The Hobson June 2019 by The Hobson

june 2019

disappearing parnell local news, views & informed opinions

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The June Issue, No. 59

33 the suburbanist Air-conditioning’s energy use is not cool, notes Tommy Honey. What’s hot is that something is being done about it

35 the second act Sandy Burgham’s BA is one of the best things she’s ever done, and it’s a degree not to be underrated

36 the sound Andrew Dickens toasts the success of two very different female singers

38 the business 32 years ago, Chris Dobbs opened the doors of his Parnell store, Working Style. Today it’s still the address for success

42 the magpie She’s woke to things that do good

44 the destinations Marrakech was always at the top of Hélène Ravlich’s bucket list. She was not disappointed

8 the editor’s letter

10 the columnists

13 the village Parnell loses two more of its oncegrand, prominent houses, enhancing visions are revealed for Remuera’s shopping precinct, Kadimah’s coming to the neighbourhood, the Remuera Village Voice offers a handy service, and more

26 the politicians

48 the district diary

28, 29 the councillors

What’s going on in June

Despatches from the desks of Ōrākei ward councillor Desley Simpson, and the Waitematā ward’s Mike Lee

50 the cryptic Our puzzle, by Māyā

30 the investment The creeping restrictions on car use is petrol on the fire to Warren Couillault

32 the plan Doing the Shore Rd crawl? Gridlocked on The Strand? Get used to this, says Hamish Firth

MPs David Seymour and Paul Goldsmith share their updates

the hobson 6

Above: Dawn over Parnell, with the cross outside the Bishop Selwyn Chapel lit in the morning light. Photo by local resident and early morning walker, barrister and community advocate Kate Wiseman.

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L issue 59, june 2019 Editor & Publisher Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz Art Direction & Production Stephen Penny design@thehobson.co.nz News Editor Mary Fitzgerald maryfitzgerald.thehobson@gmail.com Writers This Issue Kirsty Cameron, Mary Fitzgerald, Hélène Ravlich, Wayne Thompson, Justine Williams Sub-editor Dawn Adams Columnists Sandy Burgham, Warren Couillault, Andrew Dickens, Hamish Firth, Paul Goldsmith, Tommy Honey, Mike Lee, Māyā, David Seymour, Desley Simpson

ike you, I’ve been driving or walking past the houses at 1a Brighton Rd and 9 St Stephens Ave for some years, watching them crumble away. When I first moved to Parnell more than a decade ago, there was activity in both the houses — Brighton Rd seemed to be some kind of flat or hostel, St Stephens was a bustling office with people coming and going. But then there was blinds drawn, doors locked and as each year ticked over and the paint flaked a little more, ‘demolition by neglect’ became the mournful opinion of the neighbourhood. While we’ve reported on this stasis a couple of times, it’s only now, two years into the Unitary Plan and the revising of the land to high density residential, that the church formally said yes, we can’t afford to do up those houses, they’ve got to go, we need the money for maintenance of our other properties. No-one would envy the church the costs it bears to keep the Cathedral gleaming and St Mary’s roofed and robust. And the two houses are not as historic as those. Two decades into the new century, they are no longer fit for the church’s purpose. The church is not short of bold architectural visions — just look at the Fearon Hay-designed glass and gold Bishop Selwyn Chapel now at the rear of the cathedral. And Parnell is not short of eminent architects — as well as Fearon Hay, Stevens Lawson, the Crosson team and Jasmax are all headquartered here. Any one of those practices may have been able to come up with creative repurposing of at least one of the houses that would give the church usuable, leasable space. The dean really wasn’t much interested in discussing any of this when Wayne Thompson called. The church has had its say — it’s all on their website — and has pulled up the shutters on any further engagement. It’s their right of course, but you can’t help but wonder what could have come of a few investigations. If there were any, we’ll never know, and Auckland’s oldest suburb is now two houses less historic for it.

Photographers Mary Fitzgerald, Stephen Penny Cover Timber to dust: the Anglican Church-owned house on St Stephens Ave, Parnell, demolished on May 14. Photographed by Stephen Penny. THE HOBSON is published 10 times a year by The Hobson Limited, PO Box 37490 Parnell, Auckland 1151. www.thehobson.co.nz F: The Hobson Magazine I: @The Hobson Ideas, suggestions, advertising inquiries welcome. editor@thehobson.co.nz

THE HOBSON is Remuera, Parnell and Ōrākei’s community magazine. We deliver into letterboxes in these neighbourhoods, and copies are also at local libraries, cafes, and at businesses including the Vicky Ave and White Heron dairies, and Paper Plus Parnell. For more about us, see The Hobson Magazine on Facebook.

Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz 0275 326 424 Facebook: The Hobson magazine Instagram: TheHobson

The content of THE HOBSON is copyright. Our words, our pictures. Don’t steal, and don’t borrow without checking with us first. We aim for accuracy but cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies that do occur. The views of our contributors are their own and not necessarily those of THE HOBSON. We don’t favour unsolicited contributions but do welcome you getting in touch via editor@thehobson.co.nz to discuss ideas. The Hobson Ltd is a member of the Magazine Publishers Association This publication uses environmentally responsible papers. To protect against Auckland’s weather, home delivered copies are bagged in food-grade film, which can be recycled in ‘soft plastics’ bins.

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The Columnists

Left to right from top row: Sandy Burgham (The Second Act) is a brand strategist and an executive coach with a special interest in midlife change and transformational behaviours. She runs a central Auckland practice. www.playclc.com Remuera resident Warren Couillault (The Investment) is an executive director and the major shareholder of Hobson Wealth Partners, a private wealth advisory group. He is a shareholder and director of Generate Investment Management Ltd; and manager of a registered Kiwisaver scheme. Andrew Dickens (The Sound) is the host of the afternoon show on Newstalk ZB. For 13 years he was the breakfast host on Classic Hits. He grew up in Remuera. Hamish Firth (The Plan) lives and works in Parnell and is principal of the Mt Hobson Group, a specialist urban planning consultancy. www.mthobsonproperties.co.nz Mary Fitzgerald is The Hobsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News Editor. A Mainlander who transplanted to Remuera 15 years ago, she is passionate about hearing and telling our stories. Urban design critic Tommy Honey (The Suburbanist) is a former architect. The Remuera resident is a regular guest on RNZ National, discussing the built environment. Judi Paape (The Teacher) is a parent, grandparent and highly-experienced teacher and junior school principal. A Parnell resident, her column appears bi-monthly. Contributing writer Wayne Thompson is a former The New Zealand Herald journalist, covering Auckland news. He has been a resident of Parnell for 34 years. Contributing editor Justine Williams is an interiors stylist, writer and fashion editor. The Remuera resident has been the editor of Simply You and Simply You Living.

the hobson 10

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the village

Town & Around REST IN PIECES The decision to get rid of two large, historic two-storey houses on valuable development land on the Anglican Cathedral campus, instead of renovating or reusing them, has been met with disappointment by Parnell’s heritage building enthusiasts who had long contrasted the houses’ deteriorating state to a neighbourhood alive with house-proud renovators and restorers. The announcement of the decision to demolish the homes, at 9 Stephens Ave and 1a Brighton Rd was made by the Anglican Dean of Auckland, The Very Reverend Anne Mills, in Holy Trinity Cathedral’s April 22 newsletter. The cathedral had briefed the Waitematā Local Board on its plans, member Vernon Tava expressing the frustrations of many when he commented, “They have been effectively demolished by neglect.” In a Facebook post about the demolition, Tava noted the houses were not listed for protection by Auckland Council or Heritage New Zealand, and he understood that the Anglican General Trust Board, which administers the cathedral campus, had made reasonable efforts to have the buildings relocated “but there are no takers”. Dean Mills said it was not economically feasible for the church trust to refurbish the buildings to a commercial standard on the site. “We have spent several months attempting to facilitate the sale of the two buildings to private buyers for removal and relocation,” she wrote in her announcement, posted on the cathedral’s website. “However, due to the size and structure of the buildings, relocation has proven too expensive and as a result, the decision has been made to demolish the two buildings.” The proceeds from unlocking the value of residential land either by a ground lease or outright sale will go towards maintaining the cathedral, grounds and buildings. The church’s total 2.2784ha site, bordered by Parnell, St Stephens, Brighton and Cathedral roads, has a council rateable value of $77.5 million. Adopting the cheaper option of demolition, thus freeing the land for development, was always the likely outcome, say heritage campaigners. They point out that during the years that the buildings were derelict, the site grew in value by so much that the cost of refurbishing them for commercial offices or residential use became greater than the expected rental income. As a result of the Auckland Unitary Plan, that part of the cathedral campus had been up-zoned for intensive development from the Single House Zone, to the Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings Zone. This provides for dwellings of five to seven storeys. “The council had an opportunity in the Unitary Plan process to put in some protection for the buildings which had no history of protection,” says Parnell Heritage co-chair Mary Barry. Barry believes that the under-resourced council heritage department backed off from a potential expensive court battle. “It’s disappointing that council has not worked with local communities to protect such historic heritage buildings that tell a story and history of our communities, and for which alternative use could be found. “Instead, these buildings were left deteriorating for so long they were unsafe and you would have had to put a lot of money into restoring them. It needs a community to value heritage in order to create an environment where it’s treasured.” The Parnell Business Association-led Parnell Plan — to be launched imminently — says that “Parnell is well known as Auckland’s first suburb with a wealth of preserved built heritage and a rich cultural heritage. However, it is under pressure from intensification and development. It is important that heritage is protected and valued so it can be understood and appreciated”. “Encouraging the protection, restoration and adaptation of our heritage buildings will help ensure they continue to contribute to Parnell’s identity.” The Parnell plan seeks to encourage modifying of buildings for compatible uses, and calls for design standards to recognise historic values of the area. Ironically, two of the organisations cited as contributing to the Parnell Plan are the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Blind Institute, who recently demolished what was known locally the hobson 12

The once-grand house at 9 St Stephens Ave, Parnell., demolished on May 14. Neither it nor 1a Brighton Rd had Historic Heritage Places protection under the Auckland Unitary Plan, and could be demolished without consent. Parnell early history researcher Margaret Edgcumbe says the St Stephens Ave house was at one stage leased from the church by John Henry Upton. A bookseller, he was mayor of Auckland, 1889-91. From 1936, the 15-bedroom building was an elite boarding house called The Gables, says Edgcumbe. All photos by Stephen Penny

as ‘Dr Andre’s’ house, the double-storeyed timber home on the corner of Maunsell and Parnell roads. Heritage is valued by people, going by the reaction to the demolition decision. A Civic Trust representative on Auckland Council’s Heritage Advisory Panel, Allan Matson, points to a picture of 9 St Stephens Ave posted on the ‘Derelict New Zealand’ Facebook page after the announcement was made. The post drew 821 comments, and a following image of 1A Brighton Rd, saw 293 comments. The main theme of the comments was the waste of a heritage resource. Matson says that this kind of response shows that in the public eye at least, the houses should not have been be doomed. He was surprised if the council had not sought an assessment of their heritage value when the Anglican Trust board sought under the

Unitary Plan to create its cathedral precinct plan, which includes the cathedral, the historic St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity, the Deanery at 8 Cathedral Pl and the church’s carparks as well as the two knocked-down houses. Under this application, the houses were earmarked for intensive redevelopment. The purpose of the precinct plan was stated in the application to ‘enable the efficient use, subdivision and upgrading of the church and community buildings’. Matson says there was land enough for the old buildings to be retained or, if necessary re-sited. He considers that 9 St Stephens had architectural merit and as a familiar landmark for the community, deserved to be relocated as part of any redevelopment. “Removal is an option but only if it could be shown the

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Top, 1a Brighton Rd. An assessment of the property by Colliers International in 2015 noted its poor condition, with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;significant deferred maintenanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The house retained many of its original fixtures, including timber joinery, match linings and tongue-and-groove floorboards. Below, 9 St Stephens, showing the scheduled dragon tree (Dracaena draco), thought to be planted in 1898 and listed for its historic, botanical and visual amenity values. Over its cathedral precinct, the church has 17 notable or scheduled trees. Sources for this article include Living Legacy: A History of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland, edited by A.K.Davidson, 2012.

