Times November 15 2025 by Times Media

Photos Margaret Jones, Howick

Photographic Society

Construction under way on new charity housing

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

The Salvation Army is building dozens of new community homes on land it owns in east Auckland.

The site, on the corner of Chapel Road and Baverstock Road in Flat Bush, is adjacent to the charity’s existing 46-unit housing development, ‘Kaitiakitanga’, which opened three years ago.

Salvation Army national housing operations manager Fiona Matthews says the new development will feature 41 properties, most of which will be two-storeys.

“We’ve got a couple of five-bedrooms going in, some fours, a lot of threes, we’ve got one little block of twos, and we’ve also got an apartment building of 12 one-bedrooms that’s three levels.”

The development’s construction is funded by the Salvation Army and the Government and it will also feature a basketball court and playground.

The homes are designed

Fat Parrot Architecture and will be built by Meridian Construction, both of which were involved in developing Kaitiakitanga.

The Salvation Army has a staff member on-site who acts as an immediate point of contact for tenants and who can sort out any issues.

He’ll perform the same role at the new development once it opens also.

Matthews says the homes to be built are a “really good design”.

“It will be built with panels that are incredibly warm. They go up fast and look amazing.

“In terms of warmth,

we try to keep our whanau having their power bills as low as possible.”

The tenants will come from the Ministry of Social Development’s housing register and will pay about a quarter of their income in rent.

Most will live there for at least five years and sometimes longer, depending on their age. And while some of the tenants may be facing challenges, they’ll have access to the resources and support they need, Matthews says.

“We’re housing New Zealand’s most vulnerable people. For people with

addictions, we might have them through our services like the Bridge programme, our alcohol and drug addiction service, so they might have gone through that and be ready to move out.

“We might have a relapse, that’s just the reality. The tenancy managers interact with social services and are a navigator for people.”

The development will open in a staggered way and should be completed by the end of 2025.

The Government has said it wants fewer New Zealanders living in emergency housing motels.

Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka recently said the Government is making good progress to achieve its target of 75 per cent fewer people in emergency housing by 2030.

“We’re regularly improving our data and now know that about 80 per cent of those leaving emergency housing go into some form of social, transitional or private housing because of support they receive.”

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Robert Johnstone & Kevin Kelleher

Salvation Army national housing operations manager Fiona Matthews at the site of the new housing development. Times photo Vivek Panchal

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Editor Chris Harrowell 027 404 1512 chrish@times.co.nz

PJ (Phil) Taylor 021 644 923 phil@times.co.nz

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Community Comments

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EXCLUSIVE: THE WAREHOUSE AT PAKURANGA PLAZA IS CLOSING

(Times, November 7):

Karen Laurie

Self-checkout is not for everyone. I couldn’t understand it, so stopped shopping there.

Irene O’Neill

I have been told ages ago this was happening. Panda Mart is going to take over. Its a pretty sad mall these days. Still breaks the heart. Grew up going here lived local. Now it’s op shops and pop-up stores. Empty shops full of Panda Mart stock. That Warehouse has

always been good. Sad for the old people that can’t drive or won’t got too far this was their little hub, the Plaza.

Ian MacDonald Most probably an Auckland Transport doing. They seem to have a knack for making things diﬃcult for people then getting the property for next to nothing.

Julia Long It’s a nightmare getting in and out with all the roadworks and changes! It’s no wonder people have given up and going elsewhere.

Joanne Swaine

With all the uncertainty how can businesses continue to run. I feel sorry

for those with lack of transportation. If they cannot keep going what hope is there for others.

Keston Ruxton

Very sad to see this having grown up in Pakuranga Heights and spent most of my life shopping at the Pakuranga Town Centre and then The Plaza. The transport builds must have contributed, but sadly all the community will get for all the expenditure and upheaval is a bus route, not a Meadowlands to Panmure rail link which would actually have added value and allowed people in the east to commute to town using one integrated service.

DISCOVER A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Christmas season starts at Howick Village’s Fair

 By PJ TAYLOR

Yuletide season is oﬃcially underway today in east Auckland with the annual shopping and entertainment extravaganza the Christmas Fair in Howick Village.

The Howick Local Board’s event, the switching-on of the Christmas Lights on the tree at Stockade Hill, also happens this evening from 6-9pm, Friday, November 15.

Special in-store Christmas sales promotions start as soon as the shops “open from 9am and continue throughout the day”, says the Howick Village Association (HVA).

Formerly known as Midnight Madness, the Howick Village Christmas Fair is recognised as an ideal opportunity for people to get their Christmas shopping started.

As well as all the retail deals and culinary delights on offer at the village’s many hospitality venues, cafes and eateries, the Christmas Fair is known for its excellent selection of

The Christmas Fair in Howick Village and the switching-on of the Christmas Lights events traditionally herald the beginning of the year’s end festive period in east Auckland. Times file photo

outdoor entertainment.

That all runs from 5.30pm to 9.30pm on the main stage at the intersection of Uxbridge Road and Picton Street, with PA speakers playing the music and entertainment along the street.

The HVA says “a large number of community information stands will also be joining us”.

They include Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association, Pest Free Howick, Howick Coastguard, Times Media, Manna Manukau, the Rotary Club of Howick, New Zealand Fire and Emergency, the Inner

Wheel Club of Howick who’ll be selling Christmas puddings, the Lions Club of Howick who’ll be selling Christmas cakes, Howick Pakuranga Community Patrol, and the Polish Heritage Museum.

“The wonderful Manukau Concert Band and Pakuranga Choral Society will be performing Christmas music and carols, and there’ll also be performances from singer-songwriter Sarah Van Zyl, Uxbridge’s Zumba Gold, Howick Line Dancers, and our own Auckland Guitar School,” says the HVA.

MC for the Christmas Fair is East FM’s Phil Dark,

while saxophonist Bruce French will be playing outside 101 Home on Cook Street.

“Children’s entertainment in Fencible Park includes a Ferris wheel and laughing clown trailer, while there’ll be train rides in the Moore Street area, and the Howick Brass Band performs in the park area,” says the HVA.

“The teams from the Polish Heritage Museum and Saint Kentigern College’s Pipe Band will be roaming during the event.

“Our Lady Star of the Sea Church Youth will be providing face-painting for the children outside the church in Picton Street near the New Zealand Fire and Emergency fire truck.”

Event information and first aid paramedics will be situated in the area outside The Good Home / Prospect of Howick, while the East FM broadcast caravan is the oﬃcial “lost children” point outside Wild Wheat next to Fencible Park.

“And of course our iconic Howick Village Markets will be in full swing,” says the HVA.

Families, fun, flowers

Thousands of people enjoyed the stunning summer weather at two community events on Saturday in east Auckland.

The Howick Family Fun Day at Howick Doman, organised by local real estate agent Lawrence Liew of Bayleys Howick, featured a popular bouncy castle, face painting, Mr. Whippy Ice Cream, a sau-

sage sizzle, potato sack races for adults and children, live music and dance performances, exciting giveaways and more.

The sausage sizzle was by gold coin donation with proceeds going to the Howick Children’s Charitable Trust, which stages the popular annual Howick Santa Parade.

The second big event the same day was the

Cherry Blossom Festival staged at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush.

It drew a large crowd who enjoyed a baby and children blessing ceremony, market stalls, tasty food, artist showcases and live demonstrations and a classic car show, with support from St John Manukau and Auckland Emergency Management.

Photos supplied by Howick Photographic Society members Doug Mitchell and Margaret Jones

Recovery has a way to go

Forsyth Barr sponsored the recent Business East Tamaki breakfast the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended and spoke at. Earlier, Zoe Wallis, an investment strategist for Forsyth Barr, gave succinct analysis of the economy with the east Auckland business leaders’ audience in mind. PJ TAYLOR talks with Wallis post-breakfast.

During your speech, you used screen statements. One really stood out, though many understand the message and have for some time: “NZ Productivity Commission: Workers in New Zealand work longer hours and for less reward than workers in most OECD countries. In short, New Zealand works harder rather than smarter.” How do we change this?

There’s no magic cure to low productivity unfortunately, but a range of factors that could help lift it over time. Improving human capital through education, investing in infrastructure and new technologies/ capital, reducing regulatory burdens, lifting R&D [research and development] and foreign direct

Zoe Wallis

investment (done well). Part of the issue is that even when we know what could help, many changes need to endure beyond the length of our political cycles – we need to be long-term in our thinking. Opportunities to create investment plans that are politically agnostic – for example around long-term infrastructure plans – should be seriously considered. Our current weak productivity position is the result of cumulative changes over decades –turning the ship around and fixing the problem will also take time.

Does our national geographical isolation, at the bottom of the earth away from markets, make it difficult for us to trade? It certainly doesn’t help. Obviously it costs more to get goods from one side of the world to the other. There’s also some evi-

dence that countries which share geographic borders with other countries benefit from a greater degree of knowledge transfer between countries that helps boost productivity. We also have a geographically spread out population meaning it costs more to transport goods round the country to everyone and we don’t see the same economies of scale that more highly-populated countries tend to.

We’re a nation of more than 5.5 million people, a long way from our trading partners, yet we still enjoy pretty good first-world living standards in comparison to other countries. It seems though we have to work harder nowadays to maintain our quality of living. How do you see it? Part of it is working harder i.e. longer hours, the other part is that we tend to have strong migration-driven population growth. Stronger growth tends to lift economic growth just through a sheer numbers game – more people in the economy spending money at the supermarket, needing housing etc. In recent years, GDP per capita has been falling at a faster pace

than headline GDP growth – meaning actually our living standards have been going backwards. We’re obviously still a very privileged developed nation with many advantages, but it’s been a tough few years for a lot of people.

You had another screen presentation: “What’s the opportunity?” with business leaders in mind. It’s acknowledged that businesses across the country did it real tough during the Covid era. Are we through that?

Not yet, but getting there. The current conditions for most businesses remain tough, but we see some light at the end of the tunnel. Lower interest rates will start to provide stimulus for the economy, and businesses are already feeling more upbeat about the outlook heading into 2025.

How is the country fairing economically and what’s the outlook?

September quarter 2024 GDP data is likely to show New Zealand was back in recession through the June and September quarters.

WALK

PADDY & JILL Ryman Residents

Laying out the economic scene

 By Business East Tamaki general manager RUTH WHITE

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We recently had the privilege of hosting Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, as covered by Times’ journalist Phil Taylor.

However, it’s also worth summarising the introduction from Zoe Wallis, investment strategist at Forsyth Barr, who delivered an excellent presentation on the current economic landscape that set an upbeat tone for the event.

Zoe emphasised New Zealand’s strong foundational advantages. “While it’s easy to talk ourselves down, we have lots going for us here in New Zealand – a low corruption/high trust society, proximity to high growth Asian economies … a solid renewable energy base in a world where there’s now rapidly growth energy demand to accommodate AI.

“We’re a popular place to live and saw NZ’s population in 2023 grow at the fastest pace since WWII.

“This obviously comes with benefits and challenges – we need to ensure we’re adequately preparing for population growth by investing in the necessary infrastructure.

“As climate change continues to see the global environment change at pace, our little space at the bottom of the world means we are forecast to be more insulated from extreme changes than countries closer to the equator.”

Addressing the productivity problem which has one of the lowest rates in the OECD, Zoe noted there’s

“no single solution”.

She suggested a range of factors that could help lift productivity over time including “improving human capital through education, investing in infrastructure, reducing regulatory burdens, lifting R&D and foreign direct investment”.

“Our current position is the result of cumulative changes over decades –turning the ship around and fixing the problem will also take time.”

Zoe’s introduction perfectly complimented the thrust of the Prime Minister’s talk on the Government’s focus on fiscal discipline, education and human capital, infrastructure and investment, international trade and relationships, attracting global investment and the Government’s specific targets through to 2030, focusing on outcomes that matter to New Zealanders.

Like Zoe, the Prime Minister conveyed strong optimism for New Zealand’s future and a more prosperous outlook for all its citizens. This positive message likely resonated with the business audience, offering reassurance about the country’s upward path despite local and global challenges.

Christopher Luxon

Police hail large decline in vehicle crime

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

Police in east Auckland have seen a massive drop in the number of vehicles being broken into and stolen from local streets.

The latest statistics for October show a 51 per cent reduction in thefts from vehicles compared to the previous month, a 40 per cent fall in thefts of vehicles, as well as a nine per cent drop in burglaries.

Counties Manukau East Police community services manager, senior sergeant Anson Lin, describes the fall in vehicle crime as “massive”.

