Issuu

Spring Shore on the

IN THIS ISSUE... • Spring fashion and style • Community and fundraising • Health and wellbeing features

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

22 , 000 Copies monthly

Distributed to homes with welcoming 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 Point, Birkenhead Point, Hillcrest and to businesses, shopping centres and foyer/reception areas in these areas and Shore-wide. We also have many magazine stands throughout the North Shore.

Proudly published by

OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE 179

• Travel inspiration from our principals

Accelerating success.

SHONEET CHAND & MATT PRENTICE

Featured Listings & Recent Transactions FOR SALE / LEASE

FOR SALE

Vacant & High Quality Industrial

Standout Corner Investment + Future Upside

9B Paul Matthews Road, Rosedale, Auckland

3 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Silverdale, Auckland

427m² Industrial premises

4 exclusive car parks

High stud warehouse (approx 8 metres)

149-151 Sunnybrae Rd, Wairau Valley

Wanaka Lakes Health Centre

2,503m² freehold corner site

Returning $222,267 pa net

SOLD

Modern construction

13A Link Drive, Wairau Valley

General Business zone

SOLD

4 Alberto Lane, Silverdale

A & B, 22 William Pickering Dr, Rosedale

LEASED

Split risk with 4 tenants

LEASED

A & B, 61 Paul Matthews Rd, Rosedale

The Auckland market continues to show encouraging signs of improvement, with occupier demand strengthening and vacancy levels beginning to ease across a number of key precincts. Investor confidence has also continued to build as market conditions stabilise. We are seeing increased enquiry from both investors and owner occupiers, particularly for well-located assets with strong underlying fundamentals and future growth potential. We are also pleased to note that at the recent REINZ awards which are judged across all agencies and disciplines nationally, Shoneet and Matt were named 2026 ‘Commercial & Industrial Sales Partnership of the Year’, marking the fourth straight year they have collected a REINZ award. They were also in the top three finalists for the ‘Supreme Sales Performance of the Year’ – all disciplines award, and the only commercial finalists in this category nationwide. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your requirements, please feel free to contact Shoneet or Matt using the details below.

Licensed REAA 2008

Shoneet Chand Director | Investment Sales 021 400 765 shoneet.chand@colliers.com

Matt Prentice Director | Industrial Sales & Leasing 021 464 904 matt.prentice@colliers.com

SPRING FASHION: DK & CO

European style finds a new home on the North Shore There’s a new destination for jewellery lovers on Auckland’s North Shore, with New Zealand-owned and operated DK & Co now open at Milford Centre. You’ll find the new store in the newer part of Milford Centre, next to Stella + Gemma and close to OPSM — bringing DK & Co’s curated collection of European jewellery, bags and accessories to Auckland for the first time. Behind DK & Co is owner Penny Wilson, whose passion for discovering distinctive European jewellery and accessories has shaped the business for many years. Today, DK & Co brings together a carefully curated collection of brands from across Europe, offering something a little different from the jewellery you’ll find on the high street. “We’ve always loved finding European brands that have a strong design identity and a story behind them,” says Penny. “There is so much creativity coming out of Europe, and we love being able to introduce those collections to women here in New Zealand.” Among the names you’ll discover in store are Swedish jewellery brand Edblad, known for its effortlessly wearable Scandinavian design; Danish favourite Dyrberg/Kern, where statement jewellery, colour and personality take centre stage; and Barcelona-based Joidart, whose contemporary pieces are designed and made in Barcelona, Spain. The collections range from easy everyday pieces through to bold earrings, necklaces and rings designed to make an outfit – making DK & Co just as much about discovering something unexpected as it is finding that perfect finishing touch. For Penny, opening in Milford was an exciting next step for a

business that already has stores in Christchurch and Wellington, alongside its nationwide online store and wholesale business. “We felt the North Shore was a really natural fit for us,” she says. “Our customers enjoy fashion and design, but they’re also looking for pieces that feel individual. We’re thrilled to finally have a home here and to be part of the local community.” Whether you’re searching for a new everyday favourite, a standout piece for an occasion or a gift that feels just a little more special, DK & Co’s Milford store is designed to be somewhere to browse, discover and try something new. DK & Co — Curated in Europe. Worn in New Zealand. Visit DK & Co at Milford Centre or explore the collection at dkandco.co.nz

Discover distinctive jewellery from leading European designers at DK & Co, Milford Centre Dyrberg/Kern · Edblad · Joidart

Milford Centre · North Shore · www.dkandco.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

ANDREW DORREEN

Indicative boundary line

ICONIC WHOLE FLOOR APARTMENT WITH 360 VIEWS 10/90 KITCHENER ROAD, MILFORD Positioned on the 11th floor of the tightly held Circle Apartments in Milford, this is an exceptionally rare opportunity to secure an entire floor in one of the North Shore's most iconic apartment buildings.

appliances, elegant white cabinetry and generous workspace, flowing effortlessly into the expansive open-plan living and dining area where extensive glazing frames the magnificent outlook.

Set on well over an acre (5,228 sqm) of beautifully landscaped grounds and just a short, level walk from Milford Village, Milford Beach, and everyday amenities, this remarkable residence offers an enviable lifestyle with breathtaking panoramic views. Constructed from solid concrete and well ahead of its time, The Circle remains one of Milford's most sought-after apartment buildings. Comprising just 12 full-floor residences, each apartment occupies an entire level, providing exceptional privacy, generous proportions and direct lift access to the front door.

Accommodation comprises three generous double bedrooms, each enjoying outstanding natural light and uninterrupted views. The master suite is particularly impressive, offering a walk-in wardrobe, beautifully appointed ensuite and wonderful afternoon sun. Practicality has also been well considered, with double garaging, a large separate storage room and excellent visitor parking. Residents enjoy access to a swimming pool, vegetable gardens (by approval) and secure gated access directly to the shores of Lake Pupuke, adding further appeal to an already exceptional lifestyle.

Spanning approximately 170 sqm , the subject apartment enjoys spectacular 360- degree views encompassing the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, Lake Pupuke, Auckland’s CBD, and the Waitākere Ranges. Every room has been positioned to maximise these ever-changing vistas, creating a space that feels both expansive and connected to its extraordinary surroundings. The designer kitchen, renovated approximately three years ago, features quality

Whole-floor apartments of this calibre are incredibly tightly held and rarely become available. Combining substantial proportions, solid construction, spectacular views and one of Milford's most desirable locations, this is a genuine opportunity to secure one of the North Shore's finest apartment residences. PRICE BY NEGOTIATION

Andrew Dorreen / Precision Real Estate Ltd MREINZ Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Email: andrew@precision.net.nz / precision.net.nz / andrewdorreen.com

Phone: 021 747 334 Over $1.6B Billion total sales

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

ANDREW DORREEN

PALMA ON CECIL 12 CECIL ROAD, MILFORD THREE HOMES WITH ARCHITECTURAL EDGE. NO COMPROMISE.

sophisticated spaces that are as practical as they are beautiful.

Forget everything you expect from a typical new development.

Indoor natural gas fireplaces bring warmth and atmosphere to the living areas, while wet bars, considered lighting and high-quality detailing further separate these homes from the typical new build.

PALMA ON CECIL is an exclusive collection of just three standalone residences on their own freehold titles, architecturally designed by Shape Architects with a clear emphasis on space, quality and effortless modern living.

And then there are the extras you simply don't expect.

With approximately 230sqm to 265sqm of floor area, these are not townhouses dressed up as family homes. They are substantial, beautifully proportioned residences offering four generous bedrooms, multiple living zones and superb indoor-outdoor spaces.

Residences One and Three feature their own internal elevators, providing effortless access between levels and future-proofing the homes for years to come. Both also feature private swimming pools, creating resort-style outdoor environments that are increasingly difficult to find in a low-maintenance home. Residence Two has been provisioned for an elevator, allowing one to be installed should the new owner require it.

Each home offers four bedrooms with two ensuites, including an impressive oversized master suite, complemented by beautifully designed wardrobes and exceptionally well-appointed bathrooms. Double showers, double vanities, feature baths and skylights reinforce the level of thought and specification throughout.

Three standalone homes. Three freehold titles. Substantial floorplans, exceptional specification and a position only metres from the beach and Milford Village. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing or simply refusing to compromise, PALMA ON CECIL delivers the proportions and comfort of a traditional family home with the sophistication, convenience and ease of a brand-new architectural residence.

The kitchens are equally impressive. Extensive stone surfaces, full sculleries, Gaggenau ovens and integrated Fisher & Paykel appliances combine to create

ONLY THREE. NOTHING ORDINARY. PALMA ON CECIL.

And the location is exceptional — just metres from Milford Beach and Milford Village, placing the beach, cafés, restaurants and shops virtually on your doorstep.

FOR SALE BY NEGOTIATION

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.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

CONTENTS 70

72 86

Features 28

Flourish Café Shop the Shore

Gramworthy

Cure Parkinson’s NZ: Climb for a Cure

Q&A: Shore Principals

North Harbour Business Hall of Fame

An interview with Lin Carmichael

North Shore History: David Verran

104 The Channel Crossword

Out & About 07

Out & About on the Shore

Eating Out 21 22

Feature: Nanam Eating Out Guide

Channel Youth

58 Takapuna Beach 30

Takapuna News

Milford Milford News

Devonport Devonport News

Arts 16

Bridgeway Cinema

The PumpHouse

Education 74

Kristin School

Carmel College

Rangitoto College

Takapuna Grammar

Westlake Boys’ High School

Westlake Girls’ High School

Rosmini College

The Vic Devonport

Visit Us In-store!

CURTAINS | BLINDS | SHUTTERS | ACCESSORIES

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

8b Link Drive, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0627 OR 86 Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1072

harveyfurnishings.co.nz harveyfurnishings

From the Editor

BAYLEYS NORTH SHORE

NO. 1

COMMERCIAL

AGENT 2017-2026

Aidan Bennett, Liz Cannon, Kim McIntosh, Klaudia Wal, Crystal Sharp

Positivity galore! It’s starting to feel like summer is around the corner, daylight saving is here, and the mood is positive. Hand-in-hand with that positivity is another excellent FREE issue of Channel Mag for the North Shore. 100-plus pages of full-on spring positivity! As a business, we have supported Sarah Dann-Hoare’s Project Employ initiative from day one. Christine Young has done a feature on Project Employ's brand-new Flourish Café in Anzac Street, which is opening in early October (moving from Como Street). This has come to fruition due to the generosity of Brendon Thomas and his family’s charitable entity, ‘Made with Aroha Foundation’. This is a heartwarming story that is a win-win for all concerned. I urge readers to support the new Flourish Café that provides training for disabled people. It’s Taste of Takapuna month, and we include lots of encouragement in this issue for you to dine near the beach in Takapuna. Yum! Hand in hand with this is a profile on Jess Granada of Nanam, the popular Takapuna eatery that has been awarded a ‘Hat’ by Cuisine Magazine. We have an interesting Q&A this month with seven local school principals about their favourite travel destinations. I got some inspiration for future trips from reading the answers provided by Kim, Greg, Nixon, CJ, Jane, Rakesh and David.

It was a thrill during September to see Takapuna resident John Berry inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame, becoming the 45th laureate. I have known John for many years, invested funds with his Pathfinder entity, and have been well aware of his contribution to business and community. We celebrate John on the back of his induction in the issue. Paula Arblaster has interviewed Lin Carmichael, North Shore’s champion of the golden era of ocean racing. When we started Channel Mag over 16 years ago, a big driver was to highlight interesting ‘Shore people’, and this feature is a great example. Finally, as you may have learnt in previous issues, I am now living with Parkinson’s disease. It’s been a tough diagnosis that has obviously changed my life. I’m getting to grips with it and am grateful for the support I have received. As I have done my entire life, I’m not sitting still – I am leaning into things that will make a difference. I am getting behind the Cure Parkinson’s NZ 'Climb for a Cure' fundraising initiative coming up in early 2027. I’d love you to join me. Full details are in this issue. Have a great October! Aidan Bennett, QSM Publisher, Channel Magazine Founder and Managing Director, Benefitz aidan@benefitz.co.nz

Publisher

Aidan Bennett 021 500 997 aidan@benefitz.co.nz

Advertising/Editorial

Liz Cannon 021 204 3395 liz@channelmag.co.nz

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

MATT MIMMACK 021 229 5878

matt.mimmack@bayleys.co.nz

Director and Shareholder Call for an updated market appraisal COMMERCIAL NORTH SHORE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Feature | Paula's Finds

Psst… Paula’s Finds Want to get inspired about what's new north of the Harbour Bridge? In this monthly feature called 'Paula's Finds', we capture Paula's enthusiasm for finding interesting happenings around the North Shore. MUSIC, CIRCUS AND DANCE COMBINE Synergy is the high-octane show coming to the Bruce Mason Centre this month. Nine of Auckland’s most talented performance groups will entertain the crowd with everything from acrobatics and aerial artistry to high-energy dance and stunning cultural performances, all powered by the non-stop energy of the North Shore Winds (a 40-piece live wind band) Featuring: The Dust Palace, TapNZ, Event Flair, Northern School of Performing Arts, Aotearoa Art Academy, Doyle Academy of Irish Dance, Keys For Cure Dance Team, Lindy Hop Auckland, and E-Pacs Lion and Dragon Dance Group. Friday 9 October, 7.30pm; Saturday 10 October, 7.30pm, plus a shorter matinee show 2pm. Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna. Get your tickets at aucklandlive.co.nz/show/ synergy#about-the-event

SOFT AS CLOUDS Sweet breads, croissants, cream buns, and a menu of delicious toasties, plus great coffee – welcome to Zapan, Devonport’s new Japanese bakery. Japanese bread is well known for its incredibly soft, fluffy texture, and Zapan bakes its breads fresh every day with careful craftsmanship. Open seven days, 7.30am-2pm, 59 Victoria Road, Devonport, bakerycafezapan.co.nz

A FRESH PLACE TO PLAY The new recreation area at Takarunga / Mt Victoria is looking fresh! It’s now a vibrant space with a shared tennis and basketball court, new seating, accessible wharepaku (bathroom), native planting and rain gardens, as well as a visitor bus drop-off area for easier access to the tihi (summit). Delivered by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, the space also features Hononga a Takarunga, a cultural narrative by artist Arapeta Hākura, woven throughout the area. 24 Kerr Street, Devonport LINE UP EVERYBODY Get your cowboy boots on; it’s time you learnt to line dance! Every Wednesday, Goldie’s Bar in Takapuna has a beginner-friendly line dancing session available for those who organise their friends and book ahead. It’s followed up by live music and an open dance floor from 8pm. Book your turn at stargroup. nz/events/goldies-line-dancing Wednesdays at 6pm, Goldies Bar & Yard, 138 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna MAIRANGI BAY GLOWS UP Everyone’s been waiting to see what’s behind the paperedover windows at 396 Beach Road. Turns out it’s the beautifully fitted-out Glo Clinic, which has moved to a street-front spot from its previous home in Rothesay Bay. Glo Clinic is a doctor-led cosmetic clinic offering a tailored and medically guided approach for appearance medicine, skin cancer, HRT, weight loss support and more. They’ve got a reputation for professionalism and a patientfocused approach concentrating on subtle results that leave you looking fresh and healthy. Book in at gloclinic.co.nz, 396 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

EVERYBODY’S TALKING SANDWICHES With options like Chimichuri Sizzle, Rustic Reuben, Lamb Smash, and Butter Chicken Sandwich, it’s no wonder The Sandwichery has got people talking. Fresh, tasty, and focused on quality ingredients, you’re going to want to try everything. Available for eat-in, or see the website for pick-up or delivery. Pick-up hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 7pm, 11 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, thesandwichery.co.nz

ATHLETES ASSEMBLE! Takapuna Athletics Club kicks off its 2026/27 season with a Have a Go Night at Onewa Domain. It’s a fun, free opportunity for kids to try athletics, take part in the always‑popular police speed camera sprint testing and get dinner from the brand‑new food truck. The full season launches the following week on Wednesday 21 October, including the start of a Tiny Tots programme (for 3+ years – Tiny Tots will not be at Have a Go Night). The friendly and supportive club welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities, from first‑timers to experienced competitors, with a mix of running, jumping, and throwing events designed to help kids build confidence, fitness, and skills. Wednesday 14 October, 5.15pm, Onewa Domain, 44 Northcote Road, takapunaathletics.co.nz

Out & About | On the Shore

RESIDENTIAL & WATERFRONT SPECIALIST

Lexus Charity lunch: 'Battle of the Sports Codes' The Lexus Charity Lunch on Wednesday 16 September brought together sports fans and supporters for an entertaining afternoon featuring Kiwi sporting legends Tom Abercrombie, Martin Guptill, Steve Williams and Shaun Johnson. Hosted by broadcaster Laura McGoldrick, the event delivered inspiring stories, plenty of laughs and raised valuable support for the AIMES Youth Excellence Awards.

Laura McGoldrick, Martin Guptill, Tom Abercrombie, Steve Williams and Shaun Johnson

021 937 470 libby.greenwood@bayleys.co.nz

Mike Nolan, Rhys Lloyd, Rob Gunston, Karen McKinley, Aidan Bennett, Blake Douglas, Kim McIntosh, Chae Blewitt, Wayne Brown and Dan Ellensohn

Richard Pilley, John Berry and Gary Monk

Michael and Stacey Smith, Karen McKinley

Considering your next move? Phone Libby to talk through your options

Andrew Hellaby, Lesley and Garry Monk, Ant Bullick

Allan Tang, Anita Dobson, Martin Cooper, Gavin Roberts and Adam Mitchell

bayleys.co.nz/energise Jason Mills, Rhys Lloyd and Craig Cachopa

Erin Marmont, Bob, Paulene and Mark Jago, with Tom Abercrombie

LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 Conditions apply.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Out & About | On the Shore

'Glide Time' a smash hit from Phoenix Theatre 'Glide Time' was a smash hit at the PumpHouse! Phoenix Theatre's special 50th anniversary production of the iconic Kiwi comedy proved a resounding success, selling more than 2,000 tickets across its 13-performance season, with many shows selling out. Audiences embraced the much-loved "time capsule comedy", authentically set in 1976, describing it as a delightful trip down memory lane. Sir Roger, who attended opening night on Friday 18 September, was full of praise for the cast and crew, congratulating them on bringing this Kiwi favourite vividly to life 50 years after he first wrote it. Phoenix Theatre continues to go from strength to strength and will present three productions at The PumpHouse in 2027. To get involved or book tickets early, visit phoenixtheatre.co.nz

Lady Dianne Hall, Gabrielle Couch, Tamai Burger, Sir Roger, Simon and Pip Hall, and Victoria Johnstone

Penny and David Walter

Claire Raoult, Wiollow Hyslop and Nic Nicholson

Helen Topliss, Braydon Priest, Dale Everiss, Vikki and Lynn Cottingham and Michelle Smith

Louise Pagonis, Ian and Kate Birch, Maggie Eyre, Tom and Yasmina Birch

Charlie Brown, Fantasia Nair and Billy Brown

Mark and Ali De Hora and Heather Treeby

Georgia Pengelly, Evan, Elliot, Tyler and Mica Carrick and Nick Moore

Colin and Angela Cannon

James Carrick, Ngahere Hedlund, Dianne Hall, Albie Smith, Christina Cie, Sir Roger Hall, John Palmer, Vikki Cottingham, Chris Smith and Zac Russell

Preparing for hip or knee surgery? After joint surgery, the right equipment can make daily life safer and more comfortable. Visit Livewell for practical solutions like shower stools, raised toilet seats, walkers and reachers.

Expert advice. The right equipment for recovery. 09 869 6760 | 12/2 Tawa Drive, Albany, Auckland | www.livewell.co.nz 8

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Out & About | On the Shore

Innovating for better healthcare On Thursday 17 September, Well Foundation supporters gathered at Smales Farm for an inspiring Fireside Chat exploring innovation and technology in healthcare. Guests heard from clinicians leading advances in cancer care, ultrasound technology and breast cancer treatment, gaining insight into how these innovations are improving patient outcomes. The event offered a valuable opportunity to meet experts, ask questions and connect with others passionate about healthcare. Discussions highlighted the crucial role philanthropy plays in supporting new technologies, pioneering treatments and innovative models of care. It was an informative evening showcasing how healthcare innovation is helping deliver better care closer to home.

Ruth Morse, Dr Anneke Cummack, Dr Eva Fong, Dr Laura Chapman and Heidi Wilde

Trish Day NEW HOME CONSULTANT

027 561 6556

Fay Norman, Lucy Anastasiadou-Hobbs, Michelle Goldfinch, Bruce Rasmussen, Dr Eva Fong and Jerry Norman

Paul and Beverly Erceg

trishday@signature.co.nz

Do you have a section sitting ready? Fay Sowerby, Dr Katherine Gale, Ellie Stone and Vicki Hill

Shelly Joyes, Heidi Wilde, Hayley Law, Nikki Revell, Kevin Law and David Downs

Whether you’re planning a design and build from the ground up, or your current place is ready for a knockdown and rebuild, I’ll help you get the most out of your land.

Let’s start the conversation.

Paul Adams, Wendy Duff and Peta Pickering

Jenny Payne and Bruce Rasmussen

Heidi Wilde, Sandra Craze and Martin Cooper

Scan to start your new home journey!

Elaine McKeown and June Kennerley

Jaffar Al-Sakini, Dr Anneke Cummack and Stella Sampson

David Downs and Hayley and Kevin Law

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

For a truly wholehearted education. At Kristin, academic tuition is only the start. Our students experience a wholehearted education that helps them thrive in every way. It’s a holistic approach that is intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional and — above all — exceptional. To book a school tour or apply now visit kristin.school.nz

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Out & About | On the Shore

'Battle of the Boots' MS Auckland fundraiser The community turned out in force at Birkenhead United AFC’s Battle of the Boots fundraiser, supporting Multiple Sclerosis Auckland and launching MS Awareness Week. Held at Shepherds Park on Sunday 13 September, the family-friendly event brought together local personalities, sportspeople and supporters for an afternoon of football, fundraising and community spirit. Spectators enjoyed exciting on-field action, food, raffles, auctions and entertainment. Funds raised will help support Aucklanders living with multiple sclerosis and their whānau. Thanks to MS Auckland, Birkenhead United AFC, Harcourts Cooper & Co, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who supported the event.

Lady Raewyn Henry, Becky Tucker, Jodie Peters and Sir Graham Henry

Allan Tang, Martin Cooper and Nathan Canton

Isabella Bouwer, Josh Smith, Stanley Zhange and Johan Sanford

Jason Yianakis, Bella Joseph, Martin Cooper, Kendall Thornton, Dianne Lundquist, Catherine Curley and Dan Lundquist

Jono Pryor, Sam Smith and Martin Cooper

Dan Bidois and Nathan Canton

Men at Breakfast: lessons in leadership Business North Harbour’s Men at Breakfast event on Tuesday 1 September brought local businesspeople together for a morning of networking, conversation and inspiration. Guest speaker Sir Graham Lowe shared insights from his distinguished career in sport, coaching and leadership, reflecting on resilience, character and the positive influence sport can have on young people. His engaging presentation emphasised authenticity, strong relationships and traditional values.

Cooper Hall and Carl Kaschula

Aaron Beard and Mark Gregory

John Blackmore and Nic Tsimas

Samuel Ames, James Grey, Paul Janssen, Luis Paulo Santana De Mattos, David Green, Phil Shannon and James Nicholson

Sir Graham Lowe and Aaron Beard

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Out & About | On the Shore

BEN Breakfast with Jason Paris Business leaders packed out the BEN Breakfast on Tuesday 8 September to hear from outgoing One New Zealand CEO Jason Paris. Sharing candid insights on leadership, resilience and reinvention, Jason delivered an inspiring and thoughtprovoking presentation, encouraging attendees to back themselves boldly, embrace change and build high-performing workplace cultures.

Julie Grgicevich, Michael Dearth, Sue Kohn-Taylor, Andy Brown, Jason Paris, Nina Bowden and Stephen Bendall

Helen Reed, Danielle Halliday, Loren O'Sullivan, Darren Bird, Nikki Revell and Sam Parmar

Carolyn Hendley, Vanessa Gray, Kay Gregory and Glenn Read

Leticia Silva, Ryan Keogh and Leslie Montt Pacheco Ilse Wolfe, Shiori Dalton, Scott Wilson, Lisa Connor, Ben Presling and David Green

Tom Abercrombie, Simon Watson, Jason Greene, Clement Chia and Ryan Sadler

Iva Parapunova, Sheila Ye, Lindsley Trinham, Stephany van der Werf and Jacquette Barrington

CEREC SAME DAY CEREC

CROWNS

ONE VISIT. ALL PORCELAIN. NO LONG WAIT FOR YOUR PERMANENT RESTORATION

Hayden Smith, Aaron Young, Shane Winter, Tony Nicholson and Owen Melhuish

$12 PE

DIGITAL 3D SCAN

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CUSTONCROWN IN ONE VISIT

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Dr. Peter Rucastle BDS (Wits) North Shore Medical Centre, Unit 9, 326 Sunset Road, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 12

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

HEALTH AND WELLBEING: WAITEMATĀ ENDOSCOPY

Is your gut trying to tell you something? When to get your symptoms checked

Digestive symptoms are common, and most of the time they are nothing to be concerned about. Bloating after a large meal, occasional heartburn, or an irregular bowel motion can all happen from time to time. But when symptoms persist, change or occur alongside other warning signs, it may be time to take a closer look. Reflux, for example, is experienced on a weekly basis by 10–20% of adults in Australia and New Zealand, but when reflux is measured scientifically, small amounts of acid may enter the oesophagus up to 30 times over a normal day. So its presence does not necessarily indicate disease. Reflux causing troublesome symptoms more than twice a week, however, warrants discussion with your doctor. Treatment, or further investigation, including Gastroscopy, may be appropriate. Normal bowel function also varies considerably. Anywhere from three bowel motions a day to three a week can be normal. What matters is knowing what is normal for you. Bowel motions should be comfortable to pass and should not contain visible blood. A persistent change in frequency or form lasting more than six weeks should be assessed. Other warning signs include unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anaemia, and persistent abdominal pain. Simple stool tests can also look for infection, inflammation or microscopic blood and help determine whether further investigation is needed.