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the village

buildings were beyond repair,” he says. “I would expect the council to have taken the position that any wooden building can be repaired.” Dean Mills told The Hobson that neither of the two buildings had heritage listing and that under the rezoning, a Code of Compliance Certificate with an option to demolish or relocate them was also granted. The Brighton Rd house had been moved to its present site. The larger building on St Stephens Ave was a residence, and later became offices for the church. The role of the houses in Parnell’s history is being downplayed, says Julie Hill, who co-chairs Parnell Heritage with Mary Barry. Hill says the Brighton Rd house was built in the late 19th century and was moved to its present location in 1983 after serving for some years as the deanery for St Mary’s, when the Gothic Revival church was sited on the other side of Parnell Rd in what is now an intensive townhouse development. In later years, the deanery housed the Anglican Franciscan Brothers. The building on St Stephens Ave, says Hill, was representative of the area’s grand houses of the later 19th century, before its acquistion by the church in the 1950s, and use as offices. From 1962-71, it served as the Norman Spencer Anglican Halls of Residence for male University of Auckland students. The cathedral’s land was bought by Bishop George Selwyn in 1843 for the purpose of being a “centre for educational, social, charitable and missionary work,” said Dean Mills, who took up her role in July 2017. In recent times, the cathedral has conducted a $15 million fundraising marathon, which has included restoration to the cathedral’s organ, and the completion of ‘Selwyn’s Vision’, with the southern end of the cathedral completed, and the addition of the award-winning glass Selwyn Chapel. The fundraising included $3m from Auckland Council, acknowledging the cathedral’s role in hosting large public events, and its 100,000 visitors a year. An endowment fund will be set up to help meet the cathedral’s $300,000 annual maintenance bill. — Wayne Thompson p

SHALOM KADIMAH! Kadimah School, Auckland’s only Jewish primary and preschool, is to relocate to Remuera from its long-held Greys Ave campus in the city. The Auckland Hebrew Congregation has purchased the 1.24ha property on Remuera and Ranui roads now occupied by Saint Kentigern Girls’ School, who in turn acquired the site in 2009 from Corran School. As part of the Saint Kentigern Trust Board masterplan, the campus, which was valued at $23 million, was sold in April. The girls’ school and co-ed preschool will relocate to the nearby Saint Kentigern Boys’ School on Shore Rd. The relocation is expected to be completed in 2023. Michael Stiassny, spokesperson for the Auckland Hebrew Congregation (AHC), says they plan to relocate Kadimah to Remuera in three to five years, when St Kentigern Girls’ School vacates. The congregation’s synagogue and community centre will also move to Remuera with the school. The AHC’s Greys Ave centre was built in 1968, and Kadimah opened as a co-ed primary school on the site in 1971, with four children enrolled. Today the school is state integrated with a roll of around 200. While Kadimah has a special Jewish character, the school is open to all children. “We were looking for a site for the school that would have far more facilities, and this came about so it was ideal for us,” says Stiassny. “We would much rather be out of the city and in the suburbs, so this was an ideal opportunity. We just think it is great – we are very excited and our relationship with St Kents has been very positive.” u

JUNE UPDATE

It’s Archie… Who would have thought. Less surprising was a drop in the OCR (Official Cash Rate). How this will flow onto mortgage rates time will tell. It would be safe to say however rates won’t be rising any time soon. Regardless it will give further confidence to house buyers who are already enjoying mortgages in the 4% range for 3 years. It would seem buyers are getting a whiff of this. In answer to what’s the market doing? It’s actually quite balanced, price aside there is buyer interest in pretty much everything we have listed – prices are not rising and buyers are particularly cautious in their approach. It would be fair to say the selling process is taking a little longer. But actually it’s all good.

In short every situation is different. If you’re wondering what a property is worth please give me a call at any time.

Philip Oldham M 021 921 031 philip.oldham@uprealestate.co.nz

LICENSED AGENT REA 2008

the village

The Saint Kentigern Girls’ campus contains a mix of new and old buildngs that once served as part of Corran School for Girls.

There are no plans to establish a Jewish senior school either on the new property or in the city after Kadimah vacates. “When we relocate to Remuera, we do not anticipate owning a site in Greys Ave in the city.” The Ranui Rd campus has a capacity for more students than the current Kadimah roll, so there is potential for expansion. Stiassny says growth of the roll is definitely not the priority. “The number one priority is to get a significantly better site and to be able to deliver what our congregation would like which is a school and community centre in the suburbs so that is what we aim to do. The facilities are much better than what we currently have – there is a tennis court, a swimming pool, classrooms are better, with great specialisation in the classrooms, so for us it is a very good move.” The synagogue is also relocating to Ranui Rd and Stiassny says “We are looking forward to having a community centre there. There are two synagogues in Auckland, and we would like to see both the synagogue and school prospering on the same site.” The sale to the AHC was conducted by Colliers International. “It was an amazing opportunity to be involved in such a remarkable campaign, it’s an extremely well-known property in one of New Zealand’s most desirable locations,” says Colliers director of sales, Gareth Fraser. “The campaign generated significant interest from a range of purchasers, with a number of keen residential and retirement village operators, and international parties. We believe it has been a really positive outcome for Saint Kentigern, the purchaser and the surrounding neighbourhood and community. The intention to use it as an education facility enables the longstanding heritage of the site to be retained.” As for Saint Kentigern Girls’ School, it will move into a purposebuilt, 19-classroom facility with its own entrance when it opens on the site it will share with the incumbent boys’ school. Shared facilities will include a new integrated library and learning common spaces, with separated outdoor recreational and sporting areas for the girls. — Mary Fitzgerald p

REMUERA RISES The Remuera retail experience is set to step up to sophisticated new levels with redevelopment plans underway, but diminished parking for shoppers places a question mark on the town centre’s revitalisation.

The emerging vision between key players in Remuera for the redevelopment of Remuera’s retail heart is being drafted for the redevelopment of a portion of Remuera Rd’s shop front retail area, leading through to a redeveloped, upmarket food and retail area in the Village Green. At the Remuera Residents Association (RRA) April public meeting, Remuera Business Association (RBA) chair and owner/ operator of Remuera New World, Adrian Barkla presented to the large public audience on the key issues affecting the business district, and the conceptual vision for revitalising the area. Barkla says that there are two significant retail developments potentially in the pipeline, along with one residential apartment development on Clonbern Rd. There has been chatter in the community for some time about a Village Green retail redevelopment. Barkla confirmed at the meeting that the key players driving separate plans for Remuera’s facelift are developer Greg Wilkinson, who has plans for the Village Green and part of the Remuera Rd shop front area, and Foodstuffs, parent company of New World. Twelve months ago Foodstuffs and Barkla, in his Remuera New World owner/operator role, agreed to a memorandum of understanding to redevelop both the supermarket and the Clonbern Rd carpark site, which he did warn could take many years to happen. And while the Foodstuffs and Village Green developments are separate projects, Barkla says both parties aim to work collaboratively when ideas are formalised. “We are so lucky in Remuera to have Greg Wilkinson,” says Barkla. “He is commited and has started to buy up the Village Green and he is talking with Foodstuffs so there are discussions underway to work together. It is a great opportunity.” Barkla spoke at the meeting on behalf of Wilkinson, who at this stage is not directly commenting on his plans. The Hobson has not been able to reach him for elaboration. “[Wilkinson’s] vision is that this is a space for development, sort of like Ponsonby Central,” Barkla told the meeting. “He wants to create an amazing experience and it will be world class. He did tell me that he wants to get it right – that it will be restaurants and funky shops. Greg is not going to sell the spaces to the highest bidders – there will be no $2 shop in there. He is going to wait to get the right mix of businesses in there making that quadrant truly amazing. He is not 100 per cent sure about what he is doing yet but he will look at everything in order to get the right mix and character. He will be starting with the u�

the hobson 16

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the village

upper level is “a disaster for Remuera”. “With the lack of adequate parking, there is potential for future developments to not progress – and at a time when redevelopment is needed. Some businesses in the area will definitely close because shopper numbers have dropped. With the traffic congestion issues in Auckland, why is AT not encouraging locals to shop local by ensuring good local parking is available?” In addition to the two potential retail developments in the area, another development is imminent opposite New World on Clonbern Rd, where existing houses and flats will be replaced with a 51-apartment residential complex. While the RRA and RBS see the residential development as positive news for Remuera, both groups have concerns about the added congestion the construction works will create in the interim. Barkla says “whatever developments come our way, they will create some short-term pain during construction, but in the end we will reap the rewards medium term with new developments in the area.” — Mary Fitzgerald p

LOCAL BOARD NOTES Mary Fitzgerald

streetscape redevelopment first.” Remuera Heritage chair Sue Cooper raised concerns during the meeting about the preservation of some of the Village Green buildings, which Remuera Heritage would like to see preserved as part of the area’s character. Barkla said that there were no plans to demolish existing buildings that he was aware of. The circa-1902 brick buildings of the Village Green were originally a works depot for the Roads Board, and later for the Auckland City Council. By 1915 there was a fire station occupying the centre building in the complex. By the later part of the 20th century, the buildings were run down and in the 70s, faced demolition in favour of a mall, a proposal which met with strong local opposition. Acknowledging the size of the crowd at the April meeting — around 70 people — RRA chair Iain Valentine said there was much local concern about the shopping precinct. “The reason a lot of people are attending this public meeting is because they are concerned that it is taking time to get a way forward for developing Remuera from where it is today,” he said. “Remuera needs to transform.” The RRA and the RBA hope the revitalised shopping area will be a magnet for shoppers, so long as local parking is considered as part of the development. “There are a number of vacant retail locations in Remuera,” Valentine told the the meeting. “We have already lost carparks along Remuera Rd to make way for the double decker buses, the Clonbern carpark top deck has been shut down, so if we are not careful, it’s possible with traffic getting busier and busier, that Remuera Rd could become just a transit area, not a place to stop.” Valentine’s concerns includes the potential business disruption for local retailers with Newmarket’s Westfield’s $790 million, 240 store site redevelopment set to open later this year. In response, Barkla says that Remuera is well positioned off the motorway and will be a great satellite high-end shopping destination that will offer something different to Newmarket. “It is frustrating but redeveloping Remuera might take a few years but it will be world class once the developments here are complete.” One of the significant issues impacting on retail in the area in the past eight months is the upper deck level of the Clonbern Rd carpark. Auckland Transport operates and leases the carpark on behalf of Auckland Council, and briefly shut the top deck last year due to safety concerns, after a period limiting vehicles of 2000kg or more. It was reopened just in time for Christmas trading and declared safe, but then shut again permanently in March. The closure has removed 72 carparks from the area and caused significant congestion in the ground level carpark, which is jointly leased by AT and Foodstuffs. Confident the upper structure is indeed safe following engineers’ inspections, Foodstuffs applied to AT in April to take over the top carpark lease, but this has been rejected by AT. “As there are health and safety concerns about the upper deck of this carpark, we cannot lease out or contract out that risk,” AT spokesman Mark Hannan says. “Auckland Transport and Auckland Council would still be liable as asset owners of the facility. “AT completed a lot of testing to keep the carpark operating for as long as possible but we couldn’t continue to keep the upper deck open because of the risk from motorists ignoring the weight restrictions.” “Yes it’s ugly, and yes it does have warts and cracks all over it, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the upper level of the carpark,” counters Barkla. “The top deck totally passed all of the engineering testing undertaken by AT. They just needed an excuse to close it – this latest closing was not from the engineers, but directly from AT.” Another RBA board member, Remuera Real Estate Register’s Terry King, says the latest, seemingly-permanent closure of the