It follows work carried out by police as part of Operation Flat Bush, which saw increased patrols in the suburb and a crackdown on vehicle crime and burglaries.

Police maintained a high visibility in key hotspots, targeting the main roads in Flat Bush, with a strong focus on repeat victims.

Lin says police are grateful for the support of the Botany Crime Watch

Patrol, the Asian Council on Reducing Crime (ACRC) and the Howick Local Board during the operation.

He says some of the reduction in vehicle crime and burglary last month is down to the work carried out during Operation Flat Bush.

“We received great feedback from residents,” Lin says. “Many of them tell us they’ve been the repeat victims of crime.

“We spent a good two to three hours on the street speaking to them, educating them about vehicle safety, and [steering wheel] locks when any of them own one of the five highrisk vehicles.

“The five most popular cars targeted were Toyota Aqua, Nissan Tida, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Demio, and Toyota Vitz.

“That’s in combination with our team’s focus on the Flat Bush area and support from our community partners so it’s a massive reduction in terms of vehicle crime.”

Lin says another key factor is that police identified a group of suspects

who are allegedly responsible for such offences in Flat Bush and who are now before the courts.

Despite the falling crime stats, Lin says Counties Manukau East Police “won’t take our foot off the pedal”.

“We continue to target this area and hopefully we’ll pick up momentum leading toward summer.

“We know the days get longer and people are a little bit complacent, so we want to keep that momentum going and make sure we continue to work in that area and reduce vehicle crimes and burglary in

Flat Bush.”

Police recommend that where possible motorists park their vehicle in well‐lit and busy locations and ensure all valuables are removed from it, or out of sight. Buying and using a steering wheel lock is also useful.

People who see suspicious behaviour should phone 111 immediately. Report information online via www.police.govt.nz/ use-105 using ‘Update Report’, or by phone 105.

Alternatively, report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Senior sergeant Anson Lin is pleased to see vehicle crime falling in the area. Times photo

Dating apps made man feel degraded, shattered

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

An east Auckland man says he’s given up using dating apps to try to find love after they left him feeling “degraded”.

Louis* contacted the Times following the publication of its ‘Sex and the Suburbs’ column on October 25.

In it, anonymous author Holly writes about her experience using the dating app Bumble.

She explains what she looks for in the profiles of men on Bumble, such as photos of a smiling bloke holding a fish, as well as what she dislikes, like frowning men with unkempt facial hair.

After reading her column, Louis contacted the Times to share his own experiences on dating apps.

He describes himself as a South African man who’s divorced and aged in his early 40s who now lives and works in east Auckland.

His efforts to get into the

dating scene in this country and to meet someone have been less than successful.

“I’m here alone but I was very fortunate to stay with a couple of Kiwi lads that are a bit older than me,” Louis says.

“So, although I don’t have a vast network, I at least made some friends. I felt it was time to try and get back into the dating pool, not something I fathomed I’d ever need to do again at this stage of my life.”

fidence he had was “shattered beyond repair”.

“It feels like the women on these apps are extremely judgemental, snobbish, and dare I say fake.

“I know I’m not a hunk. Yes, I have a dad bod because I provided for my family.

“But I’m still a nice guy and would treat any lady with respect. But it seems it’s not good enough these days.”

apps instead of the traditional methods of going to bars or nightclubs.

“Bars are no longer set up for people to mingle,” he says.

“I have not seen one bar that has chairs by the bar itself. Where you’d normally speak to people who sit next to you, those people are now sitting at a table.

“Unless you’re drunk or brave enough you won’t just approach a whole table.

He tried three different

He tried three different apps, Tinder, Bumble, and Boo, and says the experience with all of them was “horrendous”.

The Times asked Louis why he thinks so many single people now use dating

10 photos ranging from

“I created a decent profile and added about 10 photos ranging from a night out, a weekend away, and taking a ride on my mountain bike.

“In totality over the three apps, I had two people who showed interest on Boo and one reply in

“In totality over the three apps, I had two people who showed interest on Boo and one reply in Bumble.”

Louis says the experi-

“the worst human being in the world” and any con-

Louis says the experience made him feel like “the worst human being in the world” and any con-

you to meet fewer people and only go [on] what you see and read.

“Besides that, I think people try and vet someone before they meet, which makes sense, but it causes you to meet fewer people and only go [on] what you see and read.

“I think the reality of these dating apps is a lot darker than one thinks. Or maybe it’s just me, I don’t

“One of my housemates tried some other apps and he was swarmed with girls and replies, only to realise later they were all chatbots. I’m just experiencing it so hard to meet someone.”

*Name changed to protect his privacy.

Feedback

INSPIRED IDEA

Thank you for the excellent article from the pen of Phil Taylor, regarding the Howick RSA’s keen interest in operating out of the War Memorial Hall, right in the middle of the Village (Times Online, October 3).

What an inspired idea, and we amongst many others keenly involved in fighting for the Hall to be kept securely in the hands of the local community are enormously encouraged that such a concept may come to fruition.

It’s like a coming home: the war memorial would be hosting the very body tasked with caring both for the country’s veterans and their families and thus for the wider community.

To think that the RSA would keep the doors open every working day, both as a hub for growing the RSA’s vital welfare work and for other charitable and volunteer groups to share!

Wonderful concept, including the part about increasing the building’s legal headcount, which is long overdue.

Our heartfelt thanks to Barry Dreyer, president of the Howick RSA, and

his investigative working group for piloting the plan, and we wish them every success as they pursue this idea whose time has come.

And a big thank you in anticipation of the Howick Local Board’s enthusiasm and important cooperation.

Janet Dickson, Howick Ratepayers & Residents Association chair

SUMMER CLEANING UP

Cockle Bay has had a spruce-up getting it ready for summer. Leos from Howick College, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, and students from Botany Downs Secondary College rallied together in good numbers to do the job.

A teacher from Howick College also attended. This

project once again demonstrates that today’s youth cares for their environment. Good news!

Leos are based in local high schools and are young potential Lions.

Howick Lions supported this initiative by doing a sausage sizzle lunch at the beach, providing muchneeded sustenance for the young workers. Good community work all round.

Gordon Myer, Lions Club of Howick president

TOUGHER ON GANGS

One of this Government’s election promises was to get tougher on gangs.

On TV news, November 2, there was a clip of the Mongrel Mob gang driving through the streets with

gang members standing in the back of a ute not holding on. Others were sitting on a car-door window with half their body sticking out of the vehicle – passing police vehicles and police watching the event.

These vehicles were not travelling slowly.

If this had been normal members of the public the police would have given chase and stopped them and given them an infringement notice or similar.

So why did this not happen in this circumstance?

These gangs are getting away with things that the normal public would not.

So come on Government, start getting tougher.

It’s high time to do something positive.

Concerned resident

Public Opinion

Peter Moran, of Highland Park

“It’s a shame, as it’s handy for me.

Sometimes it can be chaos around here, so I go to Botany. I come down here a lot. The staff are good, and I’ve never had any problems.”

Danny Krishna, of Pakuranga

“It’s a pretty good store. If you need anything you can get it here. The staff are pretty good. If it’s closing, it’s going to be a pain, as you’ll have to go to Botany or Sylvia Park.”

After breaking the news on Times Online on November 7 about The Warehouse at Pakuranga Plaza shutting its doors at the end of January, PJ Taylor was back outside there the next day to ask people what they thought about the retail icon’s closure after 31 years.

Jill Upshire, of Pakuranga

“We’re very saddened. It’s our regular shop to go to. We go there most days to get our bits and pieces. The staff are very good, and we hope they get deployed to other stores.”

Angela Dawson, of Half Moon Bay

“I’m very sad. I come here to get my groceries – the milk, Weetbix, everything. I’m sorry for them [staff]. The shopping centre is not the same. We used to like coming here.”

Martti Koski, of Pakuranga

“It’s very sad. I come here a lot. I use it for my walk every day. I’m very sorry for the staff because they’ll have to go somewhere else to work.”

Mate Bojanich, of Pakuranga

“It’s sad news. The Plaza has been struggling after Covid, and because of the construction works around here. The closure is just another nail in the coffin for it.”

Four Trees spooks with Halloween spectacular

Every Halloween, residents in Four Trees in Cockle Bay host a festival with haunted houses, wild decorations and handing out candy.

As soon as I stepped out of the car, people hustled past me dressed up in all sorts of funny costumes –witches, wizards, in dinosaur costumes, etc!

Walking down the hill, we entered the road outside the first house. Cobwebs were scattered across the fences with baby doll heads hanging from a string.

In front of me stood a purple candy dispenser box, taller than my height with two buttons – trick or treat. My cousin went first, pressing the treat button

then getting three candies.

As soon as he left, I thought “what would happen if you pressed trick?’ I pressed the trick button and an eerie laughter danced through the air.

A skeleton hand sprung the candy dispenser hole and as soon as I reached for it, it went back into the hole.

After seconds of preparing, it sprung out again, I wrestled with the hand and let go, and it came back out palm open with one candy inside.

The second house was giving out candy from buckets. There was a nice little kid dressed up as Spider-Man and handing out candy from a plastic bag with his mum.

I thanked the kid and his parents then headed downhill where I found the third house, a haunted one. As soon as I stepped in, I found skeletons dangling from the wires beside me.

There were machines banging on the wall when people walked by and I got terrified when I got banged.

Soon we entered area one, aliens and zombies stood decorated on the ground. Finally, the light shone ahead and I ran out

of the house – wow, that was fun.

We saw a big marshmallow standing in front of the Ghostbusters, an ‘FBI’ truck, a skeleton bathing in red water and more decorations! Going uphill there was another haunted house which was terrifying. I got jump-scared at every corner.

Eventually after knocking on all the houses and taking a long journey back to the car I took a sigh of relief. That was fun. And scary. Happy Halloween! • Alina Jiang is in Year 6 at Owairoa Primary School

ALINA JIANG

Four Trees residents Tracey Fox and Ron Fielding.

Photo supplied Andrew Stubbins

Supermarket dedicated to customer experience

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

Botany Pak’nSave owner Russ Wilkinson wants each of the more than 40,000 shoppers who visit the supermarket each week to have a positive experience as well as access to the cheapest food in New Zealand.

He and his hard-working team of 250 staff are excited to be celebrating the supermarket’s 30th anniversary.

“Pak’nSave has always been here for the cheapest food in New Zealand and that’s something we’ve been able to maintain,” Wilkinson says.

“From its inception, the purpose was to provide the cheapest food prices and provide a one-stop-shop that filled every pantry and the whole basket.”

Wilkinson has strong ties to east Auckland as a standout athlete during his time as a pupil at Pakuranga’s Saint Kentigern College.

After leaving school he got his first supermarket job and did a training programme with Pak’nSave

parent company Foodstuffs.

He went on to own his own stores first in Kerikeri and then Mount Roskill.

It was at the latter business that he first employed staff member Diana Rong, who’s now his store manager at Botany Pak’nSave.

“I was very fortunate to be able to employ Diana as a checkout supervisor,” Wilkinson says.

“She was ambitious and wanted to go further. She became delicatessen manager and bakery manager and learned how all the departments worked.

“Four years later, in 2014,

the opportunity for this store came up, so we sold Mount Roskill and moved into Botany Pak’nSave.

“Diana became store manager and from there we haven’t stopped running.”

Botany Pak’nSave previously underwent a refurbishment in 2018-2019 and has now got new equipment and layout.

“We’ve had all our racking redone,” Wilkinson says. “Gone is the gaudy green and in is the new grey, but the good thing is it allowed us to open the aisles slightly and give a bit

more room to make everything more uniform.

“We’ve been able to open it up and make it a lot more customer-friendly and usable. The core layout may not change but how we present the product, that’s driven by customer demand.”

At the heart of what Wilkinson does is a desire to instill a positive culture in his team to enable them to deliver a great experience for their customers.

“We’ve got a lot of staff who have been here for more than 20 years,” he says. “One of the boys down front has worked for me for 42 years, so we have a very sound culture and a very strong retention culture.

“That’s always been a big part of me, and it goes back to my sporting days as a team player and team leader.

“It’s always about how ‘we’ function. You’ve always got a function as a leader, but you need to know how to pull the team along and what parts of the team need oiling, what parts need support, and what parts need pushing.”

Russ Wilkinson, right, is thankful to his store manager at Botany Pak’nSave, Diana Rong, left, for her hard work and dedication.

Calling 111 or 105

When speaking with various groups in the community, generally one of the first questions asked is when to call 111 and when to call 105.

