The Fringe, Issue 226, June 2023

ISSUE 226, JUNE 2023

Welcome to Street Feast! The stories behind the food ...

Overcoming difficult times to succeed

The story behind the Vietnamese-inspired SaPa Kitchen at Street Feast is a remarkable story of determination and grit from a small-business owner wanting to succeeed..

Te Atatu’s Andrew van Lent is an accomplished chef who has worked in some of New Zealand and Australia’s leading restaurants. He started in his foodie career at the age of 14 as an apprentice chef at Sky City Hotel, and went on to work at well-known restaurants and wineries in Queenstown and Sydney.

Kitchen was formed out of a desire to start fresh and find his position in the world.

He worked hard to build his clientele, focusing on fresh, seasonal food that is organic and free-range whenever possible, working out of food trucks initially and launching his first bricks and mortar business at Street Feast two years ago.

Today, SaPa Kitchen hires three full time chefs, three front of house specialists, and gives work opportunities to 10 more people in the food truck.

And we can tell you, the food is good. It’s fresh, healthy

Andrew van Lent: accomplished chef.

On our cover: Perhaps the damage wrought by recent weather events is ‘old news’ for some but the fact remains that many hundreds of West Aucklanders still have no homes and no clarity about their future. Roads are still closed, slips are still uncleared, gutters and drains are still blocked.

by Sir Bob Harvey.

www.fringemedia.co.nz

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

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

Advertising: info@fringemedia.co.nz

Writers and contributors: Moira Kennedy, David Thiele, Naomi McCleary, Fiona Drummond, Jade Reidy, John Goudge, Karen McCarthy, Dai Bindoff

Advertising deadline for July 2023: June 16

Counting the cost: The long sad recovery of the West

The deadly cyclone has been gone nearly four months yet its wicked cruel path still scars our landscape. At Karekare, a place I love dearly, houses and baches are twisted or piles of matchwood on the berms and roads.

A lone digger tries to make a start moving buckets of mud, rocks and wreckage to a nearby glade.

The strong local community would like a few answers to their future fate. Not an unreasonable request. Apart from a meeting in the surf club to address urgent roading repairs there has been a vacuum of silence and a vague promise of distant help.

In the weeks after the cyclone locals set to work with a local contractor to repair the road to create a lifeline to the world outside. What an amazing job they did working 18 hour days. Their passion and hard yards now needs some recognition. They funded it all themselves. Seems that it's going to be a tough ask to achieve any Council or Government funding package. They are my heroes and this is what we do when disaster strikes. I think we take stock and try to do better.

The weather is not going to let up. Storms and cyclones like Gabrielle will continue to pay us a visit. We need to secure and hopefully train locally-based search and rescue units. We have one at Karekare and this model should be at all the Western beaches: Piha, Muriwai, Huia, even in Tītīrangi.

Our lives have been forever changed. We live in fear of heavy rain, high winds and Dan the weather man’s forecast. Right now, to save depression and community ill health, we must quickly manage the overdue clean ups in our stormdamaged valleys and beaches.

Speed please, before the Winter sets in and the next round of angry clouds heads our way.

– Sir Bob Harvey

Every issue of The Fringe (and the Tītīrangi Tatler before it) since April 2011 is on-line at www.fringemedia.co.nz.

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Photo

Best Foot Forward

When the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off next month, Tītīrangi teenager Lara Colpi could find herself on the pitch for a match or two … well, on the sidelines at least.

The talented 18-year old soccer player is in line to be one of the ball girls, a cherished call-up and a big responsibility, which comes with a field-side view.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the biggest women’s sporting event in the world and 2023 is the first time the global tournament will be played ’Down Under’. Over the course of a month, 32 teams will play 64 matches in Australia and New Zealand. Stadiums in Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Dunedin will host 29 matches including five knockout fixtures.

New Zealand’s national side, the Football Ferns, open their campaign against 1995 world champions Norway at Eden Park on July 20 at 7pm.

Lara dreams of making it into the Ferns one day. The West Aucklander has been playing football since she was a youngster, following in the footsteps of big brother Andre, and encouraged and supported by her soccer-mad dad Christof and mum Vreni.

“I would sit or play on the sidelines of my brother's football training sessions, then I started playing football at Bay Olympic when I was about five. I enjoy it now with the same enthusiasm as I did when I started 13 years ago,” says Lara.

