Times - 25 January 2023

Confusion over blank speed signs

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Blanked out speed limit signs on roads across east Auckland are causing confusion but the agency responsible says it’s followed the correct process.

Auckland Transport (AT) announced last year that following a public consultation period, it was reducing the speed limits on 1600 roads in the city, including numerous local roads.

It’s part of an ongoing effort to save lives and prevent serious injuries

resulting from traffic crashes.

The changes are coming into effect in stages between December last year and March this year.

“Evidence shows speed is a factor in more than 70 per cent of injury crashes in New Zealand,” AT said last year. We need to do everything we can to create safe school neighbourhoods so parents feel confident their children can walk, bike, or scooter to school.”

The lower speed limits are opposed by people including Pakuranga MP

Simeon Brown, who previously told the Times the reductions should be focused on high-risk areas and roads.

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

Numerous busy local roads will see their speed limits reduced as part of the changes including sections of Pakuranga Road, Ti Rakau Drive, Botany Road and Te Irirangi Drive.

BROWN GETS MAJOR ROLES

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Botany MP and National party leader Christopher Luxon has announced a reshuffle of his Parliamentary caucus in preparation for this year’s general election.

He says the party will prove it’s ready to form a Government that delivers for Kiwis.

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown stays at number nine on the party list and retains his transport and public service portfolios.

He picks up a new portfolio of Auckland issues and has been named National’s Deputy Shadow Leader of the House.

Luxon says the party will work hard this year to show it has the

skills, policies, team and commitment to form a Government that “delivers for all Kiwis”.

“The Labour Government has failed to deliver on its commitments to New Zealand, meaning too many Kiwis are going backwards.

“My team will spend 2023 demonstrating how National will deliver the change New Zealand needs to realise its great potential.”

The party will embrace pragmatic solutions for the country’s toughest problems, such as the rising cost of living, ram-raid burglaries, and falling educational achievement, Luxon says.

“A National Government will get things done, strengthening the economy to lift incomes, building

infrastructure and delivering better frontline public services.

“The line-up National will take into the election is a mixture of experience and emerging talent. National’s team did an excellent job of holding the Government to account last year and I expect that to continue in 2023, so the changes are limited.

“However, there are several changes reflecting the hard work and talents of a number of people in the team.”

Brown told the Times his role as spokesperson for Auckland issues will entail helping to advocate for and co-ordinate issues relating to the city as the party develops policies for the general election.

“There are a range of issues fac-

ing Auckland that we need to make sure are really well co-ordinated.

“Transport is a really big part of that and we’ve got housing challenges and other infrastructure issues. We have to make sure we’ve got a strong relationship with the new [Auckland] council and make sure those relationships are well managed.”

Brown says he’s “very excited” to keep the transport and public service portfolios. “People are feeling like nothing is really going forward in transport at the moment.

“They’re seeing their road user charges and petrol taxes being spent on a whole lot of pet projects while potholes pepper our highways.

“There’s a lot that needs to

be done to fix transport policy and to make sure we’re building and maintaining our transport network.”

Brown says serving as Deputy Shadow Leader of the House will mean he works closely with his colleague and new Shadow Leader of the House, Michael Woodhouse. It entails helping to manage the Opposition’s business in Parliament, he says.

“It’s one of those roles that is important through making sure the Opposition is doing its job of holding the Government to account effectively and I’m really excited about that. That’s something I try to do in all of my portfolios and making sure we as a caucus are working together.”

Kiwis need much better roads, not slower roads

appy New Year! 2023 has well and truly started and while the weather hasn’t been that great, I do hope you have been able to start the year refreshed and recharged for all that the year will bring.

Many Kiwis will have spent time on our roads over summer, visiting family and friends, or trying to get to the beach when it hasn’t been raining!

What is clear is that the state of our roads is the worst they have been for a long time, and almost everywhere you go around Auckland and New Zealand, speed limits are being

reduced.

Late last year Auckland Transport announced it was slashing the speed limit on over 1600 roads around Auckland, while the Labour Government announced it was proposing to do the same to our state highways around the country. Many of these speed limit changes are being implemented right now.

Here in east Auckland, roads like Pakuranga Road and Ti Rakau Drive are having the speed limit unnecessarily reduced to 50km/h from 60kph, while Te Irirangi Drive will be reduced from 80kph to

60kph.

These changes are being driven by Labour’s new Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2022 which require all Road Controlling Authorities (like Auckland Transport) to set their speed limits in accordance with Government policy – which is simply to slow Kiwis down. Wellington is now effectively dictating to councils around New Zealand what their speed limit should be on all roads under their control.

This is nothing more than a band-aid on a major problem, which does nothing to actually improve the quality of our roads – something

WIN A FAMILY PASS TO WATERWORLD WATERPARK

We have two family passes of 4 tickets (tickets are $22 so a value of $88) to give away for the Waterworld Waterpark which will be at Little Bucklands Beach from January 27 until February 1.

It doesn’t have to be a family, it can be a group of friends. Minimum age is 5 years. All 5-9 years olds must be

supervised by a paying and participating adult. One adult for two kids. People over 70-years-old are free. All ticket holders must be able to swim confidently to participate.

 To enter the competiton visit www.times.co.nz/times-win/.

Entries close at 5pm on Thursday, January 26.

many Kiwis are crying out for.

What we need is real investment in our transport network, to fix up our badlymaintained roads and make sure they’re fit for purpose, safety improvements where necessary and upgraded capacity to reduce congestion and keep commuters and freight moving around our country.

Blanket speed limit changes, as opposed to properly-targeted reductions, are a lazy solution that won’t make a meaningful difference, other than to slow Kiwis down and frustrate motorists trying to get around our communities

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

and the country.

If Labour wanted to improve safety and reduce the road toll they wouldn’t have cancelled or delayed dozens of important roading projects in Auckland and around the country that would have upgraded our transport network and made it both safer and more efficient.

Kiwis want better roads, not slower roads, and it’s clear that Labour has no intention of delivering the real improvements that are needed.

Simeon Brown is MP for PakurangaandNational’s Transportspokesperson

Win a douple pass to Renaissance

Direct from Europe and from the same producers of last year’s Michelangelo–ADifferentView , Renaissance–TheAgeofGenius is a unique, immersive multimedia experience that brings to life hundreds of artworks by unparalleled Renaissance artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Sandro Botticelli, Titian and Caravaggio. Due to popular demand, the season has been extended until Sunday, February 12 for both any

day and VIP sessions! Experience famous masterpieces as seen at the Louvre and the Vatican right here in Auckland. On now at the Aotea Centre.

Exhibition is open daily, 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm); and standard tickets are valid for single entry any day of the season.

 To enter the competition, visit www.times.co.nz/timeswin/. The competition is open until 5pm Tuesday, January 31.

New PM Hipkins vows to help Kiwis doing it tough

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Abombshell was dropped on New Zealand’s political landscape on January 19 when a tearful Jacinda Ardern publicly announced she was stepping down as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party.

She also revealed she intended to leave Parliament in April and that this year’s general election will be held on Saturday, October 14.

Ardern will be replaced as Labour leader and prime minister by Chris Hipkins, with Carmel Sepuloni as his deputy.