Associate Professor Dr Russell Walmsley, Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist

At Waitematā Endoscopy, our experienced specialists provide Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, and other investigations to help distinguish normal digestive variation from problems requiring treatment, giving patients clear answers and reassurance about their gut health. Most Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy procedures can be arranged within seven working days of referral, making specialist assessment straightforward when further investigation is recommended. Associate Professor Dr Russell Walmsley Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Waitematā Endoscopy 09 925 4449 waitemataendoscopy.co.nz

provide peace of mind for you and your Whānau With increased capacity, Waitemata Endoscopy provides greater peace of mind for patients with timely access to care. Our experienced team are dedicated to providing exceptional endoscopy care at every opportunity. Appointments are available within 7 working days for most Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy procedures by matching you with the availability of our Gastroenterologists & Surgeons*. Talk to your GP about a referral to the Waitemata Endoscopy Group, or you can self-refer at:

www.waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/book WE have you covered from 'Top to Bottom'

*Visit our website to find out more

Associate Professor Dr Russell Walmsley Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

HARBOUR HOSPICE NEWS

Support of hospice Vintners’ Brunch fundraiser ensures right care, at right time and place Harbour Hospice’s recent flagship fundraiser, Vintners’ Brunch, was a real celebration of good food, good wine, community spirit and generosity, says the charity’s fundraising manager, Amber West. The 30 August event saw 360 supporters turn out to the Pullman Hotel to enjoy ten food and wine pairings created by some of Auckland’s finest restaurants and New Zealand’s best wineries, all Favourite Pairing winners Café Hanoi while raising vital funds for Juanita Taylor with her sister Hayley Farnworth and Te Motu Vineyard Harbour Hospice. “A huge thank you to everyone who supported the event,” says the phone calls at 9pm to check in. The nurse who noticed Mum was Amber. “By coming together year after year at Vintners, you ensure getting stiffer and suggested we look at different ways to help move that Harbour Hospice continues to be there for people with the right her. And the way they made our parents feel 'seen’. They put a picture care, in the right place, at the right time.” of a yacht on the door of Dad’s room; that meant so much to him Café Hanoi and Te Motu Vineyard won the audience vote for because he was a sailor.” ‘favourite pairing’, with a slow-braised lamb neck dish, paired with Te Harbour Hospice Chief Executive Amanda Fowler told guests that Motu’s Kokoro 2021 merlot blend. that compassionate, patient-centred care will always form the essence of Harbour Hospice services.“ But we are at a pivotal moment in our Our community is changing. The way people die is changing. Harbour Hospice Chief Executive Amanda history. And the way they will need to be cared for is changing.” When Fowler told guests that compassionate, Hospice was established, most of its care was built around people with cancer. “Today, more than a third of the people we care for have nonpatient-centred care will always form the cancer conditions. And over the next decade, along with the rising essence of Harbour Hospice services. population, non-cancer conditions will drive almost all the growth in need across our region. To remain fit for purpose, we must evolve our Meanwhile, guest speaker Juanita Taylor reminded everyone in model of care, now. Standing still is not an option, and this will be one the room why they were there. She told guests that both her parents of the most critical evolutions our service ever makes.” had been cared for by Harbour Hospice. Each parent had had their Families will need to be supported through longer, more complex own ideas about what end-of-life care should look like. Her dad journeys. “As people live longer, we will see more chronic disease, sought peace in the sanctuary of Hospice’s Inpatient Unit. Her mum frailty, dementia and co-morbidities. In fact, in the past three years wanted to be cared for at home and have lots of visitors. Both got the we’ve already seen a 25% increase in the length of stay someone will experiences they wanted, Juanita told the room. “But aspects of their be in our service. care were similar; they each received the same unwavering support “We’ve begun the work,” she concluded. “But the mahi ahead is and the same compassion and respect.” significant. And as always, we need the support of our community to Juanita said Hospice was there for the family every step of the way. help achieve this.” “More than that, they were one step ahead. The number of times they To support Harbour Hospice, go to suggested we try something and we wondered did we really need to, harbourhospice.org.nz/donate/ only to realise two days later we did. It was the practical support too –

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: BRIDGEWAY CINEMA

Bridgeway Cinema for sale

For the first time in almost 40 years, the Bridgeway Cinema in Northcote Point is looking for a new owner. On the eve of its centenary year (the Bridgeway was first established in 1927), owners Kelly Rogers and David Ross have decided it is time to find a new David Ross and Kelly Rogers, pictured at one of their former cinemas, the Capitol. proprietor for Photo credit: Dean Purcell the Bridgeway, someone who shares their passion for art-house and film festival content that has made the Bridgeway a local favourite for decades. Kelly Rogers bought the cinema in 1987 at the age of 24, having seen how cinemas in London were thriving, servicing local communities wanting film and entertainment choices reflecting the changing times. His vision was for a vibrant and independent cinema which would play an important role in the entertainment life of communities throughout Auckland – especially those who wanted to taste the world of global cinema without necessarily crossing the harbour bridge. However, there was a problem – in those days the film releases were the province of the big cinema chains who didn’t like the thought of a strong independent cinema as competition – so they made it difficult for the Bridgeway to get content. With the enthusiasm and risk-taking attitude epitomised by a budding entrepreneur, Kelly Rogers set off to his first-ever International

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Film Festival in Cannes, France, where he picked up the New Zealand rights to Stephen Soderbergh’s first ever feature film, 'Sex, Lies and Videotape'. This independent drama became a massive cultural and critical breakthrough, produced by Soderbergh at just 26 years of age. Soderbergh became the youngest solo director to win the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, launching a highly influential career that later included hits like 'Traffic', 'Erin Brockovich', and the 'Ocean's' franchise. This Bridgeway release prefaced Soderbergh’s 40year directorial career, with many of his subsequent films screened at the Broadway during decades of creative brilliance. Recognising that he had a tiger by the tail in business terms, Kelly Rogers invited well-known accountant and businessman David Ross, a friend of his father, to join him and become a partner in the Bridgeway. That spawned a business relationship that involved many enterprises under the Rialto brand, including Rialto Distribution, which is their primary business interest today. David is now in his mid-80s and is still involved in a number of businesses, and Kelly spends much of his time travelling to international film festivals through Europe, Asia and the Americas, leaving little time to focus on their cinema interests. During the almost 40 years of Bridgeway ownership, Kelly and David have grown the business from a one-screen theatre to a four-screen location providing multiple screenings of different movies from morning through late evening. Over the years, millions of dollars have been invested in new technology to enable the adoption of much easier scheduling of movies, which is now done just once a week. Explaining the success of the Bridgeway, Kelly Rogers points to the human experience.

“Our patrons come to share the movie experience with people they love: family, friends, spouses and partners. There’s nothing better than enjoying a laugh – or a cry – prompted by the emotional experience that is unique to a big screen. The Bridgeway has been at the forefront of bringing foreign films and documentaries through film festivals, which are often booked out weeks in advance. "The Bridgeway has tended to attract an older audience which is incredibly loyal and has stayed with us over the decades. They were especially supportive after the enforced Covid lockdown, and we are really appreciative of that. "Our ‘Girls Night Out’ features have also been very popular, with women who enjoy the movie experience accompanied by a glass of wine with their mates,” Kelly says. Kelly and David have stressed that they would like to see the Bridgeway sold to someone who shares their values of independence,

choice and support for the production of great art-house and alternative cinema. "The Bridgeway is iconic, and we’d like to see it stay that way,” David says. “We’d love to pass the business over to a local family or a younger film enthusiast with new ideas and a commitment to continue holding special events and screenings with local filmmakers.” The Bridgeway is being marketed for sale by Michelle Boag of Kauri Business Sales. During her business broking career, Michelle has sold six cinemas, three of which were owned by David and Kelly. “Interestingly, those cinemas have generally sold to individuals and families who love the thought of combining their passion for movies with a business opportunity.” Michelle is able to be contacted on 021 940 884 or michelle.boag@kauribusiness.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Hon Simon Watts MP for North Shore

simon.watts@parliament.govt.nz simonwattsmp

Dan Bidois

MP for Northcote dan.bidois@parliament.govt.nz danbidoismp

Authorised by Hon Simon Watts, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

$10

NEW FILMS & SPECIAL EVENTS

15 Oct

22 Oct

8 Oct

TUESDAYS excl. Public Holidays

Open Daily

$10

SUPER THURSDAYS excl. Public Holidays

30 Oct - 1 Nov 29 Oct

9 - 11 Oct 48 Victoria Road • 09 446 0100 • info@thevic.co.nz • www.thevic.co.nz •

NPO T

AUCKLAND’S VINTAGE PICTURE THEATRE

THE VIC DEVONPORT

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

30 Oct Halloween Show @thevicdevonport •

@yazagelato

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: THE PUMPHOUSE THEATRE NEWS

News from The PumpHouse from James Bell

Politics, piano and a little hocus pocus October is here, which means it’s time to get out, soak up a little spring sunshine and explore everything our beautiful city has to offer. And, of course, we’d love for The PumpHouse to be part of your plans! With Pupukemoana on our doorstep, radiant Killarney Park all around us and plenty happening on stage, we’re a pretty lovely place to visit. Whether you fancy a political comedy, live music or a little Halloween magic, there’s something waiting for you at the theatre this October. First up, Tadpole Productions presents Dave Armstrong’s 'The Surprise Party' from 8–18 October. This is a high-energy political satire that takes a very Kiwi swipe at elections, MMP and the wonderfully messy business of trying to keep a political party together. (How topical!) When the hapless POP party gathers on election night, their sole MP Doug Morris and his colleagues are in for some very big surprises. With a stellar cast including Alison Quigan and Stephen Papps, and directed by Colin McColl ONZM, this is politics with the volume turned right up. Keeping the political theme going, our next Creative Talk is with Richard Hills on 19 October, who will discuss why the arts are important. Our Creative Talks are free, and seats are limited. RSVP required on our website. Then, on 24–25 October, 'Caviar and Lentils' serves up a deliciously chaotic Italian comedy of money, marriage, deception and keeping up appearances. Performed in Russian with synchronised English translation, it’s a farce packed with outrageous characters and theatrical mayhem. On 26 October, experience the beautiful meeting of east and west with 'Piano Meets the Chinese Guzheng', celebrating the ancient Chinese instrument through solo, ensemble and collaborative performances. 'Tricks ‘n’ Treats Magic Show' returns this Halloween! Packed with magic, comedy, audience participation, spectacular illusions, prizes and plenty of surprises. Costumes encouraged! This is the perfect Halloween treat for little ones. See you at the theatre soon! Mauri ora, James Bell

EDUCATION: KATE POLLARD, MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, KRISTIN SCHOOL

Keeping our students safe online When people ask what I do for a living, the conversation often turns to a familiar question: "What is the numberone issue facing education today?" While that might sound like a pessimistic inquiry, I’ve come to realise it stems from genuine concern and curiosity about the wellbeing of the next generation. For several years now, my answer has centred on technology in its many forms: screen time, social media, short-form video content, gaming and, more recently, navigating the complexities of AI. The public narrative often suggests that the proverbial horse has bolted, and we are powerless to reel back control over what our children encounter online. However, I beg to differ. I’d like to share a few reflections I’ve had recently, viewed through the dual lenses of both parent and educator. Firstly, it is important to remember that all is not lost. We still have the autonomy to lead with intention in our homes and schools. Restricting social media access, for example, remains your prerogative; as parents, you are entitled to adjust or retract earlier allowances. Dr Becky Kennedy shares a powerful mantra with parents: "I have the right to change the rules, at any point, for any reason." She argues that it demonstrates healthy leadership to explain to our children that as we learn more, we adjust the rules to keep them safe. They may not like the change in the moment, but we must ask ourselves: will they appreciate this boundary in the future, when they have the benefit of hindsight (and a fully formed frontal lobe)? Protecting our children online isn’t a binary choice; small, consistent steps are the key. Protecting the hour before bedtime as screen-free, keeping mealtimes phone-free, ensuring devices stay out of bedrooms at night, and implementing internet filters are all effective strategies. Establishing these safeguards is far better than having none at all. Research consistently shows that children crave and need these boundaries to feel safe and supported. To ensure our Kristin students continue to thrive in a secure and consistent digital space, we will be moving to a managed laptop programme for all students new to the Middle School starting in 2027. As students progress into the middle years, their academic requirements become more complex. Transitioning to a managed laptop model allows us to better support their learning while providing a safer digital experience. This move will provide greater consistency across all classrooms, ensuring every student has the same tools and software. It also allows us to maintain stronger digital safety protocols, including improved content filtering and the ability for teachers to monitor device usage in real time, helping keep students focused during lessons. These laptops will also be safe for students to use outside of school, thanks to built-in browser protection. Ultimately, striking a balance is essential: we want our students to live fully in the present while remaining thoughtfully prepared for the future. By maintaining open communication, setting clear boundaries, and strengthening the partnership between home and school, we can lead with confidence. Together, we are doing more than just protecting our children online; we are empowering them to navigate the digital landscape with resilience and purpose.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

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YOUR GUIDE TO

EATING, DRINKING AND DINING ON THE SHORE

The long way to Takapuna Eleven years ago, if you wanted to eat Jess Granada's cooking, you had to find her at a night market. The stall was about four square metres. The menu, 'Taco pao, six dollars', was written on a chalkboard, and most nights it was covered in the words 'SOLD OUT' by seven o'clock. This year, Cuisine awarded her restaurant a hat. Nanam sits on Hurstmere Road in Takapuna, and if you have walked past it, you will know the room before you know the food. Stone walls, a fireplace, woven baskets hanging from the ceiling, and a private dining room built around a single long table that seats thirty. What you might not know is how far the food on those tables has travelled to get there. Jess grew up in Antique, in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. She learned to cook at home, the way most Filipinos do, by being in the kitchen while someone older cooked and eventually being handed something to stir. She did not come to New Zealand to open a restaurant. The night market came first. Then a small eatery in Royal Oak. Then, more than a decade after the first market stall, Takapuna. "For a long time, people would come in, look at the menu, and ask what adobo was," says her business partner and co-owner Andrew Soriano. "You would explain it, and then they would order the steak." That is not what happens now. Filipino food, Spanish form Nanam describes itself as modern FilipinoSpanish, which sounds like a fusion restaurant, but it's not. The Philippines was a Spanish colony for more than three hundred years, and the evidence sits in the language of the food: adobo, lechon, escabeche, sarsa. The words are Spanish, but the dishes are not. Jess's menu takes that history seriously. Pork lechon, slow-roasted, with a sauce built from roasted artichoke and apple. Lumpia. croquetas. Crispy duck. Sizzling sisig with

octopus. Wagyu beef and lemongrass tacos. Cuisine's guide singles out the lumpia and croquetas, the crispy duck and the pork lechon, and describes a restaurant where traditional Filipino flavours meet modern dining and New Zealand ingredients. Nanam scored seventeen. It is the first hat the restaurant has been given, and the first awarded to a Takapuna restaurant. What is a Cuisine 'hat'? Not everyone follows restaurant awards, so here's the short version. This year Cuisine assessed 400 restaurants across New Zealand and awarded 110 hats. 67 restaurants in the country hold one hat. Nanam is one of them. The judges arrive unannounced, eat as ordinary customers and pay their own bill. No restaurant can enter, nominate itself or buy a place. Cuisine has been doing this for almost four decades, and its editor Kelli Brett describes the guide's job as telling a food story that stretches further than the handful of cities international attention tends to land on. Valladolid, Spain The hat is not the only thing that's happened to Jess this year. She was also named in Cuisine's Top 50 Women in Food and Drink for 2026. And before either of those, she won the Australasian Tapas Championship, which took her to Valladolid in Spain to compete at the World Tapas Competition, representing New Zealand. She entered a dish called The Storyteller. It was a big moment for Jess; a Filipino chef carrying the New Zealand flag into Spain, with her own roots on the plate and the best of New Zealand produce behind her. "That trip changed how she cooks," says Andrew. "Not the techniques. The confidence." Salo-salo There is a Filipino word for it: salo-salo. The nearest English is 'a shared meal', which misses it, because in the Philippines, the sharing is not the format. It is the reason. Ask a

Jess Granada

Filipino where family actually happens, and they will not say the house; they will say the table. It is where news gets broken, arguments get settled, and the person who has been quiet for a month finally says something. None of it is scheduled. It happens because everybody sat down at the same time and stayed there. That quality time has quietly become hard to arrange. People eat at different hours now, in different rooms, with a phone in one hand. Getting everyone around one table, at once, for longer than an hour, takes an effort it never used to take. This is the reason Jess and Andrew built the dining room. Giving the private dining room one long table instead of several small ones was a decision rather than a layout, and so were the fireplace and the baskets overhead. "Filipinos do not ask whether you are hungry," says Jess. "We just feed you." The set feast is built for groups from four to thirty, and nobody has to order anything. The private dining room takes thirty to forty-five, the whole venue up to a hundred. Eleven years ago all of it was a chalkboard, four square metres of stall, and people eating six-dollar taco pao standing up. The room has changed. The reason has not. A year from now nobody at your table will remember exactly what they ordered; they will remember who was there, and that nobody wanted to go home. Nanam 178 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna Dinner Tuesday to Saturday, lunch Friday and Saturday. nanam.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

YOUR GUIDE TO

EATING, DRINKING AND DINING ON THE SHORE

Eating Out THEON Shore

Takapuna Alforno Italian Restaurant

Here at Channel we're proud to support our local hospo businesses in our monthly eating out guide. Try somewhere new this month.

34 Anzac St. 09 488-0179. alforno.co.nz

Aubergine Restaurant

129 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 3104. aubergine.co.nz

Devonport

Botticelli Restaurant & Wine Bar

Stone Oven

8 Anzac St. 021 910 999. botticelli.co.nz

5 Clarence St. stoneoven.co.nz

Centro Café

The Kestrel

Akdeniz Bar Cafe Restaurant

5/15 Victoria Rd. 09 600 2125. akdenizdevonport.co.nz

Buona Sera Restaurant

1/1 Queens Parade, Devonport Wharf. 09 445 1777. thekestrel.co.nz

The Next Station Chinese Cuisine

99 Victoria Rd. 09 445 8133. buonasera.co.nz

Cafe Hung Viet

101 Victoria Rd. 09 446 3368. caféhungviet.co.nz

Calimero

163 Victoria Rd. 09 445 2232. calimero.co.nz

Catch A Coffee

4 Cambridge Terrace. catchacoffeenz@gmail.com

Corellis

Curry Cloud

161 Victoria Rd. 09 445 1546. currycloud.co.nz

Devonport Indian Hub - The Asian Eatery

71 Victoria Rd. 09 445 4263. devonportindianhub.co.nz

Devon on the Wharf

1 Queen's Parade. 09 445 7012. devononthewharf.nz

Flying Rickshaw

97 Victoria Rd. 09 445 7721. flyingrickshaw.co.nz

Manuka Cafe and Restaurant

14 Victoria Rd. 09 445 3010. thepatriot.co.nz

El Humero

53/55 Victoria Rd. 09 445 0194 vicroadkitchen.co.nz

Florrie McGreals Irish Pub

8 Victoria Rd. 09 446 6444. vondel.co.nz

Flourish Café

448 Lake Rd. 09 488 7527

Vondel

French Rendez-Vous

2a Maurere Ave. (next to The PumpHouse). 09 487 0009. french-rendez-vous-caférestaurant.business.site

Hanoi Haven

Belmont Bar

148 Lake Rd. 09 445 3765. nzbelmontbar@gmail.com

Caffé Santini

10 Victoria Rd. 09 963 9218. sofrenchcafénz.com

458 Lake Rd. 022 632 9003. juzu.co.nz

43 Eversleigh Rd, Belmont. dailybread.co.nz

Nanam

Hauraki Social Club

178 Hurtsmere Rd. 09 488 9976 nanam.co.nz

Regatta Bar & Eatery

Main Beach, The Strand. 09 488 0040. joylab.co.nz/regatta

Smokeland BBQ

Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina

Main Beach, The Strand. 09 488 0016. starsocial.nz/venues/rosies-red-hot-cantina-takapuna

Sakebar Nippon

333 Lake Rd, Hauraki Corner. 09 486 0003. xotakapuna.com

Hong's Korean Kitchen Ju Zu

Daily Bread

XO Takapuna

So French Café

40 Hurstmere Rd. 09 263 6393. hanoihaven.co.nz Shop 5, 62 Hurstmere Rd. 09 200 0217. hongskoreanrestaurant.co.nz

63c Lake Rd, Belmont. 0221 872 491. espressosantini@gmail.com

Signal Hill

24 Victoria Rd. 09 445 0193. signalhill.co.nz

138 Hurstmere Rd. 09 486 6330. florriemcgreals.co.nz 19 Como Street. 09 489 2266. projectemploy.nz

131 Lake Rd, Belmont. 020 4054 8202. smokelandbbqbelmont.co.nz

Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 9973. elhumero.co.nz

Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar

Portofino Devonport

26 Victoria Rd. 09 445 3777. portofinodevonport.co.nz

Eat Street. 40 Hurstmere Rd. 09 486 3668. dantes.co.nz

DoDo Sushi & Donburi

The Patriot (Pub)

Level 1, 335 Lake Rd, Hauraki. 09 802 2554. haurakisocialclub.co.nz

49 Victoria Rd. 09 445 7732. manukarestaurant.co.nz

Dantes Pizza & Casa Pasta

41 Victoria Rd. 09 200 0683

Belmont/Hauraki

46 Victoria Rd. 09 445 4151. corelliscafé.co.nz

447a Lake Rd. 09 200 2277. centrocafe.co.nz

RT H

32 Anzac Street. 09 486 2249. sakebar.co.nz

S MAL

FA R

UNA

INT

So French Café

Northcote Tavern

Fantail & Turtle

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.

The Northcote Tavern has been part of Auckland’s North Shore since the 1800s. As you will discover in our history section, there has been a pub on the Northcote Point site since the 1850s. 160 years on ‘The Tav’ is still a place for people to have a drink and hang out with friends and enjoy themselves – as it has always been. But it is now so much more – sport, food, family and community are the key ingredients.

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

10 Victoria Road, Devonport 09 963 9218 sofrenchcafénz@gmail.com sofrenchcafénz.com facebook instagram #sofrenchcafédevonport Opening hours: Tues to Sun 8am-3pm

AK ,T

Centrally located right by Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge 37 Queen Street, Northcote Point 09 480 7707 hello@northcotetavern.co.nz

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Milford

Chef Rasa Sayang

8/33 Hurstmere Rd. 09 484 0005. stmaree.co.nz 4 The Strand. 09 485 3888. strandwinebar.co.nz

Anokha Indian Restaurant

243 Hinemoa Street. 09 217 8558. claphams.co.nz

1 Byron Ave. 09 216 5991. streetorganics.co.nz

Cave À Vin

138-140 Hinemoa Street. duoeatery.co.nz 027 213 8591/027 421 6401. osteriauno.co.nz

St Marée Bistro

Strand Wine Bar Street Organics

Malaysian food. 25 Mokoia Rd. 09 419 9788

Clapham's

Duo / Osteria Uno

140 Kitchener Rd. 09 489 1499. anokha.co.nz

Takapuna Beach Cafe

146 Kitchener Rd. caveavin.co.nz

Fika With Me

22 The Promenade. takapunabeachcafé.co.nz

Good Town Burgers

168 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 9510. taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz

Khu Khu Eatery

129 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 3988. toktok.co.nz

13 Shakespeare Rd. 09 282 0392. lamexicana.co.nz

89 Kitchener Rd. 09 485 3877. goodtownburgershop.co.nz

Taylors on Hurstmere

Mulan Malaysian Restaurant

La Mexicana

Tokyo Bay

Main Beach, The Strand. 09 390 7188. tokyobay.co.nz

Wok 'n Noodle

Milford Motel

1A Shakespeare Rd. 09 486 0314. milfordmotel.co.nz

Monthien Thai Restaurant

142 Kitchener Rd. 09 488 0409. monthien.co.nz

1/7 The Strand. 09 485 3259. woknnoodle.com

Smales Farm, Takapuna

Musashi Japanese Cuisine Milford

212 Kitchener Rd. 09 489 5977. musashirestaurant.co.nz

PYM's of Milford

154 Kitchener Rd. 021 413 850. pymsofmilford.com

Fantail & Turtle

Talay Thai Restaurant

09 486 0644. fantailandturtle.co.nz

83-85 Kitchener Rd. 09 489 9568 talaythai.co.nz

Gather Eatery

The Hub Milford Bar & Grill

09 212 4466. gathereatery.co.nz

145 Kitchener Rd. 09 489 4480. thehubmilford.nz

Shake Out Burgers

The Milford Cafe, Bar & Restaurant

09 489 8223. shakeout.co

7 Milford Rd. 09 488 9388. themilford.co.nz

Northcote Point 124 Queen Street, Northcote Point, 09 480 9600 sfera.co.nz

Birkenhead Brewing Company

Broke Boy Taco

32 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead. Brokeboytaco.com

Burrito House

17 Mokoia Rd. 09 418 2095. burritohouse.co.nz

S MAL

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Tasty Tiny Thai Restaurant

52d Mokoia Rd. 09 418 4999. tastytinythai.co.nz

Thai Yum Food Hut

23 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 6799. thaiyum.net.nz

The Good Home

83 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 0066. thegoodhomebirkenhead.co.nz

The Bays and Albany

5-7 Corinthian Drive, Albany. 09 448 5757. khunpun.co.nz

Montrose Cafe, Bistro & Bar

1 Montrose Tce, Mairangi Bay. 09 478 9610. montrose.org.nz

Paper Moon

437 Beach Rd, Mairangi Bay. 09 479 8872. papermoon.org.nz

Ristorante La Spiaggia

470 Beach Rd, Murrays Bay. 09 475 5643. laspiaggia.co.nz

N Y

AK ,T

Khun Pun Thai Restaurant

4/56 Bounty Rd. 09 473 0908. longbaysurfclub.co.nz

9 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 5006. blitzapizza.co.nz

115 Queen St. 09 480 9502. engineroom.net.nz

30 Birkenhead Ave. 021 085 95485. realburger.site

Long Bay Surf Club

17 Birkenhead Ave. 09 320 5055. bbc.kiwi

Blitza Pizza

The Engine Room

Real Burger

1 The Esplanade, Campbells Bay. 09 475 5772. elgreco.co.nz

13 Birkenhead Ave. 09 418 4202. abruzzi.co.nz

141 Queen St, Northcote Pt. 09 480 2690. staffordroadwinebar.co.nz

6 Mokoia Rd. 09 418 0555. primerosethaicuisine.co.nz

El Greco Greek and Italian Eatery

37 Queen St. 09 480 7707. northcotetavern.co.nz

Stafford Road Wine Bar

Primerose Thai Cuisine

37 Clyde R, Browns Bay.. 0800 21 3297. 21days.co.nz

Abruzzo Ristorante Italiano

Sfera

10 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 2806. mulan.co.nz

21 Days Bar & Brasserie

Birkenhead

Northcote Tavern

Moxie Restaurant

82 Hinemoa St. 09 419 9082. moxierestaurant.co.nz

91 Kitchener Rd. 09 600 3327. khukhu.co.nz

Tok Tok Kitchen

5 Birkenhead Ave. 09 418 5508. @fikawithme

UNA

Gather Eatery

La Mexicana

Khun Pun Thai Restaurant

Gather celebrates simplicity done well: seasonal ingredients, authentic flavours, and meals to share and savour. Open for breakfast and lunch, Gather offers a warm, comfortable setting where everyone is welcome, whether solo or with friends or family. Dishes with a fresh twist are served in a relaxed, elegant space designed to foster conversation and connection. Food that's good for the soul, in a space that feels like your own. For private event bookings, email events@gathereatery.co.nz Open Tues-Friday 7.30am-3pm Sat and Sun 8am-3pm bookings@gathereatery.co.nz 09 212 4466, gathereatery.co.nz

Born from a passion to bring the true flavours of Mexico to Milford, La Mexicana serves authentic tacos made the traditional way. Enjoy nixtamal corn tortillas made fresh every day, slow-cooked meats and handmade salsas crafted from real ingredients and family recipes. Genuine Mexican food, made from scratch with corazón. A local Kiwi-Mexican family business, run with pride and passion.

Discover Khun Pun Thai Restaurant, where cherished recipes meet bold innovation and the freshest ingredients to create a truly memorable dining experience. Celebrating 20 years of serving the local community, enjoy authentic Thai cuisine with a modern twist. An extensive menu caters to vegan, gluten-free and halal requirements, with ample parking available.

Open 7 days a week, 5-9pm, plus Sat & Sun brunches, 10am-2pm.

Lunch: Tues-Fri, 11.30am-2.30pm. Dinner: Tues-Sun, 5pm to late. 7 Corinthian Drive, Albany 09 448 5757 khunpun.co.nz facebook: khunpunthaialbany

13 Shakespeare Rd, Milford info@lamexicana.co.nz lamexicana.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

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Nanam

Tokyo Tok Tok Bay

Benny's

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 New Zealand’s 100 Best Restaurants by Cuisine, Nanam is proud to be a neighbourhood favourite. Don’t miss our summer lunch special for just $35!

Tokyo Baythe is situated seaside, Takapuna Discover Tok Tok experience in Beach. YouUnwind, can dineindulge and watch cruise Takapuna. and the savour the liners sail out after a day in Auckland. Open vibrant flavours of modern Asian fusion seven a week with a casual at Tok days Tok Takapuna. From fresh,lunch bold menu featuring light bites toevery a range dishes to creative cocktails, biteofis a bento box-styled selections. Then celebration, with vegetarian, veganfrom and GF 5pm a more extensive evening menu is options available. Perfect for date nights, available, featuring modern Japanese group gatherings and those unforgettable cuisine. Bookings essential. moments. Book your table today and taste Theextraordinary! Travellers’ Choice Awards 'Best of the the Best Restaurants for 2024' have been announced, with Tokyo Bay Takapuna in the 1/129 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna. top489 ten for the toktokkitchen@gmail.com, fourth year running. 09 3988, Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best' 2021, 2022, toktok.co.nz 2023 and 2024. facebook toktakapuna Opening hours: Mon 5pm-late, tokyobay.co.nz Tues-Sun 12pm-late facebook tokyobaytakapuna

Indulge in Australia's iconic burgers, now in New Zealand! 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, flavourful bite every time. Toppings and condiments are carefully selected to enhance, not overpower, the natural flavours of our ingredients.

