Times - 18 January 2022

Turn up the volume

WARNING OVER BIKE RIDERS

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Alarge pack of dirt bike riders disrupted traffic and drew attention from the public and police when they recently travelled through east Auckland.

The incident on New Year’s Eve drew numerous posts on local community social media pages with people saying they saw the riders in the area of Botany Road as well as in Highland Park and Pakuranga.

People said they saw riders not wearing helmets, driving recklessly, surrounding vehicles, riding on the wrong side of the road, pulling wheelies, disrupting traffic and travelling with several cars as part of the group.

One person estimated there were about 50 people in the pack of dirt bike riders while another said there was closer to 200.

A large group of dirt bike riders was also seen in the central Auckland suburb of Kohimarama on December 31.

A police spokesperson told the Times they were aware of the large group who travelled

around Auckland that day.

“It is possible the riders in Kohimarama were from the same group in Pakuranga however enquiries to identify those involved remain ongoing.

“This is a challenging type of behaviour for police to deal with at the time due to safety for other road users and the riders themselves.

“It is incredibly frustrating for police and the public as these riders have absolutely no regard for the safety of others and their behaviour puts lives at risk.

“It is completely unacceptable.”

The spokesperson says police regularly follow up after such incidents to hold those involved to account.

Police either issue infringement notices or charge the offenders with driving offences, “but the message does not seem to be getting through”.

“It is illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it is roadworthy with a current warrant and registration.

“Anyone riding a bike with an engine capacity above

50cc needs to have a motorbike licence.

“Police also want to see parents and caregivers take responsibility for the actions of these riders, some of whom are youths.

“The last thing we want is to have one of these riders cause a crash and injure or kill a member of the public.”

People who encounter dirt bike riders on the road should focus on keeping themselves safe and phoning police when it’s safe to do so, the spokesperson says.

Counties Manukau Police charged more than 130 people and impounded almost 100 dirt bikes and vehicles following a 2022 operation targeting illegal street racing activity in areas including east Auckland.

The year-long Operation Whakatika was launched to investigate reported offending in the Counties Manukau Police district by dirt bike riders and illegal street racers.

As a result, 59 dirt bikes and 39 vehicles were impounded with 88 people arrested and charged over illegal related activity.

While the storms were less severe in east Auckland than in some other parts of the country, very heavy rainfall still lashed the area with surface flooding a significant problem.

Times photographer Wayne Martin captured this shot at Hunua Falls showing much greater volumes cascading over the top.

Times photo Wayne Martin

Li’s exhibition explores culture and celebrity

Highly thoughtful artworks by a former winner of the prestigious Iris Fisher Scholarship are on public display in east Auckland.

Te Tuhi art gallery in Pakuranga is staging what it describes as an “immersive and ambitious interdisciplinary exhibition” by Xi Li, who won the scholarship in 2021.

That was the same year she received a Master of Fine Arts degree with first-class honours from Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts.

Prior to this, Li earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photo Media from Whitecliffe College in 2019 where she was named its top student and awarded its Photo Media Prize.

Te Tuhi communications and programme co-ordinator Sophie Elborough says Li’s work explores various experimental concepts through Eastern and Western philosophical frameworks, with topics covering identity, ideology, subjectivity, sub-culture, popular culture, globalisation and more.

Her exhibition at the Pakuranga gallery is curated by Andrew Kennedy and entitled Xi Li: The TranscendenceLabyrinthofIdols.

It draws from the artist’s treatise completed in her final year of uni-

versity, Elborough says.

“Li questions how cultures are becoming more mythical within contemporary society because of the status and devotion to pop icons and celebrity figures.

“The installation comprises 11 posters which hang from the ceiling encompassing the viewer while a central video work plays on the gallery’s back wall.

“Below your feet are two projections on the floor while three 3D-printed sculptures reside on

podiums in the centre of the room.

“Li has constructed a transcendent universe where material is borrowed from the real world but transformed in a ‘surreal dream utopia’ driven by impulse and desire.”

Elborough says since 2007 Te Tuhi, in partnership with the wellknown Fisher family, has supported the development of emerging New Zealand artists through the Iris Fisher Scholarship.

The scholarship supports a post-

graduate student in their final year of a visual or fine arts course of study.

Its namesake was a founding member of the Pakuranga Arts Society and the driving force behind the creation of the Fisher Gallery, later to become Te Tuhi, Elborough says.

“Her original bequest has fostered contemporary visual arts practice and art education.

“The support of the Iris Fisher Scholarship allows Li to further develop her practice, just as it has for the previous 14 recipients who received the scholarship since 2007.

“The $5000 awarded through the scholarship supports the completion of the recipient’s final year of tertiary study.

“Previous scholarship winners have used the funds to travel back to their ancestral homelands, pursue field research overseas or create large scale work to complete their studies.”

Elborough says Te Tuhi is pleased to have been able to support Li in having her own solo exhibition following the encouragement the Iris Fisher Scholarship provided. 

Li’s exhibition is on display at Te Tuhi, 13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga, until January 29.

The Te Tuhi art gallery in Pakuranga is staging an exhibition of work by Iris Fisher Scholarship winner Xi Li. Photo supplied

Former college music teacher dies

Neil Guyan, who was Pakuranga College’s head of music in the 1960s, has died at home surrounded by family. He was 84.

Bruce Neil Guyan died on January 9.

A NZHeralddeath notice said he was husband of Margaret, brother of Denis and (the late) Cynthia, Keith and Mary, father of Stephen and Catherine, Philip and Annelies, Peter and Melissa and Grandfather of Levi, Isabella, Alex, Micah, Jake, Elliot and Brody.

His funeral service was held at All Saints Anglican Church

in Howick.

An article in the Times in June 2018 reported that the Pakuranga Madrigal Choir was disbanding after 43 years together following the announcement of choir lead Neil Guyan’s retirement.

“After a series of health complications, Neil has had to give up the role he adores, marking the end of an era for the choir,” the story said.

“The journey started in 1969 when Neil, who at the time was Pakuranga College’s head of music, established the school’s madrigal choir for those who

enjoyed choral pursuits.

“The choir was prolific and went on to win many awards. However, after leaving school, some of the students who belonged to the choir craved the opportunity to sing again.

“So in 1972 Neil decided to establish the madrigal choir for adults which was originally called the Pakuranga College Evening Class Madrigal Choir.”

Vicky Stone, who had been a choir member since its inception, said in the Times piece in 2018 Neil was the soul of music in Howick.

“He has had a huge impact

on musicians and singers in this area over the years and has taught so many students who have gone on to reach incredible heights in their music,” she says.

