Takapuna Normal rockers make Bandquest final... p3
Westlake teams fly high... p11-15
Shore schools on song at
Milford, Sunnynook eyed for high-density housing
Milford and Sunnynook face massive intensification under draft Auckland Council planning changes.
Much of blue-chip Milford, particularly east of the town centre, from near Lake Pupuke to within 100 metres of the coast – is in line for designation as a Terrace House and
Apartment Building (THAB) zone, with development of up to six storeys.
In Sunnynook, 10-storey apartment blocks will be allowed within around 10 minutes walking distance of the bus station.
At the same time, pockets of housing near the Sunnynook station are to be “down-
zoned” as ongoing flood hazard areas, with building restricted to single homes. This constraint is also proposed for at-risk parts of Milford, in the flood-prone Wairau catchment.
The changes are part of a recently re
Village residents boost food drive
Caring and sharing... Residents at Arvida Parklane retirement village in Forrest Hill, including Chris Wargent (left) and Robin Adam, chipped in items for the North Shore’s Winter Food Drive last month. The goods went to the Sunnynook Community Centre, one of 16 collection points for the campaign by the Food Security Network and Auckland Churches Network. The Good Works Trust in Forrest Hill was one of the distributors.
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Wanted: your votes in local body poll Election special
Local body election season is upon us. Candidates’ promotional signs have been up for nearly a month and ballot papers are set to start arriving in letterboxes from next week.
But I count the real beginning of the campaign from the first public meeting for candidates, which was held last week.
The signage seems to have fared pretty well to date, barring the beheading of one candidate in Devonport, who quickly replaced her sign. Perhaps this shows the relative lack of interest in local elections compared with national polls, despite councils and local boards having direct impact on our community facilities, events and aspirations.
See the next Observer for a special local body election guide. The 19 September paper will include candidate profiles and coverage of two election meetings this week, including the big 3 September evening in Devonport.
Meetings ahead
• Friday 19 September, 1-3pm: Grey Power meeting with mayoral and council candidates at Netball North Harbour.
• Tuesday 23 September, 7pm: Mayoral and council candidates questioned on local topics at a meeting organised by residents associations at Milford Baptist Church.
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With a funding crunch, rate rises and planning changes in the pipeline, the 2025 election offers plenty of talking points. Some of these topics were canvassed at a meeting in Glenfield of hopefuls seeking seats on either the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board (DTLB) or the Kaipātiki Local Board. Organised by Ancad (the Auckland North Community and Development group), the meeting drew around 80 people and more than 20 candidates, including those vying for the two North Shore seats on Auckland Council.
For newbies in the DTLB race, it was a good chance to practise before main meetings closer to home. Apart from a few muttered asides, they were a pretty forgiving crowd, curious about the contenders and generous with applause.
Most of the 20-plus candidates acquitted themselves well, but they were hardly put on the spot, though DTLB candidate Kamini Schoonbee showed persistence in pointing out to the MC she had missed a speaking slot. Such perseverance might come in handy when seeking answers from council staff. Accountant Schoonbee is one of the candidates from the Communities and Residents (C&R) ticket and those from the other main bloc, A Fresh Approach (AFA), who have been noticeably out and about in the last few months, even sitting in on local board meetings to get up to speed.
• Tuesday 30 September, 7pm: DTLB board candidates, hosted by the local residents groups at Milford Baptist Church.
running. Quiet achievers can draw on their existing connections within the community, but putting yourself about is part of successful campaigning.
Candidates who are current board members spoke consistently of the need to push back on “fairer funding”, a central council funding formula for boards that penalises those like the DTLB and Kaipātiki with ageing assets to maintain.
Others mentioned backing public transport, balancing heritage and intensification, involving ethnic communities and youth and the usual themes of supporting libraries, events and the arts. Act candidates wanted property rights upheld and costs cut. Building flood resilience and stormwater upgrades were unsurprisingly popular planks.
Views about the ideas expressed and personalities on display will differ according to individual preference.
Albany Heat Pumps
Others have been more anonymous. Some to the extent that one wonders why they bother
YOUR LOCAL
That is why it is worth heading along to a community meeting to see who might best represent your interests.