The Ōrākei Local Board has started further repair works on the three concrete searchlight emplacements on Tamaki Dr, close to the Tamaki Yacht Club. The emplacements were built in 1942 and 1943 as part of the defence system protecting Auckland during WWII. The scope of the works is to ensure durability of the structures, restoration of original features and installation of new steel doors, to protect the historic emplacements from weather, and people. One of the emplacements will receive new shutters with a perforated artwork depicting a searchlight to show its original purpose. The budget is $129,000 for the repairs and artwork, with $180,000 for the shutters and doors, consents and professional u�

the hobson 18

the hobson + the remuera village voice

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Go Go Kids Educational Store Kumon Remuera M2 Maths Squared Education Seriously Addictive Maths Thinking2morrow Zest Education

Hearing & Eyecare Acoustix Hearing Hearing Auckland OPSM Total Ear Care

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Legal Kirby Law Thomas Law Wilson McKay Barristers & Solicitors • Wells & Co Solicitors

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Medical & Dental • Aremeur Cosmetic Medicine • Dr Catherine Porter – Orthodontist • Jones Family Chiropractic & Health Centre • Julian Loft – Plastic Surgeon • Lumino the Dentists • NuCare Clinic

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Remuera Dermatology Remuera Doctors Remuera Medical Centre The Podiatrist Total Health Dentistry Wesley Acupuncture Zachary Moaveni – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Pets Remuera Vets Yuppie Puppies

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Professional Services • AML Home Loans • Event Dynamics • Freemasons Foundation • Fusion Accounting • Gardner Valuations • Internet Solutions Group • Kaizen Consulting • Kamermans Architect • Lala + Associates Accountants • Loan Market • Muros Wall Panels • Origin Fire Consultants • Perpetual Guardian • Popstars – Point of Purchase Specialists • ProConsult • Refresh Renovations

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KCC Construction

Real Estate & Property Services • Barfoot & Thompson Remuera • Boulgaris Realty • Ray White Remuera • Re/Max Real Estate Remuera • Remuera Real Estate Register Travel Distinction Hotels Flight Centre Holiday Travel House of Travel Travelsmart Pan Pacific Travel

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For further information about these services and all Remuera has to offer, please visit our business directory at www.remuera.org.nz

the village

Newmarket Park. Parking bays around the playground and the 6ha park, accessed from Ayr St, has become an increasingly popular place for commuters. A consultation process is required before any new parking regime can be introduced. This will take up to six months and will be managed by council’s Parks Team and funded by the board, at cost of around $4000. — Mary Fitzgerald p

services. The project has been championed by board member Colin Davis, who says it acknowledges Auckland’s military history, which includes the Bastion Point defences. “Most people probably have not realised what the concrete structures are.” As part of his campaign to protect the emplacements, Davis drove the effort to get signage about the structures, now on the seawall. One of the best things about living in Auckland is getting out on the water, and the Ōrākei Local Board is lending a financial hand to young sailors who are part of Okahu Bay’s TS Achilles Sea Cadets. A $7500 community grant will go towards refurbishing the hulls of two training sail Crown boats, the purchase of new masts and sails, and a new trailer for the safety boat. The Training Ship Achilles, is a Sea Cadet unit of the NZ Cadet Forces. The Achilles unit began 55 years ago, named after the HMS Achilles, of Battle of River Plate fame. Cadets can be of any gender, aged 13 or older. “The board was happy to support the group as they provide such a valuable experience for local young people,” says chair Kit Parkinson. The Crown boats to be repaired are quite old, but are ideal boats to train young people in sailing, teamwork and leadership skills, so it’s worthwhile maintaining them to keep offering those opportunities to teens, says Parkinson. See seacadets.org.nz for information.

PUTTING THEIR HANDS UP A meeting to call for candidates interested in potentially standing for the Waitematā Local Board drew out three confirmed contenders and two maybes. Co-hosted by the Parnell Business Association and the Parnell Community Committee, the public meeting was to encourage a ‘Parnell champion’ to step forward for the local board elections in October. Of the current seven-member Waitematā Local Board, four members will not be seeking re-election. The current board makeup has no Parnell (or Grafton)-based members and the business association is concerned that without someone to advocate on behalf of Parnell, the area’s specific concerns and needs could want for attention. Confirmed as standing, software developer Hamish Tolmie told the audience he was Parnell-raised and bred, and had a great affinity for the area. It turned out the next candidate to speak,

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Waitemata- hopefuls, independent candidates Jordan Hurinui, left, and Hamish Tolmie, photographed at the Jubilee Building.

Jordan Hurinui, who works for Ports of Auckland, was only a year behind Tolmie at Parnell District School. Like Tolmie, he has deep roots in the suburb. Both men would stand as independents. Next up was another Parnell resident, semi-retired Keith McConnell, who is “doing the due diligence” over whether to toss his hat in the ring. The next speaker was Graeme Gunthorp, a Freemans Bay resident, who said he did cycle through Parnell twice a week, and that as part of the seven-candidate City Vision ticket, there was commitment to deliver on the soon-to-be released Parnell Plan. The final speaker was heritage campaigner Allan Matson, a former merchant banker with an architecture degree, who is a member of Auckland Council’s Heritage Advisory Panel. Matson is also likely to nominate as an independent. Other speakers included Parnell Business Association chair Paul van Dorsten, general manager Cheryl Adamson and local councillors Mike Lee (Waitematā) and Desley Simpson (Ōrākei). Now that the Electoral Commission has confirmed ward boundary changes, Simpson explained to the meeting how the redrawing works. At election time, voters in Parnell and Grafton will no longer be part of the Waitematā ward, which was overpopulated due to the growth in central-city dwellers. To balance the numbers, Parnell, Grafton and Newmarket will be part of the Ōrākei ward for council representation, but remain as part of the Waitematā Local Board. (To the east, Ōrākei has lost Ellerslie and part of St Johns, which are now part of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward). Candidate nominations open on July 19. Information for candidates can be found at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz — Kirsty Cameron p

CLEANING UP HOBSON BAY Local families and businesses are invited to join the Outboard Boating Club of Auckland (OBC) and coastal clean-up specialists, Sea Cleaners, to participate in an event to help collect and remove plastic and waste that have collected over the years in Hobson Bay and Pourewa Creek. The club hopes to attract more-than 100 community-minded volunteers to the fun and rewarding event on the morning of Sunday, June 9 (weather permitting). Sea Cleaners is dedicated to cleaning up and preserving New Zealand’s coastline for the benefit of the marine life and for the enjoyment of all users. Their efforts include removing millions of litres of rubbish from the Waitematā Harbour. u

the village

Located on Tamaki Drive, the 60-year-old Outboard Boating Club’s 2000 members are committed to protecting the Hauraki Gulf too. The club and its marina were recognised two years ago when the OBC became only the third facility in Australasia to receive Blue Flag accreditation (an international eco-label indicating a serious and profound commitment to maintaining coastal environments). The OBC is involved in a number of environmental projects around the Gulf, including the restoration of Motuihe Is over the last 18 years, and more recently playing a major role in reviving the ecosystems of Motukorea/Browns Is. “With the help of local families and businesses, schools, Scouts and Girl Guides, we want to help revive Hobson Bay to its previous pristine state,” says Bill Berry, OBC commodore. “The more people who take part, the more likely we are to achieve this goal.” Sunday June 9, between 10am and 1pm was chosen because of the favourable tides that will allow the best access to collect rubbish. There will be prizes to be won, courtesy of Orakei Bay Village, and volunteers will finish the clean-up with barbecue at the OBC clubhouse. Volunteers are asked to gather at the OBC on Tamaki Dr at 9.30am for briefings on designated targets. Bring gloves and lace-up shoes or boots (gumboots not recommended).

soon after and will be finished by mid-2020. AT is also finalising what priority it will give the proposed Parnell Cycleway over other cycleway projects, and what funding may be required. An AT project team has worked through and assessed a range of design options. They will be given to a public reference group after the budget and priority for the project has been finalised. p

EAT UP, LIGHT UP PARNELL

For more information or to register participation, contact erin@obc.co.nz p

LOCAL BITES Rolling the Jaffas at OBV . . . Orakei Bay Village developer Kerry Knight tells The Hobson he is opening two luxurious new cinema spaces, alongside Farro. “Cinema guests will be able to buy food from any of the OBV eateries and take it with them into either of the two 45-seat ultra luxury movie theatres,” says Knight. “In addition to the new cinema we are also opening a new restaurant this spring, which will be down near Kings Plant Barn. The new restaurant will have a farm-to-table theme, with some produce grown onsite, outside the restaurant.” The cinemas are expected to open this month. In transport news, there’ll be new ticket gates at Parnell Train Station this month, and the addition of a canopy over the platform. Meanwhile, on the Glen Innes to Tamaki Dr shared pathway, Auckland Transport is expected to announce the tender process this month for the fourth and final stage. Construction will start the hobson 22

Parnell is embracing winter full-on as part of the Elemental AKL festival next month. City-wide, ATEED is launching an Auckland winter festival, Elemental AKL. The month-long event across the city is focused on light shows, cuisine and cultural events themed around the four natural elements of earth, air, fire and water. Locally, ‘Elements of Parnell’ will be focused on the precinct’s exceptional dining, enhanced with immersive light installations and pop-up performances. Ten of Parnell’s best eateries from B to W (Barulho to Woodpecker Hill) are taking part, creating dishes reflecting the elements — earth, fire, water, air — to complement the activity around the district. For Han’s chef, Min Baek — pictured at left with Woodpecker Hill’s Che Barrington — it’s the opportunity to introduce diners to Korean dishes that may surprise. “We’ve chosen Maewoon tang. It’s a hot soup which is the perfect match for winter, but also because it is a great combination of water and earth elements. The water needed for the dish and the fact that is made with fish, gave us the idea to focus on the water element. It’s served with mushrooms, which symbolise the earth element due to their earthy origin and flavour.” At Woodpecker Hill, chef Che Barrington says he’s stoked to be part of a food-driven event that will give locals and newcomers plenty of good reasons to dine out in Parnell. Barrington’s themed dishes will embrace fire, water and air, so think steaming baskets of wrapped parcels and dumplings. And as many great evenings begin at the Woodpecker bar, there’s also an Elemental cocktail creation that involves steaming vanilla pods.