Knowing which number to call ensures police resources are used effectively.

111 is the police emergency number and should be called when a crime is actively happening or has just been committed and the offenders are still at the scene or have just left, or if there’s a serious, immediate, or imminent risk to life or property, or people are injured or in danger.

105 is the number for non-urgent police matters. This should be used

Howick Police Sergeant Brett Meale

to report crimes or incidents that have already happened, and an immediate police response is not required.

This might include offences such as historic burglaries, thefts, intentional damage, fraud or incidents like lost property, or suspicious vehicles with no occupants.

105 can also be used to get an update on a report already made or to add to an existing report.

You can also report via 105.police.govt.nz or download the Police App which readily provides the above options at the push of a button.

If you’re unsure if it’s a real emergency, such as a situation where you’re watching persons or vehicles in circumstances that don’t seem right, please follow your “gut feeling” and call 111.

More often than not your “gut feeling” is right, and those persons may be looking to commit a criminal offence or may have already done so.

By calling 111 you give us the best opportunity to

utilise resources in a timely manner and check out the situation.

Remember, when calling 111, stay as calm as possible and provide clear information such as the location, what’s occurring, and descriptions of the persons and vehicles involved.

For good old fashioned

Seniors to showcase artistic are

The public is invited to enjoy the many impressive artworks created by residents for this year’s Pakuranga Park Village Art, Craft and Sculpture Expo.

In its third year, the popular event is open in the village’s community centre from 10am-4pm on November 15-16 and 10am-2pm on November 17.

More than 50 residents across the four Real Living Group of villages, including many former professional artists, are showcasing

their talents with at least 250 exhibits.

They include a wide range of work, from stainless art to stunning acrylic, watercolour and oil paintings, Victorian beaded pockets, intricate quilting, painted ceramics and sculpture, cross-stitch, model trains, porcelain hand-painted dolls and a living garden display.

Exhibition curator Christine Bull says it’s a truly inspirational collection.

“With the average age of the exhibitors being

80, much of the work also represents priceless pieces from their younger days and is quite exceptional.”

A new addition this year is the Christmas sales table with hand-crafted Christmas trees, wood decora-

Employees, get set for summer

Here comes the holiday season! Are you ready?

With the holidays season fast approaching, now’s a good time to start preparing. Here’s some information to help.

Entitlements and conditions – All employees are entitled to a maximum of 12 public holidays a year. However, an employee:

• Cannot claim two public holidays if a public holiday is ‘Mondayised’ (one for the actual date and one for the Mondayised date) even if both are otherwise working days for them.

• Cannot be entitled to more than four public holidays over the Christmas and New Year period, regardless of their work pattern.

• Can claim only one Anniversary Day per year. For example, if an employee normally works in Auckland but is temporarily based in Wellington, you and the employee should agree which Anniversary Day will be observed. If you cannot reach an agreement, the employee is entitled to observe the anniversary of the province in which they usually work. When employees work

on a public holiday – If an employee works on a public holiday, they must be:

• Paid at least time and a half for the hours they work.

• Given an alternative holiday (also known as a ‘day in lieu’) if it’s a day they’d otherwise be working, unless they are employed only to work on public holidays.

An employee is entitled to an alternative holiday, even if only part of their shift fell on the public holiday.

Generally, a public holiday runs from midnight to midnight, so if an employee

tions, fudge and cards for sale, with proceeds going to Dementia Auckland.

Eftpos is available. Entry is by gold coin (also to Dementia Auckland) and it’s hoped many will take the opportunity to enjoy the exhibition and complimentary refreshments from The Art Café.

A selection of vehicles and the village golf cart will transportvisitors from Gate 2 on Fortunes Road to the Community Centre, also allowing for a brief tour of the village on the way.

works on any part of the public holiday (and it is an ‘otherwise working day’ for them) they’re entitled to an alternative holiday, as well as at least time and a half for the time actually worked on the public holiday.

This Solutions Column has been compiled by Vani and is a regular Times editorial from the Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau. Email enquiries.pakuranga@cab.org.nz or call/text WhatsApp 028 438 2188, visit us at the Library Building, Pakuranga, phone 576 8331 and at Botany Citizens Advice Bureau, rear food court entrance, Botany Town Centre, phone 09 271 5382 or 0800 367 222 for free, conﬁdential and informative help.

Cost savings from oﬃce exit

The Howick Local Board oﬃce in Pakūranga will close at the end of November, enabling council to recognise cost savings without impacting access to us.

Until now, an oﬃce in Pakūranga has been rented for local board members and support staff. Exiting this space will provide cost savings while alternative options are explored, including utilising existing Auckland Council-owned facilities. While decisions around oﬃce space are made by council staff, the board is supportive of this cost effective and pragmatic approach.

We’re very conscious of ensuring public funds are wisely spent and we’re open to trying a new way of working.

Much has changed since the oﬃce was first opened, with hybrid and ﬂexible working arrangements more commonplace than they were 15 years ago.

We’re fortunate to have a great team supporting us and they deserve a decent workspace to operate from.

By utilising the facilities available in the wider council group, we can achieve this quickly while providing time to establish a fit-for-purpose oﬃce in the future.

Despite the closure of the oﬃce, we continue to be available to our community on email, phone, or in-person by appointment.

When you request an appointment, instead of meeting at our oﬃce, we’ll use other locations like one

Howick Local Board Chair Damian Light

of our local libraries.

We’ll continue to meet in our meeting room at 7 Aylesbury St, Pakūranga, for business meetings and workshops (open by default from January).

Along with the Library and space provided to Citizens Advice Bureau and Pakuranga and Howick Budgeting Service, this is owned by Auckland Coun-

cil and managed by the Howick Local Board.

Anyone who’s experienced the technology challenges in our meeting room will know it’s well overdue for an upgrade.

We’re pleased to see there will be a targeted investment to ensure we’re able to conduct our meetings properly, ensuring we can continue to serve our diverse community.

FIND OUT MORE AND STAY IN TOUCH

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick Facebook: facebook.com/ HowickLB Monthly eNewsletter: https://bit. ly/42kdAlK or scan QR

Bus safety must be improved

When you take the bus in Pakuranga or anywhere in Auckland you deserve to feel safe, and our city’s bus drivers should be safe too.

Sadly, reports of crimes on buses, both against passengers and drivers, have created real fear for some public transport users.

It’s clear Auckland Transport (AT) needs to introduce more safety measures on buses, and faster.

Recently I spoke with the chief executive of a major bus contractor for AT.

He identified a major driver of anti-social and criminal behaviour on buses: AT’s policies that encourage people unwilling to pay a fare to board the bus.

In 2020, AT introduced a de facto ‘travel for free’ policy in response to Covid.

ACT List MP Parmjeet Parmar

AT removed cash from buses and advised operators that passengers without balance on their HOP cards should be allowed to travel regardless.

This policy continues today. It means some people now believe they’re entitled to take the bus for free.

This results in disputes with bus drivers, and it means unstable, marginal-

ised, or intoxicated individuals use the bus as a free ride or shelter.

Both situations increase the risk of attacks on drivers and passengers.

AT needs to change its policy and send a strong message that fare-dodging is not welcome.

We shouldn’t ask bus drivers to kick fare dodgers off public transport, but AT needs to take responsibility for a culture it’s created that invites free riders to take advantage of the rest of us.

Anti-social fare dodgers discourage Aucklanders from using public transport.

They deprive AT of revenue and load costs onto rule-abiding ratepayers.

They’re threatening, stealing from, and assault-

ing bus drivers and passengers.

When we turn a blind eye to repeated fare-dodging, we send a message that rules – and basic respect – don’t matter. Is it any wonder this then leads to violence?

The bus operator I spoke with suggested a mobile “ﬂying squad” to respond to fare dodgers and provide enforcement, with greater support from AT oﬃcers, police, and security guards. In short, we need to get tough. The operator’s raised his concerns with AT repeatedly.

He’s not been satisfied with their answers. ACT is not satisfied either.

I’ve requested a meeting with AT to discuss bus safety because Aucklanders deserve better.

Increased police presence on buses

The recent horrific attack on a bus passenger in Onehunga that tragically took the life of an Aucklander has shaken our city, and particularly public transport users.

The Government utterly condemns this senseless and horrific loss of life and is taking action to make public transport safer for workers and passengers alike.

Kiwis deserve to be able to get on a bus, train or ferry and be safe doing so.

That’s why our Government is determined to create a safer environment for everyone on public transport by working with police and delivering funding for safety improvements on our buses.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell and I have been

working with police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific attack in Onehunga.

To increase safety and provide reassurance to public transport workers and passengers, Aucklanders will see a greater police presence on public transport services.

As Transport Minister, I’ve written to the Justice Select Committee asking it to explore if changes are needed to the Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill that could include making offences against all public transport users an aggravating factor.

The Bill already provides for a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers.

This is about making sure public transport

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

remains safe for everyone, whether you’re a worker or a passenger.

It sends a clear message that violence and abuse in these spaces will not be tolerated.

The Government also recently approved $23.1m for four critical frontline volunteer service organisations to replace storm-damaged assets and provide training and equipment to improve New Zealand’s response to future emergency events. This funding includes:

• $14.6 million for Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

• $3.1 million for Coastguard New Zealand.

• $3.1 million for New Zealand Land Search and Rescue (LSAR).

• $2.3 million for Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC).

Our Government is ensuring the $15 million in Budget 2024 funding for bus driver safety and work conditions is provided to Public Transport Authorities by the end of 2024. This funding will be used for safety improvements, including retrofitted safety screens and real-time CCTV monitoring.

Get education back on track

We’re continuing to supercharge our maths action plan with a new, targeted maths acceleration programme!

This year, we discovered shocking data showing just four out of five year 8 students are not where they need to be for maths.

That’s why we’ve moved swiftly to implement our Make It Count maths action plan to set Botany kids up for success.

This latest step in our plan will make sure students who need the most help can catch up to where they need to be.

The trial programme will provide intensive support to around 2000 year 7 and 8 students who have fallen behind in maths.

To bring them up to the required curriculum level, they’ll receive small group tutoring and supervised online tuition for 30 minutes up to four times a week. Schools and kura across the country will see the programme run for 12 weeks across term 1 and 2 next year.

We’ll look to scale this

up across the country from term 3, informed by an evaluation of the trial.

This initiative is just part of the wider support we’re providing to teachers and students to lift maths achievement.

We’ve just released a new knowledge-rich curriculum in time for term 1 next year that sets out a structured, evidence-based approach based on the science of learning.

On top of that, around 400,000 students will benefit from high-quality, curriculum aligned workbooks, teacher guidance and lesson plans. This number will continue to rise.

Our $30 million investment allows every teacher and child to have the

resources they need to ﬂourish in the classroom.

We need to improve achievement in this country, not just because it’s the best way to set kids up for success, but because the future of our economy relies on our young people doing well in school today.

The Government is committed to getting 80 per cent of year 8 students at or above the expected curriculum level by 2030.

We’re working fast on our plan to make sure all kids are equipped with the skills they need to succeed.

Botany residents can rest assured we’re unrelentingly focused on lifting student achievement and getting our education system back on track.

From the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

The Christmas spirit of giving

In our small corner of Auckland, it’s amazing to find young people making a difference.

Harrison Eagle, head boy at Botany Downs Secondary College, felt as part of his leadership he should serve the community in some way.

“There were lots of projects I could get involved with and after contacting a few people I learnt about the Life Community Kitchens.

“They serve 11 different communities across Auckland to help meet the needs of many people across the city,” explains Harrison.

Harrison contacted the organisers of the Otara Life Community Kitchen, which feeds around 300 individuals weekly by providing hot meals at Te Puke ō Tara Community Centre.

“Otara Local Board have offered this venue every week for Life Community to use.

“As I was able to serve and eat with the families that regularly attended, I built relationships and had a heart for the children that were there.”

This kitchen is led by Angelica Lall and Andrew Lall.

“They’re inspirational

as they lead a team of volunteers every week, they serve others and make everyone feel loved,” says Harrison.

“There are no barrierspeople come to eat, connect and feel part of a community who cares.”

Harrison heard about the kitchen’s Christmas project, which provides a special Christmas meal for over 900 people, as well as some gifts for the children.

This event used to be sponsored but now the organisers rely on

“My heart was to ensure the children still got their ‘Christmas’ so I set about contacting a range of businesses to see if they could support this event in some small way.”

The goal was to raise $5000 to fund a Christmas event which will take place on Monday, December 9, for over 900 people.

