Times - 5 October 2022

SPEED LIMITS SLASHED ON LOCAL ROADS

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Motorists using numerous local roads will need to ease up on the accelerator with speed limits set to fall as part of a campaign to save lives and prevent serious injuries.

Auckland Transport’s (AT’s) board has approved speed limit changes on more than 1600 of the city’s roads, but not everyone is backing the changes. Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says they’ll worsen the city’s traffic problems without providing real benefits.

AT executive general manager of safety Stacey van der Putten says the changes will be mainly around schools as well as around rural marae, high-risk rural roads, town centres, and some residential roads.

They’ll come into effect in stages between December this year and March next year, she says.

“In Auckland we have a shocking number of deaths and serious injuries from road trauma. Evidence shows speed is a factor in more than 70 per cent of injury crashes in New Zealand. We need to do everything we can to create safe school neigh-

bourhoods so parents feel confident their children can walk, bike, or scooter to school.”

Van der Putten says fatalities reduced by 30 per cent in the following two-year period in areas where speed limits were changed in June 2020.

However, Brown says: “Speed limit reductions should be focused on high-risk areas and roads, and there’s little evidence to suggest a one-size-fits-all approach like this will make any real difference.

“Speed is just one factor when it comes to traffic accidents and things like driver inattention or inexperience and poor road maintenance are just as significant.

“We know these speed limit reductions are being forced onto local road-controlling authorities by a Labour Government intent on slowing people down, without making the investment needed to give people other options.”

Numerous busy local roads will see their speed limits reduced as part of the changes.

Only five roads in Howick are impacted, while 30 in Pakuranga

Move to resolve building’s management fails again

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Alast-minute attempt to resolve the ongoing saga of management of the Howick War Memorial Hall before this year’s local elections has failed.

The Picton Street building was closed along with most Auckland Council facilities in the first half of 2020 when New Zealand went into Covid-19 lockdown.

In late 2021 council staff recommended the Howick Local Board appoint the Howick Village Association (HVA) as the preferred applicant to manage it.

Since then the recommendation has been before the board three times but each time it’s failed to receive sufficient support to pass.

The board first received a recommendation from council staff to approve the HVA as the preferred applicant to manage the building at its business meeting in December last year.

When the item arose, board member David Collings moved a successful amendment giving approval to council officers to talk to multiple groups about working together for the benefit of the Howick community.

The recommendation was made to the board again in April, but that

time Collings moved a successful alternative for the board to defer the decision pending a workshop with prospective applicants.

On the most recent previous occasion in July no board member moved or seconded the item so no vote was held.

The issue was not on the board’s agenda for its recent final meeting of the current term, but Collings said he wanted to move an extraordinary item so the board could resolve it.

He said the board had $85,000 in funding from the council to set a group up and have that money “trickle down” to the community through the organisation appointed to manage the building.

That funding would enable a group to manage the building without charging for its use, he said. “I understand council officers propose we implement charges for this and other facilities.

“We’ve got $85,000 we can utilise and if we wait for council officers to come back ... they’ve already told us what we have to do.

“It sits in limbo back with the council as a standard facility for rental and we will have to bring charges [to use it].”

Collings said with the local elections looming, it’s possible some current board members may not be re-elected.

“This could be my last meeting so for me it’s urgent.

“I don’t want to risk it so a new board, and there could be one or two changes, won’t know the full picture and could go along with [council] advice and bring in charges.”

Collings’ motion was seconded by board member Bob Wichman and opened for questions.

Member Mike Turinsky asked Collings to expand on his reasons for saying the issue should be addressed with urgency.

“For me it’s a process and protocol issue so I want to make sure the urgency is well established,” Turinsky said.

Collings said he believed the current board was best placed to make the decision.

“We’ve had advice from council staff to bring in charges and I’m very against that.

“We’ve got $85,000 from this council budget and every dollar we don’t spend for our residents in the Howick ward goes back to the CBD.

“I think it would be the wrong thing to let that money go.”

Member Bo Burns asked Collings if he was happy for the board to make a decision on the building’s management without giving applicants a chance to address the board that night.

Collings told Burns she was “missing the point”.

“This board is the best placed to make the decision. If many of us don’t get back in we’re starting with a new board. We’ve got the opportunity to resolve this.”

Collings’ motion was then put to a vote.

Voting in favour were Collings, Wichman, Katrina Bungard, and Bruce Kendall.

Opposing it were Burns, deputy chair John Spiller, Peter Young, and chairperson Adele White, with Turinsky abstaining.

With the vote tied at four each, White exercised her chairperson’s casting vote against, and the motion was lost.

David Collings

Off-duty cop charged over cyclist’s death

Police have laid charges over the death of cyclist David Lane who died after being struck by a vehicle in Flat Bush.

Lane, 69, was riding along Stancombe Road adjacent to Barry Curtis Park when the incident happened just before 8.15am on September 17.

Emergency services responded to the crash and police said at the time that Lane, who lived in the central Auckland suburb of Remuera, had been seriously injured.

Later the same day they con firmed he had died at the scene.

Police also said an off-duty police officer who was involved in the incident would be stood down while an investigation is

conducted. The crash was referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and an investigation

would also be carried out on behalf of the coroner.

Counties Manukau Police District commander, Superintendant Jill Rogers, has today said one person has been charged in relation to the crash that claimed Lane’s life.

“An off-duty police officer involved in the incident has been charged with excess breath alcohol causing death.

“They are summonsed to appear in the Manukau District Court on October 21.

“As the matter is now before the courts, police have no fur ther comment.”

SPEED LIMIT REDUCTIONS WILL WORSEN PROBLEM

h From page 1 are eyed for reductions. Four sections of Pakuranga Road are dropping from 60km/h to 50km/h. Part of Ti Rakau Drive falls from 60km/h to 50km/h.

The other reductions in Pakuranga are mainly in resi dential roads which go from 50km/h to 30km/h.

Two parts of Botany Road will

fall from 60km/h to 50km/h, as will part of Cascades Road.

Four sections of Te Irirangi Drive are changing.

Two parts are dropping from 60km/h to 50km/h, another from 80km/h to 50km/h, and one from 80km/h to 60km/h.

Part of Chapel Road in Dannemora is falling from 60km/h to 50km/h, as is the

full length of Harris Road in East Tamaki. Part of Accent Drive in Flat Bush will fall from 60km/h to 50km/h.

