Channel Magazine December 2020

Shore

Summer 2021!

NORTH SHORE’S MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR NEWS, VIEWS, EVENTS AND PEOPLE

25 , 500 Copies monthly

Distributed to homes and businesses in Devonport, Bayswater, Belmont, Takapuna, Milford, Forrest Hill, Sunnynook, Westlake, Castor Bay, Campbells Bay, Mairangi Bay, Murrays Bay, Northcote Point, Birkenhead Point, Greenhithe, and to businesses outside these areas.

Proudly published by

DEC 2020 / JAN 2021 ISSUE 115

North Shore’s big summer of events wrapped around the 36th America’s Cup!

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PERFORMING ARTS NEWS: THE PUMPHOUSE THEATRE

News from The PumpHouse from James Bell

Summer at The PumpHouse Theatre

PERFORMING ARTS NEWS: THE ROSE CENTRE

This month at The Rose Centre with manager John Davies

James Bell.

The magical season of Christmas is upon us, temperatures are rising, and this wild year we’ve had is coming to an end. Why not come and treat yourself to a show at The PumpHouse Theatre to celebrate?!

We have something for everyone…

Planning a Christmas work function? Come and see The Vagina Monologues, a play telling real-life vulva related stories of people from all around the world.

Maybe Shakespeare’s Will is more your thing – a one-woman show which takes you on the journey of Anne Hathaway’s life after her husband William Shakespeare has passed.

We even have something for the Christmas Scrooges – a staged read of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in the spooky atmosphere of our Coal Bunker Studio.

These shows combined with a delicious meal by the lake at The French Rendezvous next door is sure to be an entertaining night out!

Looking for something for the kids? I would highly recommend coming to see Runaway Reindeer to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit! This lively show follows Riley the Wriggly Reindeer. As she takes Santa’s Sleigh to Aotearoa for a WOF, she discovers it is a lot more fun to take the sleigh for a joyride.

We have an exciting five-day workshop in January for ages 12–18, Shakespeare in a Week! Send your budding actors along to learn all things Shakespeare, including devising a performance from scratch, developing characters, creating props and set, and performing Shakespeare outdoors.

The Rose Centre in December

John Davies.

Belmont Bayswater Community End of Year Celebration!

10am - 2pm Sunday 20th December at The Rose Centre and Rose Gardens.

Bring the family and join us for a sausage sizzle, kids' activities, community planting box refresh, market stalls, entertainment and more!

Don’t miss out on dates for your events in 2020 Now is the time to book your community events and parties in the theatre or the community rooms. Don’t be told no for your preferred dates because someone else beat you to it!

New Year's Concerts No one throws a party like Russians! Join in the fun and cheer of a song and dance show with Voice Studio Premiere.

Need some summer entertainment? We start 2021 off with a bang, with a fun comedic piece – India and Patrick Learn to Host a Show. This funny duo are sure to induce an absolute riot of laughs!

Auckland Shakespeare in the Park is back and celebrating 25 years with two of Shakespeare’s most famous plays – Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing. These are performed on alternate nights in the outdoor Amphitheatre. To celebrate their milestone anniversary, they’re offering free tickets for under 15-year-olds when accompanied by a paying adult.

We are grateful to be so busy with shows and events at The PumpHouse this summer, as many theatres around the world continue to be in strife. Come and support the arts and your creative community.

Meri Kirihimete, and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2021!

Cheers, James Bell.

The Vagina Monologues 2 – 6 December Creative Talks: Tanya Wheeler 7 December Shakespeare’s Will 10 – 12 December Runaway Reindeer 11 – 23 December Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 18 – 20 December India and Patrick Learn to Host a Show 8 – 10 January 2021 Shakespeare in a Week 11 – 15 January 2021 Auckland Shakespeare in the Park 23 January – 20 February 2021

BOOKINGS: 09 489 8360 or pumphouse.co.nz The Rose Centre, School Rd, Belmont 09 445 9900 info@rosecentre.co.nz www.rosecentre.co.nz Facebook @RoseCentre

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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CHANNEL MAGAZINE COMMUNITY CALENDAR Dec 2020/Jan 2021

This Channel Community Calendar is published monthly for community events.

If you would like to include your event please email details to: kim@channelmag.co.nz

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Raumatu/Summer Fun Preschool Play – King Edward Parade, Devonport 9.30am – 11am.

1

Thursday

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The Vagina Monolgues – The PumpHouse – runs until the 6th Devonport JETS Run – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, 64 King Edward Parade, Devonport 6pm – 7pm

Raumatu/Summer Fun Preschool Play – King Edward Parade, Devonport 9.30am – 11am.

3

Wriggle and Rhyme – Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre – Nell Fisher Reserve, Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead 10am – 10.30am Creative Talks: Tanya Wheeler – The PumpHouse

7

Eat, Play, Laugh - Rothesay Room, East Coast Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen Road 10.30am – 1.30pm Make Give Live – Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen Road Browns Bay 6.30pm – 8.30pm Morning Melodies -Bruce Mason Centre 11am

14

Browns Bay Playgroup – St Anne’s Hall, Cnr Clencoe & Beach Road, Browns Bay 9am – 11.30am Browns Bay Table Tennis Club – St Anne’s Hall, Cnr Clencoe & Beach Road, Browns Bay 11.30am – 1.30pm

Raumati/Summer Fun Preschool 8 Play – Windsor Reserve, Devonport 9.30am – 11am YOGATA - Rothesay Room, East Coast Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen Road 3.30am – 5pm

Feisty Feet – Dance Classes for 9 Seniors – St Peter’s Anglican Church, 11 Killarney Street, Takapuna 10am – 11am Coding and Robotics Trail for Kids – Brian Play Centre, Galaxy Drive, Mairangi Bay 4.30pm – 5.30pm North Shore Community Toy Library Sessions – 1 Sidmouth Street, Mairangi Bay 9.30am – 11.30am

Liv Kennedy Author Talk – East Coast Bays Library – Bute Road, Browns Bay 10am – 11am

15

16

Feisty Feet – Dance Classes for Seniors – St Peter’s Anglican Church, 11 Killarney Street, Takapuna 10am – 11am Vicky Adin Book Launch - East Coast Bays Library – Bute Road, Browns Bay 10am – 11am

10

Raumatu/Summer Fun Preschool Play – King Edward Parade, Devonport 9.30am – 11am.

Shakespeare’s Will – The Pumphouse – runs until the 12th Takapuna Free Yoga and Meditation – Mary Thomas Centre, 3 Gibbons Road, Takapuna 7.30pm – 8.30pm NZTrio, Constellations – Mairangi Art Centre 11am Takapuna Free Yoga and Meditation – Mary Thomas Centre, 3 Gibbons Road, Takapuna 7.30pm – 8.30pm

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Beachside Grandstand, Watch the America's Cup Yachts Sailing in the Christmas Cup – Takapuna Beach, The Strand, Takapuna 3pm – 7pm, till the 20th Love Your Maunga ki Maungauika – Maungauika – North Head, Devonport runs until 20th

Minecraft, Coding, Create 3D 21 Games – Westlake Boys High School, 8.30am – 5pm

Browns Bay Evening Spinners – 22 Rothesay Room, East Coast Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen Road 7pm

KaiKai Time (Community Lunch) 23 - St Anne’s Hall, Cnr Clencoe & Beach Road, Browns Bay 11.45am – 2.15pm North Shore Board Game Group - Rothesay Room, East Coast Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen Road 7pm

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29

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE CHANNEL MAG TEAM January 1-4

January 5-8 Jan 5 Great Art Sale – Lake House Art, Takapuna Jan 8

India and Patrick Learn to Host a Show – The PumpHouse, Runs until the 10th

Family Service with Children’s 24 Play – St Peters Anglican Church, 11 Killarney Street, Takapuna 5pm Carols & Candlelight – St George’s Presbyterian Church, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna 11pm Christmas in Lights – Northcross Church, Northcross 9pm – 10.30pm New Year’s Eve Party with the Monkey Assassins - The Patriot, Devonport 7pm

January 9-12 Jan 10

Browns Bay Sunday Market – 25 Anzac Road, Browns Bay 6am – 12pm

January 13-16 Jan 15 America’s Cup: The Prada Cup – Beachside Grandstand, Takapuna Beach, The Strand runs until 22nd Feb

Jan 11

Shakespeare in a Week – The PumpHouse, Runs until the 15th

MASSEY UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 2

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY www.massey.ac.nz/cohss Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

31

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES – WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Friday Devonport’s Friday After Five – Clarence Street, Devonport 5pm – 10pm

4

For the Love of Street Food – Greenhithe – The Collins Café & Bar, 20 Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe 5pm – 9pm

11

North Shore Community Toy Library Sessions – 1 Sidmouth Street, Mairangi Bay 9.30am – 11.30am Runaway Reindeer – The PumpHouse – Runs until the 23rd Royal New Zealand Ballet, Sleeping Beauty – Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna 10am Royal New Zealand Ballet, Sleeping Beauty – Bruce Mason Centre 1.30pm; 7.30pm

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – The PumpHouse – Runs Until the 20th

Christmas Day

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Saturday

Sunday

North Shore Community Toy 5 Library Sessions – 1 Sidmouth Street, Mairangi Bay 9.30am – 11.30am

North Shore Community Toy 6 Library Sessions – 1 Sidmouth Street, Mairangi Bay 9.30am – 11.30am

I Love Takapuna Christmas Carnival – 38 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 10am – 8pm

Devonport Lions Santa Parade and Christmas Festival – Windsor Reserve, Devonport 11am – 3pm

Browns Bay Christmas Parade – Browns Bay, 5pm – 6.30pm

‘It’s a Very Mahi Toi Kirihimete” Christmas Market – Lake House Arts Gallery, Takapuna

12

13

North Shore Community Toy Library Sessions – 1 Sidmouth Street, Mairangi Bay 9.30am – 11.30am Fort Takapuna Market – Fort Takapuna The Barracks, 170 Vauxhall Road, Narrow Neck, Devonport 9am – 2pm Auckland Mama Markets – Milford Xmas Market – Milford Senior Citizens Hall, 141 Kitchener Road, Milford 9.30am – 1pm Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, APO 4 Kids Christmas – Bruce Mason Centre 10am; 11.30am

North Shore Community Toy Library Sessions – 1 Sidmouth Street, Mairangi Bay 9.30am – 11.30am

Raumatu/Summer Fun 19 Preschool Play – King Edward Parade, Devonport 9.30am – 11am.

Browns Bay Sunday Market – 25 Anzac Road, Browns Bay 6am – 12pm

Hugh Pop & Rock Vinyl Record Sale – Albany Village Community Hall, 21 Library Lane, 9am – 1pm

Belmont Bayswater Community End of Year Celebration – The Rose Centre, Belmont 10am – 2pm.

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27

25

Boxing Day

Special Christmas Day performance of a segment from Bruce Mason’s play The End of the Golden Weather Gould Reserve, Takapuna Beach, from 10am

January 17-20

January 21-24

Jan 20

Jan 23

Devonport JETS Run – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, 64 King Edward Parade, Devonport 6pm – 7pm

Fort Takapuna Market – Fort Takapuna The Barracks, 170 Vauxhall Road, Devonport 9am – 2pm Auckland Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Runs until 20th

Summer Sunday Games for Kids – Albany Village Library, 30 Kell Drive, Albany 11am – 12pm Browns Bay Sunday Market – 25 Anzac Road, Browns Bay 6am – 12pm

January 25-31 Jan 31 Chinese Community Exhibition – Lake House Art, Takapuna

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Advance Notice for February Sunsetter Food, Wine, Music Festival – Smales Farm 13th February Takapuna Beach Cup, Waka Ama Racing – Takapuna 19th till 21st February Auckland Plant Market – Smales Farm, Takapuna – 21 Feb

Summer Days Festival – Takapuna Beach Reserve, Takapuna 10am – 7pm

Find us on facebook  www.twitter.com/MasseyHumSocSci Phone us on 0800 MASSEY contact@massey.ac.nz www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

3

CONTENTS COVER FEATURES 44 Summernova on the Shore

FEATURES 28 Shop the Shore 36

Mercedes-Benz returns to Takapuna

42 Shore People: Simon Watts 48 Shore People: Andy Maloney 50 Channel Youth 52

Summer on the Shore

64 The Locals behind 'Vutter' 66 I Love what I Do 74 Interview with Nic Russell

103

44

103 AIMES Awards 2020 128 North Shore History: David Verran 129 The Healthy Channel: John Appleton 144 The Channel Crossword

OUT & ABOUT 02 Community Calendar 06 Out & About on the Shore

EATING OUT

22 Eating Out Guide 23

Eating Out Feature: Pym's of Milford

64

36

TAKAPUNA BEACH 32

Views from the Beach with TBBA

MILFORD

80 Milford News

48

DEVONPORT

84 Devonport News

ARTS

EDUCATION

89

The Rose Centre

90 Rosmini College 91 Massey University

96 Westlake Boys' High School

01 01

The PumpHouse

92 Rangitoto College

100 Carmel College 101 Takapuna Grammar

89 Tim Bray Productions

4

74

94 Kristin School

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

98 Westlake Girls' High School

FROM THE EDITOR

Janet Marshall

The Channel Magazine team, from left: Aidan Bennett, Kim McIntosh (Advertising/Content), Crystal Sharp (Design) and Charlotte Cowie (Social Media).

Roll on summer & 2021!

Well this is our final issue of Channel Magazine for 2020. What a year it has been.

Roll on 2021 I say – and quick!

Publishing a free community magazine has been a tough gig in 2020, as has been the story for most businesses. For us it has been a case of being very conservative for both financial and health reasons. We normally publish 11 monthly issues a year (we have never published in January), but this year we have only produced five magazines because of Covid-19 lockdowns and related problems. But we will be back monthly in 2021 from our February issue and are looking forward to a big year of 11 monthly issues.

This December/January issue is a goodie though. As long as the dreaded Covid stays outside our borders there is lots to look forward to over the summer months ahead, and we have highlighted a great deal of it in this issue.

A highlight will be the Summernova festival designed to embrace activity around the 36th America’s Cup. As you will read in the piece I have enjoyed putting together for this issue there are many great events and festivals happening on the North Shore, in both Takapuna and Devonport. Christine Young has also put together a good summary of what is happening north of the Harbour Bridge in her “Enjoy local

this summer” feature.

For most of the past 25 years the North Harbour Club and the annual AIMES Awards have been a big part of my life. I get a real kick out of the encouragement, support and financial boost this programme gives to youngsters in our community doing wonderful things across the areas of the Arts, Innovation, Music, Education, Sport and Service to the Community. I hope you enjoy reading the summary of the 2020 recipients that Heather Barker Vermeer and I have put together for the awards programme and this issue. Impressive young people! The North Harbour Club has now provided over $2.5million worth of AIMES Awards grants since their inception.

As usual this magazine is full of loads of positive things about our home patch. The end of such a tough year is a great opportunity to take stock of things and realise how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful little part of this troubled world. We are very lucky.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. Enjoy the read… see you in 2021.

Aidan Bennett, QSM Publisher, Channel Magazine Managing Director, Benefitz Email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz

Janet knows the North Shore market and can find a solution for YOU! One of the leading commercial sales and leasing brokers on the North Shore Over 15 years with Colliers In excess of $80 million in sales in 2017

Call Janet now for a complimentary appraisal or market update.

janet.marshall@colliers.com

Janet Marshall - Colliers

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL NORTH SHORE OFFICE - REINZ 2017 Small Commercial and Industrial Office of the Year award

Publisher/Editorial/Advertising

Aidan Bennett, Phone 021-500-997, email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz

Advertising/Content

Kim McIntosh, Phone 021-419-468, email: kim@channelmag.co.nz

Designer

Crystal Sharp - crystal@benefitz.co.nz

Level 1, 129 Hurstmere Road Takapuna, 0622 Auckland City 09 488 4777

Charlotte Cowie - charlotte@benefitz.co.nz

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Social Media Specialist

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www.channelmag.co.nz

CHANNEL MAGAZINE is published monthly (on the first Friday of the month) by Benefitz, PO Box 33-1630, Takapuna. 09 477 4700, www.benefitz.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers. For further details on the magazine visit www.channelmag.co.nz or contact one of our team detailed above.

The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies & manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

Accelerating success.

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

5

OUT & ABOUT ON THE SHORE

Fifth Avenue celebrates 70 years in Takapuna Fifth Avenue must be one of the longest established retail businesses in Takapuna: it celebrated 70 years in business in November with a function for customers and supporters. Owner Adrian Turner, who caught the “bug” for diamonds and fine jewellery as a 10-year-old working in a tiny English village helping the local jeweller by tidying his workshop and sweeping the floors, cut a cake as elegantly crafted as any of his jewellery pieces. Highlights of the evening were a platinum ring given to one lucky guest – and a surprise on-the-spot proposal during the evening.

Abby Jude, Zaineb Jabawi, Jelena Freeman and Tracey Gregory.

David Jenkins, Cristie Tisdoll and David Stent.

Kim McIntosh, Kristy McAlpine, Michelle Bennett and Catherine Lamb.

Kayla Imrie, Wayne Lyons and Danielle Watson.

Dominic and Sofia Dickson.

Chris Norris, Jimmy O'Brien, Mark Hobson and Blake Douglas.

6

Joy Shrievas, Lesley and Peter Buckleigh.

Clair Green, Nick Covich and Carol Gunn.

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Seagulls lunches at Devonport always good On 20th November Wakatere Boating Club and North Shore Rugby Football Club combined for a fundraising Seagull's Lunch with guest speaker Americas Cup legend Brad Butterworth OBE. The event, held at the Rugby Club, was a sell-out, no doubt due to the speaker and the topic: who better, after all, as Americas Cup fever takes hold, to talk about the America’s Cup?

Mark Monkton, Sir Bryan Williams, David Pearce, Sam Lennox.

Ian Darby, Tanya and David Barker.

Tim Gurr and guest speaker Brad Butterworth.

Brad Butterworth, Peter Montgomery.

Trevor Williams, Dave McNeish, Norm Scott, Jonathan Raos.

Max Webb, John Fleming, Buck Shelford.

Bev Dell'Isola, Nicola Gower-Jones, Jo and Paul Dennison.

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www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

7

OUT & ABOUT ON THE SHORE

Repco Takapuna Rocks even bigger in 2020!

With the weather gods shining on them for 2020 the second annual Repco Takapuna Rocks held on the Saturday of Labour Weekend in Takapuna was another fantastic day and a huge success in a very challenging year for events.

Classic car exhibitors came from all over the country with their machines and loved the event, as did the public who came in big numbers in 2020, demonstrating the traction that the event is gaining on the classic car lovers' calendar. There was also a great turnout for Miss Takapuna Rocks 2020 Pin Up competition, while the Vintage Markets and face painters helped make a great atmosphere. $3000 was raised for the event charities Make-A-Wish NZ and Shore Junction and TV3’s Repco Muscle Car Garage took footage on the day. This was played on their Sunday programme in November.

"We are now getting focused and ready to present Takapuna Rocks 2021 and are elated that Repco have already committed to be our Platinum Naming Rights Sponsor for a third year,” said organiser Matt Turnwald after the event. "We are working to keep our current family of sponsors and are looking at how we can make next year's show even bigger and better than the two we have already had.” Great news for car lovers and Takapuna!

Steve, Lilly, Iris and Sebastien Watkinson.

Camryn Stent, Chrissy Misa and Georgia Johnstone.

East Coast Bays (09) 479 5956

www.forrests.co.nz

8

Kyla McIntosh, Tessa Watson, Jocelyn Thomas and Evie Guthrie.

Adrian Clyde, Jen Beattie, Bette and Ralph Heymans.

Ian Bennett, Kathleen White, Jo and Tyler Bennett.

Jake Seckins, Jesse Gallagher and Thais Lawrie.

You can count on us every step of the way

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Halloween theme for AIMES Awards 25th Gala Dinner The North Harbour Club Charitable Trust celebrated 25 years of AIMES Awards at its annual black tie Gala Dinner held at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna on Saturday October 31st. A crowd of well over 300 was in attendance. The acronym AIMES stands for Arts, Innovation, Music, Education, Sport and Service to the Community. Around $200,000 in award grants were made through the 2020 AIMES Awards, which brings the total granted since inception to over $2.5million. These awards go to young people, aged between 10 and 25 years, achieving excellence in their given fields. We include a full feature of award winners in this issue and these photos were captured at the glitzy event that had a Halloween theme.

Andrew Duncan, Craig Luxton, Paul Jobin, Lyndsay Jobin, Tess Bos, David Gunn, Gaynor Hocking, Oscar Gunn.

Bradley Roach, Adrian Townsend, Tania Bennett, Robyn Holloway, Kate Luxton.

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Grant Kerr, Michelle Brosnan, Maggie Barry, Phil Brosnan.

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

9

OUT & ABOUT ON THE SHORE

Trelise Cooper stars at Chantal's end-of-year event Chantal’s Clothing & Furniture Boutique special customer event was not quite mayhem, but the store was certainly jam-packed with locals keen to take a look at Chantal’s latest offerings in Takapuna. Chantal’s, on The Promenade opposite The Bruce Mason Centre, is the only shop on the North Shore to stock the Trelise Cooper and Curate labels, and the event was a rare opportunity to meet Trelise Cooper and pose questions of the highly regarded designer in a Q&A session. Guests also made the most of the opportunity to view Chantal’s exciting blend of stylish clothing and carefully selected furniture and homewares.

Trish Burrowes, Chantal Chilcott and Therese Russel.

Marie Butt and Del Emirali.

Daniele Montour, Viv Hood, Susan Heap and Christine Smith.

Chantal Chilcott, Christine Howard, Nicky Speedy, Joan Ord, Paulina Carroll and Judith Bern.

Trelise Cooper.

Marlene Clark, Chantal Chilcott and Diane Chambers.

Prudence Foster, Jenny Gilchrist, Leonie Brown, Julie Gibbs and Christina Heaven.

Here at Chantal’s we provide one on one service for the ultimate exclusive shopping experience.

Our friendly team will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

BRANDS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

New Zealand: Trelise Cooper, Curate, Paula Ryan, Anne Mardell, Vassalli, Macjays, Stella + Gemma, and Standard Issue.

Canada: Joseph Ribkoff and Frank Lyman.

Australia: Zacket & Plover.

Europe: Mos Mosh, Minus, NYDJ and Lilliano.

NEW TO CHANTAL’S

We now have the pleasure of stocking the premium New Zealand brand Weave.

This includes an extensive range of cushions, throws and rugs.

MON TO FRI 10AM – 5PM SAT 10AM – 4PM 10 THE PROMENADE, TAKAPUNA Gift wrapping available with all purchases

10

BRING THIS IN DURING DECEMBER & RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST WEAVE PURCHASE.

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Takapuna Grammar main building reopens On Friday 16th October Takapuna Grammar staff and students celebrated the long-awaited re-opening of its refurbished main building and hall, with past principals and other special guests from the past and present also joining the celebration. Former Head Boy and Dux Sir Stephen Tindall performed the honours of cutting the ribbon before Principal Mary Nixon welcomed everyone inside for private tours of the entire main block, followed by afternoon tea in the staffroom.

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www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

11

OUT & ABOUT ON THE SHORE

Devonport information caravan opening ceremony A uniquely Devonport project, years in the making, came to fruition with the official opening and naming ceremony of the village's new visitor information caravan. Local dignitaries and volunteers joined Devonport Business Association members, Devonport Rotary Club and New Zealand Lotteries representatives for the ribbon cutting and blessing of the retro-style caravan at its home in Devonport's ferry building. Project manager Fiona Startup, owner of Bookmark store in the village, spoke of her delight at the finished product before revealing the name chosen for the caravan following a local competition. 'Moana Belle' will be staffed by over 25 knowledgable local volunteers and features a seating area complete with Takarunga/Mount Vic-themed toadstools.

Laura Foote, Dianne Hale, Shaulyn van Baaren.

Lee Bourn, Fiona Startup, Ron Wells.

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Peter Raos, Dianne Hale.

Dianne Hale, Shaulyn van Baaren, Simon Watts MP.

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Ian Cunliffe, Dianne Hale, Fiona Startup, Richard Pamatatau, Glen Popata.

Toni van Tonder, Katherine Downs, Harriet Byrnes.

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www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

13

SIMON WATTS: NORTH SHORE MP

By Simon Watts, North Shore MP

It's down to the business of being your MP in Wellington

The Shore’s best way to maintain a clean vehicle!

Hand washing with environmentally friendly solutions No appointments necessary – just drive up & we do the rest.

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Facebook: Takapuna-CarwashLtd 87 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna (by the motorway) Open 7 Days • Phone 488 7000

14

Simon Watts.

As someone new to the Beehive, I can say that the predominant feeling I have is a sense of responsibility. During the election campaign, I emphasised the importance of local issues and that focus hasn’t changed. Even though the mechanics of national governance are gaining the headlines, it’s my job to make sure that what’s happening here on the North Shore receives attention too.

The decision by Auckland Transport to stop ferry services out of Stanley Bay is in my opinion a short-sighted budgeting decision that ignores the congestion problems we face. The ferries were a vital transport link during recent shutdowns of the Harbour Bridge and it’s ridiculous that the Council should ignore the lessons so recently gained.

I’m also onside with the long-suffering businesses of Hurstmere Road who have been told that cones and traffic disruptions will stay in place during the five-month stoppage to street works. (This is yet another budgeting issue.) Doesn’t the Council realise that their decision is seriously curtailing the revenue opportunities of retailers on Hurstmere Road, who would otherwise generate the revenue and employment that leads to long-term budget resilience?

On a national level, I can report that my colleagues in the National Party are energised by the very real challenges our country faces and are determined to play a leading role in discussions about where our country goes to from here. For me, this means being the National Party’s Spokesperson for ACC and Associate Spokesperson for Health.

My experience as a deputy chief financial officer and emergency ambulance officer within the healthcare system will bring valuable insight to the debate about providing a better health system for all New Zealanders. With regards to ACC, I’m concerned about the many inequities that seem to be thrown up by a system that many business owners and the self-employed consider unfair. I encourage you to share your thoughts on this matter.

Finally, I’d like to close by acknowledging my excitement about the upcoming America’s Cup regatta. This is a showcase for Kiwi ingenuity and enterprise, even if it is unfortunate that Covid will stop the huge influx of overseas spectators we’ve previously seen. So, I encourage everyone to make the most of Summer and the regatta, by getting out and enjoying our spectacular harbour, world-class beaches and through your support of local businesses.

I would also encourage the Government to apply agility and intelligence to how the America’s Cup can be leveraged to provide maximum benefit. It’s easy to blanket-ban all entrants to our country during a pandemic, but a more selective process to assessing requests to enter would bring invaluable revenue opportunities for our hospitality, marine and technology industries. Let’s be aware of the continued threat of Covid, but not be cowed into inaction because of it.

If you want even more ways to keep up to date, follow my Facebook or Instagram.

Take care, Simon Watts.

Email: simon.watts@parliament.govt.nz Call my office on 09 486 0005 Facebook: Simon Watts North Shore Instagram: @simonwattsmp

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Auckland Harbour Bridge

SOUTHBOUND CLIP-ON LANES CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE 26 December 2020 to 4 January 2021

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will be carrying out maintenance work, including resurfacing, on the southbound clip-on lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge this holiday season.

Three lanes in both directions will remain open across the Auckland Harbour Bridge at all times.

While work is carried out, southbound access off the motorway will be affected: • The Shelly Beach Road off-ramp will be closed.

• Access to Shelly Beach Road via Westhaven Drive will operate on a stop/go system.

Delays are likely and motorists are advised to consider using alternative routes along the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and State Highway 18 (SH18).

The resurfacing process used on the bridge requires three to five days to “cure” before traffic can drive on it. While this may look like nothing is happening, the team will be carrying out other maintenance tasks out of sight.

Unfavourable weather or other unforeseen circumstances may result in a change from advertised dates.

For more information contact help@asm.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 444 449

PG17793-1120

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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FIFTH AVENUE DIAMOND EXPERTS

Fifth Avenue thanks customers Celebrating 70 years of business in Takapuna Adrian Turner and the team at Fifth Avenue Diamond Experts celebrated the store’s 70th anniversary last month as much to thank customers, suppliers and staff for their support during what’s been a difficult year for retail as to mark a momentous milestone.

As owner Adrian Turner says, the store was completely closed through April and May with Level 1 lockdown, and then trading with closed doors for nearly three months as the Hurstmere Road construction created dust and noise outside. It was important to celebrate the people who sustain the business, he says, adding that this year has shown that the store has “awesome customers”.

The birthday celebrations were about thanking people, coming together and having fun. He’s had great feedback since from guests who filled the store on the night.

The number who attended, and the feedback, are no doubt due to Adrian’s approach to business, which has at its heart the needs (or wants) of every person who comes into the store.

“Our specialty is custom design and manufacture,” he says, “specialising in diamonds and coloured stones.” Each of the seven staff members you’ll meet in-store is trained in jewellery, diamonds and coloured stone, and able to provide advice and information. “The idea,” he says, “is that they help people with enquiries about repairs and designing items.” Or about any of the wide stock held in store, much of which is top-name brands, balanced with Fifth Avenue’s own designs. They also remodel and remake jewellery – with diamonds beingAdrian's specialty.

Adrian’s interest in jewellery was first piqued as a 10-yearold in England when he washed the local jeweller’s car, and was entranced by a television mini-series that glamourised the lifestyle of an international diamond dealer. “It looked really cool.”

A year later, his life was upended as the family shifted from metropolitan England to Rotorua, but when it came time to leave school, he considered three choices: a police dog handler, a vet, or a jeweller. He opted to get a foot in the jewellery busines and landed a job in a family-owned jewellery store.

As fate would have it, in 1994, his boss purchased Fifth Avenue Jewellers (then in Shore City) to add to his Rotorua and Tokoroa stores. Adrian shifted north and just over 10 years later took over as the owner of what by then had become a highly regarded local institution. “I always wanted my own jewellery business,” Adrian says, somewhere he could serve retail customers, but also do his own design and manufacture.

“It’s a privilege to be in this industry,” he adds. “We sell nice things to nice people.” It’s also a very personal industry: “You’re invited into their lives, and are part of special moments and celebrations” as you help people select the perfect piece for themselves or loved ones. That, too, is a privilege, one Adrian takes seriously. “We wouldn’t want someone to make a purchase they were not comfortable with. We do take things back or exchange things, but 95% of the time we get it bang on.”

Adrian and his team achieve this through ensuring they understand each customer’s wishes, and the preferences and personality of the person they are buying for. “There’s no pressure selling,” he says. “They make the decision, based on our understanding of what they like and don’t like.”

The process is, of course, longer and more involved for special occasion and one-off pieces. For gifts, for example for Christmas and birthdays, there are a few perennial favourites: diamond

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Adrian Turner, Fifth Avenue owner, diamond and jewellery expert.

stud ear-rings, “a must-have in any jewellery collection”; bangles, “always popular. A simple gold bangle is engravable, classic, and goes with anything”; diamond “huggies” (hoop ear-rings); and diamond “tennis bracelets” (named after a bangle worn by tennis player Chris Evert).

Women now often buy their own jewellery, Adrian says. They know their style and self-worth, and value that, as well as want to treat themselves. Men, he suggests, might be missing a trick: they don’t realise the emotional value women place on jewellery – let alone the brownie points they could earn in buying a gift like jewellery that can endure for ever.

Women similarly could earn brownie points by buying a special gift for their male counterpart. Adrian makes one-off items for men, like a recent special ring in white gold with black diamonds, and he also stock a range of high-end Mont Blanc pens, as well as cuff links, belts, wallets and watches.

With Christmas approaching and summer ahead, Adrian and his team look forward to welcoming returning and new customers.

And above all, in this difficult year, he wants to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas with friends and family, and to thank everyone for their ongoing support.

5 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna www.fifth-avenue.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

9ct Morganite & Diamond Pendant Aquamarine & Diamond ring in white gold Morganite & Diamond ring in rose gold

9ct Morganite & Diamond Earrings

Natural Grey Spinel and Diamond ring in white gold

9ct ½ Troy ounce bangle $1995 9ct 1 Troy ounce gold bangle $3995

Diamond solitaires (from) 0.50ct $3495 0.70ct $4995 1.00ct $7995

Diamond studs in white or yellow gold, starting from $399

1.00ct total in 18ct gold $5495

18ct, Diamond ‘Tennis’ bracelets in white or yellow gold, starting from $5995

5 H U R S T M E R E R D | TA K A P U N A | A U C K L A N D | T. + 6 4 ( 0 ) 9 4 8 9 8 4 6 1 I N F O @ F I F T H - AV E N U E . C O . N Z | F I F T H - AV E N U E . C O . N Z www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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ANDREW DORREEN

Timeless Seaward Side With Uncompromised Luxury 19 CAMERON STREET, TAKAPUNA Located on the seaward side in a remarkable corner site fronting Ewen, William and Cameron Streets, this beautifully built and superbly finished home, just six years old oozes class and style.

The outlook is gorgeous with the feeling of no immediate neighbours, giving excellent privacy and all day sun to the property. The home boasts 430sqm of living with all the creature comforts one would expect from a high value home in this location. Four dedicated bedrooms, three separate living spaces including a large media room with semi kitchenette, formal second living as well as a covered loggia area for all round outdoor entertaining. Large triple garaging and separate gated parking for your Sealegs - yes there is beach

access at the end of the street - this package has the typical family covered.

Main living offers elegant English Oak flooring, a large DBJ kitchen with butler's pantry which flows to large decking and the loggia. A lift to all floors ensures easy access for shopping from the lower floors.

Overall, a superb family package with unsurpassed privacy and the feeling of space and luxury. This home needs to be viewed for those seeking uncompromising family living.

Expressions Of Interest by 4PM Wednesday 18 November 2020 (unless sold prior)

Andrew Dorreen / Precision Real Estate Ltd MREINZ Licenced under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Email: andrew@precision.net.nz / Phone: 021 747 334 / www.precision.net.nz / www.andrewdorreen.com

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

ANDREW DORREEN

1,821sqm Of Lakefront On The Golden Mile 310 HURSTMERE ROAD, TAKAPUNA The heading says it all. A prized and very unique almost half acre slice of pure lakefront paradise, centrally located between Milford and Takapuna on the famed golden mile.

This can only be described as a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure such a large, tranquil land holding in this golden location. The property has an excellent relationship with the water with rolling lawn down to the lake making interacting with those at the lake edge easy - not often the case with sites around the lakefront. Options on the property are endless for buyers either looking to renovate the existing four bedroom brick and cedar home, start fresh and create an uncompromised new home or live in the property

as it is and plan your next steps as budget permits. 310 Hurstmere is located close to beach access at the end of Minnehaha and Audrey lane, giving families close access to Beachside with all the benefits and privacy of Lakeside.

A short stroll in either direction will have you eating and shopping at both Milford and Takapuna in around ten minutes. What more could you want?

Few opportunities in this street exist to secure true land value opportunities.

I would strongly encourage you to explore all avenues possible to ensure you do not miss this one.

Expressions Of Interest by 4PM Wednesday 18 November 2020 (unless sold prior)

At the top end of the market, there are large differences in where buyers see the value of property, and often homes are unique or setting benchmarks in their respective areas. Because of this, Andrew negotiates each sale price face to face, rather than selling by Auction, and has done for almost all of his 15 years in the business.

The current climate is seeing fewer people in a cash position so the need for a specialist high end negotiator becomes paramount to your success. Andrew's personal sales last year alone totalled $106,207,000 at an average of $3,933,000 per property and has broken the $100 million for the last three consecutive calendar years. This makes him one of New Zealand's most successful residential sales people. Sign up for Property Updates at www.andrewdorreen.com. Follow his facebook page and Instagram feed.

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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PACK & SEND: TAKAPUNA

By Jane and Jeremy Bain, franchisees at PACK & SEND Takapuna.

Ship better with Pack & Send “Thanks to you and your team for hosting our wedding in January. We had a great time, and the Takapuna Boat Club was an amazing venue.”

Rochelle and Brian.

Venue hire, facilities and full catering service for private and business events.

39 The Strand, Takapuna Beach, Auckland Phone: 09 489-6941 info@takapunaboating.org.nz takapunaboating.org.nz

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Jane and Jeremy Bain.

Jane and Jeremy Bain, the franchisees at PACK & SEND Takapuna have a "No Limits" approach when helping customers solve packaging and freight problems. Now you have a better alternative to New Zealand Post to get your Christmas sending sorted – stress free. “It’s a busy and stressful time of the year for many so we make it quick and easy to send your special items,” says Jeremy.

Pack& Send Takapuna has sharpened their domestic budget courier service prices for the seasonal period. Pack& Send is a better alternative to the Post Shop now with competitive parcel sending rates for pre-packed packages 5kg and over. Enjoy the convenience of getting a park right outside, no queuing with others paying bills.

Deal with experts that specialise in packing and freight solutions.

Whether you have one small gift or a mountain of goodies for Santa’s sleigh, Pack& Send has a service that will fit your needs, from low-cost traceable courier to precision, sensitive freight services.

Around New Zealand or the world they have a service for your needs.

Unfortunately, the elves in the shopping malls do not wrap your gifts to stand up to the rigors of freight. Pack& Send can safely pack your gifts into one of their super-strong cartons with bubblewrap for maximum protection while they are travelling to their final destination. “We also sell packing materials if you choose to pack it yourself to take full advantage of our Christmas pricing,” says Jane.

Pack& Send Takapuna is your "one stop shop" for all your packaging, courier and freight solutions. Pack& Send also has an online self-service solution for pre-packed items weighing less than 30kg with a value under $1000 that doesn't need the full personalised service you would receive in-store. This can be used for sending international packages as well as ones around New Zealand.

This is a DIY courier service option, where you manage the process in your own home or office – rather than have it done for you. It’s as simple as 1-2-3. Visit the website packsend.co.nz and start with a quote.

PACK & SEND Takapuna open Mon – Sat, located at 77 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna with exclusive and convenient parking outside. Ph 486-3355 or email takapuna@packsend.co.nz and let them make sending easy.

Pack & Send Takapuna 77 Barry’s Point Rd, Takapuna Phone: 09 486 3355 Email: takapuna@packsend.co.nz www.packsend.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

(09) 486 3355

BOOK REVIEWS WITH TAKE NOTE MAIRANGI BAY

TAKENOTE MAIRANGI BAY CHRISTMAS BOOK EVENT Thursday 10th December 10am- 7 pm COME AND CELEBRATE ALL THINGS TO DO WITH BOOKS AND CHRISTMAS WITH OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF

40% discount on your first book purchased 10% discount on all other retail purchases for the day *excludes magazines, agencies, NZ post

Christmas treats will be handed out Glass of champagne after 5pm In the event of a Covid level change please follow the necessary protocols

The Ickabog

The Survivors

by J K Rowling

by Jane Harper

J K Rowling wrote this fairytale for her own children several years ago. This year during lockdown the story was published online for families to enjoy and a competition was launched for children to submit illustrations to the story. This beautiful publication includes the winning artworks.

This is the compelling new crime novel by Jane Harper and once again she creates an impressive landscape that serves to illustrate how the experience of place inevitably shapes the lives of those who live there.

Evelyn Bay is a small coastal town in Tasmania that most young people can’t wait to leave , like Kieran who now lives in Sydney but has returned home with his girlfriend and young baby. Coming home was never going to be easy for Kieran, who is still feeling the effects of a tragedy 12 years earlier. Kieran has only been home one night when a young woman is found dead on the beach . The investigation into this death also raises unanswered questions from the earlier tragedy and long-buried secrets threaten to emerge.

A Promised Land

by Barack Obama This is the highly anticipated and deeply personal memoir of the 44th President of the United States. This is the first instalment of Obama’s life story and it takes us from his childhood to the May 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden. This book is full of insights into the awesome reach and also the limits of presidential power, Obama brings the reader inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room. This is a compelling and powerful book , available now from Malcolm’s Takenote Mairangi Bay

Harper’s characters and setting are both really well developed and authentic and make the book very easy to get hooked into.

Another great read from Jane Harper and available now from Malcolm’s Takenote Mairangi Bay. stationery

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books

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magazines

•

children's toys

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cards

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school stationery packs

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book reviews

Malcolm's | 360 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay | Ph 478 5328 | mairangi.takenote@xtra.co.nz | takenote.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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EATING OUT ON THE SHORE • Your monthly restaurant guide…

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The Grange Bar & Bistro

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"Calling The Grange a restaurant would be an understatement.

It’s a cultural space for the local community, striving to fulfill all of our gastronomic needs…

Whether it’s a quick drop-in meal or a drawn-out, romantic dinner on the terrace at sunset, the new heart of the North Shore will always be ready to give you a superb experience" – Denizen Magazine.

WANT A GOOD WAY TO PROMOTE YOUR RESTAURANT OR CAFE? Advertise here in our Channel Eating Out Guide

Open Mon to Fri 8am-late, Sat & Sun 9.30am-late At Goodside, Smales Farm, Takapuna.

09 972 9060 www.thegrangetakapuna.co.nz

Contact Kim McIntosh kim@channelmag.co.nz, 021 419 468

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Soho at Goodside takes the art of traditional Thai cooking and gives it a modern twist.

Sakebar Nippon Japanese Restaurant

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Soho

Located beneath the new Monterey Lounge Cinema.

We are an authentic Japanese Izakaya restaurant. Enjoy our fun open kitchen cooking area and our fresh sashimi, tempura and teppan dishes prepared specially for you by our Japanese chefs.

It is casual dining with a great vibe.

Soho’s chefs dedicate their love and experience of food to doing things differently, delivering an all-star experience for the taste buds. The menu (to share) includes ‘Small Plates’ and 'Big Plates’.

Book Online www.sakebar.co.nz for instant confirmation KARAOKE SPACE AVAILABLE FOR GROUP BOOKINGS

Monday closed; Tuesday to Friday 11.30am til late; Saturday & Sunday 9am til late.

At Goodside, Smales Farm, Takapuna.

09-972-2711 bookings@sohoeats.co.nz A

American-style slow cooked BBQ Wagyu Beef and Pork Ribs a specialty.

Happy hour daily from 4pm – 6pm in the SmokePit Bar Thursday Cocktail Hour features $8.00 cocktails 4pm – 7pm Great value Burger + Beer meal deals every weekend Taking bookings now for Festive season lunches and dinners.

Large groups welcome.

Open daily, 6.30pm – late Level 1, The Spencer Hotel 9-17 Byron Ave, Takapuna, Ph 09 916 4982

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An extensive menu with something that appeals to every taste.

