Times - 28 June 2023

LOVING PAIR REMEMBERED AS GENEROUS

By CHRIS HARROWELL

The couple who died in a recent crash on a busy east Auckland road are being remembered as kindhearted people who always had time for others.

David and Jill McArthur, who were in their 80s, died following a collision between the vehicle they were in and another car at about 2.42pm on May 31 in Botany.

One of their beloved pet dogs, Misty Rose, was killed in the crash on Botany Road also. A second dog in their vehicle was taken to a local veterinary clinic.

The couple’s death notice in the NZ Herald newspaper describes them as dearly loved parents, devoted grandparents, and “amazing artists, gardeners and respected members of their Botany community”.

They’d been married for 54 years. A police investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The popular couple were well known in east Auckland.

Both had studied under accomplished local art tutor Tony Clarke, of TC Fine Art in Pakuranga.

“Jill did something like 15 years with me,” Clarke told the Times. “I think she just walked in one day, looked around the class and said ‘I’d like to do this’, and that was it.

“David came for maybe three or four terms. He was an oil painter. He took on some of the techniques, modified them into the oils, and did his own thing, but Jill stayed on.”

Clarke says David’s paintings were very luminous and had a lovely quality, while Jill enjoyed painting subjects such as animals and birds.

“She had a big love of those

things but they could both paint anything,” he says.

“They were both very skilful. Both she and David won a lot of prizes.”

Clarke remembers Jill for being gracious toward newcomers in his classes. “If I had a new student she would be the first to welcome them and talk to them. And if we had a cup of tea she’d be the first one getting to know them and showing them what she’s done.

“Jill would always reassure the person. She’d say, ‘Come along, you’ll enjoy it, we have a great crowd.

“She was really nice in that way, really open-hearted and warm. They were just lovely people, both of them.”

Clarke says David loved to laugh and would joke with the art students when he arrived to pick Jill up from class.

 Continued on page 5

Jill McArthur studied under local art tutor Tony Clarke for more than a decade; inset, her husband David McArthur.

WE ARE LOCAL

A memoir of collecting, writing and ups and downs

Aformer teacher and psychologist, Jennifer Beck, has published a memoir, Bits of StringTooShorttoUse

The book comes out on August 20.

Beck, from Howick, has written a large number of educational children’s books, translated and sold internationally. She is also the author of many children’s picture books, most of which have won awards.

Her newest book looks at her life as a series of ‘bits’, memorable episodes which, when joined together, form a pattern both fascinating and thought-provoking.

From early life in an unusual rural community, she describes growing up in a large family with money troubles, limited educational opportunities, a lovable but somewhat eccentric father and a determination to follow dreams. These led to early experiences as a teacher and extensive overseas travel.

As budget travel meant hitchhiking, risks were taken which led to being stranded north of the Arctic Circle, avoiding sunstroke

TIMESWORD

PUZZLE NO. 8116

a lonely roadside in Greece and, later, travelling overland on an unreliable old bus from London to Sri Lanka.

So many adventures, followed by new experiences back home. These include romance, weddings, a surprise pregnancy and establishing a successful transport business from a phone in the kitchen. Not easy while breastfeeding a baby and trying to watch out for another young child while trucks reversed around the house. Being housebound in the 1960s led to extramural study towards completing a university degree and a

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1. What the go-ahead killer used? (4,9).

8. Crow for a time after the gaol-break (5).

9. Send up a lot too high (7).

10. Not working, stand about at the confectioner’s (6).

11. Not a mobile home for animals! (6).

12. A chest made of solid wood! (5).

14. Sort out and pack for Edgar (5).

18. See and read about and prepare to have another shot at (6).

20. It’s wonderful being a clergyman! (6).

23. Help but sulk about having contributed finacially to (4,3).

24. Notice also, we’re told, and have something done about (3,2).

25. Accept matters, but don’t wait to be fired (6,7).

1. It’s fair, with sun, when one disembarks (6).

2. A twit standing up apart from the others (5).

3. Talk of a northern motif (7).

4. It’s used on board to make things shipshape! (4).

QUICK CLUES

ACROSS

1. Jewell (7,6)

8. Board game (5)

9. Interest (7)

10. Communication (6)

11. Tranquillise (6)

12. Gloss (5)

14. Twist (5)

18. Vehicle (6)

20. Brace (6)

23. Result (7)

24. Choose (5)

25. Amnesty (7,6)

DOWN

1. Manageable (6)

2. Spy (5)

3. Indecent (7)

4. Fish (4)

5. Wash out (5)

6. Work (7)

7. Impede (6)

13. Encourage (7)

15. Disease (7)

16. Crowd (6)

17. Defeated (6)

19. Scrub (5)

21. Beg (5)

22. Repast (4)

THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TIDES

5. On time: that’s clear (5).

6. Drank one before the doctor got one to bed (7).

7. Go hither and thither to acquire the contraption (6).

13. With the right friends, regains strength (7).

15. A new edition about children (7).

16. “For” and “through” are both right (6).

17. Notice to be bad and get rid of (3,3).

19. A desire to be with one (5).

21. She’s out to get Ernie (5).

22. Name of the tot running round (4).

SUDOKU

lifetime interest in collecting antiques and restoring furniture. Restoration was also an interest of husband Peter, who dismantled a historic vintage plane and stored it in bits under the house before eventually restoring it.

After giving birth to another two children in the 1980s, a new career as a writer for children and adults began, with many years of involvement in New Zealand’s literary scene.

The memoir includes behind-the-scenes encounters with writers such as Margaret Mahy, Fiona Kidman and Dorothy Butler.

Despite the traumatic loss of several loved family members and the challenges of ageing, this love of writing has continued, culminating in this memoir.

 Bits of String Too Short to Use by Jennifer Beck

 Published by Mary Egan Publishing, August 20, 2023, RRP $40.

Councillors fear IMSB will colour consultation

By LAURA KVIGSTAD, Auckland

Council

reporter

funded by New Zealand on Air

Councillors fear the public’s lack of awareness about the Independent Māori Statutory Board could colour consultation of Maori seats at Auckland Council.

Auckland Council is going out for consultation to see if Aucklanders support designated Māori seats on council’s Governing Body. At the Governing Body meeting on June 22, councillors approved the consultation document but several councillors raised concerns about mentioning the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) in the material.

The IMSB is an appointed body that is independent and legislatively required for council to have. The board has voting rights with up to two seats on council committees however it does not have a seat on the Governing Body.

Cr Alf Filipaina put forward an amendment originally to remove any mention of the IMSB but later to note that council was not seeking feedback on the IMSB. Several councillors disagreed with excluding the IMSB from the consultation document.Filipaina’s amendment was lost with nine votes in favour and 12 against. Consultation on the matter is set to begin in August.

Jennifer Beck’s new book Bits of String Too Short to Use is out on August 20. Images supplied on

Oaken development comes to ex-police site

By CHRIS HARROWELL

The first stage of the property development planned for the site of the former Howick Police station is expected to be completed by October next year.

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

The land contains the empty building that served as the Counties Manukau East Police headquarters before construction of the current police HQ in Ormiston Road, Flat Bush.

Prior to being used by police the building was the Howick Borough Council Chambers.

The small portable building used as the Howick Police station, accessed from Fencible Drive, was removed from the site in early 2022.

Auckland-based residential developers D3 Development has purchased the land and plans to build 31 two–and three-bedroom townhouses on it.

The development is named The Oaken Residences.

A large timber wall featuring a rendition of how the completed project will look was recently erected at the site.

Construction will start in September this year with a target completion date for stage one of October 2024.

D3 director Scott Illingworth says it will enhance the community while providing highquality houses at an affordable price point. “The Oaken Residences support the Howick village vision for an attractive, lively and walkable village that celebrates its history and provides a strong sense of identity and community.

“Our townhouses are architecturally designed to reflect the aesthetics of Howick using form, scale, and quality materials that complement the his-

torical village and will stand the test of time.”

Illingworth says D3 is working closely with Eke Panuku to ensure the development meets the essential design outcomes stipulated as part of the sales agreement, including those related to the Howick Village Centre Plan, parking and access, density, sustainability, and design.

He says D3 is passionate about delivering sustainable brandnew homes that make everyday living stress-free.

