letterboxes in Devonport, Cheltenham, Stanley Bay, Stanley Point, Vauxhall, Narrowneck, Bayswater, Belmont, Hauraki, Takapuna, Milford, Westlake, Forrest Hill, Crown Hill, Castor Bay, Sunnynook, Campbells Bay, Mairangi Bay, Murrays Bay, Northcote, Birkenhead, Chatswood, Northcote
Shoneet Chand & Matt Prentice
Kell Drive, Albany, Auckland
The commercial property market has shown strong signs of renewed confidence in the first half of 2025. Activity has ramped up significantly across all sectors, with buyer sentiment improving and quality assets attracting solid interest.
We have had a busy start to the year and have transacted over $100 million in sales, a clear indicator that motivated buyers are active, and deals are getting done. We have featured some of these sales above with the standout ones being the sale of 6-8 Inanga Street and 48 Hurstmere Road, which have both sold this year after initial sale campaigns in 2024.
With the reduction in interest and term deposit rates across the board, we have seen increased urgency from both investors and occupiers across the market. This momentum has continued into Q2, and we are working on many quality opportunities throughout Auckland, both on and off market.
If you have any questions about any of the above information, or would like to discuss your requirements, please do not hesitate to give either Matt or Shoneet a call on their details below.
Emerald Inn - the jewel in Takapuna's accommodation crown for 30 years
The Emerald Inn has long been a jewel in the crown on Auckland’s North Shore. For three decades, the Emerald has been locally owned and family-run, has been welcoming tourists, visiting family members and the business community to stay, all just metres from Takapuna's beautiful beach.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, owner and managing director Diane Foreman has launched The Emerald Card, an exclusive membership card for local businesses. Reinforcing The Emerald’s long-standing support of the community, The Emerald Card gives local businesses fixed, preferential rates on all rooms, including the newly designed penthouse. Business owners can book rooms for their family, staff, clients, suppliers and contractors and know they’re staying in comfort and with the very best of Takapuna just metres from their door.
“The Emerald has long been the accommodation of choice for the business community in Takapuna and nearby suburbs. We are delighted to show our support for local businesses with our new membership card. They’ll have certainty in pricing and in knowing their guests will be well looked after while enjoying The Emerald’s beautiful, subtropical setting,” says Diane.
The Emerald Penthouse
New managers, James Botting and Sam Miller are excited to welcome everyone to stop by for a tour of The Emerald and its new luxurious Emerald Penthouse. The Emerald Penthouse, a new two-bedroom retreat, has modern amenities and breezy, spacious, open-plan living bathed in natural light. The penthouse overlooks The Emerald grounds and swimming pool and has views out to Rangitoto Island. It’s been freshly redesigned by Stewart Harris, who also designed Millbrook Resort and the Hilton Queenstown. “The Emerald Penthouse personifies Takapuna. It's joyful, colourful, coastal, and it’s memorable,” says designer Stewart.
Takapuna’s best-kept secret
If you haven't visited The Emerald - Takapuna Beach in a while or didn't even know it was there, you are missing out on one of Takapuna's most gorgeous hidden gems. It's perfect for business travellers and holiday visitors alike, with a wide variety of boutique self-contained accommodations available. As soon as you enter the lush, sweeping entrance, you are immersed in a tranquil beachside oasis, surrounded by tropical greenery. From the restorative serenity of the gardens to the tasteful furnishings of the rooms, everything at The Emerald is designed
with comfort and relaxation in mind. Guests awake rejuvenated by a restful night’s sleep to the sounds of native birds in the courtyard garden at the centre of the property.
This beachside oasis is perfectly tucked away in a prime location right alongside the stunning Takapuna Beach – literally, just steps away – making it so easy to explore everything there is to see and do in the area. With free onsite parking, stress immediately ebbs away, and the temptation to relax, leave your shoes behind and stroll barefoot to the famous beach is compelling. Perhaps a picnic on the beach is the order of the day, with many takeaway options available close by. If you prefer to dine out and sample the many culinary and gastronomic delights Takapuna has to offer, it's just a few minutes walk from excellent cafés and restaurants. Relax and enjoy the lovely autumn days as you soak up the sun, swim in the sea or stroll along the stunning coastal walkway to Milford Beach or Devonport.
Special rates for locals between May and August
Are you looking for an ideal home away from home this winter? Perhaps you are planning on renovating, building or moving house? The team are delighted to offer preferential rates to our Channel Mag readers!
Special rates between May and August include long-term weekly deals of just:
• $650 per week for a studio room, OR $975 per week for a one-bedroom unit (both options sleep two people)
• The rates include a weekly service
• Bookings are available now
The Emerald is all about supporting local and building strong connections with local businesses and residents alike. Diane, James, Sam and the team are always happy to welcome you. For more information about The Emerald Card - the business membership programme, or the special offers between May and August, call or email James on 09 488 3500 or info@emerald-inn.co.nz
The Emerald - Takapuna Beach 16 The Promenade, Takapuna 09 488 3500 emerald-inn.co.nz
Designed by Patterson Associates, this stunning home features a striking combination of timber and stone to achieve what can only be described as spectacular!
Situated just footsteps away from the golden sands of Takapuna Beach, this stunning architectural home offers 167m2 of floor area across two levels on a private rear site of 331m2. This contemporary residence is the epitome of sophisticated design and functionality.
The ground level is dedicated to the open-plan living, featuring stunning high-stud timber ceilings and meticulously crafted interiors with exceptional attention to detail. The spacious kitchen, dining, and living areas are ideal for entertaining. The kitchen features a natural rock wall backdrop with a magnificent 4m Slate Island and benches, a butler’s pantry and premium brand appliances – Two Wolf ovens and gas hob, Sub Zero double door refrigerator, F&P under bench bar fridge, double dish draw plus an additional dishwasher in the pantry. Gas-powered underfloor heating provides year-round comfort, plus a superb feature 1.9m Escea gas fire.
Effortless indoor-outdoor flow leads to the private, beautifully landscaped courtyard with tropical gardens, a feature rock wall, a gas fire pit and a Louvre roof for all-weather use and comfort. A private spa courtyard, outdoor shower and fishpond with waterfall complete the outdoor spaces.
A stunning sculptural steel staircase by French designer Stephane Rondel leads to the upper level, where there is a magnificent master suite, offering a large walk-in wardrobe with walnut cabinetry and a luxurious ensuite. A wide passageway doubles as a versatile office or work-from-home space, leading to the generous second bedroom with its own ensuite bathroom. Additional features include an internal access garage with loft storage and a guest toilet with a rock feature wall. LG Solar panels and Telsa Power Wall Battery add sustainability and energy efficiency to the home.
This home is ideal for downsizers, busy professionals, or those seeking a stylish lock-up-and-leave Auckland base. It’s the perfect sanctuary for architecture enthusiasts who appreciate thoughtful design and superb craftsmanship.
ANDREW DORREEN
Fantastic Family Living In Prime Milford Location
33A MILFORD ROAD, MILFORD
Situated in one of Milford's most sought-after locations, 33A Milford Road offers a rare opportunity to secure an architecturally designed family home in a prime central location. This beautifully presented home has been meticulously maintained inside and out. Offering sound construction, built in timeless brick and cedar with a concrete tile roof.
Positioned on a generous flat site (having a half share of 1356m2), the property offers an ideal combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for relaxed family living and entertaining.
Upon entering, you’ll be impressed by the expansive layout. The home boasts four interconnected spaces, offering both flexibility and separation for family living. The formal living room features a fireplace and is complemented by either a formal dining area or additional sitting room, which leads to a spacious informal dining/living area and a modern open kitchen that provides great connection to the living and outdoor entertaining spaces. A sunroom provides an additional light-filled living room or children’s playroom with easy access to the outdoor areas.
The outdoor spaces are perfect for family and entertaining, with a paved patio, swimming pool, and flat lawn, all enjoying a sun-drenched northerly aspect.
Also on the ground level is a study, a newly renovated guest bathroom, a separate laundry, and internal access to a double garage with plenty of space.
On the upper level, the home offers four bedrooms, including a generous master suite with a renovated ensuite. Three further bedrooms, each featuring cool loft spaces – a fun addition for younger children and a wellappointed family bathroom and separate toilet.
The location could not be better, with Milford Beach just at the end of the road, Milford Mall, local shops, cafes, and eateries all within easy walking distance. In zone for top local schools, Milford Primary, Westlake Girls and Boys High School and Takapuna Grammar. It also benefits from easy access to the motorway and public transport links, making this an incredibly convenient and desirable place to live.
This property combines space and easy liveability in a prime location, providing the perfect coastal family lifestyle.
Andrew specialises in marketing homes on the golden mile between Milford and Takapuna and around the waterfront. In the last eight consecutive calendar years, Andrew has sold over $100 million each year, at an average of over $5,000,000 per property – one of the highest (in volume and average sale price) residentially in the country. While he is renowned for dealing with higher value properties, Andrew has also carved a niche in the seaward side streets in and around Milford and Takapuna, especially with the lock-up-and-leave market. He sees a strong correlation between larger homes and the downsizer market assisting those vendors with their next purchase. If you are thinking of selling your home or purchasing a new one, please contact Andrew for a confidential discussion.
Something for everyone
The year is going so quickly! We’re getting near winter and the middle of the year. In this, the May 2025 issue, we have something for everyone.
Our cover this month features the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, celebrating 50 years. They are New Zealand’s largest community orchestra with over 100 playing members, all volunteers, comprising both young players through to foundation life members. It is great that they are celebrating with events at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna that will feature our very own Will Martin. The ASO performs at the Bruce Mason Centre regularly.
I have had a bit to do with Will over the years via the North Harbour Club and the annual AIMES Awards. He’s an AIMES alumni (winning the AIMES Music Award in 2010) and has also starred in a number of club events, including as joint-MC of the twentieth AIMES Awards Gala Dinner in 2015. Coincidentally, later this month we are celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the AIMES Awards with over 500 people booked for what will be a wonderful gala dinner at Shed 10 in the city on Saturday 24 May. I am looking forward to that event immensely.
In this issue we have a focus on sports and fitness, electric vehicles and transport, as well as sustainability.
I enjoy getting out and highlighting those doing interesting things in business on the Shore. This month, to align with our focus on sports, I visited Darren Shields at Wettie, the
Publisher/Advertising
Shields family business in Albany. Wettie is New Zealand’s biggest and leading dive store – specialists in wetsuits and spearfishing gear and more. I trust you enjoy my chat with Darren about their successful business.
Following the sporting theme, Tracey Sutherland has done an informative feature on the success of the Tania Dalton Foundation. Eight years on from the sudden passing of Tania, her name lives on through this wonderful Shorebased foundation set up by family and friends. Tracey’s feature covers the annual scholarships given to promising young sportswomen from all over New Zealand.
May is the month for Pink Ribbon Breakfasts. Tracey profiles one of the biggest fundraising campaigns in New Zealand for an illness that touches many of our lives. Pink Ribbon Breakfast, a fundraiser organised by Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand, raises money for programmes supporting breast cancer patients with free and practical services, counselling, physiotherapy, groundbreaking research, clinical trials and education campaigns.
Enjoy your (free) May 2025 issue of Channel Magazine. Not too many things in life are free these days! Have a great May.
Advertising/Content Kim McIntosh 021 419 468 kim@channelmag.co.nz
Designer Crystal Sharp crystal@benefitz.co.nz
Online and Social Media
Klaudia Wal klaudia@benefitz.co.nz
CHANNEL MAGAZINE is published monthly (on the first Friday of the month) by Benefitz, PO Box 33-1630, Takapuna. 09 477 4700, benefitz.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers. For further details on the magazine visit 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.
Aidan Bennett, Crystal Sharp, Liz Cannon, Kim McIntosh, Klaudia Wal
The Emerald - Takapuna Beach celebrates turning 30!
To celebrate its thirtieth anniversary, The Emerald Inn is ushering in an exciting new chapter. As part of its re-brand to 'The Emerald – Takapuna Beach', the team hosted a celebratory event on Thursday 10 April with local businesses, where guests enjoyed delicious canapes, beers and wine. The new managers, James Botting and Sam Miller gave guests a tour of the Emerald Penthouse, freshly designed by Stewart Harris, who also designed Millbrook Resort and the Hilton Queenstown. Diane Foreman, owner and managing director, launched The Emerald Card, an exclusive membership card which gives local businesses fixed, preferential rates on all rooms, including the penthouse. Business owners can book rooms for their family, staff, clients, suppliers and contractors and know they’re staying in comfort, with the very best of Takapuna metres from their door. The Emerald – a true gem right at the heart of Takapuna!
Paul Henry, James Botting and Terence Harpur
Kim Rutledge-Harding and Caroline Hellaby
Birren Patel, Mike Geers and Shelley Moore
Wendy Stachnik, Rosalind Ward and Diane Foreman
Sam Miller and Rebecca Gross
Cameron MacKinnon and Erin Marmont Mathieu Pouyet and Marjorie Pizarro
Maria Teape, Loric Wang, Michelle Bird and Trish Kennedy
Jelena Freeman, Andrew Dorreen and Jane Guy
North Harbour Club’s Olympic-Sized Lunch
North Harbour Club’s Lexus of North Shore Charity Olympic-Sized Lunch was held on Wednesday 26 March at North Harbour Stadium with a star-studded panel of AIMES Award-winning alumni and Olympians. Guests were treated to a lively Q&A session led by club member Mike Stanley, CEO of AUT Millennium, former rower, and longtime champion of New Zealand sport. As MC (sponsored by Oceanbridge), Mike interviewed five of New Zealand’s top Olympians who have won North Harbour Club AIMES Awards: Jo Aleh, Molly Meach, Zoe Hobbs, Tara Vaughan and Alicia Hoskin. As always, a highlight of the afternoon was the live auction, run by the ever-energetic Martin Cooper of Harcourts Cooper & Co, raising money for more AIMES Awards.
Jo Aleh, Tara Vaughan, Alicia Hoskin, Mike Stanley
Olena Medvedieva, Lisa Levy-Wales, Lisbeth Jong, Nikki Revell, Johan Sanford, Alona Winstanley, Jackie Parker
Tracie Waterhouse, Sarah Martin, Fleur Clough, Crystal Scott, Keri-Ann Muller
Kylie Eng, Sarah Swanepoel, Nicole Craig, Asuka Burge
Rob Gunston, Karen McKinlay, Josh Thompson, Dan Ellensohn, Blake Douglas
Glenn Marvin, Gail Stevens, Stephanie Irons
Leisen Jobe, Nick Farrelly, Sharon Boyd
Nikki Revell, Tash Bartlett, Aroha Webster
Steve Vaughan, Craig Offwood, Amanda Billington
A NIGHT OUT, WITHOUT LEAVING HOME
Who says you can’t get dolled up and enjoy a night out without actually leaving home? At Ryman, there’s always something happening. Whether it’s a movie night with friends, the always popular happy hour, or an exciting event to enjoy together.
With wellness spaces, plenty of activities and resort like amenities just steps away, you’ll have endless ways to connect, unwind and enjoy life in a vibrant community right on your doorstep.
Discover the Ryman lifestyle. SEARCH RYMAN
Charity fundraiser at the Milford Cruising Club
On 25 March, the Milford Cruising Club hosted a remarkable charity event, graciously led by Natasha MacLeod. New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Auckland North proudly served as the premium sponsor. The event supported two outstanding charities: Woven Earth and Littlemore. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous businesses that contributed auction and raffle items. The event was attended by 120 dedicated women, each bringing essential items and baby supplies to donate to the charities. We are thrilled to announce that the event raised $10,500. The overwhelming support from our community is truly inspiring. This evening demonstrated the power of collective effort and the importance of supporting local businesses. Together, we can make a significant difference.
Harcourts Cooper & Co successful charity event for Breast Cancer Cure
Harcourts Cooper & Co hosted its inaugural Drive for a Cure charity golf event at North Shore Golf Club, raising funds for Breast Cancer Cure. Participants were warmly welcomed with coffee and snacks, and enjoyed the Putting for a Cure Green, sponsored by Tristram European, which featured numerous prizes. The event also included various activities around the course, such as refreshments, engaging games, a Pay the Pro challenge, and the opportunity to win a Hole-in-One MG Essence car. Jono & Ben from The Hits provided roving entertainment and humour. The day concluded with dinner, silent and live auctions, and moving personal stories shared by Karen Jackson and David Herbert, culminating in a prize-giving ceremony. The event successfully raised nearly $40,000.
Sarb Lester, Denise Bailey, Natasha MacLeod and Anke Michalik
Ritika Vaswani and Natalie Newton
Ellen Sneeden, Ashleigh Watt, Jenny Joblin and Jodie Yeoman
Inebe Pronk, Annemarie Mason and Chloe MacLeod
Shivani Kumar and Vimone Oliver
Joan Ord, Sandy Waworis, Tracy Davidson and Chantal Chilcott
Lisa Burtenshaw and Debbie Dunsford
Sasha Teplovskaya, Karim Garcia and Rose Bater
Andrew Bruce, Martin Cooper, Homie the Gnomie, Ants Hyde and Husmit Yka
Dan Ellensohn, Blair Konok and Shaun Wijnstok
Mark Skeath, Geff Honey, Nick de Vries and Duane Sommerville
Shaun Wijnstok, Jade and Craig Carter, Mathew Clark
David Herbert, Aidan Bennett, Mark Hayward and Rodney Gillard
Blake Douglas, Homie the Gnomie, Dan Ellensohn and Rhys Lloyd
Craig Gregory, Nikki Revell, Alison Cameron and David Herbert
Dan van Gils, Scott Wilson, Bryce Gibson and Bryon Inglis
Deb Haworth and Maree Dawson
Your Brand New Dream Home in Long Bay
Welcome to Light-Box, a collection of sun drenched 3 & 4 bedroom homes located in the North Shore suburb of Long Bay.
These unique, architecturally designed, north facing homes offer sparkling water views from the upper levels, ultra-high ceilings, designer kitchens complete with a butler’s pantry, stunning bathrooms and a ‘light-box’ - an internal light filled oasis that brings nature and serenity indoors.
Envisioned by award-winning architects Novak+Middleton, and built by leading developer Templeton Group, each Light-Box home offers the freedom of a lock up and leave lifestyle. Titles have been issued, with the best of the developer stock remaining, buy direct and save.
Welcome to modern coastal city living at its finest.
Regatta Bay and Eatery Takapuna was the beautiful venue for Project Employ's 2025 charity dinner and auction held on Thursday 27 March. It was a truly inspiring evening with moving stories of transformation and empowerment. The event was dedicated to raising both funds for and awareness of Project Employ's employment programme, which continues to successfully integrate neuro-diverse young adults into the workforce while supporting them and the employer through the process. An incredible $63,000 was raised on the night, with every dollar having a direct impact on Project Employ graduates. Following their six-month employability skills training programme, the graduates are supported to gain meaningful community-based employment. This results in more independence and brighter futures, while promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the community. If you'd like to know more about employing a Project Employ graduate, contact emily@projectemploy.nz. If you'd like to know more about supporting Project Employ, contact sarah@projectemploy.nz.
Project Employ Chair, Andrew Hill
Sarah Dann-Hoare
Andre Van Nierkerk, Mark Longbottom and Olivia Hunter
Emma Barrett, Angela Bloomfield and Hannah Sykes
Patricia and Andre Norman
Shane Cortese
Emily Norton
Ben Bettany
Emily Smith
At Channel Mag we love supporting music and performing arts. This month for our cover feature we caught up with members of the Auckland Symphony Orchestra (ASO) to find out about their 50 Year Jubilee and the significance of the wildly fun 'Last Night Of The Proms’ performance in their annual calendar. As part of this feature, we also put some questions to Will Martin, who will perform and MC this year’s event at the Bruce Mason Centre on the weekend of June 28th and 29th.
ASO celebrating 50 Years with Last Night Of The Proms at the Bruce Mason in late June
50 years of the ASO is a big milestone! As a collective, what are you most proud of? We are proud of so many things! As we celebrate our 50th year, we’re filled with pride at the ongoing legacy built by members past and present. It’s not just the music we play that makes this orchestra so special, but the friendships formed, and the joy of creating something meaningful together.
Since its inception in 1975, the Auckland Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has become an integral part of the cultural infrastructure of our city. Our main philosophy is that music should be enjoyable and accessible for all - musicians and audience members alikehence the regular, free community concerts.
Our players are drawn from all walks of life and from all parts of Auckland, and beyond.
In the beginning years, the orchestra performed free Sunday afternoon concerts for family and friends…
The 80 Orchestra members play together without payment. The continued dedication, passion and commitment of all involved, enables us, year after year, to deliver on our mission ‘to enrich the lives of people of all ages through live performances of popular and accessible orchestral music’. We hope to be doing so for another 50 years!
How did the ASO start?
The orchestra was founded as the result of a 30th anniversary reunion in 1975 of players from the Auckland Junior Symphony Orchestra, known today as the Auckland Youth Orchestra. The name was changed from “The Music Players of Auckland”, to the “Auckland Symphony Orchestra” when it became an Incorporated Society in 1979.
In the beginning years, the orchestra performed free Sunday afternoon concerts for family and friends lasting a little over one hour. Filled with a selection of classical, film, show and popular music, these shows proved to be so successful that our programmes continue to be presented in much the same way today.
Has anyone been part of the orchestra since the beginning?
Believe it or not, some of our current players have been with the orchestra since day one. It’s an incredible milestone. They’ve been such a big part of the ASO’s journey, and we’re excited to celebrate everything they’ve contributed and everything they’ve taught us.
What makes ‘The Last Night Of The Proms’ special compared to other concerts in your season?
The event is known for its vibrant and informal atmosphere. The best things about the Last Night of the Proms are the unique combination of musical styles, the sense of deeply embedded tradition and our enthusiastic audience. They wave flags, throw balloons and join in for loud, emphatic renditions of “Land of Hope and Glory” and “Rule, Britannia!” And this year we are excited to be expanding the repertoire to include a touch of modern music from British icons like Elton John and The Beatles. We can’t wait for our audiences to hear the full ASO orchestra perform their British pop favourites!
… this year we are excited to be expanding the repertoire to include a touch of modern music from British icons like Elton John and The Beatles.
Who will be conducting the orchestra this year?
A regular guest conductor with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, we are delighted to be welcoming Emma Featherstone back to the podium again this year. Emma is the Director of Music at King’s College and has a depth of conducting experience from around the world. She’s composed for festivals in Turkey and China and has conducted shows for Synthony and Play It Strange. One of her most recent gigs was with Sir Bob Geldolf and Fleetwood Mac. We are honoured to be sharing the stage with her again this year.
Are there any particular pieces that are special to perform, and why?
Some pieces are particularly special because of the tradition, emotional impact, and unique atmosphere surrounding their performance. A few that spring to mind are ‘Nimrod’ from Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, ‘Highland Cathedral’ by Ulrich Roewer / Michael Korb, and traditional anthems such as Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
‘You’ll
The energy from the audience during these traditional pieces and the sing-alongs, creates a unique feedback loop between us and them. This level of interaction is rare in most classical concerts and is really special to be a part of.
What is it about the Bruce Mason Centre that makes it perfect for your PROMS event?
We have a well-established history of hosting Last Night of the Proms at the Bruce Mason Centre. It’s large enough to accommodate our 1000+ lively audience, but it still has the feel of an intimate theatre setting. We’ve been told in past years that the audience feels very immersed in the performance. The vibe in the room gets really infectious, so we’re back
at the Bruce Mason this June. I mean, why change a good thing?!
Are you inviting any guest artists to join you on stage this year?
Yes! We’re very excited to be sharing the stage with acclaimed recording artist and entertainer Will Martin. Will is renowned for his engaging performance style and expressive voice across multiple musical genres. We know he’s going to be a great addition in 2025. And once again, we are delighted to be joined by a combined choir comprising Harbour Voices, Vocālis, the City of Sails Pipe Band, and the Auckland Regional Highland Dance Company; four long-established entities who have a history of performing with ASO for this special event.
Never Walk Alone’.
Will Martin, who’s on our cover for this issue, is obviously involved with PROMS this year. He’s a born and bred Shore lad. We were keen to find out what’s he’s been up to in the years since he left the North Shore to launch an international singing career.
Will, you are most well-known for performing big, patriotic pieces at international events. Can you share some highlights from the last decade?
Will Martin: Yes, there have been a few. In 2013, I accepted an invitation to headline the Basel Military Tattoo in Switzerland. With hundreds of performers from dozens of nations, performing for thousands every night, it is a truly magnificent spectacle, and one I’ve been lucky enough to repeat twice more since my 2013 debut.
Closer to home, I will always be up early on April 25th to sing at an ANZAC Day dawn service, wherever I am in the world. In 2019, His Royal Highness Prince William attended Auckland’s Memorial Service and I was asked to present ‘Requiem for a Soldier’, the theme from Steven Spielberg’s 'Band Of Brothers'. It’s very special to pay tribute to the world’s servicemen and women, past and present.
Has your perspective on performing changed since working overseas? I think so. As I’ve travelled the world, I feel I’ve learnt the importance of being an entertainer, maybe more so than simply being a singer or piano man. People in
every country attend live performances to escape for a few hours, and it’s my job to engage and entertain them entirely. To take them out of their everyday and help them to unwind and laugh and maybe even sing a little. Most of my audiences want to hear music they know and love and for a lot of them the timeless classics of the 60s, 70s and 80s remain their favourites. Taking the audience on a walk down memory lane at an event like The Last Night of the Proms is going to be such an honour.
How do you balance the demands of travel, rehearsals, and performing while maintaining vocal health? If I’m being honest, this is one of the hardest parts of my job. Sometimes I might have two or three back-to-back flights, early mornings, lack of sleep, time-differences, air-conditioning. It can be incredibly stressful when your health isn’t entirely in your control … and my vocal health is my whole job. It’s tricky to 'call in sick' to ticketed events! But one thing I worked on during my 2-year COVID hiatus from international work, was to consciously take a minute to enjoy each performance a bit more. Allowing myself to mentally let go of some of the pressure goes a long way to staying physically healthy. And I believe now I’m a better performer for it.
What draws you to a particular role or concert opportunity?
There can be many motivators, but typically the most attractive projects for me are the ones where I feel I can deliver a really good performance, but will also be challenged. I have also accepted jobs purely based on who I get to work with. It’s amazing how much you can learn in a short space of time from the right person.
How did this collaboration with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra for Last Night of the Proms come about?
I worked with the ASO for the first time 10 years ago and since then we’ve kept in touch. Towards the end of last year, I let them know I would be based in New Zealand through the winter months of 2025 … I’m stoked that the seed I planted came to fruition. There’s nothing better than taking the stage with a full orchestra!
