2018 March BEACON

Your Stories, Your Neighbourhood, Your Community

www.bhb.nz

MARCH 2018

Pharmacy Doors Forced Shut Ron Spragg’s tenancy has been terminated by Progressive Enterprises, leaving him with no business to sell.

As the second forced shutdown in the block, it must be a concern to other small businesses in the Lynfield site, many of whom are reportedly on monthly tenancies instead of the more usual long term commercial leases. You may remember Patel’s dairy and Lotto shop that used to be on the end of the block. The site is now a parking lot and Countdown is the sole Lotto seller. …continued on page 3

EcoWest Festival begins see page 10

SEE INSIDE Where do you belong? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p2 Community Centre gets new manager. . . . . . . . . . . p7 Two new reviewers join the Beacon team . . . . p10,11

2 • March 2018

Editorial by

Where Do You Belong?

John Subritzky

Who are you and where do you belong? That is at the heart of community. OK, so you live here but how are you connected to other people?

If you are Maori, part of your identity is your tribe, your river and your mountain. I could never identify with that as a very pakeha person until I realised that my surname is endemic to NZ. Every single Subritzky – anywhere in the world – comes from New Zealand. Sobieski was anglicised to Subritzky when one brave mother and her three sons set up home in the far north in 1860. Mt Camel is my mountain. Houhora is my “river”. But all my 58 years have been lived in Lynfield.

We come from many places. We think differently, we have a range of education, experiences, occupations, food preferences and beliefs. But somehow, we have to live together and get on together. Community success is when we enjoy this and become loyal to each other.

Blockhouse Bay Village is an easily identifiable focal point for our community. We have three annual community celebrations in the community – the Christmas Parade, Christmas at the Beach and Midge Marsden at the Beach.

This summer I was able to attend all three of these events. In a chaotic time of crazy weather, Blockhouse Bay was blessed with the best conditions for several years, enabling our events to be enjoyed to the full.

For once it didn’t rain on our Christmas Parade. It was fantastic to see all the children entranced by the floats and the marchers.

Around 2000 people appreciated Christmas at the Beach. Organised by volunteers from the local churches, this was a Christian celebration that welcomed the community.

On a balmy Friday night in February, Midge Marsden, The Flaming Mudcats and White Chapel Jak brought music to another crowd down at the beach.

Each audience reflected variations in our tribe – families with young children, people of faith, ageing westie rockers.

That’s what makes our place interesting. We are not all the same, but we still like each other.

Thanks for your part in making our community unique.

BATTERSBY FUNERAL SERVICES Celebrating lives for three generations

PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS: Give the gift of confidence to your loved ones.

Pre-plan your funeral, so you can get on with the business of living.

For assistance with pre-planning talk to Jennifer Battersby on 828-5113 www.battersbyfuneralservices.co.nz

Pharmacy Doors Forced Shut Small businesses usually look forward to being able to sell as a going concern and pick up a gain as a retirement nest egg after many years of long hours and stress. Ron’s business had been valued independently as being worth $300,000 -$400,000 – money that he will never see.

He would have liked to sell and retire a few years back, but every potential buyer has been scared off by the proximity of the supermarket, since other Countdowns have started to include pharmacies. That’s a development that could not have been foreseen by Ron years ago.

Ron graduated in 1960 from a four-year pharmacist apprenticeship. “Back then,” he recalls, “they used to type the labels by hand, and they made everything, all the pills, medicines etc, from scratch. Virtually nothing was ready-made. Scripts were posted into the pricing office, and the clerk would then sit down and price everything from books. It’s all computerised now”.

Along with his brother, Ron headed to England for his O.E. “NZ qualifications

were quite acceptable in the UK in those days”, Ron said, “but not anymore.” After two years Ron returned home, then in the early seventies bought his Lynfield pharmacy from Robert Irwin.

At the time Ron was renting in Oriana Ave, which was one of the very few streets in Lynfield that was built on. However, the rest of Lynfield was being developed by the Auckland Harbour Board and he could see long term potential in the area for his business, and as a place to live.

So, what now for Ron? Well, he looks at the positives. “The past seventeen years since Coundown has been here have definitely been good for business,” he says. “Lynfield has been a nice place to work, the community is lovely, and many of my customers have become friends.” Ron says he is ready for retirement but will keep his practicing license current for local relieving work.

When asked for comment, Adrian Walker, Countdown General Manager Property responded:

www.bhb.nz | March 2018 • 3 …continued from front page

“We always aim to deliver the best shopping environment for our customers, and we’re very pleased to be finally starting to refurbish our Countdown Lynfield store, starting in the next month. It’s long overdue for a refresh. The refurbished store will have some exciting new features for our local customers, including a new in-store Countdown Pharmacy and a refreshed look more in line with our modern store design.”

It’s harder to wind up a pharmacy than you might imagine. Ron is especially concerned about customers who have repeat prescriptions and especially those that are outstanding if they don’t come in before the doors close for good on March 16th.

Ron Spragg and his team have faithfully served the community for nearly five decades and are a well-known and liked part of the community. Thank you, team, for the kindness and care you have given us over all those years.

4 • March 2018

I’ve Been Thinking:

Mend the World

By Jenny Toso It’s over, the grace period after New Year when everything feels full of exciting possibilities. Kids are back at school, everyone is back at work, the traffic is crazy again, the news feeding in from overseas continues to make you wonder how humanity can be so cruel to its own and back here politicians squabble as usual. Darn, nothing much has changed.