The lengths of Avoca Road, Alexander Street, and Advene Road in Cockle Bay will fall from 50km/h to 30km/h.

Part of Shelly Beach Parade in the same suburb will lower from 50km/h to 20km/h.

The changes in Cockle Bay will be welcomed by residents who have been campaigning for years to stop speeding driv ers plaguing their community.

Among them is Danny Wright, who previously told the Timesit was “totally under standable” for Shelly Beach Parade’s speed limit to drop. h MP questions reductions p4

FASHION Students dress to impress

By ZOE GARDEN

East Auckland students rocked their selfcreated outfits down a runway last week in front of a crowd of adoring parents.

Owairoa Primary School hosted its Flash Trash Wearable Arts Show on Friday, where pupils enjoyed sharing their work with parents, as they walked down the runway modelling their creations.

Associate principal Kirsty Rice says the theme for the Year 0-2 students was Mother Earth.

“Learners have worked either in small groups or individually to create their wearable arts costume or accessory. Learners brainstormed ideas initially then narrowed them down to create a final plan,” she says.

“They then had to use their plan to make their creation using a rack of ‘junk’ from their school and home environments.

“The students went through the tech nological process of creating, evalu ating and making changes to their initial design and then implemented these ideas to create their final wearable arts product.

“These students certainly grasped the concept of our focus on combining the importance of environmental awareness and sustainability and focused this in some practical design elements to pro duce some outstanding creations.”

The well-attended event involved more than 326 students and 20 staff from 17 classes in Owairoa’s Junior School, tak ing the opportunity to share their artis tic creations with an equally enthralled group of parents.

By Fine Wine Delivery

Police officers at the scene of the recent crash that claimed the life of cyclist David Lane in Flat Bush. Times file photo Wayne Martin

Blanket speed limit reductions will take our city backwards

Last week, Auckland Transport (AT) made the decision to go ahead with another round of speed limit reductions across Auckland, which are set to reduce speed limits on more than 1600 roads.

This includes several of our key local arterials in east Auckland, with speed limits being lowered on Pakuranga Road, Ti Rakau Drive and Te Irirangi Drive, among others.

And this is just the start – this process will

not stop until every single road in Auckland and across New Zealand has had its speed limit reviewed and ultimately reduced.

Heavy traffic congestion and long journey times already cost Auckland’s economy over $1 billion a year, lowering productivity and resulting in frustration and wasted time for commuters.

Instead of improving our roads and transport links and making it easier for Aucklanders to get around, Auckland Transport and the Government seem determined to slow everything down.

And for what? They claim that measures like speed limit reductions and raised crossings are in the name of safety, yet there is little evidence changes like these have the desired effect.

AT aren’t the only ones to blame for this approach. These changes are being driven by a Labour Government that is forcing local roading authorities to reduce speed limits across New Zealand in a misguided attempt to make it difficult to get around and to ultimately try and force motorists out of their cars.

But the reality is that, for most people, commuting in a private vehicle is the only option

they have; the alternatives just don’t cut it.

Instead of slowing things down, AT needs to take a hard look at its long-term planning and invest ratepayers’ money into projects that will actually provide a benefit to Aucklanders, both in terms of safety and a streamlined transport network.

Blanket speed limit reductions are a

News bites

VEHICLE CRASHES IN CAR PARK

Emergency services responded to a crash in an east Auckland car park on September 28. A police spokesperson says the incident unfolded in a commercial area near Ti Rakau Drive in Botany.

The crash was reported to police at about 12.53pm. One person was understood to have moderate injuries

What’s on

HOWICK ORCHID SOCIETY

Annual spring show. Saturday October 8. Fencible Lounge, 25 Uxbridge Road, Howick. Open to the public 9.30am-4.30pm. Adults $2, children under 12 free.

DANCE YOURSELF HAPPY

Uninstructed dance hour with electronica & hits from 80s, 90s. 00s and beyond. Free entry! Tuesdays until 8 November at 7pm-8pm in The Lounge, 186 Wellington St, Howick.

GENEALOGISTS

The next meeting of the Howick Branch of the NZSG will be on Saturday, October 8, at St Andrew’s Church Centre, Vincent Street, Howick at 1.30pm. Paul Ashton will be speaking on what is available in the public domain and free on the internet. Door charge

$5. Visitors welcome. Further information phone 576-4715 or 576-5400.

SENIORNET

Pakuranga Seniornet monthly meeting Friday October 7, 10am at St Andrew’s Church, Howick. Club AGM followed by morning tea. We will have a few speakers to finish the morning off. Visitors welcome.

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING

Easy dancing with friendly group. First and second Wednesday of each month. St John’s Ambulance Hall, Highland Park, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Enquires Roz phone 576 8261.

CELEBRATING 175 HOWICK

Marin Burgess, representative of the Howick & Districts Historical Society, will talk about the NZ European settle-

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

lazy attempt to try and make our roads safer when there are many other factors which need to be focused on. Fixing potholes to make our roads safer might be a good place to start!

and a second person had minor injuries, the spokesperson says.

A photo of the crash scene shared on social showed both firefighters and police in attendance. The photo shows a trolley bay in the car park at Countdown Botany damaged and part of a vehicle lying on the ground nearby.

CORRECTION

The Times’ front page folio last week carried the incorrect date due to a technical oversight. The error is regretted.

ment in Howick with the arrival of the Fencibles on Howick Beach on November 15, 1847, and view of Auckland City and how it has transformed over the years. Registration required. Contact Highland Park Library on 3770209 or email: highlandpark.library@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz. Highland Park Library, 16 Highland Park Drive.

U3A MEETING

Older but not out and wanting stimulus and possibly new friends in your retirement or semi-retirement? U3A fosters learning into our senior years and you are welcome to join us. On October 10 we will hear Barry Dreyer, an artillery officer who served in Vietnam in 1966/67. He subsequently served as a Territorial Force officer. He has also worked in civilian roles as a management consultant in the Philippines, Australia and Thailand. U3A

meets at 9.30am at the Bowling Club in Selwyn Road, Howick. For more information, phone Jan 027 220 3777.

FAMILY YOGA COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

Wednesday 6.30pm-7.30pm in Pakuranga Community Hall. Kids 7+ accompanied by a parent welcomed, bring own mat, $5pp. Email oodiayoga@ gmail.com; Supported by Sport Auckland.