Lara is currently in Year 13 at Epsom Girls Grammar and has become adept at juggling her studies with her sport, playing for school and club teams. She mainly plays in centre midfield.

“Since I have such a small stature, I had to learn how to be quick and agile to beat other players so that I can stay on my feet rather than off them. I have been fortunate to have many coaches who chose to coach the style of football that would counter the physicality factor.”

Lara is currently in her fourth season at the Western Springs club, making it into the Women’s Premier Team when she was just 15. She has cemented her place in the squad, becoming the club’s youngest ever scorer in the national league. She recently started a coaching role with the club, working with younger players, helping to develop their game and skills.

“As I have grown and started playing in the toughest women’s league in New Zealand, I have to maintain a schedule to help me progress into higher stages, demanding time and commitment. With school football and club football, I have at least four training sessions and two games a week. It becomes quite hard sometimes not having much spare time to recover and have to myself, but I think how fortunate I am to have made it this far, to be at such a good school and club surrounded by amazing people.”

Last year, in a major highlight in her footballing journey, Lara was selected for the New Zealand Under 17 Team and travelled to Goa in the south of India, playing at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

“It was amazing to spend that time with the girls experiencing the same joy and disappointments throughout the tournament, proving our team’s chemistry and strength. My highlight of the trip was my first steps onto the playing

Lara Colpi being presented with her New Zealand Under 17 jersey.

field. It felt too surreal in the moment for me but it was a good distraction from how nervous I was. I felt I was at a peak, nothing was bringing me down.

“I was lucky to get a shot off even with the ref getting in the way, something I didn't think would happen so soon.“

FIFA paid for the squad to get to India, putting them up at a five-star hotel, and Lara’s mum and dad went over in support, at their own expense, with some of the other parents.

Lara has never taken their support for granted.

“My parents, especially my dad, have been such an amazing support. There was never a day when my parents didn't want to watch and support me during my games. Even now when I have my license and can drive myself, they still insist on coming. My dad enjoys cheering very loudly along the sideline and giving tricks and tips to people around him at the game. He loves meeting other people at the games creating connections with other parents which then helps me socialise even more through the sport. Rain or shine you will find at least one of my parents on the sideline of my games. I was very fortunate to have my parents to drive me to training and games, no matter the distance.”

Lara and her brother were born in New Zealand but the family hail from Switzerland and maintain close ties with

We need alternatives ...

I hold the view that we/Council must reduce our Capital Expenditure until we have repositioned the way we conduct our finances.

The key to balancing this and future budgets is in reducing Council’s top-heavy costs. Not only is this topheavy structure killing productivity but in my view these costs are being enabled in part by borrowings. We have borrowed an additional $700m since July 1 last year.

My assertions are challenged as being wrong. I am told that the costs I cite as unnecessary are administrative and procedural, therefore they are operational expenditures and cannot come from borrowings. Legislation stops Council from using borrowed money for OPEX.

Council’s chief executive said last week that $5m of interest costs would be the only savings gained by cancelling $100m of capital expenditure. It would take the cancellation of a staggering $1B to make a mere $50m in savings. Thus, this is not an effective lever for helping balance our budget.

I understand how detrimental huge CAPEX cuts would be. But I disagree with the savings analysis because projects that Council delivers are often grossly more expensive than comparable projects delivered by other organisations.

their home country and its culture and traditions. She would love to go pro when she leaves school and is a skilled enough player to have a shot at that. Her Swiss heritage opens the way for options overseas, maybe at a European club. Possibly even a soccer scholarship.

“With family in Europe already, if I were to leave New Zealand I know my parents would know that I would be safe and supported if I ever did go to Europe.”

But she has her sights set on representing New Zealand again. The Football Ferns final squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, a 23-player line-up, is to be named at the end of June or early July.

“The people I’ve met through football and sport in general have influenced the way I see life, so I have been very fortunate. Football has given me challenges and taught me to step up to them and stand by my morals. I love playing. I wish to get as far as I can with football and hope to be playing for a very long time. Reaching the Ferns one day would be an amazing achievement if I make it.”

If her hopes and dreams come to pass, look out for Lara Colpi in the future.

– Karen McCarthy

Cost breakdowns of Council’s projects show a common theme, the construction cost to build the physical asset is often the lesser proportion of the total budget. It is my observation that administration charges, design, consenting, and ongoing monitoring costs within council projects make up a far higher portion of the total budget than is the norm with other organisations.

