Channel Magazine December 2022

The Laurie Hewitt Memorial Golf Day

On Wednesday 16th November 132 golfers of all skills gathered with members of Laurie Hewitt’s family and volunteers at the Waitemata Golf Club for the very first Laurie Hewitt Charitable Trust Golf Day (see Out & About photos on page 11). The day was a huge success with the Trust raising funds that will be distributed to sports and educational groups on the North Shore, with the focus being on junior sport and education.

Laurie Hewitt sadly passed away on 12th November 2021. Laurie was a larger-than-life character, always busy and quick with a story. He was a long-time member of the Waitemata Golf Club, a lifetime member of the Marist Rugby Club and a champion of junior sports.

Laurie’s friends at the golf club, with the support of Laurie’s family, thought it fitting to remember him through the setting up of a charitable trust and to play for the Laurie Hewitt Memorial Trophy each year.

The day kicked off with a lot of laughs around the practice green, aided by beers from the Sawmill Brewery who generously came on board as one of the main sponsors for the day, complemented with burgers and sausages from Well Hung Butcher.

Much of the pre-tee-off discussion was about who might walk away with a brand-new Lexus car, courtesy of another of the key sponsors of the day, Lexus of North Shore. While no one won the car, there were

plenty of shots fired close to the pin which made for a lot of excitement.

The winner on the day was Matt Shaw who took home the trophy presented by members of Laurie’s family, and a beautiful bottle of Te Motu wine from sponsor Paul Dunleavy and Te Motu Wines.

The winning team on the day was Matt Hayward, Matt Shaw, Will McFarlane and Campbell Johnstone.

The auction and raffles were well supported, and thanks go to the volunteers who gave their time to make this such a successful inaugural tournament, which will be the hot ticket in town in 2023 and the years ahead.

The Trustees would like to also thank New World Newmarket, Hunting & Fishing, Waitemata Golf Club, Aspect Blinds & Shutters, Fine Wine Delivery Company, Muriwai Golf Links, Signal Hill, First Glass Wines & Spirits, Laurie Margrain and his boat Titan, Anise Events & Catering, Spread the Love, Gilmours North Shore, Brad Shilton Golf, Benefitz and Channel Magazine, Alana Wines, Beaufort & Co and Bayleys North Shore, whose support we couldn't have done without.

Take a look at photos from the day in our Out and About feature on page 11.

Visit: www.waitematagolf.co.nz

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE

Book an appointment today to view our brand new stage of apartments located alongside Ngataringa Road. These apartments have been designed to maximise space and include double glazing, modern kitchens, private patios or balconies and stunning views!

Alaister Stormont, Bernie Higgins, Bill Smalley and Don Young.

15th

Browns Bay Sunday Market –Browns Bay 6.30pm

17th

Raumati Fun Tamariki Play –Windsor Reserve, Devonport 9.30am

21st Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival – Takapuna Beach 10am

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Shakespeare in the Park 2023

– The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm

22nd

Browns Bay Sunday Market –Browns Bay 6.30pm

Harcourts Cooper & Co Run Devonport – Naval Grounds Devonport 29th

Browns Bay Sunday Market –Browns Bay 6.30pm

Harcourts Cooper & Co Beach Series

– The Strand, Takapuna 5pm

CHANNEL MAGAZINE COMMUNITY CALENDAR

December 2022 / January 2023

This Channel Community Calendar is published monthly for community events.

If you would like to include your event please email details to: kim@channelmag.co.nz

27th Food Truck Collective Takapuna –Killarney Park, Takapuna 5pm

28th

Food Truck Collective Torbay – Aickin Reserve, Torbay 5pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

North Shore Music and Keyboard Club –Takapuna Bowling Club, Takapuna 7pm $5 (cash only)

Active Ageing – Devonport Community House, Devonport 10.30am

Raumati Fun Tamariki Play – Windsor Reserve, Devonport 9.30am

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Harcourts Cooper & Co Beach Series – The Strand, Takapuna 5pm

Active Ageing – Devonport Community House, Devonport 10.30am

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Devonport Jets Run – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Devonport 6pm Alice in Wonderland –TheatreWorks, Birkenhead 7pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Takapuna Sunset Markets –McKenzie Arcade, Takapuna 4pm Alice in Wonderland –TheatreWorks, Birkenhead 7pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Harcourts Cooper & Co Beach Series – The Strand, Takapuna 5pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Devonport Jets Run – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Devonport 6pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Avatar: The Way of Water – The Vic, Devonport (night before preview screening)

60’s Up Takapuna/Devonport – St Joseph’s Church Hall, Takapuna New Members Welcome

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Summer Days Festival – Takapuna Beach Reserve, Takapuna 10am

Takapuna Sunset Markets –McKenzie Arcade, Takapuna 4pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

REGISTER NOW Friday

Friday After Five – Devonport Business Association, Clarence Rd, Devonport 5pm

Meadowood Community Centre Christmas Party – Albany

Alice in Wonderland –TheatreWorks, Birkenhead 7pm

Alice in Wonderland –

TheatreWorks, Birkenhead 7pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Hinemoa Street Summer Party – Highbury Community House, Birkenhead 9am

Sarah Adam: Late to the Hut – Depot Artspace, Devonport 2pm - runs until 21st

Ande Barrett-Hegan: Ambiguities - Depot Artspace, Devonport 2pm

Alice in Wonderland – TheatreWorks, Birkenhead 2pm

Browns Bay Christmas Parade – Browns Bay 5pm

I Love Takapuna Christmas Carnival – Takapuna 10am

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 5pm

Carols & Cantata: Christmas with Camerate! –St Georges Presbyterian Church, Takapuna 7.30pm

Alice in Wonderland –

TheatreWorks, Birkenhead 2pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Birkenhead Village Santa Parade – Birkenhead 5pm

Browns Bay Sunday Market

– Browns Bay 6.30pm

Alice in Wonderland – TheatreWorks, Birkenhead 2pm

Devonport Ethical Christmas Market –Devonport Community House, Devonport 10am

Devonport Christmas Festival – Windsor Reserve, Devonport 11am

Takapuna Sunday Markets – Takapuna 6am

Weekend Art Classes for Beginners –Seasons Art Class Takapuna, North Shore Squash Club, Takapuna 10am

Browns Bay Sunday Market

– Browns Bay 6.30pm

Hauraki School Electric Picnic –Hauraki Primary School, Takapuna 2pm

The Market Collaborative – Smales Farm, Takapuna 9am

Takapuna Sunday Markets – Takapuna 6am

Weekend Art Classes for Beginners – Seasons Art Class Takapuna, North Shore Squash Club, Takapuna 10am

Greenhithe Christmas Market –Greenhithe Community Hall 5pm

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Harcourts Cooper & Co Swim the Shore – Takapuna Beach 11am

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

Albany Christmas Festival & Market – Albany Domain, Albany 12pm

Browns Bay Sunday Market – Browns Bay 6.30pm

Carols in the Park – Albany Lakes Civic Park, Albany 7pm

Takapuna Sunday Markets – Takapuna 6am

Weekend Art Classes for Beginners – Seasons Art Class Takapuna, North Shore Squash Club, Takapuna 10am APO 4 Kids Christmas – Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna 10am & 11.30am

The Santa Claus Show ’22 – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10.30am & 1pm

The Vic Open Mic Night –

Vic Theatre Devonport 8pm

New Years Eve Happy Fish Live – Birkenhead Bowling Club, Birkenhead 7pm

End of the Golden Weather –Takapuna Beach 10am

For more details on Harcourts Cooper & Co sponsored events go to https://channelmag.co.nz/calendar/ www.cooperandco.co.nz

Browns Bay

Takapuna

Well, that’s it folks, 2022. Roll-on 2023…

On a personal note, I can report that I have had four CT scans this year and dirty old Mr Melanoma – who came to visit my groin in 2020 – has not returned. I am not out of the woods by any means, but my oncologist tells me that as every year passes my odds increase. Keytruda seems to be working.

2022 has been good for me. I was made a life member of the North Harbour Club this year and in November I was humbled to be inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame. I want to thank all who have played a hand in me receiving this recognition. I am truly grateful. We had a wonderful evening at the hall of fame black tie dinner in early November. I have provided a piece in this issue about that event and others who were recognised.

This 124-page issue of Channel Mag has plenty for everyone.

I love celebrating businesses on the Shore, so I really enjoyed putting together the feature on the massive investment Miles Group have made in their new Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Citroen and Opel dealership on Fred Thomas Drive.

Christine Young has done an interesting Q&A with Shore local Andy Saker, the teacher/writer/ actor/director who recently presented ‘Flying with the Eagles’ at The Pumphouse Theatre. Heather Barker Vermeer has an interview with Commander Julie Simpkins, the Head of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Devonport Naval Base.

How good is Summer on the Shore? That’s a focus of this issue. We talk with a handful of prominent local people in our Summer Q&A feature and the team have also put together an excellent section about making the most of Summer on the Shore – a guide of things to do. There’s plenty!

From a Benefitz point of view, October and November proved to be very rewarding as we rebranded Eden Park, Northland Stadium and Waitakere Stadium for the Rugby World Cup for

Publisher/Editorial/Advertising

Women. It was a massive project for us, and the event certainly captured the imagination of the entire country. I was extremely proud of the work our team did.

Thanks very much for the support of everyone who has made 2022 a pretty good year for Benefitz and Channel Mag. It hasn’t been easy coming after the tough lock-down period, but we’ve got through it pretty well.

Meri Kirihimete. Merry Christmas to you all. Travel safe, have a great holiday and roll-on 2023!

Aidan Bennett, QSM

Publisher, Channel Magazine

Founder & MD, Benefitz Email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz

Aidan Bennett, Phone 021-500-997, email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz Advertising/Content Liz Cannon, Phone 021-204-3395, email: liz@channelmag.co.nz

Kim McIntosh, Phone 021-419-468, email: kim@channelmag.co.nz Designer Crystal Sharp - crystal@benefitz.co.nz Online and Social Media Leanika Starbuck - leanika@benefitz.co.nz

facebook @channelmag | twitter @channelmag | instagram @channelmag | www.channelmag.co.nz

CHANNEL MAGAZINE is published monthly (on the first Friday of the month) by Benefitz, PO Box 33-1630, Takapuna. 09 477 4700, www.benefitz.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers. For further details on the magazine visit www.channelmag.co.nz or contact one of our team detailed above.

One of the leading commercial sales and leasing brokers on the North Shore

Recipient of the Woman in Property Award 2019 by the Property Council

Janet Marshall Director Commercial

Members of the Channel Mag team: Liz Cannon, Kim McIntosh and Aidan Bennett with Tui.

Drive 4 Life charity event a swinging success

On Thursday 3rd November, the Rotary Club of East Coast Bays, in association with principal sponsor North Shore Taxi, and major sponsor Ryman Healthcare, held its twenty-first 'Drive 4 Life' charity golf tournament at Waitemata Golf Club in Devonport. This is their largest annual fundraising event, with 30 teams taking part, all undeterred by the wet weather. The club expects to raise over $40,000 for Well Foundation, the official charity of North Shore Hospital, and other Rotarysupported beneficiaries within the local community. Since the event started in 2000 East Coast Bays Rotary has donated over $250,000 to community projects. This year’s donation to Well Foundation will support the creation of a sensory modulation room in North Shore Hospital’s Emergency Department and complete the upgrade of a low-stimulus room in the Specialist Adult Community Mental Health Service. A huge thank you to all the players and organisers for yet another hugely successful and entertaining day.

Will Ellis, Brian Jones, Richard Totaram, Renee Pimentel, Mike O'Brian and Ali Imran.

Adrian Lee, Matt Dilks and Prem Chand. Rod Fergusson, Sean Harris, Warwick Moulton, Alistair New, Fay Norman and Doug Dempster.

Sean Harris, Tim Edmonds, Rod Fergusson and Anna Ricketts.

Urville Martin, Lesleigh and Robert Johnson.

Ali Imran, Renee Pimentel and Anna Ricketts.

Bryce Whitcher, Dick Russell, John Khouri and Iain Smart.

Jerry Norman, Graeme Tapp and Grant Haworth.

John Campion, Ian Harvey, Murray Powell and John Grayson.

Homes of Devonport a rip-roaring success

Together with Bayleys Real Estate, the Rotary Club of Devonport organised the fifth Homes of Devonport Tour which was held on Friday 4th November. An absolute rip-roaring success, the event was lauded by all as the best yet with a wonderful mix of homes to experience, and even the weather played its part, making it a picture-perfect day to showcase some of the best of Devonport's homes. With all 700 tickets sold over a week before the event, the funds raised exceeded all expectations, enabling Rotary to donate $20,000 to Harbour Hospice, $20,000 to Dementia Auckland, $11,000 to local schools, kindergartens and clubs, plus the Devonport Rotary Charitable Trust will be able to assist with local community projects. This fabulous bi-annual event is only possible due to the wonderful goodwill from the generous home owners, volunteers and sponsors. To all those involved and the guests who attended, thank you for supporting Rotary's Homes of Devonport Tour 2022.

Jacqui Scott, William Cuthbertson, Celia Patrick, Lynda Betts, Anne Stewart and Wendy Bailey.

Suzi Clipson, Colin Cannon and Sheila Smith.

Shelley Prentice, Pippa Wetzell and Gail Simons.

Angela Cannon, Chris Wilson, Kathryn Robertson, Jill Browne and Nola Real.

Anna Lane, Sarah Ley and Lana Dykes.

Sherilyn Hurman, Michelle Templeman, Carol Buckingham, Dianne Hale, Diana Sweetman, Wendy Strain, Beulah Thomson and Malcolm Furguson.

Sue Falconer, Natalie Aitken, Diane Brown, Sally Burge, Annette Sampson and Adele Buchanan

Donna Parkinson, Tricia Phillips, Nicky Marcellino and Jos Diver.

Woodall Park Pump Track blessing

The Benefitz and Channel Mag team have been keen supporters of the efforts of Devonport Rotary and the community in developing the new pump track at Woodall Park at Narrow Neck. So it was a thrill to get along for the blessing in early November.

Attendees were called to order on site at 8am on Thursday 10th November with the magnificent, soulful sound of the beautiful pukaea war trumpet. Warrant Officer Ngahiwi Walker, kaitohutohu cultural advisor of the RNZN – and his wife Terehia, kaitohutohu of the Depot Art Space – led the mihi and blessing opening ceremony for the new pump track.

The event was organised by Devonport Rotary. It was a wonderful and meaningful celebration to ensure the track has a safe, long life to be enjoyed by all our young people.

A good sized group of locals enjoyed the mihi whakatau by Ngahiwi. Zane Catteral said a lovely karakia, we had a leisurely walk around the track and a hearty and enjoyable singalong of 'Te Aroha' to wind up the proceedings.

The new sign, supplied by Benefitz, was unveiled and admired by all. The sign acknowledges Council, Rotary, community help, builders and sponsors.

Following the proceedings, the group moved to the Devonport Squash Club lounge for a cuppa, some kai and korerorero.

The track is off to a good start. Rotary will advertise and organise monthly short working bees on the last Sunday morning of each month to keep the surface and grounds tidy.

Bob McGuigan, Ngahiwi Walker, Phil LeGros. Ian McAlpine, Graham Rowe, Roselyn and Peter Clayton.

Peter Smith, Paul Treacher, Jackie Brewer.

Lance Cablk, Nigel Bioletti, Ian Rae, Terehia Walker.

All attendees at the Pump Track blessing.

Harcouts Cooper & Co Melbourne Cup Lunch

A brilliant day of sunshine welcomed guests arriving at Regatta Restaurant in Takapuna on Tuesday 1st November for the highly anticipated annual Harcourts Cooper & Co Melbourne Cup Lunch. A delicious three-course lunch with fine wines was expertly delivered by the Regatta team, while a live auction, silent auction and the main race sweepstake attracted generous participation. This annual event raises much-needed funds for Breast Cancer Cure, one of Cooper & Co’s primary charities supported each year. A stunning $70,000 was raised this year, a marked increase from the last event in 2020.

Andrew Bruce, Sam Walmsley, Ryan Mitchell, Kiri Robinson, Martin and Mitch Cooper.

Rob Carter, Diana Murphy, Gary Potter, Jane Hastings, Howard Walsh, Jackie Mark, Anne Iremonger, Matt Hunt and Karlene Beattie.

Monique Windust, Stephanie Radford, Catherine Curley, Helen and Grace Shaw and Devon Francis.

Lucy Russel, Mo Ma, Sophie Thacker, Beck Whitley and Hannah Petherbridge.

Michael and Fleur Swarbrick with Anna and Mike Godkin.

Sonja de Mari, Christine Jones and Deborah Caldwell.

Gordon Stewart, Richard Dellabarca, Matt Hunt and Tim Becker.

Ella van Breda, Ashwini Lal, Vergel Viguilla, Andrew Bruce, Limi Lim, and Pam Halewood.

Lyn Templeman, Ashia Ismail-Signer and Jo Lovell.

Browyn and Kerry Titchener.

LWJ Hewitt Memorial Tournament at Waitemata Golf Club

The inaugural LWJ Hewitt Memorial Golf Tournament was held at Waitemata Golf Club on Wednesday 16th November. This golf day was in remembrance of Laurie Hewitt who passed away while playing at the course in November 2021. The annual day will be used to raise funds for the Laurie Hewitt Memorial Trust. The beneficiaries of this trust will be Junior Golf at Waitemata and special needs children in the wider Devonport/Bayswater area. The first event set a pretty high standard, with a huge field and the opportunity for golfers to win a Lexus motor vehicle with a hole-in-one on the 6th hole. While the vehicle wasn’t won, the event raised around $10,000 for the trust. Channel Mag was there to capture all the good looking golfers remembering Laurie and raising money for local youngsters.

Annette Mitchell, Jack Mulholland and Heather Grey.

Kaye McAlister, Lesleigh Johnson, Leanna Hutchison and Sue Stanaway.

Dallas Bennett, Daryl Carmen, Ben Thomas and Ross Burney.

Peter Seton, Greg Ward, Maurice Bearsley and Richard Baker.

Donovan Watkins, Matt Dilks, Mark Jago, George Manaton and Prem Chand.

Stu and Rod Nicholls, Dennis Hale and Robin Kelly.

Joe Oak, Gayleen and Kirsty Hewitt and Joe Hanna.

Paul Bartley, Rob Skinner, Jim Bateman and Steve Lane.

Marlies Caradus, Urville Martin and David Herbert.

Stan Harwood, Chris James, John Paul and Brian Dobson.

Sue Stanaway, Mark Jago and Matt Oxnam.

Summer Lovin’ at The PumpHouse

Boy oh boy we have a smokin’ HOT line-up of shows and events for you at your favourite heritage theatre this summer.

Kicking off the Kirihimete festivities is the iconic show by Tim Bray Theatre Company, The Santa Claus Show! Experience this heart-warming tale about finding the true meaning of Christmas, sprinkled with comedy and a big dollop of the season’s magic. Catch this delightful show 3rd – 23rd December.

It’s time to get jolly and jingle your bells all the way to our Christmas Market Extravaganza from 2pm – 5pm on 18th December! Enjoy food trucks, craft stalls, thrifted vintage clothing, and more! This is the perfect chance to grab one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

And why not stay on afterwards for The PumpHouse’s ever-popular Christmas Carols in the Amphitheatre – a fun sing-along of everyone's favourite festive tunes! Tickets sell like hotcakes for this so be QUICK!

Soon after celebrating the beginning of 2023, we will be right back into things with Shakespeare in a Week – a fun five-day summer holiday drama programme (9th – 13th Jan) for ages 12 – 18. Get down with the Bard and unpack his tale of 'Much Ado About Nothing'.

And sticking with the Shakespearean theme, what would summer be without Auckland Shakespeare in the Park. And where better to see it than a traditional outdoor amphitheatre in the heart of Takapuna.

Two of the Bard’s finest plays are on offer – 'Antony & Cleopatra', and 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'. As the sun goes down, you’ll be treated to sumptuous costumes, creative production design, and passionate performances by a talented troop of local actors. Enjoy these performances from 21st January – 18th February.

Calling all theatre lovers, actors, directors, producers! We are thrilled to have the incredible Jennifer Ward-Lealand back at the PumpHouse on 28th January with her workshop, Working in the Intimate Zone. How can we create a safe, ethical, and creative work environment when directing and performing on-stage intimacy?

You’ll learn best practices for approaching scenes of an intimate nature – and how to ensure that the work is consensual, robust, engaging and best serves the story.

We cannot wait to tell you what we have in store for 2023. Until then, Meri Kirihimete, stay safe, and keep smiling!

James Bell

Northart Gallery in December and January

[Windows into] Modern Pacific Art is on now until to Saturday 28 January 2023.

Northart is honoured to present [Windows into] Modern Pacific Art – a significant exhibition of contemporary art by emerging Pacific artists for our final exhibition of 2022, curated by Sefton Rani.

“In [Windows into] Modern Pacific Art, 12 artists are brought together to provide a snapshot of some of the directions in Contemporary Pacific Art. These are intriguing windows into the artists’ practices. The show’s essence is of the moana and is deliberately placed on the North Shore of Auckland to make a statement that we are here and that Aotearoa is also a Pacific Island.” –Sefton Rani, Exhibition Curator.

Join us for a panel discussion with exhibiting artists chaired by Marilyn Kohlase on Saturday 3rd December 2022, 2pm–3pm. Free event. All welcome.

Looking for a special gift this festive season? Visit Northart Objects to browse our beautiful selection of artist-made gifts. Or how about buying a creative person membership to Northart, giving them invitations, discounts and the opportunity to take advantage of exhibiting at the Northart Digital Art Project and Northart Objects to show their own work?

Season’s greetings. We wish you a happy summer and look forward to welcoming you to Northart for our 2023 exhibition season. Northart will be closed for the summer holidays from Saturday 24 December 2022, reopening on Tuesday 17 January 2023 at 11am.

Northart Gallery, Norman King Square, Ernie Mays Street, Northcote. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am–4pm Keep up with our upcoming events and projects on our instagram: @northartgallery and our facebook: @northartnz, and join our mailing list on our website www.northartgallery.net

News from The PumpHouse from James Bell James Bell.

Jessica Pearless and Jonathan Organ, Co-Directors, Northart

Jessica Pearless and Jonathan Organ.

Claudia Jowitt, Baka II, 2020. acrylic, spray paint, cotton cord, fijian vau, paua shell, kina shell, ring cowries, moulded acrylic, clay forms & bronze powder on linen. 1035 x 1035 x 70 mm.

Raymond Sagapolutele, TATOU TATAU, 2020. diptych. framed Giclee (inkjet) print on hahnemühle photorag. edition of 3. 594mm x 841mm.

Vaimaila Urale, Taimi O Le Lalolagi, 2022. acrylic on canvas, sand in custom frame. 845mm x 1193mm.

Gary Silipa, Untitled, 2022. plastic, polystyrene, spray paint, vinyl, glass and metal. 400 x 300 x 150mm.

The Vic Devonport

Auckland's heritage picture theatre

Depot Artspace, Devonport

We cannot believe it’s December! Where did the year go?! We want to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful people who have made this year so special – to the artists, the musicians, our amazing volunteers, our browsers and buyers, our creatives and job seekers! Have a great Christmas everyone, pop in to see our December exhibitions or check out one of our creative career courses for next year.

Depot Sound

Calling all singers, rappers, poets, musicians, bands, podcasts and audiobooks – we’re here for all your rehearsal and recording needs! Get your December bookings in while they’re available. We’ve added new equipment and a fresh coat of paint so come and check out the studios in person or online! depotsound.co.nz

Creative Careers

As we gear up for our final events and workshops for 2022 we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on what an amazing year it’s been. Congratulations to all our creative community whanau who’ve engaged in our workshops and mentoring this year and further developed their creative careers! We’ll be starting with a new cohort in early 2023 so send in your application today and take your creative enterpreneurship to the next level! wayfindcreative.co.nz

Depot Galleries

Sarah Adam: Late to the Hut

Family Fun Day with Puss In Boots, Sunday 11 December

Join us for an exclusive preview of the all-new adventure in the Shrek universe with Puss In Boots: The Last Wish at our Family Fun Day screening!

Avatar: The Way of Water Preview, Wednesday 14 December Be the first to experience the highly anticipated sequel Avatar: The Way of Water at our night-before preview screening!

CHRISTMAS WITH THE VIC

Plan your end-of-year function by booking a private film screening in our unique vintage setting. Email us at events@thevic.co.nz  for more details and to make a booking!

NEWS: This summer, be sure to check out our new outlet YAZA! Gelato Café opening this month at 8 Victoria Road, serving homemade gelato, smoothies and milkshakes!

The Vic Devonport, 48 Victoria Rd, Devonport 09 446 0100, info@thevic.co.nz www.thevic.co.nz

...the home of Devonport Gelato facebook instagram @thevicdevonport facebook instagram @devonportgelato

Sarah Adam has created a visual account of walking Te Araroa – the 3000 kilometre trail stretching from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. Painted ‘en plein air’ over five months, this oil series depicts the geographic character as it transforms each day from north into south.

Ande Barrett-Hegan: Ambiguities

Ande Barret-Hegan’s work derives from a lifelong interest in the development of western art. This exhibition is a selection of her most recent paintings. Lately, Ande has focused on using abstraction, as for her, it is an excellent process for evoking more subtle meanings and feeling. depot.org.nz/galleries

Full exhibition details here: depotartspace.co.nz/galleries/

Philipp Jaser, General Manager Philipp Jaser.

Avatar: The Way of Water, 15 December The Banshees of Inisherin, 26 December I Wanna Dance With Somebody, 26 December

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, 26 December

The Lost King, 26 December

FOCUS ON FILM

The Vic Open Mic Night, 29 December

LIVE SHOW

Depot Artspace with Amy Saunders

Amy Saunders.

Exquisite Residence with Lake Views 20

RANGITIRA AVENUE, TAKAPUNA

Located at the end of Lake View Road, one of NZ's best streets and located just 10km from the central business district - Number 20 has been transformed after being extensively renovated in 2019. The dwelling is around 550 sqm a very large house by today's standards.

On the ground floor, you'll find three large double bedrooms and two bathrooms. These rooms are ideal for a teenage family offering a great separate space. These rooms flow to a very generous lounge that goes out to a large patio area which offers a pool and two separate entertaining areas on either side of it which capture Northerly sun all day.

The entry-level benefitting from magnificent lake views offers three main areas that flow to expansive decking across the front of the house. The Cronin kitchen is a work of art boasting a large island bench, a large butler's pantry with a full wolf appliance suite and an

informal dining area with fire. Adjacent to this is a formal dining room and then on to a very large casual lounge area. Completing the floor is a powder room and a work-from-home office.

The top floor, home to two large bedrooms and the most spectacular views in the house is a very impressive floor. The eastern side is currently used as a guest room or fourth bedroom with a lovely new ensuite. On the western side of the home, a very plush and large master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and large refreshed ensuite. The rooms on this level are opulent and flow to a sun deck with outdoor seating.

For those location-driven buyers who want a large family home with excellent accommodation, views and a multitude of generous living need to inspect 20 Rangitira Road. www.precision.net.nz/ID # 547077

Family Living In Takapuna's Finest Avenue 3 MINNEHAHA AVENUE, TAKAPUNA

Beautiful location, home and lifestyle await. Located in Takapuna's most prestigious Avenue - number three has been transformed after being fully renovated in 2013. The family-friendly layout is suitable for large families offering five double bedrooms, four bathrooms and three living areas over two levels, both levels with very high ceilings. It also offers a work-fromhome office or sixth bedroom (if required) and a basement wine cellar.

Main living is on the ground floor dominated by a Poggenpohl kitchen that flows out to a spacious lounge with fire and an expansive dining area. This space is oriented to face north flowing out to an elevated terrace and then to extensively landscaped fully fenced and gated grounds - some 709sqm of fee simple land. Adjacent to the kitchen is an additional sitting area with a TV perfect for younger children who need to be close to their parents.

The ground floor also features two spacious double bedrooms which share a large bathroom (semi-en-suite for both rooms), guest bathroom and Poggenpohl laundry/scullery.

over $100 million

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The first-floor features three double bedrooms and a huge lounge which is currently a media room with a projector, plus an additional sitting area - an amazing space. This level flows to a very large deck with a generous seating area which has a northern aspect offering all-day sun. The master has views to Rangitoto and offers a spacious walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. The additional two bedrooms share a large marble bathroom. The home office looks out over the grounds and creates a brilliant work-from-home space. The site is 709 m² generous by today's standards and is freehold with options for a pool and even a playground if so desired.

Only a moment's stroll to beautiful Thorne Bay beach and Takapuna's shops and cafes, for those buyers who are location and lifestyle driven and are wanting a large family home with excellent accommodation and a multitude of generous living need to inspect three Minnehaha Avenue.

Priced at $5,395,000 www.precision.net.nz/ID # 546606

$5,000,000

a

Andrew specialises in marketing homes on the Golden Mile between Milford and Takapuna and around the waterfront. In the last six consecutive calendar years, Andrew has sold

each

at an average

over

per property - one of the highest (in volume and average sale price) residentially in the Country.

dealing with higher value properties, Andrew has also carved a niche within the seaward side streets in and around Milford and Takapuna, especially

market. He sees

strong correlation between larger homes and the downsizer market assisting those vendors with

thinking of selling your home or purchasing a new one, please contact Andrew for a confidential discussion.

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1 large brie wheel 1 apple, Braeburn or Gala 1 tablespoon pine nuts 1 tablespoon dried cranberries 3 pinches ground cinnamon

2 sticks cinnamon 3 tablespoons honey Juice of ½ lemon 3 sprigs thyme Freshly ground salt and pepper

Home Essentials has three Emile Henry Cheese Bakers to give away to three lucky Channel Mag readers this December.

Simply find the answers to the following questions and head to the Home Essentials store to submit your entry. Prize-winners will be drawn on 15 December 2022 with collection available after that date. Good luck!

1. Where is Emile Henry's historical home town? 2. What type of cheese is used for Home Essential's December Recipe of the Month?

Apple and Cranberry Baked Cheese

the hero of your summer party by taking this delicious Apple and Cranberry Baked Cheese dip. It is very easy to prepare and just absolute gooey, cheesy, yummy deliciousness! For six generations Emile Henry have remained true to their historic location in Marcigny, deep in the heart of Burgundy, France. Their passion for ceramics and maintaining the traditional skills needed to truly master it, is wonderful and part of their allure. Each of their ceramic pieces is handmade and personally signed by the craftsmen in their workshops – an intimate tradition followed for over 170 years. Buy your Emile Henry cheese baker today at Home Essentials and prepare for cheese heaven.

PREP TIME COOK TIME 10 minutes 20-25 minutes

-Brie-lliant! Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. 2. Wash the apple, remove the seeds, and cut into thin slices around ½cm or ¼in thick.

Roast the pine nuts in a hot pan for 3-4 mins, stirring regularly.

Mix the lemon juice with the honey. 5. Place the cheese in the centre of the cheese baker with the apple slices around it. Add the pine nuts, cranberries and cinnamon, and sprinkle the thyme over the cheese. Season lightly. 6. Pour over the lemon-honey mixture. Close the lid of the cheese baker and bake for 20-25 mins. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices. Bon appetite!

In 2023 Kristin will celebrate 50 years since the founding of our school in 1973. It’s our opportunity to acknowledge the people and experiences that have shaped our school over its inspiring 50-year history. Our school was founded by families, for families and we place huge value on the spirit, integrity, passion and diversity of our communityfrom our visionary founding families to our resilient, proud yet humble present-day students.

Daily Bread - ready for the festivities and more!

Daily Bread’s Christmas range is back in store and getting all of us salivating. Their ethos has always been about striving for perfection and the Christmas range is just that.

