Donald Coleman clocks up 100 games for NSRC... p5
April 25, 2025
Rust-free: most waterfront trees doing well... p9
Interview: New BPS principal Peter Thorne... p18-19
Ruling stokes fears for heritage housing
Protections safeguarding Devonport’s historic houses are likely to be increasingly challenged following a court decision allowing an Epsom bungalow to be demolished.
The application to demolish a dilapidated 1920s California bungalow at 22 Crescent Rd was approved by the Environment Court, with the decision challenged in the High
Court by Auckland’s Character Coalition.
The High Court upheld the Environment Court ruling this month. It said a precedent had not been created. The bungalow was in a special character area but each case needed to be judged on its merits.
Devonport Heritage chair Margot McRae said the organisation was “shocked and
disappointed about the decision to allow demolition of a high-quality heritage bungalow” in Epsom.
“It feels like heritage is under attack from every quarter at present. I am hopeful this won’t open the doors for applications to demolish heritage houses here.
To page 2
Young helper knows the drill
Doing her bit... Seven-year-old Alice Pipa will be back for a third year among the volunteers at Devonport’s Anzac commemorations. Story, page 4.
Alarm at possible heritage threat
From page 1
“Anyone attempting demolition here would know they would face robust opposition from groups like ours and many locals who have the expertise and resources to fight it.”
Devonport was nationally recognised as a significant heritage area and trying to demolish heritage buildings for new ones would be extremely hard to justify.
Devonport Heritage took “some heart” that the Environment Court says its decision should not be taken as a precedent, McRae said. “It was really at pains to point out this was not the case, saying, “even an architecturally outstanding new building may not justify demolition of an existing building”.
Power out, boat strands
Power was out for most of last Thursday in parts of Devonport south of the golf course, with an explosion at a transformer on Cambridge Tce one of the causes.
But the reasons for outages that lingered into Monday morning around Anne St and sections of the waterfront, after initially stretching north beyond Calliope Rd over the weekend were less clear. Homes in Aramoana Ave and Ngataringa Rd and pockets of Hauraki also had no power for several days.
A boat beached near the Calliope Scouts Den apparently suffered minimal damage.
Fallen tree blocks road, wrecks car
A child-minder and the 10-year-old girl she was caring for had a lucky escape when a tree fell across Northboro Rd in high winds last week. But the child-minder’s car, under the fallen tree in the picture above, was a write-off.
The incident, which blocked the road for about three hours from around 10am on Thursday 17 April, forced buses and traffic to divert. It occurred just as 21-year-old Oni Kidman and the child she was looking after were about to get back into her car, having popped back into the child’s home to collect something before heading out for planned activities in Albany. As they came back out to the gate, they heard the tree crash down, said Oni’s mother, Tina Kidman. “We’re just very grateful they weren’t in the car.”
Mere seconds later and they too might have been caught under the branches that smashed the windscreen and left the car almost completely covered.
“The car’s totalled,” said Tina Kidman, who was rung by her daughter and went
round to collect her, arriving in time to help direct a bus reversing back up the road because it could not turn around on the steep slope.
The little girl’s mother was at home to comfort her.
For Oni, a singer-songwriter who lives at home in Devonport, there was relief her first car was fully insured. “It was a traumatic experience to be honest,” said her mother. Oni had saved up to buy it several years ago.
Kidman said a contractor who cleared the tree from the road told her ivy growing in its branches likely compromised its integrity.
A Hauraki local praised an Auckland Transport driver who earlier in the morning had parked his bus and walked around the corner in wind and rain to a bus stop on Northboro Rd to let people waiting there know that a route diversion was needed.
When the Flagstaff was at the scene, a steady stream of drivers came down the road and were forced to make U-turns, with a number stopping to take pictures.
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Trapping push ‘could make peninsula pest free’
Devonport could become a pest-free haven extending from Maungauika to the village then expanding up the peninsula, says the new head of rat trapping for environmental group Restoring Takarunga Hauraki (RTH).
Olivia Christie said expanding the volunteer commitment already in place could see Devonport quickly following the example of the Predator Free Wellington project, which has succeeded in clearing pests from the suburb of Miramar.
Rat trapping lines had been deployed in earnest over the last few years by RTH, and many traps also distributed free by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
Rat counts appeared to be dropping according to Trap NZ statistics, Christie said, but the real measure was more abundant bird life on the peninsula.
“We’ve had reports of ruru returning to the area and I [recently] saw kereru up on the maunga.”
RTH was hoping to coordinate more bird surveys to get better data on pest-control progress.
Devonport’s location near pest-free Hauraki Gulf islands meant it could be an important barrier for sensitive ecosystems.
Norway rats and stoats could swim from Devonport to Rangitoto for example, Christie said.
Growing up in Wellington, Christie first became interested in ecology seeing the growth of the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary.
Her affinity with the natural world deepened as a keen diver and competitive sailor. She won two New Zealand titles in the Laser class and went to two world championships.
What we do on land impacts the sea as well, she said.
Christie moved to Auckland in 2018, settling in Baywater and completing a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in marine science
and biology. When the 30-hour pest-free and water catchment job arose at RTH “it sounded pretty cool”.
She is meeting existing line trappers and is keen to hear from any potential volunteers and also people who have home traps so catches and areas can be better monitored.
Education events are planned for trappers, with Christie keen on raising trapping standards.
“Rats and stoats are neophobic [scared of new things] and if one is scratched by a wire on a trap or it is unstable, they can be scared off for life.”
Boxing on... New Restoring Takarunga pest-free lead Olivia Christie wants to lift trapping standards
Youthful help adds special touch to Devonport Anzac Day
Seven-year-old Alice Pipa is already a veteran of Anzac Day in Devonport.
The Year 3 student at Belmont Primary School is in her third year as an official volunteer at the parade. She sells poppies and hands out programmes, and sometimes helps seniors find a seat or offers cups of water.
When Alice (also pictured on front page) first volunteered alongside mother Julia, father Nick said: “I thought she would be shy, but she wasn’t.”
Talking to the Flagstaff, Alice is quick to recite what Anzac stands for – Australia New Zealand Army Corps – and she knows about Gallipoli. She says her class has been learning more about war.
Her parents say the commemoration has meaning for them all. Ukrainian Nick arrived in New Zealand in 2015, being followed a year later by Julia, who is Russian. Under the former Soviet Union, Nick did compulsory military service in Lithuania. His grandfather died in World War II.
Anzac Day, on 25 April, is important in his job as a member of Auckland Council’s events team. He is involved in organising parades across the North Shore.
His Friday starts with early morning work responsibilities at a big Browns Bay parade, but he hopes to look in on the 9am one in Takapuna before heading down to Devonport to join his family.
