Community News Reaching 23,800 homes in Blockhouse Bay, Green Bay, New Lynn, Glenavon, New Windsor, Avondale, Rosebank and Lynfield
NOVEMBER 2020
Arts festival in a book An alternative approach to arts
Taulanga U Seniors: Tongan mothers and grandmothers sharing skills and keeping traditional Tongan crafts and weaving alive.
Residents shaken and stirred:
Crescendo
Wrestling Championships
Buses hit speed bump ����������������������������� P4
Music mentoring for youth ���������������������� P7
Local boys bring home gold �������������������� P9
MULTIAWARD WINNING CHILDCARE Blockhouse Bay, Avondale, Manurewa
Call Free 0508 PRESCHOOL
2 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
Arts festival in a book: An alternative approach to arts The Whau Arts Festival is back again for 2020. This year’s festival is the Whau ArtBOOK, free for all and soon to be available from your local dairy in the Whau area. It showcases, celebrates and activates the creative energy of the Whau area - and goes well with a pack of chippies or a mince and cheese pie! The Whau Arts Festival was conceived by Avondale-based Art collective “Whau the People” (WTP) in 2014. Each year has been so different - from a 24hour festival to choirs in laundromats, with epic public art murals throughout. The Whau ArtBOOK features over fifty Artists across all ages and disciplines. Because of the spread of innovative and traditional arts, Whau The People believe it will appeal to the wide-ranging cultural melting pot of Whau residents. Young local artist Jacob Hamilton’s photo essays capture his ‘walking the beat’ to visit all 40 dairies in the Whau, and photo portraits celebrate the meticulous work of Taulanga U Seniors such as Tominika Fononga. Tominika (pictured)
ALL ENQUIRIES: Kerrie Subritzky, Editor & Advertising PO Box 163133, Lynfield 1443 p 027 290 4444 e kerrie@bhb.nz
Above: Tominika Fononga. Front page: Taulanga U Seniors at ALL GOODS with their artwork. They have been meeting every week at the New Lynn Community Centre to weave for the past 5 years. Photos: Jody Yawa McMillan
Design: MacWork Design • www.macwork.co.nz Printer: Inkwise • www.inkwise.co.nz Next edition: December 2020 Deadline: Wednesday 11 November Published: Saturday 28 November Circulation: 23,800 OUTSIDE OUR DELIVERY AREA? Pick up from: • BHB Community Centre • BHB Library • New Lynn Library • Green Bay Community House • Avondale Library • Avondale RSA • Lynfield YMCA Members of Copyright: Information in the Beacon Community News is copyright and cannot be published or broadcast without the permission of Beacon Community News. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor.
Dentists:
Dr. Peter Raymond BDS Dr. Haydn Gray BDS Dr. Neerajappointments Anand DMD Emergency Dr. Loong Yong BDS Oral Health Therapists: Rebecca and Kylie
Phone: 627-9970 www.bhbdental.co.nz
3A Heaphy Street (by the roundabout)
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 3 is part of a group of Tongan mothers and grandmothers who share skills and keep alive traditional tongan weaving and crafts. “This ArtBOOK is our Whau Arts Festival 2020, but we didn’t want to lose that sense of bringing people together which all our other festivals have done. How are we going to eat kai...create games and paint together in this new Covidworld?”, recalls Jody Macmillan, Whau The People Trustee and Festival manager. The lockdown put the handbrake on the festival, which was to have occurred in June 2020, however the ArtBOOK is Whau The People’s creative response to managed isolation whilst reflecting on what and who became an ‘essential service’. Jody says, “we are stoked with the ArtBOOK which we reckon still showcases quality arts but is accessible to everyone in the community. COVID has probably meant that even though we’re not organising events and calling people together, this Festival has an even bigger but simpler reach by being in every dairy across the Whau. It’s a great feeling”. The books will be available for FREE this November, from your local diary across New Lynn, Green Bay, Kelston, Rosebank, Avondale, New Windsor and Blockhouse Bay. Shout out to all our local diary owners for their essential work this year. The Whau Local Board and Creative New Zealand for supporting the Whau Arts Festival BOOK. whauthepeople.com facebook.com/whauthepeople @whauthepeople
Drawing by Taunese Puā from the Painting of Whau local hero Anne Riley by Jean Stewart. Anne opening of WYF exhibition at Te Uru. was nominated this year for her tireless work in our communities.
Past connections to Blockhouse Bay Primary? Blockhouse Bay Primary are wanting to make contact with any people who have had a past association with the school. Perhaps you were a former teacher or pupil, your neighbour went to the school or married someone who did... perhaps you helped build the performing arts block or helped construct one of the early playgrounds? You might have been a shop owner who benefitted from pupils coming in each day or the local police community constable. Whatever your association, they would love to hear from you, and would also be very interested in any photos and other memorabilia that you might have. Please contact the school at office@blockhousebay.school.nz and they will be in touch with you. Or give them a call on 09 627 9940.
Don’t feel like cooking? Mon - Fri 7.30-3pm Sat 8.30-2pm 7 Totara Ave, New Lynn www.thewardroom.co.nz Delicious home-cooked meals • Fresh-frozen • Tasty and nutritious alternative to takeaways
4 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
Residents shaken and stirred: AT investigates Auckland Transport (AT) recently conducted comprehensive bus trials in Connaught St, Blockhouse Bay to measure noise and vibration. Local residents have become increasingly alarmed at the intrusion into their lives and the effect on their properties. Peter and Olwyn Over live 40 metres from a speed table. Their friend was visiting from Taupo and felt a shake while the crockery rattled. “We’ve just had an earthquake” said the alarmed visitor. Peter reassured them that it was just a bus going over a nearby speed table. They have also noticed damage appearing in their houses. It is this sort of nuisance that got neighbours talking and eventually calling a meeting. Twenty people attended and at the meeting someone mentioned that there was also a group in lower Connaught St with identical concerns. The groups combined and approached the Whau Local Board who were then able to request that AT investigate the issue. Simon Milner, AT Metro Services Team, led the trials. Three different size buses were used to test the speed tables at 30KPH and 40KPH. Four measurement points were set up on the footpath and inside volunteer neighbours’ homes. The in-home measurements were acoustic and vibration checks by contractor Marshall Day Acoustics. Meanwhile two staff rode
on each test bus to determine the comfort level of the different driving approaches. AT had also previously used a speed counter to gauge the speed of traffic in the street overall. Identifying the problem is one thing. Fixing it is another. The buses are not even close to the 50KPH speed limit. The move from smaller buses to medium sized 3 axled buses was when Phil (Local resident), Simon Milner (AT Metro Team), Kay Thomas Peter Over first noticed (Whau Local Board Chair) and Warren Piper (Whau Local Board) at the vibration problem the speed table test in Connaught St. from vehicles approaching uphill. A dry year may have also amplified the problem due to soil conditions. It appears that pressure waves are being generated by heavier vehicles as they impact on the front edge of the speed table. The effect is greater with increased speed and weight. When the trials were shared on social media, people from many different areas reported similar vibrations affecting their homes. Trucks and light vehicles can also be Olwyn and Peter Over, Connaught St residents group. Photo: Beacon very noisy as they go over the speed tables. Beacon asked Peter what he thought would This could be a warning for residents in be the ideal solution? “Remove the speed other streets who want to stop speeding. tables altogether” was his emphatic reply. It is a case of be careful what you wish for.
Lynfield’s first big event in years! “Christmas in our Park”
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
It’s been decades since the Lynfield community held their own local event so this year a small team of volunteers from the community have got together to put on a local Christmas shindig, “Christmas in our Park” with the support of local businesses and YMCA Lynfield. The event will have a variety of stalls and family-friendly entertainment: Christmasthemed arts and craft stalls, cake stalls, face painting, a bouncy castle, and a sausage sizzle. Plus, while you listen to local talent The Quartet and sing along with our local community choirs, you can also enjoy your homemade picnic, or Pizza Hut will be on hand for you to place your orders.
L-R: Organisers Ella, Dawn, Ralph, Ashwin, and Terry. (Absent: Tina)
The organisers hope that this will be the first of many fun events for Lynfield. If you’d like to have a stall, or would like to be part of the Lynfield community events working group, contact Ella Kumar 021 047 7742 or Ralph Shirley 021 579 966. Saturday 28th November 2020, 1-4pm, Lynfield Reserve (The Avenue).
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 5
Avondale Primary welcomes new principal
Avondale Primary welcomes Mr Williams with a pōwhiri. Photo: Avondale Primary
After a long and thorough search, Avondale Primary School recently welcomed their new principal, James Williams, to their school community. Mr Williams was originally from Christchurch, but with his father in the Army the family travelled a lot, including living for several years in Singapore, his dad finishing up at Papakura Army Camp before retiring in 1989. After completing 6th form at Wesley College in Paerata, Williams had planned to go to Teachers’ College, but a summer job in the hotel industry turned into several years. He eventually pursued teacher training in 2002, managing to get in a year’s OE first. After his two years ‘provisional’ at Royal Road School in Massey, Williams took the opportunity to teach in the community where he lives, Mt Roskill, at Dominion Road School. Soon after he was promoted to a leadership role as Team Leader at Mangere Bridge School.
