The Fringe, February 2021 by Fringe Media

ISSUE 200, FEBRUARY 2021 Issue No 45

December

2006

The Tatler team wish all our readers s Jolly Hollie in February Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re back

INSIDE...

p5 in Titirangi 1. Grooving e style p8 dress Waitaker 2. Wedding ss p21 the Wilderne 3. Voice from p22 in Henderson 4. Wonderland

community news, issues, arts, people, events

happy birthday to us!

Reaching a new milestone Ever since Rene Bridges launched The Titirangi Tatler (now The Fringe) back in December 2002, the magazine has worked to cover the news, stories, events and people that make our community special. And still, with this, our 200th edition, the team at Fringe Media continues to do its best for our business and residential communities.

ISSUE 200, FEBRUARY 2021

For the first four years the magazine could not afford colour printing and it was not until December 2006 that the first colour cover was produced. Five years later the publication started running full-page cover photos and from April 2011 these have been available to view online.

r 2006

Issue No

Decembe

er The Tatl team wish all our readers ies Jolly Holl in Februar We’re back

INSIDE.

p5 in Titirangi style p8 1. Grooving dress Waitakere p21 2. Wedding Wilderness from the p22 3. Voice in Henderson 4. Wonderland

Rene passed away while the 100th issue was being produced and the publication was also required to change its name with the last Tatler appearing in November 2012. Despite these, and other, challenges, the publication has continued to work to reflect what is important about our community: the small selection of covers that fill the cover of this magazine hint at what makes our community so special. People have always been important whether they are participating in Trash to Fashion competitions, enjoying the local festivals or just getting dressed up to celebrate the opening of a new op shop.

s, arts, people, events

community news, issue

There have been important news stories to cover including community responses to natural disasters, the arrival of kauri dieback and its effect on the iconic trees surrounding McCahon House in French Bay, the redevelopment and restoration of Lopdell House, the opening of Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery and our community’s response to Covid-19.

The publication has always been proud to support and assist with the major events our communities have come to enjoy including Titirangi Festival of Music, the Bright Lights Little Village Glow Festival, Eco Day and the EcoWest Festival, and many more. Above all, the team at The Titirangi Tatler and The Fringe has always believed that Our Place is a special place with a wide variety of unique locations and environments, from the wild West Coast to innovative urban architecture, from stunning natural flora to imperious local birdlife.

As it enters its 19th year, The Fringe will continue to cover what is important to our community – and it will continue to welcome the support of all its present and new advertisers, and the contributions of local residents and organisations.

Production of both The Fringe, and The Titirangi Tatler before it, has required the help and support of many people and organisations. Over 25 people have helped with production and distribution since it began, along with countless local organisations from our local government bodies down to the smallest community networks. And underpinning the work of all these individuals, organisations and networks is the commercial support of our local companies, retailers and service providers. Without the financial support of well over 100 advertisers, this publication could never have lasted this long. As it enters its 19th year, The Fringe will continue to cover what is important to our community – and it will continue to welcome the support of all its present and new advertisers, and the contributions of local residents and organisations. This is Our Place and The Fringe is committed to telling our stories, sharing what is important to us and working to improve our community. The Fringe PO Box 60-469, Titirangi www.fringemedia.co.nz info@fringemedia.co.nz

The Fringe FEBRUARY 2021

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contents

Titirangi Potters welcomes its new ‘twins’.............................................4 Alliance needed to save future green spaces.........................................5 ‘The music keeps on going’....................................................................6 Portage 20/20: your chance to win........................................................7 Art and about with Naomi McCleary......................................................8 Titirangi Festival of Music.............................................................9 – 11 Places to go: Events listing...........................................................12 – 13 Bandstanding: Introducing Laurie Moreton.........................................14 Feature: Valentine’s Day.......................................................................15 At the libraries......................................................................................16 Walking West with Mick Andrew; Weather by the moon....................17 Free bins bring opportunity to eliminate weeds; Collective action benefits local environment...................................................................18 Sustainable solutions: The Zoo wants your green waste......................19

Naturally West: Magpie love at the cemetery......................................20 Live @ the lounge................................................................................22 Advertisers’ Directory...........................................................................23 www.fringemedia.co.nz

21,000 copies delivered free to letter boxes, post boxes, libraries and selected outlets throughout Titirangi, Glen Eden, Green Bay, New Lynn, Kelston, Konini, Wood Bay, French Bay, South Titirangi, Waima, Woodlands Park, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis, Huia and Oratia.

Published by: Fringe Media Ltd, PO Box 60-469, Titirangi, Auckland 0642

Editor: Bevis England 817 8024, 027 494 0700 bevis@fringemedia.co.nz

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Features: Moira Kennedy 021 723 153 moira@fringemedia.co.nz

21 Every issue of The Fringe (and the Titirangi Tatler before it) since April 2011 is on-line at www.fringemedia.co.nz. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ FringeWest) to hear when each issue is available and get other updates. please support our advertisers – they support us

Writers and contributors: David Thiele, Naomi McCleary, Susannah Bridges, Fiona Drummond, Michael Andrew, Zoe Hawkins and Kerry Engelbrecht.

Advertising deadline for March 2021: February 12. The Fringe FEBRUARY 2021

our place

Titirangi Potters welcomes its new ‘twins’

Above: Titirangi Potters Committee Member Heather Lussey was delighted to see ’the twins’. Right: Moving the new kilns down to their new home beneath Titirangi Community House was a challenge. Club member Steve Aitken was assisted by BotPots staff.

Like most local clubs, 2020 was a challenging year for Titirangi Potters. The studio was closed for all of Stage Four and Three, which meant potting productivity ceased. However, the year ended on a high with the delivery of two new kilns on December 23 – a wonderful Christmas present for the club. Titirangi Potters, established in 1974, has been in its current location under the Titirangi Community House since 2002. Over the last couple of years the club’s ageing kilns have been on their last legs and the group has been fundraising furiously to replace them. Modern electric kilns cost between $10,000 and $12,000, so it was a mammoth fundraising task for a small club of 50 members. Just before lockdown, in March 2020, the Titirangi Potters committee submitted grant applications to help achieve its goal. It was a nervous wait during lockdown as previous applications had been unsuccessful and there was uncertainty around whether funds would still be available. The club was delighted when they heard that the Waitākere Ranges Local Board would contribute funds for part of one kiln, and Foundation North would also contribute some of the funds for a second kiln. “Titirangi Potters would like to thank the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and Foundation North for their generosity,” says Titirangi Potters president Victoria Parsons. “In tough economic times, it is wonderful to know that their purpose of fostering local arts continues. Without these contributions, the club would have been in a precarious situation due to the uncertainly surrounding its firing capability. There is a growing interest in pottery and our club is vibrant with 50 members and growing. New modern kilns means we can fire more efficiently.”

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The kilns were ordered mid 2020, much to the club’s excitement. They were purchased through local pottery company BotPots, and ordered from the United Kingdom as there are no local electric single phase kiln producers remaining in New Zealand. Covid issues in the UK and shipping delays meant an interesting wait. Every news story about boats turning around for port delays was potential bad news. Scraping in just before Christmas, the ‘twins’ were delivered. It was an interesting challenge getting them down the boardwalk and around the kauri tree into their new home and Titirangi Potters committee members Heather Lussey and Steve Aitken were on hand to help with the delivery. “We look forward to firing the kilns for the first time in early February, once they are installed and tested,” says Steve Aitken, a local potter. “It is a new era for the club and we’re looking forward to enjoying the more modern kilns. Whilst the replaced kilns have been loyal and hard working, they were over 15 years old. We welcome all locals to come and visit us at the Titirangi Market to see the work coming out of the new kilns during 2021.” Look out for the ’naming competition’ on the Titirangi Facebook page during February – the club will be asking locals to suggest names for one or both of the twins. For more info, see titirangipotters.nz or find the club on Facebook.