Here is the thing – we have very little control over what happens out there. The only thing we have real control over is

ourselves. Me, moi, the personal pronoun ‘I’ – that’s what we can control, that is what we can change.

Personally, I’ve never been one for chasing wild fires and trying to put them out. I’m more of a ‘deal with the smoldering embers around me’ kind of gal, make sure the fires at home stay dampened. Oh, it’s great to pursue notable causes; someone has to and I’m not disrespecting that lot because we need people like Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Malala Yousafzai … the list is long and extensive, and heroes and heroines every one of them.

I don’t know about you but I’m never going to make that list however I’m not impotent when it comes to creating change

Quilts Across the Ranges The sound of fabric cutting and sewing machines whizzing can be heard across West Auckland if you listen closely enough. Members of Western Quilters’ Circle have had a busy year making quilts for family, friends, and the community.

‘Quilts Across the Ranges’ is the group’s annual display showcasing their talent at Kelson Community Centre 16 – 17 March 2018 along with a café, merchants and trading table for those looking for a fabric, books/magazine or quilting bargains. For those that love quilts but can’t sew, there is the opportunity to win or purchase a quilt.

Community quilts are a big part of Western Quilters’ Circle and this year Age Concern and Foster Hope will benefit.

Older members of our community can feel very isolated and alone, especially in winter. For a number of years Western Quilters’ Circle has been making around 60 lap quilts a year to be passed out by Age Concern. Foster Hope will receive their first children’s quilts after the Western Quilters’ show. Foster Hope provides backpacks

for children hurriedly removed from their homes or flatting packs for youth that have turned 18 years old and have aged out of the foster system. These quilts are made from donated fabrics, completed and quilted by the members.

‘Quilts Across the Ranges’ is a great chance for members to showcase their hobby and for the public to come and see their creativity. There will be an Open Day on 14th April for anyone interested to come along try their hand at patchwork and quilting. New members are always welcome. Western Quilters’ Circle meets the last Tuesday of the month, except December at 7:30pm at Kelston Community Centre. Contact Michelle Dawson on 021 148 6888 for more info.

– neither are you.

Every decision to exhibit an act of kindness, every act of forgiveness, every act of tolerance every wise word or loving, caring comment and a helping hand reaching out makes a difference. It creates change, not just in others, but most importantly in ourselves.

It’s an old adage “charity begins at home” and yep darn straight it does! If each of us will mend ourselves and be charitable to those we come in contact with, one day we WILL collectively mend the world.

Movie Review #9357 by Geoff Horne

Very Coen-esque tale of a grieving mother resorting to an unusual method to prevent her daughter’s murder case sinking without a trace. Frances McDormand takes the centre stage as Mildred Hayes, aforementioned mother with ex-Cheerser Woody Harrelson as the local boss cop and Sam Rockwell, a numbskull deputy who has a habit of putting foot in mouth with alarming regularity. It’s typically dark, (very) subtly comic with some brilliantly placed little quips and gems that you need to be on your toes to catch - think I missed a few!

The plot dips and dives, sets you up then hauls you back down again and works an unpredictability that is quite refreshing, albeit frustrating at times. McDormand is superb, Woody-boy equally so and Rockwell - complete with gormless haircut - floors everyone with a keen performance and a character who turns a corner during the proceedings.

Other notable characters are the chief ’s wife Anne, Peter Dinklage with the hots for Mildred and Mildred’s ex who parades his young but dumb trophy girlfriend around the show.

It shows that given a good script and masterful screenplay, actors have license to shine and certainly this cast does that very well. Bound to be in award contention and wouldn’t be surprised to see it take a hatful.

HCNZ Building Boom The biggest build of state houses since the 1950s is underway right now, across Auckland. New Lynn and Mt Roskill will see huge activity as the Auckland Housing Programme continues to gain momentum in 100+ sites.

Roskill South will see 268 old state houses removed to make way for 800+ new ones.

Hill Crescent in New Lynn has three sites in progress. Phil Twyford recently visited the 2,984m2 site where three 1950s houses are being replaced by 14 new homes.

Thom Street has pretty much disappeared with around a dozen houses removed to make way for a $23 million, 82-unit development being built by Dominion Constructors.

www.bhb.nz | March 2018 • 5

NEW LYNN MEANS BUSINESS The New Lynn Business Association area has a world class transit centre; 1000+ car parks; 200+ retail services outlets; 40+ restaurants, cafés and bars; fast-food, bakeries and takeaway outlets; supermarkets and convenience stores; legal, accounting, taxation and insurance services; pharmacy, medical, dental, optical, health and therapy services; automotive repair workshops; education and training facilities; hair and beauty salons; community services groups; real estate agents and much, much more.

SHOP LOCALLY IN NEW LYNN SUPPORT NEW LYNN TOWN CENTRE STRIP SHOPPING YOUR COMMUNITY TOWN CENTRE

WANT TO KNOW MORE facebook.com/ newlynnbusinessassociation

PO BOX 15456, New Lynn, Auckland 0640 newlynnbid@gmail.com www.newlynnbusinessassociation.net.nz

Thanks to Auckland Council Healthy Waters for their support

6 • March 2018

Playcentre with a Village Vibe In the heart of Blockhouse Bay village, you may have heard the squeals of children playing and having fun at the Blockhouse Bay Playcentre. They are in fact learning.

Playcentre offers endless opportunities for children to explore, create, jump, run, get really messy and grow. But more than that Blockhouse Bay Playcentre is a unique place to play and learn together.