This money is for food for the event, as well as gifts and entertainment for the children.

Harrison had to contact many businesses to ask for donations.

The following businesses have donated to this fund: Gong Cha Botany, Muﬃn Break Botany Town Centre, Sanitarium, Monterey Cinema Howick, and Boardertown Botany.

“The businesses that contributed expressed curiosity about helping a community beyond their immediate neighbourhoods, highlighting a broader desire to make a difference.”

“We found it quite hard at first as many businesses are struggling themselves to meet margins and already support other charities.”

The project is an amazing opportunity to bring people in our area together to make a big difference in the Otara community.

ities.”

“Our hearts are for the children, they find themselves in a place where through no fault of their own, they do not have enough to eat and Christmas is a time when we want to see smiles on their faces,” says Harrison.

“Projects like this help the most vulnerable and bring love into our community.”

People can support the project by donating money or buying toys to donate as Christmas gifts by. Email Angelica Lall at angelica. lall@lifenz.org. • Manayah Peiris is in year 7 at Somerville Intermediate School

Botany Downs Secondary College (BDSC) deputy head girl Christine Ahn, Andrew Lall, and BDSC head boy Harrison Eagle.

Photo supplied Debbie Eagle

MANAYAH PEIRIS donations.

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The right time to sell your business

ABC Senior Broker, Daren Leng shares insights for business owners.

Deciding when to sell your business is one of the biggest decisions you’ll face. Timing can inﬂuence both the sale price and the ease of the process. Key points to consider:

MARKET CONDITIONS

Economic cycles play a major role in business sales. A strong economy and low interest rates often mean more buyers with better access to ﬁnance. It’s also important to watch industry trends, as demand for businesses in particular sectors can vary.

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

Selling when your business is thriving, rather than in a downturn, typically results in higher offers. Buyers look for businesses with steady growth, a loyal customer base, and solid ﬁnancials.

PERSONAL GOALS

Consider your personal goals. Whether it’s retirement, a career change, or simply a desire for more time, it’s essential to assess if now aligns with your plans.

PREPARATION

A well-prepared business usually sells faster and at a better price. Make sure your ﬁnancials, operations, and legal matters are in order to attract serious buyers. There’s no one “perfect” time, but combining strong performance, favourable market conditions, and clear personal goals can create an ideal situation.

For expert advice, contact Daren Leng at ABC Business Sales – here to help you make the right move. Phone 021 0278 6045 or email darenl@abcbusiness.co.nz.

Seek help when dealing with lenders

TONI DAWSON, a fullyqualiﬁed Mortgage Adviser with more than 15 years’ industry experience, shares her expertise.

Some lenders are well and truly “open for business” at the moment. They have their processes down pat, they have pragmatic staff and they have competitive offers.

And other lenders continue to drag the chain and make the process unnecessarily difficult!

The bad news for the consumer is... A lender can be “good” one quarter, and “bad” the next.

And how are you supposed to know which is what and when and why?

Because I’m dealing with all lenders on a daily basis, from the “Big 5” to the “Baby Banks” to “Non-Bank” lenders, I know, straight off the bat, where you’re going to get the best outcome for your situation.

• Are you pushed for time?

• Do you need to sell and then buy?

• Do you need to buy and then sell?

• Do you want the best deal?

• Are you buying a “do-up”?

• Are you buying with family or friends?

• Are you buying a section and planning to build?

• Are you an investor?

• Are you a ﬁrst home buyer?

• Are you self-employed?

• Do you have overseas income?

• Are you a developer?

Call me on 027 646 9269 to talk through your unique set of circumstances today.

Toni Dawson

NZCFS Level 5, BBS, GradDipBusStuds (Personal Financial Planning) FSP1000506 027 646 9269

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Funding your retirement

There’s a lot to look forward to in the lead up to your retirement. But like most things in life, it pays to have a plan.

Approximately 40% of retired New Zealanders rely on superannuation alone to fund their retirement.

The rest use their savings and other sources of income to bridge the gap between what they’re entitled to, and what they need (or want) to maintain their standard of living.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or already there, now’s the time to start thinking about your retirement plan.

Begin by ﬁguring out how much money you will

need. This will vary from person-to-person depending on their circumstances, ﬁnances and their retirement goals.

Then, ﬁgure out whether your Superannuation entitlements will see you comfortably through your retirement. If they fall short, factor in any retirement savings (including KiwiSaver) and how you might reduce costs and free up extra money to cover daily expenses.

Many retirees invest their money into investments that can supply a regular, reliable source of income throughout their retirement.

We recommend working with a ﬁnancial adviser to guide you through your

investment options and build an investment portfolio that’s suited to your age, stage and risk appetite.

As a rule of thumb, investing in your retirement usually means building a diversiﬁed investment portfolio that includes income-producing, medium term investments with a low risk proﬁle.

When determining where to invest your money, you should also consider your overall liquidity, whether you want active or passive investments, and whether the company or provider you’re investing with is transparent and trustworthy.

At Southern Cross Partners, we understand that

navigating the investment landscape, especially when you’re using your hard-earned pennies, can be a daunting exercise.

That’s why we’ve built a handy guide to help you invest in your retirement and enjoy the ﬁnancial freedom you deserve.

Please visit our website southerncrosspartners.co.nz to download your copy today.

> Disclaimer: Southern Cross Partners is licensed to provide peer to peer lending services under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. This article is general in nature only and has not taken into account any particular person’s objectives or circumstances. We recommend you speak with a ﬁnancial adviser before making any investment decisions.

Why buy an adjustable bed?

Did you know one in four New Zealanders aren’t getting enough sleep?

We’re in an age of Go, Go, Go! Everything is fast-paced, and it can be hard to settle down at the end of the day.

Not only is our quantity of sleep affected, so is our quality of sleep. This is why so many New Zealanders are choosing an adjustable bed base.

It’s such a great option to

improve your quality of sleep, and is becoming more and more popular for sleepers of all ages!

No matter how your body is feeling at any given time, you can adjust your bed to suit your needs. If you’re wanting to read before lights out, you can raise your head and get to a comfortable seated position.

If you’ve been on your feet all day, you might want to have

your feet raised.

Elevating your legs actually reduces pressure on your spine and can help relieve back pain. Back pain not your issue? That’s okay, elevating your upper body has plenty of other beneﬁts too.

Not only does it help with acid reﬂux symptoms and digesting food more efficiently, it’s also a perfect solution to breathing when you

have a cold or sinus issues.

It can even help with sleep apnoea, asthma and snoring.

As you can see, there are many lifestyle and health reasons as to why an adjustable bed is such a great option for people of all ages. Interested in trying one for yourself?

Sleep Space has the largest range of adjustable bases in New Zealand, so why not pop in and give one a try!

ELEVATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE

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TO BLACK FRIDAY OR NOT?

In recent years, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have gained traction in NZ, despite traditionally being US-centric shopping events. This trend has seen more kiwi businesses jumping on board, offering limited-time deals to attract customers both online and in-store.

For businesses, participating in these events provides a unique opportunity to boost sales before the end of the year, clearing out stock and engaging with a wider audience. It’s a chance to capture early holiday shoppers looking for deals, and the buzz around Black Friday and Cyber Monday helps generate a sense of urgency that drives purchases. Participating in these days allows you to tap into the collective marketing efforts of other businesses

and tap into the consumer buying behaviour of those days!

For consumers, these events offer access to deals that might not be available at other times, which can be especially appealing with holiday shopping on the horizon. As awareness grows, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are becoming anticipated events, making them an increasingly valuable addition to the New Zealand retail calendar. If you’re not sure if this ﬁts in your strategy, let’s chat! www.marketingbaker.com 09 884 8650 candice@marketingbaker.com

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PRINCIPAL IN PERSON

With Genee Crowley, Baverstock Oaks School

How long have you been an educator?

I’ve been in education for over 40 years, training at Hamilton Teachers College. I started my career teaching in south Auckland and then moved to the Howick and Pakuranga area, where I taught at Sunnyhills School. In 2004, I had the honour of becoming one of the foundation associate principals at Baverstock Oaks School. The two APs were appointed midway through 2004, giving us the unique opportunity to help set up a new school from the ground up.

What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?

Over the years, I’ve built strong connections with the students I’ve taught, their whānau, and the dedicated staff I’ve worked with along the way. Teaching allows you to make lifelong friends, especially with colleagues who share a passion for education and a desire to make a difference for the tam-

ariki we teach. Each day is unique, and that variety keeps our work both rich and rewarding.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have many leadership opportunities and talented mentors who have encouraged my growth. Leading Baverstock Oaks School is a privilege, and I’m deeply grateful for the support of our parent community, our leadership whānau, the staff I’ve worked alongside, and our boards of trustees. I truly enjoy hearing of the successes of the past students and staff I have taught or led. Some of these students and staff have made outstanding achievements.

When did you become principal of Baverstock Oaks School?

Our foundation principal Mary Wilson left at the end of term one in 2018, and I was extremely fortunate to step into the role of principal. It’s been a rewarding journey to carry forward the legacy and vision of our school.

What’s

special about Baverstock Oaks School?

When Baverstock Oaks first opened, Mary Wilson had a vision for the school to serve as the “village green” for the new and diverse community. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to make this a reality, welcoming our community and encouraging their involvement in their child’s learning journey. Our school’s diversity is one of its most defining characteristics. We have students from all over the world, many of whom speak English as a second language. Our board of trust-

ees has dedicated resources to support these students in acquiring English in a safe, supportive environment, creating an atmosphere where both students and adults learn from each other’s cultures. We’re committed to providing a safe space where students feel happy, enabling them to learn effectively. Our staff members are valued and encouraged to grow in their roles. As an inclusive school, we cater to neurodiverse students, ensuring their individual needs are met in an environment that is both differentiated and inclusive. We’re very fortunate to have four hectares of land that offer students the chance to participate in a variety of sports and outdoor activities. Our high-quality learning environment supports diverse learning needs, with 32 single-cell classrooms that can open up for collaborative learning. Every learning area is designed similarly to ensure equity for all our students.

>Read full interview at www.times.co.nz

Genee Crowley

Math students claim medals

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

Mathematical prodigies from Bucklands Beach Intermediate School (BBI) have proven their abilities in a major competition.

The school’s year 7 and year 8 Mathex groups recently took part in the Australian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad (APSMO).

BBI mathematics lead and maths extension teacher Mandy Attard says it’s for individual students and teams.

“This year four students in year 8 were awarded a medal for achieving a perfect score across all four competitions. Both the year 7 and year 8 Mathex groups were awarded the top non-Australian school

in their division. This score is based on the total achieved by the top 10 students in the group.”

The school’s year 7 students were named top non-Australian school in the Junior division, while the year 8 students were crowned top non-Australian school in the Senior

division. It’s the third consecutive year BBI students have won both competition levels, Attard says.

“I prepare these students as part of their challenges which the whole Mathex group at BBI take part in during the year.

“It’s one of many competitions the students par-

ticipate in to extend their skills and knowledge and challenge themselves.”

Attard says her young students’ success has proven they can solve their way out of almost any problem.

“Every year the schools’ gifted and talented mathematicians take part in the APSMO series of question sets, with more than 100,000 students across Australia and New Zealand taking part each year.

“The competition is one of those offered to talented students at BBI to provide opportunities for students who are extremely academic to achieve recognition of their abilities.”

Where Children and Learning Matter

Bucklands Beach Intermediate School maths teacher Mandy Attard with her keen pupils. Photo supplied

AARON MARTIN Q&A

He’s the leader of the skating crew and highly respected for his advocacy for it and equal opportunities.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND GREW UP?

East Auckland. I grew up in Sunnyhills and attended Sunnyhills and Farm Cove Intermediate Schools and Pakuranga College. My family are from a little country in Europe called Malta.

WHAT DID YOU APPRECIATE ABOUT YOUR YOUNGER LIFE?

I had a pretty-standard upbringing, played rugby in my primary years, raced BMX and played baseball in my early college days. Once I started skating, we’d skate between Lloyd Elsmore Park, the halfpipe at the church on Cascades Road, and a few street spots. In the weekends we’d bus to Victoria Park and go street skating.

YOU’RE KNOWN AS THE CHAMPION FOR SKATEPARKS NOT ONLY IN THE EAST, BUT IN OTHER AREAS OF AUCKLAND. WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO WHEELED SPORTS?

