October Beacon Community News 2022

Avondale ‘Local Hero’ wins $20k to continue work in community – Anne Riley, Kai

Avondale’s Anne Riley has been announced as the 2022 Westfield St Lukes Local Hero.

In its fifth year, each Westfield centre awards the successful hero a $20,000 grant for the group or organisation they represent, and each finalist receives a $5,000 grant for their organisation and to continue their work.

Generous Anne Riley is the face and heart of Kai Avondale, a collective of free food initiatives available to all in the community.

Anne coordinates Free Guys, a free food market where people can choose the groceries they need, no questions asked. She also oversees the fortnightly Feed the Streets dinner program, which provides 70 to 100 free meals.

Anne became involved with the community project approximately five years ago following a chance meeting with the founder. She now works full-time as a coordinator and is respected for her wise advice and a compassionate listening ear. Something that Anne loves about the programs is that they bring people together. She enjoys getting to know people in the local community and finding out what their needs are. This knowledge also helps develop new initiatives. Anne encourages people to give

back with their time or produce, which has helped some on the path to employment.

“Kai Avondale is not just about providing people with food and other resources they don’t have. It is about encouraging self-worth, empowerment, and a sense of belonging that is so important as the first step to participating in the community on an equal basis,” Anne says.

Kai Avondale will use its funds to meet the increasing demand for its food services since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Program

Established in 2018, Scentre Group’s Westfield Local Heroes program celebrates community role models whose work benefits others across a broad range of sectors, including family and youth support, health and wellbeing, inclusion and equity, community resilience and environmental sustainability.

Since its inception, the program has contributed to more than 600 community organisations, investing a total of $6.14 million to date.

Each successful Westfield Local Heroes organisation receives a grant of $20,000 to help them continue to grow their impact in the local community. This year Westfield awarded 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand, totalling $1.26 million.

NZ’s future engineers

Anne Riley, Kai Avondale

Angeline’s story: Wraparound support is like an umbrella

Angeline has hopes and plans for the future, but things weren’t always easy for her. She first heard about Visionwest at a time when she was experiencing homelessness and happened to meet Esera who is both a Housing support navigator and a local pastor.

“I was sleeping in my car behind Pastor Esera’s church. One day he saw me. He was so kind and understanding. He took me straight to Visionwest Housing to organise a place for me to stay.

“It was overwhelming at first. Here were all these people who wanted to do just one thing: help me out. When I met the team, they welcomed me with bright smiles on their faces and put my mind at rest. They said they’d help me with a home. I remember them saying, ‘We’re here for you and your little one,’ and they have been just that … with me all the way.”

There are procedures to go through when locating and assigning accommodation, but Angeline was thrilled with how quickly a home was found for her. Within a month she had emergency housing and was so happy

she says she just jumped around dancing. With the stability of somewhere safe and dry to live, she felt she could finally move forward with her life.

After three months, more permanent housing was found for her.

When Angeline shares her housing story, she talks about the importance of wraparound support. “It was more than just the housing; it was the wraparound support I received. I did some courses to help build my confidence, I received food support, budgeting help, and some counselling. It was awesome how so many people were willing to care for me and set me up for a great future.”

“To be honest, I spent a lot of time popping into Visionwest and talking to the people I’d met there because it just felt so good to see them and to chat with them. But more than that, I saw that there were opportunities to improve things for myself and my little one, and I took every opportunity I was offered. I

still feel like I have a whole new set of friends who are willing to watch out for me and put what’s best for me first.

“My support navigator would come and see me every two weeks to see how I was going and check in on what I might need. Not just what I needed physically though. They came to see how I was doing, how I was coping in my new place.

Life would be a lot different for Angeline if it wasn’t for that chance meeting with Pastor Esera and her introduction to the Housing Team at Visionwest.

“I sometimes think about where my life would be now if I hadn’t been placed in a home like I have now. I know I’d still be stuck in the same rut I’d been in for quite some time. I’d still be staying in cheap motels or caravan parks while I roamed around looking for a safe place to live. Now I’ve got stability which is great because kids need a stable place to grow up and be safe.

“Visionwest is like an umbrella for me. When a storm comes along, they are there for me. If I need someone to talk to, they are there. If I have a question or have any problems, my support navigator is there … one of my goals is to do the Unitec Social Community Development course. Hopefully, one day, I can work for Visionwest.”

Photo supplied.

Avondale shop

An empty shop has been given a new lease of life as a colourful community information hub in Avondale town centre.

Unable to be leased for health and safety reasons, the vacant shop at 1987 Great North Road is owned by Auckland Council and will eventually be demolished as part of the works to transform central Avondale with a new library, community hub and town square.

However, rather than continue to leave it bare, the Auckland’s regeneration agency Eke Panuku has spruced up the outside, added new lighting and is using the vast window space to showcase regeneration

projects underway in the neighbourhood.

Currently featuring project updates from Eke Panuku and Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, the window display will be updated every three months with information on the status of works by a range of local and central government agencies who are working to make Avondale a better place to live, work and enjoy.

Iconic imagery included in the window display is a photo from Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections of the shop itself from 1989 when it was trading as Avondale Wholesale Meats. If anyone can identify the two shoppers, we’d love to hear from you!

New Community Patrol (CPNZ) set up in Avondale

A new patrol is being set up in Avondale to cover the Avondale area. It will also be tasked to cover Blockhouse Bay after the Blockhouse Bay/Green Bay Community Patrol ceased operating last year due to lack of members.

Operating since 2015, local Community Patrol is committed to working towards making our neighbourhood safer, as we all deserve to feel safe and secure in our homes. This community-based group are supported by the Mount Roskill Community Policing Team and guided by Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) working to keep our neighbourhood safer.

Patrollers, all volunteers, are only required to do one 3-hour patrol per month (although they can choose to do more if they wish). These patrols always consist of at least 2 trained patrollers, in uniform in a marked vehicle.

All Community Patrols are affiliated members of Community Patrols of New Zealand

(CPNZ), and are always looking for new members, while improving training methods and efficiency while further developing our relationship with the business, residential community, and Police.

We are not dreamers but hard-working people who believe that you have to start somewhere to reach long term goals and we are making a difference. To quote Edmond Burke: “Evil will triumph when good men do nothing.”

Community Patrols are a valuable asset in our community, and we need your help to achieve our goals.

For more information regarding Community Patrols in the Auckland area: Website: mtroskillcp.org.nz/ or cpnz.org.nz Facebook: facebook.com/ mtroskillcommunitypatrol

E-mail: mountroskill@cpnz.org.nz

Phone: Merril Bourne - 027 604 7657

Donations: givealittle.co.nz/org/ mtroskillcommunitypatrol

CPNZ team with Superintendent Malthus at Sirens & Sounds, Avondale 2019.

NZ Butchery team takes third place at world competition

The Hellers Sharp Blacks have won third place at the World Butchers’ Challenge in Sacramento held in September. The team, made up of six Kiwi butchers, travelled to the USA to compete against 12 other countries in a three-and-a-half-hour showdown at the Golden 1 Centre in Sacramento.