French Rendez-Vous

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Contemporary European cuisine

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SmokePit & Buoy

Opwn Tues-Sun, Closed Mondays 32-34 Anzac Street,Takapuna, 09 486 2249 www.sakebar.co.nz

Welcome to our French restaurant in an amazing and unique lake view location at the heart of Takapuna. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (to be booked 24 hours in advance) with traditional French dishes like onion soup, beef bourguignon and also lots of gluten free galettes and sweet crêpes.

Friday and Saturday Special from 5pm to 8pm New Zealand cider + galette + crepe starting at $25 No booking required Book at www.french-rendez-vous-caferestaurant.business.site Or via our Facebook and Instagram accounts: facebook: FrenchRendezvousTakapuna Instagram: @frenchrendezvoustakapuna 2a Manurere Avenue – Right next to The PumpHouse Takapuna 09 487 0009

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Pym's of Milford • EATING OUT ON THE SHORE

All of the Pym's staff are family and close friends.

Pym's has proven popular since opening mid year.

The original vision for Pym's was to provide a nod to the 70’s and their food offerings reflect this, including Pym's Classic Prawn Cocktail.

Welcome... Pym’s of Milford

The neighbourhood spot we all wish was on our doorstep 2020 has been a challenging year for businesses. Imagine being in the situation of having settled on new premises two weeks prior to the first Covid-19 lockdown with plans to open your brand new hospo business on Easter weekend? Chaos! That is what the team at Pym’s of Milford, the popular new neighbourhood bar and eatery, were faced with back in March and April. All credit to them, they managed to still open in early June and have gone on to really make an impact within the community.

Pym’s of Milford has been opened by a trio of passionate locals – Craig, Jacqui and Sarah. It has been so well done that you would think these are Pym’s of Milford has been opened by a trio of passionate locals people with loads of hospo experience. But that – Sarah, Craig and Jacqui. is not the case.

“We had all moved into the area and Not surprisingly they offer a Pym's Classic Prawn saw an opening for a friendly, comfortable, Cocktail and a Pimm’s Royale as one of their signature inviting local bar which would appeal to the drinks. The drinks list has been formulated by listening demographic,” explained Sarah when we to what their customers want, and the impressive list popped in for a drink and a chat with her and reflects that.

Jacqui during November. “We had all been in our During the signature drinks discussion I also discovered Pym's Burger. ‘other’ jobs for years. Craig is a builder of 35 years, where the name came from. Craig's surname is Pym, and it Jacqui and I had been in the interior design industry for was a play on the word Pimm's - the classic drink from the 70's. many years and it was time for a change.”

There are some firm favourites on the food menu as well. Pym’s Jacqui says that the three of them do share a passion – they all love Burgers, Pym's Classic Prawn Cocktails, chicken liver pate, sharing good wine, food and entertaining. “None of us had any experience at platters and Limoncello cheesecake are already favourites with all, we just forged ahead with passion and instinct. From that opening customers. They reckon they have people travelling the length of day in June we have been delivering to our customers what we would Auckland for these. like delivered to us. You could say we have also done many years of “Our point of difference is that we are not trying to overresearch!” complicate our food – we keep it simple, tasty, and generous,” says “We decided Milford was perfect as there is a great community Sarah. “Our chefs come up with innovative ideas all the time and we feel,” added Sarah. “Such friendly people, it is close to the beach, there are constantly offering these as specials.” are great shops and we have been made to feel so welcome and been The trio's original vision for the bar was to provide a nod to the ’70s warmly treated by the locals and other hospitality owners.” and their food offerings reflect this, including prawn cocktails, brandy The locals agree that the Pym's team are a pretty good addition to snaps, cheese fondues, cheese and pineapple sticks, and classic Kiwi the spirit of Milford. They have recently completed their first charity onion dip and chips. Yum! event and thanks to the generosity and support of the locals they raised The team says that every night is special at Pym’s, but during well over $9000 to assist a youngster who was born with a rare version December they have a special wine tasting with the popular Soho of PFFD. Wines that customers will enjoy. For those hanging around the Shore So why are the locals enjoying Pym’s so much? on New Year’s Eve they also have a late-night licence organised so “Craig would like to think it's his jokes, but the reality is there was that night will also be something special. There will be quite a few a gap in Milford for a bar just like this,” answers Jacqui. “There are wanting to celebrate the end of 2020! four other fabulous bars in the heart of Milford that all have their During our chat I challenged Sarah and Jacqui to sum up Pym’s in own identity, and we all complement and support each other. People one sentence. They decided to quote Cuisine Magazine, which said… comment daily on the ambience, the comfortable seating, the music, “the neighbourhood spot we all wish was on our doorstep”. We reckon the friendly staff, the high standard of food offerings, the simple but that’s about spot on. Welcome to Milford Pym’s! select drinks list, and the cleanliness of our place. We provide a friendly environment and have had it commented many times that it is a place Pym’s of Milford – 154 Kitchener Road, Milford. people can come to on their own and feel safe and welcome. All of the Email: drink@pymsofmilford.com staff are family and close friends, and the locals love this about us. We Open 7 days a week, 3pm until close. are lucky to have great chefs creating our daily and special menus.”

Visit: www.pymsofmilford.com

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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EATING OUT ON THE SHORE • Your monthly restaurant guide…

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Open for breakfast Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am.

Let Blake do the cooking for you and enjoy convenience without compromise!

Fish Kitchen, Devonport Wharf Mon to Fri 11.30am til late; Sat - Sun 9.30am - late 09 445 1777, reservations@fishkitchen.co.nz www.fishkitchen.co.nz

Monday to Thursday: 9am-6pm, Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 7am-2pm 89 Kitchener Road, Milford 09 486 5711 www.blakesprovidore.co.nz TA K

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NEW THIS MONTH: Christmas bookings now being taken, christmas packages available, be in quick!

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Vic Road Kitchen's food is created from a focus on using fresh, seasonal New Zealand produce with the menu changing daily. All set in a beautiful old building in Devonport. Executive Chef Ian Shields and ‘partner in wine’ Harriet Byrnes have combined their extensive knowledge and experience, delivering delicious rustic Mediterranean fare and a curated wine offering that both locals and visitors love.

Vic Road Kitchen, 57-59 Victoria Road, Devonport.

Tues to Fri 4pm – late; Sat - Sun 11.30am - late. 09 445 9797, reservations@vicroadkitchen.co.nz www.vicroadkitchen.co.nz

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Located in the heart of Milford, opposite New World, George brings us the good old favourite roast meals we love and sometimes have a craving for no need to cook or go to Mum’s!

Choose from succulent beef, pork (with crispy pork crackling), lamb, pork belly, lamb shank, chicken or vegetarian. Eat in or take-out. *** Lunch Special *** Only $9.90 for a small roast meal of pork, beef or chicken. Available 11.30am – 2pm.

Open Tuesday - Saturday 11.30am - 8.30pm Sunday 3pm - 8pm, Closed Monday. instagram: TheCarveryMilford 194 Kitchener Road, Milford, 09 484 0043

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There is something different every day as the menu and winelist are changing constantly. Local’s love it!

168 Hurstmere Road Takapuna 09 489 9510 www.taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz taylorsonhurstmere@gmail.com

The Carvery

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Thank you to all our customers for the awesome support during Covid-19 lockdown. Taylors is glad to be back!

Takapuna's friendliest little wine and tapas bar and everyone's favourite local just around the corner from the Bruce Mason theatre.

Available for private hire - no venue charge!

Vic Road Kitchen

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Taylors on Hurstmere

Fish Kitchen is located on Devonport Wharf and has a commitment to showcasing fresh ingredients from artisan suppliers, sustainability and zero waste policies. They may also have the best views of the Waitemata Harbour. Capacity for 150 people, including outdoor and indoor dining on the wharf. An extensive seafood offering including mussels, clams, squid and octopus – all as available. These support their signature ‘fish ‘n’ chips’ dishes.

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Check out Blake’s large range of healthy, hearty, chef-made meals. Cheaper and healthier than takeaways, they are perfect to keep in the freezer for when you want a treat or just a night off cooking.

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Get sorted for Christmas with Blake's Christmas day menu!

Take the stree out of Christmas lunch with our range of ham, salmon, beef, salads & desserts - plus we have plenty of vegetarian options!

Fish Kitchen

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Blake's Providore

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WANT A GOOD WAY TO PROMOTE YOUR RESTAURANT OR CAFE? Advertise here in our Channel Eating Out Guide Contact Kim McIntosh kim@channelmag.co.nz, 021 419 468

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

10 Reasons why you should go electric • To service and run an Electric Vehicles costs about 85% less than a conventional car which has about 2000 moveable parts. The Nissan Leaf – has approximately 20. This means no oil changes or filters and say goodbye to huge servicing costs! Simply check the tyre pressure, top up the windscreen washers and a yearly WOF – that’s it.

• If you’re wondering about how far an electric vehicle can go, the 62kwh Nissan Leaf will travel up to 380kms on a charge.

• At Auckland City Electric Vehicle’s, we encourage an overnight test-drive to see how an EV can easily fit into your lifestyle.

• We’ll help you make the exciting Switch to driving the future with an affordable electric vehicle or hybrid.

• ACEV has the largest selection of Top Grade Electric and plug-in hybrids in the country; Nissan Leafs, BMWi3’s, Mitsubishi Outlanders, Volkwswagen and Audi plug-in hybrids.

• New stock arriving daily - all trades welcome.

• All our vehicles come with a 3 YEAR WARRANTY. • The world was a lot less polluted during lockdown now we can all make a difference by driving electric! We want to leave a more liveable planet for our grandchildren.

• Did you know? …You can charge your Electric Vehicle at home and many retirement villages are installing EV chargers across the country. Most of our clients never use the fast charge stations.

A standard 3 point plug will charge, most of the vehicles we sell, at your home, overnight.

• All our cars at Auckland City Electric Vehicles are supplied with the appropriate charge cable, and depending on the vehicle type or usage, may only need to be charged twice a week – in the convenience of your home!

Testimonials 4.9 Google review Fiona M, Auckland “Originally nervous about taking the step to buy an EV - totally stoked with what I got from ACEV. The team were awesome with helping me choose the right car for me. Their ongoing customer service has been fabulous - answering any queries I have. Most importantly, I love my Leaf for so many reasons and so pleased I bought it from ACEV! Thanks guys!”

Georgia B, Auckland “Had such an amazing car buying experience with the team at ACEV, they were so thorough in explaining every feature of my car and every situation that might happen in an EV - and even sent me off with spare batteries for the key! 100% would buy here again!”

83 Barry’s Point Road, Takapuna - Just 2 minutes – North of the Bridge

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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SPOTLIGHT ON FISH KITCHEN

Go Fish this summer Fish Kitchen on Devonport Wharf celebrates their first anniversary this month

Very few – if any – Auckland restaurants sit right on the waterfront. Sure, there are the beach facing eateries and those that overlook the water from afar, but at Fish Kitchen in Devonport you can dine a metre from the ocean. Perfectly appropriate, then, that Fish serves the freshest, highest quality, locally sourced fish possible. And it’s true to say that everything here is locally-sourced - everything!

Owners Harriet and Ian live locally at Narrow Neck and Harriet went to Takapuna Grammar School just down the road. The couple also run the popular Vic Road Kitchen and set up their restaurants with the intention to work primarily with New Zealand producers and artisan suppliers. With Fish Kitchen they have taken this New Zealand preference one step further with absolutely everything in Fish Kitchen produced in New Zealand.

New mum Harriet said: "Fish Kitchen is a 100% Kiwi story. It wasn’t the easiest option as we have had to search out and source the best boutique produce and beverages New Zealand can offer.

“Even all the spirits are New Zealand produced, so some creativity has been required replicating traditional cocktails." She wouldn’t even budge for her dad Paul who suggested they 'bend the rules' to include French Champagne on the wine list. "But if we did that, we wouldn’t be true to the 100% local concept," says Harriet. "And the New Zealand produced methodes on offer at Fish Kitchen are seriously good!" She smiles, cradling four-month-old Sophia.

Running two restaurants whilst becoming first time parents during a global pandemic must have been taxing, to say the least. “It’s been interesting, that’s for sure!” Says Harriet. But her and Ian are admirably calm and confident of what they are able to achieve. "We know that many Devonport businesses are going to miss the overseas visitors this summer, but we hope both locals and visitors from outside Auckland, choose to come and spend some time in Devonport and support the local hospitality businesses."

The wharf-based restaurant boasts 270-degree views: glass doors open to a delightful deck overlooking the water towards Devonport to the north, out towards Bastion Point to the east and towards the city to the south. There could not be a better spot to enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks, upcoming America’s Cup racing (with pre-main event races starting in December), summer lunches and dinners with not one, but several stunning views.

Fish Kitchen is celebrating its first anniversary this December. A daylong birthday party on the 6th will kick things off and will feature a clam bake feast, ‘fish wing’ eating competition, oyster shucking and ideas to keep the kids as well as the adults entertained.

A year in business in 2020 is something to celebrate indeed, and the upbeat vibes that shine from Harriet and Ian tell you they’re going to make the most of the milestone.

Live music every Sunday throughout December will keep the party going all month long.

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At this time of year, they’re keen to showcase the space for New Year’s Eve and encourage readers to book early to avoid disappointment at what promises to be the pick of the places to enjoy fireworks in all directions.

The couple’s insistence on quality is as strong as their Kiwi-only ethos. Their Mount Edward wine range is available on tap and served by the carafe and glass, owing to a complex cool line system, which they had to run under the wharf. The bespoke system required an engineer to carry out painstaking work on a floating barge below the restaurant to install it. And Mount Edward isn’t your standard ‘house wine’ – it’s a high-quality Kiwi offering, with a Pinot Blanc (crisp and sauv-like) and rosé variety served perfectly cooled. There is also a popular pinot noir option available at the $8 happy hour wine (and bubbles) price, 4-6pm every day. Beyond the Mount Edward, the wine list is comprehensive and high calibre: those of you who know sister restaurant Vic Road Kitchen’s reputation for exquisite wines can expect similar here. Uniquely New Zealand spirits include Puhoi’s Batch 10 manuka smoked whisky and Central Otago’s Reid and Reid aperitivo, which is used to make Fish’s ‘Not Aperol Spritz’ local take on the now classic summer drink.

Sustainability is a must for chef Ian, with snapper and hapuka eschewed in favour of gurnard (his favourite for fish and chips), trevally and terakihi. Grilled swordfish, tua tua clams, flounder and mackerel are all usually on the menu too, catch dependent. Homemade mushy peas, Fish Kitchen slaw and smoked Kahawai mac ‘n’ cheese sit alongside the crispiest, most golden chips as sides.

Beyond fish, there are inventive chicken, beef and vegetarian burgers (such as the onion bhaji burger with curry coconut yoghurt and tamarind chutney).

And if you are a fan of bubbly, you can splash out on some of the finest New Zealand methode traditionnelle. Even French champagne connoisseurs will appreciate and enjoy the best New Zealand and Fish Kitchen can offer.

Devonport Wharf, Devonport Phone: 09 445 1777 www.fishkitchen.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

From its prime position on Devonport Wharf, Fish Kitchen is the perfectplace to experience the best harbour views in Auckland. Sit over the water and sample fresh and sustainable New Zealand seafood and produce paired with our carefully selected range of New Zealand beer and wines.

At Fish Kitchen, we are committed to only using fresh, sustainably caught seafood sourced from local suppliers using ethical fishing methods. Our fish selection changes daily depending on availability together with other fresh seafood including oysters, green-lip mussels, squid, octopus, scampi and clams. We also love showcasing the best of other produce New Zealand has to offer including Clevedon buffalo cheeses, Curious Cropper tomatoes, NZ Wagyu beef and Cardrona lamb.

And it doesn’t stop at the food.... Fish Kitchen’s fully stocked bar comprises solely New Zealand wines, beers, spirits and non alcoholic options celebrating the best beverages available from all regions of Aotearoa.

OPEN 7 DAYS OVER THE SUMMER For reservations Ph (09) 445 1777 or book online at fishkitchen.co.nz www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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TANGO'S SHOES

the

Immerse yourself in an explosion of colour, texture and high fashion style this summer.

164 Kitchener Rd, Milford 09 488 0495 www.tangosshoes.co.nz

#supportlocal

WALLACE COTTON

Summer living outdoors made easy. Brighten your outdoor space this summer with beautiful bean bags and cushions made from durable, fade resistant, easy to clean outdoor fabric.

34 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 551 7767 www.wallacecotton.com

THE SHEEPSKIN FACTORY

Merry Christmas!

Free gift wrapping and free shipping anywhere in New Zealand.

5pm Mon-Sat and 10-5pm Sunday 34 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna Ph 09 486 2679 www.thesheepskinfactory.co.nz

POSH LABELS LTD

Lula Soul embroidered dress Genuine coach bag Mi Piaci tan slides Satori tan leather belt Fabulous summer labels In store now sizes 8-20 Turn your closet into cash Exciting top quality labels 160 Kitchener Rd (down arcade) Milford, 09 489 9422

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

CRAVEHOME

Absorbent, fast drying, lightweight and comes with its own travel pouch – these awesome beach towels from Dock & Bay are one of our hot picks for gifting this year!

They don’t retain sand, come in loads of different patterns and colourways and are generously sized! See our full range online or visit our Birkenhead store.

30 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead 09 419 9535 www.cravehome.co.nz

FLORIENNE

Create magical summer ambiance for your next happening, just add flowers from Florienne.

60A Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 6438 www.florienne.co.nz

THE FAIRY LIGHT SHOP

With Christmas just around the corner….why not create a Christmas tree with fairy lights.

Come and visit us @ The Fairy Light Shop.

32D Barrys Point Road, Takapuna, 09 486 1586 thefairylightshop.com

RESENE COLORSHOP

SPERO SHOES & CLOTHES

Otama – Wildflowers by Wilson Trollope NZ Design 13a Mokoia Rd, Birkenhead speroshoes@gmail.com

Keep your colours cooler with Resene CoolColour.

If you’re planning a dark paint or stain colour outside, make sure you choose a Resene CoolColour. Resene CoolColours are made with special pigment technology that reflects more heat than the standard version of the colour keeping your paint, stain and surface cooler. Enjoy a cooler finish this summer with Resene CoolColours.

Available in a wide range of colours.

1 Auburn St, Takapuna, 09 489 1540 2 Tawa Drive, Albany, 09 414 6500 8 Croftfield Lane, Wairau Park, 09 444 4387

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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Good Flavours, Good Music, Good Vibes.

Open Monday to Sunday 7am til’ late 72 Taharoto Rd, Takapuna goodside.co.nz / @goodsideakl

THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS AT THE GOODSIDE 30

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Welcome to Goodside.

An exquisite collection of Auckland’s finest boutique food and beverage artisans, housed in a relaxed, leafy venue making it one of Auckland’s most delectable dining destinations.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Kids-only Carnival The PTA and staff of Takapuna Primary School were planning a return of the hugely successful Vintage Carnival which launched last year. It soon became clear that due to Covid-19 this would not be possible for 2020. Our kids had heard the words 'cancelled' or 'postponed' too often, so they came together to problem solve. Was there a way for them to still have their carnival, even if no one else could come in?

School Principal Devika Tagg says, “We wanted to do something special for our children that we wouldn’t need to cancel (unless we were in lockdown mode)”. They came up with the idea of an in-school Kids Only Carnival - about the kids and for the kids! An amazing moment/day to remember, especially for the Year 6 children in their last year of primary school.

The teaching staff also used the carnival day as inspiration for planning maths programmes in financial literacy and an English focus on advertising. The students got involved in planning many of the activities.

The day was filled with fun and laughter and showed a community focused on its kids. Mā te pā ka taea te whakatipu te tamaiti ~ It takes a village to raise a child. Along with the traditional carnival food (thanks to sponsors Kimberley Harpur from Harcourts Cooper & Co, New World Metro, and The Old Lolly Shop), the children enjoyed an inflatable bouncy obstacle course, races, crafts, games, a balloon room, danced and sang to a performance by The Auckland Youth Steel Orchestra, and many other exciting activities. The teachers and PTA entered into the spirit of the day and joined the children in bright fancy dress & wacky hair! Takapuna Primary values and is always looking to partner with businesses in the local community. Together we can make a difference in the lives of all the children at Takapuna Primary.

COMMUNITY EVENTS THIS MONTH CHRISMTAS @ HOLY TRINITY

What: North Shore Brass and Westlake Girls High Cantare Choir When: Saturday 5 December 7.00 pm Where: Holy Trinity Cathedral Parnell Doors sales or at www.eventfinda.co.nz

CHRISTMAS @ HOLY TRINITY North Shore Brass, North Shore Brass Academy Band and Cantare Choir from Westlake Girls High School

Saturday 5 December, 7:00 pm North Shore Brass Academy Band - Pre-concert, 6.30 pm

GARDENING: WITH NEWHAVEN GARDENS

Top tips from Amanda Graham, Newhaven Gardens.

North Shore hedge trimming, garden tidy ups, weeding and pruning.

Composting at Home

Amanda Graham.

The Compost Collective advises that "Approximately 50% of what Auckland households send to landfill is compostable material. 10% is from the garden and whopping 40% is from the kitchen. This food waste alone weighs in at about 90,000 tonnes each year. Once buried it doesn’t compost down. Compost production requires air, and there is no air in landfill.”

There is something easy we can do to help though. Instead of sending our kitchen and garden waste off to the landfill, we can simply compost it at home.

Bokashi, compost and worm farms are the three main ways to turn your food scraps into beautiful nutrient-dense compost and fertiliser to feed your plants. By adopting one (or more) of these methods you’ll not only drastically reduce your food waste but also help your garden to thrive.

Choosing the right system that suits you and learning how to use it properly is the trick.. Head on over to: https://compostcollective.org.nz/ for great info and discounts on worm fFarms, compost bins and Bokashi systems.

In the meantime here’s a short rundown on the different systems: • Bokashi can be kept in the kitchen or laundry. Empty the bin monthly by digging the food into the ground. You also get a regular supply of liquid fertiliser. Avoid adding rotten food and don't add liquids, and there will rarely be any problems. Limitations: good for food/kitchen scraps, doesn't do garden waste (lawn clippings and prunings).

• Compost bins are kept in the garden, need to aerate regularly, which is easy with a compost turner. Finished compost is taken from the opening at the bottom of the bin. Don't add meat and dairy or you'll attract mice or rats; don't add citrus or onion family.

You’ll need a mix of green and brown waste for it to work well.

Limitations: good for garden waste and chookyard rakings, limited use for food.

• Worm farm: can be kept close to the kitchen door but needs solid shade. Easy to use, just throw food in; when all trays are full, lift all trays off to remove the bottom tray and empty it. You can take worm castings when you need them, and it also gives you a liquid fertiliser continually.

Don't add meat and dairy or you'll attract mice or rats; don't add citrus or onion family.

Limitations: good for food/kitchen scraps, but doesn't do garden waste(lawn clippings and prunings).

The Cathedral of Holy Trinity , 446 Parnell Road Tickets: Adults $25/Unwaged $20 Book via eventfinda.co.nz (booking fee may applicable) Door sales available with EFTPOS In association with

Amanda Graham Ph: 09 218 9233 / 021 378969 amanda@newhavengardens.co.nz www.newhavengardens.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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ILOVETAKAPUNA: NEWS

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Talking Takapuna… your ultimate summer destination The team at I Love Takapuna hopes you all have a fantastic, safe and happy holidays, whether you’re travelling around New Zealand or having a stay-cation on the Shore.

It’s beginning to look a lot like – SUMMER! As the holiday festivities build up and then fade away we can really start to sit back, relax and enjoy this beautiful weather we’ve been having. And where better to enjoy the weather, than Takapuna of course! Takapuna is your ultimate summer destination, where you can enjoy the great beach, amazing views, scrumptious dining options, boutique shopping experience, and endless events and surprises to keep you entertained.

Forget the manic malls this silly season, and experience Christmas shopping as it should be, in your favourite beachside suburb! Whether it’s presents or holiday essentials and picnic staples you are after, Takapuna has you covered. With an amazing variety of retail brands from the chic and unique to the stylish and trendy, there’s something for everyone. There are also heaps of choices for homewares, gifts, technology, jewellery, things for the kids, activewear and swimwear and everything else you want or need. Takapuna is also home to the fantastic New World Metro Shore City, which has all your Christmas entertaining, summer grazing and picnic essentials covered – from family classics to gourmet feasts.

The best urban beach festival hits Takapuna Beach again in the new year – the Summer Days Festival is back on Saturday 23 January 2021 at Takapuna Beach Reserve.

This free community event is fun for the Festival whole family, so gather the crew and head Saturday, 23 January 2021 to the beach from 10am for family fun and FREE FREE Takapuna Beach Reserve entertainment, delicious food and drinks Featuring: s of Zion), Tobias (SonGeof and – of course – a sandcastle building f Ong Daily J and competition! We are very excited to 10am-3pm • Family activities 3pm-7pm • Live music announce our music line-up for the evening, featuring musical upcomer Geoff Ong, Aucklandbased indie sensations Daily J, and our main act – former lead singer of Kiwi treasures Sons of Zion: Tobias!

Dig out the jandals and bring a picnic or try any of the local restaurants around Taka or food trucks on site and get ready for a chill summer day at the beach. Make sure you follow our event page on Facebook (@Takapuna Beach Summer Days) for all updates and information.

America’s Cup racing events are set to begin just before Christmas and continue from late January through to March, and you can see them right off Takapuna Beach. Head down, grab some takeaways

Summer

DAYS

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

or snacks and watch the fastest yachts in the world compete live off Takapuna Beach. Check out our Beachside Grandstand event on Facebook; this will feature live music and a big screen so you can see all the racing action up close as well as from the shore.

There is also a range of events happening later this summer as part of the fantastic Waterbourne Festival. These include live music and activities running alongside America’s Cup racing, so check out www. waterbourne.co.nz for more information.

Takapuna Beach is the best place to be this summer – from sailing events, to live music, to family entertainment and the usual summer beach fun, there’s something to entertain everyone. So, dust off your jandals, apply that sunblock and see you in Takapuna!

Keep an eye out on what else is happening in town by visiting us at www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz and following us on social media @ilovetakapuna.

EVENTS – DECEMBER AND JANUARY • 5 Dec – I Love Takapuna Christmas Carnival • 7 Dec – Bruce Mason Centre: Morning Melodies – Christmas with The Royal NZ Navy Band • 12 Dec – Bruce Mason Centre: RNZB The Sleeping Beauty • 11-23 Dec – The PumpHouse: Runaway Rudolph • 11-15 Dec – The PumpHouse: Shakespeare in a Week!

• 12 Dec – Harcourts Cooper and Co. Swim the Shore • 13 Dec – Bruce Mason Centre: APO 4 Kids – Christmas with Suzy • 13 Dec – The PumpHouse: Christmas Carols in the Amphitheatre • 17-20 Dec – Beachside Grandstand • 17-20 Dec – America’s Cup World Series: Auckland and Christmas Race • 11-15 Jan – The PumpHouse: Shakespeare in a Week!

• 15 Jan – 22 Feb – America’s Cup: The Prada Cup • 23 Jan – Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival • 23 Jan – 20 Feb – The PumpHouse: Auckland Shakespeare in the Park 2021 • 29 Jan – Bruce Mason Centre: An Evening with Cowboy Junkies

Check out all the fantastic photos shared to us by fellow Takapuna lovers! Tag us @ilovetakapuna or use #ilovetakapuna on Instagram to share your pics with us.

GOLD SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Gold sponsors…

PLATINUM SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Platinum sponsors…

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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DRYCLEANING: REGAL DRYCLEANERS, TAKAPUNA

9 Ways to Revive your Wardrobe before the Festive Season With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to dust off your best bib and tucker for those special events and meetings. But what if those favourite items are looking a little bit.. Dusty? We sit down with garment aftercare expert Kate Mitchell from Regal Drycleaners on their specialty services that will bring your wardrobe back to life.

How many times have you thrown out a beloved item because it's ruined? Pause for a moment before your next disposal, and make sure it cannot be revived.

Next time you have a washing machine mishap, or get an impossible-to-remove stain don’t just give up and go shopping. If there were magical ways to fix or restore your garments that may have been ‘unwearable’, how much could this contribute to a more sustainable wardrobe and shopping choices?

Here are my nine favourite ways of breathing new life into your wardrobe, all available at our Takapuna Regal Drycleaners outlet:Colour enrichment: A colour enrichment service deepens faded colours, that may have lightened over time from washing, sunlight or just age. Colour enrichment works best on dark colours such as black, navy, forest green and maroon, and works great on silky delicate fabrics. Bring your favourite garment back to life with some fresh dark colour.

Texturiser: A softening treatment for silks and delicate fabrics, that have gone stiff from an accidental trip to the washing machine. Just because you (or your partner?) washed that expensive silk dress does not mean it’s a complete write-off. There may still be hope, and a delicate dry clean and texturiser service can re-soften fabrics back to their slinky state.

Oxy whitening treatment: The name says it all. This treatment whitens your whites again, getting rid of that odd off-white tinge that they get over time. Great for yellowed, grubby, tanned, make-up soiled garments, or just whites that have been in the wardrobe too long. This treatment can be used on all sorts of garments from blazers, to business shirts, to linen and sheets.

Deodorising: A de-smelling treatment for garments with strong odors. An oxygenation process is used in a treatment cabinet, to extract smells that will not come out in a clean. Musty, smoky, old garments can be worn again after this treatment!

Dye run treatment: How many garments have been ruined in the wash and had to be thrown out? Regal have treatments that are specifically for extracting loose dyes that may have bled through a garment.

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Kate Mitchell

Shrinkage: If something comes out of the wash a few sizes smaller, this can still be salvaged. Many fabrics have the ability to be revived, using steam relaxation techniques.

Stain removal: It sounds obvious, but we have heard too many stories about garments that were written off from mold, red wine, or worse. You would not believe what can be removed in the hands of Regal’s magicians. Even something as simple as that oily spot that will not come out no matter how many times you wash it? Hand it over to us and we will take care of it.

Using restoration treatments can renew your wardrobe and ensure your fashion choices are remaining sustainable.

Repairs and alterations: Just because something is damaged, the zip is broken, or the button fell off does not justify a shopping spree. Get it mended and back to the front of your wardrobe for wear.

Delinting and depilling: If you accidentally wash your clothes with your towels, or if your cat finds a home in your washing pile, or your knit is covered in bobbles that seem to multiply every time you try to pick them off… feel free to give us the chore of cleaning it up. We use knit combs, pumice, sweater stones, depill machines and lint rollers to reverse any frustrating lint and pills that you don’t have time to waste on.

So, don’t throw that item out yet, whether it’s been washed incorrectly and has bled or stiffened, or if something was spilt that you thought was beyond saving, or time and age have faded and discoloured. Using restoration treatments can renew your wardrobe and ensure your fashion choices are remaining sustainable.

As designer Yvonne Bennetti has said “Regal are the art restorers of the fashion world”.

Now offering free pickup and delivery for the North Shore, including Devonport, Milford and up the bays.

Regal Drycleaners Takapuna – Shore City rooftop (level 4), 52-56 Anzac St, Takapuna.

Open Monday to Friday 9am-6.30pm, Saturday 9-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.

Also at Eastridge, Ponsonby and Newmarket.

Visit: www.regaldrycleaners.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Small class sizes.

Huge opportunities!

MAKE THEIR SENIOR SCHOOL YEARS COUNT.

When it comes to making sure your teenager is in the best possible learning environment, inspiring teachers and motivated peers make all the difference.

Kristin Senior School provides:

• High quality staff in teaching, leadership, wellbeing, digital learning and other support roles

• Small class sizes (13 students on average) and state-of-theart equipment and facilities

• The choice to study NCEA or the IB Diploma Programme with

a vast range of subject options and co-curricular opportunities

• A strong focus on student wellbeing, and a positive culture of success and aspiration, and so much more!

Take a tour and see for yourself! Limited places still available for 2021.

Visit kristin.school.nz or call our Admissions Manager on 09 415 9566 ext 2324.

Kristin is located at 360 Albany Highway, Albany with dedicated buses across Auckland. www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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INTERVIEW: CRAIG INNES MERCEDES-BENZ NORTH SHORE

It is no secret that the team at Channel Magazine are excited about the future of Takapuna. The new 450 space carpark is open, Hurstmere Road is in the middle of a major upgrade and a brand new town square has been approved and development will start in the not too distant future. Takapuna also received further good news recently with Mercedes-Benz North Shore relocating their business to Takapuna. The flagship dealership will open on the space that used to be Jerry Clayton and BMW in Lake Road Takapuna in early December. They plan to be there for up to two years while they build a brand new purpose built facility – also in Takapuna – in Fred Thomas Drive, opposite Lake House Arts and the golf driving range. Channel Mag's Aidan Bennett caught up with MercedesBenz North Shore Managing Director Craig Innes to discuss this news in early November.

Mercedes-Benz returns to Takapuna

By Aidan Bennett

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Mercedes-Benz North Shore Managing Director Craig Innes outside the Lake Road site in mid November as it was starting to be transformed. The prominent Takapuna corner has been a motor vehicle dealership for many decades.

AIDAN BENNETT: So Craig, some exciting changes coming up for Mercedes-Benz North Shore. What made you choose the Fred Thomas site to build the new dealership?

CRAIG INNES: We see the Fred Thomas Drive site as the gateway to Takapuna, Milford and Devonport. This will really put us in the heart of North Shore, close to a lot of our customers, as well as providing good motorway access. We are building the new dealership as something that we feel the community can be proud of.

short period of time. But we saw the opportunity to move into the Takapuna area now as too good to turn down. Our current building in the Wairau Valley was getting old and was creating issues by not being originally designed as a car dealership. This Lake Road site in Takapuna was actually Mercedes-Benz before it was BMW; those who have been around for a while will remember that. The building has good bones, is in a prime spot and with the work we are doing to modernise it we feel it will represent Mercedes-Benz well.

AB: We are thrilled you are moving earlier to Lake Road in Takapuna. It’s great to have a vibrant business added to the mix at a time when business is tough for main street retail. Tell us why you decided on that move?

CI: It wasn’t our original intention to have two moves in a relatively

AB: Tell us about Mercedes Benz North Shore. How many of your team will be relocating to Takapuna?

CI: All of our current team will be relocating to Takapuna. Obviously, when we move from the interim site at Lake Road to the purpose built facility on Fred Thomas Drive, our footprint will be substantially

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

The building has good bones, is in a prime spot and with the work we are doing to modernise it we feel it will represent Mercedes-Benz well.

Craig Innes in the large vehicle servicing area on the Lake Road dealership site.

increasing so we will be looking to increase the size of our team building up to that. We are very fortunate to have a great team and can offer so many people the opportunity to grow within our company. Our people are very important to us and these exciting projects will create even more opportunities for them.

AB: When are you expecting to open your doors in Lake Road, Takapuna, and how long are you expecting to be on that site before you open the brand new dealership in Fred Thomas Drive?

CI: We are planning to open the doors in the first half of December and to stay there for up to two years.

AB: I understand there are some exciting new Mercedes Benz releases coming up and some new arrivals at the dealership already. What excites you most about the Mercedes Benz brand at the moment?

CI: The technology in our new vehicles is what currently excites me the most. I would like to invite anyone who is not familiar with our MBUX infotainment system into the dealership to experience it for themselves and you will understand what I am meaning.

(Note: Short for Mercedes-Benz User Experience, MBUX uses AI to learn the driver's behaviour, is highly customisable, and works to adapt to and anticipate the user's needs.)

AB: You guys are very involved in the community. No doubt this helps with customer loyalty. What are your key community focuses at the moment?

CI: Yes, we enjoy our community involvement and I think the fact that we are locally owned and operated does help with this. We are proud sponsors of the Ronald McDonald House, the Institute of Golf which

The Fred Thomas Drive site by the roundabout, where the new Mercedes-Benz North Shore dealership will open in 2023/24.

is based in Albany, Christmas by the Lake held at Sylvan Park, Milford Business Association, XDL Long Drive Championship and many other school and community events.

AB: I know you love living on the North Shore. How long have you been here and what do you love most about our little slice of paradise?

CI: I moved to the North Shore in 2015 and into our current home in Milford during 2017. I love living in the Milford and Takapuna area. We can just walk to the shops or to Takapuna. With the great beaches, the lake, the lovely parks and great walks there is always something to do.

AB: What will the Innes family be doing for a Christmas/New Year break this year?

CI: Hopefully we will be all moved into the new dealership at Lake Road so we can keep our plans to visit family in the Waikato for Christmas and then heading to Taupo in early January for a camping holiday.

Mercedes-Benz North Shore. Phone 09 443 3808, Craig Innes Phone 027 801 4869 or email: cinnes@mbns.co.nz Visit: www.mbnorthshore.co.nz

UNTIL DECEMBER AT: 145 Diana Drive, Wairau Valley | 09 443 3808 | info@mbns.co.nz FROM MID DECEMBER: 445 Lake Road, Takapuna Beach | 09 443 3808 | info@mbns.co.nz While we’re building our brand new purpose built home in Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna - opening 2022.

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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•

Discover the GLA and GLB. All kinds of strength.

Playing to their strengths is something our SUVs do exceptionally well. Like the compact, agile GLA that’s designed to be the perfect urban companion. Or the versatile GLB, with 7 seats and room for more freedom, more flexibility and more family time.

These outstanding SUVs are now stronger than ever. Discover yours at Mercedes-Benz North Shore today. www.mbnorthshore.co.nz

GLA 200 From

$72,990

* +ORC

• Sports Package • Seat Comfort Package • MBUX Multimedia System

GLB 200 From

$76,990

* +ORC

• Sports Package • Seat Comfort Package • MBUX Multimedia System

*Offer valid for vehicles ordered and delivered between 24 November 2020 and 31 December 2020 at Mercedes-Benz North Shore. Not available in conjunction with any other offers. While stocks last.

Pricing excludes on road costs, metallic paint and any additional vehicle options.

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Mercedes-Benz North Shore 145 Diana Drive, Wairau Valley, Auckland | 09 443 3808 | www.mbnorthshore.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS: SECRET KIWI KITCHEN

The local secret to success in the kitchen! Local Online Business: Secret Kiwi Kitchen If you haven’t tried Secret Kiwi Kitchen’s artisan baking mixes yet, you are missing out!

Local Shore duo Lauren 'Lulu' Taylor and Clare Gallagher dreamed up the idea after Covid-19 hit. With a background Secret Kiwi Kitchen founders in digital marketing, Clare Gallagher and Lauren Lulu Taylor. hospitality and food, it was only a matter of time before the ladies tackled something like this with the online element an important part of the business strategy. After the first lockdown, Lulu lost her job; while she was pondering what was next Clare asked if she wanted to start a fudge sauce business. Both passionate foodies and with seven kids between them, Lulu and Clare took a leap of faith and launched Secret Kiwi Kitchen around the same time as the August lockdown in Auckland to brighten the spirits of the local community. Their products are now stocked in a variety of local stores as well as online. Lulu talks to Channel Mag's Aidan Bennett about launching an online business, the huge importance of community and why they are so passionate about their delicious homegrown offering.

AIDAN BENNETT: What is your website/product about in a nutshell?

Lauren Lulu Taylor: We sell all-natural, one-bowl artisan baking mixes and dessert sauces including Marshmallow Fluff. We like to think of ourselves as people’s secret kitchen allies, making it easy to make and share baked goods and sweet treats.

AB: What’s your background in business? Do you have experience in running an online business?

LLT: Prior to Secret Kiwi Kitchen, I was a digital marketer working to support businesses primarily in the hospitality industry. Having spent many years advising people and companies on their digital (online) strategies, I'm excited about the opportunity to focus on launching an artisan food company. Clare, my co-founder and partner, previously owned Waiheke Fudge which she successfully built from scratch and sold in 2017. Clare sold her fudge both online and in stores throughout New Zealand.

AB: What are the other brands you look up to in the food and online space, and why do you admire them?

LLT: Many of the brands that we deeply admire are actually Shore brands! We are so lucky to have so many top-notch companies that were lovingly created here in own our back yard. One of the companies that really inspired us early on was Best Bone Broth owned

by Devonport locals Derek and Kate Moffat. We love the fact that like us they started their dream business in their own kitchen cooking for their family and friends, and now their amazing products are in over 180 stores around New Zealand. Right from the beginning, Kate encouraged us and shared invaluable tips that helped propel us to grow smarter and faster. Another incredible Shore business is Lupchoo Nitro Cold Brew started by Devonport local Nicole Fougère. We are a part of a meet-up and Facebook group of Shore locals in the food and beverage space with both Nicole and Kate. We get together and share our challenges and tips, it’s extremely helpful having support from people in the industry.

AB: What is your favourite product in your range and why?

LLT: We are really excited about creating and sharing our Marshmallow Fluff sauce. For those of your readers who don’t know what it is, it’s our interpretation of the cult American favourite by the same name…. Our kids think Secret Kiwi Kitchen’s might be even better! We add a pinch of New Zealand sea salt and real Tongan vanilla extract so it has a uniquely Kiwi flair. Fluff is essentially a molten marshmallow sauce or liquid pavlova. It’s super fun because you can do so many creative things with it like use it as an icing, make instant s’mores and fluffernutters (peanut and fluff sandwiches). Best of all, you can torch it like a meringue topping. We are also really proud of our baking mixes and the fact that we are able to make home baking an easy and fun experience for everyone. We’re thrilled when we hear stories of kids cooking treats for their sports teams all on their own or people making birthday cakes with our mixes for the first time ever.

We also think it’s important to have a local option for baking mixes that are made with primarily New Zealand ingredients. It seems crazy to us that so many mixes are imported with ingredients like American milk powder and GMO flour when New Zealand produces some of the finest ingredients in the world.

AB: What has been your biggest learning so far on your journey in online retail?

LLT: Our biggest learning is don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many incredible people here in New Zealand both online and physically in our communities that are willing to help and that help can mean a world of difference to a young company.

AB: Do you have any advice for other Shore people wanting to begin an online business?

LLT: Yes, reach out and connect with people. Honestly, we owe so much of our success to the local community. Right from the beginning, we reached out to neighbours and locals in person and through social media to share our business journey. We had neighbours taste testing and giving feedback before we launched. Their encouragement and support have been invaluable. These days, in particular, people want to support local and that is an incredible opportunity for businesses just starting out. The local support we have received has extended beyond neighbours becoming invaluable customers to also include Shore business people advising and encouraging us. We have had CEOs of companies and successful business people willing to give us advice and nurture us because we are a local business and local people. One of the best things about living and working on the Shore is that we have access to so many people with incredible success stories that are willing to share their learnings.

