check www.times.co.nz for an interactive map
YOUTHFUL BLEND
At 64, Barbie needs a daily dose of collagen to keep her looking forever
19. Dr. LeWinn’s Marine Collagen Peptide+ Inner Beauty Powder, made from sustainably sourced Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, is a daily collagen supplement to help increase skin hydration, firmness and smoothness, along with strengthening hair and nails. Dr. LeWinn’s Marine Collagen Peptide+ Inner Beauty Powder 30 x 6g Sachets RRP$59.99
beauty (IN THE REAL WORLD)
HANDS-ON BEAUTY
Barbie probably doesn’t wash many dishes, but if she did, she’d need to give her lands a little extra TLC. Weleda Sensitive Hand Cream quickly absorbs and is formulated to soothe sensitive and irritation-prone skin. Rich with skin-loving organic Coconut Oil and Jojoba Oil, this blend leaves skin and nails soft and supple. Weleda Sensitive Skin Hand Cream 50ml RRP$19.90.
SOS SKIN
Busy dolls always need a bit of extra TLC, and Sugarbaby Say Hello To Glow
Detoxifying Pink Desert-Clay Mask is just the thing. This wash-off mask contains mineral-rich Australian Pink Desert Clay, collagen-pumping Shiitake Mushroom and Witch Hazel, leaving the skin invigorated, brighter and polished. Sugarbaby Say Hello to Glow Detoxifying Pink Desert-Clay Mask 75G RRP$32.99
AMPLIFY THE VOLUME
Doll yourself up with Wet n Wild’s Mega Volume waterproof mascara. Add drama by volumising mascara that intensifies and thickens appearance without weighing down the lashes. It’s smudge resistant, sweat proof and humidity resistant, just like Barbie would like it. Also safe for contact lens wear and is ophthalmologist tested. RRP $7.70.
Hygienist:
She may be a doll, but even Barbie needs her beauty go-to to get that flawless creamy complexion. Here are some real-world beauty buys in bubblegum hue.
EVERYDAY SKINCARE
Nail that skincare routine with these latest products for beautiful skin every day!
Dry Eye Therapy
BY EYES OF HOWICKNOURISHING SKIN FOOD
The new Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Day Cream 40ml, boasts five signature Skin Food ingredients, calendula, chamomile, sunflower oil and pansy and rosemary extracts. This non-greasy day cream feels luxurious, melting into the skin in seconds with 12-hour moisturisation.
RRP $33.90
PLUMP IT
Plump It Up Peptide Serum with matrixyl and copper peptides from Bondi Sands is formulated with Copper peptides to ‘carry’ minerals to the skin, work as an antioxidant, promote collagen and elastin production, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Matrixyl stimulates the growth of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which aids in refilling wrinkles naturally from within the skin. Plump It Up Peptide Serum RRP $27.00.
SKIN HAPPY
Enhance your skincare routine with the new, improved Linden Leaves Oil Cleanser and Eye Makeup Remover. The product now offers a unique feature: when mixed with water, the clear oil transforms into a lightly milky texture, providing an effective cleansing experience. Linden Leaves Oil Cleanser and Eye Makeup Remover 100ml RRP $49.99.
AN OPEN LETTER OF GRATITUDE
Kristine Jensen of Eyes of Howick reflects on a milestone – turning 20.
With the speed that time flies, our 20th anniversary of being Howick business owners almost passed us by unnoticed. But as I sit down on this rare blue sky Sunday morning, I thought it an opportune time to reflect and be grateful.
BRIGHT EYES
The JUARA Miracle Tea Complete Eye Creme is a gentle, nourishing eye creme designed to soothe and rejuvenate tired eyes while improving the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. This youth-boosting and preventive eye care is suitable for all skin types. Enriched with nourishing botanical oils, calming agents, and antioxidants, it has a light, pillow-like texture that plumps and pampers while addressing common concerns related to the delicate skin of your under-eye area. JUARA Miracle Tea Complete Eye Creme $120.00.
My gratitude must first go to who was my yet-to-be husband, Bruce- 20 years ago, you took a leap of faith in me and my enthusiasm of operating my own Optometry practice and invested your hard-earned deposit into what is now known as Eyes of Howick—a true commitment which was well before talk of weddings, children, puppies and even home ownership! Thank you for your unwavering support but also your guidance and ability to see things in a worldly yet creative light- Bruce your brilliance shines so bright.
I consider Eyes of Howick to be my second home with the team within it being as a family. My philosophy on what makes a successful workplace includes creating an environment that supports continual learning,
positivity, and humour! When I go to work, I am fortunate to be surrounded by a fantastic group of people; which includes both my dedicated Optometry and Optical support team. You are all so different, yet all manage to shed your own flavour of magic to create a workplace and business culture that I am proud of. A big thank you team, for playing a significant part in Eyes of Howick’s excellence. We have stood the test of time throughout the rollercoaster of our lives!
