12 December 2025 Rangitoto Observer by Devonport Flagstaff

Flood-zone apartment plan raises questions

Plans for a five-storey apartment block in a flood-hit part of Sunnynook were lodged three days before tougher council building standards for hazard zones came into force last month.

The resource consent application to Auckland Council is for 18-22 Kapiti Pl, a

site bordering a walkway to the bus station. It backs onto a culvert that inundated homes on these and other nearby properties in the 2023 floods.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Trish Deans says the restricted discretionary activity application presents a number of

problems “There are many risks for a devel opment that seeks to build 86 apartments in a flood plain area.”

Council’s flood hazard maps spelled out the problem in Kapiti Pl, she said. “As we are all aware, Sunnynook was badly affected

Sizzling summer, here we come

Wet, wet, wet... Lockie Webster (front) and Spencer Kirker (both 3) cool off during the Takapuna Christmas Carnival in Waiwharariki Anzac Square. More pictures, see pages 7-9

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Five-storey apartment plan for flood zone raises questions

From page 1

by the floods of 2023. This should be the key consideration for planners when making a decision on this application.”

Applicant company Y2 Development says its “high quality architecturally designed” build will mitigate flood risk. Parks for 26 cars and 65 bikes and communal space would be provided below residential dwellings. Habitable areas above would meet or exceed freeboard requirements for identified flood-plain risks.

Through its consultants, Envision Planning, Y2’s environmental effect assessment highlights the location near transport links and the Sunnynook town centre as being well-suited to intensification.

tion for residents and will not compromise public safety,” it the application says.

The development proposes a lobby, shared lounge, co-working space and decks, plus toilets, service rooms, rubbish collection and parking at ground level. Residences would be on levels one to five, with 64 studio units of 36sqm, nine one-bedroom units, 8 one-and-a-half bedroom units, and one two-bedroom unit of 94sqm, plus balcony space, with all units to have a balcony of 5sqm to 26.2sqm.

A 5.5m wide, two-way drive would link to the cul-de-sac, with separate pedestrian paths. The application says there are no water or wastewater capacity constraints identified by Watercare.

The application acknowledges the site and much of the surrounding neighbourhood is identified in the Auckland Unitary Plan as having a 1 per cent annual chance of flooding.

Under the council’s 1 per cent modelling, floodwaters between 0.7m and 1.9m deep are predicted, but are said to drain fast when rain subsides. An event might temporarily restrict vehicle access from the front of the site, the applicatiom said, but elevated ramps would allow pedestrian access. “The development will provide adequate protec-

The site has history. In November 2023, another company lodged an application to build a three-storey boarding house at 22 Kapiti Pl. The Observer reported at the time on the concerns of neighbours, including the Koru Montessori pre-school over the walkway, the impact of more traffic in the cul-de-sac and to safety and privacy.

The boarding-house application, said to be to provide high-end accommodation for 26 long-term workers and students at most, was made in the name of Forever Love Trustees. Council has confirmed this was withdrawn last August.

Another year is winding down – or in its last manic phase depending on your workload and Christmas expectations. I’m ready to log off soon and blob out for awhile. Although I’m sad our next Observer issue is not back until 6 February, we will be back on deck from the third week in January, catching up on community news and working on our first to publish sister paper, the Devonport Flagstaff.

Thank you for your support in 2024, as readers and advertisers. We look forward to being back with you in 2025. Here’s to a Happy New Year — Janetta Mackay

Precise Mohs Surgery

Authorised by Hon Simon Watts, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Environmental groups step-up anti-wasp campaign

North Shore environmental groups are moving quickly to help combat the yellow-legged hornet threat.

By early this week, 34 confirmed queen hornets had been found in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas. Of those, 21 were found either with developed nests or evidence of nesting.

Pupuke Birdsong Project has sent hornet-trap instructions to all schools in its area.

“Hopefully this will encourage teachers to do it as an activity with students,” said the local group’s environmental coordinator, Maisie Ramsay, said. “We have also been posting on social media spreading awareness about the hornet and how to make a trap.”

The group set up a DIY hornet trap stall on Hurstmere Rd in Takapuna this week and plans further stalls in coming weeks.

The Restoring Takapuna Hauraki group has been active further south on the North Shore. Last week it built 40 traps at its plant nursery in Devonport to give away through the Hauraki opportunity shop on Jutland Rd and Hauraki School.