When this position came up, he looked at it and thought, ‘What strengths do I have that will add value here?’ At the end of Term 3 Mr Williams was farewelled from Flat Bush School where he has been Associate Principal since 2016, and Deputy Principal since 2018. That same week he was also welcomed to Avondale Primary with a pōwhiri. “It’s important that I am now located to this whenua, this kura”, Williams comments. It was a wonderful transition through pōwhiri: Flat Bush School
Mr Williams is farewelled with love from Flatbush School. Photo: Flatbush School.
James Williams
handing me over with love, support, and well-wishes for my success. It was humbling to experience their honouring of my work, celebrating me in that way. Then to get the pōwhiri from Avondale Primary, singing their heart out, connecting with me, saying ‘Welcome, take a good look at us’. And I did, and it was a beautiful thing”. Williams did not accept the position lightly. “I never had ‘leadership aspirations’ as such”, he says. “These roles emerged as opportunities along the way”. When this position came up, he looked at it and thought, ‘What strengths do I have that will add value here?’ “There’s a culture here”, he said. “They were looking for a leader who can connect with the current culture and weave into them. As I talked to the DP and AP, I felt that things aligned well. There was an
almost instant connection and we really engaged in values. I could see myself here. What I had to offer they wanted and needed”. Mr Williams’ began his new role at the beginning term 4, taking over from DP Kim Wilkinson who has been acting principal since the beginning of this year.
6 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
Knitting makes a comeback Once a skill no self-respecting homemaker would be without, knitting declined in popularity over the past several decades with the advent of readymade imported knitwear that was often much cheaper. But recently knitting has been making a huge come-back. Knitting groups have become popular, with knitters enjoying the benefits of friendship, learning and honing skills, an outlet for creativity, and a sense of pride in their achievements.
Photos: Some of the lovely work by the Knitting Circle
A July school holiday programme in 2018 was the unexpected catalyst for the start of one such group at Blockhouse Bay Library. Volunteers were recruited to help teach children (and some adults) to
EVEREST FINANCIAL SERVICES
knit toy mice for kittens and jumpers for puppies at the SPCA. Several of the volunteers continued to meet at the library, passing on their knitting knowledge and experience to others, forming what is now known as the ’Thursday knitting circle’. Several newcomers learned basics like casting on, stockinette stitch, garter stitch and binding off, resulting in some very nice blankets, scarves, and hats. Some challenging skills and patterns have also been tackled with fabulous results! Inspired by the group, including veteran knitter of 54 years Diane Berkley, the knitting bug even rubbed off on the Library’s manager Padmini Raj, who reacquainted herself with her knitting needles. Between them currently, they are knitting a top down sweater, a garterstitch baby jacket, a baby’s knitted vest, socks, scarf, child’s cardigan, shawl, and a boy’s Aran cardigan. Two spinners in the group are using their own spun yarn to knit jumpers, and one member is crocheting a shawl. Some of the projects will be on display for a short time in the library from 16th November. On the heels of the successful Thursday knitting circle, the Library is now hosting a new knitting circle on Mondays from 10.00-12.00 for Mandarin speakers. This will again be self-run by members. Both groups welcome new members, so come along with your own yarn. Some needles and crochet hooks are on hand for practice.
Turn your DREAMS into REALITY
• Home loans • Business loans • Personal risk insurance • Asset and car finance • No obligation discussion CONTACT: Prateek Malhotra 09 215 6912 | Mobile: 021 424 119 info@everesthomeloans.co.nz 557 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay www.everesthomeloans.co.nz
T: 09 826 3937 M: 027 404 0129 19 Cutler Street, New Lynn, Auckland.
Reggis Rego
CA, CPP, MBA, BCom.
reggis.ca@gmail.com www.bizaide.co.nz Tax returns - Income Tax, GST, FBT. Accounting - Cost & Management. Business Advisory Services.
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 7
Music mentoring for youth The already vibrant Avondale arts scene has just had a huge boost. Crescendo Trust of Aoteoroa (Crescendo) has moved from Henderson to Mainstreet Avondale, celebrating with an opening launch of the new hub last month. Their main mission is to mentor youth using music, radio, and events. However, they are open to anyone who wants to use their services commercially. The mentoring staff all have industry experience and can help you with everything from podcasts to sound design. They aim to become financially self-sufficient in this way, so they are keen to work with you! The radio station is low power on 87.8FM. It will be great for Avondale to have its own community sound and voice! They are in the building vacated by VIP Barbers until the site is redeveloped by Panuku. Crescendo was founded in 2012 by Marcus Powell, a well-known member of award-winning bands Blindspott and City of Souls. The programmes are developed to nurture, empower and give lifelong skills through mentoring, personal development, and training in music, film, content creation and photography to young people and is a way of helping them back into education. “There are multiple impactful outcomes that come from a hub with a strong kaupapa. It starts with whanau. We provide an environment that is a whanau, it is an urban marae, it is a safe place and an incubator,” says Marcus.
Founder Marcus Powell and Operations Manager Cat Percy at the launch
Ricardo Ball, mentor
Opening act Iris G
To date, Crescendo has worked with more than 2,300 young people across seven locations throughout Auckland. Among them is Auckland rap duo Church (Elijah Manu) and AP (Albert Purcell), who recorded their debut album Thorough Bread in 2018. The pair have been hugely successful with their single Ready or Not being played over four million times and winning a number of awards at the 2020 Pacific Music Awards. Also at the awards,
fellow mentee Disciple Pati (Sapati ApaFepulea’i) took home the NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video Award. Marcus says the future of Crescendo is being a self-sustainable social enterprise that generates revenue to create social impact. “My intention is to show the charitable sector that we can achieve a high level of transitional pathways for our rangatahi with the right kaupapa and strategy.”
SHOP LOCAL - EAT LOCAL - SPEND LOCAL - ENJOY LOCAL - IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY
GRAB A Christ mas DEAL Check your mail box soon to save $$$ with 40+ deals from New Lynn businesses! Xian Bridal
Celebrate with 10% discount on decorations* hired for your next event 3061 Great North Road Ph 826 0004 covers.co.nz
$15.00 off the total bill for dine in dinner Monday to Sunday
BUY A SHOOTING MACHINE SESSION AND GET ONE FOR FREE* $20 for 30 minutes or $35 for 60 minutes
Conditions: Dine-in dinner only, $15 off per table.
4 Todd Ave | Ph 826 4002 maenamkhong.co.nz
26 Veronica Street | www.hoopqu arters.com
Watch & Clock Repairs & Sales Since 1942
FREE
NEW LYNN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION received *Bookings and deposit to be by 24th December 2020 to qualify.
xianbridal.co.nz | Ph 827 1286 Shop 5, 3115 Great North Road
MASSIVE STOCK CLEARANCE
Buy any two meals and receive a set of Spring Rolls *
09 827 5709Auckland 0640 Evening Gowns from $68.00 New Lynn Tel. 5 Totara AvenueNew PO BOX 15456, Lynn, www.precisionwatch.co.nz Open Saturday Mornings Wedding Gowns from $260.00 email newlynnbid@gmail.com www.newlynnbusinessassociation.net.nz
3/3041 Gt North Rd | Ph 826 1681 | noodlecanteen.c o.nz
WANT TO KNOW MORE facebook.com/ newlynnbusinessassociation
8 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
Glenavon Hub launches Community Sports programme After a few lockdowns and the impact of Covid-19, as a community, we are eager to reconnect, regroup, and restart again. Sport and recreation build stronger, healthier, happier, and safer communities and develop strong social bonds. It can teach values such as fairness, team building, equality, discipline, inclusion, perseverance, and respect. As a community, we need a sense of belonging, and that sense of belonging is what connects us to the many relationships we develop. In Glenavon, we are surrounded by people who share similar values. There is so much to learn, so much to teach, so much to love. At our Sports Programme launch, it was pouring with rain, but that did not stop our whanau coming together. It was a big celebration for our families, a game of volleyball for the adults, touch rugby and tag for our young children. We then had a sausage sizzle to finish off the day. It was a wonderful day. Awesome atmosphere with a warm feeling of a community coming together.
Our awesome sports committee team
Awesome job by our sports committee team, twelve local members of the Glenavon community leading and owning it. Thanks to our parents, our children, our teachers, and well done to our Sports Committee team for the way you delivered on our very first community sports day for our community. Great turn out - Awesome Vibe - FUN FUN FUN and a good kai at the end. Solid work team!
Glenavon Community Sports: Running three days every week until end of December at Glenavon School. Every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 4.30-6.30pm.
Rain doesn’t stop us coming together and having fun
Good kai for all
Supported by Sports Waitakere, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Healthy Families, Fairfood, Tribal sports, Blockhouse Bay Baptist Church, Baptist Foundation, Whau Local Board and Glenavon school.