I wasn’t one of those kids that learnt at a young age. Believe it or not, I stood on a skateboard for the first time at 13-14 and learnt as an adult. I didn’t

cross paths with skateparks until my college years. My best mate at college, Phillip Jensen, was sponsored when he was younger and could still throw down. I was hooked and wanted to learn how to do it myself. Then, like many teens, you get a girlfriend and start partying and drift apart from it all. It wasn’t until my son became of age that it reminded me how these sports built me into the person I am today.

ANY PEOPLE IN SKATING WHO WERE STRONG INFLUENCES EARLY ON?

ex-sponsored skater. Niam Kerr-Bell – I’ll never forget his

crowd-pleaser at the National X Air comp. Danny Jensen, Grant Walker, Heather Martin-Armstrong. Our crew is tight. I could nearly name every person in New Zealand that’s part of our community. I still keep in touch and catch up with them to this day.

YOU’VE

LED THE SKATING COMMUNITY

THROUGH

THE EAST SKATE CLUB FOR A LONG TIME. WHY DID YOU SET IT UP?

East Skate Club was initially formed purely to encourage the council to do up our local park, at Lloyd Elsmore. Today, it has grown far past what it was ever intended to. My son Zac began enjoying riding his balance bike and scooter and had outgrown the school flat courts area and was ready for a bigger challenge. After not skating for four or five years, I rolled around to film him and was exposed

LEADING ACHIEVEMENTS?

CHANGED IN NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY, WHAT IS IT?

vividly. A skatepark is a safe place for individuals and groups to challenge goals while risk along the where people build

to the environment I remember so themselves, to encourage and be encouraged, to set and achieve their own learning to manage way. It’s a place where people build healthy habits like self-directed people how to persevere and the to experience accomplishment A is an attractive, accessible and safe

self-directed exercise and creative expression. It’s a place where people learn value of persistence. A place

and build confidence. A skatepark is an attractive, accessible and safe recreational facility for all. A safe and welcoming gathering space for skaters, families and the entire community.

skaters, families and the YOUR/ THE CLUB’S

include Panmure, Barry Curtis Park, Otara, Tepai, Lloyd Elsmore, Mangere. Over this time, we’ve presented to all

We’ve over the past few years achieved a lot. Credit to our strong volunteer team. Fundraising through grants and sponsorship we’ve grown the club to more than 1500 members, and fundraised more than $300,000 to promote skate. We’ve run Sonsk8 – New Zealand’s only indoor skatepark, along with renewing several council-owned assets. These include Panmure, Barry Curtis Park, Otara, Tepai, Lloyd Elsmore, Mangere. Over this time, we’ve presented to all the local boards and now work on this at a regional level.

AWAY FROM SKATING, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN EAST AUCKLAND?

I enjoy my jet ski, wakeboarding, wake-skating, snowboarding, longboarding, BMX track, boxing.

IF THERE WAS ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE

More parks! And the process in which skateparks and wheeled sports are treated. Every school has a rugby field and netball courts. With these sports on a decline, and wheeled sports on the rise as the fastest growing sport, there’s no facility upgrade plans or any specific guidelines these are adhered to. As a result, and with no formal club structure, these are not included in local or national renewal plans, and simply get left while the playgrounds and other council facilities get funding and refurbished. Equal Opportunity East Auckland’s Jessica Ready, New Zealand’s most likely Olympic [skate] hopeful, lives in Mellons Bay. Her parents travel hours every weekend in Auckland for her to practise for the sport she excels in. This is a major motivator for me to try and advocate for facilities for her to have equal opportunity to her competitors overseas training all year round, despite the weather and daylight saving. I’ll not give up fighting for us to have an equal opportunity.

Aaron Martin, centre, with Brooklyn Biddle, left, and his son Zac Martin, in 2021. Times file photos

EAST AUCKLAND ART KETE

This is a shared arts column space put together by Howick Historical Village, Te Tuhi, and Uxbridge Arts and Culture.

Brunelle Dias, ‘bom dia!’, 2024 (installation view in Howick Frames).

EVENTS:

Friday, 15 November: Uxbridge rings in holiday cheer with Christmas film Home Alone. 6:30pm. Uxbridge Theatre. $5 (includes popcorn).

Friday, 22 November: Uxbridge hosts folk-music double feature Turkey the Bird and The Nukes. 7:30pm. Uxbridge Theatre. $35.

Saturday 23 November: Te Tuhi & Rescare Christmas Market showcases our community’s potential with Aotearoa NZ-made products. 10am–1pm. 21 William Roberts Road, Pakuranga. Free.

Sunday, 24 November: Uxbridge presents The Bridge: Poetry and Blues with Raging Flowers, Ravi the Poet, and Solomon Cole. 4pm–6pm. Uxbridge Theatre. From $15.

Saturday, 30 November: Uxbridge presents Live Acoustic Music with legendary musicians Paul Ubana Jones and Kent Mori. 7:30pm. Uxbridge Theatre. From $38.

Sunday, 1 December and Sunday, 15 December: Experience Polish Christmas Eve traditions, watching the first star, and Wigilia supper. Create paper and wool decorations. Ages 5+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). 2pm–4pm. Polish Heritage Trust Museum, 125 Elliot St, Howick. $10.

Saturday, 7 December: Join Howick Historical Village for Twilight Christmas 2024. With lights, food trucks, mulled wine, carolling, Santa, mini-market, and more – it’s a night not to be missed! 5:30pm–9:30pm. Bells Road, Pakuranga. Tickets via Eventfinda, limited door sales. Adult $18, child $10, under 3’s free.

Sunday, 8 December: Get into the festive spirit at the 71st Howick Santa Parade! Family Day Out starts at 11am. Parade 1:30pm–2:30pm. Picton St, Howick. Free.

Saturday, 14 December and Saturday, 21 December: Extended hours to enjoy the magic of Howick Historical Village’s Christmas lights. Bring a picnic as Homestead Café will be closed and no food trucks onsite. 10am–10pm. Bells Road, Pakuranga. Door sales. General admission prices.

ONGOING:

Now until Saturday, 16 November: Uxbridge presents Ebb & Flow an exhibition of poetic photographs by Kristin Hatland. The Malcolm Smith Gallery, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick. MonSat 10am–4pm. Free.

Now until Saturday, 25 January 2025: Uxbridge presents Estelle Ruijne’s collection of expressive paintings in Metamorphōsis. The Wall Gallery, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick. Mon-Sat 10am–4pm. Free.

Now until March 2025: Arts Out East presents Howick Frames installation bom dia! by Brunelle Dias. 61 Picton Street, Howick. Free.

Saturday, 16 November – Sunday, 1 December 2024: Arts Out East presents Arts of Conversation curated by Jennifer Cheuk, a series of five art talks with artists Bareeka Vrede, Lindsey De Roos, Shruthi Priya Balaji and Anndivya Ram, Hannah Ireland, and Allan Xia. At various cafés and restaurants around east Auckland. Free.

Friday, 22 November – Sunday, 22 December: Te Tuhi, in collaboration with FRAC Champagne-Ardenne and Contemporary Hum, presents Vidéo Club, a screening of videos by three French artists. 21 William Roberts Road, Pakuranga. Free.

Saturday 30 November 2024 – Saturday, 15 February 2025: Explore the push and pull of the cosmos when Uxbridge presents multidisciplinary artist Karen Sewell’s otherworldly Celestial Numinance. The Malcolm Smith Gallery, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick. Mon-Sat 10am–4pm. Free.

Interested in having your non-pro t’s or charity’s events appear here? Email info to: EastAucklandArtKete@gmail.com by 11:59 pm on the 1st day of each month. May be edited for clarity and space.

Photo courtesy: Arts Out East

MOST DIVERSE LINE-UP YET FOR THE BRIDGE

Solomon Cole is an accomplished creator on the NZ music scene who nowadays specialises in seriously powerful blues-roots music. Photo supplied

The exciting period also included a nomination for the coveted Taite Music Prize for best debut album, and the track Ring Your Bell was featured by NASCAR motorsport TV coverage in the United States. He’s got his first solo album, Ain’t Got Time To Die, planned for release next year, and early sneak-peek snippets reveal a seriously powerful traditional blues-roots feel.

Cole says he’s been creating it over the past year with New Zealand music legend Eddie Rayner, famously of Split Enz and countless other music projects as producer and arranger. The two started “a lasting friendship”, Cole says, last year when they both worked together for the reformation project of iconic 1970s Kiwi rock band Space Waltz.

 By PJ TAYLOR

The next edition of The Bridge, the entertaining charity-minded showcase for musicians and performance artists, has its most diverse line-up to date.

Featuring on the show-bill for the third The Bridge concert at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on Sunday, November 24, is accomplished musician and blueroots champion Solomon Cole, indie-pop singer-songwriter Raging Flowers (aka Amy Wang, of Pakuranga), and beat-verse wordsmith Ravi the Poet.

Maddy South, of organisers Brightside Productions, of Howick, says: “The next offering of the increasingly infamous songwriters showcase has three artists who have leant on the power of music to help and heal, and to raising funds for Music Helps, which assists people in the NZ music community who have mental health issues or fallen on hard times. “It will again be an evening of pure delight as we immerse ourselves in the stories of the songs from three special artists. Our

November cohort will bring a colourful montage of poetry and blues with a comedic air of melancholy,” South says.

Solomon Cole, who resides and inspires in the creative environment of Waiheke Island, has carved out a highly-respected career since starting out in the indie-punk “underground” rock scene in Auckland in the early 1990s. He says his record label Hoop-La was formed to increase the profile and capture the artistic talents of Waiheke Islanders.

He’s played many a different gig over the past three decades, from opening and touring with international acts such as Martha Davis and the Motels, My Baby, The Animals, and The Supersuckers; being a musician-on-call for other groups and players; and forging a successful career as the leader of The Solomon Cole Band. Their 2016 album, Bruises, “erupted on the local scene”, Cole says, receiving “rave reviews” and ranking on both the New Zealand album and Independent New Zealand Music album charts, at 19 and 11 respectively.

Cole’s guitar playing is heard on Space Waltz’s sophomore album Victory that reached number 13 in the New Zealand album charts last year, alongside a consecutive number one for the re-release of the 1974 self-titled classic. It represented an almost 50 years between album releases for Space Waltz, led by another legend, Alistair Riddell.

Cole says Rayner has mixed and produced four tracks on Ain’t Got Time To Die, with leading Kiwi engineer Nick Abbott on recording duties as well.

“This forthcoming album marks a breaking of the dirt,” Cole says. “It showcases some songs performed and captured onsite in Waiheke’s World War Two installation Stony Batter.”

Cole and Abbott, “embraced the eerie reverberation of the tunnels on tracks such as the haunting Call My Maker and countrified Apocryphal Flood Blues. Ain’t Got Time To Die means too toil until the grave, and any musician, who are lifers like me, knows that nothing stops until you’re dead. There’s always an album lurking deep within you to be exorcised, because life is an ever-changing landscape that constantly throws up inspiration. These songs represent love, loss, woe, joy and everything in between,” Cole says.

WHAT’S ON

HOWICK COMBINED PROBUS CLUB

Why not join us on Tuesday, November 26, at Howick Bowling Club at 10am-12noon to hear our speaker Terri Marchant from the Panmure Historical Society talking about local history. For more information regarding our speakers, trips and friendship groups please phone Mary 0274-532-104. New members and guests are welcome and morning tea is provided.

What’s On is a free community noticeboard for non-pro t groups. Send notices of less than 50 words to chrish@times.co.nz. Due to space restrictions there is no guarantee your notice will run.

ARTIST TALKS

Five artists are giving talks on their work at locations around east Auckland as part of the Art of Conversation project, funded by Arts Out East and supported by Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board. Bareeka Vrede at 2pm on Saturday, November 16, at The Gallery Café, Uxbridge Arts and Culture; Lindsey de Roos at 1.30pm on Saturday, November 23, at Daisy Chang; Migrant Maharanis at 1.30pm on Sunday, November 24, at Gorkha Eastern Beach; Hannah Ireland at 12pm on Saturday, November 30, at Te Tuhi Café; and Allan Xia at 1pm on Sunday, December 1, at Minos Pizza. Entry is free but space is limited so book online at www.eventbrite.com.

CELEBRATE POLISH CHRISTMAS AND CRAFT WORKSHOP

Learn some Christmas Eve traditions, watching the first star and Wigilia supper. Create with paper and wool decorations. For ages five to adult. All children to be accompanied by an adult, thank you. Cost is $10 per person and includes all materials provided (cash or internet banking is available, sorry no Eftpos). Held on December 1 and 15 at the Polish Museum, 125 Elliot Street, Howick. Begins at 2pm and finishes by 4pm. Bookings are preferred. Also available for groups during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Please contact museum staff to arrange. Phone 09 533 3530 or email phtmuseum@outlook.com.