Hauraki was more likely than other parts of the Devonport peninsula to have nests in house eaves, being within 5km of where the original infestation was found, said Restoring Hauraki convenor Lance Cablk.

The groups are keen to raise public awareness of the biosecurity threat posed by the non-native hornet, which is a type of wasp that threatens bee populations. Hornets may also compete with native insects and birds for foods and they have a painful sting.

The Ministry of Primary Industries is leading efforts to eliminate the pest before it becomes established. The first nest was discovered in mid-October. Since then, with more confirmed finds, the perimeter for traps, using a combination of carbohydrate and proteins, has been expanded.

We’ve moved!

After 25 years of being located in Northcroft Street, YOU Travel Takapuna has now moved to a new location to Shop 16, No 1, The Strand, Takapuna. This is the former council building across Lake Road from our current premises.

YOU Travel Takapuna is one of the most established businesses in Takapuna operating uninterrupted for over 50 years. Starting out as United Travel, the business was originally in the Griffith’s building on Lake Road. It has remained in the Shanahan family with Jim Shanahan first taking over the business back in 1975 from Alpe Travel. Jeremy Shanahan joined his father and took over the business after Jim retired.

YOU Travel Takapuna — aside from traditional holiday and business travel also operate a number of niche travel specialities:

YOU Travel — focuses on bespoke travel itineraries, cruising, tours, flight bookings, hotel and bookings world wide www.youtravel.co.nz

Island Holidays — Island Holidays specialises in surf holidays worldwide including resorts and charters. www.islandholidays.co.nz

Island Holidays phone 0800 336660, email Pete Head: pete@islandholidays.co.nz

YOU Travel Takapuna new premises:

Handy helpers... Ben Zhang (left) and Ben Amick show people how to make a hornet trap at an awareness-raising workshop set up by environmental group Pupuke Birdsong Project on Hurstmere Rd in Takapuna last Monday.

volunteers working quietly in the background that make our area feel like a true village.

As these events unfolded, they reminded us how much Milford thrives when people come together — whether to celebrate, to explore, or simply to enjoy a beautiful day by the water.

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

If the past few weeks are anything to go by, the season ahead promises to be full of warmth, connection, and the simple joy of being part of a community that cares.

Milford’s Summer Begins

Yachting Action in Milford during October and November

A Community That Makes Summer Shine

– A Season Launched With Community, Coastline & Celebration

More than anything, these early-summer moments highlighted what Milford does best: community.

neighbourhood. Milford was severely impacted by the last emergency - the major floods of the Wairau Estuary.

Milford has welcomed the arrival of summer with the warmth and unity that defines our coastal community. As the days have grown longer and the pōhutukawa burst into colour, the village has enjoyed a vibrant start to the season through a series of events that brought locals, visitors, and businesses together in true Milford fashion.

It’s the friendly conversations outside cafés, the families gathering by the beach, the shop owners greeting familiar faces, and the volunteers working quietly in the background that make our area feel like a true village.

A Wonderful Start to Summer

This year’s early-summer calendar offered something for everyone — and each event added its own spark to the community.

This month the focus is on the major World Championship sailing event coming to our shores in late October and early November. Milford is becoming a bit of a yachting mecca as we have the Milford Cruising Club on the beachfront reserve and Yachting New Zealand has also recently relocated its national headquarters to premises in Inga Road. This facility also includes their high-performance centre.

It’s the friendly conversations outside cafés, the families

A Community That Makes Summer Shine

More than anything, these early-summer moments highlighted what Milford does best: community.

Winner of Ski Tūroa promotion

As these events unfolded, they reminded us how much Milford thrives when people come together — whether to celebrate, to explore, or simply to enjoy a beautiful day by the water.

• Milford Mall Magic

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

Summer Begins

We now have an Emergency Hub at the Milford Cruising Club, which is kitted out with all items needed in any emergency. This will be your first point of contact if you need assistance during any type of emergency. We understand there could be circumstances when this emergency hub is inaccessible so we are currently working on alternative site as a backup hub.

Congratulations to Bridget Agnew who won this fantastic promotion! Thanks also to the businesses involved – Mercedes-Benz North Shore, Pure Tūroa, Powderhorn Chateau, The Roof Rack Shop and Ballistics Wake & Snow.