We consider ourselves - the parents - to be the first and best educators of our own

children. So, our sessions are run by parents, but don’t worry we also provide free training to help you develop alongside your child.

We welcome babies and children up to five years old. Research shows one of the greatest ways children learn is from each other, so the mixed age play sets the stage for this type of development. It’s just like a natural family environment with older and younger brothers and sisters.

We consider our centre to be a family, a modern village, that helps each other to raise their children and this means you will be part of a wonderfully supportive community of like-minded parents.

Contact us to arrange a session for your family to come and visit us on session and see what we are all about. Tel: 09 6279882 Email: Blockhousebay@playcentre.org.nz Open Monday to Thursday 9 - 12pm at 582 Blockhouse Bay Road.

The Great GREEN BAY School Gala

Dentists:

Dr. Peter Raymond BDS Dr. Haydn Gray BDS Emergency Dr Kathleen appointments Sandberg DDS

available Hygienist: daily!

Anna

Phone: 627-9970 www.bhbdental.co.nz 3A Heaphy Street (by the roundabout)

Dr Nitin Raniga Orthodontist BDS (Otago), DclinDent (Otago), MOrth RSCEd, MRACDS (Orth)

6 Exminster Street, Blockhouse Bay Ph: 09 627 3555

nitin@aucklandortho.co.nz www.aucklandortho.co.nz

A group of keen, hardworking parents of Green Bay School children are busy behind the scenes organising The Great Green Bay School Gala which is to be held at the school grounds on Saturday March 24th from 10am till 2pm.

As it has been a few years between galas, we are so excited to bring a fun-filled family-friendly event to our community with a twist on the old and a focus on upcycled and homemade products. It’s all about variety, with many of our own school families showcasing their culinary talents within our awesome Food Alley line up. Our aim is to raise some funds for a new outdoor surface for our kids to enjoy all year round.

The theme is ‘old school’ with lots of activities and games to keep the everyone busy within an affordable price bracket.

We will have a Farmers Market selling preserves and produce, a Devonshire Tea Room within a Retro Op Shop, Kids White Elephant, upcycled crafts and our children will be making and creating their own unique products to sell.

We have some great raffles up for grabs and fabulous prizes generously donated by many local businesses and organisations; we just love this little community of ours!

Our event will be ‘plastic bag free’ following our overall zero waste initiative so please bring your own bag to carry your purchases on the day.

Check out our Facebook page – The Great Green Bay Gala for daily updates.

www.bhb.nz | March 2018 • 7

New Co-Manager appointed at Community Centre Miriam Muaiava has recently been appointed as co-manager at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. Miriam replaces Graham Edwards who resigned in December and works alongside co-manager Maree Fraser and Stephanie O’Hanlon.

“This role is perfect for me, and I’m enjoying it immensely,” Miriam says. “I also teach Kids4Drama two afternoons a week here at the centre, so it dovetails nicely with that.”

Another commitment Miriam has during the week is LIFECraft NZ – a leadership and life skills programme she developed in 2016. LIFECraft NZ runs in a number of schools in West Auckland from primary through to secondary. The programme uses drama as a tool to teach and develop essential leadership and social skills whilst exploring some of life’s big topics in a safe and interactive, unique and fun environment.

LIBRARY LINE-UP

March

Sat 3rd – 11am – 2pm. Wha-nui: Imagine the Land public workshop. Come along and make a clay bowl.

For all ages.

Tue 13th – Tue 27th. Photo Exhibition of the Wha-nui: Imagine the Land Project. Have a look at photos of clay bowls made as part of the Imagine the Land Project in the local community.

Thu 22nd 11am – 12pm. Online Colouring for Adults session.Want to de-stress? Come along and bring your iPad and Apple ID and we’ll help you download some great colouring apps for adults. Don’t have an iPad? Come along anyway - we’ll have some extra iPads and some colouring-in pages and coloured pencils available as well.

Wed 28th – 1.00 – 2.30pm. Easter Craft for Adults.

Make an Easter Bunny origami napkin and a decoupage styrofoam egg decoration with a twine nest! Bookings are required.

Especially for Children: We have lots of fun activities for children in the month of March. For pre-schoolers aged 2 - 4 there is a Pasifika-themed storytime on Thursday 15 March 10.30-11.00 am; then Easter Rabbit storytime on Thursday 22 March 10.30-11.00 am. Older children can build their own castle. Come anytime on Saturday 17th or Sunday 18th March as this is part of the EcoWest Festival activities held at Blockhouse Bay Library.

8 • March 2018

What’s happening MARCH

APRIL

TUESDAYS

Thu 8th High Tea Afternoon for Seniors (Free) 2.30-4.30pm (see p8 for details) Please register by contacting the Whau Local Board engagement advisor Michelle Hutchinson on 021-194-4377 or 301-0101.

Fri 9th Bollywood Night (women’s event) 7pm at Hills Church, 179 Hillsborough Rd ph 09 625-5050.

Tue 13th Western Districts Women’s Dinner Club. 6.15pm at Glen Eden RSA, dinner and guest speaker. Visitors are very welcome. Ph Doreen 021 078 3780 to book or for info.

Sat 10th Community Market 7am – 12noon at BHB Community Centre.

16 & 17th Quilts Across the Ranges 10am-4pm Friday and Saturday at Kelston Community Centre. Western Quilters’ Circle’s annual showcase of gorgeous quilts. Contact Michelle Dawson on 021 148 6888 for more info. See article p7.