There’s always a celebratory energy at Proms concerts — how will you approach this type of performance differently to other performances?
Well I’m not sure if I’m allowed to tell you this yet, but in addition to singing at the PROMS I am actually the MC of this year's event, and I have every intention of coming at it with the pomp and panache the show deserves.
The ASO is celebrating 50 years, and this is your twentieth year working as a professional performer. If you could go back to your Takapuna Grammar self and tell him something you’ve learnt, what would it be?
Great question. I reckon there’d be FOUR things… 1. Don’t spend everything you earn flying business class. One day you might wanna buy a house in Auckland. 2. Take up yoga. 3. Invest in some face masks. 4. If you get asked to sing the national anthem for the All Blacks in Chicago, against Ireland, don’t be surprised if Ireland rewrites history and you lose “your” perfect record. I promise, you’ll get through it!
Don’t miss The Last Night Of The Proms - Best Of British – Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June, 2025, Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna.
Will Martin will MC The Last Night Of The Proms at the Bruce Mason Centre. He says he has every intention of coming at it with the pomp and panache the show deserves.
Will Martin practicing prior to singing the national anthem for an All Blacks test match.
LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS BEST OF BRITISH
Join the Auckland Symphony Orchestra for this wonderfully vibrant event, celebrating the best of British festivity.
Guest performance by Will Martin
Saturday 28 June, 7.30pm
Sunday 29 June, 2.30pm
Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland
News from The PumpHouse from James Bell
May-hem at The PumpHouse
May is absolutely bursting at the seams at The PumpHouse Theatre with a whirlwind of music, comedy, and pure storytelling goodness. If you’re after some entertainment, we’ve got you.
First up, it’s 'Six And a Half Stories About It' (3–4 May). This original show, created by Dasha Volga – acclaimed Russian/Ukrainian Grotowski Method actor – promises a raw, honest, and funny take on the messiness of life.
Then we heat things up on 9 May with the Gipsy Kings Tribute Band. Expect flamenco fire, rhythmic guitar, and that irresistible urge to get up and dance – a perfect outing for Mother’s Day weekend.
'Echoes of Persia' (10 May) brings the Ava Ensemble all the way from Australia to share the beauty and mystery of Persian music. If you’re curious about new sounds and lush live instrumentation, this one’s a must-hear.
From 14–25 May, our old faves Tadpole Productions return with 'Three Little Words'. If you loved their past comedy hits, you’ll know you’re in safe (and hilarious) hands. A star-studded cast shines in this razor-sharp comedy about friendship, change, and chaos – full of heart, wit, and laughs!
Rounding out the month is our next Creative Talk on 26 May. This time we’re chatting with Mike Newport and Jocelyn Christian, two wonderfully creative humans with loads of stories to share. Entry’s free and the kōrero is always good.
And if you’re keen for more musical magic, pop a reminder in your diary for the first weekend of June: The North Shore Performing Arts Society returns with a double bill of brilliance: the Senior Vocal Competition, featuring the stunning Becroft Aria Final, and the Piano Concerto Final, where the Devonport Chamber Orchestra will accompany three talented young pianists performing works by Mozart. Come along, bring a friend, bring your mum, bring that person you matched with but haven’t figured out how to hang out with yet – live theatre is always a win. See you at the theatre soon!
Mauri ora
James Bell.
DEPOT with Amy Saunders
DEPOT Te Whare Toi, Devonport
Welcome to May, and with it a host of exciting events, exhibitions and creative news to share!
DEPOT Artspace
Presented in celebration of New Zealand Music Month 2025, Depot Artspace’s new exhibition 'The Sound of Steel' features the sculptural percussion instruments created by designer, musician and steel fabricator Gary Hunt. The forms of the contraptions, resembling musicians ready to strike up the band, came about through an idea of an orchestra of percussion to accompany Gary’s own playing. The instruments are played manually, either by a crank device or electronically programmed microprocessors.
DEPOT 3 Vic Road
Presented in partnership with Printopia Festival 2025, Depot 3 Vic Road’s exhibition 'Portraits from the Deep' showcases a collection of illustrations and gyotaku prints by Kāpiti-based artist Tim Li. From the humble kina to macabre creatures of the darkest depths, Tim’s work forces us to slow down and appreciate the aesthetic grandeur of our marine taonga.
Visitors can also browse the Depot Shop | Toi Toa collection at 3 Victoria Road for all your Mother’s Day gifting needs, including our Maker of the Month for May: Virginiejg.
DEPOT Sound
Massive thanks to everyone who came to support our two recent live music events: Depot’s Flood Recovery Fundraiser gig featuring Racing and CCTV, and Olivia Forbes’ opera performance with Claire Caldwell on piano. Both events were hugely successful and we’re grateful for your support on both nights.
Stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter at depot.org.nz to keep up to date with all things DEPOT, including exhibition openings, live music performances, workshops, creative opportunities and more!
Three Little Words can cause chaos
– and a lot of laughter!
Tadpole Productions at The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna, May 15-25
Internationally acclaimed playwright Joanna Murray-Smith’s razor-edged comedy, 'Three Little Words', is a sharp and witty observation about friends and relationships and the hazards of navigating the upheavals of everyday life. The hilarious show is on at The Pumphouse in May.
Friends for over 20 years, Bonnie (Jacque Drew) and Annie (Michelle Blundell) and their mates Tess (Anna Jullienne) and Curtis (Sam Bunkall) have shared lunches, brunches. art exhibitions, aspirations and trips.
He has woven an intricate exploration of the complexities of modern life, having a stella cast to work their magic on the production, with all four experienced actors well known for their work on film, television and the stage.
Now in their forties, a bombshell announcement shatters their comfortable lifestyles. The way they react to change is both funny and relatable – and a little poignant, as they are forced to examine their interdependence as friends, with some unpredictable and amusing consequences.
Simon Prast returns for a fourth show directing for Tadpole Productions, the most recent being the sell-out season of 'Taking Off' last year. He has woven an intricate exploration of the complexities of modern life, having a stella cast to work their magic on the production, with all four experienced actors well known for their work on film, television and the stage.
Since 2012, Tadpole Productions has presented 21 top-class shows and two play readings at the Pumphouse Theatre in Takapuna - don’t miss this one!
Three Little Words at The Pumphouse Theatre, 15-25 May Bookings pumphouse.co.nz
Phone (09) 489-8360
Visit: tadpoleproductions.co.nz or pumphouse.co.nz
Simon Prast
Making colonoscopies more accessible: A step towards better health
Often the first challenge once the need for a colonoscopy has been identified (other than how to pronounce it), is how long do I have to wait?!
With bowel cancer being one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in New Zealand, a colonoscopy is an essential tool for early detection and diagnosis. It helps identify potential issues before they become serious and provides invaluable peace of mind – whether due to family history or personal health concerns. However, for many, the idea of undergoing a colonoscopy can be a time of anxiety and stress, which is often made worse by long wait times and uncertainty about the process.
Thus at Waitemata Endoscopy, with two units conveniently located on the North Shore and in Henderson, we’ve been working really hard on our vision, which is to provide “Exceptional endoscopy care at every opportunity”.
Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the gut using a thin tube and light that is minimally invasive for the patient.
With state-of-the-art endoscopy rooms, modern patient recovery areas, a focus on quality systems and continuous improvement, as well as more gastroenterologists and surgeon specialists joining the unit, Waitemata Endoscopy is able to offer increased capacity and significantly reduced waiting times.
For most standard colonoscopies, an appointment within seven working days of your GP, specialist or self-referral can be scheduled, when you let us match you with the availability of our experienced
specialists across the Waitemata Endoscopy Group*. At times this can be sooner than one expects, so patients need to be aware they may need to organise a ride to pick them up afterwards at short notice.
With a compassionate bookings team, kind and caring nurses, being able to offer timely care, when you need it, for you and your family’s peace of mind is a priority for us. At a time of increased awareness of the benefits of earlier screening and detection for better outcomes, having a colonoscopy shouldn’t be something to fear anymore, but rather an empowering step towards better health.
have reduced wait times for Colonoscopy & Gastroscopy
With increased capacity, Waitemata Endoscopy is able to offer greater and timelier access to a group of experienced Gastroenterologists and Surgeons, dedicated to providing excellent patient care.
Appointments are available within 7 working days for most standard Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy procedures by matching patients with the availability of our Specialists.*
If you need an appointment, talk to your GP about a referral to the Waitemata Endoscopy Group, or you can self-refer at www.waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/referrals
Or call us on (09) 925 4449
Meet the maker crafting award-winning spirits
Crafted on the Shore, celebrated nationwide
Tucked away in the heart of the North Shore, The NZ Rum Co. is quietly rewriting the rules of New Zealand distilling. Helmed by Rob O’Connell, an independent and innovative local distiller, this boutique operation is turning heads with its multi-award-winning rum and gin – all handcrafted and locally loved.
Rob O'Connell
The maker behind the magic At the heart of The NZ Rum Co. is Rob O’Connell, North Shore local legend and the driving force behind some of New Zealand’s most awarded small-batch spirits. Rob doesn’t just distil – he crafts, innovates and elevates. From finetuning every detail of the process to crafting new blends, he’s a maker in the truest sense: restless in pursuit of better, with an instinct for refining even the smallest elements. His ethos is rooted in craftsmanship without compromise. Whether he’s experimenting with sugarcane grown just metres from the distillery or producing award-winning spirits like Mcjaggery White Rum or Daydream Gin, Rob brings a rare mix of technical precision and creative instinct to everything he does. He’s deeply passionate about flavour – constantly experimenting with new ingredients, distillation and blending techniques to coax out new layers of depth and character in his rums and gins. He’s known for setting a high bar – quietly, without fuss –and crafting spirits that speak for themselves. "Every batch teaches you something. The goal is always the same: make the next one even better!" says Rob.
Loved by locals
The NZ Rum Co.’s spirits aren’t just handcrafted on the Shore – they’re celebrated here, too. Rob’s creations have become a fixture across some of the North Shore’s most respected hospitality venues, including Vondel, Hauraki Social Club and other local favourites that value craft, character and community. You'll also find bottles on the shelves at boutique liquor stores like Liquorland Devonport and Hauraki Corner Cellars, where staff recommend them with genuine pride. This grassroots support has helped The NZ Rum Co. grow organically through trust, consistency and real connection. It’s the kind of local following that doesn’t just buy in – it backs the story, shares it and pours it with purpose.
Taste the craft. Discover the journey
The NZ Rum Co. offers guided distillery tours for those curious to see where the magic happens. Visitors are welcomed into one of New Zealand’s best-equipped craft distilleries, where oak barrels, a gleaming copper still, and even sugarcane grown just metres from the distillery tell the story of true, innovative spirit-making. You’ll learn how rum is aged, how gin is distilled, and how every bottle is handcrafted with care – often by Rob himself. It’s the perfect way to experience the craft up close, ask questions and maybe even taste something special before it hits the shelves!
Tours are available by appointment - email info@thenzrumco.nz to book
Find out more by visiting thenzrumco.nz
Follow us on Instagram @nzrumco and @daydreamgin
Spiced Rum
McJaggery White Rum
Moksha Gin Inspired by India, made on the Shore
Founded in 2022 by Nicola Voice and Kitty Ling, Moksha began in a kitchen in Hauraki Corner with a small copper alembic still, and a bold idea: to create expressive gins inspired by co-founder Nicola’s time living in India and a belief in flavour as a form of storytelling. Their recipes were developed over many months of experimentation in Nicola’s home. Though the bench-top still has since been outgrown, Moksha is still handcrafted in the same neighbourhood – now in partnership with Rob O’Connell at The NZ Rum Co. “We’re proud to distil Moksha in collaboration with Rob. It’s a true creative partnership and a beautiful example of what happens when local producers work together to make something people genuinely love,” says Nicola. Moksha also gives back – a portion of every bottle sold supports Wildlife SOS, an organisation dedicated to protecting India’s natural heritage, forests and biodiversity.
Spirit Spotlight: Moksha Spice of India Gin
Winner: Best New Zealand Contemporary Gin, Juniper Awards, November 2024
Moksha Spice of India gin is an award-winning contemporary gin inspired by the bold, warming flavours of masala chai. Green cardamom – sourced directly from a farmer in Kerala – is macerated overnight to extract maximum flavour. It really zings! Crafted for sipping or mixing with ginger ale or ginger beer, it’s the perfect companion as the nights draw in and the evenings ask for something warming. Spice of India is a love letter to flavour; complex, distinctive and unforgettable.
Visit mokshadrinks.com to find a full list of local stockists.
Follow Moksha Drinks on Instagram @mokshadrinks
Photo credits: Rob Menezes and Simeon Patience for The Collective Force.
Proud local supporters of The NZ Rum Co. & Moksha Drinks
POP IN FOR A POUR!
Cellar door open – 24 May 11am–5pm
Moksha & The NZ Rum Co. 14D Parity Place, Hillcrest Tastings, bottle sales and a good chat!
Kitty and Nic, Moksha Founders
Kitty, Nic and Rob
Sahil Patel - Moksha Mixologist
Moksha Spice of India Gin
Moksha Spice of India Gin
Moksha Rose & Hibiscus Gin
Tank 300
Lux Hybrid
$49,990 Drive away
Savings of over $7,000 off RRP*
*RRP $56,990 Plus On Road Costs
Tank 500
Lux Hybrid
$69,990 Drive away
Savings of over $5,000 off RRP*
*RRP $74,990 Plus On Road Costs
Get ready for unbeatable offers on the Tank 300 Lux Hybrid and Tank 500 Lux Hybrid. Pre-registered and priced to move! These rugged, high-tech beasts are available while stocks last, so don’t miss your chance to conquer the road in ultimate style and power. Visit us today at GWM North Shore 16 Fred Thomas
gwmnorthshore.co.nz 09 442 3306
Takapuna, Auckland
Benny's Amercian Burger lands in Takapuna
The wait is over, burger lovers! Benny’s American Burger, the cult-favourite from Australia, has officially landed in New Zealand. Known for its bold, juicy, and indulgent burgers, Benny’s is bringing its mouth-watering creations to Auckland, with its first location at 100 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna.
From towering signature burgers packed with premium ingredients to irresistible fried chicken, thick shakes, and epic sides, Benny’s has built a reputation for delivering big flavours and even bigger portions. Now, it’s time for Kiwis to discover what makes Benny’s one of Australia’s most talked-about burger joints.
An international first for Benny’s
Founded in 2013, Benny’s American Burger has rapidly expanded across Australia, with thriving locations in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The Auckland launch marks the brand’s first international expansion, making Takapuna home to New Zealand’s newest burger obsession.
"We couldn’t be more excited to bring Benny’s to New Zealand. We’ve always believed in crafting seriously good burgers with premium ingredients, bold flavours, and no shortcuts. Now, Kiwi food lovers will experience what sets Benny’s apart – from our juicy patties to our legendary crispy chicken and stacked creations," said Ish Chatwani, of Benny’s American Burger New Zealand.
What’s on the menu?
Benny’s signature burgers will take centre stage, including:
• The Famous Kiwi Burger – A must-try New Zealand classic featuring beef, bacon, egg, cheese, beetroot, and bbq sauce.
• The Iron Lotus Burger – A towering masterpiece with prime beef, crispy chicken, pulled pork, and bacon.
• Spicy Veggie Burger – A bold vegetarian option with a black bean and chickpea patty, jalapeños, and hot habanero mayo.
• The Bigger Than Texas Burger – For the true burger gladiators – double beef, crispy chicken, pulled pork, bacon, and double cheese. And that’s just the beginning – expect next-level loaded fries, thick shakes, and an exclusive line-up of craft beers and cocktails.
Benny’s brings the heat: The Spicy Chilli Burger Challenge Benny’s is not just about big burgers – it’s about big challenges. The Spicy Chilli Burger Challenge, a cult hit in Australia, is set to arrive in New Zealand soon. This fiery, waiver-required burger will test even the bravest spice lovers. Auckland, consider this your official warning.
Visit Benny’s American Burger – now open in Takapuna
Benny’s American Burger is officially open and ready to serve Kiwis the boldest, juiciest burgers in town. Whether you’re craving a classic American cheeseburger or a one-of-a-kind burger challenge, Benny’s delivers big on flavour, fun, and foodie culture.
Shore ON THE Eating Out
Here at Channel we're proud to support our local hospo businesses in our monthly eating out guide. Try somewhere new this month.
Devonport
Akdeniz Bar Cafe Restaurant
Persian and Mediterranean cuisine.
5/15 Victoria Rd. 09 600 2125. akdenizdevonport.co.nz
Buona Sera Restaurant
Authentic Italian food. 99 Victoria Rd. 09 445 8133. buonasera.co.nz
Cafe Hung Viet
Vietnamese cuisine. 101 Victoria Rd. 09 446 3368. cafehungviet.co.nz
Calimero
Real pizza, great taste! 163 Victoria Rd. 09 445 2232. Corellis
Home-style fare. 46 Victoria Rd. 09 445 4151. corelliscafe.co.nz
Devonport Indian Hub - The Asian Eatery
The best of Indian and Asian fusion cuisine. 71 Victoria Rd. 09 445 4263. devonportindianhub.co.nz
Indian cuisine. 97 Victoria Rd. 09 445 7721. flyingrickshaw.co.nz
Manuka Cafe and Restaurant
Mediterranean inspired cuisine. 49 Victoria Rd. 09 445 7732. manukarestaurant.co.nz
Vondel
Independent owner-operated eatery in Devonport. Serving food to suit every diet, alongside craft beer, natural wine and small-batch spirits. We hold weekly specials, winemakers' dinners, as well as private and charity events. Sign up to our mailing list or follow our social channels to keep up to date.
Hong Kong and Cantonese-style Chinese cuisine for eat-in and takeaways.
41 Victoria Road. 09 200 0683
The Patriot (Pub)
14 Victoria Rd. 09 445 3010. thepatriot.co.nz
Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar
53/55 Victoria Road. 09 445 0194 vicroadkitchen.co.nz
Vondel
Vegan and omni eats. 8 Victoria Rd. 09 446 6444. vondel.co.nz
So French Café
Housed in Devonport’s charming Old Post Office, So French Café offers a taste of France with freshly baked pastries, gourmet crêpes and rich coffee. Marylène, Quentin and their team are excited to share their passion for French cuisine, serving homemade breakfast and lunch. Stop by for a delicious experience! Now open for dinner every second Friday of the month, starting Friday 9 May to celebrate Mother’s Day! 10 Victoria Road, Devonport 09 963 9218
sofrenchcafenz@gmail.com sofrenchcafenz.com
facebook Instagram #sofrenchcafedevonport
Opening hours: Tues to Sun 8am-3pm
Belmont/Hauraki
Caffé Santini
Alessandro's back offering the best coffee on the Shore! 63c Lake Road, Belmont. 0221 872 491. espressosantini@gmail.com
NEW locally owned and operated bar and eatery. Level 1, 335 Lake Road, Hauraki. 09 802 2554. haurakisocialclub.co.nz
Sheppards Corner
Authentic TexMex - a slice of Texas on the North Shore. 131 Lake Road, Belmont. 09 447 4377. sheppardsnz.com
XO Takapuna
Asian skewers and street style food. 333 Lake Road, Hauraki Corner. 09 486 0003. xotakapuna.com
Smales Farm, Takapuna
Fantail & Turtle
Popular bar and eatery with alfresco vibe and great food! 09 486 0644. fantailandturtle.co.nz
Shake Out Burgers 09 489 8223. shakeout.co
Soho Thai 09 972 2711. sohothaikitchen.com
The Grange Bar & Bistro
A favourite all-day bar and bistro. 09 972 9060. thegrangetakapuna.co.nz
Hauraki Social Club
A new locally owned and operated bar and eatery located upstairs in the historic Corner Store building at Hauraki Corner (entrance up the dedicated alleyway at the rear).
Enjoy an excellent selection of beer, wine and other drinks alongside a range of delicious shared plates.
No membership necessary.
335 Lake Road, Hauraki Corner @haurakisocialclub on socials hello@haurakisocialclub.co.nz haurakisocialclub.co.nz
Open Wed-Fri from 3.30pm and Sat-Sun from 12pm
DEVONPORT
HAURAKI
DEVONPORT
Takapuna
Alforno Italian Restaurant
34 Anzac Street. 09 488-0179. alforno.co.nz
Aubergine Restaurant
European and Mediterranean. 129 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 3104. aubergine.co.nz
Botticelli Restaurant & Wine Bar
Italian eatery. 8 Anzac Street. 021 910 999. botticelli.co.nz
Main Beach, The Strand. 09 488 0040. joylab.co.nz/regatta
Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina
The best of California's vibrant coast and LA street scene. Main Beach, The Strand. 09 488 0016. starsocial.nz/venues/rosies-red-hot-cantina-takapuna Sakebar Nippon
Traditional Japanese (Isakaya style).
32 Anzac Street. 09 486 2249. sakebar.co.nz
Takapuna Beach Cafe
Views of the beach from a sun-drenched deck and lightfilled dining room.
22 The Promenade. takapunabeachcafe.co.nz
Taylors on Hurstmere
Takapuna's friendliest little wine and tapas bar. 168 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 9510. taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz
Tok Tok Kitchen
Asian fusion cuisine. 129 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 3988. toktok.co.nz
Tokyo Bay
Modern Japanese cuisine. Main Beach, The Strand. 09 390 7188. tokyobay.co.nz
Wok 'n Noodle
Asian restaurant - tasty, nutritious food cooked right in front of you.
The Curry Master 18 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 7211. thecurrymaster.co.nz/birkenhead
TAKAPUNA
Flourish Café
Catch 21 Eatery
Founded on friendship with offerings that acknowledge our fierce independence and appreciation of artisans. Expect fresh and local craft beer, real ale and cider flowing from 15 taps, a wine list covering near and distant regions synonymous with varietal excellence, an extensive gin list enhanced with botanics fresh from our on-site gardens, bespoke cocktails to sip into the evening, and a modern seasonal menu designed to share, focusing on showcasing sustainable and locally sourced produce. Supreme Winner - NZ Gastropub Awards 2024 hello@fantailandturtle.co.nz fantailandturtle.co.nz Instagram fantailandturtle
Flourish Café provides training and work experience for young adults with learning differences. When you order your favourite coffee and choose from our delicious, fresh cabinet food, you will always be served with a smile. Support our trainees by coming into Flourish Café. Catering available.
Takapuna’s latest eatery has just dropped anchor with plenty of sunny outdoor seating overlooking Hurstmere Green. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and coffee for dining in or taking away, the friendly 'crew' are all hands-on-deck to serve exceptional coffee, delicious staple café offerings and a number of seafood options, as well as a beautiful range of freshly made cabinet food. Top picks include their signature open lobster burger, seafood chowder, and tasty eggs benedict. Catch 21 is fully licensed and provides a range of beer, bubbles and wine. Open Tues-Sun, weekdays 7.30am-3pm, weekends 8am-3pm. Shop 8/33 Hurstmere Road 09 484 0005 catch21.co.nz/menu
Boasting monthly cocktail specials and a finely curated tapas menu, Hops & Claret is Takapuna's best-kept secret. Nestled amongst the liveliness of Hurstmere Road, it emulates a speak-easy vibe perfect for functions for up to 40 people. Offering an extensive wine list and a cosy atmosphere, the intimate drinkery is your new favourite bar to meet friends over sharing plates, soak up the ambience and relish in outstanding service as proven by its 5-star rating. Open Wednesday-Saturday. 136 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 6330 hello@hopsandclaret.co.nz hopsandclaret.co.nz facebook @HopsandClaret
French Rendez-Vous
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday (no bookings needed) with traditional and authentic French flavours like beef bourguignon, gluten-free galettes and sweet crêpes.
Located in the heart of Takapuna with a Lake Pupuke view, we are fully licensed with different ranges of French wines.
2a Manurere Avenue
Next to The PumpHouse, Takapuna frenchrendezvous.booking@gmail 09 487 0009 facebook: FrenchRendezvousTakapuna Instagram: frenchrendezvoustakapuna
Taylors on Hurstmere
Yellow Hour
Takapuna's friendliest little wine and tapas bar and everyone's favourite local just around the corner from the Bruce Mason Theatre. Perfect for private parties, no venue hire!
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV $85 per bottle between 5-7pm daily
Yellow Hour! Bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne only $85 from 5pm to 7pm every night!
Winner Lewisham Awards, Outstanding Local Establishment, Auckland North Book now for Mothers Day Sunday May 11th! 168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna taylorsonhurstmere@gmail.com taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz 09 489 9510
Licenced Eatery
TAKAPUNA
TAKAPUNA
TAKAPUNA
Tokyo Bay
Tok Tok
Benny's
Hanoi Haven
Discover the Tok Tok experience in Takapuna. Unwind, indulge and savour the vibrant flavours of modern Asian fusion at Tok Tok Takapuna. From fresh, bold dishes to creative cocktails, every bite is a celebration, with vegetarian, vegan and GF options available. Perfect for date nights, group gatherings and those unforgettable moments. Book your table today and taste the extraordinary!
Tokyo Bay is situated seaside, Takapuna Beach. You can dine and watch the cruise liners sail out after a day in Auckland. Open seven days a week with a casual lunch menu featuring light bites to a range of bento box-styled selections. Then from 5pm a more extensive evening menu is available, featuring modern Japanese cuisine. Bookings essential.
The Travellers’ Choice Awards 'Best of the Best Restaurants for 2024' have been announced, with Tokyo Bay Takapuna in the top ten for the fourth year running.
Indulge in Australia's iconic burgers, now in NZ! Fresh, locally sourced ingredients meet creative flavour, craft beer, and expertly crafted cocktails. From classic beef to gourmet vegetarian and vegan options, our menu boasts an impressive range of burgers to satisfy every craving. Each patty is carefully cooked to perfection, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bite every time. Toppings and condiments are carefully selected to enhance, not overpower, the natural flavours of our ingredients.
100 Hurstmere Road, 095585775
Discover a tranquil oasis in the heart of Takapuna, where the vibrant flavours of Vietnam intertwine with contemporary elegance. At Hanoi Haven, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich heritage of Vietnamese cuisine while embracing a modern twist. With years of experience in renowned kitchens across Vietnam, our chef brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Hanoi Haven, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.
Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best' 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Modern Asian cuisine takes you on a journey through the vibrant flavours of the Philippines, blending traditional recipes with innovative techniques. Our award-winning menu features Asian- and Spanish-inspired tapas, signature dishes, carefully curated wines and cocktails, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Recognised in Metro Top 50 and NZ’s 100 Best Restaurants by Cuisine, Nanam is proud to be a neighbourhood favourite. Don’t miss our summer lunch special for just $35!
