Times - 27 April 2023

SENIOR CITIZEN: ‘BUY YOUR OWN FOOD’

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Anger is growing in east Auckland at the actions of brazen thieves who fill supermarket trolleys with groceries and walk out without paying.

Multiple posts have appeared on community Facebook pages from witnesses to such behaviour in recent weeks.

One was from a person who said they saw a man with a “trolley load of corned beef” walk out of a local Countdown supermarket without paying.

The poster said they were “so over this entitled behaviour” and “crime is out of control in Auckland”.

Another recent post was by a person who saw three people, one of whom was wearing a balaclava, who “loaded up a trolley each” at a local Countdown before walking out without paying.

When the supermarket’s staff tried to stop the thieves, they were “verbally abused and threatened”, the post said.

The Times has spoken to a shopper who believes she was present when two young women recently walked out of another local Countdown without paying.

The senior citizen, who wishes to remain anonymous, says she entered the supermarket behind the pair who appeared to be aged in their late teens or early 20s.

She says they walked up and down various aisles putting groceries into a trolley.

“When I got to the checkout, the operator and a couple of other cus-

tomers were talking. One of them said, ‘they do that all the time, they do that once a week’.

“Somebody else asked, ‘what are they doing about it?’, and I asked if it was those two girls.

“The checkout operator said, ‘yes, we know them, they come in here every week and do exactly the same thing, they fill their trolley and they just walk through a checkout and go’.”

The woman says she finds it “repugnant” that people would fill a trolley with food and walk out of a supermarket without paying.

“As a senior citizen who’s living on a pension, I think it’s a disgrace.

“These are young people who have the ability to hold down a job.

“Get out and work and buy your own food.”

She wants to see more done to prevent people from stealing from supermarkets in such a brazen manner.

“I understand the supermarket is nervous about retaliation, like their staff being attacked, but if it’s happening on a weekly basis surely some measures could be put in place, such as a screen or roller doors coming down. The police should be arresting them and charging them with theft because that’s what they’re doing, they’re stealing food.”

A spokesperson for Countdown says the safety and well-being of its team and communities is its “absolute priorities”.

“There are a number of measures we have in place in our stores that are designed with this in mind.

Robyn Chapman with grandchildren Lydia and Malachi Wachter stand in rememberance at the cenotaph on Stockade Hill following the Howick RSA Dawn Service. The children’s greatgreat-grandfather, Eddie Chapman, served in WWII in a Lancaster Bomber squadron. After being shot down over Germany, he was taken prisoner, spending his 21st birthday in a prison camp. He turns 100 on June 13. Times photo Wayne Martin

Getting back to Farming

Last week, I was fortunate enough to visit Donald’s Farm, a well-run farm based out in Whitford. It was there I announced the first part of National’s Agriculture policy, Getting back to Farming.

Farming is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy and I am proud that our farmers are the best in the world.

Last year, New Zealand’s agriculture exports totalled $41 billion, or 63 per cent of our goods exports.

When farmers succeed, New Zealand succeeds. However, since Labour became the Government almost six years ago, it has waged war on farmers by burying them under a mountain of red tape.

Labour has introduced or changed more than 20 regulations that directly affect the ability of businesses in the agricultural sector to operate.

For example, wetlands are so poorly defined that farmers are having to go to court to determine whether land is a paddock that can be farmed, or a protected wetland that can’t.

Because farmers end up spending more of their time and money grappling with Labour’s new rules, they have less to invest in their farms, risking lower productivity. Costs then get passed on to consumers, so we all end up paying for Labour’s over-regulation.

Labour does not understand the rural sector. It has overridden local communities and imposed one-

TIMESWORD

PUZZLE NO. 8107

size-fits-all rules with massive compliance costs for farmers, often for limited or no environmental gain.

Labour has used rules and regulation to try to run farms from Wellington.

That ends under National.

National’s Getting back to Farming package will cut the mountain of red tape to help farmers get on with earning the income on which their livelihoods, New Zealand’s economy and Kiwis’ of living, depend.

National will ensure farming regulations are fit for purpose, that they actually protect our environ-

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

7. You can’t rightly say if you have one! (6,6).

8. Hopes they’ll enable the property to remain in the family (6).

9. Gets it going and one is surprised (6).

10. Sorry about the “Shut up!” when in a hurry (7).

12. Dot’s retirement puts an end to it (5).

15. A bed that sounds suitable for the maternity ward (5).

16. There a break point does make one feel better (7).

18. With the rain you talk about, does grow (6).

20. No traffic to have to back in through (6).

22. It means having to search for the cause of insanity (4,2,6).

1. Opening with a saucy turn again (8).

2. They’re industrious characters, we’re told (4).

3. After getting a cold, has a gin cocktail (7).

QUICK CLUES

4. Anxious about the grammar? (5).

5. Put off tin, brought in a glass container (8).

6. Leave for the printer (4).

11. Exotic stockings you appear in (8).

13. A frightening creature before now has been seen up on the hill (8).

14. Offers to provide the boats (7).

17. Rose paid for everybody (5).

19. Tug has influence (4).

21. How you won’t get drinks in a mess? (4).

ment, as domestic and overseas consumers expect.

National will return the management of local issues to local councils. And we’ll ensure rural communities have the tools they need to continue to provide New Zealand, and the world, with highquality, low-carbon food and fibre.

In contrast to Labour’s heavyhanded centralisation, National supports practical environmentalism. We are committed to a carefully balanced approach, integrating both environmental and economic goals. National will deliver a professional, competent regulatory system that targets

MP for Botany Christopher Luxon

environmental outcomes without telling farmers how to run their businesses, and while imposing the minimum compliance costs on them.

National is committed to New Zealand meeting its climate change goals, but we understand that shutting down some of the world’s most carbon-efficient farmers only sends production to less efficient farms overseas and could raise global emissions.

We can protect the environment and allow farmers to get on with business by reining in the bureaucracy and using clear, welltargeted rules instead. That’s what National’s Getting back to Farming package will do.

This is only the start. This country does not need more rules. It needs better regulation. National will be announcing more policy on agriculture – and many other things – in the coming weeks and months. And in government, National will deliver results so that all New Zealanders get ahead.

 See story, p11

 Christopher Luxon is Leader of the Opposition and MP for Botany

That’s the power of print.

In addition to 70% higher recall, according to neuroscience research it’s proven that print content is 21% easier to understand and more memorable than digital media. That is why print content connects with our brain more efficiently and effectively. So, choose to read print. Choose the Times –your most trusted local news provider.

When print talks, the brain remembers.

Christopher Luxon at Donald’s Farm in Whitford last week. Photo supplied

Charity Due Drop Hope Challenge in full swing

By BEN PLUMMER

The Due Drop Hope Challenge, a charity triathlon involving a powerhouse line-up of former elite athletes and I Am Hope founder Mike King, has been going full on for a fortnight and wraps up this week.

The 16-day relay event was initially scheduled to take place in February but was postponed due to Cyclone Gabrielle.

It finally got underway on April 11, starting in Mangonui, Northland, and concludes today [April 26] on the steps of the Beehive in Wellington.

The group, which also includes a slew of non-athlete participants, are currently running, swimming and cycling the length of the North Island to raise awareness of children’s free counselling service Gumboot Friday in the regions.

The line-up of sporting stars includes All Black great Ian Jones, triathlon world champion Rick Wells and Howick’s own NRL star Richie Barnett.

Mike King says the delays kept his charity I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday busy

setting up and operating the I Am Hope Wellness Centre in Hawke’s Bay and running an ongoing flood-relief fundraiser in response to the devastation.

“Everyone was so disappointed when our plans were delayed, especially after the mammoth logistical effort and many sleepless nights that went to planning and organising everything, from our tiny team of staff to volunteers, participants, sponsors

and supporters.

“But there’s no point in sitting around moping. We got ourselves to the East Coast and went straight to work talking to the community about their needs and set up the wellness centre to get as many families as possible the help they needed urgently,”

King says.

To date, the Due Drop Hope Challenge Givealittle page has received more than $29,000. Their longest day trip was

on Friday, April 21, when they travelled more than 276km from Taupo to New Plymouth.