“The Oaken Residences will be highly liveable, well connected to public transport links and local amenities, have excellent energy efficiency, and the option for bike parking and composting.

“We believe they will be an

asset to the Howick community.”

Illingworth previously told the Times the company’s plans require the removal of the existing dilapidated and unsafe building, which was “no longer weather-tight, but is earthquake prone and constructed from hazardous materials. We’re looking forward to delivering a quality residential project for the Howick village,” he says.

Harcourts Howick and Pakuranga is marketing the properties for sale and according to its website they’re priced from $1,250,000. “Oaken Residences is a place to call home for all stages and ages, offering relaxed village living within a familyfriendly neighbourhood and a wonderful community vibe,” the website states.

“Genuinely a minute’s walk from the middle of Howick village, alive with its popular cafés, restaurants, boutique shopping, Monterey Cinema, the famous Saturday morning markets, public transport, supermarket, medical centres, pharmacies, parks, bowling club, [and] tennis club.”

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

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

A boating association is calling for help from the Hauraki Gulf Forum as fears around hardstands closing across Auckland fall on deaf ears at Auckland Council.

In the past year, six hardstands have reduced their hull cleaning capacity, with three shutting their doors entirely. Boats are a primary way for pests to spread in Auckland waters and, with cleaning capacity reduced, boats will need to travel further for cleaning. This could result in pests being dragged for longer distances.

At the Hauraki Gulf Forum on June 12, Auckland Yacht and Boating Association representative Andrew Barney asked for help from the forum.

“We are losing cleaning capacity and Auckland Council has not identified this death by a thousand cuts,” Barney said.

He said the association’s public input at a council committee and a meeting with Mayor Wayne Brown were both declined. “We seem to be the only organisation aware of this risk.”

“As a not-for-profit we are out of cash and we are losing – we feel we are fighting on our own here. I believe Auckland Council has walked away from its role on biosecurity.”

Co-chair Toby Adams said, “There are not enough haul-outs now –even in winter I struggle to get an appointment.”

An artist’s rendition of how The Oaken Residences in Howick will look upon completion. Image supplied

‘Council drops its biosecurity responsibilities’

Your Local Experts In Your Local Paper

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Tribute to arty Botany couple Gangs will face tougher consequences under Nats

National will make membership of a gang an aggravating factor when it comes to sentencing, so gang members convicted of an offence face tougher consequences for their crimes, National Party Leader Christopher Luxon says.

“Gangs have been an unwelcome part of New Zealand’s criminal landscape for decades, but in recent years, their numbers and the level of violence they perpetrate have seen a significant and alarming rise,” says Luxon, the MP for Botany.

“Just this week we have seen gang members effectively take control of the town Ōpōtiki, forcing schools to close and bus services to be cancelled. This is unacceptable.

“Since Labour took office in 2017, New Zealand has witnessed a staggering 66 per cent increase in gang membership, amounting to more than 3500

new members, Luxon says.

“New Zealand now has 8900 gang members, compared to 10,700 frontline police officers. Alarmingly, gangs are now recruiting around twice as fast as the police, and in five police districts there are now more gang members than police officers.

“These gangs pose a grave threat to New Zealand society. They thrive by preying on the most vulnerable individuals, peddling addiction, intimidation, and widespread misery wherever they set up shop.

“That is why a National government I lead will make gang membership an aggravating factor in sentencing so that gang members will face tougher consequences for their crimes.

“Aggravating factors acknowledge that, in some cases, the circumstances surrounding a crime may inflict greater harm upon their vic-

tims and so warrant stronger sentences.

“National believes the visible presence of gangs in communities can lead to prolonged fear and intimidation for victims who have suffered at the hands of gang-related offences.

“By making gang membership an aggravating factor, judges will be required to consider this when determining a sentence. In practice, it means offenders who are known members of criminal gangs will likely face tougher sentences for crime.

“National’s message is clear: If you choose to align yourself with a criminal gang and engage in criminal activities, you will face more severe consequences.”

Luxon says this is another initiative that will help restore law and order to New Zealand, along with a range of solutions National has already

announced, including:

„ Banning gang patches in public places.

„ Allowing police to issue dispersal notices where gang members come together in public to intimidate, threaten and sometimes assault members of the public.

„ Giving police non-association powers to prevent gang members from communicating and planning criminal activity.

„ Giving police the warrantless search powers they need to take the guns out of the hands of violent armed gang members which has contributed to the worst gun violence seen in New Zealand.

„ Cracking down on serious youth offenders by creating young offender military academies.

„ Simeon Brown comments, p8

TRIO CHARGED OVER BURGLARY

Police have charged three people in relation to an alleged aggravated burglary in Eastern Beach. The incident happened at

a property on The Esplanade on June 11.

A police spokesperson says officers responded to reports of an incident at

about 8.30am. Two men and one woman were found leaving the scene and taken into custody. The trio are aged between

40 and 51 years old. They appeared in the Manukau District Court and are due to reappear next month.

h From page 1

The couple’s beloved dogs were one of her favourite topics of conversation. “She talked about their dogs all the time,” Clarke says.

“Jill loved her dogs. She belonged to the dog-walking club and the beagle club when they had beagles.

“She showed me her new dog and she would bring him in.

“There were four beagles at the funeral and they brought them into the church.

“Jill would have loved that and thought it was so cool.”

He says her presence will be missed at his art classes.

“She was a steadying influence, just quiet and thoughtful.

“The sort of person who sits quietly but is open to everybody and not closed off.

“We had a class the week after it [the crash] happened. It was markedly quiet.

“Everybody got on with their work and there was sort of a presence there. It was really nice.

“Jill was the sort of person who would just get on with her work.

“She wouldn’t talk while she was working, but when she had a cup of tea she would talk with everybody.”

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IN AND AROUND HOWICK VILLAGE for

Holiday activities at Polish Museum

Coming up in July

the Polish Heritage Trust Museum at 125 Elliot Street has two family workshops during the school holidays and an exhibition linked to the East Auckland Art Trail and the Polish Parliament Year at the Polish Museum in Howick.

Exhibition: Polish Comics and their Creators. July 2-16 or book your own group time.

Comics were outlawed as a ‘demoralising Western influence’ from 1947-57 in Eastern Bloc Poland.

Find out about the fight for publication freedom

by graphic illustrators and authors as well as a survey of their works.

Museum entry is by donation. Groups by prior booking (small fee). Also available as a presentation for booked groups on a date to suit.

Workshop: Polish Comics. July 6 from 10am12pm or book your own group time.

An educational presentation and activity for the school holidays. Learn about the creators, stories and history of Polish comics. Make comic character craftwork to take home. For ages 5-adult. $10

per person, includes craft materials.

Workshop: Astronomer Copernicus. July 9 from 2pm-4pm or book your own group time.

An educational presentation and activity for the school holidays. Learn about the scientific work and discoveries of Copernicus in this 550th year of his birth anniversary.

Create a model of the heliocentric solar system to take home. For ages 6-adult. $10 per person, includes craft materials.

 To book, phone 533 3530 or email phtmuseum@outlook.com.

HUNDREDS TURN OUT TO MATARIKI CELEBRATION

East Auckland has been treated to a unique cultural celebration held to celebrate the Maori New Year.

The Matariki Festival was staged at O Wairoa Marae, beside Uxbridge Arts and Culture, in Howick on June 17.

The free community event was run by the Te Tuhi art gallery in Pakuranga

EAST AUCKLAND’S BEST

RADIO STATION

and featured a barbecue, storytelling, cultural performances, traditional and contemporary activities and numerous workshops.

Several hundred people packed into the theatre at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in the afternoon to be entertained by talented kapa haka teams from local schools includ-

ing Wakaaranga Primary School, which closed out the day.

The festival was presented by O Wairoa Marae, Te Tuhi, Arts Out East, International Women’s Association of New Zealand – Te Huinga Wahine Manatopu o Aotearoa, Uxbridge Arts and Culture, and Howick Library.

10am-3pm | Tuesday 4th – Thursday 6th July Howick Information Centre

All funds raised from the ‘Book-a-rama’ sale will go back into our beloved Howick community. Let’s come together to make a difference and inspire a love for reading in our kids. Donations of good quality books, stationery, complete puzzles and games can be dropped to the collection bins at Howick Village Optometrists or HVA offices.