GREY POWER HOWICK PAKURANGA AND DISTRICTS PUBLIC MEETING

You’re cordially invited to join us at 1pm to hear the raconteur extraordinaire James Duncan the TRAM man from Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) with the second of a trilogy on trams in Auckland, ‘Our golden history’. From 2.05pm-2.20pm there will be a refreshment break, then from 2.20pm-3pm Ron Stewart is speaking on the changes in radio broadcasting in New Zealand 1950 to 2024, before and after computers and the internet. With many years in the audio and recording sector Ron now runs his own broadcasting organisation Radiowave NZ. All welcome. Bring a friend. 1pm, Friday, November 22, St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 11 Vincent St, Howick.

CHORAL CONCERT

Pakuranga Choral presents French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ joyous Christmas Oratorio in their final concert for 2024. Requiring five soloists, the choir is delighted to have a fabulous line-up of top young soloists: Olivia Forbes, Alanah Jones, Keani Taruia-Pora, Hamish Regan and Jack Doyle. Filling out the programme is music by John Rutter and conductor David Hamilton, including the premiere of a new work. The choir is joined by organist Michael Bell. Sunday, December 1, 2.30pm at Trinity Methodist Church, 474 Pakuranga Road. Adults $30, seniors $25, students $10, children (under 12) free.

Cartoonist Roger Smith’s provides his witty take on important issues in New Zealand and overseas.

EVENTS UPCOMING

OUT EAST

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

16 – 30 November, Harlequin Musical Theatre

Hey wildcats, tickets are now on sale for High School Musical On Stage! Getcha head in the game and grab tickets early because every jock, brainiac and thespian will want to get their hands on a seat to this classic.

BOTANY TOWN CENTRE SANTA PARADE

Saturday November 23, 10am, Town Centre Drive

Experience the magic of Christmas at Botany Town Centre! Join us for Santa’s arrival parade, meet and greet with Elsa, Anna, Elmo, SpongeBob, plus enjoy Christmas entertainment with performances from marching bands, drummers, jugglers and more.

FRIDAY 15TH NOV

5.30–9.30pm

A NIGHT WITH PETER URLICH

Friday 22 November 6pm, The Apothecary

The Apothecary are excited to announce a night with Peter Urlich where Peter will spin an eclectic selection of Latin/ Jazz/Funk and house! Doors open at 6pm – kitchen will be open and seating is on a first in basis.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Sunday 24 November 8:30am, Clevedon Farmers Market

Come to Clevedon for your Christmas gifts this year! Along with premium local produce and gourmet goodies for the ultimate holiday hamper, we’ll have stunning plants and handmade gifts from local artisans and creators. Support local and give New Zealand made this Christmas!

This week’s Community Hero is Billy

Davis

The Times is recognising the many wonderful people in our local east Auckland community who go out of their way to help others with our regular Community Hero award.

If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community please email 50 to 100 words describing why they deserves this recognition, highlighting speci c actions they’ve taken to bene t our community, with your and their contact details and a high-resolution photo of them if possible to chrish@times.co.nz.

Be sure to include details about what they’ve been doing, the impact they’ve made, and how long they’ve been involved in these e orts.

The award is sponsored by New World Howick. Recipients will receive a $50 New World gi card.

 By KATIE TRENEMAN, Interim Village Manager, Howick Village Association

Our annual Christmas Fair is on this week Friday, November 15, from 5.30-9.30pm. Picton Street will be closed from late afternoon. We have an awesome line-up of entertainment, many community groups will be in town, and our market will be open.

Shops will be open all day with many great specials and it will be a great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping. Our restaurants will be busy so it may pay to make a booking.

Uxbridge Arts and Culture will be playing the children’s movie Home Alone at 6.30pm. Tickets are $5 (including popcorn) so book online at www.uxbridge.org.nz. Our hospitality businesses are getting

This week’s recipient is Billy Davis. He was nominated by Yu-ting Hsieh, Henna He, and Dave Roberts.

Yu-ting Hsieh says: “I’ve known Billy since May, 2022, and he does a great job serving our community as a volunteer for Howick Pakuranga Community Patrol and Victim Support east Auckland. My husband passed away so suddenly after suffering cancer and Billy was showing in the time as a Victim Support [volunteer]. Billy stayed with me and my daughter through the first rough three months.

“He calls me every Sunday to check up on me, to see how I’m doing, and to ask if there’s anything I need help with. It’s a short phone call, but it gives me some comfort to know someone cares about us.”

Henna He says: “Billy has been a regular volunteer raising funds for different charities every year since 2017. Because of his encouragement, more people joined

Christmas Fair set to light up

booked up for end of year functions. There aren’t many slots left for Christmas gettogethers. Don’t be disappointed and book your party in now.

We’re excited to welcome to our markets Good Chow with amazing homemade sauces, and The Little Patisserie with melt-in-your-mouth, single-serve, fresh fruit mousse. We’ve also welcomed back for the summer season Pots of Joy with their seedlings, and 100 Wood Olive Oil.

On November 23 the Howick Art Group will be sharing the War Memorial Building with our stallholders and holding their ‘Have A Go’ event whilst our markets are running.

There’s been a couple of celebrations in the Village. Recently McInnes & Co celebrated 10 years in business – it’s a real milestone. Marbled won the Flavours of the World

the volunteer team including myself. I felt his enthusiasm and kindness from working with him. It is our greatest wish to provide services to our local community.”

really is a super-hero volunteer. He works with Victim Support,

damaged. He’s more

Dave Roberts says: “Billy really is a super-hero volunteer. He works with Victim Support, the Howick Pakuranga Community Patrol, and I’ve seen him walking his neighbours’ dogs. He gave me a hand to put up signs for the election last year and was happy to fix up all the party signs when they were damaged. He’s more community-minded and focused than anyone I’ve met.”

Category Champion category in the renowned Dunningham’s Great NZ Sausage Competition, with their Boerewors. Congratulations Marbled!

Disappointingly, scammers have been active on our social media platforms again. Earlier in the year we had Mother’s Day and Father’s Day giveaways targeted. At the moment they’re trying to engage with potential stallholders enticing them to interact via messenger and pay for nonexistent event stalls with Paypal.

We don’t do event or market bookings via social media, nor would we ever message you via personal profiles requiring payment using Paypal. Please be vigilant. The best way to make contact with us is via email and all our event and market management is done via events@howickvillage.co.nz and markets@howickvillage.co.nz.

WIN!

FOUR TICKETS TO EPIC SUMMER CONCERT TOUR

TO ENTER THE DRAW FOR ANY OF THESE COMPETITIONS VISIT WWW.TIMES.CO.NZ/WIN Scan me

TICKETS TO PAUL UBANA JONES

REMINGTON ONE TOTAL BODY MULTI-GROOMNER

FAMILY PASS TO THE CAT IN THE HAT

ALEPH ESSENTIALS EDIT BUNDLE

WIN! ALEPH SMOOTHING SKIN TINT

Introducing the latest clean beauty innovation from Aleph. Smoothing Skin Tint SPF/20 is a revolutionary three-in-one skincare, makeup, and sun protection hybrid that smooths, blurs, and protects in one effortless step.

Founder and CEO Emma Peters has again raised the bar with this new release, blending makeup and skincare with potent plant-based actives, a sheer blurring tint, and broad-spectrum mineral SPF 20 protection with PA+++ rating. It’s like a real-life filter for skin, giving an instant glow while hydrating and protecting it for the long term.

KEY BENEFITS:

• A three-in-one formula that combines smoothing skin treatment, sheer blurring tint, and broad-spectrum protection.

• Instant smoothing that blurs the appearance of blemishes, pores, and pigmentation with a weightless finish.

• Long-term skin benefits include active botanical ingredients that smooth the skin and protect against UVA,

UVB, and blue light damage while promoting collagen production.

• Perfectly tinted in three self-adjusting shades to work with every skin tone without leaving a white cast.

• The product is free from silicones, fillers, salicylates, nanoparticles, and synthetic fragrances, and housed in recyclable packaging.

• It adheres to the strict Aleph Clean Promise for ethical, safe, and highperformance ingredients.

• Aleph Smoothing Skin Tint/SPF 20RRP $92.

Aleph is a New Zealand-based B-Corp brand that creates high-performance clean cosmetics with skin-nourishing ingredients for both immediate and long-term results. Created by makeup artist Emma Peters, the Aleph range is designed to be easy to use and easily adapted to create any tone, texture or finish depending on skin’s needs from day to day. Everything Aleph is ethically sourced, cruelty-free, and sustainably packaged to support the health of people, planet, and animals. Learn more at www.alephbeauty.com

GOOD DOG BAD DOG

HOT DOGS WORTH EVERY BITE

Craving something deliciously naughty?

Good Dog Bad Dog is here to satisfy!

This isn’t about clean eating – it’s about a full-throttled flavour experience that hits all the right spots. Known as your go-to local dog dealer, Good Dog Bad Dog serves up hot dogs and hoagies that are unapologetically indulgent, fast, and downright addictive.

At Good Dog Bad Dog, you won’t find superfoods or fancy frills. What you get is pure, no-nonsense comfort food done right. Each bite delivers on taste with juicy dogs, fresh buns, and toppings that take your cravings to a whole new level.

With prices that won’t make you think twice, it’s perfect for anyone who wants cheap, easy, and absolutely delicious food on the go. Why settle for ordinary when you can have the best kind of bad?

Stop by, grab a dog, and experience that irresistible “don’t give a damn” vibe

that’ll keep you coming back for more. Indulgence never tasted this good!

Ormiston Town Centre, 240 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush. Open Sunday to Thursday 11am-8.15pm, Friday-Saturday 11am – 8.30pm, www.ordermeal.co.nz/ good-dog-bad-dog-ormiston

Ormiston Town Centre has been master-planned as the vibrant heart of Ormiston.

So much more than just a shopping centre, Ormiston Town Centre has been designed for community and convenience, relaxing and getting stuff done, entertainment and easy living.

Ormiston Town Centre has everything you need right on your doorstep – daily essentials or special treats, a coffee on the run or a relaxed meal out, a gym workout or some well-earned time out

At Ormiston Town Centre we’ve created a place that’s yours

It’s your place to be.

240 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush, Auckland

VINTAGE

Wine columnist DENNIS KNILL gives his views on Yealands vintage offerings

With summer on our doorstep, wine lovers are sure to find their way to any one of a number of cellar doors throughout the country.

And with so many wineries to choose from, visitors to Marlborough should not overlook a visit to Yealands Estate.

Internationally acclaimed for producing high quality wines, Yealands is also recognised for sustainable wine tourism practices as the first winery in the world to be accredited Carbon Zero.

As one of our most prominent producers, Yealands is also one of our largest. In

the space of 25 years, Yealands has transformed itself into one of New Zealand’s largest success stories with quality wines that can be found all around the world.

Don’t pass up on these three well priced vintages

’24 Yealands Estate Reserve sauvignon blanc, RRP $21. No other region in New Zealand produces the vibrant flavours like Marlborough. Fresh and alive with herbaceous flavours makes for easy drinking. Pair with seafood, chicken and leafy salads.

’24 Yealands Estate Single Vineyard sauvignon blanc, RRP $30. Refreshingly dry with a lasting well-rounded crisp finish displaying great complexity and structure. Lots of class for this price. Serve with salmon, turkey, pork and veal schnitzel.

’24 Yealands Babydoll sauvignon blanc, RRP $20. An excellent example showing a crisp dryness, and light acidity with an alluring bouquet that lingers on the palate. Its reasonable price will appeal. Serve with fish, pork and roast chicken.

Spicy House

CHINESE RESTAURANT

Dine in or takeaway BREAKFAST with SANTA

CLAUS at THE APOTHECARY

Indulge in the vibrant, authentic tastes of China right here in Howick

Chri mas is ju around

Contact us now at info@thecornerbar.co.nz or 09 534 0592 to enquire about Christmas functions –No hire fee – Packages catered towards your needs & budget

Follow us on instagram/facebook @thecornerbarhowick to stay up to date with our upcoming Christmas specials throughout November/December

BRINGING THE AMALFI COAST TO YOUR WARDROBE

KERRY FINLAY

As it warms up and we gear up for holiday season, here are some ways you can effortlessly update your summer dressing Amalfi style! The Amalfi theme is really big this summer from bold themed printed sets, Mediterranean inspired embroidery and of course the traditional

AZURE BLUE, WHITE AND LEMON

Always a favourite over summer for its ease and natural texture, a linen shirt, culotte and short are summer staples that instantly put your wardrobe into

colours the coast. holiday mode. season favourites.