Ardern announced her resignation at the Labour Party’s caucus retreat in Napier.

“I have given my absolute all to being prime minister but it has also taken a lot out of me,” she said.

“You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along.

“Having reflected over summer, I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It’s that simple.”

Ardern entered Parliament in 2008, became her party’s

leader in 2017, and became prime minister later that year when Labour formed a coalition Government with NZ First.

She was re-elected as prime minister in a landslide victory at the 2020 general election.

Hipkins has served as Minister of Education, Covid-19 Response, the Public Service, Health, and Police.

He and Sepuloni held their first press conference as incoming prime minister and deputy prime minister at the Beehive on Sunday.

Hipkins said the Government he leads will bring a “strong clarity, sense of purpose, and priority to helping New Zealanders through these tough economic times”.

“Our focus will be on the

bread-and-butter issues that people care about.

“Some people, many people, are hurting at the moment and I want them to know we are on their side.”

Following Ardern’s announcement, Botany MP and National Party leader Christopher Luxon publicly thanked her for her public service to the country.

He said she’d made a “significant contribution to New Zealand, in what is a difficult and demanding job as prime minister”.

“I would like to thank Ms Ardern for her service to New Zealand.

“Her leadership in the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks was simultane-

ously strong and compassionate, and is something she can be proud of.

“She was also a strong ambassador for New Zealand on the world stage.

“On behalf of the National Party, I wish her and her family all the very best for the future.”

Botany-based Labour List MP Naisi Chen told the Times Ardern has left a “remarkable legacy as prime minister”.

“She navigated New Zealand through crises like the Christchurch terrorist attack and the Covid-19 pandemic, while delivering record-breaking housing construction, health investment and economic growth.

“I’ve personally been honoured to have her support and counsel during my time in Parliament.

“Jacinda’s empathetic and caring brand of politics was not for the cameras. It truly reflects who she is.”

Chen says she’s “delighted” Hipkins will be New Zealand’s next prime minister.

“Labour is confident, united and optimistic for the year ahead. New Zealand is facing tough global headwinds but I am confident Chris can lead us through those challenges.”

Signs confusing

h From page 3

As part of the changes, the speed limit signs have had their numbers covered over, resulting in posts on local community Facebook pages by people confused as to what speed limit they’re supposed to obey.

Brown says he’s been contacted by a large number of people about the problem.

“The blanked-out speed limit signs everywhere are confusing motorists. I’m opposed to this radical speed limit reduction plan they’ve imposed on Auckland.

“I’ve had huge numbers of people getting in touch about it. They’re confused, frustrated, they didn’t feel like they were able to have their say and that’s something they’re really irritated about.”

AT spokesperson Natalie Polley says the signs are blanked out as part of the rollout of phase three of the agency’s speed limit changes to roads across the city.

She says the changes to local roads are due to take effect on January 26.

“New signs are being pre-installed in preparation for the change, with the number temporarily covered over.

“The default urban speed limit is 50kmh in areas where other signs are not displayed.

“So if the only signs present are covered over, then a 50kmh speed limit still applies until January 26. There are some roads with current 60km/h or 80km/h speed limits within this area. For speed limit changes on non-50km/h roads, the correct installation process is to install the new signs and have a temporary speed sticker/overlay with the old speed limit over it. Then on January 26, the overlays’ removed.”

Polley says AT’s contractor faced delays in manufacturing the temporary speed overlays due to the Christmas holidays.

“Now they have all the temporary speed overlays ready so they will be installed as soon as possible.”

Then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, centre, at the opening of the Salvation Army’s social housing development in Flat Bush in June 2021. Times file photo Wayne Martin

A brand new luxury apartment, or a villa?

New Resident

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

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

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

• Favourable price comparison to Villas.

• Luxury finish and fittings that will impress you.

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

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

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

• Large balconies.

• An extra layer of security.

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

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

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

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

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

the ready.

Free Heart Expo comes to Howick

ast Health Trust is running a free Heart Expo on Saturday, February 11 from 9am-2pm.

The Heart Foundation will also be active on the day

their vans in the car park at the Howick Market Place on Picton Street.

East Health Trust and the Heart Foundation,

in association with the Howick Village Assocition, will be doing heart health and diabetes checks, food label reading tutorials and immunisations - and it’s all free.

It’s aimed at those aged 30-75 who haven’t had a heart check recently. Heart checks estimate risk of

Shoker wins chess tournament

Egyptian Grandmaster Samy Shoker has won the Bob Wade Memorial Masters chess tournament with a score of 7.5/9 in Howick.

The competition began last weekend and ended on Friday.

Organiser and vice president of the New Zealand Chess Federation Paul Spiller, of the Howick Pakuranga Chess Club,

said Shoker recorded seven wins, one draw (with runner-up Grandmaster Elshan Moradiabadi) and one loss to NZ FIDE master Ben Hague.

GM Moradiabadi had five wins and four draws to finish second on 7 points.

In third place we’re International Master Gary Lane from Australia who won the Asian Seniors 50+ division in Auckland last

October and 14-year-old New Zealand Chess star Felix Xie.

For most of the tournament Xie was on course to make his first qualification towards his IM title (7 points was needed ), but a loss in the penultimate round to GM Shoker dashed his hopes.

The tournament was held at the new Howick EHPC [E-Sports High Performance Centre] at the Picton Centre.

heart attack by looking at family history, blood pressure, height, weight and blood tests.

h Any questions, please email Parvin Kapila at parvink@easthealth. co.nz.

h Howick Market Place, Picton Street, Saturday, February 11, 9am-2pm.

Health promotion coordinator Parvin Kapila, Mental health & addictions coordinator Rudy Bakker and integrated care coordinator Diana Nicholson.

Photos supplied Parvin Kapila and Rudy Bakker at

Egyptian Grandmaster Samy Shoker, left, and 14-year-old

chess star Felix Xie about to start a match.

Photo supplied

The adage ‘slow and steady wins the race’ has proved true for local investment company Southern Cross Partners.

Launched in Howick 25 years ago as Southern Cross Finance Ltd this measured approach has grown the business into Southern Cross Partners, the largest property-backed peer-to-peer loan & investment company in New Zealand today. Investment Manager Heather Kentsley says “Being local; our responsibility lies with fellow New Zealanders who are looking for flexible investments and sound returns. If that’s you, get in touch today.”

Get monthly returns from 6.5% p.a.* that make the most of your savings, so you can make the most out of life.

At Southern Cross Partners, we offer mortgage secured investments that allow investors to pick and choose their level of involvement. With current returns from 6.5% p.a.* paid out monthly. Talk to us today about a new, flexible way to invest, minimum investment $10,000.00.^

To find out more, visit us online at southerncrosspartners.co.nz

Pakuranga

HeatherKentsley

Built in 1914, the beautiful Tyrone Villa was purchased by Davis Funerals in 1979 and has served the community ever since. It has most recently been renovated in 2022. The chapel is a beautifully modernised room, that still retains the charm of this historic villa. Davis Pakuranga have been trusted to care for families for over 43 years because with empathy, expertise and respect, they help you to curate personalised goodbyes that build meaning and lasting memories from grief.