JH18180

Wakaaranga Primary School’s talented kapa haka team entertained the audience at the Matariki Festival in Howick. Times photo

‘We will restore law and order’

Labour’s soft approach to crime has left too many Kiwis in fear within their own homes and communities, and National has made it a priority to restore law and order in New Zealand.

Cuppa tea for MND

June has been set aside as a special month for fundraising for Motor Neuron Disease.

Suggestions for help to raise these funds were for an ice bucket challenge or a cuppa tea for MND.

Rainbow Ringers of Howick had a fundraising afternoon tea, after their normal weekly practice on June 6 hosted by Barbara Gauld, one of the musical directors, whose daughter was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year.

Barbara was delighted with the ready agreement by their small group of bell ringers to support the event and even more delighted with their generous contribution for what turned out to be not only a tasty afternoon tea but with the bonus of a happy social event for the group as well.

The result was a $650 donation for The Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand Charitable Trust to be used

for research and support for MND sufferers.

Motor Neurone Disease can be very aggressive and at this stage there is no cure. The median survival time is 18 months. At this stage, Barbara told the group, Natalie, her daughter who works domestically and internationally as a research pharmacist, is still working, albeit reduced hours and is feeling lucky her condition is slow progressing.

Rainbow Ringers have recently performed in four local concerts and have been active in the community for almost 40 years.

The ringers meet to practice weekly on Mondays for two hours and welcome enquiries about becoming a ringer or for those wishing to arrange a concert.

Contact Ann at 021 434 758 or annday06@gmail.com or Brenda at 022 092 0044, bclaridge@orcon.net.nz.

Since Labour took office in 2017, violent crime has increased by 33 per cent while gang numbers have increased by 66 per cent. We saw this clearly illustrated when the town of Ōpōtiki was recently forced to close down because of a gang funeral.

National believes it is unacceptable that whole communities, like ours in Pakuranga, must bow to the illegal whims of criminals to the point where children are prevented from going to school.

Our message is clear - if you choose to engage in criminal activities or align yourself with a gang, you will face more severe consequences.

Over the weekend, National announced a raft of policies to ensure that there are real consequences for crime.

National will limit the ability of judges to reduce sentences by a maximum discount of 40 per cent. We have seen too many serious offenders given light sentences, with some

seeing more than half their potential sentence reduced, which simply isn’t fair to their victims.

National will restore the Three Strikes law to ensure the most serious offenders are kept behind bars.

National will stop taxpayers’ funding being used to pay for ‘cultural reports’ which are used to reduce offenders sentences and reprioritise that funding to support victims of crime instead.

National will prioritise rehabilitation within our prisons by ensuring remand prisoners have access to rehabilitation programmes in prison that they cannot currently take part in. Around a quarter of all prisoners serve their entire sentence on remand, so it makes sense to use that time to address underlying causes of offending.

These policies come on top of other policies we have already announced to help restore law and order in New Zealand.

National will crack down on serious youth offenders by creating young offender military academies, to provide them with discipline, mentoring and intensive rehabilitation.

National will also take a

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

tougher stance on gangs and gang violence by banning gang patches in public places and allowing police to issue dispersal notices when gang members come together in public to intimidate, threaten and sometimes assault members of the public.

Police will be given greater powers to prevent gangs from communicating and planning criminal activity as well as warrantless search powers to take guns out of the hands of the most violent gang members.

Finally, we will make membership of a gang an aggravating factor when it comes to sentencing, so gang members convicted of an offence face tougher consequences for their crimes.

Under a National-led government, New Zealand will be a safer place to live and raise a family, and violent crime will not be tolerated.

You can read about our law and order policies in greater detail at our website, www. national.org.nz/plan.

The Rainbow Ringers raised $650 for the Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand Charitable Trust. Photo supplied

Messy berms making area ‘look rundown’

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Grass berms are getting scruffy in parts of east Auckland and residents want something done about it.

Bucklands and Eastern Beaches Ratepayers and Residents Association committee member Simon Austin says the length of berms on public and private land makes the community look uncared for.

With some also overgrowing the edge of kerbs, there’s a risk they could cause stormwater drains to become blocked, leading to flooding during a heavy downpour.

“The issue is the general untidiness of the area,” Austin says.

“Auckland Council services aren’t keeping up their end in terms of maintaining areas that are council land around bus stops, power boxes and roundabouts.

“I think there needs to be a joint effort between residents and the council and I don’t think the council is doing their part on a regular basis.

“They’re doing it intermittently but we’re getting this patchwork of untidiness around the area.”

The grass on council land near a pedestrian crossing

on Bucklands Beach Road is almost knee-height, and there are numerous other spots in the suburb that are just as bad.

Austin says he’s spoken to former residents who have returned to the area and were surprised at how untidy it’s become.

“The area that really concerns me is the corridor leading into Bucklands Beach and Eastern Beach, as it’s very untidy.

“That’s an important road as it gives you an impression of the area as you’re coming in.”

Austin says the association has raised the issue with the Howick Local Board.

Handy to Pakuranga

shopping

and

“We’ve asked them to put together flyers to send around to residents to remind them it’s their responsibility to maintain their berms.

“When you think about how your local community is maintained it does strike a chord.

“Having pride in your surroundings is a very important part of well-being. Residents need to step up a bit more and take ownership of this problem.”

Council manager area operations Marcel Morgan says generally the responsibility for mowing grass berms adjacent to all other properties rests

with the owners or occupiers.

He asks people to take pride in their streets and ensure berms in front or to the side of their properties are mowed regularly.

The council is responsible for mowing along rural roads and when there’s a stormwater asset within a berm. It also mows berms adjacent to council-owned properties and in town centres.

There are some circumstances in which the council may also mow berms adjacent to properties, Morgan says.

“Mowing outcomes for berms adjacent to private properties in the road corridor is different to that expected at a neighbourhood park where we encourage recreational values that come with open space.

“The specification applied will be anything up to five times a year.

“Most of the grass in places such as on roundabouts, beside pedestrian crossings, and bus stops are council-owned green spaces. These spaces should have regular maintenance.” h People can report a site that isn’t being maintained by phoning 301 0101, or go online to www.aucklandcouncil.govt. nz/report-problem.

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

OWAIROA < HOWICK

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

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Simon Austin says long and untidy grass berms make the area look uncared for. Times photo Wayne Martin

Coastguard Book Launch

Howick Sea Rescue, which was later to become Howick Volunteer Coastguard, was formed following a tragic accident which occurred off Howick Beach on July 15, 1956. Three Howick boys, Richard Hugh Williams, 16, and brothers Rex Edward Goddard, 13, and Richard Keith Goddard, 11, ventured out fishing from Howick Beach in what were calm conditions. The weather deteriorated and the three boys were drowned after their dinghy capsized in rough seas.

Howick Sea Rescue came into existence in February 1957 following a groundswell of support within the community. Public meetings resulted in a collaboration between Howick Borough Council, Howick Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Howick Sailing Club where the Council underwrote the operation, the Fire Brigade manned the vessel, and the Sailing Club undertook maintenance.

In 1984, Howick Sea Rescue split from the Fire Service and became a separate organisation, becoming Howick Volunteer Coastguard in 1998. The organisation’s first vessel in 1957 was a 19-foot plywood launch powered by a Ford 10 engine giving a top speed of 15 knots. Since 1957, there have been a further seven vessels with the current vessel, launched in 2014 being a 9.5m Naiad powered by a 750hp Scania Diesel engine driving a

364 Hamilton Jet unit.

Howick Volunteer Coastguard has published a history book detailing the first 65 years of its existence, from the tragic events of July 1956 through to 2022. The project started some years ago with a team trolling through meeting minutes, boat

log sheets and newspaper articles to gather the required information from the amusing to the serious incidents it has been involved in as an organisation.

One amusing incident occurred on June 16, 1963. The boat log stated, “At the request of the SPCA, proceeded to Browns

Island and effected rescue of sheep.” The newspaper article in The Howick Post was a little more descriptive. Apparently, a sheep was stranded on a cliff on Brown’s Island and, in desperation, the SPCA requested the help of Howick Sea Rescue. The vessel was launched with seven

Celebrating 65 years

crew and one SPCA officer. “The mission was accomplished without difficulty and the sheep restored to the fold unharmed.”