Sat 17th Mini Fair 8am till noon.

Homemade cakes, books, toys, white elephant goods, sausage sizzle, coffee cart, children’s activities. Iona Church, 38 Donovan St. Sat 17th & 24th DIY Wax Wrap workshops, 9.30am - 10:30am at Green Bay Community House, 1 Barron Dr. $17pp.

Facilitated by Jeffrey Sim from Honey Tales.

This class includes all ingredients for making your own wax wraps to take away. We will provide cloth, but people can also bring their own. Recommended cloth size: 28cmX24cm.

For more info contact Jeffrey 022-603-5429 or visit www.honeytales.co.nz.

Sat 17th Down & Dirty // Rooftop Party 4-8pm, Lopdell House Rooftop. EcoWest’s opening event. Pop a fizzy, grab a bite and get dancing with us on the opening day of EcoWest Festival! It’s a party with a twist.

You can choose to earn a ticket by digging in alongside our EcoMatters staff at one of the working bees during the day or you can pay $30 for entry. See article p10, or go to www. ecowest.org.nz for more info.

Sun 18th The Fair (Antiques and Crafts) 9.30-2pm at BHB Community Centre.

Admission $2 Mon 19th Beacon deadline for April issue. Contact kerrie@bhb.nz Sat 24th The Great Green Bay School Gala 10am – 2pm at Green Bay Primary School. See article p6.

Sat 31st Community Market 7am 12noon at BHB Community Centre.

3rd- 4th Beacon Delivery (April) Expect the Beacon delivered in your letterbox this weekend. If you are outside our delivery area, or you have a ‘no circulars’ type sticker on your letterbox, then you can pick up your copy from the BHB Community Centre, BHB Bay Library, New Lynn Library, or Green Bay Community House, from Monday.

Sat 14th Community Market 7am – 12noon at BHB Community Centre.

Sat 14th Western Quilters’ Circle Open Day at Kelston Community Centre, for anyone interested to come along try their hand at patchwork and quilting. New members are always welcome. Contact Michelle Dawson on 021 148 6888 for more info.

Sun 15th EcoDay, 11am-6pm, EcoMatters Environment Trust and Olympic Park in New Lynn. See article p10.

Mon 19th Beacon deadline for May issue. Contact kerrie@bhb.nz Sat 28th Community Market 7am – 12noon at BHB Community Centre.

Housie. 7.30 till 10.00pm at the BHB Community Centre. Run by St Dominic’s Parish, this regular Housie session is a fundraising project for the church’s development and maintenance. All players are welcome.

Western Districts Women’s Dinner Club 6.15pm at Glen Eden RSA. We meet 2nd Tuesday every month for dinner and guest speaker. Visitors are very welcome. Ph Doreen 021 078 3780 to book or for info.

Bellydance for Fitness Beginners 7.30pm at the BHB Community Centre.

Western Quilters’ Circle. 7:30pm at Kelson Community Centre. Meets last Tuesday of the month, except December. Contact Michelle Dawson on 021 148 6888 for more info.

REGULAR EVENTS MONDAYS Blockhouse Bay Walking Club. 8-8.15 Meet at BHB Community Centre. New members welcome. Ph Ces 8375441 or Yvonne 6263339 Indoor Bowls. 10am at the Senior Citizens Hall. $1 Ukulele Class. 11.30am at the BHB Community Centre. $50.00 for Term of 7 Lessons. Beginners welcome. Enrolment essential.

English Class. 1.15pm at the BHB Community Centre. No charge, but donation to Food Pantry appreciated.

SeniorNet monthly meeting. Every 3rd Monday of the month, 1.30pm at Mt Eden Senior Citizens Club Rooms, 487 Dominion Rd, Balmoral (opp Potters Park). This is your local SeniorNet. Come and see how you can learn to use computer and smart-phone technology. Enquiries to Janet ph 828-3098.

Learn to Dance with Move Dance Company. 7pm at New Lynn RSA. Fun fusion of salsa, disco and rock ’n’ roll.

Contact Hannah 021 576210. $15 casual.

Concessions available.

WEDNESDAYS Blockhouse Bay Walking Club. 8-8.15am.

Meet at BHB Community Centre. New members welcome. Ph Ces 8375441 or Yvonne 6263339 Church Service with Communion. 9.30am at Church of the Saviour, 2 Kinross St. Best morning tea in the Bay. Wriggle & Rhyme for 0-2 year olds 9.30-10am @ BHB Library. Songs, rhymes and gentle exercise to music for babies and toddlers (during school term only).

Indoor Bowls. 10am at the Senior Citizens Hall $1 (Final game for the year 20 Dec. Resumes 15 Jan.) Spanish Lessons. 3.30pm -5pm 10 to 15 years, and 6.30pm – 8pm Adults, at the BHB Community Centre.

Iona Scouts. Meet under the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre. Keas (school yrs 1-3) 6-7pm. Cubs (school yrs 4-6) 6.308pm. Scouts (school yrs 7-10) 7-8.30pm.

Contact Colin (021 208 1103) or Gill (021 187 9988) for more info.

Green Bay Residents & Ratepayers Assn meeting. Normally the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7pm at GBRRA Hall, 229 Portage Rd, Green Bay. For more information and to check the date, refer to our Facebook page.

THURSDAYS Activity Corner. From 9.30am (for morning tea) at the Senior Citizens Hall $1 Pilates. 10.30 at the BHB Community Centre.

