PUNEET DHALL: IN THE MAGNIFICENT DINING ROOM OF THE PARK HYATT’S SPLENDID ONEMATA RESTAURANT

I am sitting in the magnificent dining room of the Park Hyatt Hotel’s splendid Onemata restaurant.

The hotel has such an incredible location, resplendent on the north eastern corner of Wynyard Quarter.

Through Onemata’s large windows, the sun glints off the water in diamond shards and I observe the ever bustling activities of the harbour edge… boats, bikes, trams, some people scurrying, others simply sauntering.

All four of the restaurant's hearth ovens are fired up. The ovens face regally into the restaurant. These are the secret to Onemata. The ovens are stone enclaves and heat the cavity to 360 degrees celsius — the magic temperature where the air and food dance with each other to create incredible caramelisations and textures, whilst retaining succulence and moisture and with minimum carbon or burn.

Chef Rob Hope-Ede is a Kiwi lad of North Shore extraction. He is as local as they come and creativity oozes out of him. A protege of chef maestro Simon Gault, Rob worked for 15 years under Simon’s stewardship at such Auckland institutions as Euro, Jervois Steak House and as head chef at Giraffe. In that time Michelin starred chefs from around the world would come to Auckland and collaborate with Rob in all manner of foodie experiences.

Rob acknowledges that the current evolution of New Zealand food has many influences and, in this manner, is still a young culture. He cites Māori, Polynesian, European, Asian — basically every world cuisine has a sprinkling of influence on current New Zealand kai, and his own creations reflect this also.

The hotel sommelier is Suraj GC. Suraj is passionate about wine, I can testify to that. Hailing from Nepal, he spent his early Kiwi years as head sommelier at Elephant Hill’s restaurant in Hawke's Bay. Suraj and Rob dovetail well with each other — they both are creative, empathetic and into their crafts, and it makes for a tremendous experience for their guests. They are also new fathers, both with 15-month-old children.

I think it is not a coincidence then that their approach to their craft is maturing as the responsibility in their lives is also increasing. Enhanced world views come from having worldly experiences. Worldly experiences are those in which we recognise that for all our individuality and uniqueness, the true strength of our species is derived from shared experiences and how these allow us to relate to each other. No person is an island.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is one of the finest wineries on Earth and considered one of the First Growth estates of California. The winery was founded in 1970 in the heart of Napa Valley by Warren Winiarski. In 1976, a curious artisan wine merchant based in Paris, Stephen Spurrier, was finding that Californian wines were showing remarkable brightness, length, balance and power. He set up a blind tasting and pitted the greatest French wine estates against hitherto unknown Californian wineries.

The 1973 Stag’s Leap S.L.V Cabernet sauvignon blew the field apart, leaving in its wake the likes of 1970 Chateau Mouton Rothshild and Haut-Brion to name just two. Barbara Ensrud of the Wall Street Journal wrote: "The 1976 Paris tasting, or Judgment of Paris as it became known, had a revolutionary effect, like a vinous shot heard round the world.”

In front of me now I have the 2018 Stag’s Leap Hands of Time cabernet blend. Wow, it's drinking beautifully at this moment. Blue fruits, hints of cinnamon and light spice, plush, beautiful velvet tannins, blue/grey slate, power. Chef Rob chooses to pair this with handpicked and marbled scotch fillet from the South Island, brought from the hearth oven with a brandy pepper sauce and caramelised onion in chardonnay vinegar. And cue mic drop. (PUNEET DHALL)  PN

@puneetofponsonby

@dhallandnash

@stagsleapwinecellars

Hands of Time Napa Valley Red Blend 2018

71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 29% Merlot

“Rich and glossy with dark-chocolate flavours and plump fruit. Easy drinking and very conventional in style – there's sweet oak, sweet fruit and ripe tannins.”

-16/20 Points, Jancis Robinson

AUCKLAND

12:30pm - 4:00pm / Mon 04 Sept / Park Hyatt

200+ 30+ 15+

Following the Sensorium trade tasting is the highly-anticipated Gala Dinner - a gastronomic extravaganza that will delight the senses! The menu will showcase a delectable five-course feast, each course expertly paired with exquisite wines handpicked from the fine & rare selections at Dhall & Nash.

7:30-10pm / $287.50 per person

$2,300 table of eight

SENSORIUM MASTERCLASS: 2016 BORDEAUX WITH PUNEET DHALL

Experience the allure and elegance of the exceptional 2016 vintage through this exclusive tasting event. Whether you’re a seasoned Bordeaux aficionado or a curious wine-lover, this class offers a rare chance to sample the exceptional 2016 vintage.