Community, Coastline & Celebration

Milford Emergency Readiness Group News

A Community That Makes Summer Shine

Milford – Top Sales Town Centre on the Shore

The festive season officially began inside Milford Centre, where the mall has once again transformed into a cheerful hub of Christmas joy. With enchanting decorations, Santa visits, and hands-on activities like cookie decorating, families enjoyed a welcoming and relaxed space to slow down, connect, and begin their holiday traditions. The response from the community was warm and enthusiastic — a clear sign that this beloved event continues to bring people together year after year.

Spectators lined the shore to watch world-class sailors glide across the water in a spectacular display of skill and teamwork. The foil racing added a dynamic energy to Milford, and many locals expressed pride in seeing such an international sporting event take place right here at home. It was a special reminder of how unique our location truly is.

• Early Summer Shopping & Local Highlights

As these events unfolded, they reminded us how much Milford thrives when people come together — whether to celebrate, to explore, or simply to enjoy a beautiful day by the water.

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

• A-Class Catamaran World Championships

Community That Makes Summer Shine

warmth and unity that defines our coastal community. As the days have grown has enjoyed a vibrant start to the season through a series of events that Milford fashion.

More than anything, these early-summer moments highlighted what Milford does best: community.

If the past few weeks are anything to go by, the season ahead promises to be full of warmth, connection, and the simple joy of being part of a community that cares.

More than anything, these early-summer moments highlighted what Milford does best: community.

Milford had the privilege of hosting the prestigious A-Class Catamaran World Championships along our stunning coastline.

A big thanks to all our loyal customers who once again supported us during the month of August as we were, yet again, the Top Sales Town Centre on the Shore. Checkout new stores, Bed Bath & Table plus Stella and Emma in the mall – and Toco Açaí & Froyo in the Main Street opposite New World.

A

Community

That Makes Summer Shine

It’s the friendly conversations outside cafés, the families gathering the beach, the shop owners greeting familiar faces, and the volunteers working quietly in the background that make our area feel like a true village.

The Milford Business Association has a database of around 10,000 locals and this together with the substantial databases of the Milford Cruising Club and the Milford Residents Association will be your sources of information about emergency readiness in Milford. If you are not already on the Milford Shops newsletter, go to milfordshops.co.nz and sign up in the panel at the bottom of the home page – ‘Subscribe to Newsletter’. Similarly you can sign up on the Milford Residents Association Newsletter and also on The Milford Cruising Club newsletter.

Milford’s Summer Begins

Local retailers are embracing the season with beautiful displays, warm service, and creative touches that encouraged the community to shop local. From beach-themed windows to thoughtful gift ideas, Milford businesses helped spark the festive spirit and created meaningful moments of connection with customers. The early buzz in the village set a hopeful, positive tone for the months ahead.

If the past few weeks are anything to go by, the season ahead promises to be full of warmth, connection, and the simple joy of being part of a community that cares.

A Community That Makes Summer Shine More than anything, these early-summer moments highlighted what Milford does best: community.

More than anything, these early-summer moments highlighted what Milford does best: community.

As these events unfolded, they reminded us how much Milford thrives when people come together — whether to celebrate, to explore, or simply to enjoy a beautiful day by the water.

Milford Emergency Readiness Group

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

• Early Summer Shopping & Local Highlights

I'm pleased to advise the Milford community that we now have a group up and running for when an emergency occurs in our

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

As these events unfolded, they reminded us how much Milford thrives when people come together — whether to celebrate, to explore, or simply to enjoy a beautiful day by the water.

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

With a strong and spirited start to the season behind us, Milford now looks toward the rest of summer with gratitude and optimism. The shoreline, the shops, and the people who bring this place to life have already made the first chapter of summer memorable. If the past few weeks are anything to go by, the season ahead promises to be full of warmth, connection, and the simple joy of being part of a community that cares.

If the past few weeks are anything to go by, the season ahead promises to be full of warmth, connection, and the simple joy of being part of a community that cares.

It’s the friendly conversations outside cafés, the families gathering by the beach, the shop owners greeting familiar faces, and the volunteers working quietly in the background that make our area feel like a true village.

Christmas things to look out for:

Christmas things to look out for:

We want to keep Milford connected in the next community emergency, so look out for our joint communications.

Have a great October.