Preschool Storytime. 10.30-11am @ BHB Library. Free and fun, learning literacy development through stories and songs.

6th Auckland Girls’ Brigade. 6 - 8pm at Iona Church, 38 Donovan Street, Blockhouse Bay. All girls 5 years upwards welcome.

Contact Dorothy at dorothy.findlay@xtra.co.nz or 027-275-9592

FRIDAYS Food Pantry. Open 1-3pm at BHB Baptist Church.

English Class. 1.15pm at the BHB Community Centre. No charge, but donation to Food Pantry appreciated.

Green Bay Street Food Fiesta. Every Friday in March except Easter (30 Mar) 5.00pm - 8.30pm at Green Bay Community House, 1 Barron Drive. Visit www.greenbaystreetfood.co.nz for more info. Kids Playground and live music!

SATURDAYS Free Dinner. 2nd Saturday of the month, 5pm – 7pm, at Iona Presbyterian Church hall, 38 Donovan St BHB. All welcome. For more info phone 09-627 9845.

Community Market. Second and last Saturdays of the month.

7am – 12noon at BHB Community Centre.

SUNDAYS CHURCH SERVICES Church of the Saviour. 2 Heaphy St. Ph 09-627-8779.

9am - Communion service. 11am - Café Style church.

1.30pm - Mandarin service. 4pm - Interdenominational Service.

7pm - Intimate acoustic worship.

Blockhouse Bay Baptist. 504 Blockhouse Bay Rd. Ph 09-626 6980. 10am - Worship and teaching for all ages.

6.30pm Worship, teaching and coffee Lynfield Community Church. 35 The Avenue, Lynfield.

Ph 09 626 4141. 9:30am service.

Blockhouse Bay Community Church. 76 Dundale Ave, Blockhouse Bay. Ph 09 626 6284. Email info@bbcc.org.nz www.bbcc.org.nz. 10.30 am service.

EASTER SERVICES

29 March – 1 April

CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR 2 Heaphy St. Ph 09-627-8779 Good Friday 9.00am Messy Easter – family-friendly interactive service with songs, crafts and Easter message.

12-3.00pm Meditations around the cross (at Powley Chapel, 135 Connell Street, BHB) Easter Sunday 9.00am All-Age Easter Celebration Communion service.

11.00am Café-style Easter service. 7.00pm Informal Easter service with worship, teaching and prayer.

IONA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 38 Donovan St. Ph 627 9845.

Maundy Thursday service at 7:30 pm Good Friday service at 9:30 am.

Easter Sunday service at 10 am.

ST DOMINIC’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 34 Bolton Street. Ph 626 6207.

Holy Thursday – 7.30 pm Good Friday Stations of the Cross – 9.00am Good Friday service – 3.00pm Easter Vigil – 8:00pm Easter Sunday – 9.30am

Advertise your event here for free! Email kerrie@bhb.nz

www.bhb.nz | March 2018 • 9

BHB Community Centre Update HALL HIRE: We are frequently asked if the Community Centre halls are available for hire, and the answer is a resounding YES! We have six halls with capacity ranging from 12 to 260 people.

All are equipped with tables and chairs. The main hall has a licensed kitchen and there munity Cen is a kitchenette attached to he Com tre t t two of our smaller halls. You A Sunday 18 March can see the rooms on our website photo tour (www.

9.30am – 2pm blockhousebaycentre.co.nz).

We keep hall hire rates as low NOW INCLU DES as possible and these vary L O C according to which hall, day ALLY of the week and time of day MADE CRA FTS of the hire. We are happy to provide a quote. Please support your Community Centre as Admission only income from hall hire allows us proceeds to upkeep of Armanasco House. to run our community classes and activities.

New class starting Monday nights “CARDIO FIX” 5.30pm-6.30pm in the Scout Hall $7 casual, concession cards available.

Our next Antiques, Collectables and Craft Market is on Sunday 18th March.

Don’t forget our free help with technology classes, every Monday from 3pm – 4pm, tablet, phone and laptop problems solved – oneon-one help. Phone the office to book in.

Free English Classes every Monday and Friday 1.15–2.45pm.

Urgently seeking volunteers to teach English. Limited spaces available for new students. Ph Shayne 027-857-7488

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

FAIR

$2

Baby Clothes on Doorstep a Mystery A few months ago a Blockhouse Bay couple heard their doorbell ring, but when they got to the door, no-one was there. Instead, there was a beautiful new hand-knitted set of clothes for a baby girl. The items include a white embroidered dress, a pink coat and a pink hat. After all the work that went into them, it would be a shame if they did not reach the intended person.

If you can help solve this mystery, please contact the Beacon, either kerrie@bhb.nz or ph 027 290 4444.

10 • March 2018

MIA’S FAMILY FUN REVIEWS

By Mia Bradley

Planning a family day out that everyone can enjoy can sometimes be a bit hard. Each issue I will be reviewing two different activities, giving my honest opinion as a ten-year-old girl.

Vector Wero White Water Rafting

Green Bay Street Food

This activity is sure to cool you off. There are a few different things you can do, all equally fun.

The one for beginners or children, is called the Tamariki River.

Paddle through rapids and get soaking wet!

Thrill seekers, you can do the Pump Waterfall. This one is for advanced rafters. Plunge down the 4.5m drop into cool water!

There is also a big lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. The Tamariki River is $55, and the Pump Waterfall is an extra $10.