TEst of tiME

LOCAL BUSINESSES WHICH HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF

51 YEARS

Since February 1972, HowickandPakurangaTimes has endeavoured to serve our readers and clients alike with the best independent local news possible. Over these past 51 years, change has been massive, not only the size of our area, but in the way our news reaches the community. The Times has always been a leader in new technology and innovation. We were the second newspaper in NZ to change to digital photography and one of the first with a business website – times.co.nz. Now readers can read us in print, online and follow us on Facebook. We are proud to be the trusted media in the east.

Carol Rigby’s strong business relationships are forged on her vast accounting experience. Providing advice and support to help companies thrive, and become future fit, the Botany chartered accountant offers technology solutions and training to simplify business. A former auditor, she can pinpoint inefficiencies and guide clients to be better equipped in operating their accounting practices online. Being Xero-certified, setting up Xero accounting systems is her forte as well as assisting in the management of cashflow, budgets, tax returns and more. Carol prepares financial statements for companies, individuals, partnerships and trusts.

Walking in you feel comfort and happiness. You’re welcomed and listened to… testament to why clients choose Off The Fringe. Celebrating 10 years as one of the Howick’s leading hair salons. The only salon that specialises in using Organic, natural and low toxic colours. They have spent years fine tuning their consultation process to be a holistic and intuitive approach. Multi-award-winning with stylists that have over 60 years cumulative experience, and experts in caring for you, the health of your hair and scalp, naturally. They are grateful to their clients for incredible support, why not join them?

Stunning

We o er personal service with a high level of professionalism and respond to your accounting needs promptly ensuring matters are dealt with. Our services include nancial accounts, tax returns, GST, online accounting systems and support and business advisory.

Whether you run a business, a trust or a rental property get in touch with Carol Rigby today about your accounting needs. You will receive a FREE 30 minute, no obligation consultation to discuss your needs.

radiant hair that shines from within. Leaving you looking gorgeous and feeling great. If you’re looking for safer ingredients to use on your hair, are interested in health and wellbeing, or have had previous sensitivity to colour, book a consultation with us.

CarolRigby

Bridgette

Young

Sarah James Jax Reis

ReayNeben,founder

Lunar New Year – the Year of the Rabbit with hope

By VINSON CHAO YU

Over the last 20 years, the population for diverse Asian ethnic groups has grown strongly, taking up 28 per cent of the population in Auckland and 46.5 per cent in the Howick Ward (2018 Census).

This means the community is fortunate to experience a variety of Asian cultural festivals during the year.

Lunar New Year celebrations are the most important cultural period in the beginning of year for the Asian community. 2023 Chinese New Year, the year of the Rabbit, is being celebrated from Sunday, January 22 and lasts two weeks until the Lantern Festival on February 5.

Rabbits are smart animals and played witty roles in folk tales since ancient times. The year of the rabbit symbolises kindness, beauty, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture. We definitely

predict the year of hope in 2023. The rabbit has different images in Eastern and Western cultures.

In traditional Chinese culture, the moon has the Jade Rabbit, and the Rabbit ranks fourth in the zodiac. In Western culture, the rabbit is the protagonist of Easter, and it has gradually evolved into many animated characters, such as Peter Rabbit. Even though rabbits have different identities in different cultures, their origins are stories that people have passed down from generation to generation. Now I have one widely circulated story to share.

“FOLK TALE” OF RABBITS

According to a well-known story, a plague suddenly broke out in the city of Beijing and people in every household were infected with the disease, and no matter what medicine they took, they did not get better. Chang’e (Chinese goddess of the Moon) couldn’t bear to

see this scene so she sent the jade rabbit to eliminate the pandemic. Jade Rabbit transformed into a young girl in Beijing City, administered medicine and cured many patients. People were grateful for Jade Rabbit, so they took a lot of things to give her. But she didn’t want anything, but only borrowed clothes from others.

In this way, Jade Rabbit changed her attire wherever she wanted to. Sometimes she was dressed like an oil seller, sometimes like a fortune teller, sometimes she was dressed as a man and sometimes she was dressed as a girl. In order, to treat more patients, Jade Rabbit rode horses, deer, lions and tigers all over Beijing.

The Jade Rabbit eliminated the plague in Beijing and went back to the Moon Palace. Although Rabbit is gone, her beautiful image will remain in the hearts of the community in Beijing forever.

Ever since, people used clay to create the image of Lord Rabbit,

Feedback

wrong. The truth is not somewhere in between.

It’s the same with global warming. The science as summarised by the IPCC is right, and those who disagree are wrong. It they want to refute it, the forum for scientific debate is scientific journals. Where are these “real” scientists?

Oh I forgot, there is a vast conspiracy to silence them. Like the truth about man never reaching the moon, and Covid vaccinations being Bill Gates’ way reducing the world population.

Dennis Horne Howick

YOU GET WHAT YOU ASK FOR

with the head of a rabbit and a human body, wearing armour, inserting a protective flag, covering his face with gold mud, painting his body, sitting or standing, or pounding a pestle or riding a beast, with two big ears erected.

To commemorate the Jade Rabbit, every family will worship her on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, which is the Moon Festival, present her with delicious food, thank her for the auspiciousness and peace she brings to the world, and affectionately call her “Grandpa Rabbit” and “Grandma Rabbit”.

The Covid pandemic has been tough on our community over the last two years.

We know it never ends but we believe we can overcome this trauma and wish everyone will go happy and healthy during the Year of the Rabbit.

There are several Chinese New Year Celebration activities around east Auckland area.

Here are some of activities carried out by local libraries: (It is recommended to double check with local libraries for the event date & time, some may require to register)

Pakuranga Library, 26th Jan Thursday 11am – 12pm Chinese Painting Year of Rabbit 28th Jan Saturday 11am – 12pm Making Chinese Dragon Dance Kids workshop

Botany Library, 26th Jan Thursday 3.30pm – Kids’ activity

Lunar New Year Games 2nd Feb Thursday 3.30pm – Kids’ activity

Lunar New Year Fan Making Highland Park Library, 25th Jan Wednesday 2.30pm – Lunar New Year Craft for Children 31st Jan Tuesday 10am – Lunar New Year Celebration – Wriggle and Rhyme 1st Feb Wednesday 10am – Lunar New Year Special Storytime & Craft 3rd Feb Friday 3pm – Chinese/ Korean Pancake Workshop

Howick Library, 26th Jan Thursday 10.30am – Lunar New Year Lower Arrangement

What’s on

STOCKING FLOWER CRAFT

Registration required, Friday, January 27, 2pm-4pm. Stocking flowers are made from coloured stockings and iron wires. Apart from their splendid colours, they are fade resistant and easy to clean. The stocking flowers can be used for home decoration or given as a gift. Celebrate Lunar New Year by learning how to make stocking flowers. To register, phone 377 0209 or email highlandpark.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, Highland Park Library, 16 Highland Park Drive.

BOWLS AND PIZZA

session will be delivered in both English and Chinese, Highland Park Library, 16 Highland Park Drive. Phone 377 0209.

SINGLES FRIENDSHIP

New Horizons Singles Social and Friendship Club for 50s-up seeking new members.