Central to Elements of Parnell will be sculptural lighting in Heard Park by HYBYCOZO, an international arts collaborative. Every Friday evening during the month, the light show will be accompanied by themed performances, between 6-6:45pm. See parnell.net.nz or elementalfestival.co.nz for more details. p

TO THE NEXT 150 Fresh from celebrating its 150th anniversary, Auckland Grammar School has publicly launched its next ambitious project, a 1400m2 interactive, multi-purpose learning and library building, Te Ara Mātauranga. Citing the school’s founding principles by Sir George Grey — immortalised on the Honours Board in Grammar’s Great Hall — “. . . with characteristic concern for the welfare and educational advancement of persons of all classes and races who may inhabit this colony . . .” Grammar headmaster Tim O’Connor says Grammar is still that school, with concern for all young men from all backgrounds. “Through the challenges of the years, the steadfast support of generations of individuals, families and their contributions, passion and commitment have helped make Grammar what it is today. Now, as the school turns 150, it is our turn to leave a legacy for the current and future generations of Grammar students,” the headmaster wrote in a recent newsletter to parents. u

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A render of the new building by Jasmax Architects. The design team is led by old boy Richard Dodd (’73) and Hamish Boyd, a past parent.

The new building, by Jasmax Architects, will be the centrepiece of the school’s 25-year campus masterplan. The centre will enable Grammar to retain its traditional library facilities, yet develop a more future-focused digital resource approach to learning, for students and teachers alike in their study and research. Pledges for fundraising for Te Ara Mātauranga, which means ‘pathway to knowledge’, has already reached $4.165 million, with $11.5m to be raised before construction can start at the end of next year, with boys using the facility from 2022. It will be cantilevered over the school’s swimming pool and near the Centennial Theatre, itself the result of fundraising efforts 50 years ago. To find out more or contribute to fundraising, contact director of advancement, Amanda Stanes, a.stanes@ags.school.nz p

City Design. The bridge represents a link with the millennia and protection with the aerial roots of a pōhutukawa tree, and the ethereal form of a waka prow, acknowledging Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. “The name of the bridge alludes to the original name of the area, Kohimaramara, or ‘gathering of fragments’,” said Thom at the time of the bridge’s reveal. “In consulting with Ngāti Whātua, we were advised that this area was used for gatherings of local groups to make peace, and that the fragments referred to the fact that they were all from the same waka. Hence the stone fragments embedded in the bridge deck spiralling towards the centre. We also liked the fact that the name had the Māori word for way (ara) three times, separated by two Ms, or MM=2000, for the new millennium.” The bridge cost Auckland City Council about $100,000 and was nominated for a People’s Choice urban design award. p

The Rotary Club of Parnell is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to find curtains for 2500 homes this winter. The club is seeking donations of old-but-good-nick curtains, or fabric, and also has a call out for sewers to help repurpose old drapes into new. “We’re thrilled to be on board to help Habitat for Humanity work towards helping many families in need of curtains to keep their homes warm,” says Parnell Rotary president-elect, Amanda Morrison. Rotary can arrange for pickup of donated drapes. Contact Avis Nelson: avisnelson@xtra.co.nz or 021 289 7893, or see the information in The Kiosk (page 48). p

THE STORY OF . . . ARAMARAMARA Mary Fitzgerald’s ongoing series looking at the stories behind plaques and installations in the community. At the western end of the beach at Mission Bay there is an elaborate footbridge that connects the beach pathway with Tamaki Dr’s footpath. There are plaques laid on the bridge that commemorate the official opening of Aramaramara, the Millennium Footbridge. The bridge was gifted to the community by the Eastern Bays Community Board, the forerunner of the Orākei Local Board, in celebration of the new millennium. The bridge was a collaborative design between artist Virginia King and architect Chris Thom from the hobson 24

Mary Fitzgerald

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the politicians

Paul Goldsmith

David Seymour

Paul Goldsmith is a National list MP based in Epsom

David Seymour is the MP for Epsom

his time of year brings falling leaves, some serious rugby, and the budget. At the time of writing I don’t know what’s in the second Labour/NZ First/Green budget, but it’s a useful exercise from Opposition to consider what it should contain. Good government is not about good intentions; it’s about delivery. Maintaining sound settings so that our economy can deliver the prosperity that sustains us; so that after-tax family incomes rise faster than household costs. And providing competent oversight to hold the bureaucracy to account, so that the money we spend delivers high-quality public services — in health, education, welfare, the justice sector, transport infrastructure and beyond. I expect the Labour/NZ First/Greens budget will focus on spending. Having highlighted mental health as an urgent issue 18 months ago, I expect very large sums will be devoted to improving services. We agree that the sector does need more investment; the critical thing, as ever, is not to measure success by what money is put in, but in what is delivered in terms of increasing access to help. The cost of housing was another urgent issue 18 months ago. The hundreds of millions so far devoted to KiwiBuild have delivered very, very, few houses. The critical reforms to planning and building legislation, promised by the government, haven’t yet materialised. Any successful budget would point to rapid legislative reform underway to those planning and building rules; it would be ensuring that Inland Revenue has the resources to properly police the existing tax laws around housing speculation. It would focus on taking costs out of construction of new houses. Traffic congestion blights the lives of many Kiwis, particularly here in Auckland. Any budget worth its salt would offer remedies to that congestion. The Labour/Greens/NZ First Government thinks the greatest priority for transport is to spend billions on a slow tram down Dominion Rd, while people sit idling in cars south, north, west and east as our city grows. Cars of the future — electric, hydrogen, hybrid or based on some other form of propulsion — won’t be polluting and contributing to climate change anything like today’s fleet does. A good government wouldn’t devote itself to frustrating people out of their cars, but would point to new ways to use technology to collect road taxes and manage peak congestion. First and foremost, however, the budget should leave more money in the pockets of working New Zealanders. Every year inflation eats into the income tax brackets, taking more out of everyone’s pockets. A good budget would reverse that – only taking for government what it needs. And, as well as spending, the budget would articulate a clear strategy to grow the economy. It would have policies to attract and encourage more investment, both international and domestic – to grow the businesses that provide high-paying jobs; it would devote tertiary education resources to deliver worldclass education that is responsive to the needs of the modern economy, not to a free-fees bribe. Let’s see.

have written in the past about the End of Life Choice Bill, a piece of legislation that I have sponsored into Parliament. This month, notwithstanding the vagaries of parliamentary scheduling, it should be debated and voted on again at what’s called ‘second reading’. To recap, this bill has its genesis in the Epsom electorate. I was a little surprised back in 2015 when every single person in the room at the Epsom Village on Ranfurly Rd put up their hand to a simple question: “Should it be your right to choose euthanasia at the end of your life?” That response made me curious, so I asked a lot more people and found that, while some opposed it, residents of the electorate were overwhelmingly supportive of choice in this area. Perhaps people were just being polite, since I was asking? A poll of Epsom voters showed 73 per cent wanted a vote on the issue in Parliament, compared with 22 per cent who did not. Armed with this, I set about drafting the End of Life Choice Bill. The bill would allow a person who 1) is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and 2) is over 18, and 3) has a terminal or grievous and irremediable illness, and 4) is in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability, and 5) is capable of understanding the nature and consequences of their decision, and 6) believes that their suffering cannot be alleviated in any other way can ask a doctor to help end their life. A second doctor, selected independently from the first, would be required to examine the person against these criteria, and sign off that they too believed the person met the criteria. The most important criteria of all, though, is that the person must believe that their suffering cannot be alleviated in any other way. While the other criteria might prevent many people who wanted an assisted death from being eligible, nobody who doesn’t choose assisted dying can ever have one. The same principle of voluntarism goes for doctors. A doctor who does not believe in assisted dying, or does not want to be clinically involved with it, need only state that they have a conscientious objection; and that the patient can contact the Ministry of Health if they want another doctor. If the bill passes its second reading it will be on its way to becoming law. There are details of the bill and the process that space doesn’t permit me to cover, but above are the key facts, and how it came to be, with respect to Epsom. The remaining question is ‘why?’ We know from countries where assisted dying is legal that around one to two per cent of those who die will likely use it. Those are people whom, despite the growing effectiveness of palliative care, will suffer terribly in their final days. We should not be a society that says to those people, “sorry about your bad luck but you must now suffer because you can’t ask for help to go on your terms”. People should be able to say, “I’ve led a great life, I know how it’s likely to go from here, it’s my life, my choice, and I’m going to go on my terms”. There has been a cacophony of weird and wonderful objections. It would take several columns to refute all of them, let alone speculate the motive that underlies most. On the other hand, the Attorney General’s official report on the bill found it protects the rights and choices of those who do, and don’t, want choice alike. For these reasons I have been working hard to ensure it gets the votes to pass into law.

the hobson 26

Licensed REAA 2008 MREINZ

Opoutere

289i Opoutere Road

Opoutere

Architectural Masterpiece in Stunning Co

289i Opoutere Road Architectural Masterpiece in Stunning Coromandel Location.

A peaceful hideaway less than 2 hours fr property sits high above the Opoutere Es unique design features, it is the perfect bl flat, to rolling to steeper incline. Pecan an

A peaceful hideaway less than 2 hours from Auckland on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, this property epitomises Boththoughtful, the mainmodern housedesign. and theThebunkhouse b property sits high above the Opoutere Estuary and was designed by award winning architect Michael Fisher as a bastion for modern living. With many is from a strict palette unique design features, it is the perfect blend of form and function. The property comprises of 1.94 hectares dividedConstruction into 3 paddocks varying in terrain from of ma thebush. property. The high courtyard walls an flat, to rolling to steeper incline. Pecan and walnut trees stand in the sheltered, private valley among pockets of native Both the main house and the bunkhouse boast gorgeous views and are separated by a large sunny courtyard.

the ever-changing play of light and shad

The mainblackwood house hastimber, an open Construction is from a strict palette of materials, thick concrete walls, cement render, aluminium louvres, glass and tasmanian milledplan fromconce the property. The high courtyard walls and the main structures create a sense of permanence through seasons and time, and provide the perfect canvas to frame the breath-taking viewsfor of the ha the ever-changing play of light and shadow. departure or for inclement weather.