I recommend this for children 5 and above. Find Vector Wero White Water Rafting on their website, www.wero.org.nz/

Too tired to cook on a Friday night? Well get the family in the car or have an evening walk to Green Bay. Each week different food trucks park in the community centre car park and deliver mouthwatering dishes to you. Each truck is very different, so you have a wide range of food to choose from. While you wait for your food, your kids can have fun in the sun playing on the playground next to the carpark. Entrance is free, but the food cost varies. Find Green Bay Street Food on Facebook.

ECOWEST FESTIVAL West Auckland is once again gearing up for a month-long celebration of our awe-inspiring environment. From 17 March to 15 April 2018, EcoMatters Environment Trust will partner with the Western local boards to host EcoWest Festival, an annual festival of more than 100 events that celebrate our unique environment and what we do to care for it.

Pick up new skills like beekeeping, composting and keeping chooks, embrace creativity at events like Pacific weaving, and learn new tricks for smarter living at events such as A Practically Green Household.

Discover something new in your own neighbourhood and see local natural places with fresh eyes, for example with the Creatures of the Dark walk or our Urban Nature Walks series. You can also learn about backyard stream testing and venture out on the water on Matuku Link’s kayak tour. Or, why not lend a hand to one of the many passionate community groups taking care of our favourite places out West?

With two new event categories, there will even be more to explore during the Festival this year. Our On the Move events aim to get people onboard the clean transport revolution and will include Pedal & Pizza, a 2-hour bike ride with a midway coffee stop and woodfired pizza served afterwards.

The Foodies’ Fix event series includes street food markets as well as workshops like Make Your Own Fermented Food & Drinks.

EcoWest Festival will end with a bang with EcoDay on Sunday 15 April, a fun family-friendly day out featuring interesting talks and workshops, loads of activities, music and great food. EcoDay will be held at EcoMatters Environment Trust and Olympic Park in New Lynn.

To find out more and see full details of all EcoWest Festival events, visit www.ecowest.org.nz.

Living lightly with Joy Bennett

www.bhb.nz | March 2018 • 11

The Problem with Food Waste Every year, we waste about one third of the food produced around the world! In New Zealand, it is estimated that food waste is valued at around $872 million*. Most of this food could have been eaten, with better planning, storage, understanding of best before dates, knowledge of how to use leftovers, and changes to standards in food retail. The World Food Programme asserts that 1 in 9 people in the world do not have enough food to eat, even though enough food is produced globally.

In addition to the human and economic cost, our natural environment suffers. When food decomposes in landfills without the presence of oxygen, a potent greenhouse gas called methane is released. Carbon

Play the Game!

emissions increase from deforestation and food production processes, which along with methane, may contribute to climate change.

Land use changes and wasted resources put increasing pressure on wildlife, water, air and land, and food prices may also increase.

There are many easy ways to tackle household food waste, such as allowing people to serve themselves from a platter on the table, reducing the amount of uneaten food; or alternatively using smaller plates – hungry family members can always have a second helping. This may also lead to healthier lifestyles, as the focus moves from ‘cleaning your plate’ to ‘eating for nutrition’.

Meal planning will save you a lot of time, angst and money! Choosing imperfect

* Source: Love Food Hate Waste, 2018

Game reviews by Kerry Lee

RIME One of the biggest trends of gaming in the 21st century has been the rise of smaller games on the market competing for our money. In the past these games were seen as cheap and of low quality, but in the last ten years the calibre in terms of storytelling and artistic design has risen significantly.

One example is Rime, which stunned me with its tranquil beauty and charming characters.

GAMEPLAY: From the moment I loaded it up I was immediately taken with its simple yet elegant setting. You take on the role of an unnamed boy who has just washed up on a deserted island, see a tower in the distance and decide to make your way to it. Controls are simple but effective, with easy puzzles littered around the island blocking your way. There’s zero combat, instead, Rime relies on its puzzle system and its charming setting to keep players engaged.

GRAPHICS: Rime’s graphics are simple yet beautiful, everything has a nice touch to it; the waves of the ocean bob about, and trees sway in the wind realistically. The graphics aren’t mind-blowing, but then again, they don’t have to be.

SOUND: The characters in Rime don’t talk, so there’s no voice acting to speak of.

The music is stellar and matches the tempo of the game perfectly. If I had to put it in one word I would say that the sound is adequate.

VERDICT: Rime is a game that’s meant to be a calming experience and to be honest, that’s a relief when so many games focus on killing someone or blowing something up. I found my time with Rime to be enjoyable and fun. If you’d like a game where you simply relax and explore your surroundings, then Rime’s the game for you.

HHHHHHHHHH

(‘ugly’) produce will help change attitudes towards food standards and reduce waste.

Learning food storage tips including the difference between best before dates and use by dates, will save you a lot of heartache.

For tips, advice, and inspiration on how to live lightly with food, please visit One World to Share on Facebook and Twitter @OneWorld2Share, or follow my blog at www.changerevolution.wixsite.com/ oneworldtoshare

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12 • March 2018

Blockhouse Bay Business Association Update November seems so long ago now when we celebrated Christmas with our annual Santa parade. It was a fabulous day, and wonderful to see everyone joining in the fun once again. I am now working on a date for the 2018 parade and will announce that soon.

A big thanks to the Community Patrol for helping us with marshalling and collecting donations on the day of the parade. Over $300 was raised for the Blockhouse BayLynfield Lions Youth, so massive thanks to all who donated at the parade.

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Blockhouse Bay Town Centre Manager

Blockhouse Bay village is such a vibrant and friendly place to work. I really love being part of the community and helping the business owners.