WHY STUDY HISTORY?

Barry Pepperell will present an illustrated talk on pioneer endeavour in the ‘Bell Block’, North Taranaki, during the 1800s. This talk is based on his recently published book ‘Chips off the Bell Block’, Wednesday, October 19, 10.30am, Pakuranga Library. All welcome. Ph 3010101 or email Pakuranga. library@aucklandcouncil.govt.

New housing planned for former police station site

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Land previously occupied by the Howick Police station will one day contain dozens of brand new townhouses.

The section at 34 Moore Street is among the numerous Auckland Council-owned properties put up for sale in an effort to raise money from “asset recycling”. Its sales process was managed by council agency Eke Panuku Development Auckland.

The section contains the empty building that was formerly Counties Manukau East Police headquarters before construction of the new police HQ in Ormiston Road.

The small portable building accessed from Fencible Drive that was used as the Howick Police station was removed from the site earlier this year.

The property was marketed for sale by Bayleys and has since been sold.

A spokesperson for Eke Panuku says: “34 Moore Street has been unconditionally sold to Aucklandbased residential developers D3 Development, who are experienced residential developers with

a number of projects around the region. D3 Development intends to build new homes to enable more people to live in the heart of Howick village and enjoy everything the area has to offer.

“The purchaser is planning to lodge resource consent in the coming months. Settlement will be completed by mid- 2024.”

D3 Development’s Scott Illingworth says the company plans to build 31 new two- and

three-bedroom units at the site.

It wants to deliver a “thoughtfully designed and master-planned residential project that will enhance the site and the wider community”.

“These plans necessitate the removal of the existing dilapidated and unsafe building, which was no longer weather-tight, but is earthquake prone and constructed from hazardous materials.

“Our development will be a mix of high-quality two- and three-

bedroom townhouses, all with their own private car parking and garaging, and central shared garden.

“We recognise the importance of 34 Moore Street’s profile and location near the heart of Howick village and will complete a development which meets the aspirations of the Howick Centre Plan.”

Illingworth says the new homes will be architecturally designed to reflect the materiality and aesthetics of Howick using form, scale, and quality materials that will sit well with a village feel for years to come.

“To give the development a sense of community, the homes will activate the street frontages and will allow for planted space around and throughout the site.

“D3 Development is a privatelyowned New Zealand company that has experience completing projects in Auckland and Tauranga.

“We are looking forward to delivering a quality residential project for the Howick village.”

Illingworth says the company is not yet able to say when the project will be launched or how much the homes will be sold for but plans to be able to do so shortly.

COLLEGE TEAM TAKE GOLD

A team of east Auckland students snatched first place in a national competition with an innovative idea.

Samsung has announced the winners of its 2022 Solve for Tomorrow competition, in partnership with Motat.

Solve for Tomorrow asks kids to identify an issue facing their community, and then come up with an idea to change the world for good.

A local team at Howick College wowed the judges, including associate professor Siouxsie Wiles, into a gold podium finish.

Their entry, ‘Non-Invasive Diabetics Device’, aimed to devise a more practical and less invasive way to get diabetics to measure their glucose levels.

Not only did the team ideate a breathing device and app to measure blood glucose levels for diabetics, they prototyped it too.

The building previously used as the local area police headquarters will make way for a residential housing development.

le photo Wayne Martin

Retirement living as stylish and wellthought out as our new Ruru apartments was always going to be in high demand. Only 11 beautiful apartments left, so come and view them while you can.

See for yourself at our Open Days on October 14th and 15th. This could be your best opportunity to secure one.

Keenly priced from $1,120,000, each one is exceptional in size, quality, design and views and take retirement living to a whole new level.

Kate or Sylvie on 021

We love the building. It’s architecturally very nice, very modern and full of light.

& June

Students create time travel book

By ZOE GARDEN

ABucklands Beach Primary School (BBPS) classroom was buzzing with excitement when they learned a printed copy of their book would be kept as an archival manuscript in the Howick Room at the local library.

As part of a school-wide focus on the introduction to the New Zealand history curriculum, BBPS students have been learning about historical Howick, a nice tie-in to the upcoming Howick 175 anniversary.

For their project-based learning, Room 14 wrote and illustrated a 32-page hardcover book called 26 TripstoHistoricalHowick.

The book is a collection of creative stories about time travel to Howick in

The cover page for Room 14’s ’26 Trips to Historical Howick’ book. Image supplied

the past, based on their learning throughout the term, in which every student contributed a story.

Students wrote about experiencing an event in Howick in the past before returning to the present.

Room 14’s teacher Jacinta Howie told the Times the concept of writing for a book that was going to be

published gave the students an authentic purpose for their writing.

“Students were motivated and engaged in the project and for those students who find writing a particular challenge, it was really exciting as a teacher to see their enthusiasm for writing ignited,” Howie says.

Last week, Room 14 had a special presentation at the Howick Library to donate a copy of their book. Students were invited to the Howick Room where their book will be kept.

“It has been a very positive experience for them to have their work recognised and valued beyond the classroom and for them to give something back to their community. I was so proud of them all,” Howie says.

Recent visitors to the popular Howick Village Markets will have noticed a number of new stalls. Photo supplied

Six new stalls at Howick Markets

With winter having transformed into spring, shoppers will be ecstatic to know the Howick Village Markets have six new wonderful

stalls ready for enjoyment: Q-wood (leather and wood products), handmade bags, A Bit Dressy (soups, dressings and broths), Poppy

& Clarke (handmade dog leads), wooden scrabble pieces and Juice on the Move (raw organic juice). Shop and support local.

Countdown to 175th anniversary celebration

The countdown is nowdownto38days until we celebrate the 175thanniversary of thesettlerslandingat Howick Beach with a picnic.

Special tea blend made to mark Howick 175th

175 canisters of a special blend tea to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Howick have been packed and labelled ready for sale at Howick Markets on Saturday, October 8.

The tea has been blended for the 175th Trust by local tea connoisseur Matt Greenwood, together with tea importer Paolo Aryan. They have worked to create a modern tea that reflects the famous tea so loved by Earl Grey – Lord Howick.