Auckland’s Sky Tower lit up in the colours of the Beacon of Hope as the team moved through Auckland on April 14. More on www.gumbootfriday.org.nz/hope-challenge.

If you wish to help the team out, text ‘BOOTS’ to 469 to donate $3 for free kids counselling or visit the Givealittle page givealittle.co.nz/cause/ hope-challenge-givealittle.

h From page 3

“We’re always reviewing our health and safety controls to ensure we’re doing everything we can to keep our team and customers safe in our stores.

“This is a very complicated issue and we need to take great care that the potential impact of any changes to those measures is carefully considered.

“We’re also actively working with police and other retailers to develop shared solutions to the rise in retail crime and customer aggression we’re seeing.”

A police spokesperson says police are anecdotally aware of videos circulating on social media depicting thefts from supermarkets, some of which are happening in the Counties Manukau East area.

“Our staff work closely with retail groups, and retailers themselves, to help prevent thefts.

“While police have an important role to play, it’s not something we can combat alone.

“We rely on retailers to report thefts to us, as this enables us to put our efforts and resources into the right places.”

The spokesperson says police encourage retailers to report thefts as soon as possible.

“While immediate police attendance may not be required following every report made by retailers, there are a number of avenues police take to follow up on such reports, particularly if there’s relevant evidence such as CCTV footage.”

Several east Auckland Countdown supermarkets have been targeted by thieves in recent weeks.

Times file photo Wayne Martin

The Due Drop Hope challenge covers almost 1900 kilometres as the team travels from Northland to the country’s parliament building in Wellington. Image supplied

Your Local Property In Your Local Paper

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‘Amazing’ building planned for former Howick Library site

By CHRIS HARROWELL

The property devel-

oper set to build on the site of the former Howick Library says she wants to create something “amazing” the community will be proud of.

The old library building sat empty and disused on Auckland Council-owned land in Fencible Drive since 2011 before recently being sold to property developer Ayesha Ashraf’s East Tamaki-based company Habib Enterprises Limited.

It’s since been demolished, with the site now standing empty and protected by security fencing.

Requirements of the development agreement include the new building align with the Howick Village Centre Plan and provide a minimum of three storeys with active uses such as commercial or retail on the ground level.

Any residential dwellings must have at least a Homestar-6 rating and onsite parking cannot be visible from public areas, with entry only from Central Terrace.

Ashraf told the Timesher company is in the resource consent stage of the process and has a “beautiful drawing” of how the new building will look.

“We are very delighted with the opportunity to do something for Howick.

“[This is] a brand new building that people will say ‘if you go to Howick you have to visit this site’. It will look amazing.”

She says the building’s bottom floor will be occupied by businesses with apartments on the floor above.

And she has something in mind for the third floor but isn’t yet able to reveal what it will be.

“In the very near future we’ll be able to share the plans of what we’re going to put there, keeping in mind the zoning, the height density, and what is allowed in that area.

“With the [old] building gone and security fencing in place, people know it’s not someone who’s land banking, and we can see good things are happening there for Howick.”

Ashraf says if everything goes smoothly with the resource consent process construction of the new building will start this year and be finished in early 2024.

She says she’s received a lot of interest from locals about her plans for the site.

“We are going to put in beautiful apartments and they’re for local people to buy or lease.

“There are people such

as senior citizens in the area and when they move into apartments they want to store stuff and have storage issues so we’re even planning to have storage units in the basement.

“We want to deliver what is needed in that area.”

It would be “ideal” to have a gym, spa, and offices as part of the development, she says.

“The entry will be really royal. Because it was a library it was a memorable building.

“It’s not just a normal site. We want to put those features in so people say, ‘okay, this is amazing’.

“I don’t compromise on quality. Looks are the thing I really go for.”

Ashraf visited Howick village to get a feel for the area and says it reminded her of Ponsonby.

“People were sitting outside cafes and I love the way people work there and they make it their home.

“All of our teams are so excited about the whole venture.”

Howick Village Association (HVA) manager Jane Newbury says the organisation has been in regular contact with Ashraf.

“We’re excited about her plans for the new development. This will breathe new life and energy to the area of the village that has long been forgotten.”

Two men charged over Marine Parade burglary

Two men have been arrested and charged over a daylight residential burglary at a house in east Auckland.

The incident happened just before 3pm on April 20 at a property on Marine Parade.

Acting Counties Manukau East Police area commander, Inspector Rakana Cook, says the property’s owner arrived home and disturbed the two offenders, who fled in a vehicle.

Police responded to the incident and found a vehicle of interest in Somerville, he says.

“A unit stopped the vehicle on Somerville Road but it fled from police.

“It was not pursued, but was located abandoned outside Botany Town Centre.

“Our staff conducted enquiries around the town centre and located a man thanks to the assistance of mall security. He was then taken into custody.”

Cook says the 45-yearold man found at the town centre has been charged with burglary.

A 50-year-old man was later taken into custody also and is facing charges of burglary and failing to stop.

The pair were expected to appear in the Manukau District Court on April 21.

“Police are also following up with the victim to ensure further support is available to them,” Cook says.

Construction at the site of the former Howick Library is expected to start this year. Times photo Wayne Martin

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Let the good times roll Howick – The Big Bike Film Night 2023!!

In its ninth year, The Big Bike Film Night will be celebrating cycling in all its glorious shapes and forms, at the Monterey Cinemas in Howick on Tuesday, May 2 with a programme proclaimed as ‘a feast of short films devised and designed for the two-wheel devotee’.

With its humble beginnings in 2015, The Big Bike Film Night is now a much-anticipated Film Festival that brings a love of cycling to cinemas, presenting an array of international and New Zealand movies specifically selected by Taupō-based curator Brett Cotter.

“Each year I set out with just one goal – to bring together the best cycling short films from around the world for our audiences celebrating the fun, the adventure and inspiration that bikes enable,” says Cotter.

“Our stellar 2023 collection contains 10 mesmerising films that are as varied and diverse as you could hope for. This global programme contains a strong contingent of Kiwi films, including a world premiere, alongside an assortment of international films having their New Zealand premiere here as well.”

Return to Dillon Cone, set and shot in the rugged coastal Kaikōura ranges, will be making its world premiere at the fes-

The Big Bike Film Night is in Howick next month.

tival, and is from talented Canterbury filmmakers Dylan Gerschwitz and Deane Parker. The film follows a team who have spent five years formulating a dream…an attempt to reach an unridden peak accessible only by river.

The expedition has only one option to get there, taking on the jagged gorges of the Clarence River (Waiau-toa awa) by pack raft.

Also in the treasure chest of films is a visually commanding film set in Tuscany following a 74-year old bicicletta rider whose spirit personifies cycling; a delight-

Photo supplied

ful young Australian ‘bikepacker’ shares lessons from her scenic trip to Hell; two schools offer insights into how they promote active transport within their school community; a tale of a rider with a searing thirst for adventure exploring interior Iceland; putting the mountain into mountain biking – the eyes

of a Scottish highlander are opened to the healing power of the bicycle; an uplifting film that celebrates a humble volunteer whose community spirit is inspiring and so are the majestic winter views of the trail where he lives in rural Central Otago; a human powered movie that follows a family that choses to live life to the fullest in the face of adversity; and rounding out the night, find out what happens when you combine a ultra-distance 320km gravel race and parenting together over a 24-hour period.

The Big Bike Film Night will be screening at the Monterey Cinemas in Howick on Tuesday, May 2, 6.15pm.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.bigbikefilmnight.nz.

WIN!

We have a double pass to give away to Howick – The Big Bike Film Night 2023. Go to times.co.nz/times-win/ to enter. Entries close at 5pm Friday, April 28.

A privilege to serve as chairperson

The Howick Local Board is responsible for governance on local issues, activities, and services such as libraries, parks and community programmes. Nine elected members represent and advocate for their community, serving the 150,000+ residents of Howick, Pakuranga, Botany and Flat Bush. Living in Botany, it’s my privilege to serve as the chair of the Howick Local Board. Before being elected in October 2022, I worked for over 15 years in process improvement and

business performance. I’m a member of the NZ Institute of Directors and have served on a range of boards including local community groups, charitable organisations and commercial businesses.