To understand what’s on offer Channel Magazine chatted with Patrick Welzenbach (owner and Head Baker), Josh Helm (owner and MD) and Lorenzo Romano (Senior Baker)

Channel Magazine: Tell us what you have in store for us this Christmas at Daily Bread?

Josh Helm: The Kiwi classic Christmas fruit mince pies, panettone, award winning stollen and the best croissants in New Zealand!

CM: What is your favourite product coming out of the Christmas range?

Pat Welzenbach: I will always say the stollen for Christmas! After recently winning the best croissant award I would have to include them too; they are an everyday classic.

JH: I can’t go past the fruit mince pies, I think they are our best ones yet.

CM: Not everyone has heard about stollen. Pat, can you tell us more about it and how you enjoy it?

PW: It is a traditional German Christmas bread, packed with almonds, citrus peel, and rum-soaked fruit. My grandfather (Max) has been making stollen the same way for 80 years and his stollen is the best. The recipe is exactly the same and hasn’t changed since he developed it. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon

CM: What do you think is the best way to

CM: What does Christmas Day mean to you?

LR: Definitely a way to catch up with family and friends after a busy Christmas production period.

CM: Daily Bread has had a busy year. What will we see from you guys next year?

As is, not toasted

Controversial, but lightly toasted with poached stone fruit, yoghurt and honey.

PW: We’ve had an unbelievable year and so grateful for everyone’s support. We will continue to constantly improve everything we do. We will focus on creating New Zealand’s most delicious breads and pastries. We’re also expanding our business to a wider audience, so watch this space as Daily Bread becomes available to more Kiwis.

Daily Bread, Belmont Open Monday–Sunday, 7am–3pm

Available for home delivery and click and collect dailybread.co.nz hello@dailybread.co.nz

Khana Indian Cuisine on the Shore

Khana Indian Cuisine in Devonport brings the freshest and most authentic Indian cuisine to the North Shore. Channel Mag's Liz Cannon chats to owners, Anurag and Indu Gupta.

Anurag and Indu have lived in New Zealand for 17 years, and have been operating Khana Indian Cuisine for the last eight years. Having recently opened in Devonport, they have fully refurbished this local restaurant to create a bright, spacious and joyful space, the perfect backdrop to delicious Indian fare. When asked to summarise what Khana offers, Anurag flashes a broad smile and with wide, open arms, states; "Khana is about fresh, authentic Indian food. End of story!"

And he is not wrong! Khana provides the widest possible range of authentic Indian cuisine, using free range chicken, fresh hapuka fish and only the freshest of vegetables and spices. Their in-house paneer and homemade kulfi ice cream are both freshly made on site too. Their delectable specialities include an amazing goat curry, a firm favourite of the locals, and an impressive array of authentic vegan and vegetarian options, such as cauliflower florets and homemade onion bhajis. Anurag and his team are justifiably proud of the wide range of what's on offer, with a firm focus on vegan and vegetarian options, as well as full provision for gluten free and other dietary requirements. The children's menu is a perfect smaller extension of exactly what the adults eat; authentic and fresh, appropriately sized and spiced for the kids. Guests can dine in and enjoy the bright and cheerful

ambiance along with the wide drinks menu too (or BYO), or takeaways are popular with both pickup or delivery options available. However you choose to experience the amazing cuisine of Khana, the friendliness and superb service of the team are second to none. This really is Indian cuisine at it's very best. Anurag, Indu and their lovely team can't wait to welcome you and serve you the best Indian on the Shore!

Reviews

'Absolutely superb food, perfectly spiced, good range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Highly recommended!' (Glynn)

'We just love Khana. Their meals are super tasty and they are very good at catering to your spice requirements.' (Fiona)

'The most authentic Indian restaurant that I have found in Auckland.' (Daniel)

Khana Indian Cuisine on the Shore

161 Victoria Rd, Devonport 09 445 1546 www.khana.co.nz

Open 6 days (closed Tuesdays), 4pm-10pm

Head Chef Amit Sharma, Owners Anurag and Indu Gupta, Tandoor Chef Uttam Singh, and Manager Arsh Jotkaur.

Onion bhaji

Butter chicken

Shore Dining Out & Eating

Here on the North Shore we are so fortunate to have such a fantastic and diverse range of options to whet the appetite and provide everything needed for dining out and eating in to suit all occasions, events and celebrations. Here at Channel we love 'Doing It Local' and we're proud to support our local hospo businesses in our monthly Dining Out and Eating In Guide. Enjoy!

D EVONPORT

Akdeniz Bar Cafe Restaurant

Offering Persian and Mediterranean cuisine in Devonport Village. 5/15 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 600 2125 www.akdenizdevonport.co.nz

Buona Sera Restaurant

Great Italian cuisine from great ingredients. Mangiamo - Let's Eat! 99 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 8133 www.buonasera.co.nz

Cafe Hung Viet

Traditional flavours of Vietnamese cuisine brings authentic Hanoi meals to the North Shore. 101 Victoria Rd, 09 446 3368, www.cafehungviet.co.nz

Corellis

Great tasting home-style fare at a great price. 46 Victoria Road Devonport, 09 445 4151 www.corelliscafe.co.nz

Devon on the Wharf

A little slice of heaven for tastes of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. 1 Queen's Parade, 09 445 7012 www.devononthewharf.nz

Fish Kitchen

Extensive seafood menu plus their signature 'fish 'n' chips' - the best fresh fish in the best location.

1/1 Queens Parade, Devonport Wharf. 09 445 1777 www.fishkitchen.co.nz

Flying Rickshaw

Honest and simple authentic Indian cuisine. 97 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 7721 www.flyingrickshaw.co.nz

Manuka Cafe and Restaurant

Mediterranean inspired cuisine and friendly customer service. 49 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 7732 www.manukarestaurant.co.nz

Portofino Devonport

Very popular Italian Restaurant in the heart of Devonport Village. 26 Victoria Rd, 09 445 3777 www.portofinodevonport.co.nz

Signal Hill Restaurant

Serves classic NZ fare with an extensive drinks list in Devonport’s most iconic homestead.

24 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 0193 www.signalhill.co.nz

Vondel

Owner-operated eatery in Devonport. Serving vegan and omni eats alongside small batch wine, beer and spirit drinks. We hold weekly specials, along with wine makers' dinners, makers' markets and private events. Sign up to our mailing list on our website to keep up to date with all goings on at Vondel.

Open Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm - late, Sat 10am - late, Sun 10am - 6pm 09 446 6444 hello@vondel.co.nz www.vondel.co.nz instagram Instagram @vondel_akl facebook facebook.com/vondelakl

Khana

Khana Devonport believes in serving fresh & authentic Indian food for the local community and visitors.

Our menu offers a wide range of Indian specialties such as Butter Chicken, Goat Curry, Lamb Rogan Josh, Paneer Saag, Dal Tadka and many more. We use free range chicken, fresh hapuka, fresh vegetables and fresh spices. Curry bases and gravies are made in-house from natural ingredients and spices. View our menu at www.khana.co.nz You can order food easily through our online system for takeaways and home delivery. We look forward to serving you at our restaurant.

161 Victoria Road, Devonport 09 445 1546 / 021 689 216 khana.devenport@gmail.com www.khana.co.nz

Calimero Devonport

Located in the heart of Devonport on Victoria Road, Calimero serves fresh, authentic pizzas seven nights a week. A far cry from your average pizzeria, Calimero boasts an extensive menu of both authentic and more unconventional pizza options, taking flavours from cities around the world. Great taste, great value - check out the regular Tuesday specials. Order online at www.calimero.co.nz for your favourite pizza or try something new.

Fast pickup and delivery options both available.

163 Victoria Road, Devonport 09 445 2232 www.calimero.co.nz facebook CalimeroPizza instagram calimero_nz

The Patriot

Your Devonport Pub - owned by locals, for locals. 14 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 3010 www.thepatriot.co.nz

Vic Road Kitchen

Serving up fresh, seasonal NZ produce in a rustic Mediterranean style. 57-59 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 9797 www.vicroadkitchen.co.nz

Vic Road Wine Bar and Cellar

Enjoy a glass of wine from the ever-changing wine list, chosen from a selection of interesting New Zealand and International wines. 53/55 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 0194 www.vicroadkitc.co.nz

B ELMONT/ H AURAKI

Daily Bread

Daily Bread's freshly baked loaves and perfect pastries are made every morning at their Belmont outpost where their new sit-down menu, petanque court and kids' playground gives locals even more reason to visit.

BELMONT

French Rendez-Vous

Welcome to our French restaurant in an amazing and unique lake view location at the heart of Takapuna.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (to be booked 24 hours in advance) with traditional French dishes like beef bourguignon and also lots of gluten free galettes and sweet crêpes.

Book at www.french-rendez-vous-caferestaurant.business.site

Or via our Facebook and Instagram accounts: facebook: FrenchRendezvousTakapuna instagram: @frenchrendezvoustakapuna

2a Manurere Avenue – Right next to The PumpHouse Takapuna 09 487 0009

Alforno Italian Restaurant

Delicious Italian and Mediterranean food cooked with passion. 34 Anzac Street, Takapuna. 09 488-0179 www.alforno.co.nz

Aubergine Restaurant

Premium European and Mediterranean style dining 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 3104 www.aubergine.co.nz

Big Tikka

Indian cuisine… using bold flavours & reinterpreting classic dishes in a contemporary way. 458 Lake Road, Takapuna. 09 974 2241 www.bigtikka.co.nz

Botticelli Restaurant & Wine Bar

A popular Italian eatery, serving Takapuna for over 27 years Anzac Street, Takapuna. Phone 021 910 999 www.botticelli.co.nz

Burger Burger

Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 390 5348 www.burgerburger.co.nz

Catnapper Arms

A favourite local with great food with great daily specials 136 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 6330 www.catnapperarms.co.nz

If you don't feel like venturing out, try their new delivery option where you can receive all their baked goods delivered the next day.

Dailybread.co.nz

43 EVERSLEIGH RD AUCKLAND 0622

7am - 3pm daily hello@dailybread.co.nz www.instagram.com/dailybreadnz/

T AKAPUNA

8848 Restaurant & Bar

Authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine in the heart of Takapuna. 17 Huron Street, Takapuna, 09 489 9911 www.8848indiancuisine.co.nz

Dantes Pizza & Casa Pasta

Wood Fired Pizzas & sensational Pasta in the heart of Taka! Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 3668 www.dantes.co.nz

El Humero

Traditional Colombian-style barbecue restaurant – yum! Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 9973 www.elhumero.co.nz

Florrie McGreals Irish Pub

The best place in Takapuna to have a beer, meet some old friends or make some new ones. Great food as well! Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 6330 www.florriemcgreals.co.nz

Francs Bar & Diner

Beachside diner smacks of fresh fish, crisp lager, flopping jandals and easy service from sunrise to sunset. Main Beach, The Strand, Takapuna. 09 488 0016 www.joylab.co.nz/francs

www.channelmag.co.nz

Catch 21 Eatery

Takapuna’s latest eatery has just dropped anchor with plenty of sunny outdoor seating overlooking Hurstmere Green. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and coffee for dining in or taking away, the friendly 'crew' are all hands-ondeck to serve exceptional coffee, delicious staple café offerings and a number of seafood options, as well as a beautiful range of freshly made cabinet food. Top picks include their signature Open Lobster Burger, Seafood Chowder, and tasty Eggs Benedict. Catch 21 is fully licensed and provides a range of beer, bubbles and wine.

TAKAPUNA

Shop 8/33 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna Open Tuesday to Sunday, 7.30am-3pm on weekdays and 8am-3pm on weekends 09 484 0005 www.catch21.co.nz/menu

Madam Woo

Takes inspiration from traditional Malaysian hawker food, drawing influence from Malaysian, Chinese and other Asian cultures. 486 Lake Road, Takapuna, 09 489 4601 www.madamwoo.co.nz

Mamak Malaysian Street

Food

Tasty Malaysian Street Food eatery under the Sentinel building. Huron/Northcroft Streets, Takapuna. 09 486 0122 www.mamaktakapuna.co.nz

Regatta Bar & Eatery

Your slice of Ibiza, right here on the Shore. Stunning sea views, premium beer, bloody good wine and fresh seafood. Main Beach, The Strand, Takapuna. 09 488 0040 www.joylab.co.nz/regatta

The Elephant Wrestler

Your larger than life local in the heart of Taka with an outdoor courtyard to boot. Selection of crafty beverages and food that’s undeniably Kiwi. Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 8030 www.joylab.co.nz/elephant-wrestler

Tok Tok Kitchen

Always busy, a unique restaurant with Asian fusion cuisine near the beach. 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 3988, www.toktok.co.nz

Tokyo Bay

Modern Japanese cuisine from kitchen run by experienced sushi master Mr Chikara Sato, a ‘fugu’ blowfish licensed sushi chef. Main Beach, The Strand, Takapuna. 09 390 7188 www.tokyobay.co.nz

Winner Winner Takapuna

Healthy, fast, fresh dinners or lunches with yummy chicken a focus! 16 Anzac Street, Takapuna. 09 486 0755 www.winnerwinner.co.nz

S MALES FARM, T AKAPUNA

Fantail & Turtle

A popular bar and eatery with alfresco vibe and great food! Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 486 0644 www.fantailandturtle.co.nz

Shake Out

Serving up a highly addictive menu of burgers, sides, shakes and sundaes – fast. Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 489 8223 www.shakeout.co

Taylors on Hurstmere

Takapuna's friendliest little wine and tapas bar and everyone's favourite local just around the corner from the Bruce Mason theatre.

NEED TO KNOW: Perfect for private parties no venue hire!

TAKAPUNA

Veuve Clicquot happy hour 5pm to 7pm $85 per bottle. A perfect venue for Christmas functions. Christmas bookings now being taken. Also open for New Years Eve.

Licenced Eatery, 09 489 9510 168 Hurstmere Road Takapuna taylorsonhurstmere@gmail.com www.taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz

Soho Thai

Taking the art of traditional Thai cooking and giving it a modern twist. Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 972 2711 www.sohothaikitchen.com

The Grange Bar & Bistro

A favourite all-day bar and bistro. Making the most of the best & fresh NZ produce. Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 972 9060 www.thegrangetakapuna.co.nz

N ORTHCOTE POINT

The Engine Room

Since 2006, a neighbourhood bistro that is simply one of the best in NZ! 115 Queen Street, Northcote Point. Phone 480 9502 www.engineroom.net.nz

Clarence Rd Eatery

An all day cafe/restaurant in the historic building that includes Bridgeway Cinema. You’ll love it! 124 Queen Street, Northcote Point. Phone: 09 480 9600 www.clarencerdeatery.nz

Northcote Tavern

We reckon one of the best places for pub food on the Shore! 37 Queen Street, Northcote Point. 09 480 7707 www.northcotetavern.co.nz

BIRKENHEAD

Abruzzo Ristorante Italiano

Authentic Italian cuisine as warm as the Mediterranean sun. 13 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead. 09 418 4202 www.abruzzi.co.nz

Birkenhead Brewing Company

Classic 100 year old kauri villa with a tavern atmosphere for true kiwi hospitality. 17 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 320 5055 www.bbc.kiwi

Blitza Pizza

Authentic Italian pizzas and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine. 9 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 5006 www.blitzapizza.co.nz

Burrito House

Passionate about providing delicious and high-quality Mexican food. 17 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 2095 www.burritohouse.co.nz

Chef Rasa Sayang

Finest authentic Malaysian food. 25 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 419 9788

Dutch Delight

A bite of Holland right here in Auckland - the only Dutch restaurant in NZ. 3 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead. 09 418 1390 www.dutchdelight.co.nz

Jose's Cantina

Jose's Mexican food is compulsive and the margaritas are addictive. 12-14 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 218 6162 www.josescantina.co.nz

Thai Yum Food Hut

Authentic Thai food in Birkenhead. 23 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 6799 www.thaiyum.net.nz

The Curry Master

Experience Indian food at it’s finest. 18 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 7211 www.thecurrymaster.co.nz/birkenhead

The Good Home

Honest homestyle cooking at its best. 83 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 0066 www.thegoodhomebirkenhead.co.nz

The Junction Eatery

Fully licensed cafe and bistro, sourcing the best local produce. 39 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 8111 www.thejunctioneatery.co.nz

Moxie Restaurant

A much loved restaurant serving modern cuisine and setting high standards at Birkenhead Point. 82 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead Point. 09 419 9082 www.moxierestaurant.co.nz

Mulan Malaysian Restaurant

Authentic flavours of South East Asia with home-style Malaysian cuisine. 243 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead. 09 480 2806 www.mulan.co.nz

Primerose Thai Cuisine

Traditional Thai dishes known for excellent aroma, flavour and taste. 6 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 0555 www.primerosethaicuisine.co.nz

Tasty Tiny Thai Restaurant

Unique Thai experience with authentic dishes bursting with flavour. 52d Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 4999 www.tastytinythai.co.nz

Duo

Birkenhead's newest joint, Duo’s owners Sarah & Jordan's vision of a small neighbourhood eatery with breakfast and lunch available five days a week (Wednesday - Sunday) & dinner three nights (Wednesday - Friday). You can expect some café classics as well as some more contemporary dining durning the day & an intimate bistro style menu in the afternoons & evenings with all the offerings showcasing high quality produce & artisanal products. Duo is fully licensed with a wine list that ranges from wild natural vino to a more conventional offering as well as offering craft beer and cocktails.

hello@duoeatery.co.nz www.duoeatery.co.nz instagram duo.nz

China Hong Kong Cuisine

Tasty Chinese and Asian food. 64 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 480 1168 www.hongkongchinesecuisine.co.nz

M ILFORD

Anokha Indian Restaurant

Long been a destination choice for Indian food lovers, specialising in North Indian Cuisine – authentic curry, tandoori dishes and freshly baked breads. 140 Kitchener Rd, Milford. 09 489 1499 www.anokha.co.nz

Cave À Vin

Natural wines and food to share – locals love this place! 146 Kitchener Rd, Milford. www.caveavin.co.nz

Jazzy’s Cafe & Pizzeria

Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Cafe style brekkie, Fresh HomeMade pizzas, delicious Sri Lankan meals and more! 5 Milford Rd, Auckland. 09 486 1582 www.jazzys.net

Langkawi Restaurant

Popular Malaysian local that has been here for around 25 years. BYO restaurant and also offers a range of well-priced wines. 122 Kitchener Road, Milford. 09 486 2700

Monthien Thai Restaurant

Popular Thai eatery in the heart of Milford. Real Thai real taste and best service! 142 Kitchener Rd, Milford. 09 488 0409 www.monthien.co.nz

Musashi Japanese Cuisine Milford

Serves everything you expect from your authentic Japanese restaurants but with a twist. Menu of Japanese cuisine, built around local taste and ingredients. 212 Kitchener Road, Milford. Phone 489 5977 www.musashirestaurant.co.nz

PYM's of Milford

The popular neighbourhood Milford Village bar & eatery. Excellent drinks selection with simple but great food. 154 Kitchener Road, Milford. www.pymsofmilford.com

Talay Thai Restaurant

Delicious authentic Thai cuisine. Using only the freshest ingredients with vegetarian, vegan options and Gluten free dishes. 83-85 Kitchener Rd, Milford, 09 489 9568 www.talaythai.co.nz

BIRKENHEAD

Bunty's Burgers

Welcome to Bunty’s, Milford’s newest restaurant addition. Bunty’s is a new gourmet burger, bites & beer bar opening this December by Milford local, Blake Allnutt from Blake’s Providore.

Bunty’s will specialise in smash burgers & fried chicken, along with a creative & (sometimes) healthy range of sides, bites & salads. We focus on using the freshest & finest ingredients and making as much as we can inhouse. There will be a modern and adventurous wine list and Behemoth beers on tap. This ain’t your ordinary burger joint!

Open Wednesday - Sunday 4pm to Late from early December. Follow Bunty’s Burgers on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with progress and our opening date! 89 Kitchener Rd, Milford.

Stanley Avenue

Stanley Avenue is a relaxed, smart, wine bar and bistro where people can come and enjoy a light snack or sophisticated meal paired with an interesting wine offering.

52 East Coast Road, Milford, 09 410 0066 www.stanleyavenue.co.nz

Don Japanese Restaurant

Local Japanese that offers great service, a variety of authentic dishes with good drinks list to match.

1 Milford Rd, Milford. 09 379 2834

The Milford Cafe, Bar & Restaurant

For brunch, lunch & dinner. Classics, re-imagined and modernised – the best in fine coffee, wine and delicious food.

7 Milford Road, Milford. 09 488 9388 www.themilford.co.nz

Venice Italian Restaurant

A friendly local of Italian cuisine lovers passionate about cooking Italian food combined with a splendid collection of fine wines.

91 Kitchener Road, Milford, 09 486 4157 www.venicerestaurant.net

E AST COAST B AYS

El Greco Greek and Italian Eatery

A touch of the Mediterranean in the Bays! – the locals try to keep it a secret, it’s good!

1 The Esplanade, Campbells Bay. 09 475 5772 www.elgreco.co.nz

Paper Moon

One of the Bay's favourite dining and drinking spots – for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks into the evening.

437 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay. 09 479 8872 www.papermoon.org.nz

Montrose Cafe, Bistro & Bar

A Mairangi Bay local known for consistently good food and hospitality!

1 Montrose Terrace, Mairangi Bay. 09 478 9610 www.montrose.org.nz

Ristorante La Spiaggia

One of the best Italian restaurants on the Shore – Maria and Emilio never disappoint!

470 Beach Road, Murrays Bay. 09 475 5643 www.laspiaggia.co.nz

21 Days Bar & Brasserie

Named after the process of aging beef 21-28 days. Great food, some say best meat on the Shore!

37 Clyde Road Browns Bay. 0800 21 3297 www.21days.co.nz

Deer Santa...

Celebrate with distinction this Christmas.

Visit your local Mortimer Hirst practice to view the latest in designer eyewear from DITA, Tom Ford, Gucci, Barton Perreira, Theo, Mykita, Chopard, Anne & Valentin and so many more premium brands.

Or perhaps book a loved one in for an eye examination and ocular health check and give the gift of clearer vision this Christmas.

Ship Better with Pack & Send

Jane and Jeremy Bain, the franchisees at Pack & Send Takapuna have a "No Limits" approach when helping customers solve packaging and freight problems.

Now you have a better alternative to NZ Post to get you Christmas sending sorted – Stress Free. “It’s a busy and stressful time of the year for many so we make it quick and easy to send your special items” says Jeremy.

Pack & Send Takapuna have a wide range of courier services for the seasonal period. Pack & Send is a better alternative to the Post Shop with competitive courier rates. Enjoy the convenience of getting a park right outside, no queuing with others paying bills. Deal with experts that specialise in packing and freight solutions.

Whether you have one small gift or a mountain of goodies for Santa’s sleigh, Pack & Send has a service that will fit your needs. From low-cost traceable courier to precision, sensitive freight services. Around New Zealand or the world they have a service for your needs.

Unfortunately, the elves in the shopping malls do not wrap your gifts to stand up to the rigors of freight. Pack & Send can safely pack your gifts into one of their super-strong cartons with bubblewrap for maximum protection while they are travelling to their final destination. “We also sell packing materials if you choose to pack it yourself to take full advantage of our Christmas pricing” says Jane.

Pack & Send Takapuna is your "one stop shop" for all your packaging, courier and freight solutions. Pack & Send also has an Online Self-Service solution for pre-packed items weighing less than 30kg with a value under $1000 that doesn't need the full personalised service you would receive in-store. This can be used for sending international packages as well as ones around New Zealand. This is a DIY courier service option, where you manage the process in your own home or office – rather than have it done for you. It’s as simple as 1-2-3. Visit the website packsend.co.nz and start with a quote.

Pack & Send Takapuna open Mon – Sat, located at 77 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna with exclusive and convenient parking outside. Ph 486-3355 or email takapuna@packsend.co.nz and let them make sending easy.

Easy steps to composting

Approximately 50% of what Auckland households send to landfill is compostable material. Ten percent is from the garden and 40% is from the kitchen. Worryingly, once buried, it doesn’t compost down. Compost production requires air, and there is no air in landfill.

Luckily, there are several easy ways to compost it at home and make a huge difference. Bokashi, compost bins, and worm farms are the three main ways to turn your food scraps into beautiful nutrient dense compost and fertiliser to feed your plants. By adopting one (or more) of these methods you’ll not only drastically reduce your food waste but also help your garden to thrive.

Choosing the right system that suits you and learning how to use it properly is the trick though. Head over to: https://compostcollective.org.nz/ for great info and discounts on worm farms, compost bins and Bokashi systems. In the meantime here’s a short rundown on the different systems:

Bokashi - can be kept in the kitchen or laundry. Empty the bin monthly by digging the food into the ground. You also get a regular supply of liquid fertiliser. Avoid adding rotten food and don’t add liquids, and there will rarely be any problems. Bokashi is good for food/kitchen scraps, but doesn’t do garden waste (lawn clippings and prunings).

Compost bins - are kept in the garden. They need to be aerated regularly which is easier if you buy a compost tumbler. Finished compost is taken from the opening at the bottom of the bin. Don’t add meat and dairy or you’ll attract mice or rats. You’ll need a mix of green and brown waste for it to work well. Good for garden waste, vegetable scraps, and chook-yard rakings.

Worm farm - can be kept close to the kitchen door but needs solid shade. Easy to use, just throw food in; when all trays are full, lift all trays off to remove the bottom tray and empty it. You can take worm castings when you need them, and it also gives you a liquid fertiliser continually. Don’t add meat and dairy or you’ll attract mice or rats, and don’t add citrus or onion family as the worms don’t like them. As with Bokashi, worm farms are not suited to garden waste.

takapuna@packsend.co.nz www.packsend.co.nz

Amanda Graham

Newhaven Gardens Ltd

Ph: 021 378969

www.instagram.com/newhavengardens/ amanda@newhavengardens.co.nz www.newhavengardens.co.nz

By Jane and Jeremy Bain, franchisees at Pack & Send Takapuna.

Jane and Jeremy Bain.

Top tips from Amanda Graham, Newhaven Gardens. North Shore Hedge Trimming, Garden Tidy Ups, Planting, Pruning and Garden Maintenance.

Amanda Graham.

Our round up of posts from local businesses on IG that we’ve double tapped (liked) and a Q&A with Lauren Boden, Creative director of @Luluscollective

Lauren Boden has strong connections to the Shore. She went to Westlake Girls, moved abroad where she worked in luxury fashion and has since returned to the Shore to raise her family and start her jewellery business, Lulu’s Collective.

Lauren attended Whitecliffe College in Auckland where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in photography, before moving to London where she worked for 10 years in the luxury fashion industry for brands such as Lacoste and Kate Spade. Her most recent role was as the European Visual Manager at Kate Spade where she looked after all the creative and visual needs for all the European stores. Lauren got married and fell pregnant and decided it was time to move home and give her baby the same wonderful Kiwi upbringing that she had had. She says it was the best decision she ever made and now she lives five minutes from her parents in Albany with two young children and husband. She tells Channel Magazine about her jewellery business, Lulu’s Collective.

Channel Mag: Tell us a little bit about your business and how it came about… Lauren Boden: My love of adornment began at a young age, inspired by my mum's collection of storied jewels collected over a lifetime. My earliest memory of my mum is the sound of her bangles jingling. My passion continued to evolve over a decade of working in the luxury fashion industry in London, Paris, and New York. Upon returning to New Zealand five years ago, I quickly realised that the unique and quality jewels I shopped, wore and loved while overseas weren’t locally accessible (and a nightmare to ship!) so the idea for Lulu’s was born.

CM: Is Instagram a source of inspiration for you? Who do you recommend following and why?

LB: I LOVE Instagram! I find daily inspiration from a diverse array of accounts. Some of my favourites are @eyeswoon for the dreamiest interior and culinary imagery, @hallweneed for Jess and her gorgeous little family; she is creative and kind and just all-round inspiring. I also enjoy @ sorellinajewelry. This is a new brand we will be launching soon; their jewellery is just incredible. I love everything that they do and love their inspiring images.

CM: Which other local businesses/artists do social media well?

LB: @stitch_ministry. I love that this is a locally designed label, and @streetorganics_nz for absolutely delicious wholefood that is good for you and tastes great!

CM: What’s your favourite product you sell and why?

LB: My favourite piece of jewellery that we sell would have to be the imperial disc necklace by Ariel Gordon. I love the sentimentality of jewellery and you can have this necklace personalised with your loved one’s names. I personally have one with my children's names and I love that I have created a future heirloom to pass down.

Find out more at @luluscollective and visit www.luluscollective.co.nz

Iconic Liberty fabric is adored by people worldwide and local Shore label, This Little Bird, makes made-to-measure tops and dresses with the signature Liberty florals. @thislittlebirdthreads

We love the look of Merani Clay Studio, a functional small batch stoneware ceramics brand by Devonport based potter, Lee Riddington.

@merani_

Cry Wolf recently moved to Apollo Drive and we love the look of their summer collection for the kids in your life: hats, sandals and togs that would make great summer investments!

@crywolfchild

Lauren Boden.

Are you ready for change?

By Simon Watts, North Shore MP Simon Watts.

As National’s Spokesperson for Local Government, I’ve had the good fortune to meet people on the North Shore and throughout New Zealand. I have discovered that communities generally have an excellent grasp of the challenges they face and the opportunities they want to take advantage of.

In the regions and in our major cities I’ve met local councillors who have identified how local economies can grow, what the roadblocks are to job creation, and the infrastructure barriers to building more houses.

All these communities are different, but they all share something in common: they haven’t been waiting for central government to take control of their lives; what they have wanted is support that’s targeted and relevant.

Nine months out from the next general election I’m very much aware of how Labour has used its majority in Parliament to ignore this local opinion. Targeted and relevant approaches that champion local initiatives have been considered too small-scale as the government pursues massive change. In the health system and in the way we protect our water, we’ve seen Labour use its majority to drive changes that were never in the minds of the electorate during the last election. Any consultation about this upheaval has been too late in coming and the feedback largely ignored.

STAY ACTIVE.

Be Active.

Join in the fun at Takapuna Boating Club, right on Takapuna beach!

Sunday Club Days.

Courses - learn to paddle, sail, or drive a rigid inflatable boat (for on-the-water volunteers).

Fun Racing - from beginners to advanced. Social - Paddle & Pinot evenings, and destination sails. Use of club boats, boards, kayaks & equipment.

Use of storage facilities available.

Many affordable membership options.

So what should the government have been focussing on? One of the core tasks of government should be to support hard-working families and businesses; Ministers need to have a laser focus on the economic health of the country. The cost-of-living crisis that’s stealing money from your pocket by driving up prices everywhere should have been at the top of the government’s agenda. And businesses should have access to the overseas talent they need to grow. Instead, experiments in cogovernance took centre stage.

Another core responsibility of government is to ensure our communities are safe to live in. Unfortunately, Labour’s fixation with an asset grab of water infrastructure blinded them to the smash and grab going on in our high streets.

I know this isn’t festive reading as we head into Christmas. But I want us all to reflect on where the government’s priorities were through this year and where they should have been. Most of us are going to come back from well-deserved breaks looking for some positive signs in the economy and fewer signs of lawlessness in our neighbourhoods.

The government knows the clock is ticking as the next election approaches. Is Labour going to do what’s required, or are we going to have more distraction as the country heads inexorably in the wrong direction?

For now, have a very merry Christmas, and come back in 2023 ready for change.

Simon Watts — Spokesperson for Local Government, Associate Finance and Associate Infrastructure.

Email: simon.watts@parliament.govt.nz

Call my office on 09 486 0005, facebook: @simonwattsmp instagram: @simonwattsmp

39 The Str and, Takapuna Beach, Auckland Phone: 09 489-6941 info@takapunaboating.or g.nz takapunaboating.or g.nz

Targeted and relevant approaches that champion local initiatives have been considered too small-scale…

Bring your kids down to the all-ages, all-abilities Takapuna Beach playground this summer!