Murray Hill, Manager, Milford Business Association manager@milfordshops.co.nz • 021 950 463 • milfordshops.co.nz � milfordshops � milfordnz youtube MilfordshopsTV

More information on what to do in an emergency can be found on the website: aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz

As these events unfolded, they reminded us how much Milford thrives when people come together — whether to celebrate, to explore, or simply to enjoy a beautiful day by the water.

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

It’s the friendly conversations outside cafés, the families gathering by the beach, the shop owners greeting familiar faces, and the volunteers working quietly in the background that make our area feel like a true village.

Cutouts for Family photographs around the Milford Mall and Village Square

If the past few weeks are anything to go by, the season ahead promises to be full of warmth, connection, and the simple joy of being part of a community that cares.

Christmas things to look out for:

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

Emergency Hub at the Milford Cruising Club

Santa on the Veranda on the Kitchener & Milford

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

Cutouts for Family photographs around the Milford Mall and Village Square

on the Veranda on the Kitchener & Milford

Cutouts for Family photographs around the Milford Mall and Village Square

update from Murray Hill, Business Association.

Santa on the Veranda on the Kitchener & Milford Road corner

Cutouts for Family photographs around the Milford Mall and Village Square

Festive Decorations through the street

Santa on the veranda on the Kitchener & Milford Road Corner

Targeted rate turnaround a head spinner at meeting

Targeted rates have been rejected as an option for dealing with the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board’s funding crisis.

The board faces a $650,000 budget shortfall this year. A targeted rate to meet the shortfall would cost each household around an extra $30.

Board chair Trish Deans said it was having to make budget cuts due to both council’s “fairer funding” formula and inflationary costs pressures. “We have no other way to go”, she said before the December meeting of her plan to put forward a targeted rate. She had drafted a letter in readiness to go out for public consultation with the Local Plan, detailing the rate reasoning.

But the board instead voted unanimously against imposing a rate, with Deans moving the motion to this effect and her deputy Scott Macarthur seconding it.

Deans said afterwards this wasn’t an about face or a defeat for her, as she claimed she had gained initial support for the rate being raised at an option from all members, except George Wood.

But the situation had changed, leading her to put up a new motion.

No-one wanted to resort to a rate for operational expenses, she said, but the intention had been to signal to the council’s

Governing Body how serious a predicament the board was in.

“I was able to use this as a ploy to get council’s attention,” she said. “I withdrew the targeted rate after we made headway seeking changes to the funding model,.”

Devonport-Takapuna and seven other

boards are impacted by fairer funding and have been lobbying for changes. Deans says the Mayor, who has just issued his own budget proposals with a 7.9 per cent rate rise, has now indicated he does not want to see boards forced to take drastic moves. Final decisions on board budgets and any cuts are yet to be locked in.

Council probes property’s use after residents flee Sunnynook blaze

A dangerous building notice has been issued after a council inspection of a fire-damaged home in Sunnynook.

“We are currently investigating the use of the property as a boarding house,” said Auckland Council compliance manager Adrian Wilson.

Residents safely escaped the daytime fire at the property on Salamanca Rd on 25 November, which was brought under control by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Community members told the Observer they were concerned that many of the home’s occupants seemed to be immigrants with limited English. Despite offers of assistance, more than a dozen women who gathered in a nearby park seemed reluctant to engage, said one local woman.

The Observer asked council about the property’s status, but was told there was no requirement to register boarding houses, so council did not know if this or other

Sunnynook homes were being used for this purpose.

“There is no maximum number of people that can occupy a residential property in New Zealand. However, if a property is occupied by six tenants or more with individual tenancy agreements, then it is considered to be a boarding house,” Wilson said.

Although boarding houses did not require a licence or registration, he said they may need a resource consent.

Summer vibe... Local board chair Trish Deans at the Takapuna Christmas Carnival, where she was joined on stage by Takapuna Beach Business Association chief executive, Terence Harpur, who is also on the local board.

Owen Melhuish

021 281 0405

owen@mortgagesupply.co.nz

www.mortgagesupply.co.nz

Groups draft views on zoning plans

Local residents groups are working to the wire to pull together submissions on the massive house-zoning shakeup coming to Auckland.

The Milford Residents Association (MRA), the Castor Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association (CBRRA), Takapuna Residents Association (TRA) and an informal residents grouping in Sunnynook are all drafting responses.

They plan to share their submissions ahead of the 19 December deadline in case individuals want guidance in framing their own.

