Times - 28 September 2022

DOG ATTACKS AT 5-YEAR HIGH

By LAURA KVIGSTAD, Auckland Council reporter Funded by New Zealand on Air

Afive-year high in dog attacks, animal shelters bursting at the seams and a backed-up court system show the impacts of Covid-19 on animal management.

At Auckland Council’s Regulatory Committee on September 13, animal management’s annual report was presented to the members showing a 20 per cent increase in dog attacks.

The total number of attacks was 1906 with 92 more attacks on people and 230 more attacks on other animals this year.

A perfect storm of issues from Covid-19 appeared to be the cause as acting Licensing and Regulatory Compliance general manager Mervyn Chetty pointed to vets being closed causing desexing rates to drop, puppies not being socialised because of lockdowns and increasing territorial behaviour from dogs.

“It has been one of the more challenging years for animal management teams…there has been an increase in badly behaved canines and some of their owners as well,” Chetty said.

Animal Management princi-

pal specialist Christo van der Merwe said there was a huge increase in the number of dogs in Auckland with 12,000 that council was aware of.

“Only 62 per cent of dogs impounded are known to us so there could be 40,000 dogs unknown to us in Auckland,” Merwe said.

“In certain areas of Auckland, South Auckland, there was an increase in attacks on other animals.”

Senior animal management inspector Shaun Murray said shelters were “bursting at the seams”, a stark contrast from two years ago when they had considered closing one of the three shelters.

“In the two years before we could house dogs for months,” Murray said.

He said there was also a huge increase in violence and threats towards staff which forced them to screen people coming into shelters.

Cr Daniel Newman said he helped with a case earlier in the year because of some threatening behaviour towards council staff.

“Some of these people are so extreme and of course, they vent on social media which explodes the problem,” Newman said.

Director of regulatory ser-

vices Craig Hobbs said it was a significant issue and council was working to improve security.

“One thing I will not do is have our staff exposed to abuse, physical or verbal,” Hobbs said.

He said they were also incorporating resilience training for staff.

Chair Linda Cooper reminded councillors never to copy animal management into emails with the public.

“That is how members of the public get hold of them and abuse them,” Cooper said.

“So many more people are getting dogs, going back to work and not looking after them. Please do not get a dog if you do not have the resources to look after them.”

“It is a serious undertaking to own a dog but you have a responsibility to your community.”

Cr Cathy Casey said there were issues around the extended period of time dogs were being held while court decisions were being made.

“I am absolutely horrified by the dog held in the shelter for two years,” Casey said.

She said the shelters were operating as a “remand prison” for dogs and that an argument could be made for tribunals to speed up the process.

Bookarama back again

After a two-year pause due to Covid-19, Howick Rotary’s Bookarama sale of pre-loved books, puzzles, CDs and LPs is on again at Somerville Intermediate School between October 12 and 16.

The collection and sorting of the donated items is well underway, Rotary Convenor Geoff Thompson said.

“This year’s sale promises to be the biggest yet as not only are many items rolling in following the announcement of collections starting for this year, but the club had also already accumulated a substantial quantity of books from the two previous year’s cancelled events.”

Bookarama is Howick Rotary’s largest fundraising event and requires a huge input of manpower

to collect, sort and then present the books, puzzles, CDs and LPs for sale during the second week of the October school holidays. The money raised from Bookarama is ploughed back into the community through a variety of projects including:

Howick Historical Village.

Helping young people through leadership and personal development courses.

Assisting local fun events.

“We are looking forward to the local community getting in behind the event again this year so if anybody has any pre-loved books, puzzles, CDs or LPs that they want to move on, please take them to one of the collection depots shown on our website Howick.rotary.org.nz or Facebook,” Thompson said.

Helping needy families with food parcels.



Improving the environment through the Trees for Survival programme, Mangemangeroa Reserve planting and tree lights in the village.

Supporting heritage at the

“Or if not convenient, call me 021 740 733, Steve Lines 022 1028 332 or John Savory 029 774 6566 and we will pick them up.”

He added that if anyone has some time and would like to help in what is the club’s largest community project, they would be welcomed with open arms.

Tough competition for 2022 NZ Biosecurity Awards finalists

Local rodent and pest plant programmes have been named as finalists in the 2022 New Zealand Biosecurity featuring in three of eight categories.

“The awards judging panel has told us this year’s entries were the highest quality ever seen in the six years of the awards, with close scores among the top applications in every category,” says Biosecurity New Zealand’s deputy directorgeneral Stuart Anderson.

This year’s finalists cover a huge

range of New Zealand’s biosecurity challenges.

“They’re inspiring New Zealanders tackling everything from decade-long projects focusing on thousands of hectares, to new innovations taking on biosecurity through molecules.”

“New Zealand has one of the strongest multi-layered biosecurity systems in the world.

“It protects our food and fibre sector where annual export revenue reached more than $53 billion

in the year to June 30, 2022.

“As the threats we face grow in scale and complexity, it’s the innovation and hard mahi from people and organisations like our finalists that help protect our environment, economy, culture and people.”

The New Zealand Biosecurity Awards celebrate the businesses, iwi, researchers and community groups doing vital work to help protect New Zealand’s biosecurity.

Each category recognises the complexity of an effective, sustain-

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The New Zealand Biosecurity Awards 2022 local finalists: BioHeritage Challenge Community Award, Pest Free Howick Ward; New Zealand Biosecurity Kura (School) Award, Howick Schools Moth Plant Competition; AsureQuality Emerging Leader Award, Ethan McCormick –Pest Free Howick Ward and Friends of Mangemangeroa

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Every life is special, we understand that. Let us pay tribute to the life of your loved one and celebrate the unique way they have touched you, your family and those around you.

OWAIROA < HOWICK

In celebration of Howick’s 175th Anniversary, Times Media has published a compilation of stories from Howick Historian Alan La Roche, mbe, documenting the history of our region.

Available from Times Media, 10 Central Tce, Howick. Also available from Poppies Books Howick, Paper Plus Howick and the Howick Historical Village

Books, puzzles, CDs and LPs for Bookarama are being sorted in Rotary’s Ray White lock-up (kindly donated). From left to right are Garry Donoghue, Heather and John Savory. Photo supplied

Proposed rezoning raises concerns

By ZOE GARDEN

The Ministry of Education’s (MoE) consultation about the proposed changes to Ormiston Primary School’s enrolment zone has sparked a flood of feedback and a petition opposing the amendment from the local community.

Hautū (leader) Te Tai Raro (North) Isabel Evans told the Times that, due to the rapid growth in the Ormiston Heights catchment, the MoE has been working closely with schools in the area to develop a plan regard ing the forecast growth and demand and proposed amendments to enrol ment schemes.

The MoE is working with the board of Ormiston Primary School (OPS) and Chapel Downs Primary School to amend their enrolment schemes.

“OPS have been identified as atrisk of overcrowding,” Evans says. “The school and Ministry agree that we need to amend the school’s amendment scheme so its zone is appropriate for the capacity of the school and to provide extra class rooms so the school can accommo date 1200 student places.”

In the maps of the school’s pro posed enrolment zones, Chapel Downs’ existing enrolment scheme is cut in half, removing much of the

roads to the right of Barry Curtis Park and above Repehina Road.

About a quarter of OPS’s exist ing enrolment scheme has been removed from the proposed version.

The MoE held a six-week (July 25September 2) community consulta tion process and public meetings at both schools to give the public an opportunity to learn about the pro posed changes, raise questions and provide feedback.

Evans says that the MoE received more than 140 submissions and a petition opposing the amendment, with 277 signatures.

The petition states the conse quences as: “Kids currently liv ing in the already existing OPS in-zone area and enrolling in OPS after January 1, 2013 will need to be enrolled in Chapel Downs School.

“Our Ormiston-Flat Bush com munity comprises young families who purchased the houses, shed ding out millions of dollars here in this newly-created suburb thinking their kids’ education will be sorted for primary + junior + senior col leges, will now be pushed to corner to send their kids to a decile two school.”

One of the signatories described the proposed rezoning as “discrimi natory” and “unfair” and “defeats our

purpose of purchasing the property here”.

Other comments expressed simi lar sentiments.

Additionally, the petition said that the proposal “has not been commu nicated well to the impacted resi dents” with one signatory stating they’d only been informed of the situation through a social media community group.

Evans says the proposed changes will only “impact new families to the area or existing families with children yet to start school”.

“Any student currently enrolled at OPS or Chapel Downs will not be impacted by a change to the enrol ment schemes. All students enrolled (and have started attending) will be entitled to continue attending their respective school, irrespective of where they currently live.”

The MoE is exploring the need for a new junior college and pri mary school in the school network, Evans says. “This will likely lead to a review of enrolment scheme bound aries and zones to accommodate these changes.”

The ministry is considering all feedback provided before any deci sions are made.

OPS have been approached for comment.

By LAURA KVIGSTAD, Auckland Council reporter Funded By New Zealand on Air

Billboard vandalism “hits hard” for ethnic candidates in this year’s local election, co-chairs of the ethnic peo ple’s advisory panel say.

At the Park, Arts, Community and Events Committee on September 22, a discussion with the ethnic people’s advisory panel and councillors raised issues around ethnic candidates having billboards defaced.

Cr Linda Cooper expressed concern for ethnic candi dates having their faces cut out of billboards and said it was very alarming.

“Have you had much feed back about ethnic candi dates having their faces cut out of their billboards and defaced?”

Panel co-chair Mohamud Mohamed said it was a par ticularly difficult election for diverse communities.

“I have seen candidates’ [signs] being defaced. It is disappointing in a diverse city like ours that this is hap pening,” Mohamed said.

He believed the vandal ism was a result of a “strange political season”.

Cr Sharon Stewart said she did not believe the graffiti was “a racist thing”.

“It is not only the Asian community and the ethnic community having [their faces] cut out. Maurice Williamson has had more cut out than anybody in my ward. Now I am getting them cut out,” Stewart said.

She said it was people “being silly” and was hap pening to everybody.

Panel co-chair Eva Chen said while it may not be a matter of racism it hit ethnic communities hard.

“For people who try to make Auckland home, it is a very discouraging thing because we have always been trying to fit in. Taking this step forward to become a candidate this election and experiencing this is quite a big shock in our community,” Chen said.

Cr Josephine Bartley responded to Stewarts’ com ments. “While I can empa thise with Maurice and his signs, I am pretty sure people do not say to him ‘go back to where you come, go back to your own home’ or comment on the colour of his skin and call him a coconut or yellow,” Bartley said.

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Golf plan goes for more consultation

By LAURA KVIGSTAD, Auckland Council reporter Funded by New Zealand on Air

Auckland Council’s draft golf investment plan is pushing forward with another round of public consultation despite a legal challenge from Golf New Zealand.

The draft plan, which seeks to increase public access to 535 hectares of golf course land, has been controver sial with council receiving 2203 pieces of feedback.

At the Park, Arts, Community and Events Committee on September 22, members had three options for the draft plan: to approve it, further consult or reject it.

Council staff recommended option two in order to reinforce further “open, fair and representative” consultation.

Golf New Zealand was a key invis ible player during discussions as they issued the legal challenge to council days prior.

Community and Social Policy general manager Kataraina Maki explained that approving the plan was very risky after council received legal communications.

While council would not have nor mally considered option two, they “received the letter after the agenda was published,” Maki said.

In the draft plan report Golf New Zealand’s criticism was noted; cit ing several errors, misleading gen eralisations, submissions based on incorrection information, improper consultation and the draft plan being biased against golf.

Cr Greg Sayers said the option he would like – to overturn the plan and start again – was not on the table.