The main house has an open plan concept with the bare minimum of walls. Floor to ceiling windows are oriented to take advantage of the suns path and This property has been long admired, do to frame the breath-taking views of the harbour and out to sea. Huge sliders disappear into the building, opening up to nature or closing to lock down on departure or for inclement weather. This property has been long admired, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this rare opportunity to make it your own. 3 2 4 Land size 1.94 Hectares. View: By Appointment. Expressions of Interest Mark Venter Licensed salesperson M: 027 279 5449 O : 07 864 8285

3 2 4 Land size 1.94 Hectares. View: By Appointment. Expressions Price: $2.4mof Interest Mark Venter Licensed salesperson M: 027 279 5449 O : 07 864 8285

the councillors

Mike Lee

he announcement of a billion dollar cost blow-out for the City Rail Link, three years after the start of construction, is deeply troubling. At $3.4 billion — that is $1b per km — the CRL was already going to be one of the most expensive rail tunnels in the world. Now the price has shot up to $4.4b ($2.2b from ratepayers) and the end date pushed back to 2024. Troubling also, given Auckland Council’s level of debt, which is approaching $8.5b, close to the borrowing limits recommended by international credit agencies. Furthermore, $4.4b is an estimate — there is no real guarantee that the price will not go higher. One insider suggested to me the final cost could, as he put it, “have five or six in front of it”. He was talking billions of course. Council bureaucrats have responded to the increase by recommending the sale of city car parking buildings (parking earned Auckland Transport $50m last year). As most Aucklanders know, selling income-earning assets to plug a hole in the budget is a foolish strategy. Apart from the likelihood of monopoly control of city parking, it should also be borne in mind that the CRL (who owns it still hasn’t been decided) won’t be cheap to operate. If Auckland Council sells its income earning assets, as it did last year with the ARC Diversified Financial Asset portfolio, where will the extra money come from to pay operational costs? In 2016 the Key National Government, after agreeing to back the CRL, at that time managed by AT, had its assessors review it. They recommended that the CRL build should be taken off AT, and that the two parties funding the project, that is the government and Auckland Council, should directly oversee it. A sensible idea in principle. A Crown entity was duly set up, CRL Ltd, under the chairmanship of Wellington-based Sir Brian Roche, former PwC partner and most recently CEO of NZ Post, along with a board of largely anonymous directors. On the face of it, this should have ‘steadied the ship’ enabling

transparency and clear accountability lines back to the funders. That was the plan, but with the departure of CRL champion Mayor Len Brown and his replacement by Phil Goff, the CRL went off the political radar. Newly-elected Goff had his own trophy project to push, light rail to the airport. But then with the election of the Labour coalition government, no doubt to Goff’s relief, responsibility for this poorly conceived scheme (three years on and still no business case) was famously adopted by his former colleague, Transport Minister Phil Twyford. The minister, for good measure, added in light rail to Kumeu, which he boasted on Newstalk ZB would be “the biggest transport project in New Zealand’s history”. Call it what you like, ‘eyes off the ball’, ‘asleep at the switch’, the CRL project from that time on has drawn virtually zero political interest, let alone oversight. Whatever the talents and experience of Sir Brian and his directors in building rail tunnels, what has been missing has been the active oversight of the shareholders — the government and the council, who represent the public who are paying for it. I have only seen Sir Brian twice at the council since his appointment in 2016, before he appeared again in April to ask for another half a billion dollars from Auckland ratepayers. Meanwhile, the CRL first stage ‘cut and cover’ making its laborious way up the first 400 metres of Albert St, is still not finished, to the consternation of Albert St business people and commuters in that part of the city. Despite this, a few weeks ago Minister Twyford announced that NZ Superannuation Fund as part of his ‘City Centre to Māngere’ Light Rail’ scheme was investigating a tram tunnel up Queen St, 150m away. I am not making this up. Because of the totally deficient amount of information given to councillors, I refused to vote for the extra half billion dollars. Instead I secured an amendment calling on the government as the lead agency to increase its contribution. Let me be clear, from my time as chairman of the Auckland Regional Council, I have been one of the leading proponents of the CRL, which I believe to be essential for Auckland. However its construction should not be seen as an opportunity for the ratepayers and taxpayers to be ripped off. Well behind schedule, and well over budget, the City Rail Link project is symptomatic of what is wrong with Auckland — poor leadership at the top. Mike Lee is the Councillor for Auckland representing the Waitematā and Gulf ward

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Desley Simpson

uckland Council’s council-controlled organisations, or CCOs as we know them, were by legislation designed to be slightly at arms-length from the politicians. The idea behind this (if you listened to Rodney Hide) was that professional, experienced directors would be much better placed to make decisions on big spend issues than politicians. So how has that played out over the last few years? Let’s look at two examples. Panuku Development Auckland is a merger of two former CCOs, Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Properties Ltd. This CCO manages the land and buildings that council owns, and continuously reviews smart ways to generate income for the region, grow their portfolio or release land or properties that can be better used by others. Looking back over the past few years, Panuku hasn’t had a glowing report card. Last year Panuku’s capital spend was a huge $31.6 million behind budget, with only 27 per cent of its CAPEX budget being spent. Sadly, this follows a disturbing trend over the last three years, with 33 per cent of their capital programme being delivered in 2017, and 46 per cent in 2016. With the America’s Cup planning well in place, they have a whole lot more projects to deal with, on top of delivering those already delayed. Locally, it’s Panuku which is leading the development of the Meadowbank Community Centre, and looking at options for the former Mission Bay Bowling Club site. I expect these projects to be delivered efficiently and professionally, supported by sound communications and engagement with all associated stakeholders. To this end, I’m taking a very careful look at the performance of Panuku and challenging them to improve their delivery, monitoring and performance in this financial year, as currently they give a very poor performance impression to ratepayers. Now to Auckland Transport (AT). Transport touches the lives of virtually every Aucklander, whether you walk, cycle, drive or use public transport, chances are AT has contributed to your

experience one way or another. They are a slightly unusual CCO as they have not one but three pieces of legislation that govern them, but still they fit the CCO model and are responsible to council, reporting monthly to local boards, and quarterly to the mayor and councillors. So how have they performed? In short, what they have done well, they have done very, very well, but what they haven’t, they really have done very badly. The good news, without doubt, is public transport. Numbers are well ahead of projections — very soon we will see 100 million public transport trips per year (up from 57m prior to the Super City). But then there is the ongoing Quay St congestion, and the Parnell Business Association getting a week’s notice that AT were closing one lane of Parnell Rd for two weeks. Remuera’s Clonbern Rd carpark top level was closed without notice to the Remuera Business Association, and there is the whole debacle over the proposal to remove a number of carparks and add raised pedestrian crossings in St Heliers and Mission Bay, with very little evidence (some say no evidence) to support these proposals. Add that to a ‘no show’ at a St Heliers public meeting, which had in excess of 600 people in attendance, and yes, there have been huge problems. In my opinion, the heart of it all lies with their communication and engagement – or should I say lack of it. Legally there is only one tool which the mayor and councillors can use to hold these arms-length CCOs to account. It’s called the statement of intent process. Under legislation, each CCO is required in their statement of intent to outline their intentions and activities for the forthcoming year, provide an opportunity for shareholders to influence the direction of the CCO, and thirdly, provide a basis of accountability for the directors of the CCO to its shareholders . Whilst these are great objectives, in my opinion the way they have been interpreted hasn’t worked for Auckland. In February, I moved a resolution for council staff to undertake a review of the statement of intent process for our CCOs. More recently, I specifically put up 10 resolutions to tighten our control over AT. Surprisingly to me, no councillor had ever done this before. The first resolution told them very clearly that their engagement and communication was unsatisfactory. Only 10 of my fellow councillors, and the mayor, agreed with me. Do you? Desley Simpson is the Councillor for Auckland representing the Ōrākei ward

the investment

Driven to Protest

atching the anti-car brigade at Auckland Council and Auckland Transport destroy our inner city and even suburban roads is making me sad – it’s almost the same as destroying the people. All these new cycleways and busways and raised pedestrian crossings and lane reductions is driving me mad. Who has empowered these people to make these draconian changes to the way we live? Who? The essence of the car is the essence of us. From the moment you get your driver’s licence, you’ll never be the same again. Suddenly, you can go places. You are free. Free to move about the city and country at your own pace, when you want and where you want. Nothing else gives us that freedom and that feeling. There are many reasons people love their cars. People who love their cars come from all backgrounds. Cars do not break our hearts like people do, they give us a sense of security, and they provide us convenience. We must appreciate having cars in our time while we still can . . . Cars allow us to do the seemingly impossible: driving at 100 km/h under our own control. Cars give us a strong sense of independence. Every type of vehicle has a distinct personality that matches our own personalities. They offer us thrills — even dogs agree, as they love to stick their heads out of car windows. They are fun to drive or even ride in. They comfort us — even crying babies tend to fall asleep during a soothing ride. I lost

count of how many times I’ve had one or more of our young children driving around the streets late at night or early in the morning to try to get them to sleep. Cruising in the sun and enjoying the scenery with good weather enhances our spirit. We adore the way they stimulate our senses: the sounds of the engine when we step on the gas, the glistening appearance of the shiny recently cleaned and groomed vehicle, the familiar and comforting smell of our cars and the way we feel when travelling at high (but legal) speed. Cars are conversation starters and can help some of us to attract new friends. Some people enjoy having luxury vehicles to display their wealth. Some enjoy tinkering under the hood and doing a simple engine tune-up or a major overhaul. Some like spending years restoring cars, while still others spend many hours playing car games and watching car movies. I strongly recommend you take a look at ‘C’était un rendez-vous’ on YouTube. As many people get excited about spending a day shopping, some of us enjoy the experience of going out to look at, and sometimes even buy, cars. There are many car-related activities that we enjoy. We love racing cars and there are many variations in this breed of motor sport with some of the most popular including Formula One, Touring Cars, production car racing, stock cars, WRC rally, private vehicle Targa racing,

some of us even like drag racing, and much, much, more. Racing go-karts is another example of off-road vehicle activity we enjoy, and we love off-roading in 4x4s or SUVs. In the US and Europe in particular, a popular 4x4 activitiy is driving highly modified vehicles over very inhospitable terrain including seemingly vertical rock walls, huge boulders, rock piles and impassable tracks. There are also many types of streetlegal vehicles and activities that are fun too. Surfers pitch their surfboards on their roof racks and head out to Piha or Ōrewa. Gangsters in the US show off their ‘bouncing’ cars with suspension hopping the vehicles up and down, sometimes to the beat of some terrible music. But it’s legal. Some car owners try to impress their friends with a sports car, with their superior looks and/or performance. Or, perhaps totally the opposite is impressing friends with economic cars with low-emission or electric cars with environmentally friendly features. High school students ride in limos to school balls, some people live in a vehicle and travel across the country in campervans or RVs loaded with beds and bathrooms and kitchen fit-outs. Or sometimes we just simply relax by cruising a few hours on a road trip through a scenic route. Cars are part of our heritage, our culture, our way of life. We love them. Enjoy them while you still can. — Warren Couillault

Councillor Desley Simpson To learn more about what’s happening around the Town Hall table, please join my newsletter at: desley.co.nz/newsletter Or join me on Facebook: desley.co.nz/facebook

I’m always available to discuss the issues that matter to you. P: 021 971 786

E: Desley.Simpson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

This ad has been personally funded by Cr Desley Simpson and is at no cost to ratepayers.

