Times - 22 March 2023

GARDEN UTOPIA

RECEIVERS ARE CALLED IN FOR RAINBOW GROUP

By NICK KRAUSE

Receivers have been appointed to childcare enterprise The Rainbow Group of Companies Limited owned by Bucklands Beach couple Rrahul and Bhavini Dosshi.

Stephen White and John Fisk of PwC were appointed as receivers of The Rainbow Group and certain associated companies on March 14.

The group consists of 13 Rainbow Corner early childhood education (ECE) centres situated across New Zealand, a network of in-home based childcare providers and an ECE private training establishment which employed around 130 staff.

A little light rain didn’t put a damper on the beloved Ayrlies Plant Fair at the renowned Whitford gardens and wetlands. An array of top quality plants were on sale and there was a pop-up café as well as live music.

“We are yet to have fully established the factors contributing to the financial issues faced by the group, but expect that suspensions and cancellation of a number of ECE licenses – which have attracted recent media scru-

tiny – will have contributed,” said White.

A consequence of the receivership is that any ECE licenses held by companies in receivership were automatically suspended upon the appointment of the receivers. Accordingly, the receivers have had to suspend childcare operations with immediate effect.

“We appreciate that these closures will cause a number of families significant disruption in the coming days, but unfortunately there was no alternative option under the circumstances,” said White.

“The receivers are working closely with the Ministry of Education to minimise the impact on families to the greatest extent possible.”

The receivers will be briefing staff and contacting customers and other stakeholders to update them on the impact of the receivership, while also determining options available to maxim-

ise recoveries for the Group’s creditors.

Rrahul [also spelled Rahul] and Bhavini Dosshi [also spelled Doshi] became the sole owners of Porse in-home childcare and the Porse training business in early 2019. The sale of Porse was completed in December 2018. Their registered office was on East Tamaki Road.

The Dosshis opened their first Rainbow Corner centre in Gisborne in 2011. The Rainbow Corner website names Bhavini as the founder and CEO and said she was a finalist in the Best Business Woman in 2018. It said Rrahul brought more than 26 years of international management experience to the group.

The majority of his career, it said, was spent in leadership roles in the maritime industry. He is a graduate in business management from Massey University.

The Times has attempted contacting the couple.

Times photo Wayne Martin

Event promoting girls’ chess all set

Howick’s Paul Spiller, vice president of the New Zealand Chess Federation, is organising a special Girls’ Chess Day at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre on Sunday, March 26 as part of a global initiative by the World Chess Federation [FIDE] to promote girls’ chess and to promote chess in general.

They have both the FIDE chair of the Women’s Commission [WOM] Anastasia Sorokina and Women’s Grandmaster Dana Reizniece-Ozola (a former minister of sport in the Latvian parliament) who is deputy chair of the FIDE management board attending the event.

They will then travel to Wellington to meet with the president of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and Dr Julia Novak who is in charge of the NZ Schools’ curriculum. Their visit will finish with a live interview by Kathryn Ryan on Radio NZ at 10am on Tuesday,

What’s on

PETERS TO SPEAK

500 CARD CLUBS

March 28.

Spiller will be travelling with them to Wellington to join them in these meetings as the NZCF representative.

Meanwhile, Alphaeus Ang won the A grade competition in a Latvian Chess tournament organised by the Howick Pakuranga Chess Club at Te Tuhi on Saturday. It is an annual NZCF & FIDE-rated one day Swiss format tournament with six rounds.

Ang finished with 5.5 out of 6 points ahead of Leonard McLaren (5) and Daqi Mao (4.5).

The b grade saw four joint winners on 4.5 points. They were Jessie de Guzman, Timothy Ha, Hayden Steele and Henry Vital.

Karl Holdo won the c grade tournament on 5.5 with Oscar Cui second and Duncan McDonald third. First in the d grade competition was Isaac Lobo (5.5) followed by Vicky Yu and Oscar Gu.

Macleans sailors make podium

Macleans College has placed third in the Harken National Secondary Schools Championship held at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron over the weekend.

The team consists of Tim McCulloch (helm and member of Howick Sailing Club), Ben McKeen (Bucklands Beach

TIMESWORD

PUZZLE NO. 8102

Yacht Club), Ollie Baverstock and Pedro Vantacich (Howick Sailing Club). The boys are a mix of Y12 and Y13 at Macleans College and have been sailing against and with one another since intermediate school.

Overall, they finished behind winners Auckland Grammar and Kristin School.

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1. Didn’t walk the street, you say (4).

7. Besides, the question goes in another section (9).

8. You stand for about an hour (4).

9. How long it will take, at a guess, to oust us (4).

10. Leaves the lake to the duck (4).

11. Likelihood that you’ll get the occasional point (4).

14. In the course of events, somehow note the time (3,2,5).

16. Stood up for, having unusual fibre, and put a stop to it (10).

19. In getting aboard the ship, does wrong (4).

22. Among a number you help out (4).

24. Used pull, but didn’t win (4).

25. A pretty little animal in the shade (4).

26. Try to stop our Eva breaking in (9). 27. This is it! (4).

1. The proportion is one animal to one hole (5).

2. Fear it’s numb right through (5).

3. Slump over and you see the bottle (6).

QUICK CLUES

4. Takes care of in the audition, you grasp, also (4,2).

5. Talk to in the pet hospital (4).

6. What the mechanic’s armed with? (6-3).

12. Put off by the charge, you decide (9).

13. Mix it in the can (4).

15. Doesn’t go on the tips (4).

17. At last I have something to eat (6).

18. Shuts when one decorates (4,2).

20. The English woman has a pound left, counting everything (2,3).

21. Because he turns out to be Chinese (5).

23. What’s done is not irreversible (4).

Grey Power Howick Pakuranga & Districts Association invites you to its meeting at Howick Presbyterian Church, 11 Vincent Street, Howick on Friday, March 24. Meeting commences at 1pm with Maurice Williamson, Auckland Councillor, speaking at 1.10pm, refreshments at 2pm followed at 2.15pm by Winston Peters, NZ First. The meeting finishes at 3.15pm. All welcome. Members bring a friend! Details, phone Sandy Feringa 534 9409.

CREATIVE WRITING

Come along to our free adult selfrun creative writing class at Howick Library on Saturday, April 1, 10am12noon held in the Howick Room. We look forward to meeting you.

LADIES PROBUS

The Ladies Probus Club of Howick Central will meet at 10am on Friday, March 24 at the Howick Bowling Club, Selwyn Road, Howick. After the AGM, a trading table will be held. Visitors are welcome to come and meet our members, chat over morning tea and make new friends. For further information phone Jan 536-6819 or Agnes 940-1532.

HOWICK COMBINED

PROBUS

Why not join us on Tuesday, March 28 at the Howick Bowling Club 10am12 noon to hear our speaker Phil Sai Louie, “Origin of Names”. New members and guests welcome. Morning tea provided. Phone Mary on 2738804 to confirm or for more information regarding our speakers, trips and friendship groups.

We welcome new members for weekly play on Wednesdays at Howick Little Theatre, 1pm-4pm. Friendly social play, includes afternoon tea. Details from andrew.ryburn@gmail.com or Ph 0274859485. A separate club plays weekly on Tuesdays at the Howick Bowling Club. Details from Sherril, phone 5346412. Some play at both, come join us!