AB: How can Channel readers purchase your range?

LLT: On our website www.SecretKiwikitchen.com is the place to buy our mixes; we offer free delivery to the North Shore. We are adding new stockists daily (check our website) but some of the stores that carry our products include Smith & Caughey (online & Queen Street store), New World Shore City and Devonport, and Fresh Market Devonport and Hauraki.

Visit: www.Secretkiwikitchen.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/SecretKiwiKitchen Instagram: @SecretKiwikitchen https://www.instagram.com/ secretkiwikitchen

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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Photograph by John Crawford.

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

TAKAPUNA NORTH COMMUNITY NEWS: WITH SARAH THORNE

By Sarah Thorne Takapuna North Community Coordinator

We have December and January covered

By Claire Bellingham, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist

Sarah Thorne

Here’s what you can get involved with during December and January. All events are Covid restriction dependant. For up-todate information, please check our Facebook page or website.

Join us for free Summer Fun Preschool Play. Summer Fun takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am-noon at various reserve locations in Takapuna, Milford, Forrest Hill and Sunnynook. We bring a van load of preschool toys to your local park. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow parents and caregivers. No need to book and free to attend. To download a timetable in English or simplified Chinese, visit www.takapunatrust.org.nz and click on the Summer Fun button. Caregiver supervision is required. Summer Fun will take a break after 16th December but we will be back in parks from 6th January 2021.

Young Designers’ and Creators’ Market, The Meadow, Smales Farm, Sunday 6th December, 2-6pm A market for young people aged 12-25 to sell their creations and to showcase their performing arts skills. We expect to have over 40 stalls of incredible work by young people along with wonderful music by extremely talented young buskers as well as food trucks and information stalls. You are invited to attend to shop, eat and be entertained. If you're a creative young person who would like to book a free stall or register to busk, please visit the website www.creativeyouthnz.blogspot.com. We welcome applications from young people aged between 12-25.

We expect to have over 40 stalls of incredible work by young people along with wonderful music…

Join us on Thursday 10th December, 5-6.30pm for the Sunnynook Christmas Wheels Trail. Dress up yourself and your wheels in a Christmas theme and come along to the park for an evening of fun activities, games and treats. Decorate a paper bag at Sunnynook Community Centre and then complete the challenges around the park before returning to the Sunnynook Community Centre to claim your treats. Free bike repair station, sausage sizzle and face painting. Thanks to Waka Kotahi for sponsoring this event.

All of our events will have full health and safety plans and Covid-19 policies in procedures in place.

Where can you find out more about what’s happening?

Visit www.takapunatrust.org.nz or Facebook.com/takapunanorthtrust Search up “Hauraki, Takapuna, Milford, Forrest Hill, Castor Bay & Sunnynook residents” on Facebook or type in www.facebook.com/groups/TakapunaNorth/ to find it.

Phone Sarah Thorne (Takapuna North Community Coordinator) on 029 2012975 or email: office@takapunatrust.org.nz

Supported by:

HEALTH AND FITNESS WITH CLAIRE BELLINGHAM, LES MILLS TAKAPUNA

Keeping your routine going

Claire Bellingham

The first week of December is generally the beginning of the end as far as routine and predictability goes. However this year routine and predictability went out the window in March. It’s impossible to know what combination of Christmas chaos and Covid chaos we’ll be experiencing this summer.

Mental resilience is the ability to adapt to adverse conditions – it comes from your brain but is heavily influenced by your body. The brain is the most energy-hungry organ in the body. To function optimally it needs plenty of oxygen and glucose, which are provided by blood that flows into the brain via arteries and capillaries. Exercise increases the density and size of brain capillaries, which in turn increases blood flow to the brain. So exercise can enhance your ability to learn and grow over a variety of dimensions.

Firstly, exercise increases blood flow to the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a part of the brain that’s particularly receptive to new neuron growth in response to exercise. It’s the hub of learning and memory, so the more efficiently it functions the easier it is to retain information. The hippocampus naturally shrinks with age, but studies have shown that regular exercise can curb this shrinkage, significantly reducing cognitive decline.

The second way exercise helps you learn and grow is by improving your brain’s executive function. Cognitive control means you can process information, set goals, make plans and organise yourself to achieve them. Inhibition control means it’s easier to discipline yourself to do the things you know you want to do, such as continue to exercise. When your brain is operating efficiently you don’t have to work as hard to summon willpower. It’s easier to make swift effective choices and balance the triangle between work, family and health through the festive frenzy.

The third brain benefit of exercise is stress management. Exercise moderates the negative effects of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Over-secretion of these hormones slows down all parts of the brain, which means that stress can feed on itself to put you into a downward spiral. It’s hard to learn and grow when your body and mind feels under siege. The more effectively you can use exercise to manage stress, the easier it is to focus on other foundation habits such as restful sleep and energising food choices.

This year I learned a lot more about another brain benefit of exercise. In October I sustained a concussion which is a head injury affecting brain function. I was prescribed a programme by an exercise physiologist specialising in concussion recovery. Appropriate exercise stimulates the production of chemicals that promote cell growth and neuroplasticity. One example is the protein BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). It increases synaptic plasticity, improving communication between cells in the brain. Basically it helps you learn to tie your shoelaces again. And, it seems, submit an article to Channel magazine.

I’ve been writing about the benefits of movement for a long time and I’ve never been more evangelical about it than I am today. If you’re in good enough health to exercise, then you’re very fortunate.

Many people around the world are suffering with illness and would give anything to be in your shoes. Cherish your health, your family and all your blessings this Christmas.

Les Mills Takapuna, Rooftop Level, Shore City, Takapuna 0800 LES MILLS lesmills.co.nz clairebellingham.co.nz claire@clairebellingham.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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SHORE PEOPLE: SIMON WATTS MP

Simon Watts – Getting to know our new MP for North Shore Shore People: New North Shore MP Simon Watts sits down with Channel to talk summer plans, representing the community and what he loves about our local area.

Simon Watts is our new National Party Member of CM: What are your family’s plans for summer?

Parliament for North Shore, with the former CFO SW: We will have a pretty typical summer holiday: winning the seat, vacated by Maggie Barry, in plenty of time at the beach, barbecues and the recent election. Simon is new to politics, enjoying the coastal playground that we have he's had a long career in finance and has lived on our doorstep. Holidays are about family and and worked abroad. Since his return to New I’m looking forward to having some quality time Zealand, Simon’s worked in heath focused with them. I’ll also do a few volunteer ambulance roles (most recently as the Deputy Chief shifts over the break here on the Shore.

Financial Officer at the Waitemata District Health Board) and he also volunteers for St CM: The Shore has some special spots; where John as a frontline ambulance officer. Simon is are your favourites and why?

Simon and Shannon Watts married to Shannon and they have two schoolSW: My favourite spots are our amazing beaches such with their two sons. aged sons. We put a few questions to Simon about as Narrow Neck and Campbell’s Bay as my boys love his introduction into politics, representing the people of playing on the rocks and swimming.

North Shore and about his summer plans.

CM: Do you have a favourite place for a meal on the Shore?

Channel Mag: Congrats on your election win. How are you settling SW: Regatta is a favourite with the family, Fantail and Turtle with friends, into the role?

Papermoon for brunch and Stanley Avenue Bistro on the weekend. We Simon Watts: It’s a surreal feeling when you walk into parliament have so many great hospitality spots here on the Shore – we’re very for the first time. However, that quickly transitions to the job at hand spoilt. which is representing the North Shore. My local team are in place, my Takapuna office is operating and we are already dealing with CM: How does your family celebrate Christmas? constituent local issues such as immigration and housing. I’ve enjoyed SW: We have a pretty typical family Christmas which will involve a bbq, the role so far and it reminds me daily what an honour it is to represent my mum's famous pavlova roll, presents for the kids and secret Santa for the people of the North Shore as their MP. the adults and then a walk along the beach while a few family members (who will remain anonymous, aka Dad) snooze on the sofa – we have a CM: What are you most looking forward to when it comes to close family and Shannon and I are hosting everyone at our place here representing the people of North Shore? on the Shore this year.

SW: Advocating for local issues that matter, including the reinstatement of the Stanley Bay ferry to reduce congestion, pushing to continue CM: What are your hobbies and interests away from politics? works on Hurstmere Road as delays cost our businesses millions, SW: With two young boys, our weekends involve anything that’s maximising the benefits of the America's Cup on the Shore, helping outdoors and active. During the summer it's bike rides, swimming, people stranded overseas wanting to return home and attending local surfing, tennis and kicking a ball. In 2021 the boys and I are also learning school assemblies – we have amazing young people here. My portfolio to sail so watch out Team New Zealand! areas include ACC and Associate Health so I’m ready to contribute my real-world experience down in Wellington and up here on the Shore.

CM: Is there anything you miss about living overseas?

SW: I miss travelling to new places, visiting friends and experiencing different cultures. I also miss the hustle of big cities after living in London for nearly 10 years. I wouldn’t trade the Shore for anything though, there’s no place like home.

CM: If you could have dinner with a few notable people throughout history, who would they be and why?

SW: I’d invite Sir Peter Blake, President Obama, Princess Diana and my grandmother Lilly who was a nurse in WW2 and died when I was very young.

CM: Do you have any books, TV shows or movies on your list for the summer holidays?

SW: I’ll be reading American Icon which is about the Ford Motor Group and of course the parliamentary standing orders!

Simon Watts, getting to work as North Shore's new voice in Wellington.

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

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www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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SUMMERNOVA FESTIVAL ON THE SHORE

Takapuna and Devonport’s big summer for the 36th America’s Cup

North Shore features strongly in Auckland’s new Summernova festival

After the year we've had everyone will be looking forward to a great summer. A summer with lots of sunshine, fun and events. We’ve got good news – courtesy of being the ‘grandstand’ for the America’s Cup, the Shore is going to be a buzzing place in summer 2020/2021, with lots happening for people of all ages.

This is a big summer all round for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – with the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA being just the start of the action.

There’s an exciting new festival, Summernova, wrapping around the 36th America’s Cup from December through to March, with a good number of events happening right here on the Shore – in Takapuna and Devonport.

A driving force behind Summernova, which is being championed

by Auckland Council and Auckland Unlimited (formerly ATEED), is to create unique opportunities for people to participate in and enjoy the

festive atmosphere. The city has partnered with some of the region’s leading event organisers and community groups, including the talented people behind Rhythm and Vines, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Highlife New Year’s Eve, and Fiesta del Sol. This result is a dynamic line up of food and wine festivals, sporting spectaculars, arts and cultural showcases, live musical performances and much more. Something for the whole family.

“Summer is calling, and Auckland is definitely the place to be,” says Steve Armitage, Auckland Unlimited’s GM, Destination. “It’s no secret it’s been a tough year for everyone, and our tourism and events industry has been hit particularly hard. We want to use this summer as a chance to come together and encourage Aucklanders and visitors to make the most of our stunning region. We are grateful to be in a position to host an international event on the scale of the 36th America’s Cup and as host city have developed an exciting summer of events and activations around this through Summernova.”

36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA – The programme of racing:December 17th-20th First up, the America’s Cup World Series Auckland, racing for the Christmas Cup. This event will see all three challengers take on defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the first regatta of the racing cycle in New Zealand.

January 15th to 22nd February Next up, the PRADA Cup will see challengers face off for the chance to battle Defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the 36th America’s Cup Match.

March 6th to 21st The final event, the 36th America's Cup Match will see the defender take on the winner of the PRADA Cup in an epic battle to keep - or claim - the America's Cup.

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Local North Shore Summernova events and activities that coincide with the 36th America’s Cup programme are as follows:

Love Your Maunga ki Maungauika - Maungauika / North Head, Devonport – December 17th-20th You won’t find a better race day vantage point and festival atmosphere than Maungauika / North Head maunga. Delivered by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, the event is a celebration of the rich cultural history of this taonga, brought to life through art installations, performance, guided hikoi (walks), kai (food), and more. The event will return for the March race days. www.loveyourmaunga.nz

I Love Takapuna Beachside Grandstand – December 17th-20th Head down to Takapuna Beach’s Gould Reserve (The Strand) to watch the fastest yachts in the world compete from the best seats in the house! Pick your spot on Takapuna's natural grandstand to enjoy live music and entertainment, then watch the yacht racing on the big screen, and finish off your evening with more sweet tunes.

Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival, Smales Farm – Saturday February 13th Sunsetter will feature some of the best international and local acts, New Zealand wineries and craft breweries, popular eateries, spectacular performers and more in a unique urban environment, transforming Smales Farm into an atmosphere like no other!

Well-known Takapuna local Adam Bennett of High Life Entertainment is organising this event and is excited about 2021 being part of Summernova. "We are excited to be partnering with Summernova to bring back our annual Sunsetter Festival to Smales Farm. We have an incredible line up of fantastic live music, amazing local food and beverages on offer that you won’t find at other festivals.”

The Sunsetter music line up for 2021 includes: Stellar, Automatic 80s, LatinAotearoa Clicks, Samson live, The Rvmes, General Lee, Tim Phin, Grant Marshall, Karn Hall, DJ Reminise, Wattson, Warren Duncan, Lewis McCallum, and, Izak Chads.

Wine, champagne, beer and food providers participating are:Man O' War Vineyards, Cloudy Bay Vineyards, SOHO Wines, Leftfield Wines, Astrolabe Wines, Obsidian Wines, Indian Summer - Waiana Estate, Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Garage Project, Epic Beer, Deep Creek Brewing Company, Hallertau Brewery, Sawmill Brewery, Iconic Eats, El Humero, Urban Escargot, SOHO Kitchen, Double Dutch Fries, Vintage Market Deli, Hapunan, Lulus, Mr Tankas, Napoli Central, Vege Bang Bang, and Sweet as Crepes.

Visit: www.sunsetterfestival.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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SUMMERNOVA FESTIVAL ON THE SHORE

Waterbourne Beach Festival, Takapuna Beach – February 27th through to March 21st Embark on a journey of memorable experiences and world-class entertainment at Waterbourne, New Zealand’s biggest beach festival taking place at Takapuna Beach Reserve from late February through to the completion of the 36th America's Cup. A sustainable festival, Waterbourne will have live music, professional sports, cultural experiences, premium food and beverage and more. Soak it all in while protecting and rebuilding Aotearoa’s coastline.

There will be 11 music days and nights. Seven are free, and four are ticketed. These will include a bumper line-up of some of New Zealand's hottest new and classic talent.

The four special ticketed events are: • SSaturday February 27th: Featuring Ki Tātahi Day Kings, Ria Hall, Neko; • Friday March 5th: Featuring Waterbourne Sunset Sounds Hollie Smith, Tami Neilson, Anna Coddington, LAIIKA; • Saturday March 13th: Featuring Big Beach Day SACHI, Goodshirt, Theia, Dual, Marlins Dreaming, Sunshine Soundsystem, High Hoops, Paige; • Friday March 19th: Featuring Friday with Dave Dave Dobbyn, Ashley Alexander, Abby Wolfe.

Event organiser Laurence Carey says Waterbourne is the only festival of its kind, celebrating New Zealand’s passion for water sports, music and beach culture.

“Our vision is a sustainable beach festival which not only encourages the protection of New Zealand's coastlines and oceans but helps regenerate them. We intend to educate people on sustainability and water safety, while providing memorable experiences both on land and on the water. There is no event of its kind in New Zealand which enables people to participate in sports and activities or simply watch from shoreline with iconic Kiwi musicians like Dave Dobbyn or SACHI setting the beach vibe."

Other key events during the Waterbourne Festival at Takapuna Beach include:

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Our vision is a sustainable beach festival which not only encourages the protection of New Zealand's coastlines and oceans but helps regenerate them.

• Waterbourne Windsurfing, Windfoiling & Kitefoiling Champs – Saturday February 27th and Sunday February 28th.

• Free Beach Themed Movies on the big screen – Monday and Tuesday nights.

• Oceanbridge Beach Clean-Ups (Takapuna Beach & Wairau Estuary) – Saturday March 6th, 10am. Join in for either the Takapuna Beach or Wairau Estuary clean ups.

• Fun Run and Walk (Stepping Into Sustainability) – Sunday 7th March. Entry fee donated to a charity focused on coastal and marine conservation. An event to suit all ages and abilities. 2km Beach Run/Walk; 4km Beach Run/Walk; 8km Beach Run/Walk. All start and finish at Takapuna Beach.

• Paddle Ninja Games – Friday 12th March. This is paddle-boarding with a twist. We’ve all seen extreme sports shows and obstacle courses on TV. Do you think you have the speed to win? The balance to stay on your board? The agility to conquer the obstacles? Finish, flop or fail, this challenge provides entertainment for those participating and those watching.

• New Zealand Paddle Boarding Nationals – Friday March 12th, Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th. Sprint, Distance, and Technical Championships.

• Popsicle Sand Castle Competition – Sunday 14th March, 2pm. The Tip Top sandcastle building competition on Takapuna beach calls for extreme creations, beautiful structures and people of all ages. It will be split into two categories, the adults' section and the children's section.

A full calendar of events available at www.waterbourne.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Devonport Waterfront events – Weekends of March 5th, 6th, 7th and March 12th, 13th, 14th Devonport will be one of the pumping vantage points for the 36th America's Cup. Combine the sensational viewing and historic cultural setting that is Maungauika (North Head) with Devonport Village and you get something very special.

The Devonport Waterfront Festival is being held at Windsor Reserve (by the shops, sea and wharf) during the first two weekends of the finals on the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Devonport waterfront will come alive with a big screen showing all the 36th America’s Cup racing action, live music, local food, workshops, performances from mana whenua, story time for tamariki and so much more. The event is being hosted by the Devonport Business Association with all local businesses encouraged to be part of the festive action.

Other non-North Shore events in the Summernova Festival include…

Satellite show of Toi tū Toi ora, Britomart, 5 Dec – 31 March 2021 In the heart of Britomart, this is the official satellite show of Auckland Art Gallery’s renowned Toi tū Toi ora, the largest exhibition of contemporary Māori art in New Zealand in almost 20 years.

Summer Festival at the Village, Howick Historical Village, Dec – 31 March 2021 Venture back in time and experience life in Auckland during the 1800s at the Howick Historical Village, with special programming designed for an exciting and educational summer experience.

Louis Baker & APO, 11 February 2021 Singer-songwriter Louis Baker will fuse his signature style of modern soul with the symphonic power of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) for a one-off show at Auckland Town Hall in February.

Island Time on Motutapu. 27 February Island Time on Motutapu is a chance to eat, drink and dance in a unique and exclusive island setting this summer.

Young at Art, throughout Auckland, 21 Feb – 21 March 2021 Art lovers will be able to see a regional showcase of emerging youth talent, including a creative array of performances from young musicians, artists, poets, writers and more at creative hubs all over Auckland.

The 119th Helensville Show, Helensville 27 Feb 2021.

An annual event with a serious legacy, the Helensville Show will draw visitors and competitors from around Auckland and New Zealand to experience world-class displays, entertainment, hospitality, retail and more.

Summer in the Eastern Bays (multiple dates, Feb – March 2021).

Tāmaki Drive and beyond will come alive with local business communities and cultural associations hosting activities, market days, and ‘have a go’ opportunities at a range of sporting clubs in Örakei and the Eastern Bays.

L.A.B., Mount Smart Stadium (27 March 2021) One of New Zealand's hottest acts. See L.A.B joined by a range of New Zealand’s finest, including Mako Road, Ladi6, Ria Hall & The Leers.

For more information on the Auckland-wide Summernova programme visit: www.summernova.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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SHORE PEOPLE: LOCAL SAILOR ANDY MALONEY

Te Rehutai, Emirates Team NZ's new boat that will defend the America's Cup.

Catching up with Emirates Team NZ's Andy Maloney Andy Maloney is gearing up to sail in the next AB: 2020 has been a different sort of year America’s Cup regatta hosted here in Auckland hasn’t it? How has the year changed your in March. Andy is from the Shore, hailing from plans? the Murrays Bay Sailing Club and has spent AM: A lot has changed this year. Like most of his life sailing in the Laser class. He everyone else, we’ve had to be pretty was part of the victorious New Zealand flexible with our plans. For myself, we Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Team in 2013 obviously experienced the same Level and joined Emirates Team New Zealand Four lockdown that the rest of New sailing team in 2016 for the 35th America’s Zealand did. I used that time to make Cup and was a key member of the winning some good fitness gains on the grinding crew. He's again part of the Emirates Team machine and refresh a little bit as well. Josh New Zealand crew for the 36th America’s Junior and myself had a few trips planned Cup and defence of the auld mug early next overseas competing in the Finn Olympic Andy Maloney enjoying year. In early 2020 he was preparing for the class dinghy which all got put on hold in March, his work on the Emirates Team NZ sailing team.

Olympics in Tokyo ahead of the America’s Cup, but a week before we were about to fly out to Spain. plans changed like many others this year due to the Now we are looking forward to the Olympic Games pandemic. Andy chats to Channel Mag's Aidan Bennett about being held in 2021. the build-up for the Cup, his career in sailing and pivoting in 2020!

AB: What do your summer plans look like?

AIDAN BENNETT: How’s the build-up to the America’s Cup going AM: With boat two just launching, it’s going to be all about sailing. for you and the team?

Learning our race boat inside and out, perfecting our manoeuvres ANDY MALONEY: The build-up is flying by. We’re happy with the and getting ready to defend the Cup in March. decisions we’ve made along the way as a team. Everyone is putting in a huge effort right now as we launch our race boat (boat two) and that’s AB: What do you enjoy doing away from sailing? really exciting. In December we’ll be racing the Christmas Cup, which AM: Hanging out with family and friends. Heading to the beach for a is key for us as it will be our only real racing we do before the America’s stroll or if there’s time I really like getting out on the Gulf on a day off.

Cup itself in March.

AB: Favourite place to sail and why?

AB: This is your second America’s Cup; how does the build up AM: I’d have to say Auckland. You can sail off the North Shore or in compare with the first one? the Harbour and get the full range of conditions. I enjoy sailing on AM: Last Cup I was super fortunate to join the team only a year out the Hauraki Gulf the most though; the northern side of Rangitoto is a from racing in Bermuda. It was a whirlwind experience and I just took pretty cool piece of water. it all on with a real focus on being able to execute my role on the boat.

I was new to the high speed, foiling boats and it was an exciting, steep AB: Favourite local shore spot and why? learning curve. This time, being involved from the start and through the AM: I enjoy the Milford to Takapuna coastal walk. It’s pretty relaxing entire development and design phase has been awesome; it’s given me on a Sunday to stroll along there and see the Gulf, plus it’s flat so I a much better understanding of why certain paths have been chosen don’t get too tired on a day off! and key decisions that have been made.

AB: Do you have any advice for young Shore people with sailing AB: What does it mean to you to have the America’s Cup and America’s Cup ambitions? happening in your home city?

AM: Just enjoy sailing with your mates and see where it takes you.

AM: It’s pretty cool to see it all coming together here in Auckland. It’s Keep trying to learn as much as you can along the way. going to be fun racing in front of all of our friends, family and supporters here in New Zealand. It’s going to be special racing the Cup on the Good luck for the America’s Cup Regatta Andy and ETNZ from same waters we’ve grown up training on. the Channel Mag team and all our readers!

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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CHANNEL YOUTH FEATURE

Summer

ON THE

Shore

Summer fun with the family What better way to end a crazy year than to celebrate the arrival of summer and make the most of the warm months ahead? I’ve put together some inspiration for family activities during the holidays, to make sure everyone is lapping up the sunshine and having a ball.

1. Local bars with entertainment for the kids. There are plenty of great local spots that cater to families, so you can enjoy an afternoon drink or two and not have to worry about the kids moaning to go home. A quick Google search will bring up the best spots in your area that have playgrounds on the premises or live music during the day for the perfect summer afternoon.

2. Why not spend a day getting artsy in the outdoors? There are limitless opportunities to whip up hours of fun - while also encouraging the kids to put down the devices and get some wellneeded vitamin D. Try your hand at painting your view with some cheap watercolours, get out the colouring books and pencils, or use leaves and sticks that are lying around to create some crafts with nature. The kids can get creative with rock painting, and come up with impressive designs that they can showcase in the garden.

Even pressing flowers makes for a good quality bonding activity, and it guarantees something to look forward to when the final press is revealed a week later.

3. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Kiwi summer without heading out to the beach for a day.

Why not explore a local beach you haven’t been to for a while or pack up for a day trip to one you’ve never visited before?

Here are a few tips for a seamless beach day when the kids are in tow: • Take water bottles filled with frozen water in the car, so there is always cold water at the ready.

• Set timers on your phone for sunscreen application so the kids don’t risk a nasty sunburn – and have baby wipes at the ready to wipe off the sand before the sunscreen goes on again.

• Make sure you have something for shade, snacks ready to go, and beach toys are always a great idea to keep the kids entertained as you soak up the sun!

4. Go local! Camping makes for great family fun and there are loads of ideal spots just around the corner. There are a few beautiful regional parks that offer camping either free or at a lower price, as long as you book on the council website.

Plus, you’re usually minutes away from the beach!

5. Water fun at home is completely do-able if you don’t have a pool. Water slides are bound to conjure up some giggles – a good old makeshift one with the tarp and some dishwashing liquid was a favourite from my childhood. Water balloons and water guns are also great for a hot summer’s day. Or my favourite way to cool down as a kid – and probably the easiest to set up – was to fill up a regular sized balloon with water and play

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Your monthly Channel Youth column from Jessy Thurston.

Jessy Thurston

catch with it until it burst on someone. This kept my sister and I entertained for hours, and we gradually ended up playing while bouncing on the trampoline for an added level of challenge.

6. There are so many great bush walks in the area, especially on the Shore. Why not explore your backyard even more and set out for a day to get amongst the beautiful native flora and fauna. The kids can get a bit of exercise and tire themselves out, while also searching for birds in the treetops. My family and I used to walk through Smith's Bush in Northcote during the holidays, and I still remember the excitement of walking around the track, counting the numbers as we passed them, and catching a glimpse of the birds as they sang from the branches.

7. Visit a farmers' market and get some ingredients to make something delicious at home – fruit dipped in chocolate is always a hit. The kids can get creative with mixing dark and white chocolate to make their own designs and look forward to eating their creations. It’s even better if the fruit is fresh and has been grown locally!

8. A pack of chalk and a pavement makes for a brilliant canvas. And the best part - it washes off so you can start all over again! Try incorporating games like tic tac toe or hopscotch into the mix, or just let the kids go wild all over the driveway - either way, it’ll get them outside and in touch with their creative side.

There are so many great bush walks in the area, especially on the Shore. Why not explore your backyard even more and set out for a day to get amongst the beautiful native flora and fauna.

9. Head down to a local stream and let the kids make an ecosystem jar. Just fill a container with rocks, moss, sticks and water from the stream and keep it on the windowsill at home. After a few days the water will clear up and the miniscule creatures will be swimming around - a great way to bring nature into the home and observe the changes that take place!

10. Lastly, a photo scavenger hunt is a perfect way to give the kids something to do when it’s nice outside. Give them a list of things they must find around the garden (feathers, snails) and send them out with a camera to hunt away and take pictures of everything before they come back to show you all the treasures they’ve found.

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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SUMMER FUN: SUMMER ON THE SHORE

Summer

ON THE

Shore

Enjoy local this summer

Christine Young highlights the many things to do and see on the North Shore in Summer 2020/21 We may not be able to travel overseas this summer, but there’s plenty to do right around the country – and a slew of events and activities if you opt for a staycation on the Shore. Make the most of summer and the outdoors exploring the North Shore’s walking tracks, beaches and cycle ways, or by using your local park for a picnic. In between, make sure you get out and support our local events and hospitality venues.

You can start with Takapuna Beach Business Association’s annual I Love Takapuna Christmas Carnival on Saturday 5th December. It’s free and it’s a great day out for all ages: family-oriented fun from 10am-4pm with interactive performances and kids’ entertainment and activities, alongside some wonderful boutique craft, food and beverage market stalls. Live music starts at 4pm; the stalls remain open until 8pm.

On the same day, Browns Bay holds the “biggest little Christmas Parade” in Auckland. Join the fun from 5-6.30pm. Or look out for the Devonport, Birkenhead or other local parades by following community or business association Facebook pages.

A week later, on 12th December, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra celebrates Christmas with a special concert for young children: APO 4 Kids Christmas with Suzy. Suzy Cato, of course, wellknown for her time on tv, and a long-time North Shore local.

For shoppers, the mantra to follow is shop local. Your local retailers have had a tough year, and there’s no better way to ensure they’re there to serve you next year than to shop with them this year. Or support local crafts people and traders as the regular markets all gear up pre-Christmas, to help with last minute gift giving. Try the regular weekly Takapuna or Browns Bay markets, the Devonport Craft Fair (8 December, 10am-2pm), the Smales Farm Market (Sunday 13 December, from 9am), the Fort Takapuna Market (12 December, 9am-2pm), or Auckland Mama Markets and Milford Christmas Market (12 December at 9.30am at Milford Senior Citizens Hall), among others. PostChristmas, look out for Auckland Plant Market at Smales Farm on 21 February.

futbol

Sports and Outdoors

Of course, the big event that’s available to all of us on the Shore is the 36th America’s Cup and the prelude events: pre-Christmas, the action starts with the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) regatta from 17th20th December, where teams can race their second AC75s for the very first time.

Following the ACWS racing, a Christmas race marks the next stage of the summer of America’s Cup action. And from 15th January – 22nd February, racing notches up in the Prada Cup. Organised by the Challenger of Record, the PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series determines which of the Challenger teams will take on the defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the “36th America's Cup presented by PRADA” match: to win the America’s Cup first you have to win the PRADA Cup. And finally, the big event itself – the America’s Cup, with Emirates Team New Zealand and the successful challenger whipping across (and above) the waves in their super-high-tech machines, from 6th-21st March.

Best viewing spots for all these races are likely to be North Head and Fort Takapuna, but Kennedy Park will also offer great views. Takapuna Beach Business Association also

invites everyone to watch the ACWS from Takapuna’s natural beachside grandstand – and enjoy live music on either side of the racing, which you can also see close up on live screen.

ATEED has organised the Summernova Festival to offer a range of shore-based events for before, between and after races – or for those (few) who couldn’t care less about super-speed yachting. Events take place all over Auckland, but notable highlights here on the Shore include Sunsetter Food & Wine Festival at Smales Farm, which once again promises the best international (Covid-19 restrictions permitting, no doubt) and local acts, New Zealand wineries and craft breweries, popular eateries and food vendors, spectacular performers and more, in a unique urban environment.

Based at Takapuna Beach is long-distance (though not marathon or half iron distances) stand-up paddle boarding, as part of Waterbourne, the biggest watersports and beach festival in New Zealand. This combines music, water sports and public activities suitable for all ages. On Sunday 14th March an 8km race and a 16km race start off of Takapuna beach at 9am. If you’re an experienced SUP-er, register to enter; if not, get on down to the beach and cheer the racers on as they leave and finish.

Read more about Summernova events in our separate article on p44.

Also on the water, from 19th-21st of February, is the Takapuna Beach Cup, New Zealand's premier threeday waka ama paddle festival which takes place starting from the boat club end of Takapuna beach but with crews disappearing completely from view before finishing off the beach on the epic 42km marathon race on a course out and around Rangitoto, Motutapu and Rakino Islands, and the gruelling 21km half-iron race in which a six-person crew paddles the full distance out and around Motutapu Island.

Off the water, the Harcourts Cooper & Co Run Series races, with 5km (and for the uber-keen 15km, three lap) runs held on January 24th, February 21st and March 21st, are the perfect excuse (reason?) to keep training over the Christmas period. This year, the North Shore Series takes in three awesome locations. The series kicks off in January at Run Devonport at the Navy Fields with a flat and fast course.

Race Two visits Hobsonville Point (ok, technically not within the North Shore boundary, but close enough!) with another flat course that is almost totally off-road with inner harbour views throughout. Finally, the series returns to the popular and well-worn course of previous years at Albany Lakes Civic Park.

Junior Shore-ites are not forgotten in this bonanza of outdoor experiences. Waterworld, a floating cornucopia of slides, jumps and general watery mayhem is moored at Browns Bay from Saturday 2nd January to Thursday 7th January for bookable one-hour sessions for over-fives from 10am-6pm. It’s back on the Shore, at Lake Pupuke, from 1st-6th February and then again at the end of summer from 1st-6th April.

If you need respite from all these outdoor activities, the performing and visual arts are also alive and well on the Shore over summer.  Continued on next spread arrow-circle-right

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If Santa brings you toothache...

We’re Open

Christmas Eve, 24 December 2020 We’re open 8am -1pm Smales Farm and Eastridge are open 26 December 2020 - 10 January 2021 from 10am - 4pm (Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)

Britomart: (09) 379 0099 | Smales Farm: (09) 410 9971 | Eastridge: (09) 521 2021 | thetoothcompany.co.nz

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INK ON PAPER WITH

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

Performing Arts and Music

NZTrio performs at its venue of choice on the Shore – Mairangi Arts Centre – with a concert titled Constellations, on 10th December at 7pm, while the next day at 7.30pm the Royal New Zealand Ballet launches a three-day season of Sleeping Beauty at the Bruce Mason Centre.

Also in December The PumpHouse Theatre hosts The Vagina Monologues (2nd–6th December), and the next day runs the last of its free Creative Talks for 2020, featuring playwright Tanya M Wheeler.

A week later, prime your vocal chords and join the annual sing-along Christmas Carols in the Amphitheatre, on Sunday 13 December at 6pm.

In 2021, Auckland Shakespeare in the Park takes over the PumpHouse amphitheatre for a month with performances of Hamlet and Much Ado about Nothing from 23rd January.

In early 2021, music performances return to the Bruce Mason Centre. Canadian alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies visit New Zealand for the first time in 20 years, with An Evening with Cowboy Junkies on 29th January featuring the group’s career-spanning repertoire. A month later, on 27th February, Howard Morrison Jnr, Russell Harrison, Chris Powley and Andre King celebrate and recreate the magic of the New Zealand entertainment phenomenon that was the original Howard Morrison Quartet in The Howard Morrison Quartet Take 2. They promise vocals and entertainment to match the original and first-hand family stories, in what’s sure to be a memorable two-hour show. Another month, another nostalgia show. On 27th March, Leaving Jackson, The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show invites you to “fall into the ring of fire” in a concert dedicated to the music, love and lives of Johnny Cash and June Carter, who, for more than 40 years, enthralled audiences around the world with their songs of life, love and heartache.

a guided tour, or stop off at the waterside café before turning east to walk along the beach and up the track to (the almost vertical) Telephone Road to Rugby Road, along Hinemoa Street and back down Maritime Terrace to your starting point.

For cyclists, there’s always the well-established Devonport/ Stanley Bay shared path, that takes you through the back streets and parks. From Devonport, you can return to Takapuna via Duder’s Beach, Narrow Neck and the cycle lanes on Lake Road, or continue over the harbour on the ferry and head off along Tamaki Drive or up Nelson Street to the Pink Path.

Another good ride starts or finishes in East Coast bays. If you start in the bays, enjoy a leisurely ride down the shared path on Forrest Hill Road, then endure a short section along busy Taharoto Road before taking the shared path along Northcote Road and up Northcote’s Queen St to the ferry terminal. Try taking the ferry across to town, transferring to a Devonport service, and complete the ride on one of the shared path routes from Devonport to Takapuna and beyond. Or for a real endurance test, start in Northcote and bike uphill to the bays.

Auckland Council cycle network maps are available from Auckland Council or in hard copy from selected cycle and sports retailers, libraries and Auckland Council service centres.

Key Events and Dates

Nov - 31 Mar, Wood Sculpture Symposium Exhibition, Lake House Arts grounds 5-Dec, 10am-8pm, I Love Takapuna Christmas Carnival, Hurstmere Green / 38 Hurstmere Road 6-24 Dec, 'It's a Very Mahi Toi Kirihimete' – Christmas market; and The Great Arts Sale, Lake House Arts gallery 7-Dec, 11am, Morning Melodies, Bruce Mason Centre



10-Dec, 7pm, NZTrio, Constellations, Mairangi Arts Centre

Visual arts

11-13 Dec, 7.30pm; 1.30pm, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Sleeping Beauty, Bruce Mason Centre

During the summer holidays (in January) both Lake House Arts and Mairangi Arts Centre offer adult and school holiday art classes of all kinds for all ages – check out their websites for details. Lake House Arts also has a string of exhibitions and events throughout summer, (see the accompanying calendar) culminating in March with Activation Aroha as part of Auckland Arts Festival. It is closed from 24 December – 12 January. Northart Gallery in Northcote closes for the summer break from 23rd December 2020 - 19 January 2021, but exhibitions by Tracey Tawhiao and Rachel Walters starting in November carry through until early February.

12-Dec, 10am; 11.30am, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, APO 4 Kids Christmas Bruce Mason Centre 17-20 Dec, America’s Cup World Series Regatta, Hauraki Gulf/ Waitemata Harbour 17-20 Dec, 3-4pm Live music on stage, 4-6pm racing on screen , 6-7pm more live music, Beachside Grandstand at Takapuna beach – America’s Cup World Series Regatta, Takapuna Beach 20-Dec, 6pm, Carols in the Amphitheatre, The PumpHouse

2021 5-Jan, Great Art Sale, Lake House Arts 15 Jan-22 Feb, The Prada Cup, Waitemata Harbour 23-Jan, 10am-7pm, Summer Days Festival, Takapuna Beach 23 Jan-20 Feb, 7.30pm, Auckland Shakespeare in the Park – Hamlet & Much Ado about Nothing, The PumpHouse Amphitheatre 31 Jan-13 Feb, Chinese Community Exhibition, Lake House Arts Sat 13 Feb, Lake House Arts Centre Open Day, Lake House Arts Sat 13 Feb, Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival, Smales Farm



Best local walks and rides

Back at the beginning of this article we referred to North Shore walks and cycle ways. Full marks to Auckland Council: it has overcome the issues that beset Le Roys Bush and caused the closure of some tracks over the last couple of years. As well as installing new sanitation stations for boots and walking shoes, they’ve done a massive job of creating boardwalks and stairways throughout the bush so kauri are not endangered by careless footprints. For a rewarding 6km walk, try starting at Little Shoal Bay, head across Little Shoal Bay Reserve, and follow the path that wanders beside and across the stream that runs through the centre of the bush to Birkenhead. From there, take a short stroll through the town centre, and then down Colonial Road to Chelsea Estate Heritage Park. If you have time, visit the sugar factory for

Sun 14 Feb- 28 Mar, Exhibition by Hye Rim Lee, Black Rose / Crystal City, opens, Northart Gallery, Northcote 14-26 Feb, Emergent: SEE winners and runners up, Lake House Arts 19-21 Feb, Takapuna Beach Cup – waka ama racing, 11am start on 19th, 7am start on 20th & 21st, Takapuna Beach, Gould Reserve 21-Feb, Auckland Plant Market, Smales Farm 25 Feb – 20 Mar, Beneath the Surface – group exhibition on traditional tattoo by 'Lost Space project collective' Lake House Arts 26 Feb- 20 March, Emergent: See exhibition - highlighting Art School graduates Lake House Arts 5-20 Mar, Activation Aroha (Auckland Arts Festival), Lake House Arts 6-21 Mar, 36th America’s Cup – Team New Zealand versus the successful challenger Waitemata Harbour – courses off North Head and Fort Takapuna 14-Mar, 9am, Stand-up paddle board racing, as part of Waterbourne, Takapuna Beach (and beyond) 21 Mar-19 Apr, Emergent: SEE III, Lake House Arts

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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This month in TAKAPUNA HURSTMERE ROAD LOOKING GOOD

Hurstmere Road, near Hurstmere Green is looking fantastic.

The Hurstmere Road middle section is complete in time for Christmas shopping – and all future construction is on hold over summer to give retailers and shoppers alike a clear run at shopping and eating out without disruption.

The two intersections at either end of Takapuna’s main strip, plus the newly finished mid section are looking great – you can now see what the whole street will look like once it’s all completed next year.

Santa's postbox in central Takapuna.

SEND A LETTER TO SANTA

Three special mail boxes have popped up in central Takapuna just in time for Christmas. With special delivery direct to Santa, these are a sure-fire way to get Christmas wish lists to where they need to go. And there’s even the possibility that Santa will reply – as long as the sender has remembered to include their return address. Find the distinctive red boxes during December outside Paper Plus and KiwiBank, and at 38 Hurstmere Road near the Christmas tree.

GASOMETER SITE CARPARK OPEN

Takapuna’s new carpark, officially named Toka Puia at a dawn ceremony on 27th November, opens this month in time for summer shopping on the site of the old gasometer (gas storage chamber). It delivers another 420 parking spaces for cars, 84 bike spaces, including 28 e-bike spaces; four changing rooms; provision for nine electric car-share vehicles, with four available at opening; and eight dedicated motorbike or scooter spaces, with the option to expand based on demand. The The new building is just a few minutes’ walk up Huron or Northcroft streets to the main shopping centre, and while covered verandas and permanent street environment changes are yet to be finalised, it’s a real boon for parking around Takapuna over summer, and good news for retailers and shoppers/ beach-goers alike.

TAKE IN A SHOW

Shows are back at the Bruce Mason Centre – and there’s something for everyone in the pre-Christmas line-up, starting with the final Morning Melodies for 2020 – Christmas with The Royal New Zealand Navy Band – on 7th December. This is followed by The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s performances of The Sleeping Beauty on 11th and 12th of December, and the Auckland Philharmonia’s ever-popular offering for under sixes (especially tailored for to build Christmas excitement): APO 4 Kids: Christmas with Suzy Cato. Watch out too for a number of dance showcase performances throughout the month.

Details at www.aucklandlive.co.nz/venue/bruce-mason-centre TBBA's Terence Harpur traded an office for a desk with a view at BizDojo in Takapuna.

MAKING THE BEST OF WORK IN A COVID WORLD

Covid-19 has shown us the benefits of avoiding a long commute. But working from home all the time isn’t quite all it’s cracked up to be, especially if you thrive on social contact. BizDojo, in central Takapuna, offers co-working spaces for individuals or companies, compete with meeting rooms and event spaces, and a shared kitchen. For locals who are loath to resume a long commute, but crave leaving the kitchen or dining room table for even a day a week, BizDojo is offering a one-day free trial over summer, so you can check out their spaces, and maybe even meet some useful contacts around the (figurative) water cooler

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WE MAKE IT EASY New World Metro offers you a warm welcome and convenient shopping experience with the newly installed lift for easy trolley access to and from the multi level car park. So drop into New World Metro Shore City in Takapuna and experience a world of freshness, choice and value!