The 2016 vintage was “…an excellent year, producing dynamic and wellstructured wines that are fresh and balanced. These wines represent the new renaissance of Bordeaux where harmony, refinement and energy are the new keywords for the region.” – James Suckling

The Wines:

2016 Virginie de Valandraud

2016 Château Brane Baron de Brane Margaux

2016 Château Cos d’Estournel Les Pagodes de Cos

2016 La Parde de Haut-Bailly

2016 Château Latour Les Forts de Latour AOC Pauillac (375ml)

2016 Pomerol by Clinet

1-2pm / $74.75 per person

On Arrival: NV Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé

Degustation First Course:

2013 Folium Vineyard Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (10 Year Anniversary Library Release)

2021 Knappstein Clare Valley Riesling (Magnum Format)

Amuse Bouche: NV Parés Baltà Materia Prima Pét-Nat

Degustation Second Course:

2018 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot (Magnum Format)

2017 Bogle Family Vineyards Phantom Chardonnay

Degustation Third Course:

2020 Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes Hermitage Mule Noir (Organic)

Degustation Fourth Course:

NV Chambers Rutherglen Muscat (Half Bottle Format)

SENSORIUM MASTERCLASS: JABOULET LA CHAPELLE WITH JEAN-LUC CHAPEL

Embark on a remarkable wine masterclass hosted by the renowned sommelier all the way from France, Jean-Luc Chapel, as he takes you on an extraordinary journey through the world of Paul Jaboulet wines, including the legendary La Chapelle.

Prepare to be captivated by the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship behind these exceptional wines.

The Wines:

2019 Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes Hermitage

Domaine de Thalabert (375ml)

2006 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle

2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle

2015 Paul Jaboulet Aine Côte Rôtie Les Jumelles

2021 Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes Hermitage Mule Blanche

3-4pm / $74.75 per person

Meet both international & domestic winemakers and ambassadors at this atmospheric walk-around trade tasting event, including Jody Bogle of Bogle Wines & Sebastien Papin of Billecart-Salmon

LETTERS CONTINUED FROM P6

THE SLOW PROGRESS OF PONSONBY PARK

Twenty-three years ago, the need for the civic space was first identified. Seventeen years ago, the site at 254 Ponsonby Road was purchased to address the open space shortfall. Ten years ago, a petition of over 12,000 signatures called for the retention of the whole site for civic space.

July 2023 update – out of the blue, the Waitematā Local Board has NOT approved the appointment of the design studio selected to advance the Ponsonby Park development. This appointment was scheduled for May 2023. This delay has effectively stalled the project.

I conjure up words in my head that I need to keep to myself. Rome mightn’t have been built in a day, but it would have been quicker than this project that’s screaming out for all the right reasons. Numpties!

WONDERING ABOUT ALL THOSE STREET CAMERAS?

Using Google to help me dig a little deeper, I found an article by NZ Herald reporter Chris Marriner (26 March, 2021), "Revealed: Auckland Street set to receive 68 cameras.”

The street in the article was Onewa Road between Northcote and Birkenhead. This street is just a tad longer than the harbour bridge, to give you a sense of scale. Apparently, the number of cameras presently on Onewa Road exceeds the 68 mentioned.

The article reveals there are: cameras to see if a vehicle has travelled through the whole zone

· cameras to monitor transit lanes cameras to monitor rear-seat passengers

· cameras to both 'confirm occupants' in front seats cameras to collect registration plate details

In Auckland City, and especially at junctions, it is now common to find cameras that are specifically designed for facial recognition. So, it's clear that the afforestation of our streets with cameras is not only restricted to the purpose of traffic management but also to identify the people who transit these locations. So, the camera functions extend to much wider possibilities of controlling movement.

MY CONCERNS FOR THE CITY CENTRE

As a former elected member, I've witnessed the significance of Auckland's city centre – a vibrant home to 40,000 residents and a thriving economic hub. However, Covid-19's aftermath brought challenges: rising crime, graffiti, temporary road designs and ongoing construction. To preserve its charm and address these issues, we need solutions such as introducing a comprehensive beautification policy.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles could form the core of the policy. By enhancing lighting, visibility and natural elements, we deter criminal activities. Inspired by Japan's 'Beautiful Windows Movement’, we can make Auckland safer and more beautiful.

Curbing graffiti requires community engagement and reporting. Proactively delivering public art projects and education to foster pride in our city's appearance.