Three years ago, when Nick told Julia volunteers were needed
in Devonport she says she was more than happy to step in to help and it seemed natural to involve Alice.
Julia says it is touching the reaction her daughter’s commitment gets from young and old. “It’s a beautiful reminder that even the smallest hands can carry forward the legacy of those who served.”
Two other regular volunteers are Gerardo Dassi and Stefania Patrone, locals who hail from Hungary and Italy.
This year, council and the Returned Services Association have a particular focus on youth in the commemorations, says Nick. More recent conflicts are also being recognised.
Students participating at the 11am Devonport parade include three from Devonport Primary School, with Ethan Barrett reading a psalm and Mika Besier and Nia Thomas a prayer.
Takapuna Grammar School students are well represented too. Holly Sherlock, who is also the Devonport RSA’s Youth Ambassador, will read the Anzac Dedication and Harmony Wilson Ngata will recite the ode in te reo. Milla Rodrigues-Birch will lead singing of the national anthem alongside vocalist Lieutenant Rebecca Nelson.
Ten-year-old Sunnynook musical prodigy Celine Wu returns to play the bugle for the Last Post and Rouse, after the North Shore Brass member this year adding an earlier appearance at Browns Bay.
Leander Sea Cadets provide the Catafalque Guard.
Navy musicians recognised with museum show
The Royal New Zealand Navy Band, whose tunes resound around Devonport during commemorations each Anzac Day, is having its own story told locally at the Navy Museum.
More than 80 current and former band members gathered at the Torpedo Bay institution this month for the opening of Instrumental in Defence, an exhibition that will run until January 2026.
“The Navy Band has a rich and unique history that has been brought to life by the talented team at the Navy Museum, says Leading Musician Philip Wiley.
He reckons the band’s history could have filled the foyer exhibition space many times
over, but says what is on display is a good representation of its contribution over the last 65 years, along with “what the Royal Marines Band brought to New Zealand before us”.
Artefacts on display include drums, uniforms and a bugle engraved with the names of the Royal Marines Band members who lost their lives in HMS Neptune when she struck mines off the coast of Libya in December 1941.
Visitors can also enjoy music from three albums the band recorded in the 1960s, 1980s and 2000s.
A piece of music on display was composed by Margaret Sinclair, also known as
More rate cuts... maybe
The market is starting to price in more rate cuts than were previously expected with some seeing the OCR going as low as 2.50% rather than 3.25% - this is due to the anticipated slowdown in global trade and economic activity brought about by the confusing tariff policies from the Trump administration - ANZ are calling 2.50% (the same bank that incorrectly called 6% last year). Time will tell what prevails... lower rates from the slowdown or higher rates from the inflation impact?
Banks are now offering 4.99% fixed rate for 12, 18 and 24mths - but make sure you leave plenty of time (now 10 - 15 business days) for mortgage approvals and documentation etc. This is due to their hopeless understaffing in pursuit of even greater profits. In fact one bank taking a long time tells me their documentation processes were located in Bangalore - go figure!
Roslyn. She composed ‘Welcome to HMS New Zealand’ to celebrate the ship’s inaugural visit to New Zealand in 1913.
Sinclair, who grew up in Thames, is buried at O’Neills Point Cemetery in Bayswater, where musuem staff located her grave. The current Royal New Zealand Navy Band has 22 members and is in high demand to play at events thoughout the country. This Anzac Day its timetable includes the Dawn Service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, before the civic service in Devonport.
It will mark its 65th anniversary with a concert at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna on Saturday 14 June.
Contact Mike Simpson on 021 283 8040
Skipper marks 100th game with try against old foe
In his wildest dreams Donald Coleman surely couldn’t have conjured up a better 100th game for North Shore premiers than he enjoyed on 12 April.
Captaining the side, Coleman led from the front, scoring a driving try in a comprehensive 48-17 win over Takapuna – one of Shore’s biggest victories over its traditional arch-rivals.
Coleman began playing for Shore as a five-year-old and apart from his years at Takapuna Grammar School has been at the club ever since.
After leaving school he went straight into Shore’s under-21 side in 2016 under the expert tuition of coach and All Black great Buck Shelford.
“Frano (Botica, another former All Black) was coach of the prems and he gave me a couple of games.” The next year he became a permanent fixture.
Along with his 100th match his most memorable moments for Shore were his first North Harbour championship in 2021 and the 2023 championship in Shore’s 150th year.
“It was down at the club against Takapuna as well – that was pretty special.
Coleman has played mainly at flanker or number eight but had a stint at hooker in an attempt to gain higher honours.
He played for North Harbour’s under-16 and under-18 sides and made the Auckland Blues under-18 team.
As a senior player he’s been a regular in the North Harbour B side and was in the wider provincial squad in 2021 and 2022 but never made it onto the field.
Coleman has also played sevens for North Harbour and for the Philippines sevens side at the Hong Kong sevens in 2018 and 2019, gaining eligibility through his mother Marilou’s heritage.
At 27, Coleman’s rugby ambitions are these days closer to home. “I’m happy playing for Shore and seeing the next generation come through – and I want to keep winning.”
The side has now won 30 matches in a row and has set its sights on taking out the Harbour title in 2025. “It would be the first
time Shore has won three in a row so would be a real achievement.”
Outside of the rugby club, Coleman became world famous in Devonport for his eating habits. He had a Donald Burger named after him at Bayswater Takeaways after ordering double of everything in his burger for after-school meals.
“I’ve lost count of how many of those burgers I’ve had,” he says. “It’s still [on the menu] and I go up and have one every now and again.”
Coleman was pleased to mark the 100 games for his family. “We are into our fifth generation at the club. It’s a family club and I love it here.”
Carrying on the legacy
Donald Coleman comes from a multi-generational Shore rugby family dating back 150 years.
He is descended from the Dacres, early European settlers.
Ranulf Dacre moved to Auckland in 1859 and two of his sons, Lief and Charles, were involved in the beginnings of Shore and Auckland rugby. Both played for early Auckland teams and the Shore side, which won its first game in Auckland in 1873.
In Devonport, Charles became a prominent businessman and had two children, Dossie and Ces. Ces played senior rugby
and league and represented New Zealand at rugby and cricket. Both the North Shore Cricket Club pavilion and the park, which is home to the North Shore United football club, are named after him.
Dossie married Ernie Coleman, who played prop for Shore before World War I, while their son Don played fullback for Shore in the 1950s. Don’s two sons, Peter and David, also played for Shore. Pete was a long-time senior player, starting as a flanker and then moving to prop.
Peter’s three sons, Donald, Tom and Jake, carry on the Dacre/Coleman legacy.