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the plan

A Congested Reality

or those of you that work in the CBD or have experienced the recent detour around Parnell and the Quay St roadworks, the time taken to get into and out of the city by car has doubled. Your morning commute of 25 minutes from the leafy eastern suburbs to the concrete jungle has become a nightmare. Quay St is snarled, The Strand is at a standstill, there is literally no place to turn. For some of you this has inspired change – you have purchased an electric bike, changed your commute time or taken a packed train. For the rest of you who cannot alter your travelling patterns, take this as being the new reality. Auckland Transport actually wants to make single car use harder, not easier. Reducing traffic lanes, increasing bus lanes and getting rid of free turns are not by measure designed to increase cars per hour or car speeds. Rising traffic congestion is an inescapable affliction in Auckland and other growing cities. We all want to get to the same place at the same time, and hence ‘peak hour traffic’ is an inherent way in which the modern world operates. And we all get frustrated that the powers-that-be are not doing anything to make it better. The truth is coping with the mobility problem has no end game. There are mechanisms which can slow or reduce the speed at which congestion grows, but our love of the convenience of the motorcar is such that we will continue to put up with increased timeframes, parking fees and other tariffs so that we can drop Jonny at kindy, go to work and pick up the groceries on the way home. We cannot just keep building bigger and bigger roads. This ‘cure’ is totally impractical and expensive. It is like designing the 277 carpark for the Christmas rush, only to have it half empty the rest of the time. There are times when building new roads is necessary and a good idea — think the Waterview Tunnel — but on balance we cannot keep widening roads to accommodate more and more cars. Another solution is charging peak hour road tolls. I suspect they will come to Auckland in the next 10 years, but they will be a bitter pill to swallow. They disadvantage the poorer in the community who may have little choice as to alternative transport options. Another issue is the drawback that people already pay petrol taxes, and the feeling that you are being charged for an asset that has already been paid for. I pity the poor politician who tries to convince us it is a good idea, even against the backdrop of the status quo. Another option is to stagger work hours, or provide for a work from home option. In my mind they are temporary solutions in any growing city. As we have seen in Auckland, which has had record population growth and prosperity, you cannot keep up with either the road building or public transport demand to make a dent in the peak hour congestion. A sprawling city also does not help reduce traffic times or the dependency on the car. To be blunt there is no solution, no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We can create T2 and T3 lanes, increase public transport options by having double decker buses, we can reduce sprawl and restrict low density peripheral development. These may help slow the rate, but we must be prepared that there will always be morning and afternoon traffic peaks which are frustrating and time sapping, compounded of course by weather and accidents. I did forget – there is a solution. Move to Whanganui. — Hamish Firth

the suburbanist

The Great Air Con

he origins of the air-conditioner are disputed. The first attempt was by a doctor in Florida, John Gorrie, who, in the early 19th century, devised a rudimentary contraption to cool down fever patients by blowing air across blocks of ice. This led to a patent application for a refrigerator that was blocked by the northern ice barons, who made a lot of money shipping ice to the south during the summer. Years later, in 1902, Willis Carrier developed the first fully operational air conditioner that both cooled, and reduced humidity. These were not designed for human consumption, as it were, but to cool factories to enable machinery to run or — as in the first installation in a printing shop — to print magazines without the ink running. It wasn’t until 1925 when people first felt the benefit, after Carrier had introduced a compressor that allowed airconditioners to be smaller, and one was installed in the Rivoli Theater in Times Square. On hot days, swarms of people descended on movie theatres just to cool down. A century later, the now ubiquitous air-conditioner is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. This is exacerbated by the rising middle classes in India and China who increasingly have access to electricity, and discretionary spending. As incomes rise in these emergent economies, people tend to make three major purchases: a TV, a refrigerator and an air-conditioner. There are 1.2 billion AC units worldwide and this number could grow to 4.5b by 2050, with household air-conditioning alone likely to push up global temperatures by half a degree by the end of the century. Two recent initiatives are trying to address this. The Global Cooling Prize, launched by Sir Richard Branson, is a competition with a US$3 million prize purse to incentivise higher-efficiency air-conditioners and to support start-ups in the field. Companies who wish to participate need to submit a solution that has five times less climate impact than a standard air conditioner, at no more than twice the cost, so that it has a payback period of less than four years. Later this year, 10 applicants will get US$200,000 to build prototypes. When the prototypes are built, they’ll be tested in a lab that simulates the climate in different Indian cities, and they’ll also be tested on 10 actual apartments in the heat of the Indian summer. The winning technology will get at least US$1 million. A second initiative, described in a article in Nature magazine, is to turn AC units into machines that capture carbon dioxide and convert it into a fuel for powering vehicles that are difficult to electrify – cargo ships, for instance. The article described this as ‘weaponising air conditioning units to help pull CO2 out of the atmosphere’. The concept is called ‘crowd oil’ and is still theoretical at this stage, but its potential is significant. The key to this proposal is that it will be a system that can refit existing AC units, instead of building entirely new ones. This approach brings problems of its own, mostly highly technical. It wouldn’t be a simple bolt-on device, but a series of different things would be needed: a filter that would absorb CO2 and water from the air; an electrolyser that would strip the oxygen molecule from the H2O to get H2, which would then be combined with CO2 to get hydrocarbon fuels. Think of it as turning your AC unit into a chemistry set that acts as your own oil well. The researchers looked at a building in Germany, with a total volume of 200,000 cubic metres and calculated it could capture 1.5 metric tonnes of CO2 per hour and produce 4000 metric tonnes of fuel per year. These units won’t save the world on their own but they might reduce significantly the effect of air conditioning on climate change. — Tommy Honey

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the second act

The B-All

don’t usually agree with a thing that comes out of the mouth of property developer Sir Bob Jones, but I do concur with him on one thing — the value of an arts degree, and specifically, a liberal arts degree. For those still stuck in an era where a Bachelor of Arts was mocked as “BA means Bugger All,” I challenge your thinking as archaic. I see many who are clamouring to the idea of a STEM-focused (science, technology, engineering and maths) education because they are mystified at this world, which is changing at a faster rate than humans can deal with. But what we need are people with the ability to adapt to that change, and the BA delivers on this. In fact, I fancy myself as a bit of an expert on this matter, having had four completely different careers that span 35-plus years, in which I have both worked with and employed a number of people. The ones that stand out to me are those who had taken the time to learn about the world around them and indeed challenge these learnings. And having just completed a liberal arts degree myself, I can reflect upon the impact it has had on my work, my life and how it was the missing link that connected me to what it is I actually wanted to be giving my time and energy to. For sure, I have done pretty well without it, but that’s the point. Sometimes I can’t believe that I was allowed into meetings, the boardroom, or even thought I had a clue what I was talking about, given my previous level of education, a manky marketing qualification. No wonder I always had a suspicion that there was some other, more interesting, parallel dimension that I didn’t have access to. The liberal arts taught me to not believe everything I read. Particularly so in the case of history, which embarrassingly I had never even considered as a particularly fluid and contestable arena. I naively had assumed that things happened, they were remembered and that was that. I considered myself a good communicator, but after honing skills in creating coherent arguments that absorb an array of conflicting research, my opinions are more considered, have more depth and I have a greater capacity to see the viewpoints of others. Finally at this ripe age, I feel I am in communion with life, rather than simply going

through the paces. My liberal arts education has shifted me from someone who was living in the world to someone who wants to contribute to changing it. I didn’t need a degree so people took me seriously, incredibly they already did. I only went to uni as I needed something to write about for my blog about turning 50. True story. I wanted to play by different rules, where I listened to my heart more than my head to see what happened. And while my career development soon took a back seat to my personal interests, six years later, I now work in a field that I couldn’t have planned for and with a deep sense of purpose that is beyond what I could have dreamt up. I have leveraged so many learnings from my gender and history double major within my work and life that, in the language of the capitalist paradigm, I am a getting a ‘return on my investment’. In a full circle way, it also lead to me writing this column. And my collaborators and I now offer courses for 50-somethings who are getting the ‘is this all there is?’ feeling. On campus I experienced full millennial immersion. I noticed my fellow BA students would only start second-guessing their degree because simultaneously, they had no idea what they really wanted to do with their lives. Their nerves were jangled by their parents or even worse, ‘friends of parents’, who enquire “just what do you want to do with that BA; how many jobs are there for anthropologists these days?” But the tide is turning and public opinion will eventually catch up. In the last few years, both the Harvard Business Review and Forbes have reported on how liberal arts degrees are increasingly favoured in the tech world. In the age of information overload, we need thinkers who are unfazed by the vast amounts of information online. We need people who know how to manage it, use it and make informed criticism of the content. If, as predicted, within 10 years up to 50 per cent of jobs people see as current today might not even exist, then we need our young people to know how to adapt to change. And it is a generalist degree like the Bachelor of Arts that will help them stay both relevant and curious. — Sandy Burgham

Years 1–13

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the sound

They Do it Their Way

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Billie Eilish is no party girl. She claims never to have done drugs, so she doesn’t sing about that. She’s a wispy girl who wouldn’t hurt a fly, except maybe herself. She was also an artist that wanted to escape the cookie-cutter image of girl pop. So she wears the opposite of fashion — currently she seems fond of luridly fluoro boiler suits. She hires her brother, Finneas, to make her music. The siblings prefer to inhabit characters rather than sing about their own lives. Billie has set herself up as the anti-Taylor Swift, the anti-Cardi B, the anti-Nicki Minaj, the anti-Ariana Grande, the current generation of divas known by two names. And she won. While the pop production line continues to spew out a procession of autotuned, lingerie-wearing, pole dancers singing about boys and sex, Billie thrives singing about bad dreams and anxiety. Wearing boiler suits. By the way, she is the first artist born in the 2000s to have a number one album in the USA, and the youngest female ever to have a number one album in the UK. I can’t get enough of her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? It’s an intense soundscape with her whispered voice lightly soaring and playing hide and seek with your ears. The imagery is astounding. And yet while so mature, it also comes from the heart and the mind of a teen. The reason I’ve been comparing these two women is that they have been vying for the top of the world’s charts with both getting there. But their journeys are so very different. Pink was discovered before the internet exploded. She got there by gigging in halls until someone heard her. Billie whispered some vocals in her bedroom and then posted it onto the internet. Pink is 100 per cent full bore, volume turned to 11. Billie has what has been called a radically quiet pop. Pink is athletic, visceral and not averse to flashing a bit of cleavage. Billie stomps and stares, and you’ll be hard pressed to find any image of her showing even her neck. Pink was compared to her competitors continually. Billie is beyond compare, except with our own Lorde, who plays a similar trick. Pink is 39. Billie is 17. Pink could be Billie’s mum. Yet here they are, both at the top of the charts. Comparing the two women is comparing the changes in a generation. Personally, I prefer Billie’s album. I find it refreshing that she so rejects the cookie-cutter. It’s also tempting to think that Billie has the easier road because Pink bulldozed the way. So here’s to two powerful women breaking the mould, in the most popular way. — Andrew Dickens Universal Music