And last but certainly not least, thank you to all our wonderful clients—whose support over the years has enabled this local business to flourish. I am proud of what Eyes of Howick has become and how we serve you, our community. We will continually strive to find new ways we can ensure your vision of your world is the best it can be. Without you all, there would be no Eyes of Howick. Bruce, my life and business partner, the Eyes of Howick superstar-team and our precious clients. Thank you.
WHAT’S ON OUT EAST
WOVEN PATHWAYS
August 18-20, at three different venues in Auckland
The New Zealand String Quartet will embark on its flagship national tour, Woven Pathways, performing 15 concerts at ten locations. From timeless classical masterpieces to thrilling contemporary compositions, the chamber music will traverse a tapestry of emotions and this funny thing called living. For more info: National Tour 2023 | New Zealand String Quartet (nzsq.org.nz).
STARTING A NEW BUSINESS
Citizens Advice Bureau
Pakuranga is hosting a free community information session on ‘Starting a new Business’ in the Pakuranga Library, 7 Aylesbury Street, on Friday, August 25, from 10am to 1.30pm. The session is facilitated by Sudhir Sagar from Inland Revenue. Light lunch will be provided. Registration compulsory: Email settlement. pakuranga@cab.org.nz or text 021 459 520.
AUGUST CONCERT
Pakuranga Choral Society’s second concert for the year is a ‘light’ programme, as in music about light, day and night, the sun moon and stars. You’ll be taken ‘Over the Rainbow’, and experience some “Night Visions” written by conductor David Hamilton. Music will take you from morning to nighttime courtesy of Bernstein, Jacques Brel, Billy Joel and Jenny McLeod, with some spirituals along the way. The choir’s new accompanist James Liu will play piano solos, alongside solo vocal items by Morag Atchison. Sunday, August 20, 2.30pm at All Saints Church, Howick. Tickets at the door. Adults $25, seniors $20, students $10.
WOMEN’S CLUB
Inner Wheel Club of Howick are a women’s club who enjoy having fun, forming friendships while making a difference in our local community. You will enjoy time with like-minded women. We meet every 4th Wednesday of the month at the Highland Park Community Centre at 7:30pm. Next meeting is on the August 23. For more information please contact howick@iwnz.org.nz.
EASTERN DISTRICT COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB
Wednesday, August 23, 7pm. Concert - guest artists Toucan
SPECTACULAR SYMPHONY
Saturday, September 2, 7.30pm, Town Hall
One of the world’s best pianist Joyce Yang returns to perform with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, led by six-time Grammy Award winning conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, who will make his NZSO debut after conducting the NZSO National Youth Orchestra this year. The concert Bernstein & Copland Til Time Shall End, also features American composer Aaron Copland’s monumental Symphony No. 3
and other great performers. Everyone is welcome to listen to our live music. Bucklands and Eastern Beaches War Memorial Hall, Wharf Road, Bucklands Beach. $10 tickets at door. For more info, call Bev 021 11 56 866.
A FAMILY HISTORY JOURNEY
Join us at Howick Library on Friday, August 25, at 11am to hear librarian Mitchell Johnston give a talk on his great-greatgrandfather Alfred King, who started life in the British Royal Navy, and after a decorated military career immigrated to New Zealand to become a lighthouse keeper, most notably on Tiritiri Matangi Island.
HRRA AGM AND MEET THE CANDIDATES
Before this crucial election, come quiz those standing to represent you! Bring your questions, but be early for a good seat. 11am, Saturday, August 26, Howick Bowling Club Hall, 33 Selwyn Rd.
HOWICK COMBINED PROBUS
Why not join us on Tuesday, August 22 at the Howick Bowling Club, 10am - 12 noon to hear our speaker Phil Sai-Louie and his subject is ‘Aunt Daisy’. New members and guests are welcome. Morning tea provided. Phone Mary 273-8804 to confirm or for more information regarding our speakers, trips and friendship groups.
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, August 19, 10am to noon. Underground carpark below Pakuranga Library, Reeves Road side. Look for our flags.
ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR
Here’s a chance for treasures hunters to snaffle keepsakes of their liking from an eclectic range of collectables including silver, crystal, China, coins, jewellery, furniture and much more. Entry is by gold coin donation with funds going to Support Dementia. On Saturday, August 19, 10am-4pm, at Howick Fencible Lounge, Uxbridge Rd, Howick.
AUTHOR TALK –TESSA DUDER
Join us for an enlightening and captivating author talk with Tessa Duder as she takes us on a journey through the enchanting world of literature and history through her book Who was Sarah Mathew, Botany Library, Tuesday, August 29, 11am. To register, email botany.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
READY TO BE WOWED?