Welcome to Cousin Scott's Family Restaurant and American Sports Bar in Takapuna — your local honky-tonk hangout! Enjoy mouthwatering American eats with a southern twist, like Nashville hot chicken and our famous Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. Choose from six heat levels, if you dare! With 20 TVs for live sports, pool tables, and arcade games, it’s the perfect spot to kick back with ice-cold brew. Here, everyone’s family!
A/486 Lake Road, Takapuna 09 485 3822
Open Mon-Thu 11:30am-12am, Fri-Sat 11:30am-1am, Sun 10am-10pm cousinscotts.co.nz
Takapuna Beach Cafe
This all-day dining destination is perched right on the water’s edge with views from a sun-drenched deck.
Open seven days a week, including public holidays with a 15% surcharge, it offers vibrant seasonal flavours and awardwinning gelato made fresh daily.
Fish & chip takeaways are available during the summer months.
22 The Promenade, Takapuna info@takapunabeachcafe.co.nz takapunabeachcafe.co.nz @takapunabeachcafe
TAKAPUNA
TAKAPUNA
TAKAPUNA
TAKAPUNA
Centro
Welcome to our 'home away from home' cosy haven, where smiles abound with friendly service, exceptional coffee and delectable cuisine. Each customer becomes part of our extended family, savouring not only the taste of our offerings but also the heartfelt care that accompanies every visit. Step into our café and let us wrap you in a comforting embrace of hospitality and flavours that delight the senses. Mon-Sun, 7am-3pm.
Tantalise your taste buds with the best steak experience at this beautiful venue in Browns Bay. Explore the impressive selection of cuts sourced from New Zealand, Australia and Japan, where great pride is taken in using the highest quality ingredients, matched with a carefully curated wine and beverage list. The friendly team provides top-notch catering services, taking care of your special events, cocktail parties, corporate events, conferences, birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas functions.
37 Clyde Road, Browns Bay 0800 213 297 21days.co.nz
Ristorante La Spiaggia
A popular and long-established family favourite restaurant facing Murray’s Bay beach, serving authentic and delicious Italian and European dishes. The extensive dinner and dessert menu is available for dine-in. On offer for dine-in guests is a wide range of delicious wines and beers to accompany your meal. Buon appetito!
Opens from 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday 470 Beach Road, Murrays Bay 09 475 5643 info@laspiaggia.co.nz laspiaggia.co.nz
Opens from 5pm Tuesday to Sunday
Waygu short rib And market fish
Tok Tok for all the yummy mummies!
Nestled in the heart of Takapuna and just a short stroll from the beach, Tok Tok is the perfect place to treat mum this Mother’s Day – and every day. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, bold Southeast Asian flavours and stylish setting, Tok Tok offers an unforgettable dining experience that brings people together over food worth celebrating.
This May, we invite you to slow down and savour the moment with the most important women in your life. Whether you’re planning a long lunch, a special dinner, or a laid-back weekend catch-up with mum, Tok Tok makes it feel effortless – and delicious. It’s all about great food, warm hospitality, and moments shared around the table. Our menu is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and beyond – re-imagined with a Kiwi twist. It’s a place where scallops meet caramel pork belly, where tamarind, lemongrass and chilli sing in perfect harmony. With dishes designed to be shared, our food brings people together, inviting conversation, laughter, and second helpings.
From crowd-pleasing favourites to bold new flavours, Tok Tok’s kitchen is always buzzing with creativity. Whether you’re craving something comforting or adventurous, there’s something on the menu to satisfy every palate – and plenty of options for gluten-free, vegetarian, or plant-based diners too. To elevate the experience even further, our drinks list is full of bright, playful cocktails and thoughtfully curated wines that perfectly complement the menu. Whether you’re raising a glass of rosé in the sun or sipping on a zingy lemongrass infusion, there’s no better place to toast the occasion.
But it’s not just about the big moments. Tok Tok is open seven days a week, with options for everything from a quick weekday lunch to a lively group dinner. Our heated and covered terrace means you can dine in comfort year-round, rain or shine. It’s a space that feels both vibrant and relaxed, with the kind of welcoming energy that keeps locals coming back again and again. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something special about dining at Tok Tok. Our inviting setting is designed for all kinds of gatherings, whether it’s an intimate meal for two, a family celebration, or a lively group catch-up. We’ve got the perfect balance of atmosphere and flavour, making it an experience that’s both fun and memorable. For every occasion, big or
small, Tok Tok is here to help you create lasting memories over delicious food.
Looking for the perfect gift? A Tok Tok gift card gives mum the freedom to choose her favourite time to dine –and it never goes out of style. Whether she’s celebrating with family, catching up with friends, or enjoying a quiet evening out, Tok Tok is always a good idea.
So this May, make it Tok Tok. Celebrate the mums, the aunties, the step-mums, the grandmas, and all the incredible women who show up with love, strength and style – just like our food. Book now for Mother’s Day, or pop in any time the craving hits. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Tok Tok Takapuna
129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 488 7594
toktok.co.nz
Instagram facebook @toktoktakapuna
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Coastal calm: Your guide to wellness in Takapuna
Takapuna’s approach to wellness is as diverse as its coastline, offering options for active exploration and quiet reflection.
Wellness can be found in the way we move through the world, like cycling scenic routes or taking a few moments to breathe on a busy day. And when it’s time to unwind, the North Shore has havens for relaxation, from cosy cinemas to yoga studios.
Wellness by the water
Being near the sea is good for us –this could look like a swim, a deep breath of ocean air, a stroll on the sand with coffee in hand. The natural beauty of Takapuna beach is freely available to all.
Warning: Prolonged exposure to Takapuna’s ocean beach may result in excessive happiness and a general lack of stress.
Mindful movement
The way we travel can influence our wellbeing. Give yourself the gift of extra time and take the longer route when you can. While a day off might be dedicated to hiking or cycling, even a work commute can have moments of wellness. How can you carve out a few extra minutes to decompress before arriving at your next destination?
Walking: Recharge your senses with a walk. Your brain (and body) will thank you for exploring on foot. If you have the time, the Takapuna to Milford walk is amazing.
Cycling: Clear your mind by cycling. Try cruising along the Takapuna to Devonport path, it’s 12 km of pure enjoyment and fresh air. If you keep an eye out, you might discover hidden gems along the way.
Driving: Even when time is limited, consider parking a few blocks away and walking to your next destination. Use this time to transition and arrive with presence.
Public transport: Turn your commute into a moment of calm. Use the bus or ferry to read, listen to music or simply observe the scenery.
The art of unwinding: Takapuna’s relaxation spots
Wellness takes many forms and Takapuna offers a diverse range of ways to unwind. It could be the solitude of a movie, the community of a group activity or the tranquility of yoga.
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
Here are some local spots to help you relax:
O Studio: This is your sanctuary for a curated journey to wellbeing. Soak in the sauna and ice bath, find deep relaxation in float therapy and cultivate community with a yoga class.
Spas: You deserve to be pampered. You could indulge in the therapeutic benefits of massage or the skin-enhancing effects of facials. Try a unique enzyme spa experience at Ikoi Day Spa. Or slow down the pace of your day at Slӧwe Studio. We invite you to explore Takapuna’s spa scene and curate your ideal day of rejuvenation.
Takapuna Beachside Cinemas: Trade the stress of the day for the comfort of a couch and the convenience of food and drinks served to your seat.
Sometimes, watching a movie can create a truly restorative evening.
Nourish from within: healthy eating
Takapuna makes it easy to nourish your body with a range of restaurants and cafés that prioritise fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Street Organics is a nationallyrenowned health food café that smashed it out of the park with flavour, and specialises in dietary requirements like vegan, glutenfree and keto. Discover how delicious it can be to fuel your body and feel your best.
For our recommendations on where to fin your next meal, explore the healthy eating guid on our website: ilovetakapuna.co.nz.
SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of
11 must-try Auckland beauty treatments
Go on. Spoil yourself with these fantastic self-care treatments in Takapuna.
1. Experience nail precision at PD Nails
Grab a girlfriend and head to PD Nails for an afternoon. The friendly team will make your nails look ultra special with unique nail art, bold beautiful colours and some pretty sweet designs. It’s like having your own glam squad.
2. They’ll think you’re born with these lashes
Ready to wake up with perfect lashes? Head to Lashes by Hayley for thickening and lengthening your natural eyelashes. You can also get a lash lift giving you a natural curl that lasts for two months. Fancy a little nail artistry while you’re at it? Lashes by Hayley can help with that too.
3. Your one-stop-shop for hair removal services
For all your waxing and laser hair removal needs, head to Takapuna Off & On. Other essential beauty treatments are also available. Think microblading, dermaplaning, botox, lip and cheek fillers and more.
4. Experience a unique treatment at Ikoi
Day Spa
How about trying New Zealand’s first and only enzyme spa experience? It’s a gorgeous unique signature treatment from Ikoi Day Spa where your body is enveloped in warm nutrient-rich sawdust. Rather a luxurious couple’s massage? Ikoi has you covered with a variety of indulgent options.
5.
Leave
Escape Spa relaxed and rejuvenated
Check out Escape Spa for pampering from head to toe where the team provide a relaxing and professional experience for their clients. Fancy a little face fitness? All you need is 30 minutes for this powerful facial that will moisturise, firm up and lift the décolleté, face and neck.
6. No need for a passport on this vacay
Take your body and mind on vacation with a massage from Relaxology Massage Takapuna. The therapists are well experienced and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The only thing missing is the piña colada.
7.
Welcome to your wellbeing
companion
Float away your stress at O Studio
What about contrast therapy? It’s an effective way to improve circulation, accelerate recovery and enhance your mental clarity. O Studio has you covered with a range of sauna experiences, floats, and an ice bath.
8. Something for everyone at Slöwe
Whether you’re a first-time sweater or looking for some chill time, everyone can take a slower pace at Slӧwe Studio. Sweat and chill packs are available, as well as introductory offers for those wanting to give it a go.
9. Achieve perfect skin at Skintopia
Keep your glow up by visiting Skintopia. Expert technicians are on hand to analyse your skin and customise the best way to help you reach your skin goals. While you’re there, book for some hair removal or cosmetic tattooing.
10. Show off beautiful brows with Brow Therapy
Exciting trends come and go, but a well-groomed brow will never go out of fashion. Achieve your brow dreams at Brow Therapy With many eyebrow procedures available, your ideal brow shape, thickness and look is just an appointment away.
11. Exceed your skin goals at Endota
Last, but certainly not least, nourish and nurture your mind, body and skin at Endota Takapuna. There is a range of treatments available using Endota’s signature products that help you achieve the results you want. And if you need to travel, you’ll find other Endota clinics dotted around the country. Keeping up with perfect skin has never been easier.
For more health and beauty salons in Takapuna, check out our full directory of businesses waiting to welcome you!
PLATINUM SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our
Do you lift bruh?
It’s time to take yourself to the next level. Achieve your athletic goal, improve your wellbeing, or get in shape to hit Takapuna Beach when summer rolls around.
Guide to gyms & fitness in Takapuna
into your wellness journey. As an Anytime Fitness member, you also get access to all Anytime Fitness gyms globally – so you really can work out wherever you are!
Whether you’re a weightlifting warrior or treadmill champ, there’s guaranteed to be a gym or fitness centre that’s perfect for your workout style.
Keen for some fresh air? Takapuna is the best spot in Auckland to hit the beach for a run, swim, paddleboard, or even an outdoor yoga class.
Pair a great workout with some post-sweat session fuel from Together Bespoke Catering, Street Organics or Mimosa, and a recovery session at Slöwe Studio or O Studio Takapuna, and you’ve got yourself a complete self-care morning or afternoon that’s sure to leave you summer-ready in no time!
Hit the outdoor workout area and smash goals at Les Mills
A name synonymous with fitness, Les Mills is the gym that has it all. Les Mills’ famous group fitness classes are the perfect way to get motivated and get moving with the help of energetic instructors and great beats.
Our local Les Mills in Takapuna has an outdoor workout space, boxing area, and premium equipment, so you can tailor your experience to whatever best suits you.
Les Mills personal trainers are on hand to help devise your ideal workout and have you smashing your goals in no time.
Get on the weights at Allfit
Conveniently located right in the heart of Takapuna near Shore City Shopping Centre, this 24/7 gym has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that will have you feeling right at home.
If weights are your jam, Allfit has you covered, from express circuit weight machines to plenty of benches, racks, and free weights for the advanced gym-goers. It also boasts the full premium range of Technogym cardio machines, including award-winning Skillmills, Skillruns, and Skillrows.
Join a body fit community at BFT
Got a fitness goal? Body Fit Training can help. At BFT, you get experienced and engaging coaches to motivate you through every workout, plus a supportive community cheering you on.
Workouts are fun and designed to deliver tangible results, with a balance of cardio and strength training. Whether you’re on a mission to lose weight, build muscle, reach a new level of fitness or develop healthier habits, BFT will help you get there.
Gym, fitness app, wellness advice, whenever you need it at Anytime Fitness
The key is in the name: at Anytime Fitness, you choose the how and when. With top-quality equipment, 24/7 access and a health and fitness app, it’s never been easier to tailor your fitness routine to your needs.
The team here believe that there’s more to a healthy lifestyle than the gym, so you can talk to them about incorporating nutrition and recovery
Get into the latest workouts at fu/nis EMS Training
EMS – standing for electro-muscle stimulation – is a popular workout style that can activate up to 90% of your muscles in a single session.
The sessions themselves are much shorter than your typical gym workout, which is great if you’ve got somewhere to be, but don’t think it’s going to be a walk in the park!
At fu/nis, this intensive strength training regime gets you in and out in 30 minutes, while seeing rapid results. It’s fun, challenging, efficient, and most of all, effective.
Take care of your holistic wellbeing at The Right Fit
If you’re after a personalised approach to health and fitness, this is it.
The studio is small and friendly, where everyone gets to know you by name, and you’ll get all the benefits of one-on-one training with someone who knows you and understands your goals.
The Right Fit team are all about Family – First – Forever. The team isproud to provide a non-judgemental, intimidation-free zone where you will feel comfortable and valued, and like you’ve found your fitness family. A space where you can put yourself first, prioritise your health and wellbeing, while incorporating fitness into your day in a way that suits your lifestyle and helps you to stick with it, developing a healthy sustainable approach to improving your health and fitness forever.
Flex your membership at Jetts
At Jetts Takapuna, you not only have access to premium equipment, free workouts on the Jetts Fitness App, and flexible and affordable membership options, but also the expertise and support of personal trainers specialising in strength, weight loss, and more.
The gym is also open 24 hours, so whether you like to work out early or late, before work, after work, or even in the middle of the night if you’re an insomniac who likes their pick of the equipment, Jetts is there for you.
No goal is too big or small at Flex Fitness
This modern gym has you covered for fitness goals big, small, and everything in between. New members get a free induction session with a personal trainer to find a fitness plan tailored to you.
Flex Fitness offers world-class equipment and facilities 24/7 for resistance training, functional training, cardio, strength, and more. Group fitness classes are available if you like to work up a sweat to some music, plus the team is on hand with nutritional guidance and a supplement bar to support your workout.
Check out all of our amazing local businesses that focus on health, wellbeing and self-care in Takapuna, in the full directory on our website: ilovetakapuna.co.nz.
By Claire Bellingham, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist
Resistance training for women
Mother’s Day month is a great time to focus on the benefits of resistance training for women through the life stages. There is a gender gap in physical activity with men tending to be more active than women. This may relate to the local and international research suggesting that women tend to shoulder the burden of unpaid labour around the house. Over many years of personal training I’ve noticed that women often put family responsibilities first and work in the gaps. Health largely gets left out.
Juggling responsibilities requires strength and resilience, both physically and mentally. Resistance training exercise is an important activity for women. Resistance training exercise is any activity that builds lean muscle mass to create structural stability. Strong ligaments and tendons support joints and reduce the likelihood of injury during exercise. But you don’t need to be exercising to get injured – many people get injured from the comfort of their own chair. Sitting puts stress on all your postural muscles. If you don’t have adequate muscle tone to support you then your body can adapt to the slumped stance as its new normal. This can potentially cause back and neck pain, pulled muscles and tension headaches.
Everyone loses muscle mass at a rate of around 3-5% per decade, but women face additional challenges to structural stability in midlife. When menopause begins there is a decline in oestrogen, making women vulnerable to a variety of health conditions. Oestrogen is needed to help lay down bone, so resistance training is important to rebuild and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Resistance training helps protect against other chronic conditions such as back pain, arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.
Another benefit of investing in lean muscle mass is the ability to manage body weight more easily. Lean muscle mass is the main determinant of metabolic rate, the number of calories you burn when you are at rest. As lean muscle mass erodes through the middle years of life weight often creeps on. Many women experience a gain of around 1kg per year. Over a decade you can find yourself 10kgs heavier even though you’re moving and eating about the same.
Resistance training also has positive effects on brain function. Some of these cognitive advantages will be from reducing stress, increasing confidence and improving quality and quantity of sleep. But research shows that the benefits of improving blood flow to the brain are far more significant. Weight training has been proven to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s for people at risk, and it can slow the progress of the disease. Alzheimer’s impacts 30% more women than men in New Zealand.
Some women are put off resistance training due to the stereotypes of traditional bodybuilding. But resistance training comes in many forms – it may be free weights or machines on the gym floor but it could also be bodyweight resistance such as a Pilates class. It’s important to seek guidance on proper form to ensure the workout is safe and effective.
Maintaining lean muscle mass is an important component of health for women of every age. Resistance training just two or three times a week can build a competent, confident body and mind. Being a strong person gives you the independence to look after yourself, and the reward that comes from caring for others.
Les Mills Takapuna, Rooftop Level, Shore City, Takapuna 0800 LES MILLS lesmills.co.nz clairebellingham.co.nz claire@clairebellingham.co.nz
Want to meet people and be social?
Friday draw
Club dinners
Quiz nights
Club Days
Time on your hands? Lots of opportunities to get involved Join
39 The Strand, Takapuna Beach, Auckland Phone: 09 489-6941 members@takapunaboating.org.nz takapunaboating.org.nz Join the TBC community today – fun, friendship & the ocean breeze await. Plus – Members enjoy 20% off at our bar! Regular social fixtures:
New to the area? Come down and meet new friends
All ages welcome
Social and active memberships
Social committee
#Gramworthy
Our round-up of posts from local spas on IG that we’ve double tapped (liked) and a Q&A with Barb from @solesistersnz
Barbara Cloonan is the new owner of Sole Sisters in Mairangi Bay, a boutiquestyle shop well known for its wonderful selection of fashion shoes and handbags. Barb was a long-time Sole Sisters customer and has a background in education, after a long and rewarding career she decided to make a complete change. Barb has always loved shoes and was chatting to the previous owner of Sole Sisters one day when one thing led to another…. Barb talks to Channel Mag about where she finds her inspiration and who she follows on Insta.
Channel Mag: Tell Channel readers a little bit about Sole Sisters… Barbara Cloonan: The original owners of Sole Sisters were flight attendants together and the best of friends, hence the name. The shop has been in Mairangi Bay for approximately 17 years. While I'm now the ‘Sole’ owner, I consider all of my lovely customers as my sole sisters!
Is Instagram a source of inspiration for you?
I love Instagram but I do try to limit my time on it because it's far too easy to go down rabbit holes and wind up chewing up big chunks of your day that you didn't anticipate!
Who do you recommend following and why?
I have a few that I follow but my favourites are probably @Caitlintaylor.stylist who has great style tips that are easy to recreate with items you likely already own and @shredhappens offers healthy, great tasting recipe ideas that are generally quick to make, and include readily available ingredients. I have to confess... Michael McIntyre gets a fair bit of viewing time from me as well, love his comedy!
Which other local businesses do social media well?
Captivate Interiors does a great job of showcasing its product as well as giving you ideas on how you can titivate your home. The colours they use are amazing! Sarah's Boutique does a great job of keeping us all informed about new styles arriving.
Any specific products that you’d like to promote to our readers?
We sell great leather handbags as well as boots, shoes, sneakers and sandals from a wide range of suppliers. We support Kiwi designers such as Bresley, Cassini, Gelato, as well as Australian (EOS, Django & Juliette, Hinako) and European (Chrissie Brazil, Rilassare, Cabello, Rieker, Fly London)…endless options!
solesisters.co.nz • @solesistersnz (Instagram) Green Gables, Shop 6/376 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay 0630
This Mairangi Bay skin clinic is open six days with two late nights, it’s much loved and for good reason, great products and treatments. @aboutfacenz
We love the winter jackets and pics shared on Hartley's account. Visit the Mairangi Bay store at 419 Beach Road for more winter fashion inspo. @hartleysnz
Love this wallpaper and all the room reveals that Captivate does! @captivate.interiors
Barbara Cloonan
Fit20: the 20-minute strength training that changed Allie Mooney’s life
Just over a year ago, international speaker and author Allie Mooney, The People Interpreter, faced an expensive and daunting prospect – a knee replacement surgery costing $40,000.
Having stopped her health insurance a few months earlier – rising medical premium costs made it unaffordable – she asked her specialist if there was another way. The answer was simple: “Lose weight and build strength in your legs."
Sceptical but determined, Allie started Fit20. The idea that just 20 minutes of strength training once a week could make a difference seemed too good to be true. But little more than a year later, the results spoke for themselves – she no longer needed knee surgery, and her perennial back pain had disappeared.
More energy, better balance, and a pain-free life
“I have so much more energy, and I’m not as uneasy on my feet anymore,” Allie says. “I used to trip sometimes, but now I feel sturdy. I can even carry my shopping up the steep incline to our house instead of calling my husband to fetch me!”
Allie has also struggled with lower back pain since working in the airline industry 36 years ago. But since starting Fit20, she’s been free of pain. “I used to get up in the morning, and my body would literally ‘creak’. Now, I bend over with no issues. I haven't had back pain since soon after I started Fit20.”
Even her headaches have significantly reduced. “Last year, I barely had any headaches. I think Fit20 has made a real difference.”
A training programme that fits your life
Unlike traditional gyms, Fit20 is designed to fit around busy schedules. With one-on-one training, climate-controlled studios, and no need for gym clothes or showers, it’s easy to integrate into any lifestyle.
“The flexibility is great,” Allie says. “I travel frequently, but they always find a way to fit me in. The trainers really know their stuff, and I lean on their expertise. They make sure everything is focused on health.”
She also loves the one-on-one coaching and the simplicity of the programme. “It suits my diary and my lifestyle. I can just walk in, work out, and go. No faff.”
Why Fit20 works
Fit20’s approach is backed by research. A seven-year study involving 15,000 adults found that this type of once-weekly, 20-minute training leads to steady strength improvements. The most significant gains happen in the first year, with chest-press strength increasing by 50% and leg-press strength by 70% over time.
The key is slow-motion, high-intensity strength training, which pushes muscles to momentary failure. This method stimulates strength gains, boosts metabolism, and enhances overall health –all in a fraction of the time of traditional workouts.
I have so much more energy, and I’m not as uneasy on my feet anymore. I used to trip sometimes, but now I feel sturdy. I can even carry my shopping up the steep incline to our house…
“Gym people are sceptical, but I’ve seen the results,” Allie says. “Healthy living and nutrition have made a huge difference. I don’t want to be hunched over and in pain with every step. Fit20 has helped me stay strong and independent.”
From avoiding surgery to living pain-free, Allie is proof that Fit20’s unique approach delivers real results. Whether you’re looking to improve your strength, regain mobility, or simply find a training programme that fits into a busy life, Fit20 could be the answer you’ve been searching for.
BOOK YOUR ONE HOUR FREE INTRODUCTION TRAINING or reach out for more information at Fit20 Rosedale
4 Antares place, unit D, Rosedale 021 02652819 fit20.co.nz
Allie Mooney
Business Interview | Darren Shields, Wettie
At Channel Mag we love highlighting interesting local businesses doing great things and standing out in their business sector. One such business is Wettie. Wettie is a family business that started in a downstairs North Shore garage in 2007. Founder and Waiake resident Darren Shields was keen to realise his ambition of creating a New Zealand-designed range of spearfishing equipment and wetsuits. Almost two decades on he has achieved that and more. While Channel Mag’s Aidan Bennett was well aware of the Wettie business and brand, he had never set foot inside their Albany store. That all changed in December when he visited to satisfy a family member's desire for a quality wetsuit top for Christmas. He was blown away by what he discovered at the impressive store. So he went back during April to meet with Darren for this Channel Mag interview.
A chat with Darren Shields Founder
of Wettie, Albany
After spending an hour with Wettie founder Darren Shields I came away full of enthusiasm. Close to two decades on from starting the business, it is clear that he’s as passionate as ever and that rubs off on those around him. I love chatting with passionate business people like Darren! While I had known about Wettie as a successful local business for many years, I had never truly understood what it was all about. That all changed just before Christmas last year when I went shopping for a quality wetsuit top for my wife. I could not believe the range of products and stock in the Albany store.
The larger store was created when Wettie was forced to vacate its Rosedale Road site due to the motorway expansion that took place in recent years.
After a four-year battle with NZTA over the relocation, they bought the building that was previously home to a Korean sauna and restaurant and set about creating the new store. It had good bones and loads of parking right at the door. Darren explained that for him Wettie was "second time around". He’d had considerable experience in commercial and competitive recreational diving and spearfishing, and selecting pieces of equipment from around the world via an earlier business called Wild Blue.
“What I had learned is that spearfishing in New Zealand requires a unique set of techniques that are not always catered for by European, South African and
Gemma, Jackson, Darren, Griffin and Darren's father David Shields. Wettie and spearfishing is a family affair.
Darren Shields and Aidan Bennett in his Wettie office.
American-designed equipment,” explained Darren, when we chatted in his busy office that he shares with his son Jackson. “So, I was keen to develop components from all three industries to develop a range of gear that was suited to hunting in our shallows for reef species and to spearing our worldclass kingfish. My inspiration for Wettie was to design equipment for New Zealand conditions and divers.
“To be very honest I was getting tired of sourcing products for the New Zealand market and others copying what I was doing. So, the plan with Wettie was to design our own products under our own brand – to be the masters of our own destiny.
“To expand and improve the wetsuit range, we acquired 2001 Wetsuits, a local wetsuit manufacturer with the necessary sewing machines, screen-printing and staff. This enabled us to create our own patterns to improve our existing wetsuit cuts.
“In those early days, I can recall going to international trade shows and being laughed at due to the size of the orders we were needing. When we said we were from New Zealand, we were treated poorly. Being persistent, I eventually managed to get a manufacturer to accept an initial order of 1,000 units of fins and we were underway. These days we bring in multiple container loads of our own designs!”