First thing you’ll notice at the Takapuna Beach playground is the MASSIVE tower. Kids (and adults, let’s face it) have an in-built need to be at the top of towers. Release them and they’ll be up the ladders in a flash, popping out the three big slides.

The two structures feature rock-climbing walls and all kinds of nets, ladders and swinging things. There are swings of all sizes, a giant hamster wheel, a giant see-saw, monkey bars, a trampoline and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round. Yes, the equipment is all made of tough stuff and adults can get involved too. There’s also heaps of grassy space for picnics and for caregivers to rest watchfully in the shade (and hammocks too!).

Also – water play. That’s right, with summer coming on and a supposed heat wave headed to our shores, there’s never been a better time to unleash sweaty and irritated kids on an interactive splash zone complete with buttons, pumps and aqueducts.

The playground is also perfectly positioned next to the stunning white sand beach allowing for the perfect transition from playground fun to beach fun and a refreshing dip to cool off properly.

Pair that with a delicious ice cream from Movenpick, KiwiYo, or the brand-new Duck Island, and there are plenty of options for everyone!

There are so many great places to eat and drink in Takapuna, from beachfront dining, cafés, bars and restaurants, you’re bound to find something for every taste just a few minutes walk away from the beach.

Where did it come from? The playground is the culmination of a vision of locals Jackie and Chris Reeve, who not only campaigned for the playground, but also underwrote the cost of the $1.2 million communityled development, which was also supported by other generous local donors and the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board.

The playground opened in August 2016 and immediately became a hit destination.

What’s coming next? If you’ve been to the playground recently, you’ll have seen the newest addition: brand new toilets and changing facilities, as well as a fully accessible Changing Places room! These rooms can only be accessed by those with a Changing Places membership to prevent unnecessary use and damage – but the room includes a height-adjustable adult changing table and sink, a ceiling track hoist, a shower, handrails and a toilet with space on both sides for two carers to assist its user.

Takapuna Beach is even more accessible, as we are proudly the first beach in Auckland to install a Beach Mat! This extends from the footpath across the sand for 20m, to allow for easy wheelchair access – so all in our wonderful community can enjoy our amazing beach this summer!

Starting construction in early 2023 there will be some amazing playground additions where the old facility block was. These will also be fully accessible and just as amazing as the rest of the facilities – you can head to our website to see the plans for yourself!

GOLD SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Gold sponsors…

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

Takapuna Beach – walk the beach, go for a swim, try stand up paddle boarding or soak up the sunshine on this beautiful white sand beach while admiring the views across the Hauraki Gulf

Enjoy the tastes of Takapuna with over 100 places to eat or drink - from chic cafes to healthy eats to world flavours, tasty takeaways or stunning beachfront dining, Takapuna has a raft of tasty treats just for you.

Shop for something special. From fashion to jewellery to exquisite homewares and gifts, you will find just the right thing from the range of high street stores, designer boutiques and Shore City Shopping Centre.

Discover an ancient fossil forest on the ‘lava trail’ between Takapuna and Milford which forms part of the Te Araroa walkway. This is a stunning seaside walk along the coast.

Bring the family to one of Auckland’s best playgrounds – The allabilities Takapuna Beach Playground, then recharge with an icecream or something to eat

Get out on the water and try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, sailing, kayaking, or even snorkelling!

Stroll through Takapuna’s famous Hurstmere Road, with its openair style shopping and alfresco dining.

Immerse your cultural self in live theatre, music, arts, culture and heritage at the Bruce Mason Centre, PumpHouse Theatre, Lake House Arts Centre or Monterey Lounge Cinema.

Find inner peace with a restorative yoga, massage or reflexology session or pump up the pulse with an exercise class or Pilates session.

Pack a picnic and head to the beach reserve on Takapuna Beach or the shores of Lake Pupuke.

GIRL

Six new Laureates inducted into North Harbour Business Hall of Fame

Six new laureates were inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame at a black-tie function held at The Spencer Hotel on Thursday November 10th. I was humbled to be one of those inducted. Others were Ann Tod, Walter Gill and Simon Gundry as well as the Alison Brothers –Alexander and Ewen – who were posthumously inducted.

By Aidan Bennett

Sir Stephen Tindall, who was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame back in 2004, received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

I have taken this opportunity to highlight my fellow laureates who were inducted – Ann Tod, Walter Gill and Simon Gundry, Alexander and Ewen Alison.

Ann Tod

Takapuna resident Ann Tod has been a significant contributor to business, sport and the not-for-profit sector for decades.

Ann joined KPMG in 1980, working principally as an auditor across many industries. She was National Learning Director from 1995 to 1999, joining the global team in New York for three months in 1998 to develop audit training material.

Ann became a partner at KPMG in April 2003 and since 2016 her client responsibilities were largely in the Charitable Trust and not-for–profit sector. She was a member of the KPMG Board for six years from 2011 through to 2017.

Ann is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.

In 2022 Ann was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her contribution to Netball with an MNZM for her services to the sport over a 20 year period. She has been the Finance Director of World Netball since 2011, the worldwide governing body responsible for world rankings, maintaining the rules of netball and organising the Netball World Cup and netball at the Commonwealth Games.

Ann has encouraged the growth of netball globally in accordance with the objectives of the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. She is a member of the Netball North Harbour Umpires Association and is an umpire coach. She is an honorary auditor of the Oceania Netball Federation.

New inductees into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame. From left; Simon Gundry, Walter Gill, Sir Stephen Tindall (Lifetime Achievement Award), Richard Pilley (Sponsor – Milford Asset Management), Mike Atkinson (Host – President, North Harbour Club), Ann Tod and Aidan Bennett.

She has played a big role in Hospice completing the final stages of a significant redevelopment of the facilities in Takapuna to ensure future demand for palliative care will be met.

Ann’s current not-for-profit board and trustee roles include being the chair of Harbour Hospice – a board she joined in 2017. She has played a big role in Hospice completing the final stages of a significant redevelopment of the facilities in Takapuna to ensure future demand for palliative care will be met.

She is also a trustee on the JR McKenzie TeTuhi Contemporary Arts Trust; the Make-a-Wish New Zealand; and the CanTeen New Zealand Independent Finance Committee.

Ann has also been involved in Rotary New Zealand since 2003, is a member of the Rotary Club of Auckland and the Internal Audit Committee of Rotary District 9920.

Walter Gill and Simon Gundry

Walter Gill and Simon Gundry have been involved in a business partnership and friendship that has endured over 50 years.

Gill & Gundry – the business, grew out of two Devonport and Takapuna Grammar lads’ thirst for hard work. They started digging the foundations for what they term ‘sausage flats’ being built on the North Shore in the early 70s. It was work not many wanted to do.

For young Walter and Simon it was more enjoyable than the three month stints they had spent in insurance and herd testing respectively!

Remuneration was 25 cents per hole. They could dig 100 holes a day which returned them $25 a day. It was the start of Gill & Gundry and their main work in the first decade, 1970-80. They worked in subdivisions such as Sycamore Drive, Sunnynook Drive, Maxwelton Drive, Chatswood and built relationships and gained respect that’s helped over decades.

While working hard the duo were increasingly involved in the two sports that they loved. For Simon it was sailing; for Walter it was as a thrower in athletics. Both reaching heights – Simon sailing around the world with Sir Peter Blake on Ceramco and Lion New Zealand, and Walter excelling in Shotput and Discus at a national level.

Walter Gill has put a great deal back into athletics as an administrator, coach and is now just as famous for being the father of Jacko – a Supreme AIMES Award recipient at the age of 15 and more recently a Commonwealth Games medallist.

In the early 80s Gill & Gundry was ready to expand – things got serious. They started employing people, bought diggers and trucks, and in the mid 80s expanded into block work, concrete floors etc. –but kept on digging!

They’re very proud of employing hundreds of ‘good young men’ offering them the opportunity to learn how to work hard and succeed.

Wisely, early on they started investing in their own property portfolios. There is also an interest in a major New Zealand residential home building business.

While they have never shouted about their philanthropy – once they were doing well, Gill & Gundry started giving back. Their generosity to their community has been a constant.

This has been to their chosen sports of athletics, rugby (their beloved North Shore) and yachting – and to cricket, surf lifesaving and many others. They also support Rosmini College and the Wilson Home Trust.

Many of their contributions to giving a hand-up are under the radar, we do know that they’ve been supporting a school in Uganda for many years.

Walter is the unassuming one. Simon says Walter’s happy just getting on and doing things. Simon is the higher profile and the talker of the two, but clearly this is a perfect match in business, with massive mutual respect. They say they don’t socialise a lot together – only around twice a year – but they complement one another in business.

Simon was awarded a QSM for services to the community in 2013 – recognition he says should have been split. He’s also a Life Member of North Shore Rugby Club.

Alexander & Ewen Alison

2022 signalled the first posthumous induction into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame – the Alison brothers, Alexander and Ewen.

Alexander Alison (Junior) – their father had the same name – was born in 1846. Ewen Alison was born in 1852. They were educated at Flagstaff School in Devonport.

In 1864, Alexander established a boatbuilding business. At age 13, Ewen joined the staff of the newly established NZ Herald as an apprentice compositor, becoming one of their best.

The gold rush started in 1867. Aged just 15, young Ewen worked in a mine in Thames for 18 months. At 16, he went farming and stock grazing, joined nine months later by Alexander and their butchery business began.

They also ran livery stables, collected bottles for recycling, produced fertiliser and later conducted yearling sales from horses bred on Browns Island.

The Alison’s purchased land and built properties in the Devonport area –selling them on a time-payment basis.

In 1878, Ewen’s political career started, being elected to the Waitemata County Council, aged just 26. He topped the poll.

In mid-1881, at a public meeting at the Masonic Hotel in Devonport, Ewen moved a resolution to form the Devonport Steam Ferry Company. He became chairman of the company. That company took over the Devonport ferry service and acquired the Auckland and North Shore Ferry Company.

Ewen William Alison.

Alexander Alison.

Sir Stephen Tindall received his North Harbour Business Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award from Liz Blackwell (Patron, North Harbour Club) and Richard Pilley of sponsor, Milford Asset Management.

Alexander is recognised as being the key driver of the Alison’s transport empire, managing the Devonport Steam Ferry Company for most of his business career. He was born for it, at just 14 he built himself an open boat which he used to ferry people from Devonport to Auckland.

In 1927 the Alison brothers formed the North Shore Transport Company to take a similarly dominant role in bus services on the North Shore.

Alexander was a prominent member of the Auckland Yacht Club, Commodore of the North Shore Yacht Club and also manifested a keen interest in local affairs – serving on the Devonport Road Board, later the Borough Council, Auckland Harbour Board and the Eden and Waitemata Licensing Committee.

While some land used by the Takapuna Jockey Club was leased from the Harbour Board, the remainder of the racecourse land was owned by the Alison’s. The brothers were founders of the Jockey Club, Ewen was Club President from 1885 until the Club was wound up in 1938.

The Alison brothers took advantage of the Auckland real estate boom, owning 163 acres in Devonport and Takapuna, making them men of substantial wealth.

Ewen was Mayor of Devonport Borough from 1890-95 and 1902-07, as well as the first Mayor of Takapuna Borough, 1913-14.

By age 38, Ewen Alison had a significant business empire. He also took up directorships in the coal industry, served on the Auckland Harbour Board, was an MP and a member of the Legislative Council.

Ewen Alison was also a foundation member and first President of the Waitemata Golf Club (1905) and a foundation member of Takapuna Bowling Club (1927).

While mayor, Ewen was also responsible for the building of

the borough water supply system from Lake Takapuna (now Lake Pupuke), the establishment of foreshore reserves, the formation of King Edward Parade, the sealing of roads and footpaths and the acquisition of Rangitoto as a public domain. The clock tower at Devonport Wharf was erected as a mark of public esteem for Ewen Alison, while Alison Avenue and Ewen Street in Takapuna, and Ewen Alison Avenue in Devonport, are other reminders of the Alison’s service to the North Shore.

Alexander Alison was married to Annie, they had eight children, and he lived in King Edward Parade, Devonport, until his death in 1923, aged 76.

Ewen Alison remained a resident of Takapuna until his death in 1945, aged 93. He and wife Mary Ann had six children.

About the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame:

Established originally by North Shore City’s business development entity Enterprise North Shore in 2004, the Hall of Fame celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the region in business and in the community. With the amalgamation of Auckland city in 2010 the Hall of Fame stalled for a few years before being re-established by the North Harbour Club in 2015. The name was changed to North Harbour Business Hall of Fame and in 2016 the first laureates were inducted, with the intention to do this annually. To be considered for induction, a nominee must be a successful business leader in their industry, whom has applied their skills and success to also benefit the community. Nominations are open on an ongoing basis. New inductees are selected by a judging committee.

What are the benefits of renovating ?

Utility bills through the roof this winter? Think ahead and spend time renovating your home in time for next winter. There are many benefits that come with renovating and saving money while making your home more efficient and enjoyable is great in the long term.

Not only can renovating save you money it can also make you money. Whether your home is confined or outdated, there are little tweaks you can make such as an updated facade, brand new kitchen or turning a large room into two extra bedrooms. Renovating on your current property means you can keep your family in the location you love but alter your home to suit your family's changing needs.

Thinking of renovating but no idea where to start? It is easier than you think. So renovate has you covered for your entire renovation journey from the concept planning and designing right down to the delivery.

Contact us for a no obligations free quote www.sorenovate.co.nz

Before.

After.

For more about us or our latest projects visit our website www.sorenovate.co.nz or follow and interact with us on social media instagram @sorenovate facebook @so_renovate

Five great advantages to renovating your home:

1. Replace your single-glazed windows with double-glazed joinery that meets the new H1 insulation efficiency building code changes.

2. Installing a ducted central heating system saves power bills and keeps you warm in winter and cooler this summer.

3. Replace your insulation – this is a massive money saver as the insulation value may have changed or you may not have any at all!

4. Replace appliances with energy efficient ones

5. Replacing cladding or inefficient design in your home.

Mercedes-Benz North Shore Has Moved.

Brighter future ahead.

Mercedes-Benz North Shore has now relocated to a new state-of-the-art building on Fred Thomas Drive in Takapuna. This dealership is the first and only one of its kind in New Zealand, built to a new style of Mercedes-Benz architecture known as MAR2020.

MAR2020 contributes to the Mercedes-Benz customer experience by combining architecture, digital media, processes and functions as a unit.

The dealership includes a 10 vehicle Mercedes-Benz Showroom, a Service Department, housing 18 hoists and a mezzanine floor housing New Zealand’s largest AMG Performance Centre. A glass vehicle elevator in the middle of the building is the centre piece that lifts the Mercedes-AMG vehicles to the mezzanine floor

The Mercedes-North Shore dealership is now a significant landmark on Auckland's North Shore and we look forward to welcoming you.

Visit us today at Mercedes-Benz North Shore.

Miles Group opens flagship vehicle dealership on the Shore

Aidan Bennett visits the impressive new home for Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Citroen and Opel

on the Shore

One of New Zealand’s leading motor groups, Miles Group, has signalled a real confidence in the North Shore with the opening of a brand new state-of-the-art facility for a number of their prominent vehicle brands during November. The impressive new complex has been purpose-built on land the group owns in Fred Thomas Drive, opposite Golf Warehouse and the driving range. It will be the home of Mercedes-Benz North Shore, as well as Peugeot, Citroen and Opel – and their team of 60-plus people.

It is no secret that I love businesses investing in our North Shore community, so it was with some excitement that I went along for a visit just a week or two after they opened the doors of their new facility.

Prior to opening this new facility, these four iconic vehicle brands were scattered at various locations on the Shore. So it wasn’t surprising that my host, Ben Panettiere, Peugeot Citroen Opel North Shore General Manager, was excited to show me around his new place of work. It is something very special, and the result of several years of planning.

The impressive new home of Mercedes-Benz North Shore and Peugeot Citroen Opel North Shore.

The new 18 hoist service department enables up to 60 vehicles to be serviced in a day.

What is immediately obvious is the scale of the building – you can’t miss it on Fred Thomas Drive. The location, being close to the motorway with easy access to the bridge and Auckland city – as well as Takapuna, Milford, and the Devonport peninsula – is about perfect for a dealership selling high quality motor vehicles. The site is 8,300 square metres, meaning that space is abundant and parking is super easy. That was the case as I drove up to the building.

The dealership is the first of its kind in New Zealand, built to a new world-wide style of Mercedes-Benz architecture – known as MAR2020. It is the second in Australasia, the first being over the Tasman, in Brisbane.

"With MAR2020, Mercedes-Benz is defining a new brand appearance at the retail level, and we are thrilled to be leading the way in New Zealand, here on the Shore,” says Managing Director Craig Innes. “Opening this facility with this totally new concept responds to what our customers are looking for in a digital world. At the same time we have dramatically increased our offering for our customers to ensure satisfaction, a prime example being our 18-hoist service department that enables us to increase the number of vehicles we are servicing every day – up to 60 a day. Electric is a big part of the future so we also have 18 EV chargers at the dealership.”

These 18 onsite electric vehicle chargers include three super chargers.

Craig Innes says that MAR2020 design is also responding directly to the fact that for many customers their purchase journey begins online and this concept will provide a

With MAR2020, Mercedes-Benz is defining a new brand appearance at the retail level, and we are thrilled to be leading the way in New Zealand, here on the Shore…

The customer lounge is at the centre of things in the new Mercedes-Benz North Shore showroom.

Managing Director Craig Innes with his Mercedes-AMG SLS GT3 Race car that is on display in the new AMG showroom.

There are 18 onsite electric vehicle chargers including three super chargers.

Electric vehicles are front and centre in the Mercedes-Benz North Shore showroom.

seamless online to offline transition with strong integration of digital elements and technology. Craig and his fellow directors, Bruce Miles and Murray Cleland, have had trips to different parts of the world to understand the new thinking in dealership design. They were convinced that MAR2020 was right.

“MAR2020 is very customer-centric,” adds Craig Innes. “There are no desks in the showroom; it’s totally designed for the customer to be very comfortable and free to look around and enjoy the space.”

There is certainly a different feel about entering the new Mercedes-Benz North Shore showroom. The customer lounge is at the centre of things and there are digital screens all over the place for people to discover the range and digitally build their new vehicle.

The dealership is on two levels, which is how it is cleverly home to the four vehicle brands. Mercedes-Benz has two floors on the northern end of the building. New Zealand’s largest Mercedes-Benz AMG Performance Centre is on level two.

The large service and parts facility – with undercover parking –encompasses the rear of the building, while the Peugeot Citroen Opel North Shore operation is located across two floors on the southern end.

A glass vehicle hoist in the middle of the building is a centrepiece that lifts vehicles to the upper floor. Car lovers will enjoy viewing the dealership's Mercedes-AMG SLS GT3 race car that is also on the upper level. This is one of a very limited number made world-wide and will be raced by MD Craig Innes.

“Peugeot Citroen Opel North Shore started from humble beginnings, and we have achieved so much over the past couple of years,” explained GM Ben Panettiere, as we wandered through their new home. “These brands are right at home in this superb new location and facilities, with an emphasis on electric and hybrid vehicles. I’m very excited to take what is now the flagship dealership in the country to the next level and provide the best customer experience and service here on the Shore.”

Ben Panettiere has led the establishment of Peugeot and Citroen on the Shore over the past three-four years, while Opel – a huge brand in Europe – is a recent addition.

“The three brands combine very well, providing our customers with very strong options in the hybrid and electric vehicle space,” adds Ben Panettiere. “Opel qualifies 100% for clean vehicle rebates due to half the options being electric and the entire range very fuel efficient.”

Space at the new facility has also given the business the opportunity to double its pre-owned vehicle stock, providing customers with more choice of late model vehicles.

Well done to Craig Innes and his team on creating their fantastic new facility.

Peugeot Citroen Opel North Shore service reception.

Ben Panettiere, Peugeot Citroen Opel North Shore General Manager.

The Peugeot Citroen Opel North Shore showroom.

WE HAVE MOVED!

Please join us at our brand-new state-of-the-art dealership at 16 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna. Our new dealership is home to three brands, Peugeot, Citroen and the highly anticipated and just launched in New Zealand - Opel.

The dealership includes a full service and parts department, including lots of parking, easy access and electric charging spaces.

Contact our sales team today to arrange a test drive and choose from our impressive range of vehicles. We look forward to welcoming you into our new dealership and hope to see you soon!

Scan the QR code opposite for directions.

the

MILA SOLEIL

Turn an ordinary thing into a designer piece! Artist Studio offers a beautiful range of art and custom-made service for you and your loved ones. Furniture redesign, clothing painting, canvas painting and more. Check it out in studio and online.

18a Ballymore Drive, Pinehill, Auckland 027 777 4048 milasss007@gmail.com www.milasoleil.com

facebook Mila Soleil, instagram @millasoleil

RESENE COLORSHOP

Get deck-orating with Resene! Refresh, rejuvenate and enhance your timber decking with Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain. Choose a CoolColour version to help keep your darker colour cooler in the hot sun. Available from Resene ColorShops.

1 Auburn St, Takapuna, 09 489 1540

2 Tawa Drive, Albany, 09 414 6500

8 Croftfield Lane, Wairau Park, 09 444 4387

WALLACE COTTON

Sunny Days Ahead

Create a beautiful summer home to enjoy with new bed linen and homeware, pretty sleepwear, linen clothing and comfy pieces to brighten your outdoor spaces. Discover handpainted designs, beachy stripes and ocean hues to inspire a modern, coastal feeling for the season ahead. 156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, 09 551 7767 www.wallacecotton.com

CRAVEHOME

Carbonated water never looked so good - up your soda game with this beautiful kitchen essential from Swedish design company Aarke. Available now in three stunning colours. 30 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead 09 419 9535 www.cravehome.co.nz

COSI FAN TUTTE

The effortlessly chic Nikita Dress from the Shanty Corporation is back for summer in the gorgeous Santiago Stripe. Check out the summer collection in store now or online at Cosi Fan Tutte. 73 Victoria Road, Devonport, 021 247 2469 www.cosifantutte.co.nz instagram @cosifantutte_devonport

THE SHEEPSKIN FACTORY

WARM IN WINTER, COOL IN SUMMER!

Enjoy natural comfort outdoors while doing the things you love! 9-5pm Mon - Sat and 10-5pm Sundays

34 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna 09 486 2679 www.thesheepskinfactory.co.nz

RIBBON & BLUES

Take your Christmas wrapping and decorating to the next level. We have an inspiring range of wrapping paper, ribbons, gift tags, cards, ribbons, decorations and more in our pop up shop now open.

235 Archers Rd, Wairau Valley 09 479 3070 ribbonandblues.co.nz

FLORIENNE

Festive season greetings from all at Florienne. 60A Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 6438 www.florienne.co.nz

YARNTONS

Chic, sophisticated Birkenstock Franca SFB Soft Nubuck in a gentle shade of Yomo Lilac. Birkenhead, 18 Mokoia Rd, 09 418 4011 Devonport, 79 Victoria Rd, 09 445 3479 www.yarntons.co.nz

BEAR BROTHERS

A denim apron makes the ideal gift for all cooks, gardeners, teachers and crafters. Super comfortable and hard wearing with roomy pockets for phones and tools, these aprons are made to last for years. Available plain or embroidered from $75. 61 Victoria Rd, Devonport 022 541 3554 bearbrothersdenim.com

the

#supportlocal

SPERO CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

Curate by Trelise Cooper - Frock N Roll. 19 Mokoia Rd, Birkenhead 09 4199781 www.spero.co.nz

JUST JEANS – GLENFIELD MALL

Refresh your summer wardrobe for the holiday season with must-have florals. Glenfield Mall, Level 3 09 443 2654 www.justjeans.co.nz

MASSAGE LINK

December special offer$65 for 60 min whole body massage. 46 Clyde Road, Browns Bay, 09 218 9839 massagelink.nz@gmail.com facebook massage link (browns bay) instagram @massage_link

FITZGERALD TAYLOR

Boutique stationer, home of a thoughtfully curated selection of fine stationery. Shop 2, 2 Queens Parade, Devonport fitzgeraldtaylor.co.nz

FIESTA BALLOONS

Christmas dreams become a reality with our Christmas range. Add a wow factor to your gift hampers with our personalised balloons, hampers, and event décor. Choose from our pre-selected baskets or our personalised range to fit your needs and budget. Special prices for groups. 09 214 9745 info@fiestadesign.co.nz G1/10 Auburn Street, Takapuna www.fiestadesign.co.nz facebook @FiestaDesignNZ instagram @fiestaballoonsnz

CITY HALL

Beautifully curated lifestyle and homeware goods for effortless, elevated living. Stockists of your favourite international and locally designed brands. 406 Lake Road, Takapuna @cityhall.store www.cityhall.store Website coming any day now. 09 394 2954 hello@cityhall.store

By Claire Bellingham, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist Claire Bellingham.

Balancing good cheer and good health

Summer is a wonderful season of fun and festivity. A couple of weeks of indulgence doesn’t cause a problem in itself but unfortunately research shows that people who put on weight over the Christmas period often don’t lose it again. They just re-set their “normal” upwards by half to one kilo going forwards. This can translate to five or ten kilos across a decade, to the detriment of future health.

The season of excess is usually a lot wider than the fortnight around Christmas – it can easily stretch from the beginning of December all the way to mid-February. So it’s important to consider your likely lifestyle and plan exercise accordingly.

Summer tends to happen in three phases, starting with the festive frenzy in the first part of December. For many people this is a frantic time of professional deadlines, Christmas functions and kids’ end of year activities. Balancing the triangle of work, family and health is tricky at any time of year but the climate of chaos makes it particularly challenging. Your exercise regime may need slight adaptations for the festive season. Many gymgoers shift to early morning sessions in December to free themselves up for post-work functions. It can help to stack exercise towards the beginning of the week while you’re still feeling fresh-ish. If early mornings aren’t your thing then consider coming to the gym at an off-peak time such as late morning or early afternoon. It’s cooler than the evening and very efficient to zip around the gym quickly. Weekends are another option – and it can be very helpful to get your car parked at the mall before it opens. Then you’re perfectly placed for a quick bit of supermarket or Christmas shopping after your workout.

The second phase of your summer exercise plan is the post-Christmas holiday period. Les Mills Takapuna is open every day for the stay-cationers. A workout is a great way to start your day before heading off on your sunny adventures. If you’re going away think about the exercise options that will be available to you at your holiday destination. Ask your PT to show you some body weight exercises so you have a toolbox of activities to take with you. A little activity is better than nothing. If you have a complete break from exercise in December it can be very difficult to re-start. It’s much easier to regain momentum from a slower pace than from completely stationary.

The third phase of your summer exercise plan is New Year’s resolutions. These are traditionally made on the first day of the year but January can be a tricky time to achieve goals. Many people are still out of routine enjoying trips, house guests and school holiday activities. It’s a relaxed social time to recover from the pressure of Christmas and enjoy the sunshine. Lots of relaxed socialising revolves around food and then there are two long weekends – not ideal weight loss conditions. There is no point in setting ambitious goals when you don’t have routines in place to accomplish them. It’s far better to continue at a modest but consistent pace through January and relaunch health and fitness for 2023 when conditions are right.

This summer make a commitment to setting a realistic target, even if it’s just to maintain your weight over the festive period. Set achievable exercise goals according to the phase you’re in. Adopt a sensible approach to festive food and exercise and then relax about it. Enjoy your health, your family and all your blessings this Christmas.

Les Mills Takapuna, Rooftop Level, Shore City, Takapuna 0800 LES MILLS lesmills.co.nz clairebellingham.co.nz claire@clairebellingham.co.nz

By

Hear for the Holidays!

The upcoming holiday parties, gatherings and social events are a fun, festive time for celebration. However, for people with hearing loss the holiday season can be stressful and frustrating.

Here are 6 tips to help you hear better for the holidays:

1. Be sure your hearing aids are working well. Book in for a check and service with your Audiologist if you need it.

2. Let others know if you’re not hearing well – cup your hand behind your ear (the universal signal for trouble hearing) or ask to move to a quieter part of the room. See if the music can be turned down/off. You’re probably not the only one having trouble.

3. Sit on the couch for conversation – soft squishy things help for better sound quality. Get out of the kitchen if you can – it’s noisy in there with pots, pans and hard surfaces. Try a quiet corner or go outside.

4. Claim a good spot at the table if you can. Look to sit in the middle of the table, but away from the kitchen if possible. Put your purse or jacket on the chair to claim a good spot early!

5. Talking to family from overseas? Turn on virtual captions for online video calls. You may need to ask the ‘host’ or check Settings.

6. There’s an App for that. For face to face conversations you can use a live transcription App on your phone like “NALscribe” (available on iPhone) or “Live Transcribe”. Captioning for real world conversations!

For more information or to book in for a hearing aid tune-up call 09 475 9849.

Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd.

Location: Inside the Health - I Care Centre 215 Wairau Road, Glenfield, North Shore www.teresaburnshearing.co.nz

Teresa Burns, Doctor of Audiology. Director and owner of Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd. Teresa Burns.

Experience Europe with a difference in 2023

Enhance your 2023 Europe travel experience with a combination of unique tours offered by Globus and Cosmos. Or combine a tour or Independent city stay with an Avalon Cruise down one of the beautiful European waterways.

Here are a few of our top picks:

Gourmet Tuscany – 8 days from $2,639pp: On this affordable Cosmos Italy tour small group discovery package, the town of Montecatini serves as your home base from which to venture out to explore the surrounding landscapes of breathtaking Tuscany and get to know its culinary and wine traditions. You’ll indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural discoveries.

Scenic Switzerland by Train – 9 days from $3,959pp: This Scenic Switzerland by Train Cosmos tour is the perfect way to see Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains, charming mountain resorts, fascinating old towns, and beautiful lakes – all while you relax in firstclass aboard Switzerland’s famous trains. You’ll overnight in Zurich, Lucerne, Lausanne, the Zermatt area, and St. Moritz.

The Camino, a walking journey for the soul – 11 days from $3,799pp: The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the ninth century. Since then, pilgrims from all over the world have walked St. James' Way, originally seeking forgiveness for their sins, and nowadays often just to spend time on a journey of personal growth. This is a challenging experience as it involves a significant physical

effort as you walk through forests and along busy roads for many miles each day for a total of approximately 71 miles. An opportunity to enjoy nature, meditate, search for answers, and challenge your limits, discover beautiful rural areas of northern Spain, and make friends with whom you’ll have shared one of the most significant experiences of your life.

Avalon Budapest to Amsterdam combine with Prague: For those who are hesitant about travelling to Europe or would like to meet new travel companions, you could join Mary and Jason to explore this beautiful part of Europe in 2023. We are escorting this 18-night small group tour departing from Prague on 8th July 2023 before travelling by rail to join the Avalon Magnificent Europe River Cruise from Budapest, via Austria and Germany to finish in Amsterdam. From Budapest to Amsterdam, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless European river cruise.

Independent city stays: Globus takes care of the details with included hand-picked accommodations, daily breakfasts, select guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities. Independent city stays are ideal for pre- or post-ocean or river cruises.

Contact the experienced travel advisors at Shore Travel for assistance to plan your own trip. Phone (09) 489 2597 or email: hello@shoretravel.co.nz

Experience Europe 2023

Cosmos Tours

Gourmet Tuscany: 8 days from $2,639pp

Scenic Switzerland by Train: 9 days from $3,959pp

The Camino, a Walking Journey for the Soul: 11 days from $3,799pp

Independent City Stays London, Paris & Amsterdam: 9 days from $2,399pp Rome, Florence & Venice: 8 days from $1,949pp

Avalon Waterways plus Prague 18 nights Escorted small group tour $13,399pp

Shore Travel

Cnr Kitchener & Milford Roads, Milford, ph (09) 489 2597 hello@shoretravel.co.nz www.shoretravel.co.nz

Ending the year on a high in Milford

What a great year we have had in MILFORD this year. We are ending on a high with only one unleased premise in the whole centre, and still some new ones yet to open.