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our place

Alliance needed to save future green spaces It is no secret that our communities are going through big changes. There are a lot more people wanting to live in and around Auckland and that means we need more homes for people to move into. We know there is a housing crisis that needs to be remedied but there is also the issue of the importance of protecting our green spaces – areas of grass, trees or other vegetation set aside for recreation or aesthetic purposes in our urban environments. With this in mind the Whau Local Board is looking to Panuku Development (Auckland Council’s Planning Committee) to create a plan that maps all current social amenity and green spaces in the Whau area, in partnership with a steering group made up of major landholders in the area. Board member Jessica Rose, who tabled a proposal along with member Fasitua Amosa, says it’s now more important than ever to protect our green space given the significant intensification of housing we are seeing. “The challenge is that while intensification absolutely needs to happen, there’s a cost to green space. We want to ensure there’s a good plan to balance that; that says hey, we can identify some areas, small and large, while back yards get redeveloped or renewed,” she says. But it is not that simple. Board chair Kay Thomas says that, like most local boards, the Whau does not know how much development is projected. There are a numbers of players in the property market with anyone able to apply for resource consent and buy land from anyone who wants to sell it to them. Among the big players are Panuku Development (council-owned), Kāinga Ora (a central government housing agency formed under the Homes and Communities Act 2019) and private developers. “No one actually has an overview and that’s what we’re asking for – as are other community boards around Auckland,” Kay says. “We want to get an umbrella view so we can start to see where green spaces are. Where will children run around and play, where are you going to walk the dog, meet people, play games? “We need better-informed decisions to be made to help preserve the local environment, protect our trees and ensure the neighbourhoods of tomorrow have the same access to nature and green space as the generations before them,” Kay says. “We need a person or organisation that could form

an alliance and get key players around the table (local board, Panuku, Kāinga Ora, property developers), much like the Waterview tunnel. That was an alliance of all interested parties and they all contributed to a piece of that pie. And it worked. “It’s a very complicated issue and the Whau Board is asking for a plan and for collaboration in all this. The local board would love to be part of it and should be. “I don’t think it will happen immediately but I’d be pleased if we could see progress on this before the end of our current term in 2022. We’ll work hard to make it happen.”

Whau Local Board member Jessica Rose (left) with Board chair Kay Thomas.

– Moira Kennedy

New Lynn’s Totara Avenue: in case you were wondering ...

Panuku Development has been in discussions with a development partner about the revitalisation of the Totara Avenue sites in New Lynn. This negotiation period has now expired meaning that Panuku can take the site back to the market. The vision for this site remains the development of a mixed-use development that will retain the OAG building façade in its design and also include new residential apartments. Panuku is now preparing to offer the site for sale which is likely to be in the next few months. Expect further updates as this project progresses.

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our place

‘The music keeps on going’

“It’s the music. Once about people, modern stories with a country edge you get into it, you just or even a jazzy edge. It is just whatever can be sung. can’t let it go and you Anything goes. just want to keep singing “There is a faction that thinks folk music should be and playing and, in some traditional – you know it should be at least 500 years old cases, writing music. It and nobody knows who wrote it – but beautiful songs gets into your bones.” are being written all the time,” Cathy says. Cathy Munro reckons It is often referred to as “acoustic music” and Cathy she’s quite a newbie at the says the Titirangi Beach Hall is a fantastic little venue Titirangi Folk Music Club with great acoustics. “There’s no piano there but the 80 (she’s been a member for or so members come along with just about every other about 10 years). The club sort of instrument you can think of – Northumbrian started in 1965 and still has small pipes, bag pipes, all sorts of guitars and dobro members from back then. (horizontal resonator guitars), banjos, ukeleles, It’s thought the club autoharps, and the Irish drum, the bodhran. came into being when “We’re all amateurs but we’re pretty good and Irish musicians the Clancy everyone just loves doing it. Some of our members Brothers were booked for were brought along as children by their parents and a gig and failed to turn up. are coming now as adults. Others have come back after “Someone had the idea being out of Auckland for 30 years. of having a sing-a-round “You don’t need to play an instrument – unaccompanied instead,” says Cathy. and chorus singing is also important. Anybody can come The club was born and and be in audience on Friday nights and on club nights. since then every second Continued on page 21 >> Saturday (from February 13 this year) and every fourth Friday (from February 26) the Titirangi Beach Hall resounds to musicians, singers and lovers of folk music, a genre with wide appeal and influence. It is music that for decades has been associated with folklore and was traditionally transmitted orally from times of old, including songs like Scarborough Fair, Greensleeves, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Auld Lang Syne, Danny Boy and Waltzing Matilda. Other songs rose from the American slave fields as spirituals and include Down by the Riverside and We Shall Overcome, songs about struggle and hardship but which are also full of hope. It has been used for decades to preserve history, protest, make physical work easier and to tell simple, relatable stories ... but it is not just ‘old’ music. “The Irish and Scots are well known for their folk music and a lot of our members are Brits so there is a lot of British folk music but we have plenty of kiwis, some who are members of the club, who have written great New Zealand folk songs,” Cathy says. FRINGEADLTD.pdf 1 15/11/16 16:33 Cathy Munro with her bodhran, an Irish drum. “The genre is folk but the style is huge as it’s stories

Your local MP Dr Deborah Russell MP for New Lynn New Lynn Electorate Office 09 820 6245 newlynn.mp@parliament.govt.nz 1885 Great North Rd, Avondale, Auckland

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Portage 20/20 2020 was the 20th year of Te Uru’s annual Portage Ceramic Awards. Although no competition was possible, there was still a celebration with an exhibition of all the previous winners, spanning the event’s 20-year history. The exhibition, entitled Portage 20/20, continues until the end of February. To complement the exhibition, Te Uru prepared a special Portage 20/20 souvenir publication, now available at Te Uru’s gift shop (420 Titirangi Road). For those who have been collecting the annual Portage Award catalogues, the store also has a selection of earlier catalogues available for sale. The Fringe has a unique prize to offer its readers: a copy of the Portage 20/20 souvenir catalogue together with a set of five previous catalogues covering the years 2015 – 2019. To go in the draw to win this special prize, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post it to Portage 20/20, PO Box 60-469, Titirangi. Alternatively you could email your name, address and phone number to info@fringemedia.co.nz with Portage 20/20 in the subject line. All entries must be received by February 12.

WIN

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Sniffing out a threat to our kauri

Happy new year to you all. I trust your holiday period was restful and enjoyable. One of the first work things that I did this year was attend the Council-organised media introduction to two dogs, fiveyear-old Jagdterrier Mawhai and four-year-old English Springer Spaniel Pip who, incredibly, have been trained to sniff out kauri dieback. Various media were invited to a Council biosecurity centre and the dogs were then put to the test, having to sniff out and identify kauri dieback samples placed randomly among a group of different substances. With television camera crews present and a number of reporters watching on the pressure was considerable. Both dogs performed perfectly however and successfully identified the contaminated sample every time. They are kitted out with special shoes so that they can walk tracks and have their feet washed easily so that the phytophthora (the kauri dieback pathogen) is not spread. They will now be used to test soil samples from possible infected kauri trees.

Dogs have highly developed olfactory systems in their noses and have between 250 and 300 million receptors, compared to about six million in humans. This makes a dog’s nose more than 40 times more sensitive than a human’s. The dogs have some further training to do but are already very useful. It currently takes two to three days for a sample to be taken, sent to the lab for analysis and for the results to then be returned. The dogs’ response is instantaneous. And now is a good time to remind everyone. Wash your shoes before and after entering tracks and if possible keep away from the base of Kauri trees. Dieback has no cure and if we are not careful we will lose that most magnificent icon of the Waitakere forest. Greg Presland | Local Board Chair Waitākere Ranges Local Board

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The Fringe FEBRUARY 2021

art & about with naomi mccleary

Slow tango into 2021

Welcome to the world of podcasts. Visit www. goingwestfest.co.nz to download the best of 24 years of the Going West festival.