Wettie is now the biggest dive store in New Zealand, selling from its Albany store and online to customers all over the world. Darren estimates the split is 50/50 in-store versus online. Wettie now has a reputation for developing some of the best products for diving and spearfishing in the world, and product development is ongoing.
Wettie is a real family affair. Darren says his wife Alison is probably the hardest worker in the business, looking after accounts and finance and often serving in the store. The kids all work in the business as well, with their son Jackson pretty much
running things, daughter Gemma looking after HR and IT, and youngest son Griffin managing the warehouse. Like their father, Gemma and Jackson are also spearfishing champions. Gemma was the Women’s World Freshwater Champion in 2017, and Jackson, like his dad, has won a number of New Zealand spearfishing titles. As well as having great quality gear, at Wettie you are also dealing with staff who know their stuff.
Darren explains that while they are experts in dive and spearfishing gear, their range also includes items for all sorts of water-related sports and pastimes. “The key to the popularity of our range is that not only is it designed for New Zealand conditions, but we can also tailor and fit items to suit specific body shapes or needs. Wetsuits are a classic example; we can customise them to ensure the fit is perfect. We have even altered wetsuits for people with one leg.
“Having our own small manufacturing facility, we can refine a great wetsuit to combine comfortability, warmth and durability. Our wetsuit range has also expanded into sailing, surfing, swimming, kayaking and scuba, along with most other water activities. We also provide warranty and repair services for our own brand as well as others.”
Wettie caters for the whole family, including the kids. Their extensive range includes well-fitting warm wetsuits, masks, snorkels and fins designed especially for the kids to keep them warm and comfortable in the water.
Interestingly, all the parts and components for the Wettie range of spearguns are also made in New Zealand and assembled in-store by members of their 16-strong staff. It is something that Darren is hugely proud of.
“Over the years we have developed our own moulds for our products, so we control the quality of manufacture. Our spearguns are a classic example. All the components, such as the carbon and aluminium tubes for our spearguns, are made within 10 minutes of our Albany store. As our carbon tubes get longer, we strengthen the barrel by 50% to remove any bowing or splitting, making them one of the strongest on the market as well as the best price. We sell these spearguns all over the world.”
So, what would Darren advise those starting out in business in 2025?
“I have four pieces of wisdom. Do not listen to the naysayers. Be prepared to have a big target on your back. Live, eat, breathe and sleep everything you are doing. Don’t chase the money, chase the people – it is the people who are most important.”
And what are the big changes in business from the 2000s versus 2025?
“Definitely the internet. Back when we started there were a range of marketing options for us, but now the most important ingredient for us is the internet – our website, social media and YouTube channel.
“We have created quite a following online as we have a strong YouTube presence, and I have also been involved for over a decade in a TV show that airs on Sky Plus called ‘Fishy Business’, made by Adam Clancy. My specialty is obviously spearfishing and we make around 10 episodes a year. The combination of this show and all our online activity means we are well-known in other parts of the world. We were at a recent trade show in the USA and were treated like celebrities, with comments like, "You’re the Wettie guys from New Zealand!" It was also a catalyst for picking up some new business from the USA and Canada.
What does Darren do to relax?
“Believe it or not, I go diving and hunting! I also enjoy doing family things. We are lucky to have properties at both Omaha and Mt Maunganui, where we escape to as much as we can. We’ve got four grandkids these days who consume our time as well."
Darren also gives back to his local community, and recently became a JP (Justice of the Peace).
Visit: wettie.co.nz
Wettie Albany Store.
Jackson and Darren Shields outside their Wettie Albany Store.
By Jane and Jeremy Bain, franchisees at Pack & Send Takapuna
What are the best courier options for sending domestic freight?
Jane and Jeremy Bain, the franchisees at Pack & Send Takapuna, have a "No Limits" approach when helping customers solve packaging and freight problems, from a sensitive document to difficult fragile and valuable items to send.
Have you ever wanted to know what are the best post and courier options available for sending domestic freight within New Zealand? It might sound like a simple question, but it’s actually very complex, with hundreds, if not thousands of ‘right’ answers, depending on factors such as:
• What are you sending?
• What is the urgency? (Does it need to be there today/tomorrow/next week?)
• What is the value of the items being shipped? (For high value items, security considerations are paramount.)
• Is it fragile, and if so, is it sufficiently well packed? (Do you need professional packing services?)
• Are you sending to a business or a residential address?
• Will someone be there to receive and sign for the delivery?
When sending freight throughout New Zealand, consignments can travel through a variety of transport modes. Most courier companies specialise in one or more transport modes, such as road (via trucks and vans) or air (via commercial airliners and dedicated cargo planes) and their delivery infrastructure and capabilities may be stronger in certain parts of New Zealand.
Your local Pack & Send has the great advantage of alliances with a wide range of the best courier companies across New Zealand, and the world. Because they send so much freight, they are able to negotiate great rates – and pass on the savings to their customers. This enables them to offer an unrivalled range of freight services and transport solutions, and enhance them with their experience to deliver to their customers a great deal of added value.
With their famous No Limits philosophy, the staff at Pack & Send are able to tailor personalised solutions for each individual customer’s requirements. These timely domestic delivery solutions are available to government, businesses, corporations, and even private customers and households.
Pack & Send offers road, air, time definite, bulky and palletised freight services. They can even arrange full containers and truckloads. They provide freight solutions for “ugly” and specialised products.
So when you’re sending your domestic freight, make sure you know all your options to make the most of your money, and get exactly what you need! Be sure to do your research, or just talk to Pack & Send Takapuna team and let them save you time, trouble and money!
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.
By Yan Davies, Takapuna Residential Bayleys Real Estate Ltd
Managing your real estate decisions in these uncertain times
In times of economic and political uncertainty, property owners and buyers alike often find themselves hesitant, unsure whether to hold, sell or invest. But uncertainty doesn’t mean inaction; it simply demands smarter, more strategic decision-making.
Today’s market - particularly on Auckland’s North Shore - is seeing higher stock levels, giving buyers a wider selection than in recent years. For sellers, this means competition is greater, and presentation, pricing and positioning are more critical than ever. In premium locations like Takapuna, Milford and the Bays, properties that are well-prepared and marketed with precision are still attracting strong interest.
Buyers, meanwhile, are in a favourable position. Increased choice, combined with more realistic pricing, creates opportunity for well-informed decisions, especially in established lifestyle suburbs where long-term value remains strong. Timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible, but securing the right property in the right location is always a wise move.
Increased choice, combined with more realistic pricing, creates opportunity for well-informed decisions, especially in established lifestyle suburbs where long-term value remains strong.
For offshore buyers or those looking to upgrade or downsize, now is a time to focus on fundamentals: location, lifestyle and longterm potential.
Above all, seek advice. A trusted local agent can help you navigate today’s market conditions with clarity, ensuring you make confident, well-timed moves no matter which direction the market is heading.
Uncertainty rewards those who stay informed, act strategically and partner with experience.
Yan Davies, a long-time North Shore local, has amassed a wide network of quality clients and superior knowledge of the area. She is an active Milford Cruising Club member. She works hard for her clients, driven by a sense of duty to provide a high level of service. She holds a Master's Degree in business and administration and speaks English and Chinese fluently.
Yan Davies 燕 021 585 590 yan.davies@bayleys.co.nz Licensed under the REA Act 2008 唯一华人中介@ Bayleys Takapuna
Psst… Paula’s Finds
Paula is new on the Channel Mag team. We love it when we get some added enthusiasm for highlighting all that’s good about life on the North Shore. In this new monthly feature, called ‘Paula’s Finds’, we are channelling that fresh enthusiasm into finding interesting happenings north of the Harbour Bridge.
WOULD A GLASS OF PROSECCO IMPROVE YOUR POTTERY SKILLS?
Pottery and Prosecco sessions run by My Clay Table are happening at Fantail and Turtle, Smales Farm through May and June. Depending on the day, you could be making a mug, tapas bowls or a wall hanging vase. Ages 18+ and all materials provided. Find out more at myclaytable.co.nz/collections/workshops
GET INVOLVED AND IMPROVE ECOLOGY IN ALBANY
Sarah Wakeford, the new Albany activator for the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network (UWEN) is encouraging Albany residents to help control pests and eradicate invasive weeds, both at home and in our nature reserves. Sarah can provide Albany residents with resources including traps, weeding equipment, native plants, and expert guidance. You could help restore a reserve with a restoration group or sign up to perform five minute bird counts in local reserves this May. Contact Sarah: uwen.albany@gmail.com or find further details on uwen.org.nz
RE:CIRCLE: A NEW CONCEPT IN THRIFT SHOPPING
Latest on the Takapuna thrift shopping scene is Re:Circle, now open in the former Commons restaurant space behind Re:Generate Fashion. Re:Circle is a renta-rack retail concept brought to Takapuna by Henrik Stovring. Aucklanders consume more than 24,000 tonnes of fashion clothing per annum but retain only 7,800 tonnes for continued use. Sellers renting space at Re:Circle can make money from their unused clothing by renting a space, labelling and displaying their clothes while Re:Circle handles the sales process. Visit recircle.nz to learn more.
MAIRANGI BAY NEIGHBOURS MEET
Mairangi Bay
Tennis Club joined its neighbours, the Mairangi Bay Bowling Club, recently for an evening of social bowls. While the bowlers expected to be older than the tennis players, they were surprised to meet Brocky King who is still playing tennis in his 80s. However, the oldest player was bowler Graham Ward, aged 93. After a shaky start, the tennis players showed remarkable ability at lawn bowls and learned that this is a great alternative sport for them when they conclude their tennis careers.
OP SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE IN LINK DRIVE
PICKLEBALL NOW AT NETBALL NORTH HARBOUR CENTRE
Pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports internationally, is now available at the Netball North Harbour Centre on Northcote Road. Pickleball is fun and easy to learn, with a smaller court and a slightly slower pace than tennis, making it accessible for all kinds of players. A cross between tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball can be played year-round indoors or outdoors, using paddles and a hollow plastic ball with holes. Both memberships and casual play options are available. Find out more at netballnorthharbour.co.nz
MORE THAN A THRIFT STORE IN DEVONPORT
Looking for vintage clothes, homewares, art or other retro curiosities? Thrifty Sense is a new thrift shop open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm, at 2/12 Wynyard Street, Devonport (behind Lily Eatery). It's dedicated to making a calm and inclusive space in the community for the neuro-diverse. We’re very keen to try their Tuesday night craft club from 5 to 8pm. DM them on their Instagram @thriftysensenz to book a place or pop in to have a browse and a chat.
When you shop at the new Salt Charity Op Shop at 8 Link Drive you’re helping support Salt Community Trust’s work with its food bank, primary school Big Buddies, youth mentoring and wellbeing programmes. And you get the benefit of their range of quality second-hand furniture, homewares and clothing! There’s also a dedicated Salt Op Shop truck, which can come to your house and collect furniture and larger items. Contact the store to organise a pickup or donate at the shop during business hours. salttrust.org.nz/op-shops
ROOFTOP DINING IN TAKAPUNA
Everybody’s talking about Takapuna Surf Club in Hurstmere Road which opened in March. This rooftop eatery with beautiful Gulf views is the latest hospitality venture from Five Fellas. With a stylish yet laid-back ambience, you’ll find everyone here from corporate types to young families, to local tradies unwinding after work. As well as big screens to keep up with the sport, there’s a dedicated kids’ area and parents will be happy to see some nutritious options like a bento-style box on the kids’ menu.
ITALY COMES TO YOU AT THE VIC AND BRIDGEWAY CINEMAS
This year’s Italian Film Festival runs through May with a programme of 25 films combining acclaimed new cinema releases with classic favourites. Support your local cinema by booking your spot at either The Vic in Devonport or Bridgeway in Northcote Point. Find out more thevic.co.nz or bridgeway.co.nz
High polyphenolic olive oil: the superfood hiding in plain sight
When New Zealand’s first-ever website exclusively focused on high-end extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) launched late last year, it was like coming full circle for owner Michael Lamb. Channel Mag chats with Michael, a Devonport local, about his exciting new business, Olivver.co.nz
“I lived in Greece one summer many moons ago, in a small village surrounded by olive trees, eating wonderful Greek food typically swimming in olive oil. We all know olive oil is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, but only recently did I realise how much the product has evolved since those times long ago, into today’s dietary superstar!”
Extra virgin olive oil is simplicity itself: the juice of olives. But a thousand factors distinguish a premium quality extra virgin olive oil from the also-rans.
“With the top quality olive oils, the olives are harvested green and centrifuged - not pressed - as soon as possible to retain the high levels of nutrients, including the magical polyphenols,” says Michael. “These highly antioxidant, antiinflammatory compounds give top olive oils that spicy or peppery taste on the back of the throat. Some of the main ones in EVOO are oleocanthal, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein. Fun fact, oleuropein actually has a similar anti-inflammatory effect as ibuprofen!
“The key is knowing what you’re buying. Our aim for Olivver.co.nz is to be a place to discover premium extra virgin olive oils, and also be a resource of clear information on a topic that often causes a lot of confusion.
“The fact is, if a bottle of extra virgin olive oil doesn’t have at the very minimum, the acidity
level - below 0.8% to qualify as an EVOO - written on the bottle, then it’s likely a very low-quality bulk commodity olive oil. And we’ve all heard the stories about those.” (Acidity measures defects in the oil, and you want that to be low.)
“A premium extra virgin olive oil will tell you the acidity and typically the polyphenol levels in mg/kg. For example, we just received Olio Guglielmi’s new season 'Puglia' IGP which is certified at 644 mg/ kg of polyphenols. And we have other EVOOs up around the 800 mark.”
Michael says once people start digging into all the health benefits of top-quality certified olive oils, they are astonished. “This stuff is so powerful it does start to sound like a leg-pull, but every day new scientific studies are appearing, showing just how incredible really good quality extra virgin olive oil is. From better heart health - reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) - to improving cognitive function, boosting your gut health, fighting inflammation, improving bone density and even helping prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s… the list goes on!”
On the flip side, the studies are showing just how terrible seed oils like canola oil are for us, like the fact the Western diet is packed with high levels of an omega-6 called linoleic acid, which has been linked to higher levels of inflammation and cancer growth.
“Butter is part of the fabric of our diet, and will always play a role,” says Michael. “But if there’s one simple switch you can make for an easy instant health boost, just swap butter for a really good quality premium extra virgin olive oil. The benefits are unbelievable!”
Visit Olivver.co.nz for more information.
#supportlocal the
CRAVEHOME
Rains' jacket features a placket with snap fastenings for closure, hood with built-in cap and two side pockets with snaps. Sleeves are finished with snaps making them adjustable for a loose or tight fit. The design is easy-to-wear with an elegant drape. The finish is lightweight with a smooth feel. The evercontemporary rain jacket delivers high functionality in a minimal silhouette. Matching tote bag and weekend bag also available in store or online.
Warm her heart. Mother’s Day gifting with possum Merino knit ware – because mum deserves the softest hug.
34 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna 09 486 2679 thesheepskinfactory.co.nz
9-5pm Mon - Sat, 10-5pm Sundays
SHORE PHOTO GIFTS
Perfect gifts for friends and family. Check out our other amazing photo gift ideas at shorephotogifts.co.nz
STEP INTO STYLE AT NOVO SHOES – GLENFIELD MALL
Discover timeless elegance with the Iraya heel in Espresso – the perfect blend of classic sophistication and modern flair. Whether you're dressing up for a night out or elevating your everyday wardrobe, this sleek silhouette will have you stepping with confidence. Find your perfect fit in-store at NOVO Shoes, Glenfield Mall. novoshoes.co.nz 09 444 3526
FLORIENNE
Mums love flowers from Florienne and Mother’s Day is Sunday May 11 florienne.co.nz or pop by for a custom bouquet. 60A Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 6438 florienne.co.nz
YARNTONS
Glerups Slip-Ons. Comfortable, 100% pure natural wool and easy to slip on! Shop in store and online at Yarntons! 18 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, 09 418 4011 69 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 3479 facebook Instagram @yarntons yarntons.co.nz
DEPOT SHOP | TOI TOA
Our Maker of the Month is Virginiejg - a multidisciplinary artist based in Auckland, who’s jewellery pieces are inspired by and reflect the abundant creativity found in nature.
3 Victoria Road, Devonport toitoa@depot.org.nz depot.org.nz
10am-4pm, Tues-Sun
OLIVVER
Devonport-based Olivver.co.nz is NZ’s first shop dedicated to premium extra virgin olive oils… from countries like Italy, Spain, Greece and of course around the motu. The difference? These top olive oils are selected for their high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory polyphenols - and compared to ordinary olive oils taste out of this world.
Olivver.co.nz (online only) 0800 218 002
COSI FAN TUTTE
Spoil your marvellous mum this Mother’s Day with a basket full of Cosi treasures. From divinely scented Durance to exquisite Eribé Fairisle, we have everything you need to let her know how much she is loved.
73 Victoria Road, Devonport, 021 247 2469 cosifantutte.co.nz Instagram @cosifantutte_devonport
WALLACE COTTON
Inspired by lush, plant-filled conservatories, discover the beauty of Botanic Wonder bed linen. Crafted from organic cotton sateen, style a luxurious retreat with the painterly botanical design in restful garden hues. Visit our Takapuna location at 156 Hurstmere Road to see and shop our collections in person. 156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 551 7767 wallacecotton.com
MOKSHA DRINKS
Rose & Hibiscus Gin. Inspired by India and crafted on the North Shore, this bright aromatic gin blends rose petals and hibiscus with smooth citrus notes. Beautiful with tonic or soda, it's a vibrant sip for any celebration. Find Moksha at select local stockists or order online at mokshadrinks.com to receive a complimentary gift-box for Mother's Day only. Visit mokshadrinks.com and follow Moksha on Insta @mokshadrinks
Paint it pink for the cause during May
By Tracey Sunderland
This month one of the biggest fundraising campaigns happens in New Zealand for an illness that touches many of our lives. Pink Ribbon Breakfast, a fundraiser organised by Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand (BCFNZ) raises money for programmes supporting breast cancer patients with free and practical services, including a nurse advice line, counselling and physiotherapy, ground-breaking research, clinical trials and education campaigns.
The educational campaigns promote the importance of early detection and include the BCFNZ Pink Campervans which travel the country spreading breast health information to the regions.
The brekkies are wonderful events. Everybody likes a bit of pink! These breakfasts provide an opportunity to get a bunch of ‘gal friends’ together, make some delicious food to share and gather a crowd together for a very worthy cause.
My sister Nicki Sunderland has resorted to wearing pink much of the time (well, on special occasions mainly). In 2021 my family lost a special brother (and son) to bowel cancer. Ever since Craig left us (at 51 years of age) my younger sister loves to dress in pink clothing, wear a pink band on her wrist and just be a little bit more colourful for the cause.
The host with the most! This could be you, helping the cause by organising a Pink Ribbon breakfast. After signing up, you receive a host kit to get you started. This kit will provide you with everything you need to make hosting your occasion easy, such as pink serviettes, cute pink bunting to hang. They also send education resources, personalised posters, bookmarks, and tent cards with information about how to check your breasts. Plus, sponsored goodies from Griffins, Munchh! and Ma Baker to add to your selection of eats. Do not forget to chill that pink bubbly rose wine to fill the champagne glasses with!
Almost 10 years ago at the end of 2015 my personal journey with cancer meant I did not have a choice about the kind of treatment I received. Although it was not breast cancer, I certainly understand about the type of treatment that is given to cancer sufferers. Radiation and chemotherapy
come with debilitating side effects. My support came from family and close friends as all the treatment I received was not funded. Fortunately, I had health insurance.
A few locals are holding small events across the North Shore to help fundraise in order to help their own friends and family who have experienced this illness. Ann Tuxford and good friend Jenny Mills are hosting a big event for the community of Greenhithe this year. It is a private event in
the local community hall. Back in 2023 they held their first fundraiser in Ann’s home with forty friends who attended the Pink Ribbon breakfast. Ann’s son and a friend were on hand to make everyone a steaming cup of coffee for breakfast. In the lead-up to the day, pink bunting was hung, the pink cupcakes were made, art was donated and tastefully displayed in the lounge ready for the ‘auction’.
The morning was fun and fruitful;
Ann Tuxford (pictured right, with guest Helen) and good friend Jenny Mills are hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at Greenhithe once again this year.
together the ladies raised around $5000 for the foundation. Ann and Jenny, who met at book club many years ago, have become great friends and have collaborated to host these parties. They enjoyed the event in 2023 so much that they are hosting a bigger one this year, with the aim of gathering even more funds. The community is right behind them – the Greenhithe Residents Association has loaned the community hall at no charge for the whole afternoon.
Ann’s sister Kathy, who lives in Hawaii, has experienced breast cancer (she had all her treatment in the USA and is now doing quite well). Jenny has had two cousins pass away from breast cancer and two cousins are fortunate to have recovered after having successful treatment. For this reason, it is important to Ann and Jenny to fundraise for the cause.
Many of us have a journey or know someone personally that has had a run in with this terrible illness. So many people’s lives have been touched by friends and family who have experienced cancer in some way. Every dollar that is raised will fund education, research and patient support, helping bring deaths to a minimum. BCFNZ, the leading charity supporting
Kiwis affected by breast cancer, has been running the Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign for the past 15 years. Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of BCFNZ, says, “Pink Ribbon Breakfast is the ultimate show of support for the 3,500 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Aotearoa every year. Thousands of big-hearted Kiwis come together at unique events all over the country to raise vital funds for research, education, and patient support.”
An example of how the funds are used is a new clinical trial started in December 2024 by Dr Remy Lim who is the medical director at Mercy Radiology. This was made possible with a $550,000 research grant from BCFNZ. The trial is being conducted with patients from New Zealand hospitals.
If you are thinking about hosting a Pink Ribbon breakfast in 2025 you still have time. The official date is Thursday 22 May, but you can host your breakfast anytime that suits you in May. BCFNZ has an excellent website that makes it very easy to find information. If you are not in a position to host a breakfast, find one and get involved.
For more information visit: breastcancerfoundation.org.nz
Why host a Pink Ribbon breakfast at work?
• Bring your team together with a shared sense of purpose.
• Make a real impact by raising funds for breast cancer support and research.
• Build positive connections with your colleagues.
• Boost morale and create a great team environment.
• Unite your workplace in a fun and engaging way.
Who doesn't love an excuse to get together for some afternoon snacks or a tasty, shared lunch?
So why not harness your team's exuberance for fun non-work events –and support crucial research to help achieve zero deaths from breast cancer.
breastcancerfoundation.org.nz
An art auction is a way of raising funds at a Pink Ribbon Breakfast.
Pink Ribbon Breakfast party gifts.
Pink goodies for breakfast.
FOCUS ON DEVONPORT
Local lawyers anchored in the village
Back in 1990, Alan Jones moved from the South Island to Devonport for a complete change of lifestyle and opportunity. With extensive experience as a court lawyer involved in numerous trials for commercial, criminal and family matters, he realised his broad background could be applied to a general law practice – one that would benefit the local community with his calm approach.
The decision to open his doors in the heart of the village over 30 years ago has led to a well-established reputation, deep connections and a close-knit team. Alan’s affection for the area, the work, and the generations of families supported over the years meant he wanted the legacy to continue. Recently, Lesley Chapman became a business partner, signalling a new era and a lasting offering. Lesley is a commercial solicitor with a degree from the University of Westminster, London. Having worked at several law firms and as the sole in-house counsel for a major primary healthcare company in Auckland, Lesley brings vast experience to her clients. She believes, "Our role is an essential – and somewhat traditional – part of any town.
“We strive to provide a positive experience for our clients, listening to their needs before offering easily understood and human recommendations and resolutions. Quality advice helps in so many ways. Besides being professional advisors, we also gain a very real sense of satisfaction seeing individuals, families and businesses get their affairs and issues in order without a fuss.”
Lesley and Alan have both raised families in the area and reside close by. In fact, Alan has a very short commute and Lesley cycles to work to make the most of living here. They know the names of other local business owners, what’s happening around town, and even the best spot for a summer picnic in Windsor Reserve. Alan reckons
Devonport is the best little spot in the country. “We’re in the heart of the village, so it’s easy – and necessary – to be part of the local spirit. We’ve spent many years providing robust advice, but beyond that, we’ve also immersed ourselves in life here; the village has got our friends, family, favourite spots and places to walk the dog. It doesn’t get much better than this.”
And it’s not just clients who are treated like family. The Chapman Jones team consists of highly experienced people who balance life with work, efficiency with logic, and people with processes. They support each other every day in every way. Lesley likes to say, “We’re JUST locals.”
Chapman Jones Law - a Devonport-based general law firm serving the local and wider community 11D Wynyard Street, Devonport 09 445 6225 info@chapmanjones.co.nz chapmanjones.co.nz
Kate Jones, Carol Allen, Lesley Chapman, Alan Jones and Winnie the dog, Maria Perrett, Rachel Burrows
Lesley Chapman Alan Jones
FOCUS ON BARRYS POINT ROAD
Contemporary Pilates is all the rage
One of the hottest exercise trends in 2025 is contemporary Pilates, but what is it, why is it so popular, and how does it differ from classical Pilates?
Generally speaking, classical Pilates closely follows the precise movements and sequence of exercises created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. By contrast, contemporary Pilates offers a greater variety of movements, uses additional equipment, and incorporates some more modern physio-type exercises.
Pilates has been extremely popular for decades because its low-impact workouts tone bodies, improve balance, aid weight loss, build core strength, relieve back pain and help prevent future injuries. The latest trend, however, is to take Pilates to the next level by using equipment such as balls, rollers, springs and suspension straps and incorporating movements that physios use to help people recover from injuries and mitigate chronic conditions. The idea is that by supplementing the classical exercises, you work out more efficiently and effectively and tap into more muscles. Combining an array of equipment with modern exercises provides a more complete and interesting full-body workout.
Contemporary Pilates has become extremely popular because many people, after benefiting from classical Pilates workouts, seek to build even stronger, healthier and more toned physiques. Also, the extra equipment and greater variety of exercises make contemporary Pilates more interesting and approachable than its classical counterpart. In the 99 years since Joseph Pilates opened his first studio, we have learned much about exercise and how best to improve our health; contemporary Pilates is the result.
At Suna Pilates we are thrilled to see the world embrace a more modern form of Pilates, since that is what we’ve been teaching for over
25 years (although we didn’t know the term 'contemporary Pilates', and instead called our workouts 'equipment-based Pilates'). Long before it was trendy, we used fitness towers with springs, suspension straps and roll-down bars, as well as foam rollers, weighted balls, Pilates balls and Swiss balls in our mat workouts. These different equipment options allow for an enormous variety of movements that target all the muscle groups. At Suna, we will never bore you by offering the same old workout. We make it easier for members to stay engaged and motivated by keeping things fresh.