She has fond memories of Neil’s enthusiasm inspiring a sense of passion and drive in everyone he taught.

POLICE INVESTIGATING SEXUAL ASSAULT

Police are speaking to a person in relation to an alleged sexual assault in east Auckland.

A police spokesperson says the incident happened at about 8.40am on January 9 on View Road in Shelly Park.

“One person is currently assisting police with enquiries, which are ongoing.

“Police are asking anyone who was in the area between 8-9am who witnessed the

incident, or can assist with the investigation in any way, to contact us on 105 quoting file number 230109/1129.

“Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online via www.crimestoppers-nz.org.”

Meanwhile, five youths are before the courts after allegedly breaking into an east Auckland store. A police spokesperson says offic-

ers were called to a burglary at the Four Square store in Litten Road, Cockle Bay, at about 2am on January 7.

“Entry to the store was forced. Several offenders left in a vehicle. Police staff observed a vehicle on Meadowland Drive [in Somerville] and successfully deployed spikes which brought the vehicle to a halt a short time later.

“Police located and arrested

six youths at an address in Preston Road, Otara.”

The spokesperson says the five youths were expected to appear in the Manukau District Court the same day they were caught.

The group’s members are facing several charges related to the incident, while one youth has been referred to Youth Aid. The break-in sparked outrage on local community Facebook pages.

Bruce Neil (Neil) Guyan died on January 9. Photo supplied

WE DON’T NEED THE BUSWAY

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says we are in for hefty rates increase.

I may be repeating myself, but if the unnecessary and unwanted Eastern Busway, particularly the Burswood diversion, was cancelled, we could have a muchneeded rates decrease.

This busway will be used to capacity mainly for two or three hours each day and the rest of the time will be used by empty buses providing a service which runs at a loss. We already see this now.

Does it really matter if it takes an extra 10 minutes to get to work and why should I be forced to pay for it in my rates bill?

I thought Mayor Brown was going to save the city money.

Well here is an easy way to honour his promise.

Bob Wichman East Tamaki Heights

BEWARE OF INTENSIFICATION

It has come to my attention that in many areas, residents are bribed by greedy and unscrupulous developers to agree to major earthworks on their properties to get away with unreasonable and inappropriate intensification that exceeds the infrastructure capacity of the area.

This results in chaotic, unplanned, often inadequate “upgrades” that can put border properties and entire neighbourhoods at risk of flooding and contamination of soil and water among other adverse effects.

Remember that it is our right to demand a written assessment of the impact of such developments and to have the document checked by a local residents’ association advisor.

It is also our right to refuse.

Beware! We can lose a lot more than we gain.

Raquel Francois Cockle Bay

PICTON CENTRE

HOWICK WALKERS

GROUP

The walking group was first started in about 1989 by Janet and John Zaadstra of Bucklands Beach at the Uxbridge Centre and was known as the Uxbridge Walkers.

The created and recorded more than 150 different walks around Howick and the surrounding area. These walks are still used today.

When the Uxbridge Centre was closed for renovations in mid-2015, we had to look for a new home and the Picton Centre was found.

Now we have a new group called The Picton Centre Howick Walking Group with about 120 recorded walkers. We have an average of about 24 walkers taking the walks

about twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays at 9am (summer time).

On returning from their walk, most join in for morning tea and talk for a gold coin donation. This has provided a donation to the church.

The group re-started on January 5. We meet outside the front of the Picton Centre, 120 Picton Street, Howick.

For more information contact Rex on 5342712.

Rex Wood, Howick

RUSSIA MUST PAY

The ongoing, senseless carnage in Ukraine with endless Russian missile attacks makes one despair at the evil demonic men embrace, their brainwashed stormtroopers and their arsenals.

Men such as [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko, [North Korean leader Kim] Jong Un and the military junta in Myanmar to name a few.

The US (and others) have generously given weapons to Ukraine but they cannot stop all missiles and it is not enough. And the UN, NATO and western countries are toothless and chillingly silent.

[UN Secretary-General Antonio] Guterres should be continuously condemning these outrageous actions and calling for an immediate ceasefire. He should be dismissed for the UN’s dismal handling of this crisis. The Russian ambassador in New Zealand must be sent home. Putin’s land in New Zealand and all Russian-owned land should be frozen, the sale of which could be used to rebuild Ukraine.

The Saudi Arabian ambassador should be summoned to explain why SA has given a shipload of weapons to Russia. China must feel economic pain for her support of Russia, North Korea and Myanmar.

What is happening in Ukraine is genocide, a repeat Holodomor [Holodomor – death by hunger, in Ukrainian – refers to the starvation of millions of Ukrainians in 1932-33 as a result of Soviet policies].

It’s high time to be bold in supporting Ukraine. We cannot leave this war to the poor Ukrainians and look the other way.

Sanctions on Russia must be total. Russia has to pay for the destruction it is causing. Putin should have been stopped at Crimea, but NATO has to find courage and stop him now.

Putin has to be taken to the ICC [International Criminal Court] to face war crimes. To think that despite Crimea, Russia still hosted the 2018 World Cup shows how corrupt the beautiful game is.

Steve Lincoln, Botany Downs

CLOSING GAP ON AUCKLAND’S $290M HOLE

For nigh on two years, our neighbourhood (Fordyce Ave, Sunnyhills) has been battling with Auckland Transport over the most ludicrous road safety experiment ever undertaken, all in the name of “Safer Schools”.

We suspect our local primary school was chosen because the principal offered her school as a “guinea pig” for this experiment. Fordyce Ave is a relatively quiet street and over at least 30 years there has not been one accident or incident recorded involving school children.

However this Safer Schools experiment is designed to minimise and lower the risk of children being injured during the 15 minutes at either end of the school day when children are delivered to and picked up from school.

For the other 23 and a half hours of the day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we, as residents, must endure the once pretty Fordyce Ave now looking an unsightly mess with its multiple array of reflector poles and cheap looking planter boxes adorning the street.

Auckland Transport (AT) has conducted several surveys and/or feedback initiatives over this two year period. However, the information gathered and used to evaluate the merits or otherwise of this experiment is flawed, (a) because local residents were not advised of consultation meetings whereas parents of children attending the school were or (b) if residents were advised that information arrived after the meeting had been held.

My “research” would indicate that pretty much 100 per cent of residents wish the street to be returned to its former glory and the offending paraphernalia done away with. AT is aware of this but appears to be ploughing on with its plan because it knows best with regard to what we need.

Never mind upsetting those of us who just want to get on with living a quiet life in an already accident-free environment. The final analysis will conclude that over the period of this experiment, no accidents or incidents occurred, therefore a successful experiment.