Located on Level 1 of Shore City

Open 7 days a week 7am - 8pm

CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS OVER THE SEASONAL AND SUMMER PERIOD

You can pop in, contact us by telephone on 09 869 2333 or by email (doug.cochrane@nw.co.nz) and we will provide you with the link to easily place an online order.

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

This month at SHORE CITY TAKAPUNA NEW WORLD CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Owner Doug Cochrane and his deli team at New World Metro Shore City are the people to call for catering over the festive season and summer period. They offer catering for all occasions.

No event is too big or too small. The team at Channel Magazine have used them for catering for our events – they provide great food and it’s very affordable.

As you can see from the photos on the opposite page, they can provide a wide range of options. Including hot and cold platters, fruit plates and even decorated cakes to help you celebrate the festive and summer seasons.

You can pop in, or call them by telephone on 09 869 2333 and they can provide you with the link to easily place an online order.

COUNTRY ROAD KIDS HAS OPENED AT SHORE CITY!

Shore City have welcomed some great new stores in recent months.

Another to open is Country Road Kids pop-up store on level two, next to Looksmart.

The Shore City store is designed to showcase the best of the brand's ranges. You’ll find a curated selection of apparel and accessories across Teen, Child and Baby, from wardrobe favourites - including the brand's famous Heritage Sweat. There are also Christmas gift ideas such as beach towels, tote bags and backpacks. Level two, near the Anzac Street entry.

WHITCOULLS IS NOW OPEN

One of New Zealand's most beloved stores, Whitcoulls, has returned to Shore City. The beautiful new store, located on level one next to Farmers has a full range of books, stationery, toys, crafts and more. Your Christmas shopping just got sorted! Dust off your to be read list and head in store to get their opening specials.

Doug Cochrane and members of his New World Metro Shore City deli team.

BIG NEW STORE FOR FUNTECH

Funtech, who can repair, replace, or revamp your favourite gadgets and devices, have moved to a larger store in Shore City next to Kiwi Nails and Spa on the ground floor.

Funtech is also your one stop place for phone, laptop and other device repairs and accessories. They provide extensive mobile and laptop repair services at affordable prices.

GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE FOR CHARITY

With its variety of stores, shopping for Christmas is easy at Shore City.

Making it even easier is their FREE premium gift wrapping, available from Saturday December 5th to Christmas eve, from 10am to close every day. The gift wrapping booth will be located next to Customer Services on Level Two. Those feeling the festive spirit can choose to make a donation to Shore City’s chosen charity which this year is NZ Heart Kids.

Every week 12 babies are born with a CHD and over 550 major heart surgeries are carried out on children each year. Heart Kids is there to help families at every step of their heart journey – from Heart Kids NZ family support worker when a heart condition is Ashley (in red top) hosting a Murmurs first diagnosed, through coffee group for North Shore families and adult heart kids (heart adults). childhood, the teenage years and into adulthood.

A message from Heart Kids NZ We’re delighted and looking forward to being part of the Christmas wrapping activity at Shore City. Heart Kids is active in providing support to families on the North Shore that have a child born with heart defects. Our family support worker Ashley ensures that heart kids and their families are supported locally through one to one visits, bringing families together for events, and Remember… Shore City also ensuring our hospital based team are ready to customers can enjoy jump in to provide support during treatment and three hours of free surgeries at Starship Childrens Hospital. Money parking while shopping. raised through this activity will be used to support this local service. Visit: www.heartkids.org.nz

3 HOURS FREE PARKING

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Shore City has all your Christmas shopping covered Free Gift Wrapping Santa Photos Extended Hours

shore-city.co.nz

52–56 ANZAC STREET, TAKAPUNA

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Opening Hours Tues 1 – Wed 2 Dec

9am - 6pm

Thurs 3 Dec

9am – 9pm

Fri 4 – Sat 5 Dec

9am – 6pm

Sun 6 Dec

9am – 5pm

Mon 7 – Wed 9 Dec

9am – 6pm

Thurs 10 Dec

9am – 9pm

Fri 11 – Sat 12 Dec

9am – 6pm

Sun 13 Dec

9am – 5pm

Mon 14 – Wed 16 Dec

9am – 6pm

Thurs 17 – Fri 18 Dec

9am – 9pm

Sat 19 – Wed 23 Dec

9am – 7pm

Thurs 24 Dec

9am – 6pm

Christmas Day

CLOSED

San ta’s Hours Sun 6 Dec

10am – 3pm

Sat 12 – Sun 13 Dec

10am – 1pm

Thurs 17 – Fri 18 Dec

10am – 1pm

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Dec

10am – 3pm

Mon 21 – Thurs 24 Dec

10am – 1pm

Gift Wrapping Sat 5 – Thurs 24 Dec

FREE WIFI

PARKING 3 FREE HOURS

OVER

SPECIALTY 60 STORES

10am – Close

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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CHANNEL BUSINESS INTERVIEW: ALINE FONSECA & PATRICK MALLOCH

Producing with passion

By Christine Young

The local people behind 'Vutter' — the vegan alternative for butter This is the story of a Devonport couple: how for their wedding there. They found a vegan shop that had they harnessed passion, enthusiasm and a butter alternative that met their high expectations downright determination to turn a need in terms of taste and texture. Aline confesses to and a good idea into a small business – enjoying “slabs” of butter on bread or toast, and and how their ambitions grow as the this was the first time she’d found something business grows. It’s also about how that came close to the taste of butter without “overnight” success is more often the ancillary issues of associations with the than not the result of years of trial dairy industry. and toil.

When they met, Patrick had been It all started when Brazilian Aline vegetarian for many years. He jokes that Fonseca met New Zealander Patrick Aline, not yet vegetarian let alone vegan, Malloch in the Bayswater school introduced him to meat. He adds that the playground as they waited while move from vegetarian to vegan was not too their children played together. They difficult, though missing butter and cheese were both new to Devonport, and over came high on the list of challenges. Cue the several months friendship blossomed search for a good vegan alternative – once into romance. Eight years later they’ve Aline was on board with a new approach to food Patrick Malloch and had two weddings – one in Brazil and one in as well.

Aline Fonseca.

New Zealand – and have a blended family of four Aline became interested in veganism because she’s a teenagers aged 14 and 13 – Patrick’s twins Thomas and foodie, because she is concerned about the environment, and Maurice and Aline’s daughter Lily (the same age as her step-brothers) because she watched several documentaries that drew her attention to and Patrick’s younger daughter Rima (just 13 months younger than her the health impacts of dairy and meat consumption and the way animals brothers and step-sister). are treated on some farms. Until then, she confesses, she had done little Aline is a chef who has followed in the footsteps of her famousto connect the meat she purchased in packets with the animal it came in-Brazil restaurateur father. She ran a small restaurant in Brazil, held from. cooking classes and cooked meals to order in people’s homes. She “It’s hard to be compassionate to animals and at least not be was a solo mum running a niche business, helped during the week by vegetarian,” adds Patrick. her parents. Since moving to New Zealand, she has worked mostly Their teenagers are vegan too – at least at home. “We’re pretty in “fmcg” (fast-moving consumer goods), as territory manager for tough parents,” says Patrick, not entirely seriously. The rule at home is Ceres Organics from 2014 to 2019, and then as retail sales manager at that only vegan food is eaten, and with a chef in the house there are SOHO wines. Her time at Ceres Organics, she says, gave her a good “pretty tasty” meals cooked. “If we go out for dinner,” he says, “we don’t background and wide contacts when she and Patrick combined their pay for meat or dairy.” If their teenagers want that, they pay. complementary skills and personalities to develop a product that met It’s so much easier now to be vegan than it was a decade ago, their vegan needs for something to replace butter in their diets.

Aline adds. Good plant-based substitutes are available for most things, Patrick arrived in Auckland from Christchurch in 2012. He had an though until now, they’d claim, not for butter. Even vegan cheese, Patrick established architectural business, Malloch Architecture, which he assures us, makes good cheese toasties. continues to work in full-time, with one employee. Aline has recently But back to the Brazil. Having found their vegan butter nirvana, did resigned from full-time work to focus on the development of their they ask for the recipe and bring it back? Well, no, confesses Patrick. business, Feliz Wholefoods, and more specifically Vutter, a vegan But they did come back inspired, and started down an online research butter substitute. While they have both been intimately involved in rabbit-hole that turned up “millions of people doing different things” in the development of this cleverly named addition to the fast-growing the butter-alternative space. First using their kitchen blender, and then a range of vegan products gracing the shelves of wholefoods stores food truck they purchased, and supermarkets, Aline’s background as a chef has been crucial to They experimented with recipes that originally included soy milk or launching Vutter after several years’ development. But Patrick came up almond milk, and even nuts. with the name.

The food truck, ironically, has never been used as a food truck.

“We were going to just call it "plant-based butter" and thought that “When we bought it we had this fantasy of going out to festivals in naming it butter could maybe get us a bit in trouble, since it’s vegan... summer selling vegan food,” says Aline. But that was “way too big so we started brainstorming, and Patrick shouted Vutter,” Aline says. “I a dream for a professional couple working full time and running a remember laughing out loud and saying - no way! Hahaha, a few weeks household of four kids! So we never did it. We had some friends around on and we could not stop calling it Vutter. I hated at first, but it really and cooked in it a few times, just for fun. Then it became our "lab grew on me. Its brilliant as it really sticks into your head! I love Pat's kitchen" for Vutter and other products we hope to develop and launch creativity…. No one is calling it a butter!” soon.”

The simple story of its development goes that after perfecting the Once commercialisation looked a possibility, they reworked the product in their blender at home, they served it (and a garlic version) recipe. “We decided to get rid of nuts and soy to make it more friendly for a wider population,” says Aline. What they produce now is far from at their wedding in New Zealand and were encouraged to take the the product they started with. “I’m very happy with it,” she says, “but it’s concept commercial by friends and guests impressed by the taste and not even close to the original recipe.” texture.

Of course there have been challenges along the way.

The longer story is that they were inspired by an earlier visit to Brazil

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Patrick suggests the biggest has been “our relationship; working together in business”. They work well as a team, he says, but have different ways of approaching things. They have a friend who is a director, and when things get tense, they run issues past her.

Aline takes a more practical perspective. Packaging, she says. It was also “a big knock, when we noticed the colour fading”. Despite working closely with an experienced food technologist who provided technical advice and knowledge, they only discovered after launching that turmeric, which they use to make Vutter look butter-coloured, is a “fugitive dye”. It fades in UV light, resulting in unevenly coloured Vutter in stores, with the turmeric colour relegated to the bottom or the far side of a tub. The original clear packaging is now gone; the new packaging is opaque and light-proof. They’d love to package Vutter in blocks, butterstyle, with compostable paper; they’ve tried it and it looks really classy, but there are issues with food security, and it’s a work in progress.

Then there is the challenge of scaling up. It’s one thing to make a domestic (or food truck) blender full of product; quite another to produce commercial quantities, and even now, they can’t produce enough to start approaching supermarkets. First try at ramping up production involved a Brazilian chef, stuck in New Zealand by Covid-19.

Patrick and Aline had offered to him their food truck to use to start a Brazilian street food business. The second lockdown put paid to that, so they asked him produce Vutter for them, first in the food truck, later in a commercial kitchen in the city. They had perfected the texture, designed labels, sorted a barcode, established prices that gave both them and the retailers a suitable return, and were ready to go.

Aline approached retailers specialising in fresh and whole food products. Within a week, she had five retailers signed up; in week two another five came on board. Halfway through week three, their friend announced that he, his wife and tiny baby were returning home to Brazil – immediately.

Aline and Patrick took a few deep breaths. They had not long purchased the house they had been renting for several years, but if they wanted to develop the business – and they certainly do – it seemed the way forward was for Aline to quit her job and devote herself to the business full-time.

At the beginning of November, when we interviewed Aline and Patrick, she had left SOHO Wines and was “focusing again”. She has new retail outlets in her sights and is aiming to develop the catering side of the business, selling 1.7 kg tubs to bakers and cafés. She’s also at a plant-based market in west Auckland every Saturday, her enthusiasm and passion for the product spreading the word as well as selling product.

They’re also dreaming of the future: hemp Vutter or garlic Vutter, though getting fresh, New Zealand-grown organic garlic or hemp yearround may result in these being seasonal products. Patrick hints there is something else in the wings they can’t talk about yet.

“I would like to create plant-based alternatives to staple foods; things that vegan people miss,” says Aline. She muses that she could also use her culinary and sales skills to help other small companies develop their products.

As for sales to supermarkets, that’s a way off, as the scale that is required is huge. So too is distribution outside of Auckland and Northland, largely because of cost. They’ve approached MBIE for mentoring assistance and hope they can learn from them.

Vutter has taken over their lives a bit, they confess. But their teenagers are relatively independent – “they’re not interested in us!” they joke. And for Aline, this journey is “like a dream come true. I’ve always wanted something that is ours. Running a restaurant is crazy; crazy hours, but with my passion for food…”

“It is like growing something,” adds Patrick. “Your passion is in it.”

Aline agrees. When working for other companies, she was passionate about the products she sold. “And now I am doing my own, it’s even more exciting!” https://www.facebook.com/vutter.nz/

It’s so much easier now to be vegan than it was a decade ago, Aline adds.

Good plant-based substitutes are available for most things, though until now, they’d claim, not for butter.

Even vegan cheese, Patrick assures us, makes good cheese toasties.

Thank you North Shore!

It’s an honour to be elected as your Member of Parliament.

Thank you to all those who supported me. I am proud to represent our stunning electorate and to be your strong voice in Parliament. I am humbled and excited and look forward to serving the wonderful people of the North Shore.

As your local MP, I’m here to help. Feel free to drop in to my Takapuna Electorate Office at 15 Anzac Street or call us on 09 486 0005.

Simon Watts MP for North Shore National Party Spokesperson for ACC & Associate Health

Authorised by Simon Watts, 15 Anzac Street, Takapuna.

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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I LOVE WHAT I DO: JAMES BRYANT

Spilling the (coffee) beans with James Bryant

Aidan Bennett talks to Takapuna Beach Cafe's James Bryant about operating the popular cafe in a year like no other – and his new venture, Piccolo.

James Bryant knows a thing or two about operating a café. He's the owner of Takapuna institution, Takapuna Beach Cafe, and the newly opened Piccolo, situated in the Department Store in Northcroft Street, the site that has recently become the Amaia Living (apartments) display suite. Although still a youngster, James has a history in hospitality and previously worked at Hip Group. He jumped at the chance to purchase the café from the group when the opportunity came up in 2019. 2020 has proven to be an interesting year for James and his team with Covid-19 requiring them to operate in new and innovative ways, and there has also been a full refurbishment of the café after a major flooding incident. James tells Channel Mag's Aidan Bennett about the importance of his team throughout this time, as well as their new venture Piccolo and expanding their presence in Takapuna.

AIDAN BENNETT: 2020 has been a different sort of a year for a new café operater. How’s it all been going?

JAMES BRYANT: It’s been a great experience. You know that each day is going to be different and it’s been awesome to have the support of my team at Takapuna Beach Café, and now Piccolo, along with the community and our regular customers.

AB: What was the biggest lesson for you in 2020 in terms of adapting to all the changes and challenges in hospitality?

JB: The biggest lesson is that you have to move fast because the environment is constantly changing, especially with all the Covid-19 regulations and supply chain constraints. You don't have time to adapt gradually.

AB: You’ve recently opened Piccolo in the Department Store space in Takapuna. Tell Channel readers what they can expect there...

James Bryant (centre back) with members of his team.

JB: You can expect the same great food and experience of Takapuna Beach Cafe but at the other end of the beach. At Piccolo, we have honed in on the coffee and cabinet offerings and we’re excited to be part of the next chapter of The Department Store.

AB: Where do you get your culinary and creative inspiration from?

JB: The creative input comes from the great team working together behind the scenes.

AB: What do you like most about running the Beach Café and Piccolo?

JB: I get the most enjoyment from working alongside the team and having the support of the community and our amazing regulars. Of course the location is hard to beat too!

AB: What’s your favourite part about working in Takapuna?

JB: Every sunrise and sunset, no matter whether it's rainy or sunny.

AB: Anything new on the menu for Christmas and summer?

JB: We launched a new menu in late November with a number of lighter seasonal dishes ahead of the warmer weather to come.

There will also be a new range of cakes, seasonal sorbets and Christmas treats. We might even have a special Christmas gelato up our sleeves!

AB: What’s next for you and the cafés?

JB: Our main focus for the coming year is continuing to grow our presence in Takapuna. We’ve also received a number of requests from customers for a wine offering and we’re exploring our options in terms of getting the right licensing. Watch this space. https://www.takapunabeachcafe.co.nz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takapunabeachcafe/ and https://www.instagram.com/piccolocoffeenz/

Takapuna Beach Cafe has had a full refurbishment after a major flooding incident.

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

THE NEW BMW 4 SERIES COUPÉ HAS ARRIVED AT CONTINENTAL CARS BMW The 4 Series Coupé. An icon reimagined.

How are legends made? With determination. With innovation.

With a desire to let no barrier stand in the way.

The 4 Series Coupé. Made Brave.

Visit Continental Cars BMW to find out more.

Continental Cars BMW 45 - 65 Wairau Road, North Shore. (09) 488 2000 www.continentalcarsbmw.com www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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KITCHENS BY DESIGN

Bright and beautiful Cheltenham Beach Kitchen After spending several years modernising their lovely family home at Cheltenham Beach, with beautiful results, the owners now wanted a new kitchen to match. Through a friend, they found kitchen designer Jane Fergusson, from Takapunabased Kitchens By Design, and have been delighted by the transformation she has achieved.

Could you tell us a little about you and your family, and also about your home – in particular, describe the existing kitchen before the makeover?

We are a family of four and are lucky enough to live in a very special part of the world, Cheltenham beach. My kitchen was about 15 years old and, while the materials were still fashionable, such as marble and stainless, it wasn’t a well-functioning kitchen in terms of storage and design.

How did you come across Kitchens By Design, and why did you choose them to design your new kitchen?

They were recommended by a friend. I actually started the process with another kitchen designer, but wasn’t satisfied following the initial consultation and drawings, as I felt they were very happy to draw up what I wanted without actually making any recommendations, or suggesting alternatives. As I am not a kitchen designer, I really did need someone to take the lead and be confident enough to tell me if my ideas might not actually be the right way to go!

What was your brief to the designer, and how did it evolve?

My brief to Jane was that I wanted a sophisticated kitchen that stayed pretty much in the same footprint, but that allowed for ease of access to kitchen items, with good pantry storage, space for a new double fridge, and one that was going to last the distance by using classic yet practical materials. For example, I love the look of marble – however it was suggested that I instead use Dekton, which is a man-made blend of natural quartz stone, porcelain and glass, and is super strong.

How did the designer translate your brief – and was it what you expected?

Jane was perfect in every way. She listened to my ideas and

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understood my vision. She was very good at listening to suggestions and re-directing me if she felt, due to her vast experience, that perhaps a move in another direction might achieve a better outcome.

What were some of the most enjoyable and memorable moments of the process?

Meeting Jane at the kitchen factory and seeing it all coming together was amazing and a huge relief to see it was looking exactly as we had planned. There were never any surprises, as everything was explained clearly every step of the way.

What are your favourite parts of your new kitchen?

I love all the wonderful storage and ease of access to everything.

Also, the way the materials all work together to reflect my personality and taste is wonderful.

What would be your advice to anyone who’s thinking of having a new kitchen designed?

While the process is reasonably long, it is worth it in the end, as every day you get so much pleasure from being in a gorgeous, welldesigned kitchen.

How did you find the experience of working with Kitchens By Design?

As well as meeting at their showroom in Takapuna, Jane arranged regular after-hours, on-site consultations to fit in with our busy working lives – and to ensure my husband could also be part of the consultations and design process. Nothing was ever too annoying, and no question was too silly to ask. Jane also liaised with all the contractors when needed and was on site to meet them if I had to be at work. There was a constant calmness throughout the process.

Honestly, I was so impressed with Kitchens By Design, and I will be shouting that from the rooftops.

If you are thinking about putting in a new kitchen, give team at Kitchens By Design a call, or pop into their showroom at 3 Byron Ave, Takapuna (09) 488 7201. And for inspiration, take a look at their website at www.kitchensbydesign.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Visit our showroom today.

3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna (09) 379 3084

A seamless, modern design.

kitchensbydesign.co.nz www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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SENSATIONAL SUMMER FUN Sat 26th December - Monday 1st February 2021

E Bouncy Castle E R

F

Bounce the day away!

Sat 26 Dec Fri 1st Jan All day Centrecourt, L3 th

E E R

Hungerball

F

E E R

Face Painting

F

Horizontal Bungee

F

What will you choose?

How far can you reach?

Fri 1st - Mon 3rd Jan Sat 23rd - Sun 24th Jan Sat 30th Jan Mon 1st Feb 10am - 3pm Cotton On/Farmers

Sat 2nd - Wed 6th Jan 10am - 4pm Centrecourt, L3

E E R

Mini Gym

F

E E R

Human Gyroscope

F

A fresh brand of Football magic!

Performance & have a go sessions!

Anti gravity fun!

Thurs 7 - Mon 11 Jan All day Centrecourt, L3

Tues 12th Wed 13th Jan All day Centrecourt, L3

Thurs 14th - Mon 18th Jan 10am - 4pm Centrecourt, L3 11yrs & older only

th

th

Climbing REE Tower F

E RE

F

Taekwondo

$m5in ride

2’n’1 Bungy

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Reach new heights!

Give it a go!

Sky high fun!

Tues 19 - Mon 25 Jan 10am - 4pm Centrecourt, L3

Sat 23 Sun 24th Jan 10am - 3pm Cotton On, L3

Tue 26th Jan Mon 1st Feb All day Centrecourt, L3

th

th

rd

E

E R F

Roaming Characters

with lollies or balloons

All your favourite friends are back!

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E E R

Minions Sat 26th Dec - Fri 1st Jan Elsa & Olaf Thurs 7th - Wed 13th Jan Paw Patrol Thurs 14th - Mon 18th Jan Fairies Mon 25th Jan - Mon 1st Feb 11am - 3pm Roaming Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

CHARMING NEW JEWELLERY STORE NOW OPEN IN GLENFIELD MALL!

EXCITING NEW STORE NOW OPEN IN GLENFIELD MALL!

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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SANTA’S LAUNCH PARTY SATURDAY 5 TH DECEMBER

FREE entertainment for the whole family

Dance Performance

Starring Patricia Rowley Dance Studio

Santa Arrival Santa Photos Dance Performance

Starring Seniors from Patricia Rowley Dance Studio

9:45am Centrecourt 10.00am From 10.15am 10.30am

Fancy Dress Competition (13 years and under)

Come dressed up in your favourite fancy dress outfit and be in to WIN spot prizes.

Register online or on the day between 9am-10am

Facepainting Plus Roaming Characters

All your Favourite Friends, Paw Patrol, Elsa & Olaf, Minions and the Fairies!

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

10:45am Cotton On 11am-4pm 9.30am-3pm

Late Night Shopping

Santa Photo Times

Get it all with extended Xmas hours

Get your photo with Santa

10th - 12th December 9am - 10pm

Dec 5th

13th December

Dec 6th - 9th

10am - 4pm

Dec 10th - 24th

10am - 7pm

9am - 7pm

14th - 23rd December 9am - 10pm Christmas Eve

9am - 7pm

Christmas Day

Closed

Boxing Day

9am - 9pm

The Sounds of Xmas Experience the magic sounds of Christmas with: Salvation Army Choir Friday 11th December Thursday 17th December

6pm 5.30pm

10:15am - 4pm

Each photo comes in a special Christmas card from Glenfield Mall

FREE Gift Wrapping* Donate a gold coin and support The Salvation Army this Christmas.

Glenfield Baptist Church Choir Thursday 10th December

6pm

Saturday 12th December

6pm

The Con Brio Choir Wednesday 16th December

6pm

All located at Centrecourt * Limited to 5 gifts per person.

Gifts must be less than 1m x 1m.

Must show proof of purchase from Glenfield Mall.

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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CHANNEL FEATURE INTERVIEW: NIC RUSSELL

Nic Russell and son Conor in 2020.

Resilience in the face of grief

By Christine Young

The life and challenges of energetic Devonport local Nic Russell Devonport resident Nic Russell recently set herself a challenge: to present a TEDx talk on facing grief with resilience. Christine Young talked to Nic to find out a bit more about this extraordinarily resilient woman and what prompted her to take on this latest of many challenges she’s chosen (and not chosen) in an extraordinarily richly lived life.

Nic is well-known around Devonport. Swimmer, cyclist, adventure sporter, once upon a time. Flamboyantly and cheerfully riding everywhere on her bright turquoise bike – now electric – not only locally but to clients as far away as Mairangi Bay. Principal of a successful one-woman PR operation that boasts clients including New Zealand Sculpture Onshore, the bi-annual sculpture exhibition supporting Women’s Refuge; Pindrop, a health advocacy campaign for cochlear implants; a campaign for Herceptin working alongside the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition; and Kenzie’s Gift, a charity founded

by Nic and dedicated to the memory of her beloved daughter Kenzie who died of cancer aged just three, not long after Nic herself had been diagnosed with, and while she was facing the rigours of treatment for, breast cancer.

Oh, and there’s more. She’s recently been diagnosed with early onset Parkinsons disease, and faced gruelling breast reconstructions to undo the damage done by post-cancer breast implantation.

All this while she has been successfully bringing up her son Conor, now 20.

How has she done it? She’s faced more grief, more illness, more challenges than most of us do in a lifetime. Yet 15 years after Kenzie died, she continues to face forward, and take on still more challenges, like daily midwinter swims, most recently self-filmed on a new Gropro camera.

Nic was born in County Down, Northern Ireland in 1973. There, in a small town and living just 200m from the beach, she developed her

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love of nature and outdoor adventure sport. Seeking whatever it is a small-town girl seeks from brighter lights, at the age of 19 she moved to London where she worked as a hospital play specialist. Four years later, attracted to New Zealand as the adventure capital of the world, she arrived in New Zealand, intent on biking around the country but quickly abandoning that plan once she saw the height of the mountains here. What they called mountains in Ireland were mere hillocks in comparison; she might be adventurous, but she was not mad.

She did, however, work in play therapy at Starship and Kids First hospitals. She also met her ex-husband and with two small children, they moved to Motutapu (where he was an outdoor instructor) for two years.

But Kenzie, not quite three, became ill, shortly before Nic herself was diagnosed with breast cancer, the marriage broke up and Nic moved to Devonport, her point of reference on the mainland during her stint on Motutapu.

Despite later challenges (more of which soon) she developed a career as a PR consultant, advocate and change agent, combining skills developed in her early career in health and her “natural flair” for empathy, understanding human behaviour and creative story telling.

“I combined those passions, completing a BA in Psychology and Post Graduate Diploma in Communications Management and PR. I've been very fortunate to be able to combine my passion for creative storytelling and social change through numerous campaigns, such as the Herceptin campaign, Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns, Child Health campaigns, educational campaigns, advocacy campaigns and hearing health campaigns. In addition to the PR and marketing campaigns, I have also managed events ranging from photography exhibitions, health conferences, fundraising events and entertainment events.”

Most of her work has centred around advocacy, events and campaigns for social and health related causes. “I'm seen as a dedicated

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

agent for social change who can turn visions into reality,” she says.

“I'm a storyteller and lover of bringing good to life. I work with clients one-to-one, to develop effective communications that fit with their values and drive action.”

No wonder she was a recipient of a New Zealander of the Year local hero award, recognised in 2014 for her work on the Hope Emerges campaign, a powerful and positive social media campaign that aimed to “change the conversations around breast cancer and mastectomy”.

Conor, Nic and Kenzie in 2005 as both Nic and Kenzie are receiving cancer treatment.

facing serious illness, traumatic grief or loss. It helps 50-60 families a year with up to 10-20 sessions each with a qualified specialist therapist.

Kenzie’s Gift can now call on 11 therapists nationally, and if Nic receives a request from a family needing support outside the centres where Kenzie’s Gift has therapists, she works to find one.

Nic says she wanted to pay forward the kindness that Max had shown to her. She wanted to “ensure that young Kiwis and their families had mental health support to rebuild their shattered lives after a serious

Time does not ease the pain of grief. Instead, the pain changes and life grows around your grief.

But this story is about Nic’s personal rather than professional challenges. In 2005, her life changed forever. She tells the bones of the story in her TEDx talk. “My three-year-old daughter Kenzie and I were both diagnosed with aggressive cancers,” she says. Tragically, Kenzie died at the end of that year.

“Over the past 15 years since Kenzie died, my life and health have continued to be eventful,” she says using a euphemism most people would apply to more benign occurrences than major health issues. “My body has continued to malfunction at a great rate of knots. So much so, I’m now living with Parkinson’s disease, I have a chronic degenerative heart condition which is leading me into heart failure, I have endured 10 surgeries for numerous issues, some stemming from complications from my original breast cancer…. Life has been a bit of a cruel taskmaster.”

When cancer, then grief, exploded into Nic’s life and left it shattered, she turned to what she knew could bring her comfort and help calm the storm in her heart and mind: sport and nature. She also turned to a therapist.

She had already spent nearly a year juggling her care and concern for her sick daughter with her son Conor’s needs for life to be as normal as it could be. She knew that with Conor (aged just six when Kenzie died) to remain strong for, her illness and Kenzie’s death were bigger than anything she could cope with alone, even with strong support (as she had) from family and friends. She had to ensure that Conor felt loved and secure, that he could enjoy play dates, sport and a mother who could provide whatever ‘normality’ was possible.

She turned to an “amazing psychotherapist, Maxine Burgen Paige.

Max had a small foundation, which enabled her to see me at no charge.

It was a lifesaver, as I certainly could not have afforded therapy. I was a single mum with very little in the way of resources or disposable income, but therapy was something I desperately needed. Max gave me the strength of resilience to enable me to rebuild my shattered life. I can safely say, I would not be here today if it was not for Max.” From Max, she learned that everyone does grief in their own way.

And that self-care is not an indulgence to feel guilty about but a necessity to ensure that even in your grief, you can continue to live your life, to give, in her case, the love and time that Conor needed, and to do justice to Kenzie’s memory and live the life that she believes Kenzie would have wanted her to live.

Her work with Max inspired her to set up Kenzie’s Gift, a charity that has now grown to support the mental health of children and families

Kenzie and Nic in hospital in 2005.

illness or a traumatic loss. I wanted them to be able to access resources”, as she had been able to do. Her TEDx talk highlights just three of the stories of young people her charity has helped.

Her midwinter swims at Narrow Neck from June through to September this year were to raise funds for Kenzie’s Gift; accompanied by a supportive roster of friends, she tackled the cold waters around Devonport on a daily basis, and raised $16,000.

Outwardly, Nic is bright, bubbly, always smiling. Perhaps her grief has healed as the years have passed. Not so, she says. “Time does not ease the pain of grief. Instead, the pain changes and life grows around your grief. The initial acute pain of grief morphs into a chronic pain that is always there.” It can flare up at unexpected times, or be triggered by other events. You must, she says, give yourself permission both to enjoy the pleasures of life without feeling guilty (because it might seem you have forgotten your loved one) – and to step back if the grief is overwhelming, and simply take stock for yourself.

“I remember the rawness of those early days. I can only describe it as hell on earth; the pain was excruciating. It was overwhelming and I think I was in a state of shock.”

She coped, rather than healed, by throwing herself into activities that would keep her focused: “Raising Conor, going back to university, being involved in the Herceptin campaign, while also continuing on my own breast cancer treatment.”

Keeping active, being outdoors amongst nature, walking, biking, swimming, exploring new places and experiencing new things also helped. “Being surrounded by positive, kind, genuine, compassionate and empathetic people was exceptionally beneficial too.”

But, she exhorts, everyone must do grief in their own way. “It’s different for everyone. Do it your way and don’t judge. Live your life; you only get one chance. Live your best life, to do their memory justice.”

Nic accepts that her illnesses and the loss of Kenzie have been life changing. For her and for Conor. But one thing is for sure, she says. “I would not swap this grief for never having Kenzie in my life. I loved her with all my heart and will do to the end of my days.” She lives her best life, hoping that her work and Kenzie’s Gift are not only a legacy she leaves in memory of Kenzie, but also a legacy she leaves for Conor: a memory in the future of his mother’s and his sister’s lives.

Watch Nic’s TEDx Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRJrkK2EFRs Kenzie’s Gift www.kenziesgift.com.

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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POOL COVERS: COVERS4POOLS

Dune above ground unit in solar.

Coverstar.

Roll Out, Roll Under fully automatic Slattered Cover system.

An automated pool cover will make your summer!

Overseas holidays are out, but you can still invest in an automatic cover from Covers4Pools to turn your pool into your own resort pool for summer 2021 A swimming pool spells summer fun for everyone – and after the year we’ve had you will want to use it to its maximum this summer. Installing an automatic pool cover makes things super easy: maintaining, keeping it warm, clean and affordable.

Covers4Pools is a family business, run by Charles, Paulene and Shayne Olliver. They offer one of the most extensive range of automated pool covers in New Zealand, being the sole distributor for the internationally popular Coverstar Eclipse brand.

“Coverstar Eclipse covers can take the weight of an average sized person, offering complete peace of mind that your family is always safe around your pool,” says company manager Charles Olliver.

“Our new ‘Roll Out Roll Under Slatted Cover’ has quickly become a big seller for us. These covers feature a polycarbonate profile that actually heats the pool via the sun’s rays throughout the summer months and retains heat during the colder months, therefore extending your swimming season and substantially reducing your

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heating costs. We are proud to assemble these covers here in New Zealand.”

Charles explains that automated covers also play a big part in reducing cleaning and maintenance by keeping unwanted items out of the pool.

“They really are a game-changer. Our advanced covers keep dirt and leaves out of the pool and also eliminate up to 90% of evaporation. This avoids wasting thousands of litres of water and reduces chemical use by up to 70%.”

Covers4Pools has good stocks of both Coverstar Eclipse Covers and Roll Out Roll Under Slatted Covers so will have one to suit your pool. They will come to your property and do a free measure and quote and provide advice on the best solution for your requirements. Do it today!

Contact Charles, Paulene or Shayne today.

They will make it very easy and affordable.

Phone 09-426-0625, email sales@autopoolcovers.co.nz or visit www.covers4pools.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

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www.channelmag.co.nz Issue - December 2020 – January 2021 PEUGEOT NORTH SHORE | 130 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland, 0627 | 09115 442 3323 | www.pcns.co.nz

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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See Fashion and Gifting Guides at milfordcentre.co.nz 78

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

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AND MORE 24 Milford Rd, Milford, Auckland www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

79

MILFORD SHOPS NEWS

Your monthly update from Murray Hill, Manager of the Milford Business Association.

What's NEW in MILFORD? MILFORD

Murray Hill

What a year it’s been!

What a year it’s been in Milford. Covid was certainly a disrupter but thanks to our local business owners and you – our loyal customers, MILFORD has survived and come out the other side stronger, if anything. During Covid we were luckier than most shopping centres and only lost three businesses. Since then, 10 new businesses have opened and we have at least another two in the pipeline to open. All have added a new dimension to the centre. Here they are if you haven’t already tried them out: PYM’s of Milford; Galata Kebab & Grill; Scrunchy Millers Ice Cream Parlour; Fine O Wine – organic wines and beers; Auckland Children’s Physiotherapy; Clear Skincare; Max; Baskana; North Shore Spine Clinic; and Outdo Homestore.

Pirate Market Day – Saturday 21st November Thanks to all the ‘Pirates’ who turned out for this iconic Milford event.

With part of the main street closed, everyone was able to move about freely and enjoy all the Pirate – themed entertainment.

Milford Pick’A’Box Winner Congratulations to Clayton who won the top Pick’A’Box prize – a week away in a new Mercedes-Benz and $1500 towards accommodation. Congrats also to all the other 16 winners of prizes.

Thanks to all our businesses who sponsored the prizes. It just shows how much they love being involved in this great community we have in Milford!

Quick Sharp Christmas promotion - $1000 Christmas Shopping Spree!

How would you like $1000 to spend on Christmas shopping in Milford before Christmas. Well, we’ve got just the promotion for you, starting Sunday 29th November and finishing Sunday 12th December, with the winner announced on Monday 14th December – giving you 10 days to spend the money on Christmas gifts in Milford.

Thanks to our annuals At this time of year, I like to draw your attention to our great family of sponsors who contribute funds to our business association over and above their membership. You’ll find them all in the footer of the next page. Their extra funds allow us to do extra promotions, and keep Milford looking clean, tidy and able to carry out our beautification plans.

Milford Rotary are fantastic!

A special thanks to the team at Milford Rotary, who constantly work towards the beautification of Milford and have been responsible for the planting of all our planters and tidied up gardens in the town centre. Others who have assisted with this programme are Cara and her awesome team at Kings Plant Barn, Forrest Hill, whose knowledge and advice has been invaluable. Unbelievably, none of the plants have died – a testament to the type of plants suggested by Cara and the efforts of Mike, our MBA contracted gardener, plus the business owners who water the plants weekly.

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Coming up… Vive La France – Saturday 27th February.

Put this date on your calendar NOW! You won’t want to miss the entertainment, fun and bargains we have lined up for the event.

Milford Security Just a reminder to all that during the holiday season, our security company, Matrix Security, based down at Smales Farm, will be checking on the whole of the town centre, ensuring that people and places are kept safe.

Matrix has been our security provider for eight years now and give us piece of mind security. During Covid, when one of our businesses had a window smashed by an intoxicated person, they called a glass company and ensured the premises were secure before they left.

(Note: they also caught the person red-handed and called the police to apprehend the offender.)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us in MILFORD We hope you have Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Murray Hill,

Manager – Milford Business Association, manager@milfordshops.co.nz | 021 950 463 www.milfordshops.co.nz facebook milfordshops Instagram milfordnz youtube MilfordshopsTV

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

for

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BRONZE www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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Daily Fresh Fruit, Vegetable and Flower

This month in MILFORD COMMUNITY BEAUTIFYING MILFORD TOWNSHIP

There’s some great community work being done in beautifying the Milford Town Centre with planting and improvements.

This has been by Milford Rotary, Mike (the gardener) and Murray Hill, the business association manager. There is new planting and planters, revitalised seats, and the largest garden in the Kitchener Road car park has been transformed into a picture of beauty and colour. Kings Plant Barn, Forrest Hill, have also been involved, supplying a selection of plants for the conditions, robust pot plants that can stand the rigours of the street environment. Auckland Transport and the Devonport Takapuna Local Board have played a part, providing funding for pots and plants.

“Best of all, the community has told us how much they love what we are doing, which makes it all worthwhile,” says Murray Hill. "But this is just the beginning… watch out for more streetscape improvements. The next is our entrance garden on the corner of Fenwick Avenue which we hope to transform prior to Christmas."

BEACON WINS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGN AWARD

ORGANIC AND NATURAL WINES LAND IN MILFORD

Fine-O-Wine has opened in Milford, in Milford Road beside the Swiss Cafe and Bakery. With extensive research around organic and natural wines, owner Sekhar Reddy has brought those goods to Milford. Sekhar and his team offer over 350 natural and organic wines, making them New Zealand's largest provider. At Fine-O-Wine you’ll find a hand-picked selection of fantastic wines and craft beers from New Zealand, Australia and many other European and South American countries.

Sekhar says they're a one stop shop for anything organic and natural, even stocking organic beers and non-alcoholic beverages. With this variety customers can enjoy their gin and tonics guilt free of any nasties, whilst supporting a growing Kiwi company. They’ve got a great website as well – www.fineowine.co.nz.

Great news that the wonderful Beacon sculpture by Lang Ea at Milford Reserve has won the Best Designed Object Award in the Designers Institute of NZ 2020 Best Awards.

Judges comments were... A striking statement with embedded symbolism, prominent in the landscape yet understated as the reflective surface’s blends into the environment. A fantastic example of vision executed through fabrication and craftmanship.

The sculpture was installed in March this year and lights up at night. Artist Lang Ea says it was designed to symbolise and reflect the significant and courageous.

PYM’S RAISES $9500 FOR LYDIA

NEW ICE-CREAM TREATS IN SHAKESPEARE ROAD

Scrunchy Millers ice cream parlour has opened near the intersection of Shakespeare and Kitchener Road’s. This is a family business, owned by life-long Milford residents Hayley McRae and Mike Kitching.

When Covid-19 redundancy hit the airline industry, Hayley and Mike took the opportunity to re-invent themselves. They opened the doors of their new venture in mid-November and say the response so far has been overwhelming.

Their aim is to bring the best bits about a summer holiday up North, to Milford. They make the much coveted real fruit ice cream and stock more than 25 flavours of Charlies Gelato, a Matakana institution loved by locals and tourists alike. They also sell Charlies Sorbetto which is vegan and gluten free, with gluten free cones available. Other offerings include Eight Thirty Coffee, Nice Blocks and milkshakes.

Scrunchy Millers, 1 Shakespeare Road, Milford, is open seven days 10am until 9pm.

Pym’s of Milford, the great new bar and eatery that opened in June on Kitchener Road, held a charity evening (with auction) on Monday November 16th that raised $9500 for four year old Lydia Golding.

Lydia Golding was born with PFFD (Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency), this is a rare non hereditary birth defect that affects the pelvis, particularly the hip bone and the proximal femur which results with a deformed hip and a shortened leg. Lydia's class of PFFD is so rare that it is probably one in 500,000 babies.

Lydia will require five lengthening surgeries (around ages 4, 7, 10, 13, 16), plus a growth plate on her longer leg around age nine to reach her dream of having '2 feet on the ground’. That’s the title of the charity formed to provide assistance financially for Lydia and her family, as many of these surgeries need to be done overseas. The money will be used to pay for Lydia's surgeries in the US, travel and living costs, and a new prothesis.

Visit 'Lydia's journey to 2 feet on the ground’ at www.givealittle.co.nz or visit Lydiasdream on Facebook.

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

TRAVEL: WITH HELLOWORLD TRAVEL MILFORD

El Questro Kookaburra.

Rottnest Island.

If not now, when?

To declare that 2020 has been a challenging year is an understatement! The international travel hopes and dreams we all had at the start of the year were blown away by the global pandemic.