Because many physios refer their clients to Suna, we have integrated physio-type exercises into our class repertoire. We also offer one-on-one training sessions during which we tailor the workout to the individual needs of the client, unconstrained by the rubric of classical Pilates.
Find out how invigorating a contemporary Pilates workout can be by becoming a member of Suna Pilates. Because we have over 100 classes and personal training sessions each week, it’s easy to fit Suna into your schedule. Get started with an intro pack of six classes for just $60.
Suna Pilates
1 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna 09 489 1987 info@sunapilates.co.nz sunapilates.co.nz
WHAT’S TRENDING
NUMBER ONE SHOES + HANNAHS
Pulp Salt Sneakers - $79.99
Say hello to your new autumn favourite sneaker in rich burgundy. With its sleek design and plush comfort, it’s the perfect everyday shoe for cooler days. Dress it up or down — this versatile sneaker will carry you through the season in style.
JUST JEANS
AMAZE HIGH RISE WIDE LEG JEANS - $119.99
Comfort meets cool. These fan-favourite Amaze jeans are crafted in knit denim for that buttery-soft, jersey-like feel—while still delivering the authentic look of classic denim. The high-rise wide leg cut flatters the waist and is the perfect match for your favourite cosy knit.
COTTON ON LUXE CREW PULLOVER - $49.99
Stay snug and stylish this season in the Luxe Crew Pullover from Cotton On. With a relaxed fit, dropped shoulders and blouson sleeves, it’s the perfect winter knit for layeringand right on trend in bold burgundy.
Elevate your everyday with these Waterproof Gold-Plated Fluted Hoops from Lovisa. Durable, stylish, and e ortlessly chic—perfect from brunch to date night.
Favourite Winter Preparations
LOVISA Gold Plated Hoop Earrings - $26.00
The Complete Platinum Bundle - $71.50
Achieve silky, frizz-free hair with the Complete Platinum Bundle. This trio includes 10 Second Hair Miracle to eliminate frizz, Platinum Shampoo with Keratin to improve hair quality, and Platinum Conditioner to hydrate and detangle. Transform your hair into a glossy, manageable masterpiece.
Briscoes Embossed Flannel Fleece Blanket - From $59.00
Snuggle up and stay warm this winter with the Galaxy Atlas Embossed Flannel Fleece Blanket. Featuring a stylish embossed flannel front and ultra-soft Sherpa fleece reverse, this cosy essential is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s your go-to for comfort all season long.
A New Retail Experience at Milford
The wait is over, Milford! We’re beyond thrilled to announce that Milford Centre has unveiled the first phase of the highly anticipated retail expansion. This transformative development seamlessly connects the North and West wings, creating a more dynamic and convenient shopping experience for our community.
Milford Centre welcomed Country Road as the first store in the new space, but that’s just the beginning, many more incredible stores are on the way! Come explore the new space at Milford Centre. Keep an eye out for exclusive updates by following us on social media and subscribing to our mailing list.
Be In To Win An $8K Original Flox Artwork!
Looking for a truly unforgettable Mother’s Day gift. MorArt in Milford Centre is giving you the chance to WIN an original FLOX artwork valued at $8K – a breathtaking piece of art from one of New Zealand’s most iconic artists.
HOW TO ENTER:
Spend $30 or more at any participating store in Milford, every $30+ transaction gives you another chance to enter!
- Keep your receipt!
- Fill out the entry form.
- Drop it in the entry box located outside MorArt.
WANT AN EXTRA CHANCE TO WIN?
Head in store to MorArt and get a Bonus Entry. No purchase necessary. View the artwork on display inside of MorArt, Milford Shopping Centre.
Blue Illusion Styling event
Blue Illusion is once again partnering with World Vision for a special fundraising event. When 8th May, 12:30pm – 1:30pm Where Blue Illusion, Milford Centre Find out more and RSVP at blueillusion.com/en-nz
Make Mum a Candle for Mother's Day
Come in with your mum or mother figure, bring the family, and enjoy a candle making workshop together!
OPEN May 8-18. Bookings essential. Daytime & evening sessions available. Located inside Milford Shopping Centre Book now at flameinvintage.com
DENIM TALK | Style Workshop with Sisterhood of Style
Join us in-store for a live workshop hosted by Rachel Korpus, and mid-life style expert, Emma John aka Sisterhood of Style. Saturday, 3 May 10:30am-12:00pm Coco & Belle, Milford Shopping Centre Reserve a spot today, learn more at milfordcentre.co.nz
Plenty to do this month
There’s always something happening in Milford! Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and make the most of what Milford has to offer this May.
Milford Cruising Club
• Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday 11th May from 9am-2pm
• Live Music & Dinner 9th May with Bruce Perrett
• Live Music & Dinner 23rd May with Serene Boulton
• Friday Night is Family Night – bring the kids for an affordable Menu from 5.30pm
La Mexicana
• Taco Tuesday’s –all bundles $15
• Margaritas – Friday & Saturdays $12
Milford Motel
• Tuesday Quiz night 7pm
• Thursday $20 Pizzas
• Friday Oysters ($3) & Bubbles ($10)
Pym’s Of Milford
Live music
• Friday 2nd May with Leah
• Friday 9th May with Manchie and Albert Duo (Jake Panchos parents)
• Friday 16th May with Jake Pancho
Murray Hill, Manager, Milford Business Association • manager@milfordshops.co.nz • 021 950 463 • milfordshops.co.nz � milfordshops � milfordnz youtube MilfordshopsTV
Travel in style: The luxury of all-inclusive escapes
At Shore Travel, we believe travel should be more than just a getaway – it should be a transformative experience, a celebration of life’s finer things, and above all, stress-free. That’s why we’re passionate about luxury all-inclusive travel – the kind of trip where you can truly relax, indulge, and enjoy without constantly reaching for your wallet or worrying over the details. Here’s why our clients love all-inclusive luxury travel:
1. Ultimate peace of mind: With allinclusive luxury, you know exactly what your holiday will cost from the outset. Flights, transfers, accommodation, dining, drinks, and even some experiences are often rolled into one upfront price. You can relax knowing the details are handled.
2. More value than you expect: Luxury doesn’t mean overpriced – it means value. With so much included, you often get more for your money with an all-inclusive package than when booking everything separately. Fine dining, topshelf cocktails, private butlers, curated excursions, wellness programmes, and stunning accommodation… all bundled together for a seamless, opulent experience.
3. Elevated experiences: Luxury all-inclusive resorts and cruise lines specialise in crafting exceptional experiences. Think private beachfront dinners, exclusive island excursions, and intuitive service that anticipates your
You’re Invited to Join us!
every need. This is the kind of travel that leaves you feeling revived, pampered, and inspired.
4. Unplug and unwind: Without the pressure of planning your next activity or budgeting your daily meals, you can simply be present. Spend your days lounging by the infinity pool, exploring vibrant local cultures with expert guides, or enjoying world-class cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chefs. This is your time to fully unwind.
5. Perfect for every traveller: Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, a wellness retreat, or a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, there’s an all-inclusive luxury option to match. From adultsonly resorts in the Maldives to elegant Mediterranean cruises and eco-luxury lodges in Africa, we’ll help you find the right fit.
Ready to travel in style?
At Shore Travel, we specialise in creating custom luxury travel experiences that elevate every moment. Let us show you how effortless and enriching travel can be when everything is taken care of – so you can focus on what matters most: living well, exploring more, and embracing the luxury you deserve. Contact us today to start planning your next unforgettable journey – and join us for our upcoming Luxury Travel event – details in the advert below.
Phone: 09 489 2597 or email hello@shoretravel.co.nz
Join us Thursday 29 May 2025 for our upcoming FREE Luxury Travel Information Evening
Chat with a selection of Travel Experts representing various Luxury travel products for those searching for an all-inclusive holiday in style. Featuring Cruises, Luxury Rail, Tours and Package holidays.
When: Thursday 29th May
What: Travel Expo style, drop by between 5pm-6.30pm Included - drinks, nibbles and door prizes Where: Pupuke Golf Club Rooms
RSVP: Essential due to limited capacity Email: hello@shoretravel.co.nz
Sporting royalty features as the speaker at the North Harbour Club’s next BEN Breakfast to be held at Regatta Bar & Eatery in Takapuna in June.
Dame Valerie Adams is one of the most dominant track and field athletes in New Zealand’s sporting history, winning 107 world athletic titles and backto-back gold medals at the Beijing (2008) and London (2012) Olympics, as well as a silver at Rio in 2016 and bronze at Tokyo in 2020. A four-time world champion, she was seven times awarded the Halberg Sportswoman of the Year Award.
The mother of two was appointed as a Dame of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to athletics in 2017.
Dame Valerie retired from competition in 2022 but continues her involvement through coaching and as chair of World Athletics Athletes Commission, and as a World Athletics Council member. She is also on the board of High-Performance Sport New Zealand, is a leader in the Pacific community, and gives her time to many causes such as Jammies for June with the Middlemore Foundation, and Game Plan AKL with Aktiv Auckland.
This will be a BEN Breakfast you won’t want to miss! Tickets just $69 plus GST per person.
BEN Breakfast – Tuesday 10 June, from 7am. Regatta Bar & Eatery, Takapuna Bookings at northharbourclub.co.nz or email info@northharbourclub.co.nz
30th AIMES Awards Gala Dinner
It’s on this month – Saturday 24 May
Due to very strong ticket sales this massive celebration of three decades of AIMES Awards Gala Dinners has been moved to a bigger venue. At the time of going to press there were still tickets available, but this will sell out.
Back in 2015 the twentieth Gala Dinner attracted 600 people to the Cordis Hotel in the city. It was a magnificent event – two decades of rewarding excellence were celebrated in style. Ten years on, this ‘Gatsby and Pearl’ themed event is shaping up to be even bigger!
30th AIMES Awards Gala Dinner – Saturday 24 May, from 6pm
Shed 10, The Viaduct, Auckland City Bookings at northharbourclub.co.nz or email info@northharbourclub.co.nz
Just announced as we were going to print…
The North Harbour Club will host a special AFC (Auckland Football Club) Lunch on Wednesday 3rd September at North Harbour Stadium. MC will be Jason Pine, to interview a panel of AFC players, CEO Nick Becker, Coach Steve Corica and two surprise players. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to hear all about this huge sporting success story in their very first season. This will sell out! Bookings at northharbourclub.co.nz or email info@northharbourclub.co.nz
Dame Valerie Adams
By Steve Deacon
Sustainability starts behind the walls
When we think about sustainability, plumbing isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind – but maybe it should be. In every household, the way we use and manage water has a huge impact on our environment, not to mention our wallets.
Take water pressure, for example. High pressure might feel great in the shower, but it can quietly damage your plumbing over time, causing leaks, bursts and wasted water. It also forces appliances like dishwashers and washing machines to work harder, reducing their lifespan and increasing energy use. Simply installing a pressurelimiting valve is a small move that can make a big difference.
Leaky taps and toilets are another silent sustainability issue. A dripping tap might not seem like much, but over a year it can waste thousands of litres of water. Multiply that by the number of homes across Auckland, and it’s easy to see the scale of the problem. The good news? These are simple fixes.
Older hot water systems are another area to watch. Many New Zealand homes still use traditional electric cylinders, which are less efficient. If you're considering an upgrade, electric heat pump water heaters are a clean, green option. They store water at temperature like a traditional cylinder but use far less electricity, making them much cheaper to run. Since most of New Zealand’s electricity comes from hydro, they’re also low-carbon, unlike gas systems.
For continuous hot water on demand, gas califont (Infinity) systems are another popular choice, though they do release carbon emissions.
Sustainability doesn’t always mean a major overhaul. Often, it’s about making practical, long-term decisions that keep your home running efficiently while reducing waste.
At Seal Plumbing, we can help you make those small, smart changes that add up. Give us a call on 021 797 912 or visit sealplumbing.co.nz to chat with the team.
Seal Plumbing and Gas Services - where quality meets reliability. 021 79 79 12
sealplumbing.co.nz
HOMES & GARDENS: REFRESH
Jeremy & Sarah Lowe, Renovation Consultants
Beyond the benchtop: Kitchen trends redefining North Shore homes
In many North Shore homes, the kitchen is more than a place to cook – it’s the heart of the home, where families connect, share meals and make memories. Today’s kitchen renovations are less about chasing trends and more about creating spaces that feel personal, functional and timeless. Here are a few standout ideas shaping modern kitchen transformations:
Healthier benchtops: With safety front of mind, many homeowners are moving away from engineered stone containing crystalline silica. Stylish, silica-free options like porcelain, stainless steel and natural stone offer a sleek, modern look without the health risks.
Indoor-outdoor living: Our stunning North Shore surroundings are inspiring kitchens that open up to the outdoors. Large sliders, servery windows and covered patios are popular ways to create a seamless flow for alfresco entertaining.
Multi-purpose islands: Today’s kitchen islands do it all – prep space, dining spot, charging station or social hub. Built-in storage, integrated appliances and layered benchtops add versatility and style.
Smart lighting: A thoughtful mix of natural light, task lighting and feature fixtures can make any kitchen brighter and more functional. Lighter finishes, well-placed glazing and reflective surfaces help bounce light around without altering your home’s footprint.
Coastal calm: Neutral palettes inspired by our coastal environment – soft whites, sandy taupes, and sea-glass greens –paired with natural textures like brushed brass, timber, and stone create a calm, contemporary feel that’s distinctly North Shore.
Smarter storage: Custom storage solutions like pull-out pantries, drawer inserts, and hidden appliance zones make everyday living more organised and enjoyable.
A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right team and a clear vision, it's an exciting chance to create a space that truly suits your lifestyle. Ready to reimagine your kitchen? We’d love to help bring your ideas to life.
facebook Jeremy and Sarah at Refresh Instagram jeremyandsarah.refresh
By Lewis Rudall, Master Electrician and director at Lake Road Electrical
Driving green with home EV chargers
With electric vehicles (EVs) gaining momentum in New Zealand, having the right home charging station is essential. Lake Road Electrical is here to guide you through selecting and installing the perfect EV charger.
We ensure everything is up to code, so your setup is safe and hassle-free.
Investing in a home charger means convenience and efficiency. It allows you to avoid long lines at public stations and charge your EV overnight in your own garage. Most Kiwi homes find Level 2 chargers ideal. These chargers can fully power your EV overnight and are cost-effective in both installation and operation. Our skilled team at Lake Road Electrical handles everything from assessing your electrical system to installing the charger. We ensure everything is up to code, so your setup is safe and hassle-free. Need support or a routine check? We’re just a call away. Keeping your charger in top condition is straightforward, but our friendly team is ready to assist whenever needed.
For Channel Mag readers, we’re offering a special discount on EV charger installations. Mention this article when you book your consultation. Ready to enhance your EV experience? Contact Lake Road Electrical today, and let’s get your home equipped with the ideal charging solution. Call us at 029 128 7494 or visit our website at lakeroadelectrical.co.nz to learn more and schedule your service. Let's push the green revolution forward, together!
Top tips from Amanda Graham, Newhaven Gardens. North Shore hedge trimming, garden tidy ups, planting, pruning and garden maintenance.
Mulch and weed mat alternatives
Traditional black weed mat is not good for your garden. It ‘sours’ the soil by preventing proper airflow and water absorption, compacts clay and disrupts the soil food web.
Then, after a year or so, you will find weeds growing through the mat. Their roots firmly lodged in the weed mat itself, they become harder to remove and soon you find that what you have is now a mat made of weeds!
The photo below shows this effect on soil. Over the years mulch and soil have built up on top of the weed mat creating a lovely healthy hummus, rich with worms, roots and life. However this layer is cut off from the rest of the soil by a thick layer of plastic weed mat. Below the weed mat, where water and airflow is restricted, we get compact, grey clay, which is much harder for plant roots to grow through, and very slow draining.
I recommend using a nice thick layer of bark, straw or mulch to suppress weeds and ‘feed’ the soil. This mulch will certainly reduce the amount of weeds that grow, while allowing air and water to cycle through; it will also encourage worms, beneficial insects, and microbes which work together in giving you much healthier soil and plants.
What if you need a little more help with weed suppression though? There are now quite a few alternatives you can lay on your soil before adding mulch, to help keep weeds at bay.
Traditionally we have recommended using a layer of card board or six to eight sheets depth of newspaper, which will form a breathable barrier long enough to kill off weeds, but will break down over a few months adding carbon to the soil. Make sure you cover the bed completely and wet the soil and the cardboard or paper before adding the mulch on top.
Several of my clients swear by the wool linings they get in their food boxes, and indeed in organic gardening old wool carpets are routinely used as weed mat, and even tasked with killing off tough weeds such as kikuyu.
Nowadays you can purchase eco-friendly weed mats such as wool mat or even coconut fibre mats from DIY stores and garden centres; these products will help keep the weeds away without harming your soil the way older ‘traditional’ weed mat does.
Amanda Graham Newhaven Gardens Ltd 021 378969 instagram.com/newhavengardens/ amanda@newhavengardens.co.nz newhavengardens.co.nz
Cheers, Your team at Lake Road Electrical
Enabling young women to be the best version of themselves Tania Dalton Foundation reaches significant milestone
By Tracey Sunderland
This year the 13 recipients of the North Shore based Tania Dalton Foundation (TDF) scholarship awards come from all around New Zealand. From Northland, Gisborne, Auckland, Waikato, Whanganui and Wairarapa. One of them is a student from Carmel College on the Shore, where Tania attended school.
In 2025, the milestone of 100 girls graduating from the foundation is something Duane Dalton, along with his three children (Tayla, Charlie and Matthew) and the Nicholson family, are enormously proud of. Duane was married to the former Silver Ferns star Tania Dalton (affectionately known to many as ‘T’), who tragically passed away in February 2017. The Tania Dalton Foundation concept was stitched together by Duane in consultation with Tania’s family, plus a couple of great mates, Scott Pritchard (CEO at Precinct Properties) and Steve Jurkovich (CEO of Kiwibank) in the uneasy few days leading up to Tania’s memorial.
It was important for Tania’s family, and Duane, to be able to share this idea to the large crowd that gathered at North Harbour Stadium for her very public funeral and farewell. They all made a promise to honour Tania’s legacy. The foundation would give them all a focus and purpose, to share with Tania’s children who were aged just 15, 13 and 10 at the time.
Establishing TDF was the way to carry Tania’s great principles and passion for life forward. After eight years the trustees and founders are honoured that they have achieved the goal of 100 recipients having received a TDF scholarship, and the foundation is proud to witness the difference that has been made to the lives of the girls and their families. What they have collectively been able to achieve is quite incredible.
“Our scholarship recipients shine in their chosen sport but find it challenging getting to and remaining at the highperformance level. For some that can come
with additional challenges due to family, education or work commitments.” says Duane, who is chair of the foundation.
Tania and Duane met at teachers’ college, and both graduated as PE teachers. Colleagues tell many a great story about their funny escapades. Adine Wilson (ex-Silver Fern and TDF trustee) says, “When they were apart Tania and Duane were mischievous, but together, they were dynamite!”
Duane remembers that Tania had huge empathy plus love and drive to help other people less fortunate than herself. As a teacher ‘T’ always preferred to work in under-funded lower decile schools of South or West Auckland. She was known for taking breakfast in for some of her students, and she showed real care for those less fortunate than herself; it was important for her to help disadvantaged girls
The couple were certainly high achievers, Duane and his team won a world title for surf life saving in 1998. In 2003, while
Tania Dalton Foundation scholarship recipients celebrating Tania
Tania Dalton Foundation scholarship recipients
Tania returned from overseas with the Silver Ferns team that had won the world netball title.
The opportunity to start TDF came after the very first charity gala was held, raising $100,000 to kick off the foundation. The genesis was to amplify the essence of what Tania liked to do, and make it achievable for disadvantaged girls to reach their potential. From the very start, the principle was to connect recipients to sponsors directly. Each recipient has their own sponsor, be it a corporate, individual or family donor. The sponsor establishes a direct contact with the recipient. This gives the girls an opportunity to be exposed to a company or situation that they would ordinarily never have been able to access. In turn, the sponsor signs up to the TDF for three years and has an obligation to fund the girl's sports journey for three years.
The girls awarded scholarships are enabled to get the best of both worlds, but must work for the donation which goes towards anything they need, like sports gear, clothing, shoes etc. Under the umbrella of the foundation, they can access up to $5000 per year. TDF provides additional support, pastoral care, mentoring, and courses on personal development.
It is equally beneficial to the sponsor to have the one-to-one relationship and exposure to the remarkable achievements that their recipient graduates with. For example, Precinct Properties has witnessed Paris Mason, their recipient, graduate in 2023, and be selected as a Silver Fern.
The very reason that Tania and Duane loved sport so much is because sport unites people, it transcends race, religion, culture, and wealth.
The young women selected for the TDF scholarships each year are chosen from many different areas and schools. It is a hardship scholarship, and it is important
that they have a certain level of achievement in their chosen sport. They must be at a regional level to qualify. They start when they are still in school in Year 11, 12 or 13, and by the end of three years they graduate from school to work, from a junior sportsperson, to being an adult.
The very first recipient to accept a scholarship was Samalulu Clifton, who represented Samoa at the Paris Olympics in the canoe sprint. Samalulu currently works for AUT Millenium on the Shore, works part time as a kayak coach, and competes locally with the Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club. She is also now a trustee of TDF. Her scholarship was with New Zealand Surf Life Saving, and she graduated from university with a Bachelor of Science in 2023.
Ella Henderson from Carmel College is doing a scholarship in rugby. Ella has captained the North Harbour team and plays rugby and touch. She is very much a humble leader. Her sponsor is Archibald and Shorter North Shore, a very generous corporate sponsor. Each year they provide the venue for the girls' graduation and introduction to the next year’s recipients.
Scholarship Manager Paula George (“Georgie” as she is known) says, “The girls are given workshops on many different
things learning transferrable skills. The values and life lessons they are exposed to at the foundation will stand them in good stead for their life ahead.”
Not every recipient will have a big future in high performance sport. Georgie spoke of one graduate Luisa whose scholarship was in rugby. She now works in the management and administration department of a trailer company in West Auckland and has a team of eight working under her. At the age of 23 she is standing strong and is grateful for the life skills, mentoring and companionship she has gained from being a scholarship recipient.
Georgie also said, “In a statistical report from USA last year in 2024, 94% of women who work in c-suite positions as a career, have all previously played sport.”
The very reason that Tania and Duane loved sport so much is because sport unites people, it transcends race, religion, culture, and wealth. The girls who participate in the three-year programme all become close.
Jeanette Paine, general manager of TDF, says, “It is quite amazing to see how the girls get along together. [They develope] such a strong level of connectivity and they refer to themselves as a sisterhood.”
In 2020, TDF started a new relationship with Rebel Sport and Silver Fern called ‘Pass It Forward’, which supplies sports equipment to schools. This came about
through the recipients on the TDF programme needing to give something back to their community. It was also apparent that after Covid-19, children were desperate to get outdoors and play with balls; anything to be outside socialising. The girls are encouraged to go back to their schools and donate sports equipment. Most girls complete their Pass It Forward programme in the third and final year, while some complete it after they have graduated, due to timing. After graduation, the journey back to their low decile schools is also important. They love feeling so strong and passing on the love and help that they have received.
For trustees of the foundation, it can be very emotional witnessing the difference that they have made to an individual’s life, and the profound effect that it has on the community of the lower socio-economic areas in New Zealand. It is extremely satisfying to see sports equipment being donated to schools and giving the children new opportunities. Since May 2020, TDF and Rebel Sport have supplied 256,000 balls to New Zealand schools.
TDF GM Jeanette Paine says that this year the annual (and eighth) Tania Dalton Foundation Charity Gala will be held at The Viaduct Events Centre on Saturday 14 August. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and have fun for this worthy cause in
Tania’s name. “This is by far the biggest fundraiser for the foundation and allows us to continue the positive work with young women experiencing hardship, in their journey to be a high performing sportsperson. We would like to shout out to the wider North Shore community in advance to get involved. This year we have a Vegas theme for the gala. These are always wonderful events of celebration.”
TDF would love to hear from North Shore people and businesses that may have quality gifts or experiences they are happy to donate to the TDF to be auctioned at the gala.
Current Tania Dalton Foundation Trustees are Duane Dalton, Adine Wilson, Scott Pritchard, Tayla Dalton, Steve Jurkovich, Vikki Maclean, Tony Nicholson, Caterina Poletti and Samalulu Clifton.
Well done to everyone who plays a part in the ongoing success of the Tania Dalton Foundation. It is a fitting way to remember ‘T’!
Tania Dalton Foundation Pass It Forward event with youngsters at Opotiki
Harbour Hospice Awareness Month
Harbour Hospice is often described by patients and their families as ‘a lifeline’, and during the month of May the charity is asking the community to be theirs. Harbour Hospice Awareness Month runs from 1-31 May, with many local businesses, including Mason Containers, Move By Design, Diamond Fusion, and Northland Waste – who are generously matching any online donation, up to a total of $20,000, supporting the campaign.
Harbour Hospice chief executive, Amanda Fowler, says the organisation has always been humbled by the generosity of its community and that support has never been more important than now.
“The health sector is under immense pressure and hospices nationally are facing significant financial strain. We see the profound impact hospice has on the lives of our community every day and we need continued support to ensure we’re here long into the future,” Fowler says.
Harbour Hospice is the only specialist palliative care provider on the North Shore, caring for more than 1300 people every year. But rising demand, increasing complexity of care and limited government funding means they must raise millions each year to keep services running.
Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CPOD) at age 69, Gary was referred to Harbour Hospice. He was reluctant at first as he thought it was “only a place where you go to die”. However from the day he and wife Margaret arrived, their lives changed for the better. “I don't know whether I would have been able to cope for too much longer if Hospice hadn't stepped in,” Margaret said. “They were always there, they made us feel safe and they made our lives easier.”
Harbour Hospice supported the couple in ways they hadn’t even imagined. “They helped us apply for a disabled parking permit and they convinced Gary to get a wound checked that was not healing. Hospice sorted his breathing, and when things got too much for me, they would take him for respite care. When Gary went in, I would feel this relief,” Margaret says. “I’m thankful that in the last few months of his life, we were both so well cared for by Harbour Hospice.”
To donate during Harbour Hospice Awareness Month (1-31 May) and double your impact visit harbourhospice.org.nz/awarenessmonth.
By Dan Bidois, MP for Northcote
Getting New Zealand back on track
After a tough few years, momentum is finally shifting in the right direction. As author Robin Sharma put it: “Rough seas make stronger sailors. Tough times build greater people.” That resilience has carried us through and now we’re turning the corner.