Reuben Sharples from the local store, Aussie Butcher New Lynn, competed in boning and trimming. He is a stalwart of the butchery competition scene. Though this was his first tour with the Hellers Sharp Blacks, Reuben took out the title of Alto Butcher of the Year in 2017 and competed in Butcher Wars at Meatstock. His team at Aussie Butcher New Lynn have won numerous awards for their sausages and hams, and Reuben brings a wealth of experience to the team as well as his famous charisma for the cameras.

Team captain of the Hellers Sharp Blacks, Riki Kerekere says that after two years of covid cancellations it was amazing for the team to finally be sharpening their knives and competing on the world stage.

“To come third is a massive achievement and I am really proud of how well the team performed on the day,” says Riki.

The competition was held on Saturday 3rd September, Californian time, and saw the Golden 1 Centre in Sacramento transformed into the world’s largest butchery. Local and international visitors were treated to a spectacular three and a half hour cutting competition where each team had to turn a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb and five chickens into a themed display of valueadded cuts. Teams had to demonstrate their carving, boning, and finishing skills, underpinned by their own creative and cultural flair.

The winners were announced at a black-tie gala dinner held at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento on Sunday evening local time. Team Germany won the competition taking out the coveted Friedr. Dick Golden Knife Trophy, with the Australian team claiming second place and the New Zealand team placing third.

The competition started out as a transTasman test in 2011. It grew in 2013 with a UK team travelling downunder. Then the competition started moving worldwide and this year attracted teams representing 13 nations. Read more about the competition at www.worldbutcherschallenge.com/about-us

Reuben Sharples in action at the 2022 World Butchers’ Challenge.

World Butchers’ Challenge Golden 1 Center.

Hellers Sharp Blacks – the team: Back row; James Smith; Riki Kerekere; Brydon Heller; Luka Young - front row; Reuben Sharples; Corey White; Cherise Redden; Dan Klink

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Council grants to address climate change

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Funded by New Zealand on Air

At the Environment and Climate Change Committee on September 8, members voted to approve the criteria and priorities for the Auckland Climate Grants.

The grants are a part of the 10-year Recovery Budget and aim to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or climate resilience through community-based action.

Some focus areas for the grants will be low carbon transport systems, local food projects, projects for a climate disaster resilient Auckland and Māori-led projects to reduce emissions.

Community Climate Action team manager Lucy Hawcroft presented to the committee and said the grants were aimed at a community and household-led response rather than major infrastructure. She said they had separated grants into

two categories: response grants and strategic grants.

Response grants would be between $1,000 and $15,000 and strategic grants would be between $15,000 and $50,00. “The response grants would have a simplified process and quicker response time”, Hawcroft said.

“Part of what we are trying to do [with the response grants] is to reach some of those groups that we know have found council grant processes hard to access in the past. We are aware that in the past, from climate and sustainability grants at the regional and local level, less of those have gone to Maori-led projects than we would like, so we are trying to improve that.”

Independent Maori Statutory Board member Karen Wilson urged staff to engage with mātāwaka going forward after Hawcroft confirmed they had not done that while

working on the scope of the grants.

Chair Richard Hills encouraged Wilson’s comments and said some of the substantial initiatives could come from urban marae that are mātāwaka.

“This is just another exciting part of the

climate initiatives funding that will be helping out communities,” Hills said.

The grant has a $400,000 budget for the 2022/2023 financial year and council staff will be looking to deliver the first round of funding by the end of the year.

Mana whenua integral to Auckland’s Climate Plan

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Funded by New Zealand on Air

Council staff came under scrutiny in the latest progress report of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan for failing to deliver on te ao Māori priority.

The report outlines a number of priorities within the plan including measurements for accountability.

Te Puāwaitanga ō te Tātai is a priority within the plan that looks to weave te ao Māori principals throughout the other priorities.

At the Environment and Climate Change Committee on September 8, Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) member Karen

Wilson said Te Puāwaitanga ō te Tātai was a priority that was not being prioritised.

“I think nine months ago I asked the same questions that I want to ask today,” Wilson said. “Te Puāwaitanga ō te Tātai; it has not got any measurement beside it. That is a bit of a worry, so I am wondering why with all the great progress that has been done throughout the other priorities… there is none around this priority?”

Chief sustainability officer Matthew Blaikie said he acknowledged they needed to “be better at this”.

“I acknowledge that you asked me in December last year how we were going to

do this, and this needed to be in place for accountability. At that point I wanted to come back today with that fully shaped up… we are not there yet but I feel we have made progress in our understanding,” Blaikie said. He said there was uncertainty around how to effectively measure the priority and there was hesitancy amongst staff to measure progress without feeling they had the knowledge or credentials to do so.

“Mana whenua are integral to the development and delivery of Te Tāruke-āTāwhiri and I recognise that was certainly the case in the development but that partnership has not translated into delivery

in the way that it could have.”

Karen Wilson later commented that it was disappointing there was an inability to see any progress.

“It would be really good to see some concrete effort being made,” Wilson said.

“Mana whenua invested heavily in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri. They would probaby be looking for the results of that investment.

“Visibility, accountability, the true meaning of partnership, all of those things hopefully will be encompassed moving forward in a progress report.”

The next progress report on the climate plan will be in September next year.

Council committee meeting.

Photo: Laura Kvigstad

Councillor calls for alternative to euthanasia for dangerous dogs

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Funded by New Zealand on Air

Over 300 dogs were euthanised for a menacing breed classification in the past year prompting calls from one councillor for a different approach.

In the past year, 382 dogs have been put down in Auckland Council animal shelters because of a menacing breed classification.

At the Regulatory Committee on September 13, Cr Cathey Casey asked if it was a matter of law or Auckland Council operational policy resulting in euthanasia for the dogs.

Animal Management principal specialist Christo van der Merwe responded euthanasia was not required under the dog control act and was council policy.

“When (dogs are) classified as menacing… they are deemed to be high-risk dogs,” Merwe said, adding that a specific breed - pit bull terrier - was overrepresented.

“That is a problem at this stage. We are trying to focus on that through education.”

Casey, who is retiring from council, urged councillors who would be returning to address the issue.

“I have seen first-hand the commitment and compassion staff have for the dogs… I know the worst part of the job is the Friday morning euthanasia.”

Casey said that one of the biggest criticisms she had heard was euthanising puppies.

“They have not lived a life yet… one dog euthanised is one dog too many.”

Casey said shelters needed adequate resourcing, bigger facilities, and a bigger push to educate the public as the council’s “reach” was not there anymore.

She also questioned whether menacing breeds had been researched enough at council and whether there may be an option to give the dogs to “a wise home” instead.

Acting Licensing and Regulatory Compliance general manager Mervyn Chetty confirmed they could review their approach to the menacing dog classification.

COVID-19’s rippling impact on animal management

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Funded by New Zealand on Air

A five-year high in dog attacks, animal shelters bursting at the seams, and a backed-up court system show the impacts of Covid-19 on animal management.

At Auckland Council’s Regulatory Committee on September 13, animal management’s annual report was presented to the members showing a 20 percent increase in dog attacks.

The total number of attacks was 1,906 with 92 more attacks on people and 230 more attacks on other animals this year.

A perfect storm of issues from Covid-19 appeared to be the cause as acting Licensing and Regulatory Compliance general manager Mervyn Chetty pointed to vets being closed, causing desexing rates to drop, puppies not being socialised because of lockdowns, and people working from home increasing territorial behaviour from dogs.