Family time... Family celebrating Donald’s 100th game (from left): His brother Tom with partner Faith Pollock, brother Jake, Donald’s partner Conje Van Niekerk, Donald and his parents, Marilou and Pete
By Rob Drent
Visiting the Restoring Takarunga Hauraki (RTH) nursery off Lake Rd for an interview last week, it was amazing the transformation achieved in a couple of years.
A small forest of trees, flaxes and other natives are growing away in the north-facing spot. Volunteers are busily cultivating more seedlings and the whole operation looks productive and lush – perhaps thanks to the homemade irrigation system.
Casting my eye around neighbouring properties, the view was not quite so pleasing. The two council-owned buildings next door (slated for demolition) are in increasingly poor repair, with smashed windows and littered yards.
Ironically, they make great breeding grounds for rats which RTH is working so diligently to eradicate. A couple of doors down, the Claystore is looking a bit worse for wear, but the council has set aside money for restoration work.
Next on the Lake Rd block is the Woolworths-owned former Mobil gas station. Woolworths has dropped plans to turn this
building into a direct-to-boot outlet, with no back-up option announced as yet. The building looks very much like what it is: a former gas station. With the beauty of Memorial Drive and the Waitematā Golf Course across the road, the site is a bit of eyesore for visitors arriving in Devonport.
It has already been hit badly by graffiti, needing a major cleanup.
In the background is Dacre Park, the home of North Shore United Football Club. The site was previously slated for a major upgrade, with Auckland Council taking over the ground; an extensive resource consent hearing was held and approval with conditions was granted. However, council quickly ran out of money during Covid and the project was put on hold. The resource consent lapsed last December and Auckland Council still has no money for the project. All no fault of North Shore United, which to some extent has been left holding the baby of elderly grandstands and infrastructure.
I hope the upgrade returns quickly as a priority for council spending. A concept plan for the whole area needs to integrated with existing plans prepared over the years for Ngataringa Park.
It was great to see Donald Coleman notch his 100th game for North Shore Rugby Club premiers in a 48-17 thrashing of Takapuna.
T-shirts (“100 for Donnie”) were made for the occasion, a great moment in the Coleman family’s 150 year-history with the
club. While somewhat unlucky not to be selected for higher honours and a regular North Harbour spot, Donald is always great to watch – explosive with the ball and as a tackler. We commissioned award-winning sports photographer Brett Phibbs to capture the Takapuna/Shore match several years ago and such was Coleman’s dominance half the pictures he took were of the flanker.
Personally, Coleman is a fine ambassador for the club – he’s always happy to have a chat and remains unaffected by the corporate-communications, no-comment approach which seems to affect some players these days.
I was also pleased to see Jackson Rice starting for Shore prems. His journey from promising Takapuna Grammar School player to senior football has been remarkable. A near-fatal illness saw him attend the 2018 TGS vs Westlake final in a wheelchair. Years of rehabilitation were followed by a gradual return to rugby. It’s been an object lesson in determination and reflects the sort of passion which is turning Shore into such a formidable side. It has now gone 31 matches without defeat, winning two successive championships. With the return of forwards Rex Pollock and James Fiebig against Takapuna, the side is well balanced. A first-ever championship threepeat is looking a very real possibility. Such is Shore’s dominance over most Harbour sides, it’s time a Blues-region club championship was introduced to give the team an even higher goal to aim for.
ADULT ROLLERSKATING CLASSES
Premiers in Action
North Shore Rugby Club premiers continued on its unbeaten run with a 23-5 win over East Coast Bays last Saturday, while on Sunday North Shore United football premiers lost to Takapuna 2-0 in a local derby at Allen Hill Stadium.
A big turnout is predicted at Shore rugby’s Vauxhall grounds on Anzac Day with all four of its senior men’s sides playing at home. Game Schedule: 1pm: U21s vs Silverdale plus Development vs Mahurangi; 2.45pm: U85s vs Silverdale plus Premiers vs Mahurangi.
Teen decathlete strikes gold at Australian champs
Five days after returning home with an Australian Junior Athletics Championships gold medal in under-17 decathlon, Connor Brady headed back across the Tasman with the Takapuna Grammar School first XV for its school holiday tournament tour.
The 15-year-old midfield back from Bayswater is focusing on rugby over winter, after a standout season in athletics.
His win in Perth was the icing on the cake after claiming five medals, including golds in shot put and pole vault, at the New Zealand Track and Field Championships, and winning his first decathlon last month at the national Combined Events Championship, all while competing in the under-18 age bracket.
Brady underlined his versatility and promise to progress in Perth by besting the event’s points record. His was a dominant win, with 6692 points, 939 ahead of the second placegetter. He set four personal bests across the 10 events.
Fellow Takapuna Grammar School student Teresie Hess also medalled at the Perth event, with bronze in the under-17 heptathlon, wrapping up her own strong season.
The German exchange student hopes to gain national youth selection on returning to her homeland.
Like Brady, she trains at the Takapuna Athletics Club. As well as the multi-event dis cipline she excels in several individual events.
Drop off opens 28.04.25, weekdays only 9AM - 3PM
Quality adult stuff only
15 items for 15 tokens
Additional items, or no tokens: $5 on the day
Chiasso brew on tap all day
18 MAY 10AM - 1PM
eftpos available but cash preferred
Top performers... Takapuna Grammar students Connor Brady and Teresie
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Community Forum 20 May
Come meet your local board and make your voice heard at our next community forum on Tuesday 20 May, 6.30 to 8.30pm at the Takapuna Croquet Club, 8 Auburn Street, Takapuna.
Community forums are held quarterly. They are a good place to express your opinion to your elected representatives. You can talk about issues facing you or your community group or give an update about your group’s activities.
Each group or individual is allocated up to 15 minutes for a presentation including time for questions from members.
The board does not make any formal decisions at community forum meetings.
Spaces are limited so book your speaking spot today by emailing us at devonporttakapunalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
New chair Devonport-Takapuna Local Board sworn in
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board now has a new chair, with Melissa Powell stepping into the role after being sworn in at the board’s March business meeting.
Powell takes up the role following the resignation of Toni van Tonder in February. Terence Harpur has now returned to his position as deputy chair after acting as chair following van Tonder’s departure.
CONTACT US:
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/devonporttakapuna
FOLLOW US: Facebook.com/devonporttakapuna
Auckland Emergency Management is seeking community feedback on their recommendations to strengthen tsunami resilience across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
They now have a clearer understanding of where and who is most at risk from tsunami and want your thoughts on proposed measures to help all community members be better prepared.
All of Auckland’s coastline is at risk of tsunami, so please share your thoughts before the consultation finishes 2 May 2025 at akhaveyoursay. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ tsunami-resilience.