Inflation is easing, the OCR and interest rates have fallen and should continue to do so for most of 2025, and New Zealand is officially out of recession. Treasury expects growth to pick up in 2025 and confidence is rising. The latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows a net 23% of firms expect general economic conditions to improve, up from just 9% last quarter.
After a long period of economic slump, Kiwi households and businesses are starting to feel more optimistic about the future.
However, nothing is ever smooth sailing. Global headwinds remain on the horizon. While the impact of Trump’s tariff wars is ultimately very difficult to accurately assess for New Zealand, the uncertainty it causes has been enough to disrupt equity markets, investment plans and global trade.
After a long period of economic slump, Kiwi households and businesses are starting to feel more optimistic about the future.
New Zealand’s economy is well positioned to weather this storm, but we need to be ready for the downstream effects if the tariff wars continue unabated.
Closer to home, geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region are on the rise. That’s why the coalition government is committed to increasing defence spending to 2% of GDP over the next eight years. This will ensure we have a modern, combat-ready New Zealand Defence Force that continues to pull its weight internationally and domestically, to keep New Zealand safe and secure.
Our prosperity and national security go hand in hand. While we can’t control global storms, we can control how we steer the ship. This government is taking a bold and firm approach to pursuing economic growth by cutting red tape, restoring fiscal discipline and backing Kiwi businesses to succeed.
We live in one of the most dynamic regions in the world and New Zealand is well-positioned to thrive. With strong leadership, the courage to act and a resilient people, we’re charting a course toward a more prosperous future for my son, your children, and our grandchildren.
To the hardworking small business owners, workers and families across the Northcote electorate, thank you! Your perseverance is the reason we’re seeing light on the horizon. Together, we’re getting New Zealand back on track!
This month, we’re talking to a range of local heroes who keep our charitable organisations running. We speak to them about what their organisations do, their goals and how Channel readers can support them, which includes everything from giving blood, mentoring, donating or simply buying a coffee from a café that employs young adults who are neurodiverse.
Sarah Dann-Hoare: Project Employ & Flourish Cafe
Sarah Dann-Hoare has lived on the shore since 2003, after moving from the UK with her husband and two young children. She founded Project Employ in 2021 after becoming disheartened as a teacher by the lack of employment opportunities for her neurodiverse students once they left school. Project Employ is a real labour of love for her whole family with her children, Melissa and Tim, now volunteering their time as the charity’s graphic designer and cinematographer.
Channel Mag: Tell us briefly about your charity
Sarah Dann-Hoare: Project Employ supports neurodiverse young adults (aged 18-28) to become –workready and gain meaningful, paid employment. We provide six months’ employability skills training in Flourish Café, and then support our graduates to gain and
maintain paid employment in their preferred careers. We also work with businesses to assist them through the initial recruitment stages and offer ongoing guidance once employment has been offered to a Project Employ graduate. Along with our training café at 19 Como Street, Takapuna, we also run a paid internship programme in our second Flourish Café, based in Air New Zealand’s Fanshawe Street head office. So far, 33 young people have graduated from our training programme, with over 60% now in employment or paid internships within the local community.
Can you share with us a heart-warming story about your charity?
David joined Project Employ with the aim of getting a job working outdoors, as part of a small team, somewhere on the Shore. Although he’d completed some volunteer work, he was aware he needed to develop key employability skills and become more confident talking to others if he was going to gain paid employment. With the support of job coaches and through positive interactions with our customers, David’s confidence grew and, after graduating, he completed a paid internship as gardener at a retirement village. Around this time we were approached by Dutton Stormwater, Birkenhead, who were actively looking to diversify their workforce and felt they could offer an inclusive, supportive working environment in which one of our graduates could thrive. David was interviewed and offered the role of yardman. Several months on and David is loving his job as it’s outdoors, based on the Shore, and he’s working in a small team. He participates in their yoga and basketball sessions, and his
confidence continues to soar. David is living his best life and Dutton Stormwater have gained themselves a hardworking, confident yardman.
Why do you love doing what you do?
I have the privilege of seeing trainees transform from being extremely anxious, lacking self-belief and often unable to name one positive thing about themselves, into work-ready, confident young adults, proudly giving their graduation speeches to a room full of guests. I then get to see the excitement in their eyes when they tell me they’ve been offered a job, and they begin to realise they now have choices, can become financially independent, and have the futures of which they’ve dreamed.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you wish for your charity?
To become financially sustainable and open Flourish Cafés throughout NZ, so that more neurodiverse young adults can develop the skills needed to gain employment and live their best lives.
What can Channel readers do to support your charity?
Pop into Flourish Café. Every interaction trainees have with our customers takes them one step closer to being work-ready. Employ our hardworking, motivated graduates. Contact emily@projctemploy.nz to find out how to become an employer partner. You can also donate or become a corporate sponsor.
Flourish Café is at 19 Como Street, Takapuna and in Air New Zealand’s Fanshawe Street head office. Contact Sarah via sarah@projectemploy.nz.
Visit: projectemploy.nz
Sarah and David
Christie Stuart: Big Buddy
Christie Stuart has grown up on the North Shore. She lives in the East Coast Bays with her husband, Greg, and two children, Ellie and Cody. Christie is the co-CEO of Big Buddy, alongside Steve Sobota, who has been at the organisation for over 20 years. Big Buddy works on the simple philosophy that a boy will benefit greatly from having a positive male role model in their life. Christie has experience in sponsorship, fundraising, marketing and events over the course of her career, including working at North Harbour Stadium, The Warriors, AJ Hackett Bungy, NZ Maritime Museum and the North Harbour Club & Charitable Trust.
Channel Mag: Tell us briefly about your charity
Christie Stuart: Big Buddy is all about building confidence and resilience in boys who don’t have a dad in their lives. We match boys aged seven to 17 with good guys from the community, Big Buddies, who volunteer their time. The Big Buddy relationship offers friendship, support and a good male role model to look up to. We have two programmes, tailored to the boys' needs at that stage of their lives. Big Buddy One-2-One matches one boy with one volunteer male role model, a Big Buddy. Big Buddy Group is a new programme for teenage boys aged 14-17. Big Buddy Group is a course for up to 12 boys and is guided by a facilitator, volunteer Buddies and outdoor instructors in a safe and supportive group setting over eight weeks. This programme is currently being offered in Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga in terms two and three of this year, with the Hamilton region set to be included in 2026.
Can you share with us a heart-warming story about your charity?
I love hearing from our Big Buddies. In our group chat, I get to see photos of the little buddies out with their Big Buddies as they proudly share what they are doing –hiking waterfalls, building sheds, visiting exhibitions, surfing. It’s lovely to hear the phone ping and know that’s what they are up to right now.
The most incredible stories are normally those shared by our mums and carers. I attended a homecoming hui at the close of one of our group programmes last year. One of our boys stood up and spoke with such raw emotion; he talked about the person he wanted to be and how he wanted to treat those around him. The really moving moment came later as his
mum took me aside, she shared that this was the first time she had seen her son cry. His father had passed away in an accident several years earlier. He hadn’t cried at the time, or at the funeral, and since then he had been the ‘man of the house’ and never worn his emotions on his sleeve. Spending time in the group environment alongside his peers and the mentors had allowed him the safe place to not only feel those emotions, but to show them. It really took my breath away to know that was the impact it had on one boy and one whānau and that was happening right around the room.
I’ve also recently heard from a Big Buddy whose ‘Little’ Buddy is now in his 30s and married with a child of his own. The Big Buddy has stepped into being more of a grandfather figure. Incredible to think that their connection is still going strong after all these years.
I love that I get to see the impact of our work firsthand. We are shaping the future not only for these boys, but their mums, carers, whānau and even the Big Buddies.
Why do you love doing what you do?
I feel such a sense of pride being able to stand alongside the mums that our Big
Buddies support. As a mum myself, I know how important it is to have a support network and good people around you as life throws you curveballs. I’m also aware that life can change in an instant; I love that I get to see the impact of our work firsthand. We are shaping the future not only for these boys, but their mums, carers, whānau and even the Big Buddies. The support from our wider community is amazing and makes me feel thankful every day.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you wish for your charity?
We are so lucky that we have these amazing guys put up their hands to volunteer their time and become Big Buddies, I wish we had more of them! We have over 117 boys on our waitlist currently and if I could wave a magic wand, it would be to have all those boys matched with a good guy as soon as possible.
What can Channel readers do to support your charity?
Put up your hand to volunteer, or give someone you think could be a good Big Buddy a tap on the shoulder. Normally these guys need a bit of a nudge to know that they could be exactly who we are looking for. There are lots of boys waiting inside the Channel region and right around Auckland who would love a chance to meet their future Big Buddy. If you don’t have time to volunteer, we would love you to become a Mighty Mate as part of our regular giving programme and support the recruitment and screening of new Big Buddies.
bigbuddy.org.nz
Christie Stuart and Steve Sobota, Big Buddy Co-CEOs
Lewis Catterall: NZ Blood
Lewis Catterall is the donor relations co-ordinator for the New Zealand Blood Service, he has lived on the North Shore for over 50 years and says he would never live anywhere else. Lewis has had a diverse career in both corporate and small business and says this role at NZ Blood is the perfect fit and the best job he has ever had.
Channel Mag: Tell us briefly about your charity
Lewis Catterall: Our donors are lifesavers and NZ Blood simply drives the rubber boat for them. Blood donations can help to save up to three lives and plasma donations can be used to produce 11 different life saving products.
Can you share with us a heart-warming story about your charity?
Our donors all have their own reasons to donate. Some for altruistic reasons, some to replace blood that they may have received in a transfusion in the past and also others who have seen loved ones in hospital receiving blood or plasma transfusions and wanted to donate to help others.
Why do you love doing what you do? How can you not? Every day I meet caring,
…we are no longer selfsufficient as a nation, we need to buy plasma from overseas. It has been estimated that we spend around $10 million per annum buying plasma from America.
giving people that simply want to help others and save lives.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you wish for your charity?
That more New Zealanders donate plasma. Because we are no longer self-sufficient as a nation, we need to buy plasma from overseas. It has been estimated that we spend around $10 million per annum buying plasma from America. We have the resources, we simply need more people to donate.
What can Channel readers do to support your charity?
Visit nzblood.co.nz and find your nearest donor centre, then come in and donate.
What’s the best thing about living on the Shore?
"He aha te mea nui? Māku e kī atu, he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata" What is the most important thing? Let me tell you, it is people, it is people, it is people.
Visit: nzblood.co.nz
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in Trueform spa pools
Shayne is an experienced technician for repairs Contact Shayne Olliver on 021 0237 3214 or covers 4 pools 027 663 8605
Lewis Catterall
Ann Tod: Hospice North Shore
to be accepted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame in 2022.
Channel Mag: Tell us briefly about your charity
Ann Tod is the chair of Harbour Hospice Board of Trustees; she’s lived on the North Shore since 1980. Ann joined the Harbour Hospice board in 2017, having met its former chief executive, Jan Nichols, and other board members, through work or Rotary. She accepted the chairperson role in November 2019 and says she’s proud of how the team and community supported Hospice through Covid-19 and the successful campaign to fund the redevelopment of their North Shore site through that period. Ann worked at KPMG for her entire professional career, retiring as an audit partner in 2020. Ann has a very full life outside this role; she is married with three daughters and two grandchildren, is a Rotarian and a member of the Netball North Harbour board, receiving an MNZM for services to netball. Ann was very humbled
Ann Tod: Harbour Hospice is the only specialist palliative care provider for families on the North Shore, Hibiscus Coast and in Warkworth/Wellsford. We provide compassionate care to patients and families and whānau, mostly in their homes, but also within our three hospice sites. This care is free of charge thanks to the generous support of our community. Our services include medical care, spiritual and emotional support, physiotherapy and complementary therapy, social activities and more. We care for one in three people who are dying in our community.
Can you share with us a heart-warming story about your charity?
I love attending our annual Long Service Awards which celebrate the dedication of staff and volunteers who have been with Harbour Hospice for 5, 10, 15, 20 and even 30 years. Each team leader puts so much thought into expressing the difference each person makes to enable Hospice to be there for whānau and families.
Why do you love doing what you do?
I’ve learned that it’s good to talk about dying –the anxious feeling I had walking into my first board meeting was gone in minutes and I felt
warm and calm. Hospice is about being helping people live their best life!
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you wish for your charity?
Looking to the future, I’d love that more people know that Hospice services are available for anyone with a terminal illness, much earlier in their journey than people think. And that for many of us, we can be looked after at home.
What can Channel readers do to support your charity?
Health NZ provides around half our annual funding needs and we rely on the generous support of our community to make up the shortfall, so all donations, no matter the size, are very gratefully received. During May, we are running Harbour Hospice Awareness Month, where local businesses Mason Containers, Move By Design, Diamond Fusion and Northland Waste are matching online donations, dollar for dollar, up to the value of $20,000. So, people can double their impact. To support our campaign, and help make a difference, visit harbourhospice.org.nz/awarenessmonth
What’s the best thing about living on the Shore?
Love being so close to the beach and great parks for the grandkids to explore and play.
Visit: harbourhospice.org.nz
Summer 2024 special
Most reasonable rates on the North Shore
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Teeth Whitening
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Dentures
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Ann Tod
By Nova Edgcombe BSc RDH
Why seeing a dental hygienist is worth it – for your wallet and your smile
When was the last time you visited a dental hygienist? If you think brushing twice a day is enough, you might be missing out on key benefits, for both your appearance and your bank account.
Many people only see a dentist when something goes wrong, but by then, costly treatments are often unavoidable. Regular hygiene visits help prevent expensive dental issues while keeping your smile bright and healthy. Here’s why it’s a smart investment.
Prevention saves you money. Think of your teeth like a car; routine maintenance is far cheaper than major repairs. Skipping hygiene appointments can lead to gum disease, decay, and even tooth loss. Treating advanced gum disease can cost thousands, while regular cleanings are a fraction of that price. Hygienists also catch issues early, helping you avoid costly procedures like root canals or implants.
A brighter smile boosts confidence. Your smile is one of the first things people notice, whether at work, on a date or in photos. A professional clean removes stubborn stains from coffee, tea and wine, keeping your teeth whiter and healthier without the need for expensive cosmetic treatments.
Fresh breath starts with a clean mouth. Bad breath isn’t just embarrassing, it’s often caused by plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can’t remove. A professional cleaning eliminates bacteria at the source, giving you long-lasting fresh breath and preventing underlying oral health issues.
Avoid painful dental problems. Most dental issues – cavities, gum disease and sensitivity – are preventable. Hygienists remove plaque before it causes serious problems, and check for early signs of oral cancer and other health concerns. Preventive care now means fewer painful procedures later.
Oral health affects your overall well-being. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s. A clean, healthy mouth reduces inflammation and supports your immune system, benefiting your whole body.
Invest in your smile – book your hygiene appointment today. Regular hygiene visits aren’t just about a pretty smile; they’re an investment in your health and finances. Keep your teeth cleaner, whiter and healthier by booking an appointment with Mint Dental Hygiene today!
Nova
Edgcombe BSc, RDH Dental Hygienist
424 Lake Road, Takapuna 021 2306517
By Teresa Burns, Doctor of Audiology, Director and owner of Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd.
Top tips for musicians and music fans
Are you a musician or a music lover? Hearing damage from music is a growing concern. A single loud event or long-term exposure can cause permanent hearing loss. You only get one set of ears, so here are some tips to help you enjoy music safely for years to come.
Use musician earplugs. Specially designed to lower sound levels evenly across all frequencies, they preserve sound clarity while reducing volume. Inexpensive, universal-fit options provide good protection for casual listeners and concertgoers. However, for serious musicians, custom-made earplugs offer the best fit and performance. Moulded to your unique ear shape, they ensure a secure seal with no gaps and come with interchangeable filters to adjust sound attenuation based on your playing environment.
Limit exposure time. Hearing loss risk depends on both volume and duration. Take breaks every hour or so to give your ears a rest.
Set safe volume limits. If you use in-ear monitors, check the output and set a safe maximum level. When listening through headphones, enable your device’s safe volume limit feature.
Monitor sound levels. Use a sound level meter app to measure how loud the music is – concerts often exceed safe listening levels. Many apps can also estimate your total noise exposure over time.
Watch for warning signs. Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears) can indicate damage. If you experience it, consider getting a hearing test.
Get regular hearing tests. Routine check-ups can help detect early signs of hearing loss and protect your long-term hearing health.
At Teresa Burns Hearing, we take pride in offering expert, independent hearing care with your best interests at heart. Whether you’re a professional musician, an avid concert-goer or simply love listening to music throughout your day, we’re here to help you hear your best.
Before After
Summer Carnival brings Kristin community together
The Kristin community came together for a fantastic afternoon of wholehearted fun and togetherness at our annual Summer Carnival.
Held on Foundation Day, where we celebrated 52 years of Kristin, the
auditorium fields were transformed into an incredible carnival extravaganza with over 50 stalls, including food trucks, carnival rides, a garden bar and much more. The majority of our stalls were run by student groups who were raising money for various
charities or sporting initiatives, and there were many delicious items on offer. Live music from talented students added to the atmosphere, as students and their families from Little Doves right through to Senior School enjoyed the festivities.
An impressive showcase of Chinese culture
This year's Chinese Night concert was a memorable and special experience. The acts were incredibly varied, showcasing Chinese culture to its fullest. Performances included the Guzheng, instrument duets, Beijing opera, traditional Chinese dance, stand-up
comedy, a band, modern dances, and, of course, the highlight of every Chinese Night: the Lion Dance.
The large audience in the auditorium was utterly entranced all night by the mesmerising performances showcasing the beauty and depth of Chinese heritage,
immersing them in the essence of China.
The concert showcased our Kristin community's incredible cultural diversity and talent; xièxie to everyone who performed, supported and embraced the evening.
A commitment to lifelong connections
At Westlake Girls, we're proud of the strong, lasting relationships we build with our students – relationships that often continue long after they've left our campus.
Our alumni are part of our extended whānau and we love keeping those connections alive. We do this in many ways. Our Westlake Alumni Newsletter, published twice a year, shares updates, event invitations, and stories celebrating our former students' diverse and inspiring paths. We also have an active alumni Facebook page and LinkedIn group where past students and staff can reconnect, network, and stay informed. However it's not just about staying in touch – it's about staying involved. We regularly invite alumni back to school to share their career journeys, speak at key events, or answer students' questions about life beyond Westlake. Others volunteer as mentors, supporting current students to explore study and career pathways with confidence. These connections are hugely valuable for our girls – and often just as rewarding for the alumni involved.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS, INSPIRING FUTURES
Our alumni are doing amazing things in the world – and we love sharing their stories. From science, business and the arts to community service and sport, our former students are making their mark across many
fields. We feature many of these stories in our newsletters and online platforms. They honour the individual and inspire our current students by showing how far a Westlake education can take you.
A RECENT REUNION
A great example of the power of connection was the recent 35-year reunion of the Class of 1990. After a warm welcome and campus tour, the group continued their celebrations offsite – reconnecting, sharing memories and picking up right where they left off.
ONCE A WESTLAKER, ALWAYS A WESTLAKER!
Our commitment to our students doesn't end at graduation. Whether they return to mentor, speak at events, or reconnect with old friends, our alumni are a treasured part of the Westlake story – living proof of the confidence, capability and character we aim to nurture in every student. To see our 50-plus Facebook groups for different alumni years or to join the WGHS alumni community, see the following westlakegirls.school.nz/about/alumnicommunity.
And just a note – while we're a girls' school today, we use 'alumni' rather than 'alumnae' because Westlake was originally co-ed and our alumni community includes former male students.
Carmel College farewells Director of Sport
At the end of term 1 we farewelled Annie Sadlier (pictured left with Heads of Sport, Maisey Lendrum and Annie Gaylard, and Claire Magness, newly appointed Director of Sport, pictured right).
Annie has been at Carmel for eight and a half years and has brought to Carmel a strong desire and vision for sport to succeed at the highest level. She has been instrumental in building a solid platform for many of our students. Of particular note is the successful volleyball programme, something Annie has been particularly proud of, as she developed the sport to a point where teams compete competitively at a national level. We thank Annie for all the time, passion and energy that she has brought to our school
sport and wish her all the best as she steps into her new chapter as the Director of Sport at St Peter’s College in Epsom.
Our new Director of Sport is Claire Magness. Claire has been part of the sports department for 10 years and is a proud Carmel old girl. She has a wealth of sporting experience within our community and has a vision for the development of sport through a broad lens. We are excited for what Claire will bring to the role as we look forward to the continuation and growth of our successful sporting programme, which aligns with our school vision of empowering our young women, through our Mercy charism, to pursue personal excellence and to challenge and shape the future.
2025 Athletics Day and swimming sports
These two days do more than showcase the athletic and swimming abilities of our young women, as our whole school community, all students from Years 7-13, comes together to compete and enjoy. These experiences create and reinforce our young women's sense of belonging in a safe and inclusive environment which also supports and encourages students to try new activities to challenge themselves. Also of importance is the connection the staff have with students and, by default, the role modelling they do on these days which is invaluable.
House Results
Athletics - Alexandra House
Swimming - Cecilia Maher House
Chant Competition - Justine House
Staff Athletics Relay - Kelly House and Alexandra House
"It was amazing to watch the students from all year groups participate in the competitive and fun events. To see the camaraderie of all the kids cheering each other on, from the fun 'run' race to the timed swim events was so uplifting. Having these sorts of events are so vital to ensure that children are exposed to swimming/water in a safe, fun and inclusive environment." - Y7 Carmel Parent
Annie Sadlier, departing Director of Sport, Maisey Lendrum and Annie Gaylard, Heads of Sport, and Claire Magness, new Director of Sport
Rowers fly the swan at Maadi Cup
From 24-29 March, our rowers competed at the Maadi Regatta at Lake Karapiro and achieved a historic treble: winning the U18 Pairs, Coxed Fours, and Eights. The banks of Karapiro were electric. The sun was out all week, spirits were high, and the slopes near the big screen were awash with red, white, and green. Every time the race commentator mentioned “Westlake,” the hill roared to life.
George Buckley and Jack Langley started the charge, winning the U18 coxless pairs on the Thursday and then our U18 Coxed Fours claimed the prestigious Springbok Shield for the first time in 22 years on the Friday – only the fifth time in our school’s history. This in itself is a huge achievement but on Saturday, the pinnacle of school rowing, the Maadi Cup, returned to Westlake after 41 years. Our boys delivered a courageous race – one we’ll remember for a long time.
At assembly, Matua Johnny Waititi led a whakatau to welcome the Maadi Cup taonga back to our school. The U18 crew, their coaches – Jordan Stanley, Andy Hay, and Jo Shotter – and whānau were all in attendance. Headmaster Paul Fordham described the moment as "a date to remember in the history of our school –where nine of our boys took on the best and came out on top". Senior coach Andy Hay spoke about the dedication and commitment required to reach this level, with months of 5.30am starts and thousands of hours of preparation ending in their winning time of 6min 07secs. Well done to all our 44 rowers who competed at Maadi and especially to George Langley, Sam Bird, Donovan Pivac, Jack Buckley, Quinn Oliver-Porter, Otto Gartner, Adam Leece, Toby Cleghorn and Flynn Wigglesworth who have earned their place in Westlake history.
Mana and pride at Polyfest
After weeks of dedication, our kapa haka rōpū delivered a powerful performance in Division 2 at Polyfest 2025 on Thursday 10 April. Led by Ihaia Tipene, Teina Thompson, and Kaydince Aumau-Kidwell, the group impressed with strong stage presence and polished routines, earning third in Whakaeke,
and first in both Kākahu (dress) and Mau Rākau (weaponry).A huge thank you to tutors Matua Jordan, Matua Johnny, Whaea Chloe, and Whaea Lea, and to all whānau who supported behind the scenes. This campaign marks an exciting new chapter for kapa haka at Westlake.
Our U18 crew, their coaches and whānau
George Buckley and Jack Langley win the coxless pairs
The U18 Eights win the Maadi Cup
Our kapa haka rōpū at Polyfest
Westlake productions return with a double bill
Following the success of 'The Three Musketeers' and 'Into the Woods', Westlake productions are back with two exciting shows: the hit ABBA musical 'Mamma Mia!' and the satirical play 'Three Birds Alighting on a Field' by Timberlake Wertenbaker.
'Mamma Mia!' features a cast of 90 and a 15-piece orchestra, bringing ABBA’s iconic songs to life in a feel-good celebration of music, love and friendship. Don’t miss the special sing-along night on Friday 9 May, including a fundraising auction for the 2026 Performing Arts tour. 'Three Birds Alighting on a Field' explores art, ambition and social status through the lens of London’s elite art world, with a talented cast of 40 Westlake students.
Tickets are on sale now at iticket.co.nz • What: Westlake Productions 2025 Season • When: April 28 – May 10 Where: Westlake Boy’s High School Auditorium • Tickets: iticket.co.nz/events/2025/apr/westlake-schools-production-season
T20 cricket champions
Our First XI capped off a brilliant T20 season by winning the Auckland Secondary Schools Premier Twenty20 Cup — only the second time in school history.
In a dominant final against St Kent’s, Westlake bowled them out for 98, with standout figures from Toby Costain (3/21). Captain Ollie Davies then led the chase with an unbeaten 59, guiding the team to a nine-wicket win with six overs to spare.
Musical talent on show
In the calm of an autumn evening, the annual Equinox Concert was held in the quad on Thursday 27 March. This free outdoor event showcased an entertaining lineup of both instrumental and choral groups from Westlake Boys’ and Westlake Girls’ High Schools. Given that it is still early in the year, the students did exceptionally well to prepare their music to such a high standard.
The Westlake Big Band and Jazz Combos travelled to Tauranga for the forty-seventh National Youth Jazz Competition, earning two golds and a bronze. Individual awards went to Luke Ding, Aryan Thakkar (Best Original Composition), and Aaron Ko (Most Outstanding Clarinetist).
Shan wins National
Concerto Competition
Congratulations to Shan Liu, who won gold at the prestigious National Concerto Competition over the weekend of 22 March.
Held at Christchurch Town Hall, the final saw each under-25 finalist perform a 40-minute concerto from memory with a full orchestra. Shan claimed first place and a $10,000 prize, with former Westlaker, Henry Meng (Class of 2022), finishing runner-up.
Shan Liu
Captain Ollie Davies guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 59.
Rosmini farewells its longest serving staff member
At the end of term 1 the Rosmini community farewelled Sandra Davidson, the longest-serving staff member at the College, with an impressive 43-year tenure, and a reputation as a rockstar of reception.