The Going West Writers Festival can reasonably be described as a cultural icon of the west. Twenty five years of serving up a smorgasbord of Aotearoa’s literary delights embraced in Westie hospitality has created an annual event loved and welcomed by book lovers from across the region. The success of the festival ran the risk of becoming a barrier to change; why reinvent something that everyone loved? How to preserve the magic of being entranced by wordsmiths from all over the country while being open to new ways to access that magic? The Going West Trust has battered at that door for years. Always hard when one person (Murray Gray) had created a style and tone so individual; and imprinted his personality, and his capriciousness, all over it! But slow change was coming and more youthful faces were bringing a new look to the festival. Then came Covid-19! Bang in the middle of planning a 25th anniversary event, the world, our world, ground to a halt; and the rest of 2020 is now history. In no way to diminish the pain and suffering that Covid-19 has wrought on our lives, there have been wins, not the least the culture of kindness and empathy that has so contributed to our current success (yes, fingers crossed!) For Going West it was the seismic shock that was needed. We had to join the world online; and what a busy world it rapidly became; one in which you had to be smart and inventive to grab attention. Our other blessing and good fortune was that we had already put younger, tech-savvy word-lovers in charge. First, we looked back into the 24 years of broadcast quality recordings of previous Going West festival presentations and discussions. It had always been a frustration that this treasure trove was sitting in our library's research centre – available on request but not widely known. Neither time nor resources had ever

www.susannahbridges.co.nz

allowed us to take these remarkable recordings and make them truly accessible. Welcome to the world of podcasts! A team of producer, researcher, editor, designer, and technician threw themselves into this generously funded project (blessings on CNZ!) and for most of last year podcasts poured out at the rate of three per week. This has slowed now to a more sustainable rate, but there is an ongoing source of supply and many a quirky conversation yet to come. You can find them on www.goingwestfest.co.nz or on all major audio platforms. Part of looking back has been a dream to publish an anniversary book of the 24 years of keynote speakers at Going West. Every year a notable writer has been invited to address a particular theme; to wax eloquent over 30 to 40 minutes and explore some aspect of our culture, history, identity and future. Some remarkable people have taken the stage to do this. Michael King for example, four days after 9/11. Again, with time and resources to hand, and in partnership with our local book publisher, Oratia Media, Voices of Aotearoa: 25 Years of Going West Oratory will hit the presses this year and be launched at Going West in September. The next great and ongoing discussion has been about commissioning new work. Going West always wanted to break new writing, poetry, theatre – and we knew how costly in time and money that would be – and what long lead-in times are necessary. Much of that conversation was around theatre. We had always featured New Zealand theatre but were responding to what was out there. Under Producer James Littlewood the focus has shifted to poetry videos and literary documentaries. Collaborative teams of videographers and poets are spinning new work to be released online this year and documentary film makers have been invited to submit proposals for 'literary narratives'. This takes us into uncharted territory. None of this precludes a live festival (Covid-19 willing) in September, but what will that look like? How do we keep the warmth, intimacy, generosity and depth of discourse that has so characterised Going West? Where are the new voices? How do we weave conversation, content, oratory, and performance in challenging ways to create full-bodied and diverse sessions? Continued on page 21 >>

Give yourself a break ...

Lithophane Landscapes

Porcelain and acrylic wall mounted lightboxes On exhibit in Portage 20/20 - Te Uru, Titirangi, until Feb 28 Please enquire for commissions

The Fringe NOVEMBER FEBRUARY 2021 2020

A Beach House at Piha

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titirangi festival of music: march 26 – 27

Titirangi Festival of Music returns for 2021 After having to cancel TFM 2020 due to a nationwide Covid-19 lockdown, the organisers are very happy to announce that the festival is back in 2021. With a slightly streamlined event, the festival will again feature a concert programme, music in the village and, in association with Te Uru gallery, free family art activities. Here are some festival highlights:

Hollie Smith in concert with Arjuna Oakes

Friday March 26, Titirangi War Memorial Hall. Doors open 7pm. Renowned singer Hollie Smith is a prolific performer who has always maintained a respected reputation of creating music with the utmost integrity and passion. Her incredible live performances and powerhouse vocals have made her one of the most sought-after acts in New Zealand music. Hollie has performed with, among others, Don McGlashen, Fat Freddys Drop, Fly My Pretties and Trinity Roots. She is supported by Arjuna Oakes, a local success story with his four-piece band coming up from Wellington, who will perform songs from his recently released EP The Watcher.

Anika Moa: Songs for Bubbas

Saturday March 27, Titirangi War Memorial Hall. 11.15am. Special ticket prices apply: very limited tickets available. Where witches eat tamariki, monsters hide in cupboards and spook you and things go from slow to wild in the blink of an eye. Te reo Māori waiata will teach child and parent! It's too good to be true, folks! Nau mai, haere mai to this amazing, crazy show!

Anika Moa: Songs for Bubbas on Saturday morning.

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Continued on page 10 >>

Hollie Smith will perform on Friday March 26.

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titirangi festival of music: march 26 – 27

>> Titirangi Festival returns, continued from page 9

‘Jungle Boogie’ – a night of DJs, Electronica and House

Saturday March 27, Titirangi War Memorial Hall. Doors open 7pm. Titirangi Festival of Music invites you to get some friends together and enjoy a night of dance music. The doors will open at 7pm and you’ll be welcomed by your host for the night, Diva Anita Wigl’it. Then grab your specially designed Jungle Boogie cocktail and get set for a night on the dance floor, surrounded by themed décor and a light-show. Jungle Boogie will feature sets by Flamingo Pier (responsible for some of the finest dance parties in East London and New Zealand), the legendary DJ Frank Booker (bringing a worldwide reputation), the wonderfully multi-talented Sandy Mill and house-funk outfit Samson-Live featuring guitar powerhouse Dixon Nacey (Nathan Haines/Sola Rosa). Book a night on the dance floor with TFM! (Note: refunds from the Jungle Boogie 2020 event will be available from February 1 until February 7.)

Diva Anita Wigl’it will host this year’s Jungle Boogie.

DJ Frank Booker (above), Flamingo Pier (below left) and Samson-Live (below) will be sure to get you dancing at Saturday night’s Jungle Boogie.

Proudly Supporting our Local Community The merged practices of Thomas & Co Lawyers Ltd and Titirangi Law Centre are proud to continue their sponsorship of the Titirangi Festival of Music. Ray Ganda and Don Thomas have years of experience working in the Titirangi and New Lynn areas and are committed to the community. We can help you with: PROPERTY: Residential Property, Commercial Property, Leases, Subdivisions BUSINESS: Business Sales, Purchase, Company Incorporation, Partnerships, Leases, Employment PERSONAL: Trusts, Wills, Matrimonial, Relationship Property, Family, Parenting, Custody, Powers of Attorney

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titirangi festival of music: march 26 – 27

Te Uru Family Activity trail and Junior Jungle Boogie kids disco from 12 noon, Saturday

Free workshops ranging from drumming and percussion workshops, jungle-inspired mask making and luminous face/body painting. Then head down to the Titirangi War Memorial hall for a free kids disco, 4-5pm, hosted by DJ Sandy Mill (pictured left) There’ll be spot prizes for the best dressed and best dancers.

Around the Village

Free music will kick off from 12 noon on Saturday with festival favourites Mhara Marimbas and run until evening at various locations around the Village all afternoon with DJs, young bands and street performers.

Fraser Bruce and his Mhara Marimbas will kick off the free music programme in the Village on Saturday afternoon.

Proud to be part of the Titirangi community and support the Titirangi Festival of Music 2021

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february

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN IN THE WEST...

w January 29 – February 1, The 48th Auckland Folk Festival; Kumeu Showgrounds. For guest performers, prices and all other information visit www.aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz. January 31, Titirangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Titirangi War Memorial Hall; 10am-2pm. Contact Tess on tvm. manager@gmail.com or phone 022 631 9436.