Addressing temporary road designs, strategic greenery serves as natural barriers, preserving green spaces. Collaboration with Auckland Transport will ensure smooth construction, enforcing specific timelines and minimising road cones.

Funding need not burden ratepayers. Many initiatives should be 100% funded through council fees and charges and existing planting budgets makes this policy financially viable. As a former elected member, I believe a beautification policy would revitalise our city centre, preserving its unique charm for generations.

Rob Thomas,

Earlier councils have unsuccessfully attempted to dispose of these important heritage and vital community facilities and now the Waitematā Local Board has disclosed in its draft three-year plan (on pages 27 and 28) that, "The cost of maintaining our assets and facilities is no longer affordable." It is claimed that, "Grey Lynn Library and Community Hall are due for significant refurbishments. This creates an opportunity to investigate options to create a more sustainable facility for the community, and creative options to fund the project if this is needed.” Earlier, it was suggested that such 'creative options' include commercial sponsorship and increased charges such as user pays. The board even proposes to replace the Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Centre and develop, "a new multipurpose facility in Grey Lynn incorporating community centre and library services" thus "reducing our asset footprint." But at what cost to the community?

Almost certainly this will involve commercial conversion – ie, flogging off of either or both prime locations from vital welllocated facilities which have served the diverse community of Grey Lynn and beyond for so long.

What is especially alarming is that all of the proposals and concerns set out above are totally absent from the summary draft plan that is currently available in local libraries, etc, to assist submitters in providing feedback to the board's threeyear plan. It is headed:

"This summary is an overview of the statement of proposal for our draft Waitematā Local Board Plan 2023.” Shamefully, it is not and, in respect to key community facilities, it is more an unworthy attempt to circumvent proper community consultation and stealthily set in process the putting of longstanding community facilities 'on the block’. Submissions close mid-August. Please have your say by then.

Fortunately, and commendably, the plan does commit to the restoration of the Leys Library and Gymnasium, and the solid support of the Waitematā Local Board and the Ponsonby News have been crucial in supporting the community to strongly push back on the earlier council option of "selling the building to a developer to upgrade for other purposes." (NZ Herald 17 January 2020, and Ponsonby News, February 2020, p20).

No doubt the seismic work required for the Grey Lynn Library and Community Hall will be expensive, but surely their importance to the diverse community requires that proper and transparent consultation takes place prior to any proposal for council to divest itself of such "unaffordable assets." It was distressing to earlier have our new Mayor 'Way Bro' suggest that our librarians could be replaced by volunteers, and we clearly need to oppose proposals to have our key library and community facilities replaced by developers' dreams. I can only conclude, "No Way Bro!"

Bob Tait, Freemans Bay

What a month it’s been for New Zealand with yet more problems for the Labour, Green and TPM coalition of chaos.

Things are simply not getting better under Labour’s plan to spend rather than invest. It’s clear we cannot trust Labour not to tax and spend their way out of a recession, all the while mismanaging the economy and undertaking colossal wasteful spending including office refurbishments in Wellington, while many families struggle to pull together their mortgages and funds for the weekly shop and power bill. It is morally bankrupt and fiscally reckless.

On the transport front, across New Zealand we have countless kilometres of our State Highway network dotted with potholes from years of underinvestment by this Government to keep our transportation sector moving. Here in Auckland, we all know where the bad spots are in our suburban streets and, of course, we know even more the worst parts of our local highways when our vehicles are dinged and crunched by flying tarmac and road metal.

This has to change so we can get our country moving again. I’m really pleased that National has launched our Pothole Repair Fund policy that will ensure the funding is there to keep us all safe on the roads when National returns to government. The plan will involve a $500m fund to be established for state highway and local roading repairs with new directives issued to NZTA to double the current rate of roading renewals and halving the standard response rate for pothole repair from 48 to 24 hours. With over 54,000 potholes spanning 1000km of road repair backlog in Auckland alone, the need for action is real.

In other important news, a few weeks ago the National Party held its annual conference in Wellington and I was incredibly privileged to learn that the party had decided to inaugurate a new award, the Foundation Cup for Membership. It was a huge honour to be able to accept this award on behalf of the late Alice Wylie QSM JP, who we lost earlier this year as the last living Foundation Member of the New Zealand National Party from 1936. And who had been an incredible champion for Mt Albert and wider Auckland communities, and will be remembered for her roles as Deputy Borough Mayor and local Justice of the Peace. Her name will live on at the heart of the Mt Albert community in Alice Wylie Reserve on New North Road.