178 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 488 9976, nanam.co.nz nanam.reservation@gmail.com Lunch: Wed–Sat, 11:30am-2:30pm Dinner: Tues–Sat, 5pm-10pm Closed Sun/Mon TA K

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100 Hurstmere Road, 095585775 Open: 11am - Late - Everyday facebook: Benny's American Burgers NZ instagram: bennysamericanburger.nz bennysburgers.co.nz

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Flourish Café

Strand Wine Bar

French Rendez-Vous

NEW PREMISES! 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.

NEW OPENING! Strand Wine Bar is Takapuna’s fresh new local – a relaxed, locally owned spot to sip great wine, share delicious plates, and browse a great selection of bottles to take home. With a sunny outdoor area, a stellar drinks list and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to unwind day or night.

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.

5 Anzac Street, Takapuna 7am-3pm, Tuesday to Saturday Instagram flourish.takapuna /projectemploynz Facebook Flourish Café /Project Employ projectemploy.nz

Open 6 days from midday. Closed Mondays. Strand Wine Bar 4 The Strand, Takapuna 09 485 3888 strandwinebar.co.nz Instagram @strandwinebar

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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

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Hanoi Haven

Street Organics

DoDo Sushi & Donburi

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.

The end of the year will be here before we know it! Planning a work celebration, family gathering or catch-up with friends? We’ve got canapés, grazing platters, buffets and plenty of options for different dietary styles and allergies. Whatever you’re celebrating, we’d love to be part of it.

Loved by locals, DoDo Sushi brings authentic Japanese flavour to Takapuna with a fresh, modern twist.

Mon-Fri 7am-3pm Sat-Sun 8am-3.30pm 1 Byron Avenue, Takapuna 09 216 5991 streetorganics.co.nz contact@streetorganics.co.nz @streetorganics_nz

448 Lake Road, Takapuna 09 488 7527 Monday to Saturday 9.30am-7.30pm (Wednesdays until 7pm) Instagram dodosushi.takapuna Facebook DoDo-Sushi-Donburi

40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 263 6393 hello@hanoihaven.co.nz hanoihaven.co.nz Open 7 days, 11am to late. TA K

Social vibe: Friendly ‘neighbourhood’ feel with fireplace, indoor/outdoor seating and pub games like pool, darts, along with a comfortable gaming lounge. 138 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna 09 486 6581 florriemcgreals.co.nz

PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

Live sports: Multiple large screens showing major matches

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Hearty fare: Classic menu including Irish favourites, burgers and pizzas

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Live entertainment: Pub bands every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights

TA B KA ta ook ke in g n fo s n r C ow hr b ist ein m g as !

An iconic North Shore landmark known for its authentic ‘craic’ and welcoming atmosphere. A premiere destination for:

Simply delicious.

Florrie McGreal's Irish Pub

From beautifully prepared sushi and hearty donburi to comforting ramen, udon and freshly made bento, every dish is made with care and quality. Dine in or takeaway.

Taylors on Hurstmere

St Marée Bistro

Takapuna's friendliest little wine bar with amazing sharing plates. Everyone's favourite local just around the corner from the BruceClicquot Mason Theatre. Perfect for NV Veuve Yellow Label private parties, no venue hire! $85 perHour! bottle between Yellow Bottle of Veuve5-7pm Clicquotdaily Champagne only $85 from 5pm to 7pm every night! Winner Lewisham Awards 2024 Outstanding Local Establishment North. Bookings now being taken for Christmas! Set menu and packages available

Welcome to St Marée – Takapuna’s newest seafood bistro, inspired by the timeless allure of the New Zealand ocean. Our name comes from the French word for 'tide' – a nod to our love of fresh catches and the ever-changing bounty of the sea. The menu is built around local and seasonal seafood, always focused on what’s fresh. Whether you’re after a cosy breakfast, a relaxed lunch or dinner, or just a top-quality coffee with friends, we’re here for fresh seafood, good coffee, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Open Tuesday - Sunday 7.30am until late. 8/33 Hurstmere Road, 09 484 0005 stmaree.co.nz facebook: @stmaree.co.nz Instagram: @stmaree.co.nz

Yellow Hour

168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna taylorsonhurstmere@gmail.com taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz 09 489 9510 Licenced Eatery

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

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Al Forno

Cousin Scott's

Dante’s by Enis Baçova

Fantastic food served in a charming, relaxed Italian atmosphere and suitable for every occasion. All our food is made using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, using traditional recipes with a modern spin. We are passionate about the history and legacy of Italian food, and proud to bring you an authentic Italian and Mediterranean dining experience in Takapuna. Fully licensed, with a great selection of wines and other beverages to choose from, our friendly team will do everything to make your dining experience as enjoyable as possible.

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 an ice-cold brew. Here, everyone’s family!

Pizza Contemporanea & Casa Pasta – born in Naples, raised in New Zealand. Award-winning pizzaiolo Enis Baçova brings Pizza Contemporanea to life at Dante’s Takapuna: slow-fermented dough, airy crusts, and Neapolitan soul. Signature pizzas and daily house-made pasta meet fine Italian wines. Ranked Top 10 AsiaPacific, Top 50 worldwide (50 Top Pizza), Silver Winner Caputo Cup 2024 Naples. "We don't serve food – we serve stories, baked in fire." Mon 12-3pm, Wed-Sun 12-3pm, 5-9pm 40 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna, 09 486 3668, dantes.co.nz facebook instagram @DantesNZ and @enisbacova

34 Anzac Street, Takapuna 09 488 0179, alforno.co.nz facebook instagram @alfornonz alfornorestaurant@outlook.com MU

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 BR

G Y BA

Y BA

Waygu short rib and market fish

Ristorante La Spiaggia

21 Days Bar & Brasserie

Long Bay Surf Club

A popular and long-established familyfavourite 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!

Dedicated to great steak and exceptional beef, including New Zealand beef, Australian Wagyu and Japanese A5 Wagyu, both Omi and Kobe. As New Zealand's first and only officially certified Kobe beef restaurant, our approach is built around respect and time, from sourcing and butchery to our 21 Days dry-age philosophy and precise cooking. Also serving seafood, seasonal dishes, cocktails and wine. Our private function room caters to 30 guests, ideal for celebrations, corporate dinners and private events.

Just minutes from Auckland’s stunning Long Bay beach, Long Bay Surf Club is the place to be all year round. Drop in for relaxed lunches, after-work drinks, or an easy catch-up with friends any day of the week. Join us for Sundowner Sessions from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays and enjoy tap beers, house wines, and club cocktails at great prices. With all-day dining, drinks to suit every season, and the doors open seven days a week, there’s always a good reason to settle in at Long Bay Surf Club.

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

37 Clyde Road, Browns Bay 0800 213 297 21days.co.nz

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Open Mon-Sun 11am-late. 09 473 0908 4/56 Bounty Road, Long Bay info@longbaysurfclub.co.nz longbaysurfclub.co.nz Instagram facebook: @longbaysurfclub

Love the garden, not the gardening

Now offering mini studios from

$220,000

A room with a view – and a garden you don’t have to look after. Rosedale Village is set amongst established gardens and leafy green spaces, giving you a lovely outlook from your own apartment and plenty to enjoy right outside your door. It’s easy living, with the reassurance of care and a welcoming community close by.

Come and see for yourself our studio and one-bedroom apartments with garden views. 255 Rosedale Road, Albany.

09 414 1144

Alden.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Feature | Flourish Cafe

Sarah Dann-Hoare, Brendon Thomas and Hannah Sykes stand between the kitchen and the serving area in the soon-to-be-finished Flourish Cafe premises in Anzac Street

Young people Flourish in purpose-designed building By Christine Young In late September, Flourish Café, established by Project Employ to provide job training for disabled young people, moved out of Como Street in Takapuna. In early October, staff and trainees moved into a specially revamped building at 5 Anzac Street. Christine Young looks at what prompted the move, and how it became possible. Since 2022, Flourish Café has supported young people with training designed to promote their transition into the workforce. Its carefully-designed programme provides young people with nine months hands-on training, with the ultimate goal being to transfer these skills into future jobs. “As the café and our training programme grew, so did the demand for what we were offering,” says Project Employ’s operations manager Hannah Sykes. “Our original space has served us incredibly well, but we needed more room for our trainees to learn, more capacity to welcome customers, and a space that could better support the way a training café needs to operate.” Enter Brendon Thomas, who has long been concerned to improve the lot of neurodiverse and disabled youth. “Our family has a philosophy of ‘giving back’ and our son Josh was born in 2000 with disabilities,” he explains. “We have first-hand experience of

the challenges facing neuro-diverse young people and their families.” Brendon’s family established the Made with Aroha Foundation, with the mission to improve the lives and wellbeing of intellectually and physically disabled young adults through work opportunities. His support for Flourish Café sits alongside support for other initiatives supporting disabled young people, and now, he has been key in providing Flourish Café with new purpose-built premises. “We had been actively looking for opportunities to create a social enterprise and create jobs,” Brendon explains, “and when 5 Anzac St Takapuna came on the market, we saw the potential to use this as base to develop work opportunities for young people with intellectual disabilities. “We had been watching Flourish start up and evolve – we were early financial sponsors helping Sarah [Dann-Hoare, founder, director and CEO of Project Employ] and the team get it going – and we really loved what they were doing. Real-life training in an operational café, in the community. This resonated with our own vision and mission.” The Made with Aroha Foundation purchased an outdated 1960s-era building on Takapuna’s busy Anzac Street. For the last few months Brendon has been actively involved in

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

the alterations to the building, and the fitout of the new Flourish Café premises and of other spaces that will provide not just training but employment opportunities for young people: a rooftop garden to supply the café, offices and a flexible meeting space, a multipurpose workshop, and a large media studio to encourage the creation of digital assets. In the past, he notes, supporting people with disabilities has often focused on manual work. But young people needing support today are digital natives. He envisages that some of them will find purpose and employment in creating digital content such as (but not limited to) video CVs. Brendon’s enthusiasm and commitment are evident as he engages in the details of the fitout of the nearly-completed premises with Hannah and Sarah. Three weeks prior to moving in, Sarah and Hannah are equally enthusiastic – and appreciative of what Brendon has done for them. “Brendon has completely fitted out the new location for us,” says Hannah. “The space will allow us to provide more training opportunities, give our trainees greater exposure to a busy commercial café environment and support them to develop a broader range of skills. It also gives our team the operational space they need to deliver a high-quality customer experience while maintaining the strong focus

on training that sits at the heart of Flourish. “Most importantly, the move allows us to think beyond where we are today. We have had to turn people away simply because we have had limited capacity. Having the new café creates an opportunity to reach more young people and provide more pathways into employment. “The move is a reflection of how far Flourish has come. We aren't moving because the original café didn't work – we're moving because it did,” she emphasises. “The success of the original model showed us what was possible, and the new space gives us the opportunity to build on that success. “The move to Anzac Street is an incredibly exciting next step for Flourish. We can take everything we have learnt from our original café and build on it in a space that is bigger, purpose-built and designed with both hospitality and training in mind. We know there are young people who would benefit from the programme, but our current capacity has limited the number of people we can take on. The new café gives us the opportunity to change that. “It will also create a stronger learning environment for our trainees. Working in a larger, purpose-built café will allow them to experience the pace and expectations of a busy commercial environment while still having the support and structure that makes Flourish different.

“For our customers, we hope the new space feels welcoming, vibrant and connected to the community. We want Anzac Street to become a place where people come not only for great coffee and food, but also because they understand that every visit is helping create meaningful employment pathways for young people. “Flourish has grown significantly since we opened, and Anzac Street allows the café and the training programme to grow alongside each other. It feels like a natural progression for Flourish — taking a model that has already made a real difference and creating the space and opportunity to make an even greater impact.” Brendon agrees. “We saw Flourish partner with Air New Zealand and adapt the concept for them, and we could see some generous employers were opening their minds and doors to taking on some of the graduates as they completed their time at Flourish. We shared a common goal with Project Employ and we could both see that the current café site had its limitations in terms of their exposure, foot traffic and ability to expand their programme, and that a larger, busier more customised site would assist them greatly. “Incorporating Flourish into the Anzac St site perfectly complemented our wider strategy and by anchoring the site with a café it will be an excellent interface with the public,

drawing people to the site and interacting with neuro-diverse young adults enjoying their work environment. We have a long-term intention for this site to remain dedicated to our mission so we were determined to create high quality space, as often the disabled community operates from sub-standard facilities. “Along with architect Jack McKinney and build team Kelton Builders, we have been very intentional in our design, and have taken care to customise the environment to accommodate the unique sensory needs of neuro-diverse people. Consideration has been given to light and sound sensitivity and this has informed the material and equipment choices throughout the building. Mobility hazards have been minimised with flooring choices, level indoor/outdoor transitions, and wide access points. There’s a ramp from street level into the site and a wheelchair-accessible lift has been installed between the ground and upper level. “The café space has been designed to accommodate the unique needs of a working café that is also a live training environment, including an oversized kitchen area to meet the needs of trainees working alongside ablebodied coaching staff. The Flourish team does a wonderful job; we applaud their dedication and we are very pleased to support them and their cause and to offer this kind of facility to the community.”

Flourish Café is moving to Anzac Street! Our brand new, purpose-built café is more than just a place for great coffee and delicious food. It’s where neurodivergent young people can grow, learn, and thrive. Each interaction is an opportunity for our trainees to build confidence, learn new skills, and take another step toward their future.

5 Anzac street, Takapuna Tuesday - Saturday, 7am - 3pm

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ILOVETAKAPUNA: NEWS

Discover a Taste of Takapuna this October! October is Taste of Takapuna month – a celebration of the restaurants, cafés, bars and eateries that make our neighbourhood such a great place to eat. From your morning coffee and weekend brunch to quick lunches, dinner with friends, drinks by the beach and something sweet afterwards, there’s plenty to discover right here in Takapuna. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing some of our local favourites, introducing you to the people and stories behind Takapuna’s hospitality scene, and giving you plenty of reasons to try somewhere new, so make sure you're following our socials - @ilovetakapuna on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye on our website for all the details. Explore our Must-Try Dishes, browse our dining guides and recipes, take part in special food events and experiences, and show some love to your favourites in the Taste of Takapuna People’s Choice Awards. You just never know what you’ll discover – we have restaurants for every taste, with over 100 places to eat and drink right here in Takapuna!

30 and 31 October 2026. Friday 3pm-7pm; Saturday 11am-7pm.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

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

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

You just never know what you’ll discover – we have restaurants for every taste…

PEOPLE’S PEOPL E’ S

CHOICE AWARDS C H OI C E AWA R D S

VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVOURITE EATERIES! CELEBRATING THE BEST: CAFE / RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY / DRINKS COFFEE / SWEET TREAT

ilovetakapuna.co.nz ALL VOTES GO IN TO WIN A: $500, $300 OR $200 TAKAPUNA DINING VOUCHER! A L L VOTE S G O I N TO WI N A :

TA K A P U N A DI N I N G VO U C H E R !

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

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

ILOVETAKAPUNA: NEWS

Taste of Takapuna’s Must-Try Dishes October is Taste of Takapuna month — a celebration of the incredible places to eat and drink around Takapuna. And this year, we’re setting you a challenge: how many of our must-try dishes can you tick off the list? Every dish you try gives you the chance to WIN a $500 Takapuna dining voucher, so you can keep eating your way around even more of the fantastic eateries our neighbourhood has to offer. Ready to take on the challenge? On your marks… get set… EAT!

HOW IT WORKS:

Below are all the Taste of Takapuna Must-Try Dishes. Each time you try one of the dishes below, you can go in the draw to WIN! How to enter … • Download: the Taste of Takapuna: Must-Try Dishes list from our website - or keep record below! • Visit and order: from any of the must-try businesses during October 2026 • ENTER ONLINE: Take a picture of the dish, and upload it in our online entry form with your details … and you’re in to WIN a $500 Takapuna dining voucher! Each dish = one entry, so the more dishes you try in October, the more chances you have to win! SPOT PRIZES: Share your photo on social media, and tag us ( @ilovetakapuna ) AND the business, and you’ll ALSO be in the draw to win a weekly $50 dining voucher! Ts and Cs apply. Entries open from 1-31 October 2026 only.

Meet the must-try dishes of 2026:

AJISEN RAMEN Kaibutsu Ramen $27

AL FORNO Lasagne $34.90

BENNY’S BURGERS

Avocado Chicken Burger $19.90

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

BOWLER

#1 Free-Range Chicken Salad $18.90

CENTRO CAFE

DAIKOKU

Stars of Flying Horse Takapuna Combo $47

Centro beef brisket burger $35

Bún Chả Hà Nội $20.50

EAT NOW

GLORY PATISSERIE

COUSIN SCOTT’S

FLORRIE MCGREAL’S

GOLDIE’S BAR & YARD

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich $26

Beef & Guinness Pie $30

Pistachio Cruffin $9.50

Honky Tonk Hammer $140 (serves 3-4)

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

FLYING HORSE TAKAPUNA

Taste of Takapuna Special Set Menu $75

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HANOI HAVEN Bo La Lot $38

HONEY CAFE

Fried Buttermilk Chicken & Waffle $26

KIWIYO

Taro Frozen Yoghurt $4.60 per 100g

Leaf & Loaf

Leaf & Loaf BLT $19.99

ROSIE’S RED-HOT CANTINA TAKAPUNA SURF CLUB Cali Burrito (DFO) $38

Wood Fired Puff Bread $24

SEVEN HILLS

TAKIMI MAZESOBA

YOMI

Build Your own Bowls $4.79 per 100grams

Grilled Arrow Squid (GFI, DF) Japanese Mixed Noodles $25 $21.50–$28.50

Visit ilovetakapuna.co.nz for more info and to enter! JAM Cafe

Crispy Toasties $21

JoyLato

Waffle Combo $20.50

KATSU-TEI

Chicken Thigh Katsu Set $20.90

MIMOSA CAFE

Balanced Big Breakfast $29

MUSSEL AND CHIP Mussel Fritter $15

NANAM

Iconic Eats Set Menu $45 pp (min 2 ppl)

ST MARÉE

A5 Jap Wagyu Tartare $39

STRAND WINE BAR

Jamon de cebo iberico $38

STREET ORGANICS

LCHF Blueberry Protein Pancakes $29

TAYLOR’S ON HURSTMERE

Beetroot and Goats Cheese Arancini $28

THE PLUMM CAFE French Toast $29

TOK TOK

Ruakaka Kingfish Sashimi $26

Can YOU try them all? Check out all the other fantastic places to eat and drink around Takapuna in our full business directory online, and don’t forget to VOTE for your favourite hospo buinesses this month in our Taste of Takapuna People’s Choice Awards!

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

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

ROLL OUT ROLL UNDER Our roll over swimming pool safety cover offers an impeccable barrier that effectively prevents unauthorized access to your pool, made with corrosion-resistant materials. For new builds requiring wet pit area. Comes with stainless steel shaft pulse activating remote side plates supplied for fibre glass pools. Premium Materials

High-grade PVC or Polycarbonate materials with unique joint groove mechanism for secure interlocking.

Heat Retention

Efficient heat retention system with robust end caps for continuous connection and protection.

Beams

Our beams are provided on request for decking and pavers to avoid brackets.

In pool

For pools that cannot have a wet pit area or existing pools. Come complete with beams & all stainless steel panels.

ABOVE GROUND UNITS Above-ground automatic slatted cover combining robustness and compactness with a wide choice of terminal colours. Above-ground cover roll easy 2 combine strength and discretion to secure existing or new build pools. Available in electric, solar or manual versions. Installation Features

Quick and easy installation Smaller footprint Adjustable feet Mast supported by bearings.

Customizable Options

Choose from a wide range of terminal colours to match your pools aesthetic while enjoying robust and compact design.

THE POOL COVER EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

COVERSTAR AUTOMATIC POOL COVER Our swimming pool safety covers have the capacity to support the weight of an average-sized adult, offering complete assurance that your pool remains secure at all times. Temperature Control

Maintains consistent pool temperatures and minimizes evaporation, effectively extending your swimming season.

Protection

Preserves your pool from dirt, dust, and leaves while significantly decreasing pool heating expenses. Competitors’ Standards sewn webbing. 3 years old

Coverstar heat seal bonding process. 3 years old

Ropes

Fabric

Available in 11 standard colours, the premium Ultraguard lll fabric has an advanced vinyl formulation for maximum chemical and UV protection and is backed by a seven year limited warranty.

PowerFlex ropes act like a shock absorber and self-adjust during operation for a more reliable performance. They are the only ropes that come with a two-year no-break guarantee.

Two Inch Stainless Steel Pulleys

Pulley size determines rope life. Two inch double-row, sealed, stainless steel ball bearing pulleys provide five times the load bearing capacity of the commonly used pulleys and the result is uncommonly long rope life.

Torque Limiter

The mechanical torque limiter controls the pressure that can be placed on the system, protecting it from costly damage.

Heat-Sealed Webbing

15 times stronger than sewn cover webbings, heat-sealing eliminates corner tearing and makes detachable ropes possible.

Gears Sliders

The Three Channel Guide System eliminates binding by using sliders that are four times stronger than competitive systems.

Stainless Steel Bracketry

The Coverstar Eclipse system is the only system made from heavy duty stainless steel for long system life.

Over-sized gears eliminate drive train breakage.

Motor

Coverstar motors are completely sealed and submersible, allowing for continued safe use regardless of rain, splashing water, or overfilling the pool. Optional hydraulic motors are also available.

ABOVE-GROUND AUTOMATIC SLATTED COVER Perfect for both construction and renovation projects, available in solar or electric versions. The electric version features exclusive bollard lighting to enhance your pool and garden. Design Features

Modern and innovative design Slim bollards for elegance and discretion Optional Bluetooth® speaker DEL lighting for bollard enhancement

Customization

Selected colors for garden integration Available in electric and solar versions Perfect for new builds or renovations

A choice of 3 end-stand colours for a perfect integration in your garden. White

Grey

sales@autopoolcovers.co.nz Charles Olliver 021 663 854 | Paulene Olliver 027 663 8605 www.covers4pools.co.nz channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Black

LIQUORLAND TAKAPUNA

Summer Bonanza - Le Dolci Colline Prosecco Brut 750ml Two for $40 OR six for $105 A bright Veneto Prosecco made from hand-harvested Glera grapes northeast of Treviso. Slow, cool fermentation preserves fresh fruit flavours and fine bubbles. Notes of green apple and orchard fruit lead to a crisp finish. Perfect as an aperitif, with light bites, or in a classic Bellini. 182 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 1770, liquorland.co.nz takapuna@liquorland.co.nz

the #supportlocal YARNTONS

Orientique’s summer collection is here! Bright prints, beautiful colours and effortless summer styles have arrived. Discover the new Orientique range in-store and online at Yarntons. New season. New prints. Your summer wardrobe awaits at Yarntons.

PAGANI – GLENFIELD MALL

18 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, 09 418 4011 69 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 3479 facebook instagram @yarntons yarntons.co.nz

Fresh, feminine and effortlessly wearable, Pagani’s Voile Button Front Shirt Dress is a perfect pick for the new season. Discover Pagani’s latest collection of dresses, workwear, everyday favourites and eventready styles, available in sizes 6–18. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe for spring or searching for something special, you’ll find versatile styles for every occasion. Discover Pagani, now open on Level 3 at Glenfield Mall.

CRAVEHOME

Light up your outdoor world. Bring a little magic to your garden with Lumiz. Handmade with beautiful cut-out patterns, each solar lantern creates a warm, enchanting glow as the sun goes down. Powered by solar energy, they light up automatically at dusk, no cables, no outlets, no hassle. 30 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead 09 419 9535 150 Kitchener Road, Milford 09 489 8888 cravehome.co.nz

LAZY PAWS PET STORE

Celebrate your dog’s birthday at Lazy Paws in Takapuna! Book a fun party for your pup and their furry friends in a pet-friendly space. Lazy Paws also offers doggy daycare, premium treats, NZ-made goodies, toys, chews and free treat sampling. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-7pm 027 860 1106 getintouch@lazypaws.co.nz lazypaws.co.nz

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

STRAND WINE BAR

Ngā Waka's first vintage of Chenin Blanc is here, grown in the stony soils of Martinborough. Ripe red apple, pear and quince is lifted by white flowers and a saline, mineral edge. A creamy mid-palate leads into a fresh, lively finish. A striking debut from a Pinot Noir stronghold. Strand Wine Bar, open 6 days from midday. Closed Mondays. 4 The Strand, Takapuna 09 485 3888 strandwinebar.co.nz

RIBBON & BLUES

Count down to Christmas with one of our two Advent calendar puzzle designs. Inside each of the 24 numbered boxes is part of a 1008-piece puzzle, with 42 pieces to assemble each day. Perfect for family fun, a festive tradition to enjoy together, or a great pre-Christmas gift. $59.90 incl. GST each SAVE 15% WHEN YOU ORDER ONLINE Use code CHANNEL15 at checkout. 235 Archers Rd, Wairau Valley 09 479 3070 ribbonandblues.co.nz

WALLACE COTTON

Introducing a partnership for good between Wallace Cotton and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Stella sleepwear has been designed in a pretty shade of blush pink, $10 from every Stella sleepwear purchase will be donated directly to BCFNZ. Visit our Takapuna location at 156 Hurstmere Road to see new pieces in-store now. 156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 551 7767 wallacecotton.com

ART IN MY WARDROBE

Spring has landed! Discover joyful stripes, ocean blues, fresh greens and hand-embroidered details. Meet the shirt dresses and easy separates made for sunshine, long lunches and wherever spring takes you! 67 Victoria Road, Devonport 022 513 5955 artinmywardrobe.co.nz info@artinmywardrobe.co.nz

DK & CO

New to Auckland, DK & Co brings a curated edit of European jewellery and accessories to Milford Centre. Discover Swedish Edblad, Danish Dyrberg/Kern and Spanish Joidart, plus standout European bags and accessories. Find us near Stella + Gemma and OPSM. Milford Centre, 24 Milford Road dkandco.co.nz

COSI FAN TUTTE

Counting the days 'til it’s strawberry season! In the meantime, our Bordallo Pinheiro of Portugal strawberries bring a touch of summer to the Cosi kitchen nook.

73 Victoria Road, Devonport 021 247 2469 cosifantutte.co.nz instagram @cosifantutte_devonport

FLORIENNE Guess what season starts this month? Time to treat yourself or someone special with New Zealandgrown peonies. 60A Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 6438 florienne.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

#Gramworthy Our round-up of posts from Takapuna businesses on IG that we’ve double tapped (liked) and a Q&A with Freya from @mummum.co.nz Freya Liang is a mum of two daughters and the owner of MumMum Takapuna, which she has proudly run for the past 10 years. As both a mother and business owner, she is passionate about discovering exceptional baby and children's products from around the world. Rather than following trends, Freya carefully curates premium boutique brands known for their quality, thoughtful design and sustainability – offering local families unique finds they won't often see in larger retail stores. She loves sharing these special discoveries with the North Shore community and helping parents choose products they can truly enjoy and trust. Channel Mag: Is Instagram a source of inspiration for MumMum Takapuna? Who do you recommend following and why? Freya: Absolutely. Instagram is a wonderful source of inspiration for MumMum Takapuna. It allows us to discover beautiful children's brands, independent designers and creative ideas from around the world. I often follow brands such as Nature Baby and Maileg, as they share beautiful imagery, thoughtful design Freya Liang ideas and inspiring stories behind their products. Nature Baby's focus on organic materials and sustainability really aligns with our values, while Maileg's timeless designs and imaginative play ideas show how everyday childhood moments can be made more magical. Instagram also helps us stay connected with our customers, share new arrivals, and introduce families in Takapuna to unique brands and products they may not find elsewhere. Which other local businesses do social media well? Many great local businesses and organisations on the North Shore use social media really well. One of my favourites is ilovetakapuna because they do such a great job supporting local businesses and bringing the Takapuna community together. They regularly share local events, stories and updates from businesses in the area, helping small businesses like ours reach more people and encouraging locals to discover what Takapuna has to offer. I also enjoy following other local businesses that share authentic content and showcase the unique lifestyle, food and experiences that make Takapuna such a special place to live and visit. What’s happening at MumMum Takapuna that you want locals to know about? At MumMum Takapuna, we’re always excited to introduce new and unique brands to local families. While we love discovering beautiful, high-quality products from around the world, we are equally passionate about supporting New Zealand brands and local creators. We are proud to stock New Zealand brands such as Nature Baby and Babu, which share our values around quality, thoughtful design and sustainability. We also love supporting brands founded by mums, including Samantha Stoke and Fiziwiz, as we admire the passion and creativity behind their journeys. For us, it’s not only about the products themselves, but also the stories and values behind each brand. We’re also proud to support organisations such as The Leprosy Mission, because we believe small choices can help create a positive impact beyond our own community. We look forward to continuing to bring carefully selected brands, thoughtful gifts and beautiful everyday essentials Instagram @mummum.co.nz to Takapuna families. We warmly welcome locals to visit us in store and discover 10 Como Street, Takapuna something special. mummum.co.nz

Sun’s out and ice cream is on the menu! Follow to keep up with the tasty new flavours. @duckislandicecream

There’s always a tempting reason to head to Takapuna Beachside for those comfy couches and a good movie. @takapunabeachsidecinemas

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Discover a constantly changing range of pre-loved treasures from great brands. @beach_road_country_club

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Megan 027 267 9721 msaunders@frl.co.nz

fletcherliving.co.nz channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC SUV & COUPÉ. Owning a Mercedes-Benz GLC is now even better with 2.99% p.a. interest, financed over 24 months with a 20% deposit through Mercedes-Benz Financial*. Elevate every journey with the comfort, connection and the elegant sportiness of the GLC. Welcome home.