The village has a wide range of shops comprising clothing stores, gift shops, a pharmacy, a health shop, a jeweller and a liquor store, as well as three banks - ASB, ANZ and Westpac. Our three fabulous cafes are great for catching up with friends or a business meeting. There are also restaurants, takeaway shops, sushi shops and a bakery.

Businesses such as real estate services, accountants, physiotherapy, beauticians,

hairdressers, mechanics, a computer tech shop, a dentist, and a medical centre are all conveniently located within the village, and with plenty of parking.

So, come join us in Blockhouse Bay village, avoid the busy malls and see how rewarding and convenient ‘shopping local’ can be. We have several promotions coming up for people who shop in the village, the first being Easter at the end of March. So, hop along, shop and be in to win some great local prizes. Looking forward to seeing you in the village!

Celebrating Diversity Blockhouse Bay Primary recently celebrated the rich diversity of their school’s population, which represents many countries in the world from Uruguay to Germany, Tonga to Pakistan and many stops in between!

Developing a deeper understanding of who they are enables the children to better understand and accept others, tying in with the school vision ‘We seek knowledge, understanding and success - We strive to be creative, resilient and respectful and we soar confidently into the world, strong in our unique identity’.

Students and teachers dressed in clothing which represented the country they were born in or have close links to, then paraded around the school grounds to display the costumes. A delicious shared lunch was then enjoyed by families, staff and children.

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www.bhb.nz | March 2018 • 13

LET’S TALK BUSINESS by Chris Bunce Strategic Objectives Over the last few months we have covered most of the major items needed for creating your vision and strategy. This month we will pull all of this material together and develop some strategic objectives.

Just before we do that though, I’ll cover off one more important issue. It is not good practice to develop strategy without some understanding of trends in your industry, your market, and the overall context within which you are running your business.

Useful analyses include the 5 Forces There’s a reason thatPorter’s militaryAnalysis, PEST both easily themed and schools likeAnalysis, Vanguard have become popular – teaching young googled. people how tothat take disciplined I recommend youatake the time to approach to lifethe can give them carefully consider questions and the answer confidence they need to succeed. them as comprehensively as you can. It would very unusual for there to be no Webemainly see Cadets in action insights fromparticipating these analyses,inand when for theyyouare you should be as thorough as you Day need to formal ceremonies like ANZAC becommemorations. to discover them. They demonstrate So now its time identify the three how they havetolearned to top meet strategic you should in the exactingmoves standards of make personal 3-presentation to 5-year timeframe. and how toWhy standonly tall three? in public as part of a team.

Learning survival skills and bush craft gives a very different perspective than hanging around home like many teenagers. Cadets get the opportunity to see behind the scenes and interact with the NZ Defence Force as the local unit operates out of the Arch Hill base in Grey Lynn.

A Disciplined Approach

Solid research has shown that if you try to achieve more than three goals over any timeframe, you will actually complete fewer than if you just went for three. It’s that word “focus” again.

Achieve Superior Business Results

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My name is Chris Bunce.

I have over 28 years experience The City of Auckland Cadet Unit is a youth training organisation that focuses on working with businesses like yours if youlifetryskills, to bush achieve more leadership, craft and outdoor skills, being a Cadet Corps Unit (the to and achieve superior results.

part of Cadet Forces that is based on the Army style). We operate throughout the year, than three goals over any parading (a three-hour training and activity session) every Wednesday of the school Schedule a free diagnostic term and have approximately two weekend activities every term, including, but not timeframe, you will actually consultation today. limited to, such things as bush camps, firearms and marksmanship training, or formal complete fewer than ceremonies like ANZAC Day. if you Call me now for your free consultation Recently we and hadfind ouroutannual formal Our current roll isfor approximately just went three. 25 howand I can prizegiving, help you achieve which was an Cadets, three Cadet Force Officers and dinner superiorsuccess. business results.

During the night three additional adult staff, which puts incredible Review all the possible moves you could us in a perfect position to grow. We are several Cadets received certificates of make, based on your work on your target actively looking to recruit both new cadets completion representing their process market and its greatest need, your value and further adult support, whether it is through our five-year training program, discipline and competitive advantage, and directly working with the officers and while some were singled out for special your environmental analyses. The idea is cadets or assisting behind the scenes, awards, such as Cadet Sergeant Major to select the three moves that together, will which can include joining the Unit Tara Lockhart who received the award take you furthest along the journey toward Support Committee which oversees the for best Unit Non-commissioned Officer your BHAG. Picture yourself three to five Cadet Finn McDonald who received safe running of the Unit and sources funds and021 444 691 years out into the future, with your three thechris@cashtree.co.nz award for the best Basic cashtree.co.nz (new) Cadet. for all unit-based activities. strategic moves completed – have youfrom made Much to my surprise, I also received an New Cadet recruits can age satisfactory progress toward BHAG? If award during the night, the Unit Bayonet 13-15, though we will takeyour 12-year-olds not, see if you can identify more challenging 4. Establish complementary fora my ten years of range serviceof who are attending high school. The only of Honour, strategic moves. second-tier products to compete in the other requirement, is that any potential to Cadet Forces, an award I was deeply To give you a better idea of what a strategic commercial market to receive.