The temporary pop-up cycleway built on Captain Scott Road, Glen Eden, is one example. The total project cost was $210,000 but the actual cost of construction was under $50,000. (The New Zealand Transport Agency funded this project: I am using this example just to demonstrate the disproportionate percentage administrative overheads are of the total budget).

It is my opinion that our Council’s inflated project costs enable a clawback of capital expenditure (borrowings) the profits of which fund other operational expenses within council.

Thus, I argue that the deferral of CAPEX borrowing will deliver far more savings than just the interest costs. Therefore, a modest amount of capital expenditure deferral is an effective lever in balancing council budgets.

People have made it clear they don’t want cuts to Local Board Services or Airport Shares sold, so we must find alternatives.

– Ken Turner, WestWards

Places to go – Things to do

Tītīrangi Theatre presents The Laramie Project

After its sell-out season of Father Ted, Tītīrangi Theatre is embarking on a very different play for its second show of the year. The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman will run from June 6-17 and is directed by Kerynn Walsh in her second project for Tītīrangi Theatre.

The Laramie Project premièred in 2000 and focuses on the community reaction to the real life 1998 murder of gay university student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming, USA. Will the Laramie community allow their lives to be shaped by compassion or hate, cruelty or kindness, fear or hope? Audiences in 2023 will feel the resonance and will no doubt be moved by an emotional, warm, moving and raw theatre experience.

The play draws on hundreds of interviews conducted by the members of Tectonic Theater Project along with actors’ journals and media coverage at the time. The play is a verbatim style of playwriting and brings the voices of 66 real

life members of the Laramie community to stage. Director Kerynn Walsh is known for her acclaimed performance of Shirley Valentine in 2018 at Tītīrangi Theatre. “The Laramie Project has brought so much to so many and given hundreds of thousands all over the world a voice and identity,” says Kerynn. “Sadly we need to keep telling this story, to firmly say this will not be tolerated in our society.”

To support the Rainbow community the team at Tītīrangi Theatre are donating all ticket sales from the performance of Wednesday, June 7 to RainbowYOUTH.

Following The Laramie Project, Tītīrangi Theatre is presenting a comedy, First Things First by Derek Benfield, to be directed by Bob Lack. Auditions for a range of characters of different ages will take place on Sunday, June 4 at 12pm at the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall. The play will be on stage from 22nd August 2023.

https://www.titirangitheatre.co.nz/

SeniorNet is an organisation that offers help and classes for those who are over 50 and would like help to improve their computer and technology skills. SeniorNet Eden-Roskill, the closest computer learning centre for West Auckland seniors is holding an open day where you can visit the learning centre, meet the tutors and see what the group can offer. The open day is on June 19, 10am-12 noon at the learning centre, Mt Eden Senior Citizens Club Rooms, at 487 Dominion Rd, Balmoral (corner of Brixton Rd and Dominion Rd). For more information visit www.seniornet-eden-roskill.org.nz/ or email sner.membership@gmail.com.

Director Kerynn Walsh (front right) has cast 16 actors to portray the 66 people including police, bartenders, friends, family, teachers, doctors and the murderers.

Dear Editor,

Although I agree with Dai Bindoff (The Fringe, May 2023) when he writes that austerity measures are the wrong response to a perceived funding shortfall, I believe more analysis is required when it comes to how any stimulus funding should be spent.

Past stimulus packages have endorsed an economic model of extraction and consumption driven by fossil fuels that is devastating both human and planetary wellbeing. We should instead be funding ‘de-growth’ initiatives.

What’s lacking is the political will. Huge opportunities were missed during both the ‘Global Financial Crisis’ of 2008 and the Covid pandemic. As a response to the GFC, US president Barack Obama’s US$3 trillion spend saw only 16% of energy-related projects going to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, in 2021 and 2022, only 30% of fiscal stimulus relating to energy and infrastructure was devoted to low carbon measures. The fossil fuel industry is still being subsidised annually to the tune of billions. Just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of all global emissions.

Affluent countries have instead increased their defence spending by $1 trillion, a clear message that they are preparing for a future of intensified conflict.

Will we miss another opportunity now to build back better after the recent climate-change driven storms?