Kebab Serai has recently reopened since a change of ownership and a refit. The new bed shop All Beds has opened in the old Westpac premises. Blake from Blakes Providore has gutted and completely redone the interior of his shop to open the first smashed burger joint in Milford, called Bunty’s. This should open in the first few weeks of December and he has applied for a licence to sell alcohol with the meals, in a sit-down environment.

Mill Sports also opened recently next to Challenge – a new business selling a range of sporting goods for our customers – a sector of the market we haven’t covered for a long time.

If you are looking for speciality cheeses, look no further than Amsterdam Cheese – right opposite Well Hung Butchery in the mall.

House of Travel is opening a FOREX counter early in December so locals can get their foreign exchange done in Milford.

Bunty’s for Burgers

Welcome to Bunty’s, Milford’s newest restaurant addition. Bunty’s is a new gourmet burger, bites and beer bar opening this December. It is being opened by Milford local, Blake Allnutt, from Blake’s Providore.

Bunty’s will specialising in smash burgers and fried chicken, along with a creative and (sometimes) healthy range of sides, bites and salads. They focus on using the freshest and finest ingredients and making as much as they can in-house. There will be a modern and adventurous wine list and Behemoth beers on tap. This ain’t your ordinary burger joint! Where does the name come from? Bunty’s is named after Blake’s grandmother, who lived to be 100 years old. She loved a good burger!

Open Wednesday – Sunday evenings from early December. Pop down and check them out. Follow Bunty’s Burgers on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with progress and their opening date!

Bunty’s Burgers – 89 Kitchener Rd, Milford.

A new sleepwear store opened recently next to the customer service desk in the mall called Pappinelle. Yet another specialist business adding to the range of premium shopping we offer in Milford. And in the final piece of the puzzle, a new business in the health sector called ‘Resonate’ will open soon on the corner of Dodson Ave and Kitchener Road – in the old pharmacy space.

So, as you think about Christmas Shopping, remember Milford as the place to get those special unique gifts from our range of chain and specialist stores.

Merry Christmas from all our businesses in Milford. We wish you a relaxed festive season, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year in Milford – the Shore’s Premium Shopping Destination!

Milford App

About a year ago we launched the Milford App as a way of keeping you up to date with things in and around Milford. As with all Apps, they need constant updating and the developer is working on an update now, to make it a must for the community. Technology is such that it is easy to pull lots of information into one place and that’s what we want to do with this App. Enhance it so everyone in Milford has it as the ‘Go To’ place for everything that’s taking place.

One simple change, has been to link the ‘events’ page from local community Facebook sites to the App so it has a continuously updated list of events. We want to have all community groups listed. Currently, there is a list of community groups on the Milford Residents Association website (you can link through to it from our Milfordshops Facebook page). If your details are wrong or you are not listed there, please contact me at manager@milfordshops.co.nz.

Also, send me any ideas of things that you think should be on the page so our Milford community is the best informed community, bar none!

Lastly, download the Milford App to your phone now.

Murray Hill, Manager – Milford Business Association, manager@milfordshops.co.nz, 021 950 463, www.milfordshops.co.nz facebook milfordshops instagram milfordnz youtube MilfordshopsTV

TITANIUM

GOLD SILVER

Your monthly update from Murray Hill, Manager of the Milford Business Association.

Murray Hill.

Milford Shops

Check out these new businesses in Milford:

• Bunty’s for the best smashed burgers served in a great environment

• Our new specialist cheese retailer, Amsterdam Cheese has a range of cheese for every cheese connoisseur

• Finally, MILFORD has it’s own boutique sports goods retailer - Mill Sports

• Need a bed - check out All Beds the new bed shop in town.

• Kebab Serai. A new owner and new fit out - come and get delicious takeaways here.

• Looking for sleepwear - Pappinelle, in the mall is the place to go.

Le Visage love the skin you're in

Observe your skin with the new

OBSERV 520 skin scanner

Most skin conditions begin in the deeper layers of the skin, making it very difficult to diagnose potential issues with the human eye alone. Here at Le Visage, we trust our OBSERV 520 skin scanner to help us with skin diagnostics right from the outset.

The OBSERV 520 skin scanner helps us diagnose whether pigmentation is UV-related, post inflammatory or whether it’s melasma. This diagnosis is so important as each issue requires a different approach, treatment and product, and cannot be diagnosed by merely looking at the skin.

The OBSERV 520 skin scanner allows us an in-depth look at your skin's texture and any disturbances in the keratinisation process, which could be responsible for a variety of skin disorders like acne, rosacea and many more.

The OBSERV 520 uses six different light sources in its diagnostic ability, allowing us a deep understanding of your skin, as well as evidence of any underlying skin concerns. This insight also enables us to monitor the positive progress of your treatments, helps us take restorative action and ensure that we are utilising the correct treatments and products for your skin to get the best results for you.

We love having the OBSERV 520 as part of our bespoke treatment plan. It takes the guesswork out of why your skin looks and behaves the way it does, giving you the benefit of science which leads directly to the best positive results that you are looking for.

CHANNEL MAG EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY!

We are delighted to offer Channel Mag readers a free OBSERV 520 skin scan with Le Visage in the month of January. Call us anytime to book your skin scan for January 2023. Just mention CHANNEL MAG and your OBSERV 520 skin scan is FREE.

Clinic Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri: 11am-5pm Thu: 11am-8pm, Sat: 9am-1pm Level 1, 161 Kitchener Road, Milford 09 486 6880 info@levisage.co.nz www.levisage.co.nz facebook @levisage, instagram @levisage

FOR 2023

Terry Taylor, Le Visage and the new OBSERV 520 skin scanner.

The OBSERV 520 uses six different light sources in its diagnostic ability, allowing us a deep understanding of your skin…

The joy of hand-made

Whether it is crafting the perfect balance between a chocolate shell and a delicious creamy centre, or creating a fun chocolate reindeer that you know will be opened to squeals of delight, Devonport Chocolates' chocolatiers approach making each item with incredible skill and passion.

Devonport Chocolates also love sharing tips and tricks for when you are baking and creating at home. Christmas is the perfect time for chocolatedipped strawberries. Here are some tips for making them with proper coverture chocolate:

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Ingredients & equipment

• Strawberries washed, dried and at room temperature.

• The chocolate you would like to use (milk and dark chocolate like in the picture, or just one type – it is up to you)

• 300g Devonport Chocolates 55% Cocoa Solids Dark Chocolate Drops

• 300g Devonport Chocolates Milk Chocolate Drops

• Heat-proof bowl

• Baking paper

• Spatula

• Digital thermometer

Tempering chocolate

• Place two thirds of your chocolate (200g) in a microwave-proof bowl on medium for one minute and then stir. Repeat this process until melted. Check the temperature of your melted chocolate; hopefully it is between 37 and 43 degrees Celsius.

Focus Feature on Devonport Focus Feature on Devonport

• Bit by bit add your spare 100g of chocolate, stirring well each time until the chocolate is smooth, and checking your temperature. Once all your chocolate is added and melted your temperature should be between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. It's time to get dipping.

• Dip one half of your strawberry in dark chocolate (or your whole strawberry if only using one type of chocolate). Place the dipped strawberry on baking paper to set.

• If you are using two types of chocolate take your time and dip all your strawberries in one type of chocolate leaving them to set. Then temper your other type of chocolate and dip the other side of the strawberry, leaving to set on baking paper.

Extra information

If you are not confident tempering chocolate you could roll in freeze dried fruit or nuts. This will cover any tempering mistakes. The temperature of the room you are working in will affect your temper. This can be problematic in summer. Preferably your kitchen

should be around 20 degrees.

If you would like to practise tempering your chocolate, you can. Just don’t dip the strawberries yet. Make solid shapes or spoon onto baking paper and if it turns white and streaky you haven’t achieved temper so keep practising. Most of all enjoy and have fun!

Devonport Chocolates has a beautiful and delicious collection of Christmas gifts available from their two chocolate shops in Auckland and from their website.

info@devonportchocolates.co.nz www.devonportchocolates.co.nz 17 Wynyard Street, Devonport Shop 34, Queens Arcade, 34-40 Queen St +64 9 445 6001

Upstairs in the Devonport Arcade 5-15 Victoria Rd, Devonport • 021 6578 21 frankpilates@xtra.co.nz • www.frankpilates.co.nz

Ear Health, Devonport

82 Lake Road, Narrow Neck Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm Sat & Sun: Closed www.earhealth.co.nz | 09 242 0866

Holiday Gift Guide

Find the perfect gift for everyone this Christmas with these great gift ideas from Glenfield Mall!

The Diy Flower Press Kit is the perfect activity for any crafting beginner. Pick some flowers or use some from a special bouquet, press them and display in the frame included or enhance your crafting & albums. $49.99 from Typo.

This is Ruby Tui. An open, raw and honest account of her journey from a troubled and unstable childhood, searching for a better option in life, to Olympic champion and the world’s best rugby sevens player. $36.99 from Paper Plus.

The ‘River Rock’ gift set includes a Natio for Men Daily Face Wash 150g, Spice of Life Body Wash 210ml and Oil Free Moisturiser 100g, presented in a Natio gift box featuring native flora artwork by Australian digital artist, Lamai Anne. $28.99 from Farmers

A fun and cool way to keep track of your travels and plan for new adventures!

Travel Boards are framed maps that you can mark with colour-coded, metallic marker pins; to keep a record of where you have travelled to, and mark the places on your wish list. $59.99 from Elements.

Match the fam with these iconic Christmas pj’s in all the fun, festive prints. Made from a light, woven fabric, these kids pyjamas will keep them cool and comfy all night. Plus, selected sets are available in matching Adults’ sizes, too! $39.99 from Cotton On Kids.

Inspired by the notes of the far east, Armani Code men’s fragrance combines a unique blend of bergamot scent and lemon essence with soft notes of olive tree, warmed with Guaiac wood and Tonka Bean. $84.99 from Chemist Warehouse.

Outsidings presents the Beach Stripe Umbrella. Designed with comfort and style in mind, these large umbrellas fea ture a tasselled design that will complement sunny days at the beach. Made of waterproof material, 100% cotton tassels and a tilting mechanism this umbrella is perfect for afternoons at the beach or at home on a sunny day. $229.90 from Bed Bath & Beyond.

The perfect addition to your summer wardrobe! A classic Havaianas style with an eye catching new design. Lightweight and durable these iconic jandals are the ultimate summer must have! $39.99 from Amazon Surf, Skate & Denim.

Give the gift of choice this Christmas with a Glenfield Mall gift card! Great shopping hours, over 25 eateries as well as over 100 different retail stores. With no expiry date, they will be spoilt for choice!

Our generously sized picnic blanket at 2m x 2m fits 4 people comfortably with enough space for food to share. With a quilted design and water resistant PE backing for extra comfort, these blankets are the perfect accessory for your next outdoor gathering. $69.99 from Cotton On.

Glenfield Mall NAIL & BEAUTY

NOW OPEN

By Heather Barker Vermeer

Command and collaboration: Navy’s local lead

Commander Simpkins is black and blue. Lifting the sleeve of her uniform, the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Philomel reveals a spread of deep bruises that decorate her arms from her elbows up to her shoulders. They’re all over her legs too, she says.

The Head of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Devonport Naval Base has just returned from a punishing experience; thrust out of her comfort zone and down into ‘Middle Earth’ – a deep cave system in the upper South Island. “It was one of the most confronting experiences I’ve ever had,” says the Commanding Officer who took over the helm in March this year.

Having just returned from a week spent navigating a complex cave system in Takaka with a small team of military, other Government agency and humanitarian organisation personnel as part of a strategic leadership programme, Julie Simpkins is well placed to talk about comfort zones.

“Spending over nine hours down a marble cave, abseiling 45 metres down narrow openings, crawling through tight gaps and ascending out of there with a team of people you’d only just met, was an experience I’ll never forget,” she explains. “I am covered in bruises! I can’t say I enjoyed it all at the time, and I’m still in recovery mode. But, on reflection, it was an amazing experience and I know it will have taught me a lot about myself along with gaining a new leadership cohort thought that shared experience. I know it’s always worthwhile getting out of your comfort zone.”

Pushing beyond her comfort zone is something Julie Simpkins is used to. Born in the Hutt Valley and growing up in land locked Feilding, Julie’s ascent to the rank of Commander in the Royal New Zealand Navy is an unlikely story.

It began with a chance encounter at a nearby military airforce base Ohakea during a high school trip in Manawatu that sparked a career idea.

“Initially, I just saw it as a way to get out of the small town where I’d grown up, to be honest,” she smiles. With Julie, what you see is what you get; honest, down to earth, humble. She openly shares her tale of applying for all three services and plumping for the Navy, which was recruiting soonest.

Starting out as a 19 year-old new recruit at a time when females in the Navy were just beginning to no longer be restricted to land duties, Julie has seen - and been a part of - enormous change.

“I was in the one of the first intakes where females joined as sea-going,” she says. “From 1988, they began trialling women at sea. I entered the Navy at a very monumental time. At first there were only very small numbers of women present on board ship, among hundreds of men. I remember firefighting training, where the smallest boot size they had was a size 9. When you’re a size 5, that added difficulty to the job!”

She describes how sailors’ uniforms were only designed for men, without pleats or shaping to fit female builds and how having no separate showering facilities for female officers on board some of older frigates which led to some interesting encounters. “We had to stick a velcro sign on the front of the cubicle when we went in, to say it was a woman showering – which was effective way of dealing with the situation at that time. One time, I forgot to take the sign down

Commander Julie Simpkins.

Julie with niece, Taylor, who is also serving in the RNZN.

and this led to a queue of men complaining, jokingly, about how long this woman was taking in the shower!”

Julie is fascinated by, and has long studied, ‘how people tick’. “I have a real interest in human factors,” she says. “People’s behaviour really interests me, especially in terms of change management.”

In line with this, she completed a Master’s degree in Advanced Leadership Practice in 2019, through Massey University in Albany, choosing to learn locally.

“I always try to keep things on the Shore whenever I can,” she says. There’s plenty of proof of this: Julie has lived in Belmont for over 15 years, and previously lived in Devonport, Castor Bay and Milford. Husband Grant is well-known at North Shore Rugby Club as a past player and coach, who now heads up Takapuna Grammar School’s international department, following his own Navy career. Julie’s parents both worked at North Shore Hospital until their retirement to Settler’s Lifestyle Village in Albany. Her 15 year-old son, Aidan goes to Takapuna Grammar School and, like mum and dad, enjoys cricket. All the family plays at North Shore Cricket Club in various guises, ‘some of us more socially than others,’ says Julie, who enjoys low-key summer ‘tonk’ at Devonport Domain. She also likes expressing her creative side on home-based art projects and in the garden when time allows.

“I think it was good luck that I ended up in the Navy,” she says. “It could so easily have been the Army or Air Force. After coming from a small, inland town, I have developed a real love of the sea and living near it. I can’t see myself ever living far from the seaside again.”

It’s just as well; Julie is in charge of a large geographical area and which includes a large number of Navy personnel and other stakeholders. She oversees Navy facilities from its Whangaparaoa training base, across to its ammunition depot at Kauri Point in Birkenhead, and over to its Narrow Neck accommodation and training area, as well as all facilities at the Devonport Naval Base itself. She is also effectively the CEO of the port. The Navy is a bigger part of the North Shore, beyond Devonport, than most people realise, says Julie, who strongly believes in the value it brings to the area.

“I’m very conscious that the community is interested in what the Navy is doing in the area. It’s a key employer and a neighbour. I recognise that it is unusual; Devonport base is situated in the heart of small, residential community. But I’m looking forward to working in a collaborative way between the Navy and the communities it is a part of. And that’s about communication and understanding.”

Developing open dialogue is important to Julie. She is pleased to have attended the inaugural ceremony of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board where she met the elected councillors, board members and the new chair of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, Toni van Tonder.

“A lot of my job is about collaboration and communication and that is a continuous process. I strongly believe that dialogue doesn’t simply mean ‘having a chat’; it means really understanding and respecting different perspectives.”

Julie is proud that her 23 year-old niece who has followed in her footsteps and is now a Navy Officer, currently serving onboard the HMNZS Manawanui specialist dive and hydrographic vessel. “I’m really pleased that some of the challenges that I would have had in a different era, she won’t have to face any more. It’s kind of great that we - the Navy and women - have come so far.”

An overarching responsibility to maintain safety and security for the Navy in the region comes with a wide remit for Julie; a multitude of stakeholder relations, discipline, strategic and people management oversight are part of her job as Commanding Officer.

“It’s a wide-reaching role. In every role I’ve had, however, I have had a real focus on improvement. I want to leave a job having made a positive impact and to have left it better than I found it.

“There’s always an opportunity to look for, and to create, positive change - whatever your role and whatever organisation you work for. You have to think, ‘where are the opportunities to be a positive influence?’ In doing that, you can make a job, or a process, or a place better.”

And, as Julie knows, that sometimes means picking up a few bruises along the way.

After coming from a small, inland town, I have developed a real love of the sea and living near it. I can’t see myself ever living far from the seaside again.

Abseiling down a waterfall on her recent strategic leadership course.

In 'Middle Earth' cave, emerging from a tight uphill passage.

As we farewell 2022 and welcome in 2023 we thought we would put some questions to a handful of prominent local people who are making a difference in our community in the areas they are involved in and what they are looking forward to during the festive season, summer and 2023. Aidan Bennett caught up with banker and North Harbour Club trustee Becky West, National Party Northcote candidate Dan Bidois, generous Takapuna local Jackie Reeve, new Devonport Business Association manager Richard Thorne, and Geoff Light, Dealer Principal of Continental Cars BMW.

Farewell 2022, welcome Summer & 2023!

Becky West

– North Harbour Club Trustee and Kiwibank

Becky West is a Trustee of the North Harbour Club & Charitable Trust and a Commercial Growth Manager with Kiwibank. Becky attended Kristin School from kindy right the way through her schooling before completing a double major Bachelor of Science degree. Becky represented New Zealand as a track and field athlete before injury intervened. She is now 10 years into a banking career. Becky and her partner, Auckland cricketer Dan, love living on the North Shore. We put these question to her in mid-November.

CHANNEL MAG: Becky, you may not have been born when the North Harbour Club was formed back in 1995?

BECKY WEST: It was actually my first year of school! It's crazy when you put it into that context.

CMAG: How and why did you get involved with the North Harbour Club and what do you enjoy about your role as a trustee and member of an organisation that has been going for so long and making such a positive difference?

BW: I attended a few events as a guest and really enjoyed them! After attending the AIMES Awards Gala Dinner, seeing what the club stood for and the talent on display, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. When I was asked to become a trustee a little over two years ago, it was a really easy yes! The people you meet and the meaning behind the club is so inspiring and rewarding!

Becky West and partner Dan.

CMAG: AIMES Awards applications are now open and close on January 20th. Who should be entering these awards?

BW: The AIMES Awards (AIMES is an acronym for Arts, Innovation, Music, Education, Sport, Service to the Community) are all about supporting our young people in the North Harbour region – aged 13 to 25 years – who are achieving big things in their chosen endeavour. Each year over $200,000 worth of award grants are made to 20-25 young people who are excelling on their chosen field, to help them reach bigger heights and fulfil their obvious potential. So anyone in this age-group who is already achieving should look to apply. More info is available at www.aimesawards.co.nz.

CMAG: Dan, your partner, is obviously right into his cricket. How often do you get along to watch and do you enjoy it?

BW: A lot less often that I would like to but if I'm not at the game then the live stream is always open on my phone or laptop.

Dan Bidois – National Party Candidate, Northcote

Dan Bidois has recently been selected by the National Party as their candidate to contest the 2023 election. Dan replaced Jonathan Coleman as the Northcote MP in 2018 but was edged out of the seat at the 2020 election by Labour’s Shannan Halbert. We caught up with Dan following his selection for 2023 to ask him about his plans for next year as well as what he will be doing over the Christmas/New Year break and the summer ahead.

Channel Mag: Congratulations Dan on your selection. You must be thrilled with the chance to get back in again?

Dan Bidois: Thanks Aidan. Serving our community is a great privilege and I would love to have the opportunity to do so once again if elected as the MP for Northcote in 2023.

There are many challenges and opportunities facing our community and we deserve a strong local voice with the global and

CMAG: What are your plans for Christmas and the New Year holiday period?

BW: Christmas Day will be family time at my parents’ home in Takapuna and then Boxing Day up at my brother's farm. We often have friends join us who are away from family at that time of year too; the more the merrier! We are very excited to have Dan's family join us this year from South Africa too!

CMAG: Complete the following… I love summers on the Shore because…

BW: … of our easy access to beaches, beautiful cafés and restaurants and the amazing weather and events we normally get from December onwards!

commercial experience required to get things done for us. It is time to get on and build that second Waitemata harbour crossing!

CMAG: I guess the hard work starts straight away – what will you be concentrating on to ensure you get the number of ticks required?

DB: I’ll be focusing on meeting as many locals as possible and listening to their hopes and aspirations for our communities on the North Shore.

CMAG: What are the key issues you see as important for election 2023?

DB: Cost of living and the economy are the most important issues facing our community and our country. I’m a trained economist who has worked around the world in economic and commercial roles, so I relish the opportunity to engage with our community on these important issues. Apart from the economy, hospitals, education, community safety and mental health are also important issues for our community which I look forward to campaigning for change on.

CMAG: What have you been up to since leaving parliament in late 2020?

DB: Professionally, I set up my own company focused on strategy consulting and most recently started a new role with global management consultancy, Partners in Performance. I’ve gained experience in the mining, private skills

Dan Bidois.

training and in the vehicle maintenance sectors.

Personally, I just got married to my beautiful and talented wife, Courtney, after having our wedding plans delayed twice due to lockdown restrictions. I also had time to find my birth parents which was an enriching personal journey for me after a lifetime of not knowing who they were.

CMAG: What are your plans for Christmas and the New Year holiday period?

DB: My wife’s parents are Kiwi expats living in New York City so we will be visiting them for the holidays and going up to Boston to visit my old university stomping ground.

Jackie Reeve – Generous Takapuna Local

Jackie Reeve is a Takapuna Beach local who just keeps making a difference to people’s lives. The most visual example of this is the Takapuna Beach playground that Jackie and husband Chris instigated and underwrote for the community back in 2016. More recently, they have funded the new ‘Changing Places’ disabled toilet and changing facility in the new Gould Reserve toilet complex that opened recently beside the playground. They are also contributing significantly to the additions currently being made to the playground, that includes landscaping. There are many other not-for-profit initiatives that quietly benefit from the Reeve’s generosity. Jackie is patron of the Shore Junction Youth Innovation Hub in Takapuna. We caught up with Jackie just prior to the Reeves embarking on a summer break in late November to talk about the playground and what summer means for the Reeves.

CMAG: You must be thrilled with the changes that are starting to take shape on Gould Reserve? It’s become such a fun place for all the family since the opening of the playground back in 2016.

CMAG: Any advice on a ‘must-do’ activity for people this summer?

DB: Take time to disconnect from technology, unwind and truly appreciate the simple things in life.

Locally, go and try the tasty ice cream at The Gelato Workshop, Birkenhead. It is all homemade and the flavours are truly something special.

CMAG: Complete the following… I love summers on the Shore because…

DB: …. it is the most amazing place in Auckland to live, work, play and raise a family.

JACKIE REEVE: Yes, we are delighted with the fun families are having at the playground and are looking forward to the area around the old toilet block being developed for more family fun. The new playground stuff is mainly for the younger ones – my husband Chris has tested every item when playing with our youngest grandchild.

CMAG: What new things will we see with the additions and landscaping that is being completed over the next few months?

JR: We have added more seating and BBQs. There will be a really cool train track with seats that get pushed – similar to but better than the one we use regularly at Cornwall Park. We will also have a car on springs that I’m sure our smaller grandies will love! But the awesome thing about it is it has a ramp so anyone on wheels – young or old –can use it too. It will be a great area for all.

CMAG: You are the patron of Shore Junction, the fantastic youth facility in Takapuna. Isn’t that a great addition for our youngsters?

JR: I love the vibe I get whenever I visit Shore Junction. I love the way it is developing and growing with the needs of its participants. These are our future leaders – musicians, scientists, designers, artists and builders – and we must give them a safe place to grow. Shore Junction is that safe, vibrant and inspiring place. It really is mind-blowing.

The music that has been recorded in the sound studio is really great and the sewing and art facilities are fantastic. One of our grandsons made 3D things to promote a charity he was working on. He also soldered some things his mum needed fixing and he built his own computer under their watchful eye.

Jackie Reeve, Shore Junction Patron.

CMAG: What are your plans for Christmas and the New Year holiday period?

JR: This year the whole family will be reuniting in Southeast Asia and Christmas will be in Phnom Penh. The plan is to go to a local temple and then have a picnic somewhere.

Usually we have our foster daughter and some family staying with us and we have an enourmous open day for family and friends. Our grandkids (some are now adults) have stockings I have made hanging around the fire place and I love to fill them up. So there is lots of excitement. We have all guests bring a mystery gift and we play a game so everyone has a gift.

CMAG: We know you love spending time with your family and your many grandies. What’s your special treat for them at Christmas time?

JR: We have 10 grandkids. I love to take each one out for a day. It’s their day, so they need to know what they want and where to get it from. Sometimes

Richard Thorne – Devonport Business Association

Richard Thorne is the new Manager for the Devonport Business Association. Richard lives in Bayswater and tells Channel Mag that he’s very excited about the opportunity to have an active hand in assisting the central Devonport business community to flourish again in the wake of Covid. Alongside a history of hospitality roles and event management Richard has been

they choose a movie and lunch around the Christmas shopping. Sometimes we’re not out for long so we go back and have a meal with grandad (Chris).

I treasure the one-on-one time and the conversations we have. With the youngest we have tons of fun.

CMAG: Any advice on a ‘must-do’ activity for local families this summer?

JR: A must for me is family picnics. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area and the walks and the beaches we think are some of the best in the world.

CMAG: Complete the following… I love summers on the Shore because…

JR: … it’s paradise! We really do live in the best part of the world. So lucky.

publisher/editor of NZ Musician magazine for three decades. A proud father of two teenage daughters, Richard is married to Sarah Thorne who has herself been involved in local community development for several years and is currently employed by Takapuna-based ANCAD.

CMAG: Congratulations Richard or your new role. Devonport has a pretty good offering all round so you must be thrilled to be involved?

RICHARD THORNE: Most certainly I am. Having lived on both sides of the bridge I know that Devonport offers something quite exceptional as a place to live and work, and of course as a unique city fringe village to experience as a visitor.

Richard Thorne in Devonport.

A major bonus for me with this new role is being able to cycle to work, plus having the guidance of the Devonport Business Association board.

CMAG: You've obviously just got your feet behind the desk. What are you looking forward to most about working with businesses in Devonport?

RT: Actually the role doesn’t come with a desk attached, but the nice folk at the Level One HQ co-working space on Devonport Wharf have been kind enough to offer a desk and meeting room when needed.

I will really enjoy the opportunity to interface with so many new people, learning about their businesses and providing what support the DBA can. I also have a passion for producing live events, so am looking forward to being part of Devonport’s Friday After Five family fun evening on December 2nd and others in the year ahead.

As much as anything, I think I’m up for the new challenges lying ahead as we move past the Covid years and face the increasingly imbalanced global economy. I’m keen to explore good ideas and help share local business news around.

CMAG: What are the key issues you see facing Devonport that you are keen to work on?

RT: By and large the key issues at play are the same ones each of the peninsula’s established urban centres are facing post-Covid, and they will require a big picture fix.

I see my BID manager role more as being a helpful link between the diversity of businesses included, and an interface for the DBA members with the local board, Auckland Council, and the wider Devonport community.

I’d like to help bring the various business sectors closer, so we are all

more aware of what smart skills, opportunities and festivities are on offer within the village.

Retail is a vital part of the local business mix and I certainly hope that the next few years will see those empty shops filled with new enterprises, and more professionals choosing to base their working lives here because they like Devonport village’s energy.

CMAG: What made you make the change from music publishing?

RT: The DBA position isn’t full time so I am able to continue having an editorial hand in NZ Musician, which I still thoroughly enjoy. Popular music is just such a stimulating, constantly refreshed art form. But I do have other skills I’d like to explore and a genuine interest in the art of business, so the opportunity of networking with a range of business operators with various perspectives is an exciting new challenge for me.

CMAG: What are your plans for Christmas and the New Year holiday period?

RT: For our two girls the best Christmases are those spent around their cousins, and we’ll definitely be celebrating the main event with the wider family. We’ve got a vintage pop top camper that didn’t get used at all last summer as I recall, so there are plans for enjoying a few camping trips with that. In-between it’ll mostly be taking advantage of our proximity to Cheltenham and Narrow Neck beaches, keeping a weather eye on the heritage tomatoes and other ripening veges in the garden, and hopefully relaxing with a good book or three.

CMAG: Why should Shore people make sure they visit Devonport this summer?

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RT: The convenience of Devonport makes it a brilliant place to do your Christmas shopping with comparative ease, and the village is always an ideal destination for meeting up with friends on summer evenings, weekends and holidays.

We’ve got great cafés, beaches, ferries to the city and back, hassle-free shopping, plenty of good restaurants, spectacular maunga for walking, playgrounds, picnic spots galore, parking, New Year's Eve fireworks viewing, wharf jumping, our amazing library, incredible sunsets, peace and plenty…

Geoff Light – Continental Cars BMW

CMAG: Complete the following... I love summers on the Shore because...

RT: … Whoops, I think I may have answered that already! The easy joys of cycling, walking and even driving, with the reduced traffic over the holiday period. We are blessed to be close to so many beaches that each has a different appeal. I particularly look forward to after-work beach swims to completely de-stress in minutes.

I love showing our place off to visitors in summer, and savour the 10-minute harbour cruise home from anything that takes me into the city.

Geoff Light.

Geoff Light is Dealer Principal of Continental Cars BMW – running one of New Zealand’s premier motor vehicle dealerships just by the motorway on Wairau Road in the heart of the North Shore. It’s a role he’s been in since 2018, overseeing the dealership's transition into their wonderful state-of-the-art facility. As well as selling and maintaining superb motor vehicles, the business is a great supporter of a range of not-for-profit community groups. Geoff and his family enjoy golf as he explains below – Channel Magazine caught up with him in midNovember to find out what summer means for Continental Cars BMW and for Geoff and the Light family.

CHANNEL MAG: What have the business highlights of 2022 been for CCBMW?

GEOFF LIGHT: That’s a great question – I believe that the biggest thing for us is that we, like most, are now returning to some form of normality. As a result we were fortunate enough to host our annual BMW Golf Cup which was held at the North Shore Golf Club. It was so great to meet up with a large number of our customers and enjoy a fantastic day out with them.

CMAG: Electric and hybrid vehicles are obviously growing in popularity, what impact are you expecting them to have over the next 2-3 years?

GL: Electrification is on a big growth spurt within New Zealand and it is great to see how quickly people are adapting to the new technology. For BMW the future looks incredibly bright with an increase in supply coupled with a number of new model BMWs hitting our showroom. This will definitely strengthen our ability to meet our customers' needs.

CMAG: What’s your passion when you’re not managing CCBMW and its people day-to-day in the motor vehicle business?

GL: I would have to say I am very passionate about golf and spending time with my family – I am fortunate enough to have a wife who enjoys the game and a son who is an apprentice green keeper at our local golf course so we can all go out and play as a family. I am still trying to get my daughter to play but she’s not there…yet, LOL!