“It has been one of the more challenging years for animal management teams…there has been an increase in badly behaved canines and some of their owners as well,” Chetty said.

Animal Management principal specialist Christo van der Merwe said there was a huge increase in the number of dogs in Auckland, with 12,000 that council was aware of.

“Only 62 percent of dogs impounded are known to us so there could be 40,000 dogs unknown to us in Auckland,” Merwe said. “In certain areas of Auckland, South Auckland, there was an increase in attacks on other animals.”

Senior animal management inspector Shaun Murray said shelters were “bursting at the seams”, a stark contrast from two years ago when they had considered closing one of the three shelters.

“In the two years before, we could house dogs for months,” Murray said.

He said there was also a huge increase in violence and threats towards staff which forced them to screen people coming into shelters. Cr Daniel Newman said he helped with a case earlier in the year because of some threatening behaviour towards council staff.

“Some of these people are so extreme, and of course they vent on social media which explodes the problem,” Newman said.

Director of regulatory services Craig Hobbs said it was a significant issue and council was working to improve security.

“One thing I will not do is have our staff exposed to abuse, physical or verbal,” Hobbs said.

He said they were also incorporating resilience training for staff.

Chair Linda Cooper reminded councillors never to copy animal management into emails with the public. “That is how members of the public get hold of them and abuse them,” Cooper said.

“So many more people are getting dogs, going back to work, and not looking after them. Please do not get a dog if you do not have the resources to look after them.”

“It is a serious undertaking to own a dog, but you have a responsibility to your community.”

Cr Cathy Casey said there were issues around the extended period of time dogs were being held while court decisions were being made. “I am absolutely horrified by the dog held in the shelter for two years,” Casey said. She said the shelters were operating as a “remand prison” for dogs and that an argument could be made for tribunals to speed up the process.

Whau candidates have their final say

Make your vote count

Local body elections have very low voter turnouts. At the last election it was a poor 33.9% of eligible voters in the Whau voted. That is 18,120 from a possible 53,478 voters.

It is hard to understand why people don’t seem to care, when councils have just as much, if not more, impact on your daily life as central government.

The Mayoral race has come down to a clear choice between Wayne Brown and Fa’anana Efeso Collins. Both have a history and track record in local government which should give you a guide to what they are capable of and their philosophy.

Although the Mayor has just one vote, it is an essential leadership role to give direction to the city.

We have many great candidates to choose from for the Whau Local Board. Some have proved to be community hearted and selfless volunteers with community organisations. Some may just want a job. It is important to elect people who want to serve the community and who turn up to work. For the WLB, the chair gets $93,035pa for a full-time job.

Kay Thomas has done an outstanding job as chair and we see her at every significant community event as well as monthly WLB meetings and workshops. The deputy is paid $55,821 and members $46,517. Members are expected to work 12 – 24 hours per week.

Continued page 9

Sandy TAYLOR

‘Putting the Whau community and its residents at the heart of all decisions’.

My passion for serving the community is evident in the wealth of experience I offer to the residents of the Whau, including nine years of governance, six of them as Deputy Chair of the Board, also being appointed to the hearings committee and other ad hoc committees.

My experience also includes an appointment as a charity officer with a large welfare organisation, and as a JP in the ward and service at the New Lynn CAB for thirty years.

My family and I have lived or worked in the ward for decades; I attended Avondale College, my husband was a volunteer fireman for 28 years, and my grandson currently attends high school in the ward.

Personally, I am disgusted that the council is wanting to sell our green spaces - our local parks and reserves; that they are allowing the building of houses three stories high with multi-units on the same land, and not providing parking for cars. In other words, no parks for the children and youth to play and use up their energy, and nowhere but the road for cars to park. So much needs fixing!

C&R stands for Communities and Residents, the blue team who want to prioritize:

Crime prevention, and making our neighbourhoods a safer place to live.

Better value for your rates, and spending that addresses priority needs.

Fixing congestion and the unreliable transport system.

Please vote Sandy TAYLOR so I can help the community.

Sara WATSON

I’m Sara Watson, a local resident and business owner. I opened my firstbusiness at the age of 22, in the main street of Blockhouse Bay. I currently have a hair salon in New Lynn where I also live.

My community involvement over the years has given me good knowledge to take to the Local Board level. I know the communities and their members well and have formed good relationships over the years with many of the community leaders.

I have been a community volunteer spanning 30 years, primarily as secretary of the Blockhouse Bay Business Association, and secretary and chair of the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. This has given me great insight to the spending on local projects and implementation of town centre upgrades.

I’ve helped out in community gardens and stream planting in my neighbourhoods.

I have also supported the neighbourhood in tree protection. Personally, I enjoy classes at the gym, going for walks and pottering in my garden. I also like going to see live music.

I’m concerned about the increasing rates and would like to see if there is room for improvement on the hiring of contractors to be local and cost effective.

I have not been elected before and can only speak as a person who works and lives in the community and from my experiences on the committees that I’ve been part of.

A major attribute of the Whau is our location on both harbours. I grew up on Blockhouse Bay beach, so the small local beaches are special places to me and my friends.

The community has supported me well in my business endeavours and have been very loyal. I would like to repay that back in public service to our area.

I would love your vote. I will represent you as an independent voice.

Tracy MULHOLLAND

Thank you to everyone for your support and for your commitment to our community. I am standing as a candidate in the Council elections.

You’ll know me as a long-term Whau resident. A resident who doesn’t play big political party politics but a person who votes on the matters you share with me.

I am your incumbent Whau Ward Councillor. I have had a long-term connection to the New Lynn Business Association, and I am a true supporter of Shop Local.

I am also acting President of the beautiful West Lynn Gardens, an RSA member, and an advocate for better spending of our rates.

You will see that I am standing for one position only: Councillor for the Whau Ward. Our community needs someone who is dedicated and focussed on their needs.

I have years of experience supporting constituents in our local neighbourhoods and have voted for improved Whau services and “no” to unjustified rates increases.

As a sitting councillor, and Deputy Chair of the Value for Money Committee, I am skilled and capable to stand up for change, and have a record of removing red tape.

We need a strong local voice for the people of the Whau, not a ‘drop-in’ person who doesn’t know our community well or lived here as a true local.

The Whau needs common-sense transport and housing solutions, and targeted crime prevention. I’m that voice for you, I listen and respectfully respond.

I’m a councillor for residents in the Whau, not party politics at City Hall.

Please vote for Tracy Mulholland and all C&R candidates.

www.tracymulholland.co.nz

Sara Watson Your Independent

for Whau Local Board

Labour team

The Labour team for Whau Local Board stands for strong, safe communities, a sustainable environment and is family/ whanau friendly. One of our priorities is to retain assets and services.

We will fight to retain local services and to prevent our assets and facilities being sold. To reduce its budget deficit, Auckland Council has been selling assets, often called asset recycling or disinvestment. Most of the assets put up for sale have been parks and reserves.

Fighting these asset sales is a lengthy process but concerned residents and local board members can win such battles, as our 18-month battle to prevent the sale of Davern Reserve in New Lynn showed.

We aim to build strong, safe communities and strengthen our business communities.