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Criminally good TNIS rockers make national contest final
Takapuna Normal Intermediate band the Smooth Criminals stole the Bandquest judges’ hearts to win one of the contest’s Auckland competitions at the Bruce Mason Centre last week, and will now compete in the national finals.
The band, which formed just four months ago, beat 15 other contenders, including four bands also from TNIS.
Pictured (from left) are its members: Tejas Mudaly (guitar), Sinya Xia (vocals/bass), Mei Lin Nan (vocals), Patrick Zhang (keyboard), Max Han (violin), Felix Smith (vocals), Mathew Chen (violin), Patrick Moot and Aiden Lee (both drums and percussion). Eric Li (violin) was absent.
The Criminals’ winning set included “Peg” by Steely Dan and
“Cantaloop” by Us3, in a jazz-rock-rap fusion style.
Along with the entry into the national finals, the band won a $300 Rockshop voucher for TNIS.
Bandquest is open to intermediate and primary schools nationwide.
Each of the regional winners will submit a video of themselves performing for an online final.
The winners will be announced later this month, with almost $5000 in musical equipment from Rockshop up for grabs.
Prizes are also awarded for original songwriter, star vocalist, specialist instrument, rockstar styles, killer guitarist, rock-solid bassist, rocking drummer and outstanding keyboardist.
Hanoi Haven Turns One –and the Celebration Tastes Delicious
Takapuna’s very own slice of Vietnam, Hanoi Haven, has just blown out its first candle — and to mark the occasion, they’ve treated themselves (and us) to a shiny new menu. Think of it as the greatest hits with some exciting new singles.
The classics are still stealing hearts. The signature Cha Ca La Vong — market fish marinated with turmeric and galangal, served with noodles and herbs — is as bright and layered as ever. And of course, the beloved Ba La Lot, juicy beef wrapped in fragrant betel leaves, makes its return with vermicelli and that tangy fish sauce you’ll want on everything.
But wait till you meet the newbies. The Crispy Pork Belly is all golden crackle and tender bite, while the Five-Spice Roasted Duck Cascade offers rich, slowsimmered depth in a glossy oyster-ginger sauce.
The Contemporary Stuffed Squid, caramel-glazed and packed with pork, prawns, and mushrooms, is
nothing short of culinary theatre. And the star everyone’s talking about?
The Crispy Prawns — coated in young green rice flakes, dipped in house chilli mayo, and bursting with that signature Hanoi flavour.
Kick things off with the fresh, zesty Roasted Duck Salad featuring grapes and carrot pickles, or raise a fiery Chilli Margarita to mark the moment.
One year on, Hanoi Haven continues to charm with vibrant plates, bold flavours, and a dash of adventure — proof that the best journeys sometimes start right on your doorstep.
Signature dish: Bo La Lotchargrilled beef wrapped in betel leaves
Chilli Margarita
Rising sport squeezes market off part of Takapuna site
Racquet sport padel is coming to central Takapuna, on a site adjoining Waiwharariki Anzac Square, Auckland Council has confirmed.
The new sporting activity will put an end to Takapuna Sunday Market’s temporary use of the “Block D” area next to the square.
The market has a council lease to use the square itself but had been allowed to expand onto Block D, one of the sites around the square tagged for development.
Commercial sports operator Pacific Padel will begin the installation next month of three glass courts to operate under a threeyear lease arrangement with council. They are expected to be open for play from early November.
“Padel is booming globally,” a council spokesperson said this week. “Now locals can play, watch, and enjoy it right in the square, boosting the market vibe and supporting local businesses.”
The market will continue to operate on the square on Sundays from 7am to midday. It also uses Block B, another future development site, by arrangement with council.
Prime site... Padel courts will be installed on the Block D area next to Waiwharariki Anzac Square in central Takapuna
Property owners’ initial lava-fix plan rejected by council
A plan to repair ancient lava flows on the coast between Milford and Takapuna that were damaged by concrete infill has been rejected by Auckland Council.
An updated remediation action plan from property owners is now awaited, a council spokesperson said. “There is no timeframe I can give you for this unfortunately,” the spokesperson told the Observer.