CMAG: What are your plans for Christmas and the New Year holiday period?

GL: This year we have no significant plans for Christmas/New Year. I have decided to work through this period as I am very mindful of my staff having time off to spend with their families. Christmas Day we will be getting together with extended family at my cousin’s family home which will be nice and casual, and will make for a nice relaxing time. New Year celebrations consist of a beautiful meal out with some very close friends in Auckland.

CMAG: Any advice on a ‘must-do’ activity this summer?

GL: That’s a tough one as there so many things to do – perhaps a trip to Waiheke or Kawau Island – it's great day out with the family. Doing a wine tasting trip or hitting one of the local cafés or restaurants is always a great day and it’s a chance to get out on the Hauraki Gulf which is an added bonus.

CMAG: Complete the following… I love summers on the Shore because…

GL: … there is always something for everyone to do – whether you’re spending a day at the beach, boating, sailing, picnics with the family, great cafés and restaurants and of course the markets, which is one of my wife’s favourites! It’s just great to be able to “Get out there and do it!”.

Authorised by Simon Watts MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Simon Watts

Andy Saker

- following a creative dream

By Christine Young

Andy Saker is a teacher, writer, actor and director, and in October presented at The PumpHouse ‘Flying with the Eagles’, the third and final instalment of his trilogy of plays about life on the North Shore. He grew up in Castor Bay and attended Campbells Bay Primary, Murrays Bay Intermediate, Westlake Boys and, briefly, Takapuna Grammar. So far, so very North Shore. So how did he end up doing a Masters degree at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London, despite his admission that though he was always encouraged to be creative, he was “not good at school”? And what is he doing living in the Australian Outback?

Christine Young asked him about his peripatetic life and career. Andy left New Zealand for London when he was 21. He based himself there for 13 years, returning to New Zealand in 2000. He had no acting experience when he arrived but as soon as he went to the West End he was “captured by the respect for the performing arts” in London; sufficiently captivated that he began acting himself…

Channel Magazine: Did you always have ambitions to be an actor and/or playwright?

Andy Saker: I began acting in London in the late ’80s, attending various courses and performing in small independent theatre companies. I had no major ambitions; I just thought it would be interesting and fun. I also attended script-writing workshops as I had story ideas I wanted to develop, ideas I had been working on. After I had been attending acting refresher classes at RADA over five years or so, one of my tutors pushed me to apply for the Masters degree RADA had running. The course was in Text and Performance which was perfect. I loved everything about the studies there, the teaching and being in an exciting creative environment. I also enjoyed the social aspect and the pub after classes. The tutors at RADA inspired me to be a teacher.

CM: Did you then go on to an acting career in London? Or did you focus on writing?

AS: A combination of both. I acted in plays in London and Edinburgh Festival, plus various commercial work, tv ads and stills.

On his return to New Zealand, after 15 years away, Andy formed Devonport Theatre Company, spurred on by some of his students “desperate to be in a production”. They successfully presented ‘Beauty Queen of Leenane’ by Martin Donnagh.

Devonport Theatre Cpompany took a back seat as Andy then trained as a teacher at AUT’s Akoranga campus on the Shore, and won a role at Rosmini College. He’s now been teaching for over 20 years – adult drama classes, English as a second language (ESOL), secondary school drama, and remote teaching.

CM: Are you still artistic director At Devonport Theatre Company? Please tell us a bit about what you have achieved there.

AS: Yes, I still have Devonport Theatre Company. I use the company to produce theatre I am interested in, in particular my new writing. We

have performed five plays in all. In addition to the three plays in my trilogy these were 'Beauty Queen of Leenane', which we performed at The Devonport Cinema, and 'Keeper' by Steven Snell, performed at the PumpHouse Theatre.

CM: More recently you’ve spent some time living in the Australian outback, working with an indigenous community. Please tell us about that.

AS: I began secondary teaching at Rosmini College in Takapuna. It was a great experience at a great school and I developed as a drama teacher. I felt I needed a new challenge and put out a few feelers for new and different teaching opportunities. Responding to a request to start ‘now’ in a remote part of Australia, I relocated to the Northern Territory, Australia to teach indigenous children. I have been living and taught [not just drama, but everything, including life skills] at several schools in the region over the past ten years. I am currently running a 40-student school in a small aboriginal community which is three hours’ drive north-east of Alice Springs.

CM: ‘Flying with The Eagles’ was the third play in the trilogy based on life on the Shore – what prompted you to write these plays?

AS: All places have their characters and stories. Why not the North Shore? The number one rule of writing is to write about what you know, [and] I know the Shore. I find the Shore an interesting place with many good stories and conversations. We performed the first, ‘Pearshaped’, in 2010 and ‘Gavin Puts Things Straight’ in 2011 so it was quite some time before the third play. The plays were intended to be a trilogy but I am sure there will be more plays from me based on the Shore.

Teacher, writer, actor and director Andy Saker says the Shore is his spiritual home.

CM: Is comedy your natural metier? Or was it a deliberate device to highlight some of the Shore community’s foibles?

AS: To describe my plays as purely comedy is inaccurate as there is always a degree of drama and realism woven through the story. I usually write down conversations and situations I have heard which I found funny and real, and work them into the play. I would hope the characters aren’t coming across as stereotypes but as honest relatable people, people we know. I return to New Zealand quite often and to me the essence of the North Shore doesn’t change that much. There are more people and infill housing, but it is still the same place.

CM: At one stage you were also writing a book – has that come to fruition or have the plays (and other priorities?) taken precedence?

AS: I have been working on a novel set in New Zealand for a number of years; I hope to finish the final draft soon.

While Andy's book, like the plays, is set on the Shore, it’s a drama set 50 years in the future. Andy is planning to find a quiet place in Thailand next January, before school resumes, to compete the final re-write. Part of the original attraction of taking a job in the Northern Territory was its proximity to South East Asia, and the ability to indulge his love of travelling there. He is now considering relocating to Darwin to work with the Darwin Theatre Company; that move depends on the right teaching position being available.

But for now, he will return to his school in the Northern Territory, and continue to take advantage of what he describes as “generous” holidays not only to travel but “to visit New Zealand as often as possible as it is still my home; my spiritual home in particular”.

I usually write down conversations and situations I have heard which I found funny and real, and work them into the play.

Making the most of Summer on the Shore

Across the Shore we’re spoiled with a wealth of regular activities at community centres, arts centres and parks – but there’s something different about summer: one-off events and activities that make summer special and offer enjoyment for all ages. There are still, of course, the beaches and parks, but for summer, try extending your horizons and take the family and/or summer guests to a beach or on a bush walk you’ve never been to. And don’t forget to take in one of the summer festivals or summer markets, or special events that are a shout-out to a real Shore summer. Read on for inspiration….

Pre-Christmas Performances, carols, markets and more

Alice in Wonderland is on at TheatreWorks in Birkenhead, until 10th December. In this community theatre adaptation of Lewis Carroll's well-loved children's story, a group of performers seeks an Alice in order to create the well-known tale in Wonderland. As Alice's adventure unfolds, she encounters and grows to love the many characters involved.

The Santa Claus Show, a favourite at The PumpHouse since 1991, returns on 3rd December and runs right through to 23rd December. An hour-long tale that reveals the true meaning of Christmas.

The last two Takapuna Sunset Markets take place in McKenzie’s Arcade on Hurstmere Road on Thursday 8th and 22nd December. Also in McKenzie’s Arcade preChristmas is the re:generate fashion market on Saturday 10th December – a cornucopia of vintage and modern preloved fashion and accessories for all genders and budgets.

At the Bruce Mason Centre on 8th December don’t miss the singing, dancing, family-friendly treat, ‘A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland’. Two star-crossed lovers twirl below the mistletoe as Irish musicians and dancers deliver a powerful mix of traditional tunes, ballads and carols. A night of storytelling, Irish charm and Yuletide entertainment.

The Market Collaborative arrives at Smales Farm in Taharoto Rd, on Sunday 11th December, and post-Christmas on Sunday 12th

February. Make the most of the sun at this outdoor extravaganza of live music, incredible eats, and stalls stuffed with made-in-New Zealand specialties, fruit, vegetables, artisan food products and fresh flowers.

Check out the Browns Bay Sunday Flea Markets. A very popular flea market that donates stallholder fees towards local community projects including Coastguard North Shore. Go along to check out the best second-hand offerings around from clothing, homewares and everything in between. Entry to the market is on Anzac Road opposite Countdown supermarket and it’s on every Sunday from 6am apart from the beginning of January (resumes after New Year from Sunday January 15th). Visit www.brownsbaymarket. co.nz for more info.

In all the excitement, don’t miss the Hauraki Electric Picnic, a fundraiser for Hauraki School on Sunday 11 December – a mini festival for all the community to enjoy.

The Albany Multicultural Christmas Festival & Market takes place in Albany Domain on Saturday 17th December. Live cultural and Christmas performances, food trucks, market stalls and active recreation and play areas.

After Covid-imposed abstinence, it’s time to share carols and Christmas cheer in the community. At Carols in the Park, at Albany Lakes Civic Park on Sunday 18th December, sing along to classic Christmas carols with a small orchestra and choir. Bring family and friends, a picnic, rugs and chairs and celebrate Christmas together.

Or, on the same day, head to The PumpHouse in Takapuna for an afternoon Christmas Market –lots of crafts, vintage clothing, and costumes on sale plus food trucks and entertainment – followed by the annual Christmas Carols in the Amphitheatre. The carols

• CHANNEL FAVOURITE •

Try Takapuna Beach Café’s awardwinning Gelato. What’s better than a stroll along Taka Beach? Doing that followed by a scoop of award-winning gelato of course! There’s an array of delicious dairy and non-dairy options to suit all palates. Visit the Beach Café at the North end of Takapuna Beach (22 The Promenade).

The Santa Claus Show.

Sunset markets.

Santa arrives at Santa Parades around the Shore on his vehicle of choice on the day - here he arrives in Devonport.

Enjoying Christmas Carols in the Amphitheatre at The PumpHouse.

event usually sells out fast, so check The PumpHouse website and grab a ticket before they go.

In Hillcrest, head for the final Pachamama Latin Market of the year at Tienda Pachamama on Saturday 17th December, as it brings inimitable latino flavours and culture to the North Shore. No market in January as it takes summer break but back on the third Saturday of February.

Last but far from least in the Christmas catalogue is End of the Golden Weather, a 10.30am beachside performance of a scene from Bruce Mason’s enduring tribute to summer on Takapuna beach on Christmas Day. Bring a rug, low chairs, the whanau and a donation to Oxfam if you wish, and enjoy this enduring theatre piece that conjures up Takapuna from a time past. Wet weather venue is the Takapuna War Memorial Hall in The Strand.

But it’s not all shopping and celebration pre-Christmas. There’s also sport – or at least some sport. If markets and music aren’t your thing (or even if they are, and you’ve plenty of energy) sign up for Harcourts Cooper & Co Swim the Shore on 17th December with swim distances from 100m right up to the Full Taka (1km), the Cable Buoy (2km), and the 3.8km Narrow Neck to Takapuna race. If you’re not swimming, cheer them on with your mates and family, and celebrate their finish line achievements at Takapuna’s café and bar scene.

• CHANNEL FAVOURITE •

A brew and a quiz at Birkenhead brewing. BBC is known for its delicious beer, residing in their 100-year-old Kauri Villa in the heart of Birkenhead village, it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike. They reckon they’re the most dog friendly venue in Auckland so put it on your list if you’re after a cold beverage and a meal this Summer. They also run a popular quiz night each month, the final one for 2022 is on December 13th but they’ll be back in the new year. Visit www.bbc.kiwi for details.

New Year /January

Post-Christmas life might feel empty after all the pre-Christmas excitement and entertainment. Fear not. Markets, festivals and sports events continue right through summer.

Markets/Festivals

Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival takes place on Saturday 21st January at Takapuna Beach. Bring the kids early for family entertainment and performances. (Watch the I Love Takapuna Facebook page for announcements on performances and activities.) Later in the afternoon, jam with a great line-up of quality Kiwi musicians playing crowd favourites.

The Food Truck Collective gathers in January and February for food truck feast nights on the Shore: Killarney Park, Takapuna, on Friday 27 January; Aitken Reserve, Torbay, on Saturday 28 January; Collins Park, Greenhithe, on Saturday 11 February; and Woodall Park, Narrow Neck, on Saturday 18 February. Assemble whanau and friends

for music and entertainment, great food, and a craft beer pop-up bar. A real outdoor street food atmosphere.

Not quite the Shore, but close enough, and a great option for a summer day out is the Catalina Bay Farmers Market in Hobsonville, which takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, often with live music. (Check opening hours over summer.) Take the ferry to the CBD and connect with the Hobsonville ferry for a full day out. Plenty of options for eating and drinking plus time for an easy and interesting walk around the coast and back to the wharf before you catch a ferry home again.

Bush and beach walks

Summer wouldn’t be summer on the Shore without visits to beaches for swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking or whatever water sports take your fancy. But don’t forget we have some fantastic bush walks as well.

The easy loop walk around Te Kopua o Matakamokamo/Tuff Crater (start in The Warehouse Way, Exmouth St, or St Peter’s St) has recently been upgraded with a boardwalk and gravel paths, as part of a longer-term plan to connect the walkway with the wider Northcote area. The walk offers unique views of the mangrovefilled salt marsh crater; abundant bird life has been augmented by planting and weed clearing by local businesses whose staff have “adopted” parts of the walk, and by the efforts of the Kaipatiki Local Board, Forest and Bird, local mana whenua, Council staff and local volunteer groups. If you finish the walk in The Warehouse Way, and you’ve still got plenty of energy, walk the short distance along Akoranga Drive to the entrance to Smith’s Bush. This is a short walk through well-established bush (look out for the magical creatures along the way) that emerges (or begins, depending on your entrance point) at the Takapuna Cricket Club – a convenient spot for a picnic on the club veranda if it’s a non-cricket day.

• CHANNEL FAVOURITE •

Visit Jean Sampson Reserve, Queen Street, Northcote Point

If you’ve got toddlers in your life, this is the park for you! The enclosed and covered area at Jean Sampson Reserve is located a stone's throw away from the Harbour Bridge and Northcote Tavern. It’s a little hidden gem. It’s got some great equipment for smaller children including a slide and sandpit. There’s also a track around the outside with wooden steps that kids can navigate themselves, or with an adult. It’s worth the trip and you can visit the Tav (we love the Tav!) for a meal afterwards! We have heard rave reviews about their new pizzas!

The Food Truck Collective.

Some of the crowd at End of the Golden Weather 2019.

Kauri Glen is one of the Shore’s hidden gems, despite still being partially closed pending track replacement to protect the kauri. Start in Woodside Road and wander through a slightly scruffy lower area along the side of the Waiurutoa Stream to bush with kauri and taraire, and a lookout over a grove of nikau and young kauri. As with all other bush walks on the Shore, dogs must be on a lead. It’s not quite 5km return; if you want a longer walk, extend it by walking from the top of the reserve in Kauri Glen Road past Northcote College, across Onewa Road and up towards Birkenhead until you see an entrance sign to Wai Manawa/ Le Roys Bush. From here walk down to Little Shoal Bay, or through the bush to Birkenhead. Park a car at either end if you think a full loop back to your starting point might stretch the abilities or patience of your group.

We’re also spoiled for coastal walks. If you haven’t already, try walking the coast right around the base of North Head (low tide only); from Cheltenham to Narrow Neck; Narrow Neck to Takapuna (best started on an outgoing tide; or Takapuna to Milford (you’ll get wet at high tide, but accessible most of the time). Or head to Stillwater to combine coast and bush in a 6km out and back walk to Dacre Cottage.

• CHANNEL FAVOURITE •

Have a picnic at Windsor Reserve in Devonport. We love sitting down in Windsor Reserve in Devonport with an early dinner during summer. Overlooking the harbour and city and with an amazing playground, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy takeaways from Fish Kitchen or pizza from Calimero further up the road.

Sports

In January summer sports get into full swing:

• the Takapuna Beach Series – your Tuesday night swim, run or paddle-board fitness fix, right through until March 2023. Distances for all ages and fitness levels, including for the kids.

• It wouldn’t be the Shore without yachts and sailing. Wakatere Boating Club at Narrow Neck offers a Waka Confidence four-day course (19-21 December) for 8-11 year-olds and more courses in January. Waka Adventure courses for 12-17 yearolds, and Waka Adults (18+) also run during January. Watch the website for details. Torbay Sailing Club also runs holiday courses, or Sunday courses over several weeks. Check out their website for details as they are posted.

• The annual cricket Junior World Series takes place from 23-25 January at North Shore Cricket Club. Cricketers of all

abilities take part - first in, best dressed - anyone can play and get a chance to star. Players get selected into teams to represent the major cricketing countries of the world. But spaces are limited so register early.

• Run Devonport! We know many Channel readers are fans of the Harcourts Cooper & Co North Shore Run Series and the next event is on 22nd January 2023 around Devonport. The event is perfect for keen runners, casual joggers and those wanting an awesome, healthy day out with friends and family. Find out more at www.rundevonport.nz

• Takapuna North Community Trust’s programme of Summer Fun Preschool Play in Milford, Caster Bay, Hauraki, Forrest Hill and Sunnynook resumes after Christmas on 16th January. Check out the new Playball and Kangatraining programmes. Pop-Up Play offers beachside fun for younger families at Browns Bay Beach Reserve on Saturday 4th February 2023.

Arts

Filling that post-Christmas lull is The Diva Show at the Rose Centre. It stars Vicky Pond with new songs, comedy skits, and send-ups. It’s on for just three days, from 29th – 31st December. Also at The Rose Centre, in January, Tim Bray Youth Theatre holds its ‘Hit the Stage!’ holiday programme. (See details on p74.)

Lake House Arts combines visual and performing arts this summer with ‘Era and the Carbonauts’ from 12th – 22nd January. Sometime in an indeterminate future, Era meets the mysterious Carbonauts, who send her back in time so she and her Carbonates friends and whanau can learn about reducing carbon emissions and through the power of kotahitanga, save the world. A sequel to last year’s ‘Era and the Kaitiaki’, ‘Carbonauts’ aims to inspire community initiatives around carbon emission reduction. Grae Burton, writer and director, and manager at Lake House Arts, promises “all new puppets, mask, song and dance with kids in the audience participating on stage”.

The PumpHouse also has plenty going on right through the January holidays:

• 9th to 13th January –Shakespeare in a Week – the popular school holiday programme for Shakespeare buffs

• 21st to 18th February – the twenty-seventh summer season of Shakespeare in the Park. This year it features ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, and the hilarious ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’.

• 28th January – Jennifer Ward-Lealand leads a workshop for actors, directors and performers to learn how to stay safe while performing intimate scenes for film and stage

Visual arts venues maintain their programmes of exhibitions and are always worth a visit, especially over summer as you have some free time. The Depot Artspace in Devonport has two exhibitions pre-Christmas: Sarah Adam’s visual account of walking Te Araroa, and a selection of Ande Barrett-Hegan’s most recent paintings. On

Wai Manawa/Le Roys Bush.

Shakespeare in a Week.

9th December, the Depot welcomes well-known artist Judy Darragh to talk about ‘Being an Artist’ – offering insights into how she has successfully navigated and evolved her career.

Northart has its major exhibition of Pasifika artists, ‘[Windows Into] Modern Pacific Art’, right through December and until 28th January. At Mairangi Arts, ‘MAC Showcase 2022’, featuring artworks created by students and tutors in 2022, runs until 22nd January.

February Events and Activities

School’s back, but summer rolls on. Make the most of the golden weather with more summer events and activities:

Devonport Jets Runs. These fun runs and walks of 3km, 5km and the occasional 10km, stop for a Christmas break on 14th December, and resume on 1st February.

Takapuna Community Trust’s free Kids Athletics Series for primary- and intermediate-aged students gets under way for 2023 on Tuesday 14th February and runs for six weeks at Vauxhall Sports Reserve (4pm – 6pm). No need to book – just turn up and register on the day. Come armed with cash – a $2 sausage sizzle raises funds for Calliope Sea Scouts.

The 2023 Takapuna Beach Cup, takes place at Takapuna Beach over three days from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th February. It’s the country’s premier waka ama festival with kayaking, canoeing and, of course, waka ama racing, fiercely contested by teams from around the country

The Cargo Plus Coastal Challenge, running since 2003, starts at Windsor Reserve in Devonport on Saturday 18th February. Run, walk, wade, and rock hop around the North Shore coastline (you WILL get

wet!) in this one-of-a-kind event that shows how special the Shore is. Multiple course distances offer something for all ages, abilities, and levels of adventure. And don’t miss the fun and festivities at the finish line.

The Auckland Plant Market returns to Smales Farm in Takapuna on Sunday 19th February. Take botanical inspiration from indoor and outdoor plants, pots and macrame, plant stands and frames, plus botanical art from around 100 different vendors.

Later in the month, the Takapuna Beach Latin Fiesta provides another excuse to get down to the beach on 25th February.

This round-up is far from exhaustive – we’ve highlighted one-off events and special activities taking place over summer. Plenty of regular activities, exhibitions and events continue through December, and resume again in January or February after a summer break. More details about many of these are in regular columns in this month’s issue, and more will be highlighted in our February issue, so read on to find the full scope of things to do over summer.

The Takapuna Beach Cup is the biggest waka ama festival in the country.

Start the New Year by igniting your child’s creativity

Hit the Stage! – January summer holiday fun at The Rose Centre, Belmont

In January 2023 Tim Bray Youth Theatre is holding its popular 'Hit the Stage!' five-day holiday programme for ages 7-9 and 10-12 at The Rose Centre in Belmont from Monday 23rd – Friday 27th January.

During five exciting days, under the direction of the creative team from Tim Bray Youth Theatre, young actors will devise, rehearse and perform their own unique theatrical creation, ready to ‘Hit the Stage!’ at the end of the week with a performance in the theatre on the Friday for family and friends.

"I'm still thinking about the amazing show that the kids presented. It was so clever, and different!! Please pass on our thanks to all the tutors. They really have planted a seed of inspiration in the kids. My son is never so motivated as he is around the Hit the Stage! performance, he absolutely loves it! Thank you to Tim and the team for supporting this fantastic work."– Terri C, parent of Hit the Stage participant, July 2022

Extraordinarily Creative – 2023 Term Time Drama Classes for neurodivergent students 5-16yrs

Extraordinarily Creative allows students to grow and shine in their own time and space in the spirit of takiwātanga. Friendships are formed inside and outside these classes and there are positive outcomes for students in their school environment.

Extraordinarily Creative runs on the North Shore and in East Auckland. Jeanita Cush-Hunter from ACE (Austism Consultancy Education) leads the tutoring team at both venues and says, “it is an absolute privilege to work with these students.”

“I really appreciate that this programme was set up to begin with! Not many would have the courage to do so. My son really enjoys drama. I just love how I can trust the teachers to be in tune with his feelings and just fly with it in a relaxed manner, knowing how to encourage interaction in his way of expression without being surprised, shocked or offended. I have heard great things about Tim Bray, and I am thankful to be part of it as well as be part of it at an expense that I can afford because as you know special needs classes often are expensive.” – Gjin H., EC parent of seven-year-old, March 2022

Extraordinarily Creative tutors follow the principles of Mason Durie’s Four Pillars (physical health, spiritual health, family health, mental health). The traditional hierarchy of a conventional classroom is forgotten, which allows the tutors to connect with students in a truly unique and meaningful way. They create inclusive learning spaces where they foster care for each other, acceptance, and focus on process not product. The relationships in the classrooms grow organically and all students are invited to collaborate and be their authentic selves.

Extraordinarily Creative Term 1 weekly drama classes start in the week beginning 6th February in Unsworth Heights (Tues/Wed) and Glen Innes (Thurs/Fri) and enrolments are now open for both venues.

Extraordinarily Creative needs financial support to grow and keep classes affordable. Mary Amoore Gift a Seat Scholarships provide free classes for disadvantaged students. Funding changes lives – can you help?

Term 1 2023 weekly drama classes with Tim Bray Youth Theatre Tim Bray Youth Theatre drama classes on the North Shore engage students’ imaginations and story telling, while building confidence and skills within a fun and supportive environment. Acting techniques and collaborative work gives students the tools to express themselves creatively with others. Drama is also known to be excellent for mental health and wellbeing.

“I wanted to say a big thank you to the Tim Bray team for everything you do for our children. My children absolutely love their drama class, and their confidence has grown so much since they started. They both had a speech competition at school this term and my son chose to talk about why everyone should find a theatre group and sign up. He won the competition in his year level and my daughter finished second! I am obviously super proud of them, but I also want to acknowledge the work that your amazing tutors have done with them as it has definitely helped.” – Sophie G., September 2022

Term 2 classes begin the week starting 6th February in Browns Bay (Wed) and Takapuna (Thurs/Fri).

Tim Bray Youth Theatre also offers classes for 5 to 16 year olds across the bridge in Western Springs at The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC).

Get into the Christmas spirit with Tim Bray Theatre Company

Having brought Christmas cheer to tens of thousands of kids across Auckland since 1991, North Shore company Tim Bray Theatre Company is overjoyed to be celebrating the festive season once again by bringing back audience favourite ‘The Santa Claus Show '22’, from 3rd – 23rd December at The PumpHouse Theatre.

As Aotearoa’s longest running professional children’s theatre company, Tim Bray Theatre Company continues to enchant audiences of all ages each year in this ultimate celebration of Christmas which is “guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas”. (Theatreview).

Come and experience this heart-warming tale about finding the true meaning of Christmas, sprinkled with comedy and a big dollop of the season’s magic. Join Kelly and Alana on their adventure of jolly proportions, through the North Pole, meeting Santa’s chief elf and the big, merry man himself. Spread the season’s cheer with this feel-good tale for all to delight in.

After an absence of three years this early Christmas gift, which has become a highlight in the North Shore’s festive events calendar, returns for its 18th incarnation.

Tim Bray QSM wrote the show in 1991 and dedicated it and named two characters in the play for his then four- and six-year-old nieces Alana and Kelly. Now, as adults, Alana and Kelly bring their children to the show and Tim has had the pleasure of sharing it with countless children since. He is delighted to see its return.

“The global pandemic has certainly impacted family Christmas celebrations and our work as a theatre company. We know that ‘The Santa Claus Show’ is an annual treat for many of our audience members who attend every year and so we are thrilled to finally be able to bring this gorgeous touchstone of the season back to the stage after three long years,” says Tim, playwright and director. This cast of joyous

characters is performed by Tim Bray alumni, including Christian George, who performed in ‘The Whale Rider’ this year, wearing the big red suit in the title role of Santa. Joining him is TBTC Youth Theatre tutor Isabella KerridgeTemm as Kelly and Carolyn Lamonde as Alana/Toy who previously starred in 2019’s ‘The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate’.

Dylan Underwood returns to the role of Elfie for the third time, alongside Rebecca Ansell who was one of the elves Twitty and Twiddly when she was little, and Awatea Timothy who also starred in ‘The Whale Rider’. Making his debut with the company, Jared Morello also joins this stellar cast. Sharing the stage with Santa will be four young students from TBTC’s Youth Theatre to round out this merry production.

Access and inclusion continue to be central to Tim Bray Theatre Company’s annual programme. This season of ‘The Santa Claus Show ‘22’ will include accessible performances to ensure everyone can get into the jolly fun no matter what their access requirements are. Accessible performances include NZSL-interpreted performances, and audio-described performances with touch tours and sensory relaxed performances.

This beloved show is the perfect chance to get into the Christmas spirit with the whole whānau!

Book now and learn more at www.timbray.org.nz

Tim Bray Theatre Company presents The Santa Claus Show

‘22

By Tim Bray, Songs by Christine White

3rd – 23rd December at The PumpHouse Theatre on Killarney Park, 2a Manurere Avenue, Takapuna Education group bookings also available.

Iconic Takapuna Croquet Club joins the digital age

Everyone knows about the beauty of Lake Pupuke and the stunning urban stretch of sand that is Takapuna Beach, but Takapuna Croquet Club, with its four spacious lawns and beautiful gardens, may be one of the best kept secrets this side of the bridge.

The club opened on 7th December 1912. It has now been in existence for well over one 100 years.and is the oldest on the Shore. In 1953 it moved from its original location on Byron Avenue to Auburn Street.

The newly elected committee and the members acknowledged that it’s time the rest of the world knew about this little gem and have launched their new Takapuna Croquet Club website www.takapunacroquet.co.nz., which they believe to be the best in the world!

Incoming President Doug Cowie says, “For the club to continue for another century we need to be attracting new members and introducing the game to the wider community. It’s the most seriously good game you can have on a level playing field. If you haven’t experienced croquet yet – you don’t know what you’re missing.”

The new website highlights the venue and how easy it is to roll up and try the game in a casual, friendly environment. Playing croquet brings you fun and friendship wrapped up in an intriguing game that’s great for all ages, from beginners to hard-out contenders and everyone in between. There are club days throughout the week and a very social BYO event on a Sunday afternoon. They play interclub

competitions throughout the year and being a highly rated venue, also host Auckland and national tournaments.

As well as club play, the facility is also available for businesses to come and enjoy team-building activities with options for drinks and catering. Takapuna Croquet has businesses returning year after year with fancy dress games now common in the lead-up to the Christmas break. Corporate croquet games quickly descend into raucous laughter as players bond over running a hoop or smashing a colleague's ball off the lawn.

Takapuna Croquet offers a unique venue for small or large groups to play. Their event organisers will help you create a memorable yet fast paced event. All you have to do is turn up in your flat soft-soled shoes and you’re set for an incredible time in a beautiful setting. Their team will provide some coaching to get you started and provide outdoor tables and chairs for those who like to cheer from the side lines.

Clubhouse hire is also available for organisations, or for personal use, with details available on the website. Send them a message on their enquiry page to join in the summer fun or discuss in more detail about hosting your next event. The location is right in the heart of Takapuna.

Redwood family.

Club members playing.

can count on us every step of the way

Insurance tips for a worry-free summer break

We’re so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful beaches here on the North Shore; you can see why summer is a favourite time of the year for many Kiwis. Whether you’re planning a staycation, camping, relaxing at the beach, or going on a road trip, it’s important to protect your family, home and most valuable assets with the right insurance cover.

Keep the sun shining all summer with these top insurance tips to help you and your family have a well-deserved break:

Protect your contents and most valuable assets

It’s important to ensure the belongings that you take on holiday and the ones you leave at home are protected. Accidents and burglaries can happen to anyone at any time. Ensuring you have sufficient insurance cover to repair or replace your assets should be your top priority, as well as checking you’ve set the right sum insured for your home. Keeping your broker updated about your assets is vital to ensure you have the right insurance and to avoid surprises at claim time. Our brokers can help you understand your policy inclusions and exclusions for items that are often misunderstood, like jewellery, drones, and jet skis.

Vehicle insurance cover

Before you head away on your road trip, it’s worth reviewing your vehicle policy, especially in light of vehicles increasing in value over the past two years. Between 2020 and 2022, the median price for a late model used car on TradeMe rose from $41,990 to $53,990*.

Based on your chosen level of cover, vehicle insurance can cover you for accidental damage to your vehicle and your windscreen, less any excess, up to the market value (what it’s currently worth in the market) or the agreed value (the sum insured that you and your broker agreed on when you took out your policy).

Having the right insurance cover may save you hours or even days of having to deal with unforeseen situations, such as car theft, leaving you more time to enjoy that sunshine.

Don’t get stuck. Our brokers can find the right vehicle insurance solution to meet your needs and can even add roadside assistance to your policy.

Short term holiday rental homes

If you’re considering turning your home or bach into an incomeearner for the summer holidays, it’s important to anticipate the possible risks and how this will affect your insurance. There is the added liability in having paying guests in your home. For example, does your current insurance policy cover any accidental or malicious damage caused by paying guests in your home?

