The Fringe, October 2023

ISSUE 230, OCTOBER 2023

www.fringemedia.co.nz

Delivered free to letter boxes, post boxes, libraries and selected outlets throughout Tītīrangi, Glen Eden, Green Bay, New Lynn, Konini, Wood Bay, French Bay, Waima, Woodlands Park, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis, Huia, Oratia, and beyond.

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, Karen McCarthy Advertising

On the comeback trail?

Dotterels breed from August to January, normally producing three to four eggs per clutch, but last year’s season was a wild ride for the local population.

Of the 172 pairs monitored by volunteers across 61 locations, only 74 chicks were fledged giving a regional productivity of 0.43 chicks per monitored pair for the season. The Department of Conservation says productivity should be 0.5 or higher for the population to be sustainable.

Auckland Council’s senior conservation advisor, Ben Paris, says the cyclone and other significant storms over the summer had a major effect on the breeding season but for at least 74 chicks to make it through was impressive.

Dotterels normally nest on the coast but added human pressure on our beaches means that they are turning up at new sites around the region including Westgate, Onehunga, and some school grounds.

Ben Paris says to make up for last season’s lower productivity, it is important everyone helps give dotterel the best chance they can this coming breeding season.

“We urge people to follow the messaging on dotterel signage and stay away from any fenced areas where they are nesting, follow the relevant dog rules at the beach (check where you can take your dog before you head out), keep your cat inside at night and get involved in a local pest free group.”

With the 2023-24 breeding season now underway, volunteer dotterel minders, the Department of Conservation and Auckland Council are all hoping for a better season.

Every issue of The Fringe (and the Tītīrangi 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.

The New Zealand Dotterel (above and on our cover) is an endangered species with only 2600 birds nationwide. Photos: Auckland Council.

Welcome back Henry, we’ve missed you!

After a 10-month hiatus, Henry Atkinson is due to return to Tītīrangi this month. He will be surveying the village from his new Italian granite pedestal outside Lopdell House – a pedestal he deserves, writes FIONA DRUMMOND.

Henry was an early immigrant and visionary who had ideas (from his early life) about what he thought was needed in colonial New Zealand and set out to make things happen.

Henry was born in 1838 in Windermere, England, the ninth of 16 children. Following an education in engineering education he worked in the UK, Russia and Portugal on waterworks projects while in his mid 20s. In 1863 he emigrated to New Zealand on the ship Hellvellyn, where he met his future wife Jane Johnstone from Scotland.

He supervised the establishment of the first Auckland gas works on the corner of Nelson and Fanshawe Streets. He managed the works for 34 years, retiring in 1897, and was a prominent citizen in both Auckland city and Tītīrangi. He lived for over 30 years in Nelson Street and in 1900 he built a large three-storied house in Grafton Road. In 1915 he built a holiday home called Rangiwai in Tītīrangi. Rangiwai Road is named for the building which still stands today – the home of three generations of the Geddes family.

Henry Atkinson’s new granite plinth was imported from Italy, and a redesign of the foundations was required after the masons found historic tanks below the footpath. The statue was sculpted by Joe Janson of Janson and Moore using this 1918 image as a reference. © Atkinson Print Collection, 020. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.

In the 1880s he began purchasing land in the Waitākere Ranges including Tītīrangi. He was influential in changing an Auckland City Council scheme to obtain water from the Oratia Stream (Canty’s Creek) and suggested diverting the Nihotupu stream as an alternative. This scheme was accepted along with his gift of land for the purpose, and in 1902 the first Waitākere water was in public use.

Henry sold a further block of land adjacent to the Nihotupu Stream for water reticulation and effectively secured the scheme that gave Auckland City permanent water supply for

most of the 20th century. He also advocated for the construction of the Whau canal which would have connected the Waitematā and Manukau harbours.

He had three daughters and three sons with his wife Jane. On retirement in 1897 he formed a partnership with his sons and set up more than 10 gas works around New Zealand. He died in 1921, aged 84, and the Atkinson family commissioned a sculpture of him.

The sculpture was moved from its original location on Mt Atkinson to Lopdell House in 1989 following vandalism. At the Lopdell House site he has championed Tītīrangi creativity as a passive mannequin for yarn bombing, a colourful chalked advocate for mental health, a jaunty Santa Claus and an activist for the Tītīrangi Protection Group, bearing banners opposing the destruction of native forest for the new water treatment plant. He is up for any good cause, and a trusted confidant.