Waterfront’s pōhutukawa healthy finds council survey
The historic pōhutukawa trees along Devonport’s waterfront are in generally good health and largely free of myrtle rust, an Auckland Council survey has found.
Council recently inspected public pōhutukawa trees from the eastern end of King Edward Pde to the western end of Queens Pde.
The vast majority of trees are in good health, with well-formed canopies and no signs of significant disease.
“A small number (two to three trees) showed signs of poor canopy health, including minor deadwood. These symptoms are not linked to myrtle rust and no clear cause was identified,” said David Stejskal, Auckland Council’s Urban Forest, Arboriculture and Ecology Manager.
While some trees showed minor myrtle rust infection, this was limited to a few leaves per canopy.
“These infections were old and no longer producing viable spores. This pattern is consistent with other sites and may be influenced by recent dry weather,” Stejskal said.
Council staff also inspected a few Syzygium (lilly pilly) hedges in the area. One showed active signs of myrtle rust, with visible yellow spores, while another – typically a susceptible species – showed no infection, possibly due to private spraying by residents. • Householders can visit myrtlerust.org. nz for more information about myrtle rust, including current infection risks and treatment options.
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Let the hunt begin…Finn (6), Riley (3) and Emma Gallagher of Stanley Bay were among the several hundred children and parents who took part in an activity trail during the Takapuna Easter Carnival two Saturdays ago.
Charming Village Cottage
Auction Thursday 1st May at 12.00pm (Unless Sold Prior)
TOTALLY IGNORE THE C V THIS WILL BE SOLD! Properties like this are a rare find in the village, and our vendor is clear that value is below C V of $2,160,000 and invites ALL buyers to view Recently repainted, this quintessential home radiates charm and warmth A paved off-street parking area welcomes you, leading through pretty cottage gardens to a striking red front door. Inside, natural light floods the sunniest of interiors, where two double bedrooms complement the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area At the rear, a deck extends to a private courtyard and a thriving potager garden But there's more! The sleepout has been virtually rebuilt, featuring a stylish tiled bathroom and a convenient kitchenette. This space also boasts its own secluded garden, complete with a variety of fruit trees, enhancing the property's charm.
Maria Stevens 021 979 084 maria stevens@harcourts co nz
Narrow Neck 10/77
Cute as a button, this end ground-floor unit is light bright and tastefully decorated Bonus undercover carport with storage locker A well-maintained block with huge rear grounds No body corporate here but the property is managed by the owners, a monthly payment covers insurance, lawns, gardens, sundries and a small sinking fund.
Jackie Mark 021 458 797
Jane Hastings 021 735 263
Marissa Muirhead 021 337 222 marissa.muirhead@harcourts.co.nz
And Ready
As advertised or by appointment cooperandco.co.nz/L24196477
Tidy and private, this ground-floor unit offers relaxed living in the heart of Devonport Light-filled open-plan layout with a modern kitchen and updated bathroom Fully fenced outdoor space, perfect for entertaining or play. Walk to beaches, village, schools, and transport an ideal first home, downsize, or investment
Maria Stevens 021 979 084
Marissa Muirhead 021 337 222
Big Property, Big Potential
Asking Price $1,595,000
As advertised or by appointment cooperandco co nz/L32566274
Flexible Layout For Families
As advertised or by appointment cooperandco.co.nz/L33333716 For Sale
Full of charm and space, this 1960s brick and weatherboard home sits on a large 840sqm (more or less) site. Enjoy sunny north-facing outdoor living, a rumpus room, great storage, and year-round comfort with insulation and a Moisture Master system Close to top schools, the beach, and local cafes – a rare lifestyle find.
Ben Potter 027 953 0210
Gary Potter 021 953 021
or by appointment
Beautifully renovated and move-in ready, this tidy unit sits between two city ferry routes It features a modern kitchen, updated bathroom, low-maintenance garden, covered carport, and storage With only four in the block and the beach nearby, it's ideal for first-home buyers or investors Excellent value with motivated vendors!
Marissa Muirhead 021 337 222 2 1 1
Two-level home with two bedrooms, family bathroom, and open-plan living flowing to a sunny deck Downstairs includes a study, rumpus, laundry, toilet, storage, and internal garage. Updated with insulation, heat pump, carpet, and roof maintenance (2024), plus HRV (2021) Quiet cul-de-sac near Bayswater Primary, shops, and transport ideal for families or investors
Maria Stevens 021 979 084
As advertised or by appointment cooperandco.co.nz/L33296740
Spacious and full of light, this original fourbedroom home with double garage sits on sunny, peaceful grounds in a prime location. Just a flat stroll to the village, beaches, and ferry Solid and well-kept by one family for over 40 years – now ready for its next chapter A rare opportunity not to be missed
Grant Speedy 027 451 1800
Monika Bak 027 515 5431
Next-generation talent hits the pitch at Shore United
Around 60 budding soccer stars aged 5 to 13 attended the North Shore United Football Club’s school-holiday programme last week. They took part in balance and coordination games before moving on to skills and techniques and then simulated football moves pitting attackers against defenders.
North Shore United football director Mauricio Rojas said the programme was “all about fun. The aim is for the kids to have a great time and fall in love with football.”
All about fun... Top: Isabella Arnott (7), Indi Bella Nordqvist-Wright (5), Coen Gibson (5) and Lachie France (6) were among the juniors at the North Shore United holiday programme. Left: Finn Rogers shoots for goal. Below: Children listen to instructions from club director of football Mauricio Rojas.
Marina loses bid to keep public off breakwater
Bayswater Marina’s attempt to exclude the public from accessing its breakwater has been thrown out by the Environment Court.
Public access was guaranteed under the marina’s original consents, but the marina had closed the breakwater since December 2023, citing health and safety concerns.
However, Auckland Council’s move to enforce the opening with a 29 November abatement notice was upheld by the court this month.
The breakwater should be reopened within 15 days for public use, the court said.
“We are unanimous that the current exclusion is a breach of the consent... the breakwater structure is not inherently dangerous to use by the public,” Judge Jeff Smith said in a decision released this month. A health and safety report presented to
the hearing by Bayswater Marina had no evidence of “an adverse health and safety event to either workers, berth holders, contractors or casual public visitors”.
The risk water created was always clear, the decision said. But “the risk in relation to the breakwater was very similar to that of members of the public attending the ferry entry or the fuel dock” at the marina, Judge Smith said.
The court was told of a drowned person “seen or found near the breakwaters”.
However, “it was very clear, and everyone accepted, that this had nothing to do with the marina whatsoever,” Judge Smith said.
While the public should have general access to the breakwater during daylight hours, it was reasonable for the marina to
close it at night, the decision said.