– 7, Andy Mardell, local Piha wood artist presents Back to Nature; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha Phone 812-8029 www.westcoastgallery.co.nz.

– 14, Unthought: Shelley Simpson’s works in copper; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455.

– 14, Plastic Age by John Guy Johnston, a visually festive show drawing attention to plastic debris; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455.

– 14, Bruce Connew: A Vocabulary, an abstract, narrative selection of images by photographer and artist Bruce Connew related to the many memorials and gravestones of Aotearoa’s colonial wars; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

w Event organisers:

Do you have an upcoming event you’d like listed in The Fringe? Send the details, including a contact person and number, to info@ fringemedia.co.nz.

Readers:

While we take care to ensure listings are correct, errors may occur. Check with the contact person wherever possible.

13, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Lothlorien, floor singers in the first half; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 8pm; $12, $8 for members, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic. co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

– 14, Finn Ferrier: Soft garniture, Finn Ferrier uses materiality to reveal the tension between the maker and the nature of the object and explores the qualities and limitations of working with rope; Small Space, Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

15, Henderson Falls Combined Friendship Club – fun, friendship and fellowship with monthly speakers and frequent outings; Henderson Bowling Club, 2/20 Alderman Drive, Henderson; 10am-noon. Contact Fern 416 0004 or 027 472 0378.

16, SeniorNet West Auckland, speaker, morning tea and chatting about computers; Kelston Community Centre; 10am. Phone June 021 179 3635.

17, Flicks presents A Mindful Choice (E), two modern-day monks meet a diverse range of people making a choice for a better life through meditation; Lopdell House Theatre, 418 Titirangi Road; 7.30pm; Tickets $10 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558. Trailers and info at www.flickscinema.weebly.com.

19 – April 4, Edith and George: in our sea of islands: Initially shown at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, Wellington (2019), this exhibition by Edith Amituanai and George Crummer (two photographers 100 years apart) is recontextualised in the Homestead Galleries; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455.

23, Titirangi U3A – meet interesting people 60-years and older; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1.30pm. Contact 818 8890, 027 699 5480 or heathertanguay@slingshot.co.nz.

– 14, Star Waka, acknowledging past, present and future voyages to and from Aotearoa in all directions; Learning Centre Gallery, Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

– 21, Rob McLeod: Jimmi gets nostalgic, painter Rob McLeod pushes the traditional boundaries of painting as he challenges his nostalgia for Scotland; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

w – 21, Louie Bretaña: Tumingala sa Tinitingala na mga Tala, Auckland-based Filipino artist Louie Bretaña expands on the role of stars as guides to both navigation and to life with a series of new suspended sculptures; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

26, Glen Eden Combined Probus Club welcomes retirees for fellowship and guest speakers; Ceramco Park Function Centre, 120 Glendale Road, Kaurilands; 9.45am. Phone Brian Holt 838 5857. 26, Flicks presents The Painter and the Thief (M). A documentary that feels like a thriller – a heist, villains who are not what they seem, scenes of striking intimacy and some fabulous twists; Lopdell House Theatre, 418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi; 1.30pm, 6pm, 8.15pm; Tickets $15/$12/$10 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558. Trailers and info at www.flickscinema.weebly.com.

26, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal gathering of musicians and singers; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 8pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

– 28, Peter Selwyn Memorial Window; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

w 28, Titirangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Titirangi War Memorial Hall; 10am-2pm. Contact Tess on tvm. manager@gmail.com or phone 022 631 9436.

– 28, Portage 2020 ceramic awards, 20th anniversary exhibition; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

– 28, NUku, an exhibition of Maori ceramics; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

7, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

march

9, West Auckland Historical Society Family History Group meeting; Henderson Central Library West Auckland Research Centre; 10-11.30am. Phone Gary Snow 832 5098, 021 618 434 or email gary@ snofam.co.nz.

March 7, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

March 9, West Auckland Historical Society Family History Group meeting; Henderson Central Library West Auckland Research Centre; 10-11.30am. Phone Gary Snow 832 5098, 021 618 434 or email gary@ snofam.co.nz.

12, Ladies’ Probus Club, fellowship, fun, speakers, and a monthly day trip; St John’s Hall, Te Atatū South; 9.45am-Noon. Phone Betty 09 832 0484.

12, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Friendship Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 10am-12noon. Phone Laurie 820 2234.

w 12, Flicks presents Bellbird (M), a New Zealand film. “A powerful, touching film, portrayed in the gentlest of ways ... an absolute gem.”; Lopdell House Theatre, 418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi; 1.30pm, 6pm, 8.15pm; Tickets $15/$12/$10 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558. Trailers and info at www.flickscinema. weebly.com.

w March 13, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents High, Wide and Handsome, floor singers in the first half; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 8pm; $12, $8 for members, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

w w

March 12, Ladies’ Probus Club, fellowship, fun, speakers, and a monthly day trip; St John’s Hall, Te Atatū South; 9.45am-Noon. Phone Betty 09 832 0484. March 12, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Friendship Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 10am-12noon. Phone Laurie 820 2234.

13 – March 14, Sang Sool Shim and Keum Sun Lee present Forever in the Wind, a ceramic exhibition; West Coast Gallery, Seaview

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places to go

l WHERE IT’S AT: • Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.

• EcoMatters Environment Trust, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn; Wednesday – Sunday 10am-2pm. 826 4276, info@ecomatters.org.nz.

• Flicks cinema, Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House. 818 2489, www.flickscinema.weebly.com. • Kelston Community Centre, corner of Awaroa and Great North Roads, Kelston. • McCahon House Museum, 67 Otitori Bay Road, Titirangi; Wednesday – Sunday 1-4pm, except public holidays. 817 6148, mccahon@mccahonhouse.org.nz.

• Playhouse Theatre, 15 Glendale Road, Glen Eden. 818 5751. • Te Toi Uku – Clay Works, 8 Ambrico Place, New Lynn; Tuesday –Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm. Phone 827 7349, www.portageceramicstrust.org.nz.

• Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, 420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi; Tuesday – Sunday 10am-4.30pm daily. 817 8087, info@teuru.org.nz.

• Titirangi Theatre, Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House; Titirangi. 817 5812, infoline 817 5951, www.titirangitheatre.co.nz.

• Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road; 10am-3pm daily. 817 4278, www.upstairs.org.nz.

• West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; 11am-3pm Thursday/Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday/Sunday. 812 8029, www.westcoastgallery.co.nz.

There is so much happening in and around our community, including many weekly events, that we can’t fit everything into these listings. To find out more about whatever you are interested in, visit: www.fringemedia.co.nz/ourplace

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Piha RSA presents:

Summer Chill-Out Sessions at the “RA” Every weekend during Summer Sunday, January 31, 4pm: John Goudge Monday, February 1, 3pm: Cat Tunks & Kara Gordon Sunday, February 7, 3pm: Hello Nastiez & Hey Honey Saturday, February 13, 4pm: Evy Saturday, February 20, 4pm: DJ Saul & Macrooze Saturday, February 27, 4.30pm: San Detroit Band

3 Beach Valley Road, Piha | Ph: 09 812 8138 / Mobile: 0277 170 963 | Email: piharsa@xtra.co.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsa.piha.9 | Website: https://rsapiha.co.nz/

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bandstanding: music in the west with susannah bridges