MAKING SURE OUR COMMUNITY ASSETS ARE FIT-FOR-SERVICE

We’re pleased that the Howick Domain Playground has re-opened after a much-needed upgrade. Residents have asked for more

Community supports country music fundraiser

More than $1300 was raised at a country music fundraiser.

The Eastern Districts Country Music Club held its bi-annual concert at the Eastern Beach and Buckland’s Beach War Memorial Hall on April 19.

Guest artists Coopers Run and a variety of other artists performed with the live band as a fundraiser to support those in Auckland affected by the cyclone and recent floods. Club member Kylie Austin, who has performed from a very young age and is in the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame in Nebraska, also entertained to the delight of the full hall.

The standard of talented musicians and range of songs was enjoyed by many with feedback saying it was a fantastic night.

The Eastern Districts Country Music Club is a non-profit charity run by a committee of volun-

teers. They want to thank East FM Radio, the Times, the local community and all those who travelled from near and far to support this very worthy cause.

The $1367.70 is the total profit and is being donated to the Vision West Fund. “They are very grateful as many are still struggling from the effects of the floods and cyclone,” the club’s Bev Trim said.

“This year the Eastern District Country Music Club celebrated its 50th year birthday as last year this had to be delayed due to the pandemic. This club prides itself on being a friendly place where old and new friends meet as everyone is welcome.”

The club meets fortnightly from 7pm-9.30pm at the Buckland’s Beach War Memorial Hall. Different artists perform with a live band and entry fee is $5. Any inquiries, phone Bev, 021 1156 866.

What’s on

GARDEN CLUB

Next meeting of the Pigeon Mountain Garden Club is Monday, May 1, 7.30pm. Speaker is Earl Fergus discussing plant propagation, cuttings and seed collecting, St Andrew’s Church, corner Ridge Rd and Vincent St, Howick. All welcome. Trading table, raffles and supper provided. Any queries to Lynda, phone 021 398 200.

U3A PAKURANGA

Listen to great speakers and join good company at the next meeting of the U3A Pakuranga on Monday, May 1, at St Andrew’s Church Centre, Vincent Street, Howick at 1.45pm. Margaret Gane will outline village lockdown in 1665. Visitors welcome and entry is free. Further information ring Robert 021 1490069.

fencing around the playground which we’ll add into our future work programme. We’re also planning to renew Orangewood Reserve, Santa Cruz and Annalong Parks this year while Clavoy and Reelick Parks will be getting minor upgrades.

Work has begun on the Cascades Walkway between Aviemore and Botany Roads to widen the pathway and renew the furniture. Weather permitting, this will be completed by the end of June.

ADDRESSING OUR BUDGET SHORTFALL

Auckland Council is facing financial challenges as the cost of construction and interest rates continue to increase. Consultation on the Mayor’s proposed budget closed on March 28 with a recordbreaking number of submissions. While no decisions have been made, the reality is that we won’t

HOPING FOR THE KERERU’S RETURN

In response to L M Tindill’s letter (Times,April 5), I too have observed the absence of the kereru in the Mangemangeroa Reserve.

The last sighting was on Christmas Day, but since the Anniversary Weekend storm and Cyclone Gabrielle, they have not been spotted. During the Howick bird count at the beginning of March, I was disappointed not to see any kereru, and I suspect that the drought the previous year, which affected the taraire, a food source for the kereru, may have had an impact. However, there is some hope as I did spot two flying overhead in late March, so hopefully, they will return.

Marion Skelton Chairperson The Friends of Mangemangeroa

FREEDOM COMES WITH RESPONSIBILITY

While the writers of the Bill of Rights might have been legally intelligent, it looks like they acci-

FOOD SCRAPS

Join us for the food scraps revolution with Auckland Council’s new rollout and help achieve zero waste by 2040. Discover how separating your food scraps can be a fun and sustainable way to make a difference while saving money. Presented by Emma from Beautification Trust. Tea and coffee provided, Tuesday, May 2, 10.30am11.30am, Pakuranga Library. Phone 377-0209 or email pakuranga. library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

IMPROVING SLEEP FOR SENIORS WORKSHOP

Designed for older people who suffer from not having enough sleep and/or good quality sleep. We will explore the structure of sleep and its impact on our health. You will be provided with positive strate-

be able to deliver or support everything we have in the past. The Howick Local Board has been asked to reduce our local programmes so getting community input has been vital.

We’ve been at over a dozen local events, speaking to the public about what’s important to you. Thank you to everyone who took the time to chat with us or fill in the forms online, in the libraries or via post.

We’re busy analysing the feedback to help guide our decisions. None of it will be easy and we’re committing to making sure we communicate the decisions we make and why we’ve made them.

MAKING DECISIONS AND LISTENING TO OUR COMMUNITY

We have our business meetings on the third Thursday of each month, starting at 12noon at the

Damian Light

Pakuranga Library Complex and are recorded so you can watch them later. They’re open to the public and have bookable slots for people to present to us (online or in person).

Legal requirements mean there are strict rules about how these meetings are run so they’re not always the best format for meaningful discussion. Therefore, we’re going to trial some less formal, more interactive sessions to provide more opportunities for better conversations. Look out for more details coming soon.

Find out more and stay in touch.

Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ Howick or try Facebook.com/ HowickLB

dentally left off the bit about being legally responsible for your freedom to speak.

Hitler was free to speak and I lay a lot of the blame of millions of deaths at his feet even if he never pulled a trigger.

Trump had freedom and should be partially responsible for the riot and deaths he encouraged.

[Harry Potter author] JK Rowling and [anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, aka] Posie Parker should be held accountable for the hatred and deaths they are pleased to promote with their freedoms.

Those that spoke inflammatory words at the trans rally – anti Posie Parker – and also the week before our parliament riots (anti democracy and whatever else band wagon) should be held accountable. Freedom never was free of responsibility. Our freedom, in words or action, big or small, should always carry responsibility.

Randel Case, Buckland Beach FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH MISSING

The new Secular Education review

Feedbackis underway and has a demand to instruct in gender identity, conversion therapy and other liberal secular teachings.

Dr. AML MacFarlan was principal of Saint Kentigern College, Pakuranga, in 1957. He wrote the following:

“The child has to be trained, guided and nourished so that he or she may be able to face life – life in a complex and difficult 20th (21st) Century in New Zealand.

“Education therefore must be more than a secular activity and the fundamental place of religion in it cannot be ignored.

“If we prize our youth’s highest interest we cannot deny them the highest truth. It is fatal to send them into the world without the armour of religion, without the foundation of faith.”

The recent ram-raids, stolen cars and robberies by 14-year-olds screams loud and clear that the secular emphasis in schools and their whanau is failing our children’s education and their journey of faith.

Ian George, Howick

What’s On is a free community notice-board for non-pro t groups. Send notices to whatson@times.co.nz or drop into our o ce at 10 Central Terrace, Howick. Notices must be received by the Wednesday before publication. While every e ort 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 classi ed advertisement to ensure placement.

gies and suggestions for improving your hours of quality sleep. Registration essential. Please register through Age Concern Auckland on 820 0184 or email alanam@ageconak.org.nz.

COUNTRY MUSIC

Eastern District Country Music Club, Wednesday, May 3, 7pm. Everyone is welcome to listen to our live music or come and sing or play an instrument. Bucklands and Eastern Beaches War Memorial Hall, Wharf Road, Bucklands Beach. Non-members $5. For more information, phone Bev 021 11 56 866.

ASTHMA NURSE EDUCATOR

Zonta Club of East Auckland invites you to join us at our din-

ner meeting at the Howick Club on Tuesday, May 6, 6pm. Our guest speaker is Ann Wheat who has worked as an asthma nurse educator with Asthma New Zealand for 20 years. In this time she has promoted best practice asthma management to patients, GPs, practice nurses, school nurses and teachers. She is a recent recipient of the respiratory lifetime service award. Do join us. For more information email eastauckland@zonta.org.