We acknowledge that being “stuck” in New Zealand is not a hardship, because we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country.

Many of you have taken this opportunity to travel around parts of New Zealand that you may not have otherwise visited, and we thank you for supporting us with your local bookings.

My personal motto in 2020 has been to “FOCUS ON THINGS I CAN CONTROL”! This has helped me navigate a year that has drastically impacted the travel business that my husband Jason and I have spent five years nurturing and growing, to suddenly reverse these efforts. Keeping my motto front of mind has helped me re-focus on a few of life’s essentials: my health, my family, and my friendships!

WHERE TO IN 2021?

So, like you, we are looking forward to 2021 with awareness that it will take time to heal the world and allow us the opportunity to venture beyond our shores again to fulfill our passion for travel.

We should enter 2021 with more confidence to start planning an adventure (or two), initially closer to home with the indication of a South Pacific bubble followed by the opportunity to travel freely to and from Australia. We hope that a few individual destinations, such as: Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, or possibly Taiwan, that have managed Covid well, can also open to New Zealanders for a well-deserved holiday adventure.

We can help you plan a 2021 escape to a Pacific island. Many resorts are offering flexible bookings, so contact our travel experts with your

Kununurra.

By Mary Buckley, Owner/Director of helloworld Travel Milford and Browns Bay chosen dates and we will hold the accommodation Mary while waiting on border updates (we can add flights Buckley. later). Once official bubbles are announced we expect key dates (especially school holidays) to sell fast.

We have an exciting selection of Australia adventures available for 2021. Discover Tasmania, Western Australia, the Red Centre, or The Kimberleys, to name a few. We are holding group space on a number of unique travel tours or can create your own independent experience. Again, our suppliers are being very supportive to us and our customers, with flexible booking policies that we can explain upon enquiry.

WHERE IN 2022?

An important reminder if you are dreaming of travel further afield in 2022 that due to GLOBAL pent-up demand: tours, cruises and popular tourist experiences are FILLING FAST already!

Please PLAN AHEAD and take advantage of the flexible booking policies and your credits to hold your cabin, or space on your chosen tour, so that you don’t miss out.

In the meantime we can continue to book your New Zealand holidays and support local tourism operators.

Our travel professionals enjoy helping you plan your dream holidays so allow them apply their expert knowledge to save you time and ensure you book the most suitable travel options. helloworld Travel Milford, corner Kitchener Road & Milford Road, Milford, 09 489 2597 www.helloworld.co.nz/milford helloworld Travel Browns Bay, 26 Clyde Road, Browns Bay 09 478 4416, www.helloworld.co.nz/browns bay

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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DEVONPORT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: DEVONPORT NEWS UPDATE

By Shaulyn van Baaren Devonport Business Improvement District Manager

Buzz of Christmas spirit in the air

Devonport Community News for this month with Maria Teape, Devonport Community Coordinator, Devonport Peninsula Trust Shaulyn van Baaren.

We made it! While many have been wishing away 2020 since probably March, we here in Devonport are grateful to see the return of clear blue skies and the warmth of the sun, sand and seas which always comes with a renewed sense of energy.

We’re excited to be hosting visitors from various corners of Auckland and from around New Zealand as Kiwis take to travelling and exploring our own country.

Coming into December, the buzz of Christmas spirit is already in the air and there will be no shortage of shopping and fun experiences over the Holiday Season. With a little something for everyone on your list this year, Devonport is a great place to wrap up your shopping in a relaxed seaside setting.

For that “hard to buy” family member, gift certificates never go out of style. Retailers like ECHO Designer Clothing, Bear Brother Denim and Yarntons have denominations to meet any budget. Don’t forget to “wrap” that nicely in a cute card from Mixt, Green Planet or Cosi Tuti who, by the way, are all about NZ made gifting.

For those who enjoy the thrill of unwrapping a gift, you can’t go wrong locally-made glass jewellery by our own Peter Raos Glass Artist, gorgeous art from Flagstaff Gallery, stunning stationery, fountain pens and wax seals at Fitzgerald Taylor and so much more!

And for those who love the gift of time…time with family, time with friends…then give the gift of an experience. My top tips are a Perfume Workshop at Miller Road Perfumery, a movie day at The Vic Theatre or a cool Segway experience from Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, you’ll certainly have a gift that creates lasting memories. And of course you can never go wrong with stocking stuffers from Devonport Chocolates.

Between your trips to one of our many picturesque beaches, there is plenty of programming at the Library and Community House for children and adults alike. We are excited to kick things off a little differently this year! Our Friday After Five street festival is lined up for the 4th of December with incredible entertainment, family friendly games, activities and performances and an eclectic offering of food vendors sure to tantalize any palette! Just two days later on the 6th December is the annual Devonport Santa Parade and Christmas Carnival on Windsor Reserve. Now in it’s 16th year and with 30+ participants, this is a must see on your weekend list.

And, of course we have to talk about those famous “yacht races” that we have all been waiting for with anticipation. With prime vantage points right across Devonport, you’ll be able to see these high speed yachts from many of our beaches, from the peaks of Maungauika/North Head or Takarunga/Mt. Victoria. And if indoors with some nibbles and drinks is more your style, then our many amazing restaurants and cafés in the village are ready to greet you.

Coming into my second summer in New Zealand, I am looking forward to the holiday hustle and bustle of the village followed by quiet evenings and weekends on the beach with family and friends.

It has been one heck of a year…and so, from my house to yours, I wish you am very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.

Always, Shaulyn Visit: www.devonport.co.nz

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Celebrating Devonport's festive season Maria Teape.

We kick off the festive season in Devonport with a weekend of celebration and fun; Friday After 5 on Friday 4th December and Devonport Santa Parade and Christmas Festival on Sunday 6th December.

On Friday, come along to Clarence St for Devonport’s favourite street party with games and activities for all ages, food trucks and live music. On Sunday, the Lions Santa Parade commences at 11am, starting in Clarence St and parading down Victoria Rd, followed by festivities in Windsor Reserve until 3pm. It includes Devonport Craft Market, plus there will be food and interactive/educational stalls, a preschool play zone and Dance in the Park. Also happening on Sunday 6th December is the Ethical Christmas Market at Devonport Community House.

On Thursday 17th December, the combined churches of Belmont and Devonport present Community Carol Singing, held in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church, 20 Church St, Devonport, or inside the church if it’s wet. The family fun starts at 6pm, carol singing at 7pm. Bring a picnic and there will also be a sausage sizzle and ice-cream.

On Friday, come along to Clarence St for Devonport’s favourite street party with games and activities for all ages, food trucks and live music.

Holy Trinity Church Devonport is holding their fourth annual Christmas lunch at 11am on Christmas Day. Everyone is welcome: families, individuals, those on their own and those without a home.

The lunch is being held at the Holy Trinity Hall, 20 Church St, Devonport. There is no charge but bookings are essential – please call or email Andie: 445 0328 or admin@holytrinity.gen.nz Summer/Raumati Fun Preschool Play mornings continue until Thursday 10th December and then break for the festive season.

Sessions resume in the New Year on Tuesday 12th February 2021 and will continue to the end of March; Tuesdays at Windsor Reserve, Devonport, Thursdays at Bayswater Park, Bayswater, 9:30am-11am. The free, casual attendance sessions, are a great way for tamariki and caregivers alike to be active, have fun and meet new people. For more info, visit: www.devonportpeninsulatrust.nz or www.facebook.com/DevonportPeninsulaTrust The Auckland Council Out & About team has a range of family fun activities happening in January, including: Beach Day at Narrow Neck on Thursday 14th January – times to be advised; Junk Play at Windsor Reserve Devonport with Conscious Kids on Monday 18th January, 9am-1pm; On Ya Wheels Treasure Hunt at Northboro Reserve on Tuesday 19th January, 10am-12pm,; and Circus in the Park on Saturday 24th January at Woodall Park, 10am-12pm. For updates on activities and times, follow Out & About on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutandAboutAKL Wishing you all a happy festive season!

Noho ora mai Maria

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

DEVONPORT TOURIST INFORMATION CARAVAN

Auckland artist Johnny4Higher painting the caravan on Windsor Reserve this spring.

Project manager and DBA board member Fiona Startup, DBA chair Dianne Hale and Lottery Distribution Committee's Richard Pamatatau.

By Heather Barker Vermeer

ANewlabour of love and local info tourist info caravan on Devonport Wharf Every woman, every man, join the caravan of… information! The ribbon has been cut on a local labour of love created to share all Devonport has to offer, in cute Kiwi seaside-style. Heather Barker Vermeer reports…

The sites and sagas of Devonport’s tourist information situation have been well documented in recent years. Where the tale of the tourism titbits has led to, however, is here: a characterful custom-fit caravan in the village’s ferry building. Complete with bespoke bunting and toadstool seating, even the pickiest of peninsula people would be hard pressed to find fault in its sweet, seaside charm and the service its volunteers offer to all who pass by, this summer and beyond.

Bookmark shop owner Fiona Startup took on the project mantle shortly after joining the DBA board five years ago. “Initially it was a response to the ongoing uncertainty around a permanent venue for the Devonport Visitor Information Centre. The idea of having our local VIC inside a retro caravan seemed the perfect fit for Devonport’s vibe.”

Fiona masterminded the purchase of a retro caravan following a successful New Zealand Lotteries application, submitted by fellow local Katherine Downs, for fund from the grants board’s Community Benefit to the 2021 America’s Cup pot.

Fiona said: “To see it here, finished, is magnificent! I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to bring this project together and I’m delighted with how it’s turned out. The artwork is amazing!

And all these retro flourishes have transformed it into this gorgeous, unique caravan.”

The top-up needed to make the project possible was generously donated by Devonport Rotary Club, with its minimal ongoing operational costs to be picked up by Devonport Business Association.

Rotary Club member and local real estate agent Ian Cunliffe said: “It’s magnificent! It really is a breath of fresh air. We’re very proud to have supported this project and feel it’s a statement of optimism, which says, ‘We’re ready to welcome the world to the best little seaside village in New Zealand!’”

It may be a while until world travellers can land at the wharf so, in the meantime, a bevy of volunteers will be taking turns at sharing their knowledge with visitors from across Auckland and, hopefully, wider New Zealand.

DBA manager Shaulyn van Baaren is keenly aware of the impact a lack of cruise ships and foreign tourists is likely to have on Devonport,

and elsewhere, and is pressing home the message for locals to shop locally, visit local sites and attractions and encourage visitors from across the country to come and do the same.

Narrow Neck resident Shaulyn said: “After years of our businesses and locals recognising that strong, visible and comprehensive visitor information is key to attracting people to explore our village, we are now in the fortunate position of having this unique, delightful caravan we can call our own. It’s a beautiful addition to our seaside village, something the community can embrace and be proud of.”

Judy Birkett has been a visitor information volunteer for almost three years and welcomes the new characterful caravan base, following stints at the former iSite in Victoria Arcade and in the council-owned building at 3 Victoria Road. “Everybody has been very pleasantly surprised and excited about it. It will certainly attract a lot of attention!” Ryman resident Judy is one of 26 registered volunteers rostered on to provide their time and local expertise in the caravan, which comes complete with duck-egg blue fridge, retro-look upholstery and even multi-coloured LED down lights.

Auckland artist Johnny4Higher spent a weekend on Windsor Reserve transforming the standard white outer walls of the caravan into a Devonport-themed piece of art featuring Cheltenham Beach, the old library cat Benjamin and more local icons. Fiona said: “We were amazed with the artwork and how it turned out!”

An official opening on November 19th attracted representatives from DBA, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, New Zealand Lotteries, volunteers, local businesspeople and residents. Chaplain Glen Popata gave a blessing and a giant caravan-themed cake was shared.

Fiona said she hopes the space is enjoyed by people of all ages over the coming summer and beyond, as well as providing information and an opportunity for social connection. The Devonport community had been tasked with finding a fitting name for the vehicle. At the opening, Fiona revealed the name ‘Moana Belle’ had been chosen.

It seemed suitably retro to give the caravan a double name, she said, with Moana honouring Māori and the sea, and Belle meaning beautiful.

With its recognisable local scenes, its coloured lights and playful porthole, deckchairs and toadstools outside, the caravan will not only provide information and inspiration, but fun, as locals look forward with optimism to a new year.

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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This month in DEVONPORT

TOURISM PIVOT TO PUBLISHING

When organising international travel tours is no longer an option, what do you do? You write about them instead. At least that's the COVID-drive course of option taken by Devonport local Gillian Scott, author of What Goes On Tour. Familiar face to many as North Shore Cricket Club's administrator, Gillian caused plenty of laughs (and some blushes) with a reading at the packed launch of her fictional rom-com debut at Devonport's cricket club in late November. Printed by Channel's publisher Benefitz, the novel tells the tale of a travel tour manager navigating a coach-load of tourists - and an eventful love life - through Europe in the 1990s.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH A FOCUS

A pair of Devonport women are on a mission to empower teens and parents and promote positive mental health. Following a series of podcasts called Pods with Posh and Pool, Sue O'Callanghan ('Posh', from London) and Joanna Webb ('Pool', from Liverpool) and the creation of their ImpACT Mental Health organisation, the friends have now launched 'a teenage life survivial guide' book, Hate Myself - Hate My life.

Devonport residents Jo and Sue met in Sydney in 2019, both single mums of four teens, and discovered they shared a passion for addressing New Zealand's dire suicide statistics. So they set about promoting honest conversations around mental health, while trying to dispel the often social mediadriven myth that people lead 'perfect lives'.

SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE CROQUET The genteel game of croquet may summon images of aristocratic garden games in 19th century Britain, or perhaps bring Alice in Wonderland and her antics to mind. But croquet is alive and well on the North Shore in the 2020s, as the Devonportbased North Shore Croquet Club can attest.

Twilight croquet is played every first and third Thursday from 6pm at the quaint little club on Wairoa Road and new players are welcome to give it a go.

Try something new, New Zealand, and get along for a game that can be casual or competitive, calming or calculating.

BELMONT BUZZING OVER DAILY BREAD

Lead us not into temptation? Well, go on then! Mouth watering pastries of the sweet and savoury kind are back in Belmont, as a new kid lands on the former Little & Friday block. A pre-launch, post-lockdown pop-up version of Daily Bread appeared in Eversleigh Road last month, before the cafe officially opened in a light, bright, refurbished space in late November. Locals are flocking to the North Shore sister site to the well-established Point Chev cafe, with the famous-in-Auckland cardamom buns proving just as popular this side of the bridge as the other.

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

LOCAL LIFE NZ

Local LifeLife Local

In Channel Magazine we love highlighting people in our community who make a difference. Two local Devonport Peninsula people, Kate and Lauren, have created ‘Local Life NZ’ a social media entity doing similar online. We love what they do, so we’re now collaborating with them to include their content in print – monthly in Channel Mag. These are recent pieces they’ve done on Caroline from Devonport Chocolates, Pauline from Magic Broomstick Segway Tours and Philipp from The Vic Theatre.

Caroline Everitt – Devonport Chocolates “I’ve only just started feeling like I can sing again now. With your body being your instrument singing is connected to where you are physically and emotionally. I love having a clear direction and path ahead of me which you just can’t have at the moment. I’m trying to embrace change and take each day at a time.

“There have been so many challenges with our family business over the last couple of months and more to come.

Our customers have been incredible, we’ve had so many lovely emails and they’ve been incredibly understanding.

Underlying all that though is the ongoing stress of keeping the business on an even keel and staff employed. We’re trying to look forward to what our business model will be in the future with the borders not opening up anytime soon. This is how we approach things – I’ve said time and time again to my parents, we must focus on the positives, otherwise what’s the point of getting out of bed? Who knows what our business will look like in the future?

Caroline is a singer and had been due to perform in Mary Poppins at the Civic Theatre. The opening was postponed due to Covid-19.

“I’m back to performing and couldn’t be happier. Mary Poppins is so special to be in and the perfect show for audiences at the moment. It’s entertaining and bright and infused with positivity - just what we all need right now!

Pauline Baker – Magic Broomsticks Segways Tours “ ‘You don’t always get what you want, you get what you need.’

In 2009, my husband travelled to Paris, where he fell in love with Segways.

Once back in Devonport, he decided to buy a small fleet and start a Segway tour business.

It was his dream. Unfortunately, he died six months later, leaving me with the business. Life was suddenly turned upside down. While trying to cope with his death, I had people calling wanting to take tours. It was overwhelming at first, but it gave me purpose. I fast-tracked myself into becoming a pro-Segway rider and started learning in-depth all about the history of Devonport. 12 years later, I have managed to earn a good living, meet some really special people and discover every pothole in town.”

Philipp Jaser – The Vic Theatre Quite how a Bavarian wine steward has come to be making Italian gelato in a seaside suburb in Auckland is the stuff of films, so you could say that Philipp Jaser has found his home. Philipp runs The Vic Theatre, arguably one of Devonport’s most-loved and most-resilient institutions, having weathered the storms of silent movies, world wars and stock market crashes since it was first built in all its art deco finery in 1912.

Philipp, who loves a good challenge, has been at the helm for the past eight years but nothing could have prepared him for the challenges of this year’s lockdown. “Suddenly we had no income,” says Philipp. “The only thing we could do was to sell gelato on the street.” And so his sideline became their lifeline. Philipp was served his first Italian gelato by Lisa and Nicola in his home town of Lauingen (Donau) when he was 12, and 45 years later his relationship with the family is still going strong. “At first they were a little suspicious when I went back to Germany and asked them for the recipe,” says Philipp, “but when I told them I was thinking of making gelato 11,000 miles away in Devonport, they could see I wasn’t going to pose anything of a threat!”

Philipp is a stickler for quality, wanting to keep his product “as close to home” as possible. He uses local wherever possible, including Bella Vacca Jersey milk from Kawakawa and Chiasso coffee from just around the corner. He’s had to bow to local nuances at times, re-badging the exquisite-sounding ‘stracciatella’ to ‘Italian choc chip’, only to see it fly out the door. Although he’s a fan of the more traditional flavours, Philipp says raspberry sorbet is his top-seller. And in true Italian style, his gelato-making is a family affair with daughter Sasha putting her own indomitable style on this time-honed craft.

If you have a story you would like to share or know of a local hero, contact Kate Dobbin & Lauren Lulu Taylor at hello@localifenz.com Follow Local Life NZ on Facebook and Instagram – @LocalLifeNZ

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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Geraldine Zareian & Team From Our Family to Yours

Harry

Andre

WAYS THAT WE CAN Geraldine

HELP YOU PREPARE FOR THE MARKET IN THE NEW YEAR

PARTIAL HOUSE WASH

HANDYMAN

CLEANER

GARDEN TIDY

Geraldine Zareian 88

STAGING

PHOTOGRAPHY

g.zareian@barfoot.co.nz

www.tosell.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz 021 184 0312

TIM BRAY THEATRE COMPANY NEWS

Become Extraordinarily Creative Tim Bray Theatre Company is expanding its Youth Theatre offering in 2021 with Extraordinarily Creative, a new accessible drama class developed in collaboration with Children’s Autism Foundation.

Extraordinarily Creative drama classes are created to enable children and teenagers who are differently wired find their own voice and place. It’s a weekly class for those who skip to a different beat, who see and experience things in their own extraordinary way.

Jo Sutton, General Manager, Children’s Autism Foundation, says it’s “a positive, fun and safe place for children and young people with ASD/neurodiversity to use the creativity of drama and express themselves as never before.”

Extraordinarily Creative is a safe haven where everyone’s unique abilities and gifts are celebrated. Focused on building confidence and developing skills to have a better experience of the world, the classes embrace students’ exceptional brains and energy, and, through acting techniques, guides them in a journey of self-discovery. Students play out emotions and experiences in class allowing them to build their emotional language and understand their feelings better. Interacting with classmates and tutors builds communication abilities, grows social skills and creates friendships.

Extraordinarily Creative drama classes have been developed in response to seeing the personal growth in Youth Theatre students, like that of regular student, Luke Woolley. Luke, 16, has grown in confidence through Tim Bray Theatre Company’s weekly drama classes over the past three years, building his self-esteem and social development.

Luke shared his experience of attending Tim Bray Youth Theatre and how he has benefitted from them.

What have others noticed about your involvement with Tim Bray Youth Theatre?

It is difficult to understate the enormous impact the Youth Theatre has had on my life. My parents watched me transform from an angry, isolated loner into a chilled, socially competent individual who now runs two separate tabletop gaming clubs.

Do Tim Bray Youth Theatre classes help students in ways other than performance skills, and, if so, in what way?

I think the classes have helped many students like me find acceptance and develop social skills that we may have previously struggled with.

The classes bring together all kinds of people: introverts, extroverts, athletes and intellectuals, and gives them the chance to really connect with one another.

What have you learnt from drama classes that you have used elsewhere?

The drama classes taught me, more than anything, that it is okay to step outside my shell and make an effort to interact with and learn how to interact with those around me. I find myself using those skills every day now, going back to those lessons to remind me that for all the ups and downs, life is still worth living.

What strengths do you think the drama classes have brought out in you?

I discovered a natural charisma thanks to these classes, as well as a surprisingly funny sense of humour. I found out that not only did I enjoy interacting with people, but I was good at it.

Extraordinarily Creative drama classes are an extension of Tim Bray Theatre Company’s Accessible Theatre offering, with the aim of making theatre a welcoming place for all to grow.

In 2020 Tim Bray Theatre Company has been recognised for their accessible programme development and receiving the 2020 Arts Access Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award awarded by Arts Access Aotearoa.

Kicking off in Term One, 2021, the first Extraordinarily Creative classes runs in North Shore at Meadowood Community House, with one hour weekly classes, in age groups from 5–16 years. For a full class description, head along to timbray.org.nz.

TIM BRAY

YOUTH THEATRE For youth who are differently wired to find their own voice and place.

A weekly drama class for ages 5 -16 on the North Shore Term 1, 2021 www.timbray.org.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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EDUCATION: ROSMINI COLLEGE

AIMES Award for Taine Murray Every year the North Harbour Club & Charitable Trust awards grants to outstanding young people, aged 10 to 25, who are achieving excellence in the categories of Arts, Innovation, Music, Education, Sport and Service to the Community.

This year Rosmini College was delighted that Year 13 Sports Captain, Taine Murray received a North Harbour Club AIMES Emerging Talent Award. Taine has played for New Zealand’s Tall Blacks and he has just accepted a four-year scholarship to the University of Virginia. Additionally, two Rosmini College Old Boys also received AIMES Awards. Former Deputy Head Boy Richard Rahardja received the North Harbour Club AIMES Education Award for his research work on ACL reconstructions. Fellow Rosmini Old Boy Christopher Justin Pereira received a North Harbour Club AIMES Emerging Talent Award. The talented musician and songwriter is about to release a self-titled album in February 2021.

Mr Nixon Cooper, Taine Murray and his proud parents.

Mothers and Sons Afternoon Tea On Monday 9th November the Rosmini College PTFA organised an afternoon tea in the Tindall Auditorium for the Year 13 leavers and their mothers.

This was the first time this event has been held at Rosmini and it was a very successful afternoon.

Year 13 Prefect Cameron Giles with his Mum.

Proxime Accessit Dux Alexander Chen with his proud parents.

Mothers and Sons Afternoon Tea.

Rosmini's 2020 Dux Anthony Pita with his family.

Rosmini College Senior Prizegiving 2020 Rosmini College’s Senior Prizegiving was held on Wednesday 11th November in the Tindall Auditorium. Year 13 Catholic Character Leader, Sam Aschebrock, said the School Prayer.

The Rosmini College School Choir sang the National Anthem and there were a number of other outstanding musical performances

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throughout the evening including items from Rosmini College’s Big Band, Michael Malik, and the Senior Combo Band. Year 13 Maori Leader Anthony Pita was named the School Dux and fellow Year 13 Prefect Alexander Chen was the Proxime Accessit Dux. Year 13 Sports Captain Taine Murray was Rosmini College’s Sportsman of the Year.

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

MASSEY UNIVERSITY NEWS

Philosophy helps us grasp complex ethics of euthanasia Massey University philosopher and ethics specialist Dr Vanessa Schouten says the acceptance of the assisted dying legislation shows that Kiwis are willing to make room for others to live by values they might not share themselves.

Final results reveal 65 per cent of New Zealanders voted in favour of assisted dying at the October 17th election. Getting the green light through a public referendum, the bill will come into force in October 2021, with criteria set out in the End of Life Choice Act 2019.

Dr Schouten, who has been based at the Auckland, Albany campus for five years, discussed the ethics of the assisted dying legislation with her students in class prior to the election. She says it offered a real-life example of a complex ethical issue that New Zealanders have grappled with.

“I think the difficult thing with a bill like the End of Life Choice Bill is to strike a balance between allowing people to make choices about their own lives, and protecting the vulnerable from being coerced or encouraged to make choices that they would not otherwise make,” says Dr Schouten. these kinds of stories are really important for helping Fears and concerns of those who voted against a us to understand what’s at stake.”

Dr Vanessa law change should have been eased, because the bill Empirical research matters too, in her view. “For Schouten. in her view “strikes a good balance. Most importantly, it example, if we’re going to make claims about what would recognises the importance of ethical values which have broad happen as a result of a law like this, we shouldn’t just speculate: appeal – most people think that dignity, choice, and being able to we can look at what happens in other countries. And if we’re avoid unnecessary pain are important components of what it means going to make claims about what terminally ill people/people with to live a good life (and, in this case, have a good death).” disabilities/religious people (for example) think about these issues, Dr Schouten teaches practical and applied ethics and critical we should actually ask them first.” thinking, in the School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, and since 2015 has regularly taught a unit on Making sense of how we value life and death euthanasia in her Practical Ethics course. She moved to the Digging deeper into these values helps too, says Dr Schouten. “A lot Manawatū campus in July. of people think euthanasia involves a doctor killing a patient. They also believe that it’s wrong to kill, and so euthanasia must be wrong.

But the reason we think killing is wrong is because in ordinary circumstances, it’s very bad to lose your life. But very ill people who want access to euthanasia presumably value other things more than their life. They might value being able to die in a time, place and manner of their choosing, or being able to avoid pain. It’s not a moral mistake for a person to value those things more than they value life, even if you don’t think those things would be something that you would value.”

“Understanding which values matter to people can help understand their position,” she says. “What is most important to them – choice? Protecting life at all costs? Avoiding pain? Once we understand that, we can begin to understand why other people make the kinds of decisions we might not make and accept that laws which allow other people to make decisions for themselves based on values we might not share can nevertheless be good laws.”

“In 2017 David Seymour [Act Party leader who introduced the bill] visited our class to talk to the students about the End of Life Choices For more information on Massey’s philosophy programme, go to: Bill, which was both really interesting and a great way to demonstrate https://www.massey.ac.nz/programme/?id=93118&mc=PPHLS to the students that the ethical issues which we discuss in class – www.massey.ac.nz/cohss which can sometimes seem very abstract – both have implications for real life, and form the basis on which we make real life decisions, like our decisions about how to vote in a referendum.”

She highlights the importance of stories of personal experiences in the study of ethics. “It’s all very well to think about things in the abstract, but real-life stories of people who’ve experienced facing

I think the difficult thing with a bill like the End of Life Choice Bill is to strike a balance between allowing people to make choices about their own lives, and protecting the vulnerable…

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EDUCATION: RANGITOTO COLLEGE

Performing Artist of the Year, Quillan Denton.

Performing Artist of the Year, Giona Basso.

Dux, Friederike Voit.

Sportsman of the Year, Seb Menzies.

Rangitoto College Awards With awards season upon us, it has been wonderful to celebrate the many students who have achieved at the top of their fields in academics, sports, and performing arts.

Despite the challenges of 2020, Rangitoto students have embodied our school values by showing resilience and continuing to pursue personal excellence. Senior Prizegiving saw hundreds of students cross the stage to receive school awards, and a significant number also received university scholarships totalling over $500,000.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of our most prestigious award, 2020 Dux, which went to Year 13 student Friederike Voit.

An exceptional academic, Friederike has gained 319 excellence credits so far, and has a perfect 100 GPA. Friederike’s most notable successes to date have been in the nation’s top exams — NZQA Scholarship. On average, these exams are passed by 3% of students nationwide, with 0.3% of students gaining an ‘Outstanding’ level grade. As a Year 11 student, Friederike gained a pass in Scholarship History, an astonishing achievement for a student sitting the exams

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Despite the challenges of 2020, Rangitoto students have embodied our school values by showing resilience and continuing to pursue personal excellence. two years early. As a Year 12 student, she gained four passes — history, statistics, an Outstanding in classics, and the top score nationwide in art history. This year, Friederike gained an A+ in a classics paper at Massey University and is taking nine Scholarship subjects. She has also achieved at the top levels in debating, placing second in the

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Sportsman of the Year, Caleb Armit.

Sportswoman of the Year, Shaunna Li.

…it has been wonderful to celebrate the many students who have achieved at the top of their fields in academics, sports, and performing arts.

Sportswoman of the Year, Melissa Cowen.

New Zealand schools’ competition with the Auckland White Secondary School Team. Her individual talent was also recognised with a Highly Commended Speaker award at the Grand Final. Friederike embodies Rangitoto’s ambition for all students to achieve personal excellence, and we congratulate her on her many successes.

This year, Sportswoman of the Year was awarded jointly to Shaunna Li and Melissa Cowen. Shaunna Li is a formidable badminton player, and the current New Zealand title holder for both Under-19 singles and doubles. At an international level, she placed second at the prestigious Victor Oceania Team Championships. Melissa has ­had a remarkable year in the pool, with a record-breaking performance in the Open Women’s 200m breaststroke at the New Zealand Short Course (25m pool) Championship Series. With a time of 2:23.47, she is the 11th fastest female in the world in this event, and is on track to represent New Zealand in 2021.

Sportsman of the Year was also awarded jointly, to Rangitoto’s two top sailors, Seb Menzies and Caleb Armit. Seb, with his teammate Blake, has achieved a multitude of accolades in recent years, including, among many others, gold and the silver at the 420 Open Men’s World Championships and gold at the prestigious Youth World Championships. Seb’s talent has also been recognised by Yachting New Zealand, having been awarded

the Emerging Talent Award in 2017, and with his partner Blake, the honour of being named New Zealand Young Sailors of the Year in 2019.

Caleb has likewise had a fantastic couple of years on the water. He won first place in the New Zealand Youth Championships, was subsequently named in the New Zealand Youth Sailing Team, and is a member of High Performance New Zealand’s Pathway to Podium programme.

At our Arts Awards this year, the prestigious Zigliani Cup for Performing Artist of the Year was awarded jointly to Quillan Denton and Giona Basso. Quillan is an accomplished and confident vocalist and actor. He has won numerous awards at the Big Sing Choral Festival as part of Fundamentals, Cambiata, and Massa Di Voce choirs, including Distinction Awards at regional and district level and silver awards at national level. This year, Quillan was selected for the prestigious New Zealand’s Secondary Students Choir which is a testament to his vocal skills. As an actor, Quillan has been nominated for a Showdown award for his role in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Giona has played a significant role in the success of many bands, orchestras, and choirs. His most significant awards in the last year include Best Trumpeter at the 2019 NZSM Jazz Festival, gold award with Big Band at 2019 KBB Music Festival, Most Outstanding Big Band and platinum award at the 2019 Auckland Schools Jazz Competition.

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EDUCATION: KRISTIN SCHOOL

Kristin's Graduation Walk and Senior School Prizegiving

Victoria Deschamps.

Will Smith and Kunli Zhang.

Angelynn Jayasuria.

Vanessa Xiong.

Olivia Nuysink.

Charlie Kinnear.

Christina Yang.

Lucia Doak.

Rachel Harding.

Rebecca Rong.

Christine Li.

Georgia Kimber.

Our Year 13 students proudly took their final walk through the school grounds on Friday 13th November to the cheers from our Kindy to Year 10 students, staff and parents who lined the route.

They were then welcomed by Year 11 and 12 students to the Auditorium for the Senior School prizegiving, where the Senior School Academic, Premier and Prestige Awards were presented. We recognise the immense amount of work that these students have put in throughout their school year and offer our greatest congratulations and respect for their achievements.

Prestige Awards Foundation Cup VICTORIA DESCHAMPS - Kristin’s highest honour, awarded to a pupil who shows the true Kristin example Stevens Award for Academic Excellence WILL SMITH - NCEA Dux of School Claudia Wysocki Memorial Trophy for Academic Excellence KUNLI ZHANG - IB Dux of School Appreciation Cup ANGELYNN JAYASURIA - For attitude, reliability, kindness, courtesy and consideration towards others Sir Denis Blundell Trophy VANESSA XIONG - For personal conduct and citizenship Anna Fuller Trophy OLIVIA NUYSINK - For displaying a consistently positive attitude, commitment and determination in the pursuit of excellence Gifford Shield CHARLIE KINNEAR - For exemplifying the qualities of leadership Wright and Amos Cups for Head Prefects CHRISTINA YANG and CHARLIE KINNEAR

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Premier Sporting Awards Marge Scott Trophy LUCIA DOAK - For significant contribution to leadership in sport

Premier Cultural Awards Senior Performing Arts Cup CHARLIE KINNEAR - For initiative and leadership in the Performing Arts Production Cup RACHEL HARDING - Awarded to the student who has, in addition to exceptional performances, made the most significant contribution to, and impact on, major Senior productions at Kristin Kristin Performing Arts Trophy RACHEL HARDING - Awarded to the student who has made the most outstanding all-round contribution to cultural activities at Kristin

Premier Service Awards ‘K’ Factor Trophy REBECCA RONG - Awarded to a student who is an active and contributing member of a team of students who are fully committed and involved in school life and contributing significantly to the school community Liberalitas Cup CHRISTINE LI - Awarded for leadership of a team in providing service to the school Service to School Cup GEORGIA KIMBER - Presented in recognition of exemplary service to the school community

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Rhys Darby visits Kristin Our Year 6 cohort was excited to have a special author visit from Rhys Darby, a Kiwi comedian who released his third book for children from his Button's McGinty series.

Rhys came to Kristin on Monday 9th November to share this new book, and our children heard the latest tale of Buttons McGinty. They then discussed the behind-the-scenes process of how an author and illustrator put books together. Our pupils were inspired to read the author's book after the visit, and this was a unique opportunity for them to have their books signed and personally dedicated.

Research shows that author events in schools inspire children and help them out on their journey in developing a love of reading and enjoyment of writing. We definitely saw this with this insightful and entertaining session with Rhys Darby. Our students benefited from and enjoyed this special author visit and were highly engaged from the moment Rhys opened his new novel.

Rhys Darby signing his books at Kristin School.

Kristin wins Spirit Trophy An amazing group of Year 10 students recently embarked on Kristin’s very first Spirit of Adventure Trophy Challenge.

They were accompanied by 30 students from three other schools: Wairarapa College, Orewa College and St Andrew’s College. The voyage consisted of a series of school-based challenges in which the students could acquire points for their school. The Kristin team’s hard work and team spirit enabled them to come home with the Spirit of Adventure Trophy award!

The voyage set off from Auckland’s Princes Wharf and sailed across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Along the way, the group learnt and practised valuable sailing skills while making great friends with their shipmates. Escorted by a pod of dolphins, the Spirit crew made their way over to the Coromandel where they nestled between Motutapere Island and Whanganui Island. They enjoyed a peaceful night in the bay before setting off on more

Year 10 Spirit of Adventure Trophy Challenge team.

adventures back at Waiheke Island.

Finally, they had one last stop at Motuihe Island for some competitive rafting. Our students had a wonderful time learning about our natural environment and some of the treasures of the Hauraki Gulf. It was a marvellous experience they will never forget.

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EDUCATION: WESTLAKE BOYS

Senior Music Students.

Staff Award - Sarah Belcher and Head Boy Bowen de Gouw

Max Chen performing the first movement of Haydn's cello concerto in C major.

Community Awards - Vaughn Bycroft and Senior Prefect Blake McGlashan.

Community Awards - Mark Manihera.

2020 Celebrations for Outstanding Achievement This year will go down in the history books for a variety of significant reasons, but despite all the disruptions and cancellations we’ve had to endure, some of our musicians and sportsmen did manage to make the most of their limited opportunities to compete, and achieved some very impressive results.

Not surprisingly, our annual awards ceremonies to celebrate our young men’s achievements were undeniably different from previous years but it was still good to be able to gather to celebrate the positives and acknowledge the achievements of those who were fortunate to have the opportunity to engage in their extracurricular activities.

In the wake of a year that created an unprecedented number of tournament cancellations, our Sports Awards evening turned its focus to celebrating our most senior students and their contribution to their chosen sports. It was a wonderful evening that celebrated the positives for the right reasons and acknowledged an incredible group of people that contribute to our school. More than 270 students, parents, teachers and coaches gathered to share an evening that combined student voice, insightful messaging and entertainment which demonstrated all that is good about Westlake sport. Staff Service awards were presented to Mrs Sarah Belcher, Mrs Janet Wilkinson, Mr Andrew Lydiard and Mr Charlie Meredith (Coach of the Year). Geraint Vincent was awarded the Student Coach of the Year.

Community Service awards were presented to Mark Manihera for his commitment to rugby and Vaughn Bycroft for his commitment to cycling. Another highlight was recognising the achievement of 77 senior students who received Colours Awards for their outstanding

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Charlie Meredith - Coach of the Year.

Geraint Vincent - Student Coach of the Year.

contribution to sport throughout their time at Westlake.

The combined Westlake school’s Music Awards dinner also celebrated the highlights of this year’s music achievements despite having an annual programme that was significantly disrupted by Covid-19. The evening commenced with an overview of a year that held many rehearsals and many narrowly missed performances, before they were able to emerge from the gloom and begin accenting the positives, such as the widely viewed online Gala Concert, the impact of new staff in the department, exciting plans for 2021 and of course the undiminished standard of Westlake Music.

Special awards were given to Cameron Brownsey for Excellence in Vocal Performance, Channing Chu and Max Chen for Excellence in Instrumental performance, Sam Charlesworth for Excellence in Composition, John Quirk and Jayce Martinez for Most Improved Senior Musicians, and Bruce Bian for Outstanding Service to the Music Department.

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Pasifika Night The Pasifika Night is a fantastic event that brings together Pasifika families and friends to celebrate student success throughout the year. This year we were honoured to have Efeso Collins as guest speaker, and he delivered a humorous and entertaining speech that shared his own life journey and encouraged the boys to continue working hard to achieve their goals and dreams.

Certificates were awarded to students in recognition of their involvement in sport and cultural activities, and special accolades were also given to students nominated by their teachers for their character – what it means to be a good Westlake student. The celebrations concluded with recognition of the Year 13 students graduating at the end of the year who spoke about their “Westlake experience”, and parents, teachers and students were inspired and moved by their heartfelt words.

Pasifika Students.

Guest Speaker - Efeso Collins.

Pasifika Students.

Westlakers with Mr Frittelli.

Westlakers Frittelli Cup Hockey We are proud to have an active Westlaker community which is keen to stay in touch and participate in various events we host during the year. Sports clashes are always very popular and provide great entertainment for everyone involved.

Recently we hosted the Frittelli Cup Hockey Match, a game between our current 1st XI and a mixed peer year team of alumni.

Over 40 Westlakers arrived with an entourage of eager spectators to enjoy a night of entertaining competition. It was a tight game, finishing

2008 1st XI Reunited!

with a 4-4 draw that went into strokes, resulting in the 1st XI taking it out. A special reunion game was also played between the 2008 and 2015 1st XI teams, both voted as the team of their decade, having won the national Rankin Cup. The nail-biting game was narrowly won by the 2015 1st XI, 5-4, but was enjoyed by all. A highlight of the event was seeing the almost complete 2008 team together again and creating an older version of their school team photo from over a decade ago!

2008 1st XI back in 2008!

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EDUCATION: WESTLAKE GIRLS

Anya Powell.

Donia Hegazy.

Kaia Tupu-South.

Charlotte Print.

Emma Wang.

Star-studded night sees student success celebrated It might have been a year of disruption, but there was still plenty to celebrate at our 2020 Senior Academic Prize-Giving Ceremony on Wednesday 4th November.

The evening was packed with Level 1, 2 and 3 awards, plus the announcement of university scholarships. Capping off the night were our Supreme Awards, including Dux Emma Wang and Proxime Accessit to the Dux Charlotte Print.

Earlier that day, we held our Special Awards ceremony where we announced our Head and Deputy Head Prefects for 2021.

Congratulations to Head Prefect Grace Chen and Deputy Head Prefect Charis Allison.

Supreme Awards Emma Wang: Charlotte Print: Anya Powell:

Kaia Tupu-South:

Donia Hegazy:

Dux Proxime Accessit to Dux Outstanding all-round student in Cultural, Academic & Leadership Outstanding all-round Deputy Head Prefect Charis Allison & Head student in Sporting, Prefect Grace Chen.

Academic & Leadership Citizenship – Outstanding Service, Academic & Leadership

Cups and Awards Head Prefect: Kaia Tupu-South

Quennie Chen.

Niki Sun and Hannah Jones.

International Student of the Year: Jasmine Jiayi Gong Art Photography: Tania Ahmed Art Cup: Nahyeon Lia Lee Excellence in Business Studies: Jasmine Jiayi Gong Creative Writing Award: Sarah Penny Dance Performance: Alannah Thomas Excellence in English: Sarah Waller Year 13 Practical Geography Award: Charlotte Print Senior Oral French Cup: Juliette Brice Excellence in Graphics: Blair She Excellence in Japanese: Sarah Waller Excellence in Languages: Sarah Waller Excellence in Mathematics: Yinming Li Musician of the Year: Xiaofan Sherry Zhang Excellence in Physical Education: Ava Pritchard Excellence in Physical Sciences: Navim Navim Achievement in Science Award: Emma Wang Senior Social Studies Global Citizenship Award: Sania Jafarian Excellence in Social Sciences: Charlotte Print Excellence in Spanish: Zoe Litherland Te Tohu o Kaitautoko – Overall Contribution to Māori: Maddison Gerbes Excellence in Technology: Suah Hwang Whitecliffs Timber Prize: Jaime Hanrahan Excellence in German: Sarah Waller Excellence in Senior Statistics: Olivia Rowe

Sherry Zhang.

Alanah Jones.

Tanya Lu, Anna Tarrosa, Anya Powell.