We will continue to fund community centres, hubs, and the cultural celebrations of our diverse communities.

The Whau Labour team is committed to increasing our green spaces, growing our tree canopy cover, and improving the health of our waterways. We will advocate for increased public transport services and more opportunities for walking and cycling, which will require safer, better quality footpaths and roads.

To ensure that the Whau area is family friendly, we will continue funding community initiatives that benefit people of all ages, including our seniors. We aim to increase accessibility, shade, and playground renewals in Whau parks and reserves.

The Whau Labour team is proud of what the local board has achieved despite budget cuts and we are ready to continue serving the Whau community.

Warren PIPER

My name is Warren Piper, and I am standing as an independent candidate in the Whau Local Board Election 2022.

I am a proactive young professional who lives and works in the Whau, and I’m passionate about supporting our community, the people, and the businesses within it.

As a current Local Board Member, a commercial property manager, and former New Lynn Business Association Chair, I have worked alongside businesses and community groups to promote more vibrant town centres.

I love representing the Whau as an independent, where I have the chance to rise above party politics and work with anyone who wants to help build a better future for our community. If elected, I will advocate for and promote more vibrant town centres and local economy, protecting our natural environment, and an efficient transport network that works for everyone.

Vote PIPER: A passionate voice for our community.

What I stand for and support:

Transport and Infrastructure

• The development of a multi-storey Park & Ride in New Lynn.

• Improve the quality of our roads, footpaths, and connecting active modes.

• More frequent public transport and better feeder services.

Town centres and local economy

• Unlock Avondale and multi-purpose community facility.

• Local contractors to improve service levels for council maintenance.

• Work with business associations to improve local employment and foster economic growth.

Environment

• Support initiatives that reduce air, water, and land pollution.

• Local initiatives that enhance ecological sustainability and biodiversity, i.e. pest and weed management, tree planting.

• Improvements to our stormwater and wastewater network.

Continued from page 8

Warren Piper has also made a big impression in his first term. It seems like he is always at Kay Thomas’s side at the community events attended by Beacon Community News

He has shown that independent members can make a valuable contribution.

When the deputy chair position became available midterm, it was unfortunate that as an independent, party politics ruled him out of contention for the deputy role.

One member who is not standing for reelection missed 4 out of 20 business meetings and a whopping 39 out of 42 workshops over the last two years. At that level of underperformance, a resignation could have been appropriate. Efeso Collins ranked bottom of the class for council meeting attendance at 80%. If he is elected Mayor, he will hopefully turn up to work more often or develop excellent delegation skills.

W h au L o c a l B o a rd

Aadil BASHA Kay THOMAS

Catherine FARMER Sarah PATERSON-HAMLIN

Fasitua AMOSA Susan VZHU alerie GASCOIGNE

Kerrin LEONI for AUCKLAND COUNCIL

G o t h e W h a u

New roundabout for dangerous intersection

By John Subritzky

There have been mixed reviews about the new roundabout on Hillsborough Road, but most people seem happy that the safety at the intersection of Commodore Drive and Griffen Park Road, has been improved. Access for Lynfield residents has also improved significantly.

Kathy Neilson said, “The roundabout has made the area much easier and safer for Lynfield residents and by being able to go straight across Hillsborough Road we are not adding to the Hillsborough Road traffic like we were.”

There have been many complaints about the design, the finish, traffic, and the construction period, which demonstrates that there is always a range of views and opinions on roading projects. The key point is that this has always been a dangerous, sometimes deadly, intersection. It was always going to be challenging finding a solution, given that it is located at the bottom of a steep hill. Roundabouts are favoured from a safety viewpoint as most vehicles will enter them at a reduced speed, making any crash less deadly.

Although some people have said that traffic has been slowed done by the roundabout,

there was no evidence of this at 7.30am or 8.30am when Beacon Community News checked. Traffic was still being held up more by the lights at the gate of Lynfield College, which seem to favour school traffic over arterial traffic, leading to a long tailback. Evening traffic has always been slow, usually from Blockhouse Bay to Countdown, and often further back.

Julie Fairey, Puketāpapa Local Board Chair stated that “For me this issue was first raised I think in about 2014, and David Holm on the local board took an interest in getting AT [Auckland Transport] to look at it. We went from AT saying they weren’t convinced there was a problem, to AT agreeing there was a problem but it just needed a small fix (minor changes to the traffic island on the Griffen Park Rd side and some hit sticks), to AT accepting there was still a problem, to AT saying it was too big a problem for them to fix in the next few years, to AT identifying that it was a problem they could fix in the next few years, to a very slow drawn our process of consulting on the fix and then implementing it (partly but by no means entirely due to Covid). It’s been a long and winding road, some might say.”

Auckland Transport responded to questions about the terrible placement of a light pole at the pedestrian crossing on Commodore

Weekday traffic at 7.30am at the new roundabout. Photo: Beacon Drive: “AT has instituted a design review process (in regard to the Light pole Error) which looks at all AT designs at various stages to ensure there are no glaring issues and that compliance with the standards is enforced or that departures are agreed.”

Possibly a ‘review’ may fix a common-sense error that became an embarrassment for

AT. It was politicised in April by then mayoral candidate, Leo Malloy, who commented, “More Auckland Transport insanity, this time from Lynfield. While redoing the long-awaited upgrades to the footpaths on Hillsborough Road, they installed a lamp post in the middle of the footpath only to remove it two days later! No wonder they’ve run out of money.”

Better opportunities for our young people

Our Government believes that everyone should have the chance to succeed – including young people who need a little bit of extra support to get back on the right track. That’s why we’re stepping up pathways to better opportunities, by supporting more young people into jobs and training to prevent them getting involved in crime. We recently released our Better Pathways package, which extends programmes that have a record of success in helping young New Zealanders into better futures, and driving down youth crime.

All of the programmes we’re scaling up, including He Poutama Rangatahi and the Ākonga Fund, play slightly different roles – ranging from helping people into education, training and employment, to more general wrap-around support. But they are all working successfully to help at-risk young people turn their lives around.

Right now, youth offending is down on where it was a decade ago but we know there’s still work to do. By investing in pathways to better opportunities for more young New Zealanders, we’re helping to break the cycle of crime and gang activity.

At the same time, we’re increasing the consequences for individuals who cause harm in our communities. We’ve already delivered New Zealand’s largest ever Police service, and now we’re changing the law to give them greater powers to seize gang assets, to ensure crime does not pay.

Our focus on providing pathways to better opportunities isn’t limited to at-risk young people. Right across the country, we’re creating jobs, helping people into work and supporting more New Zealanders to upskill.

More than 200,000 people have now benefitted from our free apprenticeships and trades training programmes. We also recently reached the milestone of helping 50,000 New Zealanders through Apprenticeship Boost, which supports employers keep and take on new apprentices.

I’m really proud of these programmes. Not only are they giving more people the chance to upskill, they’re also helping families get ahead, businesses grow, and ultimately, they contribute to success.

Nga Mihi Deborah Russell, MP for New Lynn

C ommunity catch ups

With Deborah Russell MP for New Lynn

/DeborahRus sellLabour @BeeFaerie

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Murray Halberg residents knit teddy bears for Ukraine

Murray Halberg Retirement Village residents have joined in a Rymanwide campaign to knit 20,000 teddy bears for displaced children in Ukraine.