‘We are very lucky that we are able to have shows here ...’ Gisborne-born, Laurie Moreton came to jamming original riffs as well as a few covers.” Auckland as a youngster and eventually Once high school was done and dusted, made Piha his home. The occasional surf Laurie headed to tech for a couple of years features in his spare time – but then again, of study in the hospitality industry. “I worked you might be more likely to find him on a at The Regent Hotel in lower Albert Street, skateboard riding the concrete stuff. the staff drinks used to be at Mo’s Bar or “Living in Piha is awesome! There are lots Tabac – then eventually I ended up buying of amazing creative people here – musicians shares in both! and artists – and the surf, the bush and great “Mo’s is a very small and intimate classic friends. Music makes me very happy, as cocktail bar situated downtown on the does my Gretsch White Falcon guitar. And corner of Wolfe and Federal Streets. It’s an of course my lovely wife Amy and two sons absolute gem and 25 years old. Tabac is a Darcy and Taylor.” larger venue which is great for small gigs As the owner of Auckland bars Tabac and and events, and another Auckland institution Mo’s, Laurie is busy, even before you factor being 23 years old. My business partner Ruth in playing in his own bands and working to Westwick used to work there in the 90s as deliver live music to his stomping ground. “I GM, and when the opportunity to purchase have a show coming up on February 7, before popped up we jumped on it. At that point we the Waitangi holiday Monday, at the Piha RSA had already owned Mo’s for roughly a year with my band Hello Nastiez and another local and a half.” outfit, Hey Honey. I am doing the promo for The purchase of Tabac saw Laurie become that, plus sound on the day. It’s awesome Laurie Moreton: ‘music makes me happy, as does my more involved in live music production and being able to put on a show and play for the Gretsch White Falcon guitar ...’ promotion. “I’ll do the sound for smaller local community. We are very lucky that we are able to have live shows acoustic shows but generally will hire crew for the bigger ones. here, and at Tabac, and in New Zealand in general at present.” Last year we ran amateur stand up comedy nights on Tuesdays and Laurie’s earliest musical memory comes courtesy of his grandfather Wednesdays which went well, and we put on a bunch of gigs also. Covid Bruce Loretz. “He was a gigging Auckland musician back in the day and was and still is a tricky period for both bars, but we are still operating played a mean harmonica. His partner was a guitarist by the name of both, thankfully, and will continue to do so as long as Covid (and our Greg Taylor. They had a regular gig with Fullers and would play on the landlords) cooperate.” Tabac is open Tuesday through Saturday, with boats, at the Town Hall and various other venues around the city. This is Saturday generally booked out for private functions. where my musical journey began: he encouraged me to pick up a guitar. As bar manager of The Regent, back in the day, Laurie got to meet Dad’s record collection was a big influence. I grew up listening to bands many international touring musicians and bands – from Johnny Rotten like The Jam, The Clash, Madness, The Specials and Devo. The grunge of the Sex Pistols, Kiss, Weezer, Ozzie Osbourne, and many more. “And thing happened for me in high school when bands like Nirvana, Alice I am probably responsible for ruining the Oasis show in Wellington. The in Chains, Soundgarden, and Melvins were in their prime. I remember night before Liam Gallagher was in The Regent. We chatted and I fed paying $25 dollars to see Nirvana at the Logan Campbell Centre when I him vodka and grapefruit juice until he eventually stumbled off around was 16. All of this has definitely rubbed off. Now I love to play fast and 6am on the day of the show, which by all accounts was terrible! loud! But I’m totally open to all styles; my musical influences are varied “Johnny Rotten was quite the character but very well behaved, the – from Punk, Grunge, Ska, Hip Hop, 80s you name it...” Weezer boys were the friendliest, joining staff for after-work drinks and So it’s no surprise that Laurie’s bands exist in diverse genres: Dogbox putting me on the door list for their gig. Ozzie was definitely the one I is a semi-punk bass, drums, guitar, vocals line up. “It’s a mixture of was most nervous about but he turned out to be a really sweet guy – original material and covers of some classic and some not-so-classic although a little hard to understand!” punk tracks.” Hello Nastiez on the other hand is an acoustic trio. Laurie To talk to Laurie about local gigs, his bands, Tabac or Mo’s, you can plays guitar in both bands. get in touch with him at barstocktake@gmail.com or 021 168 2541. “We have played the Piha venues, Tabac, Tiny Triumphs in Devonport You can check out Dogbox and Hello Nastiez on Faceboook – keep an and we’re looking forward to a gig in Mangawhai at the tavern come eye on their pages for upcoming gig details. And save the date: Hello March. I’m also in another three piece that’s just in its infancy. We are Nastiez at the Piha RSA, February 7 from 3pm.

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AXENT AUDIO, 25 Portage Road, New Lynn. Ph 827 1220

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music in the west

Toby and the Rest was formed almost two years ago. The band, comprising Tyler Diprose (bass), Toby Barrett (saxophone), Max Barrett (drums) and Lucas Kewell (piano/keyboards), have just produced their first album, entitled Next. The album features pieces from Joshua Redman, Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, Kurt Rosenwinkle and two original compositions. It will be available next month. Titirangi-based artist, Desmond Burdon, has provided an image from one of his paintings (left) for the CD cover and has generously offered to provide paintings for future releases. Look out for the band at this year's Titirangi Festival of Music.

Valentine’s Dinner at Waitakere Resort & Spa On Sunday February 14, Waitakere Resort & Spa is hosting a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner featuring a five course degustation menu. Lovers will enjoy spectacular views across the ranges and out to the Hauraki Gulf from the dining room while selecting from a range of delicious menu items including scallops and lamb. Dessert is a Valentine’s themed platter of sweet treats to share. A glass of bubbles is included. There will be two sittings, one at 6pm and one at 7.30pm, and the cost is $95 per person. Bookings are essential and should be made by calling 814 9622 or emailing info@waitakereresort.co.nz The hotel restaurant is also open for lunch and high tea at the weekends and dinner every evening, offering sophisticated and delicious menus prepared from local fresh produce. From private dining, to parties, birthdays, and other events and celebrations, the resort’s events team will ensure that your dining experience is truly memorable.

Wairua Day Spa welcomes locals

Wairua Day Spa at Waitakere Resort & Spa is open from Tuesday to Saturday and offers a range of pampering treats to help you relax and revive. Spa Manager Yuma Evangelos (left) is excited to welcome locals to the Spa. She has 14 years’ experience in the beauty industry, most recently running her own salon on Waiheke Island. She has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the skin as she has undertaken extensive training in this area. “I love doing what I do it's such an amazing feeling when you can make people feel so good and also help with issues they are having with their skin,” says Yuma who also runs a number of special offers at the Spa. There is also a special Girls Day Out package: get the girls together for this popular offer which includes a massage and a sharing platter and bubbles – great for birthdays, hen partyies or just because ... book online at www.waitakereresort.co.nz/wairuaday-spa or email spa@waitakereresort.co.nz.

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places to go

At the libraries The staff of Titirangi Library would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that all its booklovers and other visitors are enjoying a wonderful summer. Events coming up this month include: Saturday, January 30, 2pm, and Tuesday, February 2, 2.15pm: The library’s monthly book chats return for 2021. All are welcome to these friendly groups to discuss your latest reads and pick up recommendations from other readers. (Tea or coffee included.) Saturday, February 13, 10.30-11.30am: Mindful parenting. Are you struggling to be the parent you want to be, juggling the multiple demands of a busy modern life? Mindful parenting skills can help you create a calmer and happier home, while managing stress and resolving conflicts more easily. Presented by Tamsin Norman (BA Psych), this When did you first realise introduction can help you simply that race existed? enjoy connection with your kids more. All welcome, with time for What privileges do you think I have? questions at the end. Explain. Saturday, February 27, What qualities do you associate 11am-12pm: Plant-based living. All with a good listener? are invited to attend this session to hear about how removing animal New Lynn Library, Thursday, February 18. products from our diet makes a positive change for animals, the planet, and our health. Whether you are already vegan or just curious, you are welcome to have a chat, ask questions or share some recipes. This session is facilitated by Dr Mark Craig. Titirangi Library’s regular programmes for children return in early February and continue every week throughout term time. All are welcome, with no registrations required. The start dates are: Tuesday, February 2, 10.30-11.00am: Rhymetime. Fun social music session for toddlers. Wednesday, February 3, 10.00-10.30am: Words on Wednesday. Interactive storytelling for children aged 3-5 years. Wednesday, February 3, 3.30-4.30am: LEGO Club. Free play brick building. Suitable for children aged 5 and over. Thursday, February 4, 3.30-4.30pm: Minecraft Club. Social gaming for all Minecraft fans. Own device and Minecraft logon required.