Because we have dallied so long, we have to do everything, all at once, in response. But wiser minds than mine all agree that think big, “bold” macro-economics will not sustain a living planet; it’s the ripple effect of micro actions and investment, of community, that build resilience. It’s investment at local level in social procurement, in people, like The Southern Initiative and re-booting an equivalent in the West, along with arts support. That’s the message Auckland Council needs to hear loud and clear.

– Jade Reidy, Huia.

Reach 50,000+ readers...for as little as 0.2c each. Something to advertise? Email info@fringemedia.co.nz

Serving families in Green Bay, Titirangi and the surrounding areas, our focus is on learning that is relevant, exciting and meets the needs of all our students. At Green Bay High School, teachers know their students, they make time to foster strong relationships and support all students to achieve their best throughout the five years they are with us.

Come along to our Open Evening and see the great range of opportunities available. Tours are available from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. Our Principal, Fiona Barker, will talk in the Auditorium at 5pm and 6.30pm about what your child’s future could look like at Green Bay High School.

Laingholm@playcentre.org.nz

www.playcentre.org.nz/centre/laingholm

www.greenbayhigh.school.nz

Te Angitū Ngātahi Succeeding Together

Green Bay High School

Fiona Barker Principal

Early childhood education with a difference; children and their families play and grow together.

Places to go – Things to do

Out and About in the West

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.

Covid precautions: All events and gatherings in these listings will require full compliance with relevant Covid regulations.

June

w – July 2, Cellular memories and planetary designs: three works by Elizabeth Thomson who has devoted much of her career to exploring both the order and randomness she finds in the physical world; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – July 16, In/Sight, photographers experiment with processes, techniques, and subject matter to reveal their own visual pathways; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – July 23, Is my living in vain, a film commission Ufuoma Essi; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – July 30, Sekali pendatang, tetap pendatang (Once an immigrant, always an immigrant): Rozana Lee considers the status of migrant communities in society; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w 2 – July 13, Ngā Whetu. While some herald the Māori New Year with the Matariki star cluster, others are unable to see Matariki from their region and celebrate a star named Puanga instead; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. 838 4455.

w 26 – June 18, Vantage, Members Photography Exhibition as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography; Upstairs Art Gallery, Level 1, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

w 2, Celebrate Samoan Language Week by making “Ula lole” (lollie leis), age 5+; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 3.30-5pm. Phone 377 0209.

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

w 6, 13, 20 and 27, Drawing Workshop series: fun-filled workshops for young artists following a step-by-step method to unleash your creative potential. Suitable for ages 7+; Tītīrangi Library, 500 South Tītīrangi Road, Tītīrangi; 3.30-4.30pm. Email titirangi.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to register. Phone 377 0209.

w 7, Book Chat group – share what you have been reading; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 10.30-11.30am. Phone 377 0209.

w 9, Ladies’ Probus Club, fellowship, fun, speakers, and a monthly day trip; St John’s Hall, 247 Edmonton Road, Te Atatū South; 9.45am-Noon. Phone Betty 09 832 0484.

w 9, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Friendship Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 10am-12noon. Phone Vince 021 189 6822.

w 10, Tītīrangi Poets with a guest poet and readings by members; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 2-4pm. Phone Ron Riddell

021 181 6698.

w 10, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Al Young, floorsingers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $15, members $10, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

w 13, 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.

w 15, Waitākere Forest and Bird Lecture Series: Richard and Lesley Gardner – Te Henga Tuturiwhatu – Dotterel Minders. Learn a bit about dotterels and a lot about people power; Ranui Community Centre 474 Swanson Rd, Ranui; 7.30 pm. Koha appreciated. Phone Liz 027 476 2732 or email lizanstey@hotmail.com

w 16, Shared Reading Group, discuss short stories and poetry and building connections between readers and great literature; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 10-11.30am. Phone 377 0209.

w 16, Learn to cook vegetarian fritters for this winter, ages 5-14; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden, 3.30-5pm. Register at Eventbrite.com (search for Glen Eden Library). Phone 377 0209.

w 17, New Lynn Lions Club $1 Book Sale: Books, Magazines, CDs, DVDs, LPs and jigsaw puzzles; New Lynn Friendship Club Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn (down the driveway by the traffic lights); 8am-4pm. Contact lianne.sloan@xtra.co.nz.