Council is also conducting a wider investigation into the damage to the flows. Last year, it served the owners with an abatement
notice requiring remediation of the lava.
The flows are part of the Takapuna Reef Fossil Forest, dating back hundreds of centuries, which has been described as “one of the best examples of lava-preserved forest in the world”.
Around 60 metres of concreting was done at the seaward edge of 19 O’Neills Ave Takapuna, beside the Takapuna-Milford coastal walkway. Last November an owner of 19 O’Neills Ave told the Observer through an interpreter that the work had begun a couple of years ago to stabilise a landslip which had created a hole.
Funding sought for demolition of Mary Thomas community building
The Mary Thomas Centre community building in Takapuna will be demolished.
The run-down council facility on Gibbons Rd, behind the Takapuna Library, was emptied of community group tenants last year, after the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board agreed to sell it in 2023.
Due to market conditions, a sale was put on hold following advice from council staff, who recommended a cleared site would be a better future sale prospect.
The plan had been to put money realised from the centre’s sale towards upgrading the library on The Strand and reconfiguring it as a combined library and community hub, but the project has stalled due to a funding
members last month unanimously agreed to the demolition of the centre. Staff will investigate whether the board can get funds for work from council’s new Delivering Differently Programme or from parks funds for the demolition of unwanted assets.
The decision followed a confidential workshop, where “deconstruction” was one of three options advanced. The others were for a minor upgrade pending sale, or a costly
Staff reiterated that the building – named after the wife of former Takapuna Mayor
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Fred Thomas – was in a poor condition, particularly the roof.
When opened around 50 years ago, it had been the first purpose-built, multi-use facility on the North Shore. But its design was no longer “up to it” and the centre had been under-used for some time.
After tenants shifted to the Community Services Building next to the library, only its lower rooms were occasionally hired out.
Member Gavin Busch asked if it might be worth trying to get more value out of the building while it still stood, but was told its age and condition raised the risk of more maintenance issues. Minimal maintenance costs were put at around $100,000 a year.
Deputy board chair Terence Harpur asked if a vacant site would be a “positive financial decision”. Staff said it would be, as any purchaser would build demolition costs into their offer.
Parking was suggested as a possible interim use for the site once cleared, which staff will look into after they find out if demolition funding is available.
They will then seek a resource consent for demolition – a process expected to take four to six months. Should funding not be found, the board, as landholder, will have to decide how to proceed.
Secret to keeping up with the grandkids
Murray watched Harper setting up her toy cash register on the lawn with neatly arranged plastic vegetables in rows. “Grandad, you’re the customer!” announced the 4-year-old.
Secret to keeping up with the grandkids
Secret to keeping up with the grandkids
Murray watched Harper setting up her toy cash register on the lawn with neatly arranged plastic vegetables in rows. “Grandad, you’re the customer!” announced the 4-year-old.
Without hesitation, Murray dropped to the grass, ready for another round of shops. Later, he’d realise he’d been up and down a dozen times without even thinking about it.
Murray watched Harper setting up her toy cash register on the lawn with neatly arranged plastic vegetables in rows. “Grandad, you’re the customer!” announced the 4-year-old.
Murray watched Harper setting up her toy cash register on the lawn with neatly arranged plastic vegetables in rows. “Grandad, you’re the customer!” announced the 4-year-old.
Without hesitation, Murray dropped to the grass, ready for another round of shops. Later, he’d realise he’d been up and down a dozen times without even thinking about it.
Without hesitation, Murray dropped to the grass, ready for another round of shops. Later, he’d realise he’d been up and down a dozen times without even thinking about it.
Without hesitation, Murray dropped to the grass, ready for another round of shops. Later, he’d realise he’d been up and down a dozen times without even thinking about it.
At 56, Murray runs a successful business and maintains his property with pride. Between work, doing the jobs around the house, and keeping those hedges perfectly trimmed, he’s always on the move. But keeping up with his energetic grandkids, Harper and Archie, had started to challenge even this active grandad.