MRA co-chair Debbie Dunsford said: “We’ll be challenging on many levels.”

A primary point of opposition to Auckland Council’s draft Plan Change 120 (PC120) is the degree of government-directed intensification it requires. This point was raised at a Milford public meeting last month, attended by 110 people, where retired planner Brian Putt said council’s hurried draft process lacked rigour to ensure infrastructure capability ahead of development capacity.

The two million dwellings capacity target has led to upzoning across wider Milford, including more six-storey buildings from an extended Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings (THAB) zone. The MRA supports the plan’s downzoning and tougher building regulations for flood-prone areas, but is concerned about the impact of compensatory

increases elsewhere.

“There’s no real justification for the extent of the THAB zone around Milford,” Dunsford said. It would impact the residential character of the suburb and was near the beach, lake, the creek and the estuary, opening up concerns about water quality and future flooding.

CBRRA says the intensification goes too far..The capacity means council is effectively planning to zone for the next 180-200 years, by which time Auckland’s population – at four people per dwelling – would be 8 million, slightly less than New York City, and with a population density on par with Shanghai and Bangkok.

The Mixed Housing Urban zone was no better than the former Medium Density Residential Standards, it said.

The Takapuna Residents Association says it is finalising its submission position this week. Among its members there is concern about the extension of 15-storey building heights to more of the suburb.

Sunnynook residents hold concerns about the up-to-10-storey intensification planned due to proximity to a busway station. They want development stopped in flood zones and say there is a lack of infrastructure to cope with intensification. Community facilities are fully used, sports fields near capacity and schools may struggle to take more students.

State house sold

A state house at 1/149 Shakespeare Rd in Milford sold in August for $878,000. The only state house currently on the market in the Milford/Takapuna area is at 1/15 Otakau Rd, Milford. Kainga Ora regional director for north and west Auckland Taina Jones said the money from sales would be reinvested in new and improved housing. However the new housing will not necessarily be in the area where property is sold. Eleven state houses have been sold on the Devonport peninsula this year, fetching a total of more than $11 million, but no new homes are planned in the area.

Permit cost set to soar

The cost of parking permits is set to more than double, including for those Takapuna residents who need them to park on streets with parking time limits. Council proposes to raise the annual cost of holding an Auckland Transport permit from $70 to $114 under its 202627 budget. The scheme was introduced locally in 2021, but the permit fee, which also applies to other parts of Auckland, has been unchanged since 2013. Council staff suggested the increase to cover the permit scheme’s cost. It would lift revenue to $1.06 million.

Rising waters near stadium show need for flood work

A heavy but relatively short-lived downpour last week again resulted in surface flooding lapping near Eventfinda stadium, which faces losing its insurance from a further major weather event.

“It got close”, said Kaipātiki Local Board chair Danielle Grant.

The 3 December deluge underscored the flood risks yet to be addressed in the Wairau catchment, she said. It also came soon after a late rush of views on the future of the adjoining AF Thomas Park in Takapuna led to more than 5500 public submissions.

The feedback will help the board decide next year on the preferred recreational use of the two-thirds of the park not being taken for council’s floodwater detention scheme.

One proposal includes lifting the stadium to better safeguard it.

The detention scheme is designed mainly to protect downstream flood-prone properties in Milford, rather than those in the Wairau Valley itself, including Eventfinda, Grant headed to the stadium when she heard the waters were rising. She said this happened fast, forcing North Harbour Gymnastics staff to end classes early and begin rolling up large floor mats.

The car-park flooding underscored the importance of pushing on with later stages of the Wairau work, she said. “For people and businesses on the North Shore, we see how

Blockage bars motorway access at peak

The closing of the flooded northbound motorway on-ramp from Esmonde Rd in peak-hour evening traffic last week was caused by blocked catchpit grates.

Unsafe levels of surface flooding had occurred, leading to the decision to close access to the Northern Motorway, said

vulnerable things are.” But the challenge was locking in funding for that necessary work in Milford and the upper catchment.

Other local body members have said a targeted rate has been suggested by council staff as a way to deliver the later work.

When the Observer put this to Healthy Waters, its general manager Craig Mcilroy did not respond directly, replying: “Any future funding decisions around stormwater management, including the Making Space for Water programme, will need to be part of the wider 2027 Long-Term Plan process and would require region-wide consultation and approval by the Governing Body.”