Visit Mercedes-Benz North Shore today. Offer is available on new GLC 200, 300, 350 e, 43 and 63 variants currently in stock, sold and delivered before 31st December 2026, unless extended or while stock lasts. Excludes the all-new GLC 400, GLC 53, build-toorder, leasing products, fleet, government and rental buyers. Not available in conjunction with Agility Finance. Payments are to be made monthly and includes PPSR fee of $10.35 and documentation fee of $395.00. Offer restricted to approved customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services New Zealand Ltd on a 24 month Consumer or Business Credit Loan with a minimum 20% deposit and is subject to terms and conditions. Standard credit assessment and lending criteria apply.

Mercedes-Benz North Shore, 16 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, 09 443 3808 Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

SHORE TRAVEL MILFORD

October is cruise month at Shore Travel October is cruise month, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your next adventure at sea or along the world’s great waterways. With so many styles of cruising available, there’s a voyage to suit every traveller. Ocean cruising offers the excitement of visiting multiple destinations while enjoying an incredible range of dining, entertainment and amenities on board. River cruising provides a more intimate experience, sailing through picturesque landscapes and docking close to the heart of historic towns and cities. For those looking to venture further off the beaten track, expedition cruising opens the door to some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, from Antarctica and the Arctic to Australia’s Kimberley and the Galápagos. And for travellers seeking the ultimate in comfort and personalised service, luxury cruising combines exceptional accommodation, fine dining and curated experiences with the joy of exploring new destinations. Throughout October, we’ll be showcasing special cruise month offers and inspiration across these different styles of cruising. So,

whether you’re dreaming of a European river journey, an ocean escape, a remote expedition or a luxurious voyage, keep an eye out for our featured cruise deals throughout the month. Join us for our cruise information evening: To help you discover which style of cruising is right for you, we’re also hosting a special FREE cruise information evening with Julia Miles from Cruise World. Join us on 15 October from 5.30pm. More details in the advert below. Julia will share her cruise expertise and insights to help you navigate the many choices available, from ship styles and destinations to finding the right cruise experience for you. Come into Shore Travel during October and talk to our cruise ambassadors. We’ll help you explore the options, find the right cruise for your style and make the most of cruise month. Shore Travel Flights • Accommodation • Tours • Cruises • Tailored Experiences Phone: 09 489 2597 Email: hello@shoretravel.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

MILFORD SHOPS NEWS

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

Long-time service businesses in Milford This month we welcome Cam and Shasta Smith, who have taken over New World in Milford. As I was writing this column, I realised this celebrates over 70 years of a Foodstuffs owneroperator business in Milford and started thinking about others that have been here for some time. So, I’m doing a feature on Unichem Milford as well, because this business, in different guises, must have been serving our Milford community for at least 50 years.

New World Milford Meet the new faces behind New World Milford! We’re excited to welcome Cam and Shasta as the new owner-operators of New World Milford. A local family with two busy boys, Cam and Shasta are proud to be taking the reins of a store that has been locally family-owned since 1964, continuing a long-standing legacy here in Milford. For Cam, the move brings his supermarket journey full circle. He started his career in the industry in 2009 as a seafood assistant, before becoming a qualified butcher and developing a real passion for fresh food and the clever teams that bring it all together. “Most importantly, we’d love to get to know you! Over the coming weeks and months, we want to hear from the community: What matters to you, what you love about the store, and any ideas you have for how we can make it even better,” says Cam. We’re so pleased to have Cam, Shasta and their family as part of the Milford community. If you see them around the store, make sure you stop by and say hello!

Unichem Milford Shameel took over this business around a year ago and is another young entrepreneur to come to Milford. More than just prescriptions, Unichem Milford Pharmacy offers a range of convenient health services to help you look after yourself and your family, right here in Milford. • Redeem your Living Rewards points • Medication reviews and expert pharmacist advice • Free parking behind the pharmacy • Free delivery within Milford • Vaccinations • Blister packing and prescription services Pop in and chat with the friendly team at 174A Kitchener Road, in the heart of Milford village, next to House of Travel, with convenient free parking behind the pharmacy, or give them a call on 09 489 4107 to find out more.

T H E M I L F O R D B U S I N E S S A S S O C I AT I O N A P P R E C I AT E S T H E S U P P O R T O F : GOLD

SILVER

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Milford Centre Discover the key styles defining spring 2026 at Milford Centre with the Spring Lookbook. This spring is centred on versatility, with fresh pieces designed to carry you through every occasion as the season shifts. Lightweight layers, updated staples and effortless styles move seamlessly between everyday outfits and more elevated moments, giving you a wardrobe that works throughout spring. Bright and bold: Bright & bold pieces bring a fresh energy to spring dressing, introducing colour, confident prints and statement silhouettes into the new-season wardrobe. These are the pieces that lift everyday looks, whether worn as a standout moment or layered with understated essentials for a more considered approach. From vivid Storm hues and expressive patterns to eye-catching Drape Front Top accessories, this is where spring dressing $229 makes an entrance. Patterns of spring: Spring patterns bring a sense of movement and optimism to the new season, from expressive florals and soft botanicals to graphic prints and playful motifs. Designed to make an impact without feeling overworked, these are the pieces that add personality and dimension to everyday dressing. Wear them confidently as a statement, MAX or balance with pared-back essentials Kira Back Detail Dress for a look that feels fresh, effortless and Poppy Floral - $189.99 distinctly spring. milfordcentre.co.nz/lookbook/spring-lookbook-2026/

What’s On in Milford – October 2026: Check out our website for this month’s events in Milford. Free parking in Milford All customer parking is free: • 30 minutes in the main street • 120 minutes in the council car park next to New World • 180 minutes in any of the mall's three car parking areas

Oktoberfest returns to the Halloween at the Milford Milford Cruising Club! Cruising Club Murray Hill, Manager, Friday 16 October Friday 30 October Milford Business Association Come dressed up and ready to enjoy a fabulous evening. - put it in your calendar! manager@milfordshops.co.nz Live music from 7pm. Free face painting from 021 950 463 German-inspired T H E M Ifood L F Oand R DGerman B U S I beer. N E S S A S S O C I AT I O N5.30-6.30pm A P P R E C I AT E S T H E S U P P O R T O F : milfordshops.co.nz Bookings: To book your table, email facebook milfordshops Instagram milfordnz Email manager@milfordcruising.co.nz manager@milfordcruising.co.nz youtube MilfordshopsTV GOLD

SILVER

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

HEALTH & WELLBEING: SKINSCAPE 360

Before summer, get to know your skin Before summer arrives, it’s the perfect time to get to know your skin. With melanoma rates among the highest in the world, proactive skin monitoring can make all the difference. Skinscape 360 in Takapuna brings leading-edge 3D skin surveillance technology to the North Shore, helping people establish a detailed skin baseline and monitor changes over time. Chief Dermoscopist Clare Gunn discusses the benefits of advanced imaging, AI's role in skin surveillance, and why spring is the ideal time to book a professional skin check.

asymmetry, an irregular border, multiple or changing colours, increasing diameter and evolution over time. A spot that bleeds, crusts, itches, becomes tender or grows rapidly should also be assessed. If something concerns you, have it checked rather than waiting to see what happens.

Channel Mag: Skinscape 360 opened earlier this year, bringing the VECTRA WB360 to Takapuna. What has the response been? Clare Gunn: People are amazed by how quick and straightforward the experience is. The VECTRA WB360 uses 92 HR images to capture the skin from multiple angles simultaneously, creating a detailed 3D avatar – or 'digital skin twin' – in approximately one second. This is followed by a full-body skin examination and dermoscopy of any lesions requiring a closer look. Patients appreciate receiving advanced imaging and human clinical expertise in one appointment.

How is artificial intelligence helping with skin surveillance? AI provides a valuable second set of eyes. It can analyse the many lesions captured by the VECTRA WB360, highlight lesions with unusual features and help draw our attention to spots that may require closer examination. At follow-up appointments, the system can also help identify new or changing lesions that might otherwise be difficult to notice. The technology is continually being refined. As Canfield develops and evaluates its software using growing image datasets and expert clinical input, updated versions can become better at recognising patterns and supporting skin surveillance. Importantly, AI does not diagnose melanoma on its own or replace an experienced clinician. It is a powerful decision-support tool that combines machine precision with human judgement, helping us examine the skin consistently and focus our attention where it matters most.

What have you learned since introducing this technology to the North Shore? One of the biggest lessons is how much reassurance can come from establishing an accurate baseline. People often arrive worried about one particular mole, but the greatest value is being able to assess their skin as a whole. At future appointments, we can compare their images and identify new or changing lesions that might otherwise be difficult to notice. Who should people trust to perform a skin check? Can someone have a scan at Skinscape 360 and then return to their usual skin doctor? Look for an appropriately trained and experienced health professional who examines the entire skin surface, uses dermoscopy and has a clear pathway for investigating or referring suspicious lesions. Yes, patients can come to Skinscape 360 for imaging and then return to their GP, dermatologist or skin cancer doctor for ongoing care. We support a shared-care approach and can provide the relevant information to the patient’s usual clinician. Who is most likely to benefit from 3D skin surveillance? It can be particularly valuable for people who have previously had melanoma, have many or unusual-looking moles, a strong family history of melanoma, fair or sun-sensitive skin, or significant lifetime sun exposure. It can also help people who find it difficult to monitor areas such as their back. The appropriate type and frequency of surveillance should always be based on each person’s individual risk. If someone has already had a melanoma removed, how often should their skin be monitored? There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Follow-up depends on factors including the melanoma's stage, the person’s other risk factors and the recommendations of their treating specialist. People with a history of melanoma should have an individual follow-up plan. They should not wait for their next scheduled appointment if they notice something new or changing. What changes should people look for? Look for a spot that is new, changing or simply looks different from the others – the 'ugly duckling'. The 'ABCDE' guide is also useful:

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

How can monitoring the skin over time help with early detection? A melanoma does not always look obviously dangerous at a single point in time. Sequential imaging allows us to compare the skin with a reliable baseline and look for subtle changes. Technology supports this process, but it does not replace clinical judgement, dermoscopy or biopsy when one is needed.

What does early detection mean for a patient? When melanoma is detected at an early, thin stage, treatment is generally simpler, and the outlook is considerably better. Early detection may mean removing a lesion with surgery before it has had the opportunity to spread. That is why knowing your skin and seeking advice promptly about a new or changing lesion matters. What is the one thing you would like readers to do before summer? Take your skin seriously. Check it yourself, ask someone to help with areas you cannot see and arrange a professional assessment. Spring is also an ideal time to establish a photographic baseline before another summer of sun exposure.

Supporting Melanoma New Zealand this October Throughout October, Skinscape 360 will donate $20 from every full VECTRA scan package purchased to give to Melanoma New Zealand, helping support its vital work in melanoma awareness, education and patient advocacy. Establish a detailed baseline of your skin before summer while supporting an important cause. Book a VECTRA WB360 scan and full-body skin check at Skinscape 360 in Takapuna.

Go in the draw with Skinscape 360 and Channel Mag to win a Vectra scan and skin cancer check with dermoscopy, valued at $449. T&Cs apply - channelmag/win - Entries close Friday 30 October.

3 Anzac Street, Level 2, Takapuna 09 8699 360 skinscape360.co.nz

MAZDA HAS A NEW HOME ON THE NORTH SHORE. Miles Mazda is your new authorised Mazda dealership on Auckland’s North Shore. Whether you already drive a Mazda or you’re looking for your next one, our team is here for everything Mazda – from new vehicles and finance to servicing, parts and ongoing care.

Visit our showroom at 16 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna. Call us on 09 442 3321 to make a booking. View the Range at milesmazda.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

SPRING FASHION: MIKKO SHOES

Benny by Pedro Miralles

Joti by Gabor

Katriel by Chie Mihara

Shunwick by Hispanitas

A mood-boosting new spring/summer collection from Mikko Embrace grounded optimism with the latest spring/summer collection at Mikko Shoes. Their new season range is curated for the way you actually live – from your morning commute to a weekend escape, incorporating colours that boost your mood and shapes that won’t let you down. The key colour edits of the season, 'Sugary Pinks', invoke the moodboosting vitality of a Parisian spring, while 'Flame Aura' introduces high-energy warmth with saturated reds, oranges, and deep burgundy reminiscent of golden Mediterranean evenings. Grounding the warmer months, 'Umber Shades' delivers dark chocolates, rich caramels, and leopard prints as a sophisticated contrast to lighter, playful pastels. The elevated palette of 'Icy and Oceanic Blues' brings an airy coastal aesthetic, where clear icy pale shades replace grey as a versatile neutral, anchored by rich navy hues. In key silhouettes, 'Low Profile Soles' draw from retro '80s influences to bring relaxed sophistication to ballets, loafers and sneakers, seamlessly complemented by the second-skin sleekness of 'Neo-Minimalism'. 'Clogs and Platforms' provide grounding sculptural height, while 'Mesh and Perforation' introduce breathability, transparency, and

Shop online - www.mikkoshoes.nz

tactile dimension through laser-cut leathers and sheer textiles. Completing the range, refined 'Cross-Over and Fisherman' sandals blend functional structure, elevated buckle details, and thoughtful coverage for a sturdy yet elegant look.

In key silhouettes, 'Low Profile Soles' draw from retro '80s influences to bring relaxed sophistication… Their new season range is defined by sensory comfort, clean lines and meaningful design, offering a seamless transition from city life to a tranquil resort escape. Get inspired for the warmer months and visit Mikko Shoes at 121 Kitchener Road, Milford, or shop their new collection online at mikkoshoes.nz. We know you’ll love the new offering as much as we do! mikkoshoes.nz

MILFORD

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

121 Kitchener Road

09 972 2354

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16 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna 09 442 3306 | www.gwmnorthshore.co.nz channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Feature Q&A | Shore Principals

The trips we will never forget

This month we catch up with seven of our North Shore high school principals to find out about their favourite travel experiences and the destinations they think we should add to our wish lists. Channel Mag: What is the most memorable trip you've taken in the last ten years, and what made it so worthwhile? Kim Green: My most memorable trip was to Uganda and Rwanda, which I was fortunate to take with my husband and parents. Travelling together made the experience far more meaningful. We travelled to see mountain gorillas in the wild. Nothing quite prepares you for trekking through dense rainforest and relying on the knowledge of local guides and trackers. Then, suddenly, you are sitting a few metres from a gorilla family. Watching a mother cradle her infant, young gorillas play, and a silverback quietly hold the centre of his family is profoundly moving. The journey was also shaped by the people we met. The guides, rangers, porters, and local communities brought generosity, humour, and deep knowledge to every part of the trip. Hearing about the work involved in protecting the gorilla and seeing how thoughtful tourism can support both conservation and local livelihoods gave the experience real purpose.

Kim Green

– Kristin School Kim Green is the executive principal at Kristin School, following a distinguished career teaching and leading IB World and International Schools across Laos, Bangladesh, Qatar, and Vietnam.

What is a travel destination you dream of visiting in the future? I dream of visiting Iceland. A place where the elements are always present: black-sand beaches, lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal springs, and wide-open skies that make you feel wonderfully small. I would hope to see the Northern Lights and soak in a geothermal pool after a day outdoors. More than ticking off sights, Iceland feels like a destination for slowing down, paying attention, and reconnecting with the landscape.

More than ticking off sights, Iceland feels like a destination for slowing down, paying attention, and reconnecting with the landscape.

What travel spot would you recommend to our readers that they might not have considered? I would recommend Myanmar as a destination with extraordinary depth, beauty, and generosity. Watching dawn break over the temple plains of Bagan is breathtaking, or experiencing the gentle magic of Inle Lake with fishermen balancing on their boats and village life unfolding along the water. Cities such as Yangon offer another kind of richness, from the golden presence of Shwedagon Pagoda to busy tea shops. Myanmar is a place that can reward travellers who arrive with humility, curiosity and a willingness to listen. Given the country’s current circumstances, responsible travel matters enormously, supporting local communities where appropriate and respecting sensitivities.

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Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

www.goodtitle.co.nz hello@goodtitle.co.nz

What is a travel destination you dream of visiting in the future? Wow, what a tough question. I have only visited South Africa and would love to explore more of the continent, but where to start? Maybe the wildlife in Botswana, or climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. What travel spot would you recommend to our readers that they might not have considered? When I've visited Japan, I've tried to step outside the major tourist routes and engage more locally. This has presented a very different side to the country, its people, and the culture. Some examples I would recommend are visiting Hokkaido for skiing or hiking, or exploring places like Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps outside of Tokyo.

Antonio Rosmini. We followed the footsteps of Antonio Rosmini through some beautiful northern Italian towns off the popular tourist trails, Rovereto, Padova, Domodossola and Stresa, amongst others. These cities are slower-paced and have fewer tourists, enabling us to enjoy authentic Italian culture and lifestyle. As part of the filming, we visited beautiful monasteries and churches set in the foothills of the alps. Two years later, my late wife and I had planned to join two other couples on a safari to East Africa. Despite her passing, the other two couples encouraged me to still join them. The trip was a tailor-made safari to Kenya and Tanzania, specifically to Amboseli and Masai Mara national parks in Kenya, and then the Serengeti and Ngorongoro national parks in Tanzania. One morning in particular stood out: we were all alone in our truck in the Serengeti and, in a short space of time, encountered cheetahs, leopards, and lions. What is a travel destination you dream of visiting in the future? I have travelled extensively through Europe and have enjoyed Central and Eastern Europe, but I have yet to go to Poland. So Poland is probably top of my list, especially as friends who have recently returned from there enjoyed it so much.

Greg Thornton

Greg Thornton – Rangitoto College

Greg grew up in Mairangi Bay and started teaching at Rangitoto College in 2003, and started as the principal at Rangitoto College earlier this year. Channel Mag: What is the most memorable trip you've taken in the last ten years and what made it so worthwhile? Greg Thornton: When we were in Hong Kong, we were fortunate to have easy access to many great places. It is too hard to pick the best one, I’m sorry; they have been great for different reasons. I like a sense of adventure in my trips, so highlights include great walks and exploring the south of New Zealand, the garden route in South Africa, or the northwest of Spain. What made these memorable for me was the sense that we weren’t just following a preset tourist path. We set up adventures along the way but made space for the unexpected to happen, and it was often in these moments that we found the most memorable moments together.

… highlights include great walks and exploring the south of New Zealand, the garden route in South Africa, or the northwest of Spain.

We followed the footsteps of Antonio Rosmini through some beautiful northern Italian towns off the popular tourist trails, Rovereto, Padova, Domodossola and Stresa, amongst others.

Nixon Cooper

Nixon Cooper - Rosmini College

Nixon Cooper has been principal of Rosmini College for the past 12 years. Raised on the North Shore, he is a proud Rosmini Old Boy, having attended the college as a student in the 1970s. Channel Mag: What is the most memorable trip you've taken in the last ten years and what made it so worthwhile? Nixon Cooper: I'm going to cheat because I think there are two, and they're quite different. The first was my sabbatical to Italy in 2023, where my late wife and I travelled together to film a documentary on the life of

What travel spot would you recommend to readers that they may not have considered? I recall a very pleasant and memorable trip to Luang Prabang in Laos with my late wife 10 years ago. It is a very picturesque town on the banks of the Mekong River with beautiful Buddhist monasteries, French colonial architecture, and wonderful French and Asian cuisine. The town is famous for its Tak Bat, the daily morning procession of saffron-robed Buddhist monks.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Feature Q&A | Shore Principals enjoyed learning about different cultures and environments, and a safari in Botswana seems to offer a unique combination of adventure, reflection, and awe. It's a trip that I hope will happen sooner rather than later! What travel spot would you recommend to our readers that they might not have considered? I'd recommend Sri Lanka, a destination that completely exceeded my expectations. Having previously travelled in India, I anticipated something similar, but Sri Lanka felt far less crowded and intense while retaining an incredible richness of culture, history and natural beauty. We travelled through vibrant cities, the stunning hill country and along the coastline, with each region offering something different. The people were warm and welcoming, and the food was exceptional. We then finished the trip with a short flight to the Maldives, where we spent four days unwinding with family and friends. The crystal-clear blue ocean, golden beaches and incredibly warm hospitality made it feel like a world away rom the pace of everyday life.

CJ Healey

- Long Bay College CJ Healey leads Long Bay College, a position he has held since 2017. He was born and bred in Bolton, Lancashire, but moved to New Zealand in 2000 and immediately knew it was where he wished to live. Channel Mag: What is the most memorable trip you've taken in the last ten years and what made it so worthwhile? CJ Healey: The most memorable trip I've taken in the last decade was a family journey through Europe, visiting Croatia, the Czech Republic, Italy and the Netherlands before returning to my hometown in the UK for my niece’s wedding. As a history enthusiast, I loved exploring places that had shaped centuries of European culture and seeing them come to life beyond the pages of a book. What made the trip truly special, though, was sharing those experiences with my three teenage daughters. Watching them discover new places, people, and perspectives was incredibly rewarding. What is a travel destination you dream of visiting in the future? One destination I'd love to visit is Botswana. The idea of exploring the Okavango Delta and seeing elephants, lions, and other wildlife in their natural environment is incredibly appealing. In a world where life often feels fast-paced and increasingly connected, there is something special about the prospect of slowing down and being immersed in nature. I've always

Jane Stanley: In 2023, we had the opportunity to add a holiday onto a conference trip to the United States, and it turned into the most wonderful few weeks. We spent time in northern Italy and the lakes and enjoyed some proper R&R on the Greek island of Ikaria. Ikaria was just amazing. It’s absolutely stunning and is one of the world’s Blue Zones, known for the longevity of its people and its relaxed way of life. The food was incredible, the water was beautiful, and there was something very special about being able to slow down and simply enjoy where we were. Another highlight was travelling from Rome to Athens and then on to Istanbul. I loved seeing the history and the connections between the three places unfold as we travelled. There is so much history layered through that part of the world, and experiencing it in that sequence made the whole journey incredibly memorable.

I’d absolutely recommend Wānaka, the Mackenzie Country and Central Otago. What I love about that part of New Zealand is the incredible diversity of the landscape.

What is a travel destination you dream of visiting in the future? Scandinavia is definitely high on my wish list. I’d love to explore that part of the world, the landscapes, the culture, and just experiencing a completely different way of life. I’m also very drawn to the Pacific Islands. We have so many beautiful places relatively close to home, and there are still plenty I haven’t discovered yet. So there are quite a few destinations competing for the next trip!

Jane Stanley

- Westlake Girls High School Jane Stanley is principal of Westlake Girls High School, where she leads one of the North Shore’s largest secondary school communities. Channel Mag: What is the most memorable trip you’ve taken in the last ten years and what made it so worthwhile?

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

What travel spot would you recommend to our readers that they might not have considered? I’d absolutely recommend Wānaka, the Mackenzie Country and Central Otago. What I love about that part of New Zealand is the incredible diversity of the landscape. You can travel a relatively short distance and find yourself somewhere that feels completely different. The scenery is spectacular; there’s wonderful food, fantastic walking tracks, and so much to explore. We sometimes look overseas when we think about our next adventure, but there are some truly extraordinary places right here at home.

What travel spot would you recommend to our readers that they might not have considered? I would recommend India. It has a very personal connection for me because my family originates from Gujarat, but it is also a fascinating and diverse country. India really is an assault on the senses in the best way. The sounds of the streets and railway stations, the smells of spices and cooking, the tastes, colours and crowds. Northern India offers an extraordinary introduction. Delhi combines centuries of history with the energy and chaos of a huge modern city. From there, Agra and the Taj Mahal are a must. I would also encourage people to venture west to Gujarat. India isn’t necessarily an easy travel experience – it challenges you, surprises you, and draws you in. For me, the best travel takes you beyond what is familiar and leaves you seeing the world a little differently.

Rakesh Govind

Rakesh Govind - Glenfield College

before, and it was not somewhere that had really appeared on my travel list. We visited four different cities, with a mixture of both concert performances and sightseeing. What made this trip so worthwhile was the energy of the students and staff I was travelling with, and the incredible immersion into a culture that I had not experienced before. On top of that, visiting historical sites such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors were fascinating for someone who loves human history.

What made this trip so worthwhile was the energy of the students and staff I was travelling with, and the incredible immersion into a culture that I had not experienced before.

Rakesh Govind has been principal of Glenfield College since 2024. He has taught at Long Bay College, Westlake Boys High School and held leadership roles across Auckland. Channel Mag: What is the most memorable trip you have taken in the last ten years and what made it so worthwhile? Rakesh Govind: In April 2024, I travelled to Banff, Canada, to attend an educational leadership conference. What made it particularly special was being able to take my three children with me. Camping and hiking were part of my life from an early age and became experiences I later shared with my children. In Banff, we walked across a completely frozen Lake Louise, explored Johnston Canyon, and took the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for some breathtaking views across the Rockies. The scenery was extraordinary, but the real highlight was experiencing it with my children. I suspect in years to come I won’t remember every conference presentation, but I will remember walking across frozen Lake Louise with my three kids. What is the travel destination you dream of visiting in the future? The Canadian Rockies only strengthened my desire to see Alaska. What appeals to me about Alaska is its sheer scale and sense of wilderness – mountains, glaciers, forests, wildlife, and vast open spaces. I’d love to experience places such as Denali and the Kenai Fjords, but more than anything I’d want to get beyond simply looking at the scenery. I’d like to put on the hiking boots, get out on the trails and experience the wilderness firsthand.

What is a travel destination you dream of visiting in the future? I am a passionate fly fisherman – something that has been passed down through generations of my family. There are two destinations at the top of my fishing bucket list. The first is Alaska. Visiting the Kenai and Alagnak rivers would be an incredible wilderness experience. The second is Jurassic Lake in the Santa Cruz province of Argentine Patagonia. The fishing in this area is famous for producing trophy trout. These two places wouldn’t necessarily appear on most people's must-visit destinations, but for me they would be an experience of a lifetime.

David Burton

- Birkenhead College David Burton’s recent appointment as the next principal of Birkenhead College comes on the back of four years as associate principal at Westlake Girls High School. Channel Mag: What is the most memorable trip you've taken in the last ten years and what made it so worthwhile? David Burton: In April of this year, I was lucky enough to go on a two-week tour of China with the Westlake High School orchestral groups. I had never visited China

What travel spot would you recommend to our readers that they might not have considered? I would highly recommend Poland. I travelled through this country in my early 30s and loved the contrast between medieval history and vibrant modern cities, along with plenty of green spaces. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, and the infrastructure made travel easy. It’s perhaps a destination that doesn’t always feature on travel plans due to the plethora of options in Europe; however, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

HEALTH MATTERS: AUDIOLOGY WITH TERESA BURNS

By Teresa Burns, Doctor of Audiology, Director and owner of Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd.

Are your hearing aids gathering dust? If your hearing aids are sitting in a drawer, there’s probably a reason you stopped wearing them. Perhaps they sound unnatural, feel uncomfortable or simply haven’t delivered the improvement you expected. Before you give up on better hearing, consider this: the problem may not be the hearing aid itself; it may be how it was fitted.