An example of a more serious incident occurred on May 4, 2010. At 5.15pm, Howick Rescue One completed a tasking, jump starting a vessel. The vessel returned to Howick Beach, completing the post-operative checks and, as the crew were about to depart, were alerted to a distress call of a vessel in trouble at Hooks Bay, at the bottom end of Waiheke. Howick Rescue

One was relaunched and, in heavy seas, headed for Hooks Bay.

Howick Rescue One arrived at Hooks Bay at 6.15pm to see one male in the water holding a small runabout off the rocks. His two daughters were in the runabout. Howick Rescue

One carefully approached and dragged the vessel clear of the rocks, delivering it safely to Maraetai Rescue One who had arrived on scene.

Howick Rescue One then returned and recovered the male from the water. At 6.45pm, a second distress was heard with three persons in the water at the mussel farm in the Waiheke Channel. Howick Rescue One departed the scene heading around the headland to the mussel farm. With guidance from the crew on a small vessel

BOOK LAUNCH

fishing and guided by the spotlight from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the victims were located clinging to a buoy within the mussel farm. The three victims were recovered and relocated to the jetty in Cowes Bay where the helicopter had landed. They were checked by the paramedics and cleared to be transported back to Kawakawa Bay. Howick Rescue One departed for Kawakawa Bay, picking up a small vessel on the way which had run out of fuel. Howick Rescue One

arrived back at Howick via Pine Harbour at 9.25pm. These are only two of the hundreds of incidents that Howick Sea Rescue and Howick Volunteer Coastguard have been involved in over the last 65 years, The book relays the most interesting of those incidents and details the other activities the organisation has been involved in such as building projects, vessel and tractor purchases, fundraising activities, training, public boating education and community involvement.

The Lions Club of Howick congratulates our Howick Coastguard Heroes on the publication of their History Book

11am-12 noon, Friday, July 7, Howick Library

Copies of the book will be on sale at the library event and Poppies Book Store – �69 incl GST.

Howick celebrates 2023 moth plant competition winners

There is a war taking place across the motu – a war against the moth plant, one that takes over and frequently out-competes and replaces native plants, smothering and strangling whatever it climbs on.

Howick Local Board has risen to the occasion to help improve biodiversity and protect the native environment for future generations.

“Time and time again, locals tell us that protecting and restoring the natural environment is a priority,” says local board chair Damian Light.

“We’re fortunate to have an amazing community that wants to be involved and it’s our pleasure to be able to support them.”

The competition, held earlier this month, had four categories –preschool, primary, intermediate, and secondary – where students were tasked to collect as many moth pods as possible to win prizes.

“We’re immensely proud of the mahi that our local tamariki and rangatahi are doing to tackle pest plants,” says Light.

“And we’re not the only ones –

last year the Ministry for Primary Industries acknowledged the incredible achievements of this competition with the national Kura (School) Award in the 2022 Biosecurity Awards.”

Ninety-one teams signed up for the competition and it was won-

Your

derful to see 57 of them compete for the first time.

“We’re thrilled to see the return of many schools and groups, as well as many more new participants. By working together, we can do so much more to tackle these invasive species and every year

EASTERN BUSWAY A WASTE OF MONEY

Great to see our smart Councillor Maurice Williamson grilling Auckland Transport over the wasteful, planned Eastern Busway. A pity more of his fellow councillors didn’t question the absurd waste of money.

If this stupid plan goes ahead, this will be the widest suburban road in New Zealand with seven lanes, two of which will carry empty buses most of the day.

Bob Wichman Botany

WELL DONE BO!

Regarding the article on Bo Burns (Times,June 7) who took the photo of a thief who walked out of the Meadowlands Countdown with a trolley full of food which he had not paid for.

What a fantastic lady she is. If more people dared to stick up for a wrong they saw done in their environment, the world would be a better place. But usually, they ring up or talk about it on the computer.

I think a lot of people who say they have seen similar episodes and talk about it should feel embarrassed at not interfering.

Good on you Bo.

Maryke Ponse Cockle Bay

TOUGH LOVE IS TOUGH

Can we love that drugged driver who endangers himself and other innocent drivers?

Can we love that rioting ramraider who steals wheels, crashes into dairies, robs them of their cigarettes, vapes and, more importantly their peace? These illustrate our present pain.

Tough love is tough. Few find

the inner guts and tenacity to sustain its discipline. It is much easier to order up more police and more jails. So much for windy Wellington words.

Tough love demands preparation, discipline. Tough love involves restitution, thoughtful punishment and the rebuilding of broken souls.

Who is up for such a herculean task? Actually, our whole culture and society is required to answer the call – every mum, dad, brother sister, every leader, teacher, boss, priest and politician.

Tough love rebuilds the personal soul, it rebuilds rights and wrongs, it enlivens conscience, it does not affirm bad behaviour.

Tough love works at a personal level and beyond intrusive government reach.

You and I are the workers, the instigators and we have this enormous challenge to revive our lost ones into a better, more loving, caring society. Are we up for the challenge? Do we repair the boat that leaks or just keep on bailing?

Ian George Howick

we’re blown away by the incredible success of this competition,” says Light.

In total, there were 397 participants, including students, teachers and parents, this year.

When removing this weed from your backyard, remember to wear protective gloves and remove it from the roots along with any pods and vines. Put them in a secure plastic bag and send them to the landfill via your regular council rubbish bins or through a community weed bin in your area.

THE TOTAL FIGURES FROM THE HOWICK MOTH POD PLANT COMPETITION 2023:

 133,507 pods & small vines collected (up from 89,738 in 2022)

 700 seeds per pod (average estimate) – 93,454,900 seeds that will not germinate

 28 schools minimising waste this year

 Howick schools have saved 3,195.65kg CO2e [carbon dioxide emissions] through their waste minimisation actions according to the data collected up to now.

A COMBINED TOTAL OF $5150 WAS PAID OUT TO THE FOLLOWING WINNERS:

ECE  1st: Team Mission Heights KINZ + most small vines pulled (6750 pods)

 2nd: J Squad Pakuranga Kindergarten (2618 pods)

 3rd: Team Cascades Kindergarten (2083 pods)

 Spot prize: New Shoots Great photos

 Thickest vine: Point View – 10cms

 Most seedlings: Pakuranga Heights

 Overall best: Farm Cove Intermediate

PRIMARY  1st: Pakuranga Heights School Pod Squad (20,774 pods)

 2nd: Evergreen Enviroteam Macleans Primary School (15,138 pods)

 3rd: PVS Environment Hero Point View School (12,363 pods)

 Spot prize: Shelley Park

INTERMEDIATE  1st: SJ Moth Plant killers Farm Cove Intermediate (13,360 pods)

 2nd: Podders of Doom (POD) Farm Cove Intermediate (6962 pods)

 3rd: The Daleks Farm Cove Intermediate (1404 pods)

 4th: Howick Intermediate

SECONDARY  1st: 3 Blind Mice Botany Down Secondary College (5249 pods)

 2nd: Mozilla 2.0 Botany Down Secondary College (1064 pods)

 3rd: Howick College (890 pods)

MORE EFFICIENT PLANNING SYSTEM

Re: Recommendation from the Taxpayers Union re Resource Management Act.

We need to be aware of this Act as it could affect all of us. While the Resource Management Act is in urgent need of reform, the proposed Natural and Built Environment Bill and the Spatial Planning Bill are not the solution. Rather than deliver a more efficient planning system, these reforms would simply serve to add additional layers of bureaucracy, heighten legal uncertainty, increase cost and dilute local decision-making and democratic accountability while failing to address the fundamental incentives problem faced by councils when considering developments. Both bills have come under sustained and significant criticism from a great many parties who have expertise and a strong and relevant interest in resource management issues.

While the Environment Select Committee could recommend

changes to improve the bills, such changes would be so extensive that it is very likely unachievable by the June reporting date.

Many parties have recommended that both bills be withdrawn and that a reappraisal of the approach to resource management be conducted.

In fact, even the Chair of the Environment Select Committee –albeit in her party capacity – has recently commented that the bills should be sent back for more public consultation.

Arthur Moore Pakuranga

ARGUMENT MAKES NO

SENSE

Re: Strawman, loaded question or both, [Ryan Price, Times, May 24].