RUMMIKUB

Meeting each Monday from 1pm3.30pm at the St John’s Ambulance Hall, Pakuranga Road, opposite ASB. All skill levels and new members welcome, $4 door entry. Phone or text Shirley on 0221755656.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Howick Photographic Society is holding it annual general meeting on Monday, March 27 at the Bridge Club, Pakuranga Road, Howick to be followed by a presentation on how to make your photos into a book. Supper too. More information at howickphotographicsociety.org.nz. All welcome.

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF HOWICK

We are women who enjoy having fun, forming friendships while making a difference in our local community. We meet every 4th Wednesday of the month at the Highland Park Community Centre at 7.30pm. For more information visit www.innerwheel.org.nz or contact Huibrie at huibriek66@icloud.com or email howick@iwnz.org.nz.

THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TIDES

Former church minister jailed

By NICK KRAUSE

Aformer children’s ministry director at a Howick church – and her husband – have been jailed in the US following the death of their adopted child eight years ago.

Sarah Johnson, who held a ministry with Cultivate Kids at Cession Community Church in Howick until mid-2022, and her husband Timothy returned to the United States last year. They moved to New Zealand in 2016 not long after the death of their child Seth, 7, who died of neglect in March 2015.

The Star Tribune reported that the parents received the maximum one-year sentence – an appropriate punishment given their weeks-long failure to inter-

vene with medical care, the judge said. They pleaded guilty to gross misdemeanour child neglect. Seth endured extensive trauma from

an inflamed pancreas and possible infections until he died. In his final days, the ailing boy was left in the care of his 16-year-old brother

while the Johnsons attended a wedding out of town, the paper said.

The couple reportedly administered “medical honey” and prayed over him instead of taking him to the doctor. At the time of their appointment to Cession Church, no charges had apparently been laid.

Cession-community lead pastor Rev Melissa Powell said the church is committed to ensuring theirs is a place where people are safe and well cared for. “As part of our commitment to the highest standards of care, we willingly agreed to take part in an independent review of the employment process in relation to the employment of Sarah Johnson, a former employee of Cession-Community,” Powell said.

“The review was undertaken by Pathfinding and was managed by our denominational body. This allowed us to be certain of what worked well in our policies and processes and establish any areas where we could improve.

“The review identified that, in this instance, there was a high degree of diligence shown through the processes which were followed. The decision to employ the individual was not, in the opinion of Pathfinding, a negligent decision, nor did it breach legislation or denominational policy.

“Our engagement in the review process has further aided us in prioritising the safety of our church – our members, and those who engage with us through our events and programmes.”

Fears closing hardstands could spread pests to estuary

By LAURA KVIGSTAD, Auckland Council reporter

Funded by New Zealand on Air

The Howick Local Board fears pest species could reach the Tamaki Estuary as boat-cleaning capacity shrinks across Auckland.

Hardstands allow boats to be taken out of the water and cleaned, removing unwanted pests such as the invasive seaweed species caulerpa from their hull.

Six hardstands have reduced their hull-cleaning capacity with three closing over the past year.

The Auckland Yachting and Boating Association says the reduction means only 33 percent of the city’s recreational boats can be cleaned annually when they’re supposed to be cleaned every six months.

Local boards oversee facilities in their area including some marinas. In February the Orakei Local Board voted to put its marina, The Landing, up for sale.

At the council’s planning, environment and parks committee meeting on March 2, the Howick

Local Board asked the council to

Turns out you can live on the golf course!

take a regional approach to the issue. Board chairperson Damian Light told the committee the reduction in hardstands meant more boats would have to enter the Tamaki Estuary for cleaning, increasing the biosecurity risks.

“We need to make sure we have hardstands and haul-out facilities around the region so when someone does have an issue they can go somewhere that is local.”

Light said if boats couldn’t be cleaned locally they could be dragging pests across the Hauraki Gulf while going to another cleaning

facility.

Board member Bruce Kendall said there were neglected boats across Auckland that were growing their own ecosystems.

“Some of those things are fine, like mussels are great, mussels filter the water and all the rest of it but there are also bad things.

“It’s going to be much easier to retain and upgrade the existing haul-out facilities than it will be to build new ones.”

Kendall said it wasn’t just a matter of finding the land to build a new haul-out facility but water

depths, weather conditions and tides for a location also had to be considered.

Councillor Lotu Fuli asked Light and Kendall if they’d consider a targeted rate to upgrade the haulout facilities at Half Moon Bay if they believed it was important to protect the area. Kendall replied he wasn’t sure how much Howick’s general community outside of the boating community would appreciate having a targeted rate.

“They may because it is a part of looking after the general environment,” he said.

Sarah Johnson and husband Timothy were sentenced via a virtual hearing; inset, Seth Johnson. Photos Fox 9/ YouCaring

Auckland Airport Rotary, which has many local members, raised funds for those left homeless following the Turkey/Syria earthquake. Photo Reuters

Airport Rotary’s quake fundraiser

Members of Auckland Airport Rotary sprung into action after the recent Turkey/Syria earthquake. The club maintains an emergency fund which recently received inflows from a Club Cinema Night, Trade Me book sales and members’ donations.

Members voted to allocate $1000 from the fund to help relief efforts in Turkey. However, mindful of how often relief money is swallowed up in administration, the club gave the $1000 to ShelterBox who have a standard family pack containing an erectable shelter and survival equipment.

ShelterBox already have personnel in Turkey and our club money is already providing relief to needy families.

President Mathew Koshy remarked, “It is so good to know that our funds are going to provide direct relief. It makes our efforts worthwhile.”

Despite the name Airport Rotary, the club draws members from all over East Tamaki as well as north and south Auckland. Founder president Guy Slocum said, “We are always looking for new members (part or full time) to expand the reach of our charitable efforts as we are much stronger acting together.

“Anyone interested in our next info evening should ring or text 027 895 2909 for details.”

Help stop AT speed bumps on Ti Rakau Dr

As the Eastern Busway project continues to make progress, with the Pakuranga to Botany stage and the Reeves Road Flyover set to start construction soon, Auckland Transport (AT) are sadly trying to add several speed bumps along Ti Rakau Drive. Calling them “raised safety platforms”, their most recent design plans include these speed bumps at each of the bus stations planned for Ti Rakau Drive. These would be located near the Reeves Road intersection, the Edgewater Drive intersection nearest Chevis Place, and the Gossamer

Drive intersection, and would serve no purpose but to unnecessarily slow traffic down.

The designs for these bus stations already include proper traffic management, so adding a speed bump will do nothing to improve safety for those wishing to catch a bus, and instead only hinder those driving their cars.

This is typical of AT’s approach to transport in recent years, spurred on by policies initiated by the Labour Government who seem intent on making drivers miserable and forcing them out of their cars.

East Auckland already suf-

fers from some of the worst congestion in Auckland, and the community justifiably rallied against a similar, crazy proposal to install a speed bump on Pakuranga Road. Fortunately, in that case, AT saw the light and cancelled that proposal, and I am hoping another community effort can get them to change their minds on the Ti Rakau speed bumps as well.

Last week I launched a petition calling on AT to stop these three speed bumps, with nearly 2000 of you already signing it.

If you agree these speed bumps would only make a further mess of traffic in

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

Pakuranga, without providing a real benefit in return, please sign the petition at simeonbrown.national.org. nz/tirakaucrossings.

The Eastern Busway is one of the most important transport projects in Auckland and one our community has waited more than a decade for. It is imperative we get it right and do not get bogged down with speed bumps that, frankly, would make the expected congestion improvements from this project obsolete. Please sign the petition and send AT a clear message: stop trying to install speed bumps on our main roads!

School pupils allegedly robbed at gunpoint

Police are investigating after two males were reported to have approached several secondary school pupils in Clevedon and demanded money and their mobile phones.