w 19, Open Day presented by SeniorNet Eden-Roskill Inc., a learning centre where over 50 year-olds can get help with their smart phone, tablet or PC; Mt Eden Senior Citizens Club Rooms at 487 Dominion Rd, Balmoral; 10am-12noon. Visit www.seniornet-eden-roskill.org.nz/ or email sner. membership@gmail.com for more information.

w 19, Henderson Falls Combined Friendship Club – fun, friendship and fellowship with monthly speakers and frequent outings; Henderson Bowling Clubrooms, 2/20 Alderman Drive, Henderson; 10am-noon. Contact Joy 837 4646 or 021 267 3544.

w 20, SeniorNet West Auckland, speaker, morning tea and chatting about computers; RSA Henderson, Poppy Restaurant, 66-70 Railside Avenue, Henderson; 10am. Phone June 021 179 3635.

w 21, Combined Waitākere Rebus Club; St John’s Hall, 247 Edmonton Road, Te Atatu South; 10am-Noon. Contact Philis on 838 5361.

w 21, Waitākere Greypower Association Annual General Meeting with guest speaker Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, Deputy Prime Minister; Te Atatu South Community Centre, 247 Edmonton Rd, Te Atatu South; 1pm. Phone Mate Marinovich 838 5207.

w 23, Glen Eden Combined Probus Club: company and fellowship, interesting speakers, morning tea and monthly outings; Ceramco Park

There is so much happening in and around our community, including many regular events, that we can’t fit everything into these listings. If you can’t see the event you’re interested in, visit:

www.fringemedia.co.nz/ourplace

Places to go – Things to do

Function Centre, 120 Glendale Road, Kaurilands; 9.45am. Phone Brian Holt 838 5857.

w 23, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk’n’Jam, an informal gathering of musicians and singers; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

w 24, New Lynn Repair Cafe organised and run by DEANZ (Doughnut Economics Advocates NZ) with funding from Whau Local Board, New Lynn Community Centre, Totara Avenue, New Lynn; 11am - 2pm; Koha. Enquiries to shi@doughnuteconomicsnz.com.

w 24, Winter poetry mini-festival, a gathering of Titirangi Poets and two special guest performers from Central Auckland; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road, Tītīrangi; 2 – 4pm. Phone Titirangi Library 377 0209.

w 25, Tītīrangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Titirangi War Memorial Hall; 10am-2pm. Contact tvm.manager@gmail.com or phone 022 631 9436.

w 27, Tītīrangi U3A – informal learning for people 60-years plus, guest speakers, study groups; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm. Contact Jan George, 027 478 4119 or jan@jangeorge.co.nz. www.u3a. nz.

w 28, West Auckland Historical Society: Mid-Winter Members Night. Bring

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along a memento from the past and share its story. (A plate of mid-winter Christmas fare would also be welcome; Waitākere Gardens, 15 Sel Peacock Drive, Henderson; 7pm; Email Fiona Drummond at fdrummond61@gmail. com to reserve a slot.

w 30, ‘I like Me’ Jewelled Mirror Crafting for children: use paper, modelling clay, rhinestones, gemstones, and stickers to make a special mirror; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden, 3.30-5pm. Phone 377 0209.

July

w July 2, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

w July 8, Tītīrangi Poets with a guest poet and readings by members; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 2-4pm. Phone Ron Riddell 021 181 6698.

w July 8, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Laldy, Rachel Evans on fiddle and multi-instrumentalist Donald James, floor singers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $15, members $10, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

w July 11, 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.

A Change of Guard

Corban Estate Arts Centre (CEAC) has a new curator, Melina Payne. Gallery exhibitions are always programmed up to a year or more in advance so, for Melina, stepping into this new role is a gentle process of nurturing the exhibitions already planned, while looking ahead to bringing a new flavour to her own programming for 2024.

I recently sat down with Melina for a delightful hour of conversation about the trajectory which has brought her to this role at CEAC. She was born and raised in Bunbury, south of Perth in Western Australia. Her initial foray into study in Perth was a degree in Sociology and Anthropology but this did not catch fire for her and at 18 she travelled to the UK. Living in Surrey with its proximity to London and exposure to the richness of the gallery and art scene, ignited her interest and subsequently her passion. She became immersed in volunteering for smaller experimental galleries and pop-ups; learning the crafts of installation, curating and writing. Her direction was now clear. She moved to Wellington and was ready to back her considerable experience with an online degree from Macquarie University; a Bachelor of Arts in Society and Culture. This gave her the lens to view art and media from a societal perspective. A series of engagements with Wellington art spaces followed; Enjoy Contemporary Art Space, Thistle Hall Lightbox, Meanwhile (three years at an artist-run space) and finally Executive Director at Inverlochy Art School.