Music stars shine bright in 2020 The Annual Westlake Music Dinner is a spectacular evening celebrating the myriad successes of both Westlake schools. This year it was held on 27th October at McHugh’s of Cheltenham, with outstanding performances by Quennie Chen, Sandra Kang, Max Chen, Sherry Zhang, Rachel An, Alanah Jones and an inspiring speech by guest speaker Mark Bennett. The following students were awarded cups and trophies for their outstanding contribution to music:

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Instrumental Music: Sherry Zhang Leadership in Music Department: Quennie Chen Leadership in Performance: Hannah Jones Creativity in Music: Niki Sun and Hannah Jones Choral Music: Tanya Lu, Anya Powell, Anna Tarrosa Excellence in Music Performance: Alanah Jones Accompanist: Tara Yoo

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

Talented athletes take to the podium at end-of-year awards ceremony The Westlake Girls 2020 Sporting Excellence Awards evening took place on Friday 30th October, celebrating an extraordinary year of sporting success.

The event celebrated the success and achievements of our many athletes and teams in a range of sporting arenas.

The major awards this year went to: Sportswoman of the Year: Kaia Tupu-South Team of the Year: U18 Coxed Quadruple Sculls International Performance of the Year: Greta Pilkington (sailing) Sporting All Rounder of the Year: Holly Williams Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Zoe Crawford Coach of the Year: Joel Foster Student Coach of the Year: Rosalie Dil Student Official of the Year: Courtney Day Volunteer of the Year: Jason Gerbes Here’s a little more about our Sportswoman of the Year, and Head Prefect, Kaia Tupu-South from her citation: Kaia is an extremely talented athlete. She is currently ranked #1 in the Women’s Under 20 discus and shot put in New Zealand and is the current New Zealand Secondary Schools Discus Champion. Kaia has qualified for the World Under 20 Championship in Nairobi, Kenya in both discus and shot put. The event was meant to be held in July this

U18 Coxed Quadruple Sculls.

Holly Williams.

Zoe Crawford.

Greta Pilkington.

Kaia Tupu -South.

year but postponed until August 2021. Kaia is also a member of the High Performance Sport NZ Athletics Development Squad which means she is someone that you may see competing at the Olympics one day. And finally, Kaia has accepted an Athletic scholarship to the University of Washington in Seattle for 2021.

Taking recycling to a whole new level At first glance, this dress looks like a gorgeous hand-made garment. And it is. But what you probably don’t realise is that it’s made of recycled packaging and edible plants!

Year 12 student Charlotte Ram found a unique way to recycle the wool packaging from My Food Bag, using it as the basis of her Fabric Technology project. “I wanted to add edible plants to my garment because this creates a whole new purpose for clothes,” says Charlotte. “I always knew I loved plants because my room is covered in them and I have a big passion for the fashion industry, therefore by creating this garment I could bring two things that I love together. Now I can show people how to bring human society and nature closer together through fashion.”

Charlotte says the plant currently growing on her garment (pictured) is Red Clover microgreens. “They are an edible plant that just taste like baby sprouts. Different seeds can be germinated for different visual effects, creating an ever changing garment. I first grew mustard seeds on my garment, but did not leave enough time for them to sprout,” she says.

“The grey material is the My Food Bag 100% biodegradable and sustainable sheep wool.

These come with every My Food Bag order, wrapped around the frozen foods. The idea of growing microgreens on this wool came from my mum and I being sick of My Food Bag not

picking up the bags of wool, as they are meant to. So, we opened the bag and realised it smells just like a farm – and then came to the realisation that this material will be able to hold moisture and grow plants!

“I also did some research on this designer called Jacob Olmedo and he created a rug with microgreens all over it which looked amazing.”

Charlotte says her garment was difficult to construct. “I had never done this before and was basically making it up on the way,” she says.

“The time taken to make this garment was very confusing due to lockdowns, where we were not able to sew at home. We had to make a practice garment called a toile to ensure the garment will fit. Then once that was done we could start on our real garment. I reused the material from my toile as a lining for the main grey fabric on top. This lining was also lined with all natural beeswax (just like a beeswax wrap) as a waterproof layer since the garment will be wet from watering the microgreens. I would say this all took just under two months to make, considering all the testing and training that was done along the way.

“If it wasn’t for all that testing and trialling, my garment probably would not have worked at all, as my initial design is very different from my finished design.”

A fun and interesting topic of conversation, Charlotte says her dress is great for adding microgreens into her food. “We even ate the plants off my dress in class, and I now feed leftover microgreens to my bunny after I found him on our table eating my plant trials!

“Even though my garment is complete I’m still learning and experimenting. My next experiment is to try to grow some sort of air plant or wild flowers.”

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EDUCATION: TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR

Team of the Year - Girls 1st XI Cricket Team.

Colette Morrison.

Evan Williams - Senior Sportsman of the Year.

Maddy Byrne.

Natalie Sayes - Senior Sportswoman of the Year.

Jodie Blackwood - Junior Sportswoman of the Year.

Katja Boonzaier.

2020 Pride Co-Curricular Major Award Winners Sports: Sportsmanship Cup for Sportsman of the Year - Evan Williams The Sandie Wiltshire Cup for Sportswoman of the Year - Natalie Sayes The Al Cameron Cup for Junior Sportsman of the Year - Zephyr Lovelock Linda Geary Cup for Junior Sportswoman of the Year – Jodie Blackwood Team of the Year – Girls 1st XI Cricket Team: Anna Browning, Ella Cronshaw, Scout Hallman, Rishika Jaswal, Leah Kampkes, Libby Easterbrook, Jasmine Perry, Kennedy Scott, Milly Yorke, Ruby Worrall, Issy Smith, Olivia Priddy, Lucy Perry, Izzy Fox Takapuna Grammar School Coach of the Year – Alain McKinney Takapuna Grammar School Manager of the Year – Michelle Millington The Geange Trophy for Senior Boys Contribution to TGS Sport – Liam Cammelot-Allan TGS Margaret Moore Cup for Senior Girls Contribution to TGS Sport – Sarah McClune

Malcolm Onduna and Mrs Onduna.

Tausala Faulalo and Parents.

Performing Arts: Harvey Cup for Service to School Drama – Malcolm Onduna Arts Council Spirit Award for Contribution to the Spirit and Culture of Performing Arts – Colette Morrison Top TGS Drama Student for Highest Performing Drama Student Year 13 – Katja Boonzaier Musical Theatre for Standout Performance in a Song, Showcase or Musical – Maddy Byrne The Peninsular Cup for Excellence in the Arts – Tausala Faulalo

Rei Muramoto, Tessa Renneberg, Emma Neill

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2020 AIMES Award Recipients For 25 years, since 1995, the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust has been granting scholarships to young people of the North Harbour region who have been achieving excellence across the fields of the Arts, Innovation, Music, Education, Sport and Service to the Community.

These are called the AIMES Awards. Applicants across the three categories – AIMES, Emerging Talent, Junior Excellence – are aged under 25 years of age, with the Junior category being aged 10 to 13 years and the AIMES and AIMES Emerging Talent category 14 to 25 years. Since 1995 over $2.5 million worth of grants have been made. In these following pages we profile the recipients of the 2020 AIMES Awards.

For more information visit: www.northharbourclub.co.nz

The North Harbour Club & Charitable Trust acknowledges the ongoing support of our fantastic sponsors…

NORTH HARBOUR CLUB AIMES AWARDS SPONSORS

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WE’RE BUILDING NORTH HARBOUR SPONSORS

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE AIMES WINNERS NETWORK

NORTH HARBOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP SPONSOR

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL PARTNER

NORTH HARBOUR BUSINESS HALL OF FAME SPONSOR

www.northharbourclub.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

AIMES Arts Award Sponsored by ASB

AIMES AWARDS WINNERS 2020

Presented to ...

Kit Reilly (25)

Dancing in New York, Shanghai, London and Sydney are among the performance highlights of former Takapuna Grammar School student, Kit Reilly. The professional dancer and choreographer began carving out his career following graduation from the prestigious New Zealand School of Dance in 2017.

Winning the 2014 AIMES Emerging Talent Award helped enable Kit to complete his full-time dance studies in Sydney and go on to win a place at New Zealand’s foremost dance academy. With this, came opportunities to dance in China, the USA and Australia. Since graduating three years ago, Kit has worked hard to make his dream of becoming a professional dancer a reality.

In 2018, Kit performed with Rambert Dance Company in London, appeared in stage shows and music videos and collaborated on the acclaimed multi-media performance, Rushes. He found time to return to Takapuna Grammar as a guest tutor and also began work on his own full-length choreographic work during a residency at Wellesley Studios, under the direction of New Zealand dance patron Katrina Todd ONZM. Kit’s work, Utopia #9, features a self-composed musical score and premiered to sold-out audiences at Auckland’s Tempo Dance Festival in October 2019 and on a preceeding Wellington tour.

Last year, he collaborated on a new musical, Edges of the Map, and completed a residency at Lucy Guerin Inc in Melbourne. He travelled to Australia’s national centre for choreographic development - STRUT Dance in Perth, attended workshops with Dutch choreographer Anouk van Dijk and Footnote Dance, and worked with ABC studios for upcoming US TV series, The Wilds.

In 2018, Kit performed with Rambert Dance Company in London, appeared in stage shows, music videos and collaborated on the acclaimed multimedia performance, Rushes.

NHC President Phil Brosnan with 2020 AIMES Arts Award Winner Kit Reilly and John Twomey of ASB Bank

Kit’s scheduled performance at Canada’s Springboard Danse Montréal in June this year was curtailed due to Covid-19. However, he managed to secure himself a place as company dancer with New Zealand’s new contemporary ballet company, Ballet Collective Aotearoa.

Next, the 25 year-old wishes to create a second full choreographic work, this time with a film score. Through a series of dance films, Kit hopes to inspire unity, celebrate human resilience and ensure his art is accessible internationally, at a time when live performance is restricted across the world.

Kit Reilly receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Arts Award – sponsored by ASB – and a cash grant of $15,000. All of our AIMES Award Winners also receive a 12 month gym membership from AUT Millennium.

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AIMES Innovation Award Sponsored by Massey University

NHC President Phil Brosnan with 2020 AIMES Innovation Award Winner Grace Stratton and Tere McGonagle-Daly of Massey University

Presented to ...

Grace Stratton (21) Grace Stratton is a model, blogger, businesswoman, advocate and soon-to-be lawyer. The former Carmel College student was the only Kiwi named in the 2019 InStyle Badass 50 Women Shaping The World. Her pioneering work founding an online shopping platform aimed at the needs of disabled shoppers is original and innovative. Being the driver of a world first, global movement, Grace was awarded a 2019 New Zealand Youth Innovator award and was nominated as Young New Zealander of the Year – all while studying law at AUT. Through advocating for body positivity, and modelling herself - most notably for Lonely Lingerie. Grace is helping to change the face of the fashion world. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one, Grace has spent her life in a wheelchair. But her disability isn’t her story – what she’s done with it is.

While recovering from one of many surgeries, Grace built a website at the age of 16 from her hospital bed. This would evolve into ‘All is for All’ - a world-first business that helps disabled people navigate the fashion world and buy products online. All is for All has since grown into a communications, talent and media agency that breaks boundaries and reframes disability in society.

The 22 year-old opened New Zealand Fashion Week 2019 as

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2020 AIMES Awards Supreme Winner Grace Stratton wtih NHC Patron Peter Menzies and NHC President Phil Brosnan. Grace Stratton was also chosen as the AIMES Supreme Award Winner for 2020, receiving a further $15,000 and the Sir Peter Blake Trophy.

keynote speaker and has written widely about the need for more diversity – not just in fashion, but everywhere – and for stories about disability that don't just revolve around inspiration or pity. She says, she ‘lived in a world that wasn’t designed for me, or people like me’. So she set about changing that. Her overarching aspiration is to effect ‘widespread system change’.

In law, Grace has a particular interest in criminal defence work. She is passionate about making sure people have the representation they deserve and that the law is held to account.

While continuing towards her degree, Grace aims to grow the work of All is for All, creating more opportunities for disabled people to reach greater heights and have their voices heard. This includes investing in development programmes for the disabled community and designing more opportunities for success.

Grace Stratton receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Innovation Award – sponsored by Massey University – and a cash grant of $15,000. All of our AIMES Award Winners also receive a 12 month gym membership from AUT Millennium.

Grace Stratton was also chosen as the AIMES Supreme Award Winner for 2020, receiving a further $15,000 and the Sir Peter Blake Trophy.

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AIMES Music Award Sponsored by Yamaha Home Entertainment

AIMES AWARDS WINNERS 2020

Presented to ...

Olivia McNeill (23) Dreams of becoming a professional orchestral musician are edging closer towards reality for 23 year-old Olivia McNeill. The former Westlake Girls’ High student was this year selected for a Master of Music at a prestigious music programme in Germany, seeing off competition from over 70 international applicants.

Coupled with her passion for music, Olivia’s talent for playing the violin seemingly knows no bounds.

Since the age of 13, Olivia has been part of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and received a Licentiate of Trinity College London Diploma with distinction, at the age of 14. Her graduation with a Bachelor of Music in violin performance from the University of Auckland last year wasn’t Olivia’s first graduation. She also studied for a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in German studies, alongside this.

Concertmaster of the University of Auckland Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Olivia is a recipient of the Tom and Anne Morris Violin Prize, as well as the Carl and Alberta Rosenfeldt Prize in Chamber Music. She formed her own chamber ensemble – The Chiaro Quartet – with whom she won the Auckland Chamber Music Society Prize. She was also a finalist in the Royal Overseas League Scholarship, a London-based chamber music competition for top tertiary and graduate music students from across the world.

Inspired by a school exchange to Munich in 2012 and a tour of Europe as concertmaster of Westlake Symphony and Chamber Orchestras in 2014, Olivia has harboured a wish to study and play music in Germany; hence her music and German conjoint degrees.

This year, she auditioned at several universities across Germany

NHC President Phil Brosnan with 2020 AIMES Innovation Award Winner's sister Cecile McNeill (accepting the award on Olivia's behalf) and Bob Leveloff of Yamaha Home Entertainment and Music Systems

(through video submissions, due to Covid-19) and subsequently received invitations from four violin professors, each inviting Olivia to join their programme.

She is excited to have accepted her place at the University of the Arts in Bremen and aims to use her AIMES Award grant to fund this study and further her dream of becoming a professional orchestral violinist and chamber musician.

Olivia McNeill receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Music Award – sponsored by Yamaha Home Entertainment – and a cash grant of $15,000. All of our AIMES Award Winners also receive a 12 month gym membership from AUT Millennium.

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AIMES Education Award Sponsored by Kristin School

Presented to ...

Richard Rahardja (22) New Zealand karate representative Richard Rahardja was only the fourth Kiwi ever to achieve an international podium finish in the sport. His 2015 bronze medal at the Junior World Championship earned Richard an emerging talent nomination at the Halberg Awards and, remarkably, came after a long recovery from fivehour spinal fusion surgery to correct a slipped vertebral disc at the age of 14.

The former Rosmini Deputy Head Boy’s challenging exposure to the medical system prompted him to want to study medicine and become an orthopaedic surgeon. Developing a passion for academic research, Richard was awarded a research scholarship, working alongside consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Simon Young and orthopaedic registrar Dr Mark Zhu at North Shore Hospital. Through study of post-operative knee replacement outcomes, Richard achieved his first academic publication in a respected international medical journal as a second-year medical student.

Inspired by sporting injury research, the aim of Richard’s thesis was ‘to reduce the risk of ACL reconstruction failure by identifying the rate of reinjury in New Zealand’. His research earned him publication in a further three international medical journals, making him one of the most published medical students the university has ever seen.

Richard was invited to present three of his ACL studies at the 2020 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon’s (AAOS) annual scientific meeting and passed his Bachelor of Medical Science degree with first-class honours. He won the University of Auckland Vision in Medical Science Prize for best oral thesis presentation.

The 22 year-old remains passionate about clinical research and is working on four new studies, including a follow-up ACL study with important implications for elite athletes, which Richard hopes to publish in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

The former Northcote St Mary’s Primary pupil is aiming to present his work at the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association annual meeting this year and has submitted his current studies for

presentation at the 2021 AAOS annual meeting to be held in San Diego, USA. His AIMES Award will go directly towards enabling him to attend and present his work at these conferences.

Richard Rahardja receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Education Award – sponsored by Kristin School – and a cash grant of $15,000. All of our AIMES Award Winners also receive a 12 month gym membership from AUT Millennium.

NHC President Phil Brosnan with 2020 AIMES Education Award Winner Richard Rahardja and Mark Wilson of Kristin School

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AIMES Sport Award Sponsored by AUT Millennium

AIMES AWARDS WINNERS 2020

NHC President Phil Brosnan with 2020 AIMES Sport Award Winner Oscar Gunn and Tom Ashley, presenting on behalf of AUT Millennium.

Presented to ...

Oscar Gunn (21) The Olympic dream may have been delayed for North Shore sailor Oscar Gunn, but his campaign to compete in 2024 continues apace. The former Kristin School student took gold in the New Zealand 49er National Championships in 2018 and 2019, and, with sailing partner Logan Dunning-Beck, is charting a course to repeat this medal at the Paris Olympics in four years’ time.

Oscar was six when he took up the sport of sailing and has been racing competitively since the age of nine. Having worked his way through the classes of Murrays Bay Sailing Club - sailing the Optimist, P Class, Starling and 29er – Oscar spent the past four years training with Logan for the Tokyo Olympics. Though the pair have proven themselves consistently on the world stage over the past three years, they narrowly missed out on 2020 Olympic selection to sailing stalwarts and their training partners, Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.

Determined to persevere, Oscar and Logan committed themselves to a gold medal campaign in Paris 2024. And they’ve made a good start-landing a fifth place at last year’s world championships and top five placings in many international competitions since Oscar won the AIMES Emerging Talent award in 2018.

Although plans for 2020 have changed radically due to Covid-19, Oscar and teammate Logan have been taking the opportunity to analyse and improve their technical understanding of their sailing equipment. Oscar is studying for a mechanical engineering degree at AUT alongside his sailing pursuits and has taken on three extra papers at university to progress his study. He has also used this time to help coach a 29er team, which finished second at the recent 29er National Championships.

This year, Oscar has been selected for New Zealand’s Royal Akarana Youth America’s Cup team. He hopes this honour will help pave the way for America’s Cup selection in the future.

Oscar says winning this AIMES Award represents a strong start to his Paris 2024 campaign and hopes it will help enable him to join the list of AIMES recipients to have won Olympic medals.

Oscar Gunn receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Sport Award – sponsored by AUT Millennium – and a cash grant of $15,000. All of our AIMES Award Winners also receive a 12 month gym membership from AUT Millennium.

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AIMES Service to the Community Award Sponsored by Albany Toyota

Presented to ...

Matthew Goldsworthy (20)

Talented pianist Matthew Goldsworthy used music as a creative outlet to counteract the mental health struggles he experienced during his early years at high school. After moving to Northcote College in Year 11, he realised he felt strongly about helping others discover the power of music and the arts. So he found a way of increasing students’ access to arts opportunities, by taking it upon himself to establish Northcote College Arts Council and its annual Arts Showcase.

On finishing college, Matthew instigated a project he called, ‘The Thing About Music’, bringing together over 20 young musicians from across the North Shore. The resulting gig featured Dave Baxter of Avalanche City who performed the band’s hit single, ‘Love, Love, Love’, alongside the young musicians for the finale. In that proud moment, Matthew says he knew he was doing what he was meant to do. The next morning, ‘Youth Arts New Zealand’ was born.

Over the past two years, Matthew has led YANZ in delivering over 30 projects. These initiatives include facilitating a discussion between Mick Fleetwood, Bob Geldof and 10 young local artists at Roundhead Studios, establishing Te Kahui - a creative writing programme for young prisoners, and arts-focused participation in ATEED’s Youth Working Group 2020.

Over the past two years, Matthew has led YANZ in delivering over 30 projects.

Matthew saw his AIMES Emerging Talent Award 2018 as a ‘huge validation’ of his work. The social and financial impact, he says, gave him the confidence to pursue community work further. He has since established YANZ as a charitable trust, with a three-year strategic plan and a talented board in place to further its work. Over 200 local young artists, musicians and writers have already benefitted directly from the organisation.

The 20 year-old already holds many arts advisory roles, including with Auckland Council, and is keen to pursue an MBA in Creative Leadership at the Berlin School of Creative Leadership in Germany.

Carrying out most of his YANZ work voluntarily, this award ‘means the absolute world’ to Matthew as he carries the torch of youth arts forward in unprecedented times.

NHC President Phil Brosnan with 2020 AIMES Service to the Community Award Winner Matthew Goldsworthy and Andrew Mackenzie of Albany Toyota

Matthew Goldsworthy receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Service to the Community Award – sponsored by Albany Toyota – and a cash grant of $15,000. All of our AIMES Award Winners also receive a 12 month gym membership from AUT Millennium.

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AIMES AWARDS WINNERS 2020

NORTH HARBOUR CLUB ROSS FINLAYSON AWARDS Sponsored by Alvarium

Isobel Campbell (24)

Education: Science and Innovation 24 year old former Kristin School student Isobel Campbell is a chemistry graduate (University of Canterbury) who’s passionate about the potential of science to tackle global issues. She believes that uniting science innovation with the commercial world will drive solutions to sustainability challenges.

Isobel has recently been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship (20212023) to study a Master of Environmental Management at Yale University, with the intention to specialise in both Business and the Environment, and Industrial Ecology and Green Chemistry.

Isobel is a real leader. As a DOC volunteer she recruited and coordinated over 800 volunteers for Operation Tidy Fox, the project to clean-up the Fox River on the West Coast. Isobel says she was privileged to observe the power of mobilising the masses. Initially, with only 10 people a day, the task seemed insurmountable. With the support of government funds, they had over 100 volunteers per day.

Eight weeks later the rubbish was cleaned up.

“Pulling out piece after piece of plastic from tangled tree roots and silty riverbed was a reminder of humanity’s impact on earth. A reminder that every piece of plastic we have ever used is still around.”

Isobel’s achievements also include:- Bachelor of Science (Advanced - Global Challenges – First Class Honours) at Monash University; Monash Science Communication Award; Monash Scholarship for Exceptional Achievement; Co-founded Let’s Torque, a STEM public speaking competition in Melbourne. Co-founded startup, ‘The Cricket Effect’ producing cricket flour muesli bars; University of Canterbury Emerging Leaders’ Scholarship & Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship; Rochester & Rutherford Academic Entrance Scholarship; Kristin School International Baccalaureate Dux; Kristin School Science Cup, Theory of Knowledge Cup; AUT Scholarship to the London International Youth Science Forum.

Isobel has recently been working at AgResearch and says that future aspirations are to help the commercial world transition towards scientifically-sound solutions to sustainability challenges. She intends to be in leadership roles at the intersection of commercialisation, sustainability and science innovation.

Isobel Campbell receives the North Harbour Club Ross Finlayson Award - sponsored by Alvarium Wealth, and will attend a leadership development course of her choosing.

Lina Kim (23)

Service to the Community: Community Leadership 23 year old former Westlake Girls student Lina Kim has previously received an AIMES Emerging Talent Award in 2015, also recognising her efforts in Service to the Community.

Five years ago (at her AIMES interview) her stated goal was to become Prime Minister. She says that ambition hasn’t changed since.

Lina, who’s in her final year as a BA/LLB (Hons) student at the University of Auckland, is embarking on a journey to bring societal

The two winners of the 2020 AIMES Ross Finlayson Award, Isobel Campbell and Lina Kim with the Finlayson Family - Catherine, Joan and Steven.

change. Service to the community and leadership has always been her driver, and she is certainly not sitting still.

Lina Kim was born in New Zealand, raised by South Korean parents.

She has co-founded an entity called PAUA, an initiative that aims to empower cultural conversations at work places in New Zealand, with a focus on the professional services sector. (Facebook: PauaNZ, website: www.paua.network).

She has also been President of the Auckland Law Students’ Society (2019) and was involved in the Constitution for Aotearoa NZ Student Discussion Forum with Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Dr Andrew Butler. Lina was also selected to represent New Zealand youth on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded research trip to South East Asia. She was a finalist for McKinsey Australasia’s Women in Leadership as the sole New Zealand candidate.

Other recent achievements include being student representative on the Legal Research Foundation; runner-up in the John Haigh QC Criminal Law Moot; leading the Auckland Ambassadors Programme for UN Youth Auckland.

Currently Lina is working as a law clerk at Russell McVeagh and as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Auckland. Her future aspiration is to commence an LLM (Masters) overseas after completing her LLB. “Having experienced the international stage, the scale and influence of international business and networks, I wish to immerse myself in a global setting to become a leader recognisable on the international stage,” said Lina in her AIMES Application.

Lina Kim receives the North Harbour Club Ross Finlayson Award – sponsored by Alvarium Wealth – and will attend a leadership development course of her choosing.

EMERGING TALENT AWARDS Sponsored by Bellingham Wallace

Pippi Duncan (17) Arts: Creative writer

17 year old Takapuna Grammar School student Pippi Duncan has always harboured a love for writing. In 2021 she will attend Victoria University in Wellington to undertake a Bachelor of Communications. As well as core courses on research and applied projects, her major will be Literary and Creative Communications.

Pippi says this study encompasses everything from film to journalism to poetry. “Most exciting of all, my minor will be Creative Writing at the International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML). I am interested in

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AIMES AWARDS WINNERS 2020

publishing stories with uniquely New Zealand relevance and themes, expanding opportunities for New Zealand writers. I believe we have a story to tell.”

Pippi says that she is driven to focus her attention into developing clear, persuasive and imaginative writing.

“The opportunities I have been able to take to pursue my love for writing are, in no small part, thanks to individuals who strive to further creative writing in our country. One is Charlotte Gibbs from Devonport. Her literary Toitoi journals for Kiwi kids aged 5-13 gave me the confidence to write from a young age, which changed the course of my life. Another is Michael King Writers Centre.”

Pippi’s achievements in creative writing include being published in Starling, Issue 10; National Schools Poetry Award 2019 Runner-Up; Chris Cole Catley Writing Awards 2019 Third Prize; spoken poem ‘Illuminate’ won the Poetry Category of TGS Poetry and Songwriting Award 2019 & Faulalo Poetry Writing Award; Paradox Books Short Story Writing Competition 2020 Winner.

Pippi is a high achiever academically. Throughout NCEA Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, she achieved straight excellence in Media Studies and English (bar one).

Pippi is also a leader: TGS Prefect 2020; leader of Maori Committee and member of Junior and Social Committees; founder of TGS Poetry Club 2020; founder of TGS Ghostwrite 2020; senior member of TGS Journalism Club 2019/20; key content creator TGS pages in the Devonport Flagstaff; senior member of TGS Yearbook Club 2019/20; lead TGS Librarian 2019/20; member of the TGS Choir groups 2016-2020.

Pippi Duncan receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Emerging Talent Award – sponsored by Bellingham Wallace – and a cash grant of $7500.

Cruz Erdmann (14)

Arts: Underwater Photographer In October last year 14 year old Westlake Boys High School student Cruz Erdmann won the title of Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, a top award from the London Natural History Museum. This is considered the world’s most prestigious competition for wildlife and conservation photography.

Cruz’s entry – of a big fin reef squid – was selected from nearly 49,000 entries from around the globe. It was the first underwater image in the history of the competition to win in the Young Wildlife Photographer category.

Cruz was invited to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He presented a 14-minute visual presentation of his underwater photos “Hidden Worlds in Our Ocean” alongside National Geographic’s Explorer-in-Residence, Dr Sylvia Earle.

He spoke about his story as an underwater photographer, about the beauty and importance of our oceans, and why they needed to be protected and managed. He participated in several other presentations, panels and events throughout the Forum, including a contingent of “Young Change Makers” from around the world.

Cruz’s story and conservation message recently featured in the 2020 edition of “Stone Soup for the World: Life-Changing Stories of Everyday Heroes”. This book is part of a blueprint in building a sustainable world.

Cruz plans to continue to use his photos to showcase the wonder and beauty of our oceans, especially in New Zealand. His AIMES Awards funds will be used to purchase new camera and video equipment.

“For now, I would like to concentrate on taking photos in New

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Zealand and continue to enter wildlife photo contests while spreading conservation messages through my social media platforms,” explained Cruz in his AIMES Award application. “Through my father, who is marine biologist for Conservation International New Zealand, I occasionally have opportunities to join trips with him and other marine scientists and learn from them. I want to continue to build my media and conservation networks around the world, but especially here in New Zealand because I think a lot can be done right here to improve the health of our ocean.”

Cruz Erdmann receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Emerging Talent Award – sponsored by Bellingham Wallace – and a cash grant of $7500.

Jasmine Jared (15) Innovation: entrepreneur /app developer

15 year old Rangitoto College student Jasmine Jared’s AIMES Award application was led with this quote by Alan Kay: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” It really does set the scene for her ambitions. This is Jasmine’s second award from the North Harbour Club; she won a Junior Excellence Award in 2017.

Jasmine went on to say, “I believe that I qualify for the AIMES award as I’m on a mission to create leading innovative apps in order to solve every day needs”. Jasmine’s apps include ‘iSpeed’ – feel like you’re going over the speed limit; iLearn – textbooks aren’t your style of learning; DoctorKiwi – feeling sick and need a diagnosis; eBackpack – backpacks bothering you; Scentwake – dislike any alarm in general. Most of these applications are available free in the Microsoft store. The total downloads for the range of applications Jasmine has created is over 40,000 and ad banner impressions are over a million monthly.

Notable achievements for Jasmine to date have included: 2017/2018 – ASB Brightsparks Awards, National finalist; 2017 – ASB Brightsparks Awards, 1st in Junior Software; 2019 – North Harbour Science and Technology Fair Premier Award; SAP Young ICT Explorers, National finalist. Jasmine is currently working towards a Technology and Economics scholarship and has entered the 2020 SAP Young ICT explorers international competition with her latest project. Recently she has also been busy with NCEA exams.

Jasmine’s future aspiration is to become an entrepreneur who changes the world for the better by solving all kinds of problems that people face on a daily basis.

With her AIMES Award funds Jasmine plans to kick- start one of her first businesses and says that no matter how long it takes, eventually something will be brought out to the world that is truly magical. She will also use the funds to support her further education within the field of business and technology.

Jasmine Jared receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Emerging Talent Award – sponsored by Bellingham Wallace – and a cash grant of $7500.

Christopher Justin Pereira (19)

Music: singer/musician/songwriter 19 year old former Rosmini College student and singer/songwriter Christopher Justin Pereira’s passion for music began as a nine year old at St Leo’s

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School in Devonport. He co-founded a band called Slipstream – influenced by the music of AC/DC, Tool, John Mayer and others. At ages 10/11 their first performance was at the Masonic Tavern.

At Rosmini, Christopher Justin (or CJ as he is known), was heavily involved in music, representing the school as lead guitarist at music competitions every year, winning gold awards in 2018 and 2019 at Auckland Jazz and Blues Club Combo Bands Comp.

CJ has also been a community organiser. He was part of Converge from 2016-2019, the youth council of the Devonport Peninsula Trust, helping organise Devonstock and Sunday Showcase, youth music, dance and film making events.

As well as being a singer/songwriter, CJ is a percussionist, guitarist and co-producer. Slipstream released an EP in 2019 and CJ has released two solo singles on Spotify, iTunes and Tidal – ‘Miles Apart’ and ‘One Last Time’. These have been aired worldwide. His self-titled album ‘Christopher Justin’ was released in August 2020.

His instrument capability is not confined to the guitar. For a solo music project project in 2019 he played every instrument except the drums.

CJ has recently accepted the opportunity to study a Bachelor of Music at the University of Southern California (USC) which commenced in August 2020.

He has been an outstanding academic student as well, having offers to study Engineering at Auckland University and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University, Rutgers University and the University of Colorado in the US. He has achieved Excellence endorsements in music, mathmatics, English, design and visual arts, classical studies and chemistry. He was also chosen to attend New Zealand Model United Nations conference in Wellington while at Rosmini College.

Christopher Justin (CJ) Pereira receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Emerging Talent Award – sponsored by Bellingham Wallace – and a cash grant of $7500.

Cameron McTaggart (22) Sport: Weightlifter

Former Kristin School student Cameron McTaggart is focussed on competing at the Tokyo Olympics, rescheduled for mid next year.

He is currently ranked first in Oceania in the 81kg class and subject to retaining this ranking after the Oceania champs (held in Australia sometime before April 2021), he will be named in the team.

He says Covid-19 has had devastating effects on his programme but he has been lucky to be re-employed by Gary Howarth at The Drug Detection Agency. So 2020 has been balancing training and full time work. Adding to his challenges is weightlifting no longer being a ‘carded’ sport to receive funding from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Cameron received a North Harbour Club AIMES Sports Scholarship in 2019 that made it possible for him to attend the World Cup in China, one of his best competitions to date, keeping him in the running for the Olympic Games. He needs to meet the qualifying criteria of a minimum of six international competitions, which have all been self-funded.

Cameron’s successes have been strong in the past decade, and include several junior medals at Oceania Championships, Youth World Championships, Youth Olympics, World Junior Championships and Commonwealth Champs. Most recently, the Youth Olympics representative was the first lifter ever to break more

than 100 national records, won bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (-77kg); bronze at the 2019 EGAT Cup (-81kg); gold at the ARAFURA Games (-81kg); gold at the 2019 Oceania Championships (-81kg); bronze at the 2019 Commonwealth Championships (-81kg); 2019 EGAT cup Bronze Medalist (-81kg); 2019 Pacific Games gold (-81kg); 2019 China World Cup 6th Place (-81kg); 2020 Australian Open gold (-89kg).

Cameron also holds a number of records, including: -81kg NZ Snatch Record 141kg; -81kg NZ Clean and Jerk Record 169kg; -81kg NZ Total Record 310kg; -89kg NZ Snatch Record 140kg; -89kg NZ Clean and Jerk Record 170kg; -89kg NZ Total Record 310kg; -81kg Oceania Snatch Record 141kg; -81kg Oceania Clean and Jerk Record 169kg; -81kg Oceania Total Record 310kg.

Cameron plans to return to university next year to study nutrition.

Cameron McTaggart receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Emerging Talent Award – sponsored by Bellingham Wallace – and a cash grant of $7500.

Taine Murray (18) Sport: Basketballer

Rosmini College student Taine Murray has a passion for basketball that has seen him represent the Tall Blacks on two tours by the tender age of 18. These tours were to Japan and Australia in 2019 for the build-up to the World Cup and Tokyo Olympics, and a second tour in February this year playing Australia and Guam in Olympic preparation.

Taine has achieved this while still being at school. In his final year at Rosmini he has also been a Prefect and Sports Captain. He has also been a New Zealand NBL player for the Auckland Huskies, a Junior Tall Black and Harbour rep player.

Taine is considered to be one of New Zealand’s outstanding basketball prospects. But his ambitions go beyond the court as he is also an achiever academically. “I will continue to work hard to see how far I can go with my basketball career. My short term goals would be to be chosen for the Tall Blacks Olympic Team and have a successful career at University in USA at the Division One level. My academic goal for this year in Year 13 is to gain Excellence Endorsement in Level Three. My longer goals are to turn professional after university, and to represent my country as a New Zealand Tall Black.”

This is no surprise to most as Taine is hardworking and committed to his sport, a strong leader, mentally strong, a good communicator and very coachable.

In February he attended the Basketball Without Borders Camp held in Chicago. This was a selection of the top 35 men's high school players from around the world, invite only, held by the NBA in partnership with Nike.

Observers said… “A new name to come out of the camp is New Zealand guard Taine Murray. Murray has a sturdy build with good positional size (6-foot-5) for a guard prospect. Murray showed good shooting ability, played with energy and displayed feel as a passer”.

He subsequently received scholarship offers to numerous basketball programmes at Universities in the United States. He has chosen the University of Virginia on a four-year scholarship, beginning in 2021.

Taine also received an AIMES Sports Scholarship from the North Harbour Club in 2019.

Taine Murray receives the North Harbour Club AIMES Emerging Talent Award – sponsored by Bellingham Wallace – and a cash grant of $7500.

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AIMES AWARDS WINNERS 2020

JUNIOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS Sponsored by Precise Homes

William Colman (13)

Innovation: inventor/product designer and developer 13 year old Northcross Intermediate School student William Colman was encouraged to enter the Junior Excellence Awards by two teachers and his principal.

They say he is a very humble young man that is not inclined to ‘blow his own trumpet’. That motivated William’s proud parents to ensure his application was put forward.

William has really excelled over the last 18 months in the field of design and technology. His recent work has been developing ‘The Anti-Capsizer’ – to stop a boat from capsizing. William is a keen sailor and has combined his love of sailing with his love of technology. He has spent hours and hours fine tuning ‘The AntiCapsizer’ design.

William says his future aspirations include wanting to improve his knowledge in research and design. He would like to explore ways of how to market ‘The Anti-Capsizer’. He would like more people to be able to access it, especially new sailors, as well as looking into other sporting codes it could be used in outside of sailing, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and land sailing.

“It makes me feel very proud of what I have designed. It was great to combine my love of sailing with my love of technology so I enjoyed the entire design process. I feel very lucky to have very supportive teachers at Northcross Intermediate, Mr Rowlinson and Mrs Gobindlal.”

Over the last 18 months William has been doing additional afterschool education in 3D printing and robotics which he has loved.

William says Junior Excellence Awards funds will assist with:continued development of ‘The Anti-Capsizer’ through to marketing; access to the latest hardware - buying, renting, approaching people to use their Laser cutter, 3D Printing and CNC machines; software packages; online courses; more prototyping and product development experience; computer upgrade; ‘makercamp’ participation in the school holidays; visit to the Massey University School of Design in Wellington.

William’s recent achievements at Northcross Intermediate have included: principal's Award for Technology; Achieved Progress Outcomes 3 & 4 of the Digital Technologies Curriculum; Certificate of Achievement in Science and Technology; in Northcross team that entered the ‘Epro 8 Challenge’ with the use of robotic technology.

William Colman receives the North Harbour Club Junior Excellence Award – sponsored by Precise Homes – and a cash grant of $3000.

Declan Squire (13)

Music: musician/singer/performer 13-year-old year old Westlake Boys High School student Declan Squire has been involved in music and performing arts since the tender age of five.

He has been playing the trombone for

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seven years, originally learning from Hayley Barker, then Mark Close (Northcross Intermediate) and currently Jono Tan at Westlake.

At the age of seven, Declan was awarded grade one singing and Grade 1 ABRSM singing and Grade 1 Trinity speech and drama with distinction. He also had a role in ‘Oliver’ at Centrestage.

In 2015/2017 Declan participated in ‘Kids for Kids Slice of Heaven’ at Bruce Mason Centre and in 2016 won the Instrumental category in ‘Orewa Idol’, playing trombone.

In 2017 he played lead trombone in the North Shore Junior Orchestra, in Takapuna. Declan also took up the bass guitar. He was a member of the Orewa Primary School band, performing bass solos and singing solos with the choir.

He was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement in Music at Orewa Primary.

At Northcross Intermediate Declan became involved in the music department, learning alto saxophone, and joining the Concert and Jazz Bands playing lead trombone in both groups. He also passed Grade 3 ABRSM Trombone with Merit.

At Northcross, Declan was awarded ‘Top of School – Concert Band’, ‘Top of Music Group’ and ‘Top of School – Music Technology’.

Declan and friends started a band ‘Purpil’ and were awarded third place in the North Harbour BandQuest. Declan was awarded the Individual Musicianship Award for his alto saxophone playing.

He was also involved in both the Northcross Premier Choir and the Massed Choir.

In 2019 he recorded vocal solos for the World of Wearable Arts soundtrack.

Declan is currently the only year nine student in the Westlake Big Band, quite an achievement. He plays trombone in the Westlake Symphonic Band, plays saxophone in Westlake Stage Band, and auditioned successfully into ‘Voicemale’, the Westlake premier boys choir.

With his Junior Excellence Award funds Declan intends to purchase a new trigger trombone to enable him to continue with his graded exams and to play more complicated music in the Premier Westlake groups.

Declan Squire receives the North Harbour Club Junior Excellence Award – sponsored by Precise Homes – and a cash grant of $3000.

Yuzhang Wu (13) Music: pianist

13 year old Pinehurst School Year 9 student Yuzhang Wu loves music. She began studying piano at age five. Her goal is to become a good concert pianist as well as a good music teacher.

Observers say she is well on target to achieve that and a whole lot more.

Yuzhang has won first place at many competitions including North Shore Performing Arts Competition, SAPACS, WAPAC, IRMT, APPA, APMA and Hamilton competitions. As the overall winner of APPA (Music Festival) 2017, she was invited to join the APO Youth Ensemble as solo pianist to play at the Eurochestries Festival in Qingdao China in 2018, followed by the performance in Tianjin.

Yuzhang says the most important award she achieved was the first prize of Piano Group A in the 3rd Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians in September 2019.

“Thanks to this, I was honoured to be invited to the 2020 Concours Musical International de Montreal’s (Canada) first

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International Junior Piano Invitational Showcase which will feature laureates from the best junior piano competitions around the world. This was postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19.”

“I am very lucky to have good teachers for both Piano and cello. I enjoy my piano lessons at Hillcrest with Mr Bryan Sayer, cello lessons at Pully Sussex Studio at Albany Village, and now Zoom lessons by Dr. Jian Liu from New Zealand School of Music.”

Yuzhang’s goal is to participate in more important competitions at national and international level, like the Wallace National Competition and competitions in US and Europe.

“I know it is going to cost my family a great deal. So I am becoming more and more focused during my lessons and practices. I don’t know the exact fee for my lessons, but I know it is a significant amount for my family. And travelling for international competitions is very expensive. The award funds will be used for my music study and these costs.”

Yuzhang’s hours after school are mainly used for music lessons or practices. She also regularly plays for people in retirement villages like Greenwich Gardens, Ranfurly Village and in different churches with her teachers.

Yuzhang Wu receives the North Harbour Club Junior Excellence Award – sponsored by Precise Homes – and a cash grant of $3000.

Joe Leith (12) Sport: Sailor

The 2019/2020 sailing year has been very successful for 12 year old Joe Leith, a year 8 student at Murrays Bay Intermediate School. Joe finished the season ranked number one for New Zealand.

Joe, who sails out of the Murrays Bay club, is one of the youngest ever to be ranked number one in New Zealand and has skills and determination well above his age and size. The Optimist Class is the most highly competitive sailing class in New Zealand and the world for sailors under 16.

Approximately 150 New Zealand sailors, aged 10 to 15, compete throughout four regattas (October through to April) to gain rankings points. A tough path to number one!