Ryan Price still does not realise his position makes no sense. Either adding CO2 to the atmosphere is heating Earth – as the science predicted, measures and explains – or it does not.

And please, no more nonsense about Richard Feynman. He did not write a paper that “quoted Maxwell while demonstrating how an atmosphere comprised of only nitrogen and oxygen would perform as predicted, with no radiative forcing, CO2 or H20.”

A 1963 lecture set out a very simplistic atmospheric model – as I wrote months ago – to calculate pressure with altitude and, with it, comments on the distribution of nitrogen and oxygen with height under gravity.

Nothing to do with the greenhouse effect, which Feynman never disputed.

Here is the paper: The Principles of Statistical Mechanics,

<www.feynmanlectures.caltech. edu/I_40.html>

Mr Price, are you regurgitating garbage from a crank site? <principia-scientific.com/physicist-richard-feynman-discreditsgreenhouse-gas-theory/>

It starts: The great physicist Richard Feynman adds to three other giants of physics, Maxwell, Clausius, and Carnot, who have explained the “greenhouse effect” is solely a consequence of gravity, atmospheric mass, pressure, density, and heat capacities, and is not due to “trapped radiation” from IR-active or ‘greenhouse’ gas concentrations.

Richard Feynman was a giant of physics, no question. He never passed comment on man-made global warming. Why would he, it was standard science when he died? In 1988. Do catch up, Mr Price.

Dennis Horne Howick

CLEAR THE GUTTERS

Several months ago there was a letter from a visitor to Howick in which he or she commented on how scruffy some of the streets around Howick were and particularly the gutters around the Howick Domain.

Since then, nothing has been done to clean them out and since then they have gotten considerably worse with the leaves from the trees around the domain falling. Surely, keeping the gutters clear will prevent excess rubbish going into the stormwater system and causing problems with the infrastructure.

Farm Cove Intermediate teams took out all three top placings in the intermediate division. Pictured here are members of the three teams, from left, Liam, Josh, Katelyn, Emily, Jade and Sammy with local board chair Damian Light. Photo supplied

A Pearson Howick

Person’s death is referred to the coroner

Police say a post-mortem has been carried out on a person found dead at a house in east Auckland.

Officers were called to the residential property in Casuarina Road, Half Moon Bay, in the afternoon on June 19.

A police spokesperson says the death of the 89-year-

What’s on

SCHOOL DEBATE RETURNS

old man will be referred to the coroner.

“The man’s family has been advised of this development and they are continuing to be supported by Victim Support as well as Police Ethnic Liaison Officers.

“Police enquiries at the Casuarina Road property have also been completed.”

Do come to Howick Club, Botany Road on July 4 at 6pm and join Zonta East Auckland for dinner and to listen to a lively debate between Sancta Maria College and Botany Downs Secondary College. This debate tradition began in 2005, with this year’s debate being the 15th one. Sancta Maria is ahead at the present but only just! In keeping with the debate being aligned with our Zonta mission, this year’s debate will focus on the moot – That the #MeToo movement has contributed significantly to advancing the status of women. A special thanks to the teams and their teachers as this event falls in their holidays. For further information contact eastauckland@zonta. org.nz.

GARDEN WEEDS AS FOLK MEDICINE

Join us and learn how to use common garden weeds to support wellness and healthy ageing using traditional methods presented by Guest speaker Elizabeth Bedford, Tuesday, July 4, 10.30am, Pakuranga Library. All welcome. Tea and coffee provided. Phone 3770209 or email Pakuranga. library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

MATARIKI CELEBRATION: THE STORY OF MATARIKI

Monday, July 3, 2pm-4pm. Join Matua Calvin to learn about the story and the meaning of the nine

Food festival connects the community

Howick College’s theatre one again transformed into a hub of diverse flavours and cultural experiences as students and staff embarked on a delicious and educational food journey.

The college’s annual International Food Festival is one of the school’s major charity fundraisers. Organised by the cultural and community councils, this year’s event on June 16 surpassed all previous records.

With 30 stalls selling food from every corner of the globe, $2630 was raised for various charities including Ronald McDonald House, St John’s Ambulance, The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, the SPCA, Blind Low Vision NZ and The Child Cancer Foundation. Visitors were greeted by

an excited and bustling food market where vendors wore traditional dress and stalls were decorated to showcase the unique cultural heritage of each nation on display.

Whether it was fragrant curries from India, savoury sushi rolls from Japan, hearty pizzas from Italy or flavourful nachos from Mexico, ticket holders were spoilt for choice as they indulged in the many mouthwatering dishes on offer.

Community Council leaders Sehandu Maharage and Kara Henderson observed that food has power. “The festival fosters a sense of community and unity. People from different backgrounds came together, sharing stories, laughter and delicious food. Food bridges gaps, creates connections, and

celebrates the richness of human diversity,” they said.

Cultural Council leaders Hope Milo and Zhara Croft share this sentiment. “The festival helps students feel like their identities are embraced and celebrated by their teachers and peers. It makes our school a place where they feel welcome, where they have a sense of belonging and can be proud of their heritage.”

The involvement of parents, whānau, and local businesses was also an immense help in making the event such a success. “From offering their homes as a place for students to cook, to helping adorn stalls with cultural decorations, to the generous donations of ingredients and money, we are reminded that together we are stronger,” Milo says.

whētu (stars) of Matariki. Tell your story by creating your own kōwhaiwhai pattern and/or making your unique woven whētu to take home or leave behind for the community to enjoy. Suitable for all ages. Phone 377 0209 or email pakuranga.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

MATARIKI CELEBRATION: WHAKAIRO & WAKA MAKING

Monday, July 10, 2pm-4pm. See a real-life demonstration of whakairo (carving) by Matua Calvin, followed by an opportunity to make your own waka (canoe) to take home or leave as taonga (treasure) for the community. Suitable for ages 8+. Parental guidance recommended. Limited numbers; waka available on a first-come, first served basis. Phone 377 0209 or email pakuranga.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

MATARIKI CELEBRATION: CLOSING & KAI

Thursday, July 13, 2pm-4pm. Join us and Matua Calvin at the library for the closing of this year’s Matariki celebration followed by an opportunity to decorate a star kai for your puku or to take home and share with your whānau. Suitable for ages 5+. Parental guidance recommended. Limited numbers; kai available on a first-come, first served basis. Phone 377 0209 or email pakuranga.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

PAKURANGA CHORAL CONCERT

You missed our last concert? Ah well, here’s a date for your diary so you don’t miss out next time, Sunday, August 21, 2.30pm at All Saints in Howick. More details later pakchoralsociety.wordpress.com.

U3A PAKURANGA

Learn Laugh Live. The next meeting of the U3A Pakuranga is on Monday, July 3, at St Andrew’s Church Centre, Vincent Street, Howick at 1.45pm. Visitors welcome and entry is free. For further information, phone Robert 021 1490 069.

GARAGE SALE

The next Barn Sale at Trinity Methodist Church, 474 Pakuranga Rd, will be on Saturday, July 1, beginning at 8am. On special this month we have lingerie and nightwear, 50c each, children’s clothes for $2 a bag (provided) and lots of toys with none over $2. Come and get yourself a bargain!

PIGEON MOUNTAIN GARDEN CLUB

Next meeting Monday, July 3 at 7.30pm, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, corner Ridge Rd and Vincent St, Howick. Wendy Mike talking about Hokkaido island of Japan with emphasis on gardens and scenery. Trading table, raffle and supper with a friendly bunch of folk. For more information, phone Lynda 021 398 200.

KC15959

Howick College’s Cultural and Community Council Leaders, from left, Sehandu Maharage, Hope Milo, Zhara Croft and Kara Henderson. Photo supplied

Searching for relatives of plane crash victim

By CHRIS HARROWELL

One of the organisers of events staged to mark the 60th anniversary of New Zealand’s worst internal air disaster is appealing for information on the relatives of a passenger killed in the crash.

The Kaimai Range air accident on July 3, 1963, claimed the lives of 23 people.

Flight 441 was a DC-3 Skyliner ZK-AYZ ‘Hastings’ aircraft piloted by Captain Len Enchmarch on a New Zealand National Airways Corporation trip from Auckland to Tauranga and then Gisborne, Napier and Wellington.