It is no surprise that CEAC found her to be the perfect fit with its gallery philosophy of welcoming and supporting new and emerging artists into the world of exhibiting.

I asked Melina about work/life balance; how did she wind down her intense interest and focus and chill out? Simple answer; walking! She is a committed and serious walker. In the past more in wilderness places, but during Covid she walked the suburbs. It is her way of taking time for both relaxation and reflection.

Prior to our conversation, I had sent Melina three questions. Here are her beautifully considered answers:

1: What drew you to the curator position at CEAC?

Having been a facilitator at Meanwhile in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara, I am aware of the limitations of the artist-led space model. Although artist-led spaces allow early-career artists fantastic opportunities to experiment with ways of making and presenting, they’re often doing so with extraordinarily small budgets alongside curators who are volunteering their time, in between the gaps of their day job or full-time study workload. I felt that CEAC’s Homestead Galleries could allow early-career artists an opportunity to take their practice to the next level, without the same restraints. That really excited me and was the main reason I applied for the position. In the same vein, I believed that the role of curator and exhibitions manager would offer me the opportunity to invest the kind of time and resources into artists that I always wished I could have.

2: Do you have thoughts on how we might adapt to the wider crisis in arts funding? How will it affect both artists and gallery programmes?

While obtaining funding has always been an issue for artists and arts organisations across Aotearoa, recent effects have been too acute to hide. For too long, gallery targets have remained the same despite the ongoing funding crisis. After having had numerous conversations with curators across the country, it seems as though we have no other choice but to decrease the amount of output, and instead focus our time, care and attention on a smaller number of exhibitions per year. In the arts, we all work from a place of love. Because of this, we often find it difficult to slow down. The idea that by

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Melina Payne: a new approach.

serving artists better we might need to serve fewer artists is, at least for me, a hard pill to swallow. But I am hoping that by doing so, the amount of attention we can give to each show can increase. We can spend more time collaborating with artists, researching and writing, and considering and executing high-quality public programmes so that visitors can engage with the exhibitions in more ways than one.

3: What are the passions and interests that you will bring to your curatorial programme at CEAC?

Over the past couple of years, I have become increasingly interested in the power of humour, its relationship to contemporary art, and its flexibility to function as a bouquet, a cloak and a shield. I’ve recently thoroughly enjoyed the work of artists like Mark Shroder and exhibitions like ‘The Blue Oyster Artist Run Gym’, which showed at Dunedin’s Blue Oyster and included works by Anna-Marie Mirfin, E-Kare, Harrison Freeth and Samantha Mitchell. Artists and shows like these, at least to me, strike a great balance in presenting high-quality work that enables dialogue whilst also being a little tongue-in-cheek. I’d love to sprinkle work like this throughout CEAC’s gallery programming throughout 2024.

Painting has also always been one of the great loves of my life. Luckily enough, I have the great pleasure of curating two

Going West Festival needs you

The Going West indie LitFest has been part of the fabric of West Auckland cultural life since 1996.

We’ve been super busy over the past few years creating an online platform of new works by local writers and multimedia collaborations such as a brand new Different Out Loud series, enhancing our reputation for being innovative.

We want to return live to Tītīrangi later this year with a great new concept. That’s where we need your help.

Like all arts and community organisations, the festival faces tough times with funding. Council and other public funding cutbacks have left us awash with not much dosh. Please support us to continue bringing you the best of the West – and to get a new writer’s residency up and running – by making a donation through our website. It’s super easy and every amount counts.

www.goingwestfest.co.nz/donate

New look, same care.

Village Dental Care is now Titirangi Village Dental. New owners are on board, but we’re still offering the same great service with a few improvements.

Situated in the heart of Titirangi, our highly experienced and friendly team are passionate about delivering quality dental care for you and your family. Our rooms have beautiful treescape vistas to help you relax while we take care of your dental health. We believe in treating our patients with integrity and respect and look forward to your family joining ours.

Titirangi Village Dental

09 817 8012 | 429 Titirangi Road, Titirangi

www.titirangivillagedental.co.nz

as special as your loved one.