The label design was created by local graphic artist Jane Moody and reflects the Maclean family dinner set with the gold and maroon

embossing. It is a special tea in a keepsake container that recognises Howick’s special heritage.

MATT GREENWOOD

Armed with a silver tasting spoon and a strong desire to travel, Matt started his career in the UK as a professional tea taster for the world’s second largest tea company.

Whilst tea and coffee have always been close to his hear, Matt’s real passion has been working with extraordinary people across the world and bringing different cultures together in teams greater than

the sum of their individual parts - a bit like the tea and coffee blends he has created.

After twice finishing runner-up in the New Zealand coffee tasting championships, Matt decided to hang up his spoon, spend more time with family and join his other half at GingerFrog, a local business and marketing consultancy.

He loves all sport and still coaches cricket and rugby locally.

“I have lived in the Howick area ever since moving to New Zealand and it is very much home for me and my family,” says Matt. “In creat-

ing Blend 175 I wanted to give something back to the community that I have enjoyed being part of for the past 20 years. It has been a true collaboration of talented local folk.”

Family proudly serves Howick for more than four generations

As part of the Howick 175 events and celebrations, we have asked Howick/Pakuranga residents to share some of their memories. Today we hear from Tom Rutherford whose family has a multi-generational connection to, among other things, Howick Coastguard.

William and Audrey (nee Carr) Rutherford moved to Howick from the Rutherford family farm in Bombay in 1923, building a house at the top of Selwyn Road where the newer All Saints Church is.

William was very involved within All Saints Church, as a member of the vestry, being a church warden and representing the parish as synodsman.

Audrey was involved with the Girl Guides, becoming Auckland’s provincial commissioner and starting Girl Guides in the Howick area.

To acknowledge her services to Guiding, Camp Rutherford at Whitford was named after her.

At the age of 90, she was able to officially open the camp, with granddaughter Linda opening the gate for her.

Jim and Jean Rutherford (nee Clements): Jean’s parents were prominent in the Otahuhu area, where her father Thomas was a borough councillor for 12 years and mayor from 1929 to 1935.

Jim and Jean moved to Howick in 1942, purchasing the Howick Garage in Ridge Road where the BP service station is. Between them they built a very successful business.

In his late 20s, Jim was a bit of an entrepreneur, with a bike repair shop, a job at the telephone exchange and he was a barber on Saturdays. He also ran the mail, newspaper and meat deliveries to Whitford and Maraetai.

In 1939, he joined the Howick Volunteer Fire Brigade, serving for 17 years.

Jim was also a founding member of the Howick Sea Rescue

organisation, supervising the installing of the motor and fit-out of the first rescue boat at Howick Motors.

Jim and Jean were also very involved in community activities, including organising fund-raising carnivals and other events. Jean served as Howick Plunket Society president for many years.

In the late 1950s, they sold Howick Garage and set up a Todd Motors franchise, selling new Hillman and Chrysler cars, Dodge trucks and David Brown tractors, along with a used-car sales business in Otahuhu.

Throughout their married life, Jim and Jean lived in the Howick and Bucklands Beach areas.

Being Jim and Jean’s elder son, Tom Rutherford clearly remembers the original Howick Garage building being demolished and rebuilt his grandfather’s construction company, Thomas Clements Ltd, which also built the Star of the Sea convent in Granger Road,

the obelisk on One Tree Hill, and St Stephen’s College at Bombay, coincidently on part of the original Rutherford farm.

He followed in his father’s footsteps in being a member of Howick Volunteer Fire Brigade for 13 years and Howick Sea Rescue/ Coastguard for 36 years.

During that time, he was elected to the Royal NZ Coastguard Federation national board for seven years before retiring.

At the last Howick Borough Council meeting in 1989, he was awarded the Howick Citizen of the Year for services to the community.

To keep up the family tradition, his son Thomas was a member of Howick Coastguard, making it three generations. They’re proudly life members of the respected service organisation.

Tom Rutherford and his family have a long history in the area.

Graphic artist Jane Moody, left, tea connoisseur Matt Greenwood and Heritage Co-ordinator Howick & District 175th Anniversary Celebrations Marin Burgess. Photo Philippa McGimpsey

HOWICK

Spiller legacy a big part of Howick

As part of the Howick 175 events and celebrations, we have asked Howick/ Pakuranga residents to share some of their memories. Today we hear from long-time businessman Paul Spiller whose family ran the hardware store

My grandparents bought the Howick General Store in 1942 after moving up from Ohakune where my grandfather ran a similar small businesses in Pokako, National Park, Ohakune and Raetihi in partnership with his sister-in-law’s husband.

The story that I have been told was that there was a major flood in Ohakune in 1942 and this prompted the family to move.

My grandfather (on my Father’s side) emigrated to New Zealand in 1910 from Newquay, Cornwall. [My Mum’s ancestry goes back further –five generations to the 1860s].

In 1952 my Dad purchased what was the Hammer Hardware site and built the original hardware store, the same year that he got married. It opened during Labour Weekend 1952.

I have many memories of the old store from the 1960s when I used to help out after school. My grandfather Ossie Spiller worked in the shop until age 87!

They continued to run the General Store (where Paper Plus is now) for about another five years I believe. My grandfather used to go out on horseback to local farms to get orders and my Dad worked in it from about age 15 but later in his early twenties became one of only two real estate agents operating in the area.

The population was probably no more than 1000 people.

I still have the original log book of all his early sales, prices that houses sold for and the commissions that he made. This gave him a head start to life.

He and my Mum were both incredibly hard workers and later my Mum and Nan opened up Avenrose Florists in the Rosscourt Shops.

The name derived from my Mum’s maiden name McAven. Her Dad, Stan McAven used to work as a radio

operator at Musick Point during the 2nd World War. Later my Mum opened a gift shop next to where the original hardware shop was (there were four shops with Des Coutts running a butcher’s shop there for many years).

Howick 175 Events this week

October 1 to November 5

HOWICK’S HERITAGE QUILTS ON DISPLAY

Art Lounge, 39 Picton St, Howick

These quilt panels depict the unique geographic, historic and ethnic mix of Howick.

October 2 to 16

POLISH MUSEUM EARLY SETTLERS EXHIBITION

125 Elliot St, Howick

This year, the Polish community celebrates 150 Years of Polish settlement in New Zealand. This exhibition shows colourful family histories and stories of Poles and Prussian-Poles who settled in Auckland. Discover Polish forerunners, including a linguist, a tailor and a prince’s son. Part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2022.