Stage 2 work had council approval and funding to progress to the concept design and detailed business case, he said. “This work will begin in the new year and will enable us to work with local communities to progress flood reduction plans in Tōtara-

the New Zealand Transport Authority’s system manager, Paul Geck.

Detours were set up and traffic was free-flowing by 6.10pm, after the on-ramp had been closed for an hour.

The 3 December incident, was around the time of carpark flooding at Eventfinda.

vale and Nile Road, and to further explore potential funding avenues. Updated cost estimates for physical works can be expected in the second half of 2026 as part of the business case development.”

Healthy Waters said the downpour that caused last week’s flooding saw 49mm recorded at the Wairau rain gauge.

“This was a short-duration, high -intensity event; 34.5mm of rain fell at the Wairau gauge in the 1 hour between 3:45 and 4:45 in the afternoon,” said its flood resilience on-call duty manager Tony Cain. He was not aware of any culvert blockage causing the car-park culvert overflow.

“When large downpours occur suddenly this can cause localised flooding as the water cannot move through the network quickly enough.” The network around Eventfinda stadium was undersized and was on the list for future project development, Cain said.

Retiree get’s back into the garden again

Retiree gets back into the garden again

Sue spent three years watching her beloved garden turn into “a beautiful mess” - not by choice, but because kneeling had become her enemy.

“I’d always been the gardener,” she describes. “But there I was, pointing and instructing while my husband did his best with the spade.”

The frustration peaked when her grandchildren visited. “They wanted to plant strawberries with Nana. I had to sit on a stool and supervise. My 5-year-old granddaughter asked why I couldn’t get down with them. That hurt more than my knees ever did.”

Sue had tried various remedies. “Nothing quite worked. I’d given up on proper gardening.”

That changed when a friend raved about Koru FX, a natural cream made in New Zealand that helped her tennis elbow.

Sceptical but desperate, Sue tried it. What impressed her was the natural formula. Warming oils like black pepper help penetration, peppermint and eucalyptus provide cooling relief, while mānuka, calendula and arnica offer sustained support.

“It didn’t smell medicinal, just nice peppermint. And absorbed quickly, not greasy.”

“I was deadheading roses and realised I’d been bending for five minutes without thinking about it,” Sue recalled.

Two weeks later, the grandkids visited. “My granddaughter asked if we could plant vegetables. I managed to get into the garden with them, on my knees in the dirt. Her face was priceless.”

“Don’t accept this is just how things are. Try new things - who know’s what will happen for you,” Sue concludes.

Sun helps draw Christmas crowds

Scorching weather ensured a big turnout for the Takapuna Christmas Carnival on Hurstmere Rd and in Waiwharariki Anzac Square on Saturday 29 November.

Music from the North Shore Brass Academy band created a festive mood, while stage and street entertainers and face-painting added to the fun.

Strawberries were one of the most popular purchases from stalls, along with cool drinks, but plenty of people took the opportunity for some Christmas shopping. Father Christmas was on hand for present requests.

Water features were an added drawcard for youngsters looking to cool off.

Mighty wind... the North Shore Brass Academy band entertained at the Takapuna Christmas Festival

Over the teacups... Hauraki trio Eliza, Luke and Lottie Godrey enjoy a ride

Family outing... Forrest Hill residents Justin Xu and Saralee Wang with daughter Aubrey Xu (5)

Drinks break... fifteen-year-olds Evie Hobbs (left) from Devonport and friend Abigail Greaves, from Belmont, take time out in the sun

Out and about... friends Aparna Giopan, Nibu Baban, Midhu Mani Lal and Arjun Mohanan from Takapuna

Stall side... Milford couple Beth and Elgin Graham checked out plants for sale, while Takapuna man James Bridgefoot carried son Ciaran, and Adriana van Alfvorst, also from Takapuna, enjoyed a browse

Hauraki residents Hilary and Boyd Miller were sun savvy

Devonport’s Ed Morris (3) fancied superhero face paint

Man in red... Hauraki girl Thea Smith (7) and little brother Liam (4) made sure to say hello to Santa by the big tree on Hurstmere Rd

Sidelines Playbox brings new play opportunities to Sunnynook

Funded through the board’s 2025 Devonport-Takapuna Play Plan, the Sidelines Playbox includes giant games, crawling tunnels, swing poles, and gear from local sports clubs. It gives children something fun and active to do while their siblings are playing weekend sport.