Flying in what’s describe as “shocking weather conditions”, the plane plunged into a rock ravine near the top of the Kaimai Ranges, between Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, causing the death of the three crew members and 20 passengers.

Among the people with a keen interest in the tragedy is east Auckland resident Rev Dr Richard Waugh, a leading aviation historian and Honorary Chaplain of the Company of Air Pilots.

He’s the author of a book on the disaster entitled Kaimi Crash – New Zealand’s Worst Internal Air Disaster

Waugh says the plane’s wreckage was initially discovered 24 hours after the crash during a large search.

“It was the first time helicopters were used in a major aviation search and recovery operation in New Zealand.

“The tragic accident was a profound shock to the prosperity and optimism of a growing post-war nation. The accident was front-page news for days.”

Among the other locals with a connection to the disaster is Gary Johnstone, deputy principal at Elim Christian College in Botany.

He helped to rediscover the plane’s wreckage 20 years ago and helped Waugh write his book on the tragedy.

“I got involved when Richard heard I was planning to tramp the North-South Track in January 2003 with some mates,” Johnstone says.

“At that time he was planning for the 40th memorial of the DC3 crash.

“Richard asked me to see if I could discover the wreck, which over the years had been

lost in dense bush.”

Johnston says on the third day of his tramp, his small group descended a gully and climbed down a steep bank into a stream.

“It was there we started locating bits of debris and plane wreckage and finally we came across the [aircraft’s] port wing.”

Johnstone says sadly the location has become known and “souvenir hunters have come to scavenge”.

“The site has a particular feel about it and my thoughts are it should be treated with respect and dignity.”

Waugh wants to hear from any locals who have links to the disaster, or know of the current whereabouts of relatives of the late Bruce Gray, who was a passenger on the flight and died in the crash at the age of 35.

“He was married with two young daughters and lived in Evelyn Road, Cockle Bay, at the time of the accident,” Waugh says.

“He’d been born in Napier and later educated at the University of Auckland’s School of Architecture. For a number of years he practiced architecture as an associate of George Tole of Auckland.

“I’d very much like to contact his two daughters, who would be aged in their 60s now, to invite them to the anniversary events.”

Waugh says the 60th anniversary this year is likely to be the final time for relatives of the passengers, and others with direct involvement by way of search and recovery efforts, to gather to pay their respects.

“Already many family members have confirmed their attendance, including the support of 86-year-old Mrs Sandy Saussey, who 60 years ago was the young wife of Captain Len Enchmarch.

“Pastoral support for family members will be paramount and our organising group is grateful to have support from Air New Zealand, the Matamata-Piako District Council, and from many others for this special anniversary time.”

h People with information on the whereabouts of the relatives of Bruce Gray can email richard.waugh.rev@ gmail.com

Somerville Intermediate wins big at Wearable Arts

Somerville Intermediate and Pukekohe High School have scored the top prizes at the annual Eye on Nature Wearable Arts competition.

Auckland school students wowed the sold-out crowd at the Due Drop Events Centre on Thursday night with a breath-taking show of eco-friendly wearable art. The youngsters were challenged to design their garments around the theme ‘Waste’.

Sisters Kyra and Raquel Sheldon from Pukekohe High School won first place in the secondary category with their entry, ‘Patched Angel’, captivating the judges with amazing craftsmanship and an undeniable wow factor.

Featuring patchwork made from GIB tape, white plastic from CD cases on the vest, shiny black weed mat for the wings and skirt, and leg warmers crafted from sleeves of an old jacket, the outfit also incorporates a recycled pleather coat from an op shop. Designed by Raquel and modelled by Kyra, the sisters made every stitch using leftover yarn from another dress to showcase the garment’s sustainable and innovative design.

Somerville Intermediate student

Cybele Stone took first place in the Primary and Intermediate category with her entry, ‘Upcycled Bride’. Cybele incorporated upcycled clothing fabric and bread bags to symbolize the transformation and new beginnings associated with a bride. She said the design highlights the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials

to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

The judges were impressed with the beautiful silhouette achieved through an innovative use of materials, as well as Cybele’s craftsmanship and creative expression of the ‘waste’ theme.

Hosted by the Beautification Trust, the annual competition invites primary and secondary school students from across Auckland to design and construct ecofriendly wearable art, vying for a

prize pool of $3500 for their schools.

This year’s theme challenged students to creatively address the urgent issue of waste and its impact on the environment. Through their artistic creations, the students conveyed powerful statements about over-consumption, fast fashion and pollution.

“The fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, and Eye on Nature Wearable Arts provides a creative platform for our young people to reimagine sustainable fashion,” said Sterling Ruwhiu, community programmes manager of the Beautification Trust.

According to the UN Environment Programme, the equivalent of one rubbish truck of textiles is burned or landfilled every second. If nothing changes, by 2050 the fashion industry will use up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget.

PRIMARY & INTERMEDIATE WINNERS: „ 1st place, $1000 prize: ‘Upcycled Bride’ designed and modelled by Cybele Stone, Somerville Intermediate „ 2nd place, $500 prize: ‘Trashing Waves’ designed and modelled by Keshia Lubbe, Somerville Intermediate „ 3rd place, $250 prize: ‘Denim Reborn’ designed and modelled by Zoe Mckenzie, Somerville Intermediate „ Merit, $100 prize: ‘Aroha ki a Papatūānuku’ modelled by Sienna Kelburn-Griggs, designed by Alexandra Stuart-Burton & Sienna Kelburn-Griggs, Glenbrook School

SECONDARY WINNERS: „ 1st place, $1000 prize: ‘Patched Angel’ modelled by Kyra Sheldon, designed by Raquel Sheldon, Pukekohe High School „ 2nd place, $500 prize: ‘Integrated’ modelled by Amelia Bellamy, designed by Harnain Dhaliwal & Amelia Bellamy, Howick College „ 3rd place, $250 prize: ‘Foiled Again’ modelled by Maia Reid, designed by Amelia Feldon, Ciara Yin and Maia Reid, Howick College „ Merit, $100 prize: ‘City Street’ modelled by Lily Ma, designed by Erin, Lily, Mia, Luca, Mineke, Charli, Ziane, Amelia & Alicia, Rangitoto College

SOMERVILLE NAMED AUCKLAND CHAMPS

Somerville Intermediate’s U55kg side has won the Auckland Rugby Championships.

After winning the South Eastern Zone (SEZ) tournament on June 9, the rugby team was able to compete in the Auckland Championships at Marist Rugby Club grounds in Panmure, on June 20. The SEZ wins were against Farm Cove Intermediate 10-5, Bucklands Beach Intermediate 44-0, Elim 27-0 and the final against Saint Kentigern 24-0.

Their first pool game in the Auckland championships was against Henderson which was an emphatic win. The team was switched on right from the start and won the game 43-0.

Next, they faced De La Salle College. After scoring a couple of quick tries, De La Salle hit back with a couple of their own.

The Somerville Intermediate team quickly took control again, winning 31-10.

Their third pool game was against an aggressive team from Otahuhu Intermediate. Somerville Intermediate quickly dominated all facets of the game and won convincingly, 30-0.

Playing for first or second place in the last game of the day, they faced a well-drilled team from

Sacred Heart.

“Our team was determined to win after losing to them in the final last year,” said Somerville Intermediate U55kg coach Paul Knight.

“In the first half, we scored a try first before they hit back with a try and conversion. At half time, Sacred Heart were leading 7-5. In the second half, our team showed tremendous resilience and resolve to fight back and eventually win the final 15-7.

“Throughout the tournament, our team played skilful and disciplined rugby.

“Thank you to the parents who supported us and a special thanks to Gary Raffaelli for assisting with the coaching on the day.”

Meanwhile, Somerville Intermediate has been achieving highly across a number of sporting codes in the SEZ this term, including football, gymnastics, hockey and Futsal.

The New Zealand National Airways Corporation DC-3 that crashed in the Kaimai Range in 1963. Photo supplied Mannering and Associates via Richard Waugh

‘Upcycled Bride’ designed and modelled by Cybele Stone of Somerville Intermediate student took first place in the Primary and Intermediate category at the annual Eye on Nature Wearable Arts competition on Thursday. Photo supplied

Auckland U55kg rugby champions Somerville Intermediate. Photo supplied

LAWNCARE

BARCLAY MOWING/ Tree trimming/removals & one off cuts. Text 027 533 1527 to book.