We generate our own fun and entertainment. If you are looking for company to enjoy outings, dining out, walks, movies, summer bbqs etc, contact Rachel 021 02691679 or Mike 021 840141 or www. auckland-singles-social-club.org.nz

DENIERS ARE WRONG

Re: Climate fearmongering (H. Weekers, Times, November 23).

H. Weekers writes, “Lots of scientist[s] do not subscribe to the doomsday scenario ...”

Given time, I could name 150,000 scientists publishing on climate science who broadly endorse the IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] reports. He could not name 15 working climate scientists who do not.

He continues, ”Science is never settled...” Never? When he arises in the morning, does he anticipate wafting to the ceiling or are his feet on the ground?

All else being equal, it’s the CO2 level that controls Earth’s temperature - by controlling how much of the energy received from the Sun is radiated back to space. That is as much a fact as evolution, plate tectonics or any other science found in textbooks.

Saying otherwise is like claiming the World Trade Center was demolished by explosives. Thousands of engineers in America do - but that doesn’t make it true. We saw the heavy airliners fly into it, and the man who designed it explained why and how it came down. The “deniers” are

If they continue telling us there will be a recession, customers will reduce spending and retailers and suppliers will increase prices to recover costs. And yes, we will indeed have a recession.

You will get what you ask for.

Bob Wichman Botany

TARRED WITH THE SAME BRUSH

Driven by government and Reserve Bank intervention, including printing money according to a leading financial journalists, has found Labour’s Covid-19 policies have made the wealthy sector hundreds of billions richer while the poor sunk $400 million further into debt.

The same journalist, writing in a political blog, says the Labour Party supported by the Green Party has presided over the biggest transfer of wealth from the poor, predominantly from renting, to current and future and asset owners in the history of New Zealand.

In short, Labour is tarred with the same brush as National in which profit comes becomes before people.

Gary Hollis Mellons Bay

Bucklands Beach Bowling Club, 21 Morrow Ave, is holding bowls and pizza evenings on Fridays for four weeks beginning on February 10, 6pm-8 pm, $10 per person cash only, no EFTPOS. Great fun for the family and friends. Club bowls available, tuition from 5.30pm. Please wear flat sole shoes. For further information phone Carole 021 253 4899.

CHINESE/KOREAN PANCAKE WORKSHOP

Friday, February 3, 3.30pm-4.30 pm. Join us for the celebration of Lunar New Year and learn how to make Chinese scallion and Korean kimchi pancakes. Please let us know of any food allergies. To register, phone 377 0209 or email highlandpark.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, Highland Park Library, 16 Highland Park Drive.

INTERCULTURAL CLUB

Topic in February, Chinese painting and calligraphy, Tuesday, February 7, 3.30pm5pm. Come and learn the art of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. In celebration of Lunar New Year, Fiona Luo, the founder of Art One International and other artists will demonstrate traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. There will be opportunities to practice. The

PAKURANGA CAB FAMILY GUIDANCE CLINIC

Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau will be hosting a weekly Monday clinic covering all aspects of Family matters. A professional adviser will guide and support families and children in matters relating to separation/divorce; care/custody/guardianship of children; domestic violence/ protection orders; relationships issues/ court orders; maintenance/living situations. If you want guidance and resolution in family matters, contact Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau, phone 576-8331 or email pakuranga@cab.org.nz to arrange an appointment.

GAY AND INCLUSIVE RUGBY

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

What’s On is a free community notice-board for nonprofit groups. Send notices to whatson@times.co.nz or drop into our office at 10 Central Terrace, Howick. Notices must be received by the Wednesday before publication. While every effort is made to run the notices, space restrictions may mean notices may not run. Keep notices to less than 50 words. There is no guarantee your notice will run. Where publication of a notice is time-critical, groups should consider placing a classified advertisement to ensure placement.

Exotic machinery on display at classic car show

By CHRIS HARROWELL

More than 1000 classic cars from across the country will soon descend on east Auckland for the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

This year’s Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show will be staged at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, on March 5.

Rev Dr Richard Waugh, who chairs its organising committee, says this year’s version is set to feature a flyover by vintage NZ Warbirds aircraft just after midday and a special display of ‘micro cars’.

Among the stunning vehicles set to be displayed are models from manufacturers including Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Bentley, Porsche, Ferrari, Peugeot, Rolls-Royce, MG, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and more.

“There’s going to be more than 55 car clubs and associations displaying with all British and European brands including some very unusual ones,” Waugh told the Times

“Our numbers are tracking pretty much close to record levels and we may get 1200 cars.

“About 70 per cent of them will be coming from outside east Auckland.

“That’s really good in terms of attracting people to the area around Howick Historical Village and getting some understanding of the east.”

Waugh says the popular show draws thousands of visitors to the local community from far afield.

“We’re getting quite a

few people [entering cars] from the Bay of Plenty and Hamilton and there’s even some people bringing cars from the South Island.

“It’s fast approaching becoming the New Zealand Brit and Euro Classic Car Show.”

While the majority of cars displayed will be older than most cars on the roads, there will be some built as recently as the early 2000s, Waugh says.

“If someone asks ‘what’s a classic car’, we say ‘if you’ve got a British or European car that is interesting and in excellent condition and you cherish and love it, you’re welcome [to enter it]’.

“We get younger people in their 20s bringing cars built in the early 2000s and that’s absolutely fine.

“There are also cars back to the early 1920s, so at least 100 years old.”

As well as the classic cars there will also be examples of magnificent two-wheeled machinery.

“There will be a few motorcycles and we always encourage motorcyclists to come,” Waugh says.

“Older British and European motorcycles are very welcome to register.”

He says the show’s popularity is due to it being a major free community event with so much to offer.

“There’s plenty of food and East FM do a wonderful job with their music [playing throughout the day].

“I often say to people they don’t have to be that keen about cars or even classic cars, but come along and see the colour and the vibrancy and enjoy the whole ambience of a classic car show.

“It’s right by Howick Historical Village and it’s a great site.”

The show is staged in Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, from 10am3pm on Sunday, March 5, and entry is free.

It’s sponsored by Times Newspapers, Howick Local Board, Protecta Insurance, and NZ Classic Driver h People who want to register their classic car or motorcycle to take part can go online www. briteurocarshow.nz and register by January 27.

Brown slams NZTA phone delays

Figures released to Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown show the time people spent waiting to speak on the phone with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is 26 times longer than it was five years ago.

Brown, the National Party’s transport spokesperson, says in October 2017 the average wait time for the agency to answer a phone call was 40 seconds, but by October last year the average wait time had “skyrocketed” to more than 18 minutes.

“This is an unacceptable blowout, especially as NZTA added 1000 staff in the past five years.

“It is essential Kiwis

can efficiently contact NZTA. Issues range from reporting major road hazards and potholes to licensing, registrations and warrant of fitness queries.”

In response, Waka Kotahi NZTA senior manager Sue Hardiman says: “While our general public service has averaged 18 minutes in call wait times, we have a prioritised service for urgent reports of issues on the state highway network.

“The average wait time for this priority queue in 2022 was 39 seconds. This shows critical calls are answered promptly.

“Our customer services team has been experi-

encing high vacancies over the past two years, which is when the largest increases in call waiting times have occurred.