“I gauged from my questions that there has been an omission of those contribution, the financial, the social, the environmental benefits (from the golf sector). They are just not captured. Before we move forward that needs to be quite clear to all Aucklanders,” Sayers said.

Sayers said it appeared to be a case of “poor partnering” with key stakeholders.

Cr John Watson said there was a lack of trust toward council which was not ameliorated by any of the options and the consultation had been “tainted

“The data set said that participation rates are falling which influenced the consultation,” Watson said. “More peo ple are using them, there is a limited quantity so they are more in demand.”

Cr Wayne Walker said council should go back and start over. “Essentially what we have got is a fudged report and a fudged process. The information is deficient,” Walker said.

Walker alluded to the legal challenge and said the draft plan could be open to judicial review.

“Under this council, the underlying agenda behind this is frankly to sell stuff off. Sell stuff off, not to engage genuinely with the community, not to put the appropriate values on (proper ties) but to eliminate open space and park space and recreation space which is what we are doing across Auckland and will be to the detriment of genera tions to come,” Walker said.

He attempted to raise questions towards staff related to the legal chal lenge but was shut down by chair Alf Filipaina.

“The legal and privileged informa tion that was sent to you is privileged and confidential. If you wish to breech that go to it but I am telling you now that it is not relevant to this particular item,” Filipaina said.

Later in the meeting Filipaina responded to claims the process was flawed. “My response to that is, isn’t it amazing when a group, mainly Golf New Zealand… starts lobbying and put ting out information that sometimes is not correct? Isn’t it amazing that peo ple sometimes get sucked into that?”

Filipaina thanked Golf New Zealand for the data they had supplied for the report but was critical of some of the information they had put out in press releases.

“Do not talk to me about a flawed consultation process. The only reason people are saying it is a flawed con

sultation process is because they have been listening to Golf New Zealand. I am not going to listen to Golf New Zealand. I am going to listen to our staff who are experienced and who have come back to us with options.”

Mayor Phil Goff said rejecting the plan would be a waste after six years.

Rejecting the draft plan would say “the status quo and the fact 93 per cent of Aucklanders who own this land will not have access to it is fine”, Goff said.

Goff said St Andrew’s golf course in Scotland, had opened up on Sundays for the wider public to enjoy.

“If St Andrew’s can do it, what golf course in New Zealand thinks their status is too grand and too great that they cannot involve the wider public?”

A people’s panel had 81 per cent sup port or partial support for broadening public access and 11 local boards sup ported or partially supported public access. Goff said that based on the sup port for public access councillors had an obligation to the people.

“Our role, our obligation on this coun cil is not to represent any particular vested interest – it is to act on behalf of the wider public interest.”

Cr Chris Darby, Christine Fletcher, Richard Hills, Tracy Mulholland, Daniel Newman, Greg Sayers, Sharon Stewart, Wayne Walker and John Watson voted against having another consultation process while Paul Young abstained from the vote.

Meanwhile Golf NZ on Friday issued a media release in which it featured the names of candidates standing for council who have voiced to Golf NZ that they are opposed to any redevel opment of Auckland golf course land.

The list included Howick Ward incumbents Sharon Stewart and Paul Young as well as Howick Local Board member Bo Burns and former MP Maurice Williamson who have thrown their names into the mix.

FATALITY Police name cyclist killed in crash

The cyclist killed in a fatal road crash in Flat Bush on September 17 has been named as David Lane.

The 69-year-old lived in the central Auckland sub urb of Remuera.

A police spokesperson says police extend their sympathies to Lane’s family.

Emergency services were called to the crash in Stancombe Road just before 8.15am.

Initial indications were one person was seriously injured, but on Saturday afternoon police confirmed the cyclist had died at the scene.

“An off-duty police officer who was involved in the incident will be stood down from duty while an inves tigation is conducted,” a police spokesperson said.

“The incident will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

“Police are unable to comment further while inves tigations are occurring, including an investigation on behalf of the coroner.”

GARAGE SALE

The October sale at the Barn, Trinity Methodist Church, 474 Pakuranga Rd, will be held on Saturday October 1, beginning at 8am. This month we are hav ing a special on children’s summer clothing, so come along and get the family set for the warm weather to come.

PINK CARAVAN

Breast Cancer Foundation’s Pink Caravan and East Health Trust team will be in the Picton Street market square on Friday, September 30. These teams will be available for free breast care and wellness advice and will also offer free blood pressure testing. For more information contact Howick Village Association on 534 4505.

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL PRODUCTION

Birds of a Feather – This is our Year 5 and 6 team and shows are Wednesday September 28 at 1pm and 6.30pm and Thursday September 29 at 6.30pm. Tickets $10 each available from the school office.

Celebraing the city’s early Polish settlers

This year, the Polish community celebrates 150 Years of Polish settlement in New Zealand.

This exhibition, labelled Early Polish Settlers of Auckland, at the Polish Heritage Trust Museum shows colourful family histories and stories of Poles and Prussian-Poles who settled in Auckland.

You can discover Polish forerunners – including a linguist, a tailor and a prince’s son.

The exhibition is part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2022, 150 Years of Polish communities in NZ and Howick’s 175th anniversary and runs from October 2-16.

Museum entry is by donation.

Groups by prior arrangement (group fee applies).

Cash or internet banking is available.

Polish Museum, 125 Elliot St, Howick. Opening hours

are Tuesday-Friday 10am4pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm.

Please check the museum is open in these uncertain times on the day of your visit or phone 533 3530.

Wichman calls time on politics

By CHRIS HARROWELL

One of the most outspoken opponents of a controversial public transport plan is stepping down from local politics.

Bob Wichman is not seeking re-election to the Howick Local Board this year after serving on it for the past three terms.

He’s among the board members who strongly opposed an Auckland Transport (AT) plan to have the Eastern Busway project dissect the community of Burswood.

Earlier this year Wichman said he opposed the chosen route due to its “economic and logical disadvantages to the community”.

“I don’t think it’s the right idea for the circumstances and the economics for the time,” he said.

“The sheer economics of it, $1-$2 billion, is just ridiculous and the economics can’t afford it.

“We are working on behalf of the community, and the community, they have to pay the bill.”

Wichman says he decided not to seek re-election this year as it’s “time for new blood”, and “the local board gets ignored by the council”, which he finds frustrating.

The east Auckland resident has had a lengthy association with local

government.

His nine years on the board are on top of having served on the former Manukau City Council until it ceased to exist with the establishment of the supercity council in 2010.

After a three-year break Wichman returned to local government in 2013 with his election to the local board.

Looking back over the past nine years, he says he’s found it frustrating not being able to limit major council spending which he believes is out of control.

“When I was a councillor at Manukau I personally had far more say in how ratepayers’ money was spent, and helped save millions of dollars,” he told the Times

“I’ve tried hard to control spending at the local board, with my major partner in

this issue, ex-Manukau councillor David Collings, who is a much-needed member of the board.

“The one thing I would have liked to prevent is the busway diversion through Burswood, which is in my opinion the most ridiculous project ever by AT.

“It’s costing a fortune and will cause major traffic congestion for drivers passing through the area, particularly getting in and out of Burswood, while the buses continue through the area mostly empty.

“Not to forget the cost to all those residents losing their homes, having to accept the price council offers [whether they] like it or not.”

Board chairperson Adele White says Wichman has always been a strong voice for the community.

“You were never left in any doubt where Bob stood on an issue.

“He was unafraid to challenge the status quo or express a different option, especially if he thought it represented the views of his constituents.

“Bob regularly spoke out on matters that were of concern to him, often questioning council’s spending, and as a passionate advocate for road safety.

“Very few people decide to seek office, let alone give the kind of service he has. His absence will be felt.”

Photo entries impress

travel again, quintessentially Aotearoa

Natural Possum Merino Silk

LIGHT AND UNIQUELY NZ

Scarves, beanies, gloves, capes,

for men and

The Lions Club of Howick have once again run a photo competition for students attending local secondary schools, with the top 12 photos going into their annual scenic calendar.

Many outstanding entries have been received for this year’s competition which showcases the wonderful artistic talents these students possess.

The images must have been taken in the east Auckland area, be bold images suitable for calendar use and display good composition with thoughtful planning of the image.

The three judges will no doubt spend a considerable amount of time assessing the entries as the standard of the images demonstrates impressive skills by these young photographers.

An exhibition is to be held at Fencible Lounge on Uxbridge Rd in Howick on October Friday 7,

11am-3pm.

All the entries will be displayed.

The prize winners will be announced and presented with their prizes. First place is a $1000 Prezzy Card (sponsored by Howick Lions Club), second a $500 Prezzy Card (sponsored by Designer Digital) and third a $300 Prezzy Card

(sponsored by McBride Holdings)

Their winning images and nine other student entries will be used in the Howick Lions 2023 Calendar which will be available at the exhibition for purchase before it is available at various outlets.

All profits go back into the local community.

The Polish Herritage Trust Museum’s new exhibition runs from October 2-16. Image supplied

ART

Committee members Jan Tait, left, and Grant Taylor preparing entries for the judges. Photo supplied.

Bob Wichman, pictured during the Howick Local Board’s volunteer recognition breakfast, is not seeking re-election at this year’s local elections.

Photo supplied Auckland Council

Hop into spring

At last, we seem to have moved beyond the very wet winter we have experienced and now embarking on spring. However, like always, spring in Auckland continues to deliver variable weather.

We hope that the weather is brilliantly fine for Saturday, October 15.

This is the day for the Howick Village Hop. The event has had to be postponed and then cancelled twice last year because of Covid. The interest this year is immense and we anticipate at least 200+ hot rods, classic cars and caravans will be lined up along the main thoroughfare of Howick Village. There are registrations from car owners as far away as Pokeno, Waiheke Island, Manly, Kumeu, Te Aroha, Ngatea,

Waipu, Whangarei and Whangamata.

The streets that will be closed for the HOP are Picton Street, the upper section of Uxbridge Road outside The Good Home, Parkhill Road and Moore Street. Howick Coastguard have kindly agreed to assist us again with marshalling/parking on the day.

The main entertainment stage will be on Picton Street next to The Good Home with entertainment from The Groove Guys, Foxtail Rumble Band, City of Sails Rock and Roll dancers and a special set by ‘Elvis’.

A rock and roll DJ will be entertaining the crowds in the market area and there will be face painting and airbrush tattoos for the big and smaller children.

We wish to acknowledge sponsorship from Howick Local Board, Howick Village Optometrists, Mother’s Polishes, Habit Health East Tamaki, Bar’s Bugs, REPCO Highland Park and Life Pharmacy Howick.

This is a not to be missed event. Mark it down in your diary now and come along to Howick Village for a magnificent day of fun entertainment and a chance to admire a host of beautifully presented vehicles.

Saturday, October 15, in Howick Village.

Pink Caravan

Breast Cancer Foundation’s ‘Pink Caravan’ and East Health Trust team will be in the Picton Street market square on Friday, September 30, from 9am-3pm.

These teams will be available for free breast care and wellness advice and will also offer free blood pressure testing.

For more information contact Howick Village Association at 09 534 4505.

Vinyl Sale

East FM is hosting a Vinyl Sale on Saturday October 1 at the Howick Information Centre from 8.30am2.30pm.

a

Ken Scott Chair,HVA

COMMUNITY

Howickian reunion almost underway

Spring is underway, Covid restrictions have lifted, and after a two-year hiatus the Howickian Reunion Luncheon is all set to take place on October 2 between 11am and 2pm in the Howick Bowling Club, Selwyn Road.

Ladies are asked to bring a plate, please, and gentlemen $8 contribution towards the

cost of hall hireage.