A police spokesperson says officers were alerted to the incident in Clevedon Road at about 2.37pm on March 16.

“One [of the males] has allegedly presented a firearm during the incident.

“The offenders have

absconded with the students’ phones in a white or silver station wagon being driven by a female.”

A letter from a local school addressed to parents and caregivers about the incident has been shared on social media.

It states the two students disembarked from the school bus at Clevedon and were waiting to be picked up by their family from the Clev-

edon Village Hall.

“While they were waiting, they were approached by three people who demanded their money and phones, and one of them revealed that they were carrying a gun.

“Thankfully, the students involved in this incident are safe and weren’t physically harmed.”

The letter says the incident has been reported to police, who are investigating.

“We are hopeful that the perpetrators of this crime are caught as soon as possible.”

People who witnessed the incident should contact police by phoning 105, or go online to www.105.police. govt.nz using ‘Update Report’, and quote the file number 230316/0760.

Alternatively, phone the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.

Children armed with hammer raid store

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Agroup of children, including one who’s just 10 years old, were caught by police after allegedly stealing items from an east Auckland store.

The incident happened at LiquorLand Howick in Elliot Street at about 9.22am on March 15.

A police spokesperson says a report was received of a group of offenders having entered the building and stolen a number of items.

Police understand several members of the group were armed with a hammer and iron bar.

“A stolen white van used by the offenders was spotted soon after by attending police units and was subsequently spiked.

“Eagle [helicopter] provided aerial support and tracked the vehicle to a location in Manurewa, where it was deliberately driven through a fence at a residential property.

“The occupants of the van have decamped into the address and six offenders were subsequently taken into custody without incident.”

Three members of the group

were arrested and appeared in the Manukau Youth Court on March 15. The other three were released and referred to the police’s Youth Aid Section.

The six youths ranged in age from 10 to 15 years old.

The incident is not the first time LiquorLand Howick has been targeted by thieves.

A group of offenders crashed a stolen vehicle into the store before gaining entry and stealing bottles of alcohol form it at about 5am on April 3 last year.

The business’s owner-operator, Joss Granger, said at the time she felt emotional when she saw the damage caused to her business.

“When I pulled into the driveway I just sat in my car and cried because I wasn’t expect-

ing that. It was a huge shock when I first got here, and to have police all over the place.

“Watching the [CCTV] footage feels really violating. To see people ransack your property like that with complete disregard.”

Two other Howick businesses were also broken into by thieves last week.

A fruit shop in Moore Street and a pub in Cook Street were broken into at about 3am on March 11.

“Entry was gained to both premises by smashing a glass door, with an amount of alcohol taken from one premises while nothing was stolen from the other,” the police spokesperson says.

“Police are following positive

Massive

lines of enquiry in relation to both these incidents.”

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says retail crime is “out of control” under the Labour Government.

It’s causing significant concern and damage for small business across the country, including in east Auckland, he says. “We need to crack down on youth offending, rather than just accept it as this Government appears to be doing.”

The police spokesperson says officers engage with business owners following burglaries and ram-raids.

They provide “tailored prevention advice to improve their security and to reduce the risk of being targeted by offenders”.

“This is a complex matter and police cannot solve it alone. We need a co-ordinated partnership approach with agencies, communities, iwi, and social service providers working together to prevent this offending.

“We are focused on what police can do to prevent this crime and harm so everybody in our communities can feel safe and be safe.”

Police apprehended a group of young people who stole items from LiquorLand Howick on March 15. Times photo Wayne Martin

OPEN DAYS

EVERY THURSDAY FROM 10AM-2PM

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

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

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

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

BRUCE MCLAREN VILLAGE 795 Chapel Road, Howick, 535 0225

APARTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW

At Bruce McLaren Village, you will be part of a kind-hearted community of residents, where you’ll always find a friendly neighbour. The location of the village is ideal being close to the shops and beaches.

We have a selection of apartments available now, with spacious open-plan living and modern interiors.

A neutral colour palette so you can add your own touch

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

Priced from $835,000

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

795 Chapel Road, Howick

Spend Spend & Win & Win Spend & Win

Carol Simpson!

Howick shopper Carol Simpson has won the Times’ local shopping promotion Howick Village Summer Spend & Win, picking up a massive collection of prizes. She entered in Poppies book shop.

The month-long promotion attracted thousands of entries. Shoppers had to spend a minimum $50 in participating stores for a chance to win an impressive list of prizes in the winner-takes-all competition.

The Times would like to

thank all the business for participating in the Spend & Win campaign. And just the sheer volume of receipts shows it was a huge success. Special thanks must also go to the business that provided the amazing prizes which included a hanging egg chair with a retail value of $300 from I Furniture, Howick Monterey Cinema provided two adult tickets plus a $20 food and drink voucher, Cinnamon Brown Homestore put up a gift basket valued

at $100, Botany Hunting & Fishing New Zealand provided a Traverse folding table and chairs valued at $250, 101 provided a $200 voucher, The Good Home Gastropub Howick put in a $150 food and beverage voucher, Basalt put in a $150 food and beverage voucher, David Fels Jeweller a $100 voucher and Rydges Formosa golf for four with two carts valued at $450.

The prize draw was overseen by Constable Steve Webb.

The Times’ Janine Hickmore [TOP] picks a winner with Constable Steve Webb; [ABOVE] Spend & Win winner Carol Simpson of Cockle Bay, centre, with the Times’ Janine Hickmore, left, who organised the campaign, and the Times’ managing director Reay Neben.

Photo Wayne Martin/ Nick Krause

WE’RE GOING ABOUT IT ALL WRONG

High density housing defies just about everything that is needed to combat climate change.

Total reliance on council for water when we’ve seen how polluted that can become when a cyclone hits, total reliance on power companies for power when floods can quickly incapacitate supply.

Reliance on public transport when Cyclone Gabrielle quickly showed how quickly it can be stopped in its tracks, total reliance on supermarkets for veges when crops are so quickly destroyed in floods and fail to deliver.

High rise, high density housing because of the reduced roof area per unit limits the use of solar panels to provide an alternative source, absolutely no space for a water tanks to supply an alternative when water is either cut off or so polluted to be undrinkable.

Eight times waste and sewerage water output now from eight houses into storm water drains designed for only one.

No space for a garden when crops because of flooding fail to deliver.

In short governments and councils promote our dependency on them rather than being independent, which should be a number one strategy for each and every one’s survival as acceleration of climate change gathers momentum.

So when politicians or coun-

cillors talk about planning for climate change, they are either being grossly hypocritical, talking through a hole in their heads or, even worse, have vested interests in keeping acceleration of climate change going to keep them in employment.

Gary Hollis Mellons Bay

UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PANEL

Re: Preparing for dangerous weather [Ryan Price, Times , March 10].

After dismissing manmade global warming, Ryan Price has moved on to arguing with himself about the consequence: climate change and the need to act. Because nobody has ever disputed the need for resilience and adaptation.

Oil companies knew in the 1960s about the problems of CO2 from burning fossil fuels – their own scientists told them. Politicians were certainly aware by 1988, when the World Meteorological Organisation initiated the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The present crisis is entirely due to politicians – predominantly ideologically conservative/neoliberal – not giving councils a lead and the power to act.

So now we are up the creek without a paddle. Billions will be needed to simply undo the damage, and we are still left with the root cause – global warming.

Yes, we can adapt to the 1.1C since industrialisation. But emissions at the present rate could mean 4C with 5m of sea level rise – nobody knows because permafrost melt and ice sheet disintegration are not completely understood or modelled.