his is the story of two women. Separated by 22 years. With the same job. Competing for the same thing. With the same success. Yet both are winning in very different ways. It’s a story that shows things are changing before our very eyes, yet have not changed at all. Alecia Beth Moore was born in Pennsylvania in 1979. She was a stroppy, athletic, hip-hopping, rave music loving, skateboarding teenager with a big voice who found herself in bands from the age of 14. She ended up in a girl band and adopted a stage name from Quentin Tarantino’s film, Reservoir Dogs. She chose the character played by Steve Buscemi, who is the only one to get out of the film alive and takes off with all the diamonds. Buscemi’s character was Mr Pink. Alecia Beth Moore is Pink. Pink (which is spelt P!nk if you’re following the marketing) released her first album in 2000, but really made it in 2001 with her second album, Missundaztood. Here was a ballsy party girl. Fond of getting drunk and prepared to sing about it. A brave, spunky scrapper who would kick your butt if you were out of line. She was also an artist who wanted to escape the cookie-cutter image of girl pop. So for Missundaztood, she hired Linda Perry from 4 Non Blondes, another butt-kicking chick, to write and produce the fiercely autobiographical album. The record company, who wanted another girl superstar, initially balked, until “Get The Party Started” stormed the charts. Pink had more to prove to her detractors. Her first No 1 was ‘Lady Marmalade’ from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, which she sang with Christina Aguilera and others. She was saying to the world, “I can belt with the best of them as well”. Pink set herself up to be the antiBritney, the anti-Christina, the antiBeyoncé, the anti-Mariah. The divas we know by one name, because they’re divas! And she won. Year after year, tour after tour, Pink had hits and attendance records. This year in Auckland, she broke all records with six gigs at Spark Arena in front of over 70,000 people. AND this year she released her eighth album, Hurts 2B Human. It’s undeniably a Pink album, but it’s hard to be the underdog when you’ve been so successful. So the songs sing about her former body issues and the nostalgia of her childhood, filtered through the fact that Pink is now a mum herself. It’s gone straight to No 1, supplanting our other woman, Billie Eilish. Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell. Aged 17. Born in LA in 2001, the same year Pink had her first big hit. Stroppy, moody, horse-loving teenager with a tender voice who had her first hit in 2016, when her music was found on SoundCloud. By 2017, she had released an EP.

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the business

The Fabric of Parnell For more than 30 years, Working Style has been part of the Parnell landscape. Hélène Ravlich caught up with founder Chris Dobbs to reflect on what has grown from small beginnings

Founder and managing director Chris Dobbs, seated, outside the Parnell store with, from left, Parnell director Graig Douglas, manager Sharon Orquejo, and national sales manager Tim Nguyen. Opposite, top; Dobbs on a fabric buying trip in Paris in 1987, with Ross Hawkins, then working in the ragtrade. Below, a proud moment: Dobbs sells his first shirt, to customer Trevor Pye, photographed by Ross Hawkins. (Now the top licencee with NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, Hawkins still proudly wears Working Style).

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t’s 1987 and a young Chris Dobbs has been ignominiously let go from a job in finance. It’s where all the young thrusters wanted to be in that most heady of times, but Chris . . . well, he didn’t quite cut it. What he did learn from the whole experience though was that men in suits need shirts – a wardrobe of well fitting shirts in fact, and enough of them to have a fresh one every day, perhaps even twice a day. So what we now know as Working Style was born. Dobbs began his business by “hawking my wares” as a shirtmaker around various offices, eventually selling enough shirts to take on the responsibility of a bricks and mortar store in 1988, when the doors opened on the ground floor of 523 Parnell Rd. Soon the business was profitable enough to take over the upstairs level of the building as well, Chris moving in a bed and making it his home. “When I opened the doors and then moved in upstairs, I thought I’d won Lotto,” he says, talking in that same upstairs space, now an extension of the retail space, chairs, but no beds. “And just coming in here still feels so incredibly raw to me in terms of history.” Back in 1987, Dobbs had identified a gap in the market, but also had to put in the graft in order to do things right. “We started life as a shirtmaker, which required that I learn the craft of making shirts. It was terrifying to master, but probably the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done in my life.” He sees shirtmaking as a trade akin to the likes of cabinetmaking, and his approach to selling the brand to businessmen focused on exactly that. “We then had to fill the orders,” says Dobbs. “Mum helped me establish a relationship with a manufacturer in the Wairarapa who made each shirt and then freighted them up.” He was offering a truly bespoke service, “well before I even knew what the word meant.” He says that without the everyday uniform requirements of men back in the 1980s, Working Style might never have been born. “We saw a gap in the market that just doesn’t exist now. Back then a man needed at least five shirts a week, now a t-shirt or polo shirt would easily suffice in many workplaces. Back then, the shirt collar was king.” In the early days shirting styles were most definitely a lot baggier, and Dobbs says that whether he likes it or not, a looser shape is most definitely on the return. The current Working Style includes progressive takes on traditional styles, and that’s taking off. “We’re working really hard on the recent wave of casualisation,” he explains, “and on creating softer pieces that can work well in a meeting and looking after the kids.” He adds that clothing in 2019 “has to work for you, and just defaulting to a suit like our fathers did just doesn’t cut it with the majority of customers anymore.” He says that this sort of adaptability has been key to the brand’s longevity, “as being in business for 32 years definitely requires a degree of fleet-footedness,” as well as a genuine passion for finding – and keeping – the right people. Dobbs quotes the Māori proverb, “He tangata, he tangata, he tangata . . .” it is the people, it is the people, it is the people – as a vital

focus for the business, and staff retention rates reflect that. There’s the financial controller who has been with the company for 18 years, retail staff who have been there over a decade and of course the first men on board— Dobbs, and his co-directors, his brother Tim, who is product and design director, and Andrew Cole, in charge of finance. Across three stores in Auckland, one in Wellington and one in Christchurch, Dobbs now employs 44 staff, which includes the design team.

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the business

From top, Dobbs and his launch business partner Tania Nevill show off their newly branded vehicles, circa 1987; the original storefront, finished shirts hang in the upstairs flat, 1988; an early advertising shoot.

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Right, the Parnell store 32 years on — its footprint has expanded to take over the neighbouring space. Clothes share the spotlight with the store’s collection of rock photography downstairs; upstairs, a recent refurbishment has given the space a more relaxed, less overtly ‘mens club’ feel. This floor will also host a discrete space for the new womenswear collection.

When asked where the brand sits in the market after 32 years, Dobbs says they are comfortable competing with premium European brands, “as we have our own innate Kiwi sensibility that clients really appreciate”. He adds that it’s true that many of their core customer base have the means to purchase whatever they need overseas, “but they see us as a brand they trust. And yes, we do have customers that have been with us since 1987.” Early Working Style adopters who have stayed loyal to the brand include 42 BELOW vodka founder and Moa Brewing CEO, Geoff Ross, whom Dobbs first called on in an advertising agency in Wellington in 1989. Thirty years has seen a lot of fashion waves come and go. Dobbs hesitates when queried if there are any particular styles that he never wants to see darken the racks again, before admitting “the suit I got married in. It was a fourbutton single breasted. I looked like one of The Beatles, but not in a good way.” He says that the problem with naming styles he would like to see the back of is that inevitably they will return, in the cyclical nature of fashion. “But as a heritage brand we’re able to look at a style coming back through with an objective eye, the way it sits or falls, and assess what went wrong the first time around. It’s a huge advantage.” With five stores, there are no plans to expand into further destinations, but there is something new coming out of the design department — a new womenswear service, headed by Parnell store manager, Sharon Orquejo. Orquejo has been with the company for a decade, like the rest of the Parnell team, some who have worked at the store for longer. Womenswear is a bold move that has been tested before without a great deal of success, but this time, Dobbs says, it’s Orquejo’s expertise that makes him willing to give it another bloody good go. There are also more than a few women occupying senior roles within the company, a fact that makes Dobbs proud. It has also transformed his business style, which is now “more considered and less reactive, and I think that’s a direct result of having so many women surrounding me on a daily basis.” It’s clear when talking to Dobbs and seeing the pride he exhibits whilst walking through the Parnell store that the early days are never far from his mind. A second generation has started working in their stores, including the son of the

man to whom Dobbs sold his first ever shirt. Their current leather collection harks back to what they like to call the “heady days of hopes and dreams”, and includes a satchel that references the battered version that Dobbs carried his cloth samples and tape measure in, back in 1987. “Life’s been good to me, business has been good to me and clients have become friends,” he says. Lotto winner or not, it doesn’t get much better than that.

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the magpie

Alternative Universe Always looking to improve herself and the planet, the Mapgie finds everyday items that leave a lighter footprint 1. Looking for a grown-up alternative to booze? The Magpie has been pouring Ecology and Co’s distilled alcohol-free spirits, crafted right here in NZ. Delightful with a good tonic. There is no sweeteners or carbs or stonking headaches lurking in there either. $67 for a 700ml bottle, there’s two blends: London Dry and Asian Spice. ecologyandco.com

2. The Mapgie loves her brood coming to a table set with Tony Sly Pottery — it’s perfect for shared feasts. Made in Raglan so ultra-lite on the carbon miles, it’s at home anywhere. The Rustic Jug comes in two colours and three sizes (shown here in large, $90). Order from shoptonyslypottery.com or visit the store at 18 Teed St 3. Nisa is a Wellington-based undie maker that employs refugee women. Using ethically-sound, certified organic cotton and merino, Nisa aims to “make a difference with every pair”. Do good and look pretty too in the Albertine cross-over bralette, $99, and Quinn low briefs, $36, from nisa.co.nz 4. A deserved Kiwi success story, Icebreaker makes fine products, responsibly. The Magpie tips her wing to their collaboration with Japanese brand GOLDWYN, creating an understated, chic merino collection. Mens’ and womens’ Icebreaker Tabi cardigans, from $199.95. nz.icebreaker.com

5. Bags this — the Milly’s Kitchen Jute Market Bag. Well sized, super eco and super stylish. Load us up! $27.95, millyskitchen.co.nz 6. If you haven’t heard of Kiwi shoe superstars Allbirds, you must have been hiding out in an Ecuadorian embassy. Comfortable, breathable merino with environmentally sound soles, they’re lightweight and looking really cool in newly released colours for men and women. Allbirds wool runners, $160, from allbirds.co.nz 7. Stop sending that body wash down the drain and switch to one of these natty Binchotan Charcoal Body Scrub Towels. Ultra-fine activated Binchotan charcoal, which draws out skin inpurities, is infused into the fibres of this luxurious scrub towel, to help naturally refresh and revitalise skin. $36, from lainghome.com 8. Wildcrafted Kawakawa Healing Balm is great for skin irritations such as dermatitis, nappy rash, bites and burns. Its antiinflammatory properties make it handy too for massaging sprains. Native kawakawa (macropiper excelsum) is used widely in Māori traditional medicine. $20.50 for 30ml, everyday-needs.com 9. Most bathroom sprays are just nasty, cloyingly worse than what’s being covered up. Aēsop’s Post-Poo Drops is an effective botanical deodoriser that neutralises disagreeable odours. A few drops into the bowl, and the next user won’t be gasping. $35 from aesop.com/nz

10. Kowtow clothing has a deservedly good reputation. Using 100 per cent Fair Trade-certified cottons, Global Organic Textile Standard approved inks and dyes (free from chlorine bleach, heavy metals, formaldehyde and aromatic solvents) and a transparent supply chain results in bloody good looking, well-designed, lovely to wear clothes. Rei Dress, $359, from nz.kowtowclothing.com

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the destination

Inside the Ochre City Writer Hélène Ravlich has a fabulous and fashionably-rich holiday in the historic city of Marrakech