“It’s been challenging to recruit the number of staff required because of Covid-19, the more recent low unemployment rate, and the competitive labour market.

“Another recent factor has been an increase in call complexity which places more demands on senior staff.

“Our customer service teams work hard to assist callers as quickly as possible. We thank callers for their patience and understanding as we work to improve our call waiting times.”

Rev Dr Richard Waugh says this year’s Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show will feature cars from 55 clubs and associations.

Times file photo Wayne Martin

ASB Polyfest is back with large crowds in 2023

New Zealand’s largest secondary schools’ cultural competition, ASB Polyfest will welcome back crowds in a couple of months for its 48th anniversary.

Polyfest Trust Chairperson, Robert Solomone confirmed that long-time naming rights sponsor ASB is back for this year’s festival at the Manukau Sports Bowl, and that this year’s event will feature two key dates.

The official powhiri for the 2023 festival is scheduled for Wednesday, 8 March, with performances and speech competitions from the Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands, Niuean and Diversity stages to follow from 8-11 March. The Maori stage performances will take place from 3 -5 April at the Due Drop Events Centre (formerly Vodafone Events Centre) in Manukau.

Mr Solomone, who is also the Principal of Alfriston

College,

Local second division Lotto win

A Lotto player who purchased a ticket from Pak’nSave Ormiston is one of 27 Lotto players to have each won $13,824 with Lotto Second Division in last night’s draw.

Two lucky players also won Powerball Second Division, taking their total

winnings to $26,971. The winning Powerball Second Division tickets were sold at Pak’nSave Ormiston in Auckland and Paper Plus Cromwell.

The big prize went to one lucky Powerball player from Auckland after winning $23.5

million with Powerball First Division in last night’s draw.

The $23.5m prize is made up of $23 million from Powerball First Division and $500,000 from Lotto First Division. The winning ticket was sold at Countdown Auckland City.

NZ aid agencies: 50m facing extreme hunger crisis

Nine New Zealand aid agencies, including one headed by a Pakuranga man, are urging Kiwis to act now to provide life-saving support for people affected by the hunger crisis in East Africa.

The world is currently facing one of the worst hunger and malnutrition crises in human history, with escalating conflict and an increase in extreme weather events due to climate change driving a massive food emergency. About 50 million people in 45 countries are threatened by severe hunger.

Tearfund New Zealand’s international programmes director Tim Manson, from Pakuranga, says this hunger crisis is affecting countries across the globe, but low-income, drought affected countries in East Africa are the hardest hit.

“We are all feeling the pinch of rising food costs, but for families, especially children in countries like Ethiopia, it’s a life-or-death situation. Food price increases can have devastating effects for the world’s most vulnerable,” Manson

says.

According to the UN, without immediate food and care, almost 8 million East African children under five are at risk of death from malnutrition, with that number rising daily.

Manson says this crisis will sharply escalate. “Some parts of East Africa have had four failed rainy seasons in a row. This has meant farmers are no longer able to support themselves and many have left their homes to look for food and work.”

UNICEF Aotearoa’s CEO Michelle Sharp says one of the biggest drivers of this food crisis is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is having a massive impact on global food supplies, including in East Africa.

“Coupled with a severe drought, it’s a recipe for disaster. Water sources have dried up, crops can no longer grow in the parched earth and livestock are dying. Families have no income or way to feed themselves. Millions of chil-

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE DRAFT HAURAKI GULF FISHERIES PLAN

Fisheries New Zealand is inviting people to have their say on a draft Fisheries Plan to help restore and protect the Hauraki Gulf.

Director fisheries management Emma Taylor says this is one of the key long-term fisheries management actions in the Government’s strategy, Revitalising the Gulf, which seeks to restore the waiora and mauri of one of New Zealand’s most important marine environments.

“The draft Fisheries Plan has three outcomes focussed on the environment, sustainable utilisation and better governance and includes new approaches for managing fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf,” says Taylor.

“It seeks to support sustainable fisheries and the recovery and protection of key habitats and species, as well as encouraging greater local input to strengthen fisheries management and support a healthier Gulf for generations to come.”

The draft plan proposes a range of integrated management actions including:

■ removing bottom trawl and Danish seine fishing except within limited areas or “trawl corridors” (subject to further consultation by mid-2023).

■ improved management of scallop fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf.

■ restoring fisheries abundance to address localised depletion.

■ reviewing the management of intertidal harvesting.

■ supporting greater mana whenua and regional participation in fisheries management.

“Underlying these proposals is a commitment to an ecosystemsbased fisheries management approach. We recognise that all species in the fishery are connected and interdependent and this is reflected in the draft plan,” says Taylor.

The draft plan will be supported by the development of fisheries indicators and a monitoring framework to measure progress over time.

If approved, it will be New Zealand’s first area-based fisheries plan.

“We encourage everybody with an interest in this national taonga to read the proposals and provide feedback,” Taylor says.

Consultation began on January 17, 2023 and will close at 5pm on March 3.

h More information, including how to submit feedback, is available at www.mpi.govt.nz/ draft-hauraki-gulf-fisheries-plan

dren’s lives are at risk,” says Sharp. Save the Children chief executive Heidi Coetzee says in food crises like these, children are always the most vulnerable. In 2011, the last time famine hit Somalia, 260,000 people died—more than half of those lives lost were children.

“Not only are children’s lives at grave risk in this crisis, but so are their futures. Extreme food shortages are pushing families to take desperate measures, threatening children’s wellbeing, safety, and futures. Pulling children out of school to work, early marriage and even selling them are some of the tragic lengths that families go to, just to feed their children.”

Tearfund New Zealand, UNICEF Aotearoa, Save the Children, CBM, Orphans Aid International, Hagar, International Needs, Oxfam and Christian World Service are delivering emergency food to thousands of families. But the need continues to grow, and the organisations say they urgently need to

scale-up their response.

“Every donation counts and will be used to save people from starvation. Your support can make a crucial difference. We encourage you to give what you can,” Manson says.

confirmed that many ASB Polyfest schools will be involved in this year’s Te Matatini event in late February

and delaying the ASB Polyfest Maori stage competition will allow student performers to take part in both key events.

Botany Downs Secondary College students at the Polyfest 2019 with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo Farida Master

The draft Fisheries Plan has three outcomes focused on the environment, sustainable utilisation and better governance and includes new approaches for managing fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf. Photo Department of Conservation

About 50 million people in 45 countries are threatened by severe hunger; Pakuranga’s Tim Manson (right) is Tearfund New Zealand’s international programmes director.

Photo Food for the Hungry

Coastguard rescue results in radio upgrade

The dramatic Coastguard rescue of a father and his children in the Firth of Thames has resulted in a significant technology upgrade for the unit that attended.

Coastguard Maraetai responded to the call for help in July 2020 after the family’s kayak capsized in rough conditions, a kilometre from shore near Kaiaua. “It was a real challenge to locate the family,” says president and skipper of Coastguard Maraetai, Trent Dixon.

“We had to work closely with Coastguard Thames, and our air patrol and communications teams and that really drove home the importance of having good comms gear onboard.”