HOWICK Lawncare, ex Greenkeeper, large or small lawns, friendly reliable affordable. Phone Paul 027 5676 900 LOGAN’S Mowing, friendly & professional. Ph Logan 022 0144957 for free quote

PAINTERS

PAINTING

All int/ext requirements, prompt service, 40 years experience, Registered Master Painter Phone Ross 021 977 542 DE275167

PAINTER, Decorator, 32 yrs exp. qual work. Free Quotes. Ph/txt 0274 90 973

PAINTER, experienced in int/ext, roof & plastering, free quotes. Phone Mark 022 666 6380

PAINTER/HANDYMAN, 40+yrs exp. Phone Muzza Ph 027 6770294 PAINTER Int/Ext painting, high qual workmanship, plastering. Howick based. Ph Kenny 021 897 445

specialist. Strip, hang. Ph Andrew 027 4600048 or 5244 111

Wayne’sPaintingLtd Wayne’sPaintingLtd

MASSIVE CLEARANCE SALE

Top Fragrance & Cosmetic Brands

Sacred Heart College – Auditorium

Main Gate, Crossfield Road, Glendowie

Saturday, 8 July 9am–3pm

Saturday 1st – Sunday 2nd July

Howick Local Board meeting

A meeting will be held 12pm Thursday 20 July. The venue is the Howick Local Board meeting room, Pakuranga Library Complex, 7 Aylesbury St, Pakuranga.

Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

SOLUTIONS

SITUATIONS VACANT

HOUSEKEEPING

Cleaning role at our Dementia Rest Home in Pakuranga. Part time shifts (4 hours per day 9am-1pm

Tue to Sat); plus extra casual hours available. Please email your CV to brian@ambridgerose.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

HOUSEKEEPING

Laundry roles at our Aged Care Rest Home & Hospital in Pakuranga. Full time 40hrs or 32hrs per week, some weekend work essential.

Please email your CV to brian@ambridgerose.co.nz

CATERING SOLUTIONS GROUP LTD Office & Accounts Administrator

EAST TAMAKI / HIGHBROOK

After 6 years our Office & Accounts Manager is retiring, and we need to fill her important role.

A variety packed job with a well-established catering company. You will be working closely with the Company Director and Operations Manager to ensure our customers get the best from our service. We are looking for some-one preferably four days a week Monday – Thursday or can be full time. There is also some flexibility with hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts receivable / credit control

• Accounts payable

• Entering orders, invoicing, and customer services

• Payroll and HR experience working with our outsourced partner.

• Month-end preparation including reporting, reconciling all bank accounts including credit cards.

• Knowledge of PAYE and GST

Key Skills

SITUATIONS VACANT

Teacher Aide –Learning Support

Monday to Friday – Term time only

Hours of Work

– Negotiable

Are you an energetic, self starter with good English communication skills, that enjoys working with children?

We are seeking a suitable Teacher Aide to support student learning. Previous experience or training is preferable, however not a prerequisite for this position.

Working with a range of ages and ethnicities, the successful applicant must have:

– good initiative and ‘can do’ attitude

– high level of empathy and patience

– good problem solving skills

– ability to work autonomously as well as a team player to support classroom teachers

– excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Please apply in writing including a covering letter and your CV and send to Angela Pukeiti – Office Manager by email: angelap@chapeldowns.school.nz

Applications close at 12 noon on Wednesday 12th Juy, 2023

DE287485-V4

Primary Healthcare Nurse Liaison

A fantastic opportunity for a Registered Nurse who wants to make a difference in Primary Health Care!

• A supportive organisation who prioritises team culture and quality improvement

Cafe on site — Enquiries to 027 298 3854 or 021 334 055

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8116

Across - 1, Diamond brooch. 8, Chess. 9, Concern. 10, Letter. 11, Sedate. 12, Sheen.

14, Screw. 18, Hearse. 20, Couple. 23, Outcome. 24, Elect. 25, General pardon.

Down - 1, Docile. 2, Agent. 3, Obscene. 4, Dace. 5, Rinse. 6, Operate. 7, Hinder.

13, Hearten. 15, Cholera. 16, Throng. 17, Beaten. 19, Scour. 21, Plead. 22, Meal.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8116

Across - 1, Lead poisoning. 8, Gloa-t. 9, Overbid. 10, T-off-ee. 11, Stable. 12, Trunk.

14, Grade (anag.). 18, Re-lo-ad. 20, Divine. 23, P-aid out. 24, See to (see,too).

25, Resign oneself.

Down - 1, Light-s. 2, A-loof. 3, Patter-N. 4, Irons. 5, Over-t. 6, I-MB-I-bed.

7, Gad-get. 13, R-allies. 15, Re-issue 16, Pro-per. 17, See off. 19, A-long.

21, Irene (anag.). 22, Ott-O.

• Must be an experienced user of accounting software (MYOB AccountRight is used).

• Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, Outlook.

• High degree of accuracy.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Must be a New Zealand resident. Come and join this great team of people and enjoy coming to work everyday where no day is the same. If this sounds like you please email your CV and cover letter to louise@srcc.co.nz

DE287822

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b. The published advertisement will not give rise to any liability on our part or in a claim being made against us.

c. That the advertisement is misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive or breaches the Fair Trading Act 1986 that is defamatory or indecent or which otherwise offends against generally accepted community standards that infringes a copyright or trademark or otherwise infringes any intellectual or industrial property rights that breaches any provision of any statute, regulation, by law or other rule or law .

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

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

• Competitive remuneration package including professional development

• Parental leave cover for up to 12 months. Part or full time hours will be considered.

We are looking for someone to join our dynamic team who is passionate about the delivery of effective health services and supporting nursing workforce development. You will be interested in educating and supporting clinical colleagues across primary health care, particularly regarding vaccination, immunisation and cold chain.

Based in Botany and working with the Nursing Director, you will be:

• Coordinating and providing high quality immunisation support, professional advice for healthcare providers across the East Health Trust network

• Working together with other PHO Immunisation Coordinators and Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand to support quality implementation and monitoring of immunisation programmes

• Monitoring and supporting the improvement in immunisation health targets across providers, with an emphasis on reducing inequities

• Coordinating and providing education and PDRP support and education for nurses across the East Health Trust Network

• Supporting and coordinating other key nursing and clinical projects as required

Skills and experience you will bring to this role:

• Ability to understand complex issues and situations and bring a problem solving / solutions focused approach to resolving.

• Inspired by the opportunity to support and assist the delivery of quality clinical and nursing services within primary care.

• Superior communication skills and ability to build strong relationships

• Commitment to providing a customer focused service with a strong can do attitude and be a real self-starter.

• A flair for teaching

Competencies / Qualifications Required:

• Registered Nurse with current New Zealand annual practicing certificate

• Primary health care experience

• Current independent vaccinator authorisation and understanding of cold chain principles.

Desirable

• Current immunisation and/or cold chain assessor

• Current PDRP assessor

Closing Date: 07 July 2023

If this sounds like you please apply to emmaw@easthealth.co.nz with your CV and a covering letter. DE287846

BBAFC earn bragging rights in showdown

By BEN PLUMMER

L

Heading into the game, both sides had excellent seasons under their belt with Beachlands top of the table, two points ahead of Bucklands Beach.

To add more excitement to the derby match was the clash of the two top goals scorers in the league, Bucklands Beach’s Sander Waterland and Beachlands’ Aaron Parry both having each scored eight goals for the season.

The afternoon itself was fine, the pitch – considering the amount of rain recently – was in a good condition.

Bucklands Beach scored first through top scorer and performer Josh Smith, who has played all his football for the club since the age of six.

The underdogs then doubled their lead in the 15th minute with centre back Ethan Butler scoring his first goal of the season with a header.

Beachlands opened their scoring in the 38th minute with a free kick from Henry Lee, who has made a name for himself over the last few games with some decisive matchwinning goals.

On the stroke of halftime Bucklands Beach were awarded a free kick on their side of halfway.

Keeper Antony Mira sent the ball into a congested goal box only for the ball to find itself sail into the back of the net – 3-1 to Bucklands Beach at half

time.

The back-and-forth match-up continued into the second half with both teams having moments of ascendancy.