Growing up in Papatoetoe, Sandra began her career as a laboratory technologist at Middlemore Hospital, before marrying, having two children and moving to the North Shore. There she worked in the resource room at Glenfield College, before being recruited by a friend to work at Rosmini in 1982 in the lab. By 1984 her talents and hospitable nature were recognised and she was put in charge of the office, and since then has made significant contributions to the school.
She has taken on various roles, from the
early days of taking a handwritten roll of the 800+ students every day, plus sorting lost property, and printing, folding and sending the newsletter, to chaperoning the Year 13 ball and overseas school trips, and later organising the archives. One of her main duties was being in charge of the sick bay, where her keen ability to identify faking students became well known! She was also renowned for recognising all the boys by name, having a “good yarn” with students over the front desk, and calling the odd parent when their son missed the bus after school.
Sandra’s legacy at Rosmini is marked not just by her work, but by the profound impact she has had on the school community. Sandra says the highlight from her time at Rosmini has been the memorable connections she has made with families, whether it be helping new parents navigate the school system, or comforting a shy student.
Tributes from past students and parents speak volumes to the immense respect and gratefulness they all share for Sandra. Everyone mentions her warm and welcoming smile, her support, compassion and words of encouragement. Nothing was too much trouble for Sandra, and as one parent said: “You made so many students' lives that much better by being so genuine and caring”. Happy retirement Sandra!
Futsal champs
Congratulations to Rosmini College Year 8 Futsal team for winning every game at the recent Futsal Zone Day to win the tournament for a second year in a row. Coached by Old Boy James Marshall, this is a team to watch! Well done also to the Year 7 team, finishing a respectable 6th.
Students reenact Stations of the Cross
On Tuesday 8 April students from Rosmini College and Carmel College reenacted the Stations of the Cross, accompanied by an orchestra and choir. St Joseph's Church was once again full of members of the community eager to see the story of Jesus' selfgiving love. It was a beautifully moving, solemn and meaningful occasion. Well done to all involved.
Sandra Davidson
Georgia Tindall Performing Arts Building re-opens for term two
Last week we were privileged to have one of Auckland's prestigious kaumatua, Otene Reweti, and his nephew, bless the newly refurbished Georgia Tindall Performing Arts Centre. Our Tu Tangata students and the school choir celebrated this kaupapa taking part with waiata and karakia as each space in the building was acknowledged. We look forward to the students and teachers enjoying and excelling in this wonderful new space.
Head Prefect Conference
Last term our Prefect Leaders hosted their annual Head Prefect Conference in the TGS library. With over 15 high schools and 50 prefects from Auckland involved, it was a great opportunity for everyone to share ideas and thoughts on what it takes to be a positive role model to their peers in everyday school life, through leading by example in everything we do. Head girl and event organiser Claudia Pearce commented: “It was truly inspirational connecting with such wonderful young leaders, and we are very grateful to have had the opportunity to create a memorable experience. We look forward to hosting next year’s event!”
Rotary National Science and Technology Forum
The Rotary National Science and Technology Forum, a two-week event that gathered 168 students with a passion for science and technology from all over New Zealand, was undoubtedly the most memorable part of my summer holidays. From heavily informative academic modules to creative innovation design challenges, there was no shortage of engaging experiences, learning, and excitement. During my time at the forum, I had the opportunity to experience many university level modules/courses which helped me to develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities available within the New Zealand tertiary education system.
Furthermore, I was able to connect with likeminded individuals that I still keep in touch with to this day – giving me insight into the vast framework that the forum constructed for the future involvement of youth in the scientific and technological world. However, the forum was far from just an ordinary ‘nerd camp’; the social atmosphere and the mutual respect for each other allowed easy connections between people of different backgrounds and interests. Although many people I met had no overlapping interests with myself, they became some of the closest friends I’d ever found. The forum’s ‘tech visits’ allowed for greater involvement in
the areas of science and technology that I am passionate about. For me this included visiting the Auckland University Medical School and the brain research department – even going so far as to look through a museum dedicated to various plastinated and resin encased organs, for the study of different diseases and situations. Although cliché, the Rotary Forum cannot be described as anything less than life-changing. Words cannot describe the connections, experiences, and overall effect of such an event on my future pathways – an experience and memory I will cherish forever.
— Student Prefect David Xie
Strength, strategy, and friendship: Highlights from Kotahitanga Day
Kotahitanga Day was an unforgettable experience, filled with excitement and new discoveries for our Year 9 students and our Peer Support leaders. The day brimmed with a variety of activities, each designed to challenge different skill sets.
The range of activities ensured that there was something for everyone, whether it required physical strength or mental agility. From tug of war to Minecraft puzzles, the challenges catered to a broad spectrum of abilities, allowing participants to engage in something that suited their interests.
Through these experiences, students came to understand our school values: pride, integrity, respect and courage. It was clear that teamwork was the key to success, and it was this collaboration that made the challenges so enjoyable and manageable. Kotahitanga Day provided Year 9s with a rare opportunity to bond outside the classroom, making it easier to form connections that might be more challenging to establish in a traditional setting. The playful and sometimes messy nature of the activities, such as trying to plug and fill a leaky bucket, created a relaxed environment where new friendships could flourish.
Kotahitanga Day 2025 was a great success. It was an event that brought together students and leaders in a spirit of fun and teamwork, reinforcing the values of resilience and camaraderie. It is hoped that the class of 2029 will continue to build on this tradition, passing on the spirit of the school to future generations. Check out a few of our Year 9 testimonials below.
"Kotahitanga Day was fun and exciting. It was new to me and my classmates. At first, I did not expect Kotahitanga Day to be a very exciting day for me, then my classmates and I found it very fun and cool. I found it interesting because there were different activities that required different skills, from water bucket to long jump, or even tug of war. All of these activities were fun and unique. We also got to know each other more as we went through the activities. The most exciting activity I did was the acid river. This activity required teamwork and we won very easily. It helped me to understand one of the school values, pride. I was proud of our class teamwork and I think that's the main reason why it was so easy for my class. If I was to do it again, I would tell myself to feel free to try new things and to not be afraid of failing. I hope the next Year 9s will have as much fun as I had during Kotahitanga Day." –
Mason Wang 9NB
"This year's Kotahitanga day was unique in that it was a new experience for both the Year 9s and the Year 13 Peer
Support leaders. Class of 25’s Beach Day was cancelled due to Covid all the way back in 2021, so it was extra special for us as we felt a little like the year 9s in that we had no idea what to expect. The day was filled with lots of fun activities which all required different skill sets. One thing I liked is that the wide range of activities meant that everyone could have something which they wanted to do. From tug of war to Minecraft puzzles, the activities required both physical strength and brain power. My favourite was the tug of war. It had been raining for a little bit beforehand, so the grass was rather slippery, but 9NB powered through regardless and won the event. I nearly lost my voice yelling “3 2 1 PULL” to the class but it was definitely worth it. I think it shows off the resilience that our school values foster as, despite some difficulties with the weather, everyone still had a good time. I think Kotahitanga day is a really important event for the new cohort to allow them to all become more familiar with each other. It can be tough to talk to new people when they’re sitting down in the classroom and the peer support leaders are nudging them on, but when everyone is getting splashed trying to plug and fill a leaky bucket, it’s really easy to make new friends. Overall I was very impressed with how Kotahitanga day 2025 went, and I hope that class of 29 can pass on the spirit of the school to the next generation when they become year 13s in the not so distant future."
Lihan Sun Peer Support Leader 9NB
The sun shines for Relay for Life, raising Over $100,000 for Cancer Society with unstoppable spirit!
Building on the momentum of previous years, this year's event saw over 800 students and staff come together to support the Cancer Society – running, walking, skipping, and even cartwheeling around the AUT Millennium track for a full 12 hours.
The theme of the event, decades, was embraced wholeheartedly by the Rangitoto College team, which showed unwavering energy and determination throughout the day. The weather gods came out to play and provided a stunning day after the threat of some major downpours. By late afternoon, sunshine cast a warm glow over the track and lifted everyone's spirits.
Participants were entertained with a wide range of activities, including line
dancing, singing, tug of war, meditation, Zumba, a talent show, and various games. Rangitoto’s volleyball sets were a particular hit, drawing enthusiastic players from across all schools and creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
It was inspiring to witness our ākonga actively giving back to the community while living out the school values. Together, Rangitoto College raised over $100,000 – its highest total to date. All students contributed in their own way and some individuals even broke records. Peyton Sass raised over $6,000 and Olivia Taylor raised over $4,000. Many others raised sizable sums! We are so proud of you all.
A special shout out to the team at Suntory Oceania and Tuckr, our tuckshop
providers, for their generous donation of drinks. After completing at least 50 laps, students were very appreciative of the refreshments to reinvigorate them and drive them on.
Well done to everyone for getting behind such a worthy cause. Indeed there is still time to contribute! Donations could be made at relayforlife.org.nz by searching for “Rangitoto College”.
Thank you to all staff and students who were involved in making this a day to remember.
Rangitoto College plans to be back again next year, and will encourage all students to get involved in 2026 as the school continues to stand together in the fight against cancer.
Knightsbridge and Rangitoto's oral history project continues to strengthen community bonds
This term, our committed history students initiated the first round of interviews for the Knightsbridge oral history project. They conducted a series of interviews on subjects covered in the Year 11 history curriculum, including the Vietnam War, the 1981 Springbok tour, the Second World War, and the 1947 polio epidemic. The final outcome will provide students with an opportunity to engage with local perspectives on both national and global events. Additionally, several family history interviews were conducted, which will be transcribed and shared with residents and their families to preserve for future generations. Once again, this project has proven to be a rewarding and enriching experience for all participants, and the students have brought great pride to our community.
Sustainable activities for North Shore kids
In a world where environmental challenges loom large, raising eco-conscious children has never been more important. Teaching kids about sustainability doesn’t have to feel like homework. Through engaging, hands-on activities, children can learn how to love and protect the planet – all while having a blast. The best part? These activities are low-cost, screen-free, and fun for the whole family.
1. NATURE WALKS WITH A TWIST
Turn one of the North Shore’s favourite day walks into a mini-adventure by morphing it into a scavenger hunt! Create a checklist of leaves, insects, birds or colours for kids to find at a local park or trail. Encourage them to document their findings with sketches, bark/leaf rubbings or photos rather than taking things home. Our favourite, kidfriendly local trails to try this at:
• The Takapuna to Milford beach walk
• North Head, Devonport
• Kauri Glen Reserve, Northcote
2. UPCYCLED ARTS AND CRAFTS
Got bottle caps, cardboard boxes, or old clothes lying around? Use them to make something new. Kids can transform trash into treasure by creating plant pots from cans, puppets from socks, or mosaics from paper scraps. It’s creativity with a purpose – and a great way to talk about waste and reuse.
3. START A MINI GARDEN
Whether it’s a windowsill herb garden or a backyard veggie patch, gardening teaches kids patience, responsibility and the value of fresh food. Even planting a few seeds in a recycled yoghurt pot can get them hooked. Bonus points if they compost their food scraps to feed their plants!
4.
ECO-CHALLENGES AT HOME
Create daily or weekly sustainability challenges: Who can go a day without using plastic? Who can take the shortest shower? Can we go a day without needing the car? Small actions add up, and turning them into games makes them stick.
5.
MAKE YOUR OWN ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Try a DIY workshop day where kids make their own lip balm, beeswax wraps or reusable snack bags. These hands-on projects are not only fun and cost-effective but also a chance to learn about everyday alternatives to plastic. A great way to keep kids occupied and screen-free during playdates!
By Ellie Brown
6. ECO-FASHION
Got a budding fashion designer at home? Encourage them to get their creativity flowing by re-purposing their old, outgrown clothes and creating something new! Alternatively, visit one of the North Shore’s great op shops to scout out some unique finds for upcycling. A great way to avoid the cycle of fast fashion while also being super cost-effective. Why not try:
• Repurposed t-shirt tote bag;
• blanket/quilt from material squares;
• t-shirt/backpack upgrade – turn a plain item into a colourful masterpiece with material scraps;
• jean patching.
By integrating these sustainable activities into their routines, North Shore families can cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility in children, ensuring a greener future for generations to come. With a little creativity and a focus on sustainability, kids can learn to care for the environment while having a blast.
Channel Mag's youth contributors, Fantasia Nair and Ellie Brown bring a fresh monthly feature to our pages to inspire and advise our younger North Shore readers. If there are any topics you'd like to read about, contact Liz at liz@channelmag.co.nz, and our fledgling writers will research and write engaging articles specifically for our younger (at heart) readers.
Early radio on the North Shore
The 'New Zealand Radio Record' magazine will soon become available on the Papers Past website. First published by the New Zealand Radio Publishing Company on 22 July 1927, from November 1933 the 'Radio Record' was published by National Magazines. The annual version of the 'Radio Record' for 1934 contained 72 pages, with over forty articles, short stories and poetry.
In November 1925, the Radio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand took over the Auckland-based 1YA radio station, which was first established in May 1923. From January 1932, the state-run New Zealand Broadcasting Council took over what was by now the YA network, leaving just a small number of private stations. At that time all radio stations were commercial-free. From 1936 all stations, bar one in Dunedin, became part of either the National Broadcasting Service or the National Commercial Broadcasting Service. Nevertheless, some radio stations from Australia and parts of the United States could also be heard here. By 1937, 68% of New Zealand households had radio receivers. At one stage, my Verran grandparents had what I recall was a 1940 Gulbransen brand 830 Classic radio. Unfortunately, it is no longer in the family.
By David Verran
In my 1942 Wise's Auckland street directory there is only one radio dealer listed on the North Shore. Carr's Radio Service was at 61 Victoria Road in Devonport, also the address for the Devonia Hall. A former teacher, Frederic Heslin Carr (1899-1983) was at that time a Takapuna resident, a Takapuna Borough councillor from 1938 to 1943 and an authorised dealer for the Courtenay brand of radios (available from 1930 to 1956). The North Shore Transport Company in Takapuna was another authorised Courtenay brand radio dealer. In 1942, radio mechanic Carr joined the armed forces, where he served in the artillery, and his business was closed.
Carr then returned to unsuccessfully run for Takapuna mayor in May 1944, opposing John Guiniven (1971-1957) who served as mayor from 1931 to 1950. Carr was again elected to the Takapuna Borough Council at a by-election on 22 April 1947, resigning from the Council's Works Committee in August 1949 in protest at funding of
development work, but stayed on the Council until November 1950. It wasn't until 30 June 1970 that Radio Hauraki and Radio i received the first warrants bringing back private commercial broadcasting. Radio Hauraki had previously operated as a 'pirate' radio station, broadcasting from the Hauraki Gulf from 1 December 1966 on the 'Tiri' and later 'Tiri 2'. Some North Shore residents were involved in that radio station, at 1480 on the AM frequency, and a neighbour told me he had helped free the 'Tiri' mast while it was coming out of the viaduct basin. I recall listening to Radio Hauraki for a time on a crystal radio set my father had set up for me, before I had my own transistor radio.
I am just noting my fourteen years as a 'Channel columnist', with my first History column appearing in the April 2011 issue; I continue to enjoy the challenge. On 25 May, Devonport Museum celebrates 45 years, at the museum from 3pm. THat day, we also have our Annual General Meeting and update our Constitution at.
david.verran@xtra.co.nz
Next issue out Friday June 6
AWNS-19320727-50-05, courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, showing a 1932 display of Majestic brand radios.
Tammy is the Managing Director at Davenports Law and leads the Trust Law and Wealth Protection team. She is a trust and asset structuring specialist with over 25 years legal experience specialising in the areas of personal asset planning, trust law and Property (Relationships) Act. She 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. She is only one of a handful of lawyers nationally who specialise solely in the area of trusts and asset planning, and is one of the leading lawyers in her field. Tammy is a past president of the Auckland Women Lawyers’ Association and past vice-president of the North Harbour Club, a charitable organisation on the North Shore. Tammy is a member of The Law Association Continuing Legal Education and Committee and is on the panel of interviewers for those looking to practice on their own account for the New Zealand Law Society.
The limits of trusts in relationships
When Dave separated from his wife, he had enough funds from their settlement to put a deposit on a new house. He also applied for his KiwiSaver to be withdrawn under the “second chance, first home” regime. He was determined to protect his assets if he got into another relationship and decided to set up a trust to put his new home in.
A year later and Dave was back on the dating scene. He went on a few dates before meeting Kate who he immediately clicked with. Their relationship got quite serious quickly and within a couple of months Kate moved into Dave’s property. They came to an arrangement early on that Kate would pay a fixed amount to Dave each fortnight to cover the costs relating to the house and that they would split the utility costs.
Things went well for the first couple of years. However, just over three years into their relationship, Kate said that she didn’t think Dave was “the one” anymore and she had decided to move across to Sydney.
Dave was sad that the relationship had ended but was relieved that he had set up a trust for the house to go into. That was until he received a letter from Kate’s lawyer. Dave found the letter to be very aggressive - it said that while the property was in a trust, Dave had only set the trust up to ensure that Kate’s rights under the Property (Relationships) Act could not be asserted. It said that Dave had applied relationship property to the trust and Kate was making a claim for that relationship property and for the increase in value of the property from the start of their relationship. She was also claiming half of what Dave had saved from his salary, during the relationship.
Dave was floored. He didn’t know what to do, other than to get his own legal advice. So, Dave went to see a lawyer recommended by a friend who specialised in both trusts and relationship property. She firstly told him not to be too alarmed by the aggressive tone of Kate’s lawyer’s letter. She said that often lawyer’s letters could read like that, but once you cut through the tone, it was more of a factfinding letter.
She did tell him though that the law around trusts and relationship property had changed quite a bit over the last ten years and that trusts were no longer a guaranteed way of protecting your property in the event of a relationship property breakdown – in particular, the family home could still be at risk. She said it was likely that the value of the property at the time that Kate moved in would not be claimable by Kate, but that any payments that Dave had made off
the mortgage using his salary (which is relationship property) would potentially be claimable and even some of the natural increase in value of the property. She said this area of law was very nuanced and could in the end come down to negotiating an amount to pay Kate to satisfy any claim that Kate may have.
This was distressing to Dave – he had set up the trust confident that he would be protecting his assets. He asked the lawyer, “What more could he have done?” She advised that trusts were a very important part of asset planning and protection, and could, in some circumstances, keep assets very separate. However, there was a different set of rules for the family home and that her advice would always be to enter into a contracting out agreement (or prenup) to make sure it was clear that your partner was agreeing that she or he would not have a claim against any property whether that be in a trust or not.
If you are in a relationship and want to make sure that your partner does not have any claim on assets either in your own name or in a trust, you need to take appropriate legal advice. Having the right structure in place, can save significant stress later.
Tammy McLeod, Managing Director, Davenports Law
Navigating Separations.
When relationships take unexpected turns, it becomes essential to understand your legal rights. Separation can bring up tough questions around asset division and financial entitlements. Whether it’s undocumented contributions, financial disparity, or shared decisions like stay-at-home parenting, the law can be complex and fact dependent.
Our experienced lawyers will guide you through these challenges, working to achieve a fair outcome and avoid unnecessary legal battles.
Contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team to protect your interests.
CRAFTED LEGAL ADVICE FOR PEACE OF MIND.
ESG: What New Zealand businesses need to know
Recent global events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty have intensified nationalist policies among New Zealand’s trading partners. This shift presents challenges and opportunities for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policy adoption in New Zealand.
New Zealand, businesses must navigate evolving regulations, shifting consumer expectations, and investor priorities while maintaining economic sustainability.
Key ESG impacts of nationalist trends:
• Weakened climate commitments. A stronger emphasis on traditional industries, such as oil and gas, could slow down New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
• Regulatory divergence. Companies operating across multiple markets face compliance challenges due to fragmented ESG regulations.
• Reduced global cooperation on social issues. Labour rights and fair-trade enforcement may weaken as nations focus on selfsufficiency.
• Backlash against "woke capitalism". Some stakeholders argue that ESG initiatives, particularly DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), are forms of corporate overreach.
• Weakened global standards. A decline in global ESG alignment could reduce transparency and credibility in reporting.
• Geopolitical risks. Businesses must stay agile to manage governance expectations across different regions.
The government has shifted towards incentives rather than stringent regulations, providing businesses with greater flexibility.
New Zealand’s approach to ESG
New Zealand is taking a pragmatic approach that balances sustainability with economic resilience. Key policy updates include:
• Revised emissions targets: A 51%-55% reduction by 2035, reaffirming the net-zero goal by 2050, but delaying agricultural emissions pricing by five years.
• Continued investment in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, while allowing offshore oil and gas exploration to maintain energy security.
• Renewed interest in mining to boost investment and streamline approval processes.
• Scaling back certain environmental regulations to support economic growth.
• Maintaining climate-related financial disclosure requirements, with adjustments to ease compliance burdens.
By Nick Savill Business Advisor, Andersen. Specialising in debt advisory, banking, finance and governance.
The importance of ESG in New Zealand
Despite policy changes, ESG remains a crucial element for longterm business success. Businesses that proactively integrate ESG can unlock several advantages:
• Investor and market demand. Sustainable investing is gaining traction, making ESG compliance a key factor for attracting capital.
• Regulatory compliance. With evolving rules on climate reporting and supply chain transparency, businesses need to stay ahead of legislative changes.
• Consumer and employee expectations. Modern consumers and employees prioritise sustainability and ethical business practices.
• Risk mitigation. Managing environmental and social risks strengthens business resilience and continuity. Even with regulatory relaxations, businesses should view ESG as an opportunity to strengthen market position rather than a compliance burden.
How businesses can adapt
1. Align with International ESG expectations.
Exporters: Over 80% of NZ exports go to regions with strict ESG requirements. Strong reporting ensures continued market access. Global Compliance: Integrate carbon accounting, supply chain transparency, and ethical sourcing to stay competitive internationally.
2. Leverage the government’s business-friendly ESG approach
The government has shifted towards incentives rather than stringent regulations, providing businesses with greater flexibility. Businesses should take advantage of funding for clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and trade-related ESG programs.
These shifts reflect a business-friendly approach that allows companies to integrate ESG without sacrificing growth.
3. Use ESG as a competitive advantage
Investor attraction: A strong ESG strategy enhances credibility with investors and financial institutions.
Customer Loyalty: Ethical and sustainable businesses can cultivate strong brand reputations and customer trust.
4. Balance short-term economic pressures with long-term ESG goals
Energy sector: Companies should balance immediate opportunities in fossil fuel exploration with a long-term shift to renewables.
Agriculture: Farmers should use the emissions pricing delay to proactively implement sustainable practices.
Manufacturers and retailers: Identifying ESG-related supply chain risks ensures continued access to key global markets.
5. Future-proof ESG strategies
Political landscapes shift, and future governments may impose stricter ESG regulations. Companies must remain flexible.
Investing in low-carbon business models now can safeguard against future compliance costs.
Strong ESG policies enhance risk management, mitigating financial and reputational threats in uncertain economic times.
How to successfully embed ESG in business strategy
Adopting ESG is not just about ticking compliance boxes – it’s about making sustainability a core part of business operations. Here’s how companies can integrate ESG effectively:
• Assess Your ESG position. Conduct an ESG audit to evaluate current practices and identify areas for improvement.
• Set clear, measurable ESG goals. For example, commit to reducing emissions by 20% over five years or cutting production waste by 10%.
• Integrate ESG into financial and business planning: Factor sustainability into budgeting, investment decisions, and operational risk assessments.
• Implement transparent ESG reporting. Use globally recognised frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to standardise disclosures.
• Engage stakeholders and communicate progress. Share ESG milestones with investors, employees, and customers to build trust and accountability.
The role of financial advisors in ESG integration
Navigating the ESG landscape can be complex, but financial advisors can play a crucial role in helping businesses:
• Align ESG goals with financial strategies.
• Identify sustainable investment opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
• Improve financial performance while driving long-term sustainability.
Why ESG matters more than ever
New Zealand businesses that view ESG as a growth strategy rather than a regulatory burden will be better positioned for future success. Companies that embed ESG into their core operations will attract investment, secure trade opportunities, and build resilience in an increasingly complex global economy.
Are you ready to enhance your ESG strategy? Contact Andersen today to develop a tailored approach that drives long-term business success.
Karen joined SCO in 2024 and looks after our Deceased Estates. Karen is a highly experienced Registered Legal Executive and even owned her own Funeral Home! She is very passionate about Estates and Elder Law matters and likes to provide her clients with full circle planning.
Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOAs) and why are they so important
EPOAs are like a life jacket – rather have them and not need them, than not have them and need them.
We all want to avoid complications. Putting EPOAs in place will give you and your loved ones peace of mind for the future. It can make difficult situations a little easier knowing that someone you nominate can legally assist you with certain tasks or with making decisions.
They are essential documents should you find yourself unable to make decisions, whether you are temporarily or permanently unable to make decisions yourself.
There are two types of EPOAs, one for property decisions and one for personal care and welfare decisions. We highly recommend that you have both although the attorneys can be different people.
Personal Care and Welfare: This EPOA authorises the person you name as your attorney to make decisions on your behalf about your personal care and welfare and only takes effect if you become mentally incapable or if you are unable to make these decisions yourself.
Property: This authorises your attorney/s to make decisions on your behalf about your property, meaning your house, finances or any other property (assets and liabilities) that you own and can be activated earlier than upon loss of capacity, if need be.
Being an attorney is a big responsibility. Your attorney must always promote and protect your welfare and your best interests. They must encourage you to make or be a part of the decision making as far as possible. It is important that they encourage you to be part of the community, and they should consider the financial effects of all the decision they make.
When dealing with your property, your attorney cannot benefit themselves (except for out-of-pocket expenses), unless you expressly provide for this in the EPOA, or if you hold the property jointly.
It is comforting to know that your attorneys’ actions can be supervised and challenged.
Once your EPOA has come into effect, it remains in place until you terminate the attorney’s appointment, or their authority to act is suspended, or they renounce. In all cases, EPOAs end when a person dies.
With no Enduring Powers of Attorney in place, no one has an automatic right to handle your affairs. Even if some of your assets are jointly owned, your spouse or partner may be able to deal with some of these matters, but they will not be able to sign documents or make significant decisions on your behalf without legal authority. To obtain legal authority you will need to apply to the Family Court for the appointment of a property manager and/or welfare guardian. Court applications are more expensive than the cost of EPOAs and can delay very important decision making.
As our lives change, so too might the people in our lives; therefore it’s important to review your EPOAs every few years. If you don’t have EPOAs or need to review your existing EPOAs, let’s have a chat.
By Liz Ranger, Trust Manager, Pupuke Birdsong Project
News and updates from Pupuke Birdsong Project
(part of Takapuna North Community Trust)
By Simon Ritchie, Marketing & Communications Lead
Free community accounting support for NFPs
Get in quick! Limited spaces have now opened up for Semester 1.