MAC SENIOR NET –PAKURANGA

Te Tuhi, 13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga, Monday, May 8, 1.30pm. One hour free presentation on using Trade Me. Learn how to buy or sell an item, resizing and loading photos on to the auction web page. Phone Janet 0212148386.

GENEALOGY

NZ Scottish interest group Research Day, Sunday, April 30, 11pm5pm, Auckland City Library, 2nd Floor, Lorne Street. Scottish group meeting, 12 noon-1pm. Speaker Helen Curreen, “The Border Reivers”. Bring own lunch, tea/coffee provided. No charge, all welcome.

FRIENDSHIP CLUB

The Howick Friendship Club will meet on Friday, April 28 at 10am at the Howick Bowling Club, Selwyn Road, Howick. Our guest speaker will be Linda Hallinan. Visitors are welcome, $5 entry fee. Women wishing to join a group of friendly ladies and make new friends and enjoy the monthly speakers and organised outings are welcome to come and visit. Phone Jan on 5366819 or Agnes on 940-1532.

Kylie Austin was a hit on the night. Photo supplied

Chair of the Howick Local Board

National to cut red tape and restart live exports

The National Party will cut red tape on the farming sector and restart the controversial practice of live animal exports if it’s elected to Government at this year’s general election.

Party leader and the MP for Botany Christopher Luxon made the announcement at a farm in Whitford on April 19.

He says National’s ‘Getting back to Farming’ policy will reverse the regulation Labour has placed on the sector since 2017.

“Labour has used regulation to declare war on farmers,” Luxon says.

“National will end that war by cutting red tape. New Zealand has the worst current account deficit in the developed world.

“If we don’t earn more from overseas, there will be consequences, like lower wages and less money to spend on the public services we all want and need.”

Luxon says National will restart the live exports of cattle by sea “with gold standard rules set in regulation to protect animal welfare and safety”.

He says the party will require purpose-built ships and introduce a certification regime for

the importers of destination countries to ensure animals live in conditions at the same standards required in New Zealand.

The Labour Government is set to end the controversial practice of live exports by sea on April 30 this year.

Luxon says farming is the

“backbone” of New Zealand’s economy.

Last year the county’s agriculture exports were worth $41 billion, or 63 per cent of all of the goods exported, he says.

“Since it was elected, Labour has introduced or changed more than 20 laws and regulations for farmers, adding extra costs on them often without any environmental gain.

“For example, wetlands are so poorly defined that farmers have to go to court to determine whether land is a paddock that can be farmed, or a protected wetland that can’t.

“National’s ‘Getting back to Farming’ package will make regulation fit for purpose.

“I want world-class regulation for our world-class farmers.”

Among the 19 changes National intends to introduce are establishing a Rural Regulation Review Panel to consider all regulations affecting farmers, require new rules to be assessed for their costs to farmers with findings published, and double the Recognised Seasonal Employer worker cap to 38,000 and create a path to residency through the Accredited Employer Work Visa.

Car gets stuck in parking mishap

A car was left in a precarious state on a busy Howick road when its driver accidentally reversed over a bollard while trying to park.

The incident unfolded in Moore Street at about 2.30pm on April 19.

When the Times visited the scene, the hatchback car was stuck with its rear elevated about a metre off the ground.

A witness said the vehicle’s driver was reversing into a space outside a store when he reversed over a bollard in front of the shop, and kept reversing until the back of his car was in the air.

Part of the car, which appeared to be its back bumper, was lying on the ground beneath the vehicle.

The witness said the driver appeared to be elderly and had been picked up by another person and left the scene.

Police attended and placed safety tape and orange traffic cones around the vehicle.

A police spokesperson says officers were called following reports of a car stuck on a bollard in Moore Street.

“It appears a person has unintentionally backed into a bollard.

“There were no reports of injuries and the vehicle was towed.”

This vehicle was accidentally reversed over a bollard in Howick on April 19. Times photo

National Party leader Christopher Luxon, left, with Donald’s Farm manager Sam Waugh and National MP Nicola Grigg during a visit to Whitford on April 19.

Photo supplied

Young rockers light up the stage

By CHRIS HARROWELL

It cannot be easy to fill the shoes of Hollywood heavyweight Jack Black, but the talented Josh Pinho rises to the occasion to deliver a memorable performance for Harlequin Musical Theatre.

Pinho plays lead character Dewey Finn in the theatre’s headbanging production of the show School of Rock , directed by Robin Lane and on now until May 6.

The production is based on the 2003 film of the same name, featuring Black as Finn, a wannabe rock star who’s booted out of his band and decides to earn money by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious US prep school.

Finn has no interest in academic work and creates his own unusual curriculum for his class, turning them into a “guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band”.

Pinho has talent equal to the role and delivers a massive performance, demonstrating not just a powerful rock music voice but also comedic timing as he mocks the characters around him for their perceived lack of coolness.

One with whom he butts heads to great amusement, and eventual romantic chemistry, is the prep school’s principal Rosalie Mullins, played by the dynamic Nicolette Nes.

She and her colleagues are understandably not sold on Finn and his unconventional teaching

methods, as he focuses more on rocking out than reading, writing, and mathematics.

The show’s cast is full of talented young performers, with the ones playing Finn’s class members throwing themselves behind his ambition to turn them into rockers and enter the Battle of the Bands competition.

What Finn lacks in teaching experience he more than makes up for with enthusiasm.

Hilarity ensues as he and his young protégés hatch a plan to escape from the school so they can get to the contest, but it’s nearly derailed by a dreaded parent-teacher night, which Finn has good reason to fear.

As well as top-notch musical theatre performances from the

entire cast and supporting band, this is a story full of positive messages.

Pinho learns he doesn’t have to live up to the “rock God” image to motivate people or to be taken seriously, Mullins learns there are different ways of teaching and learning and Finn’s trusting young pupils gain self-esteem and confidence by taking a chance and stepping outside their comfort zones.

The production is a credit to its cast and backstage crew and is not to be missed.

School of Rock plays at Harlequin Musical Theatre, 563 Pakuranga Road, Howick, until May 6.

To book, go online to www. iticket.co.nz.

Studio presents Peter Pan ballet

Howick Dance Studio is finally able to stage its next show after Covid cancellations.

They are presenting the ballet Peter Pan with 100 local students ranging in age from 5 to 25.

An in-house choreography team has brought together the dances and costumes while props have been made by vol-

unteer parents. Rehearsals commenced early this year.

The ballet will be held at the Hawkins Theatre, Papakura, on June 10, 1pm and June 11, 1pm and 5pm. Tickets are available from the Howick Dance Studio shop Wednesdays 5-7 and Saturdays 10-12 or contact principal Sharon Barber 021725180.

Howick Dance Studio is presenting the ballet Peter Pan with 100 local students ranging in age from 5 to 25. Photo supplied

The cast of School of Rock delivers a high-energy performance at Harlequin Musical Theatre.

Photo supplied Jarrod Brown

Spoil mum this Mother’s Day

Celebrate your mum this Mother’s Day by spoiling her with amazing Xtreme Beauty treatments from waxing, facials, and the massage of her choice. Or purchase a gift card for her from Xtreme Beauty Clinic and Spa.

The east Auckland business is led by award-winning director Kesh and offers a wide range of services to help everyone look and feel confident.

Kesh, who has salons at Ormiston Town Centre and in Beachlands, says they’re offering a special “Pamper Package” promotion for the month of May. The 90-minute pampering package includes a onehour Pure Fiji facial and a 30-minute relaxation massage as well as a free foot massage and wrap and a full-sized Pure Fiji product to take home. It’s just $175 and people are encouraged to book early due to demand.

“We also have gift vouchers available and people can book online or find us on Facebook,” Kesh says.

“Everyone knows mums deserve to be pampered, especially on their special day. Our Pamper Package can be for mums and daughters if they’d like to come together.

“We have a twin luxury treatment room for them to share.”

Xtreme Beauty is also offering all of its regular services to help locals make their mum feel special.