’m sure I’m not alone when it comes to having the destination ‘Morocco’ at the top of my metaphoric bucket list, but when I finally made the commitment to travel there, the anxiety began to set in. Would it live up to my expectations of the past 20-something years, or would my chosen city of Marrakech prove to be a crushing – and reasonably pricey - disappointment? Choosing to stay at the iconic La Mamounia is one way to ensure that even your wildest expectations are met. Such is the luxury and attention to detail around every corner, that you’ll be charmed from the moment a private driver picks you up from the airport. It is said that the story of Marrakech wouldn’t be the same without La Mamounia, a palatial hotel that embodies many of the elements that make up the ancient city’s history, culture and art. When you stay there you get to experience the elements of style that so seduced Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé upon their first visit to Marrakech in 1966, when they made La Mamounia their base. After a week they were so charmed by the town, they decided to buy a home in the Medina, but continued to be regulars poolside and propping

up the bar. Located in the centre of Marrakech, La Mamounia is within walking distance of the famous Djemma el-Fna square and close to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. Despite its proximity to the Medina, you feel far from the busy streets of the Old City when you walk the hotel’s tranquil gardens, which date back to the 12th century. The ‘Moroccan-meets-Moorish’ interiors by Jacques Garcia are complex and breathtaking — you may already be familiar with his work if you have stayed at the Hotel Costes in Paris. Service is impeccable but with a welcome ‘human’ element that the hotel prides itself on, and their phenomenal return rate speaks for itself. They offer a variety of dining options that push the term ‘culinary art’ to the nth degree, but my personal pick was their local offering, Le Marocain. The fare and the atmosphere was top notch, although this can also be said for pretty much any spot serving solely Moroccan cuisine in Marrakech – order a tagine and you’ll never leave disappointed. Many visitors to the city looking for a less pricey but still fabulous accommodation option head to one of the Medina’s many riads, which are traditional Moroccan houses

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The stunning tiled lobby at the palatial La Mamounia. Opposite, a suite at the more boutique El Fenn, a conversion of riads, the traditional Moroccan houses.

with interior courtyards that have been converted into accommodation for tourists who descend on the city every year. My personal pick of the bunch is El Fenn, a unique creation devised by the enterprising Vanessa Branson (sister to Virgin’s Richard). It began as just one property with six rooms, before numerous surrounding riad were added to the mix. It now has 28 individually styled rooms and suites, tree-filled courtyards, a 650m² roof terrace, and a family of resident tortoises. Filled with hideaway nooks, terraces and gardens, the hotel is just minutes’ from Djemaa el-Fna and the bustling maze of streets that make up the souk. It is also home to a very fabulous rooftop bar and restaurant, and a carefully curated boutique for those looking to take a piece of Morocco home that’s a little more bespoke than many of the offerings in the souks (however charming). The store stocks a wonderful range of clothes from new designers, many with a Moroccan vibe and an urban twist. Also on offer are bags, beautiful

jewellery, coffee table books, perfumes, and home accessories from the finest bed linens to the best of Fez pottery. Cocurating the store’s collection is El Fenn’s general manager, Willem Smith and one of the swishest names in the fashion business, ex-Ford Models man, Paul Rowland. Which brings me to shopping, which has become a major to-do in the African city beyond the souks. Designers based in Morocco usually have one thing in common: they seem to be moved by their surroundings. Saint Laurent was motivated to start using colour in his collections after spending significant time there, and today’s designers tend to focus on combining tradition — embroidery techniques, styles, textiles — with modern looks. A designer I discovered in the El Fenn boutique and have kept in contact with since is Sana Berrada, who creates caftan dresses under the name Sana’s Atelier, and everyday pieces under Alasr. 33 Rue Majorelle is a concept store and the Marrakech equivalent of the now-closed Colette in Paris. With 220m²

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the destination

of space, 33 Rue is one of a new breed of shops in Marrakech selling contemporary Moroccan fashion and homewares. It’s where you’ll find Bakchic, the label created by Insta-famous designer Sofia El Arabi, who designs clothes that effortlessly mix traditional local style and contemporary French chic. Every archway in the city is a must-see sight in itself, but one cannot visit Marrakech without exploring the famous Jardin Majorelle. Entering through a discreet doorway on Rue Yves St Laurent, the Jardin Majorelle is as beautiful as you expected. Saint Laurent and Bergé bought the property in 1980 (18 years after artist Jacques Majorelle’s death) and saved it from falling victim to a hotel complex. The couple nurtured the garden into its current state, opening the nation’s first Berber museum in the process. The newly opened Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is adjacent, and is equally as essential for a visit. The building’s cubic forms made of bricks fashioned from Moroccan earth create a pattern similar to threads of fabric, while the interiors are luminous and smooth, echoing the lining of a couture jacket. So Moroccan, so very chic.

lamamounia.com 33ruemajorelle.com el-fenn.com jardinmajorelle.com museeyslmarrakech.com sanasatelier.com

Top, discreet dining at Le Marocain restaurant, La Mamounia; the rooftop pool at El Fenn

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Taking in the views from La Mamounia. Above, Marrakech style available globally: left and right, Sanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Atelier, centre, Alasr.

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the district diary

June 2019 3 Hurrah for Her Maj! Today is the Queen’s Birthday public holiday 4 ACG Parnell College welcomes you to its open day for Years 1-13. Tour the Domain-side campus and the new senior school. 9.30am-1.30pm, parnellcollege.acgedu.com 5 Geneva Healthcare’s annual Colour Cruise Race of Champions is the highly anticipated ‘Round the Bays’ for people who have a disability; an all-inclusive fun run, walk or wheel, around the racetrack at ASB Showgrounds. Tickets cover entry, lunch, music, prizes and entertainment, call 0800 436 382 or go to genevahealth.com. All ages, 217 Greenlane West, 10.30am-2.30pm 8 The Ōrākei Community Garage Sale has a bouncy castle for the kids, and plenty of bargains for the adults. Clothes, toys, books, furniture and more. Ōrākei Community Centre, 156 Kepa Rd, 9am-12pm 9 Join the Outboard Boating Club and Seacleaners’ Hobson Bay, Whakatakataka Bay and Ōrākei Bay clean up. Assemble at the OBC on Tamaki Dr at 9.30am. See the details on pages 21 and 32, email interest to erin@obc.co.nz 11-16 Sashaying into its fifth year, the Auckland Live Cabaret Season is a week of dazzling decadence that offers wildly exciting music, drag, theatre and comedy. Held at the Civic, see, aucklandlive.co.nz for a full schedule of times and events 16 For all things vintage, retro, antique, collectable or curio, head to the Collectables Fair at Alexandra Park Raceway, 9am-2pm, Greenlane Rd West. Door sales only, $5 19 The Waste-free Parenting Workshop with Kate Meads will cover topics from cloth nappies through to reusable coffee cups,

and you’ll get a goodie bag worth $90 with every ticket purchased. Ellerslie War Memorial Hall, 138 Main Highway, 9.30am-12pm, tickets from eventfinda.co.nz

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22 On June 25 the Matariki star cluster is visible in the dawn Contact Wendy 0272781759 sky, signalling the start of the wendy@careycareers.co.nz Māori New Year, and from today to July 14, the Matariki Festival celebrates this special time with Auckland-wide events. Go to facebook.com/MatarikiFestival or Carey Careers_Kiosk2.indd 1 matarikifestival.org.nz for info Parnell’s Craft Harvest market runs alongside the Parnell Farmers’ Market and offers fresh, original, high-quality handmade crafts, art, clothing, jewellery and more. Fourth Saturday of every month, 545 Parnell Rd, 8am-11.45am 23 Pull on your gumboots, pack your spade and gloves, and head to the Newmarket Stream for the Ōrākei Local Board’s community planting day. The whole family can take part in this initiative to enhance the stream with native plants that will provide habitat for birds and insects and improve water quality. Book at conservationvolunteers.co.nz or call 0800 567 686. Free sausage sizzle, some gloves/spades available to use on the day 29 The GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest is back for 2019. Street food, circus acts, roving bands, and so much more, or if it’s education you’re after you can learn from the best at the ‘Craft College’. ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, 11.30am-11.30pm, R18 event, gabsfestival.com 30 From spies to space to wizards to flight, Beyond the Screen features tunes from Sweet Charity, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Harry Potter and the James Bond oeuvre. Presented by the Waitakere Voices and Kumeu Blend Choir at St Lukes Church, 130 Remuera Rd, tickets from eventfinda.co.nz or at the door, 2pm-4pm

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the cryptic by mĀyĀ

Set by Māyā. Answers will appear in our next issue (July/August 2019). Can’t wait, or need help? Visit https://thehobsoncrossword.wordpress.com. This month’s has a bit of a Matariki theme. ACROSS 1 Mist what some engines need to get before they start? (5,2) 5 Going solo, Cyril, in one of the 7 18 down? (7) 9 Bunch caught an American shine (7) 10 Allow to cut back and quarter American money (7) 11 Stewed prune issues? Winston Smith removed their records (9) 12 An 18 across in 3 is with it, coming between two leaders (5) 13 Forger of tomb lacks Mithraic artefacts (10) 16 Texas has this sort of 18 across (4) 18 See 24 down 19 Forge equipment to topple baggy pants (10) 22 Virgin’s most prominent 18 across’s a typographic unit (5)

23 Fate of a suitably large 18 across, once in Calcutta? (5,4) 25 Excitedly beginning engagement to a girly, say (7) 26 Instrument with which UK rebuffed EU about line the French followed (7) 27 E.g. Maggie Bridges has an afterthought (7) 28 Removes from office — it’s in international organisation’s provisions (7)

DOWN 1 Give in and copy hesitation in vessel (7) 2 Outfit to pique curiosity (5) 3 Tāmaki getting worked up about religious instruction for an 18 across 9 (8) 4 18 across, perhaps, with fame rising in the past (9)

5 Maps an 18 across in the 7 18 down (5) 6 Horny bird about to dry off out east (3-3) 7 Top couple ignoring the odds? One for marriage, giving the eye like? (9) 8 Get up at almost eleven, about? (7) 14 A state agency to 8 sap into hardened sap (6,3) 15 Kingdom, not gold, put up an 18 across in 3 (4-1-4) 17 Strikes at UK’s Owl Service (8) 18 Resists disturbing worker bees? (7) 20 Unsteady dancers? (7) 21 Worked at ‘U.R.Us’, where 3 is found (6) 23 Adams’ handle’s Ferry’s (5) 24/18A Separator should be leading lady, perhaps? (5,4)

MAY CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS: 6/19 Chemotherapy, 9 Goose, 10 Truculent, 11 Easter eggs, 12 Ship, 14 Tin can, 15 Markings, 18 Sets sail, 20 Psyche, 23 Ewes, 24/1 The Darling Buds of May, 26 Reawakens, 27 Pearl, 28 Hayed, 29 Superiors DOWN: 1 Baguettes, 2 Drops in, 3 Oxeye daisy, 4 Mother, 5 Young man, 6 Clue, 7 Erewhon, 8 On tap, 13 Skyscraper, 16 Svengalis, 17 Fishnets, 21 Chicago, 22 Adds up, 23 Earth, 25 Land

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