Around a dozen keen knitters in the village have put their needles to the task of making the cute bears with the aim of sending them over to Ukraine to be distributed in care packages.

With the latest village tally close to 100 bears, the knitters have recruited family members and friends to help them reach the ambitious target.

“It’s a fairly straightforward pattern so I’ve got my sister-in-law involved,” said Sandra Finch who had knitted around 15 to date.

The idea was the brainchild of Ryman Healthcare’s Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson, who fostered a Ukrainian boy called Yuri following the Chernobyl disaster.

With Yuri now back in Ukraine fighting the cause, Debra said this was a small but tangible way that Ryman residents, team members and the wider community could make a difference to the lives of the youngest members of the war-torn country.

“Being so far away it can be difficult to know how we can help,” Debra said.

“Thousands of Ryman village residents are avid knitters, and this project empowers them to use a skill that they are experts in to send a symbol of love from afar.”

For Murray Halberg’s Maureen Knowles, arthritis had slowed down her knitting, but she was determined to contribute to the cause.

“I have managed to make two bears so far. It takes me a lot longer these days but it struck a chord with me,” she said.

Velma Gordon had made eight bears, in between her other commitments of knitting blankets for the local church.

Many of the ladies also knit for Middlemore Hospital, Mission Without Borders, Pregnancy Help, KidsFirst, Mummys in Need as well as for their own grandchildren.

The Eel Whisperer visits Iona Scouts

Iona Scouts considered themselves very fortunate to have The Eel Whisperer presentation at their Scout group recently, thanks to EcoMatters and Whau Local Board.

The group had been working on their Oceans badge, so learning about the habitat of eels, the health of our local wai [water], and what we can do to be kaitiaki [guardians] of our local waterways was a fantastic learning experience that matched in well with their current topic of learning.

The Scouts were able to see an eel up close, and also a catfish which they learned were introduced and a pest species which

puts many native creatures at risk, so they need to be removed from our waterways when found.

It was exciting for the children to see the eel, and they even got some hands-on sensory learning when they got to touch the eel and feel its slippery skin. The eel was returned to the water after the presentation. Hopefully it helps make everyone mindful of what lives in our local waterways and the importance of being a tidy Kiwi, so the waterways stay clean.

Iona Scouts invites anyone who is interested in visiting their group to see if this is something they might want to join to please contact them through their website www.ionascouts.webs.com

Residents at Murray Halberg with more than 70 Yuri bears knitted so far. Clockwise from left: Claire Nelson, Linda Butler, Marian Kilgour, Betty Andrew, Fay Pogson, Maureen Knowles, Marion Coyle, Florene Marsh, Sue Jones, Velma Gordon, and Sandra Finch.

Avondale Library

facebook.com/avondalelib

Bookings:

School Holidays

Join us for our Unbelievable School Holiday Programme running from 1 October to 16 October.

Tue 4th, 10-10:30am. Unbelievable Pirate Storytime. Family fun for all as Captain Flintlock reads his story, The Pirate That Couldn’t Swim. Don’t miss out, ARRR!!!

Thu 6th, 10am-12pm. Robotics Workshop Join Brain Play and come along to learn coding & robotics - no equipment required. Ages 5-13.

Fri 7th 10-10:30am. Paint Pouring . Come along and learn about the Flip Cup technique to create an unbelievable work of art.

Mon 10th 10-10:30am. Halloween Paper Circuits . Make your own light up Halloween card with LEDs.

Tue 11th 10-10:30am. Kitchen Science Amaze your friends by using items found in your kitchen to make your very own lava lamps and learn the science behind density! Then, play around with densities and learn how to make a traffic light drink that’s as tasty as it looks!

Thu 13th 10-10:30am. Blue Sun Prints. Learn how to make Cyanotype images with pretreated paper and the power of the sun.

Fri 14th 10-10:30am. Fizzy Sherbet. Make a yummy, tart, and sweet mix to dip lollipops in. Mon 17th, Henna with Gina (free)

Sat 22nd, Diwali Celebrations with Acha Najale School of Dance including performances, food trucks, chalk Rangoli, storytime and dance workshops to be held in the Avondale Community Centre and Library. Limited spaces for each activity so bookings are essential and required, so register early. Bookings: Visit eventbrite.co.nz, search for “Avondale Library”

Blockhouse Bay Library

Bookings:

Diwali

Come and check out our Diwali displays. Take away a free lantern-making kit for children, a recipe brochure, and a booklet full of Diwali information and activities!

Sat 1st 1.30-3pm Diwali card and bookmarkmaking workshop. Join us to make a Diwali card or bookmark using rainbow scratch card. All materials supplied. For all ages. Bookings essential.

Books and Beyond

Ask us about Auckland Council Libraries’ new Books and Beyond online reading challenge! For ages 18+. Running until April 2023. Download the Beanstack Tracker app or visit aucklandlibraries.beanstack.com and sign up for a free Auckland Libraries Beanstack account to get started today!

School Holidays

Unbelievable Unicorns are at Blockhouse Bay Library all school holidays.

Tue 4th 2-3pm Unicorn Hatching . Did you know unicorns hatch from eggs? Get matched with your own unicorn egg then decorate both the unicorn and egg.

Thu 6th 10:30–11am Unicorn Tales . Unicorn storytime and craft for children 3-8 years.

Sat 8th 10:30am–12pm Unicorn Brick Building . Let your imagination run wild and build a unicorn world from our building bricks. Remember to take a photo when you’ve finished.

Fri 14th 10–11:30am Unicorn Name 3D Printing . Use our 3D Printer to make your unicorn’s name. For ages 8-12 years. Limited numbers and bookings essential for this event.

For all events, a parent or guardian must stay in the library with children aged under 14.

New Lynn War Memorial Library

Wed 12th 10.30am-12pm Mandala Dot Art workshop. Create mandala dot art for Diwali using recycled CDs and paints. All materials supplied. For all ages. Bookings essential.

Thurs 13th 10.30am Diwali Story time Join us for a special Diwali story time, and celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Sat 15th 10.30am-12pm Grand Annual Diwali Celebration . We invite you to join us to celebrate Diwali. Enjoy instrumental music, popular Bollywood songs and dances.

Auckland Heritage Festival

Tues 11th 11am-12pm Historian Lisa Truttman will talk about the history of Gittos Domain, Blockhouse Bay’s oldest reserve. Bookings essential.

Recommended Reading

Enter the unbelievable world of unicorns with these great reads:

Skandar and the unicorn thief by A.F. Steadman is about a boy determined to pass the prestigious unicorn exam and be bonded for life with his very own unicorn. Harry Potter fans will enjoy this.

Unicorns of the secret stable series by Whitney Sanderson are perfect for readers who are ready to enjoy chapter books. Iris and Ruby are Unicorn Guardians, and it is their job to protect the unicorns and their magic.

A brief history of unicorns by Selwyn E. Phipps. After centuries of mystery, the mythical Magical Unicorn Society has published its official handbook. Discover where unicorns really live, learn how to find them, what they eat, how to train them, and even ride them.

How to grow a unicorn by Rachel Morrisroe. Visit this magical shop with the most surprising plants you’ll ever see and watch the unicorns grow!