September 20-October 8, the TSB Arena, Wellington
Described as a visual feast for the soul, the futuristic World of WearableArt Show: Beyond features the return of the popular WOW category, Bizarre Bra. More than $185,000 of awards, across three sections, Aotearoa, Avant-garde and Open, and three additional sections, Mars and Beyond, Gold, and Bizarre Bra. For more information see www.worldofwearableart.com
GIVE SH*T FOR GOOD
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. More than 3000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year.
Inspired by the fact that one in three Bowel Cancer sufferers are too embarrassed to talk about poop to their GP, the idea is to get the country talking about it.
The clever awareness and marketing campaign encourages everyone to give high quality ceramic sh*t to friends and enemies. Created by ceramics master, Bob
Steiner, these conversational starters come in six different hues.
You can choose a colour, add your personalised note, and they will drop a ceramic sh*t on any NZ doorstep on your behalf - with 100 per cent of proceeds going to Bowel Cancer NZ. More information at www.giveshitforgood.com
Symptoms may include:
> Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding)
> Change of bowel motions/ habits that come and go over several weeks
> Anaemia
> Severe persistent or periodic abdominal pain
> A lump or mass in the abdomen
> Tiredness and loss of weight for no obvious reason
The National Bowel Screening Programmes is a separate service run by the Ministry of Health. You can contact them on 0800 924432 or www.timetoscreen.nz
Being aware of the symptoms is the first step to take to prevent bowel cancer.
PUZZLE TIME
Quick Puzzle NO. 8123
Cryptic Puzzle NO. 8123
ACROSS
6. An upsetting “America At Table” - quite disgusting (10).
8. Row - or racket! (4).
9. The man is carrying one cat (4).
10. Saying the tot is indisposed, to the doctor (5).
11. Sharpen the bad point first (4).
12. Ring you have in a box, perhaps (5,4).
16. In part exaggerated (9).
20. Try to return the crackers (4).
22. Make to climb at speed (3,2).
23. See the key agent (4).
24. A little girl, we’re told (4).
25. Be no end gauche? (4,6).
DOWN
1. The cracked basin the hotel has to get rid of (6).
2. When I have time, stupid! (7).
3. Act oddly about the weapon found on the road (6).
4. Come back with “Many drink, but it can kill you” (6).
5. The silver deep down is shining (5).
7. So to start with it’s healthier below (5).
13. Fine one (3). 14. Shows thet can be used as room dividers (7).
15. Look on the street, in case (5).
17. I even collected a number in a foreign city (6).
18. Remove roughly and soak (3,3).
19. No longer put on show (6).
21. Fish in a British stream (5).
CRISS-CROSS PUZZLE
puzzle no. 104 – FILL IN THE BLANKS WITH THE WORDS BELOW
2024 Out of Zone Enrolments
New Entrant students only. Applications close at 3.00pm on Wednesday 11th October 2023 Ballot will take place on Wednesday 18th October 2023. Enquiries can be made at the school office. Call: (09) 534 4363 or Email: office@mellonsbay.school.nz
CHURCH SERVICES
Looking for a church home?
One Lord One Faith
One People
Sunday morning 9.30am (with children’s programme) Youth Group every Friday 7.00pm 17Wellington St,Howick Phone 534-5142 www.howickbaptist.org.nz MP284084
YEAR 9 ENROLMENTS 2024
All Year 9 In-Zone Applications for 2024 must be received by Wednesday 23 August.
Please Note: Out-of-Zone Applications (Year 9 only) must be received by Wednesday 30 August 2023
Enrolments for 2024 are to be completed and submitted online: https://www.pakuranga.school.nz/enrolments/ Or please contact Pakuranga College Reception 09-534-7159 or via email: info@pakuranga.school.nz
Michael Williams PrincipalWakaaranga School
Empowering learners to navigate tomorrow
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR CHILD TO BE PART OF OUR HIGH ACHIEVING SCHOOL?
Our 2024 out-of-zone enrolment ballots are now open
Enrolment at Wakaaranga School is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the school office and on the school website. Applications for out-of-zone places are now being invited for those students who will become eligible for enrolment in 2024. This applies to newentrant enrolments only (5 year olds starting school for the first time).
The deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places for term 1 is 11 October 2023. Application forms and further dates are on our website: www.wakaaranga.school.nz
The ballot for term 1 applications, if required, will be held on 18 October 2023. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.
Ifyouliveinthehomezoneandhavenot yetsignalledyourintentiontoenrolyour childlaterthisyear,pleasecontactthe schoolimmediatelytoassistustoplan appropriately. MP288111
Out-Of-Zone Enrolments Open for
2024
The board invites applications from parents who wish to enrol their children at Elm Park School for next year. Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on our website www.elmpark.school.nz. If you are interested in applying for an out-ofzone enrolment for 2024 please contact our office – office@elmpark.school.nz.
The deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places is 11 October 2023. (This includes students applying to be treated as in-zone students under transition provisions.)
Parents of students who live within the home zone should also apply by this date to assist the school to plan appropriately for next year.
The board determined that 30 places are likely to be available for out-of-zone students next year. The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone.
If the number of out-of-zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot is required it will be held on 18 October 2023. Parents will be informed of the outcome within three school days of the ballot being held.
SITUATIONS VACANT
KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Part Time: 9 hours/ week (Mon/Wed/Thu 4.30-7.30pm) plus extra shifts available.
Please email your CV to: brian@ambridgerose.co.nz DE288250
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.
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
SOLUTIONS
QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8123
Across - 6, Assessment. 8, Agog.
9, Grit. 10, Erect. 11, Evil. 12, Originate. 16, Alligator. 20, Diva.
22, Stump. 23, Lady. 24, Zinc.
25, Occidental.
Down - 1, Usurer. 2, Vestage.
3, Astern. 4, Select. 5, State.
7, Toxic. 13, Awl. 14, Gallant.
15, Civil. 17, Launch. 18, Impede.
19, Ordeal. 21, Ascot.
CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8123
Across - 6, Na-US-eating. 8, Line. 9, L-I-on. 10, MO-tto. 11, W-het. 12, Phone call 16, Overacted. 20, Stab (rev.). 22, Run up. 23, E-spy. 24, Mini (Minnie) 25, Lack finish.
Down - 1, Banis-H. 2, As-I-nine.
3, T-arm-ac. 4, Pis-tol (rev.).
5, Ag-low. 7, (so)Under. 13, Ace
14, Screens. 15, St-air. 17, Veni-
C-e. 18, Rip off. 19, Ex-pose.
21, B-rill.
CRISS-CROSS NO. 104
Across - 5, Frijol; 9, Fifteiths; 10, Liquid; 11, Coral reef; 13, Present;
19, Lily of the valley; 20, Chocolate Mousse; 21, Heroism; 27, Something; 28, Ethnic; 29, Reference; 20, Barber.
Down - 1, Pilot; 2, Straw; 3, Zebra; 4, Sheep; 6, Rain shadow; 7, Journalist; 8, Lids; 12, Freezer; 14, Slice; 15, Altogether; 16, Locomotive; 17, Strauss; 18, Cyder; 22, Money; 23, Jewel; 24, Cheek; 25, Knock; 26, Herb.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
We are a leading NZ importer, manufacturer and distributor of commercial & industrial duty water blasting equipment, high pressure pumps and agricultural spraying equipment. Our office and workshop is located in East Tamaki.
We require an experienced administrator, for reception, invoicing, debtors & creditors, end of month management reports, payroll and general office duties. This will include making service bookings for our customers and liaising with our service engineer. This is a full time, sole charge position. Full training will be given.
The position would suit a person who enjoys working in a small friendly team environment.
The Director: AES Waterblasters alan@aesblasters.co.nz www.aesblasters.co.nz
DE288222
SITUATIONS VACANT RECEPTIONIST
We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised receptionist to work within our Administration Team. This is a permanent, term-time position (secondary school term time), 9.30am-4.00pm. Start date to be confirmed.
For more details about the position and how to apply, please refer to our website: www.pakuranga.school.nz
Applications close on 1 September 2023
DE287934-v3
EAST NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Time: 6.00pm
Date: Monday 4 September 2023
TOURISM
Venue: Brookby Barn, 331 West Road, Brookby
Following AGM business is a NETWORKING EVENT where we will hear from local businesses and organisations about their recent events in hospitality and tourism.
Open to key stakeholders and hospitality, tourism, and boutique retail businesses in the East Auckland region. Please RSVP by 31 August to sales@eastaucklandtourism.co.nz
DE288269
Howick Brass Notice of AGM
The 63rd Howick Brass Incorporated Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 23rd August 2023 8:45pm at the Howick Brass Band rooms’ 90r Wellington Street.
For the purpose of Strategic Business plan, Highlights and Challenges for 2023-2024
Financial budget 2023-
2024
Financial report Summery of programme measured against objectives Election of officers
AGENDA
• Present at Meeting Minutes at meeting Financial report 2022-2023
Presidents report Musical Directors report Musical Directors awards.
• Drum Majors report Election of Executive Committee (call for nominations) President, Vice president, Treasure, Secretary, Other committee members.
• General Business Strategic Business plan, Highlights and Challenges for 2023-2024
Contact for AGM Max Christiansen email maxcdesign@xtra.co.nz | 0274303377 DE288204