LiiFT Aotearoa professional development and training
We have had a busy March and April; we ran 13 events such as Discover Takapuna Reef, Neighbourhood Days, Lyford Reserve Working Bee, Clean Up Killarney Park, Stream Care and Restore Together events, as well as nature walks with a nature-themed treasure hunt at Discover Patuone and Lyford Reserves. I’m new to this role and was not familiar with the term ‘working bee’. If you are wondering as well, it’s a group of volunteers getting together to do some work. In our case removing pest plants to make way for planting native plants or to enable the existing native plants to thrive. Come and join in, get involved in keeping our local reserves healthy and beautiful, enjoy being outside, and meet some other locals.
Lyford Reserve working bee: 17 May, 9:30am - 11:30am Lyford Reserve is an oasis for native birds in the heart of Sunnynook. Join a community of locals who are restoring this reserve.
Meet at the path between 2 and 4 Regency Pl, Sunnynook. Walk down the path to the bridge. All tools and training provided.
Clean Up Killarney: Sun, 29 June, 10:30am - 11:30am Unfortunately, rubbish often accumulates in the park, and much of it can end up in Lake Pupuke. This beautiful lake and its surrounding parks are home to native species including birds, fish, and eels that rely on a clean environment.
Meet outside The PumpHouse Theatre. Rubbish bags provided. Please bring your own gloves.
Ancad offers the not-for-profit community free to subsidised professional development opportunities and training. These take place throughout the year and occur regularly. Check out the dedicated training website found and register on LiiFT.nz for more information about online and in-person workshops.
Coming up in May:
• May 1: Navigating governance: Essential skills for not for profits. Venue: Heart of the Bays, Browns Bay. Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Cost $45. Register on LiiFt.nz
• May 7: Free Leadership Connect 2: Discover your leadership style (follow up). Venue: On Zoom. 12pm to 1pm. Cost: Free. Register on LiiFT.nz
• May 8: Free Financial Leadership for NFPs and a practical guide to the treasurer’s role. Venue: Pasifika Community Centre, MIT, Otara. Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Cost: Free. Register on LiiFT.nz
• May 13: Free Running an AGM: The board/committee’s role. Venue: On Zoom. Time: 6.30pm to 7.45pm. Cost: Free. Register on LiiFT.nz
• May 14: Project management for change-makers: Simple strategies for community heroes. Venue: On Zoom. Time: 10am to 11.30am. Cost $45. Register on LiiFT.nz
• May 15: Become funder-ready: A practical approach to planning and funding for NFP community organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Cost $45. Register on LiiFT.nz
• May 22: Developing a strategic framework for working with communities. Venue: On Zoom. Time: 10am to 11.30am. Cost $45. Register on LiiFT.nz
For more about what ANCAD is doing and how we can help, visit ancad.org.nz facebook @ancad.org.nz Instagram ancadinc LiiFT Aotearoa, LiiFT.nz 0800 426 223 or info@ancad.org.nz
Making the most of the hand you are dealt
During my hundredth hand at Uno (I wish I was exaggerating) this past summer, I started thinking about the progressions and progress my eight-year-old son has made across his Uno 'career’.
We started at four years old by showing our hands as a means to teach the rules of the game and then adapting the rules to avoid meltdowns right at bedtime – maybe you can relate? We then progressed to not showing our hands but still letting things slide and playing less rigorously than we would with older children. We then moved forward to playing all the rules but occasionally easing off if we won too often. This year, we started discussing that while Uno is a game of luck (the hand you’ve been dealt), it’s how you play the cards you’ve been given that determines the outcome. While that is where the conversation ended, it did cause me to reflect that this analogy is synonymous with adolescence; it’s the time in life when our young people need to learn to play the hand they’ve been dealt while simultaneously taking advantage of the myriad opportunities available.
Adolescence is when many figure out that our talents and circumstances are varied; some are naturally great sportspeople, some have natural rhythm, some are avid readers and learning comes easily. While some are clumsy, others struggle to retain new knowledge, and some prefer to steer clear of the stage. They begin to see that we all have different family circumstances, such as family dynamics, religion, race or financial position. We are all dealt a different hand.
Adolescence is when many figure out that our talents and circumstances are varied…
Our job, as I see it, is to empower our Kristin Middle School students to use the set of circumstances, skills and gifts they’ve been granted to their best advantage. It is a time when we must shine a light on individual talents and strengths while also giving due consideration to the areas that deserve attention in order to improve. It is a time when our young people must learn to use what they have, gain what they need, respect others for what they have and need, and ultimately work together for the betterment of all.
Kristin’s holistic approach to academic achievement, cocurricular programmes, pastoral support and service leadership are the ingredients for students to succeed with whatever hand they possess. I am proud to work with dedicated educators who deliver programmes daily that elicit this success. Part of the secret ingredient to helping our students best utilise their unique circumstances is seeing each student as the individual they are and adapting our programmes to meet their distinct needs. This personalisation is only possible when relationships are strong, students are known, and class sizes are small. At Kristin, our teachers are excited by the task of finding out what success looks like for each student and helping them play their hand to their best advantage.
Tabitha Coleman, General Manager Devonport Business Association
DBA lends voice to enhancing Devonport’s village experience
Recently, the Devonport Business Association was invited by Auckland Transport to consult on the new Local Active Modes Plan (LAMP) – a project focused on identifying small-scale, quick-win improvements that can make it easier and more enjoyable to move around our village.
Devonport was selected for the programme thanks to its strong community support for walking and cycling, and the potential to build on what’s already working.
There’s clearly an opportunity for better signage and subtle wayfinding to help visitors connect with Devonport’s unique landmarks, without compromising the village feel.
As locals, co-chair Bruce Grant and I joined Auckland Transport for a walk-through of the village to point out simple, practical suggestions that could enhance the visitor experience and benefit our community. We looked at opportunities for small-scale upgrades – things like placemaking, improved wayfinding, and refreshed public spaces – that could support how people connect with and enjoy the area.
One thing I’m regularly asked by tourists is where they can access Takarunga – the maunga that stands proudly above the village. There’s clearly an opportunity for better signage and subtle wayfinding to help visitors connect with Devonport’s unique landmarks, without compromising the village feel.
We hope to continue working closely with Auckland Transport as the plan takes shape, and we’ll be advocating for improvements that support accessibility, local business, and community connection.
If you have ideas or want to be part of the conversation, we’d love to hear from you.
Devonport is YOUR seaside escape devonport.co.nz
By Ruth Morse, CEO, Well Foundation
North Shore Rotary supports local hospital’s littlest patients
We extend our heartfelt thanks to North Shore Rotary for their continued generosity and dedication to supporting North Shore Hospital. Through the proceeds of their 2024 charity golf day, the club has made a vital contribution to the health and wellbeing of our community’s youngest patients.
The funds raised have enabled the upgrade of five transport ventilators to support transportation of seriously unwell babies and children. These ventilators enable more seamless transportation of paediatric patients between North Shore and Waitākere hospitals, and transfer of the most unwell infants to Starship Hospital.
The transport ventilators will also be used by flight crew, where these state-of-the-art machines play a crucial role in delivering safe, continuous respiratory support to fragile newborns and critically ill children during emergency transfers.
North Shore Rotary’s ‘Drive 4 Life’ Charity Golf Day event has been a cornerstone of community fundraising for over 20 years, raising more than half a million dollars. Of this, an impressive $272,000 has supported advancements at North Shore Hospital, enhancing care and improving outcomes for patients of all ages.
Thank you, North Shore Rotary, for your unwavering commitment to 'service above self' and helping our hospitals provide care to those who need it most. Special thanks also to the businesses that support the ‘Drive 4 Life’ Charity Golf event each year and the many individuals and teams who attend.
The 2025 ‘Drive 4 Life’ Charity Golf Day will be held at Waitematā Golf Course on Thursday 20 November. To register a team, sponsor the event or find out more, please email info@wellfoundation.org.nz
Visit wellfoundation.org.nz to learn about other Well Foundation projects and ways you can show your support.
Well Foundation is the official charity of North Shore and Waitākere hospitals. 09 447 0138 info@wellfoundation.org.nz wellfoundation.org.nz
By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Shore Junction
Safe third spaces are like community living rooms
Safe third spaces are like community living rooms – places outside of home and work or school where people can hang out, relax, and connect with others without any pressure. Think of your favourite local coffee shop, a park where people gather, or a library. These spots used to be more common, which gave everyone a chance to bump into neighbours, make friends, and feel like they belonged to something bigger.
But things have changed. We're spending more time at home and often connecting online instead of in person. This means fewer of those casual meeting places where real community can grow. This can make people, especially young people, feel more alone and less connected to their neighbourhoods.
That's where Shore Junction comes in. It's a place just for young people. It's not home, and it's not school – it's a safe and fun space where they can be themselves. It's a place where young people can explore their interests, meet new people, and feel like they belong.
Beyond the physical space and resources, a crucial element of safe third spaces, and one that Shore Junction actively fosters, is the presence of trusted adults, through our youth workers and volunteers. These are individuals who are approachable, supportive, and genuinely care about the wellbeing of the young people who frequent the space. They are able to offer guidance and a listening ear without judgment. They help create an atmosphere of trust and security, making the third space feel even safer and more conducive to open communication and personal growth. At Shore Junction, the staff actively work to build these positive relationships, providing young people with additional layers of support and connection.
We aim to make sure everyone feels welcome, no matter their background. With a friendly team of youth workers and a focus on being a positive place, Shore Junction is a great example of a modern-day third space, giving young people a real-world place to connect and grow in a world that often feels very online.
To learn more about Shore Junction please email info@shorejunction.nz
Michelle Goldfinch, Ruth Morse, Vicki Gledhill-Harris, Julie Bromley, Matthew Runland, Sean Harris, Lucy Anastasiadou-Hobbs, Marja Peters and Peter Groom
By Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook Community Centre Manager
Community-led recovery planning in Sunnynook
The extreme weather events of early 2023 impacted communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, including Sunnynook, Totara Vale and Forrest Hill. The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office is supporting community-led recovery planning, providing funding to help prioritise recovery actions based on what matters most to local residents. From surveys, interviews and fun community events we’re gathering loads of ideas. We are now in the process of meeting with interested groups to get them to have their say. If you are part of a group in the upper Wairau catchment (Sunnynook, Totara Vale and Forrest Hill) and would like to participate please contact the Sunnynook Community Centre office (snook.com.cen@xtra.co.nz) so that we can organise a time to meet with you.
Some discussions have already taken place and the following topics have been identified: Making an emergency plan / neighbourhood emergency plan / look at what it means to live in Sunnynook / ways to use land / counselling / mental health and wellbeing workshops / resilience training / community wellbeing ambassadors / advice from insurance companies / support group / community dinners / family events / speed friendship event / skill share events / community ‘Happenings’ calendar / neighbourhood meet-and-greet events / more community spaces to mix and mingle.
If you would like to have your say please reach out to have a chat. The community is also invited to a ‘Community Pot-Luck Dinner’ at 6.30pm on Sunday 22 June (Tawa Room).
We are also working with Healthy Waters and the Milford Residents Association to make sure we are all on the same page and doing all that we can to support our community. The Milford Residents Association did a wonderful presentation about the impacts on their community to Auckland Council in April 2025. If you would like to go on the online mailing list to receive our community newsletters please email snook.com.cen@xtra.co.nz.
By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Yes Disability
The first half of the year is zooming past!
We only have just over two months to go until our 2025 I.Lead Conference.
Registrations are now closed for our I.Lead 2025 Conference! Thank you to the 65+ rangatahi whaikaha who applied to attend our conference. You'll be hearing from us soon. We can't wait to host another amazing event centring on and amplifying the voices of young disabled people.
The I.Lead 2025 conference will be held in Wellington on 17 and 18 June 2025. Our chosen conference theme is "Oranga, Mahi, Hākinakina - Live, Work, Play". We believe that these are three key pillars of a balanced life for rangatahi whaikaha. We have invited 60 young disabled people to attend our conference, an event focused on providing a safe and stable platform for disabled youth to have their voices heard and influence positive changes in policy.
We are still accepting enrolments for our next I.Lead x William Pike Challenge intake! If you or a disabled young person you know is interested in participating, they can register through our website. The participants (all with various ability levels) will be encouraged to get inspired by the outdoors; building their resilience, wellbeing, confidence, and skills through completing five outdoor activities, 20 hours of community service, and 20 hours of passion projects over a 12 month period.
I.Drive partnered with VTNZ to bring their portable testing units to Shore Junction, Takapuna. This gave participants the opportunity to take their learner's licence test in an environment that was familiar and relaxing. The successful participants gave incredible feedback, including one young disabled person stating "I wouldn't do the test any other way".
Want to see more about our I.Drive x VTNZ testing day? Check out our social media for the highlights.
I.Drive also hosted our first-ever West Auckland I.Drive workshop in April, which was located at The D*List. We host our first Wellington I.Drive workshop next month. Check out our website to see when our workshops will happen this year.
Youth Week is just around the corner! Occurring between 19-25 May, this year’s theme is “Take Our Place – Whai Wāhitanga.” During Youth Week, I.Lead Auckland will host an art exhibition consisting of artworks by rangatahi whaikaka. These works will include prints of photos and digital art, paintings, videos of cultural dances, sculptures, and more.
YES Disability continues its Disabled Men’s Mental Health Group. We are inviting disabled men 18+ years old – who don’t often get to connect with other disabled men – to join other disabled men in discussing their mental health. This group was created by disabled men, for disabled men and aims to normalise the discussion of mental health challenges among disabled men. The sessions occur once a month. Interested? Email Abdulla at abdulla@yesdisability.org.nz.
For more information about our programmes and upcoming events, check out our websites and social media. ilead.org.nz/ • facebook.com/ileadconferencenz instagram.com/i.leadnz/ • tiktok.com/@i.lead linkedin.com/company/i-lead-org
Simon Gundry is a Devonport and North Shore identity, and character, who is known for calling a spade a spade. He is a director of contracting company Gill & Gundry, is an enthusiastic sailor (past crew-member of Ceramco New Zealand, Lion New Zealand and Shockwave) and is a life member of the North Shore Rugby Football Club. Simon was awarded a QSM for services to the community in 2013. More recently, he was inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame. He has been writing this thought-provoking column for Channel from the very first issue (over 15 years ago!).
It’s a shame all round!
It was a great disappointment when I heard that the America's Cup was not going to be defended in New Zealand in 2027. I have personally been to every America’s Cup except for Bermuda (which was in 2017) and have thoroughly enjoyed and seen the benefits for the city that has been hosting.
I couldn’t believe the refusal of the New Zealand government to invest in the 2027 cup. It is not only sad for Auckland but for the whole country. The talk about central government not having money available is a worn-out excuse, especially when they started mouthing off that New Zealand is open for business and we need big events and we need people coming.
The lack of major events coming to this country in the next few years is really not that exciting. The chance of having the America’s Cup in 2027 would have been a huge boost for everybody.
Team New Zealand is not only a sailing industry. It is also a technology company that is contributing to the economy far more than just a sailing race. I thought that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment would have been better in their thinking than to turn away the opportunity of having the Cup in Auckland. The Cup would have put millions of dollars into the Auckland economy and indeed the country’s economy. Syndicates would have been starting to arrive at least a year out, set up their bases, paying their taxes and paying their GST. Once the syndicates were here, the armada of super yachts would have started to arrive.
The lack of major events coming to this country in the next few years is really not that exciting. The chance of having the America’s Cup in 2027 would have been a huge boost for everybody.
The way the New Zealand dollar is currently looking against the American dollar, owners of these super yachts would have taken the opportunity to have major works done on their boats by the myriad boat yards and expertise that can be found in this country.
Grant Dalton might not be everyone's cup of tea but he certainly is a man to get things done.
I’ve known Grant for well over 40 years. He’s an organiser, he’s a leader, he’s abrasive, but at the end of the day the job is done and done well, as his proven track record shows. I am just mystified that he hasn’t been knighted for his contribution to the marine industry in New Zealand.
If you look at his track record, it is so impressive. In 1981 he took part in his first Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race on the Dutch entry Flyer 2. That yacht won every leg into every port and
took the overall honours for the 1981-82 Round the World Race.
During the next Whitbread, Grant was onboard Lion New Zealand with Peter Blake to finish a creditable second in the race. Four years later Grant had his own entry, Fisher & Paykel, a maxi ketch designed by Bruce Farr Yacht Design. In 1993-94 Grant again had his own entry, NZ Endeavour. In 1997-98 he raced the yacht Merit Cup and in 2001-02 he raced Amer Sport One. In 2001 Grant skippered and won The Race, which was a sprint around the world non-stop, on the maxi catamaran named Club Med. That boat broke several records on the way around the world including the distance sailed in 24 hours and the fastest circumnavigation at that time of 62 days, seven hours.
In 2003 Grant was brought onboard Team New Zealand to manage the restructure and revitalise Team New Zealand after its loss of the America’s Cup in February 2003.
In 2017 he turned a losing team into a winning team by winning the cup in Bermuda and then defending it in 2021 in New Zealand and 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
That is one hell of a track record, one would say.
I could name on two hands knights and dames in this country who have been awarded that honour who haven’t done half the things Dalton has done. I know he has ruffled feathers, I know he has upset people but you can’t argue against his track record of sportsmanship and the ability to get things done. He alone would have generated 100s of millions of dollars into this country through sponsorship, PAYE and GST over the last four decades.
On another note, it’s really sad to the see the demise of the speedway at Western Springs and the possible biffing out of the great Ponsonby Rugby Club that has been there for 27 years.
I don’t believe there has been any great consultation among the shareholders and it is certainly not fair the way this has been handled. If Ponsonby was to lose those facilities, it would mean that the 50 rugby teams that make up the great Ponsonby club would have to look for a new home. Just a ridiculous situation.
Also, I found it incredibly frustrating last month during tropical cyclone Tam that came through Auckland prior to Easter, that the powers to be (New Zealand Transport Agency) were threatening to shut the Auckland Harbour Bridge again. Why has this suddenly become a very trendy thing to do? It has only been happening for the last couple of years, ever since a truck damaged a piece of the structure during a crash.
The bridge has been open since 1959 and in that time it was never closed during some horrific storms. Why is it happening now? Is there something we are not being told about the structural deficiencies of the main structure? I know there were problems in the mid 1980s when the nippon clip-on structure of the bridge had to go through a thoroughly complicated rewelding process after structural cracks were discovered. Is there something that the New Zealand Transport Agency are not telling us? Food for thought.
Sustainability, growth and wellbeing — Younite heading into Term 2
Written by Rachel Gu (chair) and Laura Mackenzie (chair)
On a beautiful Monday afternoon during the school holidays, over 30 passionate rangatahi from across the North Shore took part in the Rangatahi Restore event, hosted by Younite’s Environment Group in collaboration with Pupuke Songbird Restore.
The event brought energy, laughter, and muddy hands to Patuone Reserve, where rangatahi cleared out more than 10 bags of rubbish. They also got involved in weeding and removing pest plants such as morning glory to encourage the growth of native flora. This event wasn’t just about sustainability and ecological restoration – it was also about connecting youth across the Shore, sparking new friendships, and building a stronger connection with our natural environment. It was fantastic to see our rangatahi working together to make a meaningful difference in our community!
Beyond Rangatahi Restore, Younite members braved the “mountain blizzards” of the escape rooms in Escape HQ, building leadership and communication skills through teamwork and problemsolving. After a busy and successful Term 1, the council came together to reflect, reset, and enjoy some well-earned fun.
The Escape Room challenge brought plenty of laughs – one team completed the challenge in just 36 minutes, while the other team took the full hour and ended up being ‘saved’ by the staff. Despite the differing results, it was a great reminder that moments of both success and struggle can spark creativity, growth, and camaraderie.
Following our escape adventure, Younite also participated in the YEG Quiz Night (run by Shore Junction’s Youth Engagement Group) to support the amazing work of another local youth group. While we didn’t win – or even place! – we had a blast taking part.
Now, we’re looking ahead to our next exciting event: Cupcake Decorating Night – a sweet, creative, and relaxed gathering designed to give youth a chance to unwind, connect, and have fun. We understand how stressful high school can be, and we hope this event provides a safe and welcoming space to recharge.
• Friday 9 May
• 5:30pm 7:30pm
• Shore Junction, Takapuna
• Food and drinks provided. Free entry Whether you’re a baker, an artist, or just someone who loves cupcakes — come along, bring your friends, and join us for a great night!
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, feel free to email us at younitechair@gmail.com. You can also find us on Instagram: @younitedt.
FL AGS & FAB R I C !
At Benefitz we design and produce just about anything that assists communication. Business Cards, Magazines, Signage, Websites, Books, Brochures, Posters, Banners and lots lots more!
Over the past 18 months we’ve made a massive investment in fabric – and we love it! W ith our state-of-the-art machinery we produce lots and lots of flags and many other items with vibrant printed fabric – like exhibition items, display stands, media walls etc etc
Talk to Aidan Bennett (021500997) or email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz
www.benefitz.co.nz
Phone us on 09 477 4700
Find us on
SERVICES ON THE SHORE
Interested in advertising in our Services on the Shore section? Contact: Kim McIntosh: kim@channelmag.co.nz, 021 419 468 Liz Cannon: liz@channelmag.co.nz, 021 204 3395 channelmag.co.nz facebook Instagram
Driving Miss Daisy
uckland o the vet • ACC cont • Pre-bookings essential
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Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm, Sat 8:00am-1:00pm, Sun Closed P 09 486 2029 E michies@supershoppes.co.nz W www.autosupershoppes.co.nz/shoppes/michies
with Lindsay Knight
Builder wins one-to-five-year championship
Just when it seemed Orewa and Hobsonville bowlers were about to extend an almost total monopoly of North Harbour junior events over the past couple of seasons, a pair of relative unknowns from the Milford club has emerged as party spoilers.
Hayden Wilkinson, a 37-year old builder, upstaged many who have been mainstays in the past two seasons of the centre’s junior representative side to win the men’s singles title at last month’s one-tofive-year championships.
And his partner from Milford, Stacey McDonald, made the women’s semi-finals in what was a rare appearance at a centre event for each of them.
Having beaten Orewa’s Wayne Harris 21-15 in the semifinals, Hayden then overcame another of the centre’s junior reps, Hobsonville’s Clinton Smith 21-9, in the final. Stacey bowed out to Hobsonville’s Carol Voshaar 21-12 in her semi-final, but only after she had ousted another promising bowler, Browns Bay’s Jo Wyatt, 21-7 in the quarter-finals.
Both Hayden and Stacey are in their fourth season as bowlers, but come from solid backgrounds in other sports, Hayden in hockey and cricket and Stacey in racquet sports. The only disappointment for Hayden and Stacey was that their Milford club mentor, Stacey’s dad, Charlie McDonald, was not present to witness their efforts, as he was on holiday in Australia.
But everyone in Harbour bowls would have had little doubt of the immense pride Charlie would have taken, both from a family and club viewpoint, in the feats of both his proteges.
Not only is Charlie Milford’s most accomplished and experienced bowler, the best the club has had since Russell Hocking was winning centre titles galore 13 to 15 years ago, but he has also proven a dynamic president in recent seasons, having helped boost the club’s finances with a successful midweek business-house competition.
He has also provided Milford with a profile on the green. In the 2022-23 season he partnered Robbie McGrane to an upset win the centre pairs championship, a reminder of his many honours in other centres. Originally from Oamaru, he won a North Otago title before moving north where he became a long-time member of the Papakura club, winning six Counties-Manukau titles and so becoming a goldstar badge holder in that centre.
Perhaps he might have added to his Harbour titles had he been tempted to join other leading players in nearby clubs like Takapuna and Mairangi Bay, as so many others have done over the years. But to the benefit of Milford and of the sport as a whole Charlie has remained loyal to Milford, helped in part perhaps by the fact he lives virtually next door to the club.
Meanwhile, in the higher echelons of bowls, North Harbour’s most celebrated player of recent years, Selina Goddard, has been enjoying phenomenal and lucrative success in Australia, where she is now playing virtually all her bowls. At the recent Victorian Open she achieved a rare, almost unprecedented trifecta, winning all three women’s disciplines, the singles, pairs and triples. Then in the New
South Wales state championships she was in a Cabramatta four which won that title. One of her team-mates in that prestigious win was Karen Murphy, the Australian star who is on most short-lists as the world’s greatest ever women’s bowler.
That Selina has been able to campaign in Australia effectively as a professional has been thanks to a sponsorship arranged by her Takapuna-based coach Graham Dorreen with Harcourts-Cooper real estate. Dorreen described Selina’s recent feats as incredible.
bowlsnorthharbour.com
Hayden Wilkinson
The Channel Crossword
1 Gang from the east live for dessert (5)
4 Nancy who rebuffed priest foully oddly has a large collection of bolts (9)
9 Unenthusiastic over work on lower edge (7)
10 Look back without direction to what may be lost in 5 - causes 5 (7)
11 Ma meant to order from butcher? (7)
12 Playful movement thus captures woman in Czech republic (7)
13 Leaning towards having a thing about Latin (5)
14 Hound blackbird? (6)
18 Slag off Oscar and me? (6)
19 Fish is insect, not bird (5)
22 Car with posh lines was a Ford (7)
24 Admitted Whitehead and Kelly to Oxford University Press (5,2)
25 Girl and a boy - did the Earth move for him? (7)
27 Two metals to penetrate (3,4)
28 Bog-myrtle for darling Dorothy? (5,4)
29 Black flowering plant? Not initially, needs black injection (5)
Down
1 Call traps one type of goblin rising from the west of the Czech Republic (8)
2 Frenchman gets a small distance with friend, going to a musical (5,3!)
3 Taming ice creams? That's mysterious (9)
4 Bee's fruit boxing rules (11)
5 Anger in its entirety (3)
6 Wear thin but gain ground (5)
7 "Fair Go" broadcast to one who marries at the end of act three (6)
8 Catches girl, possibly fat-bottomed (6)
12 Commedia dell'arte character taking a sort of stab from beetle with facial hair (11)
15 See trim Greta carelessly holding ten raised glasses (9)
16 Cool off and leave dance (8)
17 His heartless parody ruined composition (8)
20 Figure out ageism? (6)
21 Stream in Georgia could be grating? (6)
23 Light failing to start, hence dark (5)
26 Eggs on Valerie Adams originally (3)
This month's crossword will also be uploaded to the creator’s blog at: mayaofauckland.substack.com
There, Mãyã will kindly attempt to answer any questions or comments that may arise from the crosswords each month.
The all new BMW X3 has arrived. Test drive now at Continental Cars BMW.