Thursday October 6

ALL SAINTS ORGAN RECITAL

11am All Saints Church, 17 Selwyn Rd, Howick

Celebrate the 175th anniversary of All Saints Howick, the oldest building in East Auckland and home to a rare pipe organ that only a handful of NZ organists can play. Cost $15. Buy tickets at www.whiteglove.nz.

Friday October 7

HOWICK LIONS CLUB – STUDENT PHOTO EXHIBITION

Fencible Lounge, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick

Each year Howick Lions Club produces a scenic calendar with the profits going back into our local community and we would like to give local students a chance to feature in our calendar

All entries will be featured at an exhibition at the Fencible Lounge in Howick. The top 12 photos will be included in our local 2023 Howick Lions Calendar, with 1st place featuring on the cover. Come and view the photos taken by talented local students. One day only. Prizegiving will be held at 1.00pm.

Saturday October 8

POP-UP CLASSIC CAR DISPLAY

8am to 12.30pm at ‘Fencible Walk’ Park (110 Picton St), opposite the Saturday morning markets.

Come along and view British and European classics, meet the owners and enjoy our Kiwi motoring heritage. Weather permitting. Contact Steve 021 656 024 or Richard 022 5339 400.

HOWICK VILLAGE MARKETS

8am-12.30pm, 91 Picton St, Howick Howick 175 memorial items on sale including the limited brewed tea and 175 canister, tea towels, keyrings.

Sunday October 9

TOPOGRAPHY, TAONGA AND TRAILBLAZERS

10am-4pm Howick Historical Village LIVE DAY (This event is part of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2022). The Heritage of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland comes to life in the authentic 1840s-1880s setting of the Howick Historical Village!

As a part of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2022, Howick Historical Village welcomes you to come along to our October Live Day to discover stories of East Auckland’s trail-blazing pioneers as they struggled and settled in a new land.

Immerse yourself in the lives of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland trailblazers and enter their homes, schoolhouses, church, pub, general store, courthouse and more! Meet our costumed villagers undertaking daily tasks of 19th-century life such as baking, butter churning, washing and laying rope. Attend a school lesson and try your hand at traditional crafts.

The authentic coal range in Puhi Nui homestead will be fired up, with baking in the oven and something tasty on the stovetop! The sweet shop will be offering an array of old-fashioned lollies, fudge, and treats. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the blooming heritage gardens or enjoy a delicious lunch at the onsite Homestead Café!

Admission prices: adult $18, student/senior $14, child $10, child under 5, family pass $45, members & annual pass holders – free entry.

A photo from 1992 when the store marked its 50th. Pictured are, from left, Bill Barlow, Moira Spiller, John Spiller, Clive Yeoman, Paul Spiller and Ross Spiller; photos below, outside the Howick Spiller General Store on Picton Street circa early 1950s; photos taken during the 100 year celebrations of Howick in 1947 showing the Spillers Store in the background. This was a big event with nearly all of the local population involved.

supplied

James Gavin Donovan

The childcare centre where kids come first

Renée, Loren and Rachel Baldwin are fast approaching their first anniversary as owners of Early Connections Childcare in Beachlands.

They purchased the local centre in December of 2021 and have since made a name for themselves in the community for providing quality care to all tamariki as well as creating a homely environment where all are welcomed, whānau and tamariki alike.

The three sisters are on site every day and thrive being involved in the day to day tasks of the centre “mucking in with everyone to provide the best care possible and forming strong relationships with each individual tamariki” says Loren.

It has been a goal of theirs ever since they set out on their careers in ECE to own and run a centre of their own and are loving the opportunity to get to know the community they live and work in.

It was always going to be a challenge and a lot of hard work taking over in the midst and uncertainty of Covid, however with strict health

and safety policies in place they remained open and relatively unscathed throughout.

Since taking over they have hired more kaiako to provide better ratios across all three rooms, extended the shaded area, updated resources, and revamped the outside environment to ensure the health and well-being of all tamariki are cared for. They have more plans in store for the future to ensure the tamariki have a fun and safe environment to explore and learn in.

Early Connections is set in the suburbs of Beachlands and is licensed for 70 children. With sixteen staff ratios are always below minimum and quality interactions can be seen throughout the day. Christine, their onsite chef caters to all dietary requirements and cooks a variety of delicious and nutritious meals sourcing all meats, fruit, and vegetables locally herself if possible.

Renée, Loren and Rachel are excited to see where the next twelve months will take them and are looking forward to getting to know more whānau in the Beachlands, Maraetai community.

Hanging

Howick Santa Parade is coming

Howick Santa Parade is back fol lowing multiple pandemic lockdowns and is only a little over nine weeks away.

Event organiser Bo Burns says the Santa Parade committee has been busy since January organising the 69th Howick Santa Parade which is scheduled for Sunday, December 11, from 11am-2.30pm.

They have achieved much so far. They now have 60 floats booked with just 10 spots left.

They have 27 market stall holders booked for the Christmas markets while for entertainment, the committee now has a locked schedule for Moore Street, Fencible Park, main stage and throughout Picton Square.

Traffic management and event permits have also been completed.

“We have three main sponsors – PIC, Barfoot & Thompson and Andrew Simms,” says Burns.

“We still have character sponsorships available at $500 + gst.

“You can choose to spon sor two characters on the day. Your branding will be on the car that brings them down, and you will be men

tioned on our social media and live commentary.”

There were also adver tising opportunities in the parade map/pamphlet.

“We have developed a parade day pamphlet. There will be 20,000 copies printed locally and also an online version that will be shared and made available on the day,” says Burns.

“This is a great oppor tunity to advertise your brand/store and any spe cials you might have. Spaces are selling fast so if you would like a spot, please email howicksanta parade@gmail.com.”

The committee is also calling for more volunteers.

“If you can help on the day, we are still on the hunt

for volunteers for many roles.”

Volunteers can fill in the form online at howicksan taparade.co.nz/volunteers.

Meanwhile, there is also a girls’ night out movie fundraiser.

“We have a movie night at Monterey and still have 20 tickets to sell. We would love to sell these,” says Burns.

“Daisy Chang is also doing a special – Bao Bun and Bubbles for $20.