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 locally and was named Businesswoman of the Year at the 2022 Indian Newslink Business Awards. The major honour follows her having won the Retail Business of the Year Award in 2019.

It capped off a successful year for Kesh, who’s seen her business grow from strength to strength since opening her Xtreme Beauty Clinic and Spa at Botany Junction in 2015

and then relocating it to Ormiston Town Centre in 2021.

She also owns the busy Xtreme Beauty and Xtreme Barbers in Beachlands.

Her highly experienced and qualified beauty therapists offer outstanding customer service to their clients. About 30 per cent of their customers are male, and that percentage has grown in recent years.

“We cater for males, females and school kids to the elderly as well.

“All of our therapists are qualified and have more than 10 years’ experience in the beauty industry so you can relax in the trusted hands of professional therapists and technicians.”

Xtreme Beauty sells high-end products including brands such as Pure Fiji, Environ, RevitaLash, DP Dermaceuticals, O Cosmedics, and Medik8.

It offers professional services at an affordable price and while some people book their treatments in advance, others prefer to walk in.

“We do appointments as well,

mainly for clients who want to come and relax and have that time to themselves. Whatever suits that person, we do that, and we offer that personal touch in a welcoming, friendly environment.”

Many of Kesh’s clients are loyal to her business and it’s not uncommon for them to become her friends.

“We have customers who have followed me since I came to New Zealand. They found us and are still coming to our clinic, which is very rewarding.”

Xtreme Beauty is an award-winning beauty clinic offering a bespoke range of beauty treatments and services including waxing, threading, eyelash extensions, massages, facials, skin tag removal and skin needling.

They’re open late from 9am-9pm on Thursdays and Fridays and now have Afterpay available.

If you’re in search of a new beauty therapist in a clean, hygienic and professional clinic, visit Xtreme Beauty at Ormiston Town Centre and find them online.

James Donovan Solicitor

James G. Donovan L.L.B.

James Donovan Solicitors has been established for 34 years and is the oldest law firm in Howick. It represents more than 3 decades of experience in High and District Courts, and has built up an in depth knowledge of all aspects of services needed in relation to court work, conveyancing, matrimonial, traffic, family law and estates with particular reference to trusts and wills.

Experience and balanced judgement are the watch words of this practice.

Senior beauty therapist Priti (left) and owner Kesh with the latest skin scanner.

AVID PIANIST CELEBRATES 100 YEARS YOUNG Number of crime victims rises 46%

By BEN PLUMMER

Muriel Henderson, a resident of the Summerset by the Park retirement village in Flat Bush, has marked the golden milestone of 100 years.

Muriel celebrated her century surrounded by friends and family at the retirement village on Monday, March 27, a day after her birthday, where she was “spoilt rotten”.

She says her favourite present of the day was her card from the monarch King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.

One of Muriel’s two sons, Paul, says when he looks back on her 100 years, the most prolific part of her life was her love of playing the piano. “Without reaching great heights, she did very well with the piano and it’s great that she is still able to play it today.”

Born in Christchurch in 1923, Muriel began playing the piano at the age of seven and made a career out of teaching the art to others.

When asked what year she retired, Muriel laughed and said she’s not sure she ever did, still teaching music to one or two pupils every so often.

Muriel became only the third person in 17 years to turn 100 while living on her own at the Summerset in the Park retirement village. She has now been a resident there for six years.

“Everyone here is very friendly and

makes each day very entertaining,” she says.

She is often seen walking throughout the village with her trademark smile and sitting at the piano for hours at a time.

Muriel says while she doesn’t believe in a secret to a long life, she has really enjoyed living.

“I’ve lived a great life and still have a few more years left in me,” she says.

“She’s always been there for her family and helped us when we needed it, so she has been a good mum,” Paul says.

The number of Kiwis who have reported being the victim of crime has risen 46 per cent since 2017.

New police data shows victimisations have increased from 241,000 in 2017 to 350,000 in 2022, as revealed in figures released to National Party police spokesperson Mark Mitchell.

“Worse still, serious assaults resulting in injury have skyrocketed from 9800 in 2017 to 23,000 last year,” Mitchell says.

“That’s a 140 per cent increase. This is on top of the increasing number of ramraids with 886 incidents in 2022, one every 10 hours.

“A 551 per cent increase since 2018.

“These numbers are shocking. Many New Zealanders no longer feel safe in their homes and communities.”

Numerous local businesses have been targeted by thieves in the past 12 months.

They include jewellery stores, a fruit shop, alcohol stores, dairies, a sushi shop, petrol stations, a home appliance store, a pizza restaurant, a health food store, a vape store, a book shop, and the Ormiston Town Centre.

Mitchell says if National is elected at this year’s general

election on October 14 it will target repeat youth offenders by establishing a Young Serious Offender category.

The party will also set up youth military academies and fund community organisations and iwi that have a proven track record in helping young people break the cycle of offending, he says.

“National will crack down on gangs by banning gang patches, stopping gangs gathering in public and accessing firearms, and stopping offenders associating with each other.”

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced in March that Hutt South MP Ginny Anderson would become the new police minister.

She replaced Stuart Nash, who resigned the portfolio after admitting he’d asked Police Commissioner Andrew Coster in 2021 about whether police would appeal a particular court decision.

Hipkins says Anderson has

a “strong and relevant background in this important portfolio”.

She worked for the police as a non-sworn staff member for about 10 years and has chaired Parliament’s justice select committee, he says.

At a post-Cabinet press conference at the Beehive in March, Hipkins said law and order “will continue to be a key area of focus” for his Government.

He was asked by reporters about what areas he wanted Anderson to focus on in the police portfolio.

Hipkins said work around retail crime is an important area of policy, “an area where I know the public want to see the Government making good progress, and so we’ll continue to do that”.

“The focus around youth offending, making sure we’re targeting those prolific youth offenders and getting them back engaged in something more positive so ... the pattern of offending is broken.”

Reporters asked Hipkins for information on Anderson’s work when she was employed by the police.

He said he didn’t have the details in front of him but would get them.

Muriel Henderson of the Summerset by the Park retirement village celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends last month. Photo supplied

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East’s senior cop taking on new role

Counties Manukau East Police area commander, Superintendant Scott Gemmell, is leaving the role to take up a new position with police as Director: Partnerships – Tamaki Makarau (Auckland).

Gemmell replaced Inspector Wendy Spiller as east Auckland’s area commander in mid-2021. A powhiri was held at Te Kura Maori o Nga Tapuwae in south Auckland on April 19 to officially welcome Gemmell to his new role.

“It’s both a privilege and a challenge to go to work every day with the opportunity to try and add value,” says the 21-year police veteran.

Gemmell says he’s “acutely aware” of the challenges that lie ahead in his new role and he’s invigorated and energised by them.

“Positions like this don’t come up very often. It’s brand new, it’s something that you can shape and it’s very exciting.

“It’s also a natural fit for me and in keeping with who I am. I’m very relational and values-driven.”

Gemmell’s new role will see him manage a large and varied group of internal stakeholders to man-

Classical concert features award-winning young pianist

One of New Zealand’s most accomplished young musicians will take centre stage at an upcoming Manukau Symphony Orchestra concert. The orchestra is based in Pakuranga and rehearses at the Te Tuhi art gallery in Reeves Road.

Its Family Concert on May 21 will feature former Howick school pupil Shan Liu, who the orchestra’s general manager Shelley Robertson describes as an “exceptional young pianist”.

Shan has won numerous piano competitions in New Zealand and overseas.

his Solo Piano Recital Concert in Europe. All proceedings were donated to local charity organisation to support Ukrainian children and refugees.

age, as well as community, ministry, and Auckland Council leaders to form partnerships with.

He holds the police’s Auckland partnerships portfolios for Maori, Pacific and ethnic peoples, Civil Defence emergency, retail crime and Corrections.

He’s also the Auckland point of contact for partner agencies including Oranga Tamariki; health and education; the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; ACC; and Justice.

He received first prize, best performance prize and audience prize at the 2022 International Piano Competition for Young Musicians held in the Netherlands.