HARD CONVERSATIONS

Friday, February 5, 9.30-10.00am: Wriggle & Rhyme. Active movement and play for babies. Suitable for children aged 3-18 months. Regular events at Glen Eden Library include: Rhymetime on Thursdays, 10:30-11:00am, Wriggle and Rhyme on Fridays, 11-11:30am, and Lego Club on Saturdays, 2.30-3.30pm. The library’s Job Café happens every Wednesday, from February 10, 1-3pm. Whau Ace Adult and Community Education offers free support and advice covering preparing a CV, career guidance, job search, online job applications and cover letters. Tea and coffee provided. Glen Eden Library’s Book Chat group meets on Wednesday February 3, 10.30-11.30am, in the library’s meeting room. Everyone is welcome to attend and share what they’ve been reading. New Lynn Memorial Library is planning a number of special events in February. They include: Knitting for Kids. Every Monday, 3:30-4:30pm. Wool and needles are provided but you are welcome to take your own. Suitable for children aged 8 and over. Hard Conversations Workshop. Thursday, February 11, 11am-12pm. This workshop aims to help facilitate difficult conversations about privilege and race. It is designed to encourage you to think critically about your privilege and the space you occupy within society. Bookings are required by email to newlynn.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Luna New Year Storytime. Wednesday, February 17, 10.00-10.30am. Celebrate the Year of the Ox with a bilingual (Mandarin and English) programme of music, rhymes and stories. Suitable for children aged 2 and over. Waste Free Parenting Workshop. Thursday, February 18, 1.30-2.30pm. Kate Meads offers inspirational ways to minimise waste, while also introducing attendees to modern sustainable products for use in the home. The workshop is free and subsidised ‘starter packs’ will be available for $5 cash on the day. Bonsai workshop. Thursday, February 18, 11am-12pm. Learn about bonsai gardening and see experts in action. Queer knitting. Saturday, February 20, 2-3pm. Join installation artist Kathryn, who will be facilitating this workshop and guiding attendees to create a knitted installation art piece reflecting the colours of the early women’s soccer team in Aotearoa. Everyone (aged 15 and over) is welcome.

213 – 215 Woodlands Park Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604 Phone: 09 817 8495 or 09 817 6188 www.kenturnermotors.co.nz

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walking west with mick andrew

A day in Duder Regional Park As a born-and-raised Westie, the rural parts of east Auckland have always seemed remote and unfamiliar, perhaps even more so than the far north or the Coromandel. But when I have occasionally ventured into the empty bucolic space beyond Botany, I’ve found a number of beautiful coastal regional parks that provide hours, if not days, of walking and camping. It’s early January when, looking for a nice sunny walk to do with my mum, we decide to travel to Duder Regional Park on Whakakaiwhara Peninsula about 15 minutes drive north of Clevedon and an hour’s drive from Titirangi. A working farm park managed by Auckland Council, the peninsula includes a range of walks over the grassy hills, and through the patches of regenerating coastal forest and wetland ecosystems. We park at the car park about 500 metres in from North Road and start the Farm Loop Track, which immediately heads straight up the first steep hill. Definitely the most arduous part of the walk, it soon levels out at the summit from which magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf and the mouth of the Wairoa River open up. The trail continues along the parched and brown hills for another 20 minutes, through flocks of darting sheep and paddock gates, eventually reaching the Oturia Trig – the highest point on the park. To the north west we can see Umupuia Beach, the site of the farm’s homestead and the local marae. The area’s history is dominated by Māori presence and Ngāi Tai lived on the peninsula for hundreds of years before Europeans arrived and Thomas Duder purchased it in 1866. In fact, the peninsula has special significance for Tainui, as the bay on the south side of the point was where the canoe Tainui anchored after having travelled from Hawaiiki in the 1300s. We continue past the trig, skirting past a native forest and into a valley before heading back up the other side. Here the Farm Loop winds back to the car park along the south of the park, but we continue through the gate toward the tip of the peninsula and the historical site of the Whakakaiwhara Pa.

weather by the moon Ken Ring’s predictions for February February is far drier than average, with rain in only the first week. Temperatures will be a degree warmer than the average, with more sunshine. The first week brings rain each day, but the second, third and fourth weeks are mostly dry. The hottest day is around the 28th and the coolest night may be the 9th. Atmospheric pressures should average about 1018mbs, with winds averaging southerly. For fishermen, the highest king tide may be the 13th. The best fishing bite-times in the west are at noon on the 10th–14th, and 25th–30th (and in the east around dusk on those days). Chances are also good in the west for evenings of the 3rd–5th, and 18th–20th (and in the east around lunchtime on those days). For gardeners, only the 25th and 26th are for sowing (waxing moon ascending) and pruning is best on the 10th and 11th (waning moon descending). For longer shelf-life for crops, harvest on the neap tide days of 6th and 21st. Allow 24 hour error for all forecasting. For future weather for any date, visit www.predictweather.com. © Ken Ring 2021.

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Looking at Whakakaiwhara Peninsula from the historic Pa site. Photo by Mick Andrew.

Somewhere slightly to the south and on the shore is Te Wharau Campground – only accessible by sea kayak – and further on we see Te Tauranga o Tainui, the bay where the canoe anchored. When we get to the end, the surrounding landscape comes into view beyond the water: the Hūnua Ranges to the south, Rangitoto to the north west, Waiheke and Ponui Island to the West and the Coromandel behind it. Around the tip of the point, you can clearly see the remnants of terraces and storage pits from when a fortified Pa stood there. Now it’s just a tranquil place to sit and take in this stunning quarter of the Hauraki Gulf. We head back toward the Farm Loop Track and follow the road along the southern end of the peninsula, passing swathes of wetlands and coastal forest. Here another walk – the Sustainable Trail – veers off to the right through the park’s largest remaining patch of native forest, containing taraire, tawa, kānuka, pūriri and karaka, and the occasional kauri. It’s half-an-hour back up to the trig through the bush, but we continue to the car park – a simple job along the flat gravel farm road. Altogether it took about 2.5 hours from start to finish, certainly not a bad way to spend an afternoon in the middle of summer. And with Waitawa, Tāpapakanga and the Hūnua Ranges Regional Parks within 30 minutes drive, there’s plenty more exploring to be done with mum.

Absolute Beginners French Jive 7pm Tuesdays, from 16th March Waiatarua Community Hall, 911 West Coast Road $10 cash p/p Come on your own or bring a friend Angelique 0275 885 268

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our place

Free bins bring opportunity to eliminate weeds Great news for keen gardeners: War on Weeds is back. West Aucklanders will be able to enjoy access to free weed bins for pest plants from February 22 to March 31, thanks to funding from the Waitākere Ranges and Henderson-Massey Local Boards. “We’re excited to be bringing the weed bins back for longer than usual, after last year’s War on Weeds was cut short by Covid-19,” says Mel Ward from EcoMatters Environment Trust, who manages the bins. “If you’ve been looking for a golden opportunity to get rid of the invasive weeds in your backyard, this is it.” Invasive weeds on the ‘wishlist’ to tackle include wild ginger, moth plant, tradescantia, Japanese honeysuckle, jasmine, climbing asparagus, woolly nightshade and more. “Not only are pest plants a nuisance in your garden, they have a real ecological impact when they invade our beautiful Waitākere Ranges, parks and reserves. Keeping them at bay means that native plants and birds can flourish. It is a team effort that involves all Aucklanders,” says Mel. “It gives me a thrill to see everyone doing their bit to keep our neighbourhoods weed-free. Thank you for your efforts, and for respecting the bins by using them to dispose of target weeds only.” For bin locations and accepted weeds, visit ecomatters.org.nz/waron-weeds.