In reality, had Henry still been around, he likely would have gifted Watercare some more appropriate land from his portfolio. His gifts to our area included Mount Atkinson and the Tītīrangi Beach Atkinson Reserve in 1913, the Tītīrangi First World War Memorial in 1917, the land where Tītīrangi Primary School stands, local roads and walks including Park Road and the Zig Zag Track, Waitākere water catchment areas, and ‘himself’ immortalised in 1923, first on Mt Atkinson and now outside Lopdell House

Henry’s major legacy may have been his gifting of land for Auckland’s water supply. To quote John A. Lee, 20th century New Zealand politician and writer: “Men have gone to the moon and marvelled but ... hygiene – made possible by instant hot and cold water – probably doubled our lifespan”.

For this and all his local legacies, all hail Henry, soon to be back where he belongs!

Places to Go – Things to Do

Scouting the elements

The end of Covid lockdowns was supposed to mean a return to normality for the New Lynn Sea Scouts with respect to their water based activities but the weather gods had very different plans. It seems they were watching for the ideal tides and then arranging for downpours and squalls to be as disruptive as possible!

The summer regatta season was supposed to start with the ‘Ice Breaker’ in Hamilton but this was moved at the last minute to Maraetai Beach. The sudden change of plans caught the weather gods unawares and a magic spring day ensued on the water.

As this goes to press, New Lynn will be joining the Young Mariners at Martins Bay for their Open Regatta over the middle weekend of the school holidays. The scouts are using this as their launch pad towards the next National Regatta (Lyttleton over Christmas 2024/25) where they hope to regain the National title after being pipped at the post by Iron Duke of Picton at the last event.

The arrival of summer and the start of term four is an ideal time to set your children’s adventurous spirit free. The New Lynn Sea Scout Group caters for boys and girls aged 5 – 19 years. So if you want a slice of the action on the water, or to go camping and explore the awesome adventure playground that we have out West, give Andrew a ring on 027 6939 756 or check out www.newlynn.seascouts.org.nz for more details.

Little Penguins ‘boxed’ ...

Little Penguins/Kororā in Piha are being given every chance of thriving on the iconic West Coast beach thanks to the combined conservation efforts of the Piha community and Auckland Council.

Twenty roost/nest boxes have been installed along North Piha beach in the hope that this taonga (treasure) may find a place to safely roost and potentially breed.

The boxes, paid for through the Natural Environment

Targeted Rate, were painted by the Piha Community Preschool before being installed, and Council’s Regional Parks team assisted in transporting the boxes to their sites.

Little Penguins are the world’s smallest penguins, measuring just over 25cm in height and weighing about 1kg. While the national population is declining, they appear to be gradually recovering along some areas of Auckland’s West Coast. Piha NZ Dotterel Minders and Council environmental contractors have observed this encouraging trend while conducting pest control and other conservation related activities there for New Zealand Dotterels.

Waitākere Ward Councillor Shane Henderson says he’s pleased to see more penguin activity in our neighbourhood. “This is a reminder that we need to better protect them from predators. We’re proud to support this project.”

The project is a collaboration between Auckland Council, Forest and Bird, Piha NZ Dotterel Minders and Piha Community Preschool.

Lifting the curtain

Tītīrangi Theatre is to offer a variety of workshops on community theatre running until November 19. This is a chance for people to learn about different aspects of putting on a play, whether they are new to theatre or already have experience. It is an opportunity to learn new skills and get a well-rounded theatre experience.

Duncan Milne, current president of Tītīrangi Theatre and Technical Director says, “This is the first time Tītīrangi Theatre has offered such an extensive variety of workshops.”

Visit www.titirangitheatre.co.nz/workshops for more information.

A new gallery has opened at Unitec-Te Pūkenga. Named Toi o Wairaka the gallery will be within Building 108, part of the School of Creative Industries’ new facilities in the heart of the Mt Albert campus. The gallery will support and profile the latest contemporary art and design projects and provide space for research, learning and creative practice.

The gallery’s curator is Gina Ferguson, who has confirmed a packed schedule of exhibitions and events through the remainder of 2023. More information can be viewed at www.facebook.com/uniteccreative/.

Prepare to bare!

October waxing on sale

Are you ready for your summer wardrobe?

Receive a free underarm or brow wax when you book a leg and bikini wax in October.