The teenager was also grand prize winner of the 2021-2022 Pacific Rim International Music Festival International Piano Competition, the youngest ever finalist of the 2020 NZ National Junior Piano Competition, and the youngest ever finalist of the 2022-2023 National Concerto Competition.

In April last year the Germany Beethoven International Music Festival invited him to perform

Shan has performed at the Auckland Town Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The musical showcase in Manukau in May includes the performance of works by composers including Strauss, Grieg, Puccini, Bernstein, and John Williams, among others.

“Three outstanding singers will feature also.

“From Vienna to a Galaxy far, far away, this concert has something for everyone,” Robertson says.

“This is a special discounted concert the orchestra is holding at the Due Drop Events Centre during its 30th anniversary year.

“Soloists include the astonish-

ing 13-year-old New Zealand rising star Shan Liu on piano and Tomomi Johnston, tenor saxophone, playing the world premiere of a work by New Zealand composer Adrien De Croy.

“Shan will be playing Grieg’s Piano Concerto

“A selection of well-known songs from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story and the exciting Star Wars by John Williams will round out the concert.

“Bring the whole family and enjoy our special discount, two adults and two children at $60.”

The Manukau Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert is at 5pm on May 21 at Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Manukau. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $5 for students and children.

To book tickets, visit www. manukausymphony.org.nz.

Superintendant Scott Gemmell is signing off as the officer in charge of Counties Manukau East Police.

Teenage pianist Shan Liu is set to perform with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.

Photo supplied

Chang fundraising for world games

Local athlete Natasha Chang is going to the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Europe.

In 2023, Special Olympics International will hold World Summer Games – arguably the world’s largest sport and humanitarian event in the world that year. Berlin will host more than 6500 intellectually disabled athletes from 173 countries. It is estimated that they will be supported by more than 28,000 volunteers, 2900 coaches and more than 450,000 spectators.

Chang is a member of Special Olympics Howick-Pakuranga Club. “We are so proud that she has been selected as one of the athletes to represent New Zealand in athletics at 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held from June 17-25 in Berlin,” a club spokesperson said.

Chang is 27-years-old and joined Special Olympics in 2016. “She trains hard and regularly participates in Special Olympics ribbon days and regional games in Athletics,” the club said.

She has represented Special Olympics Howick-Pakuranga at Special Olympics NZ National Games in Athletics in 2017 and 2022 winning medals and ribbons in her events.

Chang was selected for the 2022 athlete leadership training programme and graduated in September 2022. In her role as athlete leader, she is an ambassador

for Special Olympics, assists and speaks at school and club tournaments and other related events and is a valuable member of the Howick-Pakuranga athlete leadership committee.

“She is a reliable and committed Special Olympics club member and we are very excited at the wonderful opportunity she has to represent her country and experience and compete in an international sport-

Hornets fall short to Scorpions, face must-win playoff

By BEN PLUMMER

While it was more a day for ducks on Saturday, the Otara Scorpions showed everybody that they can go well in the rain too in their round two match against the Howick Hornets.

Hornets in the end, the lads never gave up.

Thanks to this attitude, Ngere crossed over for another late try in the corner, off the back of a slick, very Hornet-esque set of six to finish the game with a final score of 28-10.

ing event.”

The Howick-Pakuranga club needs to raise $15,691.00 + gst for Chang’s registration costs as a member of the Special Olympics New Zealand team. Donations towards fundraising can be made at Givealittle.

h The Givealittle link is https:// givealittle.co.nz/cause/sendnatasha-chang-to-the-specialolympics-world

PURC clean sweep Suburbs

Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC) had a successful weekend on the field, with their four top teams recording wins.

The top three teams of the club (Premier, Premier Development and U21s) made the big trip out west to Shadbolt Park to face Suburbs in an East vs West classic.

Going into the match, Suburbs topped the premier men’s table with two previous wins over Waitakere and Eden so Pakuranga had their work cut out for them.

It was a close match all game, both teams sitting on 13 points at half time

The PURC premier men have now won two games and lost one and sit comfortably in eighth place on the table, eight points ahead of Marist in ninth.

The club’s premier development side recorded a 45-17 win over their rivals while the U21s also prevailed 41-19.

These sides are now unbeaten through the first three rounds of their respective competitions and are both firmly in the top five on their tables.

The PURC U85 Black Panthers also continued their unbeaten streak, winning 15-13 in a tight match against Grammar TEC Old Boys to put them third on the table.

The Pakuranga line-up will return to Bell Park this weekend where the Premiers and Premier Development face Waitakere and

the under 21s face Grammar TEC.

The U85 Black Panthers travel to Colin Maiden Park to face the University Debt Collectors.

Junior rugby also kicks off this weekend.

PAKURANGA RUGBY RESULTS

PURC Premier Men vs Suburbs

Premier Men

Half time: Suburbs 13 – Pakuranga 13

Full time: Suburbs 16 – Pakuranga 19

PURC Premier Reserve Men vs Suburbs Premier Reserve Men

Half time: Suburbs 5 – Pakuranga 26

Full time: Suburbs 17 – Pakuranga 45

PURC U21 Men vs Suburbs U21 Men

Half time: Suburbs 12 – Pakuranga 29

Full time: Suburbs 19 – Pakuranga 41

PURC U85 Black Panthers vs Grammar TEC Old Boys

Half time: Grammar TEC 13 –Pakuranga 5

Full time: Grammar TEC 13 –Pakuranga 15

Other premier men results: Waitemata 34 – Eden 24

Grammar Tec 63 – Papatoetoe 7 Manukau Rovers 100 – Waitakere City 5 College Rifles 42 – Marist 34 University 65 – Otahuhu 8

Pakuranga Rugby Fixtures April 29

PURC Premier Men vs Waitakere Premier Men – 2:45pm (Bell Park)

PURC Premier Development Men vs Waitakere Premier Development Men – 1pm (Bell Park)

PURC U21 Men vs Grammar TEC U21 Men – 1pm (Lloyd Elsmore Park, Field 5)

PURC U85 Black Panthers vs University Debt Collectors – 1pm (Colin Maiden Park)

PURC Presidents vs Admore Marist –2:45pm (Lloyd Elsmore Park, Field 5)

This was the second round of the Auckland Rugby League Fox Memorial Premiership qualifier series.

With Howick starting fast and getting into attacking zones early on, it was Otara’s desperation in their defense and constant pressure that won the early exchanges, keeping the Hornets scoreless and forcing errors with a few copy book tackles.

Fifteen minutes in, and with momentum now very much in the home side’s favour, the Scorps didn’t waste their opportunity to post first points, going up 6-0.

Otara’s belief from this moment was evident. They remained disciplined in defence, ran hard and maintained a high completion rate for such wet conditions.

This saw them get a roll on, stacking on two further tries before the Hornets would eventually cross late in the half through reserve Nakurua Ngere.

With the score at 16-6, Howick gave away a penalty on the hooter, which in turn resulted in a sin bin and saw them go down to 12 players for the opening 10 minutes of the second half.

The penalty goal was subsequently kicked by Otara, leading into the sheds at half time with an 18-6 scoreline.

In a similar fashion to the first stanza, the Hornets came out with speed and a clear intent.

Once again though, Otara weathered the storm with their united defensive line and swung the momentum back in their favor just as Howick were returned to the full complement of 13 players.

The Scorps didn’t look back from here and they would go on to extend their lead, scoring two further converted tries, taking the score to 28-6.

While it wasn’t a day for the

Despite a loss, the Hornets will be looking to start next weekend against pool toppers and longtime famous rivals the Otahuhu Leopards in what will be an absolute unmissable game for Hornets supporters and Howick locals alike.

Should the Te Atatu Roosters win and Howick lose this weekend, it will be the first time since their inaugural year (or in 13 seasons) that the Hornets will miss the 1st division.

The talented Howick Hornets 1st division Premier Women also kick off their season this weekend at Cornwall Park against Manukau Magpies.