For more than 30 years, old friends have gathered together on an annual basis for a cuppa and a good chin wag, sharing memories and photographs of good times in Howick and Districts with old school friends, neighbours, workmates, and like-minded Howickians.

The Howickian Reunion welcomes people with a heart for Howick who have had an association with Howick and Districts for 40 years or more.

 Contact: Gay Bevan (gaybevan@gmail.com). Phone: 021 269 6112

The Howickian Reunion Luncheon takes place on October 2 between 11am-2pm at the Howick Bowling Club.

Photo supplied

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Building clients’ confidence

Kesh is driven by a desire to empower people by helping them to look their best and feel as confident as possible.

She’s the owner of three busy and successful Xtreme Beauty clinics in east Auckland.

Kesh’s love for the beauty industry and her passion to evolve as a professional and expand her business is an inspiring success story.

She started out working as a beauty therapist at various island resorts and spas in Fiji, but it was a holiday to New Zealand that saw her being o ered a job in the industry in Auckland.

In 2015 she opened the doors to her own business, Xtreme Beauty, at Botany Junction.

Customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals from existing clients have seen her business grow, with her opening a second clinic in Beachlands in 2017.

Her newest clinic is Xtreme Beauty at Ormiston Town Centre, which opened in 2021.

Among the accolades Kesh has received was being named winner of the Indian Newslink Retail Business of the Year as well as NZ Fiji Times Businesswoman of the Year in 2019.

Xtreme Beauty o ers a range of treatments including waxing/threading, facials, massage, lash extensions, henna brows, dermaplan and needling.

“Our mission is to make you look and feel confident.”

Xtreme Beauty Clinic & Spa, Shop 57/226 Ormiston Town Centre, Ormiston Road, Flat Bush.

Phone 09 250 1836 / 021 265 5904 www.xtremebeauty.co.nz DY0754

The floral studio bringing joy to its customers across the city

Creative, passionate and willing to go the extra mile, Tessa Gaskell is owner of Poppy in April, a boutique floral studio that takes pride in supporting other small businesses and delivers a range of floral and gifts throughout Auckland.

“Hearing of their life stories, the special occasions and meaningful need for our flowers, always brings so much joy,” says Tessa whose business is named after their daughter Poppy born in the month of April.

The important lessons the enterprising mum has learnt in business are, firstly believe in yourself.

“Self-doubt holds people back from success. If you have a quality product you believe in, there will always be a market for your talents. Secondly, when you turn your life’s passion into a job, you will never feel like you’ve worked a day in your life.”

The secret of Tessa’s success is giving 110 per cent of herself, providing each customer with not only a service and product but a beautiful experience that makes ever-lasting memories.

Poppy in April

Founder Tessa Gaskell

Phone 021 252 6246

Email tessa@poppyinapril.co.nz

www.poppyinapril.co.nz DY0759

Love your smile

Dr Arishma Lata is one of the leading dentists in Lumino The Dentists – a place she calls her second home having been with them for about 10 years.

Spanning a career of over 15 years in professional dental experience, Arishma completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Fiji and then upgraded her Degree at University of Otago.

Arishma is currently practicing at Lumino Sanctuary Dental, giving her patients the smile and oral health care they always wanted. With a beaming smile, she says it is a privilege to be a part of such a great company.

“I get satisfaction from being in a very engaging environment, an inclusive culture, working with talented support team members and continuously learning,” she says.

She is a strong believer that the secret to success is listening with intent to understand her patients’ needs to provide them with the best dental treatment.

If you have a fear of the dentist, Lumino Sanctuary Dental is the place to go where you will get a warm welcome from a friendly reception team.

Whether it’s providing pain relief, a cosmetic smile or dentures to her geriatric patients, Dr Arishma promises that you will leave the clinic with a smile.

And wait there’s more – not only will you walk away booking your annual check-up appointment, but you will also receive a free toothbrush and a toothpaste.

Dental, mental, and physical wellbeing are all key to creating smiles and a happy life.

Lumino Sanctuary Dental Lumino The Dentists

Unit 20, 2 Dunn Place, Botany.

Ph: (09)273 2173

Email: info@sanctuarydental.co.nz

Angela Cai delivers with expertise

Award-winning Ray White Pakuranga real estate salesperson Angela Cai has built a reputation as one of the country’s top agents over the course of her 20 years in the industry.

Her outstanding knowledge and experience have earned her numerous awards including most recently that of Elite Performer 2021-22 and 2019-2020, Chairman’s Elite Performer 2020-2021. She was also named a Top 100 Agent nationwide 2022 by Rate My Agent for customer service experience.

Angela delivers outstanding customer service and is willing to go the extra mile to achieve the best results.

She specialises in marketing residential property locally across east Auckland and central Auckland, focusing on Pakuranga, Sunnyhills, Highland Park, Bucklands Beach and Half Moon Bay.

She believes the best way to build positive business relationships that last is by understanding the individual needs of every client. Angela prides herself on the integrity she brings to her work and on putting people at ease. One major advantage she o ers, as well as her two decades of experience, is the team she works with.

They can provide expertise to buyers and sellers from di erent countries and cultures.

“We are focused on and committed to delivering complete satisfaction for our clients and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously,” Angela says.

Angela Cai | 021 889 058

Ray White

Five AM Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008) www.angelacai.co.nz

Your Driving Miss Daisy ladies

Driving Miss Daisy is a safe, friendly and reliable companion driving service operating across east Auckland and throughout New Zealand.

Daisy cars are a familiar sight in the local community, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles included in the range.

Our Daisies are dedicated to making your journey as safe and comfortable as possible, o ering you independence and peace of mind.

Anne McClean owns Driving Miss Daisy Pakuranga after having worked 20 years in the Disability Sector and 12 years in a corporate role as a Customer Experience Manager. Anne enjoys providing clients with a meaningful and personalised service.

Brenda Stuart is the owner of Driving Miss Daisy Howick/Bucklands Beach. She was a local pharmacist for 15 years and realised the community is her passion, so decided to continue working locally by becoming a Driving Miss Daisy franchise owner.

Brenda is passionate about providing a service that will help vulnerable local people get to where they need to go safely and on time.

Janita Isaacs owns the Driving Miss Daisy Botany franchise which operates in Botany, Flat Bush, Whitford and the Pohutukawa Coast.

Janita previously worked in corporate roles in marketing and advertising and enjoys providing an excellent community service as well as meeting lots of new people.

Driving Miss Daisy

Anne: 027 472 9921 | Brenda: 021 410 476

Janita: 021 174 9999 JH17261

Need for business to be accessible online

Carol Rigby brings more than 20 years’ of professional experience to the advice and support she provides to businesses of all sizes.

The Botany-based chartered accountant is Xero-certified and says the ongoing pandemic has highlighted the need for businesses to be accessible online.

“We o er Xero set-ups and training, and processing of GST and financial accounts through to tax submissions.”

With the lockdowns, people are having to budget more and Carol can help with Xero budgeting and review of actual to budget with recommendations.

Carol o ers prompt customer service and, when Covid allows, prefers to meet new clients for the first time in person, o ering a free 30 minute initial consultation.

What sets her apart is her auditing experience obtained while working as a manager in a large firm, enabling her to understand your business.

Meeting clients first-hand enables this better understanding of your accounting needs.

Carol A Rigby Chartered Accountant, 59 Botany Road, Botany Downs.

Phone: 09 533 0520.

Email: carol@carolrigby.co.nz JH16527A

Dr Arishma Lata

Anne, Brenda and Janita

Carol Rigby

Angela

Kesh

Tessa Gaskell

Burns ‘furious’ over booklet error

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Candidate profile booklets sent to local voters in this year’s Auckland Council elections contain an error that was not corrected prior to them being printed and posted out.

Bo Burns is a current elected member of the Howick Local Board.

She’s standing for re-election to the board as well as for a seat on the council’s governing body in the Howick ward on a ticket with local councillor Paul Young.

Burns says on September 8 she was phoned by the board’s deputy chair, John Spiller, who told her there seemed to be a mix-up with her councillor and local board member statements in the profile booklets which have been sent out with voting papers.

The issue is her statement focus ing on why she’s standing for the councillor role was placed where her board candidate statement should have been and vice-versa.

“I phoned the electoral team straight away and told them what John had said,” Burns told the Times

“They put me on hold and came back and said unfortunately that yes, there had been a mix-up.

“I was furious. Somewhere in between me handing in my two separate applications, photos and statements, somebody had mixed them up.

“I asked if it would be rectified and they said it was too late and the million or so pamphlets had already been printed, but that they would change them straight away online.”

Burns says she asked the elec toral team why candidates aren’t

sent proofs of their statements to check.

The staff she spoke to replied they had a very stringent proofing process, she says.

“My reply was it is clearly not stringent enough and I had been in print media and advertising my whole life and this wasn’t good enough.

“It’s another bump in the road but I’m not letting it ruin the hugely successful campaign to date.”

Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske says when the error was brought to his attention the candidate profile booklets had already been printed, inserted into voting packs and embargoed waiting for delivery to voters.

“There was not much we could do about this other than have it corrected on the electronic copy on the council’s website, which was done almost immediately.

“Unfortunately, it seems the wrong statement was attached to the wrong nomination paper when lodged and [the error was] not picked up.

“This was only brought to our attention when contacted by the candidate.”

Burns says her forms were not incorrectly attached and she checked and re-checked them multiple times.

“When the library staff went to photocopy everything they must have mucked up the papers.”

MUSIC AGS tunes up for Big Gig

Auckland Guitar School (AGS) presents its legendary annual student Big Gig showcase at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre in Epsom on Sunday October 2 at 6.30pm.

Hear AGS’s talented guitar ists celebrating everything guitar, with their best play ers performing classic guitar songs, original music and jam ming the night away.

Bring your air guitar and get ready to be inspired – it could be you up onstage next year!

h Tickets available: https://www.iticket.co.nz/ events/2022/oct/big-gig

WIN!

The Times has 2 x double passes to give away [these can be collected at the door]. Go to times.co.nz to enter. Click on Times Win and enter your name and contact details before 5pm Wednesday, September 28 to be in the draw.

RYMAN HEALTHCARE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AUCKLAND HERITAGE FESTIVAL PRESENTS

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BRUCE MCLAREN

Presented by Jan McLaren

Join us at the village for a talk on the life and times of Bruce McLaren, New Zealand’s finest motor racing export.

Jan McLaren, Bruce’s sister and patron of the Bruce McLaren Trust, will deliver a talk about the talented Auckland driver and engineer who founded one of the finest names in Formula One racing, as well as a supercar brand.

As our village namesake we have a strong admiration for Bruce and his legacy, and look forward to you joining us as we learn more about the life of a legend.

This will be a Covid-safe event and RSVP is essential, please call Rose on 09 535 0225 to secure your place.

BRUCE MCLAREN VILLAGE

795 Chapel Road, Howick rymanhealthcare.co.nz

Local elections candidate Bo Burns is disappointed her two statements in the booklet sent to voters were mixed up.

Photo supplied

Hear Auckland Guitar School’s talented guitarists celebrating everything guitar.

Photo supplied

Join us for a High Tea in September

Summerset Heritage Park in Ellerslie is holding a High Tea every Thursday in September and you’re invited.

Just pop along to the village any time between 10am and 2pm, on any Thursday in September, and enjoy a range of delicious treats and hot drinks on us.

Whilst you’re here, why not also get a taste of the Summerset life that our residents love so much.

Our team would love to show you around our brand-new Heritage Apartments, which are the final stage of the village, available now from just $789,000.* So if you are looking to secure a home at Summerset Heritage Park, this could be your last chance.