Unicorns don’t love rainbows by Emma Adams This unicorn prefers to stomp on rainbows, he much prefers thunder and lightning. Glitter is far too itchy, and his favourite colour is black!

You can also enjoy our popular October Unbelievable Beanstack Programme which runs from Saturday 1 October to Sunday 16 October 2022. It is open to those aged 5-18 years and there are two prize packs for kids and one prize pack for teens.

The kids prize packs include: a three-month subscription for a Creokit art design or science tech kit, and a $100 gift card for either Auckland Zoo, Jump Trampoline Park or a year’s family membership pass for MOTAT (two adults and up to four kids).

The teens prize pack includes: a $100 voucher for either Mighty Ape, JB Hi-Fi or PB Tech, plus the choice of an experience worth $100 from VR Voom, Jump Trampoline Park or Wero Whitewater Park.

Find out more at aucklandlibraries.govt. nz/schoolholidays

Fabulous You!

Family Storytime at Blockhouse Bay Library.

Last month at Blockhouse Bay Library, a special Storytime to celebrate our fabulousness proved to be incredibly popular, with approximately fifty people attending.

Families came dressed in their favourite costumes and added a touch of fabulousness by making their own masks, fans, and bracelets with Imogen Dowell (Libraries & Council Services Assistant).

We then celebrated our fabulousness with singing, musical instruments, dancing and stories read by Corrine Oemcke (Blockhouse Bay Senior Librarian Children & Youth), and our very fabulous guest, Drag Queen Medulla Oblongata.

If you would like to enjoy your own fabulousness at home our stories were Dougal the dancing kākāpō by Kath Bee (visit www.kathbee.nz for the dancing music) and Fabulous Frankie by Simon James Green.

Held as part of

Sat 8th 11am-2 pm Ceramic Trailblazers: Crown Lynn Clayworks, New Lynn Community Centre & Te Toi Uku. Hear Noel McKay speak about the area’s clayworks history, tour the Te Toi Uku Crown Lynn & Clayworks Museum, and make your own ceramic tile. Spaces limited, and booking are essential.

Auckland

Tue 11th 2.30-3.30pm Mr Yipadee Live at New Lynn Library. Join us for an entertaining afternoon of musical storytelling fun. This is a free event for all tamariki and whānau to come along to. Best-selling Author, Musician and Performer Deano Yipadee will have your child in stitches as they read, sing, laugh and bounce along with his collection of chart-topping Scholastic books and songs. Bookings required.

Sat 29th 11am-2pm DEANZ Repair Café Come along to the Repair Café at the New Lynn Community Centre to get your items repaired for FREE!!

NOTE: Due to the large interest from the community, we have decided to place a limit of TWO items per person/group. This is to ensure that everyone has an equal chance of getting their items fixed by our volunteers.

Regular library events

Unbelievable

Mondays

Maker space 3:15pm-4:30pm @Avondale. Creative activities, technologies, and crafts for school age children. Creative activities for school age children. Details of each month can be found on our Facebook page.

Tuesdays

Wriggle & Rhyme 10-10.30am @Avondale. Promotes active movement and brain development for babies and toddlers aged two years and under. Term time.

Wednesdays

Wriggle & Rhyme 9.30-10am @BHB. Songs, rhymes, and gentle exercise to music for babies and toddlers 0-2yrs. Term time.

Storytime 11-11.30am @Avondale & 10.3011am @New Lynn. Librarians, authors, or special guests read captivating stories. 3-5yrs. Term time.

Book Lovers Club 11am-12noon @New Lynn. 3rd Wed/month. Join a group passionate about reading to discuss books.

International Cookbook Club 1-3pm @ Avondale. 2nd Wednesday each month. Discover new cuisines and share a meal together. Featuring the library’s cookbook collection, this is a fun way to meet people, experience new recipes and enjoy kai together. Register at Eventbrite, search “Avondale Library”.

Thursdays

Job Café with Whau ACE 10am-12pm @ Avondale. Help and support for jobseekers.

English-Mandarin Conversation Class 10am @Avondale. Learn English in a relaxed conversational environment

Preschool Storytime 10.30am -11am @ BHB. Starting Thursday 20 October. Free and fun, literacy development through stories and songs. Term time.

Knitting Circle 1-3pm @BHB. Beginners welcome. Experienced knitters will be on hand to help with any problems. Bring your own wool and knitting needles.

Fridays

Book Club 10.30am - 12pm @ BHB. 3rd Friday of the month. Discuss what you’ve been reading, find new books.

Te reo korero 11-12pm. @Avondale. Extend your reo learning with a conversation group. All reo speaking levels welcome to come along and korero.

Chess Club 3-5pm @Avondale. Beginners welcome.

Kids’ Pokemon Trading Card Club 3.30-4.30pm @BHB. Club 1st Fri/month. All ages. Come and have fun trading cards!

Saturdays

Storytime 10-10:30am @Avondale. Come along to our popular Storytimes where librarians, and sometimes authors or other special guests read captivating stories. 3-5yrs. Term time.

Kids’ Book Club 2-3pm @BHB second Saturday of each month. Bring a book to discuss with other kids who like reading. 9-12 years, able to read chapter books.

Sundays

Kids Comic Book Drawing Club. 2-3pm @BHB last Sun/month. 8-11yrs.

MOVIE REVIEW by Geoff Horne

A Soldier’s Revenge Movie Review #4865

What looked like a B-grade western on Amazon Prime turned out to not be such a bad outing.

PTSD-laden Civil War vet Frank is approached by two random kids asking for his help find their mother. As he reluctantly agrees, the story unfolds,and it becomes quite a tale of intrigue, betrayal, corruption, and discovery. Nice cinematography set somewhere in the southern states with plenty of blue sky and homes on range before culminating in the inevitable final showdown, and did you expect anything less?

No real names other than a very ill Val Kilmer turning up as Frank’s dad, and Jake Busey in a Union Army officers uniform. Notwithstanding, performances are good if not great and the story overall quite convincing. A solid 8/10 from me.

More reviews at: bhb.nz/movie-reviews-with-geoff

As we go to print, our movie reviewer Geoff Horne has recently had heart surgery. Geoff is in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Recommended Viewing

Crown Lynn

Crown Lynn is a riveting slice of New Zealand history telling the iconic story of Crown Lynn pottery and the generations of Māori families that worked there. For almost 50 years Crown Lynn was the biggest ceramics factory in the southern hemisphere. Situated in west Auckland, it was a melting pot of rich culture in a post war era when hundreds of Māori migrated to the city to find work. Crown Lynn reveals the incredible stories behind this locally made pottery and its charismatic founder, Sir Tom Clark.

On demand globally at www.maoritelevision.com/docos/crown-lynn

Duration: 52 mins. Classification: G. Genre: Documentary & Factual Available: until 31 august 2027.

MONDAYS

THURSDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Advertise your non-profit community event here for free! Email kerrie@bhb.nz

WHERE IT’S AT:

BHB = Blockhouse Bay

GB = Green Bay

NL = New Lynn

BHBCC = Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, 524 BHB Rd, Blockhouse Bay.

GBCH = Green Bay Community House, 1 Barron Drive, Green Bay.

NLCC = New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Ave, New Lynn.