There are people in life who shape who you are. Always there to give you advice, comfort and love. When the time comes to say goodbye, talk with us and we’ll guide you through a farewell as special as your loved one.

What a character. He was one of a kind. He lived life to the max, full of rich memories and wonderful stories. We’ll guide you through a farewell that honours his rich life. A life well lived.

painting shows by Cindy Leong (in Gallery 1) and Christian Dimick and Ruby Moana Wilkinson (in Galleries 2 and 3), which will open at Homestead Galleries in late July.

Pilot study saves money

Auckland Council recently partnered with energy-efficient lightbulb producers Ecobulb and the Government’s Support for Energy Education in Communities programme to help 790 West Auckland households save on their power bills.

The pilot, carried out earlier this year, involved training a team of three local energy assessors, including two from Vision West, to visit homes and replace light bulbs and shower heads, clean heat pump filters and suggest ways households could reduce their energy consumption.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment provided $115,000 of funding to support the initiative with an additional $100,000 contributed by Auckland Council.

“This project was a win-win in helping households balance their budgets while combating climate change, by reducing emissions from their homes,” says Council’s planning, environment and parks committee chair, Richard Hills.

“Most of the dollar savings each household made directly

translated into carbon emissions savings.”

A total of 10,052 energy saving Ecobulb LEDs and 721 energy and water efficient shower heads were supplied to the 790 homes which received energy assessments.

The households will save $609 per year on average and reduce carbon emissions equivalent to planting 13 trees each.

These energy saving actions are estimated to equal $481,000 in annual energy savings and reduce annual Carbon Dioxide equivalent emission reductions by more than 180 tonnes.

Changing lights over to LEDs and changing high flow shower heads to more efficient models are cheap and easy actions that could reduce peak electricity demand by nine percent and help combat climate change.

Auckland Council is now assessing the results of this pilot with the view to possible future projects.

For other ideas that could save money and care for the planet visit https://livelightly.nz/energy/.

Replanting with natives

Replanting is an effective remedy to stabilise slipping soil and disturbed land around a landslide, but it is recommended to check if this is safe first.

Several areas in Waitākere Ranges Local Board area have seen landslides, soil erosion and slippages following storm events earlier this year.

“We are focused on supporting our local communities in rebuilding. Our task is to be able to remedy the damage caused and to improve our resilience so we can withstand future weather events,” says Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chairperson Greg Presland.

Disturbed soil is an ideal environment for weeds to take root and threaten native eco-systems and gardens. Clearing weeds so the natives and other naturally growing plants are not smothered is important.

Disturbed soil can be easily washed away if it rains. There are ways this can be minimised but it depends on if it is safe to do so. Unless a landslide is posing an immediate risk, it is usually best to leave landslide debris in place. It will usually have come to rest in a more stable location. Moving it risks destabilising slopes above and causing more silt to be enter the waterways.

To assess the stability of a landslide, seek advice from a qualified engineering geologist or geotechnical engineer. For guidance visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and search for Coastal ecosystems. If you have further questions, contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.

LED bulbs save on energy bills. Photo by Mika Baumeister.

Did You Know ...

Yoga

Yoga can help improve your physical health, tone muscles, help internal organs function, relieve tension, reduce weight and strengthen bones. Yoga also assists you to become more balanced and calm.

Pilates

This is a physical therapy that works on the muscles to tone and strengthen the body while also developing correct breathing, good posture, mental focus and body awareness. It improves balance, coordination and flexibility.

Meditation

Meditation is practiced to restrain the chatter in the mind. It will improve concentration, increase self awareness and combat the stresses of everyday life by helping you relax, improving physical and mental well being.

Appearance Medicine in Tītīrangi

Restore Osteopathy

Kim Collard

B App Sci, M Ost - ACC & OCNZ registered 021 645 867 kim@restoreosteopathy.co.nz www.restoreosteopathty.co.nz

Health in Hand

Yoka Hermanides RMT MNZ, Level 6 Massage Therapist 021 217 9474

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Sports, Remedial, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue Massage, Cupping, Lymphatic Drainage

Keep doing what you love

Vivi Skin Clinic specialises in cosmetic injectables that soften wrinkles and enhance your skin. Treatments restore and maintain a revitalised appearance.