As number one, Joe was selected for the New Zealand Worlds team to compete at Lake Garda, Italy, in July 2020. This was cancelled due to Covid-19.

Joe is a real all-rounder. He loves playing hockey, rugby, running, cycling and scootering. He is a strong academic student, makes and performs rap songs and catches big fish.

Joe’s achievements: Intermediate Schools regatta AIMS GAMES, Year 7 trophy, second team and third overall out of 67 competitors; Sailed in Oman with New Zealand sailing team, second overall Oceania, 15th overall from 141 international sailors; second in North Island Champs; third from 31 competitors in the Auckland P-Class Champs; 1st Auckland Intermediate schools team event & first year 7 in the Optimist; 1st in Mahurangi Year 7 to10 P Class regatta; third 2019 Sir Peter Blake Regatta & first for his age in the Optimist; 12th Australian nationals in Melbourne & first for his age group; first Auckland Optimist Champs & second overall from 82 competitors; second Inter-Islander Challenge regatta; selected as the first ranked Kiwi to compete in the Optimist Gold Cup in Bermuda.

Once Joe moves on from the Optimist there are a number Yachting New Zealand pathways to podium development programmes Joe may pursue. His goals are to be professional sailor and win gold medals for New Zealand starting at the 2028 Olympics.

Joe Leith receives the North Harbour Club Junior Excellence Award – sponsored by Precise Homes – and a cash grant of $3000.

Karmen-Elizabeth Maritz (12)

Sport: athlete/discus & shotput thrower 12 year old Murrays Bay Intermediate student Karmen-Elizabeth Maritz started athletics at Takapuna Athletics Club aged five and was introduced to discus at seven. She broke her first discus record as an eight year old. At nine, Karmen-Elizabeth joined the Bays Athletics and was named ‘Girls Auckland Athlete of the Year’.

Karmen-Elizabeth has continued to break records ever since.

Her love for throwing extends to shotput, javelin and hammer. The sporting all-rounder also competes in many other athletics events.

She was awarded at primary school (Sunnynook) for excellence in swimming, cross-country and KidzPlay netball. She was selected for the Netball NH Development squad in Y7 (2019). She also excels in beach volleyball.

Karmen-Elizabeth practices for hours on end, up to four times per week. Her coach, Didier Poppe, recently launched his own website featuring Karmen-Elizabeth’s throwing journey.

“Receiving this award is a great honour and doesn't only make me, my family, school, and community immensely proud, but it becomes part of my legacy to be the best I can be,” says KarmenElizabeth. “Winning this grant funding will contribute towards the costs as I chase my dreams in becoming an Olympian one day.”

Recent achievements have included: Trans-Tasman Athletics team 2019, competing in Sydney, and in 2020 in Auckland, winning double gold; North Island Colgate Games in 2018-2020 winning gold in all throwing events; Junior Track and Field Athletic season (2019/2020) collected a total tally of 37 placings (first, second, or third) of which 27 were first places; AAIMS Auckland Athletics Championship (year 7&8) Winning the shotput despite having to throw the 3kg for the first time as 11 year old.

Apart from excellence in sport Karmen-Elizabeth plays the clarinet in Murrays Bay Intermediate Concert Band and has performed as a pianist at the Auckland Concert Hall in the Annual Suzuki concert and at several concerts at retirement villages under the expert eye of her very passionate music tutor Clare McCormack.

Karmen-Elizabeth will attend Westlake Girls in 2021 and is looking forward to continuing in her sports and is keen to give rowing a go as it looks like a lot of fun.

Karmen-Elizabeth Maritz receives the North Harbour Club Junior Excellence Award – sponsored by Precise Homes – and a cash grant of $3000.

Jack Denny (13) Sport: gymnast

13 year old Takapuna Grammar student Jack Denny is a gymnast who started in the sport at the age of three. This early entry was due to older brother Isaac already being a gymnast. Following

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in Isaac’s footsteps he was selected into the competitive programme for North Harbour Gymnastics at the age of five.

Jack is a real all-rounder, competing in six apparatus – Floor, Pommel, Rings, Vault, P-Bar and High Bar. At the 2019 Nationals Jack achieved ‘First All-Around’ and medalled in all six apparatus on the second day. He went on to receive the Special Award – North Harbour Junior Gymnast of the Year at prizegiving, further rewards for the 18 hours of training Jack puts in each week at North Harbour Gymnastics.

Earlier in the year he represented New Zealand for the first time at the Valeri Liukin Invitational in Texas USA, being youngest in the team.

“Wearing the New Zealand uniform was something I had been striving to do for a couple of years. It was an amazing experience training at WOGA and competing at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Other competitors had recently been selected for the Youth Olympic squad, so I was proud of my 12th Overall placing at my first International event.”

Since 2016 Jack has been part of ‘MAG Squad 360’, a national programme designed to identify talent and coach them into performance pathways. This year he was selected for the 360 Youth, 12-15 years and L6-L7. Jack has represented the North Harbour at the New Zealand Gymnastic Nationals each year since 2016.

In 2020 Jack was selected to compete at the London Open in the United Kingdom in September. However this was put on hold due to Covid-19. Gymnastics New Zealand has also cancelled all national and international competitions this year.

Jack’s long term goal is to be selected for the Squad 360 Junior international Level and strive to compete at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Jack also enjoys surfing, skating and fishing with his family.

Jack Denny receives the North Harbour Club Junior Excellence Award – sponsored by Precise Homes – and a cash grant of $3000.

North Harbour Club Sports Scholarship 2020 Sponsored by Vantage Windows and Doors

Ryan Jefferson (15) Trampolinist

15 year old Rangitoto College student Ryan Jefferson is a trampolining champion. He has been the New Zealand champ for his age in 2017, 2018 and 2019. He was also fourth at the World Champs in Tokyo in late 2019. Ryan also won a Junior Excellence award in 2018.

Originally a gymnast, Ryan started competing in trampolining in late 2016 after wrist injuries curtailed his gymnastics. His goal back then was to qualify to represent New Zealand at the World Champs, a competition held every two years. He achieved that goal late last year in Tokyo, competing for New Zealand in synchronised trampoline, having won this event at the Australian National Championships in both 2018 and 2019.

“The experience of competing on the world stage was indescribable,” explained Ryan in his awards application. “Our result was the top result for the New Zealand Age Group team which was a great achievement, and an incredible feeling to know that my synchro partner and I are fourth in the world.”

Ryan’s goal in 2020 – with events being cancelled due to Covid-19 – has been to keep training hard and preparing for next year’s competitions including working towards qualifying for the

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World Champs next November in Baku, Azerbaijan. His long term goal is to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Scholarship funds will be used toward the cost of getting to competitions – airfares, entry fees, accommodation, rental cars, uniforms, coaches and managers' costs.

Ryan is also involved in both beach and indoor volleyball and he coaches at North Shore Trampoline. The all-rounder also wins academic awards as well as excellence awards for physical education and multimedia technology. Ryan also won big at the North Shore Trampoline end of Year Awards in 2019 – Head Coach Award for Exemplary Training Trophy; International Competition Best Performance of the year Trophy; Synchro Champion Trophy.

Ryan Jefferson receives a North Harbour Club Sports Scholarship – sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore – and a cash grant of $2000.

Brianna Orams (19) Stand Up Paddling (SUP)

19-year-old university student and former Long Bay College Head Girl Brianna Oram’s sport is Stand Up Paddling – or SUP. Brianna grew up on the ocean. After taking the SUP ICF 1st Junior World Technical title in Qingdao China 2019, Brianna decided to follow her dream to compete seriously in SUP. Since the age of 12 she has been a rider for Starboard NZ, and is now part of their ‘dream team’. Recently she has spent some time with the eco team at Starboard HQ (Bangkok), further developing her passion for sport and the environment.

Brianna is passionate about the sport, eager to push her limits, so she becomes the best athlete she can possibly be. She researches and creates her own training programmes and trains six days a week.

“SUP is a small sport that has no governing body as yet. I hope to try and develop the sport so younger generations have more of a structured and supported pathway where funding doesn’t limit their athletic abilities.”

Brianna is founder of the Blue Carbon Project, a not-for-profit organisation using outdoor pursuits (like SUP) as a platform to take climate action through the restoration of blue carbon environments (wetlands, mangroves, seagrass meadows).

“Blue Carbon Project is about restoring these environments and using sport to create a team of ocean ambassadors that can lead the way to a climate positive future,” adds Brianna.

Post lockdown Brianna ran her first ever SUP event ‘Blue Explore’. Over 50 people showed up to SUP and plant over 500 native dune grasses at the Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve. She has loads of ideas to expand these events in the future.

Recent Achievements: Starboard Ocean Ambassador & SUP Dream team rider; USC High-Performance Student-Athlete; USC Student Ambassador; ICF Worlds 1st junior female technical race, China 2019; ICF Worlds 2nd Junior female distance race, 2019; Top U19 SUP Female in all divisions since 2012; Victoria University Tangiwai Scholarship for academic excellence; Head Girl Long Bay College; 1st Open Female Pacific Paddle Games California; 1st Female 30km Poor Knights Crossing; Female Yachtswomen of the year Torbay Sailing club.

Brianna Orams receives a North Harbour Club Sports Scholarship – sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore – and a cash grant of $2000.

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Savannah Scheen (19)

Athlete: javelin & discus thrower 19 year old Savannah Scheen is a Javelin and discus thrower based at AUT Millennium, competing out of the North Harbour Bays Athletics Club. Athletics has been her passion from the tender age of six. Over the past five years, she has found a love for javelin and discus throwing.

“I wake up each day excited about working to better myself in order to see how far I am capable of throwing something,” explained Savannah in her award application. “A bit of a random thing to get amped about, but I love it.”

The former Hobsonville Point Secondary School pupil is ranked sixth in the world for U20 Discus, first in NZ for U20 Javelin, and second in NZ for U20 Discus. At the 2020 Athletics NZ Nationals, she finished with a gold in U20 javelin and a silver in the U20 discus.

The past year and a half, she made an impressive 14-metre jump [in discus] and is working to do the same over the next couple of years with an eye on the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Savannah, who is coached at AUT Millennium by Mike Schofield, has some firm goals. They include to keep improving technically and in distance, and to continue growing as an individual; to keep learning, developing skills, getting stronger, becoming well rounded, and doing everything she can do to give herself the best chance at one day having a 'blinking good crack' at the world record for discus.

Savannah views AUT Millennium as her ‘home away from home’, as over the past five years she has spent four or more hours there five days plus a week.

Her goal is to study a conjoint degree in Sport and Business, with a major in management.

Savannah Scheen receives a North Harbour Club Sports Scholarship – sponsored by Vantage Windows North Shore – and a cash grant of $2000.

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Thank you North Shore!

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It’s an honour to be elected as your Member of Parliament.

Thank you to all those who supported me. I am proud to represent our stunning electorate and to be your strong voice in Parliament. I am humbled and excited and look forward to serving the wonderful people of the North Shore.

As your local MP, I’m here to help. Feel free to drop in to my Takapuna Electorate Office at 15 Anzac Street or call us on 09 486 0005.

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YES DISABILITY SUPPORT CENTRE: NEWS

WILSON HOME TRUST: NEWS

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Yes Disability

I.LEAD Conference for youth with disabilities

Sonia Thursby.

This year has gone by so fast, with Christmas being just around the corner. This is usually one of the busiest times of the year for us here at YES, and this year is no exception.

December is shaping up to be the ultimate send-off for the year that was 2020, especially with December 3rd around the corner (which is the International ‘United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Person with a Disability’ Day). This year, we are holding a symposium in Takapuna, Auckland for Pasifika young people with disabilities, with a similar objective to last year's I.LEAD Conference for youth with disabilities.

We will be hosting 15 Pasifika young people with disabilities as they discuss what it’s like to be a Pasifika young person in the disability sector, with guest speakers and workshops on leadership and resilience thrown into the mix.

There can be a stigma surrounding disability in Pasifika culture, with disability being associated with curses and punishments for past sins.

This creates even more barriers for youth with disabilities, preventing them from establishing meaningful engagement and connections within their respective Pasifika communities.

With this symposium, we hope to help shed light on these issues and barriers, identifying how disability is viewed in Pasifika communities and what that means for Pasifika youth with disabilities today. We then discuss what needs to change in order for them to be fully connected, engaged and integrated into their cultural heritage. We will also be providing personal development workshops around resilience and leadership, hoping to foster strong Pasifika future leaders within the disability sector.

We identify the cultural importance for young people with disabilities to be fully engaged in their heritage, as it is a major part of their identity.

By celebrating this diversity, I.LEAD is one step closer to making Aotearoa a more livable, accessible country.

Trust Manager Carol White with Whitcoulls Milford staff .

Wilson Home Trust December News As we enter the festive season, the team at Wilson Home Trust would like to acknowledge and thank the many individuals, groups and businesses that have supported the Trust during this very challenging year.

We are also delighted to have been chosen as the recipient of this year’s Whitcoulls Milford Christmas teddy bear appeal. This year's bear, Alfred, is already available to purchase in-store and donate to the Trust, for us to give out to children in the Wilson Centre rehabilitation and respite accommodation and at our annual Christmas events. We also send these out to children who are not able to attend events and to families we know will struggle to provide Christmas presents for their children this year. Our thanks to those of you in the community who have already bought and donated 84 bears to us.

A reminder that we still have spaces available for weddings in our newly refurbished Chapel and gardens this summer and autumn 2021. For more information or to arrange a meeting with our Wedding Co-Ordinator, phone 09 488 0126 or email weddings@wilsonhometrust.org.nz 1 Saint Leonards Road, Takapuna 09 488 0126 or 0800 948 787, www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz

www.yesdisability.org.nz

St Leonards Road Chapel Interior.

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EDUCATION: DAVE SCOTT, MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, KRISTIN SCHOOL

COUNCIL TALK: RICHARD HILLS

With Councillor Richard Hills, North Shore representative on Auckland Council.

Meri Kirihimete and here’s to a much happier 2021

Richard Hills.

Watching the pōhutakawa turn red, and locals head back to our parks and beaches, I’m excited to see summer arrive and see the end of a very challenging 2020 for many of you in our community, Aotearoa and the world.

Some good news is the heavy rainfall and La Niña weather patterns that have been forecast over summer. Well, it’s not great news for camping but it’s seriously good news for our water storage and our water restrictions which are more likely to be relaxed.

Thanks to your efforts, we saved six billion litres of water this year.

After many dry months our reservoirs/dams are finally over 70% full.

This is down to the huge water saving efforts across the community as rainfall in September and October were both less than half their average levels; in a ‘normal’ year our dams would be more than 90% full right now. As I write, we are now days away from deciding whether to loosen restrictions over summer. That is a huge accomplishment for a year that began with 78 days of no rain which developed into the longest and worst drought in Auckland’s history.

We do still need rain but we now have access to an extra 40 million litres per day more than we did last year. This is due to new and expanded sources including Hickeys Bore, the Hays Creek Dam, additional take from the Waikato and the Onehunga Bore. We will also be able to take even more water from the Waikato River from June 2021. This was all funded by you, through our emergency budget.

There’s no doubt climate change will continue to exacerbate this situation so we have a lot of hard work to go in completing our long term water strategy. The additional sources do, however, provide a bit more of a buffer from low rainfall and more confidence coming into summer.

With our budget cut due to Covid and the $500m revenue loss it has been difficult to see many staff made redundant and many projects put on hold. We aren’t out of the woods yet but I will keep fighting for our community to secure budgets we need; like the funding we saved for the Hurstmere Rd upgrade, our libraries and the important local board budgets that go to our community groups and services.

As our finances struggle and likely so do yours we will need the same consideration and resolve that saw us through the early stages of Covid and let us reduce the restrictions months ago. I congratulate our Prime Minster, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, our phenomenal health workers, public service, essential workers and all of you for pulling together and getting into a much better space than what could’ve been, if we think back to March.

For me personally it has been an overwhelming year, lots of tough times supporting our community and making tough calls at council but on the positive front as an uncle I welcomed three new members of my family this year: Micah, Penelope, and Archie. Having missed a lot of the early moments to lockdown, I’m particularly looking forward to spending time with them over the Christmas/New Year period.

Have a great summer, be safe, enjoy the time with family and friends, and thank you.

Feel free to continue to contact me about local issues on Richard.hills@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Learning a Second Language

Dave Scott

The importance of learning a second language has been widely discussed and accepted. Currently, there is a groundswell in schools to embrace learning another language as a compulsory subject, but sadly as yet, this option is far from reality for many students in Aotearoa New Zealand. In a modern world, where language helps to build bridges and bring down walls, this trend is increasingly worrying.

Kristin School has long bucked the trend in terms of language learning, and all students from Junior School through to the end of Middle School learn a second language as a compulsory subject.

Many then continue this learning through to Senior School and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

The professional advantage of speaking second languages in a globalised world is clearly understood, as is the use of a second language as a vehicle for cultural understanding. However, beyond this enhanced cultural awareness and increased professional opportunities, learning a second language helps students begin to establish links between subjects which would not otherwise be evident. To illustrate this; the word “money” in French is “argent” which means silver, and the chemical symbol for the element silver is Ag which is an abbreviation of the word “Argento” which, again, is Latin for silver. These connections become apparent and start being made, almost automatically, when a language is learnt. The establishment of connections both enriches and facilitates the learning of other subjects.

At Kristin all our language teachers are mother tongue speakers and students have regular opportunities to converse in the language.

We know that pronunciation is one of the most challenging things to master when learning another language because languages have phonetic complexity. If students are not sufficiently exposed to the different phonetic nuances, they find it very hard to distinguish between the different sounds. Spanish, for example, is a highly phonetic language where there are only five vowel sounds which are always the same and never change. English, on the other hand, has 14 vowel sounds which vary depending on the meaning of the word being used, so the word “tear”, for example, can have a completely different pronunciation as a noun if you mean to shed a tear or tear a dress. This makes English particularly challenging to learn as a foreign language and Spanish easier. To be able to hear these different sounds, students need to be exposed to them regularly and early. At Kristin all our language teachers are mother tongue speakers and students have regular opportunities to converse in the language.

At Kristin, we recognise the many advantages of being multilingual and multicultural. All our students experience Te Reo Māori and we are currently investigating the introduction of Te Reo Māori as a full language option, alongside Mandarin, Spanish and French. We have established links with outstanding schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Paris and Buenos Aires offering highly successful school exchanges, and we look forward to the resumption of these in post-Covid-19 times. We also take advantage of the multiculturalism of our community with over 40 different nationalities and cultures represented at Kristin and our native speaker staff and parents offer language sessions.

Dave Scott, Middle School Principal

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PEST PLANT OF THE MONTH: MOTH PLANT

Moth Plant pods.

Tackling pest plants to protect nature and our health PEST PLANT OF THE MONTH: Moth Plant Pest plants, such as moth plant, are invading Auckland’s North Shore – your gardens and your nearby bush reserves. Controlling them when they are small is easy and cheap. If they are left to grow, they can spread across your property onto your neighbours’ gardens and to nearby reserves.

Moth plant is a particularly nasty pest plant as it spreads so quickly and smothers our native bush. It is poisonous to people (and traps Monarch butterflies!) and its sap can irritate our skin.

From January, the vines form bell-shaped creamy coloured flowers, occasionally with pink streaks. Over the next few months, these flowers turn into large, green, pear-shaped pods. If left, each pod will release thousands of fluffy parachute seeds into the air infesting more and more of our gardens, parks and bush. This is where you can help.

If you notice moth plant on your property or in your nearby parks, please take action as soon as possible: • Report the weed using the EcoTrack.nz app.

• Pull or dig out any small seedlings, including roots.

• For medium-sized vines, find the stem where it goes into the ground, cut it near the base of the vine, and immediately paste a thin smear of MetGelTM onto the cut stem.

• For monster-sized vines, scrape a vertical length of the bark, about four times the diameter of the trunk, near the base of the stem. Immediately paste a thin smear of MetGelTM onto the scraped stem.

• There are groups of volunteers who may be able to help by

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providing tools, herbicide, advice and training. Please get in touch using the contact details below.

• Dispose of all seed pods, flowers and roots in your rubbish bin to go to landfill, securely tied inside a plastic bag - to stop it spreading to other areas. Unfortunately, they can't be composted.

• Leave the vine hanging in the tree to die.

• Talk to your neighbours, tell them about moth plant and encourage them to take action too!

There are several environmental networks across Auckland’s North Shore that support communities to recognise, report and remove pest plants and restore our native wildlife.

East Coast Bays and Hibiscus Coast – Restore Hibiscus & Bays: info@restorehb.org.nz Kaipātiki – Pest Free Kaipātiki: enquiries@pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz Takapuna – Pupuke Birdsong Project: enviro@takapunatrust.org.nz Devonport Peninsula – Restoring Takarunga Hauraki: pestfreedevonport@gmail.com Upper Harbour – Upper Harbour Ecological Network: upperharbourecology@gmail.com This Pest Plant of the Month feature is a collaborative initiative between these entities. Building on Te Ao Māori principles of kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga, these environmental networks bring our communities together to foster guardianship, care and respect towards our whenua, natural world and indigenous wildlife.

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

CHRISTMAS SERVICES ON THE SHORE

Christmas Services on the Shore St George’s Presbyterian Church 2, The Terrace, Takapuna (Opposite Shore City Mall) Phone: 09 489 5689 email: office.stgeorges@xtra.co.nz www.stgeorgestakapuna.com Christmas Eve 11.00pm Carols & Candlelight Christmas Day 9.30am Family Carol Service Welcome! We are an inclusive Church.

St Peter’s Anglican Church

11 Killarney St, Takapuna phone: 09 489 6242 email: office@takapunaanglican.co.nz www.takapunaanglican.co.nz 9 Lessons & Carols 7pm—Sunday 13 December Christmas Eve 5pm—Family Service with Children’s Play 11.30pm—Communion, Carols & Candlelight

SHORE NEWS WITH CHRIS DARBY

North Shore Councillor Chris Darby

Rail reality for the Shore

Chris Darby

After years of relentless campaigning on behalf of the Shore, I’m pleased to see progress towards a rail link between Takapuna and the city-centre, and beyond.

Likely to be the largest transport project in New Zealand’s history, it has come one step closer with a positive strategic business case finalised by Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi/NZTA. It points to real progress on rail for the Shore.

Realising my vision of this multi-billion dollar project takes careful planning, which as Planning Committee Chair I have devoted much of my time to as councillor. I’m pleased to see government and council front with an evidence-based case to move us to the final planning stage and make this transformational change a reality.

The plan is for the Shore to be connected to the rest of Auckland like never before. Combined with the construction of SkyPath across the Harbour Bridge, residents will soon be able to walk, cycle, ferry, drive, and by mid-2030 take modern light-rail into the central city.

Christmas Day 9am—Family Communion Service

Takapuna Methodist Church

Cnr Tennyson Avenue & Lake Road phone 09 489 4590 email: takapunamethodist@xtra.co.nz http://takapuna.methodist.org.nz

Reflective Service 7.30pm Tuesday 22 December Christmas Eve 8.30pm Supper 9.00pm Candlelight Service Christmas Day 9.30am Family Service

St Joseph’s Catholic Church

10 Dominion Street, Takapuna phone 09 489 6486 email: stjosephtakapuna@xtra.co.nz www.takapunacatholic.org.nz Christmas Masses 2020 Christmas Vigil 7.00pm (Carols 6.30pm) Midnight Mass 12 Midnight (Carols 11.30pm) Christmas Day 7.30am & 10.00am

St Vincent de Paul Church

Cnr Shakespeare Rd & Fenwick Ave, Milford Christmas Vigil 7.30pm (Carols 7.00pm)

The Shore has never been closer to city centre jobs and education than it will be once this transformational project is realised.

I’m proud that my vision to have Takapuna included as a metropolitan centre was recognised in the business case as the catylyst for it becoming a prime candidate to be a rapid transit connections hub.

All this means that Shore residents will have much greater choice over which mode they prefer to take; cheaper options; and more frequent services taking them not only to the city centre, but further south to the airport and further north to Albany and beyond.

Shore businesses will also rejoice as the number of both Aucklanders and visitors alike will increase exponentially and come knocking on their doors.

I’m looking forward to working with my fellow North Shore councillor Richard Hills, government ministers, newly minted North Shore-based MPs Simon Watts and Shanan Halbert, the mayor, and local board members to turn this into a rail reality.

Change can sometimes take time, but this is transformation worth waiting for.

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L IV IN G R E TIR E M E N T M O DER N BOTANIC

F I N D O U T M O R E AT

TH E

SILVERDAL E 120

A life less ordinary

T H E B OTA N I C . C O . N Z Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

LIFE LESSONS WITH LIFE EDUCATION TRUST

SUNNYNOOK COMMUNITY CENTRE: NEWS

By Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook Community Centre Manager

News from Sandra Jacobs

Well, hello there!

Sandra Jacobs.

As a Trust, we have been working hard to make sure that Life Education remains an integral part of the community on the North Shore. As for many Kiwis across the country it has been a tough year, but we are pleased to say that we have weathered the storm through two lockdowns and are now operating full steam ahead!

Our educators, Jenni and Charlie, have continued to do a fantastic job in our local schools and have made sure that Harold remains accessible to our kids no matter what stage alert level we are experiencing.

‌we are pleased to say that we have weathered the storm through two lockdowns and are now operating full steam ahead!

We also find ourselves planning for 2021 and the demand for Harold and our health programme has never looked better, which is fantastic news. There is plenty of positive stuff for us to be focussed on in the months ahead.

Thank you to those who continue to support us; we could not do it without you! We are always on the lookout for new trustees; please get in contact with the trust if you want more information on the fulfilling role!. Stay safe everyone and here is to a great summer ahead and a well deserved Christmas season!

Deputy Chair Life Education North Shore Contact us: secretary@lifeeducationnorthshore.nz Visit: www.lifeeducationnorthshore.nz

Greetings from Sunnynook Community Centre

Bronwyn Bound.

2020 has flown by, and we are now full steam ahead booking in Centre users/groups for 2021. All our groups are coming back, which is wonderful, and we have even managed to pick up another couple of regular user groups.

We were pleased with the new drainage around the Community Centre as we have had some incredible weather bombs over early/mid-November. The flooding that we used to get is no longer happening. Sunnynook Park filled up with water (which is what it is designed to do), then very quickly drained away which was a huge relief to those of us who were watching!

Check out the Sunnynook Community Facebook group which is well worth joining. I am trying to share as much community-based info on that group page as possible. Thanks to Rowena Manning who manages the group.

We have our fingers crossed for great bike riding weather on 10th December for our Sunnynook Christmas Wheels Trail around Sunnynook Park. We are also planning to run a Family Fun Night on Friday 26th February 2021. More info will be available closer to the event.

Kennedy Park WW II Military Installation Preservation Trust The gun emplacements and tunnels you now see at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park are the remnants of a 6-inch gun battery constructed during 1941 and 1942 as part of Auckland's World War II defences.

Castor Bay was one of three installations whose purpose was to defend the northern approaches to the Rangitoto Channel; the others were at Whangaparaoa and Motutapu.

The tunnels are open for guided tours on the second Sunday of each month, between 11.00am and 2.00pm.

We would appreciate a gold coin donation; this goes towards the on-going upkeep of this historic facility. Military historian volunteers will guide you through the tunnels and explain the background to each feature. There are pictorial displays to support the information on the guns and you will learn about one of the finest examples of military defensive camouflage still extant today.

You can bring a torch, although the guides all have good torches to keep you safe! In wet weather, especially during winter, gumboots are advisable.

No dogs in the tunnels, please, although we will look after your pooch while you go through.

A moderate level of fitness is necessary because there are a few larger steps to negotiate.

Contact: Chris Owen, phone (09) 479 5290, email: Chris.s.owen@gmail.com or John Pringle, phone (09) 410 5700, email: john@pringle.co.nz.

All the best Bronwyn Bound, Centre Manager

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BOOK PRINTING & PUBLISHING

Have your book produced and published right here on the Shore!

Benefitz, publishers of Channel Magazine, is one of New Zealand’s most diverse manufacturing businesses in the communications space. At their base, on Constellation Drive, they have a team of 85 people and a range of machinery and technology capable of producing items for communication of all shapes and sizes.

The printing of books is proving to be a growth area for the company.

“With our range of digital and conventional printing and finishing equipment we have everything that is needed to produce these books efficiently and cost-effectively,” says Benefitz Managing Director Aidan Bennett. “Having 15 designers on staff means we can also design the book if that is what is required.

“While big books with significant print runs are often printed offshore, it is just as economical and more convenient to print shorter run books right here in New Zealand. So we are a great option for people self-publishing and we also print here for publishers.”

Benefitz have three digital presses that books can be printed on as well as a number of finishing machine options. They produce both soft cover and hard cover books on their inhouse machinery.

“I have considerable experience in book printing and publishing and have members on my team who come from strong book production and publishing backgrounds,” adds Aidan Bennett. “So we can work with customers and guide them through the process, irrespective of their own knowledge of the process.

“In addition, we also work with off-shore businesses if we have projects that are quite clearly better suited to being printed in other countries due to their size and the quantities required.”

An extension of this book publishing capability has been the development of the ‘My Life Story Book’ system by the Benefitz team over the past 18 months. This is an online system for the publishing of life story books. Benefitz developers have created the online system which makes the whole process very easy and smooth for those wanting to publish their own life stories, or those of loved ones.

If you are self-publishing or looking for someone to produce your book, then contact Aidan Bennett and his team at Benefitz.

Aidan Bennett, Phone 09-477-4701 or 021-500-997 or email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz Visit: www.benefitz.co.nz

THE FACTS • • • • • •

Total solution for small or larger print-runs.

It is now economical to print just 50 or 100 books.

All done in-house at Benefitz – Print PUR or Hard Case Bind.

Great service for self-publishers.

Book publishing expertise.

We can help get books printed off-shore as well.

Book My Life Story Book is an online system that simplifies the process for those wishing to tell and record their life stories. You can build your book online easily and then the system enables the easy and cost-effective production of an actual printed book – hard or soft cover – and the life-story will also be preserved online for generations to come. The system has been developed right here on the North Shore by the team at Benefitz.

Visit: www.mylifestorybook.co.nz Or contact Aidan Bennett. Phone 021-500-997 or email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz

“I am passionate about helping people tell their stories, so we will make the process very easy for you - promise.”

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

CAM CALKOEN: BENDING PERCEPTIONS, INSPIRING CHANGE

Cam Calkoen is an inspirational speaker who is bending perceptions to inspire change and an attitude of awesomeness through simple, lasting human truths.

Passionate about the Shore, this column reflects the awesomeness that surrounds us and the potential we all have to achieve a personal best.

LEGALLY SPEAKING: SCHNAUER AND CO

Legally Speaking with Artem Piatine Law Clerk, Schnauer & Co.

2020 has brought It’s not how good you are, new opportunities it’s how good you want to be... and challenges Cam Calkoen.

Many years ago I was meeting with a mentor of mine. While in his office, I couldn’t help but admire his AWESOME bicycle (this was before e-bikes were a thing). There it lay against the wall; white wall tyres, a powder blue frame, chrome bars; it was well equipped for touring and looked set for an adventure. I asked my mentor about his plans and heard that he was set to ride around the south of France, the most beautiful place he could think of.

What you don’t yet know about my mentor is he’s completely blind. How did he know how beautiful the South of France was? He said, “Cam, I may not be able to see, but I can feel the sun, the wind and the air on my skin, I can hear the birds, the trains and other riders around me, I can smell the flowers and most of all it makes me very, very happy.” As to how he rides his own bike, he simply rides with his most trusted friends and rests one hand on their shoulder.

Happiness and the creation of joy is what enables us to thrive through and beyond the greatest adversities this world can throw at us. So when things are unexpected and different to how we imagine here’s some AWESOMENESS that enables us to thrive, to be kings and queens of happiness and joy.

“It’s not how good you are. It’s how good you want to be”: Find that ultimate dream and work backwards from that point to achieve it. When my mentor lost his vision he was told he could never ride his own bike, but he found his motivation (France), he established his process (ride with friends), he brought his bike and ticket.

“Don’t give a speech. Put on a show”: This is what I use in my profession as a speaker but it’s also what we can all use in each and every interaction of each and every day. People remember how we make them feel so bring them and yourself happiness and joy, be unforgettable and noteworthy. It was 2011 that I met my mentor... I was inspired by his life through the way he made me feel.

“Create sunshine on a cloudy day”: Sometimes we wake up or reach a point of the day where there’s a big dark cloud hanging around. At that point there is one thing more important than anything else… YOU. Give yourself time to breath, to stop, to stimulate different parts of your brain through creativity, physical activity, social engagement… whatever, but let your mental health and wellbeing become a reflection of your dreams and aspirations rather than the reality of your fears. My mentor could have chosen to focus on his fears; he didn't.

Dreams never end: Ride the whole journey of our dreams, appreciate the opportunities, lessons and experiences that come from the journey.

Disruptions are going to occur, there may be more processes, there may be greater investments, and time-frames may push out… but don’t let any of this make you believe the dream has ended. Rather see it as providing spice... giving you the tools for resilience. When asked if he would do anything to change his life, he said “No, life is more awesome now than ever.”

For myself, living with cerebral palsy, some people perceive this to be a great “challenge,” “disruption,” “limiting factor”. Disabling those perceptions to enable happiness and joy has come through embracing the above lessons. Find time to Inspirational Speaker reflect on the things, people and Book Cam and inspire new moments that enable and or levels of awesomeness inspire you to ride through life, with your team. distributing happiness and joy!

Contact Cam 02111 26 598 Enjoy your awesomeness!

Artem Piatine.

As lawyers we love helping our clients take an idea from concept to implementation. 2020 has presented many opportunities to think outside the square and capitalise on the current market.

Interest rates are incredible at the moment – no good for saving but exceptional for borrowing. The housing market in Auckland has reacted with quick sales and higher sale prices than previously and Covid-19 has forced people to think differently about the way they do business. This unique situation has resulted in the development of new business and investment ideas and opportunities.

However, if you are considering taking advantage of the interest rates to get on the property ladder, expand your property portfolio, or to invest in a business venture, or anything in between, you need to get sound legal advice. Because, while it is tempting to extend your borrowing while interest rates are low, it is vital to maintain a long-term outlook on any financial commitment as interest rates will inevitably bounce back. As a result, you need to ensure that your ability to service any borrowing is appropriate to your circumstances in the long-term.

If you are ready to take the leap, you will need to provide the bank or lender with security and in some cases, personal guarantees. These should not be taken lightly as they have significant personal and legal consequences. Lenders ensure that they are well protected and failing to truly understand your commitments and obligations under a mortgage or guarantee is unwise.

As lawyers who want to assist you to understand your legal position, we are here to help you navigate the process. Whether your project is big or small, running smoothly or having hiccups, we are here to assist.

If you want to explore a commercial opportunity we can advise you on business structures, contract negotiation, drafting and review of agreements or leases, intellectual property, commercial sales or acquisitions, dispute resolution and much more. If you are buying a home or an investment property, we will assist you to prepare for the sale or purchase from a legal perspective and ensure that you understand your obligations under any legal documents, loan agreements or guarantees.

In any legal journey we will walk beside you. Should there be any unexpected difficulties, we will assist you to work through them. Whatever your desired outcome, the team at Schnauer & Co Lawyers are well equipped to provide you with straight-forward plain-English advice and support.

Schnauer & Co, 1 Shea Terrace, Takapuna 09 486 0177 www.schnauer.com

www.camcalkoen.com

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

BUILDING & HOME RENOVATION WITH QPC BUILD GROUP

Bringing your dream to reality The thought of a complete new build can be quite daunting especially if it’s the first time you are doing it. Over the past decade QPC have fine tuned our design and build process to ensure it is not only seamless and effective but also fun!

Here’s what QPC Design & Build can offer you: • Design and plans by our skilled architects • Comprehensive pricing by our in house quantity surveyors with transparent costs • Complete management from design, pricing, consultants, council consents, project management, building and sub trades undertaken by a dedicated project manager, keeping you well involved and informed • A qualified team who are licensed building practitioners to carry out the work • Dedicated and effective service from our wider team to look after your project and ensure it runs efficiently One of our latest new build projects is this enormous 560m2 home just north of Albany. A simple and elegant entranceway draws you into this seemingly understated home. It isn’t until you walk through to the back of the home that you see how truly magnificent and grand in scale it actually is. The large two storey home wraps itself around the large outdoor pool and entertaining area whilst sitting nestled privately into its lush bush surroundings.

With crisp weatherboard, feature schist chimneys and immaculate landscaping the attention to detail on this home is breathtaking.

For more information about how we can help you to create your dream home take a look at our website www.qpcbuilders.co.nz or give us a call today 0800 772 266

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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BOWLS NORTH HARBOUR: NEWS

with Lindsay Knight

All Legends.

Barbara Kunicich Family.

Danny O'Connor Family.

Hall of Legends Bowls North Harbour’s silver medal at the 1990 Hall of Legends Commonwealth Games as enjoyed an auspicious well as the world indoor inauguration in early singles in 2000.

November with the O’Connor, like Castle, induction of its first spent much of his career four members. with the Auckland centre The four were when he was in a champion distinguished players, Okähu Bay four skipped by Barbara Kunicich, Nick Unkovich. But in the Jean Ashby.

Marlene Castle.

Marlene Castle and 2000s he had a significant Danny O’Connor, and Jean Ashby, an outstanding administratorperiod with the Takapuna and Birkenhead clubs. He won two national umpire who has given exemplary service for more than 50 years. titles in that decade to take his tally to 10 and helped Takapuna win two Centre president Maureen Taylor spearheaded their induction at a national club titles and Harbour win the national inter-centre title. function at the Browns Bay club, which coincided with the centre’s Ashby, who earlier this year was made a life member of the centre, final day in the pennants competition. having been given a lifetime achievement award last year, has been Both Castle and Ashby received their accolades in person but widely recognised as one of the country’s best umpires and an expert Kunicich and O’Connor have both passed on and their awards were on the game’s laws. She has officiated at both Commonwealth Games accepted by close relatives. Kunicich was the leading player in the and world championships.

1970s and '80s in the old Waitemata women’s centre, which was She is also a life member of the Mairangi Bay club, which she one of the antecedents of Bowls North Harbour when it was formed joined in 1967, and of Bowls New Zealand, having been on its board following the merger of the men’s and women’s games in the midand earlier having been president of the old New Zealand Women’s 1990s.

Association.

A member of the Bayswater club, which has since morphed into Centre past president Gary Stevens, who conceived the legends Belmont Park, Kunicich won 15 centre titles as well as four national project with prominent bowler and former board member Wayne titles, consecutive singles in 1973 and '74, plus pairs in 1978 and fours Wrack, says with many other potential candidates, further inductions in 1973. She also represented New Zealand at world championships in would be made over the next few years.

1981 and 1985.

Meanwhile, the pennants competition, which produced a high Castle was another superb women’s player who, in six seasons standard of play, was a triumph for Takapuna, which won both premier with the Orewa club from 1994-2000, won six centre titles, plus men’s and women’s titles, with Beachhaven winning men’s division two national titles, in the pairs with club-mate Paulette Mytton and one, Orewa winning women’s division one and Helensville winning the in the fours with Mytton and two other top Harbour bowlers, Mary mixed division.

Gulbrandsen and Carole Fredrick.

Castle was also a regular New Zealand international, winning a www.bowlsnorthharbour.com

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

HARBOUR HOSPICE NEWS

Significant Hospice upgrade to begin in the New Year Harbour Hospice will ‘break ground’ on its $20m building project at Shea Terrace, Takapuna, in February with Rucon Construction & Property leading the construction team.

Rucon was successful in the competitive tender process with a highly considered approach which found solutions to minimise disruption to patient care and family support.

Time is critical for this project as the current Hospice building will not meet future palliative care needs.

Demand across the Harbour Hospice region is expected to grow by 50% in the next 14 years, and 90% in the next 40 years. In addition, the Inpatient Unit needs to be reclad within two years to avoid compromising this vital service. “We are already feeling the impact of this growth. Our need is urgent and we must act now,” Harbour Hospice Chief Executive, Jan Nichols said.

"Our number one priority throughout the build is to ensure minimal disruption to patient care, with all services able to continue as close to 100% as possible."

Rucon's innovative approach includes framing and major assembly work taking place offsite and a shorter than expected construction period.

The complexity and significance of this project appealed to Rucon, with Director Dan Russek having personal experience of Hospice's community impact. His wife’s stepmother was cared for at Hibiscus House in 2011 and the family still talk about the level of care, describing it as “over and above in every way”.

“This job not only requires immense planning but a deep level of sensitivity and understanding of the critical work of Hospice and what goes on within this special place,” Russek said. "Some of those families will be experiencing moments they'll never forget, so minimising noise and disturbance, along with delivering an exceptional future-proofed solution, is core to the success of this project."

Despite challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, project planning has not lost momentum. Construction will proceed in three phases, with strict timeframes to ensure minimal impact on patients, families and staff. The project is expected to be complete in late 2022.

Rucon joins a skilled project team, many of whom hold strong ties to the North Shore. They include local residents Doug Whitcombe (Project Manager), Graham White (White Associates) and Rachael Rush (Klein Architects). Rucon was responsible for building The Goodside in Smales Farm, a close neighbour of the Takapuna Hospice facility.

This project will have significant benefits for patients and their families, Harbour Hospice inpatient and community nurses, doctors and support teams, and the wider North Shore community. More patient rooms, improved facilities for families and carers, multi-use spaces, a state-of-the-art community centre and improved work spaces are all included in the bold plan.

Early fundraising efforts have secured $4.6 million, almost half of the $10m campaign target. “We are continually humbled by the generosity of those who have gifted to this project so far, however we need community backing to help us achieve our vision,” Ms Nichols said.

A further $10 million is being contributed from the Development Foundation built up by Harbour Hospice over past decades.

Harbour Hospice recently learnt its application to the Government’s shovel-ready infrastructure scheme was unsuccessful. This would have given the project a significant leg-up but Nichols reiterates that “we mustn’t lose focus and momentum on the important job at hand".

To learn more about the project, track progress and find out how you can get involved, visit www.harbourhospice.org.nz/future-hospice

SHORE JUNCTION: NEWS UPDATE

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Shore Junction

Where ideas collide and future paths forge

Sonia Thursby.

Takapuna’s old RSA building has metamorphosed into a vibrant new youth innovation hub – developed to provide an inspiring place for young people to connect, collaborate and create.