SEPTEMBER

Wed 28th Banking Workshop Green Bay Community House, 12-1pm. Workshop covers internet and mobile banking, ATM machines, telephone banking, protection from scams and fraud, tools that can make everyday banking easy.

OCTOBER

Sat 1st New Windsor Seniors Meet & Greet 2-4pm in the NW School Hall. A fun afternoon with FREE BINGO & afternoon tea organised by New Windsor Community Hub. Prizes Galore! Bring a support person if you wish. If possible, RSVP to Shalema on 0204 812 788 or shalema@ communitywaitakere.org.nz. Keep up to date with what’s on at the Hub via facebook.com/ NewWindsorCommunityHub and facebook.com/ groups/NWHUB

Sat 1st Avondale-Waterview Historical Society meets 2pm St Ninians Hall, St Georges Rd, Avondale. Meetings every 2nd month, on 1st Sat. Open to all. Avondale.org.nz for details.

Sun 2nd Plant Market Green Bay Community House, 2-5pm. Plant and craft stalls and plant doctor offering advice for all the plant killers out there!

Sat 8th Community Market 7am – 12noon at BHBCC. 2nd & last Saturdays each month. Contact Terry 027-2211-860.

Sat 8th Arty Bike-Up Sculpture Ride #2 A bicycle tour of New Lynn’s public art. 10am-1pm. Book at www.events.humanitix.com/artybikeup2

Sun 9th Spring Festival, 10am-3pm at West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn. Join us for plants, stalls, children’s crafts, fun activities, entertainment, bouncy castle, food, drinks. We’ll be collecting good used sports gear and gardening hand tools to donate to charity.

Thu 13th Seniors Movie Time Blockhouse Bay Baptist Church, 504 BHB Rd, 9.45am doors open, 10am start. Free movie and morning tea for our

senior community, morning tea and movie snacks provided. A chance to mingle at intermission - make friends and meet some local service providers. RSVP by 6 Oct to 09 827 3300 or gbcommunityhouse@ gmail.com Thanks to the Whau Local Board for funding this event.

Sat 15th New Lynn Lions Monthly Book Sale 8am – 4 pm at New Lynn Friendship Club, 3063

Gt Nth Road, New Lynn (down the driveway). All books, DVDs, CDs, videos, and jigsaw puzzles just $1. Magazines 5 for $1. Drop off books for donation Thursdays between 10-11.30am (text Mary 0274870639 on Wednesday to see if truck will be there). Or drop off the morning of the book sale.

Sat 29th Community Market 7am – 12noon at BHBCC. 2nd & last Saturdays each month. Contact Terry 027 2211 860.

Mon 31st Free family Halloween event Green Bay Community House 3:30 - 5:30pm. Explore our haunted forest and meet the Wicked Witch!!

West Auckland District Tramping Club offer a variety of walks around Auckland, with the occasional ‘away’ walk. Before a walk, please phone the leader - details are at westaucklandtrampingclub.co.nz under Activities.

Upcoming October walks:

Sun 2nd A ramble around Avondale and New Lynn This will be over a series of tracks through parks, reserves with some road walking.

Sun 9th Karamatura Track, Huia to Donald McLean Lookout This is always a popular walk despite the large number of steps. The views over the Manukau Heads and bar are unrivaled.

NOVEMBER

Fri 4th Operation Safer Plates event at PlaceMakers Trade Breakfast 17-19 Clark St, New Lynn, 6.45 – 8.45am. Reduce the risk of number plate theft. A crime prevention initiative by NZ Police, assisted by NZ Community Patrols.

Sun 6th Te Toi Uku Crown Lynn Market New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Ave New Lynn. 9am-1pm $2 Entry. Go to facebook.com/TeToiUku for updates.

Sun 6th Brunch at French Bay - Food Truck Feast 9am at French Bay Yacht Club. A stunning location for some of the best street food and live music in Auckland. A zero-waste event. Updates: facebook. com/Greenbaystreetfood

Sun 16th The Fair: Antiques, Collectables and Crafts . 9.30am – 2pm at BHBCC. Large collection of antiques, collectables, memorabilia, and crafts. $2/ adult. Proceeds towards Armanasco House.

REGULAR SOCIAL EVENTS

MONDAYS

Pickleball 10am-12 noon at Lynfield YMCA. More info at pac.org.nz.

Dance Fitness at GBCH 9:30am-10:30am - low impact, social class, get fit and meet new friends at the same time.

Golden Oldies Indoor Bowling Club 10am – 12 at BHBCC. Beginners welcome. We don’t get too serious, but we have a lot of fun. Ph Yvonne 021 1165 955 or just turn up 9.50am.

TUESDAYS

Green Bay Community Playgroup

9am-11.30am at GBCH. $4 per family, under 6months free. Tues & Thurs, term time.

Armanasco House situated next to BHB Library, is one of the Bay’s early settler houses and is open 10am-2pm for public interest and information.

Greater Auckland Chorus All-female a cappella and barbershop chorus rehearses Tuesday nights in Epsom. www.greateraucklandchorus.com

U3A Titirangi meets 4th Tues each month, 1pm at WestLynn Gardens, 73 Parker Road, New Lynn, to hear a guest speaker and share friendship. U3A is for those 60-plus who are interested in informal, new learning experiences through 20 study groups covering a wide range of subjects including history, music, travel, book and film appreciation, history of gardening, quizzing, ethnic dining, mah jong and so on. Our members are mostly from Titirangi, Blockhouse Bay, Green Bay and Glen Eden. Contact President Heather Tanguay, 027 699 5480, or heathertanguay@slingshot.co.nz

West Auckland Ladies Craft group 6:30-8:30pm Rosebank School Hall. Bring your crochet, sewing, artwork etc. along for inspiration and new friendships. Cost $2. Oreen 021 0297 6012. Housie at BHB Community Centre. Sales from 6.30pm. 7.30-10pm.

Western Districts Women’s Dinner Club meets monthly for dinner & speaker, Bricklane Restaurant, NL. Visitors welcome. Ph Anne 021 293 3833 or 627 1416.

WEDNESDAYS

Friendship Centre All seniors welcome. 9.30am12.30pm (term time). Avondale Baptist Church Hall, Cnr New North & BHB Bay Rds. Ph 09 631 5968.

Green Bay Art Group 9.30am-12pm at GBCH. $3 donation, bring your own project along. All art mediums & styles welcome. Term time.

Creative Colouring Class 9.30am-12pm at GBCH. $3 donation, bring your own books and materials. Term time.

Knitting and Crochet Group 9.30am-12pm at GBCH. $3 donation. Swap patterns and share ideas. Free lessons! Term time.

Church Service with Communion 10am at Church of the Saviour, 2 Kinross St, BHB. “Best morning tea in the Bay”.

Pickleball 10am-12noon at Lynfield YMCA. More info at pac.org.nz.

500 card game played 12.30 - 2.30pm at the BHBCC. Friendly group, looking for more players. Contact Noel Johnston on 627 8306.

THURSDAYS

Green Bay Community Playgroup, 9am - 11.30am at GBCH, $4 per family, under 6m free. Tues & Thurs, term time.

Friendship Centre All seniors welcome . 9.30am12.30pm term time. BHB Baptist Church Hall, 504 BHB Rd. Ph 09 6315968 for further information.