Plus, if you purchase a Heritage Apartment before 31 October 2022, you’ll pay no weekly fees for two years!*

For more information on this offer, get in touch with our Sales Manager, Frank Booth today or join us at one of our High Tea Thursdays in September.

at Summerset

Park between

Summerset

By following our Covid guidelines it’s safe to visit our villages. For the latest information visit summerset.co.nz/covid-19

Ex-engineer seeking to be next mayor

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Craig Lord is stand ing to become Auckland’s next mayor because he wants to make the bad things about the city good and the good things even better.

The former engineer works as a freelance media operator and he’s also an events master of ceremonies and marriage celebrant.

He previously stood for the mayoralty in 2019, fin ishing third behind the winner, Phil Goff, and run ner-up John Tamihere.

Lord says the feedback his campaign is getting from the public in this year’s local elections is “extremely positive and encouraging”.

He’s standing because he genuinely wants to imple ment the ideas he has for Auckland.

“We [his campaign team] believe we’re doing very well.

“I really believe in the things I’m standing on.”

Lord has strong views on the controversial issue of the potential sale by Auckland Council of local public reserves.

He says he disagrees with it and “selling the family jewels is the wrong methodology”.

“I’d prefer we focus on where the money is haem orrhaging,” he says.

“I think selling things is the easy and quick way out and it’s lazy and the wrong thing to do.”

Among Lord’s key poli cies is to return the council to its job as a “core services provider”.

“People think there are too many side projects and a lack of focus on core ser vices,” he says.

“They’ve have asked me questions like what am I going to do about crime.

“I’m very clear that is not a council role. That is cen tral Government’s job.”

He also wants to over haul the council’s preferred contactor procurement system, which it uses to allocate work required around the city.

His desire to fix it stems from being told about council work that was done poorly or was over priced, he says.

“That to me is a red flag and makes me wonder why we’re paying so much for projects.

“During Covid, buying local was promoted and I think we should be taking it a step further and using local contractors.

“We need to change the system to allow local con tractors in and we need to make sure they match the standard required.”

Lord wants to give more power to Auckland’s local boards to make decisions for their communities.

Many people he’s spoken to don’t know the boards exist or what they do, he says.

He wants to see board members do “pop-ups” where they’d be in an area for four hours a day once every two months so resi dents can talk to them about local issues.

“I think after six months of doing that the public will say they’re starting to learn who these people are and what their jobs are.”

Like other mayoral can didates he wants to bring council-controlled organi sations, such as Auckland Transport (AT), under council control.

He also wants to cre ate an independent per

formance auditor role to maintain oversight over council work and spending.

“They would be the ulti mate watchdog and it’s never been done.

“The advantage of them being independent is they can go into any [council] department at any time.

“They’d have the power to go directly to the news media and the public and say what they’ve found in a council department, they put a suggestion forward, and nothing is happening.”

On how to reduce traf fic congestion, Lord says he loves the idea of mass transport but he believes Auckland wasn’t designed for it.

He says there are three options to make it efficient.

“You’ve got to tunnel everywhere and have sub ways, which will never happen.

“Or you do a scorchedEarth policy and remove a lot of properties and build ings to redesign the transit lines, but I find it horrid when they have to do that.

“The third option is you’ve got to go above ground.

“For some reason when I mention going up a lot of people seem to go off the idea.

“They think of failed monorails, but I don’t.

“None of it is going to be cheap, whatever we do.”

Lord says east Auckland residents should consider giving him their mayoral vote because he genuinely wants to serve the city and its people.

“I know Auckland has a lot of issues but it also has a lot of good.’

h Voting closes in the local elections at midday on October 8.

Oct 9am

6pm

Fri, 14 Oct 9am

6pm

6pm

Sat, 15 Oct 9am

Sun, 16 Oct 9am

3pm

Craig Lord, centre, is campaigning to replace Phil Goff as Auckland’s next mayor. Times photo Wayne Martin

COUNCIL

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Candidate advocates for changes to major local issues

Iam standing for a seat on the Howick Local Board for the following reasons:

 To prevent and reduce crime.

I am a volunteer for an organisation that helps to deter crime and I am a volunteer for an organisation that supports the victims of crime so I see a broad spectrum.

To help create Neighborhood Watch groups.

A caring community unites and it starts with families knowing where their teenage children are and who they are associating with.

I oppose Auckland Council selling our community parks due to mismanaging funds and now being in extreme debt.

In February I was part of a local group that protested



against the council selling our local park at Fortyfoot Lane and this is my main reason for standing for a seat on the board.

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Housing intensification and infrastructure.

We already have traffic congestion and overloaded stormwater/sewer systems so allowing a developer to demolish a house on a single section and replace it with five houses is madness.

It effectively means the developers have more authority in our community than the council.

All new builds in Auckland need to be reduced by 50 per cent until we have a plan of sustainable growth.

I’m against Auckland Transport and the council’s plan known as TERP (Transport Emission Reduction Pathway).

Their goal is for Aucklanders to reduce vehicle use by 50 per cent before the year 2030 and start walking, cycling and using

public transport.



I oppose Three Waters reforms because our assets and decision-making will be given to people who are not from Pakuranga.

I’m a volunteer for Victim Support Counties Manukau and Howick Pakuranga Community Patrol.

I attend (the Englishspeaking) Pakuranga Chinese Baptist Church and I’m a member of Celebrants Aotearoa New Zealand.

Facebook: billy david davis.

HOWICK WARD

Community leader and entrepreneur seeks board seat

AJAY BAL, Howick Local Board candidate, Botany subdivision

Iam honoured to stand as a leader for the community which has been my home since 2013.

My wife and I live in east Auckland together with our two children and extended family.

As a dedicated father of two, and an experienced entrepreneur and small business owner, I understand what we need to grow as a community and as a country.

Having lived in New Zealand since 2007, and as an immigration advisor and migrant myself, I know first-hand the benefits and values we bring to our community.

As the Botany and Flat Bush areas continue to expand, I want to see residents get value for the rates they pay. This means efficient services, facilities where people of all ages can meet and socialise, wonderful places for kids to play, more sports fields, and a reliable and improved public transport system providing better coverage for this growing area.

As a family man, I value a community where residents can feel safe whilst moving around, and in their homes. I will support initiatives to keep neighbourhoods crime-free.

Local business owners strongly believe they must be supported.

After a tough time, they

need help to regain confidence and rebuild to continue to enhance the local economy.

Young seekingto continue his passionate local advocacy roles

PETER YOUNG, Howick Local Board candidate, Botany subdivision

Maurice Williamson

Sharon Stewart

Together we have serious concerns for how the Auckland Council has been managed. Rates keep rising, spending exceeds income and debt is ballooning. Of more concern is the fact the wishes of the general public are being just totally ignored. Your vote can ensure Auckland’s future.

Peter Young has been a committed member of the Howick Local Board for the past six years.

He’s also chairman of the Botany and Flat Bush Ethnic Association (BFEA), which he founded to realise his vision of a “happy and healthy community”.

Standing for re-election to the Howick Local Board in the Botany subdivision, Young believes a healthy community is a happy one.

He’s passionate about serving the community and has seen the BFEA grow quickly over the past four and a half years.

“With a focus on health and fitness, the association offers great opportunities for the well-being of diverse communities in the Botany and Flat Bush communities,” says Young, who’s served as a Justice of Peace for 14 years and enjoys helping new communities settle

in New Zealand.

“We run very popular yoga and meditation classes at Ormiston Primary School, Botany Library and at Golflands Reserve on weekends.

“There are also a host of community talks by experts, tai chi, Zumba and Cantonese opera classes, as well as activities for the youth.”

Young has also spearheaded multiple cultural events as a prelude to Howick’s 175th Anniversary celebrations this year, with more in the pipeline.

“The idea behind it is to create more awareness for new communities settled in the area,” he says.

“I have also continued to advocate for the long overdue Flat Bush Library and Community Centre.”

With the sharp increase in thefts and burglaries, Young is strongly advocating for CCTV cameras.

“I’d like to see more CCTVs in high-risk areas.

“Locals can now con-

nect with the police through a newly-introduced high-tech system.

“Importantly, neighbours must get to know each other, and be on the lookout for suspicious activity, so communities and the police can work together.

“Keeping our community safe and a place where people love to live is why I am standing for re-election to the Howick Local Board, Botany subdivision.”

Maurice Williamson was the member of parliament for Pakuranga (included Howick) for 30 years. He has recently returned to New Zealand from a diplomatic posting as New Zealand’s Consul General in Los Angeles and is also standing for the Auckland Council here in the Howick Ward.

Sharon Stewart QSM is standing for re-election to the Auckland Council to continue serving the community that she loves. Having lived here for most of her life, her family history within the district goes back over 100 years.

BILLY DAVIS, Howick Local Board candidate, Pakuranga subdivision

Billy Davis is standing for election to the Howick Local Board in the Pakuranga subdivision.

Photo supplied

Ajay Bal is standing for a seat on the Howick Local Board in this year’s local elections.

Photo supplied

Peter Young is standing for re-election to the Howick Local Board. Photo supplied

Pinkie’s back for breast cancer tour

Aucklanders will have the opportunity to visit Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s iconic Pink Caravan, ‘Pinkie’, for free breast health advice from this week.

For the ninth year running, Pinkie will spend the spring and summer months travelling around New Zealand with two specialist breast nurses on board with the aim of taking breast cancer awareness out to communities.

PINKIE WILL BE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCAL SITES BETWEEN 9AM-2:30PM EACH DAY:

„ PaK’nSave Botany on Wednesday, September 28

„ PaK’nSave Ormiston on Thursday, September 29

„ Howick Village Market Square on Friday, September 30

During 2020 and 2021 Pinkie made more than 160 stops around the coun try, where nurses addressed the ques tions and concerns of over 6000 people.

“We encourage people to come and chat to our friendly and knowledge able nurses who can offer advice about how to lower your risk of breast can cer, what signs and symptoms to look out for and how to get enrolled for breast screening,” said Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner.

“On board you’ll find lots of informa tion and resources, including a silicon breast model, Bessie, showing what

lumps and other symptoms look and feel like. Early detection is the best way to beat breast cancer, so the health education work that our nurses do saves lives.”

Breast cancer is the most com mon female cancer, with around 1000 women diagnosed in the Auckland region every year. The good news is it’s most easily treated when detected early – the 10-year survival rate for women who are diagnosed with inva sive breast cancer through screening is 95 per cent, compared to 85 per cent for women who are diagnosed from their symptoms. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ encourages women to be breast aware from the age of 20 and to con sider starting mammograms at 40.

h Visit breastcancerfoundation. org.nz/pinkcaravan to learn more about the Pink Caravan.

10,000 steps for asthma advocacy

By ZOE GARDEN

An east Auckland resi dent is averaging 10,000 steps daily in a bid to raise awareness and money for the respiratory community.

Respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnoea affect 700,000 (one in six) New Zealanders. Aimee Scott, owner of local gym Aimz Fitness, is one of those many Kiwis, having dealt with asthma since she was a child.

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation (ARFNZ) is asking Kiwis to challenge themselves to do at least 16 minutes of lung exercise a day during the annual Breathe Better September.

Participants set themselves, their families or their teams up with a challenge that suits them - anything from taking the stairs at work or perform ing a dance - and, in the pro cess, get sponsored by friends and family.

All the proceeds raised go to ARFNZ for awareness, advo cacy, research and support for

people living with respiratory conditions.

Scott’s challenge for September is to walk an aver age 10,000 steps every day.

She told the Times that she set that goal for the purpose of it being consistent, doable, and maintainable past September.

“But while this (asthma) is my biggest struggle, it is also what makes me strong,” she says.