North Shore ward councillor Chris Darby was pleased with the court’s “slam-dunk” decision. “It makes it crystal clear there is no case for further restricting public use of the 900m-long breakwater,” Darby said.
“Public access to our harbours and coast is important for Aucklanders and we will do everything within our powers to stand firm and protect that.
“There is no reason why public access and a successful marina cannot coexist. We just need mutual willingness,” Darby said.
The breakwater had proven to be a popular destination over the last two decades for walkers and sightseers, and a mecca for fishers.
It offered unique views of the city-centre skyline and Waitematā Harbour.
Terrace-style homes coming for Navy staff
Work will begin soon on site preparations for the building of 61 new terrace-style townhouses in Bayswater for Navy personnel based at the Devonport Naval Base.
The two-storey homes will be spread over two separate sites either side of the Belmont Bowling Club. A mix of 17 three- and four-bedroom units will be built on Roberts Ave, behind the Belmont Park Racquets Club, while another 44 homes, made up of two- and three-bedroom units, will be built on Portsmouth St. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s property arm Whai Rawa is building the homes on iwi land and will maintain them in a lease arrangement with the New Zealand Defence Force.
Defence says it has worked closely with Whai Rawa on building design and layout of the homes which will have good car parking and storage. The homes should be ready to occupy late next year.
Whai Rawa’s property manager Neil Donnelly says pre-construction work on the sites may occur shortly, but construction awaits final Auckland Council building consent.
Precision Construction is the project’s build partner.
Navy housing coming... An artist’s impression of the townhouses to be built in Bayswater by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
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Local journo a finalist
Belmont’s Michael Morrah, a reporter with the NZ Herald/NZME, is a finalist in the News Journalist of the Year category at this year’s Voyager Media Awards. Winners are announced on 16 May.
Letica dominates
Sascha Letica, a former Takapuna Grammar School student who will take up a college athletics scholarship in the US later this year, had the best time overall in the annual Shore to Shore run from TGS to Milford on 6 April. Letica ran the 5.9km course in 20.01, beating the best male runner, Wen Yao Zheng, who took 22.22.
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Long-time Belmont staffer steps up as principal
Learning from his boss helped draw Peter Thorne to the Shore. Now he gets to put his own stamp on Belmont Primary School. He talks to Helen Vause.
When he first surveyed the green spaces at Belmont Primary School with principal Bruce Cunningham, young teacher Peter Thorne thought to himself that the playing fields were a lot bigger back home in Feilding. That was 18 years ago.
This week Thorne’s thoughts are on stepping into the very big shoes of the retired Cunningham and carrying on in his wake.
As the parties and the many farewells for Cunningham are left behind, Thorne, has been moving himself into the boss’s office, getting ready to take over as principal when school resumes for the new term.
He is pleased that many of the staff he’s known and worked with for a long time will be there to back him.
It’s his 19th year at this school. Looking back now at the day a young teacher up from the Manawatu for a job interview stood looking at the playing field with Cunningham, he knows he got lucky.
Thorne had graduated from Massey University in Palmerston North, where he met his wife, Jennette.
He’d been teaching for a couple of years in the region but Jennette, with a degree in business, thought the better job prospects would be in a bigger place, like Auckland. So with interest in Thorne from two North Shore schools, the couple headed north.
“I didn’t know Auckland at all,” says Thorne. “And once I got over to Belmont I really didn’t know anything about this peninsula area or what it offered. The beaches appealed, of course.”
He chuckles at the memories of feeling overwhelmed by the traffic and scale.
Unsurprisingly, it was the popular Cunningham who made the impression that made
Closely watched... New Belmont Primary School principal Peter Thorne with a pou outside the school hall representing the earth mother, Papatuanuku. It is one of the two recently installed pou carved for the school by master carver Natanahira Pona
Thorne really want the Belmont Primary job.
He knew of the school’s strong reputation and there was obviously a nice vibe about the place.
But he also knew that he wanted to work alongside a seasoned leader of Cunningham’s stature, in an environment where the
principal’s skills were part of a demonstrably successful formula.
“I wasn’t alone in thinking I would be getting a great opportunity to work with Bruce, to learn from him. I learned that everyone in the country seemed to know him and respect him and to know what sort
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of school he had here.
The Thornes moved north and made their home on the peninsula. They had two daughters, Miriam (13) and Cassandra (10), who have been through BPS and are continuing on the path of thousands before them through Belmont Intermediate and on to Takapuna Grammar School.
When Cunningham revealed plans to step down, Thorne found himself applying with at least a dozen other contenders for the principal’s job.
There had been other opportunities to move schools and progress in his career, but this was the job he really wanted. It was a nervous wait until he heard late last year he was to be the new principal.
Although Thorne thought he had moved to the big smoke, with a bit more anonymity than a small farming town might offer, it was the nature of the peninsula and its tight-knit community, with almost a small-town-in-acity feel, that struck him.
He came to really value the benefits that came with all of that.
“Although you could say we are cut off over here, that has its own great benefits. The schools draw from the same or adjacent communities. As the kids grow through it, it’s highly likely they will have been to kindy or early childhood with others they’ll meet again when they get to school.
“As they move through, right to high school, they are re-meeting, reconnecting. This gives an incredible sense of safety and of belonging.
“And it’s the same patterns for the families here. It means they can build strong and long-lasting connections and friendships. For the schools it means there is a high level of commitment from parents. They value what we have got here and they support it.
“Similarly, outside the school gates there are so many great sports clubs where, once again, the kids and their families overlap.
“It makes for a very active, stable commu-
nity and of course it’s great for teachers to work within the sort of environment we have here. Not just at this school but all around the neighbourhoods.
“Bruce placed a lot of emphasis on relationships and the importance of building them. He was very, very good at that and I hope I can measure up on that. He was also
“I love seeing the growth in children over time... It’s pretty special watching them arrive as excited five-year-olds and then, six years later, seeing them step into leadership roles and be role models for others.”
very good at helping others to develop and build their own careers.
“That’s why we have such a very low turnover of staff here. People like working here.”
Thorne brought with him to the school a strength in sports and he’s taken his skills into local clubs and coaching.
“When I first moved to the North Shore I joined the rugby club as a way to meet people, get involved in the community and stay active.”
He played for eight years for the North Shore Rugby Club.
When his youngest daughter started rugby he was coach of her team for three years before she switched to football. He coached
daughter Miriam and her rippa team last year and now she is at Takapuna Grammar, he’s coaching her team there too.
Until recently he coordinated the Devonport touch rugby competition on Monday nights.
“I love seeing the growth in children over time,” he says.
“It’s pretty special watching them arrive as excited five-year-olds and then, six years later, seeing them step into leadership roles and be role models for others.
“In this job I wake up happy to be going to work every day.”