The operation was subsequently named Coastguard New Zealand’s Rescue of the Year 2022 but, at the time, Coastguard Maraetai was using a set of old radio headsets that didn’t integrate with the radio.

It meant they had limited functionality and the signal sometimes broke up while in use forcing crew to resort to using their mobile phones to coordinate with other rescue services.“After the Kaiaua operation, we realised we had to do something about the old headsets - find a way to upgrade them,” he said.

As a charity which relies on donations and volunteers, Coastguard Maraetai applied for and received a grant of $25,000 from the ANZ NZ Staff Foundation.

Agatha Christie mystery among theatre’s season

By CHRIS HARROWELL

The 2023 stage season at east Auckland’s Howick Little Theatre features a thriller, three comedies and a murder mystery from the ‘Queen of Crime’, Agatha Christie.

Theatre committee member Andrew Johnson says it’s excited to be offering such a diverse range of shows this year.

“It’s great to see theatre attracting a wide audience as people thirst for live thrills and laughs after two years of screens at home.

“Our short-play festival in October gives people a chance to hear new voices and the season combining new comedies, adaptations and well-loved classics means there’s great variety with something for everyone.”

The year gets under way with a production of writer Laura Wade’s comedy Home, I’m Darling , directed by Carleena Walsh.

The play runs from February 25 to March 18 and centres on the character Judy, a woman who appears to be the “perfect 1950s housewife”.

She makes her husband Johnny breakfast, pours him drinks and they dance their eve-

nings away.

According to the theatre, the only problem is the play is set not in the 1950s but in the present day.

The laughs continue with the Karen Zacarias comedy The BookClubPlay

Directed by Deb Lind, it runs from May 6-27 and is described as a “hit comedy about books and the people who love them”.

It centres on a book club whose members find themselves starring in a documentary and having to confront changing group dynamics when they welcome

an unusual new member.

The theatre then moves from comedy to crime with its staging of Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced

It’s directed by Matthew Cousins and runs from July 8-29.

The play’s story centres on the residents of British village Chipping Cleghorn and features one of Christie’s most famous fictional characters, the amateur sleuth Jane Marple.

She and the villagers are puzzled when an advert appears in the local gazette stating a murder is scheduled to take place

and includes the time, date, and location.

From a classic murder mystery the theatre takes a dark turn to stage Frederick Knott’s thriller Wait Until Dark

The play is adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, directed by Carlos Lehmann, and runs from September 9-30.

It tells the story of the character Susan Hendrix, a blind woman terrorised by three men in her New York City apartment one night in 1944.

As tensions increase, she realises her blindness may in fact help her to escape the situation, but only once the sun goes down.

The theatre closes its 2023 season with the Norm Foster comedy Old Love , directed by Tracey Holdsworth and playing from November 11 to December 2.

The story is described as one of “courtship, rekindled romance and the indomitability of hope”, spanning three decades and focusing on the relationship between a salesman named Bud and his boss’s wife Molly.

It’s a clever and witty heartwarming journey celebrating the never-ending pursuit of love. h Contact the theatre on 09 534 1401 or go online to www. hlt.org.nz.

As part of our programme of innovation, service excellence and our environmental initiative, the Times Media team is introducing changes from February 2023. Our EastLife and Rural Living publications now join the Howick and Pakuranga Times, and will be printed using a coldset process on uncoated paper.

ECO ADVANTAGES

Howick Little Theatre’s 2022 season included a staging of the play My Cousin Rachel, pictured, and it’s set to follow that with new productions this year.

File photo supplied Andrew Johnson

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8094

Across - 6, Precipitous. 7, Ring. 8, Molasses. 9, Recall. 10, Thrush. 12, Lentil. 15, Baffle. 17, Daughter. 19, Exam. 20, Extravagant.

Down - 1, Sergeant. 2, Dismal. 3, Billet. 4, Toss. 5, Assess. 6, Prime. 11, Rifleman. 13, Eraser. 14, Lethal. 15, Bureau. 16, Least. 18, Gate.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8094

Across - 6, Chain-letter. 7, Beth. 8, Re-lati-ve. 9, P-rated. 10, Re-fuse. 12, Stocks. 15, Shovel. 17, Back-ward. 19, No-ah. 20, Articulated.

Down - 1, Pa-the-tic. 2, I-nured. 3, Peeler. 4, S-T-et. 5, Drives. 6, Clear. 11, Fo-otnot-e. 13, Teabag. 14, Stan-C-E. 15, S-addle. 16, Eland (anag.). 18, Kite.

CLASSIFIEDS

SWIFT CARRIERS

RETIRED CASUAL DRIVERS

Mostly afternoon work. Required in Pakuranga, Howick, Bucklands Beach and Botany areas.

P: Don 0274391506 | E: don_bec@hotmail.com

XERO HERO WANTED

Join our friendly team in the Accounts Payable role in Xero & HubDoc. Part time, permanent role, 3 days a week. Hours can be structured to fit your commitments. Excellent pay for a reliable candidate who knows Xero. Cascade for Mazdaparts is an industry leading car parts company in Pakuranga.

Please email CV to admin@cascadeformazda.co.nz or call Belinda on 022 623 6778 MP285966

TEACHER AIDE

Part-Time; Fixed-Term; Term Time Only

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

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

Commencing as soon as possible; 25 hours per week.

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

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

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

Applications close on 31 January 2023. MP285962

COOK/ CHEF

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

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

To be successful in this role you will be:

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

• Able to cook for larger groups – qualifications a plus

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

• Able to work within a budget.

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

• A flexible team member.

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

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

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

Applications close: Sunday 29 January 2023.

MP282802-V2

BUILDERS WANTED

We require experienced builders to join our small energetic team of passionate tradespeople specialising in higher end renovations/alterations and the occasional new build.

You must be experienced, have all your own tools and transport and enjoy the team atmosphere.

Be time conscious, polite to clients and willing to go that extra step to impress.

Please call Keith on 021939253 or email your CV to keith@keithhunterbuilders.co.nz DE279387

STOREPERSON

FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME

We require an enthusiastic person for inwards and outwards goods duties and some light assembly work at our East Tamaki warehouse.

The applicant should be fit, a non-smoker, have good communication skills and able to pay attention to detail.

Full training will be given.

Please e-mail your application to: alan@aesblasters.co.nz www.aesblasters.co.nz

MP285846

SERVICE ENGINEER

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

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

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

Full training will be given.

Please e-mail your application to:

The Director – AES Waterblasters alan@aesblasters.co.nz www.aesblasters.co.nz

MP285850

FULL TIME POSITION

(Monday to Friday, 7.30am-4.30pm)

Maintaining an attractive, safe and functional environment for students and staff is an important role within our school. We are seeking a person who: is well organised

• is energetic and fit has a strong work ethic

• is self-motivated and able to work unsupervised has good time management and is responsible

• has practical skills and knowledge of grounds maintenance

• enjoys working outdoors and as part of a team

Start dates, terms and conditions discussed at interview.

Please email your CV, with two referees and a cover letter outlining your previous experience/suitability for the position to: Lyn Baxter email: lbaxter@somint.school.nz

Applications close Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Macleans Primary School is looking for a new Caretaker/Property Manager. Hours of work are from 7.30am-4pm, 5 days a week. Duties include general handyman jobs, lawn mowing and management of security and cleaning.