However, there were zero issues prior to this flawed experiment and. despite many hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent. there will be no improvement on that statistic. Zero is zero however you want to dice it.

Yet another case of providing an expensive solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.

School/child safety is an issue for us all and, where genuine improvements can be made, they should. Were AT a private company and those involved risking their own money in evaluating these expensive programmes, would they take the same approach as currently practised?

I think not.

If the above case is extrapolated out by the multitude of similar situations that exist around the region, a fair chunk of the $290 million Auckland is short of could be found through Mayor Brown instructing Auckland Transport to exercise some common sense.

Bary Williams, Sunnyhills

UNEQUIVOCAL EVIDENCE THAT EARTH IS WARMING

Re: Climate hope, Ryan Price, Times, December 14.

If Ryan Price’s claims are from science sites, as he claimed, why are his conclusions completely contrary to theirs?

Let him click on the site <https://climate.nasa.gov/>. What does it say? Global temp up 1.01C since 1880, Arctic ice maximum extent down 12.6 per cent per decade since 1979, ice sheets down 427 billion tonnes per year. That is, 427 cubic kilometres, about enough to cover Bucklands BeachPakuranga-Howick-Botany in 10km of ice – every year.

Under ‘Evidence’ he will read, “There is unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate. Human activity is the principal cause,” and, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “Since systematic scientific assessments began in the 1970s, the influence of human activity on the warming of the climate system has evolved from theory to established fact.”

If he wants to contest this, he can comment here <https://www. realclimate.org/>, a blog run by Gavin Schmidt, Director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and a climate modeller. However, it’s not models that tell us we are in trouble, its thermometers, thousands actually measuring the surface and ocean temperatures.

Ryan Price invokes the Nobel physicist Richard Feynman with an oft-quoted denier trope about theories. But, if Prof Feynman

thought the theory of anthropogenic global warming (AGW) was wrong, why did he not say so? He had plenty of time – Nobel Laureate Svante Arrhenius calculated a doubling of CO2 would cause a 4-6 degree Celsius rise in temperature – in 1896.

Ryan Price further betrays his mindset by insinuating, “I believe we are doomed unless we pay more taxes”.

No, Mr Price, we are doomed because we should have started reducing GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions 30 years ago. Instead, oil billionaires lied to keep the money flowing, and gullible fools are encouraging gutless politicians to delay an intelligent response.

Dennis Horne, Howick

BUCK YOUR IDEAS UP LANDLORDS

Driving around Howick I, along with many others, am appalled at the state of the berms around the area.

Unsure why the landlords cannot add the cost of a person to mow their lawns into the rent. Also, unsure why residents are not ashamed of the way their homes are looking.

So, if you are a landlord, buck your ideas up. If you are a tenant, do something about it. If you are a neighbour, be proactive and let the tenant, neighbour or landlord know that it is not only offensive, but turning our once-beautiful Howick into slumsville.

I will be shaming homes that are not cared for by taking pics and posting them on social media.

Pip Burns, Howick

What’s on

SENIORS FRIENDSHIP

Seniors Friendship Club meets at the Bucklands Beach Bowling Club, Devon Road, on the first and third Friday of the month, 12.25pm3pm for entertainment, music and bingo, tea and biscuits, come along and make friends. $5. Phone Owen 5334390.

CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Howick Library. Come along to see The Art of Chinese Traditional Paper Cutting Tuesday, January 24 starting at 10.30am.

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

Lunar New Year at Howick Library, flower arrangement demonstration, Thursday, January 26 starting at 10.30am. Events are free, all welcome.

U3A ORMISTON

A club for retired and semi-retired citizens, offering the opportunity to learn and to socialise. General meeting Thursday, January 26, Flat Bush Old School Hall, cnr Murphys Rd/Flat Bush School Rd, Flat Bush, 10am – 12 noon, guest speaker Denise Taylor (Director of the Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute) – “How not to fall”. Mini speaker Dave Ronson –“Turning a liability into an asset”. Visitors welcome (no charge). Morning tea provided. Contact Dave 022 6449650.

EASTERN DISTRICT COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

Next Wednesday January 25, 7pm is our first evening back for 2023. 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. Phone Bev 021 11 56 866.

RUMMIKUB

Meet each Monday from 1pm –3.30pm at the St John Ambulance Hall, Pakuranga Road, opposite ASB. All skill levels and new members welcome. $4 door entry. Phone or text Shirley on 0221755656.

EASTERN UKES HOWICK RSA

Every Monday 10.30am-12pm at The Good Home, Bosun’s Bar, Howick. Entrance from the Garden Bar car park, Uxbridge Road. $5pp includes a hot drink and pizza. All welcome. Ph or txt 027 7238473

Margaret Hawkeswood.

PRIDE EVENT

Come along to one of our pride events at Howick Library on Saturday, February 11 at 10.30am to hear our guest speaker Richard Jin from “New Zealand Falcons: Gay and Inclusive Rugby in Aotearoa” talk about his story, the organisation and the work they do. All welcome. Free.

Your opinion matters to us. Email us at editor@times.co.nz; comment on our Facebook page, facebook.com/ timesonlinenz; or write to us at The Editor, Times Newspapers, PO Box 38232, Howick, Auckland 2145. Letters should not exceed 200 words and should carry the name, residential address and contact telephone number of the author.

Women awarded medals in NY Honours for work in community

Two east Auckland women have been recognised in the 2023 New Year Honours.

Kinaua Bauriri Ewels of Maraetai and Yong Rahn Park of East Tamaki have been awarded The Queen’s Service Medal - Ewels for services to the Kiribati community and Park for services to the Korean community.

Ewels has been supporting the Kiribati community since migrating to New Zealand. She published her first children’s educational book in 2007 titled ‘I want to read and speak Kiribati’ to give an opportunity for children to be able to converse in both English and Kiribati.

Her most recent work ‘Konenerio and the Flag Master’ is based on the faith of her grandfather and the pivotal role of I-Kiribati people during World War II.

She contributed to the Kiribati Educational Resources Project in 2021, producing various resources of poems, rhymes, songs and a grammar book. She has been an integral member of the Marewen Kiribati Community Group since 2006, providing a voice for the Kiribati minority amongst other larger Pacific country representatives.

She initiated Te Wakauea Play Group in 2008 to introduce the Kiribati language through an edu-

cation outlet for Kiribati children and mothers based in Auckland. She was the primary lead and project manager for the New Zealand Kiribati National Council to organise Kiribati Language Week festivities and events. Ewels used her role as a community leader to promote best practices to protect against Covid-19 and pushed for higher vaccination rates amongst the Pacific community. She represents the New Zealand Kiribati National Council on the Pacific Leadership Forum.