Premium quality hot and strip wax used to ensure your hygiene and comfort.

Oratia news

A re-energised Oratia Heritage Society team is starting work on a plan to refurbish and extend the Oratia Bowling Club’s clubrooms to once again become a vibrant community hub, writes FIONA DRUMMOND.

The club was founded in 1944 by local community members and will be celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

Many of the names featured on the honours boards on the club walls are still familiar today, as their descendants still live in the area. After some years of dwindling membership, the club is now seeing new interest in returning it to its former glory and establishing it at the heart of the community.

Plans include a new artificial green to increase the number of bowling days from 30 per year to over 300, and allow more opportunities for new players and young people to give bowling a go, without having to worry about damaging the original grass surface.

If you have skills in project management, planning, engineering, construction, surveying, architectural design or fundraising – or if you just love Oratia and want to get involved – contact oratiabowls@gmail.com.

Over 50 Oratia locals turned out to a recent working bee to clean flood debris from the Kaurimu Stream behind the bowling club. The event was organised by Simon Oosterman-Beckers, whose property adjoins the bowling club.

The Oratia Bowling Club and the Oosterman-Beckers family have provided two hectares of stream-side and floodplain land for native planting. Alongside Council-owned land, the two properties are part of a future council “Greenway” for a public shared cycle and walk path to connect West Coast Road with Parrs Cross Road.

The Oosterman-Beckers family are also working with the government’s Outdoor Access Commission to covenant this area for public access, in co-management with mana whenua, Te Kawerau ā Maki.

The Oratia and Waiatarua Native Wildlife Project is also involved with clearing and planting, and a few large companies have offered voluntary help to plant cleared areas. Follow or join the work at www.facebook.com/groups/ nativewildlifeproject.

The Oratia Folk Museum at 527 West Coast Road is open on the second Sunday of every month from 11am to 1pm.

The next open day is Sunday, October 8, so if you haven’t visited for a while, do pop in. To find out what’s going on visit www.facebook.com/theoratiafolkmuseum.

And if you’re visiting Oratia, or just passing through, check out the community café operating out of the Bowling Club, 8.30-2.30, Monday to Friday.

The cafe is also now open every second Friday night, with local musicians, food and drinks.

The demon barber returns ...

There once was a barber who had it all; a happy life, a beautiful wife – until it all ended in bitter strife.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street , presented at Glen Eden’s Playhouse Theatre, October 14 – 28, is a powerful, tragic tale of love, murder, and retribution set against a backdrop of 19th century London.

After 15 years in exile, Sweeney Todd (Michael Potts), arrives back in dark and gritty London, hungry for vengeance against the judge who destroyed his life. Joined by Mrs Lovett (Merrin Cavel), the devious proprietress of the failing pie shop downstairs, the two concoct a spine-tingling plot to exact revenge, with Todd’s thirst for blood supplying a new, delicious ingredient for the meat pies served to their unsuspecting customers.

Charlotte Curry and Jacob Harris direct this production with Olivia Morrison as choreographer and Kerry Priestley as musical director.

Note: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street contains mature themes and imagery which is not suitable for young children. Recommended for ages 14+ years.

Book at Eventfinda or http://www.playhousetheatreinc. com.

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

Just like other burgers only better

Yes it’s a big call, but as far as we can tell it’s spot on.

Brody Jenkins and Josh Barlow were top chefs working in fine dining restaurants when they set out to create a food business specialising in the humble burger.

The founders of Jo Bros Burgers met working at The Grove in Auckland’s CBD and discovered a mutual ambition to create their own business. To cut a long story short, in a matter of 18 months they launched their first food truck, resigned from their jobs and launched into the business full time.

They have never looked back. The Tītīrangi restaurant in Street Feast was their first brick and mortar endeavour,

Primary School and Glen Eden Intermediate School.

They saw enough potential in Street Feast to create a second restaurant, Loco Bros Taqueria, offering the only genuine Mexican street food experience in West Auckland.

Lockdowns were a huge challenge but they persevered. Today Brody and Josh have four restaurants, including the two Tītīrangi sites, a store in Point Chevalier and an 80s-style food truck.

Their menu is a mix of traditional American-style burgers made with quality New Zealand produce, fresh buns, and the famous JoBros signature sauce – with a mix of side dishes including salads, wedges and Buffalo Wings.

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.