Perhaps Mr Ryan could give the children born today some advice on how they might deal with that.

Dennis Horne Howick

WHERE DOES OUR RATES MONEY GO?

As I understand it (and I could be completely wrong), part of our rates money goes towards making our footpaths safe for walking on. Recently, the rates for our home went up by $80 per month – no consultation – no notification –just bang! An extra $80 a month taken from our bank account. We put in an objection and asked for our property to be re-valued –this was supposed to be done by the end of 2022 – nothing. Now we are told there is no time limit on the review – could be any time. That’s beside the point.

Has anyone noticed the terrible state of the footpath on Pakuranga Road? From the pedestrian crossing (opposite St Kent’s College) walking down to the Plaza the footpath is an absolute hazard and danger.

At least three properties have stinking slimy mess pouring out of them. Walking on that slime is like walking on ice and the grass verges either side of the footpath are a complete bog. To get around this mess you either have to walk onto the road (Pakuranga Road is extremely dangerous) or risk slipping over in the muck, which is what my son was unlucky enough to do.

Two weeks ago, I reported this problem to the council who then referred me on to Watercare. Watercare had a look and, as far as I know, from my follow-up call to the council, this job (or I should say these jobs) have been put on hold.

I realise Watercare have been under a lot of pressure with all the bad weather we’ve been having but the problem on Pakuranga Road goes back for months.

Even though my concerns have been noted, there hasn’t been a thing done to make this area safer – no warnings or even some orange cones in place.

I am sure this is going to be a big job to fix as it’s been like this for months (with water pouring down the road) but how long would it take someone to go along there

and water blast the slime off – or even more basic, use a shovel) this would remove the immediate danger.

To make matters worse, there is a small army of workers working on an area at the end of the Pakuranga Road footpath – I guess they don’t work for the council and couldn’t possibly be asked to clean the footpath.

So back to my question, where do our rates go? Quite obviously my rates (plus my $80 increase) are not going to the upkeep of our very busy footpaths.

Sue Bentley Pakuranga

WHY IS THE UN GETTING OUR MONEY?

Why is the NZ government giving $14 billion to the UN when that money is sorely needed to help repair the damage caused by the recent cyclone?

What would the UN do with it anyway?

In my opinion, they are a useless bunch of wallies. What have they done to alleviate the Ukraine debacle?

Look at the trouble they have created with UNDRIP [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples].

What did Helen Clark achieve in her time there?

Our money would be better used in New Zealand.

Arthur Moore Pakuranga

Join our summer high tea tours

Why does summer always go by so fast?

Here at Summerset Heritage Park in Ellerslie we’re busy trying to hang on to summer for as long as possible, so we’re planning a month of summer high teas and you’re invited.

Just pop along anytime between 10am and 2pm, on any Thursday in March, and enjoy a range of delicious food, tea and coffee on us.

Whilst you’re here, why not also get a taste of the Summerset life that our residents love so much. We’d love to show you around our village and the brand-new homes available.

Love the life you choose

Summer high tea tours

Every Thursday in March, 10am – 2pm

Summerset Heritage Park

8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie 09 950 7962 | ellerslie.sales@summerset.co.nz

Changing the accounting game

addition to Howick’s Louw & Co CPA team

Doesn’t time fly! It is hard to believe that six months have already passed since Kinghans and Louw & Co has merged.

What a ride we had with all the adverse weather conditions and everyone still recovering from the Covid back draft.

However, one thing has not changed and that is that we are still 100% committed to give you, our client, our full commitment.

Trudy Kinghan has as what the intention was for the merging of the two accounting practices added a lot of expertise, knowledge, and leadership to Louw & Co.

Trudy has also been very busy lately meeting as many clients as possible, obtaining an understanding of their businesses so she can assist them as much as

possible – adding value to their businesses.

We are in the process of converting as many clients as possible

accounting systems to Xero. Louw & Co is a platinum partner with Xero.

Xero has many benefits. Please

come and see us so we can show you how easy Xero will make your life. Not only will it save you so much time, allowing you to do what you do best – run your business, but it will also assist you with current information to make intelligent and timely business decisions.

We provide comprehensive business services including but not limited to valuations, forecasts, bank loan application assistance as well as business coaching.

Trudy is a member of the New Zealand Trustee Association. We would therefore invite you to consider taking advantage of our trustee services. We can provide these services in most instances at a very competitive price.

Louw & Co now employs five chartered accountants this assures that the quality of service is guar-

anteed right through the practice.

Trudy and Melt are fully qualified chartered accountants with combined experience of over thirty years in public practice. Both have a post graduate diploma in taxation. Trudy in addition is also a member of the institute of Directors of New Zealand. We provide comprehensive tax advice in a language that you can understand.

If you are a trade person we have very good software available to assist you in running your business better. Come and see us regarding this if you would like to take advantage of these products. We uphold an open door policy and invite you to come and visit us at any time to discuss your accounting needs we do have an open door policy and are ready to assist you.

Experienced businesswoman, Trudy Kinghan is the promising newest

and is looking to develop the company’s technological utilisation.

Trudy Kinghan

Lots of fun offered at community day

Cockle Bay Residents & Ratepayers Association [CBRRA] is generally known for advocating on issues affecting Cockle Bay.

The CBRRA appeared before hearings regarding the Auckland Unitary Plan and currently PC78 (Intensification); resisting inappropriate residential development and supporting the closure of Cockle Bay Beach to year-round cockle harvesting.

The CBRRA is also very much for community engagement and for recognition and preservation of local and cherished amenities via projects such as the Cockle Bay Beach Reserve Walkways Restoration Project. In 2022, the CBRRA was awarded a grant by the Howick Local Board toward this project. To date, clearing of pest plants and some ground preparation and native planting work has occurred.

“CBRRA is hosting a community fun day to showcase the restoration project, our beautiful amenity with other local groups and organisations operating in our community, namely Pest Free Howick, Cockle Bay Pentanque Club, The Howick Art Group en plein air artists, Claudia Robin Gunn (Music for Kids), Kings Plant Barn Botany,

and the Howick Local Board (with its spin and win wheel and interesting prizes up for grabs),” CBRRA said.

“Howick Village Optometrists have very generously sponsored challenging and entertaining games and puzzles – fun for kids and adults alike.”

The Lions will be there too promoting their Water Safety Day with kayaks from Outdoor Experience while the Coastguard who will keep a watchful eye on the water activities. Lions will also be fundraising with sausages and hot chips, and for the kids the big

Busy Classy Crafts returns on Saturday

Summer has come belatedly and that is all the more reason to grab a friend (or pooch) and head off to the Bucklands Beach War Memorial Hall on March 25 for the grand re-opening of Classy Crafts Indoor and Outdoor Market for 2023.

mini beach dig.

Scouts will be building rafts with a view to floating and racing them while Fisheries New Zealand will also be there with their education trailer.

Visitors will also be able to buy coffee and fresh fruit ice cream.

“We have a perfect tide, a perfect location, some enthusiastic participants and tireless volunteers. We’ve asked the weather gods to play nice and are confident they’re listening,” CBRRA said. h Cockle Bay Beach Community Fun Day, Sunday, March 26, 10am to 3pm.

The market, at 48 The Parade on the corner of Wharf Road, opens at 9am. Just follow the colourful balloons and bunting and enjoy this wonderful setting, a coffee at the local café and the buzz of shopping for unique hand crafted products.

With Easter just a hop away, take the last opportunity to stock up on hand crafted Easter goodies specially made for your children and grandees.