Vanessa McNamara is a registered nurse with 15 years experience in appearance medicine. She provides a free consultation to talk about her client’s concerns, which leads to a tailored treatment plan. Vanessa’s goal is for her clients to look themselves but to be refreshed and replenished with a natural look.

“Everyone will notice your skin looks great, but no one will know you’ve been to see me – instead, you will look and feel great which increases your confidence.”

Vivi Skin Clinic is in Lopdell House and clients can enjoy a beautiful view during their visit. Book a free consultation with Vanessa at www.vivi.co.nz.

Having danced in London for years, Sue Nash wanted something to maintain strength and posture long term. While teaching Yoga she found Pilates and graduated from the UK Pilates Foundation in 2003. With 20 years of practice behind her, Sue now works from a serene studio space in New Lynn, set up to improve her clients’ strength, flexibility and posture. Pilates is an important step on the road to physical recovery following injury. It is an active exercise method helping to maintain or regain mobility, strength and balance. Sue’s approach is based on years of study and experience. In 2021, Sue was awarded the Apac Business award, Auckland Pilates Studio of the year.

“I like to put my clients in the driving seat, bringing awareness of their bodies while giving them strategies to make changes and the confidence to move forward.”

Studio Reformer Pilates

Living a healthy and happy life depends on many things. A good diet, exercise and a healthy, supportive home are important but so is physical wellbeing and cultivating the art of relaxation.

Yeah gidday. How are y’all? Oops, where’s my manners? I’m Lizard.

The reason I’m sitting out here on the porch in this heavy dance of a fog is I’m having one of those mornings when it’s better I keep my trap shut than putting my size 13 in it.

Quite innocently I reached across the breakfast table to grab my cuppa and casually said to Shaz, “Hey Sarah?”

“Did you just call me Sarah?”

Boy did Shaz have a look on her face. Sarah was an old flame from way back when I ran with the Green Bay Bicycle Riders.

“Is Sarah ’nother cup left in the pot darling?” I replied. So yep, I’m out on the porch scratching Plumless behind the ear. He’s snoring. Doesn’t seem to get up early on these colder mornings. Clever old dog. He’s dragged his blanket down to the end of the porch that catches the first morning sun.

I’m thinking that it’s probably time to get the mokopuna’s toys off the front lawn and put the mower back in my neighbour’s shed.

Fred, that’s my neighbour, has been getting himself in a spot of bother. He’s a good looking bloke and moved in with this American bird a few months back. Things were going well until he hit it off with a real cutie, his words, as they were both shopping in the Tītīrangi chemist. One thing led to about 10 other things and now he’s got it into his head that they might both be pregnant. He’s been worried sick; wandering about the place with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Shoulders, I might add, that are wearing a very cool Davy Crockett suede jacket with those long tassel things across the back and down the arms. No wonder the ladies dig him.

Ra

Just when I was thinking things had really gone south for the poor bugger he pops his head over the back fence all chirpy and grinning. I strolled down to see what’s up and he says, “You remember that problem I told you about Lizard? Turns out it’s my twin brother’s problem. I’m heading down to the Fishing Club if you fancy a couple?”

Even though I felt happy for the bloke, Mopey Jesus was on his way over, so didn’t really have time for a beer. Then again. What the heck? I rang Mopey and told him to meet us at Laingholm. He’s got into this electric bike craze and wants me to have a go along some of the bike lanes that seem to be squeezing in all over the joint.

Well, after enjoying a couple of beers on a sunny Sunday avo in the club with a few good old friendly locals there came a’hooting and a’hollering down Victory Road one mad-as looking Mopey Jesus on a bike. He went roaring past the club laughing and singing. He had his head down and bum up. Speaking of his bum, have you ever seen two kunekune pigs wrestling in a seed sack? That’s Mopeys’ derriere.

He dismounted outside the club, propped his machine against a tree and wandered in for a beer. Here is where I give you good folks, especially the men who are into lycra, a fashion tip. Shorts are supposed to cover the undies, especially if you’re wearing those ‘whitey tighties’ for underpants ... ‘Nough said.

Well, I think I’ll sit here and watch the tide come in over the mud for a while. Shaz has probably cooled down by now. Might take home some fish and chips. Always goes down well on a Sunday.

Stay kind and don’t be too judgey. Remember, you’ve never walked in their shoes. Later, Lizard.

I think I’ll just sit and watch the tide come in.

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