Park has been active in New Zealand’s Korean community for more than 10 years and has worked on promoting Korean culture to the wider community and

assisting Korean families to settle and integrate.

She established the Korean Positive Aging Charitable Trust (Kpact) in 2012 which represents the Korean community, especially seniors, in engaging with government agencies and welfare organisations. Kpact was established as a Korean community hub and operates valuable community projects in collaboration with partner agencies empowering Korean residents to participate in local elections, censuses, and events.

Kpact also offers educational opportunities for lifelong learning as well as Korean traditional dance and music and organises initiatives such as local sports,

When print talks, the brain remembers.

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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.

marae visits and presentations of Māori culture and visits to location attractions. She led Kpact to make kimchi, a Korean food staple, and held an event to distribute kimchi to 100 underprivileged households as well as holding a workshop on how to make kimchi.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Park helped provide various sup-

port services to the Korean community including a helpline for Korean migrants, translation of information, helping individuals get vaccinated, provision of emergency food support for isolating individuals and those in need, social outreach for seniors and English education services including over Zoom during lockdowns.

George among ‘best of Auckland’

A story the Times ran late last year on George, the beloved local pooch found alive after going missing for nine weeks, was featured in the NZ Herald over the Christmas holidays.

George is a three-year-old dog owned by east Auckland resident Delaney Ferabend.

He escaped from her Botany workplace on August 30 and vanished after crossing busy Ti Rakau Drive. The weeks turned into months as Delaney and her family and friends searched for him.

“It was terrifying,” she told the Times. “We tried everything and as soon as someone said they thought they’d seen him, we were out there looking.”

George was eventually found when he turned up at an East

Tamaki Heights home after being spooked by fireworks and was reunited with his overwhelmed owner.

Award-winning NZ Herald reporter Steve Braunias included the story of George’s adventure in his column on the 20 best things in Auckland, published in the paper on December 24.

Braunias named George “best dog” and called his adventure “the year’s most cheering story”.

Kinaua Ewels. Photo Ministry for Pacific Peoples

Yong Park established the Korean Positive Aging Charitable Trust. Photo supplied

George was missing in east Auckland for nine weeks. Photo supplied

A brand new luxury apartment, or a villa?

New Resident

Once you have made the decision that Pakuranga Park is the right retirement village for you, the only other decision is whether it will be one of our surprisingly affordable luxury apartments or a villa.

We’ve had amazing feedback about the Ruru Apartment sizes and spaciousness of the building. One of these beautiful homes could be yours, but you’ll have to be quick as over 70% of them have already sold.

Priced from $1,120,000 to $1,400,000.

• Favourable price comparison to Villas.

• Luxury finish and fittings that will impress you.

• Well-positioned close to our restaurant, reception & pool.

• An atrium lounge area where daily morning teas take place.

• A weekly fee that’s excellent value and includes power, fibre and much more.

• Large balconies.

• An extra layer of security.

Here are just a few more reasons why viewing this exciting option of a lifestyle apartment is a must.

Call Sylvie or Kate now to arrange a viewing on 09 576 5990, 027 3145767, or 021 855 735.

• An electric car available for Ruru residents’ use. ruru.realliving.co.nz

“We ended up deciding on a Ruru Apartment as we loved the space, outlook and price.”

Named after NZ’s native owl, featured on a 4 storey Flox mural in the atrium.

Escape to Howick Village for art, shopping, cafes, entertainment

owick Village is embracing the New Year. The welcome sunshine at the weekend and into the beginning of the week lifted moods too after recent storms and heavy rain.

With the return to work this week by many locals, the village is open and looking forward to serving shoppers and diners moving forward into 2023.

The friendly locals love the quaint seaside surrounds of Howick Village. As well as boutique shops, great dining and coffee, and all of the essentials – there are professional business services and healthcare experts too. Howick Village offers a refreshing change

from malls and large format shopping.

You’ll discover more than 100 specialty owner-operator stores offering personalised friendly service, in a warm village atmosphere.

The ardent shopper will be delighted with the mix of stores, finding fashion, home decor, art and crafts, jewellery, toys, florists, books and much more.

An eclectic array of cafés and restaurants offer fresh New Zealand cuisine with the emphasis on relaxed casual dining. Whether it’s coffee and freshly-baked muffins or New Zealand sauvignon blanc with seafood, you’ll find it in the village.

A tantalising mix of eth-

nic cafés including Thai, Indian, Chinese, Turkish, Creole, Korean and Italian gives you a world of dining experience. Or you can just enjoy your favourite tipple and a wood fired pizza and watch the world go by.

There is a genuine community feel, where real locals linger over a coffee, wine or beer. The Saturday morning market is a hive of activity and is open every Saturday from 8am12.30pm where you will find New Zealand-made arts and crafts, and can stock the cupboards or the campervan with fresh produce and artisan foods.

Live and love local at Howick Village. See you soon.

With most of us back at work this week, it’s great to see Howick Village pretty much back into full swing. Photo Nick Krause

Ron Chen eyes 100th marathon

By BEN PLUMMER

Seventy-two-year-old Ronald Chen will join a prestigious group next week, running his 100th full marathon.

The Howick man will become the 59th member of the New Zealand 100 marathon club which includes some of the country’s most prestigious runners.

Chen ran his first marathon in 2013 on Auckland’s North Shore at the ripe age of 63 and has completed 94 more since turning 65.

“About 10 years ago I was challenged by one of my classmates in Taiwan at a graduation reunion to learn how to run,” he says.

“My first run was very tough. It was only about 5km but I was struggling with the first one. I wanted to give up but just kept thinking there was someone slower than me out there,” says Chen.

Chen says he kept improving on his weekly 5km runs and extended the distance until deciding to run his first half-marathon in Tauranga. “That was very tough, I was cramping for about a week afterwards, but I finished.”

Ten years later, Chen successfully completed his 99th full marathon on Saturday in Hutt Valley, running in the Ian Priest Memorial Marathon held by Aurora Harriers Club, Wellington.

His 100th will be run at the Auckland Domain on Tuesday January 24, in the first 8th continent mara-

thon, which runs eight half or full marathons on eight continents in eight days.

Fittingly, Chen runs in the ‘Legend’ category, for runners over the age of 65.

He has completed more than 120 marathons and 300 half-marathons. The 120 marathons include 36 ultra-marathons, which do not count to the total of full marathons run.

His prized possession is his collection of Tarawera Ultra marathon medals, a compilation of 50km, 60km and 100km distances.