Mel Ward: excited by the return of War on Weeds.

Collective action benefits local environment

The environment has benefited from collective action during 2020, according to new figures from EcoMatters Environment Trust. More than 49,000 volunteers, supporters and team members have helped enhance 580ha of local land, equivalent to 58 times the area of Eden Park, and kept waste equal in weight to five blue whales out of landfill. On average, 46 bike repairs have been supported each week, while five homes a week have benefited from Planting garlic at an EcoMatters’ Matariki celebration. sustainability improvements. “In such a challenging year, we’re immensely proud of what has been achieved with the help of our volunteers, funders and supporters,” says Damon Birchfield, EcoMatters CEO. Established in 2002, EcoMatters works in and with the community to help people restore nature, reduce waste, ride and fix bikes, grow food, and live more sustainably. “2020 was a year of change and disruption but, on the positive side, it’s helped us all become more resilient and think about how to do things differently,” says Damon. “Our individual actions do add up and can make a world of difference.” Highlights for 2019-2020 include: • 11,672 plants nurtured • 201,970kg of weeds collected • 543,597kg of waste diverted from landfill • 2154 environmentally-focused workshops and events • 2412 bike repairs supported • 1186 bikes sold or gifted • 287 homes now more sustainable “We are immensely grateful to our key funding partners Auckland Council, and the Henderson-Massey, Waitākere Ranges and Whau local boards, as well as Watercare Services Ltd, Auckland Transport, Panuku Development and the Ministry for the Environment for their support too,” says Damon.

FREE BINS FOR PEST PLANTS AVAILABLE 22 FEBRUARY – 31 MARCH 2021

HENDERSON-MASSEY LOCAL BOARD 1 HENDERSON MPHS Carpark 27 Corban Ave 2 TE ATATŪ PENINSULA 580 Te Atatū Road 3 MASSEY Massey Leisure Centre, corner Westgate Drive and Don Buck Road 4 SWANSON Central Landscape Supplies, 598 Swanson Road WAITĀKERE RANGES LOCAL BOARD 5 LAINGHOLM Laingholm Hall carpark at 69 Victory Road, opposite Laingholm Primary School 6 PARAU 695 Huia Road, Parau 7 KAURILANDS Konini Primary School, 44 Withers Road 8 TE HENGA Regional Park carpark, next to 110 Te Henga Road 9 TITIRANGI Otitori Bay Road, French Bay carpark 10 TITIRANGI Tangiwai Reserve carpark, Huia Road PERMANENT WEED BINS 11 WAIMA Corner of Boylan Road and York Road PIHA DOMAIN Seaview Road 12 WAIATARUA Community Hall, 911 West Coast Road 13 HENDERSON VALLEY 17 Mountain Road HUIA DOMAIN Huia Road

Need help with the bins? Go to ecomatters.org.nz/war-on-weeds or phone 09 826 4276

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sustainable solutions with fiona drummond

The Zoo wants your green waste Auckland Zoo has over 1000 mouths to it is a suitable variety for the feed – from big cats to baboons, tīeke animals to eat), your contact to tuatara, capybara to cotton tops, information and whether you and providing for all these varied diets, are able to deliver. All plants including top quality meat, veggies, must be pesticide free. fruits and insects, is one of the Zoo’s Donations for animal most essential and necessary expenses. food For example, red panda love bamboo Another way you can and eat at least 60 canes per week help the Zoo nourish their but they are fussy, preferring only the animals is through a financial Phyllostachs aurea variety. Once stripped donation, the information of the leaves the canes may be passed to can be found here at https:// capybara to remove all the branches. www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/getRukiya the giraffe enjoying a feed of willow foliage. © Auckland Zoo. Foliage food is referred to as browse involved/donate-zoo-diets. and the browse team are always on the lookout for more foliage. This could be a good gift idea for an animal lover too. In addition to edible browse, foliage is also used by the Zoo for Your donation could provide a hunk of juicy meat for the carnivores decoration, for hides, nests, visual barriers, enrichment, and sacrificial or some locusts for the precious primates. The options are shown on browse (e.g. to stop parrots destroying their enclosure). Thick branches the link but range from $10 to provide a red panda with its weekly or logs are essential for tooth wear to limit excessive tooth growth in requirement of kiwifruit and pear through to $200 to feed the Asian animals such as capybara, agouti, and porcupine. And bare branches of elephants their weekly diet of apples, bananas, oranges, celery and various diameters are needed for perches for parrots of various sizes. watermelon. The green edible browse the Zoo is looking for at this time of year ZOODOO for your Garden includes: The Zoo makes its ZOODOO compost, or a planter mix or rose mulch, • Mulberry • Honey locust available for sale. 40-litre bags cost $7.90 each with a 10-bag minimum • Hibiscus in flower • Pseudopanax sale for this price. There is free home delivery for bagged products as • Banana palm • Any kind of ficus far out as Swanson, Waiatarua and Laingholm. Judging by the online • Puka • Liquid amber testimonials, the compost is highly-rated and the delivery service • Poplar • Monstera exemplary. All the proceeds from sales of ZOODOO go towards Working Foliage is not limited to these trees and shrubs, and if you are to Prevent Suicide. Visit https://zoodoo.co.nz/product-category/shop/ clearing out your vegetable garden, herbs and greens are also on the auckland/ for more information. Zoo’s wish list. They are grateful if donated browse can be delivered, however this needs to be discussed in advance as they don’t want unauthorised deliveries. If there is a reasonable amount of greenery, the browse team from Auckland Zoo will call by and collect. They can be contacted at browse@aucklandzoo.co.nz. They are more interested in an ongoing supply than unmanageable amounts but touch base and they’ll let you know what they can use. As hundreds of trees are currently being felled for property development, it’s good to know that some of them could be used to feed or care for animals. The browse team has already been utilising foliage from former Housing New Zealand properties where houses have been removed or demolished for new developments. If you have branches or vegetation on the Zoo’s wish list or are STIHL MS 180 16" STIHL RE 90 clearing a patch of noxious ginger plant, send an email to browse@ PETROL CHAINSAW ELECTRIC WATER BLASTER aucklandzoo.co.nz with a photo of the plant (it’s the best way to tell if FREE

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The Fringe FEBRUARY 2021

naturally west with fiona drummond

Magpie love at the cemetery Annette and Andrew Ross, locals from Glen Eden, like to exercise daily at Waikumete Cemetery. During their excursions in 2019 they became acquainted with some locals (the living ones that is). Specifically they noticed four groups of magpies living in the big macrocarpas, gums and pines of the cemetery environment and soon identified where each family group was nesting.

The nest that Jenny from Group B built predominately with used nylon eed-eater line.