“The parade will be another huge day for Howick and we thank you for your continued sup port,” says Burns.

“Please feel free to get in touch with us at howick santaparade@gmail.com.”

Student secures perfect score in maths challenge

For the first time in the school’s his tory, a Macleans College student has scored the top prize in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

Year 9 student Richard Tao – a New Zealand Rubik Cube Champion – scored a perfect 135 out of 135 and won the Peter O’Halloran Award –named in honour of the founder of the competition.

“This is an incredible result as Richard (Kupe House) has topped the competition across New Zealand and Australia,” Macleans College said.

“Over 300,000 students participate in this competition each year, in over 4000 schools.”

In other results, a large number of Macleans College students claimed top prizes in the Otago University Junior Mathematics Competition.

Wesley Lau was third in New Zealand for Year 9, Josephine Sim was second in New Zealand for Year 10 and Andrew Chen third in New Zealand for Year 11. Numerous students from the school featured in the top 30 across all the competitions.

“The proportion of prizes won by

Richard Tao topped the competition across New Zealand and Australia. Photo supplied

Macleans College students is impres sive,” the school said.

This follows on from the Macleans College Year 9 teams scoring first and second place in the Auckland Mathex Competition.

Alison’s story: still teaching, still volunteering.

Alison

had always known HBH would be the place for her.

A registered nurse, she has been involved with HBH for over 45 years, ini tially as a nurse and in later years as a volunteer. “I nursed at the hospital for nearly 14 years, which was a wonderful experience,” she says. “HBH has always had a wonderful reputation for the quality of care it provides and that con tinues today.”

When she retired from nursing, Alison helped as a volunteer, which she has con tinued to do since moving into one of the apartments. Today she helps at the chapel services in the Rest Home and Hospital.

“I’m reminded every day of why I chose HBH – and it hasn’t disappointed.” A longtime resident of the local community, Ali son’s husband passed away six years ago. After a period of time, Alison decided that it was the right time to move.

Alison is a keen piano player and music teacher. Since moving to HBH in July last

year, she has continued to teach three of her long-time students who join her in her apartment for lessons once a week.

Aside from her volunteer ing work at HBH, Alison has enjoyed getting to know other apartment residents and becoming involved in the various clubs and activities on offer including ‘Knit & Knat ter’. “It made a huge differ ence during lockdown. While we couldn’t socialise in the same way, I still saw residents and I didn’t feel lonely.”

With the move, she has also enjoyed more peace of mind. “It’s wonderful not having to worry about being secure, about someone breaking in or smashing a window. I feel safe and that is a relief,” she says.

For Alison, the most important benefit of HBH is the quality of care on offer, particu larly if you need more care. “While I’m fine now, when I need more care, I want to be in a place where that is given top priority –right here at HBH.”

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Howick Santa Parade event organiser Bo Burns in the thick of it in 2019 before the pandemic interrupted. Tiimes photo Wayne Martin

Police action under review after stop

By NICK KRAUSE

The police are reviewing the behaviour of officers fol lowing the apprehension of three youths stopped in dra matic fashion in a stolen car on Murphy’s Road, Flat Bush last Monday afternoon.

A TikTok video taken from what appears to be a first-floor window shows a small hatchback vehi cle brought to a stop sandwiched between two police patrol cars. The stolen car is initially swarmed by six police officers on both sides of the vehicle.

An officer in the leading car is the first to get to the front pas senger door which is opened by the passenger. The video captures a voice: “Get the f*** out now…get out.”

The passenger is put on the ground and the officer appears to deliver several blows.

Police responded to a Times query saying they became aware of a stolen vehicle travelling through Manukau City at around 4.18pm on Monday.

The Police Air Support Unit, Eagle, located the car and main tained observations as a police unit signalled for the vehicle to

stop. The driver failed to stop and drove off.

“No pursuit was initiated, and Eagle continued to maintain obser vations as the vehicle has contin ued towards Flat Bush,” Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Jill Rogers said in a media statement.

“The vehicle was successfully spiked on Murphy’s Road however it has continued to travel around the area at a low speed, until patrol units have brought it to a stop on Murphy’s Road.”

The TikTok video shows nine

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police cars at the scene including two dog units. She confirmed three youths were subsequently taken into custody and were referred to Youth Aid.

There were no reports of injuries.

“Police acknowledge the videos circulating on social media and we are now reviewing the actions of our people,” Superintendent Rogers said.

“The incident will also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA).

“Given this, we are limited in fur ther comment at this time.”

KINZ MISSION HEIGHTS WINS GOLD

By ZOE GARDEN

An east Auckland school has won gold in an annual ecofriendly creative competition.

The Eye on Nature Creative Arts 2022 competition, hosted by the Beautification Trust, invites kindergarten and primary school students to create original art work using sustainable materi als and re-purposed waste.

The participants were lauded for their eco-friendly art at a prizegiving on Saturday, win ning $2500 in cash prizes and art supply vouches for their schools.

KiNZ Mission Heights stu dents took first place (and a $500 prize) in the kindergarten cate gory with their artwork, ‘He Māra Kai (The Food Garden)’.

Made from natural and com postable materials, the artwork showcases the symbiotic rela tionships between plants, ani mals, fungi and humans.

Four students from Hingaia Peninsula School grabbed first place ($750 prize) for the primary school category.

“It’s all about teaching tama riki to love the environment and live more sustainably in a fun and creative way,” says

KiNZ Mission Heights won the primary category with their artwork He Māra Kai. Photo supplied

Beautification Trust community manager, Dawn Crispe.

All the entries will be on dis play at a free exhibition at the Auckland Botanic Gardens dur ing the October school holidays where the public can vote on their favourites for the People’s Choice Award.

For more information, visit https://www.beautification.org. nz/events-1/eye-on-nature-crea tive-arts-exhibition.

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

not

pay tribute to Elizabeth II as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC), an initiative that was launched earlier this year to mark the mon arch’s Platinum Jubilee.

LOGICALLY FALLACIOUS Re: “Listen to the actual experts” (Dennis Horne, Times, September 14).

Instead of addressing the sub stance of the Climate Declaration from clintel.org, your correspond ent makes an “appeal to ridicule”, ad-hominem attack, implying that Professor Giaever has the wrong kind of intelligence and no sense of humour.