Nothing like a Mediterranean-inspired blue to inspire the Amalfi aesthetic. While white pairs back nicely with the bolder colour, it also looks great with denim and finished with tan accessories too. Lemon yellow is the ‘it’ colour for the season, even if it’s a colour you aren’t too sure of, look for a lemon-inspired graphic instead.

Get the look at Brave & Be and Lemonade or more style tips from www.kerry nlay.co.nz.

IN THE DETAILS

The clever little ric-rac trim of wavy detailing on dresses and blouses is another trending detail we’re seeing this season while embroidery adds a soft interest to summer wardrobe

STATEMENT-THEMED

Go big or go home, right? Add some fun and flair to your summer wardrobe with bold and bright Amalfi-inspired statement prints on a dress or trending two piece set – lobsters, lemons, palms, splashes of colour and large scale pattern.

dress

Discover your style

Step into Brave and Be, where fashion meets confidence in the heart of Howick! Whether you’re after timeless pieces, latest trends, or unique accessories, our curated selection has something for every taste. Visit us in-store or shop online and ﬁnd the perfect outﬁt to express your style.

FROM

MINIMALIST MAKEUP

PRIMER

This is your first step in your makeup routine. It has the proven power to hold your makeup throughout the whole day. Primer for your face, eyes and lips is known as a base to grip onto your makeup and keep it in place. It will also create a protective barrier to prevent your skin from drinking up the makeup. We highly recommend Mecca Max Bring On Bright Illuminating Primer from Mecca RRP $28.

Whether you’re stretched for time or you just don’t want to spend a ton of time doing your makeup and yet still have top quality and longevity, this one’s for you! minus bites? Face

ANY OCCASION LIPS

haves

CHEEK PALETTE

complexion all

CREAM EYE-SHADOW

Cream glitter eye-shadow can turn any day look straight into a glamorous makeover in a few minutes with only one step. It’s my secret tool that takes up minimal space and you can also use your fingers to blend it out. A winner is Mecca Max Zoom Shadow Stick in Cool Bronze RRP $22.

Lip gloss/tinted lip balm saves the day, every time! But of course, there are special occasions where this just doesn’t make the cut. That’s when your lip liner steps in. Top sellers are Mecca Max Pout Pencil in the shade Classy and Fancy from Mecca RRP $18.

QUICK BROWS

When your complexion is complete with primer, foundation and concealer, yet your face looks either pale or blank. Reach for a cheek palette to bring life back into your complexion. The reason for your complexion looking pale is all the undertones of your complexion have now been neutralised. No more visible rosy tones, under-eye circles, and uneven skin tones. But how do you get your coverage to look skin-like again minus the unwanted bites? We recommend Smashbox Halo Sculpt + Glow Face Palette From Mecca RRP $84.

Let’s not forget that brows frame your gorgeous face! Brow gel is super handy and on-the-go friendly. I would also include either a brow powder or pencil to give a little fill in before the brow gel, that way the brow gel will give a subtle dimension for those oh-so-naturallyfilled-in brows! We highly recommend M.A.C Cosmetics Big Boost Fibre Gel from Mecca RRP $58.

For more makeup product recommendations head to our ‘Minimalist Makeup Must-haves’ article on bonitartistry.co.nz/post/ minimalist-makeup-must-haves, or follow us on social media @bontiartistry.

Join Holly as she searches east Auckland for love and connection.

IN WHICH HOLLY’S INSECURITIES GET THE BETTER OF HER

We’d agreed to meet at Grangers. For personal safety reasons, I always do first dates somewhere public, and on a fine afternoon, there are few spots prettier or more public than that thriving Half Moon Bay taphouse.

I watched the boats bob in the marina until a tall man approached the table. If I were a cartoon character, Reader, you’d have seen the eyes pop out of my head. You would’ve heard that comical cartoon horn… Ah-Ooh-Ga!

I do, I’m doggedly insistent on safety. I knew we’d used protection… and yet there was no wrapper. Where was it? Curious, I checked the other bin, to no avail. Was I going mad? I was positive we’d practised safer sex. Then, it dawned on me – he’d taken the condom with him.

I’d admired his photos on the dating app, but he was even more handsome in person. Of course, even the best looks are meaningless when personality is lacking, but this man was wonderful – a gentleman.

He impressed me with his unpretentious manners and flattered with thoughtful compliments. We both appreciated architecture and the seaside. We shared similar values. Our preferences and natures dovetailed. We laughed at each other’s jokes. It was all going swimmingly.

Yes, of course there was a hitch! He was a tourist, due to fly out the next morning.He was staying at a hotel in the city and (coincidentally) so was I. With a speaking engagement that night and

an early meeting the next morning, I’d simplified traffic matters by booking a little staycation.

With puppy-like eyes, he pleaded with me to let him know if my event finished early enough to join him for a late supper. Let’s make the most of our time together, he said.

Well, Reader, we had a brilliant evening. As we kissed goodbye, he begged me to stay in touch, saying that he’d love to reconnect next time he visited.

The next morning I rose, still smiling, and went into the bathroom to shower and dress for my meeting. While doing so, I dropped the lid of my lipgloss into the empty waste basket.

“That’s odd,” I thought, bending to retrieve it. One of the realities of being non-monogamous is that I’m sometimes judged for how I love, but the one thing I’ll never catch heat for is being irresponsible with my health.

I rarely engage in casual liaisons, but if

This isn’t as uncommon as you might think. Having dated athletes before, I knew that taking a used condom and disposing of it separately is sometimes just habit.

According to a basketballer ex, this practice has long been promoted in American sport as a precaution against unforeseen paternity cases.

Still, though athletic, this guy wasn’t an athlete, and I felt a sting of indignance. How arrogant was he, thinking I’d want to steal his seed? Why had he gone to such lengths to convince me that we’d had a real connection, if he doubted me so?

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s being manipulated. Obviously, his pleas had been false, and I’d never hear from him again. He’d just wanted some wham, bam, thank you Holly.

Visit www.times.co.nz to read the full column.

Email holly@times.co.nz

Yours in love,

Welcoming our new physio Rebekah Gower

Rebekah Gower

Peak Pilates and Physiotherapy can help you feel revitalised and overcome annoying aches and pains.

Does any of this sound familiar:

• Are you tired of visiting countless clinics in search of a solution to your problem, only to be disappointed with the results?

• Have you invested a signiﬁcant amount of money in other clinics, hoping they would ﬁx your issue, but ended up feeling worse off or left without any improvement?

• Are you feeling overwhelmed and anxious after being told that surgery is the only option left to address your problem?

• Do you ﬁnd yourself increasingly reliant on painkillers just to make it through the day?

• Have you started to worry that you may never get rid of your painful condition and be unable to return to the things you love to do?

If you answered YES to any of the above, you may have found the answer to your frustrations at Peak Pilates and Physiotherapy.

Introducing Peak’s amazing new physio Rebekah Gower

After graduating from the Auckland University of Technology with a BHSc in Physiotherapy (Hons), Rebekah started her physio career at Active Plus in Howick. Before this Rebekah had been a personal trainer for over 10 years.

She has a particular interest in pelvic health and exercise-based rehabilitation. She’s passionate about health and ﬁtness and believes the best approach to care is one that’s tailored to the individual’s goals and well-being.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Peak if you need support and guidance to start your health and ﬁtness journey.

Rebekah is excited to be starting at Peak and would love to help you achieve your goals! Please phone the studio on 09 274 600 or visit www.peakpilates.co.nz.

BOTANY

318 Ti Rakau Dr, Burswood

Phone 09 274 6000

Email botany@peakpilates.co.nz www.peakpilates.co.nz

GREY LYNN | PARNELL | MILLWATER |

USE SPRING TO COMMIT TO EXERCISE

MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals.

Spring is the perfect time to commit to sustainable exercise habits that will carry you throughout the year. Warmer weather and longer days make it easier to find motivation, whether you like to get your exercise outdoors or indoors. Here are five simple tips to get you started.

START WITH SMALL GOALS – The key to any lasting routine is to start small. Set achievable goals – try a 15-minute walk, two or three times a week. As these mini-goals become habits, you can gradually increase your activity level. By breaking down your goals, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to stay consistent.

MAKE IT ENJOYABLE – Life’s too short to spend it doing things you hate! When exercise feels like a fun activity rather than a chore, you’re more likely to stick with it. Whether you focus on one or two activities, or mix it up regularly, keep the enjoyment factor high to keep the motivation high too.

SCHEDULE IT – Consistency is key, and one of the best ways to stay consistent is by scheduling your workouts. Treat exercise like any other commitment in your calendar. Pick days and times that work best with your schedule and block them out for your workouts.

FIND A BUDDY – Exercising with a friend or family member can help keep you accountable, and sharing your progress with them can make it more rewarding. Just don’t let their absence be an excuse to skip working out on your own!

CELEBRATE SMALL WINS – Don’t forget to look back now and again to see how far you’ve come. Whether you’ve walked or run further, lifted heavier at the gym, or simply kept up your healthier habits for a period of time, your progress reinforces those new practices and keeps you motivated to persist with them.

This spring can be the start of your lasting, healthy exercise routine. Start small, have fun, and enjoy the journey!

EXPLORE DUDER REGIONAL PARK

LIKE TO WALK WITH OTHERS?

Fifteen to 16 Virtual Village East senior walkers meet up at Homestead Cafe by Howick Historical Village in Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, at 10am on Thursdays for a 15-20 minute walk, then coffee, everyone welcome.

 By DAVID MALLOWES

Duder Regional Park is a perfect day out for families and walkers, east of Maraetai/Omana and north of Clevedon. The popular farm park with panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf is an important pa site and bird sanctuary with sheep and cattle, tidal beaches, pohutukawa, and lovely bush walks.

We’ve walked the open farmland park 6.3km loop to the pa site before and this time decided to explore further. Wow, what a surprise. A wetland valley, an exceptional short bush walk, and coastline to explore.

I suggest planning your day around tide times. Most of the coastline from the bird

sanctuary to the point is easily walkable so make your way to the point and return via a well maintained bush path.

Quick tips: Dogs – no. Camping – only for kayakers. Motorhomes – yes. Strollers – not recommended. Restrooms – at the start. Parking – lots but can become busy. Cafes – Maraetai or Clevedon.

The walk: Follow the coastline along a wide access track for 900m. Fifty metres before the junction with the track to Te Wharau, the bush track loop on your left is well worth a detour. At the stockyards turn right and back to the junction. Continue along the coastline and look for a track down to the beach. Continue ahead or turn to the beach and walk the coastline.

Beyond Te Wharau there’s a track marked by three timbers on the beach. Follow up through a superb wetland valley and continue to the pa site. Return via farmland or bush tracks or coast. With endless views, fascinating history, and trails for every level of explorer, Duder Regional Park promises a fantastic day out. Get ready to explore, and happy adventuring!

One to two hours, 7km. For a printable map annotated with many waypoints, visit www.facebook.com/ walksouteastauckland.

For an online route map to follow as you walk, visit

Indian sports club scores big

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

The Auckland Indian Sports Club has received $6,500 for new cricket uniforms thanks to the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).

The local club was founded in 1936 by Indians who had migrated to New Zealand and settled in Pakuranga Heights.

Club secretary Vinod Patel says its team plays in the Auckland Cricket Association competition.

Members come from across Auckland and play at various cricket grounds including at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga.

It’s since become a hub for more than 200 members, with 20 teams and more than 100 juniors participating in various sports.

This longstanding tradition fosters deep family bonds and social ties, with senior members often seen cheering on younger players. The grant will enhance the club’s ability to support emerging talent.

“To provide clearly defined pathways for our emerging player and coach-

ing talent, it’s crucial for our teams to have the correct kit and equipment,” Patel says. “NZCT’s generous support not only improves our club’s sustainability but also provides sporting, training, and recreational equipment and services to the entire Auckland community.”

Club vice-president Alpesh Patel adds: “The importance of teamwork from an early age and the confidence gained from sports cannot be underestimated. “Sports at a junior/ youth level encourage health and fitness and focus minds on positive pursuits.”