That said, Thorne acknowledges the stresses there are in teaching on top of the full-on demands of parenting young children.
The outside pressures, he says, can be challenging.
He’s seen governments come and go and many education ministers with them. As they’ve rolled out policy about-turns and called for new approaches, teachers like Thorne, have learned to roll with the changes to remain effective in their roles.
Thorne leapt at the chance to try new things when he set up a boys-only class and selected students who would thrive from a change of approach.
It was a successful initiative from 2014 to 2016 but was discontinued when numbers and needs within the school changed for kids in that cohort.
At the same time he’d been running evenings for fathers and sons, after researching boys’ engagement in literacy as part of his own professional development.
That experience and venture into looking at how to better support some boys in their learning will stick with him, says Thorne.
But he says his biggest short-term challenge will be establishing his own leadership identity.
“Bruce has been incredibly well-loved in our community for the past 20 years – but I’m not Bruce, I’m me.”
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Familiar swimming foes take top two places
Top four…Claire Fitzpatrick, Nicki Clement, Brent Foster and Alex Dunkley. Below: Foster (left) trailed Dunkley, who showed good speed on the beach as well as in the water.
in annual Round North Head Classic contest
Fully clothed… top no-togs swimmer Dave Liversidge had the honour of donning the freedom swimmers dressing gown
Alex Dunkley beat his old rival Brent Foster to win the annual Round North Head Classic 2.9 km race from Windsor Reserve to Cheltenham Beach.
Dunkley clocked 29:10 for the swim, ahead of Foster in 29:55.
First female swimmer was Nicki Clement who was also third overall in a time of 34:54. Next female was Claire Fitzpatrick in 35:03.
First junior female was Maia Doran (39:40) and first junior male Simon Tagg (35:43).
First Freedom (no swimsuit) swimmer was Dave Liversidge (35.10), and the first female Freedom swimmer Sanne Jacobsen (40:08).
The race was held on 12 April, with 213 entrants completing the course.
Top Juniors… Maia Doran (left), first junior female home, and Simon Tagg, first junior male
Helping hands… Jenny Stark (left) and Karen Hunt finish the event
North Shore Cricket Club senior prize winners
Two North Shore Cricket Club members won awards at the Auckland Cricketer of the Year dinner earlier this month.
Shore premier women’s coach Johan Kirstein won the award for an outstanding contribution to women and girls while Emily Handyside won the Katie Perkins Cup for Players’ Player of the Year.
North Shore senior prizewinners for the 2024-2025 season were:
Youth Female Bowling: Audrey Melhuish; Youth Female Batting: Raiha Jeory-Reynolds; J Finny Cup: Ben Dunlop; Emerging Players Batting: Tobey Parker; Emerging Players Bowling: Leo Hobson; 3rd XI Batting: Ashley Abraham; 3rd XI Bowling: Lewis Goodwin; Jacobs Goodwin Clinch Grade Cricket Battler Award: Ashley Abraham; Reserves Batting: Christian Scott; Reserves Bowling: Angus Nicoll; Grace Gooder – Most Wickets (Woman): Isabella Watson; Hilda Thompson – Highest Score (Woman): Meddy Hyde; Clare Nicholson –Most Runs (Woman): Jessie Canty and Emily Handyside; Bev Brentall – Best All-rounder (Female): Jess Smith; Knox Cup – Premier Runs (Male): Daniel O’Driscoll; Vercoe –Most Premier Wickets (Male): Rory Bessell; Mr Pickwick –Premier Fielder (Male): Riley Mudford; Dacre – Most Promising Senior (Male): Max Clarke; Winterbottom – Most Improved Senior (Male): Krissie Mistry; D R Bennett – Senior All-rounder (Male): Riley Mudford; Eileen Henderson – Most Wickets Premier and Reserve Men: Rory Bessell; Don Coleman – First Ton of the Season: Rustin Langford; Harry Pitts – Highest Score (Male): Kerry McMillan; Cam Maingay –
They Turned the Match: Freddy Birch; Ian Munro – Volunteer of the Year: Sam Hinds; Verdun Scott – Sportspersonship: Raiha
Of The Year: Krissie Mistry.
Auckland cricket award winners… Emily Handyside and Johan Kirstein
Jeory-Reynolds; Major Jacka – Loyalty to Club and Team: Chris Reid; B P Somerville – Cricketer
Belmont Park Racquets junior tennis results
Junior Boys champions and runners-up (R/U)
Under-10 Singles: Oliver Whitely; R/U Leo Bodle. Under-10 Doubles: Tommy Sosa and Leo Bodle; R/U Oliver Whitely and Javier Tan. Under-12 Singles: Victor Koelsch; R/U Eddy Su. Under-12 Doubles: Eric Guo and Victor Koelsch; R/U Henry Collier and George McDonald. Under-15 Singles: Marcus Cutfield; R/U Robbie Brant. Under-15 Doubles: Archie SomervilleRyan and Robbie Brant; R/U Arlo Marmont and Kobi Marmont. Under-18 Singles: Ryan Sinclair; R/U Connor Clifton. Under-18 Doubles: Ethan Clifton and Daniel Gonzales; R/U Ryan Sinclair and Connor Clifton.
Junior Girls champions and runners-up (R/U)
Under-10 Singles: Tahlia Bates; (R/U) Rosie Proffit. Under-10 Doubles: Tahlia Bates and Paige Collins; (R/U) Rosie Proffit and Poppy Wigram. Under-12 Singles: Vida McNatty; (R/U) Andrea Newsome. Under-12 Doubles: Isa Cutfield and Ava Morreau; (R/U) Vida McNatty and Andrea Newsome. Under-15 Singles: Agnes Su; (R/U) Nicole Rossi. Under-15 Doubles: Agnes Su and Mikaela Topolsky; (R/U) Claire Guo and Nicole Rossi. Under-18 Singles: Charlotte Crotty; (R/U) Sophie Green.
Champs… (clockwise from above, left to right) U-10 Girls Doubles finalists: Paige Collins, Tahlia Bates (winners) and Poppy Wigram, Rosie Proffit. U-18 Girls finalists. Charlotte Crotty (winner) and Sophie Green. U-12 Girls Singles finalists. Andrea Newsome and Vida McNatty (winner) U-15 Boys Finalists. Robbie Brant and Marcus Cutfield (winner)
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John Bisset LtD
20 years ago from the Flagstaff files
• Three Devonport war veterans – Harry Bioletti, Dennis Smeaton Manson and Jim Dunning – are selected to take part in the 90th anniversary commemoration of the Anzac landings in Gallipoli.
• Local residents opopose a six-house subdivision on low-lying land in Regent St on the edge of Ngataringa Bay.