REAL LIVING PAYS TRIBUTE TO QEII

Real Living has marked the pass ing of Queen Elizabeth II with spe cial memorial services in each of its villages.

Pakuranga Park Village held its ceremony on Thursday with the Lounge at full capacity because of the number of residents who wanted to participate in the event. The villagers shared memories of the Queen, including Don Fleming, a former Wing Commander Technical Officer at the Royal New Zealand Air Force who worked as a Gentleman Usher to the Queen for two years.

Many of the ladies attending the memorial service wore exquisite hats, a gesture that the Queen, an epitome of elegance, would have loved.

With her 70 years of service,

the Queen has marked the life of residents in lots of different ways.

Some of the Real Living villagers were lucky enough to see the mon arch close-up in one of her garden parties. Other residents are old enough to have lived through four monarchs: George V, Edward VIII (who abdicated), George VI who was Elizabeth’s father, Elizabeth II and now Charles III.

The village’s choir sang several hymns in honour of the Queen and at the end all the residents stood up for a moving rendition of God Save the King

At the end of the ceremony Pakuranga Park planted a kow hai tree in honour of the Queen in front of one of the village’s main entrances. The kowhai is one of the best-known native trees in New Zealand. People around the world have been planting trees to

And I wonder if anyone else sees the irony in accusing me of making an “Appeal to Authority” while appealing to the authority of the Royal Society, the National Academy, and the IPCC, along with their “recognised experts” and appealing to the popularity of their “hundreds of thousands of papers”.

Previously, a correspondent asserted: “Some people are certain that their high school education makes them smarter than NASA climate model scientists...”. I was clearly too subtle in my mock ery of people who give import to education and credentials when confessing: “I don’t know if he’s as smart as a ‘NASA Climate Model Scientist’”.

Your correspondent has on several occasions repeated wellknown “climate alarm” talking points. For every point raised, I

name, residential address

have seen at least one well-rea soned “rebuttal”.

Those rebuttals will likely be discounted out-of-hand by your correspondent, authored as they are by scientists who have dared to disagree with the “consensus”, and are now considered “unap pealing” by the climate “authori ties” and their “actual experts”.

But that does not mean they do not exist.

In the interest of brevity, I will somewhat incompletely comment on just one talking point: that wild fires are more frequent and severe.

Using the US as an exam ple, I will try and put into a few words what really needs several thousand.

Forest fires in the 1930s were much worse and killed many more people than today’s fires. Dropping rapidly from a (recorded) peak around 1930, fire coverage by 1958 was a tenth of what it once was, further declining very slowly until a 1983 low (roughly when the “ice age scare” ended). It has since increased but is still very low rela tive to the 1930s.

Despite having data going back over 100 years, since 2021 the US government has only reported from 1983 onwards, claiming that earlier data is “unreliable”. Even the 25 years from 1958 that are almost identical to 1983.

Ignoring their reasons for excluding data, it remains absurd to look at just the ~40 years since the end of the ice age scare and claim to have identified a “trend”.

It is also disingenuous to claim increasing CO2 as the major cause for a 40-year trend that matches your theory while claiming it has nothing to do with the previous 50-year trend that does not.

When making bold claims, and bold calls to up-end society, the burden of proof is on those making the claims, not on those question ing them.

The climate alarm industry has certainly not provided enough evi dence of a “climate emergency” to justify destroying our way of life for fear of the apocalypse announced by its prophets.

Nor have the people they have frightened with their “science”.

Ryan Price, Half Moon Bay

FRUSTRATING EXERCISE

I have just skim read your article in the Times re Dog Attacks at 5-Year High (September 28).

I have recently had dealings with Auckland Council with regards to a roaming dog in our street. What a frustrating exercise this was. Their standard response time for a non-aggressive dog is three days.

I had to follow-up as the dog was still escaping from their property, chasing cars and jumping up on people walking by. I was also con cerned about the dog’s well-being and safety.

I said to the operator, this is an accident waiting to happen. Come on Auckland Council, pull your fin ger out!

Kerrie Higgins East Tamaki Heights

The residents enjoyed listening to Don Fleming’s many anecdotes about his time working at Buckingham Palace.

A still from the TikTok video showing police apprehending youths after a stolen car is halted. Photo TikTok @buy_a_skytower

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Joggers, walkers mark 40 years

It’s been four decades since a jogging group was formed at the Pakuranga Athletic Club.

Recently the Joggers and Walkers section of the Pakuranga Athletic Club held a 40th Reunion which was attended by 120 mem bers, past and present. Guests came from Auckland, Northland, Coromandel, and the Bay of Plenty.

“Much reminiscing, fun and laughter was enjoyed throughout the day and a display of memora bilia added to the occasion,” said Reunion Committee chairperson Linda Mitchell.

Speeches were given by the

athletic club’s president Mike Trathen, Joggers and Walkers chair Rosalea Dun and Mitchell.

Due to catching Covid just before the event, Sandra Anderson who was the group’s founder and chair man from 1982 to 1985, was unable to attend. Sandra’s speech was read out by the master of ceremo nies Bill Carlaw.

Founded in 1982 by Sandra and the late Carol Healey (two harrier section club members), jogging was then in its heyday.

Initially the idea of the group was to provide company for a small group of women club mem

bers training for the Tauranga Marathon.

“Several stay-at-home mums who enjoyed jogging and didn’t want to do this alone, soon joined after an advertisement went in the local paper to meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings,” said Mitchell.

“Sandra said that it wasn’t long before a large group of shift-work ing men also wished to join in.”

Numbers rapidly grew and by the end of the first year, member ship was close to 100.

The decline of jogging towards the end of the 1980s and the influx of women returning to the work force took its toll on membership. In the 1990s with the introduc tion of walkers, membership was rebuilt. A name change from Joggers to Joggers and Walkers was made.

Today the group, a familiar sight around the streets of Pakuranga and Howick on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, has a mem bership of around 120.

By ZOE GARDEN

After beginning the project more than three years ago, Owairoa Primary School has officially opened its new 18-classroom block.

The celebration of the new devel opment was marked by the cutting of the ribbon by Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown and newest student Frankie Collings on Thursday afternoon.

Guest speakers for the event included regional asset manager for the Ministry of Education David Bos,

past member of the Owairoa Primary School Board Bruce Howard and Brown, who also unveiled a special plaque celebrating the event.