NZCT’s general manager of grants, marketing and communications, Ben Hodges, says joining a sports club has many physical and mental health benefits for the whole family, especially for new New Zealanders.

“We’re delighted the funds we raise through responsible gaming with trusted Auckland hospitality partners is making such a positive contribution to the community.”

Howick Tyres & Alignments

Members of the Auckland Indian Sports Club compete in the Auckland Cricket Association competition.

Thanks for the thrills

Phil Dark, a proud Howickian and professional motorsports broadcaster, has been the voice of speedway in Auckland and writes of his sadness for the end of its run at Western Springs Stadium.

The land where now stands Western Springs Stadium, the park-like grounds, MOTAT and the Auckland Zoo, was purchased from the Motions family by the Auckland City Council to house, among other things a huge pumping station, and to cater for a growing Auckland’s needs before the start of the 20th century.

Zoned a recreation area, it also held a stadium in its natural amphitheatre where athletics, cycling and speedway motorcycle racing, then known as broadsliding, would be held. That first motorcycle meeting took place in 1929, followed by the first midget car race in 1937.

This began an association with the then new sport of speedway that would continue to this very day.

In those 95 years, Western Springs Stadium would see the very best in the world competing on both two and four wheels, enthralling the massive crowds that would line the concrete terraces lining the

cinder track.

Situated just six-kilometres from Auckland’s CBD, the stadium was easy to get to and soon became a focal point and activity mecca for entertainment-starved locals, but recently that all came to a crashing halt.

In a nondescript meeting room around an equally nondescript table, Auckland councillors were tasked with deciding the future of one of the world’s best speedway venues, Western Springs Speedway.

In an 11 to eight vote, they decided that the end of the 2024-2025 season would be its last and the door to Western Springs Speedway would be shut permanently.

In a secondary vote,

they approved a financial rescue package of $11 million be granted to enable Waikaraka Park Speedway in Onehunga to make improvements and let the two separate entities merge.

This means that one of Auckland’s great sporting venues would be no more and after years of fighting and wrangling, the nearby Western Springs residents and the council have finally got their way.

The stadium will still be used for sporting events. There are suggestions that the Springs will become the new home for new A-League football club Auckland FC, and it will continue to stage concerts and community events.

Like a lot of speedway fans, I’m saddened by this turn of events.

I’ve been going, firstly as a spectator and then as the track announcer replacing the late-great Bill Mudgway, since the late 1970s.

I’ve worked with and met some great people over four different promotor ships starting with the larger-than-life Reece Facoory and finishing with Bruce Robertson and John McCallum, the current promotional team.

I’ve seen all the greats perform there – Ivan Mauger, Barry Biggs and Ronnie Moore, although my favourite was always John Goodhall, the underdog Aucklander.

On four wheels we welcomed the very best as well – AJ Foyt, Bob Tattersall, Rich Vogler, and who could forget Ron Sleepy Tripp, who loved New Zealand so much that he married an Auckland girl in Erin and took her back to California with him.

Goodbye Western Springs Speedway, thanks for the memories.

Photo supplied Colin Irwin Photography www.sap.org.nz

Academy kicks into action

 By PJ TAYLOR

Howick College has launched this week its new boys’ rugby academy that kicks off next year.

“Our rugby academy is dedicated to identifying and developing talent in our Year 9 and 10 boys through a sustainable, twoperiod-a-week programme that complements their academic studies,” says Howick College principal Dale Burden.

“The academy is focussed on building skills and fostering pathways in rugby, including playing, coaching, and refereeing.

“This initiative provides students with structured opportunities to excel in the sport while gaining

valuable life skills.

“With a strong emphasis on community connection, our academy nurtures pride and engagement, helping students connect to their school and community while preparing them for lifelong involvement in

rugby,” Burden says. Rugby academy programme sponsor and Howick College alumnus, local businessman Barry Walker, of Barry Walker Homes, is excited to be involved.

“My conversations with Dale Burden have left me deeply impressed by his vision and determination to make Howick College the number one public school in east Auckland, not just in sports but in every aspect.

“I believe that with this focus, Howick College can make it to the 1A grade in rugby and win the competition within the next few years.

“That’s why I’m behind the school 100 per cent. I would like to encourage other businesses and past students to lend their support in developing the many other sports and programmes on offer at the school,” Walker says.

“Howick College consistently over-performs in its achievements, maximising their available resources,” he says.

John Paul “JP” Faamausili, Cruz Cassie, Barry Walker, Jacob Thompson and Howick College rugby manager Waisake Sotutu launch the Barry Walker Homes sponsored rugby academy.

PUZZLE TIME

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8167

ACROSS

7. Made an early start (6,3,3). 8. The high note: a gambling game (6). 9. Nicked as arranged (6). 10. Vacancies for packers (7). 12. The hook, you say, is a mistake (5). 15. About time to come round and give your consent (5). 16. After the break, the man will resume (7). 18. In ham carving, she shows dexterity (6). 20. Is depressed about having to repudiate (6). 22. Is an excellent tobogganist and is popular with (4,4,4).

DOWN

1. When it sees red, does it get hopping? (8). 2. See the position (4). 3. And worried about the day in France, you put it off (7). 4. He’s in court, in the box (5). 5. Unenlightened, is ranting foolishly about nothing (8). 6. Caught one going round earlier (4). 11. Some decades ago, in one’s youth (8). 13. Having the travelling money by spring, I’m leaving (8). 14. Lower, which is a disappointment (3-4). 17. Within easy reach, which is useful (5). 19. He plays the bright number in it (4). 21. Cut, one noticed, to a point (4).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8167

ACROSS

7. Go to pieces (12)

8. Gun (6)

9. Crowd (6)

10. Woodwind instrument (7)

12. Hirsute (5)

15. Bird (5)

16. Animal (7)

18. Dive (6)

20. Vegetable (6)

22. Abusive (12)

DOWN

1. Aggressive (8)

2. Herb (4)

3. Cheese (7)

4. Stone (5)

5. Vehicle (8)

6. Sharp (4)

11. Might (8)

13. Pertinent (8)

14. Blood-sucker (7)

17. Jumped (5)

19. Worship (4) 21. Carry (4)

ACCOUNTING

ert

Don t let your life s work retire with

I will help you plan for a successful business

BATHROOMS

Ph: Murray 09 309 3222 thecashoutcatalyst.com Murray 09 309 3222 support@insightca.nz www.insightca.nz

ANIMAL

Pakuranga Heights 022 399 6738 www.aquarays.co.nz

SEWING/REPAIRS

Sewing machine

Repairs, Servicing and Sales

Onsite repairs

New machine sales & lessons Fast Friendly Service

027 522 0223 Ally 021 175 7027 Samoil

Howick Based, 20 years experience

Samoil_antovski@yahoo.co.nz

Boat Covers

Upholstery

WINDOW CLEANING

The Window Bros

SITUATIONS VACANT

Pakuranga Park Village

Positions currently available Gardner, Maintenance Person, Housekeeper, Registered Nurse, Caregiver

way to a full house wash treatments

SITUATIONS VACANT

To apply please submit your cover letter and CV to: jobs@realliving.co.nz

LIVE LOCAL, WORK LOCAL

Outdoor Furniture

All Canvas & PVC 0274 760 577

171 Moore St. Howick easterncovercentre co nz C

TRANSPORT

Companion Driving Services

Caring in-home assistance

Total Mobility & ACC

Medical Receptionist

Eye Doctors seeks a part-time/jobshare Medical Receptionist for two days per week (18-20 hours) at our Botany Junction clinic. Flexibility is essential, and additional hours may be available for staff cover across our Auckland clinics. Experience in a similar role is preferred but not essential.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Friendly, customer-focused, and reliable

• Calm, organised, and able to work independently

Macleans College

Interested in becoming a Host Family for International Students?

Macleans College is looking for families to become homestay caregivers for International students arriving in 2025 from Europe, Asia and Brazil. The length of stay varies from a few weeks to one/two terms, a year or longer.

• Detail-oriented and a skilled multi-tasker

• Proﬁcient with computers (VIP experience a plus)

Friendly, Affordable & We’ll Brighten your day 09 576 5554 info@fabdrivers.co.nz

TRAVEL

Book Your 2025 Europe River Cruise with Travel Culture Today!

Exclusive Offers

This busy, rewarding role involves working with a team of specialists. Training provided. To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to practicemanager@eyedoctors.co.nz.

SITUATIONS VACANT

We welcome hosts from different backgrounds and cultures, some of our families include single parents, families, couples and retirees. From time to time, we receive enrolments from students with different dietary requirements and we welcome interest from families who can accommodate a special diet. Family members must be able to communicate with the student in English.

If you have a spare bedroom and want to learn more about becoming a host family, please email internationaloffice@macleans.school.nz or phone 535 2620, extn 659.

Families will be reimbursed $370.00 per week.

Two Positions

PROPERTY MANAGER & PROPERTY/ GROUNDS MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT

Personalised Itineraries

Effortless Booking

Real-Time Support

hello@travelculture.co.nz 09 576 5765

CLASSICAL & MODERN PIANO TUITION

Maintenance Assistant (PFT)

Reports to: Facilities Manager Contract: 35 hours/week, early start time/leave time preferred. Salary: up to $52,000/year, commensurate with experience.

Purpose of the role: Working under the Facilities Manager, you will be responsible for general maintenance at Howick Historical Village in this hands-on role You may work with our heritage buildings one day and assist in our gardens the next.

For more information: www.historicalvillage.org.nz/jobs.

Find your future in our past

Sancta Maria College is a coeducational Y7–13 state integrated Catholic college in Flat Bush, East Auckland. We are seeking enthusiastic, passionate and hands on property and grounds maintenance staff to be part of the property team. This team is responsible for the day to day maintenance, caretaking and property related tasks at the College.

• Property Manager is a full time position.

• Property/Grounds Maintenance position is term time only with additional hours as required in term breaks but consideration would also be given for job sharing for this position.

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

Commencing by negotiation.

Applications close on 21 November.

Please visit our website for an application form and full role description: www.sanctamaria.school.nz Apply via email enclosing application form, CV and covering letter to: employment@sanctamaria.school.nz

PUBLIC NOTICES

Howick Local Board meeting

Held in person or online

When: 12pm Thursday 21 November

Where: Howick Local Board meeting room, Pakuranga Library Complex, 7 Aylesbury St, Pakuranga.

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

Public Meeting

Featuring James Duncan from MoTaT – Trams in Auckland Part 2, “Our golden history” Ron Stewart – changes in NZ radio broadcasting 1950 to 2024 before and after computers and the internet

Friday, 22 November 2024

Howick Presbyterian Church 11 Vincent Street, Howick

1.00-1.05pm – Welcome

1.05-2.05pm – James Duncan

2.05-2.20pm – Refreshments

2.20-3.00pm – Ron Stewart

All Welcome! Bring a friend!

Grey Power

Howick Pakuranga & Districts Assoc Inc Po Box 38-281, Howick, Auckland 2145

BUSINESS FOR SALE

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

POLITICIANS

HOWICK LOCAL BOARD:

• Peter Young JP

– Board Member 027 587 4888

• Mike Turinsky

– Board Member 021 804 742

• Adele White

– Board Member 021 284 3843

• John Spiller

– Board Member 021 286 7666

• Bruce Kendall, MBE

– Board Member 021 198 1380

• David Collings

– Board Member 027 576 2350

• Katrina Bungard

– Board Member 0800 528 286

• Bo Burns – Deputy Chairperson 021 197 5849

• Damian Light

– Chairperson 027 276 3822

QUICK NO. 8167

Across - 7, Disintegrate. 8, Pistol. 9, Throng. 10, Bassoon. 12, Hairy. 15, Stork. 16, Gazelle. 18, Plunge. 20, Potato. 22, Vituperative. Down - 1, Militant. 2, Mint. 3, Stilton. 4, Agate. 5, Carriage. 6, Keen. 11, Strength. 13, Relative. 14, Vampire. 17, Leapt 19, Love. 21, Tote. CRYPTIC NO. 8167

Across - 7, Jumped the gun. 8, B-Lotto. 9, Scored. 10, Craters. 12, Gaffe (gaff). 15, Ag-re-e. 16, Rest-Art. 18, M-art-ha. 20, D-is-own. 22, Goes down well. Down - 1, Bull-frog. 2, Spot. 3, Adjour-n. 4, C-he’s-t. 5, Ign-O-rant. 6, On-c-e. 11, Twenties 13, Fare-well. 14, Let-down. 17, Handy. 19, A-L-gy. 21, Saw-N.