“These playboxes are really awesome and the kids have been loving them,” says Chris Wilkinson, Captain of the Glenfield Greyhounds Rugby League Club.

“Having something like this to get our younger members active and outdoors is amazing. It’s not just the little kids, the older ones and even the parents have been joining in too. Big thanks to the board for making this happen.”

Auckland Council’s Play Team plans to roll out another 15 Sidelines Playboxes to participating local board areas across Auckland, mainly on the North Shore and in West Auckland.

North Shore families now have more ways to play thanks to the first Sidelines Playbox, delivered by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board to the Glenfield Greyhounds Rugby League Club in Sunnynook. Read more about the 2025 Devonport Takapuna Play Plan

The 2025 Devonport-Takapuna Play Plan gives the board a clear roadmap for investing in new kinds of play spaces that go beyond traditional playgrounds. It focuses on low-cost, low-maintenance ideas that make the most of local resources and community partnerships.

Other initiatives in the Play Plan include:

• Playful street art and installations

• On-site adventurous nature spaces (pruning or modifying a felled or fallen tree to use as a natural play element)

• Working with existing community partners (libraries, community centres) to deliver more play-oriented activities

• Beach activation programmes

• StoryWalks.

Karmen throws double gold

Westlake Girls High School student Karmen Maritz (pictured) has claimed national secondary school discus and shotput gold medals.

The Year 13 thrower was also seventh in javelin at the New Zealand Secondary School Athletics Championships, held at Hastings last weekend.

She dominated her two main events, throwing several metres clear of her nearest rivals, to reach 45.65m in discus and 15.09m in shotput.

Karmen’s gold medal winning performances rounded off a strong sporting year in which she was in the school’s premier netball team, which finished third at nationals.

The all-rounder also won the Philips Cup at school prizegiving, recognising both top

academic and sporting achievements.

Other WGHS medal winners were the junior girls in the 4x100 relay team who claimed this title for the first time in the school’s history. Elizabeth Plaistowe, Miya Riseborough, April Peita, and anchor Sadie Bishop, finished in a time of 51.79 seconds.

• From Westlake Boys High School’s contingent of 24 athletes, the throwers stood out. Adam Leece claimed gold in the senior discus event with a distance of 57.97m and he collected silver medals for shotput and hammer throw. The senior hammer event was won by Westlake’s Oliver Chung, who threw 58.09m. He placed seventh in javelin.

Karabo Mosiane was third in the 2000m senior steeplechase and Huw Robinson third in Year 9 3000m road race.

Westlakes win big in sports awards

Six Westlake Girls High School students and five from Westlake Boys won their categories at the Auckland College Sports Awards last month.

Category winners from WGHS’s 12 finalists were: Karmen Maritz for athletics; Emma Schroeder, basketball; Athena Li, gymsport; Jaelyn Marsh, kī-o-rahi , for which Westlake contributed all three finalist nominations; Charlotte Mawston, rowing; and Amaya Tan Peters, rock climbing.

The school claimed three national titles this year, for basketball, sailing team racing

Takapuna cricketers start season strongly

Takapuna District Cricket Club’s premier men’s side leads both the two-day and limited-over Auckland cricket competitions.

It tops the limited-over ladder with wins in its first two matches. Although it lost to East Coast Bays last Saturday at home, it won against North Shore and Parnell earlier in the season. Takapuna won its first three matches in the two-day competition, which resumes in January. The side has two limited-overs matches – away against Birkenhead and Auckland University – before Christmas. Its T20 campaign began against North Shore in Devonport on Wednesday, after the Observer went to press.

and rock climbing (bouldering).

A special international success award for yachting went to Year 10 WGHS student Charlotte Handley.

Winners among 13 WBHS category finalists in the event held at Eden Park were: Trey Brown for kī-o-rahi; Jack Buckley, rowing; Surya Sathish, squash; Taiga Stenton, gymsports; and Andrew Stephenson, snowsports.

The recognition capped off a year in which the school was named highest achieving at sport nationally in a New Zealand Herald analysis.

Fleming in U18 Sevens

Star Westlake Boys High School rugby centre Matt Fleming has been selected for the NZ U18 Sevens side, which will play at the Global Youth Sevens tournament at Dilworth School on 19-21 December.