October

w – 21, All-at-once-ness, the result of Jana Wood’s ongoing fascination with Colin McCahon’s 1971 series of works on paper, produced from his studio at Muriwai; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 838 4455.

w – 21, In tandem with the Corban Estate’s Heritage commemorations, Allbalad Alam: the land we rest upon presents a series of works lead by Nicola Fraser, with accompanying makers Meg Mahy, Scarlett Kean, Karlene Groves and Tonina Ngatai; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 838 4455.

w – 29, Paintings by Gareth Price; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Open Thursday/Friday 10am-3pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-4pm. Phone 8128 029. www.westcoastgallery.co.nz

w – November 12, Running with Scissors, contemporary portraiture by Hannah Ireland; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – November 12, Untitled. Susan Te Kahurangi King makes work that speaks for itself without any written language to describe or frame them; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – November 12, Layla Dahlia, a work by glass artist, Layla Walter; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – December 3, Ihirangaranga/Resonances of the Forest, drawing attention to the effects of kauri dieback and myrtle rust developed by Toi Taiao Whakatairanga, a collective research project; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – December 3, There is Nowhere to Go, There is Nothing to Do, celebrating 25 years of photography by Greta Anderson; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w 1, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

w 2, Finding and Making Treasure, workshop for children aged 3-7 years featuring local author Emma Hinton; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 10.30am. www.facebook.com/GlenEdenLibrary, 377 0209.

w 4, Pirate’s Treasure Hunt for ages 5+; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 11.00am. www.facebook.com/GlenEdenLibrary, 377 0209.

w 6, Movie and Craft for all ages; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 2.00pm. www.facebook.com/GlenEdenLibrary, 377 0209.

w 6, Community Film Night presented by Lopdell Precinct: Fiona Clark: Unafraid (M, 2021). When photographer Fiona Clark exhibits her photography of the LGBTQI community in 1975, she and her friends face a systemic backlash; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House; 6pm; Free. Phone 817 2583 or email lopdellprecinct@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for bookings.

w 7, Iona Church Fair: A bargain for everyone with fresh home made cakes and biscuits, sausage sizzle, toys galore, jigsaws, tools, coffee cart; 38 Donovan Street, Blockhouse Bay; 9am-12 noon. Contact Robert Findlay 027 625 9342.

w 7, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Alan Knight & Tom French, 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 10, 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 13, Flicks presents A Great Friend (M, France, Drama). A meeting between two men, (polar opposites) upsets their respective beliefs and changes their lives; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House; 10.30am, 6pm and 8.15pm; $15 / $12 / $10. Text 0210 222 5558 for bookings.

w 14, 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 20, Crafternoon: fun craft activities for ages 5-14; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 3:30-5:00pm. www.facebook.com/ GlenEdenLibrary, 377 0209.

w 20, Flicks presents The Giants (AUS, 113 mins). The story of Bob Brown the first openly gay member of parliament in Australia and leader of the world’s first Green party; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House; 10.30am, 6pm and 8.15pm; $15 / $12 / $10. Text 0210 222 5558 for bookings.

w 21, New Lynn Lions Club $1 Book Sale: Books, Magazines, CDs, DVDs,

Places to go – Things to do

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 21, Halloween Open Stage Night; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 7pm; free. To perform, register your interest by email to karensoulje@gmail.com

w 24, 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 27, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal gathering of musicians, singers and listeners; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 7.30pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

w 28 – December 9, This Raw Material. For nearly three decades Liz Mitchell MNZM has harnessed the beauty, of wool in her fashion creations; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 838 4455.

w 28, 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 29, Tītīrangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Titirangi War Memorial Hall; 10am-2pm. Contact tvm.manager@gmail.com or phone 022 631 9436.

November

w November 4, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Gone but not Forgotten, a tribute to those who are no longer with us, no floor singers. 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 November 5, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

w November 10, 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 November 10, 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.

NZ Sculpture OnShore is New Zealand’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, which this year offers visitors a record number of more than 120 spectacular works from more than 100 artists. The exhibition will be held at the stunning cliff-top park of Operetu, Fort Takapuna in Devonport.

There are several West Auckland artists exhibiting this year: Sofia Athineou (Henderson Valley); Audrey Boyle and Ross Forbes (Piha); Sherryn Eastmond (Karekare); Gina Ferguson (Avondale); Mei Hill (Glendene); Julie Moselen (Waitākere); Bernie Harfleet and Donna Turtle Sarten and Rebecca Rose (Tītīrangi).