“I live, breathe, walk and talk fitness to my clients. The importance of being fit and healthy is an investment we

should all put at the top of our list. “I want to give them (Kiwis with asthma) hope with my story that living with asthma doesn’t mean you can’t partici pate in exercise, but that exer cise should be used to help improve the strength of your lungs and help you under stand breathing to improve symptoms.”

Scott raised $1400 for the same goal last year.

ARFNZ chief executive Letitia Harding says that, as the foundation receives no government funding, they are dependent on donors, spon sors and community funding organisations.

“We rely heavily on gener ous Kiwis like Aimee who understand the seriousness of respiratory conditions and who want to make a differ ence. We are so grateful for all her efforts.

“She is fantastic example of someone who has not allowed her condition to be a barrier to a full and active life.”

AFRNZ hopes to raise at least $20,000 to put towards its work for the respiratory community.

Ready for you now

Welcome home to Fairway Gardens –a stunning five-star retirement village set alongside Pakuranga golf course.

With a mix of high-end facilities and activities coming very soon, Fairway Gardens will suit you to a tee. Don’t wait to book an appointment to visit our brand new show home and discover it for yourself!

For the life you want to live call Jo Ashby on 0800 600 701 joa@metlifecare.co.nz

Corner Cascades Road and Botany Road, Golflands | fairwaygardens.co.nz

FACILITIES FOR COMPLETION EARLY 2023

A spectacular wellness centre including swimming pool, spa, gym and hair salon

Enjoy catching up with friends and family in the cafe, bar or dining area

Take time out to read a book in the library or unwind in the lounge and activities room

Grand entrance with reflection pond Beautiful embankment walkways

Beautiful one, two and three-bedroom homes ready now from $749,000^. Limited availability so don’t miss out!

Prices are for an Occupational Right Agreement secured by a first ranking mortgage in favour of the statutory supervisor on behalf of the residents. Currently under construction. Select apartments available now, with more available for move in from late-2022.

Apartment image is an artist’s impression.

Note: Visitors must be feeling well to enter a Metlifecare site. Mask-wearing within a village is optional.

For full Metlifecare COVID-19 guidelines, please refer to our website www.metlifecare.co.nz

Aimee Scott is walking 10,000 steps daily throughout September to raise awareness and funds for AFRNZ. Photo supplied

Pinkie will spend the spring and summer months travelling around New Zealand with two specialist breast nurses on board with the aim of taking breast cancer awareness out to communities. Photo supplied

Collings stands for fiscal prudence

DAVID COLLINGS, Howick Local Board candidate, Pakuranga subdivision

Ihave a huge history with Pakuranga, being the first Independent to be elected to the thenPakuranga Community Board and representing Pakuranga on the Manukau City Council.

I have now been selected as a C&R (Community and Residents) candidate for the Howick Local Board.

I very much align with their emphasis on good financial management and prudent spending ensuring all rates money is spent wisely and efficiently.

After our last board workshop, I feel I’m needed on the board to keep an eye on spending and to ensure there is a better financial oversight and will miss my colleague Bob Wichman who has a similar ethos.

Having previously been chairman of the Howick Local Board, it’s pleasing to see many of the things we’ve been working on finally coming through to fruition such as the mul-

tisport facility in Lloyd Elsmore Park which will desperately serve as a much-needed facility for Howick Gymnastics, and both Pakuranga, tennis and bowling clubs.

It’s also great to see many of our initiatives such as Fruit Trees in Schools, Enviro-schools and Pestival (our plant and animal pest eradication project) - all three of which have seen a huge uptake with high participation in the community.

Having previously been chairman of the AMETI (Eastern Busway) project, it’s been good to see this project advance and I’m looking forward to the Reeves Road Flyover getting started to ease congestion in and around Pakuranga.

However, I strongly oppose the busway diverting into a residential area in Burswood as this was never part of the original project.

While on transport, I am very opposed to the recent proposal for a crossing with speed humps across six lanes of Pakuranga Road.

I also oppose council selling off our much-loved reserves which is just so wrong.

I would also like to comment on how proud I am that my son Luke has shown an interest in local issues and is standing for the Botany subdivision, and I hope people will consider supporting him.

I know he will work very hard and make good and sensible decisions.

Transportation issues focus for new candidate

LUKE COLLINGS, Howick Local Board candidate, Botany subdivision

I’ve lived in and around Botany my entire life. I learned a lot through my father [Howick Local Board member David Collings].

Since before I can remember, he’s been a councillor of the former Manukau City Council and on the local board. It has given me a precious insight.

I would make it my duty to preserve any and all public-owned land, be it parks, car parks or anything else that is owned collectively will remain so, as well as the continued development of the local parks into facilities for the people; children’s playgrounds, dog parks, BBQ areas. Suggestions welcome!

I’m not a fan of Auckland Transport (AT) and their management of traffic [such as] the recent developments undertaken at the intersection between

Cascades Road and Botany Road.

Not only were the road works poorly managed at the time, but we were left with this absolute mess of a “road” afterwards.

The lanes weren’t clearly marked and the new road layout isn’t exactly ideal.

Reeves Road Flyover was due to begin in 2015/6.

Auckland Transport clearly needs some guidance or coercion.

This senseless rush toward public transport that unfortunately no one uses is not without good intention, but is creating nothing but a bigger mess.

The bus lane from Panmure to Pakuranga couldn’t take up more room, while still not alleviating any traffic [issues].

The only thing AT seems capable of is throwing in cycle lanes, bus lanes, speed cameras, speed bumps or traffic lights willy-nilly.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe in public transport.

It’s essential. But people like having their own vehicles and the freedom that comes with it.

This shouldn’t be sneakily taken away from the people through the lack of investment in road infrastructure while taxing your fuel at a premium for it.

Preservation of our environment is a must and minimisation of waste dumping through free dumping facilities is a good idea, instead of making it harder to participate in inorganic collections.

It wouldn’t cost the council that much, especially as we already pay for the removal of any dumped trash through the parks department.

NZ’s first locally grown cannabis medicines get approval

East Tamaki business Helius Therapeutics has become the first New Zealand medicinal cannabis company to gain approval for products derived from locallygrown cannabis plants.

Chief executive officer Carmen Doran says the news is great for many patients who have long sought legal access to both New Zealand-grown and made medicinal products.

being launched in New Zealand and then will be exported around the world, with Europe and South America priority markets.

Doran says Helius is now actively seeking investment to accelerate its domestic and international growth plans.

“Up until now, New Zealand patients could only be prescribed medicinal cannabis grown overseas, with the vast majority being imported from Australia and Canada,” says Aldridge.

“Local patients and their advocates have fought long and hard for truly Kiwi products which are both high quality and cost-effective.”

The Medicinal Cannabis Agency publicly advised on September

“Gaining approval of medicinal cannabis products that are truly New Zealand-grown and made is a significant milestone for our industry and another first for Helius.

12 that both Helius CBD25 Full Spectrum and Helius CBD100 Full Spectrum products had been verified as meeting the quality standard – a requirement under the 2019 regulations before producers can supply the New Zealand market.

The latest products are first

Puro executive director Tim Aldridge says this is one of the most significant milestones in the New Zealand medicinal cannabis scheme to date. Puro signed a multi-million dollar supply agreement with Helius Therapeutics in January.

“Now Kiwi patients can access cannabis medicine, which is grown right here in New Zealand, made from Puro’s organically certified crop.”

Aldridge expects the availability of New Zealand-grown and manufactured medicinal cannabis will increase access and affordability for Kiwi patients.

Helius Therapuetics’ headquarters in East Tamaki.

Photo supplied

Luke Collings is standing for the Howick Local Board.

Photo supplied

Howick Local Board member David Collings is standing for re-election. Photo supplied

Chairman’s report-we’ve 45 day to go!

The recent funeral of Queen Elizabeth II with all its pageantry and remarkable global unity of thanksgiving for a life so well lived, reminded me of the long and important association we have with the United Kingdom.

Not only did the Fencible families come with their English, Irish and Scottish cultures but the British Crown entered into a unique treaty relationship with Maori which continues to this very day.

Today we live with a remarkable fusion of many different cultural inheritances which makes our east Auckland community very diverse and with a good number of people being more recent migrants. The Fencible families arriving in November 1847 to a land of new opportunity – yet

experiencing many hardships and sacrifice – is something so many can relate to.

We are now only six weeks away from the key 175 anniversary events with a family beach picnic, plaque unveiling and church service along with many other special events.

I am continually impressed by the number of willing volunteers who are part of celebrating together this 175th anniversary year. Thank you to one and all, and especially our hard working 175 ambassadors and those preparing for the events at St Johns College and the beach event. Recently, many school children submitted a variety of 175 creative artworks. Contributions came from lots of schools with children from Baverstock Oaks Primary and

Bucklands Beach Primary making outstanding contributions. Well done!

Have you seen the 175 flags now flying in Howick Village? Call into

the main street and enjoy the colours and ambience. How about purchasing some of the Howick 175 memorabilia before supplies are gone; tea towels, key rings,

Countdown to 175th anniversary celebration

commemorative book, a specially brewed beer and a new blended tea.

Thank you to TimesNewspapers and East FM for all their efforts to make sure everyone knows and feels welcome to join in the 175 events. Do look at the website –www.howick175.co.nz – and especially the events calendar.

Rev Dr Richard Waugh, Chairman of Howick & Districts 175th Anniversary 1847 to 2022 Committee.

The countdown is now down to45daysuntilwecelebrate the175thanniversary ofthe settlerslandingatHowick Beachwithapicnic.

Rev Dr Richard Waugh.

Times photo Wayne Martin

Impressive school entries for 175 comp

The 175th Trust has been impressed with the number of entries from local primary schools for a competition which required pupils to either draw or write (in 500 words) a story, poem, diary or letter telling how life may have been in Howick 175 years ago.

The broad parameters provided a broad range of entries that delighted, amused and excited the judging panel. Convenor of the judging panel, Judy Parr, said “the imaginative approach taken by teachers allowed the curiosity of their pupils to lead the project resulting in a high standard of carefully considered entries.

From letters ‘home’, horrified diary entries concerning the long days at sea, the excitement of discovering a new place to live and concerns the Fencibles lived without ‘Nike shoes – only gumboots’, the entries showed an active interest in history.”

Students from year 1 through to year 12 took part with the majority of entries from years 4, 5 and 6. The topic was relevant to the Aotearoa/ New Zealand History Curriculum which is due for full implementation in 2023 and provided wide scope for young minds.

One of the most creative entries came from Bucklands Beach Primary students who chose to colour in the numerals 1, 7 and 5 as the past, present and future, an exercise designed to make the children think of what was not available to the Fencibles, what we have today and where we may go tomorrow. Interestingly enough, most of the future seemed to involve heavy traffic.

Merit awards and a family pass to Howick Historical Village will be awarded.

Entries will be on display in the Howick Information Centre on Saturday October 8, 9am to 12 noon. Some of the wonderful entries from local school students.

Three months’ sail for family from Cork

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 Adele White.

My dad’s great, greatgrandfather, and great grandfather, arrived in Howick, from Cork in Ireland, on October 11, 1847, after sailing for 90 days on the Sir Robert Sale.

I guess that makes me a true Howickian!

As a pensioner of the British army and marines, Fencible Matthew Finlay with his young son John was given a Crown Land Grant in Gibraltar Street in the Howick Village, for the purpose of building a cottage.

In 1861, John married his wife Ann and went on to have 10 children, one of whom was my great grandfather Matthew. Matthew Finlay/Findlay married Isobel Gillard in 1897 and had four children including my grandfather Roderick George (Roy) Findlay.