It’s always interesting to meet the friendly, talented artisians, bursting with enthusiasm and keen to chat about the wide range of products they have so

lovingly created. One new stall holder with cute hand crafted products is Nina who says, “I’m 13 years old and I have always wanted to make and sell my crocheted plushies/amigurumi and art, I’ve never been to a market before so this is all very new for me! But, everybody has been extremely helpful so I’m very grateful for that!”

Classy Crafts, Howick indoor markets re-commences on April 22 at the Picton Centre and then every fourth Saturday of the following months (except for the last market prior to Christmas which is on December 16).

For further updates check out Classy Crafts Market, Howick Facebook page or contact conveners Cathy and Mel – classycraftshowick@gmail.com

Support Local, Shop Local, Buy Local.

h See page 2 advert

The market, at 48 The Parade on the corner of Wharf Road, opens at 9am. Photo

There’s plenty organised for Cockle Bay this Sunday. Times file photo

Open Days

Fri 31st March & Sat 1st April. 10am to 2pm

Onc e you have made the decision that Pakuranga Park is the right retiremen t village for you, the only o ther decision is whether it w ill be one of our surprisingly aff ordable 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 we have only eight of these amazing apartments left.

Priced from $1,1 5 0,000 to $1,400,000. Here are just a few more reasons why viewing this exciting option of a lifestyle apartment is a must.

Ruru Apartments:

•Favourable price comparison to Villas.

•Luxury finish and fittings that will impr ess you.

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

•An atrium lounge ar ea where daily morning teas take place.

•A weekly f ee that’s excellen t value and includes power, fibre and much more.

•Large balconies.

•An extra layer o f securit y.

•An electric car av ailable for Ruru residents’ use.

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

up for

Rotary’s popular fun walk, run back

The Rotary Club of Howick’s Fun Walk & Run community event kicks off at 9am on Sunday [March 26] from the spectacular Stockade Hill site.

The 2022 event was cancelled due to the uncertainties of Covid-19 and public get-togethers, a great disappointment to the organisers, participants including the many schools involved and the sponsors.

The format for this year’s event is the same as for the past several years with three courses being used to cater for a range of participants including the serious elite runners, intermediate age pupils, primary pupils and the more sedate walkers and their dogs - for more details go to www. howickfunwalkrun.co.nz

Each year the level of interest gains on the previous year. The schools get more involved and the competitive spirit soars. “Once again, the sponsors are continuing their great support of this wonderful community event,” organisers said.

“They include Mitre 10 Mega Botany, PBTech, Athletes Foot, Dilmah, My Ride Botany and New

World Howick.

“Intermediate schools and primary schools will be entering teams to win the prestigious Crawford Cups. Competition has never been keener and all schools have a good chance to take the coveted cups.”

Whilst not everyone will be a race winner on the day, all registered runners could take home a spot prize. This year Mitre 10 Mega Botany will again sponsor a BBQ; My Ride, a magnificent bike and PBTech an electric scooter.

“Many other sponsors have also donated a wide range of spot prizes that should make many participants extremely happy,” organisers said.

“Howick Rotary is also grateful for the assistance received from the Howick Local Board, as their contribution to the event helps towards the costs of running it.”

The balance is funded by the club through its Community Trust which administers the money raised from fundraising projects such as the club’s annual monster fundraiser Bookarama.

The event is a substantial undertaking involv-

ing many volunteers who man the road crossings, the water stations and the Stockade Hill activities.

The volunteer group involves Coast Guard personnel, senior students from Howick College, Howick Rotarians and their partners and members of the community who all make this soughtafter community event a success on the day.

“Howick Volunteer Coastguard are also winners on the day, as the proceeds from registration fees is passed on to them along with a grant from Rotary Club’s Community Trust to assist with funding their operations which provide such a valuable contribution to our community,” said organisers.

“Get out your runners, zip up your Lycra, gather up some friends and join in Howick’s Fun Run & Walk on Sunday, March 26.”

Register by donating on the Howick Fun Walk & Run website www.howickfunwalkrun.co.nz. In the event the weather or some other significant cause results in cancellation, the registration money collected through the website will still be donated to Coastguard.

Final tournament of the season for croquet club

The Howick Croquet Club (HCC) has hosted its last open tournament before it closes its lawns for refurbishment.

HCC members took out all the prizes with

Jenny Fegan and Raewyn Furness winning the Blue Group. Runners-up were Brian Prize and Tessa Pim.

Sandra Sutherland and Robert Boag won the Yellow Group and runners-

up were Veneta Hansen and Val Ellott.

“Thanks to Les Stephenson, from Resthaven Funerals, for presenting to the prize winners,” HCC said.

“Excellent, professional service. Everything went smoothly and we were kept informed all the way through the process.”

“Kevin was great and kept in touch with us, finally getting the result we wanted.”

“Courteous, accurate, prompt, honest.”

MANUKAU SCOUT ZONE Inspiring

Raewyn Furness, Jenny Fegan with Les Stephenson from sponsors Resthaven Funerals. Photo supplied

Runners and walkers will line

Howick Rotary’s Howick’s Fun Walk & Run. Photo supplied

Macleans College

Proudly Congratulates Senior Achievers of 2022

Macleans College Scholars’ Assembly 2022

WILLIAM GAO

NZQA Outstanding Scholar 2022 and Dux of Macleans College 2022

ZIQI LIU

Cambridge Assessment International Education Top in the World 2022 (A Level Computer Science)

NZQA Scholarship 2022

Lise Becker

Alexandra Buchanan

Jonathan Cao

Kuan Chang

Li Hong Chen

Nacy Chen

Wai Nok Cheng

Eric Deng

Hannah Dunk

William Gao

Allan Han

ALLAN HAN

NZQA Outstanding Scholar 2022 and Proxime Accessit (Runner Up to the Dux) 2022

ALEX LY

Cambridge Assessment International Education Top in New Zealand 2022 (AS Computer Science)

Billie-Jean Hartnoll

Corina Huang

James Hui

Tian Jin

Joshua Kingdon

Lokesh Kumar

Valerie Lau

Eric Lee

Joshua Leevers

Sue Jynn Leong

Jingyi Li

Junyou Li

Lanxin Liang

Kevin Lin

Jireh Lin

Olivia Lin

Ziqi Liu

Janice Liu

Matthew Loh

Elsa Ly

Alex Ly

Zara Nicholson

Sean O’Loughlin

Daniel Park

Puxin Qin

Emily Ready

Alexandra Rikys

Man Yae Shih

Thandiswa Siso

Shafquat Tabeeb

Hsuan-Tse Teng

Wei Tian Teo

Arabella Van Der Maas

Ibrahim Waheed

Ruiwen Wang

Nancy Wu

Yunwen Xu

Ruth Xu

Ruiying Ye

Joshua Yee

Jaeung Yun

Regina Yun

Lorna Zhang

Hillary-Jia Zhong

Bryan Zhou

Rundown cemetery tidied after public complaints

By CHRIS HARROWELL

AChristian church says it regrets the untidy state its disused cemetery in east Auckland fell into and it’s working to ensure the situation is rectified.

A post on the Flat Bush Grapevine Facebook page earlier this year highlighted the appearance of the small Methodist Church of New Zealand Flat Bush Cemetery in Chapel Road. Photos showed long grass interspersed with weeds and gravestones looking unclean and derelict.

The headstone on one grave was broken into multiple pieces. Dozens of people commented on the post saying it was sad to see a cemetery fall into such a state.