FOX MEMORIAL QUALIFIER SERIES RESULTS

Howick Hornets vs Otara

Scorpions

Half Time: Howick 6 – Otara 18

Full Time: Howick 10 – Otara 28

Tries: Nukurua Ngere (2)

Conversion(s): Drew Radich

Pakuranga Jaguars vs Mangere

East Hawks

Half Time: Pakuranga 0 –

Mangere 10

Full Time: Pakuranga 10 –Mangere 30

OTHER FIXTURES

Manukau Magpies 12 – Point

Chevalier Pirates 24

Mount Albert Lions 16 – Bay

Roskill Vikings 32

Hibiscus Coast Raiders 18 –Richmond Rovers 24

Northcote Tigers 12 – Glenora Bears 34

Papakura Sea Eagles 22 – Marist Saints 24

Te Atatu Roosters 28 – Otahuhu

Leopards 38

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Round 3, Pool A, Fox Memorial Qualifier Series – Pakuranga Jaguars Premier Men VS Manukau Magpies Premier Men at Ti Rakau Park – Saturday April 29, 2.30pm.

Round 3, Pool D, Fox Memorial Qualifier Series – Howick Hornets

Premier Men VS Otahuhu

Leopards Premier Men at Paparoa Park – Saturday April 29, 2.30pm.

Natasha Chang, right, will represent New Zealand in athletics at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Germany. She is pictured here with teammates David Monaghan and Leon Peauafi. Photo supplied

The Howick Hornets face a must win scenario against top-of-the-table Otahuhu Leopards to make the First Division of the Fox Memorial Premiership. Graham Alderton Photography

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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 ommission, negligence, system or press failure, mistake, misclassification, early, late or non insertion of advertisement 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 cancellation number must be obtained from us. Times Newspaper Limited, 10 Central Terrace, Howick (behind Rice’s Mall) www.times.co.nz

Howick Local Board meetings

Meetings will be held on Thursday 11 May, 2.15pm and Thursday 18 May, 12pm. The venue is Pakuranga Library Complex, 7 Aylesbury St, Pakuranga. Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Dimock claims title in NZ U18 double sculls

Rower James Dimock, 16, of Macleans College, and Josh Yeoman, 16, St Peter’s School, Cambridge, have taken out the Under-18 Double Sculls in the North v South Rowing Regatta by 1.5 boat lengths at Lake Karapiro.

Dimock was one of the four scullers selected for the U18 North Island Rowing Team.

On Wednesday [April 19], Dimock and Yeoman won the event in style. They raced the two best rowers from the South Island and beat them by 5 seconds.

This makes this combination the fastest under 18 double scull rowers in NZ.

Dimock was selected as one of the fastest U18 rowers in the North Island double trials.

This is Dimock’s third win at national level. In 2022, Dimock, with his school and club double scull partner Logan Turrall, won the National Championships U16 double scull, and weeks later also won the U16 Double Scull at the prestigious Maadi Cup 2022.

“I live and breathe rowing and I’m so happy to have had the privi-

lege of being selected for the U18 North Island Rowing Team,” said Dimock.

“Next year I hope to try for the North Island U19 rowing team.”

Dimock’s parents David Dimock and Hollie O’Neill-McLean said their son has again risen to national level through his exceptional discipline and positive attitude.

“We take the boys to rowing training three to four times a week at 5:30am and have never had to wake James up as he is so eager

to get on the water with his teammates,” they said.

“He also trains up to right times a week on the erg (rowing machine) or weight training at Howick’s local gym. His hard work and determination to achieve his rowing goals never cease to amaze us.

“We have also witnessed James and Logan Turrall [also from Macleans College] after a loss bouncing back immediately, discussing their strategy for improvement. These are qualities of fine sportsmanship and we couldn’t be

more proud of our son.”

O’Neill-McLean said the gold medals at national level are “a bonus” but what she has enjoyed most about his rowing with Macleans College are the friendships he has established within the squad and the mentoring of older to younger students which has been empowering for all.

“We are fortunate that Macleans College offer their school rowing programme,” she said.

“The high calibre coaches, school teachers and parent volunteers who all make rowing at a young age possible are to be commended. Macleans College offers a learn-torow programme to novices each year in August/September. This is how James started out three seasons ago,” O’Neill-McLean said.

“I strongly encourage anyone even slightly interested to give rowing a go, a physically demanding sport that can have powerful intrinsic benefits for our community of young people.”

Meanwhile, Dimock and Turrall teamed with Saint Peters boys Josh

McClintock

Youngster dominates in first year of athletics

By BEN PLUMMER

Year 9 Pakuranga College student

Jordan Viljoen has dominated in her first season of athletics, racking up 26 medals.

The 13-year-old has been at the east Auckland school for only one term and has already made a name for herself, being crowned the junior girls champion athlete and at the college’s athletics day.

Jordan says after constantly doing well at previous athletics days, she decided to dedicate more

time to training and competing for the Pakuranga Athletic Club to learn proper techniques and improve. And that she has, winning 26 medals in her introductory season.

Jordan has competed and prevailed in many high-profile competitions this season, including the U15 Interprovincial Challenge, College Sport Auckland CEW Zone Athletics and East, West and Central Zones.

With her impressive results at the U15 Interprovincial Challenge,

CHURCH SERVICES

Jordan was awarded the most improved female athlete, bronze for most points scored and the 5-star award.

Her most recent medals, however, came at the College Sport Auckland Athletics Championships, which saw her competing against college athletes city-wide. She topped the junior girls’ competition in long jump and high jump, with a personal best of 1.50 metres.

Jordan says her favourite track and field event is high jump, which

BOARD MEMBER TREASURER

This is a voluntary position, there is no remuneration. The Board is seeking a person who is committed to working in a charitable trust environment. PHBS is governed by a board of six elected members.

We are looking for a replacement of our Treasurer to join the board at PHBS. The purpose of the role is to oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and to see that we comply with the appropriate legal and financial requirements in law. We employ an external accountant who attends to the monthly financial processes.

There are 9-12 meetings per year of approximately two hours duration. The Board employs a part time service manager and three financial mentors. Our umbrella organisation is FinCap and as such we have a major role in building financial capability, budgeting skills and assisting those facing financial hardship. This is a rewarding community position for those looking to further or commence a governance position.

Enquiries for this opportunity please contact: Megan Dangen Email: manager@phbs.org.nz Phone:

also happens to be her strongest. “So far, I’m really loving taking athletics more seriously and hopefully one day I’ll be able to push for higher honours,” she says.

Pakuranga Athletic Club president Mike Trathen says it has been great to watch Jordan’s development this season.

“Her progress is a great example of what can be achieved through effort, motivation and taking advantage of all opportunities the club has offered, both with coaching and competition,” he says.

Looking for reliable people wanting to earn some extra cash delivering our award-winning newspaper once a week, every Wednesday. You must be physically capable to deliver the paper every week — rain, hail or shine.

Our papers are delivered to the Pohutakawa Coast, Botany, Ormiston, Howick, Mellons Bay, Pakuranga, Bucklands Beach, Farm Cove and surrounding areas. Walkers required in all areas but particularly Howick, Cockle Bay

Yeoman and Harry

in the North v South boys’ U18 Coxed Quad Sculls losing by a seat. Turrall was beaten in his Under 18 single race.

Digging deep in the North v South boys’ U18 Coxed Quad Sculls are, left to right, Harry McClintock (stroke), Josh Yeoman, James Dimock and Logan Turrall. Photos artofrowing.nz

James Dimock, left, and Josh Yeoman.

Jordan Viljoen

Montreal mixed relay team named

The Kiwi sextuple for the first of World Triathlon’s four key mixed relay (MR) races in 2023 has been named as the sport speeds towards next year’s Paris Olympic Games. The squad includes Howick-raised Ainsley Thorpe.

Hayden Wilde, Nicole van der Kaay, Tayler Reid, Thorpe, Dylan McCullough and Olivia Thornbury have been selected to race at World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS)-Montreal on June 25. The six will be whittled down to four for the mixed relay, at the discretion of the Tri NZ selection panel, after the individual sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) races in the Canadian city the previous day.