Dad – Roderick Basil Findlay – and his sister were born to Roy and Myrtle Findlay, in the 1920s.

The family remained in Howick. I grew up liv-

ing near Howick Beach, in close proximity to Shamrock Cottage – formerly the wet canteen –and later The Royal Hotel, and All Saints Anglican Church – Howick’s first building.

Whilst recently looking through some of my late father’s documents, I came across pages from the New Zealand Herald published on November 1, 1947, featuring the celebration of the town’s centenary. It

speaks of 5000 people lining the streets to enjoy (in the language of the era) “a re-enactment in gay pageantry!”.

Photos show locals wearing the clothing of 100 years prior – including my dad in a long flowing skirt – and massive bonnet!

Over the following few years Howick held Queen Carnivals – which were apparently a fashionable way to raise money for local projects. Funds were raised for projects like improvements to the Howick Domain and the Howick Community Centre which was, at that time, located in Picton Street, and for extensions to the Howick Fire Station. My aunt – Joyce Kirkham was Howick Carnival Queen in 1949.

And here’s an interesting coincidence – my aunt worked for the Howick Town Board, located inside the front of the old Howick Town Hall.  Adele White Chairperson, Howick Local Board

TO

FAMILY

Have a go at sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking in

There

other activities including bouncy castles, COASTGUARD, the Howick Sailing Club, with East FM providing the music. Bring your own picnic & there will be a variety of food & drink vendors there too!

SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER

9am: Picnic at Howick Beach.

2:30pm: e Howick 175th plaque is unveiled at Fencible Walk Park110 Picton St.

3:30 - 4:30pm: Civic Church Service, All Saints Anglican Church, Howick. Public is welcome. Special music and tours available for people who want to view the historic 1847 church.

SUNDAY, 13 NOVEMBER Live day at the Howick Historical Village, 75 Bells Rd, Pakuranga

Adele White. Photo Wayne Martin

Photo suuplied

Assistance dogs changing lives

Before assistance dog Logan joined Cockle Bay’s Nico Jansen, Michéle TheronJansen and their son Reuben over seven years ago, they described their lives as being in their own permanent ‘lockdown’, a term we are now all so familiar with.

Reuben, now 19 years old, is autistic, non-verbal and suffers from hypotonia (decreased muscle tone leading to stability issues and trouble walking).

He struggles with loud noises, would often run off without warning and could be unwilling to comply with directions. This made going out to public places or even a walk to the park difficult, putting the family’s life on hold.

The Jansens are sharing their story as Assistance Dogs NZ Trust (ADNZT) fundraises during their annual appeal month of September, petitioning the public to help fund the training and placement of more life-changing assistance dogs.

With the reduction in cash giving and over 50 families still waiting for their dog, the trust has been virtually shaking their buckets this year, aiming to raise $75,000 to fund their vital work.

This will continue to address the escalating need within the

New Zealand disabled community for assistance dogs that offer independence and crucial daily aid. ADNZT trains specialist public access dogs under Assistance Dogs International accreditation

Major milestone for New Zealand

Here in east Auckland, we’ve been through a lot together in the past few years. We’ve stayed home, made sacrifices and changed our everyday lives to control Covid.

While it hasn’t always been easy, we’ve pulled together – now we’re in a position to move forward with greater confidence and certainty.

As you might have already heard, we’ve now removed the Covid-19 Protection Framework, commonly known as the traffic light system. Mask wearing requirements have been removed, except in healthcare and aged care settings. We’ve also changed the requirements around isolation, so it’s now only people who test positive who need to isolate.

This marks a significant moment in our response. For the first time since 2020, east Auckland can look forward to summer with certainty, a summer where events won’t be cancelled because of Covid and our borders are fully open.

Not only is this great news for families and friends planning holidays and special events, this certainty will also make a real difference for local businesses, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

New Zealand’s economy is set to recover faster from the pandemic than it did from the Global Financial Crisis with near-record low unemployment, wages outstripping inflation, low debt and record exports.

However, there’s no question that

Labour List MP Naisi Chen

for clients with various neurodisabilities including Autism and Cerebral Palsy.

Within months of Logan joining the family, Reuben formed a strong bond with his assistance

dog, starting to show affection and making sounds to communicate with him, something his parents had never seen before.

“Reuben didn’t know how to show affection, even to us as his parents. So seeing him start to pat and ‘speak’ to Logan was a revelation.

Now, he’s so much more connected to the world around him,” explains Michéle.

Reuben finds even the slightest change difficult. With Logan at his side, Reuben has been calmer and more confident, attending appointments and haircuts with relative ease, something that wasn’t possible before Logan arrived.

As one of his only friends, Logan helps make life a little less lonely, ensuring Reuben always has a buddy nearby to provide comfort and unconditional love when times are tough.

Like many parents of children with disabilities, the Jansens experienced prejudice and misunderstanding when Reuben acts out in public as autism is more of an ‘invisible’ disability.

With Logan alongside them in his smart blue ADNZT coat, people are more understanding, and the family can enter their community without anxiety.

This year Reuben developed seizures and other changes in his behaviour, and Logan has continued to provide invaluable support.

When Reuben comes out of a seizure, his dog is lying there at his side, comforting him as he recovers. This makes life a little less scary and helps Reuben’s family through these new challenges.

When stress is high, Logan is always there to offer a cuddle for those that need it, and a calming presence in the house.

“It’s hard to do justice to how much Logan has transformed our lives, and the huge impact he has had,” says Michéle.

Funding manager Alex Williams explains, “The Trust doesn’t receive any government funding, and is funded solely by generous donations, grants and individual donors, including our puppy sponsorship programme.

The hard cost of training, placing, and supporting an Assistance Dog throughout their working life is $75,000.

 Assistance Dogs NZ Trust’s 2022 Appeal month runs to the end of September and donations can be made to street collectors or online at www. assistancedogstrust.org.nz.

Turning your old to gold

By ZOE GARDEN

A group of migrant and refugee women are utilising traditional sewing and craft practices to turn old things into gold.

it’s been a difficult few years for east Auckland. Moving on safely from the traffic light system and welcoming back the world is going to help to drive greater economic activity and allow us to build back better.

I know there may be some people in our community who feel concerned by the changes to Covid settings and I want to reassure everyone that we wouldn’t be taking this step if the country wasn’t ready.

The most recent health advice shows case numbers and hospitalisations are at their lowest since February. Our communities are well-vaccinated and we’ve just doubled the number of people who can access anti-viral medicines, with 40,000 extra courses due to arrive in the country.

We’ve also moved to ensure that people aged 65 and over, and Māori and Pacific peoples aged 50 and over, will have automatic access to Covid anti-virals if they test positive.

This is an exciting step for east Auckland and it’s taken a team effort to get to this point. So, thank you for your hard work and sacrifices over the past few years. These efforts have made a real difference.

Naisi Chen is a Labour List MP basedinBotany

Auckland-based Kohna Zari Ko is a mending and upcycling service led by the Migrant Women’s Group and The New Settlers Family and Community Trust (NFACT).

NFACT general manager and registered counsellor Fahima Saeid told the Times that the idea for the service came from her experience working with refugee and migrant women in New Zealand. “I’ve worked in the refugee sector for the last 20 years,” Saeid says. “Women who usually come either have never been to school or don’t have any transferrable skills that could develop into a job opportunity for them here.”

Kohna Zari Ko helps migrant and refugee communities through activities incorporating traditional sewing and craft practices from their home countries, opening up opportunities for friendship, education, and connection.

Additionally, the service creates financial independence for “women who are towards their mature and senior age who otherwise will not get the chance,” Saeid says.

“There’s a major mental health and emotional wellbeing component to this as well.”

The 10 talented women of Kohna Zari Ko have recently undergone up-skilling training – a six-week course that teaches them how to use and maintain an electrical sewing machine, as well as education on running a business and customer service, skills that are integral in establishing further independence.

Kohna Zari Ko can undertake alterations, tailoring and unique sewing commissions with a focus on sustainability by giving ‘new life’ to old clothes and fabric.

Some items are also for sale through their Instagram account.

Kohna Zari Ko organised, with the aid of Arts Out East and Objectspace, a free pop-up mending event at Ormiston Town Centre in July. Community members brought along clothes and garments that required a simple fix, such as a fallen button, dropped hem or a small hole.

Two Kohna Zari Ko members run a community-based sewing group on Monday evenings at Te Tuhi. Anyone is welcome to join.

Reuben Jansen, now 19 years old, is autistic, non-verbal and su ers from hypotonia (decreased muscle tone leading to stability issues and trouble walking). His assistance dog Logan sits in front. Photo supplied

Assistance dog Logan has provided seven years of friendship and daily aid to 19-year-old Reuben Jansen of Cockle Bay, helping him feel less isolated and alone. Assistance Dogs NZ has its critical annual appeal running this month.

COMMUNITY

Kohna Zari Ko is a mending and upcycling service. Stock photo

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát

New Zealand held its 14th annual Walk for Humanity on Saturday August 27.

The 10km walk was held through Barry Curtis Park, with $8600 raised.

The funds raised go to two worthy charities – Blind Low Vision New Zealand, the principal recipient, and Humanity First New Zealand, another charitable trust which serves the local as well the Pacific region for all types of

Big Walk for Humanity raises $8000 Feedback

serious disaster relief.

The National president of the Auxiliary wing, Dr Nadeem Ahmad said: “Supporting people in need as well as helping the poor in one’s community are central pillars of the Islamic faith.

“By organising this walk and reaching out to the wider commu nity to help sponsor the walkers, we are doing nothing more than what we believe to be our duty as true Muslims.”

The fundraising manager of

Blind Low Vision NZ said he was thrilled with the donation and earlier had noted, “’The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at is ‘Love for all and hatred for none’ and it is evident in their peaceful actions.”

STUDENTS SNAP CALENDAR SHOTS

The Lions Club of Howick have once again run a photo competi tion for students attending local secondary schools, with the top 12 photos going into their annual scenic calendar. Many outstand ing entries have been received for this year’s competition which showcases the wonderful artistic talents these students possess.

The theme for the images include that they must be taken in the east Auckland, bold images must be suitable for a calendar use and display good composition with thoughtful planning of the image.

The three judges will no doubt spend a considerable amount of time assessing the entries as the standard of the images demon strate impressive skills by these young photographers.

An exhibition is to be held at Fencible Lounge, Uxbridge Road, Howick on Friday October 7, 11am-3pm. All the entries will be displayed.

The prize-winners will be announced and presented with their prizes: 1st place is a $1000 Prezzy card (sponsored by Howick Lions Club), 2nd is a $500 Prezzy card (sponsored by Designer Digital), and 3rd is a $300 Prezzy card (sponsored by McBridge Holdings).

Their winning images and nine other student entries will be used in the Howick Lions 2023 Calendar which will be available at the exhi

All profits go back into the local community.

GOD’S BIG BANG RESPONSE

What about the Big Bang being God’s work (re letters, Times, September 14)?

Well, it wasn’t mentioned in the scriptures (unlike the 6 days com ment) and it’s only happened once in 15 billion years but we don’t have enough knowledge to explain that, or ghosts or telepathy or UFOs or Auckland Transport policies, so let’s just say God did everything we can’t explain (yet).

The implication that the Big Bang signifies a god doesn’t con sider the fact it’s only happened once in 15 billion years and there for maybe said God’s mum told him off for playing with explosives and sent him off for some time out or he’s slipped into the multiverse and is currently busy blowing stuff up over there to see if he gets another rock full of humans.

Randel Case Bucklands Beach

INDICATION OF INTEREST SOUGHT

As part of its 100-year anniver sary celebrations recently, the Pakuranga Tennis Club published a comprehensive history detailing the club’s activities.