The cemetery occupies a small parcel of land between two large residential housing developments and near the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple.

A sign standing at the site states the cemetery was established in 1884 and closed in 1972.

The land is owned by Trinity Methodist Church in Pakuranga.

Amos Muzondiwa, the church’s presbyter, says he visited the cemetery earlier this year after being phoned by two members of the public, one of whom shouted at and insulted him, about its appearance.

He was surprised at what he found.

“My understanding of the state it should be is not what it was,”

Muzondiwa told the Times

“When I got there I talked to our parish council and the situation was worse than what these people were talking about. It was shockingly bad.

“Even if we weren’t talking of a graveyard, if it was just a portion of land in the neighbourhood, I wouldn’t want it to look like that.”

He says the church employs a contractor to maintain the cemetery and mow its lawns once a month “on the condition he assesses the situation”.

Once Muzondiwa saw how it looked earlier this year, he spoke to the contractor and learned he’d been on holiday, he says.

The grass at the cemetery has

since been cut and it’s looking much tidier.

Regarding the state of the graves at the site, Muzondiwa says “that’s a bit of a problem”.

“My understanding is you don’t play around with somebody’s graves and you don’t just rebuild it.

“You need the family’s permission.

“Now and again the church will do that as we have the names, and it can take a long time to research and consult, but once we get the go-ahead we can spruce the graves up.”

Muzondiwa says the church is considering handing the cemetery over to Auckland Council, as it’s done with another one in the area.

“We’re trying our best to look after the place and we are inves-

Free information and advice in your language

tigating the possibility of sprucing up those graves.

“The issues of tombstones and headstones, those are family matters, but when a grave has collapsed or is in danger then it becomes disrespectful and we might build it up so it looks nice.

“People shouldn’t hesitate to contact us to say ‘can you guys do this?’, but shouting doesn’t help anything.”

When the Times visited the cemetery in January a pile of soiled nappies appeared to have been dumped on the grass.

“That’s a community problem,” Muzondiwa says of the nappies.

“We need to appeal to one another that that is not the way we do things.

“We can only appeal to them as neighbours to respect that piece of property.”

HOWICK U3A KEEN TO CELEBRATE 30 YEARS

Events and memories will be recalled when U3A Howick celebrates its 30-year anniversary on April 3.

The occasion will be held at the Howick Bowling Club beginning at 9am.

U3A, previously known as University of the Third Age, is an international organisation that began in France as an extramural university course in 1973 and was later modified in England with the aim of developing lifelong learning for people who have the opportunity to undertake learning for its own sake, including those who are retired or semi-retired.

The aim is to support and foster ongoing learning. To meet this aim, the group has 29 study groups and more than 130 members. Those joining do not need to have any tertiary education – being keen to learn, link and laugh are the only criteria.

Three women, Anne McKinnon, Betsy Berridge and Zoe During, had the vision and enthusiasm to found Howick U3A in 1993. At the first annual general meeting, the president, Betsy Berridge, announced that there were 73 members and six study groups.

Current president, Colleen Rigby, said the meeting in April will be a special event when 25 convenors of interest groups will do presentations on events in the last 30 years and on positive ageing.

“We have had a great response from our members who are looking forward to the day and we look forward to hearing the convenors’ comments,” Dr Rigby said.

“There will be some video presentations as well as spoken accounts of what has occurred in the past and how it relates to the particular study group.”

Topics include DNA Discoveries, Rest homes to Resorts, Changing Patterns in Reading, Father William, Afterlife, An Irreverent Look at Major Events 1993-2023, Exoplanets, Senior New Zealanders of the Year, U3A Origins, International Influential Seniors, History of NZ 1993-2023, The Power of the Word, NZ Involvement in Conflict Zones 1993-2023, Old dog can learn new tricks, Portrayal of Ageing Themes, Opera Surprise, Philosophy Levity, The Sum of Everything, Towards Ageing, Phenomenon of the Cruise Ships, Walks, talks & Healthy Ageing, Three key artists, Art Collages,

Things make more sense when people are speaking your language. This Citizens Advice Bureau Awareness Week (March 20-26), we are celebrating diversity and multiculturalism within our service. At the Citizens Advice Bureau, we are committed to making sure our service is inclusive of everyone and that language is not a barrier to people accessing our service and information about their rights and obligations.

We know that life can be difficult here in Aotearoa when English isn’t your first language – navigating information, addressing issues and getting things done can be hard and stressful. The CAB provides a safe space for everyone where we can help people access the information, advice, support and services they need – regardless of what language they speak.

HOW YOU CAN GET HELP IN YOUR OWN LANGUAGE

We are excited to announce that we have set up a new language support system to improve clients’ access to the CAB service in their own language. This service is available wherever you are in the country and can be accessed by calling the CAB or visiting your local bureau.

At the CAB we are fortunate to have many volunteers who are multilingual and can help clients in their own language. Our system allows the CAB you get in touch with to find who is available to speak with you in your language and to connect you up. This enables people to interact with the CAB service directly in their preferred language.

Part of our language support system also includes access to telephone and video interpreting services, which complements our own nationwide pool of multi-lingual CAB volunteers.

WHAT THE CAB CAN HELP WITH

Music and Story Writing.

Another highlight will be the cutting of the 30th birthday cake by two of the founding members, Betty Gate and Gill Muggleston. In attendance will be the oldest member, Brenda Loader, and the newest and youngest member, Gwin Ball. Brenda will turn 100 in April and joined the Howick club in 1993 while Gwin is in her mid-50s.

Howick U3A meets every second Monday of the month at the Howick Bowling Club at 9.30am where there are group reports, the reading of a short story, morning tea followed by a guest speaker.

You can ask us anything, including questions about housing and tenancy, neighbours, consumer law, employment, education, legal rights, income support, immigration, family issues and relationships and many more.

TO ACCESS THE CAB SERVICE:

 Call us on 0800 367 222 –visit us CAB Pakuranga 576 8331 email enquiries@cab.org.nz

 (or you can find a CAB near you by visiting cab.org.nz)

We will find you a volunteer to help you in your language of choice or connect you with an interpreter to help us speak to you.

Language should not be a barrier to getting the information and advice you need – āore i te Mārama? Pātai Mai. Not Sure? Ask Us.

How the Flat Bush Cemetery looked prior to recently being mowed and tidied up. Times photos Wayne Martin

President of U3A Howick, Colleen Rigby (left); Betty Gate and Gill Muggleston (centre) will cut the cake; Brenda Loader and Gwin Ball (right). Photos supplied

Terry’s

BRADSHAW PLUMBING

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED

We are looking for happy, calm, outgoing families or couples interested in hosting short-term or longterm international students.

Homestay families need to speak English (we are also looking for some Mandarin speaking families)

Applicants must be prepared to undergo police vetting Students must be able to access Howick College easily (within school zone is preferred) Fortnightly payments of $620 per student. Please contact Tracey Mottershead, Homestay Coordinator, Email: tracey.mottershead@howick.school.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

SOLUTIONS

PRINCIPAL’S PERSONAL ASSISTANT

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8102

Across - 1, Dusk. 7, Lodestone.

8, Edam. 9, Mend. 10, Noon. 11, Stem.

14, Interloper. 16, Decelerate. 19, Reed.

22, Carp. 24, Pull. 25, Sten. 26, Accessory. 27, Vase.

Down - 1, Dress. 2, Spate. 3, Forest.

4, Tender. 5, Stun. 6, Indolence. 12, Tolerance. 13, Mine. 15, Over. 17, Expose.