Straight Talk
by Stephen Taylor
www.relationshipmatters.org.nz
‘Open season’ on the elderly It’s ‘open season’ on the elderly when it comes to caregiver financial grooming and abuse in New Zealand. In fact, I have discovered that when it comes to protecting the interests of the elderly, there really isn’t any protection at all for this most vulnerable population. I have been spending some time reviewing what protective factors exist in the aged care industry, when it comes to guarding against the possibility of vulnerable elderly being exploited by statefunded or private in-home caregivers. It turns out that the agencies that are charged with helping the 2200 complainants per annum of elder abuse in New Zealand, such as the Elder Abuse Response Service, Age Concern, or Grey Power, are simply toothless state-funded echo chambers into which complaints
go to die; the police are not interested in helping complainants unless it can be proven beyond reasonable doubt that a crime has been committed; the Health & Disability Commission complaints process can take over twelve months to reach a decision as to whether a breach of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights has occurred, for no meaningful sanction; and the courts only seem to be concerned with what is legal, not what is ethical in this space. One case I became familiar with was a woman who worked as an in-home caregiver, who had groomed and then financially exploited so many elderly clients, she ended up with a portfolio of ten properties to her name. The woman was blatant in what she was doing, the families of the elderly clients couldn’t stop
her, and the police didn’t want to know about what was going on. Based on what I have discovered so far, there are dozens, possibly hundreds of cases of elder financial grooming and abuse by both family member and thirdparty in-home caregivers in particular, that have, and are occurring in New Zealand. This abuse is hiding in plain sight, and there is no meaningful state authority to stop this abuse occurring. This situation needs to change, because pretending to care about elderly financial grooming and abuse, without the power to do anything about elderly financial grooming and abuse, is both morally and ethically misleading to the public. See more information on this topic at https://bewarecare.org/
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 9
Wrestling Championships 2020: Local boys bring home gold By Nixon Suddens I flew down to Dunedin with my family and teammates to compete at the New Zealand National Wrestling Championships on the 2nd and 3rd of October at Taieri College. While this was just our third wrestling competition of the year, (we normally compete in 6 to 8 events), we have been training right through and at home during lockdown. I competed in two divisions, placing 2nd in the Junior 17-20yo 65kg class and taking gold in the Cadets 14-16yo class. I was also awarded the Cadets trophy for “The Most Scientific Wrestler”. My younger brother Alex won all his matches in less than a minute by pin taking gold in his 10-13 year old division. This was my 4th consecutive National Title since I started competing at Nationals in 2015. I really enjoyed this competition because I had the opportunity to wrestle against opponents from the South Island that I had never faced before.
Suddens family, mum Gloria, Alex, Nixon, and dad Steve
My next wrestling goal is selection for the NZ Oceania team early next year in American Samoa and I have aspirations to go to the next Youth Olympics in 2022. We also compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and still have a couple more competitions left till the end of year to keep us busy. Nixon Suddens is 14 years old. He is Year 10 at Kelston Boys High School. Alex Suddens is 13 years old and is at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate. Both boys are past students of Blockhouse Bay Primary School.
BRAND NEW HOMES FROM $705,000
Nixon Suddens, NZ National Wrestling Champs National title holder 2020.
MORE OF EVERYTHING A new terrace home enclave bordered by the historic Avondale Jockey Club and the Whau River. Two, three and four bedroom homes. Priced from $705,000. - High quality kitchens include Bosch appliances - Outdoor living with north facing sun drenched decks - Construction underway - Expected completion: Q1 thru Q3 2021 - 10% deposit until settlement - you can continue to save! Display Suite Open: 12 - 2pm Saturday & Sunday 30 Sandy Lane, Avondale or by private appointment
tamoralane.co.nz
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER:
SALES AGENTS:
Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed under the REAA 2008
AGENTS:
Harry Cheng | 021 230 6877 | harry.cheng@bayleys.co.nz Catherine Latham | 021 979 129 | catherine.latham@bayleys.co.nz
10 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
WHAU LIBRARIES LINE-UP Did you know…
Each of our libraries have their own page within the Auckland Libraries website? Simply Google your library’s name, eg “Avondale Library” to find your library’s page. Once there you will see all the services and upcoming events for that library. Our libraries also have their own individual Facebook pages as well. Make sure you follow them to stay up to date with all their activities and notices.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm; Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm; (New Lynn 10am-4pm)
Avondale Library
Whau Makerspace Makerspaces are areas in our libraries where you can make all sorts of things, like robots, apps, digital music and 3D printing. Try something new and connect with people who have similar interests. The Whau Makerspace rotates between Avondale, Blockhouse Bay and New Lynn libraries. Here’s the rotation for October: • Avondale: Ultimaker 2 3D printer and laptop for printing 3D designs. • BHB: Laptops for game design, music-making and 3D design. • New Lynn: Robotic Cubelets kits for making robots.
Manga Art Workshop
93 Rosebank Road facebook.com/avondalelib
Diwali 2020: “Be the light, spread the light” (27th Oct – 14th Nov)
For bookings email avondalelibrary@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Craft paper diya making Wed 4th 3.15 – 4.15pm. Kids, get creative and make a sparkly diya to take home. Henna with Jina Mon 9th 3.30-5.30pm. Come and get your hand decorated by talented local artist Jina. Diwali pre-school Storytime Wed 11th 10.00-10.30am. Join us for Diwali themed stories, songs and more.
Namaste everyone! We have survived another lockdown and are back in business! The scent of flowers is in the air and the weather is becoming warmer. Time to come on out of the house and take a trip down to your local library for books, magazines, DVDs, e-resources, exciting events for young and old and some good company! The Auckland Heritage Festival may have finished now but Lisa Truttman’s pre-recorded talk on the Sandford-Miller bi-planes flights in 1913 can be found on the Auckland Libraries website under https://soundcloud.com/aucklandlibraries Manga Art Workshop Mondays 23rd and 30th Nov, and 7 Dec 3.30 – 4.30pm. Learn to draw Manga characters with well-known local artist Smita Upadhye. Ages 10-12. Bookings required. Limited to 10 places to attend all three sessions.
November
Chalk rangoli
Chalk rangoli Wed 11th 3.15-4.15pm. Collaborate with us to create a beautiful rangoli design outside the entrance of Avondale Library. Scavenger Hunt: Search around the library for Diwali themed clues and pictures.
Pick up our Diwali flyer for fun kids craft activities, recipes, interesting facts and more! Create a Diwali scene with your friends and family: An interactive fun learning activity. Check out our Facebook page for these exciting Diwali demonstrations: Learn to make Kulfi (traditional Indian ice cream) with Sri Lankan cooking enthusiast Sushila. Henna Art with Jina. Our local beautician demonstrates her talent.
Blockhouse Bay Library 578 Blockhouse Bay Road facebook.com/blockhousebaylibrary For bookings email blockhousebaylibrary @aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Diwali Storytime Thu 5th 10.30am. Stories and action rhymes. Make marigold decorations using crepe paper Sat 7th 2-3pm. Celebrate Diwali with us. For all ages. Get your hands henna-painted to celebrate Diwali. Sun 8th 2-3pm. For all ages. Upcycled rangoli craft workshop Tues 10th 3.15-4.15 pm Celebrate Diwali with us and create rangoli using old CDs and stencils. For all ages.
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 11
Make your own robot! Sat 14th, 21st, 28th Nov, 5th Dec 1-3 pm Learn how to design, solder, and assemble your own robot! For children aged 10-16. Bookings are essential and children must attend all four sessions. Parents need to stay with children aged under 14. DIY gift tags and Christmas bunting. Sat 28th 10am-4pm, Sun 29th 12-4pm. Come in anytime during our opening hours and make your own gift tags and bunting for Christmas! For all ages.
December
Recommended reads
DIY gift tags and Christmas bunting
Composting workshop. Mon 16th 4-5.15pm Learn how to turn your food scraps and garden waste into nutrientrich compost. Attend free workshop and you will receive $40 voucher towards a home composting system. Register at www.compstcollective.org.nz/events/ composting-basics-new-lynn-2
Christmas card-making workshop
Christmas card-making workshop with Marlene Rei, for adults. Sun 6th 2-3.30pm Bookings are required. Christmas decorations workshop. Sat 12th 2-3pm Make bird decorations out of felt for Christmas. For adults and children aged 12+. Bookings are required. Christmas card-making workshop with Marlene Rei, for children aged 5 - 12 years. Sun 13th 2-3pm. Bookings are required.
New Lynn War Memorial Library 3 Memorial Drive facebook.com/NewLynnLibrary For bookings, email newlynn.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz How Tuesday Every Tuesday in November 4–5pm. Try something new at How Tuesday with something new nearly every time, with things like arts, crafts, or different kinds of technology. Ages 5+.