The difference is in the fitting A premium hearing aid is only as good as the care that goes into fitting and supporting it. Simply hitting the “auto-program” button on a computer is not enough. A good fitting should follow a bestpractice audiological process: • Real-ear measurements (REM): A tiny probe microphone is placed in your ear canal to measure exactly how much sound the device delivers to your eardrum. This helps verify that the device is providing the right amount of amplification for your individual hearing loss. • Target matching: Your clinician adjusts the programming to match prescriptive targets for your specific hearing loss. Without this step, your devices may under-amplify speech or over-amplify background noise. • Brain adaptation: Your brain needs consistent practice to adapt to new sounds, so wearing your hearing aids regularly is important. • Follow-up care: Pre-scheduled fine-tuning appointments are an important part of the process, allowing settings to be adjusted as your comfort and speech understanding improve. Think of it like prescription glasses. You could purchase the most expensive frames available, but they won’t help you see clearly if the prescription is wrong. They also won’t work if you don’t wear them. If your hearing aids are gathering dust, they may simply need a comprehensive clinical check. We can check the physical fit, perform real-ear measurements and adjust your settings to help improve your speech clarity. Book an appointment with us and let’s get them out of the drawer and back into your ears!

Call: (09) 475 9849 Unit B, Level 1, 25 Apollo Drive, Rosedale admin@teresaburnshearing.co.nz teresaburnshearing.co.nz

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

HEALTH MATTERS: WELL FOUNDATION NEWS

By Ruth Morse, CEO, Well Foundation

Local research making a global impact One of the things I love most about working with Well Foundation is seeing what can happen when our community backs great ideas in our hospitals. Over the past three years, philanthropic funding secured by Well Foundation from the Bruce McMillan Fellowship through Perpetual Guardian has supported an important research programme investigating serious infections following joint replacement surgery. Joint replacements can be life-changing for people living with severe arthritis – restoring mobility, independence and quality of life. But when an artificial joint becomes infected, the impact can be significant. Patients may face further surgery, long hospital stays and extended courses of antibiotics. The research team, based at North Shore Hospital, has been working to better understand who is most at risk, which treatments are most likely to succeed and which antibiotics may be most effective. The result is now one of the largest and most comprehensive datasets of joint replacement infections of its kind internationally. The research is already providing valuable insights. Data indicates that cleaning an infected joint while retaining the artificial joint, alongside antibiotic treatment, is successful in approximately half of hip and knee infection cases. Information like this can help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions, potentially reducing repeat surgery, lengthy hospital stays and improving recovery for patients. It is really exciting to learn where this work is heading next. The North Shore team is now participating in ROADMAP (RandOmised Arthroplasty infection worlDwide Multidomain Adaptive Platform), a major international trial involving 39 hospitals across five countries. North Shore Hospital was the first New Zealand site approved to take part and has already recruited six patients. The strength of the research has also helped secure $1.5 million in Health Research Council funding, allowing the work to continue beyond Well Foundation’s initial three-year investment. For me, this is a wonderful example of philanthropy working exactly as it should. Our community helped give talented clinicians and researchers the opportunity to test an idea, build the evidence and attract further investment. What began as a locally supported research project is now contributing knowledge that could help improve care for patients in New Zealand and around the world. That is something our whole community can be proud of. Well Foundation is the official charity of North Shore and Waitākere Hospitals 09 447 0138, info@wellfoundation.org.nz wellfoundation.org.nz

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Proudly developed by Templeton Group channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

SAVE $4,000* ON AION UT

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Book a test drive today at GAC North Shore. *Offer available on eligible new GAC vehicles. $4,000 off RRP on AION UT for retail customers only. Excludes Demo, Fleet, Government and Rental purchases. Vehicle must be purchased and registered by 31 October 2026, while stocks last. Not available with other offers. Terms apply. GAC NZ reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer without notice.

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Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

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MORTGAGE ADVICE: THE MORTGAGE SUPPLY CO, BROWNS BAY

BAYLEYS RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE: YAN DAVIES

By Yan Davies, Takapuna Residential Bayleys Real Estate Ltd

The price of waiting One of the most common conversations I have with homeowners considering a sale is, "Should we wait?” It is a perfectly reasonable question. Nobody wants to sell today and discover six months later that they could have achieved more. But after many years in real estate, I’ve learnt that waiting has a price too, and it is one that is not always obvious. Property markets rarely move in a straight line. While waiting for conditions to improve, circumstances can change. Interest costs may continue, competing properties can come onto the market, and the property you hope to buy may move in price as well. I’ve seen vendors spend months waiting for the “right” market, only to find that the improvement they were expecting never arrived, or that any advantage gained on their sale was offset by changes elsewhere in the market. That doesn’t mean selling quickly is always the right answer. Equally, waiting indefinitely rarely is.

By Jess Barlow - Your home for all things mortgages

Spring property trends: Where opportunities are Spring is often associated with change, and the property market is no different. While the headlines continue to focus on softer values, subdued sales activity and uncertainty, opportunities are emerging for homeowners and investors who understand their position and are prepared to act when the right one comes along. Cotality’s August data shows national property values fell 0.4%, bringing the median property value to $797,944. The North Shore average sits considerably higher at $1,243,669. For established homeowners, this market can be a useful time to take a fresh look at your position. If you’ve built equity over time, it’s worth understanding what that could mean for your next move – whether that’s refinancing, upgrading, investing, or simply reviewing your current structure. Your mortgage may also look different from when it was first arranged. Interest rates, income, debt, property values, and your plans can all change, so it’s worth making sure your lending continues to work for where you are now and where you want to go next.

I’ve seen vendors spend months waiting for the “right” market, only to find that the improvement they were expecting never arrived… The key is understanding your individual position and looking beyond the headline market statistics. What are comparable properties selling for? How much competition is there? What are buyers prepared to pay? And, importantly, what does your next move look like? Sometimes the best time to sell is when the market is rising. Sometimes it is simply when the circumstances are right for you. The most expensive decision isn’t always selling in the wrong market. Sometimes, it is waiting for the perfect one. Good advice should help you understand both sides before you make that decision. Yan Davies is a reliable and trusted adviser, and a longtime North Shore local with a Master’s degree in business administration. Known for her strong high-end client network across both Asian and local communities, Yan is highly professional in her approach and treats every listing as a top priority, striving to deliver a smooth sales process and achieve the best possible result for her clients. 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

The numbers matter: A quieter market can create more room to negotiate and more time to properly assess an opportunity. But buying well isn’t simply about finding the right price. Mortgage repayments, rental income, rates, insurance, maintenance, property management and tax considerations all need to be factored in. The question isn’t simply “What could I buy?” but “Does this investment still stack up if conditions don’t go exactly to plan?” This spring, rather than trying to predict where property prices, interest rates or government policy will go next, focus on what you can control: understanding your numbers and knowing your options. The market may be quieter, but opportunities haven’t disappeared. Sometimes, a changing market simply requires a different approach. Wondering what your options are? Get in touch, and I’ll run the numbers for you. We’ll look at your current position, what’s possible and what your next move could look like.

Jess Barlow Jessica@mortgagesupply.co.nz : @jess.mortgagesupplyco jessbarlow.mortgagesupply.co.nz Jessica Barlow gives financial advice under her company La Casa Group 2026 Ltd Trading as The Mortgage Supply Co

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Health | Cure Parkinson’s NZ

Aidan’s asking you to Climb For A Cure Many people across the North Shore will know Aidan Bennett through Benefitz, the business he founded and has run for 38 years, as the publisher of Channel Magazine, as a key driver behind the North Harbour Club, and for his longstanding commitment to championing his home patch of the North Shore. He was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for his service to the community in the New Year's Honours in 2018 and inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame in 2022. What many may not know is that Aidan is now living with Parkinson’s disease. Now, he has made the decision to talk openly about his diagnosis and to ask the community he has supported for so many years for a helping hand – to get behind Climb For A Cure, Cure Parkinson’s NZ’s national awareness and fundraising campaign.

THERE IS NO CURE FOR ARKINSON’S DISEASE. UT TOGETHER, WE CAN CHANGE THAT. Climb For A Cure is a 37-day national challenge where everyday Kiwis climb peaks, track their progress, and raise money to fund a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

ister

and choose how you want to take part.

ose a peak

e of the 137 peaks in the guide, our own climbing goal.

Aidan Bennett. He’s living

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withyou Parkinson’s disease he metres climb using the app. mb orand many, it’s up to you. Shore asking North people to get involved

n entries win For A Cure, a with to Climb

0 metres you climb earns you fundraising initiative from ry into the major prize draw.

Cure Parkinson’s NZ.

SCAN FOR DETAILS climbforacure.org.nz

THE THINGS PEOPLE DON'T SEE For Aidan, the first obvious physical sign that something wasn't quite right was a slight tremor in his right hand. He kept it to himself initially, before eventually mentioning it to his wife, Michelle. But looking back now, he believes Parkinson’s had probably been affecting him for three or four years, possibly longer. “The first thing was a minor tremor in my right hand. When I look back, there were probably other things that I’ve learnt about since that time. A general loss of personal confidence and things like that, which are the things people don’t see.” That loss of confidence has been one of the most significant hidden effects of Parkinson’s for Aidan. For someone who had always been a strong leader, comfortable speaking publicly, attending events, meeting people and being part of the conversation, he found himself beginning to pull back. “I used to be a reasonably confident public speaker, and I sort of got to the stage where I was pulling back from that and even turning down social things.” At the time, Aidan didn't necessarily understand that those changes could be connected to Parkinson’s. Since his diagnosis, learning more about the disease

se money

our fundraising page and help raise nds for Parkinson’s research.

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

has helped him make sense of some of what he had been experiencing. “I was once probably the life of the party. Now I’m not. If I am there, I’m probably not as engaged as I once was.” After reading about some of the hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s, Aidan photographed the relevant pages and sent them to his family to help explain what was happening to him. He also gave them one simple request. “If you see me in that situation, in a social thing, engage me back into the conversation.” It is a deeply personal insight into a disease Aidan believes many people still don't fully understand. “People still don’t understand what Parkinson’s is all about. It’s only what people see, isn’t it? They see the physical things.” STAYING ACTIVE - AND LOOKING FORWARD Aidan has responded to his diagnosis by learning as much as he can and doing what he can to remain active. He now boxes regularly, plays Pickleball and has met other people living with Parkinson’s who he can talk to and learn from. His approach is simple: “Use it or lose it.” He has also discovered something he admits he knew virtually nothing about before Parkinson’s entered his own life - the calibre of Parkinson’s research happening here in New Zealand. That discovery has given him something incredibly important: hope. New Zealand researchers are undertaking world-class research and making world-first breakthroughs, contributing new knowledge on the world stage to the international effort to better understand Parkinson’s, develop improved treatments and ultimately find a cure. And they are not working in isolation. Cure Parkinson’s NZ collaborates with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Cure Parkinson’s UK and Shake It Up Australia, connecting New Zealand research with a global community working towards the same goal. For someone living with Parkinson’s today, that research isn't an abstract scientific exercise. It is about the future.

SO WHY CLIMB FOR A CURE? From 15 January to 21 February 2027, New Zealanders will come together for Climb For A Cure - a 37-day national challenge raising funds to help Cure Parkinson’s NZ continue and accelerate Parkinson’s research. Why 37 days? Because 1 in 37 New Zealanders could be diagnosed with Parkinson’s during their lifetime. More than 13,000 New Zealanders are already living with the disease. Behind those numbers are people we know - parents, grandparents, partners, friends, colleagues, customers and members of our own business communities. People like Aidan. Climb For A Cure isn't about being an experienced climber or conquering the highest mountain. You can climb a local peak, walk the hills in your neighbourhood, take the stairs, set yourself a challenge, create a workplace team, or bring together your friends and family. The challenge is deliberately inclusive because, for someone living with Parkinson’s, climbing a mountain can mean many different things. Sometimes the hardest mountains aren't visible. For Aidan, Parkinson’s has brought challenges that people around him couldn't necessarily see - losing confidence, withdrawing from social situations and stepping back from things that once came naturally. Choosing to step forward now and share that experience is therefore significant. AIDAN'S CALL TO THE NORTH SHORE AND WIDER COMMUNITY Aidan has spent many years supporting and promoting the North Shore – businesses and the community. Now he hopes those relationships can help turn something deeply personal into action. “I’d hope they will support Climb For A Cure, because obviously it’s directly affecting our family and our business now.” He's asking the businesses, colleagues, customers and friends who know him to get involved. Create a team. Get your workplace involved. Bring your family and friends. Choose your challenge. Set a fundraising target. And climb. Climb For A Cure has an ambitious goal of raising $1 million for Parkinson’s research. But $1 million becomes achievable when we climb it together. If 2,000 people each raise $500, we reach $1 million. And $500 could be as simple as around 14 people backing your climb with a $37 donation. Every person who registers, every team that gets involved, every dollar raised and every metre climbed contributes to something bigger.

Aidan Bennett with his four grandchildren.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY WE RAISE GO? Funds raised through Climb For A Cure will help Cure Parkinson’s NZ continue supporting and accelerating world-class Parkinson’s research here in New Zealand. That funding helps researchers continue exploring promising avenues, collaborate with international partners and accelerate discoveries towards treatments that could slow, stop or ultimately prevent the progression of Parkinson’s.The ultimate goal is a cure. For Aidan and the more than 13,000 other New Zealanders currently living with Parkinson’s, time matters. And for their children, grandchildren and generations still to come, the discoveries being made today could change what a Parkinson’s diagnosis means tomorrow. Aidan’s now asking us to get behind him by supporting Climb For A Cure. GET INVOLVED IN CLIMB FOR A CURE There are plenty of ways for businesses (and individuals) to get behind Climb For A Cure. Businesses can sponsor a peak, create a team and encourage staff and customers to take part, help promote the campaign through their own networks – or do a

combination of all three. Individuals can also sign up and take on their own challenge. To find out more, visit climbforacure.org.nz and head to the resources page, where you’ll find information on sponsoring a peak, how to activate Climb For A Cure within your business, the story and purpose behind the campaign from Cure Parkinson’s NZ CEO Daniel McGowan, and more about where the money we raise goes and the research it will help support. If you're interested in sponsoring a peak, getting your business involved or would simply like more information, please contact Lizzie Drum at Cure Parkinson’s NZ: lizzie@cureparkinsonsnz.org.nz This summer, let's stand alongside Aidan. Bring your team, bring your family and take on your own mountain. Because every step we take can help move us closer to a cure. Climb For A Cure | 15 January – 21 February 2027 37 days | 137 peaks | $1 million for Parkinson’s research Learn more and get involved at climbforacure.org.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

THERE IS NO CURE FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE. BUT TOGETHER, WE CAN CHANGE THAT. Climb For A Cure is a 37-day national challenge where everyday Kiwis climb peaks, track their progress, and raise money to fund a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

1. Register

2. Choose a peak

Pick one of the 137 peaks in the guide, or set your own climbing goal.

3. Track your metres climbed

Track the metres you climb using the app. One climb or many, it’s up to you.

4. Earn entries to win

Every 10 metres you climb earns you one entry into the major prize draw.

SCAN FOR DETAILS climbforacure.org.nz

5. Raise money

Share your fundraising page and help raise vital funds for Parkinson’s research.

1 in 37 New Zealanders could be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. There is still no cure. Funding research can help change that.

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

HEALTH & WELLBEING: NORTHSPAN

When your team thrives, your business thrives Across workplaces right now, the same story keeps surfacing: people are under real pressure. From rising workloads and financial stress to family responsibilities, workplace change, and mental health challenges, many employees are carrying a lot. Often, these pressures show up at work through increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, strained workplace relationships, or simply employees struggling to perform at their best. For employers, the challenge is clear. How do you support your people before small concerns become bigger issues? That's where employee support services can make a real difference. Supporting people through life's challenges At Northspan Wellbeing, our qualified counsellors provide professional, confidential counselling and wellbeing support for employees and their immediate family members. We offer in-person appointments as well as online appointments for those outside of Auckland. Effective employee support is about much more than responding to crises. Employees access counselling for a wide range of reasons, including stress, anxiety, workplace conflict, grief and loss, burnout, relationship issues, parenting challenges, financial pressure, life transitions and personal wellbeing concerns. A timely conversation with a qualified counsellor can help individuals gain perspective, develop practical coping strategies, and build resilience before issues begin affecting their work or personal lives. As one Northspan counsellor explains, "Often people don't need months of support. They simply need someone independent, experienced, and nonjudgemental to help them process what's happening and develop a plan for moving forward. Early support can make a real difference." Why employers are choosing local For more than 133 years, Wingspan Trust and Northspan Wellbeing have supported individuals, families, and communities throughout Tāmaki Makaurau. Unlike large national providers, Northspan offers employers access to a local, experienced clinical team that understands the challenges facing Auckland businesses and their employees. Our workplace wellbeing partnerships are built around responsiveness, accessibility and quality clinical care. And when an employee reaches out for support, timing matters. That's why Northspan is committed to offering employees referred through our employee support services an appointment within three working days. For someone experiencing stress, anxiety or a difficult life event, being seen quickly means they can start working things through sooner. Investing in your most important asset Businesses invest significant time and resources into recruiting, developing and retaining great people. Providing access to

professional counselling and wellbeing support sends a powerful message to employees: "We value you, and we care about your wellbeing." Increasingly, organisations are recognising that supporting staff wellbeing isn't simply a 'nice to have'. It's an important part of creating healthy, productive, and sustainable workplaces. There's a further dimension too. Northspan Wellbeing is a social enterprise. When your organisation partners with us for employee support services, your investment does double duty: your people receive responsive, professional care, and the proceeds help fund subsidised community counselling for Aucklanders who could not otherwise afford it, through Wingspan Trust. Your wellbeing spend becomes community impact.

Special offer for Channel Mag readers Northspan Wellbeing is currently welcoming new employee support services partnerships. Sign up before 30 November and receive: • Priority employee appointments, within three working days; • 10% discount on your first three months of service; • Access to experienced, professional counsellors; • Flexible support options for organisations of all sizes. To learn more about how Northspan Wellbeing can support your team, visit Northspan Wellbeing or contact us today for a confidential discussion. Because when people are supported to thrive, businesses and their communities thrive too. Northspan Wellbeing 400 Lake Road, Takapuna 09 419 9853 hello@northspanwellbeing.org.nz northspanwellbeing.org.nz Instagram Facebook and : @northspanwellbeing

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Simon Watts National Party MP & Candidate for North Shore

I’m proud to serve the North Shore and I’m focused on practical solutions that help local families get ahead.

Delivering for the North Shore National is getting things done for the North Shore electorate: Helping ease cost of living pressures through responsible economic management. Backing North Shore businesses to strengthen our local economy. Supporting stronger action on crime to keep our communities safe. Supporting higher education standards so our children can succeed. Advocating for better transport connections and investment to reduce congestion across the Shore. Championing frontline health services for North Shore families. Protecting the Hauraki Gulf and North Shore coastline for future generations.

www.national.org.nz/team/simonwatts 62

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Authorised by S Watts, simon.watts@national.org.nz

I’m proud to serve as your Member of Parliament for North Shore. This is my home, where my wife Shannon and I are raising our two children, and it’s a community I’m deeply committed to. Like many on the Shore, I’ve balanced work, family, and community commitments, and I see the pressures households are facing right now. That’s why I’m focused on delivering practical results that make a real difference. I’m working to grow our local economy, ease the cost of living, and ensure the North Shore gets the investment it needs to thrive. Before entering Parliament, I worked as a chartered accountant and held senior roles in global banking and markets, both in New Zealand and overseas. After returning home, I trained as a paramedic and continue to serve as a volunteer with St John. I later served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Health NZ - Waitematā, gaining hands-on experience managing large, complex organisations and public health services. Since being elected in 2020, I’ve worked hard to be a strong local voice for the North Shore, while also serving as Minister for Energy, Auckland, Climate, Local Government and Revenue.

Dan Bidois National Party MP & Candidate for Northcote

I ask for your support and vote in this year’s election to continue being your local voice and champion as part of a National-led government. I love this place and will continue to work hard for you, our community and our country.

Delivering for Northcote: Safer communities through the Northcote Community Safety Forum Better education with more learning support, school facilities, and nailing the basics well Action on congestion with practical improvements on Onewa Road and restoring democracy at AT Lower inflation and interest rates through responsible economic management No new taxes, so you can keep more of what you earn

I’m proud to serve as Northcote’s local Member of Parliament. I live in Birkenhead with my wife Courtney, our son Noah and dog Mylo, and I’m committed to making Northcote an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Before entering Parliament, I worked as a butcher, economist, consultant and senior business executive. I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study economics at Harvard University and now serve as Deputy Chair of Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee. My focus is simple: fixing the basics, building the future, and delivering practical results for Northcote families. • No New Taxes • Lower inflation and interest rates • Stronger action on crime • Excellence in reading, writing and maths • Growing KiwiSaver balances for future retirement security • Backing economic growth, higher wages and more jobs

www.national.org.nz/team/danbidois Authorised by D Bidois, dan.bidois@national.org.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

PACK & SEND: TAKAPUNA

BUSINESS FOCUS: BARRYS POINT ROAD

By Jane and Jeremy Bain, franchisees at Pack & Send Takapuna

Ready to upsize your enterprise? Jane and Jeremy Bain, the franchisees at Pack & Send Takapuna, have a 'No Limits' approach when helping customers solve packaging and freight problems. It has been a challenging year, particularly for small business owners, and Pack & Send Takapuna wants to help you get to the next level so you are raring to go for the upcoming busy season! Ready to capitalise on the pre-Christmas hullabaloo? Pack & Send offers an all-in-one, bespoke online business shipping service to save you time, trouble and money – effortless order processing, storage, pick, pack, stock transfers, and dispatch plus a dedicated account angel. If you have approached the large logistics companies and you are not quite ready for the minimum spend threshold, not to mention the long list of itemised charges you’ll incur, or you’re not in a position to hire more staff, then you will love Pack & Send’s new 3PL (third-party logistics) package! You focus on your sales and marketing, and they will sort your shipping!

SNORKELLING, FREEDIVING, SPEARFISHING & WATERSPORTS QUALITY GEAR | ADVICE | COURSES WETSUIT REPAIRS We’re a friendly team, happy to help anyone from beginner snorkellers to seasoned spearos.

OPEN 7 DAYS - 54 BARRYS POINT ROAD

09 377 0896 #1 - teamauckland@oceanhunter.co.nz

With their famous ‘No Limits’ philosophy, the staff at Pack & Send can tailor personalised solutions for each individual customer’s requirements. 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 can tailor personalised solutions for each individual customer’s requirements. Contact Jeremy, our dedicated logistics expert, for some helpful tips and advice on optimising your small business shipping leading into the busy season. Pack & Send Takapuna, open Monday–Saturday, at 77 Barrys Point Rd, with exclusive and convenient parking outside. Phone 09 486 3355 or email takapuna@packsend.co.nz and let them make sending easy.

The way logistics should be done. Fragile, oversized, awkward or valuable — handled with care. Local, national and global delivery solutions. Expert packing. Done right. PACK & SEND TAKAPUNA 77B Barrys Point Road, Takapuna. 09 486 3355 | takapuna@packsend.co.nz www.packsend.co.nz/takapuna

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Compassionate, eco-friendly water cremation and personalised memorial options for your beloved pet. 65 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 3pm Contact: info@gentlewaves.co.nz • 020 4010 7800 & 020 4010 5891 www.gentlewaves.co.nz • & : gentlewaves_nz

HOMES & GARDENS: LAKE ROAD ELECTRICAL

By Lewis Rudall, Master Electrician and Director at Lake Road Electrical

Getting your outdoor lighting ready for summer

Brought to you by Lake Road Electrical As the days get longer and the barbeques come out, summer on the North Shore is all about making the most of outdoor living. Whether it’s family dinners on the deck, kids running around the backyard, or evening drinks with friends, good outdoor lighting can make a big difference to how your home feels and functions.

The right lighting does more than just look nice. It helps create atmosphere, improves safety, and lets you enjoy your outdoor spaces well after the sun goes down. From pathway lights that guide guests to the front door, to deck and garden lighting that makes your landscaping shine, a well-planned setup can really lift your home. If your outdoor lights are a bit tired, flickering, or simply not doing the job anymore, now’s the time to get them sorted before summer is in full swing. Coastal conditions on the Shore can be tough on fittings, so it’s worth checking that everything is still safe, weatherproof, and working as it should. For some homes, a few small changes are all it takes. For others, adding new outdoor power points, motion sensor lights, or updating old fittings can turn a dark, underused space into the favourite part of the house. Lewis’s tip: If you’re planning summer entertaining, book your outdoor lighting check early. A quick assessment now can help you avoid last-minute hassles when you’re ready to host. At Lake Road Electrical, we’re proud to help North Shore homes shine. Get in touch with our team today and let’s get your outdoor lighting ready for summer. Lewis Rudall - your friendly local electrician Lake Road Electrical - available 24/7 – available 24/7 029 128 7494 lakeroadelectrical.co.nz

HOMES & GARDENS: NEWHAVEN GARDENS

Top tips from Amanda Graham, Newhaven Gardens. North Shore hedge trimming, garden tidy ups, planting, pruning and garden maintenance.

Hot days ahead?

Give your garden a fighting chance Summer is around the corner. This year, the strengthening super El Niño means it is expected to be hotter and drier than usual for Auckland, and the stress of hotter, drier days can drastically impact our plants. If a plant is stressed from lack of water or nutrients, it is much more likely to succumb to pests and diseases. However, there are a few products you can use that will not only help build your plants’ resilience, but are also great for the overall health of your garden. Seaweed tonic is a great liquid fertiliser rich in essential nutrients, minerals, and plant growth hormones like auxins and cytokinins. These compounds stimulate root development, improve soil structure, and enhance plant resilience. Regular use can help plants grow stronger, with improved resistance to drought, pests, and stress. Seaweed tonic is also ideal for promoting faster germination and healthier plants in both flower and vegetable gardens.

While regular use of seaweed tonic will help make your plants more resilient to pests and diseases by making them healthier and more robust, regular use of neem granules acts as a natural preventative and systemic pesticide; after a few applications, they will work on any pests that chew or suck on the plants. Neem granules act as a natural insect repellent and soil conditioner. The active compound azadirachtin disrupts the life cycle of pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Neem granules also help prevent fungal diseases and improve plant immunity. By promoting healthy soil and offering natural pest control, neem granules protect beneficial insects and the broader ecosystem, making them a safe choice for organic gardeners. Finally, my go-to product for helping plants recover from stress, disease, and drought is Aquaticus garden booster. This is a New Zealand-made product which also contains natural humic/fulvic acid, trichoderma and omega which improves soil health by enhancing water retention, aeration, and nutrient absorption. Together, these three products offer a proactive, eco-friendly approach to gardening by strengthening plants, improving soil health, and protecting the ecosystem. Regular use of these products will greatly strengthen your plants. When coupled with mulching, organic fertilising and hand weeding, you have an effective, natural solution for creating a thriving organic garden. Amanda Graham Newhaven Gardens Ltd 021 378969 instagram.com/newhavengardens/ amanda@newhavengardens.co.nz newhavengardens.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

HOMES OF DEVONPORT 2026

'Homes of Devonport': At home with Tom Webster Local architect and television presenter, Tom Webster has spent years exploring some of New Zealand's most inspiring homes. As the host of 'Grand Designs New Zealand' and 'Coastal Wonders', he's seen first-hand how great design can shape the way we live, connect and experience a place. Originally from the UK, Tom has been a North Shore local for the last 10 years, where he runs Webster Harding Architects with his wife Anna. Tom chats with Channel Mag's Liz Cannon about architecture, community, what makes a home truly memorable, and why he's stepping up to help with Devonport Rotary's major fundraiser, 'Homes of Devonport'. Channel Mag: What makes Devonport's architecture so special? Tom Webster: Devonport feels to me like a living architectural museum. Take a well-planned trip around its streets, and you will encounter the whole encyclopedia of New Zealand housing stock. Early cottages, villas, transitional villas, bungalows, Art Deco, state housing, mid-century, work by Group Architects, brick and tile and, perhaps a surprise to some, examples of very fine contemporary architecture. I guess due to its peninsula location, away from the city, it has resisted some of the less desirable modernisation trends, but at the same time Devonport has some pretty savvy design-aware residents keen to engage with the latest architectural dreaming. How does good architecture help create a stronger sense of community? Architecture spans all scales from little bathroom extensions to major civic buildings and city-scale urban centres. At the larger end of the scale, it's easy to link well-resolved architecture with a positive impact on the public realm and therefore the health of our communities. We also notice when the opposite is true; poorly considered civic architecture doesn't accommodate or encourage community activity and engagement. Historically, town planning – the architecture of our communities – paid attention to the need to create village greens, community centres, sports fields and parks as well as streets containing houses arranged for both privacy and community interaction. Devonport has all of this in spades. You've visited homes of every style imaginable. What qualities make a home truly memorable? Many things impress me when visiting houses. I particularly enjoy encountering novel ideas and clever design solutions, and I really enjoy those genuine surprise moments, whether they come from scale, outlook or an unusual relationship between different rooms both inside and out. What seems to stick with me the most, though, is when I come across a home that truly reflects the personality of its owners (especially if they are good sorts!). A bit like the old cliché that owners and their dogs look alike, so, I'd argue, do the best houses. More than looks, though, a house where the owners haven't held back is an insight into the soul. I often feel the most important part of my job as an architect is to be a key to unlock that inner design passion. After exploring so many remarkable properties, what makes a house feel like home? Pets (non-destructive types), the smell of baking, a great layout that works for family dinners as well as significant birthday parties. Somewhere to grow and appreciate plants, snug bedrooms, lightfilled living areas, easy movement, great shoe storage, somewhere for friends and family to stay over (but not to outstay). Art (some homegrown), places for all the special stuff, and a large shed for everything else.