The announcement comes after a historic day for Kiwi triathlon at World Cup New Plymouth on March 26 with Wilde-Reid and van der Kaay-Thorpe claiming a goldsilver double.

McCullough came close to giving NZL a clean sweep of the male podium with a close 4th in Taranaki while Otago Medical School student Thornbury was the next best Kiwi female in 9th after earlier top 5s at Oceania Cup sprints in Wanaka and Taupo. Montreal is the fourth of seven

WTCS events in 2023. World Triathlon’s premier individual series has three mixed relays tagged to it in 2023: Montreal (June 25), Hamburg (July 16) and Sunderland (July 30). There

will also be a mixed relay dress rehearsal on the final day of the August 17-20 Paris Olympic test event.

Hamburg doubles as the World Triathlon Sprint and Relay

BRAINSTORM TUITION

Director Bill Porter B.A. M.Phil (Hons) Auckland University

Championship and has long been targeted by Tri NZ as a key date on the global calendar with an eye to the XXXIII Olympiad. With an automatic spot in the relay at Paris ‘24 up for grabs, and two male and two female spots for the individual races as a result, the Hamburg relay will be one of the most intensely fought races of the year.

For context, the winning team from last year’s World Triathlon Sprint and Relay Championship, coincidently staged in Montreal, was France. As hosts, they’re already locked in for Paris ’24, meaning the available Olympic qualification spot rolled down to second-placed Great Britain. As a consequence, the highest-placed team in Hamburg this July, discounting France and GRB – even if they were to occupy the top two steps of the podium – will qualify for Paris.

If NZL cannot snare that spot in Germany, the key is to be inside the top six nations in the World Triathlon Mixed Relay Qualification Rankings at the March 25, 2024 cut-off, again disregarding France, GBR and whichever nation qualifies in Hamburg.

NZL are currently seventh behind GBR, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and the

United States and will look to bolster that position of relative comfort, in addition to working on team tactics, in Montreal.

Anything can happen in sport and especially in triathlon’s rapid-fire male-female-malefemale team races, as evidenced at the Oceania Mixed Relay Championship held on the sidelines of Oceania Cup Taupo in February. There, the NZL 1 team of McCullough, Thorpe, Reid and van der Kaay were on track to win only for Reid to cruelly puncture on the penultimate leg. The NZL II team of Janus Staufenberg, Thornbury, Trent Thorpe and Brea Roderick duly capitalised to clinch the title ahead of Australia. Wilde, van der Kaay, Reid and the recently retired Andrea Hansen were 4th at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July, the last major mixed relay New Zealand competed in. Before that, NZL finished 4th and 5th at last year’s World Sprint and Relay Championship in Montreal and WTCS Hamburg respectively. New Zealand has only won once at elite mixed relay level, the final event of the then ITU World Triathlon MR Series in Edmonton, Canada in July 2019. That team? Wilde, van der Kaay, Reid and Thorpe.

TEACHING STYLE:

Our rst goal is to help the students understand what is going on in class so that they can take an interest in it and not feel embarrassed. is usually involves giving them some background in the fundamentals of the topic and setting homework so that they gain con dence and don’t forget how to do it by the next week. If they are ok with what is happening in class we can then cover any other topics which they had trouble with previously. Once all that is done we can start looking at exam papers and learning some exam techniques.

SOME AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS

BY OUR STUDENTS:

Anonymous – $20,000 scholarship to Auckland University

Han – top of class for scholarship Maths

Dulina – A2 level mocks 72/75 pure Maths 45/50 stats (from year 12)

Jacob – 97% for A2 statistics mock exam

Jessaein – A pass for Macleans Certificate

Yousef – 100% for year 8 number – 39/40 for algebra

Grace – 85% for A2 Cambridge mid-year Physics exam

Milan – Excellence for year 12 Chemistry Mock exam

Gabriella – 87% for year 11 IG Physics

Dhrov – 91 % for Milestone on Science year 9

Arika – “has been getting 100% in Maths” – high excellence

Svasti – top of class with 90%

Rachel – excellent for number internal

Maaka – Graduated BSc in Computer science

Rachel – excellent for number internal

Aiden – 84% year 10 accelerated Maths

Vani – 45% to 73% for science in 1 term

Zack – Excellent for English mock exam level 2

Emily – Excellent for year 13 integration mock exam

Marcus – 71% -up from 26% earlier in the year for AS Maths

Shreyas – 87% up from 67% earlier in the year for AS Maths

SOME COMMENTS FROM PARENTS AND STUDENTS:

“Really good teaching practice and really helped boost my grades up from failing Cambridge to confidently succeeding. They offer tutoring in a wide range of subjects at different levels, which helped me in several subjects. Would HIGHLY recommend for anyone struggling or looking to boost their NCEA OR Cambridge marks. Very friendly and supportive people. Thanks for all the help Brainstorm!!”

Marianne: “Thanks for the love and effort with the kids. They really seem to enjoy going to class. Amazing family environment, a shared space. Promotes learning.”

After one lesson: “Carly is already positive, which is amazing” For a complete list, go to www.brainstormtuition.com

TESTIMONIALS:

“An update on Jaimee: She got Level 2 Math Endorsed with Merit, which she wouldn’t have achieved without the work you did with her. She is maintaining Merit for her topic tests and internals so far this year, she feels it is because you gave her a solid foundation last year which has taken her well into this year.”

“Thank you very much for your fabulous knowledge” –Emma’s mum

“Thank you for your help all these years, I would have died otherwise.”

For a complete list, go to www.brainstormtuition.com

We use the “Socratic” method of teaching wherein we mostly keep asking questions until the light dawns. (We love that moment when a smile slowly spreads across their face and we know that they have got it.) When students feel that they are working something out for themselves it keeps them more involved and they remember it for longer. If we think of the mind as a muscle, it also strengthens that muscle for when it is needed in exams, e ectively increasing their IQ. Hence the comment of one of my students that: “Mr Porter explains things well and makes it fun!”

Up to year 11:

Casual $90 per lesson

5 lessons $400

10 lessons $750

40 lessons $2800

Year 12 and 13*:

Casual $100 per lesson

5 lessons $450

10 lessons $850

40 lessons $3200

Fees must be paid in advance. All lessons are for 2 hours

* is rate applies to ANY students studying at year 12 or above, including accelerated year 11 students

Term Times:

Monday to Friday: 3.30pm-5.30pm Sunday: 1pm-3pm

LOCATION: 35 Macleans Rd opposite Macleans College

Tri time, from left, Hayden Wilde, Ainsley Thorpe, Nicole van der Kaay and Tayler Reid.

Photo Tri NZ

ENJOY THE EVERYDAY WITH FINANCIAL CERTAINTY

FINANCIAL TERMS TO PROTECT YOU

When you join a Ryman village, the last thing you want to think about are your finances. From the day you move in, you’ll know how much you’re paying and what’s guaranteed to be paid back when you move out.

We know how important it is for you to have certainty regarding your living costs.

*Some conditions apply

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee Deferred Management Fee

Our deferred management fee is one of the lowest in the sector.

Our range of Peace of Mind Guarantees gives you the certainty to just enjoy life and focus on the things you want to.

From day one, you can feel confident knowing that you have our 90-day money-back guarantee* in case you find village life isn’t for you.

Our fixed base weekly fee* is another way for you to enjoy financial freedom. Your base fee is fixed for you and is set and forget, leaving you to enjoy the everyday.

No Hidden Costs

There are no hidden costs when you move in or out of your home at Ryman.

We’re so confident you’ll be happy with your decision to move to Ryman, we will provide you with a 90-day money-back guarantee.*

*Some conditions apply

The finance, the numbers, they all stacked up & compared very favourably.

IAN

When you’re moving into your new home, you won’t be surprised by any hidden costs, and when you move out, our deferred management fee is one of the lowest in the sector and covers all the refurbishment and marketing of your home.

Joining Ryman offers you financial certainty, so you can just focus on enjoying the exciting everyday of life.

Speak with our friendly team to find out more about financial certainty today.

CALL 0800 000 290 SEARCH RYMAN CERTAINTY