“I’ve always been hands-on,” Murray explains. “But those little ones are non-stop. One minute you’re playing shops, next you’re a patient at their hospital, then you’re a jungle gym. It’s a workout!”
At 56, Murray runs a successful business and maintains his property with pride. Between work, doing the jobs around the house, and keeping those hedges perfectly trimmed, he’s always on the move. But keeping up with his energetic grandkids, Harper and Archie, had started to challenge even this active grandad. “I’ve always been hands-on,” Murray explains. “But those little ones are non-stop. One minute you’re playing shops, next you’re a patient at their hospital, then you’re a jungle gym. It’s a workout!”
At 56, Murray runs a successful business and maintains his property with pride. Between work, doing the jobs around the house, and keeping those hedges perfectly trimmed, he’s always on the move. But keeping up with his energetic grandkids, Harper and Archie, had started to challenge even this active grandad.
At 56, Murray runs a successful business and maintains his property with pride. Between work, doing the jobs around the house, and keeping those hedges perfectly trimmed, he’s always on the move. But keeping up with his energetic grandkids, Harper and Archie, had started to challenge even this active grandad.
“I’ve always been hands-on,” Murray explains. “But those little ones are non-stop. One minute you’re playing shops, next you’re a patient at their hospital, then you’re a jungle gym. It’s a workout!”
“I’ve always been hands-on,” Murray explains. “But those little ones are non-stop. One minute you’re playing shops, next you’re a patient at their hospital, then you’re a jungle gym. It’s a workout!”
The small business owner noticed he was starting to feel it, old rugby knees complaining, that twisted ankle acting up after a day of play. He wasn’t sidelined, but he wasn’t at his best either. When his son dropped him some Koru FX cream, Murray was skeptical but curious.
The small business owner noticed he was starting to feel it, old rugby knees complaining, that twisted ankle acting up after a day of play. He wasn’t sidelined, but he wasn’t at his best either. When his son dropped him some Koru FX cream, Murray was skeptical but curious.
The small business owner noticed he was starting to feel it, old rugby knees complaining, that twisted ankle acting up after a day of play. He wasn’t sidelined, but he wasn’t at his best either. When his son dropped him some Koru FX cream, Murray was skeptical but curious.
The small business owner noticed he was starting to feel it, old rugby knees complaining, that twisted ankle acting up after a day of play. He wasn’t sidelined, but he wasn’t at his best either. When his son dropped him some Koru FX cream, Murray was skeptical but curious.
“I thought, why not? If it helps me keep up with these kids, it’s worth a shot.” What impressed Murray was how natural it felt. No burning sensation or sticky residue – just a subtle warmth that absorbed quickly.
“I thought, why not? If it helps me keep up with these kids, it’s worth a shot.” What impressed Murray was how natural it felt. No burning sensation or sticky residue –just a subtle warmth that absorbed quickly.
“I thought, why not? If it helps me keep up with these kids, it’s worth a shot.” What impressed Murray was how natural it felt. No burning sensation or sticky residue – just a subtle warmth that absorbed quickly.
“I thought, why not? If it helps me keep up with these kids, it’s worth a shot.” What impressed Murray was how natural it felt. No burning sensation or sticky residue – just a subtle warmth that absorbed quickly.
The secret? Koru FX’s triple-action formula works differently than typical creams. Arnica starts working immediately to support comfort, while black pepper and rosemary oil creates gentle warmth that helps the ingredients penetrate deeper. The mānuka, peppermint and calendula oils then provide longer-lasting support throughout the day.
The secret? Koru FX’s triple-action formula works differently than typical creams. Arnica starts working immediately to support comfort, while black pepper and rosemary oil creates gentle warmth that helps the ingredients penetrate deeper. The mānuka, peppermint and calendula oils then provide longer-lasting support throughout the day. Koru Nutrition, the makers of Koru FX say, “The natural oils work synergistically – fast action from arnica, deep penetration from black pepper, and sustained support from New Zealand mānuka and peppermint. That’s why users experience both fast-acting and long-lasting benefits.”