Tom Webster

Why do you think people are so fascinated by stepping inside other people's homes? Deep down, we are all nosy; we like a glimpse into other people's domestic worlds, not so much to compare it with our own, but just to know. Luckily, in New Zealand we have the open homes phenomenon, allegedly about selling houses but really a chance for the whole neighbourhood to see what colour the carpets are at number 33. These events don't really happen in England, and while the English are just as nosy, they don't have a socially acceptable outlet for that need. Having said that, I've lived on the peninsula for almost exactly 10 years and have only been to a handful of open homes.... Got to start being more Kiwi! Why are you supporting Devonport Rotary's 'Homes of Devonport' this year? Every year Anna and I at Webster Harding Architects look to give some of our time and/or skills to charity. Rotary, as a local communitybased and focused organisation, is a truly excellent charity to support (and secretly I really do want to see the colour of the carpet at 33!) Tickets are now on sale for 'Homes of Devonport', presented by Devonport Rotary in partnership with Bayleys Devonport. The popular fundraising event offers a rare opportunity to step inside a curated collection of Devonport’s most distinctive homes, from character villas to contemporary architectural showcases. Proceeds will support Dementia Auckland, Cure Kids, Motor Neurone Disease NZ and the Devonport Rotary Charitable Trust. The self-guided tour is on Friday 13 November from 9.30am to 3.30pm, with tickets priced at $85. Tom Webster will host a post-event VIP drinks and nibbles afternoon from 4pm to 6pm. Tickets for both events are available for $150. Purchase tickets via Eventfinda at eventfinda.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

BUSINESS FOCUS: DEVONPORT

Now open on Sundays!

A butchery and kitchen store devoted to changing the way we source, produce and eat food. Sourcing the highest quality that puts animal welfare at the forefront, Marrow is a store for and about the community. Nick and the team are excited to meet you and have you along on this journey.

New crew member We’re welcoming Louise to our team and the village.

Located inside the old Post Office Building,

10 Victoria Rd, Devonport 022 161 7452 • marrowstore.co.nz Open Wed-Fri, 9am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-3pm (Closed Mon-Tues)

Your local lawyers for general law since 1990 chapmanjones.co.nz

Roasted locally, since 1997 Visit us in Devonport 20 Wynyard Street, Devonport Mon-Fri 7:00am-2:00pm Saturday 7:30am-1:00pm - Closed Sundays chiasso.co.nz

Waitematā Golf Club

Ear Health, Devonport 82 Lake Road, Narrow Neck Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm Sat & Sun: Closed www.earhealth.co.nz | 09 242 0866

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

NOW SERVING CHIASSO COFFEE OPEN 7-DAYS A WEEK 7AM-2PM

FOCUS ON DEVONPORT

Who would make decisions for you? It’s one of those jobs many of us put off: writing or updating a will. Usually, it stays somewhere on the to-do list between sorting out the garage and booking the dentist. There are two important legal documents worth having in your toolkit: a will and Enduring Powers of Attorney. They do quite different jobs: • Your will looks after things after you die. • Your Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) help look after you while you are still alive. What happens if you can’t make decisions yourself? We tend to associate losing capacity with getting older, but an accident, illness or injury can happen at any stage of life. An EPA allows you to choose someone you trust to make certain decisions for you when needed. There are two types: • Property EPA – covering financial matters such as bank accounts, bills, investments and property. • Personal Care and Welfare EPA – covering decisions about your care, healthcare and where you live if you become mentally incapable of making those decisions yourself. The person you appoint is called your attorney, but they don’t need to be a lawyer. Usually it is a partner, family member or trusted friend. Think of an EPA as a little like an insurance policy; you hope it never has to be used, but if something unexpected happens, having it in place can make life much easier for those around you. Importantly, family members do not automatically have authority to make decisions for you. Without an EPA, a Family Court application may be needed. And when you die? That is when your will takes over, and your attorney’s role comes to an end. Your will records what you want to happen to your estate and appoints an executor to carry out those wishes. Your will records: • Who receives your money, property and possessions; • Gifts to family, friends or charities; • Arrangements for younger beneficiaries; and • Who you would like to act as guardians for your children.

The Chapman Jones team

Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to New Zealand law, which may not reflect what you would have wanted. It is also important to review your will when life changes. Marriage, separation, children, grandchildren or changes in your financial circumstances are all good reasons to take another look. One important point is that marriage or entering a civil union will usually revoke an existing will, unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage or civil union. If you have a family trust, it can also be useful to leave your trustees a memorandum of guidance setting out your wishes for the future.

The person you appoint is called your attorney, but they don’t need to be a lawyer. Usually it is a partner, family member or trusted friend. A little planning goes a long way Putting a will and EPAs in place isn’t about focusing on what might go wrong. It is about making life easier for the people you love, making your wishes clear and choosing who you trust to make important decisions when you cannot. And once they are signed and safely tucked away, you can happily go back to ignoring the garage! Want to find out more and need some assistance with estate planning? Contact our friendly team at Chapman Jones Law. Chapman Jones Law 11D Wynyard Street, Devonport 09 445 6225 info@chapmanjones.co.nz chapmanjones.co.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Feature | North Harbour Business Hall of Fame

John Berry (centre) with Richard Pilley of sponsor Milford Asset Management (left) and North Harbour Club Patron Gary Monk

John Berry inducted into North Harbour Business Hall of Fame By Aidan Bennett

Takapuna resident John Berry has become the 45th laureate inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame. This accolade recognises his business achievements in the financial sector along with his contribution to charity and community. John was officially inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame at a lunch held at North Harbour Stadium on Wednesday 16 September.

John Berry

John has always believed that business has purpose beyond simply making money for shareholders and should put people and planet at its core. John cofounded Pathfinder Asset Management with Paul Brownsey, launching their first sustainability-themed fund in 2010, which was groundbreaking at the time, based in Takapuna. Under John’s leadership, Pathfinder pioneered ethical investing in New Zealand. Pathfinder became New Zealand's leader in ethical and valuesbased investing across managed funds and KiwiSaver. Growth accelerated for Pathfinder when they aligned with Alvarium in 2019.

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

John embedded purpose at three levels at Pathfinder. First, what Pathfinder will or won't invest in, aiming to avoid real-world harm and instead tilt towards companies positively benefiting people, planet and animals, including impactful local ventures and social housing, renewable energy and climate tech. Second, John adopted a business model that thinks beyond profit for shareholders, committing a percentage of annual revenue to charity and becoming New Zealand's first certified B Corps and financial services. And third, he consciously encourages others in the financial services to focus on purpose. John continues to share his conviction on business purpose extensively in podcasts,

He ran Deutsche Bank's execution team for all structured capital markets transactions across Europe and the UK, which meant working on deals and interesting destinations from Amsterdam to Budapest and Milan to New York.

John Berry addressing the large crowd after his induction into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame in September

articles, media interviews and industry conferences. He attributes much of his thinking to conversations with his father since he was young about the dangers of global corporates with excessive power, challenges of runaway technology and risks from overextracting our planet's finite resources. John also values personal growth from travel. After law and commerce degrees, the former Rosmini College student worked as a lawyer in Auckland and London. In London, John met the love of his life, Ange, and switched to investment banking. He ran Deutsche Bank's execution team for all structured capital markets transactions across Europe and the UK, which meant working on deals and interesting destinations from Amsterdam to Budapest and Milan to New York. Returning to New Zealand with Ange and two boys, Matt and Josh, John took time out before co-founding Pathfinder. The business has been widely acclaimed, including six consecutive years of recognition from Mindful Money as New Zealand's leading ethical fund manager and the Supreme Transforming New Zealand Award from the Sustainable Business Network in 2023. John was personally recognised by the Sustainable Business Network with the Sustainability Superstar Award and with the Fonterra Sustainability Leadership Award in 2024 at the Robert Walters New Zealand Leadership Awards. As well as awards for his media work, John's governance roles have included the government-appointed committee designing

a code of conduct for financial advice in New Zealand, the advisory board of Francis Valentine's Mind Lab and the board of venture capital tech investor Punakaiki. John was also on the Men's Health Trust board for 10 years, a topic he's been passionate about. As well as growing silly moustaches, he worked on campaigns encouraging Kiwi men to visit their doctor for regular check-ups and normalising conversations with mates around how they're feeling. 'The New Zealand Herald' and 'Stuff' published John's articles raising awareness of men's health issues. He's given time in recent

years to charities seeking his insights for funding, strategy or education. John sees his greatest achievement as convincing Ange to move to Takapuna in 2004. He says they’ve been blessed to bring up Matt and Josh here, sharing wonderful friendships and enjoying the North Shore lifestyle.

John Berry becomes the 45th laureate inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame since 2004. The 45 Laureates are: • Inductees 2004: Geoff Smale*, Jim Smale*, Ralph Roberts, Sir Stephen Tindall; • Inductees 2005: Sir David Levene* (Lifetime Achievement Award), Sir Graeme Avery, Sir Peter Maire; • Inductees 2006: Diane Foreman, Peter Menzies; • Inductees 2007: Ian Calderwood; • Inductees 2008: David Charlesworth*; • Inductees 2009: Colin Harvey*; • Inductees 2010: Jan Dawson, Gary Monk; • Inductees 2016: Paul Blackwell and Liz Blackwell, John Spooner, Annette Presley; • Inductees 2017: Bill Speedy, Eric Fasenkloet, Paul Byrnes; • Inductees 2018: Ken Noble, David McAlpine, Steve Newman; • Inductees 2019: Greg Smale, Carmel Fisher, Guy Haddleton and Sue Haddleton*; • Inductees 2021: Garth Barfoot, Bob Jago, Craig Heatley; • Inductees 2022: The Alison Brothers* (Ewan & Alexander), Walter Gill and Simon Gundry, Ann Tod, Aidan Bennett, Sir Stephen Tindall (Lifetime Achievement Award); • Inductees 2023: Naomi Ballantyne, Kerry Dines, Ian Jackson, Hugh Stedman; • Inductees 2024: Jolie Hodson, Martin Cooper; • Inductees 2026: Rod Slater, John Berry. *Denotes passed away.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Feature | Lin Carmichael

Crew on Castanet 1969 - Bain Carmichael, Mike Lane, Terry Gillespie, Lin Carmichael

Crew on Chico 1971 - Paul Brugh, Mike Lane, Terry Gillespie, Lin Carmichael

Building them was as fun as racing them

Meet Lin Carmichael, North Shore’s champion of the golden era of ocean racing By Paula Arblaster

When you speak to passionate sailors about the heady days of ocean racing in the 1960s and '70s, one name keeps cropping up, and that’s Lin (Lincoln) Carmichael. You’re unlikely to hear Lin himself boast of his wins, but 'Sea Spray' (New Zealand’s national boating magazine) wrote in 1983, “New Zealand has produced its own champions in most classes of sailing, and in ocean racing it would be hard to deny Lin Carmichael top place.” – John Mallitte, 'Sea Spray', September 1983 We spoke to Lin Carmichael and his wife Coleen about how some Kiwi hard work and ingenuity helped Lin build boats and win ocean races. A FAMILY PASSION Lin’s early passion for sailing likely came from being born to a boating family. As Coleen says, “The sea is in his blood”. His greatgrandfather T. S. Carmichael was a seaman on the 'HMS Investigator,' a Royal Navy ship sent to the Arctic in 1850, which became stuck in the ice. Thomas endured three brutal winters locked in the pack ice of Mercy Cove, where he and the crew barely survived the extreme cold and hunger. From a young age, Lin, his siblings and cousins had to be able to sail the 14-foot sailing dinghy to get out to the family bach at Tutukaka, and at 12 years old, he was already an able enough sailor to cruise with his cousin

Tiare Moana passing Rangitoto Lighthouse

through the Bay of Islands. Boat building was also part of family life. There was always a boat being built or repaired outside the family home in Whangarei, and he was a frequent visitor at the Orams boatyard just down the road. It would take the knowledge that he was soaking up from the boat builders, plus some Kiwi ingenuity and hard work, to get into the ocean racing scene. At 18 years old, Lin began building 'Tiare-Moana' (Flower of the Sea). He was working full-time in his apprenticeship as a cabinet maker, and most of what he earned was going into his boat. Getting the best possible boat for your budget wasn’t the only benefit of building it yourself. As he told 'The Auckland Star': “You

Crew on Tiare-Moana 1966 - Lin Carmichael, David Hope Lewis, Bain Carmichael, Wayne Dumbleton

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Castanet 1968

have to be satisfied that the boat will stand up to anything she is forced to take, and when you’ve built her yourself, you know exactly where you stand.” THE “SHOESTRING” OCEAN RACER In 1964, confident in the boat he had just built, Lin signed up for the inaugural Onerahi to Noumea race, causing the Onerahi sailing club some worry that he and his crew were too young and inexperienced. To prove that they had ‘what it took’ for ocean racing, Lin and his brother Bain sailed 'Tiare-Moana' to Gisborne. Point proved, the young crew then went on to win their division in the Noumea race, followed

Crew of Castanet Lin Carmichael, Bain Carmichael, Terry Gillespie, Mike Lane

up by a third in the 1966 Suva Yacht race. Lin now well and truly had the ocean racing bug and was already planning his next boat. In 1967, having moved to Auckland, he worked alongside John Lidgard building 'Castanet' at Lidgard’s boatyard in Glen Eden. 'The Auckland Star' described Lin as a “shoestring ocean racer” for his ability to create race-winning boats and campaigns on a slim budget. “Dream of a One Ton Cup racer and you could face a financial nightmare in finding the wherewithal — up to $50,000. But if you have the courage, determination — and, hopefully, the expertise — of a Lin Carmichael, it’s possible to do it for as little as a sixth of that figure.” After a great showing in the Southern Cross trials, Lin and his new boat 'Castanet' were selected for the three-boat New Zealand team for the inaugural 1967 Southern Cross Cup. They came third in their division in the Sydney-Hobart race and then won the 1968 Trans-Tasman Cup on the return race to Auckland. Good friends and excellent sailors were again part of the winning strategy for Lin and 'Castanet' in the 1969 Auckland to Suva race. His crewmates were Terry Gillespie, Mike Lane and Lin’s brother Bain. “We were all young and gung-ho and had faith in each other,” Lin says. That faith created great teamwork and decision-making on the water. At 31 feet, Castanet was the smallest boat in the fleet, with the smallest crew, but they were crowned the overall champions. LIFE ON THE OCEAN What did they eat on the ocean races? Lin says, “Most boats didn't have freezers for the races, and we had to think carefully about the weight of every item we were taking. We ate tinned food, tinned or powdered milk, and drank coffee. We always looked forward to coming into port to have a steak and a milkshake!” How did they sleep? “Castanet had two bunks and two pipe beds – basically canvas slung between two pipes. We had a two-hour rotation while racing – one guy would be at the helm, one at the cockpit, watching for boats and ensuring the guy on the helm stayed awake, and the two below would be trying to sleep. It meant you had a four-

hour allocation for sleeping,” Lin says. “You wouldn’t ever be fully asleep; you’d be aware of the boat and whether it was on course. Because we didn’t have GPS in those days, we were relying on sextants, and it was constantly on our minds.”

In 1974, he built his boat 'Clockwork' in a bus shed behind the Bridgeway Theatre… A LIFETIME OF BUILDING BOATS As much as he loved racing, Lin thought that building the boat was just as much fun. Like racing them, building them was always a challenge too. Lin's next boat, 'Chico', was built in 1971 at Lidgard’s yard. 'Sea Spray' magazine said at the time: “Carmichael emphasised that she is a cruiser-racer, but if this is the case, she would be one of the fastest cruising 30-footers on the harbour.” Lin and 'Chico' went on to win the 1971 Onerahi to Noumea race, again with Terry and Mike as his crew. Lin says, “It was a fairly light race. The boat didn’t have much gear in it, which helped us a lot.” Lin built his last two boats while living on the North Shore. In 1974, he built his boat 'Clockwork' in a bus shed behind the Bridgeway Theatre; she was a quarter-tonner built because there was a World Quarter-Ton Championship coming up. Then in 1983 he built 'Cisco', a light displacement design built for the Hauraki Gulf rather than for ocean racing because he wanted a boat that would also be pleasurable for his wife and daughter to sail. Lin went on to win other races as part of crews on other boats, such as the 1977 Auckland to Suva race on 'Country Boy', and two Pan Am Clipper Cups in Hawaii. What made Lin an exceptionally good skipper and ocean racer? His wife Coleen remembers that Lin did a lot of pre-race prep. “Before each race, he would have his

charts spread open all around him, working out the winds and the best course. Then on the boat, he would do many practice runs over the start line, getting his starting strategy precise.” He also relied on tenacity and grit as well as his bold, hard-working crew. He told 'The Auckland Star' in 1971, “You have to be sure of your boat, sure of your gear, have faith in yourself and your crew and drive hard all the time” ADVENTURE ON THE SEAS The most frightening moment Lin ever experienced on the ocean was when he and good friend and fellow sailor, Richard Jones, were part of a five-man crew delivering a yacht from Melbourne to New Plymouth. There was a southerly current; it had been blowing 50 to 60 knots southwest, and the continental shelf after Bass Strait made the waves short and sharp. They found themselves on top of an enormous wave, fell vertically down the other side and pitchpoled, flipping end over end. Richard, on the helm and wearing a harness clipped to the backstay, flew up the backstay as the boat pitchpoled. All the cupboards in the cabin fell open, and everything came crashing out. Lin says, “It made a hell of a noise; we thought the boat had broken.” Once the boat had righted, they quickly issued a Pan-pan call to Australian Search and Rescue (a Pan-pan call is one below a Mayday). The moment they finished the call, the electrics went out. Search and Rescue flew out the next morning to check on them, but by then Richard had got them going again, so they waved at the plane and carried on. BOATING NOW VERSUS THEN Those days were truly the golden era of ocean racing in New Zealand. Both 'The Auckland Star' and 'The New Zealand Herald' covered the events and the boats’ positions almost daily. “We don’t get much coverage of ocean racing anymore,” Lin says. “It is too expensive now, and not as accessible as it once was. Today’s boats are much larger, nearly twice the size of 'Castanet'. It was more uncomfortable and harder work in the '60s and '70s in a smaller boat, and they were full-keel boats. Those boats couldn’t achieve the times that are set now.” Although the boats have changed dramatically, Lin still enjoys watching modern sailing and watches the Sail GP sailing and the America’s Cup. What does he treasure most from his time in the golden age of ocean racing? While it was his competitive spirit and love of sailing that first drew him to ocean racing, it isn’t the cups and trophies that matter most to Lin. It is the friendships made, the adventures had together, and cruising the beautiful islands that form his favourite memories.

Building Chico at Ligard's Boatyard Glen Eden 1971

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Education | Kristin School

Treble Clefs

Euphony

Euphony and Treble Clefs win gold We are delighted to celebrate the success of our Years 9-13 upper voices choir Euphony, which was awarded a coveted gold award at the national final of The Big Sing. The national final took place over three days in the Christchurch Town Hall and featured the top 24 secondary school choirs in the country. This success is a testament to months of dedication, collaboration and learning by every member of the choir. At The Kids Sing, our Treble Clefs Junior School choir received a gold award alongside two special honours: the Lawson Award for Best Performance of a New Zealand Composition and Runner-Up for the Adjudicator’s Award. A fantastic result for our young singers!

Euphony

Boystrous shine at Cadenza Congratulations to our boys’ choir, Boystrous, for taking the korimako (silver) award at the recent Upper North Island Big Sing Cadenza held at the Sir Howard Morrison Theatre in Rotorua. The boys put on a spectacular performance, and this result is a deserving reward for the immense effort they have put in this year.

1st XI hockey girls finish second in New Zealand A fantastic result for our sensational 1st XI girls’ hockey team, who claimed an incredible silver medal in the Tier 1 Federation Cup in Whangārei during the recent tournament week. After starting strongly with two comfortable victories, the team rebounded emphatically from a narrow midweek setback against Wellington Girls' College to sweep Palmerston North Girls' High School 5–0 and secure top spot in their pool. In a thrilling semi-final against St Andrew’s College, the girls demonstrated incredible character, scoring twice in the final five minutes to claim a 2–1 victory. Facing St Cuthbert’s College in the grand final, they pushed the opposition to the limit in a hard-fought 1–0 loss to claim national silver medals. A special milestone was also celebrated during the week as head prefect Ruby McKay played her 100th game for the 1st XI, joining teammate Taylor Waters in this prestigious club. Second in New Zealand, well done girls!

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Silver medal at International AI Olympiad Congratulations to Richie Liu (Year 13), who recently won a silver medal at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). The event was held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 2-8 August, with a total of 471 contestants from 108 countries taking part. Richie was part of a brilliant four-member New Zealand team that won the Team Challenge Best Demonstration Award. During the high-pressure challenge, the team made history as the first to complete all the tasks! An incredible achievement and a testament to world-class dedication and teamwork.

Richie Liu

Premier basketball girls win Northern Cup Following their recent North Harbour league title, our Premier girls' basketball team continued their momentum at the Northern Cup in tournament week. The girls went undefeated throughout the entire tournament, finishing with a dominant performance in the grand final where they overcame Pakuranga College 78–49 to lift the trophy.

The girls went undefeated throughout the entire tournament…

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Education | Westlake Boys

The 1st XV team after winning the North Harbour 1st XV 1A competition.

The team beat St Patrick's College, Silverstream to finish third in New Zealand.

Matt Fleming crashes over for a try against Kelston Boys' High School in the Blues Final. Right: celebrations after Westlake booked its place in the Top Four.

Strong end to the season: Four top fours in five years for our 1st XV Westlake Boys' High School has capped off another outstanding rugby season, finishing third in New Zealand after winning both the North Harbour 1A and Blues titles. The road to Palmerston North included a 45-43 win over Rosmini College in the North Harbour final and a 40-40 draw with Kelston Boys' High School in the Blues final, with Westlake reaching the National Top 4 after scoring the first try of the match. The result marked the fourth Blues title in five years. At the National Top 4, Westlake was

beaten 31-17 by Tauranga Boys' College in the semi-final before bouncing back to defeat St Patrick's College, Silverstream 52-42 to finish third in New Zealand. The team’s success was also recognised nationally, with Matt Fleming selected for the New Zealand Schools side while Westlaker Solomone Tuitupou (2025) was named in the New Zealand Barbarians Under 18 side. Head coach Rob Mildenhall credited the team's courage and determination during the season. "Our boys are often smaller than the opposition we play, but they're really brave,"

Mark Watson was guest speaker at our Father Son Breakfast

he said. "The word I like to use is relentless. They just don't stop." He also acknowledged the support the team receives from the wider school community. "To know that your school believes in you, and that there are people who believe in you, that's a wonderful place to be." A big thank you to our rugby partners SAS Sport, JG Civil, Archibald & Shorter North Shore, Exedy New Zealand, Gavin Roberts –Auckland House & Properties for their continued support of our rugby programme.

Kai Deng and Mark Watson

An early start at our Father Son Breakfast Our Father Son Breakfast is always a highlight on the school calendar, and this year's event, featuring guest speaker, broadcaster and former elite triathlete Mark Watson, did not disappoint. His career has included competing at a high level in triathlon and covering some of the world's biggest sporting events, and he shared stories from both sport and broadcasting.

Mark spoke about one of the most high-pressure moments of his career, commentating on Usain Bolt's successful defence of the 100m title at the London Olympics. He encouraged students to make the most of opportunities, share their successes with the people around them, learn from setbacks and maintain balance in life. One message that stuck

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was that greatness is not measured by trophies or titles, but by the impression you leave on others. He also paid tribute to his late father and spoke about the influence he had on his life and career. We’d like to thank Mark as well as real estate agent Kai Deng and Barfoot & Thompson Milford for their support of the event.

Nathan Davies (right) takes centre stage during Voicemale's performance at the Big Sing Finale.

Choralation, our combined choir with Westlake Girls, also received a gold award.

Two golds for Westlake Boys choirs Westlake Boys' choirs have returned from the Big Sing Finale in Christchurch with two gold awards and two national trophies. Voicemale and Choralation were both awarded gold at New Zealand's premier secondary school choral competition, with each choir also receiving a special award. Voicemale, our premier lower voices choir conducted by David Squire, was awarded Best Performance of a Work in the Open Choice Category for its rendition of

'Songs of the Wizard' by Stephen Schwartz. Choralation, the combined choir of Westlake Boys' and Westlake Girls' students, received the trophy for Best Performance of a Work Written Prior to 1900 for its performance of 'Beati Quorum Via' by Charles Villiers Stanford. Westlake Head of Music Warwick Robinson said Voicemale had been preparing for the competition since the start of the school year. "The standard of music-making was really high at this year's

event, but despite the pressure felt by all the singers in the 24 Finale choirs, they were incredibly supportive and encouraging of one another," he said. Choral director David Squire said one of the highlights of the festival was seeing the singers support each other throughout the competition. When asked what draws students to choral singing, he said: "They love to sing, they love building something that takes time and commitment, and they love finding artistry.

First Auckland basketball title in 14 years Our Premier basketball team has qualified for nationals following a memorable season that included our first Auckland Championship title in 14 years. In front of a packed crowd at Eventfinda Stadium, the Premiers faced Auckland Grammar in the Auckland final on 28 August. Although Westlake entered the game unbeaten, Grammar provided a tough challenge. After a hard-fought contest, Westlake emerged 107-95 winners, completing an unbeaten season. The team now looks ahead to the national championships in Palmerston North as they seek to build on what has already been an outstanding year.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Feature | Channel Youth

Euro summer vibes, Shore-side

By Emily Gunston

It’s October and spring has finally sprung in Tāmaki Makaurau! Over the dreary winter, I have felt that everyone but me has been jetting off around the world and having an idyllic European summer. But now, the skies are clearing, and the temperatures are beginning to rise, so here are my recommendations for your own ‘Euro summer’ right here on the Shore. LUCAS CREEK With the weather getting warmer, October is the perfect time to start working on your summer tan, and Lucas Creek is a hidden gem right here on the Shore for a cute picnic or a dip in the water. Walking distance from Albany Senior High School or Massey University, surprisingly few people know about this picturesque spot, so you’ll get that ‘Euro summer’ tan without the crowds. MAIRANGI ARTS CENTRE If what appeals to you about travel is the vibrant arts scene abroad, fear not, because we have our very own right here too. Mairangi Arts Centre is one of many community galleries and creative spaces in Tāmaki, offering exhibitions, classes and workshops for all ages. Enjoy great art by local creatives, or learn anything from drawing and painting to pottery and beading. It’s the perfect way to fill a sunny spring afternoon and pick up a new hobby to help kick the TikTok addiction.

Enjoy great art by local creatives, or learn anything from drawing and painting to pottery and beading. PATCH CAFÉ Located in Sunnybrae, Patch has been a long-time favourite of mine. It’s fabulous all year round, but especially lovely when the weather's getting warmer. With gorgeous interiors and an equally amazing menu, Patch is a must-have on your list for brunch or a quick study break coffee. Because of its prime location, Patch is also super easy to get to, with multiple bus stops within walking distance.