Cadet must be physical capable of carrying honoured move looks like,activities, I have included 5. Develop and resource a comprehensive out most Cadet which, some at theof my clients’are below camouflaged). in-house HR function beginning, no (suitably harder than what they LT Pip Duncan, NZCF, cost during of manufacture 87 cents 6. Implement Operational Excellence Cadet Unit Commander, will1. Reduce experience school tophysical a litre processes and systems across the City of Auckland Cadet Unit education.

John Subritzky 2. Complete the implementation of the company new channel strategy OK, that’sCentre, enough strategy for now. Next CACU Meets every Wednesday during the school term, at Auckland Army 3.

Set up a fully functioning, profitable month, we will 204 Great North Rd, Arch Hill. We also have camps about once a month.start a new topic – Execution, [related industry] business or getting stuff done.

To find out more visit www.aucklandcadets.org.nz or contact Lt Pip Duncan at pip.duncan@cadetforces.org.nz

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14 • March 2018

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www.bhb.nz | March 2018 • 15

Tropicana Couple to Return For Barry and Velma Gordon, moving into Ryman’s new retirement village in Lynfield is like coming home. The couple lived at 18 Tropicana Drive, right next door to the Tropicana estate, for nearly three decades and are thrilled they can now return.

“We both said it feels like we’re going back home,” says Velma with a smile.

The pair sold their Tropicana place and downsized to a smaller house in 2014 and were just considering another move when they saw the plans for the new village. “We thought that way we have got security around us and at the press of a button we’ve got assistance,” says Barry. The couple, who have three children and six grandchildren, will be moving into the village in late 2018, which is also the year of their 60th wedding anniversary.

The pair met through Velma’s brother, who had become mates with Barry at cadet military training in Papakura and invited him for dinner at the family house in Maioro Street. “They had a little billiard table and I kept knocking her with my cue,” recalls Barry. “I kept apologising and she kept smiling, and it developed from there!” The couple says their start in life as newlyweds was

modest: “I had to borrow £20 from my father to pay for the honeymoon,” laughs Barry.

One of Barry’s first jobs was with the power board as a line construction engineer.

He even worked with the team who installed the streetlights in Tropicana Drive when it was developed as a street full of show homes dubbed the Parade of Homes in 1968. “We saw the prices and thought that’s a dream gone down the gurgler!” says Barry.

“We both said it feels like we’re going back home” says Velma However, 20 years later, after many hours of hard work running the Superette on White Swan Road, the couple’s dream came true and they bought number 18 Tropicana Drive. “It was the farm that impressed me,” says Barry. “That was the draw card.” Barry would often be the first to alert estate owner Bill Subritzky’s son John if dogs got into the sheep’s paddock in the night.

After leaving the Superette, Barry left to work in the circulation department of News Media and Velma, a talented dressmaker,

set up a bridalwear business first from home which later expanded to a shop on Dominion Road.

In 1989 they took a six-month sabbatical and went campervanning around Europe, sparking their passion for travel. They have since visited Japan, Russia, Alaska, Poland, USA, Canada, Cambodia, Vietnam and China! “Last year we spent three months in Australia to get out of the cold and next we’d love to visit Tasmania,” says Velma.

When they’re not planning their next trip, they keep fit – Barry goes to the gym and Velma enjoys Aquaerobics, and Barry volunteers at the local Citizens Advice Bureau.

And no, Velma doesn’t do any sewing in her spare time. “It got to the point when I just hated the sight of my sewing machine,” she says. “All I do now is any seams that come undone or buttons that need sewing on. “I might have done a few little outfits if I’d had granddaughters but I have six grandsons! But there’s still a chance I’ll have great-granddaughters so I won’t get rid of it yet,” she laughs.

What with all their travel, fitness and exciting new village activities to fit in, it’ll be amazing if Velma’s sewing machine sees the light of day again!

16 • March 2018

Fishing for a Car? Yet another car has drowned in the Manukau, this time near Waikowhai Bay. Despite evidence of heroic attempts to rescue the RAV4, the tide eventually won the fight on the day.

When we went to check it out, there were several vehicles on the rocky headland and quite a few people out enjoying the fishing.

Unlike most fishermen’s vehicles on the beach, the RAV4 driver ventured off the hard, often rocky areas around the headland and drove straight into treacherous soft, soft mud. The party managed to extract the vehicle from the mud and it is now up near high tide, but not high enough to avoid inundation twice every day for the past two weeks.

The police confirm that the vehicle has not been reported stolen. As an older low value car, it may not be insured. The registration label is gone. It appears the owner has abandoned the car and left it for ratepayers to shoulder the cost of recovery and disposal.

Other rubbish also appears to have been dumped on the beach recently. This is bad enough on roadsides, but on our coastline? Come on, people!

John Subritzky

Cars Banished from Maunga

Road closure at summit of Mt Roskill

Work has started on top of Mt Roskill / Puketapapa to remove vehicle access to the summit. Five other mountains around Auckland are undergoing the same access control to meet the spiritual sensitivities of iwi. To mana whenua, the tihi (summit) is a sacred place to be treated with reverence and respect. Mt Eden is already car free with Mt Albert, Mt Wellington and Mt Victoria to follow.

Roskill seems to have got off the most lightly of all the hills as the carpark just below the summit will remain open. For decades the summit has been popular with visitors. The loop road and carpark are being removed. It was always interesting on the flat summit because vehicles were driving over the roof of the huge water reservoir hidden inside.

John Subritzky

Car at high tide. Courtesy Jenny Toso

Rubbish at Waikowhai Bay

9 July 1962 Showing the Mount Roskill Reservoir under construction.

580-6539, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries

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