During his 99 marathons, Chen has run the Tokyo, Melbourne, Taiwan and Inca Trail marathons. His longest run was 168km which he completed in 34 hours.

He is currently an associate member of the NZ 100 marathon club, which can be joined once you run more than 60 marathons. “I kept every single certificate

that I have received from marathons in scrapbooks and numbered them from one to 99 to remember how far I have come,” says Chen.

Chen has had a lot of attention around his running over the years.

During lockdown in 2021, he ran a series of different trail marks named ‘strava arts’ in the shapes of a Kiwi, the Australian map, Godzilla and others.

“I would study the map and then place the route and mark every corner where I needed to turn to make the art,” Chen says.

Chen averaged around 100km per week during that time.

“I just wanted to entertain my friends and myself when the world was going through such a difficult period,” he says.

Chen says he has at least another 50 marathons in him and will keep running until he can no longer.

Howick Local Board approves $31k grants

The Howick Local Board has voted to distribute more than $30,000 in grants to numerous groups and organisations.

The board received 28 applications for Howick Quick Response grants at its final business meeting for 2022. It voted to approve 23 of them and declined five.

Among the single largest amounts approved was the $3000 going to both Blue Light Ventures Incorporated toward the cost of producing and printing 960 ‘Street Smart’ handbooks, and to LifeKids Trust toward the cost of outdoor play musical panels.

The five applicants who had their bids declined were Auckland Seniors Support and Caring Group, which wanted $3000 toward the cost of venue hire; Cockle

Bay School, which asked for $6160 toward the cost of a new pool filter; Howick Gymnastic Club, which wanted $3000 toward the cost of a ‘HART Mini Warrior Course and ‘HART Warrior Slanted Steps’, and Radiant Communities Care Trust NZ, which wanted $3000 toward the cost of educational material, mental health facilitators, stationery and marketing.

approve was $31,176.

LOCAL GRANTS

The school office will be open for In Zone Enrolments on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th January 2023 from 9am-12pm.

School stationery packs are available from Office Max online: www.myschool.co.nz Uniforms are available from John Russell Schoolwear – Moore Street, Howick. School reopens for students on Tuesday, 31st January 2023 All enquiries welcome Ph: 577 0070 | E: secretary@elmpark.school.nz www.elmpark.school.nz

SOLUTIONS

The NZ Community Trust has announced $355,495 in grants awarded in the Auckland region.

SOLUTIONS

The total amount of grants requested by all groups and organisations was $69,583, while the total amount the board voted to

SOLUTIONS

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8093

Across - 6, Meddlesome. 8, Feat. 9, Puff. 10, Route. 11, Raid. 12, Percolate. 16, Astronaut. 20, Fuss.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8093

The recipients include the Bucklands Beach Association Football Club was awarded $14,880 for salary for the director of football and a contractoradministrator. Cockle Bay Tennis Club was awarded $10,000 for salary and the Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club $7000 for net mounting tracking.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8093

Across - 6, Meddlesome. 8, Feat. 9, Puff. 10, Route. 11, Raid. 12, Percolate. 16, Astronaut. 20, Fuss. 22, Heart. 23, Rake. 24, Area. 25, Disengaged.

Down - 1, Secure. 2, Edifice. 3, Petrel. 4, Locust. 5, Refer. 7, Tacit. 13, Art. 14, Entreat. 15, Quart. 17, Sparse. 18, Rotund. 19, Upkeep. 21, Shade.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8093 Across - 6, War of words. 8, Say-S. 9, Fast. 10, Net-ta. 11, Moor. 12, De-liver-ed. 16, Almost all. 20, Bolt. 22, Rivet (anag.). 23, F-Ist. 24,

Across - 6, Meddlesome. 8, Feat. 9, Puff. 10, Route. 11, Raid. 12, Percolate. 16, Astronaut. 20, Fuss. 22, Heart. 23, Rake. 24, Area. 25, Disengaged. Down - 1, Secure. 2, Edifice. 3, Petrel. 4, Locust. 5, Refer. 7, Tacit. 13, Art. 14, Entreat. 15, Quart. 17, Sparse. 18, Rotund. 19, Upkeep. 21, Shade.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8093 Across - 6, War of words. 8, Say-S. 9, Fast. 10, Net-ta. 11, Moor. 12, De-liver-ed. 16, Almost all. 20, Bolt. 22, Rivet (anag.). 23, F-Ist. 24, (pl)An-na(turally). 25, Dis-covered. Down - 1, Man-age. 2, Con-ta-I-n. 3, Twin-(le)g-e. 4, Writhe (anag.). 5, Assam. 7, (a)Ny-Lon. 13, Ram (rev.). 14, St-if-F-en. 15, Count. 17, La-Vi-sh. 18, Op-tion. 19, Las-he-s. 21, T-rade.

local retailer.

Enquiries to: enrolment@bbi.school.nz

72-year-old Ronald Chen will run his 100th full marathon next week and join a prestigious group of 58 others in the NZ 100 marathon club.

Photo supplied

Times for students to attend first week of school 2023

Tuesday 31 January – Year 9 Students and all newly enrolled students and International Students 8.50am-3.25pm 8.40am – students assemble in House groups on the grassed area behind the bus bay for Powhiri in the gym. The day will include the start of the peer support programme and a Top Town event (please bring your Howick College PE gear and a towel).

Wednesday 1 February – whole school rst day 9.00am-3.25pm

Year 9 students: report to your Tutor Group room Year 10-Year 13 students assembly venues to be con rmed by email in January

All new Year 11-13 students gather in the reception area (front of school)

Our website: www.howickcollege.school.nz contains information on:

START UP DETAILS FOR 2023

School Office is open from Monday 23 January – 9am to 2pm

Year 12 and 13 students: Subject Changes: If you wish to change one of the subjects you have selected, you need to see the Careers Department in the Careers Room.

Tuesday 24 January 9:00am-12:00pm All Senior Students Careers Room

Wednesday 25 January 9:00am-12:00pm

All Senior Students Careers Room

It is important that this is done prior to the start of school so that you can be in the correct class on the first day.

Year 13 Students First Day: Please arrive at the Hall by 8.30am on Wednesday 1 February

Year 9 Students First Day: (including New Year 10 - Year 13 Students)

Please arrive at 9:45am on Wednesday 1 February and assemble in house groups in the staff car park.

Year 9 will be released at approximately 2:00pm.

Years 10-13 on new student induction programme finish at 12:40pm.