Proceeds from the sale of each work go to Women’s Refuge NZ. Since inception, NZ Sculpture OnShore has raised more than $2 million for the victims of domestic violence, helping women and children access safe places to stay, and providing counselling and wrap around services. It is Women’s Refuge NZ’s largest public fundraising event.

NZ Sculpture OnShore will run November 4-19 (closed Mondays) at Operetu, Fort Takapuna, Devonport.

– Naomi McCleary

Phone: 09 817 8495 or 09 817 6188

www.kenturnermotors.co.nz

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.

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.

Trapped II by Donna and Colwyn Hanson.

Art & About with Naomi McCleary

It Gets Personal

I have been writing for the early Tītīrangi Tatler and the Fringe for well over 20 years. I have often shared my personal opinion about matters art and cultural. This time it gets truly personal.

My partner of 30 years, Murray Gray (right), died on August 8. He was 80 and had been in poor health for some time. We met when I went to buy a book in his beautiful shop in Parnell called Under Silkwood. In that first desultory conversation, the seeds of the Going West Books and Writers Festival were sown.

I was in the early years of working in an arts position at Waitākere City Council and was captured by his talk of celebrating New Zealand writers and writing – and of taking a steam train from Auckland to Helensville and having Maurice Gee read from his book Going West. Hence the name of the festival yet to be born. What began as a working relationship soon became something more personal; two 50-year-olds, fancy free and feeling younger than springtime! Those were the days.

We built a life together around the Going West Books and Writers Festival. It shaped the rhythm of each year. He was a brilliant programmer because he knew New Zealand literature intimately, loved it excessively; knew so many writers. He had a slightly mad and quirky imagination and loved provoking unexpected onstage revelations. He thought about it all the time. Next year's festival programme was festering in his mind before the current one was over.

And yes, the steam train became a thing, and Maurice Gee did read from Going West on the Henderson Station. Going West grew a reputation region-wide. It had a relaxed intimacy which audiences loved. There was food and wine. It's hard to believe now, when there are provincial book festivals all over the motu, but in the 1990s and early 2000s Going West was unique.

From well-known writers with recognised mana to new and upcoming shooting stars; they all loved coming to Tītīrangi to be with each other and mix with their readers. The day-long steam train trip, with stop-offs for literary entertainment, and, again, lashings of food and wine, was a hot number. It lasted for several years until doubletracking and weekend services brought it to an untimely end.

And then there was Gone West Books! Pōhutukawa-red with stunning graphics by Graeme Gash. It was the most beautiful failed business in Tītīrangi history! I prefer to think of it as a 'literary salon' (it moderated one's expectations); a place where book-lovers could go to converse with Murray and share a dram or a smoke. It lasted 10 years.

Finally 'the book'! Voices of Aotearoa: 25 years of Going West Oratory published by Oratia Media. It contains 25 years of the words of festival keynote speakers, all of them leading writers and thinkers. When Murray first held one of the proof copies he said he could die happy. It was a confirmation that his last twenty-five years had meant something. Like most of us he was occasionally wracked with self-doubt – but here was tangible proof.

So my grand old man of letters is gone. Amidst the sadness I am left with a sense of peace and gratitude.

Covid has cut a swathe through much of the arts world in Aotearoa, and Going West is no exception. Arts funding is at crisis point. The trust has built a strong online presence with podcasts from the festival archive, poetry videos and a couple of documentaries. Five newly commissioned poetry videos have just been published on the website and are waiting for your attention. Right now Going West as a festival is going to take a break to reinvent itself in the face of these changing and very uncertain times. The Shadbolt House project will become the focus of attention in the short term.

Time to Make Your Choices

It’s election time. We need to choose our MP; and we need to choose a party to lead the government. Have you seen any of the local candidates around? Do you trust him or her to help and represent you? If so, he or she deserves your vote to be your Member of Parliament. But what about the party vote? Which parties will focus on you and your family’s health and education? Which parties are most likely to support jobs that pay a liveable wage? Which parties will work to deliver the services we need, improve our society for all of us, create social equality, offer positive choices for the future, help all of us live better lives now and in the future, reduce crime, and prepare for an increasingly uncertain future?

Meet the Candidates ...

I am Dr Deborah Russell MP, Labour candidate for New Lynn. I’ve loved being the MP for New Lynn for the last six years. The job got even better in 2020 when changes to the boundaries meant the entire Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area became part of the electorate. It’s a special privilege and responsibility to represent and advocate for this area along with my local body colleagues.