Huinga Kōrero – te reo Māori Conversation Group
Huinga Kōrero – te reo Māori Conversation Group Tue 10th and 24th 10:30 – 11:30am Come join us to practice te reo Māori in a relaxed setting. Te Reo Playgroup Tues 3rd and 17th 10:30 – 11:30am. Community led playgroup focused on speaking te reo Māori with our tamariki. Join in and help make it happen – bring your whanau and your ideas. Family History Thurs 18th 2-4pm (3rd Thursdays of the month). Drop-in workshop. Come and meet our Research Librarian Brent Giblin who will be available to help you make the most of the online family history resources at Auckland Libraries. Register at desk or message us on Facebook. Diwali Heath Talk Sat 7th 11am – 12pm. ‘How to build up your immunity’ with Dr Pooja Maddela. All welcome. Dr Pallavi Vasisht talking about health and wellness Wed 18th 10:30am and Sun 29th 2:30pm-3:30pm ‘How homeopathy can help in children’s health’. Homeopathic physician and integrative practitioner will share her decade of experience in women and children’s health. All welcome.
Here’s our pick of Diwali books for all ages to enjoy, available in hardcopy and as eBooks: Diwali lights by Rina Singh; Introduce your little one to the awe of this brilliant festival through dazzling photographs and Singh’s lyrical prose. Baby’s first Diwali by Eleanor Bates; Celebrate Diwali with this delightful baby board book little ones will adore. Shubj Diwali! by Chitra Soundar; Bright pictures and rhyming text explain the traditions and activities of Diwali. This is a good one for reading aloud. Chook Doolan: Let’s do Diwali by James Roy; Chook and his friend Praj are going to the Hindu festival, Diwali. But big crowds make Chook nervous. Can Praj help Chook overcome his fear? Deena the Diwali fairy by Daisy Meadows; When Deena the Diwali Fairy’s diya lamp is stolen by naughty Jack Frost, Diwali celebrations everywhere are at risk. Rachel and Kirsty must help Deena find her magical object! Prince of fire retold by Jatinder Verma; Who can defeat the demon king of Lanka and return light to the world? Only Rama, the Prince of Fire, and his friends can save the day in this gripping illustrated chapter book.
Sign up for an Auckland Libraries eMembership to enjoy free 24/7 access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming movies and more. If you don’t already have a library card, you can join up with an electronic membership at www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz. Just click on the Join button.
12 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
What’s happening Online community calendar at www.bhb.nz
CLASSIFIEDS Karls Mowing Lawns, hedges, weed spraying, garden tidy up, garden waste removed. Reliable. Ph 022 199 3133. Personal Trainer / Pilates Instructor Adele Griffin, 021 101 4476. Supporting your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Green Bay / Ellerslie www.gofitness.nz Learn to Dance a fusion of Latin & Hustle! Beginners – Social Partner Dancing. Every Wednesday 7pm at BHB Community Centre. Start anytime. Two left feet welcome! No partner required. No experience necessary. Phone Colin 021 0363 249 or Hannah 021 576 210. Are you the primary caregiver for someone with dementia? I’m researching loneliness in people who care for loved ones with dementia for my Doctoral thesis. If you are the primary caregiver for someone with dementia and would like more information, please visit this link: https://bit.ly/caregiverresearchnz Or email me, I’d love to hear from you, Brieonie.jenkins.1@uni.massey.ac.nz Guitar Tuition James Fromont. 20 years’ experience. All styles. Theory. Tailored to you. Beginners, old or young encouraged. Phone 021 268 2615 email james.fromont@gmail.com
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS: BHB = Blockhouse Bay GB = Green Bay NL = New Lynn CC = Community Centre BHBCC = Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, 524 BHB Rd, BHB. GBCH = Green Bay Community House, 1 Barron Drive, Green Bay. NLCC = New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Ave, NL Term time = operates during school term time only.
NOVEMBER Tue 3rd Puketapapa Business Voice networking After 5 event 6-7.30pm. Contact Ella Kumar 021 047 742 for details. Thu 5th Have your say on the future of Mt Roskill 6:30-8pm at Puketapapa Local Board Office, 560 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings. Discussing the proposed Area Plan for Mt Roskill which will provide direction and actions for the next 30 years to help shape the future of Mt Roskill and surrounds, to ensure a more sustainable and liveable future. Answering questions and taking through various feedback options which close 15 November. Fri 6th Puketapapa Diwali event To register interest contact Ella Kumar 021 047 742. Fri 13th BHB Ladies Probus Visitors welcome to join us 10am to noon at BHBCC. Speakers and morning tea. Please Contact Ann Stankovich 817 8545 or Norma Taylor 626 6267 for detailed information.
Sat 14th Community Market 7am-12noon at BHBCC. 2nd & last Saturdays each month. Wairaki Stream volunteer day Search “Friends of Wairaki Stream” on Facebook for details. Sun 15th EcoHub Market Day 10am-3pm, EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn. Join us for a showcase of local eco activities, free workshops, whanau-friendly things to do and market stalls. Plenty to keep everyone entertained, and you can browse eco-friendly products, pre-loved bikes and enjoy delicious food and coffee. Free. See more at facebook. com/EcoMattersNZ/events. See article p16. Sat 21st New Lynn Lions Monthly Book Sale 8am-4pm 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 9 & 11am or on the day.
Advertise your event here for free! Email kerrie@bhb.nz
DECEMBER Sat 5th Avondale-Waterview Historical Society meeting 2pm at St Ninians Hall, St Georges Road, Avondale. Meetings every second month, on the 1st Saturday. Open to all. Avondale.org.nz for details. Sun 6th Blockhouse Bay Village Santa Parade – A Musical Christmas. To register, email manager@blockhousebay.org.nz or phone Jodie on 021 263 6943. Fri 11th BHB Ladies Probus Visitors welcome to join us 10am to noon at BHBCC. Speakers and morning tea. Please Contact Ann Stankovich 817 8545 or Norma Taylor 626 6267 for detailed information. Sun 13th Party @ the Park Craigavon Park. Presented by the combined churches of Blockhouse Bay. See article p15.
REGULAR SOCIAL EVENTS
Food Truck Sundays Food Truck Sundays – Dinner at French Bay 5-9pm at French Bay Yacht Club. A stunning location for some of the best street food and live music in Auckland. A zero-waste event, hosted by www. lovestreetfood.co.nz. Christmas market 5-9pm at Blockhouse Bay Community Church, 76 Dundale Ave. Five food trucks, 25+ independent stalls. Food, music, Christmas shopping – it’s a great night out! Facebook/blockhousebaychristmasmarket for updates and info. Sat 28th Community Market 7am-12noon at BHBCC. 2nd & last Saturdays each month. BHB Village Market From 8.30am, along mainstreet on BHB Rd. Contact Jodie Judd manager@blockhousebay.org or ph 09 626 5081. Last Saturday of each month. Lynfield Community day “Christmas in our Park”. To register interest contact Ella Kumar 021 047 742. Wairaki Stream volunteer day Search “Friends of Wairaki Stream” on Facebook for details. German Christmas Market 4-8pm at GBCH. The annual German Christmas Market returns in its 12th year, this time as a twilight market. Enjoy a piece of Europe and get together in a relaxing atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy.
EcoHub Market Day Sunday 15th November
MONDAYS Mandarin Speaking Knitting Circle 10am-12noon at BHB library. Bring your own knitting needles and wool and join other knitters at all levels of experience. Experienced knitters will be available to help. 普通话毛线编织社 每 周一上午10.am – 12.noon 请带上你的毛线 编织针和线来学习交流编织技法
Puzzle Club 10am-12pm at Green Bay Community House. Come along and join our new puzzle club. Meet other puzzle lovers and enjoy some peaceful puzzle time. Relax with a cuppa, bickie and a chat. Puzzles provided. Gold coin donation per class. Mandarin English bilingual storytime 10:30-11am at Avondale Library. Term time. New Lynn. 图书馆每周五的中文故事会欢迎所 有小朋友及家长的共同参与。通过讲故事， 唱儿歌，念童谣，一起度过欢乐的30分钟。
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 13
REGULAR SOCIAL EVENTS TUESDAYS Green Bay Community Playgroup 9am-11.30am at GBCH. $4 per family, under 6months free. Tues & Thurs, term time.
Wriggle & Rhyme Wriggle & Rhyme for infants and toddlers 9:30-10am, 10:30-11am at Avondale AND New Lynn Libraries. Wriggle and Rhyme is designed to promote active movement for early learning. Suitable 18 months and under. 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 We are an all-female a cappella and barbershop chorus rehearsing Tuesday nights in Epsom. Check out our website for more details. www.greateraucklandchorus.com
Greater Auckland Chorus West Auckland Ladies Craft group 6:3pm-8:30pm Tuesdays at Rosebank Primary School Hall, 217 Rosebank Rd, Avondale. Bring your crochet, sewing, artwork etc. along for inspiration and new friendships. Cost $2. Contact Oreen on 021 0297 6012 for further info. Housie at the BHB Community Centre. Sales from 6.30pm. Starts 7.30pm till 10pm. Western Districts Women’s Dinner Club a group of ladies that meet monthly for dinner and a speaker/entertainer at Bricklane Restaurant, New Lynn. Visitors are very welcome. Ph Anne 021 293 3833 (or 627 1416) to book or for info.