ALL Students Thursday 2 February: Please report on Thursday 2 February to your Tutor Class 15 minutes before the assembly times indicated below:

9:00am Matai Assembly

9:45am Nikau Assembly

10:30am Pohutukawa Assembly

11:15am Rimu Assembly

12:00pm Totara Assembly

12:45pm Kauri Assembly

Friday 3 February:

You will be released approximately two hours after you arrive.

First day on timetable – school starts at 8:40am for Year 9 students and Peer Support Leaders; Year 10 to 13 students start at 9:40am. All students will finish at 3:00pm.

We hope you are all having a wonderful break and looking forward to the new school year.

Williams, Principal

The school office will be open:

Thursday 26 January 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Tuesday 31 January 8:00am – 4:00pm

School commences on: Tuesday 1 February – Year 8 students only Wednesday 2 February – All students

All students to meet under the dome by 8:20am

Meet the Whanau – Thursday 9 February

Second-Hand Uniform Sale Thursday 15 December, 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Macleans College

FIRST DAYS, TERM 1, 2023

Wednesday 25 January – Year 13 Course Confirmation in Hillary House

NCEA Year 13

9.00 am to 10.00 am Students with surnames starting A to H 10.00 am to 11.00 am Students with surnames starting I to P 11.00 am to 12 noon Students with surnames starting Q to Z CAIE Year 13 1.00 pm to 1.45 pm Students with surnames starting A to M 1.45 pm to 2.30 pm Students with surnames starting N to Z

Thursday 26 January – Teacher Only Day Friday 27 January – Teacher Only Day and Year 9 Open afternoon/meet and greet 1-3pm Monday 30 January – Auckland Anniversary Day School Closed

Tuesday 31 January – ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND (student admin. day) 9.00 am to 3.00 pm Year 9 students meet in the amphitheatre 10.30 am to 1.30 pm Year 10 students meet in House Commons 11.00 am to 2.00 pm Year 11 students meet in House Commons 9.00 am to 1.00 pm Year 12 students meet in House Commons 9.00 am to 3.00 pm Peer Support Leaders 10.00 am to 1.00 pm Year 13 students meet in House Commons

All Year 10-13 students new to the school please meet outside the main office at the times given above.

All students are to assemble at appropriate times with a pen and paper and some morning tea.

Wednesday 1 February onwards – ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND 8.35 am to 3.15 pm All students in class

Monday 6 February – Waitangi Day School Closed

BUS SERVICE will resume Tuesday 31 January

SCHOOL TUCK SHOP will open Wednesday 1 February

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS

The Uniform Shop is located next to the Health Centre, near the main school entrance. Prior to school starting in 2023 the shop will be open for uniform sales as follows: 2022:

Saturday 10 December 10 am to 12 noon

Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 December 1 pm to 4 pm Saturday 17 December 10 am to 12 noon 2023:

Thursday 12 and

Michael

CAELUM C E RT E PATET

PAINTER/HANDYMAN, 40+yrs exp. Phone Muzza Ph 027 6770294

PAINTER Int/Ext painting, high qual workmanship, plastering. Howick based. Ph Kenny 021 897 445

PAINTER int/ext roof, free quote, qual work Korean Painters. Phone Charlie 027 245 0807 WALLPAPERING specialist. Strip, hang. Ph Andrew 027 4600048 or 5244

Howick-Pakuranga Hockey Club

AGM for 2023

Is to be held at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium, Pakuranga on Wednesday, 1 February at 7.00pm.

Apologies may be addressed to: The Secretary, PO Box 260-003, Howick East Or emailed to: president@hphc.org.nz MP285946

SITUATIONS VACANT

STOREPERSON

Exciting opportunity for a permanent part time position as a medical receptionist. We are looking for someone with a professional positive attitude who thrives in a busy environment and has good decision making and problem-solving skills. Medtech evolution experience preferred but not necessary. For more information or to apply please email Lisa Leat lisa@millhousemedical.co.nz

XERO HERO WANTED

Join our friendly team in the Accounts Payable role in Xero & HubDoc. Part time, permanent role, 3 days a week. Hours can be structured to fit your commitments. Excellent pay for a reliable candidate who knows Xero. Cascade for Mazdaparts is an industry leading car parts company in Pakuranga. Please email CV to admin@cascadeformazda.co.nz or call Belinda on 022 623 6778 MP285966

MP285970

SERVICE ENGINEER

We are a leading NZ importer, manufacturer and distributor of commercial and industrial duty high pressure water blasting equipment, located in East Tamaki.

We require an Engineer/Technician to service our electric, petrol and diesel powered water blasters, pumps and hot cleaners both in house and on-site in the Auckland region, to do P.D. checks of new equipment and liaise with customers on service matters from time to time.

Experience is required servicing pumps or hydraulics and be familiar with petrol and diesel engines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a requirement. Full training will be given.

Please e-mail your application to: The Director – AES Waterblasters alan@aesblasters.co.nz www.aesblasters.co.nz

MP285850

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 DE279387

PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS OFFICER

We are on the lookout for an experienced, organised and enthusiastic staff member for the position of Payroll & Accounts Officer to join our team. This position requires experience in:

• Payroll – EdPay

Xero Accounting

Student Management System

Microsoft Office

Familiarity with financial management for NZ

Secondary Schools an advantage

The successful applicant will have:

Understanding of relevant tax legislation (GST)

The ability to work both independently and as a team

Attention to detail

Strong communication and interpersonal skills –verbal and written

Ability to prioritise and meet critical deadlines

Flexibility to assist in other areas of the

Administration Team

Remuneration will be in accordance with the Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement.

This is a 30 hrs/wk term time only position and will commence on 7 February 2023. Additional hours may be required during school holidays.

Please submit CV and Cover Letter to: lzimer@ormiston.school.nz

Applications close January 30 at 4pm

LIBRARIAN

Are you a well organised person with great interpersonal skills? If so, we need you in our library team

Sancta Maria College is a Year 7-13 State Integrated Catholic Secondary School with over 1000 students in East Auckland. We seek an enthusiastic LIBRARIAN with communication and library skills. The successful person would need the ability to interact positively in a professional manner with staff and students.

This is a fixed term position for 2023 reviewable at the end of 2023. Term time only, 15 hours per week (2 days).

All candidates will be required to support the Special Character of the College.

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

Send your application form, CV and covering letter to Margaret Littlejohn (Business Manager) at employment@sanctamaria.school.nz

Applications close on 31 January 2023. MP285958

COOK/ CHEF

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

We are Stand Tu Maia, a charity that provides a nationwide intensive wraparound service which includes our Auckland village for children and their families.

To be successful in this role you will be:

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

• Able to cook for larger groups – qualifications a plus

• Experienced in managing Food Safety Requirements/ Audits and have high standards of hygiene

• Able to work within a budget.