Lucas Creek

Yomi Bowls

Milford Motel

YOMI BOWLS Spring also means that exam season is just around the corner, and amidst all that hecticness, you deserve a sweet treat! Newly opened on Hurstmere Road in Takapuna, Yomi Bowls is the perfect place for frozen yoghurt. If, like me, your TikTok feed is bombarded by people at Yo-Chi in Australia or London, we can now enjoy the same little treat right here on the Shore. Be as restrained (or not) as you want, with the pay-by-weight system making it very student budget-friendly! SECOND AVENUE For me, the best part of a holiday is always the shopping, but on a budget and not so far from home, Second Avenue op shop in Takapuna is the perfect spot to pick up some cute spring time outfits and accessories. Stocked with both big brands and rare finds, it’s a great place to refresh your wardrobe to feel like you’re fresh off the plane without having to break the bank.

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MILFORD MOTEL If you’re after dinner with the girls or a spot for after-work drinks, Milford Motel is vibrant and fun, with decor that transports you straight to Italy. Although it is a little on the pricier side, Milford Motel is on the First Table app, offering 50% off food if you book through it, so you can enjoy an amazing evening that won’t hurt your pockets. Sit in the sun with an Aperol Spritz, share some appetisers, and bask in the fact that anything Europe can do, we can do it just as well (maybe even better). Channel Mag's NEW youth contributor, Emily Gunston, brings 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 writer will research and write engaging articles specifically for our younger (at heart) readers.

Education | Carmel College

Carmel sport celebrates a standout September September was a huge month for Carmel College sport, with our students proudly representing the college at two of New Zealand’s biggest school sporting events: Y9–13 Winter Sports Tournament Week and the Y7–8 Zespri AIMS Games in Mount Maunganui. Our athletes competed with determination, sportsmanship and pride, achieving some fantastic results while demonstrating the teamwork, resilience and positive spirit that make Carmel sport so special. We couldn’t be prouder of the way our girls represented Carmel, both on and off the field. It takes a small village to get our students away to these regional and national events, and we are incredibly grateful to the managers, staff, families and supporters who gave their time, energy and encouragement to make these opportunities possible.

2026 Zespri AIMS Games The 2026 Zespri AIMS Games attracted a record-breaking 14,506 entries from 467 schools, competing across 27 sporting codes. Our Carmel highlights included: • Water Polo: Fifth place • Basketball: Ninth place • Netball: 45th place • Gymnastics: Outstanding individual results, including: Tara Young (Step 5) – first, Beam & Floor; third, Bar; second overall Lydia Whittaker (Step 7) – second, Vault; third, Floor; fourth, Bar & Beam; third Overall Isla McQueen (Step 6) – third, Beam; fifth, Bar • Canoe Racing: Mila Mitchell (Y7) – seventh; Hanna Dyresen (Y8) – 14th; second in mixed relay • Tennis: Chloe Xiang – fourth in Division 2 • Swimming: Personal bests all round for our team of seven

Y9–13 Winter Tournament Week Our senior athletes also enjoyed a highly successful Tournament Week, competing against some of the strongest school teams from across the country. • Basketball – Northern Championships: 10th place overall, with two wins and four losses • Netball – Upper North Islands Tournament: 14th in A Grade from 128 teams, with five wins and five losses • Football – Gary Sowden Tournament: Fifth place, with four wins and one loss • Equestrian – North Island Championships: Outstanding individual performances included Frankie Pasley (first, Show Hunter), Chloe Fulton (second, Arena Eventing), Grace Walker & Sachi Vermeulen (second, Show Jumping), and Kaia Mant (third, Dressage) • Hockey – Chica Gilmer Tournament: Eighth place overall, with two wins, one draw and three losses September provided a wonderful reminder of the breadth of sporting opportunities available to our students at Carmel College. Congratulations to all of our athletes, coaches, managers and supporters on an outstanding month of Carmel sport!

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Education | Westlake Girls High School

Cantare

The Big Sing - Gold!

Choralation

Triple gold for Westlake at The Big Sing Three Westlake choirs returned from The Big Sing National Finale with gold awards – accounting for three of just eight golds awarded nationally at this year’s prestigious choral festival. Cantare, Choralation and Voicemale travelled to Christchurch for the finale, where each performed two recitals before three adjudicators and needed a score of at

least 85 to achieve gold. Choralation also received the Pre-20th Century Piece Cup, while Voicemale received Best Performance in Other Styles. The results continue an extraordinary Westlake choral legacy. Cantare has achieved gold at every National Finale it has attended since 2017, while Choralation’s gold record stretches back to 2008. Junior

Gold standard at KBB

Westlake musicians struck gold at the 2026 KBB Music Festival, earning an outstanding collection of awards among 166 ensembles from 57 schools. Westlake Concert Band, Big Band, Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra all received gold, while Westlake Girls Jazz Band and Symphonic Band earned silver, and Taharoto Strings received bronze. Karanga, composed by Warwick Robinson, received Best Performance of a New Zealand Work by a Concert Band, while Westlake Symphony Orchestra received the Soloist Award, featuring pianist Shan Liu. Westlake Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra were also invited to perform at the festival’s gala concert.

treble choir Nota Bella also celebrated success at Cadenza in Rotorua, receiving Best Piece in Te Reo. Westlake’s singers performed repertoire spanning classical choral works, contemporary New Zealand compositions and music from around the world, another outstanding chapter in the schools’ nationally recognised choral programme.

Climbing to the top Just 10 points separated Westlake Girls from the top of the Auckland College Climbing Series, with the team finishing an outstanding second overall after four rounds. Bailey Welch and Amaya Tan-Peters finished equal first overall in the senior division, while Jessica Allen secured fifth overall in the junior division. The final round also saw all three reach their respective finals, with Bailey and Amaya taking first and second in the senior division. The team now turns its attention to the NZSS Bouldering Nationals, where Westlake’s climbers will compete against some of the country’s best secondary school athletes.

Westlake designers take to the runway Two Westlake Girls students took their designs from the classroom to the catwalk at New Zealand Fashion Week. Year 12 Eva Makarova-Paton and Year 13 Yashica Lal were among just 78 finalists selected from a record 108 entries for youth fashion showcase 'Walk The Line'. Eva also received an honourable mention in the High Fashion category for her striking ocean-inspired blue two-piece, featuring an extensively hand-sewn bodice. For both young designers, the runway was an opportunity to showcase the creativity, technical skill and countless hours behind their finished garments.

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Ten titles. Ten seasons. One extraordinary legacy. Westlake Girls’ Year 9-1 netball team has secured its tenth Harbour Championship across 10 contested seasons – continuing an extraordinary winning tradition stretching back to 2016. The unbeaten 2026 team defeated Takapuna Grammar 31–26 in this year’s final. Across the decade, players from the Year 9-1 programme have gone on to represent New Zealand in netball, basketball, athletics, touch, water polo and skiing. Ten titles. Ten contested seasons. An incredible decade of Westlake sport.

2026 Year 9 Netball Champs

Record-breaking Mathex results

Westlake Girls mathematicians recorded the school’s best Mathex results to date at this year’s fast-paced Auckland-wide competition. Both Year 9 teams scored an outstanding 95/100, the strongest Year 9 result in Westlake Girls history, while one Year 10 team achieved the highest Mathex score the school has ever recorded. Four Westlake teams competed, combining mathematical knowledge, teamwork and quick thinking to set an exciting new benchmark for 2027.

Cricket reunion

Westlake Girls cricket is bringing past and present players together for a special cricket reunion on 13 September. Former players, coaches and supporters are invited to reconnect, share memories and celebrate the people and moments that have shaped cricket at Westlake Girls. For further information contact Dean Flyger at dflyger@westlakegirls.school.nz

Teeing up for a great cause

The annual Westlake Girls Golf Day returns to Pupuke Golf Club on Friday 6 November, raising funds for the Westlake Girls Empowerment Fund and helping ensure financial hardship doesn’t prevent students from participating fully in school life. Gather a team of four, come on board as a Hole Partner, or support the event with a raffle or silent auction prize. Friday 6 November, Pupuke Golf Club, Tee-off 1pm Hole Partner: $575 incl. GST; Team Partner: $345 incl. GST Prize Partner: Raffle or silent auction prize donation For further information or to get involved, contact Dean Flyger at dflyger@westlakegirls.school.nz

The Birdies brought plenty of colour and character to last year’s Westlake Girls Golf Day!

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Education | Rangitoto College

Dominance and determination driving Winter Tournament Week Winter Tournament Week is a pinnacle event on the school calendar. This year, our Rangitoto College athletes represented our school with immense pride, respect, courage and integrity and achieved excellent results, with over 100 students participating across multiple sports and venues. We had the following highlights from the week: WRESTLING Eighteen of our wrestlers represented our school at the NZSS Wrestling Championships during Winter Tournament Week. It was a long, demanding day, starting early in the morning and running well into the evening and every single wrestler represented us with outstanding pride and grit. On the mats, as in life, you either win or you learn. Our athletes took away invaluable experience and learnings. A massive congratulations to everyone who competed, stepped up and placed on the podium! NZSS Nationals Results • U15 - 41kg: silver – Ayrton Guyatt • U15 - 62kg: bronze – Cohan Frith • U15 - 68kg: gold – Phoenix Eketone-Te Kanawa • U15 - 75kg: fourth – Andre McNee • U17 - 65kg: fifth – Guido Ranzuglia Pino • U17 - 71kg: gold – Dallas Eketone-Te Kanawa • U17 - 71kg: fifth –Nathan George • U17 - 92kg: gold –John Kim BOYS' BASKETBALL The Premier boys delivered a standout performance at the AA Premierships Tournament (Qualifiers), securing a fantastic eighth-place finish. What makes this result truly special is that they were the only team outside the premier grade to break into the top eight, which is a testament to the incredible heart, grit and mana of this squad. After entering the tournament with high confidence, adversity hit hard. By the end of day two, three players were sidelined with severe injuries, leaving the remaining crew to push through the final days carrying their own share of bumps and bruises. Working with a very short bench, the team played with relentless courage and immense pride for the Rangitoto College crest. GIRLS' BASKETBALL Our Premier girls put together an outstanding campaign, finishing third overall in the regular Premier college competition. They came agonisingly close to reaching the final after a hard-fought semi-final against St Kentigern, which just missed setting up a classic Rangitoto vs. Westlake decider. Despite coming up short in that

match, the season has been packed with impressive growth and quality basketball. With qualification for Nationals officially secured, we couldn't be prouder of the team's trajectory and can't wait to cheer them on in a few weeks' time. BOYS' FOOTBALL Our Premier boys football team enjoyed great success during the Rex Dawkins tournament. After finishing top of their pool with emphatic wins, they entered the knockout stages with a great deal of confidence. They went on to win their quarter final 1-0 over Kristin, before losing in a shoot-out to Kings College. The boys showed tremendous determination before finishing fourth. GIRLS' FOOTBALL The football girls were down in Taupo for the Premier National Tournament and had a positive week of results. Finishing their pool play in secondnd place they drew a tough round of 16 draw against Baradene, losing in this one. The girls then showed great resilience and won all of their remaining games and only conceded two goals across their last three games, eventually finishing ninth in the country after only losing two games the whole week!

WEIGHTLIFTERS Huge congratulations to our Rangitoto College weightlifters for an outstanding set of results at the New Zealand Secondary

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School Championships! Our team put on a massive display of strength, bringing home five medals across the competition: • Emir Herdi Man (Over 15, 60kg) – gold • Namu Gusscott (Over 15, 85kg) – gold • James Allan (Under 15, 75kg) – gold • Brooklyn Newby (Over 15, 77kg) – silver • Finn McLuckie (Over 15, 75kg) – silver • Leo Johnston (Under 15, 110kg) – fifth

GOLF Our golfers showed incredible grit under pressure over the weekend, battling elite competition and freezing conditions to secure third place in a nail-biting finish. Despite the bitter cold, Rangitoto was the most consistent team on the course, backing up Sunday’s 148 with a stellar 147 on Monday. With Kings, Burnside, and Rangitoto paired in the final three groups, the tension stretched all the way to the 18th green. Kings mounted a serious late charge, but our players matched them shot-for-shot, closing with crucial pars and a clutch birdie in the final group to hold onto third place by a single point.

GIRLS' HOCKEY These girls represented the school with pride both on and off the turf coming away with some incredible results throughout

the week. Flying under the radar, our girls played hard, were so determined and gave each game 110%. It was an incredible achievement in itself to reach Federation Cup for the first time since 2017 but the girls didn't stop there. After some nail-biting games going to penalty shootouts the team achieved Rangitoto girls' hockey's best result since 2010.

promoted the boys to the NZSS Rankin Cup, which has been a key goal this team has been working towards.

BOYS' HOCKEY Congratulations to our hockey 1st XI Boys team, who finished runners-up at the Mayhill Cup during Winter Tournament Week. After some fantastic results and hard-fought battles throughout the season in the Premier grade, the boys were focused and ready for the tournament. It was a fantastic week where the boys consistently showed their strength, coming away with many dominant scorelines. In the final, the boys came up against Sacred Heart College, who they had many close battles with during the season. It was yet another close game throughout, with a few key moments deciding the game, with the boys going down 2–1. This result has

ROCK CLIMBING Congratulations to Qilu (Stig) Zhuo from Rangitoto College for taking gold in the Junior Boys division at the NZSS Climbing Cup! Stig delivered an incredible two-day bouldering performance at Beta Climbing Gym and topped the qualifying rounds with a score of 75 and held strong through the finals to claim first place overall. Great work representing Rangitoto College on the national stage! We would like to also congratulate and thank all the Year 13 students who have played their last game for Rangitoto College. For a lot of them they have played five years of sport for the school and represented our

BADMINTON We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of our Premier badminton boys' and girls' teams who have come away with two national titles! Impressively, the girls have gone back to back and in doing so did not drop a single point during the entire tournament. The boys team came back from last year finishing third, to only drop two points during the entire week to take the gold medal. Well done on a dominant performance across the week!

Tia Billinghurst

Caitlyn Ashford

Sara Yao

Elsie Brown

Phoebe Willis

Premier teams for a number of years. Thank you all for your service to our sporting community and for demonstrating pride and excellence when representing the school. We wish you all the best on your next sporting journey.

Rangitoto textile students shine at New Zealand Fashion Week

Brooke Donald

The future of fashion was on full display as local textile students captivated audiences at the iconic 'Walk the Line' competition during New Zealand Fashion Week. Demonstrating technical mastery and forward-thinking artistry, the emerging designers proved that high fashion has no age limit. Leading the charge was Brooke Donald, a Year 11 student who took home top honours. Brooke claimed the top Avant-Garde Award in the Year 11 category for a design that challenged conventional silhouettes with bold structural elements. Joining her in the spotlight was Phoebe Willis, who earned a prestigious Honourable Award for an innovative gown handcrafted entirely out of upcycled canvas sails.

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

Education | Rosmini College

Rising Pasifika artist sweeps top honours at Ringa Toi

Patrick Lemeki

Rosmini’s arts and cultural leader Patrick Lemeki has delivered an extraordinary showing at Wellington’s annual Ringa Toi Student Exhibition, taking out first place in the Temoana Nui a Kiwa Measina category. With 159 artworks accepted from 53 schools. Patrick captured the top spot for both of his submitted entries: 'The hands of many' and 'Tā tatau'. Guest judge Jack Kirifi confessed he was moved to tears by the young artist’s submissions, praising Patrick’s rare ability to capture the heart of Pasifika identity, faith, family, and community. Unable to separate the brilliant entries, Kirifi awarded both pieces the top honour. This marks the third consecutive year Patrick’s talent has been recognised at the national exhibition – a remarkable milestone for an exceptional young creative.

Students serve up dignity and care in community partnership On Friday 4 September, Rosmini College students put their school motto, "Charity fulfils the Law," into action by handing over 35 Hearty Family Meal food bags to De Paul House. With each meal designed to feed a family of four, this delivery provided a nutritious, cooked dinner to 140 local residents in need. The project is a true team effort: Rosmini families generously donated cans of tuna for protein and assembled the packs, while student designers created custom recipe cards and logos. The remaining fresh ingredients were provided by Gilmours North Shore. Building on this success, the ongoing initiative has set its sights on packing 50 food bags for the next drive, providing wholesome dinners to 200 people.

Silver award for Junior Choir at The Kids Sing Rosmini College’s Junior Choir delivered a stellar debut at The Kids Sing festival, taking the stage first to kick off the afternoon recitals. Following an energetic evening gala concert, the young vocalists walked away with a prestigious silver award – along with the festival’s Volunteer Award for Best Performance.

Trophies for Rosmini football and rugby

It has been a fantastic run of sporting success for Rosmini College football and rugby, with two teams bringing home silverware recently. The 13A football team was crowned Knockout Cup champions after a thrilling 4–2 victory over St Peter’s on Friday 11 September. Playing with great skill and teamwork, the boys secured a historic first-ever 13th grade final win for Rosmini. The momentum continued on the rugby field as the U15 7s team claimed the North Harbour Rugby Tournament title at North Harbour Stadium for the second consecutive year. Dominating the field, the squad went undefeated in pool play before fighting through a tough final to defeat Westlake 20–12.

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Education | Takapuna Grammar

Football 1st XI Credit: Sharyn Jones Creative

Orla Chambers Credit: Sharyn Jones Creative

Hockey 1st XI

Winter Tournament Week a winner for TGS Winter Tournament Week was a huge success for TGS, with students achieving national titles, team promotions, and historic results across a range of sports. Year 9 athlete George Dong delivered an outstanding performance, securing gold in the NZSS Table Tennis National U15 Individual Championship in Palmerston North. Sasha Zivkovic also impressed, earning silver in her consolation final. The 1st XI Boys' hockey team enjoyed a standout campaign, reaching the Founders Cup final before narrowly losing in a shootout. Their second-place finish secured promotion to the National Rankin Cup competition for 2027, a first for TGS. The TGS cycling team recorded one national

title, four national championship podium finishes, and seven podium placings overall. Iris Davis won the U16 Girls Individual Time Trial Championship, while Tommy Navarro-Willmer and Imogen Child both earned silver medals. The Girls' 1st XI hockey team placed tenth out of 21 teams at the Jenny Hair Cup in Wellington. The week also marked a milestone for co-captain Pippa LynchBlosse, who played her hundredth game for the team. At the Upper North Island Secondary Schools Tournament, the Premier netball team finished sixth in B Grade, narrowly missing promotion to A Grade. The Premier Girls' basketball team finished fifth at the Zone 1 AA Premierships, securing qualification for

the 2026 Secondary School Nationals Tournament, which will be held during the school holidays. The Premier Boys' basketball team also competed strongly. A historic highlight came from the Girls' 1st XI football team, who defeated St Kentigern College 3-1 to secure third place at nationals in Taupō, the highest-ever national finish for a TGS girls' football team. Orla Chambers won the Golden Boot with nine goals, including a hat-trick in the thirdplace playoff. The Boys' 1st XI football team finished 16th in the country out of 32 teams at nationals in Palmerston North. It was the first time TGS had qualified for Nationals in more than 15 years, having previously competed in regional tournaments during Tournament Week.

Chorale success at Big Sing Finale The TGS Chorale has achieved national success after being invited to perform at the prestigious 2026 Big Sing Finale in Christchurch. Following a strong performance at the regional competition, the mixed-voices choir travelled to Christchurch to compete alongside some of New Zealand's leading secondary school choirs. Conducted by David Squire and accompanied by Year 12 student Elaine Zhang on piano, the choir delivered an outstanding performance and was awarded a silver award. The experience was particularly special for the Chorale, with many members attending the Finale for the first time.

Oscar Walsh makes 2026 Smokefree Rockquest national final Year 12 student Oscar Walsh earned a place in the 2026 Smokefree Rockquest national final, becoming one of just seven solo and duo acts selected from across New Zealand. Held in Wellington, the event is always a massive highlight of the New Zealand music industry calendar. Oscar's innovative approach to composition and production with his three-song submission, coupled with his performance at the finals, impressed the judges who are all leading names in the New Zealand pop/rock scene. Oscar looks forward to developing his songwriting and performance skills in the future and plans to explore longterm career opportunities in the music industry.

Oscar Walsh Photo credit: Taylor Vincent

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

NORTH SHORE HISTORY WITH DAVID VERRAN

Linking Lake Road

By David Verran

Around 1873 a wooden causeway was formed between what is now Seabreeze Road and Dacre Park, directly linking the Devonport peninsula with the road to the north. The “proposed new road between Devonport and Lake District” had been surveyed for the Flagstaff Highway Board around July 1872. In November 1875, the Flagstaff Highway Board approached the neighbouring Lake Highway Board to share the cost of that causeway and the direct road between Devonport and Lake Pupuke. Unsuccessful in their approach, in August 1877 the Flagstaff Highway Board laid road metal on that part of Lake Road to the north of the causeway and in October 1879 what had become Old Lake Road was reformed and also metalled. A son of Devonport Steam Ferry Company’s Alexander Alison (18461923), Alexander Edward Alison (18743003-0184 Memorial Drive, 2017, taken by friend and longtime work colleague Bruce Ringer. 1955), wrote in his unpublished ‘The More recently the enlarged racecourse site became the golf scrap book of a ferryman’: “In the year 1881 the Takapuna Racecourse course, while the trees and plaques along Devonport Memorial Drive, was formed on what was up to this period really an arm of Shoal at the southern part of the link road, commemorate those who lost Bay (Ngataringa Bay) then a solid roadway was put across from the their lives during the Second World War. gasworks – previous to this about half the road was on a wooden Edward Alison’s ‘The scrap book of a ferryman’ is a really interesting structure on piles, the road had a drain with a door to prevent the source for researching the history of Devonport. The Auckland War water returning after the flow had gone out at low tide, and with Memorial Museum liibrary holds a microfilm dated 1966, which was extensive draining the land gradually dried up and the course was donated by Alexander Godfrey Armitage, a doctor of medicine and a formed." descendant of Jessie Patience Alison (a sister of Edward). On pages 49 From 1885 the Auckland Harbour Board took responsibility for to 204 of that microfilm is a 30,000-word handwritten transcription draining what was described at that time as a swamp, with the newly formed land to the east of Lake Road remaining under its control. Part version of 'The scrap book of a ferryman', originally authored by Edward Alison likely around 1941. of the reclaimed land to the south was leased from that Board by the There are references to photographs and even a drawing not Alison family for a racecourse. At that time, the Alisons were heavily included in the microfilmed version and there are also one or two gaps involved with the Takapuna Jockey Club. From 1888, there was then where the transcriber appeared not to be able to read a particular a process of the Auckland Harbour Board transferring ownership of word in the text. Also, both Edward’s obituary and date of death are reclaimed Shoal Bay land to the Devonport Borough Council. In February 1899, the surveying firm of J W Harrison and A L Foster included at the end. My attempts to locate the original scrapbook have not been successful. The Auckland War Memorial Museum published an official map of Devonport Borough which included the offers an electronic copy of the microfilmed transcribed version of the racecourse site (around Ariho Terrace and Empire Road and parts to scrapbook, upon request. the north of that), the Auckland Harbour Board Reserve to the north of the racecourse and the Devonport Borough Council Reserve (now david.verran@xtra.co.nz Woodall Park) to the east.

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Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

ISSUE 178 – September 2026

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

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IN THIS ISSUE: Arts & Entertainment • Out & About on the Shore • MS - Battle of the Boots NZ Blood - Donate for Life • Spend time on Father's Day • Education Updates

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channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

ANCAD: AUCKLAND NORTH COMMUNITY AND DEVELOPMENT INC

By Simon Ritchie, Marketing & Communications Lead

When the way forward isn’t clear A practical LiiFT Aotearoa workshop will help community leaders make sound decisions in times of change Do we take on a new opportunity when our team is already stretched? Should we change a programme that fewer people attend? When should we seek more input and when is it time to decide? For leaders of community organisations, charities, clubs and volunteer teams, these questions are familiar. Decisions often involve limited resources, competing priorities and uncertainty. ANCAD’s LiiFT Aotearoa workshop, Leading with Discernment: Making Sound Decisions in Times of Change, offers practical support for navigating these challenges. Presented by Hilary Star Foged from LEAD, the session will explore how purpose, values, evidence, experience and different perspectives can inform sound decisions. Participants will consider when to act, when to pause and who needs to be involved. Through practical examples and shared discussion, the workshop will also explore communicating decisions clearly and helping people feel safe to contribute ideas and try new approaches. Whether you chair a committee, manage a community service or coordinate volunteers, this is an opportunity to strengthen your judgement and lead with greater confidence. Thursday 15 October 2026, 10am–11.30am Online via Zoom. Cost: $60 Part of the Leadership in Times of Change series Visit LiiFT.nz for LiiFT Aotearoa registration details. 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

YES DISABILITY SUPPORT CENTRE NEWS

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Yes Disability

Our 2026 I.Lead Conference was a huge success! To maintain the momentum following our 2025 conference and our I.Lead Showcase days, I.Lead members from across the motu gathered in Wellington in early September for our 2026 I.Lead Conference. This year's conference was our biggest one yet! The I.Lead Conference is a platform for disabled youth (18 – 30 years old) from across Aotearoa. This enables rangatahi whaikaha to come together to find solutions to prevalent issues and barriers they face as disabled youth living in New Zealand. This year, however, was slightly different from previous I.Lead conferences. Rather than focusing on creating solutions to societal barriers, conference attendees analysed policy and crafted policyrelated questions to ask a panel of politicians. During Day One, participants heard from multiple speakers. Our opening speaker was Alastair Hill from Disability Support Services (DSS). Then, later in the day, Jane Searle (Children's Commissioner) addressed the I.Lead conference's attendees as Day One's keynote speaker. In between speeches, participants were guided by facilitators to analyse relevant policies from each party, with the framework of the UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People) to guide them. This analysis then helped each table to craft general questions surrounding elements within their topics that are important to them. Day two was all about refining the policy-based questions crafted on day one. At the very end of day two, I.Lead invited representatives from each political party to attend a political panel. This panel offered young disabled participants the opportunity to ask the questions they had been crafting over the past two days surrounding each party's policies and whether these policies will create a more accessible Aotearoa. The politicians who attended I.Lead's political panel were: Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan (Labour), Kahu Carter (Greens), Jessica Hammond (Opportunity), Laura McClure (ACT), and Taylor Arneil (New Zealand First). Conference participants noted the value of being able to ask questions of these politicians instead of just presenting to them. Conference attendees were also happy to see the politicians make an effort to come to the conference, rather than I.Lead members going to find them. Ngā mihi to all of our supporters who helped make this conference possible! At the Auckland Transition Expo last month, I.Lead had the honour of being recognised at the Disability Connect Enabling Good Lives (EGL) Awards. I.Lead was presented with the Education Award for our efforts regarding our world record attempt late last year. To receive this award from the first-ever EGL Awards is a huge honour and a major highlight of our year. Thank you to the EGL and Disability Connect team for this incredible privilege. For more information about our programmes and upcoming events, check out our websites and social media. ilead.org.nz • Facebook: facebook.com/ileadconferencenz Instagram: instagram.com/i.leadnz/ • Tiktok: tiktok.com/@i.lead LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/i-lead-org

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

DEVONPORT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NEWS

Tabitha Coleman, General Manager Devonport Business Association

SHORE JUNCTION: NEWS UPDATE

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Shore Junction

New planter barrels to brighten Devonport Village

Celebrating five years of impact

From late September, the Devonport Business Association is rolling out 25 new planter barrels across the village, adding more greenery, colour and care to our streets in time for the warmer months. This project has been made possible thanks to the support of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, whose funding has helped bring the project to life. It has also become a real community effort, with support coming from right across Devonport and beyond. A huge thank you to Stephen Scott and the team at Ventia, who are bringing teams down to help move the planter barrels into place, assist with planting, and provide the soil free of charge. Their practical support is a major part of making the rollout possible.