The secret? Koru FX’s triple-action formula works differently than typical creams. Arnica starts working immediately to support comfort, while black pepper and rosemary oil creates gentle warmth that helps the ingredients penetrate deeper. The mānuka, peppermint and calendula oils then provide longer-lasting support throughout the day. Koru Nutrition, the makers of Koru FX say, “The natural oils work synergistically – fast action from arnica, deep penetration from black pepper, and sustained support from New Zealand mānuka and peppermint. That’s why users experience both fast-acting and long-lasting benefits.”
Koru Nutrition, the makers of Koru FX say, “The natural oils work synergistically – fast action from arnica, deep penetration from black pepper, and sustained support from New Zealand mānuka and peppermint. That’s why users experience both fast-acting and long-lasting benefits.”
The secret? Koru FX’s triple-action formula works differently than typical creams. Arnica starts working immediately to support comfort, while black pepper and rosemary oil creates gentle warmth that helps the ingredients penetrate deeper. The mānuka, peppermint and calendula oils then provide longer-lasting support throughout the day. Koru Nutrition, the makers of Koru FX say, “The natural oils work synergistically – fast action from arnica, deep penetration from black pepper, and sustained support from New Zealand mānuka and peppermint. That’s why users experience both fast-acting and long-lasting benefits.”
Murray applies it morning and evening, and sometimes after particularly active grandkid sessions.
Murray applies it morning and evening, and sometimes after particularly active grandkid sessions.
Murray applies it morning and evening, and sometimes after particularly active grandkid sessions.
“I tried it Friday night,” he recalls. “Saturday I was out doing the hedges, then playing doctors with Harper on the floor. Sunday I finally got around to staining
“I tried it Friday night,” he recalls. “Saturday I was out doing the hedges, then playing doctors with Harper on the floor. Sunday I finally got around to staining
“I tried it Friday night,” he recalls. “Saturday I was out doing the hedges, then playing doctors with Harper on the floor. Sunday I finally got around to staining
Murray applies it morning and evening, and sometimes after particularly active grandkid sessions. “I tried it Friday night,” he recalls. “Saturday I was out doing the hedges, then playing doctors with Harper on the floor. Sunday I finally got around to staining the deck. By Monday, I ordered my own Koru FX tubes.”
the deck. By Monday, I ordered my own Koru FX tubes.”
These days, Murray keeps Koru FX within easy reach: bedside table, office nook, and pantry.
the deck. By Monday, I ordered my own Koru FX tubes.”
These days, Murray keeps Koru FX within easy reach: bedside table, office nook, and pantry.
These days, Murray keeps Koru FX within easy reach: bedside table, office nook, and pantry.
These days, Murray keeps Koru FX within easy reach: bedside table, office nook, and pantry.
“With busy grandkids, you need to be ready for anything,” he laughs. “Yesterday I was a gorilla, a shop customer, and a climbing frame – all before lunch. Today Harper announced I’m going to be a horse. Bring it on!”
“With busy grandkids, you need to be ready for anything,” he laughs. “Yesterday I was a gorilla, a shop customer, and a climbing frame – all before lunch. Today Harper announced I’m going to be a horse. Bring it on!”
“With busy grandkids, you need to be ready for anything,” he laughs. “Yesterday I was a gorilla, a shop customer, and a climbing frame – all before lunch. Today Harper announced I’m going to be a horse. Bring it on!”
“With busy grandkids, you need to be ready for anything,” he laughs. “Yesterday I was a gorilla, a shop customer, and a climbing frame – all before lunch. Today Harper announced I’m going to be a horse. Bring it on!”
His take? “Don’t wait until you need it. Stay ahead of the game and make the most of the moments that matter.”
His take? “Don’t wait until you need it. Stay ahead of the game and make the most of the moments that matter.”
His take? “Don’t wait until you need it. Stay ahead of the game and make the most of the moments that matter.”
Koru FX is available in your local Life, Unichem or Independant pharmacy.
His take? “Don’t wait until you need it. Stay ahead of the game and make the most of the moments that matter.” Koru FX is available in your local Life, Unichem or Independant pharmacy.
Koru FX is available in your local Life, Unichem or Independant pharmacy
Koru FX is available in your local Life, Unichem or Independant pharmacy
Murray keeps a few bottles around the place for when he needs it.