• Able to manage the day to day operation of the kitchen and servery areas, including ordering of food and supplies.

• A flexible team member.

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

This position is 30 hours/week, Sunday-Thursday 10.30am6pm.

We welcome informal visits and calls contact Helena Dean on 09-534-4017 or email your CV to Auckland@standforchildren.org.nz

Applications close: Sunday 29 January 2023.

TEACHER AIDE

MP285954

Young Pakuranga athletes dominate at Colgate Games

By BEN PLUMMER

Pakuranga Athletic Club junior athletes had outstanding success at the North Island Colgate Games held recently in Whanganui.

In its 45th year, the North Island Colgate Games hosted more than 1000 junior athletes from 83 different athletics clubs around New Zealand.

Colgate’s sponsorship of the Games is believed to be the longest continuous sports sponsorship in the world.

The 22 Pakuranga athletes in the 10-14 years age group won an outstanding 26 individual medals including a haul of 12 golds.

The club’s passion for middle-distance running was clear to see with nine of the medals won coming from the 800m and 1500m events.

Meanwhile, as they have done in past few years, Pakuranga continued to

dominate the racewalk events with all five of the team’s racewalkers coming away with medals, including four golds.

In the relays, Pakuranga picked up four medals across the 4x100m and mixed medley events.

The eight 7-9-year-olds in the team won a huge 18 1st, 2nd or 3rd place pennants between them,

including five gold pennants to eight-year-old Alyssia Vaili.

To cap off a brilliant weekend, Imogen Barlow – who won gold in the 14 Girls 800m and 1500m and bronze in the 400m – was awarded one of only four prestigious Nick Willis Scholarships for outstanding performance at the Games.

Club president Mike Trathen, who attended the games, says “the club is extremely proud of both the results achieved and also the effort, enthusiasm and sportsmanship shown by all team members”.

Fourteen Pakuranga athletes will be travelling on to attend the South Island Colgate Games in Timaru.

Club nights for all junior athletes (2-17-year-olds) commence for 2023 on Wednesday, January 18 at the Yvette Williams Track at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

New members are welcome.

SAFETY IS AN ONGOING ISSUE

h From page 12

Slater said the third major issue related to the club’s changing sheds at Ti Rakau Park.

Part-Time; Fixed-Term; Term Time Only

Sancta Maria College is a coeducational Y7–13 state integrated Catholic college in Flat Bush, East Auckland. We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, and motivated Teacher Aide with great initiative and communication skills to join our vibrant Learning Support Department.

The successful candidate will be required to work with a variety of students across the College from Year 7-13 with various special needs and talents. You will also need to work as a team member with teachers and other staff members and should be empathetic to the needs of young adolescents.

Commencing as soon as possible; 25 hours per week.

All candidates will be required to support the Special Character of the College.

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

Send your application form, CV and covering letter to Margert Littlejohn (Business Manager) at employment@sanctamaria.school.nz

Applications close on 31 January 2023. MP285962

“Our 1960s changing sheds are woefully out of date. The busway will have an effect on that as well.

“They are open-aired and any trucks driving past will have a good look into our showers.”

Board deputy chairperson Bo Burns asked Slater how many teams the club has and when was the last time it had money granted or funding provided by the board.

Slater replied Covid had “taken a hit” on the club in the past couple of years but it had 15-25 teams.

He said the club had never received a grant or

funding from the board.

Board member Bruce Kendall asked Slater about the last time the club had asked for funding and if it had done an assessment on the sort of lighting it wanted and what it would cost.

Slater said the club had last applied for funding sometime between 2015 and 2017 but, due to an administration error, missed out.

“We are very reliant on [the council’s] parks [department] for this,” he said.

“They did put some new light bulbs in a couple of years back.

“We’ve been in constant communication with the parks people to try to get some form of consultation

for it but we’re just waiting for a reply.”

Board member John Spiller asked Slater what his priority was out of the sand-slitting for drainage and lighting.

Slater said the drainage was important but his view is the lighting is a “little bit more important”.

“We have a lot of 12-, 14-, and 16-year-old girls running around our fields and the lighting is particularly bad. There are a lot of bushes and trees around the outside and I just don’t think it’s safe.

“If something happened along those lines, that’s just something that needs to be highlighted.”

The board thanked Slater for raising the club’s concerns.

MP285869

A team of 40 Pakuranga Athletic Club junior athletes won a total of 44 medals between them at the recent North Island Colgate Games. Photos supplied

10-year-old Tamia TavitaFalesiu finished second overall in the grade 10 Shotput with a distance of 8.05 metres.

Pakuranga United RC going above and beyond

One year on from launching the Pakuranga United Rugby apprenticeship programme, seven club players have successfully been placed into new roles and apprenticeships in the local community.

Leveraging on the large network of trades and companies associated with the club, the apprenticeship programme launched at the end of 2021 with the aim of extending the support that the club provides school leavers beyond their time on the rugby field.

Two players involved in the initiative, Alapati Brown and Bray Thivichith-Horea, both played in the Under 21 grade for Pakuranga this year and enquired about the programme while looking for a career.

The club was able to support a relationship with IDAC and Access Solutions respectively to confirm new roles for the players.

Pakuranga president and director of Access Solutions Michael Biddick added that the success of the initiative goes both ways.

“Supporting community members in finding a career, while being involved in their development as an athlete is a win-win for both parties,” he says.

Brown says IDAC director and Pakuranga stalwart Jim Cavanagh

has taken a genuine interest in him, both on and off the field which makes for an enjoyable workplace environment.

The programme is open to all athletes who play in any of the various sports that sit under the Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre umbrella – rugby, netball, American football, baseball, badminton or touch rugby.

League club has safety concerns

By CHRIS HARROWELL

An east Auckland sports club is asking the Howick Local Board for support to upgrade its ageing facilities and says the work is needed to ensure its players’ safety.

Pakuranga Rugby League Community Sports Club chairman Mike Slater addressed the board’s members at their most recent business meeting.

He said the club has called Ti Rakau Park home since 1968.

Slater said he was talking to the board to “hopefully start some conversations around issues we have at the park” and to ask for its support.

Work carried out as part of the Eastern Busway public transport is causing issues for the club and its home ground, he said.

If you’re interested or would like more information, contact operationsmanager@purc.co.nz



“It’s having a major impact on the fields. A lot of the concerns we have are health and safety concerns.

“We were promised sand-slitting drainage on the field about

15 years ago. With the busway, it’s [that work has] been deferred and it’s causing major problems with the drainage and the fact the fields, especially last season, were so cut up that we were getting injuries.”