On the April 13, 1921, a local farmer, one R.A. (Dufty) Bell called a public meeting to ‘form a tennis

court in the District’, to quote the original hand-written minutes held by the club) and hence the title of the publication.

‘…..to form a tennis court….’ features……...

* 70 bound pages

* Extensive black and white and full colour illustrations

* Eight chapters plus four appendices

Every section and aspect of the club’s activities is covered, from juniors to veterans, champion ships and tournaments, interclub achievements, social play and other activities.

The first edition has proved so popular it has now sold out! Due to a number of enquiries we have received however, we are keen to publish a second edition but need an indication of interest to proceed.

We would love readers to con tact either myself paultibbutt@ gmail.com or the club secretary paktennis@xtra.co.nz if they have an interest in purchasing a copy (cost to be advised).

Co-editor Paul Tibbutt Pakuranga Tennis Club

IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS A QUESTION Way back when time began and humans started to think; a wise man was asked, “who made the world?”

The wise man shrugged and said, “God knows”.

Over the millennia since then, Chinese whispers have devel oped the story to the biblical one now accepted as gospel by many people.

Everyone loves a good story, but it takes some intelligence to sepa rate fact from fiction.

Derek Paterson Sunnyhills

PROPOSED PLAN CHANGE 78

Is Plan Change 78 an open-ended proposal for the people to con sider? No, it is not.

The proposed plan came into effect the same day it was notified (August 18) and the people had no power of refusal or right of appeal. It is akin to a person being married the moment they are proposed to with no power or right to seek a divorce. This has to be in breach of Section 5 of the Bill of Rights Act i.e. it cannot “be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic

society”.

The Plan Change and Government dictate under the Enabling Housing Supply Amendment Act must be repealed especially as there is no shortage of housing supply as implied by the Act i.e. The Unitary Plan made provision for 900,000 plus addi tional dwellings, sufficient for the next 30 years (Auckland Council, Our Auckland, June 28, 2021).

The people must be able to choose their future way of life plus the environmental assess ment work wasn’t done. The Government had no right to impose this on the people.

Victoria Lowe Shamrock Park

RAISED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

I am writing in support of Yuva Adhikary’s letter “Forget raised crossing, what about footpaths in Flat Bush?” published by the Times last week.

His legitimate concerns about the proposed raised pedestrian crossing on Pakuranga Road, which are shared by so many peo ple, merit to be taken seriously by Auckland Transport.

Pakuranga is a main arterial road that provides rapid access to and from East Auckland and serves up to 40,000 vehicles on a weekday. Building a raised pedes trian crossing on that road would go completely against its purpose; very much like putting a speed bump on a motorway.

On the other hand, there is a pedestrian crossing 300m away from the proposed site. Educating the public about the safe use of existing crossings would make much more sense than trying to over-protect the small number of pedestrians who take risks – and will continue to do so whether there is a crossing or not – at the cost of disrupting thousands of motorists and creating unneces sary congestion on a busy road.

It would make a lot more sense to use the budget to build muchneeded footpaths in Flat Bush and other places where there are road safety issues.

Raquel Francois Cockle Bay

MEDIA TRUST VERY LOW Trust is a fundamental ingredient of civilisation.

Lose the trust of your targeted

population and everything falls apart. When I order a book from Ebay and pay by card, I trust that the book will arrive. And it does, and my trust is reaffirmed. It’s the same with Governments when they tell us to act in a cer tain way and we do, we trust them and when the promise does not happen, we lose trust.

It is the same with the media, we have lost trust in the media. They have become a propaganda instru ment for whoever pays them. Public trust in the Government and Big Media is at an all-time low in New Zealand because they have lost our trust.

Ian George Howick

WHAT ABOUT FOOTPATHS IN FLAT BUSH?

Forget the raised crossing, what about footpaths in Flat Bush?

Having attended the same meet ing re the proposed crossing on the Pakuranga Highway, which proposal has been brought about by one pedestrian accident in the past five years, the fact that there are main roads in Flat Bush with no footpaths beggars belief.

I understand these main roads have to be used by children to walk to school. Surely this is just asking for trouble and with a much higher risk of fatalities. Please Auckland Transport, apply common sense and spend our money where the need is greater and the outcomes much safer for everyone.

Kathy Kennedy Cockle Bay

COUNCILLORS’ RATES VOTES

A big thankyou to Cr Paul Young for voting for our rates increase. Our rates have just been increased by $80.

Thank you Cr Sharon Stewart for voting against the rate increase. Sorry you were not successful

Arthur Moore Pakuranga

h Editor’s note: Auckland Council reporter Laura Kvigstad clarifies: “The vote for the overall annual budget and rates were separate. Stewart abstained on the vote to adopt the annual budget (because councillors were unable to vote against it) and voted against the rates. Young voted for both.”

The 14th annual Walk for Humanity was held at Barry Curtis Park on August 27.

Photo supplied

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

bition for purchase before it is available at various outlets.

Committee members Jan Tait, left, and Grant Taylor preparing entries for the judges.

Photo supplied

Russo-Nance heads to US

Saint Kentigern College’s Dontae Russo-Nance, 17, has left for the United States where he has accepted a basketball scholarship at the prestigious Oak Hill Academy.

Russo-Nance, who has dominated for St Kents in the premier competition this year, has also played the last two seasons in the NBL as a guard for the Auckland Huskies last year and Auckland Tuatara and was named the league’s youth player of the year.

HPPA Schools Gymnastics comp finally goes ahead

Nearly 500 gymnasts descended on Howick for the HPPA [Howick Pakuranga Principals Association] Schools Gymnastics

Competition which ended earlier this month.

Howick Gymnastic Club centre manager Monique Gapes said they have not been able to run this event since 2019, with last year’s

RESULTS:

FRIDAY

Year 3 girls

Miané Nel – Shelley Park, 1; Melody Mclnosh –Shelley Park, 2; Nadine Jooste – Elim, 3.

Year 3 boys

Jason Dykgraaf – Elim, 1; Daniel Mansell – Elim, 2; Daniel Harris – Shelley Park, 3.

Year 4 girls

Zarah McLaren – Wakaraanga, 1; Skyla Hunt –Shelley Park, 2; Ava Armstrong – Wakaaranga, 3.

Year 4 boys

Joshua Daniel – Maraetai Beach, 1; Tristen McCamish – Shelley Park, 2; Fletcher Terry – Maraetai Beach, 3.

Year 5 girls

Ella Chapman – Owairoa, 1; Sacha White – Owairoa, 2; Danika Henderson – Maraetai Beach, 3.

Year 5 boys

Cooper Clarke – Maraetai Beach, 1; Divan Meiring –Macleans, 2; Jacob Aye – Macleans, 3.

Year 6 girls

Tamsin McCamish – Shelley Park, 1; Hayley Gibson –Shelley Park, 2; Alabama Church – Owairoa, 3.

Year 6 boys

Fletcher du Toit – Shelley Park, 1; Bevan Wade –Shelley Park, 2; James Tinson – Shelley Park, 3.

event being cancelled due to the August lockdown – a week before they were due to compete. “Although not as large as previous years due to Covid restraints, this year we had almost 500 gymnasts from year 3-6 from 16 different schools compete over the three days of competition,” said Gapes.

“The teachers and students have been

THURSDAY

Year 3 girls

Lydia Ruan – Sunnyhills, 1; Sharva Tomar – Point View, 2; Amelia Jack – Botany Downs, 3.

Year 3 boys

Reed Chen – Point View, 1; Oliver Yang – Point View, 2; Oscar Fisher – Cockle Bay, 3.

Year 4 girls

Charlotte Chang – Cockle Bay, 1; Yasmin Leef –Sunnyhills, 2; Ella Waterman – Cockle Bay, 3.

Year 4 boys

Aleksei Zaplatkin – Point View, 1; Aston Dean –Sunnyhills, 2; Ethan Sihamu – Cockle Bay, 3.

Year 5 girls

Scarlett Leach – Cockle Bay, 1st=; Charlize Chang –Cockle Bay , 1st=; Celestine Zhang – Point View, 3.

Year 5 boys

Sam Chan – Cockle Bay, 1; Cooper Green – Sunnyhills, 2; Ashton Morris – Sunnyhills, 3.

Year 6 girls

Anabelle Warner – Cockle Bay, 1; Willow Carnegie –Willowbank, 2; Ava Dinneen – Cockle Bay, 3.

Year 6 boys

Ben O’Hanlon – Cockle Bay, 1; Lucas Zhao – Cockle Bay, 2; Carlos Harvey – Sunnyhills, 3.

working hard to perfect their gymnastics routines since term 2. Our judges were very impressed with the talent of students competing this year with a number of students receiving perfect 10s on some apparatus.”

Girls competed in three events – the beam, vault and floor while the boys competed on the vault, bar and floor.

WEDNESDAY

Year 3 girls

Ellie Jia – Pigeon Mountain, 1; Natalie Middlemiss –Mellons Bay, 2; Marwa Jacob – Baverstock Oaks, 3.

Year 3 boys

Sam Le – Baverstock Oaks, 1; Hamish Sang – Mellons Bay, 2; Noah King – Mellons Bay, 3.

Year 4 girls

Ella Campbell – Pigeon Mountain, 1; Maddy Rodgers – Star of the Sea, 2; Emma Lam – Baverstock Oaks, 3.

Year 4 boys

Ethan Vorster – Star of the Sea, 1; Oliver Hey –Mellons Bay, 2; Kailin Yang – Mellons Bay, 3.

Year 5 girls

Lilly Punnet – Baverstock Oaks, 1; Tiffany Guan –Mellons Bay, 2; Cassidy Cho – Mellons Bay, 3.

Year 5 boys Teddy Lightfoot – Mellons Bay, 1.

Year 6 girls

Eden Tan – Mellons Bay, 1; Diané Gerber – Bucklands Beach, 2; Katya Middlemiss – Mellons Bay, 3.

Year 6 boys

Leon Fisk – Mellons Bay, 1; Rylan Girven – Bucklands Beach, 2; Arden Arama – Bucklands Beach, 3.

Rally stars ready to rock and roll

Some of the biggest names in international motorsport will soon descend on rural east Auckland for an event staged as part of the 2022 Repco Rally New Zealand.

The final day’s competition is at ‘Jacks Ridge Haunui’, on the Whitford property of former national rally champion Andrew Hawkeswood, which is named after his son, successful rally driver Jack Hawkeswood.

It’s the first time Rally NZ is back in Auckland for more than a decade with events running from September 29 to October 2 as round 11 of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Organisers say the purposebuilt 7km stage Jacks Ridge stage will be run twice on October 2, including as the ‘Wolf Power Stage’ which ends the event and offers extra championship points that may crown the 2022 World Rally Champion.

It will be the first time in the event’s history a full special stage has been developed in stadiumtype surroundings with crowds of more than 10,000 expected to

turn out to enjoy the high-octane spectacle.

Among the large number of international stars on show will be France’s Sebastien Ogier, an eight-

time winner of the World Rally Drivers’ Championship.

He’s set to face off against numerous other overseas drivers as well as Kiwi motorsport stars including Hayden Paddon and Shane van Gisbergen.

Rally NZ chief executive Michael Goldstein says: “Motorsport fans are buzzing to have the World Rally Championship back in this country.

“We are going to celebrate the greatest show on dirt across Auckland with the world’s best drivers on show.

“Thanks to the Hawkeswood family we have an incredible stadium-like stage right here on the edge of the city.

“Jacks Ridge will be a gamechanger for the sport both with the viewing on offer and the spectacular action, and for that we owe an incredible debt to Andrew Hawkeswood.