18, Allure. 20, Extra. 21, Dance. 23, Peel.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8102

Visit our website: www.times.co.nz

Updated every issue

Across - 1, Rode (road). 7, Else-where. 8, T-h-ee. 9, A-g(u)es(s). 10, Tea-L. 11, Odd-S. 14, T-en to seven. 16, Befriended. 19, S-in-s. 22, A-M-id. 24, Drew. 25, Fawn. 26, End-eav-our. 27, Clue.

Down - 1, Rat-I-O. 2, D-r-ead. 3, Flagon. 4, Sees to (seize, too). 5, C-H-at. 6, Grease-gun. 12, Deter-mine. 13, Stir. 15, Ends. 17, End-I’ve. 18, Does up. 20, Ina-L-l. 21, Since (anag.). 23, Deed (rev.).

Permanent Full Time Sancta Maria College is a coeducational Y7-13 state integrated Catholic college in Flat Bush, East Auckland. We are seeking an enthusiastic, multi-tasker, professional person to provide administrative support to the Principal.

The successful candidate will have a high level of written and oral communication capabilities, be pro-active, flexible and committed to excellence. Position to commence as soon as possible.

Please visit our website for the full role description and application form: www.sanctamaria.school.nz/employment/ Applications close on 31 March 2023. Apply via email enclosing application form, CV and covering letter to: employment@sanctamaria.school.nz DE286687

Pakuranga Athletic Club cleans up at NZ track and field champs

By BEN PLUMMER

Pakuranga Athletic Club has had outstanding success at the recent New Zealand Track and Field Championships in Wellington, with eight of its members securing national titles.

The junior athletes led the way with Imogen Barlow winning an unprecedented three national titles – in the women’s under 16 800m, 1500m and 3000m – and Ben Oxford being crowned men’s under 16 champion over the 1500m and 3000m distances.

The club’s other national champions included Yandri Fourie (WU16 3000m racewalk), Noah Retford (MU18 300m hurdles), Antonie Smal

TO LET

BUCKLANDS BEACH, 1 bdrm flat, semi furnished. Suit professional single person. Ph 021 444 292

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

HOUSEKEEPING

Cleaning role at our Aged Care Hospital in Pakuranga.

Part time 15hrs/wk: Mon 8-11am, Thu & Sat 8am-2.30pm. Please email your CV to brian@ambridgerose.co.nz

DE281574

GREENKEEPERS ASSISTANT

Whitford Park Golf Club is looking for a reliable, motivated individual to fill a Greenkeepers Assistant role as we look to increase our staff numbers. This role is not an apprenticeship or qualified Greenkeepers position but may suit someone with previous work history in this field. The role will entail some rostered weekend work.

Along with the opportunity to be part of a progressive club and team, the role will come with a golf membership.

If you are keen and willing to enthusiastically help maintain our golf course and be a part of the Whitford team, please email your CV to: course@whitfordpark.co.nz

Closing date for applications is Friday 30th April 2021.

SPORTS CO-ORDINATOR

Permanent Part Time

Sancta Maria College is a coeducational Y7–13 state integrated Catholic college in Flat Bush, East Auckland.

As a school of excellence, we pride ourselves on providing students with holistic opportunities to grow. It is a school that values inclusion, service and community.

We have an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about sports to join our Sports Department in the role of Sports Co-ordinator.

We are seeking applications from individuals with the following attributes:

· High quality communication and rapport with students, parents, coaches & staff

· Willingness to work as part of a team

· Strong administration, ICT, time management and organisational skills

This position is 40 hours/week; term time only. However, some hours will be required out of school time and holiday periods by negotiation. Position to commence as soon as possible.

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

Applications close on 31 March 2023.

Apply via email enclosing application form, CV and covering letter to: employment@sanctamaria.school.nz

(MU18 javelin), James Trathen (MU18 800m), Toby Tasker (MU20 3000m steeplechase) and Christian De Vaal (MU20 5000m).

Club president Mike Trathen says that it was an outstanding achievement for the club to have 26 athletes who met the tough qualifying criteria to be eligible to compete at New Zealand’s pinnacle athletics event.

“To come away from the fourday competition with 11 new

Pakuranga Athletic’s Imogen Barlow (left) was the most successful of the club’s athletes, winning three national titles; Christian De Vaal (right), winner of the men’s U20 3000m ahead of club member Ronan Codyre.

SITUATIONS VACANT

CHURCH RECEPTIONIST

St Columba Church, Botany St Columba Presbyterian Church at Botany is looking for an organised, outgoing receptionist to manage our welcome desk on a daily basis.

In this position, you will assist with a variety of clerical and administrative duties. You may also assist with invoicing, updating database files, and maintaining office supplies. Proven work experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office is essential. We are looking for an individual who can represent the face and voice of St Columba Church whilst maintaining a professional appearance and attitude at all times.

This is a permanent part-time position, five days a week from 9am to 12pm. A full job description is available on request. Please apply to admin@stcolumba.org.nz before Sunday, 2 April 2023.

MP286603

STUDENT SERVICES RECEPTIONIST

Ormiston Senior College is a modern, open-plan senior secondary school in Flat Bush catering for Year 11-13 students.

We are seeking a student services receptionist to work on our busy front desk and provide efficient administrative student support services. Experience working in a school and knowledge of the student management system KAMAR an advantage.

The position entails:

● interacting with students and their families

● data entry

● office administration

● student payments

Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential in this position.

The position is permanent, 37.5 hours per week, term time only. Start date is Term 2, Monday April 24, 2023 or earlier by arrangement.

Please send your letter of application and CV to the Executive Officer: lzimer@ormiston.school.nz

Applications close 9am Friday 31 March 2023

national title holders and nine other podium finishes (2nd or 3rd place) far exceeded the club’s expectations,” says Trathen.

The National Track and Field Championship is the climax of the 2022/23 athletics season and this was arguably the Pakuranga Athletic club’s most successful event ever.

The championships saw New Zealand Olympic stars and upand-coming talent compete over four days from Thursday, March 2 at Wellington’s Newtown Park. NZ Olympic personalities competing included shot-putters Maddison-Lee Wesche, Jacko Gill, Tom Walsh and female pole vaulters Eliza McCartney, Olivia McTaggart and Imogen Ayris to name a few.

“The wide range of events that

SITUATIONS VACANT

MILLHOUSE MEDICAL EXPERIENCED PRACTICE NURSE

Full time position

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Practice Nurse to join our team. We are a friendly Practice located in East Auckland committed to providing highquality care in a supportive environment. Our ideal candidate will have:

• A current NZ Practicing Certificate

• Current nursing portfolio

• Current Vaccinator Certificate

• Medtech Evolution experience

• Be motivated and willing to learn

Have excellent communication skills

Good time management and triage skills

Please send you CV and any inquiries to lisa@millhousemedical.co.nz

SENIOR CUSTODIAN

DE286721

Full Time, Permanent. Start 24 April 2023 (or earlier by negotiation)

Botany Downs Secondary College is looking for a reliable, motivated person to fill the Senior Custodian role. We require someone who is enthusiastic, hardworking and honest who has the following important attributes:

• Working in a team environment.

Excellent communication skills.

• Practical skills for general maintenance. Good physical fitness.

• Safety consciousness.

Procurement of contractor services and supplies.

• General knowledge of building warrant of fitness compliance.

• NZ Residency.

Clean drivers licence.

This role offers a sense of connection to our staff, a positive impact on our property, and working within a well-balanced environment. This is a full time, 52week position. Short listed applicants will be required to undergo a police vet.