For the past five years, Shore Junction has thrived as a vibrant youth innovation hub in the heart of Takapuna. At the very core of this success is youth development manager Conin Bowker, who celebrates his fifth anniversary with us this year. Conin has played a pivotal role in shaping a dynamic environment where local youth can discover their potential and build pathways toward the future. Known for his steadfast dedication to rangatahi, Conin oversees key initiatives that bridge community engagement and youth empowerment, including facilitating the North Shore Youth Workers Network. A true jack-of-all-trades, Conin’s versatility is matched only by his enthusiasm. Whether he is building a custom arcade cabinet, fixing bikes for upcycling initiatives, teaching young vocalists, or effortlessly stepping in as the resident IT guy when technology acts up, there is virtually nothing he can’t do. His hands-on ingenuity and ready-for-anything attitude bring creative ideas to life while keeping the facility running Conin Bowker smoothly. Here are some kind words from youth members and their thoughts on Conin: "Conin has played a vital role in supporting youth, through his constant commitment and passion for assisting rangatahi in their personal and community-based projects. In the case of Rainbow Junction, Conin has played a key role in fostering a strong foundation for the youth-led organisation as a source of guidance and support. As a result, RJ has grown into a thriving community from the opportunity Conin has provided to us." – Shad Richards (on behalf of RJ). "You can see in the way he does his role that he really cares. He actually cares about SJ. He genuinely cares about the youth members here. He is constantly finding new ways to give young people opportunities." – Marcus Christanand "Conin is a role model to me, and he has helped me through some of the toughest times I've had. He is always calm and collected, even in moments that must be stressful. The impact that has on the space is that the young people know there is an adult always there to talk, who is genuinely cares about what is going on for them." – Toby "He is super hard-working. He is everywhere working on everything. Conin is very generous. He is the type of guy to get it done. He gets it done. He makes it happen. " – Augusta Joshua Congratulations to Conin on five impactful years – the Shore Junction community is infinitely richer for his leadership, vision, and dedication.

We are also very grateful to Matt Senior and the team at Devonport Hammer Hardware, who are kindly staining the barrels and helping with the stain and brushes; Richard Linthwaite and the team at Resource Recovery Devonport, who have temporarily housed the barrels for us and are helping with the logistics; and our DBA board members, who are getting stuck in along the way. A special thank you also to Jenelle Chitty, a passionate local landscaper who has generously helped with the planting plan and plant selection. It is one of those projects that sounds simple on paper, then quickly reveals itself to involve freight, storage, staining, soil, plants, placement, drainage holes and a small village army. Thankfully, Devonport has exactly that. Keep an eye out for the new barrels appearing around the village. Devonport is YOUR seaside escape devonport.co.nz

Conin Bowker’s milestone at Shore Junction

To learn more about Shore Junction please email info@shorejunction.nz

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

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Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

NORTH HARBOUR CLUB: NEWS

BEN Breakfast Lawn Bowls with Mike King Championship: Networking Meets Fun Tuesday 3 November

AIMES Youth Excellence Awards: A BroadwayInspired Celebration

Swap the office for the bowling green at the North Harbour Club’s Social Circle Lawn Bowls Championship at Takapuna Bowling Club. Combining friendly competition with relaxed networking, this community-focused event is a great way to connect with local businesspeople, professionals and North Shore residents. Enter a team of four, bring colleagues or friends, or register individually and be placed in a team. Bowls and coaching are provided, making the event suitable for beginners and experienced players alike. With prizes, a championship trophy, catering and a cash bar, there’s plenty to enjoy both on and off the green. Doors open at 5pm, with play beginning at 5.30pm.

The North Harbour Club’s flagship AIMES Youth Excellence Awards returns with a spectacular Broadway theme, celebrating the achievements of outstanding young people from across the region. Held at Auckland’s Grand Millennium Hotel, the evening will recognise excellence in areas including arts, education, innovation, sport, music and community service. For more than 30 years, AIMES has helped talented young people pursue opportunities, represent New Zealand and achieve their goals. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, live entertainment and Broadway-inspired performances while celebrating the next generation of leaders, creatives and changemakers. It is one of the North Shore’s most inspiring annual events and a powerful showcase of youth potential.

Thursday 22 October

Mental health advocate and 2019 New Zealander of the Year Mike King will speak at the latest Business Excellence Network (BEN) Breakfast at Netball North Harbour, Northcote. Founder of I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, Mike has become one of New Zealand’s most influential voices on mental wellbeing. Drawing on his experiences as a former award-winning comedian and broadcaster, he shares honest, engaging insights on resilience, leadership, connection and the importance of seeking support. This inspiring breakfast will provide practical takeaways for business leaders, employers, parents and community members while offering another valuable opportunity for North Shore professionals to learn, connect and be inspired. The event begins at 7am.

Saturday 21 November

Visit northharbourclub.co.nz for further information. Do you know someone whose impact on the North Harbour region deserves to be recognised for generations to come? The North Harbour Business Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding businesspeople or community leaders who have not only achieved success in their chosen field but have also given back significantly to our community. Established in 2004 and proudly managed by the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust since 2015, the Hall of Fame recognises individuals whose leadership, innovation, philanthropy and commitment to the region have helped shape North Harbour into the thriving community it is today. Nominations are open year-round, and we encourage local businesses and residents to help us identify those remarkable people quietly making a lasting difference. Whether through business leadership, community service, charitable support, mentorship or long-term contribution to the region, Hall of Fame Laureates leave a legacy that extends well beyond commercial success. If you know someone who embodies excellence and has made an extraordinary contribution to North Harbour, we invite you to put their name forward and help ensure their story is celebrated for future generations. Thank you to our Business Hall of Fame sponsor, Milford Asset Management. milfordasset.com • northharbourclub.co.nz/business-hall-of-fame Lawn Bowls Championship: Networking Meets Fun Thursday 22 October

Upcoming North Harbour Club Events in 2026

BEN Breakfast with Mike King Tuesday 3 November AIMES Youth Excellence Awards Gala Dinner Saturday 21 November, Grand Millennium Hotel Visit www.northharbourclub.co.nz for further information.

Upcoming North Harbour Club Events in 2026

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

LEWIS BEER, ANDERSEN

With over 40 years’ experience in public practice, Lewis Beer is grounded in the values of exceptional client care. Known for his practical approach, commercial insight, he is committed to guiding clients to make sound strategic business decisions. This column shares perspectives for leaders navigating growth, risk and performance in New Zealand.

When does a key employee become a future owner? Some employees become so integral to a business that the question eventually changes from how to retain them to whether they could one day own it. Every successful business has people who become part of its fabric. They know the customers. They understand how decisions get made. They carry institutional knowledge that cannot easily be replaced and, over time, may take on responsibilities well beyond their original role. For those people, a pay rise or performance bonus may recognise their contribution. A profit-share arrangement may give them a greater stake in the success of the business. But there can come a point when the conversation moves beyond reward and towards ownership. And that is where employee retention and succession planning can start to overlap. Retention is the good outcome. Succession is the better one. Employee share schemes can be an effective way to retain key people and align their interests with the long-term performance of a business. Giving someone a stake can strengthen their connection to the organisation and create a reason to think beyond their immediate role. But an employee share scheme does not automatically make someone a future owner. Ownership requires a different mindset. It can mean taking a broader view of risk, people, investment and strategy, and being prepared to make decisions based on the long-term interests of the whole business. Identifying that potential early can create possibilities that might otherwise be missed. When profit share isn't enough Profit sharing can reward contribution without changing the fundamental relationship between employee and business. For some people, that is exactly the right arrangement. For others, it may be a step towards something more. A future owner needs the opportunity to develop commercial judgement, leadership capability and a genuine understanding of what it means to carry responsibility for the business. That development can take time. An employee share scheme can form part of that journey, but ownership does not have to happen in a single transaction. A phased approach can allow responsibility, decision-making and ownership to evolve gradually, giving both sides the opportunity to test and build the relationship. From key employee to future owner There are already examples of businesses using employee ownership as part of a much bigger transition. A key employee might acquire a minority shareholding while the existing owner remains involved. Over time, that interest could increase. In other cases, a management team may ultimately buy the business, creating a pathway that preserves its culture, relationships and knowledge while moving ownership to the next generation.

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

There is no single model. The right approach can depend on the people involved, the structure and value of the business, how the purchase will be funded and what both current and future owners want the business to become. There are practical considerations too: valuation, governance, shareholder agreements, funding, tax and what happens if circumstances change. These may sound like technical details, but they can have a significant influence on whether a transition works in practice.

A future owner needs the opportunity to develop commercial judgement, leadership capability and a genuine understanding of what it means to carry responsibility for the business. Succession starts before the exit Succession is often thought of as something that happens when an owner is ready to step away. In reality, the strongest succession pathways can develop years earlier. They start with recognising who has the potential to lead, giving people opportunities to grow into greater responsibility and considering what ownership might look like in the future. For some businesses, that could mean a family member; for others, a long-standing employee or management team. It could also mean an external buyer. The important thing is having options. A business that has developed potential successors, considered its ownership structure and understood its value is likely to have more choices when the time comes for ownership to change hands. Building the next chapter Employee share schemes can therefore be about much more than keeping a valuable person in the business. They can be a way of developing future leaders, protecting institutional knowledge and creating a pathway for the next chapter of a business. For Andersen, that makes succession planning part of a much broader conversation – one that brings together business value, ownership, governance, tax, funding and the people who will ultimately carry the business forward. Sometimes the person who becomes essential to a business today can become part of its ownership story tomorrow. Andersen helps businesses explore what that pathway could look like – from retaining key people and developing future leaders to structuring ownership transitions that support the long-term future of the business.

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nz.Andersen.com channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

TAMMY MCLEOD, DAVENPORTS LAW

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 nearly 30 years legal experience specialising in the areas of personal asset planning, trust law, and Property (Relationships) Act. She is only one of a handful of lawyers nationally who specialise solely in the area of trusts, asset planning, and relationship property, and is one of the leading lawyers in her field.

Keeping it fair: the challenges of passing on wealth Cathy and Tim had owned their family business for many years. It was a thriving importing company, supplying a niche product to the dairy industry. Two of their three children worked in the business, while their youngest daughter was a stay-at-home mum. She had trained as a primary school teacher and was planning to return to work once her youngest started kindy. Many years earlier, Cathy and Tim had set up a trust that now owned the shares in the business, as well as several commercial properties they had acquired along the way. Three of those buildings were used by the company. They also had a separate trust that owned their family home and their holiday home in Taupō. Cathy had not worked in the business for some time, and Tim was slowly stepping back from the day-to-day demands of running it. Their middle son, James, managed the relationships with key suppliers, while their eldest daughter, Jen, led the sales team. Both James and Jen were keen to step into Tim’s role as managing director. This was giving Cathy and Tim a few sleepless nights, as they genuinely felt both children had the ability to do the job well. Their youngest daughter, Kate, had also started to raise concerns at family dinners that she had not been given the same opportunities to be involved in the family business. She had even suggested that her husband might take up a role in the company. Cathy and Tim were also unsure about who should own the company shares in the future. The business was profitable and had built up strong cash reserves, with significant dividends paid each year. On one hand, it seemed sensible for James and Jen to own shares one day, given their active involvement in the business. On the other hand, Cathy and Tim wanted to be fair to Kate, who was not working in the business but could still benefit from the income it produced. Then there was the added question of the commercial buildings used by the company. James and Jen had made it clear that, if they were running the business, they would not want Kate to become their landlord. They also needed to think carefully about timing. Should they pass assets on to their children while they were both still alive, or would it be better to wait until one or both of them had passed away? Cathy and Tim were mindful, too, of the role their children’s partners might play. They were concerned that any tension between the children could become more difficult if partners became involved in family discussions. They also wanted to protect anything passed on to their children, so that it remained their children’s own property rather than becoming relationship property if one of the children separated from their partner. After talking things through, Cathy and Tim recognised that they needed some guidance. They had ticked the main legal boxes: trusts, wills, a memorandum of wishes and enduring powers of attorney were all in place. But none of these documents had been reviewed for many

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

years. Their lawyer was their independent trustee, although they did not meet regularly, and they knew he was getting close to retirement. It felt like the right time to seek specialist advice. Cathy and Tim spoke with their accountant about the issues they were facing. She recommended that they meet with a lawyer who specialised in succession planning and intergenerational wealth transfer. Together with their accountant, they met with the lawyer, and both advisers emphasised the value of having a trusted team of professionals working together. A programme was put in place to help Cathy and Tim develop a clear plan for how and when assets might be passed on to their children. This would likely involve careful conversations with the children and more transparency than there had been in the past. It would also mean taking a fresh look at the structures Cathy and Tim already had in place, so their plans could support both the family and the business for the years ahead. Every family is different, and succession planning can involve difficult and complex decisions. Taking the time to review existing arrangements and seek the right advice can help families work through these issues and make decisions with greater clarity and confidence. A discussion with experienced advisers can often help identify opportunities and issues that may not have previously been considered. Tammy McLeod, Managing Director, Davenports Law

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channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

NEWS FROM YOUR MP

Want to meet people and be social? Join in the fun at Takapuna Boating Club! Regular social fixtures: Friday draw Club dinners Quiz nights Club Days New to the area? Come down and meet new friends All ages welcome Social and active memberships Social committee Time on your hands? Lots of opportunities to get involved Plus – Members enjoy 20% off at our bar!

Join the TBC community today – fun, friendship & the ocean breeze await.

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

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

By Dan Bidois, MP for Northcote

We don’t need more taxes “Taxes reduce the incentive to invest and distort the investment that does occur.” ~ Milton Friedman Kiwis across our community are doing their best to get ahead in a challenging economic environment. Families are managing higher household costs, businesses are focused on growth, and councils continue to face pressure to fund essential infrastructure. That is why National is committed to no new taxes if re-elected. At a time when many households are carefully managing their budgets, increasing taxes on working New Zealanders is not the answer. The focus needs to be on growing the economy, lifting productivity, encouraging investment, and ensuring that public spending delivers better results for taxpayers. A fair tax system is one that rewards hard work, supports business confidence, and allows people to keep more of what they earn. Rather than continually looking for new ways to tax New Zealanders, National is focused on creating the conditions for economic growth that generates jobs, increases incomes, and improves our public finances.

… where there are costs created by visitor activity, those benefiting from New Zealand's tourism offering should contribute towards meeting them. This approach can also be seen in the way the Government is funding visitor-related infrastructure. Rather than introducing a bed tax or additional charges that could fall on domestic travellers, we have taken steps to ensure international visitors make a greater contribution through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Importantly, a share of IVL revenue will now be distributed directly to councils and communities that host international visitors. This means local areas will receive additional support for infrastructure and services used by tourists without placing extra tax burdens on local ratepayers or residents. The principle is straightforward: where there are costs created by visitor activity, those benefiting from New Zealand's tourism offering should contribute towards meeting them. This helps reduce pressure on local councils while avoiding the need for new taxes on Kiwi families and businesses. The commitment to no new taxes isn’t just about keeping costs down. It is about recognising that every dollar collected is a dollar that you cannot spend on your future directly. New Zealand's longterm prosperity depends on growth, productivity, and responsible management of public finances, not from asking taxpayers to pay more. It’s all part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build our economic future. See you out in our community sometime soon! Dan Bidois – MP for Northcote dan.bidois@parliament.govt.nz Phone: 09 481 1089 Facebook: @danbidoismp Instagram: @danbidoismp

BOWLS NORTH HARBOUR NEWS

with Lindsay Knight

Champions rolling on the green Bowls North Harbour members were given a glimpse of the game’s future at the top level with the recent staging of the centre’s first championship of the 2026-27 season: the mixed two-four-two pairs. Two of the country’s most promising bowlers, Clinton Smith and Hannah Dawson, were impressive winners of the title. In the final they beat experienced bowlers Connie Mathieson and Brian Wilson, playing as a Birkenhead combination and both with gold stars for having won five centre titles. On the way to the final, too, in post-section play Clinton and Hannah accounted for other accomplished bowlers with centre titles, even gold stars, to their credit: Walter and Maureen Howden, Manly’s Shaun Goldsbury and Skye Renes and Orewa’s Kevin Rainsford and Nelda Taylor. They played as a composite, with Hannah in Takapuna colours and Clinton from Hobsonville. But they have had previous experience together, as both also have membership with Auckland’s Howick club. But most of Clinton’s bowls have been with Hobsonville, and in recent seasons he has been a dominant player in Harbour one-to-five championships and with the one-tofive representative squad. Under the coaching of Takapuna and BNH life member Graham Dorreen, Hannah, at just 20 years of age, has compiled an imposing record, both in New Zealand and Australia. She won the Auckland championship singles last season and, with Takapuna teams, both a centre and national title. She was with Leeane Poulson and Robyne Walker when Takapuna won the centre women’s triples championship and with Lisa Dickson, Lauren Mills and Anne Dorreen when Takapuna won the national fours title. Hannah is also in the national under-26 squad, which next month will be involved in providing an international flavour to Harbour’s early summer season. This will be the Oceania Challenge, which will be staged at the Orewa club’s outstanding facilities from 19 to 22 November. This will feature some of the world’s most promising bowlers in an event which has been driven by BNH patron Brett O’Riley in his recent role as World Bowls president to develop the game’s global presence. As well as the national under-26s, the tournament will have teams from Aotearoa Māori, Australia Development, Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Norfolk Island, Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau. In the Tonga team will be the Nathan siblings, Millie and Chad, from the Birkenhead club, who earlier this season were at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Preceding the Oceania Challenge from 16 to 18 November will be a test series between New Zealand and India at Auckland’s Royal Oak, with Takapuna’s Selina Goddard included in the Black Jacks women’s team. This is part of a Government-driven cultural exchange between the two countries to mark the first sporting contact between India and New Zealand 100 years ago, when

Clinton Smith, Hannah Dawson and Neil Connell, President of North Harbour Bowls

an Indian Army hockey team toured New Zealand. The bowls test series will coincide with a tour of New Zealand by the Indian cricket team, culminating in tests against the Black Caps in Wellington from 19 to 23 November and in Christchurch from 27 November 27 to 1 December. Bowls, of course, has nothing like the same profile as cricket in India, that huge country only taking up bowls in earnest when the Commonwealth Games were held in Delhi in 2010. But India, like Malaysia, which also adopted bowls as a 1998 Commonwealth Games host, has quickly become an international bowls force, illustrating that, even at domestic levels in this country, the Asian communities could become a major growth area for bowls. bowlsnorthharbour.com

channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

PUPUKE BIRDSONG PROJECT

By Natasha Geo, Pupuke Birdsong Project Manager

Your voice, your ngāhere

A big season wraps up – and an even bigger one begins

SUNNYNOOK COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS

By Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook Community Centre Manager

Kids market, weekly walking group and more! It has been great to see more and more people walking in the park this past month. With the Sunnynook September Marathon finishing and as the weather gets warmer, we would love to see you join our free walking group. The weekly walk takes about one hour, and you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and chat afterwards. If you would like to join us, we meet in the foyer of Sunnynook Community Centre on Wednesday mornings at 9am for a 9.15am departure. For more information, call the community centre on (09) 410 4902

Volunteers clearing arum lilies

What a planting season – thank you! Over 3,400 native trees and plants are now in the ground across our local parks and reserves – an extraordinary effort from our incredible volunteer community. But the mahi doesn't stop there. Those young saplings need ongoing care to thrive: weeding, clearing, and a watchful eye. If you'd like to help, check our Humanitix page for upcoming park care group sessions and come join us in the ngahere. Have your say – Strategic plan survey We're shaping the future direction of Pupuke Birdsong Project – and we want to hear from you. What's working? What do you need more of? What should we be doing differently? Your input will help ensure our plans reflect the real needs and aspirations of our community. Every submission goes in the draw to win a $100 Prezzy Card. Don't miss your chance to shape what's next. Scan the QR code to share your thoughts. Save the date – AGM, Tuesday 11 November Our annual general meeting is coming up! Keep an eye on our socials for details as they come through. Search "Pupuke Birdsong Project" on Humanitix to see all upcoming events and register. A big thank you to Auckland Council, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, and Healthy Waters for their ongoing support. For more information and to book, scan the code, go to our website, or give us a call. pupukebirdsong.org.nz Facebook/Instagram: @Pupuke_Birdsong_Project office@takapunatrust.org.nz, 09 486 2098 Supported by:

Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

Kids Market Come and support our young entrepreneurs at the Sunnynook Community Centre Kids Market run by kids for kids. Saturday 3 October 10am – 12pm. You will be able to buy fresh baking, handmade accessories and more. Please bring cash. Free games afternoon Sunnynook Community Centre hosts a free games afternoon every Monday during the school term from 1pm until 3pm in the Acacia Room. No need to book, you can just pop in and play. We provide the games, tea and coffee. For more information you can call (09) 410 4902 or email us at snook.com.cen@xtra.co.nz Please check out our website for up-to-date information about our classes and events. If you would like to go on the online mailing list to receive our community newsletters, please email snook.com.cen@xtra.co.nz sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz office@sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz.

COLLIERS NORTH SHORE WITH JANET MARSHALL

What’s happening in the North Shore commercial property market? Whether you own commercial property or lease premises for your business, there are some encouraging signs emerging across Takapuna and the wider North Shore. We are seeing more businesses making property decisions again, with increased activity across both sales and leasing. Recent examples include 550 sqm of office leased at 5 The Warehouse Way in Northcote, while two office units at 331 Rosedale Road have sold to an investor. Owner-occupiers are also active, particularly for well located, functional properties. The latest Colliers Research supports what we are seeing on the ground. Across Auckland’s metropolitan office market, which includes the North Shore, vacancy reduced from 8.6% to 8.3% in the six months to March 2026, while prime office rents increased 7.9% yearon-year. In Takapuna, strip retail vacancy sits at 9.1%, while Colliers Research is also reporting improving retail demand and confidence across Auckland. For businesses approaching a lease expiry or renewal, my advice is not to leave it until the last minute. Start looking at your options six to 12 months out. Even if you ultimately stay where you are, understanding alternative premises, current rentals and incentives puts you in a much better position when negotiating your next lease.

By Janet Marshall

For landlords, good presentation and a well-planned leasing campaign can make a real difference, particularly when it comes to attracting the right tenant and achieving the best possible result. Don't forget the wider support available to businesses locally. Connecting with your local business association can open the door to networking, mentoring, business support, events and opportunities to promote your business. We have some fantastic business communities across the North Shore, and they can be a valuable source of connection and support. For property owners, recent activity is encouraging, although buyers remain selective. Investors are looking closely at the strength of the tenant, lease terms, rental growth and the quality and location of the property. After 23 years as a commercial property broker, I’ve seen the North Shore through plenty of market cycles. Whether you’re reviewing a lease, looking for premises, considering a sale or simply want to know what’s happening in the market, I’m always happy to have a chat. Janet Marshall Director | Commercial Property Advisor Colliers North Shore

Accelerating success. Prime Takapuna Hospitality Opportunity - 223sq m

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channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

GUNDRY'S GRUMBLES

Simon Gundry is a Devonport and North Shore identity and character, 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!)

Old mate's mate from the pub is back again…

The bloke from the pub (the old 'super sub') is off the reserves bench again. I did like Mr G’s July column regarding a waterfront stadium. A brilliant idea to sell off Eden Park and the land surrounding the North Harbour Stadium, before money is spent on Eden Park. It’s soulless and atmosphere-free; the seats are too far from the pitch, troublesome neighbours – Ms Clark, for example – and it’s too far from the CBD. Even after selling Eden Park and the stadium land, a huge amount of funding would be required, so what about a dedicated Auckland Stadium lottery, like they did for the Sydney Opera House? This raised around $1.2 billion in today’s money. A beautifully designed, world-class, 60,000-capacity stadium right beside the Waitemata Harbour; what a magnificent asset for Auckland and a wonderful legacy for future generations. Auckland is our largest city, and we deserve something better than the underwhelming and far-flung stadiums we currently have. Everyone will be aware of the angst in some sections of the community over the proposed Devonport Lanes development. The $400 million development, which includes five new buildings with residential apartments, a boutique hotel and building heights ranging from four to the controversial eight levels. Six heritage-listed buildings with retail space on Victoria Road will also be refurbished, plus laneways will be constructed with additional retail space and will interconnect the whole development.

It’s true – groups and individuals can't make direct representation, but the wide range of opinions within local communities will be a determining factor. The idea of Fast Track is to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs caused by excessive application of red and green tape and wider public consultation. A good example of this is the Ports of Tauranga, where critical wharf extensions and dredging were delayed for six years, amounting to millions in legal costs and restricting vital port operations. There is nothing untoward about seeking Fast Track approval; this has already been used to progress a range of infrastructure and housing projects from a West Coast hydro dam to Precinct Properies' downtown redevelopment. Importantly, Fast Track is not an automatic rubber stamp either, as we saw with the Pegasus housing development, which didn’t meet the criteria for Fast Track of having significant regional or national benefits. It’s true – groups and individuals can't make direct representation, but the wide range of opinions within local communities will be a determining factor. The proposed Devonport Lanes development has been accepted for consideration, and now will go through the consenting process by an independent panel of experts, who will ultimately make the final

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decision and may well seek specialist input in specific areas during that process. In principle I like the idea, but agree that eight levels are too high for Devonport. Let’s assume consent is granted based on four levels and the economics still work, then I’d say we’ve got a pretty reasonable outcome where all sides are able to walk away with a result that everyone can live with. The truth is Devonport was once a bustling little suburban shopping centre that had just about everything you needed, but times change, and today it’s a rather tired shadow of its former self and in desperate need of rejuvenation. Should this development proceed, hopefully it will be the catalyst to inject new life and vibrancy into Devonport, attracting a range of new businesses while also boosting existing businesses. Done well, it will certainly be an attraction for people from outside of the immediate area and also give tourists another reason to visit and spend. After the omni-shambles left by Ardern and Hipkins, this year’s election shouldn't even be a contest, but there are some polls suggesting a change of government could be on the cards. However, at the time of writing, the polls appear to be all over the place. As they say, the poll that matters is the one on 7 November. I do think the outcome will be close, but the Coalition will be returned, perhaps with a reduced majority and maybe a reshuffle within the coalition itself. Against all the speculation, they have been a stable government and have done some great work in education, RMA reform, reduction in crime, tax reforms and bringing some degree of fiscal restraint into Government spending and borrowing – although still not nearly enough. Do they deserve another term? Yes, I think they do, essentially to finish the job they started and to properly address the issues many of us expected them to undertake in their first term. However, this time we need to see a clear, unambiguous plan to take the country forward; we have simply been treading water for too long, and it’s time for bold initiatives, fresh ideas and action, not more talk. I understand why people are frustrated and grumpy after six very tough years, but I don't think a Labour government potentially supported by three parties of the far left would necessarily be the answer at any time, especially not right now, just as our fragile economy is finally showing signs of recovery, and with several major banks now predicting strong economic growth over the next two years. And internationally, it’s a time of extreme global instability and uncertainty; we definitely do not exist in a benign environment any longer.

LOCK IN THE DATE FOR THE BUSINESS NORTH HARBOUR

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channelmag.co.nz Issue 179 - October 2026

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The Channel Crossword "An Alphabetical Jigsaw" by Māyā of Auckland (mayaofauckland.substack.com) No. 124

Solution to last month's crossword O Tolerance heads of on site services with pasta involved... (8) P

...can houses roll back point when humans evolved? (8)

Q Disputing what French Yankee put into the band... (8)

Solve the clues and fit them into the grid, jigsaw-wise, wherever they will go. A

Silver Jack, say, beat Tony and Cleo... (7)

...not my enemy in the tub below (7)

Chip speed reversed by a large frozen mass... (3,3)

Unoriginal cuckoo and tree it flies... (6,6)

...box of birds where nude lover caught in prize (8)

...Ms Brand's about - she teases, doesn't harrass (6)

Boss's share of antipathy... (10)

Take back Welsh emblem to bottom of boat... (4)

...for 'tis a simple chap, almost playing noisily (10)

...heard to lend an amount when friends are remote (8)

G Simple chap back in Ghana is like a garden ornament... (7) H

...lodges in hole - rest is bent (10)

M Builders, one in disguise having a short time later... (6) N ...Owen's by rude person who delivers the paper (7)

...rebroadcast show that Martin Erst panned (10)

Setting aside woman with loveless doting... (8)

...offensive about bags bearing female clothing (8)

Work between Utah and Iowa for a state that is heavenly... (6)

...from 65150 C.E., an exam taken orally (4,4)

W Swing bouts, essentially, to make the cut... (3,3) X

...examine new unorthodox clue from Derrick Macnutt (8)

Rustics getting date for King making songs with voices high and low... (6)

...in the heart of the country you'll find get-up-and-go! (4)

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.

PUZZLED FINDING YOUR NEXT CAR? We have 24 brands to help you decide

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Issue 179 - October 2026 channelmag.co.nz

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