And it’s a privilege to work for all the people in the electorate, whether they live in the depths of the bush or in the heart of Avondale.

Before I became an MP, I worked in business as an accountant, in the government sector as a tax policy analyst, and in universities lecturing in philosophy, politics, management, ethics and taxation. I’ve used all that knowledge to serve the people of New Lynn: helping to win extra funding for schools, launching an enquiry into kauri dieback, advocating for our fantastic community organisations, and most recently, working to support people whose homes have been affected by the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.

Like other electorate MPs, I’m here for everyone, no matter what their political colours. Whether you run a business or volunteer in a food bank, whether your family has been in New Zealand for generations or arrived here just a year or two ago, I’m here and working for you. And I want to continue to do that job.

On Election Day this year, vote Dr Deborah Russell for New Lynn, and Party Vote Labour.

And which parties have a history of protecting businesses and employers (not workers), want to take the country back (how far back?), focus on division without trying to build unity, ignore the causes of crime (schools and real jobs are more economic than prisons), or support conspiracies and deny the real threats we face.

Creating a fair and resilient society that will benefit all of us needs positive policies and a civil service that can work to reduce waste and deliver the society we value. Cutting services isn’t the answer: a fairer approach to raising revenue would be a start. And a focus on people and the public good (not just private wealth) would help all of us.

– Bevis England

PAULO GARCIA GET NEW LYNN

Authorised by Rob Salmond, 187 Featherston Street, Wellington.

Authorised by P Garcia, 107 Great South Road, Auckland

Did you know ...

Dowsing is an ancient and exciting way of finding answers and things that dates back thousands of years. The reasons it has stuck around so long are that it works, anyone can learn it, and it can be a life-enhancing skill in so many ways, says Vanessa Wood.

“Dowsing can do much more than find underground resources (e.g. water or precious metals) or locate lost or hidden things such as lost pets or archaeological sites,” she says. “It can help you find answers to your most pressing questions, optimise your health and wellbeing and improve your intuition, clarity and decision-making skills. It can also help identify roadblocks that prevent you from moving forward, increase your confidence and trust in life, find your purpose and greater fulfilment and have more fun.”

Vanessa’s online and in-person group dowsing classes are a balance of thoughtprovoking theory and fun practical exercises that can transform you from beginner to advanced in just four easy lessons. No previous experience is necessary and sceptics are welcome.

Vanessa also offers private dowsing tutorials which are tailored to the individual and allow you to learn at your own pace. For more information, dowsing tools and bookings check out www.vanessawood.nz.

Calming anxiety

St John’s Wort (shown right), a common herb, is used for mild depression, skin irritation and as a muscle relaxant.

During the rise of Christianity, the plant was believed to “bleed” on the anniversary of the beheading of St John the Baptist.

By the Middle Ages it was revered for its medicinal properties, considered a remedy for anxiety, melancholy and nervous disorders.

Today, studies have demonstrated that St John’s Wort is just as effective for mild depression as some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Herbal medicine practitioners recommend St John’s Wort for anxiety, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), menopause and insomnia.

Clinical studies show that St John’s Wort acts slowly, taking from two to four weeks to be effective.

Energy therapy and biofield tuning

Energy therapy goes beyond just treating physical symptoms by optimising and balancing the network of energy flows in and around a person’s energy field – called a biofield. Biofield tuning, the energy therapy modality I am fully qualified in, is shown to be effective for alleviating a wide range of illnesses including: chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, hormone imbalance, depression, PTSD, IBS, addictions, phobias and trauma. By combining my intuitive abilities, energy sensitivity, years of professional experience and non-invasive healing techniques, I help people get unstuck, restoring ease and flow to their lives so they can move forward and flourish. Together, we can create a sustainable, healthier, more vital, vibrant and whole YOU. I look forward to connecting with you and helping you on your healing journey.

A peaceful quiet clinic ...

After years of working within a professional clinic I decided to create my own clinic environment in my garden at home in New Lynn. The clinic room is peaceful and quiet, perfect for relaxation and rebalancing the body.

Having trained at the New Zealand College of Massage 2007, I am a Certified Massage Therapist offering relaxation, deep tissue and therapeutic treatments and working with my clients to improve functionality.

My goal is to assist my clients achieve the results they want, either for relaxation or working at a deeper level to restore and improve function and mobility to overworked, strained and tired muscles.