Garry Stewart, your local broker from Rothbury North Shore, and his team can run you through all your insurance options with personalised insurance advice, and offer a second opinion on your current policy. This can help mitigate any risks you might have these summer holidays and keep things smooth sailing. Give Garry Stewart and the Rothbury North Shore team a call and bring on the holidays.

*https://autofile.co.nz/supply-woes-increase-used-car-pricesrothbury.co.nz/branch/north-shore

ELECTRICAL ADVICE WITH LEWIS RUDALL LAKE ROAD ELECTRICAL

Supporting families with children and young adults with physical disabilities

We are excited to be able to offer Santa’s Christmas Grotto in the Wilson Home Trust cottage in Hauraki. This is for children and young adults who have a physical disability and their families.

The grotto will run over three days from Thursday 8th December through to Saturday 10th December. If you would like to attend or know more about this fun event, please call 09 488 0126 or email FelicityH@wilsonhometrust.org.nz.

We’ve had another busy month at the Trust. Eleven mums enjoyed the Relaxation with Clay sessions and the Trust Manager enjoyed a trip to Northland connecting with new groups and families. Thank you to Whangarei Riding for the Disabled for showing Chris around and introducing her to Pepsi and Tilly, both horses funded by the Wilson Home Trust. Thank you also to Muscular Dystrophy Northern for inviting us to your camp; it was great to see everyone having such a lovely time despite the very changeable weather.

By Lewis Rudall, Master Electrician and Director at Lake Road Electrical

Is your home shock proof?

What is RCD protection?

Electricity is amazingly useful, but it can be amazingly dangerous too! Did you know that it takes only a fifth of a second for a strong electric current flowing through your heart to kill you?

An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device that is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric-shock. If you touch something live such as a bare wire or any metallic electrical appliance that has come in contact with a live wire, an RCD will shut down electricity immediately before it can electrocute you, cause fires, or do other kinds of damage. This is why you must have RCD protection at home. RCDs offer a level of personal protection to you and your family that old fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide.

Did you know that old fuse boards/switchboards don’t have RCD protection?

What is a switchboard?

Your switchboard is the ‘central hub’ for all the electrical circuits in your home. It receives electricity from the street and distributes it through various circuits in and around your home. It is important that your home is electrically safe and it all starts here – at your switchboard! Modern switchboards have three main components:

1. Main switch: allows you to turn off the electricity supply to your home.

2. RCD (Residual Current Device): switches that trip a circuit under dangerous conditions and instantly disconnect the electricity.

3. MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker): an automatically operated electrical switch used to protect voltage electrical circuits from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit.

When they ‘trip’, you can simply and literally flip the switch to connect power, whereas a quick reconnection is not possible in the case of a fuse blow, as fuses have to be re-wireable or replaced to restore the supply.

As we approach the end of 2022, the team at Wilson Home Trust would like to acknowledge and thank the many individuals, groups and businesses who have supported the Trust during this year. If you are interested in knowing more about how you can support the Wilson Home Trust, please visit our website: www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz

A reminder that our gorgeous St Leonards’ chapel is available for hire. This special facility is available for small events, concerts or celebrations. If you would like to come and have a look around, please contact Justine on 022 1211 477 or email weddings@wilsonhometrust.org.nz Please note that we are not taking wedding bookings in 2023 due to major construction occurring on site.

If you would like to know more about the Wilson Home Trust and the work we do, please check out our website www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wilsonhometrust1/

Why do I need a switchboard upgrade? Safety, safety, safety! Did we mention safety? If you live in an old house, chances are that your old switchboard is not just outdated but also overloaded and highly unsafe. To ensure that your household isn’t at any risk from an old switchboard that doesn’t meet current New Zealand electrical safety standards, it is very important to assess whether it is time for an upgrade. Old switchboards are not only a shock hazard but a fire risk. The problem with outdated switchboards is they have both aging components and increased demand – a potentially hazardous combination.

Call the friendly team at Lake Road Electrical to book a time for a free quote.

Lake Road Electrical offers $250 off switchboard upgrades.

Visit www.lakerodelectrical.co.nz for more news and tips.

Lake Road Electrical is a family-owned business that specialises in residential electrical services.

Phone: 09-242 2204

Text: 0291287494 or email: Lewis@lakeroadelectrical.co.nz

Lewis Rudall.

Playball to Pestfree

By Natasha Geo, Takapuna North Community Trust Manager Natasha Geo.

– we do it all!

This month, the Takapuna North Community Trust has lots to report on – our AGM, exciting new event initiatives, and ways to keep birds safe in your backyard.

AGM

The Trust Board held its first public AGM in mid-November. Our guest speaker, Dr Natalie Allen, discussed what communities of the future could look like. The concepts of a 20-minute neighbourhood, and thinking more clearly about what is valuable to a person in their community will inform the Trust in the work we do going forward.

Our Events Coordinator Grace Samuelson also shared some exciting pilots being run through our Preschool Play programme. And our Environmental Coordinator Tabitha Becroft discussed the future of conservation for the Trust. Looking ahead, Trust members will be bringing their expertise together for Pupukemoana Environment Day. (Watch this space!)

By

Let’s network!

You are warmly invited to attend ANCAD’s first network meeting for 2023

Come along and meet people from across the motu and find out what is happening. Hear from key speakers and enjoy sharing some kai together.

'Uplifting the Mana' event: Deb Humphries (ANCAD) presented at the recent Child Rich Communities ‘Uplifting the Mana’ event at Western Springs Garden

Community Hall on the success of the community-led Bays in Action Think Tank. The Bays in Action Think Tank was established as a community-led collective to explore strength-based solutions to youth violence and bullying.

The Devonport Community Emergency Response group: The Devonport Community Emergency Response group has finalised the Devonport Community Resilience Guide and met in early November to celebrate its completion. A copy of the guide can be found on resilientaucklandnorth.org.nz. A community-led plan is currently being designed for Hauraki and Takapuna. If you are interested in joining this group, please email Madison on madison@ancad.org.nz.

TNCT Pre-School Play

Our free Summer Fun Pre-School Play series has started. The programme runs on Mondays and Wednesdays at various parks around the Shore. We are also hosting some fantastic add-on events on selected days. Playball for children to develop ball skills, coordination and movement skills is held on Mondays. Kangatraining for caregivers and babies in front packs is held on Wednesdays. Please check our website for more details.

Pupuke Birdsong Project

Birds' eggs and chicks are very vulnerable at this time of year, as they are predated on by both rats and possums. You can help protect our nesting birds by removing rats and possums from your backyards. We can lend you all the resources, and advise you on how to make your home free of predators and pest plants. Please reach out to Tabitha at enviro@takapunatrust.org.nz or 021 409 765 to learn more.

We’d love to hear from you!

As we gear up for delivering some exciting new events next year, we would love to hear your thoughts. If you have any feedback on how we serve you or would like to share some ideas, please get in touch with us.

Visit our website www.takapunatrust.org.nz

Facebook/Instagram: @TakapunaNorthCommunityTrust

Email: office@takapunatrust.org.nz Phone: (09) 486 2098

Supported by:

LiiFT Aotearoa professional development: The LiiFT programme will re-start again in February 2023. These very affordable sessions (on Zoom or as in-person workshops) presented by professional consultants, are for community groups' and not-forprofit organisations' leadership, board members and teams and are aimed at building capability and strengthening leadership. For further information about topics and presenters and a 2023 programme, head to the dedicated LiiFT website or contact Simon on simon@ancad.org.nz.

Venue hire: There are several rooms available for hire at the Mary Thomas Centre with a range of capacities. The Takapuna Community Hub has two rooms for hire able to accommodate from 20 to 80 people. For further information go to www.ancad.org.nz/ services/venue-hire or contact Sarah Thorne on sarah@ancad.org.nz.

February 21: Network meeting: You are invited to join us for ANCAD’s first community network meeting for the 2023 year, from 9.30am – 11.30am. There will be a speaker at this event (tbc) after which there will be the opportunity to introduce yourselves and share what is going on with you and your group's work and to raise any community issues. RSVP to Sarah: sarah@ancad.org.nz (include any special dietary requirements).

Merry Christmas all! ANCAD wishes everyone the very best Christmas break, and rest and recuperation with great thoughts for 2023! From the ANCAD team. ANCAD shuts down on 23 December and re-opens again on January 9, 2023.

For more about what ANCAD is doing and how we can help, visit www.ancad.org.nz facebook @ancad.org.nz instagram ancadinc LiiFT Aotearoa www.LiiFT.nz Phone us on 0800 426 223 or email info@ancad.org.nz

Simon Ritchie, Marketing & Communications Lead Simon Ritchie.

Auckland Foundation pleased to announce North Shore Fund recipients for 2022

The North Shore Fund seeks to support those essential local organisations who are strengthening community networks. Whether through addressing social disadvantage, or promoting general health and wellbeing in their communities, the recipient organisations for 2022 are standouts in our local North Shore region.

For 2022, Auckland Foundation is proud to support a variety of organisations with initiatives supporting women and family centres, housing, youth mentoring and violence prevention. It is brilliant to see the mahi that is being done across the North Shore of Tāmaki Makaurau and the ever-increasing demand for funding to support our communities highlights the necessity of this fund.

Auckland Foundation General Manager, Melody Mobsby says ‘Each of the recipients plays a pivotal role in their own community and although often under-appreciated, they are a necessary driving force behind strengthening the safety and interconnectedness of the North Shore.’

Auckland Foundation is pleased to announce the full list of 2022 North Shore Fund recipients as follows:

• Age Concern Auckland Incorporated

• Coast Families Trust

We envisage a future where every Tāmaki Makaurau community is strong and thriving.

By making it easy for donors to support causes they care about, we aim to inspire & unlock a movement of impactful giving.

Get in touch today:

aucklandfoundation.org.nz

info@aucklandfoundation.org.nz

• Coast Youth Community Trust Inc

• Devonport Community House

• East Coast Bays Cricket Incorporated

• Greenhithe Community Trust

• Heart For Youth Charitable Trust

• North Shore Centres of Mutual Aid inc

• North Shore Winds

• North Shore Women's Centre

• Northcote Toy Library Incorporated

• Respect

• Seasons North Shore

• Shore Junction

• The Grief Centre

• WanderSearch Auckland Charitable Trust

• Youth in Transition Charitable Trust

Keep an eye on the Auckland Foundation social pages throughout the year to stay up to date with how these organisations are progressing with the amazing work that they do. If you would like to discuss how we can help shape your giving to the causes you care about , head to aucklandfoundation.org.nz/contact-us

Talent galore!

By Genevieve Lai, journalist for Younite 2022. Genevieve Lai. Kia Ora,

This month we are delighted to highlight the abundance of talent that rangatahi have showcased in the Devonport-Takapuna region recently!

It was a privilege to host an art showcase in collaboration with the Lake House Arts Centre for 15 local rangatahi creatives and 40 of their pieces from the 14th to the 16th of October. With over 40 attendees at the opening ceremony, we celebrated rangatahi creatives from all walks of life in what many of them described as their first opportunity to present their work to the public after Covid-19 restrictions which had limited their artistic expression over the past three years. Many creatives also informed us about how Covid-19 restrictions had changed and developed their artistic expression in new and positive ways, as well as the role of art in providing a coping mechanism for them during Covid-19 lockdowns.

By Shore Junction’s Youth Development Specialist Josh Martin

2022 wrap up

As 2023 looms and we wrap up at Shore Junction for 2022, I can’t help but sit and reflect with gratitude on another year working alongside passionate youth organisations, schools and individuals to welcome rangatahi into a safe, fun and enjoyable youth hub.

Let me reflect on some of the incredible things we’ve done in 2022:

The launch of Shore Junction Records: Working alongside professional producers such as Vince Harder and Mazbou Q, we were fortunate enough to launch our in-house record label in May. All songs were written and performed by youth members who attend Westlake Girls High School, Rosmini College, Takapuna Grammar School and Glenfield College, just to name a few. These songs now stream on Spotify, Apple music and Youtube. If you haven’t listened yet, search “Shore Junction” on any of those services.

Forming a relationship with Starbucks Takapuna: A wonderful relationship. Thanks to one of the fantastic mothers of a youth member, we built a relationship with Starbucks where they’ve supported us with coffee beans, the purchase of a discounted espresso machine, plus a pathway to barista employment for Shore Junction members who show promise in coffee making. We’re so grateful.

Illuminating the talent of rangatahi creatives in our community has also manifested through our Rangatahi Creatives grant scheme, where we have selected two creatives to receive our $700 grant for solo creatives, as well as one group to receive our $1400 grant for a group of creatives. Congratulations to entrepreneur Cara-Mia Bouwer, dancer Vivian Xu, and Debbie Lee, a member of the NZ Guitar Ensemble, for their selection! We are honoured to support these rangatahi creatives in their artistic ventures!

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and summer!

If you ever have any queries or would like to contact us, please email younitechair@gmail.com.

Invitation to watch and meet the incredible band, “Kings of Leon”: How fortunate we are that we were able to offer a group of Shore Junction singer/songwriters the opportunity to go backstage at the Kings of Leon concert in September. Not only were they invited to the show but were also invited backstage to see the band rehearse live. The youth had the best time!

While these are only a few of the highlights from this year, we’d love to acknowledge that everything we do here is only possible with the help of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, Starbucks, our generous supporters and sponsors and the kind and generous youth service providers and community stakeholders.

To celebrate the end of the year, we are having our end of year break-up party at Shore Junction on the 20th of December at 4pm for all youth members between the ages of 13-24 years of age. There’ll be free food, music, karaoke, dancing and lots of laughs.

FYI: We will be closed from the 21st of December and reopening on the 13th of January.

Have a wonderful Christmas and brilliant new year.

We’ll see you in 2023.

Mauri Ora!

www.shorejunction.nz

Vivian Xu, Dancer.

Cara-Mia Bouwer, Entrepreneur.

With over 40 attendees at the opening ceremony, we celebrated rangatahi creatives from all walks of life in what many of them described as their first opportunity to present their work to the public…

Josh Martin.

How fortunate we are that we were able to offer a group of Shore Junction singer/ songwriters the opportunity to go backstage at the Kings of Leon concert in September.

From the Peninsula

The Trust welcomes Anne McMillan to the Board. Anne is an integral member of the Restoring Takarunga Hauraki community, giving this programme many hours of her voluntary time. Anne will bring a wealth of experience to the Board table.

Welcome also to Melissa Powell, who is now the Local Board representative for the Trust. Trustees very much value the connection this enables with the Local Board which funds the Trust each year.

Recent Events: Abby’s first big event – the Bayswater Halloween Trail on 28th October was a real success, with approximately 2,500 people attending and the weather holding for the evening. It was fantastic to see so many families all dressing up. A number of groups contributed to the success of the event, but special thanks go to the Devonport Lions Club who helped set up and pack down, and to Navy chefs and Community Liaison personnel who provided and cooked about 900 sausages (with onions!)

Tikanga Wananga – Chairperson Iain Rea and I have enjoyed attending the lunchtime Tikanga Māori Wananga, facilitated by Terehia Walker, supported by her husband, Ngahiwi. Terehia’s generosity in providing this opportunity for peninsula community organisation leaders is very much appreciated. The sessions are based in real contexts; one recent session discussed the tikanga involved in the use of Māori musical instruments. Each session has been very enjoyable and worthwhile.

Community Network Meeting – Mel Powell attended this final meeting of the year, and talked about her earlier years, her whanau, her work with Ngā Rangatahi Toa, her new role on the Devonport Takapuna Local Board, and the financial constraints Local Boards are facing.

Remembrance Day, Devonport Ceremony - I was able to support the ceremony with sound equipment. Organised by Devonport RSA president Muzz Kennet, it was a very well set up event, and along with bands, organisation representatives and military personnel, involved Takapuna Grammar Student Gavin Wu who delivered the address, a choral group who sang ‘Te Aroha’ very well, and Milla RodriguesBirch who sang ‘God Save the King’ – again, very well.

Coming Up: Folk in the Park on 12th February - Abby is working with the Devonport Folk Music Club to set up this traditional summer event.

Continuing:

Raumati/Summer Tamariki Play sessions at 9:30am on Tuesdays at Windsor Reserve and on Thursdays at the Belmont Rose Gardens. A wonderful opportunity for parents, grandparents, caregivers and children to share play activities and to meet others. On fine summer mornings these sessions are pretty special. Free. Team up, come along.

For information about the events and activities happening on the Peninsula, don’t forget you can go to www.devonportpeninsulatrust.nz  View (and subscribe to) our e-News. Support the work of the Trust. The Trust is keen to grow its support for Peninsula initiatives. If you are able to offer support to enable the Trust to extend its work with this community, please email me: nigelbioletti@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz

By Justine Kinsella, Marketing & Activations Manager

Devonport Community House

We want you!

The House is on an exciting journey and we are looking for volunteers to join our committee. If you live locally and are interested in joining us, then we would love to hear from you.

Active Ageing

We're very pleased to have a new Active Ageing class at the House on Tuesdays at 10:30am-11:15am (term time only). A fun and enjoyable 45-minute class to work on flexibility, mobility, coordination and strength. Exercises can be tailored to suit your needs if required. $5 cash per class, no bookings required!

Devonport Library Run

Using our House van, we'll pick you up from your home and drive you to the library where there will be a helpful information session, general library services available and of course tea/coffee! We'll then take you back home again. Thursdays from 1:30pm3:30pm. $2 donation. Call us in the office for enquiries or to book your spot – (09) 445 3068.

We're so excited to have started up a new community-driven project, sorting through our treasured archives. This group meets during term time on Thursdays at 10am here at the Community House. Refreshments provided. We would love anyone interested in a bit of Devonport history to join us. Just come along; we look forward to seeing you there.

Devonport Community House 32 Clarence Street, Devonport

Phone: (09) 445 3068 Email: info@devonportcomhouse.co.nz Web: www.devonportcomhouse.com Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm

The Devonport Community House Archives project!

Justine Kinsella.

Devonport Community News for this month with Nigel Bioletti, Trust Manager, Devonport Peninsula Trust

Nigel Bioletti.

Kristin celebrates success at Prizegiving

Kristin’s Senior School Prizegiving was an opportunity to celebrate outstanding student achievement during 2022.

More than 200 students from Years 11, 12 and 13 received awards for excellence in their sporting, cultural and service endeavours throughout the year. Students who received university scholarships were also acknowledged.

Among these awards are the nine Prestige Awards, which recognise excellence among Year 13 students.

The highest Prestige Award, the Foundation Cup for a student who exemplifies the Kristin spirit and values, was presented to Cece Jenkins.

Each year Kristin presents two Dux awards, one for NCEA and one for International Baccalaureate (IB). Tyler Jones was presented with the Stevens Awards for Academic Excellence for NCEA Dux of School while Henry Pinder was presented with the Claudia Wysocki Memorial Trophy for Academic Excellence for IB Dux of School.

Kristin Senior School Principal David Boardman says: “Once again Kristin Senior School students have shown they are more than capable of achieving at exceptionally high levels in all areas of school life. These students have faced a lot of disruption over the last few years and their success is truly remarkable and testament to their spirit and determination. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.

“For our Year 13 students, the Prizegiving marked the end of

Premier Cultural Awards

More than 200 students from Years 11,12 and 13 received awards for excellence in their sporting, cultural and service endeavours…

Tobey

The

Zoe Chia

The Peter Clague Award for Performing Arts, awarded for the most outstanding all-round contribution to culture activities at Kristin.

Premier Service Awards

Pippa

‘K’

member of a team of students who are fully committed to and involved in school life and contributing significantly to the school community.

Premier Sporting Awards

Sarah-Anne Meares

Liberalitas Cup, presented by Liz Poore in recognition of exemplary service to the school community.

Azaria Eddy Service to School Cup, awarded for leadership of a team in providing service to the school.

Finn Burridge

Firth Cup for Sportsperson of the Year. Finn Burridge Marge Scott Trophy, for significant contribution to leadership in sport.

Mattias Coutts, Kelian Landry, Samuel Elworthy

Tom Rebbeck, Ashton Williamson, Blake Dyer (Keelboat Yachting Team)

Service to School Cup, awarded for leadership of a team in providing service to the school.

Tournament Trophy, awarded to a premier team achieving in a school tournament.

Year 11 and 12 Awards

Lily Rushworth and Ollie Birch

The Jasper Cup and the Brookes Cup, for outstanding leadership in Year 11

Nicole Wong Overall Academic Excellence in Year 11

Michael Feng Overall Academic Excellence in Year 12 IB

Keira Spilling Overall Academic Excellence in Year 12 NCEA

their Kristin journey. I have no doubt the class of 2022 will go on to achieve great things and we look forward to welcoming them back to our school as Alumni to inspire future generations of Kristin students.”

Martin

The Performing Arts Cup, for initiative and leadership in the Performing Arts presented by the Letica Family.

Theo Kleiman Cañizares

Production Cup, for outstanding contribution to Kristin theatre production presented by Elizabeth Amery.

Plummer

Factor Trophy, presented by Barbara Lawgun and awarded to someone who is an active and contributing

Kelea Wendelborn.

Tomas Barrero Ortiz.

Sarah-Anne Meares. Tyler Jones.

Azaria Eddy.

Tyler

Henry

Cece

Azaria

The full list of Prestige Awards

Don’t miss our upcoming Information Evening! Come and hear about our unique Middle School environment that sets us apart and keeps them together.

Thursday 16 March 2023, from 5pm

Register to attend at kristin.school.nz or call our Admissions Manager on 09 415 9566 ext 2324.

Scholarships are available to enable new students to join Kristin in Year 9, 2024. Progress with vision, integrity

Cece Jenkins Foundation Cup for demonstrating the Kristin example, donated by S G and J M Jober.

Jones Stevens Award for NCEA Dux of School, presented by Mr and Mrs B Stevens.

Pinder Claudia Wysocki Memorial Trophy for Academic Excellence for IB Dux of School.

Jenkins and Jamie Richardson Wright Cup and Amos Cup for Head Prefects.

Eddy Gifford Shield for exemplifying qualities of leadership, donated by Mr M Gifford.

Kelea Wendelborn Anna Fuller Trophy for displaying a consistently positive attitude, commitment and determination in the pursuit of excellence, presented by the Fuller family.

Tomas Barrero Ortiz Sir Denis Blundell Trophy for personal conduct and citizenship.

Sarah-Anne Meares Appreciation Cup for attitude, reliability, kindness, courtesy and consideration towards others.

Henry Pinder.

Cece Jenkins.

Jamie Richardson and Cece Jenkins.

2022 Co-Curricular Pride Awards

– Sports & Performing Arts

We recently held our annual Co-Curricular Pride Awards in Te Poho school hall recognising outstanding athletes and performing artists who excelled throughout the year. Here are our 2022 major prize winners, congratulations to you all. For a full list of recipients, scan the QR code.

TGS Team of the YearJoint Winners Girls U/18 Rowing Double Scull

TGS

TGS Student Coach of the Year Student Coach of the Year Oliver Ng

TGS Margaret Moore Cup Senior Girls Contribution to TGS Sport Olivia Wilson

The Geange Trophy Senior Boys Contribution to TGS Sport John Perkinson

TGS Coach of the Year TGS Coach of the Year Michael Tillett

Linda Geary Cup Junior Sportswoman of the Year Carrie Guo

The Al Cameron Cup Junior Sportsman of the Year Liam Vogel

The Sandie Wiltshire Cup Sportswoman of the Year Maggie Squire Sportsmanship Cup Sportsman of the Year Taine Kearney

TGS Service to Sport Award 5+ Years of Service to TGS Sport Maria Clarke

Vernon

TGS

TGS

Director's

The Bryant Singing Trophy Excellence in Choral Music Emanuela Hopkins

Harvey Cup Service to School Drama Lea Nova Tisch Arts Council Spirit Award Contribution to the Spirit and Culture of Performing Arts Riley Booth

The Peninsular Cup For Excellence in the Arts Matt

Annabelle Knowles Skye Lang

Sailing Team Dylan Forsyth Vivien Chung William Mason Jamie Kwong Mischa Grotrian Caleb Newton Finn Brown

Cup Outstanding Achievement in School Instrumental Music Tom Talbot Rock Trophy Contribution to Rock Music Jack Yao

Dance Choreography Award Outstanding Choreography in a School Performance Tayla Hodge

Dance Award Dance Female Performer of the Year Audrey Roberts

Award Top Student Director Lea Nova Tisch

Spooner

Skye Lang & Annabelle Knowles. TGS Sailing Team.

Carrie Guo. Olivia Wilson. Magie Squire. Taine Kearney.

John Perkinson. Oliver Ng. Maria Clarke & Michael Tillett. Liam Vogel.

Audrey Roberts. Jack Yao. Tom Talbot. Riley Booth & Parents. Tayla Hodge.

Emanuela Hopkins. Lea Nova Tisch. Matt Spooner.

Belmont Intermediate School Successes of 2022

Sports Camp 2022

What a week it was down at Totara Springs, Matamata in July for our Sports Camp team, competing against eight other schools from around the North Island. Our students, staff and parents had a fantastic week. A lot of hard mahi was put in by the students, training prior and then competing at Sports Camp. To top off such a successful week they finished as the overall winning team! Congratulations to all 36 students who competed.

Kids’ Lit Quiz 2022

Heat Winners & 4th Place

AIMS Games 2022

The annual AIMS Games saw our athletes have their most successful games yet with a medal haul across a number of different sports. Our Boy's Basketball team and Girl’s Football team both finished in the top ten, with our basketball boys finishing the competition in 4th place (out of 74 teams). The girls' football team finished in 6th place (after being knocked out of the quarter-finals in a close penalty shootout). Tino pai, outstanding results!

Congratulations to our medal winners:

• Teo Besier: Gold medal in Rock Climbing (individual)

• Luke Tibbotts, William Mutch and Zenon Nicholas: Gold medal in 18-hole Golf (team)

• William Crawford: Silver medal in 9 Hole Golf (individual)

• William Crawford and Angus O'Brien: Bronze medal in 9 Hole Golf (team)

• Mary-Jane Clarke: Bronze medal in Gymnastics (twisters)

• Olivia Xie: Bronze medal in Tennis Singles (girls' bronze section)

Well done to the students who finished in the top ten in their sport:

• Maisey Kearns: 6th in Canoe Sprint (year 8 girls)

• Jacob Sickling: 8th in Canoe Sprint (year 8 boys)

• Hamish Brown: 10th in Yachting (optimist)

• Neve Upston and Quinn McAlpine: 6th in Tennis (boys doubles)

• Quinn McAlpine: 7th in Tennis Singles (boys silver section)

• Angus O'Brien: 7th in 9 Hole Golf (individual)

BIS Team 1 were the winners of Auckland Heat 1, from a pool of 51 teams spanning across Auckland from Pukekohe to Wellsford, achieving a HUGE score of 90! Team 1 was made up of Thomas Bennett, Felix Gould, Zara Matthews, Elizabeth Ellis and Maddy Wylie (reserve). BIS Team 2 also put in a great performance in Heat 2 and finished a solid fourth, only one point away from third place! Awesome work from Milena Martens, Leo Powles, Magnus Cornforth, Toby Cunningham and Lucia Boow.

Kids’ Lit Quiz National Champs

A thoroughly outstanding result from the BIS Kids' Lit Quiz team who took out the national title at the Wellington Grand Final on Saturday 12 November. Leading all the way, they defeated their closest competition by 6 points with a winning score of 28! The team and their teacher Angela Winslade, who coached them for many lunchtime hours in preparation for the final, thoroughly deserve their title. Whakamihi, congratulations Zara Matthews, Felix Gould, Thomas Bennett, Elizabeth Ellis, Maddy Wylie (reserve) and Angela Winslade!

BIS AIMS 2022 Basketball Team. BIS AIMS 2022 Football Team.

BIS Kids' Lit National Champions 2022: Maddy Wylie (reserve), Zara Matthews, Felix Gould, Thomas Bennett and Elizabeth Ellis.

Rangitoto College celebrates all-round

Awards season is an important time of year at Rangitoto College, where we get to celebrate the excellence of our students in a wide variety of areas, from our athletes to our outstanding academics.

Our school vision is excellent opportunities for all students. The awards events of Term 4 really highlight this and the efforts of our students to make the most of these excellent opportunities.

Sports Awards

The 2022 Sports Awards evening was an elegant event to celebrate the successes and commitments of all of our sportspeople and their coaches, teachers, and other volunteers. Without the hard work of all of the sports community, Rangitoto College would not be able to boast all of the sporting achievements that we have had this year. This evening was a great opportunity to acknowledge the dedication to sport of all these students, but most particularly the two sportspeople of the year, Seb Menzies and Darcy Spark.

Arts Awards

The 2022 Arts Awards evening was a lively and festive celebration themed with orange and masks, and over 160 students were recognised for their service, contribution, and achievement in the extra-curricular arts at Rangitoto College. It was a great opportunity to celebrate all the students’ success, but most importantly to honour this year’s recipients of the Zigliani Cup for Excellence in Performing Arts, Anna Haine and Amelia Ullrich.

Māori and Pasifika Success Evening

Joined by friends and whānau, our Māori and Pasifika students were celebrated in our annual Success Evening. This was an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work that these students do to exemplify the mana of their identity within the kura. Ngā mihi nui ki a Tamati Kingi for winning the Korowai Supreme Award for 2022.

Congratulations to Proxime Accessit recipients Jessica Wang and Sara Yavari. Sportsman of the year, Seb Menzies in action on the water.

IB Dux, Richard Li celebrates with his mother. Sportswoman of the Year, Darcy Spark in action in the water.

Anna Haine and Amelia Ullrich receiving the Zigliani Cup for Excellence in Performing Arts.

achievement in awards season

Senior Prizegiving ceremony

The Senior Prizegiving ceremony is our biggest and most prestigious awards event, where students, staff, and whānau can come together to acknowledge and reward all the hard work that happens in the college throughout the academic year. The quality of our teaching and learning was on display in the large numbers of students who received awards for excellence in their subjects. We also had a record number of scholarships awarded by universities and other organisations to celebrate. Special congratulations go to our IB Dux,

Richard Li and our NCEA Dux, Ashley Huddart.

Congratulations to Proxime Accessit recipients Sawooly Li and Jinju Schwarz.

Tamati Kingi celebrating his success with his whānau

NCEA Dux Ashley Huddart receiving her awards with her parents.

Riko Takayoshi celebrating her award for General Excellence with her mother.

Rosmini College Senior Prizegiving 2022

Rosmini

PTFA Mothers and Sons' afternoon tea

On Monday, 31st October the Rosmini College PTFA organised a very successful afternoon tea in the Tindall Auditorium for the Year 13 leavers and their mothers.

It was a great way for our boys and their mums to celebrate the end of their time at Rosmini College.

A few Year 13 students with their mothers.

College’s Senior Prizegiving was held on Wednesday, 2nd November in the Tindall Auditorium.

Year 13 Academic Leader, Benedict Chan was named the School Dux and he also received the John Skinner Geography Prize, the Jim Church Senior Physics Cup, the Mathematics and Statistics Cup and the Milne Bland Award. Head Boy, Rupert Carter was the Proxime Accessit Dux and he was also awarded the Drama Cup and the Chris Ireland Cup for School Spirit.

Rupert Carter's Head Boy's speech.

Dux Benedict Chan and his proud family.

Deputy Head Boy, Cole Johns and his mother.