Murray keeps a few bottles around the place for when he needs it.
it.
Murray with his grandaughter, Harper, on a family holiday.
Murray with his grandaughter, Harper, on a family holiday.
Murray with his granddaughter Harper, on a family holiday.
Murray keeps a few bottles around the place for when he needs
Murray with his grandaughter, Harper, on a family holiday.
Murray keeps a few bottles around the place for when he needs it.
the deck. By Monday, I ordered my own Koru FX tubes.”
‘Deal’ with housing minister needed for flood measures
vealed zoning shake-up across the city. Maps available from council to date are hazy on exact boundaries locally.
But the Observer understands natural-hazard zoning in Sunnynook will include slip-road areas leading to the bus station and near central culverts. In Milford, worst-hit patches of Nile Rd are included, opposite Belmont Tce, where homes have already been removed, and near Alma Rd, along with land near the marina and Brian Byrnes Reserve. Wolsley Ave will also be exempted from surrounding THAB zoning.
The Milford and Sunnynook intensification and that around other Northern Busway hubs, is part of a tradeoff with government. An Auckland deal with Housing Minister Chris Bishop allows for downsized hazard areas – with the single-home restriction and with more ability for council to impose conditions or reject applications. It allows council to opt out of nationally mandated Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS), often referred to as 3x3 housing. But to do so it has to plan for two
million more homes in the city, compared with the 900,000 extra the 2016 Auckland Unitary Plan allowed for.
A number of the city’s Special Character Areas, including in Birkenhead, are set to lose their status, although Devonport’s remains, along with its associated single-house zoning.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board is being briefed on the planning changes at a meeting this week, when it can give feedback to council.
Board chair Mel Powell said she had invited residents groups along to give initial views, but wider public feedback would come later in a process required to meet tight deadlines.
“It’s good news that homes won’t be built in the flood zone,” she said.
Locals, the local board, Mayor Wayne Brown and Planning Committee chair Richard Hills had pushed hard for this since the January 2023 floods. “We don’t know the detail yet,” Powell added.
proposed. It fell after the Observer’s print deadline.
Building heights to six storeys had already been envisaged in the Sunnynook “walkable catchment” under the Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone set out under council’s Plan Change 78 (PC78) to allow for the MDRS.
But allowing 10 storeys “will have a huge impact on the community”, said Sunnynook Community Centre manager Bronwyn Bound. There was already a trust issue in the community on when the later stages of planned flood remediation work would be delivered.
“It’s going to be 10 years, because they’ve got things they’re doing at AF Thomas Park, then Stage 2 in Milford and we’re Stage 3.
“We’re waiting in anticipation on what the council will be deciding, because Sunnynook is in a flood zone,” said Bound.
Milford residents also want more urgency and locked-in funding for their remediation work, which will follow the Stage 1 detention pond, which reduces available space for golf at the park. From page 1
Milford and Takapuna residents groups have confirmed they will be at the meeting to try to understand more about what is
New coastal restriction maintains single-home strip
A new coastal character and inundation overlay will apply along parts of the Takapuna to Milford shoreline and fewer homes will be allowed in a steep part of Castor Bay under draft planning changes.
These are among changes that will lessen the impact of planned intensification, recognising variously coastal character, along with hazard areas and flood risk.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area generally faces fewer changes than much of the city, but some (detailed above) are significant. The focus for the most in-
tensification is in inner Auckland suburbs which are set to lose heritage protection, and high-rises around train stations.
Council Planning Committee chair Richard Hills highlighted the coastal overlay to the Observer as a recognition of the need to protect coastal character, while meeting directives to intensify. It prevents building anything more than a single home within 100m of the coast, generally including in those areas where more permissive THAB otherwise zoning applies.
The includes much of seaward Takapuna.
Infrastructure: speed up investment in flood protection and safe drinking water.
Danielle Grant
Sport and recreation: greater investment focusing on youth wellbeing, improved facilities.
Economic development: grow our town centres and increase local employment.