Please send your cover letter, CV and BDSC Application Form (https://www.bdsc.school.nz/our-college/job-vacancies/) to Mrs Yvonne de Graaf (y.degraaf@bdsc.school.nz).

Applications close on Monday 3 April 2023 at 4pm.

athletes won national titles in –including middle distance, steeplechase, hurdles, racewalks and javelin – is illustrative of the breadth of talent within the club,” Trathen says.

Trathen also acknowledged the skill of the club’s coaches in ensuring that athletes peaked at the right time.

The club’s attention now moves to its winter cross-country and road running programme and hopefully more success at national level. The crosscountry programme caters for all members of the community aged four years and older. h New members of all abilities are welcome at the Pakuranga Athletic Club. All enquiries to jxcr@pakurangaathletics.nz.

SITUATIONS VACANT

WAREHOUSE PERSON

Permanent Part-time

We supply an extensive range of high quality sewing products to the manufacturing industry within New Zealand and the Pacific.

We require a reliable, trustworthy person to join our small but friendly team in Mount Wellington for inwards and outwards goods duties and inventory control. Applicants must be able to lift 25kg. Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 2.30pm. Full training provided. Please email your application to accounts@terrys.co.nz www.terryapparel.co.nz

DE286749

Service Coordinator

Primary Options for Acute Care (POAC)

• Training and ongoing support within a fun and dedicated team

• Flexibility for part-time hours (up to 32 hours per week

Mon-Fri)

• Great Botany location

POAC is a regional Auckland service supporting primary and secondary health care providers to access a range of community based health services for their patients. The aim of the POAC service is to facilitate timely, flexible and coordinated services, meeting the healthcare needs of individual patients in a community setting.

We are a small team, looking for a part-time service coordinator superstar.

The role will involve:

• Utilising your exceptional people skills and experience to provide service and support to a range of healthcare providers. Assist with the navigation of the services and funding streams available to provide optimal service delivery, focusing on timeliness and best care options for patients

• Coordinating high volume referrals and scheduling of both urgent and routine patient appointments

Skills and experience you will bring to this role:

• Strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to use initiative

• A high level of personal integrity

• Ability to work well in a fast-paced pressure environment

• Strong customer service ethic

• Excellent time management and organisational skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and in plain language

• Strong data entry skills with a high level of accuracy

• Experience working in a customer service based role (experience within the healthcare sector may be beneficial but not essential).

• Willingness to learn and ability to adapt positively to changes

If this sounds like you we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please forward a current CV and covering letter to aimeew@easthealth.co.nz

A copy of the position description is available from aimeew@easthealth.co.nz.

Applications close Tuesday 11 April 2023

Please note, only applicants with the right to permanently live and work in NZ will be considered for this role.

DE286771

One week remaining in disrupted cricket season

By BEN PLUMMER

H

After making the trip into Auckland City to play Grafton at Victoria Park, HPCC were asked to bat first.

Bill Walsh got the side off to a hot start, scoring 68 runs before being dismissed after 125 balls.

Walsh top-scored on a day for bowlers as Howick Pakuranga scrambled their way to a first innings total of 166.

As the Auckland sun began to set, the premier men had a chance to pick up some late wickets, and that they did.

Opening bowler Connah Thompson took three quick wickets with the help of leg spinner Harmeet Singh who also got one.

Grafton finished the day on 62/4, trailing by 104 runs with six wickets in hand.

With one day remaining in the

owick Pakuranga Cricket Club’s (HPCC) premier men have once again put themselves in a strong position for a first innings win in their final twoday match of the season.Only one day remains in the 2022/23 cricket season and HPCC’s premier men are in a strong position for an innings win against Grafton; rising star Ayaan Lambat (top right) banked another five-wicket haul to continue her already impressive season. Photos supplied

season, Howick Pakuranga’s premier men will be looking to finish strong and force a result against Grafton.

In their final round robin game of the Prichard Cup limited over competition, the HPCC premier women (Llamas) fell just short of a win against Parnell.

Having lost the toss, HP’s premier women were asked to bat first in front of a home crowd.

Opener Radhika Patel (55 runs off 65 balls) and Skye Bowden (40

runs off 32 balls) were the two standouts with the bat.

Youngster Neena Woollaston also played an important role in the total, scoring 22 not out and helping the side through to 175.

Unfortunately, the Llamas’ total was not enough to hold off Parnell, despite some desperate heroics from spinner Ayaan Lambat. Lambat kept Howick Pakuranga’s hopes alive, taking a five-wicket haul for 34 runs.

Josie Penfold and Amberly Parr

also took a wicket each.

Auckland U19 batter Rishika Jaswal starred for Parnell, scoring 47 runs.

The end of a season ravaged by Auckland’s adverse summer conditions and cheating club cricket out of multiple weeks of fixtures, is just one week away.

HPCC’s premier women, having already won the Pearl Dawson T20 championship, are strong favourites for being the club’s team of the year.

PREMIER CRICKET RESULTS

Premier Men Hedley Howarth Two-Day Competition | Round 7 Parnell against North Shore- Day one of two abandoned due to weather.

Eden Roskill 156 (S Desai 51; A Ashok 4-23) against Suburbs-New Lynn 87/3 (M Barry 48 not out; H Johal 2-8) after day one of two.

Auckland University against Papatoetoe – Day one of two abandoned due to weather.

Takapuna 236/8-declared (Q Sunde 55, G Harley 51; S Dixit 4-42) won first innings against Cornwall 52 (M Guptill-Bunce 22; M Jones 6-22) and 13/2 (L Patel 5 not out; W O’Donnell 1-2) after day one of two.

Premier Men Tom Hellaby Two-Day Competition | Round 7

Stay safe, warm and comfortable, whatever the weather

One

bedroom apartments available from One

The recent tumultuous weather has reminded us all of the importance of living in a safe, secure environment as you age, without the worry of coping on your own.

HBH Howick Views’ boutique retirement village offers just that – the peace of mind of living in a warm, comfortable apartment surrounded by neighbours you know. “It’s wonderful not having

Howick Pakuranga 166 (B Walsh 68; S Gunawardane 3-35) against Grafton 62/4 (S Gunawardane 24 not out; C Thompson 3-18) after day one of two.

Kumeu 255/5 (A Christian 134 not out, R Jenner 46; S Edkins 2-40) against Ellerslie after day one of two.

Hibiscus Coast 216/8 (T Mcgladdery 83, U Ranaraja 60; P Fernando 2-25) against Birkenhead City after day one of two.

East Coast Bays 363/7-declared (R Harrison 75, L Watson 72; Q Downie 4-87) against Waitakere 116/7 (A Kaundal 36; C Groenink 2-22) after day one of two.

Barfoot and Thompson Royal Oak Premier Women Prichard Cup Limited Over Competition | Round 10

Howick Pakuranga 175 (R Patel 55, S Bowden 40; C Beck 3-17) lost to Parnell 176/7 (R Jaswal 47; A Lambat 5-34) by three wickets.

Auckland University against Cornwall was abandoned due to rain.

Papatoetoe 166 (M Templeton 45; R McNeill 3-26) lost to Takapuna 170/6 (B James 73 not out; M Pearson 2-28) by four wickets.

Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club

Upcoming Fixtures

Round 7, Day 2 Tom Hellaby TwoDay Competition – Howick Pakuranga

Premier Men VS Grafton United CC

Premier Men at Victoria Park- Saturday March 25, 11am.

JH17816-V7 FOLLOW US ON facebook.com/TimesOnlineNZ Track and eld stars Page 19