Slater said the club is also dealing with issues relating to its inferior training lights.

That problem ran in conjunction with the problem relating

to the fields, he said.

“Our lights are rather woeful. We’ve been asking for many years to get an improvement on this.

“I know with the busway and road upgrade we will have better access lighting, but three training lights that light a third of five fields aren’t adequate for the amount of teams we have.”  Turn to page 11

HPCC START YEAR WITH A BANG, MULTIPLE PLAYERS SELECTED FOR HIGHER HONOURS

By BEN PLUMMER

The Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club (HPCC) have started the year off strong with wins recorded for both premier men’s and women’s sides.

Due to rain, all senior grades were moved to artificial wickets on Saturday with no grass available, and in some cases, games were played at locations that are generally not used for cricket at this level.

For the premier men, HPCC won the toss and elected to bowl first against Suburbs New Lynn in round four of the Premier Men Jeff Crowe Cup Limited over Competition.

Playing on artificial wickets is always tough for bowlers at this level, however 18-year-old Caine Bethune didn’t let this phase him in only his second premier men’s game, picking up three wickets.

With a strong batting line-up, inclusive of former Auckland domestic player Michael Barry who scored 81, Suburbs were dismissed for 251 by a determined Howick Pakuranga.

In return, the HPCC batting line up looked solid again, losing only two wickets as they knocked off the target with six overs to spare.

Daniel Young and Liam Winn shared a 175-run partnership for the second wicket.

Young scored his second century of the season and carried his bat through the innings to score a

diligent 110 not out as Winn scored 102 off just 86 balls, including six big sixes.

After rain struck much of the country last week, a T20 premier men game scheduled for January 11 was postponed to this Wednesday January 18 where HPCC will play Auckland University.

The premier women played two rounds of the Pearl Dawson T20 competition at Colin Maiden Park on Saturday after the first two rounds of the competition were abandoned last weekend due to rain.

Having made the finals of this competition for the last three seasons, the HPCC premier women have set high targets. First up they played Cornwall who batted first and scored 96/7 which HPCC chased with three overs and five wickets to spare.

In the second game they played premier newcomers North Shore.

HPCC elected to bowl with rain forecast for the afternoon and after 20 overs North Shore finished on 68/9, with Auckland Hearts player Josie Penfold taking 4/8 for HPCC.

HPCC chased this with ease, winning by 10 wickets from just eight overs.

Star of the team for both games was the HPCC’s hard-hitting opener Radhika Patel who scored 28 from 23 balls against Cornwall, and followed it up with 52* from just 30 balls against North Shore.

Several Howick Pakuranga players were selected for higher hon-

ours over the Christmas break, playing for respective representative teams.

Up-and-coming youngster Holly Lightbourne has been selected for the Auckland U19 women’s team, Auckland Maori Secondary School girls and was also part of the Epsom Girls Grammar side that recently won the Gillete Venus Cup National Schools Tournament in Christchurch.

Lightbourne joined HPCC this season for a better opportunity to play premier cricket after previously playing at Cornwall.

Premier player and rising star of women’s cricket Ayaan Lambat was selected for the Auckland U17 women’s side to play in the Women’s U17 North Island tournament from January 9-12.

Lambat is in her third summer of premier cricket and this is the first summer she has been eligible

for the Auckland District girls U17 tournament, having turned 14 in October.

Lambat represented Manukau in the tournament and was a star performer, finishing as the top run scorer, top wicket-taker and overall MVP.

Neena Woollaston was also selected in the Auckland U17 women’s side as well as being named a non-travelling reserve for the U19 side.

Woollaston is a regular in the HPCC premier woman’s side and made her captaincy debut for one game this season.

The year 12 Howick College student has also been selected for the Auckland Cricket Rangatahi Female leadership programme.

Lachie Stackpole, who made his premier men’s debut last season at only 16, while also playing for the Sacred Heart College First XI, played for the Auckland Under 19 side over the break.

Stackpole has been a regular rep selection for the past few seasons.

HPCC youngsters Selwin Sanjay and Connor Greening have both been selected for the Auckland U17 men’s side that play in the National U17 boys’ tournament this week in Canterbury.

Sanjay, a top order batsman and spinner, Greening a left arm opening bowler, both play for the Macleans College first XI.

Both are regular high performers for college and club over the past few seasons.

HPCC PREMIER RESULTS

Premier Men – T20 Competition

Round Five: January 7th – Howick Pakuranga against Eden Roskill was abandoned due to weather.

Round Six: January 7th – Howick Pakuranga against Parnell was abandoned due to weather.

Round Seven: January 11th – Howick Pakuranga against Auckland University has been postponed to Wednesday January 18.

Premier Men Jeff Crowe Cup Limited over Competition | Round 4 Suburbs New Lynn 251 (M Barry 81, T Payle 60; R Botadra 3-25, C Bethune 3-56) lost to Howick Pakuranga 252/2 (D Young 110 not out, L Winn 102; M Barry 2-47) by eight wickets.

Premier Women – Pearl Dawson Trophy T20 Competition

Round One: January 7 – Howick Pakuranga against Auckland University was abandoned due to weather.

Round Two: January 7 – Howick Pakuranga against Papatoetoe was abandoned due to weather.

Round Three: January 14 – Howick Pakuranga defeated Cornwall by five wickets.

Round Four: January 14 – Howick Pakuranga defeated North Shore by 10 wickets.

CRICKET CLUB FIXTURES

Round 7, Premier Men T20 Competition

– Howick Pakuranga Premier Men VS Auckland University CC Premier Men at Michaels Avenue Reserve –Wednesday January 18, 5.30pm.

Round 5, Limited overs Jeff Crowe Cup

– Howick Pakuranga Premier Men VS Takapuna CC Premier Men at Lloyd Elsmore Park – Saturday January 21, 11am

Round 5, Premier Women Pearl Dawson Trophy T20 Competition – Howick Pakuranga Premier Women VS Parnell CC Premier Women at Colin Maiden Park – Saturday January 21, 11am.

Round 6, Premier Women Pearl Dawson Trophy T20 Competition –Howick Pakuranga Premier Women VS Takapuna CC Premier Women at Colin Maiden Park – Saturday January 21, 3pm

Leroy Henry-Jack of Pakuranga Rugby club’s premier side in action against Ponsonby in 2021. Times photo Wayne Martin

The Pakuranga Rugby League Community Sports Club has approached the Howick Local Board about work it needs carried out to its facilities.

Times photo Wayne Martin

The Howick Pakuranga premier men have started the year with a bang after a strong eight wicket win over Suburbs New Lynn. Photo supplied