Women’s Dinner Club
WEDNESDAYS Wriggle & Rhyme for 0-2-year olds 9.30 @ BHB Library. Songs, rhymes and gentle exercise to music for babies and toddlers. Term time. Mainly Music for 0-4-year-olds 9.30am @ BHB Baptist, 504 BHB Rd. Singing, dancing, craft, morning tea. Ph Mary 828 9027. Friendship Centre All seniors welcome. 9.30am-12.30pm (term time only). Avondale Baptist Church Hall, Cnr New North & BHB Bay Rds. Ph 09 631 5968 for further information. Green Bay Art Group 9.30-11.30am at GBCH. $2 donation, bring your own project along. All art mediums & styles welcome. Term time. Creative Colouring Class 9.30am-11.30am at GBCH. $2 donation, bring your own books and materials. Term time. Knitting and Crochet Group 9.30am-12noon at GBCH. $2 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”. Storytime 10–10:30am at New Lynn Library. Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs, encouraging a love of books. Suitable for kids aged 3-5 years. Term time. Get Work Ready 10am-12pm at BHB library. Need help in getting work? Whau Ace Adult and Community Education offer free support and advice every Wednesday. Rhymetime Storytime 10am-10:30am at Avondale Library. Term time. 500 card game Played 12.30-2.30pm at the BHBCC. Friendly group, looking for more players. Contact Noel Johnston on 627 8306. Maori Conversation Group. 2-3pm at Avondale Library. Term time. Practice Te Reo Maori in a relaxed setting with fellow learners of all levels. Nau mai, haere mai.
Social Partner Dancing with Move Dance Co. at BHBCC. No experience necessary and no partners required. 7pm Beginners, 8pm Intermediate followed by social dancing. Beginners’ concession available, casual $15. Ph Hannah, 021 576 210.
WEDNESDAYS POWERtalk Waitakere meets 1st and 3rd Weds, 7.30pm, Kelston Community Centre, Awaroa Rd, Glendene. Learn the public speaking skills needed to be confident in front of others. Contact Sheridan: 0272 828799 or 09 828 7999.
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 09 631 5968 for further information. Friends of the Whau Volunteers meet every Thursday 10am-12.30pm to work on a range of sites and tasks, learning more about our catchment as well as getting the job done. Contact Sandra sandra@whauriver.org.nz. Preschool Storytime 10.30am at BHB Library. Free and fun, learning literacy development through stories and songs. Term time. Community Singers Blockhouse Bay Practice from 12.30-2.30pm at BHBCC, and sing at rest homes monthly. Contact Anne Rogers on phone 626 7040 or ruth52@outlook.co.nz Knitting Circle 1-3pm at the BHB Library. BYO knitting needles and wool, and join others in these casual knitting group sessions for all levels. Experienced knitters available to help. Family History drop-in workshop 2-4 pm at New Lynn Library. Every 3rd Thursday of the month. Come and meet our research librarian Brent Giblin who will be available to help you make the most of the online family history resources at Auckland Libraries. Register at desk or message us on Facebook.
FRIDAYS
Book Club 10:30am-12noon at BHB Library, third Friday of the month (exc Jan). Come and join our lively discussions about what you’ve been reading, and find new books from the selection provided. Mandarin Storytime Fridays 11-11:30am at New Lynn Library. Stories, rhymes and music in Mandarin. Term time. Food Pantry open 1-3pm at BHB Baptist Church. Momiji Japanese Kids Playgroup 3.30-5.30pm at GBCH. First visit free. Contact momojiplaygroupnz@gmail.com. Chess Club 3.30-5pm at Avondale Library. All levels and ages welcome. Term time only. Ruh ki Baarish led by Pastors Anil and Reena Kant and the Hills Satsung Team.7pm every Friday at Hills Church, 179 Hillsborough Rd.
14 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
What’s happening SATURDAYS
SUNDAYS
BHB-Lynfield Lions Club sausage sizzle 9am – 1pm for Lions Projects last Saturday each month outside BHB ASB. Bollyworx Fun-filled exercise to Bollywood music. Saturdays at St. Mary’s School Hall, 2134 Grt Nth Rd, Avondale for 1 hour starting at 9am. Contact Baptist on 021 815040.
Mandarin/English Storytime
Family Storytime 11-11:30am at Avondale Library. Term time. Free Dinner 2nd Saturday of the month, 5-7pm, at Iona Presbyterian Church hall, 38 Donovan St BHB. All welcome. For more info phone 09 627 9845.
Mandarin/English Storytime 2.15-2.45pm at BHB Library. Term time. Blockhouse Bay 图书馆的中英 文双语故事活动可以让孩子们在轻松愉快的 环境中学习另一种语言和文化。我们提供多样 化的活动内容，包括 音乐舞蹈，讲故事，游戏和语言教学。这是个 免费的活动适合3岁以上的孩子们。每周日下 午2.15分到2.45分, 学校假期暂停。 Knitting and Crochet fortnightly 3-5pm at GBCH. Knitting and crochet for fun. Swap patterns and share ideas. $2 donation.
Advertise your event here for free! Email kerrie@bhb.nz
CHURCH SERVICES BHB Baptist 504 BHB Rd. Ph 09-626 6980. Sundays 10am Worship and teaching for all ages, 6.30pm worship, teaching and coffee. BHB Community Church 76 Dundale Ave, BHB. Ph 09 626 6284. Sundays, 10.30 am service. Church of the Saviour 2 Heaphy St, BHB Ph 09 627 8779. Sundays, 9am - Communion service. 11am - Café Style church. 1.30pm Mandarin service. 4pm - Interdenominational Service. 7pm Zoom prayer time over winter. Contact office for details. Iona Presbyterian Church 38 Donovan Street, BHB Ph. 09 627 9845. Sundays, 10am service. Hosanna Avondale Baptist Church 1288 New North Road, Avondale Ph. 09 828 0182. Sundays 10am, Children’s Ministry 10.30am. Coffee & fellowship afterwards. Lynfield Community Church 35 The Avenue, Lynfield. Ph 09 626 4141. Sundays, 9:30am service. St Dominic’s Catholic Church 34 Bolton St, BHB ph 09 626 6207. Weekend Masses: Saturday vigil 6pm; Sunday 9:30am. Weekday Masses: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:15am; Wednesday 7pm.
Get involved in your community! CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS 6th Auckland Girls’ Brigade 6-8pm at Iona Church, 38 Donovan Street, BHB. All girls 5 years upwards welcome. Contact Dorothy 027 275 9592 or dorothy.findlay@xtra.co.nz. Auckland Grey Power Assoc 577 BHB Rd, open Monday to Friday 10.30 till 1pm, or by arrangement. Ph: 626 0895 e: akgreypowerinfo@gmail.com. Avondale Ladies Probus Club Meets 10am 4th Friday of each month at Avondale Bapt. Church lounge, cnr BHB Rd and New North Rd. Monthly bus trips also. More info phone Beryl 626 5675.
BHB-Lynfield Lions Club Dinner Meeting 3rd Wednesday each month exc Dec-Jan, all welcome. Go to www.bhbl-lions.org to find latest info and to book. BHB Y’s Walking Club: Meet each Mon & Wed at 8.30am at BHBCC. A different walk each week including our monthly away trips where morning tea is on us! For more info contact 626 3381 or 837 5441. Iona Scouts Meet under the BHBCC. Keas (school yrs 1-3) 6-7pm Cubs (school yrs 4-6) 6.30-8pm Scouts (school yrs 7-10) 6.30-8pm. Contact Colin (021 208 1103) for more info.
Avondale-Waterview Historical Society meets on the 1st Saturday, every second month, 2pm at St Ninians Hall, St Georges Road, Avondale. Open to all. Avondale.org.nz for details.
Inner Wheel Club of Mt Roskill: Meets 4th Thursday monthly (except Nov/Dec), 7.30pm, Selwyn Heights Village, Royal Oak. We are women who enjoy fun, friendship, interesting speakers and fundraising for charity. iwmtroskillmembership@gmail.com www.iwmtroskill.weebly.com.
BHB Butterflies meets weekly on Sundays 10am to midday to work at the habitat in the BHB Recreational Reserve. Contact Jacqui 027 481 4811 or jacqui@nzbutterflies.org.nz
Ladies’ Friendship Club Meets 3rd Monday each month, 1.30pm at Iona Community Hall, Donovan St, BHB. Speakers, friendship, outings and afternoon tea. Contact Lyn 627-9132
BHB Historical Society Meets at 1pm on the 1st Wednesday, every second month, at BHCC. Includes a guest speaker and trading table. Contact Brian Goodwin on 09 626 5809 or info@blockhousebayhistoricalsociety.com.
Lion Budokan Karate Classes Saturdays, 8-9am at 231 Whitney Street, BHB. Age 5 years and above. Visit www.budokan.co.nz or call 09-972-2215 for more details and for other options.
BHB Ladies Probus meets 10am to noon 2nd Friday of each month (Feb to Dec) at BHBCC. Speakers and morning tea. Outings available 4th Fridays. New members welcome. Enquiries to Ann Stankovich, 09 817 8545, Norma Taylor 09 626 6267.