The position begins April/early May; exact day to be confirmed.

Please send a CV and/or cover letter to the Principal, Matthew Cooke: m.cooke@macleansprimary.school.nz.

School visits are welcome as are any further questions/queries.

Please email Matthew if you have any further questions/queries or would like to organise a school visit.

TEACHER AIDES

We are looking for two Teacher Aides to join our awesome Learner Support Team. You will be working in mainstream classes with a focus on assisting a small number of students with learning and/or social needs. Occasionally you may work one on one to provide more intensive support.

Our ideal candidate will:

• exhibit a positive, patient and sensitive outlook and a willingness to be flexible to support the learning of students with specific needs.

• relate well to young people and be highly motivated to establish relationships with students so that they accept and seek your help.

The hours are from 8.50am to 3.20 pm, Monday to Friday during term time only. Positions commence by negotiation early in Term 1.

Please email your CV, cover letter and completed application form from our website: www.howickcollege.school.nz to employment@howick.school.nz Applications close 8 February at 3pm MP286109

HEALTH & BEAUTY

MP285954

LIBRARIAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applications close on 31 January 2023. MP285958

Homestay Coordinator / Groups Administrator

We are looking for a Homestay Coordinator / Groups Administrator to join our International Students Department. This important role will include: ensuring a safe physical and emotional environment is provided for all international students, coordinating all homestay placements, providing administration assistance for short term group students, being the 24 hour emergency contact during some weeks of the term.

This position would suit someone who is a team player with a positive approach and a can-do attitude and is willing to learn. The position will be 20 hours per week. Term time only.

Please send a cover letter, your CV and completed staff application form (available on the Howick College website) to jennifer.roshan@howick.school.nz MP286056

Students get hands-on IT experience

Students are solving real-world problems through Future Skills Academy’s new Information Technology micro-credentials.

Micro-credentials are short qualifications that can be completed in as little as ten weeks. They are ideal for working professionals looking to upskill or change careers.

Accountant Yue (Rita) Han designed a product to help property buyers make big decisions as part of her Business Intelligence

micro-credential.

Her project revealed behaviours, trends, and LVR risks for different borrower groups including first-home buyers and investors. It looked at how changes to interest rates had affected the market.

Rita says these insights can help different types of borrowers analyse the latest market conditions and combine historical housing market movements to make the most beneficial decisions for themselves.

Rita was very pleased with everything she achieved during the hands-on programme.

“The course is very interactive and practical. It reinforced my knowledge of some basics and also upskilled me on the latest trends and technologies in Business Intelligence,” she says.

Visual Designer Felicia Fel created an application to help people spot an online scam, during her Software Development

Howick Guitar School

micro-credential.

Felicia’s app is called Airscammer, and it allows users to browse a fictitious flight booking website and click on things that look suspicious.

She says she loved the practicality of the programme and the hands-on nature of the lessons.

“The course was very practical, and the lessons are taught in an interactive way, we get to learn by actually making things work instead of just watching lectures.”

2023 EDUCATION

Our Lady Star of the Sea School

SPECIAL CHARACTER

A Catholic Integrated School

school’s special Catholic Character underpins the inclusive culture for learning’ (ERO Report 2020)

ACADEMIC

the development of learning dispositions for life-long learning

quality of teaching practice is high’,

range of strategies are used to support students’ academic achievement’, ‘teachers promote opportunities for student leadership’, ‘consistent approaches to teaching’, ‘well embedded culture of reflective practice’, ‘Our Lady Star of the Sea’s performance

SUPPORT PROGRAMMES

Howick.

A second hand uniform sale will be held in our school hall on Friday 27 January between 10.00 and 11.30am.

School Commences on Wednesday, 1 February. All students are to be in school uniform and meet in the BBI Sports Cloud. Do remember to bring P.E. gear every day. 8.40am – Year 7 students, 9.15am – Year 8 students

Stationery

Please ensure that students have basic stationery on the first day of school i.e. refill pad and pen. A stationery list will be given out on the first day of school. Stationery packs will be sold in the first week –through classes. Please pay for stationery packs on the Kamar Online Portal. You are also welcome to purchase the list from your local retailer.

Enquiries to: enrolment@bbi.school.nz

Student elected youngest committee member

By BEN PLUMMER

Counties Manukau

Orienteering Club (CMOC) have elected their youngest ever executive committee member in 14-yearold Saint Kentigern College student, Tim Bacchus.

Tim has been involved in orienteering since 2021 and joined the CMOC executive committee as the youth representative in 2022. His election to the executive committee as a member for 2023 gives him full voting rights and the ability to help shape the future of orienteering locally and nationally.

CMOC co-president, Anthony McGivern says, “As a club we focus a lot on delivering events to schools and students, with a

goal of providing an active and healthy recreational pathway that will contribute to their wellbeing for life.”

McGivern says that youth are the future of orienteer-

ing and the leadership team will benefit from electing a younger member as an equal. “We will provide them with exposure to governance and a mentor to help their academic and professional development and in return we will get their fresh way of thinking, different perspectives and authentic representation of their student peers,” says McGivern.

Tim, a year nine student, says he is grateful to have the ability to represent CMOC and is looking forward to getting to know youth across the region as well as what interests them.

“I think youth in sport are very important. I would like to try to break down the school barriers and unite us as CMOC youth, not just youth represent-

ing their schools at orienteering,” he says.

Tim says he enjoys the fitness aspect of orienteering and how mentally challenging it is.

“I want to get better. I’m seeing a great improvement in how well I’ve been doing over this year compared to last year but right now I’m working on my stamina, speed and finessing my navigational skills,” he says.

Tim suggests that if people want to give orienteering a try, they should go to one of the CMOC events.

“I think people should definitely give orienteering a try. I’m personally very much looking forward to the event CMOC is running at Eden Park in 2023,” says Tim.

Ormiston student takes Good Start Foundation scholarship

This year, the Good Start Foundation opened applications for their annual scholarship to Ormiston Senior College, Botany Downs Secondary, Pakuranga College and Edgewater College.

Out of all applicants Navneet Dhillion of Ormiston Senior College was selected to be the recipient.

Navneet, a fitting recipient, has committed herself to serving her neighbourhood.

She currently serves as the Community Outreach officer for Dr Anae Neru Leavasa, Parliamentary Youth Council.

Navneet has been actively involved with non-profit organisations such as dementia friends.

She has taken a leading

role in the Shakti movement which helps young people who are struggling with mental health.

Navneet has also been actively involved in the The Village Collective for the past three years, an organisation that creates a safe space for members of the rainbow community in the Ormiston area.

She is an active volunteer for the Student Volunteer Army, recording 1500 hours of volunteering.

In 2023, Navneet is all set to study bio-medical science and aspires to be a doctor.

Feel free to contact Michelle Prasad, Founder/CEO, on michelle.prasad@goodstartfoundation.org.nz to support the Good Start Foundation.

Premier Cricket Results

h From page 20

Premier Men- T20 Competition

Howick Pakuranga 153/7 (L Stackpole 54 not out, L Winn 49; S Desai 2-14) defeated Eden Roskill 98/9 (N Patel 52 not out; H Singh 5-12, K Chetty 4-10) by 55 runs.