“We’re lucky he’s had the vision

to turn this landfill into something special for the sport.”

The action at the Whitford property on October 2 will feature a full day of entertainment including a showcase of historic rally cars and other iconic vehicles driven by cross-code motorsport stars in a special event over the course.

Among those set to take part are international speedway star Michael Pickens, Kiwi drifting legend ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett piloting his stadium truck, and quadbike driver Ian Ffitch.

It will also feature Ari Prettigrew driving Hayden Paddon’s Hyundai Kona electric rally car, Shane van Gisbergen’s father Robert van Gisbergen in his historic Ford Escort, and Alister McRae, a member of the world-famous McRae rallying family, driving his Subaru Impreza.



For more information and to buy tickets, go online to www. rallynewzealand.com.

The Whitford farm of former national rally champion Andrew Hawkeswood is set to play host to the final stage of this year’s Repco Rally New Zealand.

Times le photo Wayne Martin

Times photos Wayne Martin

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Annual General Meeting

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022

Notice is hereby given that this years

AGM will be held on Thursday October 27th at 7:00pm at the Highland Park Community House, 47 Aviemore Drive, Highland Park

Final date for Board nominations will be October 13th 2022.

Everyone is welcome. We do hope you can join us.

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MELLONS

SCHOOL CARETAKER / GROUNDSPERSON

We are proud of our school, our grounds and our environment. We are looking for someone to continue to maintain our school to this high standard.

If you want to be part of a warm, friendly and supportive staff and organisation, then this is the place for you.

We will be looking for your initiative, hard work ethic and your practical skills to look after our grounds, school, property and classrooms starting in Term 4, date TBC.

You will need to relate positively to children, staff, parents and contractors. Plus, train in any areas required.

A full-time permanent position. It is a personally rewarding job, indoors and outside, 5 days a week, with lots of variety.

Training provided ideally early Term 4. Please send your CV to admin@mellonsbay.school.nz along with contact details of two referees.

Applications close Friday 14 October 2022 at 3.00pm.

Applicants should have NZ Residency or a NZ work visa.

Enquiries to the Board Chair – s.donaldson@auckland.ac.nz PJ284835

Proposed temporary road closure

It is proposed that Picton St (between Wellington St and Cook St), Uxbridge Rd (between Picton St and no.780), and Moore St (between Picton St and no.165) be closed from 7.30am until 3.30pm on Saturday 15 October for the Howick Village Hop 2022 event.

2. Where the advertiser utilises any aspect of our creative/design services in the production of an advertisement (including photographic work) the advertiser acknowledges that we own the copyright in such work and that such work is not work for which a com missioning payment has been made or agreed.

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4. We may refuse to publish, or withdraw an advertisement from publications without having to give a reason.

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6. We may correct or amend advertis ing to conform to style or for other genuine reason as long as we do so using reasonable care.

7. The guarantees contained in the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 are excluded where the advertiser acquires, or holds himself out as acquiring, goods or services from us for the purpose of a business.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8079

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Down - 2, Alarm. 3, Numeral. 4, Base. 5, Scorpion. 6, Pulse. 7, Treacle. 12, Idle ness. 14, Trainee. 16, Peckish. 18, Glint. 20, Utter. 21, Step.

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Down - 2, O-the-r. 3, Tor-men-t. 4, A-Lso(le). 5, Trippers. 6, Raise. 7, Pat-I-ent. 12, Imp-arted. 14, Open-air. 16, Li-nseed. 18, Th-in-e. 20, Co-B-ra. 21, I-rma.

Reliable workers wanted, opportunity to grow within the company. Competitive pay based on experience/skill Please email c.v to accounts@absolutefencing.co.nz

Or call Kirsty on 0211776279 DE284872

LAWN MOWING AND GROUND MAINTENANCE PERSON REQUIRED

Full time, fit, strong, reliable worker with clean full drivers’ licence to work for small contracting business. Must have experience in using lawn mowers, weed eaters etc.

Ph Jenny 027 4745 560 DE284868

MACLEANS COLLEGE

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Macleans College is seeking an enthusiastic, selfmotivated homestay co-ordinator/administrator to join our International Department to support our short-term international students.

This is a fixed term position, 30 hours per week commencing Term 4 2022 until the end of Term 1, 2023. Could be extended by negotiation.

Applicants must have a full driver’s licence. Other languages an advantage.

Applications close on Friday, 14 October at 3.00pm. A job description can be found on our website https://www.macleans.school.nz/ about/careers-at-macleans/vacancies

Apply with a CV and covering letter to applications@macleans.school.nz

CARAVAN CLEANER REQUIRED

Looking for a change of pace?

Jayco Auckland is New Zealand’s largest retailer of New and Used Jayco Caravans and RV’s and with our business continuing to expand we are looking for a reliable and professional cleaner to join our team in prepping caravans for delivery. This is a permanent position for the right person and an excellent opportunity to join a great company.

If you are interested, please apply now with a copy of your current CV. Applicants for this position should have NZ residency. Full drivers licence required.

Email: chris@jaycoauckland.co.nz Phone: 09 271 3434

This closure applies to all except authorised and emergency vehicles. For further information, please contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553.

8. The advertiser must tell us as soon as possible if there is an error or omission in any advertisement the advertiser has placed. We will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss from an error (which includes ommis sion, negligence, system or press failure, mistake, misclassification, early, late or non insertion of advertise ment or loss or delay in the delivery of replies) and if we are found to have any direct liability for any circumstance that liability is limited to the cost of the space of the advertisement.

9. To cancel an advertisement a cancella tion number must be obtained from us.

Times Newspaper Limited, 10 Central Terrace, Howick (behind Rice’s Mall) www.times.co.nz

We will place your public notice in the next available issue of the Times for only $215.90 + GST per insertion

Just give us a call or email your form to classifieds@times.co.nz Please include your phone number

Phone 09 271 8000 www.times.co.nz

AC40 quickly up, up and away

It was up up and away on a very successful maiden sail for Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC40 on the familiar waters of the ‘back paddock’ between Auckland’s Waiheke Island and Howick and Beachlands.

After a long tow out behind the team’s hydrogen-powered chase boat Chase Zero, the sails hoisted and sheeted on, it took just a handful of minutes for helmsman Nathan Outteridge to go from a cautious displacement mode to popping the AC40 up onto its foils and off on starboard tack at over 20+ knots in the light 8-10 knots of breeze.

It was Outteridge’s first day sailing a foiling monohull and it didn’t disappoint.

“It was obviously a very successful day, it was an impressive boat to sail for my first time sailing

MULTISPORT

IRONMAN STAR TO HEAD TRIATHLON AT SAINT KENTIGERN

Kiwi Ironman legend Cameron Brown, from Dannemora, has accepted a role as head of triathlon at Saint Kentigern College.

Brown has more than 30 years of racing in the sport, winning 15 Ironman races, podiums at Ironman World Championships and hundreds of wins throughout his years and he continues to do so.

This year in March Brown had an historic 10th victory at the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand.

“I’ve had a passion for the sport of triathlon ever since I did my first race back in the summer of 1987. Some 30 years later I’m still competing and loving it,” said Brown.

“As I get older I seem to appreciate the sport more and more. It’s great to reminisce about the past but the future of triathlon continues to grow.

“I was lucky to start the sport back in the late ‘80s as we had the likes of Rick Wells and Erin Baker as our Kiwi heroes. Both won the first ever Triathlon World Championships back in 1987 so it was always great to be standing next to them on the start line.

“As a junior I raced pretty well winning the New Zealand Secondary School Triathlon Championships in 1988 and then made the move to being a professional triathlete as soon as I left school in 1990.”

In 1992, he finished second in the ITU World Championships as a junior and then tried his luck competing on the ITU World Cup season for many years in the hope of one day qualifying for the Olympic games in Sydney in 2000.

“My best ever race on the world cup circuit was a third behind Australian great Brad Bevan and 2004 Olympic champion Hamish Carter. I never had the speed on the run like these

“I had always watched the New Zealand Ironman in March each year,

one day hoping to race. That day happened in 1997 when I competed in my first ever Ironman in St Heliers. I had a shocker but I had caught the bug of Ironman and found my true distance in triathlon.

“My first victory at Ironman New Zealand came in 2001 when I ran down the ITU World Champion Peter Sandvang from Denmark who held a 12 minute lead off the bike.”

He has had countless victories since.

“We welcome Cameron and his expertise to mould the next generation of multisport athletes at Saint Kentigern College,” Saint Kentigern College said.

this type of boat. A little unnerving when trying to build speed, but once you get a bit of speed and the foil engages it goes from about 10 knots to 20 knots in about 5 seconds. So both pretty impressive, the acceleration and the reliability.”

Outteridge, Ray Davies, Nick Burridge and Sam Meech were onboard throughout the highly productive full day on the water and initially went through a selection of straight line runs before throwing down their first tack successfully staying up on the foils and carrying on upwind.

“Day one was pretty epic and exciting,” said Davies.

“An amazing team effort to go out there and pull off the first tack as a foiling tack, the first gybe a foiling gybe.

“The boat is going really well,

we have a few tweaks for sure, but awesome to sail with Nath, Sam and Nick. All of the support guys have done an incredible job, out of the box and we were ripping around foiling.”

The speeds of the AC40 were impressive in a relatively light breeze reaching a top speed of over 34 knots downwind and 27 knots upwind in the steady NW breeze.

The auto pilot is a key component for the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup regattas and was impressive to the team from the outset explains ETNZ technical director Dan Bernasconi.

“The auto pilot on day one has been fantastic, so with a smaller crew and less experienced crew on these boats for the women’s and youth racing, the auto pilot will be a really important feature.”

Students ride to top results

Two Macleans College students travelled to Cambridge to compete in the third series of the North Island Inter-Schools Dressage Championships, with both achieving strong results.

Sam Keane received her best marks across the series on her mount Xena WP, placing eighth in both tests for the day.

Her combined scores and placings across

the series led to her achieving the ultimate title of Champion North Island Level 2 Horse and Rider.

Hayley Newington, riding Mendoza, produced two strong tests, placing first in her Level 1B test and third in her 1A test on the day.

These top scores led her to an overall third placing in Level 1 across the North Island series.

to

a marching team?

If ladies are interested in joining a fun way keeping fit then try leisure marching.

Fancy Footsteps is looking for new members who are keen to have fun, keep fit and form new friendships. Reasons for joining are keeping fit by marching to brass band music. The display lasts five minutes and changes every year. There is fun and lots of laughs learning the new display. Leisure marching is for ladies of any age especially for those over the age of 55. The team consists of ladies aged between 68 and 84. Some of the team have marched competivitely back in the past, while others had never marched before until

they joined the team. “We are a blended team enjoying each other’s company,” a club member said.

“During the year we usually have four weekends away. February – Mt Maunganui, May — Taupo, June – Tokoroa, August – Tauranga. We also travel away for the North Island Day –Sept / Oct and National Display in March. Each year it alternates – North / South Islands.”

The team practises every Sunday morning from 10am to 11.30am/12am at Farm Cove Intermediate on Butley Drive. Once the session is finished, the team usually goes for coffee and a chat. Contact Kim on 027 270 6661.

guys so decided to try my luck in the Ironman,” said Brown.

ETNZ

Hayley Newington, left, and Sam Keane rode a strong finish at the North Island Inter-Schools Dressage Championships.

Photo supplied

Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC40 and the team’s hydrogen-powered chase boat Chase Zero.

Photo ETNZ

Ironman Cameron Brown recorded his first victory at Ironman New Zealand in 2001.

Photo supplied