The $13 million building, funded by the Government, was named the Alan McIntyre Centre in recogni tion of the 32-year serving current principal.

Fully landscaped with native plants, the building features solar power generation, rainwater tanks for toilet flushing and water, six fully equipped kitchens and a special

slide (the ‘Bruce Howard Slide’) from the top to bottom floor.

More than half the school student population (492 students) and 18 staff will use the new building.

The event programme culminated in two ‘spidermen’ appearing and abseiling from the two-storey roof to give Brown and Frankie the ribbon.

Confetti cannons added a final touch with glitter exploding every where to loud cheers and excitement of the 1000-strong audience at the opening ceremony.

GOLF

Fox wins at St Andrews

Professional golfer Ryan Fox, of Beachlands, clinched the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the Old Course at St Andrews at the weekend, the biggest victory of his career.

Fox paid tribute to the late Australian cricket star Shane Warne who he has played alongside at this event.

He finished on a fourunder 68 to finish on 15-under for a one-shot win to pocket around $1.4 million.

It is his third win on the DP World Tour and second this year. His efforts at the weekend have propelled him to a record high 25th in the official world golf rankings, up from 47th. Fox said on social media

after the win, “This one is special, getting a win at the home of golf with the family watching can’t be beaten. @dunhilllinks truly is a an amazing event and can’t be prouder to be the champ this year /This one is for you @shanewarne23 I know you were there looking down this week.”

Before the tournament he posted, “Enjoying being back in Scotland for the @ dunhilllinks one of our best weeks of the year. A week this year that has more than a tinge of sadness, will be really missing my playing partner and mate @shanewarne23 So many great memories with him at this event, and I know he is here in spirit with everyone this week.”

Anchorage Park School and the Eastern Busway project team have collaborated to plant 100 native trees in the school’s native wetland area.

The school’s enviro team, led by Lorraine Field, worked hard to plant and mulch 100 trees last month to sustain its wet land area and encourage more native birds. The school and the project team are focused on sus tainability so this initiative was a perfect match of values and an opportunity to work together as the school works towards its Enviroschools silver reflection

at the end of the year.

Anchorage Park School is the first school in New Zealand to use biodegradable seedling pots. It is a new product developed with help from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.

The sustainable pots were devel oped by Pinehurst Associates.

The pots can last 12 months above ground before biodegrad ing. Then the degrading process starts as soon as soil is added.

They have the potential to make a difference globally. They will be sold commercially within the

next year. This offers a plasticfree alternative to the 350 mil lion plastic trays and pots used by New Zealand nurseries and gardeners each year.

“It was fantastic for the chil dren to experience planting the bio-pots with help from the Eastern Busway representa tives,” says Anchorage Park School principal Tracy Leader.

“The students are now keen to see their efforts flourish and grow. We are really grateful for the support of the project team and partnership with them as new neighbours.”

Cutting the reunion cake are, from left, Joggers and Walkers chairperson Rosalea Dun and reunion committee chairperson Linda Mitchell. Photo supplied

Beachlands’ Ryan Fox and family after his great win in Scotland on Sunday. He has jumped to 25th in th world rankings. Photo supplied

photo Wayne Martin

Flying Finn takes rally gold

inland’s Kalle Rovanpera demonstrated sublime car control to claim the crown as youngest driver to win the FIA World Rally Championship at the final stage in rural east Auckland.

The 22-year-old, driving his Toyota Gazoo Racing rally car, dominated this year’s Repco Rally New Zealand held in Auckland from September 29 to October 2.

The competition’s final stage was run in front of 13,000 fans at the Whitford family farm of former New Zealand rally champion Andrew Hawkeswood.

Among the motorsport stars on show were France’s Sebastien Ogier, an eighttime winner of the World Rally Drivers’ Championship, and Kiwi aces Hayden Paddon and Shane van Gisbergen, among others.

Rovanpera wrapped up the world title with two events to go, set up with a superb performance in the wildly wet conditions on Saturday and controlled things with a maturity beyond his years on Sunday.

He was fastest in two of the four stages and second fastest in the other two, culminating with a stunning victory in the final ‘Wolf Power Stage’, earning additional bonus points at the 7km purpose-built Jacks Ridge Huanui stage in Whitford.

Rovanpera became the first Finn to win the World Championship in two decades.

His victory in Auckland, his fourth of the

year, was one place better than his father Harri achieved in the 2002 Rally NZ.

“It’s quite a big relief after such a big season,” Rovanpera said after his victory.

Downsize your home. Upsize your community.

HBH Senior Living is a non-profit organisation, which means we can put caring first – and we can charge less for our apartments than many other retirement villages. Priced from just $460,000, our boutique apartments at 139 on Union are priced competitively, without compromising on quality.

“Thanks to the team and everyone out there.

“A big thank you to all my sponsors and friends who have been there from the start.”

Rovanpera was the fastest driver through the special stage at Whitford Forest while Estonian Ott Tanak won the first run through Jacks Ridge.

Ogier took out the second run through the forest while Rovanpera pushed hard to pip Tanak by less than a second to claim the power stage at Jacks Ridge.

The flying Finn finished the Repco Rally NZ with a winning margin of 34.6 seconds in front of Ogier.

His victory propelled his Toyota Gazoo Racing team into a significant advantage in the battle of the manufacturers.

Tanak fought hard the whole way and was gracious in defeat.

“We had quite a good weekend,” he says.

“This weekend ... Kalle and Toyota have been very, very strong.

“They’ve beaten everybody fair and square, no question at all.

“Hopefully everything goes well for Kalle and congratulations to Harri.

“He has done a great job as a father to raise such a kid. He should be very proud of him.”

Van Gisbergen finished the event ninth overall.

He flew out on Monday to prepare for the famous Repco Bathurst 1000 Supercars Championship race in New South Wales.

Enjoy living in a welcoming, close-knit community of like-minded seniors in the heart of Howick, with care services on hand if desired or required. And with coffee mornings, mini golf, exercise groups and more, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for friendship, companionship and fun.

“My biggest thanks go to the team. “Even after some difficult rallies they always believed in us and keep giving us support.

Kalle Rovanpera behind the wheel of his Toyota Gazoo Racing rally car at the event in Whitford on October 2.

Photo supplied Jaanus Ree, Red Bull Content Pool