Howick Pakuranga 148/7 (B Walsh 45, J McGregor 32 not out; M Chaplin 3-16) lost to Parnell 150/7 (J Plummer 48; H Singh 2-12) by three wickets.

Premier Men Jeff Crowe Cup Limited over Competition | Round 5

Howick Pakuranga 194 (B Walsh 35, L Stackpole 33; T Stroobant 2-18) lost to Takapuna 196/8 (G Harley 80, Q Sunde 66; K Chetty 4-31) by two wickets.

Parnell 220/8 (F McGregor-Sumpter 47, W Ormiston 37; A Nathan 3-38) lost to Cornwall 223/4 (M GuptillBunce 75 not out, J Cassidy 55; N Perera 1-29) by six wickets.

East Coast Bays 350/5 (B Harrison 87, I Bird 67, R Harrison 62; M Olsen 1-44) defeated North Shore 219 (T Chitongo 49, W Clarke 40; P Mercredy 2-36) by 131 runs.

Auckland University 261/8 (D Chakraborty 82; S Cook 4-51, M Barry 2-43) defeated Suburbs-New Lynn 195 (S Martin 78; K Mackenzie 3-27, A Prasad 2-4) by 66 runs.

Premier Men - Richard Jones Trophy Limited Over Competition | Round 5

Papatoetoe 272 (R Gill 67, R Bisht 57; W St John 4-45, D Kharel 4-51) defeated Ellerslie 267/7 (H Drillien 99, J Allan 47; N Deol 3-41) by five runs.

Grafton 242/5 (S Gunawardane 91 not out, A Edwards 53; D Laban-Jeffries 2-45) defeated Kumeu 98 (E Sayed 38; K Ruffell 2-9, D Taylor 2-11) by 144 runs.

Birkenhead City 247 (B Barnard 71, J O’Brien 56; A Desai 3-26) defeated Hibiscus Coast 204 (R Newman 54; A Jayampathi 3-29) by 43 runs.

Eden Roskill 284/9 (H Chakraborty 88, S Desai 57; P Whynn 4-43) lost to Waitakere 285/8 (S Variath 73, J Henderson 45; D Ratra 3-39) by two wickets.

Premier Women - Pearl Dawson Trophy T20 Competition

Round Five: Howick Pakuranga 108/4 (H Topp 38, R Patel 30; R Macmillan 2-20) defeated Parnell 78/9 (M Way 14; J Penfold 3-9) by 30 runs.

Round Six: Takapuna 86/6 (S Elliott 27, T Hurley 24; J Penfold 2-16) lost to Howick Pakuranga 87/3 (A Parr 40, H Topp 37 not out; R McNeill 2-8) by seven wickets.

Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club Upcoming Fixtures

Round 6, Limited overs Jeff Crowe Cup- Howick Pakuranga Premier Men VS Parnell CC Premier Men at Shore Road Reserve- Saturday January 28, 11am.

Round 7, Premier Women Pearl Dawson Trophy T20 Competition- Howick Pakuranga Premier Women VS Suburbs-New Lynn CC Premier Women at Ken Maunder Park- Saturday January 28, 11am.

Round 8, Premier Women Pearl Dawson Trophy T20 Competition- Howick Pakuranga Premier Women VS Auckland University CC Premier Women at Ken Maunder Park- Saturday January 28, 3pm.

Year nine St Kentigern College student, Tim Bacchus has been elected as Counties Manukau Orienteering Club’s (CMOC) youngest ever Executive Committee Member. Photo supplied

Table-topping premier women bank two strong great wins

The Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club’s premier women are now table toppers in the Pearl Dawson Trophy T20 Competition after two dominant wins on Saturday.

The women faced Parnell in game one of two at Colin Maiden Park.

Holly Topp top-scored with 38 runs, helping the side to a score of 108 after their 20 overs.

HPCC’s Josie Penfold ripped through the Parnell line-up, taking three wickets for only nine runs and restricting the side to fall 30 runs short.

In similar dominant fashion, the premier women defeated Takapuna by seven wickets later that day to top off an already impressive weekend of cricket.

Josie Penfold was the pick of the bowlers again with two wickets for 16 runs as Takapuna scraped through to a total of 86.

After a rocky start with the bat finding themselves two wickets down with only four runs on the board, Howick Pakuranga’s hero batters staged a comeback.

Amberly Parr top scored with

40 runs and Holly Topped starred again with 37 not out.

The two combined for an 81-run partnership and brought home a seven-wicket victory for the side.

After four games played and four wins recorded, the HPCC premier women sit top of the table in the competition.

They have two more T20 games this Saturday in rounds seven and eight against Suburbs New-Lynn and Auckland University at Ken Maunder Park in New Lynn.

Howick Pakuranga premier men 194 (B Walsh 35, L Stackpole 33; T Stroobant 2-18) lost to Takapuna 196/8 (G Harley 80, Q Sunde 66; K

Chetty 4-31) by two wickets.

The HPCC premier men had a tough day at the office on Saturday, falling short of a win over Takapuna in round five of the Jeff Crowe Cup Limited over Competition.

Howick Pakuranga scored 194 runs after batting first, which was chased down by Takapuna with two wickets to spare.

HPCC bowler Kimesh Chetty was the club’s standout player of the day, taking four wickets.

It was an impressive week with the bat for youngster Jasmeet Rattan also, scoring centuries in two separate matches.

Rattan had an impressive 101 not out off 70 balls for the U15 Giants in their victory over Ellerslie on the final day of the Club Summer Series T20 tournament. He followed it up with 119 of 113 balls for the U15 Maroons on Sunday.

On Sunday, the HPCC premier men played two T20 games that were previously postponed last year due to rain.

In game one, youngster Lachie Stackpole (54*) and Liam Winn (49) helped the side to a total of 153

before Howick Pakuranga bowlers ripped through the Eden Roskill line-up, keeping them under 100 runs. Harmeet Singh (5-12) and Kimesh Chetty (4-10) took all nine of the wickets in an impressive 55 run victory.

Game two against Parnell was a different story, with HPCC going down in a close match.

HPCC batted first again, recording a total of 148 with efforts from Bill Walsh (45) and Josh McGregor (32*).

Parnell opener Josh Plummer (48) helped the side to victory in the final over of the match, despite Harmeet Singh, the pick off the bowlers, picking up another two wickets.

Two dominant Howick Pakuranga premier women and domestic cricket standouts also received exciting news last week, both being included in the White Ferns Squad for the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Molly Penfold and Brooke Halliday will take part in the tournament when it begins on February 11 in South Africa.  Turn to page 19

In fact, a recent survey showed that 90% of apartment owners thought that was important. “I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know different folks,” enthused Alison Hegley, who moved in recently. “I’m reminded every day of why I chose HBH – and it hasn’t disappointed.”

If you’d like to live in a friendly village in the heart of Howick, come and view our independent apartments at HBH Howick Views. We’d love to welcome you to our community.

The Howick Pakuranga premier women have topped the T20 table after wins over Parnell and Takapuna on the weekend.

Photo supplied

Tim elected to committee