• “Fullers carpark” is criticised by the Devonport Business Association with claims travellers to Waiheke Island are parking long term on King Edward Pde at the expense of shoppers.
• Gin Wigmore is top of the bill at the Sounds of Devonport concert to be held on Windsor Reserve.
• Emma Eaglen and her dog Molly both receive electric shocks and need to be checked out – Molly by a vet and Emma at the hospital – after being exposed to a live United Networks wire near the Devonport Yacht Club.
• The Navy restricts helicopter landings in Devonport to between 7am to 10 pm as part of a new code of practice.
• Opening up Devonport Wharf and linking it to Victoria Rd are two key elements in the winning entry from Sills van Boheman Architecture in the Devonport Urban Design competition.
• Sam Welsh is the cross-bearer during the Procession of Witness pilgrimage up Mt Victoria.
• The employment of a full-time security officer outside Devonport shops is investigated by the Devonport Business Association.
• Veteran lawn bowler Mary Guldbrandsen leads the New Zealand Maori team to an international tournament in Darwin, Australia.
• Retiring Belmont Primary School principal Terry Jobling is the Flagstaff interview subject.
TGS Golf on the Rise
Golf at Takapuna Grammar School is thriving, with over 50 enthusiastic students from all year levels now registered to play — a testament to the sport’s growing popularity among students and the teachers promoting the programme.
Recently, four talented TGS golfers— Luka Simperingham, William Mutch, Oscar Beech, and Luke Tibbots (pictured right) — took part in the prestigious Auckland Strokeplay Championship. This event featured the top 80 school golfers from across the region. After two competitive rounds, William Mutch emerged as the top TGS performer, finishing an impressive 20th overall.
In partnership with Waitemata Golf Club, we’re excited to launch the inaugural TGS Golf Open this May. This brand-new event offers students of all skill levels the chance to enjoy a full day of golf, and we hope it becomes an annual tradition in the school calendar. Thanks to the continued support from parents, coaches, and the wider TGS golf community, we've built a yearround programme that gives students regular opportunities to compete and improve. “I’ve just started playing golf for TGS, and the support is amazing. Everyone is super-helpful, and I feel like my game has improved massively” says Year 10 student Quinn McAlpine. We look forward to expanding this programme and seeing what our next generation of golfers can achieve.
Tee Off for a Great Cause – TGS PTA Golf Day!
Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and join us for a fantastic afternoon of golf and good times at the TGS PTA Golf Day, on Thursday 22 May from 1.00pm at the Waitematā Golf Course.
Takapuna Grammar PTA is hosting a 9-Hole, 4-Ball Ambrose competition — perfect for players of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just in it for the laughs, this is your chance to enjoy a great day out while supporting a
TGS Community Wraps Up Support for Coats for Kids
The Peer Service Team at Takapuna Grammar School has been hard at work rallying support for the Coats for Kids drive, an initiative led by the Bald Angels Charitable Trust. Their efforts in organising and promoting the event paid off, with students and staff stepping up to donate an incredible amount of warm clothing for Kiwi kids in need. On 7 April, representatives from the Bald Angels visited TGS to collect the donations. These items are now on their way to schools and social service organisations in the Far North, where they’ll bring warmth
great cause.
After the round, unwind with fellow players over a light dinner buffet, where we’ll celebrate the day's winners. Plus, don’t miss the raffle and auction, packed with awesome items to bid on — all proceeds going to support TGS school initiatives — to purchase tickets please visit the school Kindo. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a brilliant day on the green and connect with the TGS community.
and comfort to children this winter. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed — your kindness will make a real difference in the lives of many young New Zealanders. – Iris Cairns
Get in Quick to See Shortland Street:
The Musical - Teen Issue
Takapuna Grammar's production of Shortland Street: The Musical - Teen Issue is just around the corner! Final rehearsals of the 90s-inspired show are now under way. Our mini showcase visits to local primary and intermediate schools late in term one were a big success, and our fantastic show band, directed by Mrs Lauren MacMillan, have recorded the backing tracks for each of the original music tracks at Devonport's Depot Studios. It's been a huge month, but everyone is now primed to deliver strong performances when the show hits the stage 4-9 May.
Tickets are selling fast, so if you want to experience TGS's take on this iconic piece of New Zealand culture, make sure you buy your tickets at iTicket now.
Pleasant path destroyed
I was pleased to read about your pleasant time with your grandson (Flagstaff Notes, 14 March).
We have lived in Devonport for five years on Victoria Rd. During this time we have had two new grandchildren, now aged 4 and 3. We have enjoyed taking walks with them up the middle track on Mt Victoria, firstly in their push chair and then walking with us, hand in hand – the gentle slope easy for the elderly and the young, with well-placed seats for rest.
Last weekend, we visited again and were horrified to see serried ranks of steps as far as the eye could see. No more easy walking for us or the children.
Why was this pleasant path destroyed for the young and old? Ann Davies
Big fight marked pool opening
Although I live in Brisbane, I grew up in Winscome St, Belmont. Takapuna Grammar School seems to believe its swimming pool is 50 years old. In fact it is 61.
I watched it being built from my parents’ house and I was a pupil when it was opened.
How do I know the date? The opening carnival was held the day Sonny Liston fought Cassius Clay: 25 February, 1964.
Alot of us listened to the fight on hidden radios instead of watching the swimming.
When TGS publicises the reopening in your papers please ensure it says 61 years old, not 50.
I read both your papers on-line every Friday. They are great. Murray Roberts
Sessions aim to support carers of people with dementia
Dealing with family members with dementia is demanding, as Devonport woman Rixt Brownlow knows only too well. That’s why the part-time co-ordinator at the Devonport Community House wants to spread the word about talks the house is hosting with Auckland Dementia to help carers in the community.
It’s the sort of support Brownlow (pictured) would have welcomed when her father, Menno Riegstra, who died late last year, had worsening dementia. “It was hugely stressful,” she says. “I just found the whole thing really challenging. I really felt I was flying by the seat of my pants.”
Family and friends of those with the degenerative condition not only have to deal with their loved one but also have to process their own reactions, which can include guilt and burn-out.
The idea for the workshops came from Devonport Senior Forum chair Lynn Dawson, who saw a need for help on the peninsula – with its ageing demographic –through her contact with community groups and churches.
It is hoped the two sessions scheduled for
Brownlow says her experience of dealing with dementia came when her father’s condition “steeply declined” around five years ago. His wife had died several years earlier and while the Dutch-born former senior manager of electrical firm Philips had been coping at home with a daily carer and Meals on Wheels, she believes Covid isolation exacerbated his vascular dementia, leaving him increasingly agitated. She struggled to have him assessed for higher-level care.
unfit to manage his own affairs.”