Rovers named top club

Shore Rovers Netball Club has been named Club of the Year by Harbour Sport. It won both Harbour and Auckland premier club titles this year. The Best Junior Team was Westlake Boys’ national U18 rowing champion eight.

Seeking Afternoon Nanny for 2026. Will suit Uni student. 3-5 days per week. 3pm-5:30pm. $25-28 p/h depending on experience. Starting February. Local school pick-up with own car and taking two kids to activities. Text or call Rachel 021 197 1300.

Beloved children’s presenter and North Shore local Suzi Cato is ready to turn up with bells on for two special Tunes 4 Tamariki: Christmas with Suzy concerts at the Bruce Mason Centre this Sunday.

The specially themed sessions are the latest in a popular series put on for under-sixes by the Auckland Philharmonia.

As you’d expect with a Kiwi kids’ icon to the fore, the concert is fun-filled and interactive, with plenty of singalong favourites for the audience to enjoy.

As well as Christmas songs – including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells” – merry orchestral music conducted by Reuben Brown will feature.

Young fans should enjoy joining in with Suzy’s songs “Sprinkle a Little Sunshine” and “See Ya, See Ya Later”.

The shows are part of the orchestra’s publicly supported music education programme.

Anyone who can’t make the local times can check out if tickets are still available for shows at the Auckland Town Hall on Sunday 21 December.

• Tunes 4 Tamariki: Christmas with Suzy is on at the Bruce Mason Centre on 14 December, with shows at 2pm and 3.30pm. Tickets are $15 per person or $50 for a family pass. Bookings are required, through aucklandphil.nz

Bells on... Suzy Cato will be at the Bruce Mason Centre on Sunday and (below) the Lake House Arts Centre is another Christmas event venue

Pumphouse sings too

Christmas Carols in the Amphitheatre is on at the PumpHouse in Takapuna this Sunday, 14 December at 6pm and 8.30pm..

The annual singlaong outdoor fundraiser for the arts venue is priced at five levels, between $10,to $30, with the idea people pick what they can best afford.

The children’s theatre season of Piri the Piwakawaka who Saved Christmas continues until 23 December.

For the grown-ups and older kids check out Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol read by Foolish Wit Theatre in the intimate Coal Bunker space. Billed as an evening of spooky storytelling it runs from 18-21 December at 7.30pm. Tickets cost $25 • Book all three shows at pumphouse.co.nz

Milford / Takapuna Tides

All welcome at Lake House for a Kiwi concert

Lake House Arts and North Shore Brass Academy are teaming up for “The Great Christmas Concert”, a family-friendly evening event they hope will become a new North Shore tradition, starting this Saturday 13 December.

“This is about giving back to our community in the very best way we know — bringing people together,” says Grae Burton, operations manager at the arts centre (pictured during a previous event) on Fred Thomas Dr. What to expect? “A blanket on the lawn, whānau all around, and the soundtrack of a Kiwi Christmas in the summertime,” says Burton.

Both groups have been busy. The band was at the Takapuna Christmas Carnival in the town square, while the Lake House held its annual sculpture symposium last month. North Shore Brass president Owen Melhuish said they got together to end the year on a high note. “We’re excited to help spark a summer tradition families will return to year after year,” he said.

The concert in the Lake House gardens will be a blend of timeless carols and popular singalong favourites, with a contemporary live sound. Santa is expected as event MC, and carollers and local waiata group Pukana Pips will perform. The centre’s cafe and a garden bar (cash only) will be operating.

• Lake House Arts gates open from 5pm, with the concert running from 6-8pm. Entry by koha. Bring picnic rugs and camp chairs.

• Severe weather cancellation to be advised by noon on Lake House Arts social media channels on event day.

Back on yer bike

The Sunnynook Christmas Family Bike Ride is returning this year on Sunday 14 December from 5pm to 7pm.

Dress up in Christmas costume and decorate your bike, baby buggy or scooter for a fun turn or two around the park with other locals. Meet outside the community centre and bring a picnic tea if you like. The event is weather dependent and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Golden Xmas morning

The 20th reading of an excerpt from Takapuna playwright’s Bruce Mason’s The End of the Golden Weather will take place on the beach reserve on 25 December from 10.30am.

The local literary tradition is an ideal shore spell between breakfast and lunch. Sit on the grass and hear about growing up in Takapuna past.

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