Lynfield Tennis Club Caters for all ages and standards of play, from beginners to advanced with coaching, social play, club championships and inter club. Located on The Avenue, Lynfield (opp Countdown). For more information visit www.lynfieldtennis.co.nz New Lynn Tennis Club Wednesdays 4pm (age 7-10), 5pm (age 11+). Sundays 9am (age 7-10), 10am (age
11+). 13 Fruitvale Rd, New Lynn. Ph Tracy on 021 806 992 or email tennisnewlynn@gmail.com POWERtalk Waitakere Meets 1st & 3rd Weds, 7.30pm, Kelston Community Centre, Awaroa Rd, Glendene. Join us to learn the public speaking skills needed to be confident in front of others. Contact Sheridan: 0272 828799, or 09 828 7999. Titirangi U3A (includes BHB, Green Bay, Glen Eden, Kelston & New Lynn) for those aged 50+. Meets 4th Tuesday of the month (Jan-Nov), 1pm at West Lynn Gardens, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn. Guest speakers, study/hobby groups -keep learning. Contact 817 5519 or maggie.u3a.titirangi@gmail.com. West Auckland Districts Tramping Club The club tramps most Sundays, meeting at Glen Eden. For full details check out the activities calendar at www.westaucklandtrampingclub.co.nz. Western Districts Women’s Dinner Club A group of ladies meeting 2nd Tuesday each month for dinner and a speaker/entertainer at Bricklane Restaurant, New Lynn. Ph Anne 021 293 3833 or 627 1416 to book or for info. Western Quilters’ Circle 7:30pm at Kelson Community Centre. Meets last Tuesday of the month, exc December. Contact Michelle Dawson on 021 148 6888 for more info. Western Wolves American Football Club Juniors 13-16 years, Colts 17-19 years, Womens 17+ open grade, Premier Men 20+ open grade. Further info contact club manager on 021 455 803.
Are you ready to party?! Let’s finish the year with some fun, music, and family time together. The churches of the Bay know this has been a somewhat challenging year, so we invite you to join us on 13th December from 4pm at Craigavon Park for the Christmas ‘PARTY AT THE PARK’. Formerly ‘Christmas at the Beach’, we are moving to the park for better access and no big hill to walk up at the end of the night! The carol band will be there to sing along with, and the St Dominic’s School choir are coming to sing for us. While not all our acts were finalised before going to print, we can say we are planning opportunities for different community groups and hoping for the MDM choir again, as we know they were a highlight. Stay tuned on social media for the band announcement – it is in the works now and we don’t want to spill the beans! All the free family entertainment is back… bouncy castles, face painting, nail art and balloon twisting. Plus, the food trucks are back with the old favs and a few new ones and a sausage sizzle - or bring your picnic. It’s going to be a great night out for all ages. So, pack your camp chairs and blanket and head to the Park ready to Party!
Deborah Russell MP for New Lynn
Community catch ups As your lo al P, m een to ee in tou h to dis uss lo al issues, go ernment oli y, usti e o the Pea e a li ations and ro osed hanges to legislation you ould li e to dis uss any o these matters, lease onta t my o i e on , or email me at ne lynn m arliament go t n
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 15
MDM choir rocking Christmas at the Beach last year
BLOCKHOUSE BAY VILLAGE Proudly Presents
Santa Parade 2020 A Musical Christmas SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER TH
y o i e sta ill assist you initially and, i re uired, ill arrange an a ointment or minute you to meet ith me or a at h u . hese a ointments are held on Mondays mornings at my ele torate o i e reat orth Rd, A ondale. he o i e is a essible and handy to ubli trans ort
Entertainment starts at 9.30am Parade starts at 10.45am FREE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE KIDS ·Bouncy Castle · Facepainting · Balloons · Photos with Santa and his Sleigh · Music and Cultural Groups · Clowns and Cartoon Characters
/DeborahRussellLabour
To register a float email manager@blockhousebay.org.nz or phone Jodie on 021 263 6943
@beefaerie
Authorised by Dr Deborah Russell, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Connect with us: Bought to you by
Blockhouse Bay Village www.blockhousebay.org.nz
16 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
Ecohub Market Day exploring past and future connections to local awa (waterways) Connections to the Whau River, both past and future, are just one of the many aspects of local environmental interest on the programme during an open day at EcoMatters Environment Trust in November. The EcoHub Market Day will include a wide range of free workshops, whānaufriendly activities and market-style stalls, all with a focus on how to be a part of the solution to restoring our land and waters. “We’re particularly delighted to be hosting Robin Taua-Gordon, Heritage and Environment Officer from Te Kawerau a Ma ki, the tangata whenua of Wait ākere city, who will be exploring the iwi’s history and connections to the Whau River. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for people to learn more about the importance of this catchment,” says EcoMatters’ CEO Damon Birchfield. In keeping with the connection to awa (waterways), another workshop will feature representatives from a long-term, multi-organisational scientific study into the effects of contaminants and microplastics on the health of the Whau River. See a model of the manta trawl, used to collect samples from waterways, as well as a video of it in action. Other workshops and demonstrations will cover electric cars, tasty and budgetfriendly cooking, conserving water and
A GREENER CHRISTMAS Sustainable living products Gorgeous NZ made gifts ♥ Gift vouchers 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn Store Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-2pm ♥ ♥
energy, composting, pest trapping, learn to ride sessions, free help with basic bike maintenance and more. Browse and buy from a range of eco-friendly products, rescued resources and preloved bikes, and enjoy delicious Middle Eastern and Burmese food from the WISE Collective and coffee from Hero Coffee. “It’s a great opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done, Fun for the whole whanau knowing the proceeds from sales through When: Sunday 15 November 10am-3pm our EcoMatters Store help fund local Where: 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn environmental projects,” says Damon. More info: ecomatters.org.nz/ Start saving up old toothpaste tubes and marketday toothbrushes, writing instruments, empty Street parking is limited. We recommend Ecostore bottles and popped inflatable bike, foot or public transport. pool toys, because there will be recycling EcoHub Market Day is part of the 2020 bins for these items. EcoFest West programme and is brought Help make this event zero waste - bring to you with support from The Trusts your own reusable shopping bags, water Community Foundation and the Whau bottles, coffee mugs, plates and cutlery. Local Board. Wash up station on site.
Take control of your money! Do you want to do more with your money? CAP Money is a free, fun, interactive course that helps you take control of your finances, so that they do not control you! In November there is another CAP Money course running in Avondale. Starting with lunch, the three-session course is a low key, user friendly programme facilitated by Felicity and Martin O’Halloran, who have seven years’ experience coaching. They have previously experienced hardship themselves, so they are coaching with empathy. Felicity says that they “Aim to empower people. We encourage couples to both attend so that they are on the same page. So many people have entirely different ideas on how to handle money.” Financial stress is a big factor in many relationship breakups so effective budgeting is an important tool to have. A previous participant on Felicity’s
course, Lane, says “I attended the CAPS course in 2016. I thought I was good with money, but I spent everything I earnt living week to week and had lots of debt. I now have a budget, have paid off debts and have a completely different outlook towards my finances! Thank you CAPS!” The course is video based with interactive content. They look at finances and budgeting, how to spend less, achieve saving goals and how to live well withing your means. A workbook and access to a free, online budgeting tool is included. The course is limited to 20 participants so contact Felicity now on 0276789678 to get your finances under control before the pressures of the Christmas holidays arrive. CAP is a faith-based organisation passionate about releasing New Zealanders from debt, poverty and its causes. The free courses are open to absolutely everyone.
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 17
Lynfield College wins top prize at Silent Film Festival The red carpet rolled out for five Lynfield College finalists for the livestream of the International Youth Silent Film Festival (IYSFF) New Zealand Regional Finals last month. With the usual venue, Baycourt Theatre in Tauranga unavailable due to Covid 19, the festival was forced to move online. But it was a bonus for the contestants to experience watching their films with friends and family and a few staff at Lynfield College on the night, via livestream to an international audience. Of the top 15 films chosen as finalists, five were from Lynfield College Media Studies students. Congratulations to these finalists and their wonderful films:
Lynfield College students and staff on the red carpet prior to screening of Awards
Year 13 students Isidora Alarcon Munoz: Charming Charles’ Magic Show (Slapstick) Dylan Bishop: Insufficient Power (Sci-fi) Dominic Deocampo, Joana Victoria Panahon, Victoria Hendry: Girl Scout Cookie Day (Horror)
Year 12 students Luke Paton-Beverley, Johnny Tsang, Samaradh Gudipoodi: Mercí (Epic) Daniel Wardadi (with Sophia Kwon, Carmell College): Lost in Time (Sci-fi) Ben Mason: Poster for Silence of the Shadow The students planned, produced and edited their three-minute silent film as part of their film production assessment (worth 10 NCEA credits) in their Media Studies classes. The six ‘Best Of ’ awards for directing, acting, editing, cinematography, production design, best shot and poster design were also up for grabs.