Please contact me to book a treatment that best suits you and your needs. I look forward to hearing from you. Vouchers available for special occasions.

Janet Patchett

Cert. Massage Therapist

139

Ph 021 269 7018

Seabrook Ave, New

Lynn

Street art challenge

EcoMatters, have run The Street Art Bike Challenge (SABC) every October since its inception in 2020. It was designed to bring people together outdoors and help shape public spaces, particularly through lockdowns.

Cyclists will light up Facebook and Instagram with images or video of themselves, their bikes, and an example of street art. Entries include murals, yarn bombing, Māori carvings, stained glass windows, power boxes and telecommunications cabinets in any Auckland neighbourhood. Entrants will post their discoveries with the SABC hashtag (#streetartbikechallenge) and automatically be entered into a prize draw for $1000 worth of goodies.

For more information and a map of artworks, visit www. ecomatters.org.nz/on-bikes/street-art-bike-challenge/.

Letter

Dear Editor, Wouldn’t it be great to have some funding from council to install composting dog poop bins instead of seeing mystery plastic piles here, there, and everywhere?

Dog owners love having the freedom of off-leash parks and beaches, one popular spot being Kakamatua (where the photo, left, was taken), however there are no disposal bins at other popular spots, such as along Exhibition Drive.

Surely a few in-ground dog poop drop off barrels with lids could be installed at popular doggy spots?

Regards, Ruth Nicholson, Titirangi

Free bins for another year

Residents in or near the Waitākere Ranges can get access to free bins for pest plants for another year. This initiative plays a vital role in combating the major biodiversity threats facing the Ranges.

"We are delighted to support the tireless efforts of Waitākere Ranges weed warriors," says Mel Ward, representing the EcoMatters Environment Trust, which administers the bins.

Made possible through funding from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and Auckland Council, the community weed bins offer an opportunity for residents to dispose of invasive weeds at no cost.

“The return of the weed bins has been eagerly anticipated by many, and it’s been wonderful to see our community’s enthusiasm for using them to eliminate the right types of pest plants. Each year, we see people getting more savvy about identifying target weeds and getting on board with using the bins correctly,” Mel adds.

The invasive weeds accepted at the weed bins are Chinese privet, climbing asparagus, honeysuckle, jasmine, moth plant, plectranthus, tree privet (small branches only), tradescantia, wild ginger (rhizomes and seed heads only), and woolly nightshade.

Two new locations have been added this year, in Tītīrangi and Te Henga. There will also be eight Pest Plant Roadshow stalls this year, where residents can chat with the EcoMatters team about weeds on their properties.

Note that War on Weeds will not be funded next year. Instead, keep an eye out for Weed Bin Weekends happening at a location near you. For more information visit ecomatters. org.nz/weedbins.

WEED BIN WEEKENDS

Got

BIN LOCATIONS

Glen Eden Konini School, 44 Withers Rd

Laingholm Laingholm Community Hall, 69 Victory Rd

Swanson Central Landscape Supplies (9am-4pm), 598 Swanson Rd

Te Henga Pae o Te Rangi Regional Park, 114 Te Henga Rd

Titirangi........ Zig Zag Track, Park Rd

Waiatarua..... Waiatarua Community Hall, 911 West Coast Rd

♥ Bins onsite from 9am Saturday

♥ EcoMatters staff member onsite for weed advice Saturday 9am-3pm

♥ Permanent weed bins at Huia Domain and Piha Domain arriving 21 October

♥ Chat weeds with us at the Pest Plant Roadshow. For events and to check which weeds are accepted at the bins, visit ecomatters.org.nz/weedbins

2023

for Waitākere residents

Oct 21-23 Laingholm Waiatarua

Nov 25-26 Glen Eden Titirangi

Dec 2-3 Swanson Te Henga

2024

Jan 20-21 Laingholm Waiatarua

Feb 17-18 Glen Eden Titirangi

Mar 9-10 Swanson Te Henga

Apr 13-14 Laingholm Waiatarua

May 4-5 Glen Eden Titirangi

Jun 8-9 Swanson Te Henga

Ginger leaves can be composted or left on the ground.

A people’s guide to voting

Yeah gidday. Lizard here.

Blimey. Election time! Confusing? Crazy! Boring? As an Irish mate so knowledgeably put it, “Politics is a bumpy, gravel road that’s too far by half.”