2022 Academic Success

End of Year Sports Awards

• Service to Sport – Moira Macdonald

• The Going Cup – Equestrian riders

• Team of the Year – Junior Basketball Team

• Volunteer of the Year – Karyn Gordon

• Coach of the Year – Paul & Marijke McGoon (1st XI Hockey)

• Outstanding Sporting Achievement – Ava Fitzgerald

• Commitment to Sport – Emilie Gordon

• Senior Sportswoman of the Year – Greer Morley

• Junior Sportsgirl of the Year – Imogen O’Rourke

• Year 7/8 Sportsgirl of the Year – Alayna Wright-Rawle

• Year 7/8 Sports All Rounder of the Year – Grainne Aitken & Rebecca Robertson

Sr Mary Justine Award Bridey Mehrtens.

Principal’s Award & Taki Lelei Award Moira Macdonald.

Dux (joint) Annise Boothroyd.

Sr Mary Justine Award Calista Ngadi.

Dux (joint) Imogen Wood.

Outstanding Achievement Award Catherine Sole.

Tū Rangatira Award Emjay Dickson.

BOT Excellence Award Grace Stratton.

Alayna Wright-Rawle.

Grainne Aitken and Rebecca Robertson.

Head Prefects announced for 2023

Isabella Drummond and Dinithi Thiwanjana Liyanage have been announced as Westlake’s 2023 Head Prefect and Deputy Head Prefect, respectively.

“Receiving the news that I was Head Prefect for 2023 was such a surreal moment,” says Isabella. “When our Principal Mrs Stanley told me I was next year’s Head Prefect, I was at a complete loss for words. It took me a second to fully comprehend the news, but once I had, I was overjoyed and honestly a bit emotional. I was beyond excited to share the news with my whānau who I knew would be just as happy as I was. It is such an exciting opportunity and a great honour to lead such a prestigious school alongside Deputy Head Prefect, (and my close friend) Dinithi Liyanage. I cannot think of a more rewarding way to conclude my final year of high school!”

It was an exciting moment for Dinithi as well, who said “To be completely honest, I don’t think I fully comprehended that it was real when Mrs Stanley first told me. I had always hoped to become a part of the senior prefect team at Westlake Girls so it is incredibly humbling to see one of my most esteemed ambitions coming true.”

Isabella says the role of Head Prefect is a huge honour but also a great responsibility. “I feel extremely humbled to be in a position where I can represent a school that has given so much to me over the past four years. I believe the role of Head Prefect will allow me to give back to the generosity Westlake has afforded me.”

Both students have immersed themselves in the abundance of opportunities and extracurricular activities our school has to offer. Isabella is very passionate about te Ao Māori (the Māori World) and says “being a part of the Westlake’s Kapa Haka group is the highlight of my high school experience, as it has allowed me to learn, share and embrace my culture”. Both Isabella and Dinithi share interests including debating, Amnesty International groups, service committees and public speaking. Dinithi is also involved in our school choirs and is super excited to be the soprano section leader of Cigno Voce for 2023.

Isabella’s goal is to help foster an environment that ensures all our students thrive and feel supported to achieve personal excellence. “I hope to be an approachable role model who leads by example - who encourages others to make the most of their Westlake experience and leave high school knowing they fulfilled their potential. We all have something to give, something to offer, and by recognising and cherishing each of our different values, we can all flourish.”

“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi” - “With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.”

I hope to be an approachable role model who leads by example - who encourages others to make the most of their Westlake experience and leave high school knowing they fulfilled their potential. We all have something to give, something to offer, and by recognising and cherishing each of our different values, we can all flourish.

Head Prefect – Isabella Drummond.

Deputy Head Prefect – Dinithi Thiwanjana Liyanage.

The Te Kāhui Ako o Pupuke Mural wins a Kūmara Award!

We are thrilled the Te Kāhui Ako o Pupuke Mural has been honoured with an award in the Kei tua atu i te kaupapa Beyond the Brief category, of the 2022 Kūmara Awards.

The stunning 58m mural on Auburn Street, Takapuna is a collaborative work by local schools across the North Shore under the umbrella of Te Kāhui Ako o Pupuke in conjunction with Auckland Council regeneration agency Eke Panuku.

The work was led by artist Emma Jane Ormsby (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Porou), a Westlake Girls High School alumna and artist currently studying a conjoint Arts (Māori Studies/Screen Production) and Fine Arts degree at the University of Auckland.

Emma said, "Having the mural selected as the winner of a kumara award is amazing, not only for myself but for everyone involved. It feels really validating, that Toi Māori within our public spaces is something people want to see more of. The mural was a massive group effort, and I am so proud of the very creative kids I got to work with. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini (Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many).

"Takapuna is a beautiful part of Tāmaki Makaurau. Having grown up here it holds a special place in my heart. Auckland has an incredibly diverse natural world and using kowhaiwhai and Māori imagery to encapsulate this deserves to be celebrated. Being a part of this mahi has been a real privilege, it has been a pleasure working with Eke Panuku and Te Kāhui Ako o Pupuke and I am immensely grateful for their facilitation of this beautiful mural.”

Susana Tomaz, the Te Kāhui Ako o Pupuke Across School Lead at Westlake Girls High School who coordinated the project, said the vision of Te Kāhui Ako o Pupuke is to create a rich, collaborative culture that unites kura, pouako, akonga and whānau to work collectively on a common goal for the benefit of all.

“The significance of the work is not just in the beautiful piece of art that was produced but the in-depth, involved and collaborative process led by Emma working with teachers from across nine different schools to share knowledge with students”.

Being in both a commercial and residential part of Takapuna, the work has also won the hearts of residents and businesses who have welcomed something so creative and colourful in their

neighbourhood. Parents and grandparents who have visited to see their child’s artwork have been blown away by the depth and breadth of the project. The project has also been used across the town square construction hoarding in Takapuna, building continuity and adding colour across Takapuna.

Westlakers' novel idea launches Writers Project

In recent years the Westlakers Committee (alumni) have been patrons of the Westlakers Art Programme that showcases the talent of emerging or exhibiting Westlaker artists, sculptors, and photographers.

This year the Westlakers Committee also wanted to begin acknowledging the achievements of Westlakers who have become successful songwriters, playwrights, and poets. With the innovative expertise of renowned sculptor and Westlaker Jeff Thomson, excerpts from songs and poems have been sculpted into artworks and installed at various locations around the school campus.

By drawing attention to these memorable works, it is hoped this project will inspire students, particularly those with a creative aptitude, and raise awareness that making a living in the arts is achievable and can be done with great success.

The first series of sculptures have used excerpts from 'Bathe in the River' by Don McGlashan, 'Coromandel' by Stephen Sinclair, 'Walk Around the House' by Harry Sinclair, 'Gutter Black' by Dave Mcartney, lines from two haiku by Richard von Sturmer, and 'Flames' by student composition winner, William Squire. Each sculpture is unique in its construction and style of installation, and they are already creating considerable chatter amongst passers-by.

The final part of the project will be the addition of a QR code beside each sculpture. These will provide information about the artist and his work, and for music-related sculptures, recordings will be included to add another level to the user experience.

This project has created a visual legacy and provides the school community with a discerning endowment of artistic heritage. We hope, as people discover these sculptures around the campus, that they find them intriguing and take time to stop and ponder the phrases, and maybe feel inspired before they continue on their way.

2022 Westlake Music Awards

Each year the Music Awards dinner is held in conjunction with Westlake Girls music students at McHughs of Cheltenham, and it was wonderful to have this event back in the calendar after a hiatus last year due to Covid restrictions. While our senior music students gathered to celebrate their achievements with their peers, they were treated to an inspiring performance by Oliver Garner on violin, accompanied by Geoff Hill on piano, of the thrid movement of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.

The Year 11, 12 and 13 students were recognised for their hard work and commitment to music ensembles – some students having been

involved in up to six rehearsals each week. A select few were also recognised and commended for their membership in national music ensembles, that had placed additional demand on their time.

Towards the latter part of the evening excitement began to build for the announcement of the 2022 special awards which were presented to Finn Jennings for his Outstanding Service to the Music Department; Alexander Wilson for Excellence in Instrumental Performance, Oliver Garner for Most Improved Senior Musician, and William Squire who picked up two awards for Excellence in Composition, and Excellence in Vocal Performance.

Dave Mcartney - Gutter Black.

William Squire - Flames.

Harry Sinclair - Walk Around the House.

Stephen SinclairCoromandel.

Outstanding Service to the Music Department: Finn Jennings.

Excellence in Instrumental Performance: Alexander Wilson.

Excellence in Composition and Excellence in Vocal Performance: William Squire.

Most Improved Senior Musican: Oliver Garner.

Athletes celebrated at annual Sports Awards

Having enjoyed a near-regular sports year with all matches, tournaments, and competitions operational again it was satisfying to wrap the sports calendar up with the return to our traditional celebratory Sports Awards dinner.

The school auditorium was humming with eager students, parents, staff, and sponsors to celebrate the year that was with speeches, awards, and photos that had captured moments of sporting brilliance when team aspirations were realised on pitches, courts, courses and tracks.

It was a time to congratulate and celebrate the achievements of premier teams and players in the presence of their peers, and to enjoy being part of the Westlake sporting community. Westlake was fortunate to enjoy success across numerous codes again this year and we congratulate all our award winners and colours recipients.

After an outstanding year on the water, George Rush received

the Arblaster Cup for Sportsman of the Year. George and his sailing partner, Seb Menzies, capped an incredible 2022 with victory in the 49FX at the Junior World Champs in Italy. This came on the back of victories in the 29er at the European Champs and Kiel Week in Germany, as well as third place at the Youth World Sailing Champs in the Netherlands.

Other Sports Awards winners included:

• Team of the Year – 1st XI Hockey

• Coach of the Year – Elliot Bartholomew

• Student Coach of the Year – Amorino Toongart

• Colin Pascoe Trophy for Attitude & Sportsmanship – Tristyn Cook

• Alf Butt Award for True Sportsmanship – Ryan Parr

• Simon Bryan Shield for Outstanding Sporting Achievement –Cameron Maunder

Finalists for Sportsman of the Year.

Gathering to celebrate at the Sports Awards Dinner.

Coach of the Year - Elliot Bartholomew.

2022 Sportsman of the Year - George Rush.

Student Coach of the Year - Amorino Toongart.

Who we are and what we do

At AGE we celebrate the uniqueness of every child and give them the confidence to find their passions and strengths.

By combining the best of New Zealand’s approach to education with the latest research from international education innovators, our learning model is designed to let your child embrace who they truly are and prepare them for an ever changing world.

Our environment provides a nurturing space that enables young people to learn effectively through play, passion, and purpose. Our focus on universal life skills, EQ, and real-world learning, alongside the foundation skills of numeracy, literacy, digital technology and scientific literacy prepares our learners for their future.

In 2022 AGE, our students have found purpose through passion and play…..

OUR YEAR

Representing New Zealand for the International Silent Youth Film Festival

For the second year in a row, our learners have been selected in the top 10 finalists of the International Silent Youth Film Festival NZ. This year, their film, The Unusual Suspects, was nominated in not one but 6 different categories, ranging from best director to best actor. The red carpet award ceremony, in Tauranga, saw one of our learners take away best actor, while the film, The Unusual Suspects, placed 2nd and was the best received film of the night!

By placing 2nd in NZ, our team will now represent New Zealand (& AGE) on the world stage next year, in Portland, Oregon. Our learners Dared to Dream, and they turned that dream into a reality.

Having the opportunity to take part in events such as this one has allowed our students’ passion in media to expand. She is now moving on to work experience at NZME.

Schools Sustainability Challenge

AGE School had an amazing day participating in the Sustainability Challenge for Schools this year at Wenderholm Regional Park. This was an opportunity for our students to understand their community and what they can do to help. Our learners had to navigate to various points by reading maps and then completed various challenges at each location. Everyone contributed their ideas beautifully to support the team to complete the challenges and find the checkpoints. It was a great day that supported our students learning some wonderful knowledge about our beautiful regional parks.

PBL - Project Based Learning

Our class projects inspire learners to DREAM BIG with a number of projects developing into mini businesses. After seeing how interested her classmates were in acquiring one of her handmade designs, a Junior High learner was guided by our learning coaches to develop a business plan and costings, and sold her creations to the AGE Community. ToiToi Magazines saw her beautiful creations and asked her to create a bespoke piece to accompany a poem in the magazine; this was then featured on SevenSharp. Other small businesses run by our Primary and Junior students have included bake sales, jewellery stalls, slime products, and so many more!

In our Senior space businesses have included a Skater-themed clothing design company where one of our students created a brand logo, designed clothing, and created a business plan to present. She presented her ideas and plans to a board made up of business managers and parent entrepreneurs, who provided her with thoughts and feedback.

Qualifications in the Senior College

Our bespoke NCEA pathways in the Senior College enable our learners to use their passions and talents to achieve the qualifications they need for their future. As part of their course, universal life skills are developed to ensure they are wellequipped to succeed once they leave school.

As our Seniors move closer to finishing their AGE journey they have been busy finalising their NCEA projects for the year. For the NCEA Level 2 and Level 3 Business projects, they have been planning and had the opportunity to consult with entrepreneur/ parent Andrew Larsen who met with one group as an official consultant on how to ensure their product is sustainable and innovative. Their final products were sold at our AGE Market Day as well as the busy Takapuna Markets. Our Art History students have been wrapping up their Art Response logs and our Visual Art students are in the final stretch towards completion of their Vanitas project where they use drawing methods to apply conventions appropriate to painting.

Accepting enrolments for 2023.

Email enrolments@age.school.nz for more information or check out our website www.age.school.nz

We nurture our children to dare to dream – then help them to make those dreams a reality.

Rewarding your staff at Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, employers will begin to ask themselves how best to reward their employees for their efforts over the past year. Although it’s great to be in the spirit of giving at Christmas, there are a few key points to consider when deciding how best to reward your staff without gifting yourself the surprise of an unexpected tax bill.

While there are many options when it comes to rewarding staff, we’ll focus on the three most common rewards given during Christmas:

Christmas party

One of the most common rewards we see around Christmas time is the long-awaited staff Christmas party. Christmas parties can range from a lunch held on site in the staff room to an after-work barbeque or even a trip away for the weekend. While the format of a Christmas party is at the discretion of the employer, this type of reward falls under the tax rules of entertainment. This means that the entertainment deductibility rules will determine and limit what employers can claim as expenses. The costs incurred to host a staff Christmas party is 50% deductible. This means that an employer can claim back 50% of the cost of the entertainment as a deductible expense against taxable earnings.

Gifts and gift vouchers

Gifts and gift vouchers are an attractive reward at Christmas as it hands the decision-making over to the employee. Vouchers are especially helpful as a gift to suit employees of all ages and interests. However, the hidden catch when it comes to vouchers is the fringe benefit tax or “FBT” rules. FBT is a tax paid by employers on benefits provided to employees. Employers can provide $300 worth of benefits to an employee per financial quarter, or $1,200 annually without attracting FBT. However this is limited to $22,500 for all employees, for an income year. Another hidden catch is that if you are giving your employees alcohol, this should be treated as an entertainment expense instead of a fringe benefit.

Additional holiday leave

In some instances, you may wish to give your employees an additional day off over the Christmas period which does not come off their normal annual leave balance. It is optimum to show this as an additional line in the employee's payslip which will reduce their standard period’s ordinary pay and not be shown as an annual leave entry.

Christmas bonuses

Bonuses are a great way to show employees you value their contributions. A bonus is anything you pay to staff over and above their normal earnings. Bonus’ are treated differently for tax purposes depending on whether they are regular occurrences or simply a ‘one-off’. It’s likely that bonuses paid out at Christmas fall under the “extra pay” category. Paying bonuses attracts pay as you earn tax, more commonly known as “PAYE”. The tax on the bonus will be calculated at the employee’s applicable marginal tax rate and is paid in accordance with the payday filing rules. Also, please be mindful that this discretionary bonus is not included as part of the average daily rate calculation unless you are required to pay a Christmas bonus as part of the employee’s contract.

While all of these options go a long way in demonstrating your appreciation to staff, it pays to keep in mind the hidden tax costs that these types of rewards attract. Hidden tax costs are unwanted at any time of the year but especially over Christmas when many businesses close their doors for the break. If you are planning on rewarding your staff this Christmas but are unsure how this might best work for you, get in touch with the team at Bellingham Wallace.

Visit: www.bellinghamwallace.co.nz

Accountancy with Mike Atkinson of Bellingham Wallace.

Mike Atkinson.

While the format of a Christmas party is at the discretion of the employer, this type of reward falls under the tax rules of entertainment.

The decision to move to a retirement village is an important one, and often very exciting. Many villages offer fantastic amenities and services; however, it is crucial that you are aware of the terms of your occupation before you enter into an agreement. Unlike buying a private property, you are only purchasing a right to occupy by paying a licence fee and then paying weekly or monthly payments, similar to rent, that covers the village’s operating expenses.

Before committing, you need to understand the terms of the Occupation Right Agreement (ORA). This Agreement sets out your obligations to the village, and theirs to you, the ongoing costs to occupy your unit and what happens if you want to move within the village or terminate your right to occupy. Unlike owning a private home, the village will also have other terms such as whether you are allowed pets, how long guests can stay and whether you can make alterations to your unit.

You also need to consider how the terms of the Agreement will affect you as your life situation changes over the years due to health or other circumstances. When you terminate your licence (including if you’ve passed away) the village will take a monetary deduction (usually capped at 20-30% of your licence fee) before the balance is paid out to you or your estate. Unlike real estate, an occupation licence is not an investment; you will not receive the benefit of any capital gain and you will not receive back what you paid in regardless of how long you live there. There may also be financial implications if you want to change units or require a different level of care than your spouse or partner. Before signing the Agreement, you are obligated to seek legal advice, which gives you a chance to consider the implications for you and your village of choice.

Once you have signed on the dotted line, there is a statutory ‘safety net’ to ensure your rights as a resident are protected. These are set out in the Retirement Villages Act 2003 and Code of Practice 2008. In summary, among other rights, you have the right to the services promised to you in your Occupation Right Agreement, to have a complaint procedure available, to be treated with courtesy and not to be exploited.

To ensure these rights are protected, the Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission oversees the regulatory framework for retirement villages by flagging issues, providing dispute resolution and tackling problems throughout the retirement village sector. The Commission is available for you to contact and assist you if you experience any issues with your village.

Because of the financial implications, we strongly recommend that you carefully consider what the ORA means for you and your situation. In selecting a village you should ensure that your personal requirements are met not just for today but for 5-10 years' time and that you fully understand the terms of your occupancy. If you are looking to move to a retirement village and would like advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Schnauer & Co, 1 Shea Terrace, Takapuna 09 486 0177, www.schnauer.com

Celebrating neurodiversity

Traditionally schools were designed and implemented on a one-size-fits-all model to produce standardised people. In an increasingly global world, we increasingly understand the need for schools to know their students and provide a range of opportunities and experiences that cater for individual needs and development. This concept of personalised learning is being applied in how we provide modern schooling.

As humans we are created as social beings, with a basic desire to belong to our own “tribe” where we feel we can contribute. Within a trusted group, we can feel safe from the perceived external threats of the world. However, we can incorrectly misunderstand that in our innate desire for acceptance we can try to all be the same. This fixed mindset can reinforce limiting stereotypes and deny our natural individual nature, talents and character.

In an age when we can map human genomes and tweak genetic coding to improve our health outcomes, how we learn also needs to include personal approaches.

Statistical averages have their place, but science confirms that no person is normal or average – in body size and types, behaviour, intelligence, abilities, or character. Averages are useless when you need to make a decision about any individual. In reality it is our diversity that is essential for our humanity.

As we look around the world at all the challenges, changes and threats, biology teaches us that a diverse ecosystem is far more resistant to threats, and more responsive to changes. If we are all biologically the same, we all succumb to the same virus. With the same thinking we can’t solve new problems, the same ideas mean no new creativity, and the same skills mean no innovation or advancement.

In an age when we can map human genomes and tweak genetic coding to improve our health outcomes, how we learn also needs to include personal approaches. Modern research on neurodiversity involving brain studies shows people with learning or thinking differences are “wired” differently – there is more variety and diversity in our grey matter than we realise. Just like fingerprints, no two brains are alike. We need to appreciate that such people can bring unique and diverse differences to our world. For example, globally successful people with neurodiversity include famous actors (e.g. Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise), entrepreneurs (e.g. Steve Jobs and Richard Branson), chefs (e.g. Jamie Oliver), musicians (e.g. Cher) and designers (e.g. Tommy Hilfiger).

Typically, we want to “fix” (i.e. normalise) anyone who is different. Within schooling, such neurodiverse people may simply need a more personalised approach to help with navigating their learning difference. It is about meeting a young person where they are at developmentally, building supportive relationships and having a positive mindset with a can-do approach.

Let us all celebrate our human diversity, just as Cyndi Lauper (another neurodiverse person) encouraged us to do in her 1986 song 'True Colours': “I see your true colors, shining through… so don't be afraid, to let them show, true colors are beautiful, like a rainbow… And that's why I love you.”

Mark Wilson.

By Natasha Williams, Lawyer, Schnauer and Co. Before being admitted to the bar in 2013 she had been practicing law in England and Wales. With a background in property and estates she developed an interest in Trust law and is passionate about delivering advice and assistance to clients.

Natasha Williams.

The essential legal documentmore practical than a Will

Mike and Cathy had been together for five years. They had two young boys together, aged four and two. Mike had adult children from his first marriage. Those children were not a lot younger than Cathy. In fact, Mike had a granddaughter the same age as his youngest child. The relationship between Cathy and Mike’s older children was fractious, at best. They were resentful that Mike had married a much younger woman after his marriage to their mother had dissolved.

Mike and Cathy had been living in the home that Mike had purchased after his first marriage ended. For some time, Cathy had wanted to move to a new house. She thought a new property would feel more like their family home. So, despite the tough housing market, they decided to put the house on the market. They figured they would be buying and selling in the same market and so there shouldn’t be any real financial impact.

Cathy gave the lawyers a call just in case there was something that she could do now. They confirmed that Mike didn’t have powers of attorney in place, but they were also concerned about the impending settlement of the sale of the property. The house they were selling was in Mike’s name only as he had owned it before his marriage to Cathy. That meant that he had to sign the documents, transferring the property to the new owner. There was no way around it. If he had powers of attorney in place, then the attorney would have been able to sign.

There was nothing to be done other than make an urgent application to the Court for orders appointing Cathy as Mike’s attorney. However, as Mike had adult children, they would need to be advised that Cathy was making the application, and consent to it. They were not happy that Cathy would then have full control over Mike’s financial affairs and instructed a lawyer to oppose the application.

The whole thing turned into a disaster, costing time and money, not only with the application to the Court, but the fact that Cathy couldn’t settle on the sale, or the purchase of the new property. It meant that she and Mike were left paying penalty interest to both the purchaser of the property they were selling and the vendor of the property they were purchasing.

They listed their house and within three weeks, it had sold. They had also found the perfect family home for them and their boys and managed to arrange a contemporaneous settlement. They spent the next two weeks packing.

Two days before they went to the lawyers to sign the documentation, Mike sadly suffered a major stroke. The stroke left him not only paralysed down one side, but the doctors also said that his cognitive ability had been impaired, and it would be some time (if ever) before he would have capacity again. Cathy was devastated. Not only was she having to deal with this life changing situation, but they were only ten days away from selling one house and moving into another. The first thing the doctors asked Cathy was whether she had Mike’s power of attorney. Cathy did remember their lawyer talking about powers of attorney to them at one point, but it seemed like something that old people did. Mike was 58, but surely not old enough to need powers of attorney, they had thought.

Enduring powers of attorney are one of the most essential legal documents that you can put in place. In many ways, even more practical than a will. If you die without a will, then there is a process that is followed to deal with your assets. However, if you lose capacity and haven’t put in place powers of attorney, then you do need to make an application to the Court. This costs both time and money and, depending on your family circumstances, can be much more complicated than it needs to be. It is also a fallacy that only the elderly need powers of attorney. Any one of us at any time could have an accident or medical event that causes a loss of capacity. If you haven’t already, get your powers of attorney in place today.

Tammy McLeod, Managing Director, Davenports Law

Tammy McLeod (BA LLB) is the managing director at Davenports Law and a trust and asset structuring specialist. Tammy leads the Davenports Trust Team and enjoys providing clients with advice and assistance on a broad range of issues involving the structuring and establishment of asset plans, interpretation of trust deeds, the management and administration of trust funds and trust disputes. An important part of Tammy’s practice is reviewing existing asset holding structures to ensure they achieve the needs and requirements they were established to meet. She is also experienced in Property (Relationships) Act issues and advises clients on both contracting out agreements and separation.

Tammy McLeod.

Not only was she having to deal with this life changing situation, but they were only ten days away from selling one house and moving into another.

Do you have an Enduring Power of Attorney?

The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people.

If you have a will, but not assigned anyone to act as your Enduring Power of Attorney, you could inadvertently be putting your assets at risk.

An Enduring Power of Attorney will look after both your property and personal care and welfare should you become incapacitated to make your own decisions while you’re still alive.

If you have not put in place an Enduring Power of Attorney, contact Tammy McLeod or one of her team for specialist advice.

CRAFTED LEGAL ADVICE FOR PEACE OF MIND.

Passenger and cargo services to the East Coast Bays – Part One 1902 - 1928

By David Verran

From the 1881 formation of the Devonport Steam Ferry Company, Devonport had a reliable and regular ferry service and this soon followed for Northcote, Birkenhead and Chelsea residents. However, this wasn’t the case for the eastern bays of the North Shore as both a lack of potential passengers and the uncertain weather along that exposed coast meant that the Devonport Steam Ferry Company restricted its ferry services almost exclusively to Auckland Harbour, the exceptions being for holiday excursions. Also, the northern boundary of the Auckland Harbour Board boundary was at Takapuna Beach on the Rangitoto Channel and any wharves to the north of that were down to local initiatives, without Harbour Board funding.

On 20th August 1898, the McGregor Steam Ship Company launched the 59 gross ton wooden steamer SS Orewa to take over the Auckland, Orewa, Silverdale (via the Weiti River) and Matakana wharves route from the outdated SS Maori. The SS Orewa had been built by C and W Bailey in Auckland, and also relieved the SS Rose Casey on the Warkworth route. From May 1902 the company extended the SS Orewa’s route to include the wharf at Browns Bay. In January 1905 the SS Orewa narrowly avoided artillery fire when pulling into Browns Bay, as a range finder for Army manoeuvres in the Castor Bay area had failed.

Around July 1905 the Coastal Steam Ship Company and the McGregor Steam Ship Company negotiated to jointly form a new Settlers’ Steam Ship Company. That company took over the SS Orewa, and continued to service the Browns Bay wharf as part of its route. The Settlers’ Steam Ship Company was then purchased in September 1908 by the Northern Steam Ship Company which had been formed in 1881. One of the original directors of that company was Andrew McGregor. He was later part of the McGregor Steam Ship Company and died in 1901. His son William Andrew McGregor was listed as the owner of the SS Orewa from 1900 to 1905, then the Settlers took ownership. Once under Northern Steam Ship Company ownership the SS Oewa received a significant overhaul in 1910.

As examples of the service, in March 1913 the SS Orewa left the Auckland wharf for Browns Bay, Arkles Bay and Silverdale on Wednesdays at 5pm and Fridays at 7am and returned on Thursdays at 9.30am and Fridays at 11am. It carried both passengers and cargo.

By August 1920,

Bay, Deep Creek (Waiake), Silverdale and Orewa on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, tides permitting.

A wharf was built at Murrays Bay in 1916 and from 1922 that bay was also included in the SS Orewa’s route. On 19th May 1925 the SS Orewa was sold by the Northern Steam Ship Company to G A Wood in Hokitika. It is believed that it ended its days as a storage hulk at the Bluff.

From 1918, the Northern Steam Ship Company’s SS Hauiti (built by George Turnbull Niccol, 148 gross tons and launched in 1911) was also running weekend excursion trips to the wharves at Murrays Bay, Browns Bay and Deep Creek (Waiake). From 1925 to 1927, the SS Gael (built by C and W Bailey, 95 gross tons and launched in 1908) called at Waiake wharf on its Auckland to Warkworth and Waiwera run. That service was on-demand, with a flag raised to have the SS Gael call into Waiake; that type of unscheduled visit may well have happened at other wharves as well.

The Northern Steam Ship Company used other steamships to visit Browns Bay and other bays as well, including the SS Waipu (launched in 1916). The SS Omana (built by George Turnbull Niccol, 83 gross tons and launched in 1913) was owned by the Northern Steam Ship Company from March 1922 and served Browns Bay from at least 1925 to 1928, likely taking over from the SS Orewa. The Northern Steam Ship Company ceased all its services to the eastern bays’ wharves in 1928.

david.verran@xtra.co.nz

Mind Body Spirit

it was visiting Browns

1720-10835, courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. The SS OREWA in a 1910 photograph taken by Perry Robert Tudehope.

Business Builders North Shore needs you!

Business Builders is recruiting! Wanted - mechanic, plumber, printer and other North Shore businesses

Business Builders meets regularly to network, support and help promote their businesses across the North Shore and beyond. We are actively seeking new members from complementary industries to join our strong and vibrant group. Register your interest at www.businessbuildersnorthshore.co.nz

Fortnightly business networking meetings - we do more business over breakfast than most people do all day!

Looking for a business networking group right here on the North Shore? Business Builders, also known as ‘BBs’, could be the business

networking meeting that’s right for you and your business.

Join us for one of our fortnightly breakfast meetings at Pupuke Golf Club, overlooking the picturesque golf course and across to the Waitemata Harbour. We enjoy a delicious breakfast while sharing referrals, knowledge and brainstorming business challenges. Start your day with Business Builders and be informed and inspired by one of our excellent guest speakers.

Interested in joining one of our business networking breakfasts? We meet every second Tuesday at 7am – you are most welcome to join us!

For more information and to register, go to www.businessbuildersnorthshore.co.nz

By

Greetings from Sunnynook Community Centre

We had so much fun at the Kids Market held in early November, we managed to purchase $140 worth of groceries for the Community Food Pantry from the proceeds of the market. A highlight was having our ‘special visitors’ visit the market!

Harbour Hospice board chair inducted into Business Hall of Fame

It’s the business world’s equivalent of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. And in November Harbour Hospice board chair Ann Tod was inducted into it – the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame.

Tod has joined the likes of local North Shore business legends including Sir Stephen Tindall, who this year received a Lifetime Achievement Award, as a laureate. Tod is the third of the charity’s board members to have been inducted; the late Sir David Levene and current trustee Ken Noble are also part of this prestigious group of business people, with many of hospice’s incredibly generous hospice supporters also laureates.

“It’s been an awesome year,” Tod laughs as she reflects on her latest achievement, which has come only months after being awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for her contribution to netball at national and international level as Finance Director for the World Netball Board and as a longserving umpire at grassroots level.

Our next community event is our annual Family Bike Ride around Sunnynook Park. Thursday 8th December, 5.00pm to 6.30pm. We hope to see you there.

We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our wonderful community, community centre user groups, holiday programme families, early learning centre families and of course our hard working management committee and staff. We hope you all have a wonderful safe Christmas and New Year and look forward to another fun and exciting year at the Sunnynook Community Centre in 2023.

Please check our website for up-to-date information about all the classes that are run at the Community Centre. If you would like to put your children on the waiting list for the Sunnynook holiday programme or Kennedy Park youth programme, please email: snook. com.cen@xtra.co.nz.

If you would like to go on the online mailing list to receive our community newsletters please email: office@sunnynookcomcentre. co.nz or click on the ‘contact us’ link on our website.

Kind regards

Bronwyn Bound, Centre Manager, Sunnynook Community Centre

Check out www.sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz where you will find more information about the classes that are being run at the Centre. Email: office@sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz for more information.

The retired KPMG auditor was recognised for her significant contribution to the charity sector. As the chair of the Harbour Hospice board, Tod has overseen some major developments in the five years she has dedicated to the board so far, including merging North Shore Hospice with local hospices on the Hibiscus Coast and in Warkworth/Wellsford to become one entity, and the redevelopment of its North Shore site, which is scheduled to reopen four months ahead of schedule in mid-December.