And the winners are… Congratulations to Daniel Wardadi for his film Lost in Time which took out the
Daniel Wardadi, 2020 IYSFF NZ overall winner with art from his film Lost in Time
2020 IYSFF Best Poster winner, Ben Mason
top prize of $1,500 prize, and which also won Best Editing. Congratulations also to Ben Mason who won Best Poster for Silence of the Shadow and received a beautifully framed poster. The two top-placing New Zealand films, including Lost in Time will now go on to represent Aotearoa in the IYSFF Global Awards to be held in Portland, Oregon, in June 2021. Lynfield College media students have a history of success at the IYSFF Awards. In 2018 at the NZ finals, they took out a raft of awards including Overall Winner (Harry Ashley, Kais Azimullah, Matthew Tribble and Josheph Hisayasu
for ATTACK! Of the DEATH ROBOT) and Runner Up, with runner up film Overexposed (Harry Ashley, Raymond Feng and Shamir Sarif ) going on to win 1st place at the IYSFF Global Awards in Portland in 2019. Lynfield College would like to thank the Festival organisers, including Jannine Spiers, The Breeze FM, and the Baycourt Theatre inPhoto: Tauranga putting this festival together Simonfor Stuart and creating a wonderful opportunity for New Zealand Media Students! The screening and award ceremony can be seen at www.facebook.com/watch/ baycourt.tauranga.
Auto SUPER SHOPPE Hillsborough | 09 626 2026 Repairs, WOFs, Tyres Classic car & bike specialist Auto Electrical
Peter Scherf
421 Hillsborough Rd
www.autosupershoppes.co.nz
18 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
Steps to sustainability By Jacqui Knight When I first got into conservation we talked about the three Rs (refuse, reuse, recycle). Fifty years later it’s become a growth industry: there are now eight R’s in sustainability: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Refill, Repair, Re-gift, Recycle and Repeat. With the planned implementation of bin collection charges now is a great time to be living more sustainably, reducing your impact on the planet. There are some great initiatives available locally. Due to space limitations here I can’t list those which will accept what you previously might have thrown into your red bin. It’s fun exploring and finding an outlet! On several occasions a question on the Blockhouse Bay Facebook page has provided the answer. For example, the Blockhouse BayLynfield Lions Club collects wine bottle screw caps and beer tabs. The aluminium is extracted and the income from the sale
of the caps/tabs means the Lions is able to fund 3-4 dialysis machines for children each year. Caps and tabs can be left at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre office for the Lions. Who would have thought? The Community Centre also collects items for babies including clothing, car seats and furniture for Pregnancy Help, reading glasses (Lions, Pacific Islands), old calendars and cards (Communicare), cellphones (Starship Hospital) and women’s sanitary products (One for Her, period poverty). There are bins in which you can recycle clothing and fabric in the carpark at the Blockhouse Bay Countdown Supermarket. EcoMatters in Olympic Place, New Lynn takes a wide variety of recycling such as razor blades, toothpaste tubes and household batteries. They have
an amazing shop and also a useful webpage listing other initiatives. EcoMatters also runs classes from time to time showing people how to create compost from food and garden waste. www.ecomatters.org.nz/zero-waste/ recycling/ Auckland Council has a guide as well. w w w. a u c k l a n d c o u n c i l . g o v t . n z / rubbish-recycling/ways-reduce-waste/ Pages/default.aspx Every little bit helps to make the planet a better place.
STAY HOME AND
shop online Go to shop.thetrusts.co.nz and select your closest store
FULL RANGE AVAILABLE
Someone 18 or over must be home to receive your delivery
delivery + Click & collect available 7 DAYS
free delivery when you spend over $100
order before 10am for same day delivery
for more information please visit shop.thetrusts.co.nz
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 19
Free efficient showerheads for local homes A new local initiative could help households save hundreds a year on water and power bills through the free installation of efficient showerheads. The initiative is delivered by EcoMatters Environment Trust, thanks to support from Live Lightly, Mitre 10 and Watercare. Showers use around 80% of a household’s hot water, with hot water heating making up about a third of a household’s power or gas bill. An efficient showerhead uses around a quarter less water than most regular shower heads, while still providing a great shower experience. “If a household has a showerhead that’s using more than nine litres of water a minute, it’s like pouring money, energy and water down the drain,” says Carla Gee, from EcoMatters Environment Trust. “We want to help households change
that by installing efficient showerheads for free. Saving money and saving water is great for people’s pockets and for the environment, particularly while Aucklanders are being asked to conserve water.” Efficient showerheads reduce the amount of hot water being delivered, but maintain a great shower experience. To be eligible for free installation, households must have a mains pressure hot water system, an existing handheld, high flow showerhead, and be in New Lynn, Green Bay, Kelston, Rosebank, Avondale, New Windsor or Blockhouse Bay. Eligible households can find out more and book their free installation at ecomatters.org.nz/showerhead Please get in quick, as this is a pilot project with a limited number of showerheads available initially.
Photo: I love Avondale
Pump Track Avondale
Great news Avondale – our travelling pump track is heading back to your neighbourhood again! Catch the pop-up pump track at the old 3 Guys Site next to Avondale Central Reserve until 18 January. It’s free for all ages, so bring your bike or scooter and have a go before it moves to the next neighbourhood.
SAVE MONEY AND SAVE WATER
GET AN EFFICIENT SHOWERHEAD INSTALLED FREE Efficient showerheads use around a quarter less water than most regular showerheads, while still giving you a great shower experience.
SAVE $380*
Free showerheads available while stocks last, if you have: • a mains pressure hot water system • a handheld, high-flow showerhead • and live in New Lynn, Green Bay, Kelston, Rosebank, Avondale, New Windsor or Blockhouse Bay. To find out more and book, visit
ecomatters.org.nz/ showerhead
l i ve l
ightly.nz
* Annual savings on power and water bills based on a 3 person household with flow rate reduced from 12L to 9L/min, one 10 min shower per person per day. 2017 energy and water prices.
20 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
New energy pulsates through Avondale mainstreet
Beacon Community News looks at the achievements of the Avondale Business Association in its first year under new management. Business associations are designed to make an area more attractive for more customers to buy local. They run promotions and look after their mainstreet. They are usually funded by a special rate on commercial properties in a defined area and they can be quite staid, conservative organisations. There is a new boss in town and apparently, he did not get the memo. There is fresh energy, excitement, and enthusiasm in Avondale Mainstreet. You cannot see much evidence yet of this, but the Avondale Business Association (ABA) has been working hard to create new momentum. It takes time to turn a big ship around and go in a different direction, but now the basics have been attended to and ABA is picking up speed. Previously the ABA had faltered under the old guard. It had little impact and was lacking transparency. Resisting change, the whole situation became a farcical circus for a year when the election of Marcus Amosa as the new chair was stonewalled and he was trespassed out of the ABA office. It took the intervention of Auckland Council to sort out the mess. Finally, at the Association’s AGM in October 2019, a completely new executive was elected with Marcus properly installed as the chair. The executive reflects the diversity that Avondale is famous for. The last twelve months have been a rebuild of the organisation from the ground up, with negligible records and systems to start with. So how has the new team progressed? At the recent 2020 AGM, there was broad consensus that the ABA is on the right track and there was real appreciation for the work done so far. The meeting ran smoothly and was a marked change from earlier AGMs. The vision statement is “Avondale Mainstreet is a great place to visit, shop and do business”. A key driver in this is the concept of fusing business with
creative arts to enhance the area. This is where a lot of passion and energy is released, building on the talents found in the wider community. Great achievements are built on good foundations. Auckland Council had frozen Business Improvement District (BID) funding to the ABA while its governance and record keeping were investigated. Unsurprisingly then, good governance was top priority for the incoming exec. This has been achieved with new systems, policies and procedures, and the building of a whole new membership database from scratch. Amosa says “The tumultuous previous two years highlighted where our time and focus needed to be to get our association back on track. My intent, first and foremost, was to focus on implementing structure from the ground up, whilst also working to regain the trust of our members and stakeholders. I wanted to ensure that the shortcomings of the past were understood and mitigated. I am commi¬tted to ensuring we are an association built on good governance and transparency.” From this base, new branding was launched, communications improved, security issues addressed, and street improvements made. The business plan has been delivered by focussing on: • A culture of best practice • Raising Avondale’s profile and position • Improving attractiveness for users Key objectives for the coming year include: 1. Maintain a culture of “Best Practice” governance 2. Member communications and engagement 3. Promotions, events and street activation 4. Improve Avondale’s att¬ractiveness for users and visitors 5. Strengthen relationships with stakeholders Part of the strength of the association
is Amosa with his strategic vision, teamed up with manager Cynthia Crosse’s talent and communications ability. “The hiring of a new manager has been a vital talent acquisition that has brought with it a level of professionalism and energy that has been lacking. The expertise, enthusiasm, and hard work ethic that Cynthia brings to the role is reflected in the amount that has been achieved in one short year.” Amosa commented. Three big projects have had an enormous amount of planning invested into them before their planned implementation in the coming year. These high cost items - a CCTV system, LED under-veranda street lighting and new signage - are basic items required for a secure, functional town centre. As the transformation of Avondale gains momentum, important strategic partnerships have been forged with Panuku, AT, Kainga Ora and private developers. There are several multi-million-dollar projects underway or close to starting. A key is the new $21m community facility and library in the centre of mainstreet. Change, and to some extent gentrification, is coming, even though a wide range of accommodation options are being built. As to the future, Amosa says, “Looking forward, I am excited at the direction and plans for the coming year. As business owners ourselves, we keep our members’ priorities at the forefront of our thinking and have built a strong organisational culture focussed on achieving outcomes. I’m looking forward to seeing our association continue to go from strength to strength in service to our members.” Amosa also thanks local community stakeholder groups - I Love Avondale, Whau the People, and the Avondale Collaboration. “I believe economic development goes hand in hand with community development”, he says. This active partnership with the community is an intentional shift that bodes well for the advancement of Avondale.