During a spell in respite care her father wandered off and was picked up by the community constable.
He ended up in the special care unit at Rymans’ Williams Sanders village. “By that stage you’ve gone through a lot,” says Brownlow.
Support from her son Sean was a boon as she learned to pace herself. “It’s like dealing with a difficult child situation. You have to put yourself in timeout sometimes – phone someone, go have a coffee, say: ‘I’m off.’”
She says she found some closure when she was able to organise a farewell celebration of her father’s life.
The talk topics will include brain health and advice on supporting people with dementia in the community.
Tips for self-care as people age is to stay active and involved.
Brownlow says learning an instrument or a language – she is trying Portuguese – or being involved in community groups is a good place to start.
“There’s no clear process, even when I went to the doctor to get my father declared
• The advice sessions are on 15 May and 22 May and operate on a koha basis to Auckland Dementia, with booking advised (for numbers) through the Community House.
Tēnā koutou, welcome to May, and with it two exciting new exhibitions and some creative news to share!
DEPOT Artspace
DEPOT Artspace’s new exhibition ‘The Sound of Steel’ features the sculptural percussion instruments created by designer, musician and steel fabricator Gary Hunt.
This exhibition is presented in partnership with Helium Project featuring a suite of music composed by Nick Edgar and performed with Gary’s hand-crafted percussion instruments.
DEPOT 3 Vic Road
DEPOT 3 Vic Road’s new exhibition
‘Portraits from the Deep’ showcases a collection of illustrations and gyotaku fish-prints by Kāpiti-based artist Tim Li.
Visitors can also browse the DEPOT Shop | Toi Toa collection, including our Maker of the Month for May - Virginiejg.
DEPOT Sound
Massive thanks to everyone who came to support our two recent live music events; DEPOT’s Flood Recovery Fundraiser gig featuring Racing and CCTV, and Olivia Forbes’ opera performance with Claire Caldwell on piano.
Both events were hugely successful, and we’re grateful for everyone who came to support on both nights!
Visit depot.org.nz for more info and stay up to date by subscribing to our e-news!
Ngā mihi nui, Amy Saunders
Director | Kaiwhakahaere, DEPOT amy.saunders@depot.org.nz
Theatre the star of new short doco
A new short film recounting the Victoria Theatre’s 113-year history is to be released next month.
The Vic: A Love Story features old still photos, footage from various documentaries and short films on the fight to save and reopen the theatre as well as fresh interviews by producer and Vic Theatre Trust chair Margot McRae.
The 23-minute film has been professionally edited and sound-mixed with a budget of $8000, around half coming from a grant from Devonport Rotary.
Included in the footage:
• A 2006 Steve Hart short film which included interviews with Sarah Burren, who led the fight for council to buy the building, and Bruce Palmer, one of the former owners when it was a Charley Gray cinema.
• 2010 footage shot by Colin McRae of the opening concert and parade up Victoria Rd
• Interviews with Burren, Margot McRae and long-time trust co-chair Mark Sigglekow captured by Irene Chapple in a short documentary for her masters in film course.
• The theatre’s 112th-year celebrations.
Cheltenham cinema buff Murray Thompson has also contributed photos of historic theatres from around Auckland from his collection, and McRae has interviewed
former owner Karl Rusher and theatre director Geoff Allen.
When Rusher was in charge in the late 1990s, the Vic was the first cinema in New Zealand to show a digitised movie. But the screenings were “closed down” because of the threat they posed to the traditional movie industry, McRae said.
Rusher also ran into trouble with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States over Oscar, the cinema’s cat. A name change followed.
McRae hopes the film will be enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
“It’s always fun to do projects like this but its hard to patch it all together... at 23 minutes, it’s compact.”
McRae hopes the film will be screened twice a week for locals after the première, during Heritage weeks and on a regular schedule for tourists during the summer season.
The theatre’s history, reopening and renovation story offered educational opportunities for those interested in heritage and Devonport.
Devonport Primary had already booked a session to see the film, and U3A in Takapuna had made enquiries, McRae said.
• The Vic: A Love Story premières on 19 May, followed by public screenings.
Capturing the Vic on film… Margot McRae in the cinema’s foyer
Ready, get set, paint! Artists prepare for speed test
Devonport painter Richard Coldicutt expects to have a lot of fun and provide some entertainment for observers when he joins other artists battling it out in a speed-painting event to be held at the Devonport Ferry Terminal next week.
Art Battle Devonport – being held as part of First Thursdays monthly arts events in the village – is part of the world’s largest live painting tournament run across more than 70 countries.
The Devonport winner will go on to an Auckland regional final at Eden Park, with the chance to represent New Zealand.
Depot director Amy Saunders says having a feeder event here this year on 1 May “is a bit of a coup”. She has been encouraging local artists to be among the 12 in competition.
Painter and retired academic Coldicutt decided to give it a go, although he said it would be new territory, with just 20 minutes to go brush to brush beside other artists in front of an audience which gets to vote as heats progress.
Depot gallery-goers are more likely to know Coldicutt for his delicate watercolours of coastal scenes than for any slapdash stuff. He says: “People have a really hard time reconciling other work I do.” This includes a background of creating public art in various mediums in 25 years in Perth, Australia, and using art for social commentary.
“All these things collectively, including teaching, are how an artist has to make a living,” he says.
After starting as a graphic designer, he
SHOWING NOW
The Accountant 2 (R16)
Small Things Like These (M)
The Correspondent (M)
(R16)
The Penguin Lessons (M)
turned to painting and also studied and researched to PhD level, establishing an academic career before returning to settle in New Zealand with his family.
While the idea of making art competitive went a bit against the grain he was keen to support First Thursdays. The Art Battle was also a way of profiling art and making it accessible to the general public.
“I really want to support the local fraternity,” he says.
DJs, giveaways and performances by Takapuna Grammar School students will also feature on the night.
As to what Coldicutt intends to do when he and the other artists gather in a circle inside the terminal, with easels and paints at the ready to work against the clock, he is mulling some figurative and local themes, but isn’t set. But he is intrigued to see how other artists approach the task.
“If I was dedicated I would do a test run, but I probably won’t. I have no idea what it will turn out like for me, but it will just grow.”
• Art Battle Devonport, Thursday 1 May, from 6pm, with brushes drawn at 7pm. Free to attend, but those wanting to vote should register. Works go into a silent auction, with all proceeds to the artists. For other First Thursday events see linktr.ee/firstthursdaydevonport.
(R16) 96min
The Amateur (M) 123min
The Cats of Gokogu Shrine (G) 119min Death of a Unicorn (R16) 108min
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Race-ready... Artist Richard Coldicutt’s 2020 self-portrait, Brush with Myself
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