Tod is also involved in five other boards: Make A Wish, the JR McKenzie Trust, The Lister Presbyterian Health Trust, Te Tuhi Contemporary Arts Trust and The Rotary Club of Auckland.

“It’s wanting to make a difference, wanting to be a great role model for younger women,” the mother of three adult daughters and grandmother of one says of her board work.

“Women tend to like to have all their ducks in a row and all the boxes ticked before they’ll put themselves forward. You’ve just got to trust your intuition and go for it – and remember that building strong relationships means everything. People really will help.”

After such a big year, the question begs, what’s next? “Oh, a nice quiet Christmas,” she laughs. “Plus an amazing opening for the North Shore redevelopment.”

An official opening for the North Shore redevelopment is planned for early 2023. Only $350,000 is left to raise of the project’s original fundraising target of $10 million. If you’d like to support this vital community project please contact Fundraising Manager Sandy McGregor on: Sandy.McGregor@harbourhospice.org.nz.

www.harbourhospice.org.nz

Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook Community Centre Manager

Bronwyn Bound.

Ann Tod.

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Yes Disability Sonia Thursby.

End of year wrap up

YES and I.Lead wish you all happy holidays as the end of the year is nearing, and the team is finishing up and preparing for our end of year break.

The team has been busy with connecting and networking, with some of the I.Lead team invited to the Blake Awards earlier in November. This was due to the numerous consultations I.Lead has had with the Ministry of Environment, providing insight on the thoughts of young people with disabilities on their environment, and having their surroundings accessible for other people with disabilities, thereby providing the opportunity to interact with their environment. The team had so much fun, enjoying the chance to dress up and network with others who are similar minded.

As part of the connection theme, I.Lead had its first ‘Volunteer Day’ in celebration of Volunteer Week. The I.Lead team headed out into their local communities and volunteered for organisations they are passionate about. The I.Lead team wanted to show their appreciation to all those who have helped them, knowing they are supported and guided, and the team wanted to do the same for others. This provided a different perspective of disability and people with disability, displaying that they are not just people who need help, but also are able to help others.

YES has wrapped up their last workshop of the year for the Empowered Programme with Cam Calkoen. The workshop was based on ‘Live Awesome’ which covers themes of excellence, attitude and service about self. The participants will be celebrated early next year with a graduation ceremony, recognising their accomplishments throughout the year and the goals they have achieved. The participants have worked hard, with the success of the Empowered Programme due to the committment and dedication of Cam throughout the year. He continues to communicate and stay connected with the participants, which has encouraged them to stay on track with their goals.

YES and the I.Lead team had the pleasure to meet with the Minister of Whaikaha Poto Williams and the Chief Executive Paula Tesoriero late October. This was a great opportunity to be able to connect with the new Ministry and talk about the programmes YES offers to young people, and also to find out more about the direction in which the Ministry will be heading. This feeds into our theme of connection over the last month, and was a great way to end the year by forming and solidifying relationships for the new year.

Stay safe and enjoy the holiday.

For more information about the programs and our engagements Website- https://yesdisability.org.nz/ & https://www.ilead.org.nz/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ileadconferencenz Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/i.leadnz/

Merry Christmas

Firstly, it is an honour to be appointed by Mayor Wayne Brown to chair the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, one of two committees of the whole council. I look forward to working as a leadership team with the very hard-working and experienced Deputy Chair Cr Angela Dalton, and with my fellow councillors, local board members, IMSB members, mana whenua, staff and most importantly our community.

I am looking forward to using my skills and experience in the environment and climate change space which I led last term, while also being able to learn and lead on issues in the new role that covers Planning, Parks, Community and the wider work programme.

Protecting what is important to our community while planning carefully for future generations is key. Action to reduce our emissions and planning to adapt for the effects of climate change will still be a top priority, following on from our gains last term.

I thank Mayor Wayne Brown and his team for putting their faith in me for this huge role and for working with all of us to form a fresh structure for the next three years. Although we agree on a lot, I know my priorities and ideas may not always align with the mayor and all councillors, but I will be advocating for our community while working collaboratively with my colleagues to get the best for all of us.

It will not be easy, with significant budget pressures from Covid, inflation and interest rates which have put a $270m hole in our planned operating budget, and with workforce and supply chain issues affecting our ferries, buses and projects. We will have to be focused and prioritise what is important; we must work together to ensure we are working for all Aucklanders today and those growing up in our beautiful city while planning for those who will live here in decades to come.

Watching the pōhutakawa turn red, and locals head back to our parks and beaches, I am excited to see summer arrive and see the end of another challenging year for many of you in our community, Aotearoa and the world.

For me personally it has been an overwhelming year, supporting our community through difficult times, making tough calls at the council table and a relentless campaign. On the positive front I enjoyed my first year as a dad and it is the best role I have ever had, Theo is such a great kid and is growing fast. I appreciate the support I received in the election and am enjoying working with our local boards and getting to know the new members.

I hope you have an amazing summer, Christmas, and New Year. Please travel safe, spend time with those you love, have some fun and a nice relaxing break.

See you all in the New Year when the hard work continues as we support our communities on the Shore and improve our city.

Feel free to continue to contact me about local issues on Richard.hills@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

With Councillor Richard Hills, North Shore representative on Auckland Council. Richard Hills.

Have a fantastic summer, and let’s work together for a better Tāmaki Makaurau in 2023

Takapuna women excel at national inter-club sevens

Takapuna and North Harbour’s Commonwealth Games medallist Selina Goddard warmed up for the biggest of the many major events to be staged at Browns Bay this season with some outstanding performances at last month’s national inter-club sevens.

Giving every sign she will be one of the stars of the national singles and pairs championships in early January, Selina spearheaded her Takapuna club team to an emphatic win in the sevens.

Selina won all five of her singles matches against some of the country’s best women’s players, including multiple national champion Mandy Boyd who was representing Canterbury’s Elmwood Park. Selina won that game 21-9 after earlier in the day staving a strong challenge from an accomplished Lisa White from Wellington’s Naenae club.

Selina was admirably supported by the rest of the Takapuna team, the Lisa Dickson-skipped four of Lauren Mills, Keiko Kurohara and Anne Dorreen and the pair of Robyne Walker and Adele Ineson.

They all showed the same consistency and steadiness as Selina, with the four losing only one game and that by just a single shot. The national title, too, was achieved without Takapuna’s other international bowler, Wendy Jensen, who was unavailable because of a prior family commitment.

A measure of Takapuna’s performance was that in its final game against Elmwood Park the team went undefeated against an opposition in which six of the seven players were either current or past national champions.

It was consolation for a narrow second placing to Nelson in the 2020-21 season and for Lisa, Lauren, Anne and Robyne their second national title for the 2021-22 season. In July in Hastings they won the national champion of champion fours.

For the Browns Bay club, with its three pristine Maniototo greens, plus its carpet, and the Harbour centre, the inter-club sevens was part of a particularly hectic time.

Already Browns Bay has hosted two major events this year, the 2021-22 national inter-centre championships in October as well as the inter-club sevens.

Early this month Browns Bay was one of the clubs used when the centre hosted the annual “Battle of the Bridge” representative fixture against Auckland and that and the sevens were just pipe-openers for even bigger tournaments in the New Year.

On 2nd-9th January, Browns Bay is expected to be the

By Lindsay Knight

headquarters for the national singles and pairs championships and from 13th-17th February will be again the headquarters for Harbour’s New Zealand Masters tournament.

Hosting a nationals, of course, is nothing new for Browns Bay or North Harbour. In the 2014-15 a highly successful New Zealand championship was held there and that was an event that included fours as well. Many stalwarts of the game rated it as among the best nationals in recent memory.

Bowls New Zealand’s Chris Lander, who will be the tournament director, says that while final entries have yet to be determined he expects bigger numbers than when the Auckland centre hosted the nationals two years ago. On that occasion 700 bowlers participated.

Last season the national singles and pairs were in Christchurch, with South Islanders dominating, and Kelvin Scott winning the men’s singles and Tayla Bruce the women’s singles.

Lander, however, expects all the country’s bigger names to be in the fields.

Besides Browns Bay, other Harbour clubs will be involved in the nationals with several being used in the qualifying rounds. One of Harbour’s top green-keepers, Tony Rickerby, has been part of a Bowls New Zealand group which has carefully assessed those greens which meet the required standard.

Visit: www.bowlsnorthharbour.com

with Lindsay Knight

Takapuna women's team who had an emphatic win in the sevens.

Shore clubs to host New Zealand Masters tournament in mid February

One of the enduring virtues of bowls is that is a game for all ages and even those in their senior years can play it at the highest level and with considerable skill.

That will be again demonstrated when Bowls North Harbour stages its third edition of the New Zealand Masters tournament at the centre’s various clubs on 13th-17th February 2023. The one difference is that there will be a new sponsor: Senior Trust.

Senior Trust has been involved in building wealth and wellbeing for more than 20 years. They lend to premium retirement villages through mortgage secured loans that meet their strict criteria, to deliver steady, attractive returns for their investors. It’s a proven strategy, that enables much needed quality housing for senior New Zealanders, while delivering attractive, consistent returns so their investors can live more comfortable lives.

The New Zealand Masters was first played in 2020 by the Harbour centre, with the blessing of Bowls New Zealand which has made it one of its elite “Summer of Bowls” calendar events. The tournament was an eleventh hour casualty of a sudden Covid lockdown in 2021, but it returned as strong as ever last season and promises to be even better this year.

The tournament will again be in two age-group categories: 60-74 and 75 and over in in men’s and women’s pairs, men’s and women’s fours and mixed pairs.

Brown’s Bay, with its four greens, three of which are Maniototo and in pristine condition, will be headquarters with support in qualifying rounds from a range of other Harbour clubs.

Bowls North Harbour officials, headed by President Maureen Taylor, Board Chairperson Robyne Walker and Board

Member Trish Croot, have been working diligently in organising and promoting the event.

One of their main targets has been to attract bowlers from other parts of New Zealand, though previous tournaments have received good support from Auckland, Northland, Counties Manukau and Bay of Plenty clubs as well as a strong and competitive contingent from Central Otago.

Another bonus for this year is that Bowls New Zealand is providing live streaming of post-section rounds.

To enter this NZ Master’s competition please follow the link https://www.bowlsnorthharbour.com/masters/

Benefitz tackles huge Rugby World Cup project

The team at Benefitz has recently completed a challenging project – to rebrand three stadium venues for the Rugby World Cup for Women held in October and November – with the final on Saturday November 12th at Eden Park.

The three stadiums used for the Rugby World Cup were Eden Park and Waitakere Stadium in Auckland, and Northland Stadium in Whangarei.

“We were thrilled to be chosen to deliver this project for NZ Rugby and World Rugby as it gave us a real opportunity to show our wide range of capabilities,” says Sales Manager Blake Douglas, who managed the project for Benefitz.

“We understand we were one of around a dozen local and international business to pitch for the event, so to be given the nod was very pleasing. Our all-round manufacturing and installation capability, lengthy track record and use of solar power would have been big factors in the decision.”

For Benefitz the project included the branding of the three venues as well as wrapping 12 team buses and satisfying the display requirements of several international event sponsors.

“Our strength in the design area played a huge part in the event going very smoothly,” adds Blake Douglas. “We have a team of 10 creative people who can respond quickly to the requirements of these event organisers. On the back of that strength, we have one of the best

– if not the best – large and grand format printing operation in the country. It’s powerful with the ability to print up to five metres wide and any length. Event requirements ranged from printing massive banners and lots of rigid signage panels through to adhesives for buses and general use branding and covering up at the venues. We also produced over 60 media backdrops – both rigid and fabric – and additional items such as branded archways and media towers and hundreds of metres of printed fence mesh.

“Our team undertook all of the installation, with windows of just five to seven days to get things installed from start to finish. Each of the venues had different challenges. At Eden Park it was size. At Waitakere Stadium we were turning a suburban venue into an international stadium with branding on temporary structures. And Northland Stadium was just a bit further away in Whangarei.”

“We were thrilled with the result of our efforts and the work of our whole crew. This was a massive undertaking that involved most of our 70-plus staff at certain times. There was a requirement for most to dig in and do that bit extra to get things done and that was what happened. It was a real team effort.”

The Black Ferns magnificent win really top things off as well!

For more information visit: www.benefitz.co.nz

Blake Douglas and Aidan Bennett at Eden Park on a Rugby World Cup match day.

Aidan Bennett with one of 12 buses Benefitz wrapped for Rugby World Cup teams.

Signage being installed at Waitakere Stadium with the use of Benefitz hoist boom truck. Members of the Benefitz signage team at Waitakere Stadium.

Eden Park.

Make a sale on the Shore with Yan Davies

Yan Davies, a long time North Shore local, has amassed not only a wide network of clients but also superior knowledge of the area and its idiosyncrasies.

This deep and specific knowledge ensures that her clients receive only the best qualified advice from someone who has both intelligence and practical understanding in equal measures.

Resolute to maximise the value of her clients' assets, clients choose Yan for her engaging, results-driven approach to the sales process. A Masters degree in business and administration, fluent in English and Chinese, Yan's skills offer the benefits of reaching more buyers to find the right match for your property. As a member of Milford Cruising Club, you’ll see Yan around the club and on the water in her family's classic launch Lucinda, along with her daughter who's also actively involved in the club's sailing programme.

• Achieving a premium price with excellent service

• Multilingual, professional, committed, persistent

• Chinese born, 25 years living on the Shore

• Up to the minute understanding with in-depth knowledge of the latest market activities; listings, sales, vendors and buyers

• Exclusive high-end local and international database

• Extensive knowledge of online marketing achieving the maximum market views and penetration

• Most Growth Award 2021/2022 Bayleys North Shore

• Dedicated to achieving the best outcome for you

Contact Yan Davies, Bayleys Takapuna 021 585 590, yan.davies@bayleys.co.nz www.bayleys.co.nz/yan-davies

480 MATAKANA ROAD, WARKWORTH

Ascension Wine Estate

Ascension Wine Estate is a picturesque 19-acre (7.56 H) property and showcases a gracious Tuscany styled venue, vineyard, cellar door and restaurant/conference facilities, located just out of Warkworth in the foothills of Matakana. This beautiful region is a foodie’s heaven, known for its weekend Farmers market, boutique food shops and spectacular vineyards and wine Route. Upon arrival there is a real sense of occasion, Ascension Wine Estate is gated with direct road frontage within minutes of the Matakana centre and is less than 1-hour north of Auckland. Established in early 2000, the winery features traditional wine making technology, balanced with a sustainable ethos mix with fengshui design philosophy and principles to find a deeper union with its surroundings and ultimately its fabulous wines. Ascension Estate with its rustic authenticity and charm is one of the landmark venues of the Matakana region.

New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty supports Harbour Hospice this Christmas

Christmas is a special time for friends and family, and that feeling of love and support is even more important when dealing with someone who has a life-limiting illness.

Harbour Hospice provides compassionate, specialist palliative care for anyone in our community who needs it and this Christmas they are joining forces with New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty to help provide more support to help them live every moment during the festive season.

Hospice provides care for one in three people who die in the community, providing compassionate care free of charge, working primarily with patients, whānau and carers in their homes, and also within three hospice sites: Hibiscus Coast, North Shore and Warkworth/Wellsford communities.

A 3.2 metre Christmas tree has been erected in the Takapuna offices of New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty and they are asking surrounding business networks and neighbours to donate goods for Harbour Hospice by placing gifts under the tree.

New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty North General Manager Susi Matz said it was important that the whole community supported Harbour Hospice all year round but particularly at Christmas.

Zealand Sotheby's International Realty North General Manager

Before Christmas, the donated gifts will be distributed by Harbour Hospice to families they are currently supporting, including those who

are living with hardship as well as those whose ability to participate in usual Christmas activities is impacted by their current circumstances.

Gift donations can include non-perishable food, vouchers and other festive gifts and can be left with the team at New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty under the tree until Friday 16th December 2022. The office will be open between 9am and 5pm every work day for you to drop off any donation.

We are so excited to be able to offer our brand new Christmas tree as a place for gifts and donations to support the hospice and provide some happiness at this special time.

Susi Matz, New

Sasha Teplovskaya, Susi Metz, Olivia Thomas, Hannah Judge and Kate Hooper.

Authentic community service ingrained into Harcourts Cooper & Co company ethos

Community involvement and support is one of the first topics raised at the company’s induction programme for new staff. Since managing director Martin Cooper introduced the Community Relationship programme in 2013, the company has highlighted its commitment to ‘giving back’ in many different ways.

Martin, a well-known real estate stalwart of more than 30 years, says the importance of the programme is reflected both by the money it raises, and also the time company representatives spend in the community.

“As a company, we have a desire to acknowledge and appreciate the support our communities give us in our business,” Martin says. “The essence of giving back means supporting others and helping them grow and flourish. With the past few years of pandemic, the importance of community and of giving back has only been magnified.”

Since 2013, the company has raised more than $7 million for local charities, organisations, schools, sports clubs, culture groups, arts, music and events. This investment covers a wide range of different community sectors including conservation groups, artistic and musical support, encouraging reading through school competitions, mental health programmes, running and swimming events and much more.

Cooper & Co ‘walks the walk’ as well. Martin spends many hours in the community and is a familiar face at schools, sports clubs, art centres and charity events, as well as charity auctions where he donates his time to help fundraise. He is also on the board of Breast Cancer Cure, a charity with the objective of funding research for a cure. Three fulltime staff work more than 5,760 hours a year directly in the community and a team of 12 casual workers assists at events.

As well as that, more than 400 events are supported by individual agents across the franchise each year, and the auction team freely give their time, calling at least ten charity auctions each in the past year. Many people will have seen the Coffee&Cone van which the team takes to local events, donating the proceeds back to the community.

Martin says community involvement benefits the whole team of more than 350 sales consultants and 150 support staff across 19 offices from Devonport to Matakana, Whangaparaoa to Hobsonville. “There are multiple rewards for team members, including personal enjoyment and pride in their work,” he says.

“It also exposes them to an expanded network of contacts, therefore creating business opportunities. However, making a difference by our genuine care for our community and the relationships we build with them is as rewarding as the monetary contribution.

“We believe that as a company we are unique with the scale of our community outreach, which is a direct reflection of our values and the importance we place on supporting our communities.

“The benefits from our investment include better mental health, more active and healthier communities, opportunities for individuals and groups in sport, academia, music and art, encouraging and empowering our youth.”

Some recent and current events and fundraising include:

• Melbourne Cup Lunch at Regatta ($70,000 for Breast Cancer Cure)

• Harbour Sport Annual Excellence Awards

• Gumboot Friday (Harcourts group raised $167,000)

• North Harbour Rugby – Junior Rugby School tournaments

• Whale Tales (World Wildlife Fund to save Bryde’s Whales)

• Pink Morning Tea fundraiser for Breast Cancer Cure (Hibiscus Coast)

• Pest Free Coatesville (bringing the Kiwi back to Coatesville)

• Fashion on the Wharf in Devonport (supporting Breast Cancer Cure)

• Ocean Swim Series – Swim the Shore and Swim the Bridge

• North Shore Rugby Football Club

• Birkenhead United Football Club

• Devonport Half Marathon

• North Shore Run Series

• Beach Series – every Tuesday evening on Takapuna Beach

• MS Auckland – supporting Multiple Sclerosis

Photo courtesy of Chris chase.

North Harbour Rugby Schools Tournament.

REINZ Excellence Award Community Service 2022.

Martin Cooper.

46 Seaview Avenue, Northcote

Situated in one of the North Shore's most coveted locales on its own 1031sqm site, this grand character residence offers front-row views of the city, bridge, and bay from multiple vantage points throughout. Magnificently proportioned, you'll love the glamourous living spaces occupying the entrance level, presenting a seamless indoor-outdoor transition that is certain to delight lovers of an alfresco lifestyle. Renovated throughout to satisfy the most discerning of buyers, heritage art deco features have been retained and enhanced. The main suite offers a divine sense of indulgence with simply breathtaking views, walk-in robe and ensuite bathroom. No expense has been spared in also offering an enormous work from home office space with its own separate entrance. Having

previously been a dance studio, this could be converted to accommodate extended family if required. The location here is second to none, boasting excellent access to the CBD and beyond, and enjoying the nearby café culture of Northcote Point and Hinemoa Street. After more than a decade of ownership our vendors present to the market this rare offering.

Focus on female achievement a key pillar for real estate business

There’s an electric atmosphere at Street Organics in Takapuna this September afternoon. North Shore business women of influence have gathered to attend the inaugural Bayleys Commercial Real Estate Women (BCREW) networking event, and the charge is palpable.

Women supporting women as they scale new heights. More than 60 local business people attended the event, hosted by the women of Bayleys North Shore Commercial and Bayleys’ national director of customer engagement and advisory, Paula Bennett.

The former deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Women, Bennett has long championed diversity in the workplace and sees her new role at Bayleys as an extension of a responsibility to facilitate structural change in a sector typically dominated by men.

“The organisation is absolutely focused on championing women, and I’ve received great scope to attract and support more females into the commercial and industrial real estate sector,” she says.

“In the last 18 months, we have doubled the number of female brokers at the agency – but the important part isn’t just attracting them; it’s retention. How do we make this the place women choose to work and thrive?” she says.

Conceptualised around a boardroom table at Bayleys’ headquarters, BCREW has grown into a national initiative across the business’s 96 offices which provides support, education and networking opportunities for women in the commercial and industrial real estate sector.

Through a spectrum of objectives, the group has strengthened since its inception in 2019 and has clear plans for growth reflected by opportunities in training, recruitment and mentorship.

Peta Laery, associate director at Bayleys North Shore Commercial, has been a leader of the movement since its early days and says the company’s professional-driven support network is centred around five key pillars of growth for women, including gender balance, mentorship, and support returning to work following maternity leave.

“I’m proud to be an active leader of this movement and even prouder to work for a business that acknowledges the important role women play in productivity and commercial excellence,” she says.

Considering that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 25 percent more likely to achieve above-average profitability

than those in the lower quartiles, Peta is determined to ensure women are equally represented at Bayleys and the broader industry.

“Female success is good for innovation, progression and the industry as a whole. By focusing on gender balance, career mapping, workplace initiatives and growth pathways, we can provide the foundation for achievement and overcome common obstacles for women – especially those returning to the workplace following maternity leave.”

Both Ms Bennett and Ms Laery are popular speakers at BCREW events – including social networking events such as the gathering today, and at training and development sessions attended by salespeople from across the country.

Both have re-entered highly competitive workplaces following maternity leave, and the women have established themselves as elite leaders while balancing motherhood, partnership, work, health and personal development.

Attendees remark that seeing leadership like this strengthens the notion that females are encouraged to push the boundaries and thrive in the workplace.

“Women witnessing female success fortifies the whole notion of gender empowerment, and being surrounded by inspiring women who tackle challenges and support one another is one of our best tools to attract and engage females in this industry,” Bennett says of the value of events like this.

For further insights, get in touch with Bayleys North Shore. 09 489 0999 | northshorecommercial@bayleys.co.nz www.bayleys.co.nz/commercialnorthshore COMMERCIAL NORTH SHORE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Bayleys North Shore Commercial agents: Peta Laery, Lindsey Holcombe, Nicky Joyce, Jane McKee, Leanne Bate.

Paula Bennett.

May well be my last...

Here we are again, the last column before Christmas. It may well be my last column ever; I’m fully intending to retire one day.

It was a great thrill for both Walter Gill and myself last month, to be inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame. We have spent over 50 years in Gill and Gundry Concrete Construction Ltd, a company whose grass roots go back to the late 1960s. It was a wonderful occasion at the Spencer Hotel in Takapuna, surrounded by friends and family to celebrate this achievement. A black-tie dinner, with everyone dressed up, and the function room looked wonderful with all the tables set beautifully.

It was great to see Sir Stephen Tindall, our teammate from the 1969 Takapuna Grammar School First XV get a lifetime achievement award. It is so well deserved for what he has done in the community over many years.

I’ve worked out the perfect plan to get rid of all the road cones that are proliferating throughout Auckland at the moment. If everybody could “Adopt a Cone” and take it home, take it to the beach, take it out on the boat, gift wrap it and give it to a friend, take it camping, maybe post it overseas to someone in a foreign land; if we all did this, all 1.7 million of us in Auckland, it may go some small way to relieve us of this cancerous problem. There is a small roadworks job they’ve been attempting to do in the early weeks of November, adjacent to the BP in Clifton Road. It was a small reconstruction of a footpath, but there have been days where there has been nobody working there at all. I have it on good authority that the road cones and signage have been charged out at $1800 per day and these have been there for three weeks.That’s well over $40,000. This is completely out of control. I do get sick of writing about these things, but there is so much wastage and bad planning going on that if someone doesn’t keep track of it, and comment about it, we risk it being forgotten.

I’ve heard the Bayswater Marina Development has been chopped back a bit on the number of dwellings, but it seems there’s only been a few tweaks to address the community’s concerns. Let’s wait and see what the decision is. My concern is that the community continues to have good access to the boat ramp, as the shortage of good, safe boat ramps around the Shore is diabolical.

It is going to be a big year at my beloved North Shore Rugby Club next year, as the club is celebrating 150 years, being formed at the Masonic Hotel on the waterfront in 1873. It is the oldest rugby club in New Zealand, still playing on the original playing fields. The club has a full programme for Easter 2023 with a golf tournament, dinner, annual game v. Takapuna and a club feature on the Saturday afternoon. Any former players, with wives, girlfriends, administrators, managers, coaches, physios, anybody who has had a former

association with the club should enroll for that weekend and catch up with people you won’t have seen for many years. There will be a full weekend, and on March 17 there will be the official launching of a book on the history of the Club, with a swanky lunch to celebrate. It will be a lot of fun.

So, please save the date, Easter 2023 – a book launch, followed by the swanky lunch then all the other activities planned.

I would like to wish all my readers a very happy festive season, I know we have put a tough couple of years behind us. We have plenty to look forward to as a nation, as we do live in one of the greatest countries in the world. Enjoy the summer, take the time to walk the beaches, have a barbecue with friends and family and enjoy every sandwich as we never know what will be around the corner.

Merry Christmas, let’s look forward to a better 2023 – we have the Rugby World Cup and maybe a change in Government.

Ed's Note: Well done to you and Walter on your recognition. We have included a brief summary of those achievements in this issue. Please don’t retire from being our award-winning columnist, our readers love your work. Oh, and readers, we don’t condone this cone problem solving idea – leave the cones!

Simon Gundry is a Devonport and North Shore identity, and character, who is known for calling a spade a spade. He is a director of contracting company Gill & Gundry, is an enthusiastic sailor (past crew-member of Ceramco New Zealand, Lion New Zealand and Shockwave) and is a life member of the North Shore Rugby Football Club. Simon was awarded a QSM for services to the community in 2013. More recently, he was inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame. He has been writing this thought-provoking column for Channel from the very first issue (over a dozen years ago!).

Simon Gundry.

I’ve heard the Bayswater Marina Development has been chopped back a bit on the number of dwellings, but it seems there’s only been a few tweaks to address the Community’s concerns. Let’s wait and see what the decision is. My concern is that the Community continues to have good access to the boat ramp, as the shortage of good, safe boat ramps around the Shore is diabolical.

Homes of Devonport

On the market and holding out for your price?

Are you currently a vendor with your home on the market? Have you had any buyer interest? Have you gone through a ‘campaign’ (like an auction or a deadline sale) and not sold, maybe had no interest from buyers and are now waiting for a buyer to step up and offer at a certain level? This is a common scenario in this market – many of us have forgotten what a market like this feels like; it’s uncomfortable and it’s unsettling.

Ten years ago, the Rotary Club of Devonport was faced with a conundrum: the long-established Food and Wine Festival had run its course and the club needed to find an alternative major fundraising event. Running initially as the 'Fine Homes Tour of Devonport', this year the club changed the name to 'Homes of Devonport' to offer a more eclectic mix of houses. 2022 saw the fifth fundraising event, and it was the best yet, raising over $60,000. In total, Rotary's Homes of Devonport tours have raised over $250,000 across ten years, supporting a wide range of beneficiaries.

The Rotary Club of Devonport, along with Bayleys Real Estate, could not have run these hugely successful events without the generosity of the people who have opened their homes to the community, the sponsors who have so generously supported and shared their vision, the many volunteers who have given their time and energy to prepare, organise and ensure the smooth running of these major events, the schools and community groups who have sold tickets, and of course the thousands of guests over the years who have bought tickets and ensured ambitious fundraising targets were not only reached, but far exceeded. We thank you all - you epitomise community spirit.

At the heart of your community

One thing buyers love is a price – it’s a very clear indicator of vendor expectation and allows buyers to be concise with their house-hunting and not waste time looking at property that is not within their budget or finance pre-approval range. If you set a price and still no-one enquires, visits, or wants to pursue, it’s either priced too high for the market or it’s a niche home that will have to wait for that perfect buyer, however long that takes. The perception in the marketplace if your property does not sell is usually that the price is too high or there is something wrong with the property. As we charge towards Christmas, we are now faced with a current oversupply of stock, and a lot more coming on. It’s tough, and with interest rates continuing to rise, it’s likely to get tougher. If you’re lucky enough to get a buyer engage, bid, or offer on your property, hang on to them and be considered in how you negotiate with them – good buyers are rare and they have a lot of choice. Are you prepared to take a lesser amount, get sold and move on, or do you want to stay on the market indefinitely and hold out for your price?

Kathryn Robertson, Residential Sales M +64 21 490 480

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed under the REA Act 2008 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand

By Kathryn Robertson, Takapuna Residential Bayleys Real Estate Ltd

Kathryn Robertson.

Aramoana Reserve.

Devonport

The Channel Crossword

A PERIMETRIC PUZZLE! Set by Māyā (https://mayaofauckland.com/), each month for Channel. No. 82

A PERIMETRIC PUZZLE!

The letters around the edge, starting at top left and going clockwise, form the answer to: "Irishman is sad, a bit sentimental, angrily opposed to separating church and state (28)"

Quiet cove from Ireland with farm tool (6)

Tough and fit battle best (8)

Hush about bed time is for Mendelssohn's symphony No. 3 (8)

Duck keeping carryover dry (8)

Desserts he left on f-floating platform (3,5)

Relative to the French books... (4)

Runs around vessel holding drink (6)

I? I love to eat (6)

Peeks from alley with almost best camouflage (8)

Ron and friend shell out for a mysterious word from the Principia Discordia (5)

On reflection, bicycle lamp coverings could be commoner (4)

More work? I hear you beat back sloth (6)

Test a widow by morning (4)

I fall behind artist, contrary to the wild sheep of central Asia (6)

Heads off the Sun's accustomed entrance, which is over here? (4)

Might sir reconsider a Conservative ideology? (8)

Personal assistant bent over backwards for Murdoch (4)

Echo sounder reason artist holds (5)

Have a hesitation with modern Ireland (4)

Fast with paid work after end of Easter (5)

Illuminatus! author and friend opening a bundle (5)

Love can be expensive (4)

Flying freight from Barnet, according to Cockney; vehicle to depart (3,5)

Unable to get out, lacking an important key (2,6)

Thanks team to move aircraft (4)

They get out of bed for structural members (6)

Without pitch, faces up to over being of little interest (3,4,3,2,3)

Now is not the hour, say leaders, for short measures (6)

Imprisoned, coming from a sentence at the last possible moment (2,3,4,2,4)

Low points of small dam (6)

Solution to last month's crossword

This month's crossword will also be uploaded to the creator’s blog at: channelcrossword.wordpress.com There, Mãyã will kindly attempt to answer any questions or comments that may arise from the crosswords each month.