We are excited to be officially opening Shore Junction to all young people in February 2021 with a youth designed event with a number of special guests. We’ve set out to provide a place for young people to be all that they want to be and to accelerate their potential, build pathways to success and become tomorrow’s change makers. Shore Junction is free for all young people from ages 13 to 24 to use and develop their passion.

Once open, visitors will see all it has to offer, including a fully fitted out recording studio plus an adjoining music room, an exercise and movement studio and an art space. Much of the upstairs has been set up as a technology centre, with a focus on accelerating the knowledge and skills of STEM. Connecting with these areas are collaborative, break-out spaces with bean bags, whiteboards and large screens, which can be also be set up for youth-led events.

Shore Junction is facility co-designed by young people and our ‘testers’ have been trialing every part of the space, telling us what works and doesn’t work. We have also had visits from a number of youth organisations to the building, providing them with a space that they can meet on the North Shore.

Shore Junction has been built with the generous support of a wide range of funding organisations, Devonport Takapuna Local Board and local philanthropists.

Visit Shore Junction on Facebook for the latest event announcements. www.shorejunction.nz

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NORTH SHORE HISTORY: WITH DAVID VERRAN

3-Album-45-4 courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection; the Auckland Provincial Council building from around 1865, previously the first Parliament Building when Auckland was the capital

North Shore representation on the Auckland Provincial Council By David Verran From 1853 to 1876 New Zealand had two levels of government, provincial and central. Each of eventually nine provinces had its own Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, appointed Executive Council and elected Assembly, with a Speaker. Each province had responsibility for local Crown land development, immigration, public works, harbours, education and hospitals, but increasingly leant on central government for funding.

The boundary of Auckland Province extended from North Cape as far south as Lake Taupo. The whole of the North Shore was included in the Auckland Provincial Council’s multi-member Northern Division electorate, echoing the name and boundaries of the central government electorate. The Northern Division electorate boundaries at first stretched from Whangarei southwards to part of the central Auckland isthmus, and then from 1860 just from Warkworth southwards to the Whau Creek, including the North Shore. The two major voting areas on the North Shore at that time were Flagstaff (now Devonport) and Stokes Point (now Northcote). At that time, Birkenhead was still awaiting its sugar works, and Lake Pupuke, Glenfield and the East Coast Bays had few settlers.

Because the Northern Division was a multi-member electorate, it had no less than 28 representatives from 1853 to 1873. Many of those 28 also represented other electorates at different times, but only eight were also successful in national politics, including Thomas Henderson and William Swanson (both of whom have West Auckland suburbs named after them). More often, locally based Auckland Provincial Councillors also served on their local Highway or Road Boards.

Examples include Henry Dacre (a Provincial Council member from 1867 to 1868), who also served as a trustee on the Lake District Highway Board from 1877 to 1878, and Allan O’Neill (a Provincial Council member from 1853 to 1865) who chaired the Lake District Highway Board from 1867 to 1868 and then 1869 to 1870. O’Neill also served on that Board as a trustee from 1873 to 1876. Isaac Rhodes Cooper (a Provincial Council member from 1857 to 1861 and 1865 to 1869) chaired the North Shore Highway Board from 1868 to 1870.

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Cooper owned property in the Northcote Point and Pupuke Road areas, as well as in Orewa.

The first elected Superintendent (1853-1855), Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Henry Wynyard (1802-1864), was also a serving military officer, and his opponents alleged he was voted into office by both serving and former military men living in the greater Auckland area, the latter including those in the Pensioner Villages of Onehunga, Otahuhu, Panmure and Howick. Lieutenant-Governor for the Province of New Ulster from 1851 to 1853, Wynyard was also Colonial Administrator from 1852 to 1855. He became a Colonel in 1854 and left New Zealand with the 58th Regiment in 1858.

From November 1873, the Northern Division electorate was separated into the single member Waitemata and Takapuna Provincial electorates. There was no corresponding central government electorate for Takapuna, the North Shore being part of the Waitemata electorate from 1870. George McCullagh Reed (1832-1898) was elected without opposition and represented Takapuna on the Provincial Council until its abolition in 1876. He was soon after appointed to the Auckland Provincial Executive Council, and was Provincial Treasurer until part-way through 1874. Born in Ireland, he had come to Auckland from Queensland in 1870 and had started the Evening Star (later The Auckland Star) newspaper. He was soon after joined by Henry Brett in managing that newspaper, but left in 1876 for work in Dunedin. He later also worked for The New Zealand Herald.

From 1876, the Waitemata County Council took over some of the local responsibilities of the Auckland Provincial Council; this happened throughout New Zealand with 63 newly formed counties.

Local roads boards continued to exist until separate boroughs were formed. Locally these were: Devonport from 1886, Birkenhead from 1888, Northcote from 1908, Takapuna from 1913 and East Coast Bays from 1953. david.verran@xtra.co.nz

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

HEALTH AND WELLBEING: JOHN APPLETON

I have been writing articles on topics related to our health for a number of years and in Channel I keep you up to date on ways in which we might improve our health by becoming more aware of the many options that are available to us.

Silicon

John Appleton.

– it’s important for many reasons As I see it - by John Appleton

How many of us have wondered if there is anything we can do for brittle nails, thinning hair, strengthening our bones, premature ageing of the skin and to support healthy cognitive function?

Most of us may have never considered that a simple chemical element known as silicon could have so many potentially health-inducing properties. Silicon is one of the 97 building blocks that form our minerals and it’s also the second most abundant chemical element found in the earth’s crust In human health, orthosilicic acid (commonly called silica) is the most bioavailable form absorbed by humans and it’s vital for the health of many tissues particularly connective tissue. The highest body levels are found in bones, tendons, liver and kidney, the aorta and the skin.

Deficiencies of silica can manifest as thinning of the hair, increasing brittleness of nails, the formation of wrinkles and premature drying and ageing of the skin. Silica is vital for hair health, for improving hair growth as well as the lustre and shine of hair, making it thick and healthy. Silica can also strengthen nails, preventing brittleness and infections.

For me, the most exciting thing about silica is its role in assisting with the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body and in particular aluminium. Silica has been shown to prevent the absorption of aluminium in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as binding to it and excreting it via the urine or sweat. There is a unique affinity between aluminium and silica where silica mediates its bioavailability. If we are deficient in silica this increases the bioavailability of aluminium and its toxicity.

Aluminium is known to be particularly toxic to the brain and it can be a significant risk factor in the development of cognitive impairment. Christopher Exley a professor of bioinorganic chemistry at Keele University in the U.K. looked at the brain tissue of 12 people who had died from an inherited form of Alzheimer’s which can affect people in their 30s and 40s. He found high levels of aluminium in every brain tested. A 2016 study of 10,567 individuals found that those with chronic aluminium exposure had a 71% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. A study of over 7,000 women in France concluded that low levels of silica increased the risk of cognitive impairment.

Prof Exley demonstrated that drinking a litre of water with a high silica content every day significantly increased the excretion of aluminium in the urine and if consumed prior to exercise, a lot of aluminium was also excreted in sweat.

The water that was used in Prof Exley’s research is known as ‘Volvic’ water which is reported to have a silica content of 20 mgs per litre.

Given that cognitive impairment is such a massive problem in New Zealand and around the world it makes a lot of sense to me to embrace simple interventions that may be helpful.

We are fortunate in New Zealand to have a superb source of water that has a very high silica content. It’s known as ‘Water in a Box’ and it has 93.4mgs of silica per litre. It comes from a deep aquifer in Whakatane and they say on the box that it’s been stored underground for up to 1800 years. I have been drinking this water for years and I really love it. It’s all I drink.

… the most exciting thing about silica is its role in assisting with the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body…

We are exposed to aluminium in many ways, including cooking utensils, antacid medications, deodorants and in New Zealand our town water supply has aluminium sulphate added to it. It makes a lot of sense to limit our exposure to aluminium and drinking a very pure water with a high silica content that can also help to remove existing aluminium, is something we can all do.

Have I noticed any benefits? I can definitely say that my nails have clearly appreciated the regular intake of silica. I would describe them as bulletproof. ‘Water in a Box’ is available from IE Produce in Takapuna.

John Appleton john@johnappleton.co.nz 09 489 9362 www.johnappleton.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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COLLIERS NORTH SHORE: NEWS

Making it in Commercial Real Estate

What does it take to become a commercial real estate agent or broker?

Janet Marshall, recipient in commercial property or of the Property Council’s knowing others who work Women in Property Award in the industry.” in 2019, should know.

Janet says many have She started as a broker in queried why there are 2005 without any sales not more women in the experience, after a year industry. in brokerage support.

“I believe it is a lack She went on to become information and not Colliers International’s knowing what to expect Rookie of the Year in in commercial real estate.

2005, Marketer of In reality, there is a core the Year in 2013 and a set of skills that will allow Director of Colliers in anyone to thrive in this 2016. career.

Janet says passion and “What’s crucial is a drive are vital to making it in determination to work the industry. hard. You’ll need good Janet Marshall (front centre) with members of the Colliers International North Shore team.

“Commercial real estate organisational skills, From left, Sam Sherning, Matt Prentice, Ryan De Zwart, Director and General Manager brokerage is an exciting and Jimmy O’Brien, Mike Ryan and Kerry Cook. initiative and discipline. A challenging career. Unlike competitive streak is also residential property, which relies more on emotion, brokers vital for a commission-driven role. need to provide a high level of expertise and build ongoing “Mental toughness is also key. Positivity, resilience and relationships with clients. persistence all go a long way.

“It’s also more complex than residential property, with “Commercial property also requires a high level of integrity. brokers needing to understand earthquake ratings, zoning, and You’ll need to really enjoy working with people and have good be good with numbers. communication skills to become a trusted expert to your clients.

“And of course, you’ll also need to sit for your real estate salespersons licence. Many choose to do this while learning the ropes in a support role.”

Janet’s role at Colliers is Director Commercial Investment Sales and Leasing in the Colliers' office in Takapuna, which is headed by Director and General Manager Jimmy O’Brien. Janet is now involved in brokerage recruiting for Colliers and is excited about this new role.

The diverse North Shore team includes younger brokers, such as Sam Sherning, Kerry Cook and Jack Tuson, through to experienced industry leaders, such as Directors Matt Prentice and Shoneet Chand.

Janet says a commercial property career provides a high level of flexibility and remote work options.

“Brokerage offers good work-life balance, with weekday business hours rather than the weekend work common in the residential sector.

“The role also offers autonomy and independence, but also plenty of opportunities to socialise and collaborate.

“We don’t want people to fail in the industry, so candidates with “While there are 14,000 real estate agents in New Zealand, potential are handpicked and offered good training and support. just over 2,000 work in commercial property. Many entered Colliers is renowned for its collaboration, team work, mentorship, the industry with a property degree, a previous qualification and regular recognition and feedback. as a lawyer, police officer or accountant, or previous sales If you think you have what it takes, whether you are already a experience. leader in the industry or keen to see what could be at Colliers, “While a qualification is not necessary, an understanding of please contact Janet Marshall, 021 684 775 for a coffee and chat. property will provide a good head start, whether from investing

Commercial real estate brokerage is an exciting and challenging career. Unlike residential property, which relies more on emotion, brokers need to provide a high level of expertise and build ongoing relationships with clients.

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

COLLIERS NORTH SHORE YOUR SALES & LEASING TEAM JIMMY O’BRIEN General Manager | Director 021 979 001 jimmy.o’brien@colliers.com

COLLIERS NORTH SHORE JANET YOUR SALES &MARSHALL LEASING TEAM

Director | Commercial 021 684 775 JIMMY O’BRIEN janet.marshall@colliers.com General Manager | Director 021 979 001 jimmy.o’brien@colliers.com MATT PRENTICE Director | Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 464 904 JANET MARSHALL matt.prentice@colliers.com Director | Commercial 021 684 775 janet.marshall@colliers.com SHONEET CHAND Director | Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 400 765 MATT PRENTICE shoneet.chand@colliers.com Director | Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 464 904 matt.prentice@colliers.com

RYAN DE ZWART Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 575 001 SHONEET CHAND ryan.dezwart@colliers.com Director | Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 400 765 shoneet.chand@colliers.com MIKE RYAN Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 402 461 RYAN DE ZWART mike.ryan@colliers.com Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 575 001 ryan.dezwart@colliers.com NICK RECORDON Commercial Sales & Leasing 027 230 6751 MIKE RYAN nick.recordon@colliers.com Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 402 461 mike.ryan@colliers.com SAM SHERNING Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 RECORDON 359 100 NICK sam.sherning@colliers.com Commercial Sales & Leasing 027 230 6751 nick.recordon@colliers.com KERRY COOK Commercial Sales & Leasing 0211 943 949 SAM SHERNING kerry.cook@colliers.com Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 359 100 sam.sherning@colliers.com JACK TUSON Industrial Sales & Leasing 027 448 1148 KERRY COOK jack.tuson@colliers.com Commercial Sales & Leasing 0211 943 949 kerry.cook@colliers.com

SQM Auckland Commercial, Industrial, Retail

SALES AND LE ASING GUIDE

SQM

Janet Marshall, Colliers North Shore

2020 – Not just another year No doubt you are looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020 and welcoming 2021 with open arms.Commercial, 2020 wasIndustrial, not just another Auckland Retail year, some are saying isASING the worst year ever, SALES AND itLE GUIDE but it's touched us all. Our loss, grief and anger is collective. It is deepened by the constant media telling us what an awful year it is. On the positive side, we spent more time with our families, we had the time to do the clear-out we had been talking about for years, and we gave more time to our friends and colleagues. Thank you to Colliers for ensuring staff and brokers were not alone, they also encouraged reaching out to clients and customers and ensured that we were available, albeit remotely.

With the last quarter of the year, we have seen the commercial market gain much momentum with investors looking for better returns than the bank, banking borrowing challenges for owner occupiers, and tenants either staying put or expanding. Some industries have fared better than others, and we have seen a number of properties in multi-offer situations. Colliers is pleased to have leased 1063 sqm of part of the ground floor of 55 Corinthian Drive, Albany. This building will be the only building to have a 5-star green office build rating on the North Shore, a further 1120 sqm of office was leased at Candida Office Park in Constellation Drive and a 1814 sqm industrial building at 139 Wairau Road. Recent sales include Unit B1, 59 Apollo Drive, partially tenanted and

135 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley – 393m2

135 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley

sold to an owner occupier at $1.7M + GST (if any), and three industrial properties in Wairau Valley: 135 Wairau Rd, 203 Archers Janet Marshall Road and 42A Porana Road. We do expect Director | Commercial increasing activity to continue from owner 021 684 775 occupiers due to the low interest rates. janet.marshall@colliers.com

We wish you and your families all the very best for Christmas and the New Year, with warmest wishes from the Colliers North Shore team.

Jimmy O’Brien Director | General Manager 021 979 001 jimmy.o’brien@colliers.com Janet Marshall Director | Commercial COLLIERS 021 684 775 NORTH SHORE janet.marshall@colliers.com Level 1, 129 Hurstmere Road,

Takapuna PO Box 33462 Takapuna, North Shore 09 488 4777 Jimmy O’Brien colliers.co.nz Director | General Manager Licensed under REAA 2008 021 979 001 Accelerating success. jimmy.o’brien@colliers.com

COLLIERS NORTH SHORE Level 1, 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna PO Box 33462 Takapuna, North Shore 09 488 4777

colliers.co.nz

Licensed under REAA 2008

Accelerating success.

16B Parkhead Place, North Harbour – 2763m2

16B Parkhead Place, North Harbour – 2763m² Boundary Lines Indicative Only

203 Archers Road, Wairau Valley – 1118m2 203 Archers Road, Wairau Valley – 1118m²

42A Porana Road, Wairau Valley – 620m2 42A Porana Road, Wairau Valley – 620m²

61 Constellation Drive, Rosedale – 1120m2

239 Bush Road, North Harbour – 2020m2

239 Bush Road, North Harbour – 2020m²

B1, 59 Apollo Drive, Rosedale – 323m2

B1, 59 Apollo Drive, Rosedale – 323m²

Part GF, 55 Corinthian Drive, Albany – 1063m2

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 61 Constellation Drive, Rosedale – 1120m²

Part GF, 55 Corinthian Drive, Albany – 1063m²

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Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

021 464 904 matt.prentice@colliers.com

colliers.co.nz 132

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Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

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Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

mike.ryan@colliers.com

colliers.co.nz 134

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Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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C RAF TED L EGAL ADV ICE FOR PE ACE OF MIN D.

Trust law is changing.

Is your trust ready?

The current Trust Act has been in place since 1956, so with the new Trusts Act 2019 coming into force in January 2021, it brings many new changes to Trusts law as we know it.

Reviewing existing trust structures and making sure they comply and are fit for purpose is paramount.

Contact us for more information.

0 9 883 4 4 0 0 DAV EN P O RTS LAW.CO.N Z

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Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

TALKING TRUSTS: TAMMY MCLEOD, DAVENPORTS LAW

Tammy McLeod (BA LLB) is the managing director at Davenports Law and a trust and asset structuring specialist. Tammy leads the Davenports Trust Team and enjoys providing clients with advice and assistance on a broad range of issues involving the structuring and establishment of asset plans, interpretation of trust deeds, the management and administration of trust funds and trust disputes. An important part of Tammy’s practice is reviewing existing asset holding structures to ensure they achieve the needs and requirements they were established to meet. She is also experienced in Property (Relationships) Act issues and advises clients on both contracting out agreements and separation.

Tammy McLeod.

Philip and Barbara Philip and Barbara had set their trust up when they owned their business, a small engineering firm which had been very successful. They had three adult children and five grandchildren.

The trust owned their family home, a bach in the Bay of Islands, the commercial property that the business was run from and an investment portfolio with a well regarded funds management company.

Philip and Barbara’s eldest son, James, had worked in the business since finishing university and five years ago, he had bought the business from Philip and Barbara’s trust. The trust had lent James the money to buy the business. There was no interest being charged and James was slowly paying off the debt over time. Their two other children, Jonathan and Megan were in vastly different circumstances.

Megan was a solo mum, her marriage having split up three years before. She worked as a primary school teacher and Barbara and Philip were often helping her out with both childcare and the odd “little extra” to help her make ends meet. Jonathan was single, a successful real estate agent, who was doing extremely well for himself in the current property market boom.

Barbara and Philip had read a bit about the changes to trust law and of course, it was often the topic of conversation when they met up with their friends. Many of their friends were considering winding up their trusts and Barbara and Philip thought maybe it was something that they should consider. They talked to their accountant who suggested that they meet with a specialist trust lawyer. He said that trust law was becoming far more specialised, and a bit like going to a cardiologist rather than your GP for chest pains, it was wise to seek advice from someone who specialised in trusts.

Many of their friends were considering winding up their trusts and Barbara and Philip thought maybe it was something that they should consider.

They got in contact with the lawyer who he had recommended and went along with their large file of trust documents and an open mind.

The lawyer explained that there are a lot of people who have trusts who no longer need them – especially as they aged and they wanted to simplify their personal affairs, but there were still very good reasons for lots of people to still have trusts.

She said that even though Philip and Barbara no longer had any business risk and that kind of asset protection was no longer required, their family circumstances warranted retaining the trust. Philip and Barbara were very keen for Megan to receive additional funds in the event that they both died, and a trust was a great platform to provide that flexibility. Barbara was particularly concerned that if she died and Philip met someone else, that the assets would remain protected for the children. She had seen her own inheritance diminish significantly

when her father re-married after her mother passed away. He had ended up giving a lot of his wealth to his new wife’s children during his lifetime and Barbara would not want that happening to her children.

Due to the significance of their assets, the lawyer explained that continuing the trust would be a sensible idea given that concern.

Both Philip and Barbara also wished for the Bay of Islands house to stay in the family for as long as possible and a trust is the perfect vehicle for long term hold of assets. The trust would also assist with making sure that whatever they passed on to their children would be protected for their children and grandchildren and would not become relationship property and then divisible if their relationship split. This was a real concern, especially seeing how vulnerable Megan was after the split from her husband. The lawyer explained that a really good will could also alleviate these concerns, but coupled with their other needs, it was best to keep the trust going.

The trust was also paying school fees for the grandchildren and this offered a tangible tax benefit, as the trust gave the flexibility to be able to tax those income distributions to the grandchildren at their lower tax level.

Barbara and Philip felt hugely relieved after seeing the specialist trust lawyer. She had put them at ease that the structure they had was best and also gave some good advice around how they could improve on how they managed the trust and also make sure the trust was ready for the new changes to the law.

If you feel you could use some specialist trust advice, don’t hesitate to contact Tammy McLeod or the Trust team at Davenports Law by calling 09 883 4400 or visiting davenportslaw.co.nz.

09 883 4400 DAVEN PORTSL AW.C O.N Z

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GUNDRY'S GRUMBLES

Simon Gundry is a Devonport and North Shore identity, and character who is known for calling a spade a spade. This is his regular and lively contribution to Channel Magazine.

Simon Gundry.

What a year…

Well, what a year it’s been. Now it’s Christmas time 2020.

Who would have thought we’d have a year like this; it has affected everyone in different ways. Friends and families have been separated and the future has been very unclear. It’s been impossible to make plans for overseas travel, vacations, friends coming to visit for the America’s Cup – who could have known this year would turn out like this?

Like so many people, I had made definite plans for the summer in the anticipation that great friends from the States would arrive to stand on North Head and witness the America’s Cup races once again in my own back yard. My plans of cooking lamb racks on the barbecue, with fresh salads made from my vegetable garden, washed down with Man O' War red wine and conversing endlessly into the late evenings, retelling the stories we’ve all heard a hundred times with friends I have known for 40 years, all these plans evaporated into the abyss.

All the plans of going to Russell in the Bay of Islands with the same friends, sitting outside the Duke of Marlborough on a balmy evening having a beer, long walks on Long Beach, Elliots’ Bay, and Bland Bay, and retelling the stories we’ve all heard a hundred times before, laughing. All again, disappearing into the abyss. The thought of maybe getting locked up again for the summer hardly bears thinking about.

As Bob Dylan said, “How does it feel, how does it feel, to be without a home, like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone”.

That’s how I feel at the moment, no direction. It’s all very well getting up and going to work every day, which I do, but it’s nice to be able to look forward to something and have some plans for another adventure, like the trip to France I was planning to watch my dear friend Miranda Meron start the Vendee Globe Yacht Race, which is a non-stop unassisted solo race around the world, in a 60 foot racing machine called a yacht.

I had plans to visit my nephew Jake, in Brisbane, whose wife has been stuck in America for 10 months, unable to return to Australia for various reasons, mostly lockdown. What a mixed up world we are living in.

Congratulations to Simon Watts on winning the North Shore seat for National at the last general election. Simon’s ticket was “Simon will get it done”, unlike previous MPs who actually got very little done for the North Shore. Mind you, they were very busy in Government with their own Cabinet portfolios. So, I think now with Simon sitting on the Opposition benches, he will have time to look at local issues for us.

It is incredible the construction going on at the moment in Lake Road, with new housing developments on the main road and going into adjoining side streets. We also have the Ryman Village in Ngataringa Bay and the Ngati Whatua housing development. All of this without, seemingly, any plans for the accompanying infrastructure. May be there is a bigger picture here that I have missed.

Here’s one for you, the cold reality of construction in the New Zealand way. Five years ago we were doing a large

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Government-funded school project with a large construction company here in Auckland. Suddenly the construction company went into receivership, leaving our company with a $400,000 shortfall. This was for Government-funded work, remember. So now, after five years of receivership investigations, we got paid out just over $17,000 for the debt.

The Government ended up getting the school finished but the whole exercise left dozens of contractors millions of dollars out of pocket. How the hell does that happen?

It is incredible the construction going on at the moment in Lake Road, with new housing developments on the main road and going into adjoining side streets. We also have the Ryman Village in Ngataringa Bay and the Ngati Whatua housing development.

I am so sick of the endless Watercare ads on the radio, congratulating us on saving water. I have never heard so much rubbish in my life, a crowd of people cheering Aucklanders saving water. I, for one, have not stopped using water on my garden, in order to save the thousands of dollars worth of plants I have. Luckily we have had rain, which will be going into our reservoirs. I will not be told in a patronising tone how to save water, when the current situation is due almost entirely to the complete failure of Watercare to maintain and increase water storage facilities. I believe that of the millions of dollars the Auckland Council receives in rates, the core services of water, roads and paths, parks maintenance and rubbish should be paid for first, and a certain percentage of the rates set aside for these services. This is before any Council vanity projects.

Like anyone on a budget, money should be divided into the need to have and then the nice to have. All of this going on just makes your head spin.

I’m going to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and time spent with your nearest and dearest enjoying the summer break. Let’s put this year behind us, and look forward to a better year in 2021. We have a lot to look forward to.

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

ACCOUNTANCY WITH BELLINGHAM WALLACE

Tax changes in 2021

Accountancy with Graham Lawrence of Bellingham Wallace.

Have you got the right business / investment structure?

As we all get ready for a break with family over Christmas there are a number of business and personal matters we all start to think about for 2021 – we cover off in this article how an increase in the top marginal tax rate may change how you hold your shares in your private business and also your investments in general, food for thought over the break.

1. Should I own my private company shares in a trust or directly?

This old chestnut has been considered for some time. At present trusts are predominantly used to protect assets and benefit family members beyond our lifetime. When our assets are in a trust, legal ownership has moved to the trust – the assets are owned by the trustees, for the benefit of the beneficiaries.

In a business sense a Trust is used to: • Protect selected assets against claims and creditors – for example, to protect a family home • Set aside money for special reasons, such as a children’s education • Protect family money from relationship property claims from children’s partners • Manage the risk of claims on the estate.

A further reason a trust structure is being revisited by business owners at present is because the Labour Government has confirmed that the top marginal tax rate is moving to 39% on income over $180,000 – so how you pay yourself is now back under the spotlight.

Some background to this as announced by Labour’s finance spokesperson Grant Robertson: • The new tax rate applies to income earned in your own name above $180,000. It is considered only 2 per cent of taxpayers would actually pay it.

• This new tax rate would generate roughly $550 million a year in revenue.

• The new rate does not apply to income that is taxed in a trust at the trustee rate – this rate is 33% Business owners have always considered holding their company shares in a trust, and for those who have not made this move this tax change may be the last straw. While much has been debated about the ensuing tax planning that this raises, the better question is why you would not centralise your assets in a trust?

The use of a trust has many advantages as alluded to above but to focus purely on this tax change for a moment, below is an example of the tax impact of two structures to highlight solely the additional tax cost: Shares in your private company owned in your personal name

Shares in your private company owned in Trust

Market salary paid for ser-vices performed

150,000 (tax liability of $40,420)

$150,000 (tax liability of $40,420)

Dividend (company profit)

$200,000 (tax liability $76,200)

200,000 (tax liability $66,000)

So from the above example, under just this tax rate change the cost to you is a further $10,000 each year.

Broadly speaking, in our view business owners should always own their company shares in a trust for the reasons discussed in this article. We note the changes under the Trusts Act 2019 should also be reviewed.

Graham Lawrence.

2. Investment income Having considered your private company investments, attention now moves to other investments you have made such as bonds, shares and property (both New Zealand based and international).

The rules for holding New Zealand investments are fairly clear and the only bump in the road these days is around residential property rental investment where you have tax losses – these are normally ringfenced for use against future residential rental income. If you have other investments, however, there are still ways for you to consider how these tax losses can be offset.

The rules for holding overseas investments is where complexity comes in and you need to have a firm hand on the wheel. Broadly speaking, if you have paid more than $50,000 on overseas shares you are entering the world of whether there is a specific tax exemption available to you (so you just return tax on dividends) or whether you need to be reporting tax on an unrealised basis. Without getting into the detail (yes, I still need your attention) some key take-aways for you to consider are: • If you breach the NZ$50,000 threshold and any of these investments are in Australia an exemption can apply; • If you breach the NZ$50,000 threshold and the investments are outside of Australia you may be required to return tax on 5% of the opening value of the investments as at 1 April or use what’s referred to as a comparative value method which is more a comparison of the opening and closing values. If there is unrealised profit you pay tax, if there is a loss you pay no tax.

• If you hold more then 10% in the overseas investment you may be exempt from the unrealised tax.

These are just the New Zealand based rules. You also need to be mindful of the local rules for your investments – for example if you hold more than US$60,000 of investments in the US these investments could be subject to US Estate Tax. What is clear with the drop in tax revenues around the world and with New Zealand firmly in the international information sharing regimes is that these tax rules will be more firmly enforced so you need specialist tax advice to ensure you are compliant.

Sounds too complicated, what should I do?

Whether you are planning to review your business structure / how you hold your investments or sit on the fence, the questions you need to ask yourself are (a) Are my assets protected in the best way? (b) Do I understand how my investments are taxed in New Zealand and overseas? (c) Do my assets provide a legal mechanism to protect family money in the future? (d) Is the way I hold my assets minimising my total costs, which includes the imposition of tax?

The easiest way to get some comfort on this is to talk to your tax advisor or give us a call. We would be happy to guide you through this labyrinth and give you peace of mind that you have the right structure in place and that your tax liabilities are being managed correctly.

By Graham Lawrence (Director) Phone: 09 309 7851, Visit: www.bellinghamwallace.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

139

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Next Issue: February

Issue 116

Content Deadline: January 14th

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

BUSINESS SALES WITH LESTER DE VERE AND RICHARD STEVENS

Lester de Vere & Richard Stevens are probably the Shore’s leading Business Brokers. Born and bred on the Shore they represent ABC Business Brokers in their home patch. They have spent many years in business themselves before taking on the role at ABC. Their passion is to Richard Stevens and 'help vendors transition through the sales process Lester de Vere and creating a win-win for both seller and purchaser' Lester is ABC’s No.1 Auckland Salesperson in 2018 & 2020 and being named ABC’s Trusted Advisor of the Year 2018. Richard awarded the Rising Star of the Year 2020.

Why now is the right time to sell We aren’t in a “post-Covid” environment; it doesn’t take much to create a higher sense of precaution as we watch for and listen to the authorities announce on a daily basis how many new cases there are, the majority of these occurring in managed isolation, thank goodness.

For us in New Zealand, I certainly feel there’s a slow growing belief we have the ability and attitude to control the Covid-19 virus, either at the border or within the community through lockdown. (Heaven forbid this happens again.)

That being the case, the business community is moving on and the degrees of confidence are higher than expected if we were to review attitudes from six months ago.

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So why is now the right time to sell?

As Kiwis, we like to venture abroad to see what’s on the horizon and taste what it's like living and working on foreign shores. According to Statistics NZ there are over one million of us living overseas.

Covid-19 is a big driver in creating a once-in-a-lifetime shift bringing Kiwis home. This is not a subtle shift. We have noticed more than ever the volume of enquiries from successful corporate Kiwis overseas, particularly from the UK and Australia, wanting to learn about business opportunities we have advertised on our website and digital platforms.

Business sales are currently also a reflection of the housing market.

The listings of good saleable opportunities are down on the same time last year; conversely the buyer pool has grown and will continue to do so.

Those who are repatriating are qualified, well-funded and looking to purchase a business that will replace their corporate salary. For others it’s the search to “buy a job” to create stability for themselves.

So why buy an established business?

Buying an existing business with trading history is, statistically speaking, going to have a higher chance of success than starting from scratch. In all cases the business model is demonstrated and, in the majority of cases, proven. So in a nutshell there are fewer unknowns.

Heading into the New Year, who would ever have predicted the 2020 we’ve just had?

If you wish to discuss the market, or more importantly would like to have a discussion about your specific business and how to make it more "Sale Ready", we’re happy to meet to start a conversation.

Looking forward to saying hi on the other side Cheers for now Lester & Richard Lester de Vere, 0274 599 773 or email: Lesterd@abcbusiness.co.nz; Richard Stevens, 021 375 149 or email: richards@abcbusiness.co.nz; Facebook: Lester de Vere ABC Business Broker / Richard Stevens ABC Business Broker Visit: www.abcbusiness.co.nz

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

141

FROM THE CHAIR: AIDAN BENNETT

A decade of the super city, how’s it going?

By Aidan Bennett, Chair, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board For my final report of 2020 I thought it a good time to reflect. The October/ November period signalled a decade since the formation of Auckland Council, dubbed the ‘super city’. So I thought I would reflect on this milestone and also what our local board has achieve in recent times.

Aidan Bennett.

It is no secret that I am a fan of the super city concept. It was clear to me a decade ago that the Auckland region needed to start coordinating its planning for the future. The old model of many different entities wasn’t working, a fact I believe was reflected in not only uncoordinated planning, but also in the entire region’s underinvestment in infrastructure.

There needed to be a correction as the Auckland region was facing massive pressures from its growing population. This was never going to be a quick fix though. 10 years on I think we realise that.

Fast forward to 2020 and Auckland Council is far from being perfect. There is a way to go. Toss in the disruption of Covid-19, and these resulting unforeseen bumps that are here right now to further test the organisation. But step back and take a breath and I reckon the city is on the right track. I give a pass mark. It is very easy to highlight all the negative things, and there are a few. I reckon the positives far outweigh these though. It is clear, however, that there are challenges ahead.

Since being elected, and taking on the role of chair, I have been involved in a great deal of Auckland Council business. Local board chairs are involved in many aspects of Auckland Council activity. Together with our Local Boards, we make a contribution in the lead up to decision making – by the governing body (i.e. the council). There is also a monthly Chairs Forum of all 21 local board chairs across Auckland. I have been impressed by this aspect. As an inexperienced local body politician it is fair to say I have sat back more than others, observed, listened, taken things in, learnt.

Those who have been involved for some time talk more. That hasn’t been me in 2020.

One key take-out from the whole process in 2020, the city’s battle with the emergency budget etc. etc., is how the city is funded. Even without the Covid-19 disruption, the funding base is just not sustainable for a city of this size, with current and anticipated growth and historic under investment. The cold hard facts are we’re playing catch-up, but there simply isn’t enough money. This is something that probably needs to be addressed by the government. New Zealand’s biggest city needs a good funding base. It is a massive problem that needs to be solved.

This year I have been involved as an appointed Local Board representative on an Auckland Council Joint Governance Working Party (JGWP). This comprises six members appointed by the Governing Body (councillors) and six members appointed by local boards (local board chairs). This Working Party has been in place since 2017. It was essentially set-up to conduct Auckland Council’s initial review of representation arrangements (between Local Boards and Governing Body) and to report back to the Governing Body with proposals for refinement and change. While my

142

inexperience has meant I have taken some time to fully understand things, there have been some interesting learnings for me.

A key initiative of the JGWP was the setting up three years ago of a ‘Governance Pilot’ with the Waiheke Local Board. Like many local boards things had not been working smoothly on the island after amalgamation, so this pilot (I believe) was designed to wrap some extra help around the board while testing some new initiatives in the local board governance space. This three year pilot comes to an end this year, and has apparently has been a success. Findings (due out first quarter next year) will be interesting for other local boards as successful aspects could well be rolled out to other boards. My mail is that relationships between the pilot local board and council/CCOs etc. have been vastly improved with this pilot. They were strained previously. That warms my heart.

It was pleasing to recently sign off on our three year Local Board Plan that we have formulated during 2020 with community consultation/ feedback and guidance from our local board services team. The document that sets out your local priorities and the things that we, as a community, aspire to.

Another key JGWP issue has been ‘service levels and funding’ – officially called the ‘equity of service levels and funding’. Of particular concern to me of this process (in relation to the North Shore) is a stated desire to ‘improving the equity of funding allocation across the local boards’. This is an area where we need to be strong in advocating for our own patch. Key criteria that has been floated for funding levels have been population, deprivation and (land) area. Based on this formula established areas such as ours will not fair that well which is a concern. Newer expanding areas with growing populations would benefit greatly. We need to make sure there is balance, as our needs are also important with intensification, aging facilities, visitor levels (to our popular beaches/ parks/attractions) etc., and we need to make sure we are getting our hard earned rates spent back in our area. I understand funding won’t drop, it just won’t grow as fast as other areas who will benefit from the proposed revised criteria. Other aspects for review by the JGWP within this topic include the decision making responsibilities of local boards; establishing minimum service levels; implications of multi-board services. For the lay-person ‘service levels’ mean the level of service that council provides for the ratepayers/community around public services and amenities (such as libraries, community

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

facilities, pools, parks etc.). The Joint Governance Working Party is also looking at local boards input into Regional Policies, Plans and Bylaws (policy) and has also contributed towards the recent CCO review.

On reflection, over the past decade of Auckland Council there have been some good runs on the board for our DevonportTakapuna Local Board patch. In summary these include:- Approval of detailed design for a new Town Square for Takapuna to be built in 2021; Shore Junction Youth Innovation Hub in Takapuna; New Destination Playground at Devonport’s Windsor Reserve; Construction of the Wairau Creek draw-bridge in Milford for local residents and boaties; Restoration of the Fort Takapuna barracks with repurposing of some buildings to provide community facilities; Construction of the award-winning Devonport Library; Devonport Marine Square and Wharf redevelopment; Hurstmere Green – award-winning park design, connecting Takapuna’s town centre with its beach; Greville Reserve development – basketball court, multipurpose artificial turf, a learn-to-ride area and improved skate park; New Pirate themed Playground, Basketball court and Public artwork at Milford Reserve; Popular Playground built at Takapuna Beach; Appointed a new operator of the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park, who will upgrade the area and make it a tourist destination; Rebuild of storm damaged Staircase to Castor Bay Beach at Kennedy Park; New Sportsfields, Playground and facilities at Sunnynook Park; New bush walkway connections through Lyford Reserve, Sunnynook.

In terms of 2020 for the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board things have been challenging. It is no secret that as members we have differing views on many things. It was pleasing to recently sign off on our three year Local Board Plan that we have formulated during 2020 with community consultation/feedback and guidance from our local board services team. The document that sets out your local priorities and the things that we, as a community, aspire to. Many thanks to those who have submitted and our local board staff who have worked in trying conditions this year to get this done.

For me as a first time local board member, and chair, I have been proud to lead the board through one of council’s most difficult financial situations. Along the way the runs on the board have included:- Implementing the three year local board plan; Approving the Open Space Management Plan; Approving phase one of the Local Parks Management Plan; Approving the draft Belmont Town Centre Plan; Approving the concept plan for the Takapuna Town Square; Funding new wayfinding signage to be implemented in the Milford, Sunnynook and Castor Bay areas; Addressing local and specific issues such as spraying sports fields in Devonport; Providing mitigation funding for the TBBA to support local businesses through the Hurstmere Road upgrade; Opening Shore Junction through securing additional funding; Opening new assets such as Lake Pupuke South Walkway, Windsor Reserve Playground and Sunnynook Park; Supporting the 2021 America’s Cup through granting land owner approval for two signature events at Takapuna Beach Reserve and Windsor Reserve; Granting land owner consent for the William C Daldy tug boat to be located once again at Victoria Wharf, Devonport; Approving the local board’s work programme which will see new and improved assets being delivered, such as the toilet blocks at Takapuna and Milford beaches, and the important upgrade of Patuone Reserve walkway.

On the downside the most disappointing result for me was a loss on getting progress for Lake Road. I haven’t been shy in advocating the need for this local board to develop warm relationships with Auckland Council and its CCO’s for the overall benefit of getting things done. It is something that we haven’t

It was a privilege to attend and say a few words on behalf of the DTLB and the community at the celebration of this striking new artwork ‘Beacon’ in Milford Reserve by Lang Ea. The artwork commemorates woman’s suffrage and 125 years since women were first able to vote in New Zealand. If you haven’t seen it yet you’re missing out, it’s very special!

been good at, with the loser being overall progress and therefore the community. With Lake Road we had a big opportunity with Auckland Transport (AT). Their proposal wasn’t perfect, but my view – shared by fellow member Toni van Tonder – was that we needed to embrace it and influence tweaks. Toni and I lost that vote 2 to 4, with our colleagues signalling that the AT proposal wasn’t to their liking. Let’s hope all is not lost with Lake Road, because something needs to happen so we prepare the very important road corridor for the future.

In summary, I fully understand there are lots of people unhappy with many aspects of Auckland Council. Progress and maintenance etc. and COVID-19 hasn’t helped. Your local board members are fully aware of this and we are all working hard to ensure the organisation delivers better for the community. This is very frustrating, but I am enjoying playing my part in endeavouring to make a difference. The next 10 years and how our area fares going forward will be of great interest and is hugely important.

So that’s it folks for 2020. It’s been a tough year all round. I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Aidan Bennett, QSM Chair, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021

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The Channel Crossword Set locally by Mãyã, especially for Channel each month. No. 61

Across

Down

1 Watched over small spacecraft? (4,3)

2 It's worth a lot to take in friend, right? (I don't get

paid for this, you know!) (7)

5 Impressionistic 27, about 50, to join my star

cartographer (7) 10 27 King in unsuitable accommodation (4)

3 You'll take both ends and place them around a

work by 27 to make a sound like Tarzan (5)

11 Dissolution of life counts as the most dramatic

departure (10)

4 Initially, tree could be found in middle parts of

coat stand (2,5)

12 Magician's no-shower (6)

6 Get good vibes from cask and what came

before stein (4,2)

13 One of 3 heads victoriously removed - not quite

half way to virtue? Not half! (8) 14 Thumper spirits insect away from doe's head (9) 16 Supposedly baby carrier's plant supporter

exchanging one metal for another (5) 17 Perhaps amphibians come from the Cat's Paw

nebula (5) 19 If shy, sits out fireworks more than once (5,4)

7 Like 27 in this crossword, it's in the French word

"whether" (9) 8 Relatively untidy star cartographer (7) 9 A form of embroidery used by 27 (6,7) 15 Over emotionally damaged ilk and shy,

following mother's lead (9)

18 Stop the spin doctors' show! (7) 23 Bag used by lady copper during bathroom revamp 20 Man of the world rushes back with full heart, at (8)

heart (7) 24 All mod cons except the last may be made into a 21

Is 27 a god of Vichy water? (7)

manhole cover (6) 26 A chemical reaction with nitrogen? Boring! (10)

22 "Make a surprise attack" - Marshall's advice between 6 and 29 (4-2) 27 Frost (say) result of freezing point in Labrador (say) (4) 25 Plump Finn regularly performing reverse of

acrobatic spring (3-2) 28 The power of persistence? (7) 29 Give up studies once tipple exhausted (4,3)

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Solution to last month's crossword

Issue 115 - December 2020 – January 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz

This month's crossword will also be uploaded to the creator’s blog at: channelcrossword.wordpress.com There, Mãyã will kindly attempt to answer any questions or comments that may arise from the crosswords each month.

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