Magpies in the cemetery are fitting given that they belong to the Corvidae family which includes ravens and crows, symbolising death. A magpie on a headstone is an eerie sight. Annette and Andrew have dubbed the magpie groups A, B, C and D. They have also named the adults and can recognise them, despite the fact that the chicks are a similar size to the adults now. Group A is Captain and Tennille who have one chick which has fledged and another chick from the same nest that hatched later. Jack and Jenny of Group B have raised three chicks in one clutch. Group C is Mister and Lady. This pair had an infertile egg but tried again and had one chick successfully. Lady has a deformed leg and is therefore cautious, not being able to flee quickly if necessary. Group D is a mother (Maggie) and her chick, with no mate, but the Ross's believe that Jack from Group B is the father of her chick due to his frequent visits. They also note that Jenny, Jack’s regular mate, takes a noticeable dislike to Maggie. Maggie’s chick is the

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only one that the Ross’s have had physical interaction with. The chick had fledged normally but was pursuing an adult from another group, demanding to be fed. It was being aggressively rejected but did not appear to understand and kept running toward the threat. In the interest of the chick’s wellbeing, Annette carried it back to Maggie's territory. Joining Annette and Andrew on a magpie safari one Wednesday in late spring, I was surprised to see that the magpies are quite restrained and civilised when they eat, taking their time to collect the morsels and flying off when they have enough, often to share with a chick or chicks. During this visit, I was privileged to encounter the whole Group B family of five (a once a week event). Andrew pointed out that the chicks can be differentiated from the adults by their grey beaks, the adults’ beaks are white. Magpies typically have a clutch of 3-4 eggs, but mostly only raise one chick as it takes one parent per chick to provide sufficient food. Over the course of two seasons the magpies have got to know and trust Annette and Andrew. As they take a drive around the cemetery to visit each family group, the magpies will recognise the car and Andrew's whistle or Annette’s call and magically appear. The upside of these encounters is that Andrew, a keen amateur photographer, has been able to capture images from closer than would be normal and he has captured some special moments. The Ross's are humbled that the adults trust them enough to allow them into close proximity to both themselves and their chicks. Normally magpies tend to keep to a territory in pairs or groups, and as many of us have experienced, they will

Maggie's chick was happy to be rescued

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The Fringe FEBRUARY 2021

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naturally west with fiona drummond >> ’The page 6

music keeps on going’, continued from

“We’re quite renowned for our Titirangi Chorus when musicians start singing and the audience join in,” she says. “That’s much loved. People think they can’t sing and then they’ll recognise something and start singing.” Non -members are welcome every fourth Friday (from February 26) and performers at club nights soon include Celtic music group Lothlorien on February 13 and High, Wide and Handsome on March 13. “Some people are real musicians, who’ve been playing there since they were nine years old. They’re real enthusiasts. The quality of the music is fantastic and we have great nights,” Cathy says. “About 30 or 40 people turn up each time and it never gets flat, never gets stale. The music keeps on going.” For more information visit www.titirangilivemusic. co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289. – Moira Kennedy

>> A Mister and Lady of Group C with their chick.

dive bomb people and dogs when they have chicks to protect. Magpies are fortunate to have few predators and will take on harrier hawks, thereby protecting other bird species, but they have been known to also predate native birds and their nests, though this appears to be rare. Andrew has photographic evidence of a Waikumete magpie hassling a white faced heron and a duck. It is well known that magpies like bright and shiny things, but they also recycle. Jack and Jenny constructed their substantial nest using orange nylon weed-eater line Jenny collected from around the cemetery, along with twigs. At around 12 weeks, the nest is abandoned for good, with the chicks mostly fending for themselves, though they will revert to dependent behaviour when their parents are around, with self reliance encouraged by the parents around winter time, before the onset of the next breeding season. Andrew Ross's own beady eyes are always open to a photo opportunity. On my visit, he spotted a kingfisher some distance away and retrieved his long lens camera from his car to zoom in on it. Birdlife is plentiful at Waikumete with its extensive tree plantings and wildflowers. The Ross's have developed a special relationship with the magpies of Waikumete Cemetery and their observations over two seasons have given important insight into the social structures and behaviour of these intelligent birds. More of Andrew's magpie photographs can be seen at https://www.flickr.com/ photos/andrewrosspoetry/albums/72157714519087997

slow tango into 2021, continued from page 8.

How do we make it truly accessible in a time of economic unease? How do we address sustainability in both practical and esoteric ways? How do we keep an eye on the world but through an Aotearoa lens? Digging into these questions is the work of the trust and producer right now and out of it will come another 'Going West' – recognisable but freshly minted for 2021. And lastly, after many years of faithfully pursuing the dream of a writer’s residency in Maurice Shadbolt's Titirangi home of over 40 years, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board and the Going West Trust can declare victory. 2021 will see the beginning of a hand-over to the trust and will enable development of the site and project to proceed. Ultimately a programme of residencies will feed into the literary sector and become part of the wider Going West story. In uncertain times the arts shore us up, make sense of the incomprehensible and articulate hope, compassion and kindness. They make us laugh at ourselves when life doesn't seem that funny. None more than our writers contribute to this ability to stand aside and look through fresh eyes. That's what Going West has been and will continue to be.

A recent review of sales trends and consumer psychology, conducted by the Harvard Business Review, showed that printed publications “stand apart from the increasingly cluttered digital inboxes and social media feeds. As physical products, they can linger in consumers’ houses long after emails are deleted, which increases top-of-mind awareness among consumers.” Take advantage of the physical presence The Fringe offers to kickstart your marketing. Our March issue will feature the Titirangi Festival of Music. We will also be continuing to run our Keeping it Local section. Editorial space and discount rates are available to advertisers in each of these features. The booking deadline for advertising and editorial submissions in our March issue is February 12 with artwork due by February 16. Please get in touch as soon as possible. Contact us at info@fringemedia.co.nz. please support our advertisers – they support us

The Fringe FEBRUARY 2021

live @ the lounge

Lizard lifts the lid on some little-known history

Mountains are to climb, not to carry around.

Yeah gidday and welcome to 2021. Blimey. Those numbers sound like a sci-fi movie set way into the future. Moondome 2021. I checked my space helmet had fully pressurised before leaving the gravity pod. In actual fact, I checked the window was slightly down on Whitevan so Plumless Walker could get some air and not overheat while I met up with Shaz outside Brian’s carport at 34a/112 Kikuyu Grove. Brian was a distant brother to Shaz, on her mother’s side, of the Lands clan. Before becoming Shaz Lizard, she was Sharon Lands. Her great, great, great grandfather on her sister’s side was Abdulaziz Lands, who eventually made his fortune strip-felling the forests west of Konini. Hence the original name, Kauriless Lands, now Kaurilands. He was only 11 when he boarded the coalpowered steamer and waved goodbye to his father and his home town of KynaHAbl. With only six Uzbekistani so’m in his pocket, a jaunty sea shanty on his lips and the skipper’s promise of all the seal he could eat, he headed off on the three-year voyage to New Zealand. When he first stepped off the steamer and sank up to his knees in Laingholm mud, he immediately felt at home. However, as he and a travelling companion named Walter ‘Waitakere’ Akbar tramped ever further inland, they became horrified by the complete saturation of trees. How they missed the wide open barren lands of home. Thousands of square miles with only sand and humus shrubs. Fortunately, Walter was returning to his family land near Titirangi and they hatched a plan to transform the

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lands back to a more natural, picturesque state. After years of backbreaking logging, they had finally achieved hectares of cleared dirt. Many ground covering plants were trialled and failed until they had the good luck to swap a breeding pair of possums for a sack of ‘dew’ bulbs. These immediately flourished and spread throughout the land, eventually being immortalised in that great folk song, As free to roam as Wandering-Dew by Howard Hickleberry. Now, over a century on, we are helping Brian clear out his carport. The last remaining land of the Lands: sold to a developer who is going to demolish the carport and erect a stack of nine bedsit apartments. The southfacing, subdivided section is worth a fortune because it gets absolutely no sun, so there are huge savings on window tinting and air-conditioning. As I watch Shaz let Plumless out to go the toilet and roll on the kikuyu I spotted a tear in the corner of her eye. There was no need for words. I took her hand and she smiled. “What’s so funny?”’ I asked. “Oh, nothing,” she said. I then noticed she had pulled a packet of Yakka seeds from her apron. At least there will be a few wonderful plants still here in Abdulaziz’s memory. As he so wisely said, “Mountains are to climb, not to carry around.” So true. So true. Later, Lizard.

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The Fringe, February 2021

Articles inside

Live @ the lounge

Art and about with Naomi McCleary

Sustainable solutions: The Zoo wants your green waste

Free bins bring opportunity to eliminate weeds; Collective action benefits local environment

Naturally West: Magpie love at the cemetery

At the libraries

Walking West with Mick Andrew; Weather by the moon

Bandstanding: Introducing Laurie Moreton

Feature: Valentine’s Day

Titirangi Potters welcomes its new ‘twins