I have decided to publish this guide to voting because my expertise is invaluable to anyone who has ever wanted to vote. Just read the reviews: “Invaluable to anyone who has ever wanted to vote.” – Anonymous.

What follows is a personal view of a few of the parties that might be standing in your electorate:

NEW CONSERVATIVES: If you’re being conservative, this implies a history. How can it be new?

NZ OUTDOORS AND FREEDOM PARTY: This is like a Benny Hill sketch. Bum titty bum. Slip slap slop.

DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE: Upper Hutt. Need I say more?

ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY: I bet their couch pongs of dogs or cats a bit.

LEGALISE CANNABIS PARTY: I tried to ring them but was told to leave a message, then press the Hash key.

NEW NATION PARTY: Was there ever an old one?

FREEDOM NZ: I find reading political messages handpainted on the sides of Toyota Previa people movers distracting. Far too many flags and bunting.

NEW ZEAL formerly ONE PARTY: Priorities are family, finance, future, farming and freedom. This is as long as you’re married and go to church.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY: Their teeth are far too white.

THE OPPORTUNITIES PARTY: I doubt they’ve ever walked a mile in a homeless persons shoes. In fact walked.

VISION NEW ZEALAND: Okay, as long as you’re not gay, pregnant, Muslim, atheist, or from anywhere other than Auckland or with some exceptions, the Pacific Islands.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS PARTY… The right for a woman to become fully herself. If I’m allowed, they would get my vote.

LEFT ANXIOUSLY CENTRAL: Mopey Jesus now has Bob the

possum on his shoulder and a wax-eyed Finch living in his beard. Likes animals that look good wearing a hat or scarf so is thinking about getting a polar bear or a less bitey pig.

LOYAL NZ: I drove by but their garage was flooded so couldn’t get an interview. A spokesperson said this had nothing to do with global warming and denied ever having or knowing anyone who had ever had Covid.

ACT: Whatever happened to Rodney Hide? I know both he and David Seymour went on Dancing with the Stars. A few too many ‘Gentlemen Clubs’ for my taste. Looks cute with a clown’s nose.

NATIONAL PARTY: Oxten, Lusxford, Damn. Luxon. Tricky name to remember. Looks a bit like John Key if he was going to a fancy dress party as a roll-on-deodorant. A true businessman. Can’t wait to get his hands on the economy. Said he would probably promise to perhaps responsibly remove all non-essential workers thus relieving the hefty tax burden on struggling resort owners and captains of industry. The noble acceptance of redundancies by the non-essentials and families will go some way to fund the ridiculous overheads incurred and currently absorbed by dairy farmers and private helicopter owners.

LABOUR: Chris Hipkins looks like the kid that often got his lunch money stolen.

GREENS: We Kiwi are thrilled and proud when visitors say how beautiful our country is. But if they say our artificial plastic fruit bowl is a bit tacky, we’ll say, “What are ya? A bloody Greeny?”

TE PĀTI MĀORI: I’m sick of Pākehā saying, “Yes, but is he a full Māori?” If you’ve ever said yummy to a Kina and duck-egg sandwich, believe me, you’re a Māori.

Well I hope that clears things up. Try to actually meet your local politicians. If they seem nice, vote for them.

See you at the polling booths, Lizard.

Opinions expressed in the The Fringe are solely those of the writers and advertisers and are not necessarily endorsed by the publication or its publisher. Fringe Media Ltd is not responsible in any way for the contents of any advertisement, article, photograph or illustration contained in this publication.

While every reasonable care will be taken by the Editor, no responsibility is assumed for the return of unsolicited material.

These advertisers support our community and make this publication possible. Please support them.

LATEST APARTMENT RELEASE

OPEN THE DOOR TO VILLAGE LIFE

If you’ve been considering a move to Murray Halberg Village, our latest release of apartments are available now.

Whether you want a ground floor apartment where you can tend to your pot plants or an apartment with views out to the village gardens, native bush or Manukau Harbour, we have an apartment you can call home.

Join a thriving community with a village centre that includes a heated indoor pool and spa, gym, hair salon, movie theatre and cafe. Best of all, the on-site care centre offers resthome, hospital and specialist dementia care.

Apartments priced from $740,000

Don’t miss out, call Lucy on 627 2727 for more details or visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz

MURRAY HALBERG VILLAGE

11 Commodore Drive, Lynfield

Artist's Impression