Friendship Club 1-3pm at GBCH. Everyone welcome, meet new friends, share a laugh and a cuppa. Gold coin donation. Term time only.

Community Singers, Blockhouse Bay practice from 12.30-2.30pm at BHBCC, sing at rest homes monthly. New members welcome. Contact Anne Rogers 6267040 or ruth52@outlook.co.nz

Zumba Fitness for all ages 6.15-7.15pm New Windsor Primary School Hall. Instructor Evelina Collins. Term time only. Contact Shelly 021 743 549. Pickleball 6.45pm-8.45pm at Mt Albert YMCA. More info at pac.org.nz.

Pickleball 10.00am-12 noon at Mt Albert YMCA. More info at pac.org.nz.

Chair Yoga 10.30am - 11.30am at GBCH. Enjoy the benefits of yoga in a safe and low impact way. Great for circulation, builds strength and balance $5per session.

Social Indoor Bowls 11am – 2.15pm, Western Hall, 38 Portage Road, New Lynn. Beginners welcome. First two visits free, then $3. Ph Bill 627 3113.

Food Pantry open 1-3pm at BHB Baptist Church.

Momiji Japanese Kids Playgroup 3.30pm - 5.30pm at GBCH. First visit free. Contact momojiplaygroupnz@ gmail.com

Ruh ki Baarish led by Pastors Anil and Reena Kant and the Hills Satsung Team. 7pm every Friday at Hills Church, 179 Hillsborough Rd.

West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club Meets 2nd Friday every month, 10am, New Lynn Friendship Hall, 3063 Gt Nth Rd. Guest speaker. Morning tea provided. Visitors welcome. Ph Laurie 820 2234.

BHB-Lynfield Lions Club sausage sizzle 9am–1pm for Lions Projects. Last Sat/month outside BHB ASB. Meat or vegetarian, plus books and other goodies.

Bollyworx 9-10am at St. Mary’s School Hall, 2134 Grt Nth Rd, Avondale. Fun-filled exercise to Bollywood music. Ph Baptist on 021 815040.

Free Dinner 2nd Sat/month, 5–7pm, at Iona Presbyterian Church Hall, 38 Donovan St BHB. All welcome. Ph 09-627 9845.

SUNDAYS

The Fair: Antiques, Collectables and Crafts 9.30am - 2pm at BHBCC. Large collection of antiques, collectables, memorabilia, and crafts. $2/ adult. Proceeds to Armanasco House. 3rd Sundays, Jan, Mar, May, July, Sep, Nov.

CHURCH SERVICES

BHB Baptist 504 BHB Rd. Ph 09 626 6980. 10am Worship, teaching all ages. 6.30pm worship, teaching and coffee.

BHB Community Church 76 Dundale Ave, BHB. Ph: 09 626 6284. 10.30 am service.

Church of the Saviour 2 Heaphy St, BHB

Ph: 09 627 8779. 9am Communion service. 11amCafé Style church. 1.30pm - Mandarin service. 4pm - Interdenominational Service.

Courageous Church 9 St Jude St, Avondale. connect@courageous.nz. 10am.

Encounter Church 495 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Ph: 820 8231, E: office@encounter.org.nz. 10am + 6pm – children and youth programmes provided.

Hosanna Avondale Baptist Church 1288 New Nth Road, Avondale. Ph: 09 828 0182. 10am. Children’s Ministry 10.30am. Coffee & fellowship afterwards.

Iona Presbyterian Church 38 Donovan Street, BHB P:. 09 627 9845. 10am service.

Lynfield Community Church 35 The Avenue, Lynfield. Ph: 09 626 4141. 9:30am service.

St. Austells Uniting Church (Methodist/ Presbyterian) 35 Margan Ave, NL. Ph: 09 827 4360. Email staustells@xtra.co.nz. 10am. Other activities on website.

St Dominic’s Catholic Church 34 Bolton St, BHB Ph: 09 626 6207. Weekend Masses: Sat vigil 6pm; Sunday 8am & 9:30am. Weekday Masses: Tues, Thu, Fri 9:15am; Wed 7pm.

St Jude’s Anglican Church 27 St Jude Street, Avondale Ph: 020 4079 4554, 8am & 9am.

NOTE: Although The Beacon takes every care to ensure the following events are accurate, please check with organisers before attending.

Cranes Tower over Avondale

Nothing says progress quite the same way that tower cranes do. If it is good enough to use the number of cranes as a rough measure of vertical construction nationwide, then we can certainly measure the progress of apartments in our town centre the same way.

Joining Avondale’s very first ever tower crane at the Aroha apartments by Okham, the neighbouring Highbury Triangle development now has its first crane. More are expected to follow. The apartment construction boom is only just gathering momentum with more projects in the pipeline.

Highbury Triangle will consist of 236 apartments in five buildings. It is mainly for seniors, with one building used for social housing. Kāinga Ora is justifiably proud

of this development designed to a high standard, giving seniors the option of “aging in place” by allowing for in home care.

Kāinga Ora states:

“All senior apartments will be built to our universal design standards and the addition of 1.5-bedroom apartments allows for the option of having a carer to stay, as needed.

There is a focus on accessibility throughout, and each senior housing apartment will include a parking area for mobility scooters.

The development will contain a variety of multi-purpose community rooms on the ground floor of four of the buildings where customers can host gatherings, as well as commercial space in the building fronting Great North Road. Landscaped areas will include vegetable and flower gardens, as well as glasshouses for growing seedlings, which will sit alongside several mature trees which have been retained as part of the design.”

Goodbye to the Slippery Bricks

Decades ago, town centre upgrades were all the rage. Brightening up the footpaths was seen as an effective way to change the look of mainstreets all over New Zealand.

What was not foreseen was that some of those surfaces would become ongoing pedestrian hazards, especially when wet. Now streets are being returned to the utilitarian look of exposed concrete as the safest option.

Locals have been vocal in advocating for the problem to be fixed to avoid hurting

more people. In 2019, the Whau Local Board partnered with AT to fund the footpath project. WLB members Susan Zhu and Catherine Farmer voted against this proposal as they wanted the project to be fully funded by AT. Then the project was also set back by covid.

Now Stage 2 of the replacement program is underway at pace. It is being done in four sections to reduce disruption to local businesses. When finished, the only slippery bricks remaining will be in the Spider area. This section is being left to be replaced at the same time that the new library and community hub is completed by Eke Panuku.

More parking coming for Avondale

To support Avondale’s upcoming library, community hub and upgraded town square, Eke Panuku is building a new carpark at 28 Racecourse Parade. The space will be gated, with two mobility parks and 28 general parking spaces.

The carpark is nearing completion, but landscaping works will take another few weeks to finish. As the community hub has

yet to be started, the carpark’s intended function is still some time off.

In the meantime, it will be leased to Kāinga Ora for parking for workers when the new Elm Street development is under construction.

This will relieve some of the construction related parking issues on nearby streets.

The Elm Street development will see 166 new 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments built with an estimated completion date of 2025.

The Slippery Bricks have finally been replaced by concrete. Photo: Beacon

Cranes tower over Avondale. Photo: Beacon

Concept drawing of new carpark.