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 21
Avondale locals involved in Lightship A gigantic digital art space has been commissioned by Ports of Auckland. Lightship is a 110-metre-long, 13-metre-high light wall that wraps around the western façade of the port’s new car handling building. It is made up of seven panels with nearly 8,500 individually programmable LED lights and is visible from busy Quay Street, city wharves, local buildings and the water. Avondale local Simon Willis worked on the creation of the wall. Avondale is a creative powerhouse, so it is also appropriate that an Avondale local is the first artist featured on the wall. The Lightship’s inaugural commission is a new artwork by Janet Lilo entitled ISLOVE. Janet first created this after the March 15 attack and put it on the fence of the mosque on Blockhouse Bay Road. ISLOVE is a wordplay on ISLAM. Janet described the work as her highlight of 2019. Janet Lilo says: “Created for a future defined by the current global pandemic, BLM, social and political upheavals, and great loss, ISLOVE refocuses Auckland’s harbour as a place of connection and light.” Janet is deeply involved in the local
First installation on Lightship: ISLOVE by Janet Lilo.
community. She is a trustee of Whau the People Charitable Trust and is an organiser of The Whau Arts Festival. Janet is also involved in running the All Goods Gallery / art space. “The Lightship is our present to Auckland,” says Ports of Auckland
Whau now, Whau then
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of Whau in the Auckland Council - 2020 Commemorating the 10th anniversary of Whau in the Auckland Council, the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society has just published a new book as a service to the community. From a brief history of different parts of Whau (with boring bits deliberately excluded) to recent developments; from schools to clubs to employment; from commercial and industrial areas to things you never knew about Whau! They are all in this new book, along with dozens of photos, old and new. Whau now, Whau then is available from the following outlets after 2nd November: • Blockhouse Bay Library • Blockhouse Bay Community Centre • Whau River Catchment Trust, 36 Rathlin St, Blockhouse Bay • Haven Foundation, 1855 Great North Rd, Avondale • Green Bay Pharmacy, 64 Godley Rd, Green Bay • Rampant Coffee Co, 43 Totara Ave, New Lynn • New Lynn Library • Kelston Pharmacy, Kelston Mall
CEO Tony Gibson, “and a thank you to Auckland’s artists for enriching our lives. It is designed to support artists and creative thinkers to produce ambitious new commissions and gives them a highly visible platform on which to display their work.”
22 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
Back in the Day
William Allen Bollard, 1869-1941 Avondale’s acclaimed landscape artist
By Lisa Truttman William Allen Bollard was born, according to one family tree, 25 April 1869. His father was John Bollard, and his mother Jane née Ganley. John Bollard had an 86-acre farm on Rosebank beside the river leased from William Innes Taylor since1863. As a boy, William would have attended the Whau School in the public hall opposite the Presbyterian Church. As a teenager, he developed a flair for the artistic, and was apprenticed to John Henderson in Wyndham Street in the City. Henderson’s “Decorative Establishment” boasted services in painting, glazing, paperhanging, artistic decorating, and signwriting. But William also studied under the tutelage of artist Kennett Watkins, master of the Auckland Free School of Art in 1880, and president of the NZ Art Students Association in 1884. Watkins was known for his landscape paintings, and this would later be William Bollard’s main theme of work. At 18 years of age, two of William’s works - a view of J M Alexander’s Mt Albert residence, and John Henderson’s Ponsonby home - were put upon display in the window of Phillipps and Sons in Queen Street. They were described in the NZ Herald of 25 August 1888 as “equal in distinctness of lines to photographs.” By June the following year, aged 19, William entered into a partnership with signwriter and decorator Robert Henry Froude; ‘Bollard & Froude’ began to advertise their business as “signwriters, decorators and gilders,” “paintings of New Zealand scenery always on hand. Pictures mounted and framed,” at 177 Queen Street. In 1891, William married Harriet Sankey, and the couple would have one son: John Henry Allen Bollard, born 22 June 1893. Sadly, Harriet passed away just weeks later, and was buried in Rosebank Cemetery. Bollard & Froude worked on the signwriting for commercial premises in central Auckland, and as a highlight were appointed the official signwriters for the Auckland Industrial Exhibition of 1896. In 1899 however, they parted ways, Froude buying William Bollard’s interest in the business. Froude carried on the business in his own name until he went bankrupt in 1913. William Bollard, however, became involved with the Auckland Society of Arts, exhibiting his work at their shows but also attracting criticism from the press such as “not as good as his work of several years back.” By 1904, he shifted to Dunedin, where he set up a studio. There, two of his paintings exhibited in the window of the Dresden Piano Company shop attracted much more favourable comment, said to “attract attention on account of their effective treatment and harmonious colouring.”
“In Pensive Mood”: Albert E Bollard’s study of his father William Allen Bollard, from Otago Daily Times, 15 May 1936
By 1906, his work was exhibited and auctioned at McCormick & Pugh’s Art Gallery in the city. In 1910 he married for the second time, to Emma Hawkins Meadowcroft. The couple would have two children, Margaret Jane Ganley Bollard in 1911, and Albert Ernest Bollard in 1912. Emma, though, died 14 June 1915, aged only 37. There was more sad news just over a year later – his first son John was killed by shellfire in action in France 25 September 1916. The shell blast flung John 60 feet into the air. When his body was recovered, it was described as badly mangled, with the clothes stripped away by the blast. John Henry Allen Bollard’s name is included on the marble roll of honour prepared by Avondale Primary as a past-pupil of the school.
www.bhb.nz | November 2020 • 23
John Henry Allen Bollard 1916 Source: Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Maori village, Rotoiti. Painting by William Allan Bollard. Source: Public Domain
“one of the best known artists not only in Dunedin, but also in many other parts of New Zealand, and landscapes from his brush are to be seen in many different parts of the country.” When William Bollard died in 1941, the Dunedin Evening Star printed a considerable obituary: A familiar and popular figure to many Dunedin citizens passed away suddenly on Saturday in the person of Mr William Allen Bollard, the well-known landscape painter and teacher of art. Deceased, who was in his seventy-third year, was one of the best known artists not only in Dunedin, but also in many other parts of New Zealand, and landscapes from his brush are to be seen in many different parts of the country … For the past 40 years he was a regular exhibitor at all the exhibitions of the Otago Art Society, and his landscapes, characteristic in their broad and colourful treatment, were always a source of interest to visitors. Mostly his subjects were local beauty spots, with which he had a very intimate acquaintance, and his style and manner on canvas became readily recognisable. Though he has left in pictorial record many charming views of Otago landscape, he was also fond of the picturesque country of the northern Maori, which he knew in earlier years, and sometimes used his brush effectively in such scenes. “Mr Bollard possessed the individuality of the artist to a marked degree, and this was reflected in all his work, specimens of which will be greatly missed at future exhibitions of the Otago Art Society, with which he was connected for so long. In oil and water colour he was equally at home, using both, confidently and convincingly. Three of his pictures of Dominion scenes are hanging in New Zealand House, London, and work from his brush is to be seen in hundreds of Dunedin homes.
Marble roll of honour prepared by Avondale Primary as a past-pupil of the school. Photo: Lisa J Truttman
24 • November 2020 | www.bhb.nz
P.O.P-UP 828 MAKETI – People Over Profit A stylish market has opened with the aim of helping Pasifika and Maori businesses recover from the effects of the COVID 19 downturn. “I’ll build the infrastructure for the market and people can come and sell their food, their crafts, whatever. They won’t have to pay to showcase their business,” said organiser Saia Latu. The launch featured band General Fivah & Three Houses Down, and live sounds by DJ Doxs. Less well known but great value were the Trow Group Band and Rubbish Band (Waste Management employees), and Tau’olunga from Avondale College’s Tema Kupu. People relaxed around the market while Images by Frank Koloi
they ate food from the stalls and listened to music in the sun. The market setting has been tastefully done. It features a miniature fale, seating areas and planter boxes, all made from recycled demolition material. The recycled materials have even been used to build a cabin. The sustainable reuse and repurpose principles are at the heart of the market organisation. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy themselves while supporting locals. Where: 18 Elm Street, Avondale When: 3-8pm Wednesday–Friday, 9am-12pm weekends Ends: Sunday 29th November.