It took until extra time for the next score, when Beachlands were awarded a penalty. The side’s top scorer Parry stepped up and buried it in the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season.

The referee played seven minutes of extra time, adding to the tension with Beachlands pushing forward for an equaliser, only for Bucklands Beach to break away and substitute Daniel McCarthy to score. Final score of 4-2 win to Bucklands Beach.

The team at Times work hard to produce a voice for our community. While we endeavour to deliver the paper to your letterboxes, circumstances outside of our control can mean a delay or non-delivery of the Times.

Copies of the Times are available from our drop boxes throughout the district. A digitial version can also be found on our website – www.times.co.nz

Bucklands Beach AFC coach Neil Finnigan said after the match it was a very pleasing performance from the boys against a strong Beachlands side.

“The game could have gone either way but very happy with the three points,” he says.

The win puts the Barfoot & Thompson Kitty Long Bucklands Beach team in first place in the Northern League at the halfway point in the season.

BBAFC co-coach Warwick McCarthy says so far, it has been a very strong league and any team could win it.

“We just have to focus on each game and team as they come if we want to get promoted to the first division. We are very fortunate to have a strong reserve team and this is helping to keep the first team squad playing with confidence and covers for any injuries,” he says.

The two teams will meet again on August 26 in the final match of the season at Te Puru Park which promises to be another excellent showcase of east Auckland football.

Published

View photos online to buy www.times.co.nz

The Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s U21s have cemented themselves in first place and are likely to finish the regular season unbeaten. Times photo Wayne Martin

PURC WEEKEND RESULTS JUNE 24

PURC Premier Men vs Waitemata

. HT: PURC 13 – Waitemata 10; FT: PURC 27 – Waitemata 17

Other premier men results:

With only two games left before playoffs, the PURC U21s have cemented themselves in first place and are likely to finish the regular season unbeaten as they face East Tamaki and Waitemata.

The PURC Women’s 10s (Belles) had a tough weekend, going down to a strong University side.

The club’s premier men are making a late run for a top four spot. They are in fifth place, four points behind Grammar TEC in fourth. They must record wins against Papatoetoe and Ponsonby in their final two games if they want to compete for the Gallagher Shield.

each

BEACHLANDS

• Countdown, 129 Beachlands Rd, Beachlands

BOTANY

• New World, Botany Town Centre

BUCKLANDS BEACH

• Books N Brics Cafe, 83B Hattaway Ave, Bucklands Beach

EAST TAMAKI

• The Hub Mail Centre, 201 Te Koha Rd, East Tāmaki

FLAT BUSH

• Chapel Road Dairy, cnr of Chapel Rd and Gracechurch Dr, Flat Bush

• Ray White Ormiston, Ormiston Town Centre, 240 Ormiston Rd, Flat Bush

• Texture Café, 1 Arranmore Dr, Flat Bush

HALF MOON BAY

• Fresh Choice, 1 Ara-Tai Rd, Half Moon Bay

Ph: 09 271 8000 | www.times.co.nz

• Ray White Half Moon Bay, Ara-Tai Rd, Half Moon Bay

Suburbs 0 – Manukau Rovers 0 (Game Cancelled due to medical event)

Grammar TEC 25 – University 30

Waitakere City 0 – Papatoetoe 69 Marist 21 – Ponsonby 33

Eden 23 – College Rifles 32

PURC Women’s 10’s (Belles) vs University. FT: PURC 10 – University 47 PURC Premier Reserve Men vs Waitemata. HT: PURC 3 – Waitemata 5; FT: PURC 8 – Waitemata 29

PURC U21 Men vs Papatoetoe. HT: PURC 5 – Papatoetoe 5; FT: PURC 36 – Papatoetoe 13

PURC U85 Black Panthers vs Ponsonby Pikeys. HT: PURC 20 – Ponsonby 0; FT: PURC 27 – Ponsonby 12

Pakuranga rugby fixtures July 1:

PURC Premier Men vs Papatoetoe Premier Men – 2:45pm (Papatoetoe Recreation).

PURC Premier Development Men vs Papatoetoe Premier Development Men – 1pm (Papatoetoe Recreation).

PURC U21 Men vs East Tamaki U21 Men – 1pm (East Tamaki Reserve, Field 1).

PURC Black Panthers U85’s vs College Rifles Bombers U85s – 1pm (Bell Park).

HIGHLAND PARK

• Countdown, Highland Park

• Highland Park Library, 16 Highland Park Dr, Highland Park

HOWICK

• Bin Inn, 219 Moore St, Howick

• Howick Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick

• Ray White Howick, 12 Uxbridge Rd, Howick

• Rices Mall, Picton St, Howick

• Times Media Office, 10 Central Tce, Howick

MEADOWLANDS

• Meadowlands Shopping Centre, cnr Meadowlands Dr and Whitford Rd, Meadowlands

MISSION HEIGHTS

• Mission Heights, cnr Murphys and Jeffs Rd

PAKURANGA

• Countdown, Pakuranga

Pakuranga United U21s push for unbeaten season

Asiata to swim for NZ at the Youth Commonwealth Games

By BEN PLUMMER

A

Macleans College student and member of the Howick Pakuranga Swim Club (HPK) has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Youth Commonwealth Games.Sixteen-year-old Danielle Asiata is one of 12 swimmers selected to race for team New Zealand at the Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

It will be the first time Asiata has represented New Zealand and she says she is very grateful to be able to experience what the Games will be like. “This opportunity is incredible. Being able to race some of the top girls from countries like Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom will be an awesome experience,” she says.

Asiata’s qualification for the Youth Commonwealth Games comes on the back of her results at the National Age Group Swimming Championships in April this year.

She took gold in the 200m and 400m individual medleys, silver

Macleans College student Danielle Asiata is one of 12 swimmers who will compete for team NZ at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games

in the 100m Backstroke and 200m butterfly and bronze in the 50m and 200m Freestyle events.

The Macleans College year 12 student started learning to swim at six months old and progressed through the Swimgym programme as she got older.

She joined her current club (HPK swim club) at age 7 because she

wished to pursue swimming at a higher level.

Now as she prepares to represent New Zealand on the world stage, Asiata says her former coach Rachel Palmer and current coach Jana Wilkitzki have had the most influence on her short, yet successful swimming career.

“They are always supportive and

push me very hard in training,” she says.

Wilkitzki, who has been Asiata’s coach for almost three years, says Asiata’s selection for the Youth Commonwealth Games is a result of her incredible commitment and training efforts.

“Dani is very talented young swimmer and, after the eras of Corey Main, Daniel Hunter and Tyron Henry, it’s great to have a female swimmer representing HPK at an international level,” Wilkitzki says.

“I really believe this is just the beginning of Danielle’s successful journey in swimming.”

In the build-up to her Youth Commonwealth Games campaign, Asiata says her training is business as usual with nine pool sessions with Wilkitzki a week as well

as three gym sessions a week with her strength coach Steve Buckley (ForceXVelocity).

“However, as there is no 50m pool in east Auckland I have been travelling to the North Shore two mornings a week to get some 50m pool training in,” she says.

Asiata has also recently been selected as one of 32 swimmers for the New Zealand Tri-Series squad to compete against Australia in September.

“I would like to thank all my family and friends who have helped support me/are supporting me to get to the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games, as well as the support of SwimGym, HPK and ForceXVelocity,” says Asiata.

“Most importantly my Mum and Dad who continuously show their support for me and I am extremely grateful for them.”

The Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games runs from August 4-11 in Trinidad and Tobago, with more than 1000 athletes aged between 14 and 18 set to compete across seven sports.

$460,000

One of the many things our residents enjoy about HBH Howick Views’ independent apartments is the central Howick location, just a few minutes’ walk or drive from many local amenities –including shops, clubs, a supermarket and a medical centre.

“I love being so central,” enthuses Ken, who moved in last January. “I’ve got the Howick club around the corner, the bowling club

$400,000 from

close by, I swim at the Howick Leisure centre and there’s even a corner store just up the road. It’s everything I was looking for in a retirement village.”

If you’d like to live in a convenient, boutique retirement village, please call Robyn to view our apartments. For many Howick locals, they’re just up the road.

Come and view our ‘just-up-the-road’ apartments.

Photo Supplied / Dave Lintott Photography

“This opportunity is incredible.”

Danielle Asiata