The election is less than three months away and it’s time to make sure you have enrolled to vote. Every vote will be crucial this election to see New Zealand get back on track and a strong National Government return to office. At each of the recent public meetings held here in Mt Albert and across New Zealand where I have presented as a guest speaker, the message is clear – New Zealand needs National and wants the crime to end, education back on track in our schools, wait times at hospitals reduced and, above all, confidence that our country’s best years are still ahead.

My electorate and community office at 107 Great South Road, Epsom can help you if you need assistance enrolling or updating your enrolment information. Alternatively, you can directly contact the Electoral Commission (0800 36 76 56) for further details.

Happy August! (MELISSA LEE)  PN

National Member of Parliament. National Spokesperson for Broadcasting & Media| Digital Economy and Communications | Ethnic Communities

E: mplee@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

LETTERS CONTINUED FROM

Since the Albert Park protest and the 'Gender Self-Identity' law change in June 2023, making it easier to change the sex on one’s birth certificate, there have been many transprotective policy changes being adopted in organisations, schools and counselling organisations in New Zealand.

As a psychotherapist (retired), I am concerned about counselling organisations quickly adopting policies of 'gender affirming care' only, for the anti-conversion therapy bill. This means the affirmation of a client’s gender, as presented, without exploration of the underlying psychological issues. But this may mean that puberty blockers, hormones or surgery follow without question.

However, taking cross sex hormones does not lead to a normal puberty as the opposite sex, but rather leads to permanent sterility and loss of orgasmic capacity. Surgically constructed genitals are never fully functioning. As well as that, a person faces a lifetime of expensive medicalisation and other physical problems, including early osteoporosis.

There has been a huge bloom in the numbers of young girls wanting to transition to be males in the last few years and the phenomenon has a lot of characteristics of a 'social contagion' profligated by social media. Adolescence is always a time of change and confusion about sexuality, not a disease to be medicalised.

With increasing numbers of regretful young people wanting to reverse sex-transitions, that are often irreversible, many are speaking out warnings and suing of the 'affirming practitioners’. This is happening in Europe, UK and USA, which means these countries are pulling back from the 'gender affirming care' model and are issuing new guidance of psycho-education and psychotherapy for the treatment of gender dysphoria. So, maybe New Zealand should heed their experiences, learn from this and let therapists do what we do best, help those in emotional turmoil.

Linde Rose linderose@hearttalk.nz

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS BAD PUBLICITY, APPARENTLY

I guess that’s on the presumption that an article doesn’t blur the line between fact and fiction.

A supposed casual chat only became an ‘interview’ when journalist Hayden Donnell admitted to recording the conversation once it was over. And he only revealed himself as a cycle lobbyist when the article came out three months later in Metro, which I used to read in the 80s. I remember with fondness, Judith’s ‘Felicity Ferret’ and her tail. I wear my tail on my bag in her honour.

After seeing that Auckland Transport has paid lobbyists over a million dollars from the public purse I’m not surprised how far they will go in this war of the roads.

I wasn’t given a right of reply or I would have explained this, “Wayne Brown was giving sign language to Gael.” It was a discrete hello wave with hand close to the body drumming fingers. Attributing it to New Zealand’s official third language is ludicrous. And yes, we both think sensibly. With my architectural skills and his structural and civil engineering background, we could both easily design safer, cheaper, better cycleways.

I read the somewhat tongue in cheek article with a degree of mirth. I was highly amused by the Auckland version of animal residents stylised on Richard Scarry's 'Busytown', including pot holes and road cones. This version highlighted the dangerous behaviour of cyclists doing some very silly things that we have been advocating against.

Margaret Mead could have been talking about ‘Occupy Garnet Road’ when she said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has!"

Gael Baldock, community advocate

Why do I drive from Takapuna on the first Thursday of each month to Herne Bay to pick up copies of Ponsonby News to give to my friends?

The answer is simple. We have nothing that matches its calibre here. We love the layout, the advertisements and read all the articles, especially the letters to the editor.

It keeps us informed on issues that are relevant to an area just a bridge away.

Personally, I am shocked at how long it’s taking to restore the Leys Institute and the Pt Chevalier Library. Why do we denigrate our libraries?

They are central to a contented community. The future of our 34-year-old Takapuna Library by the sea is also at stake.

Our new Local Board plans to rebuild it and a new Community Hub on the Anzac Street carpark at just 45% of its size.

The necessary $60m funding? A targeted rate! Not sure how our asset rich but often cash poor residents will feel about that.