The coastal overlay stops well short of previous calls from locals for the entire area between Lake Pupuke and the sea to be made a Special Character Area, to limit development and recognise its heritage and unique geographic features.
In Castor Bay, the draft plan has cut back on the extent of building allowed on land around the Braemar Stream, with a zoning reduction to one- and two-storey homes rather than allowing for more three-storey terrace-type development. The same applies south of Wolsley Ave in Milford.
Support Mayor Wayne Brown’s priorities to ‘Fix Auckland’: Stop Wasting Money, Make the Most of our Environment and Manage AT.
Colour-coded... This council map of the northern half of the DTLB area (down to Hauraki), shows (top left, in brown) Sunnynook’s proposed 10-storey area and (also in brown) the enlarged Terrace Housing and Apartment Building zone in Milford and Takapuna that remains capped at six storeys. Greater heights are already allowed in the Metropolitan Centre zone of Takapuna and Milford town centre (both pink). and in the Smales Farm precinct (purple).
Council zoning will still allow many ‘3x3’-type builds
Jettisoning the government’s oft decried 3x3 housing in Auckland will not take away the prospect of tall terrace housing looming over many fences.
The council’s widespread Mixed Housing Urban Zone (MHUZ) permits similar multi-unit, multi-level builds to those allowed under the government’s overriding Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS).
The difference is a greater say for council about where the zone applies, and more ability for the council to set building conditions.
The MHUZ is the predominant zone for the northern half of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area. Represented in light tan on the map at right, it allows for three-storey buildings, with the ability to go to four, subject to consent. The less intensive Mixed Suburban zone (yellow) is for housing restricted to one or two storeys. It includes a new downzoned area of Castor Bay.
The Terrace Housing and Apartment Building (THAB) zone (brown) remains capped at six storeys, except for the 10 storeys allowed around the Northern Busway stations, including suburban Sunnynook (top left).
Greater heights are already permitted for the Smales Farm precinct and in the metropolitan zone of Takapuna.
Planning Committee chair Richard Hills said council had spent several years working on Plan Change 78 to accommodate the MDRS into the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP). Allowing an Auckland exemption, the government said this could not be a reversion to the old AUP, which allowed for less growth.
Ministerial pushback on the council’s new scheme might still occur if it progressed, Hills said. The planning committee will decide this later this month whether the new plan will go ahead for public submissions.
Milford – locals and visitors love it!
Thank you everyone for shopping with us in July and giving us the second highest sales increase for the month in Auckland. As I write this there is another busy month happening during August. It is wonderful that our community values our local businesses and appears to be shopping local like never before. This is great for everyone!
But our work is never done, there is lots happening over coming months that will increase foot-traffic with visitors from near and far. Milford is also a destination. As we feature in this issue, we have a world class yachting event happening here in October and November (details on these pages), and Milford is now the home of Yachting NZ, as they have moved into the building by the roundabout leading to the marina – at 11 Omana Road.
Milford Winners! Congratulations to our prize winners. Simon O’Connor won the Mercedes- Benz North Shore Track Day competition and ohmyfoodiegoodie won the $200 voucher for Foodies Month.
New Shops in the Mall. Three new stores have opened in the new wing of the mall. These are Blak; Bed Bath and Table; and Stella & Gemma. I understand there are more in the pipeline so the refurbishment of the mall is proving extremely inviting to new tenants.
New Associate Member Business. Holmes Plumbing and Gas has signed up as a new ‘Tradie’ associate member. Robert, the owner, lives locally, has years of experience and will provide excellent service. Look him up on our MilfordShops website.
Milford Emergency Response Management Group initiative. Milford was one of the few areas in Auckland that had not created such a group. So, the business association offered to facilitate a meeting to create a group to respond to any emergency situation that occurs in our area. This meeting was held in late August and details will be sent to residents via newsletters from us (sign up on the home page of our MilfordShops website), Milford Cruising Club and Milford Residents Association. Between our three organisations we have a combined database of over 10,000 people. If you are not on any of them, please ensure that you do join, so that you are able to be contacted with what to do in the next emergency situation.
World A-Class Catamaran
Championship
Get ready for this international event coming to Milford. Activity will start in late October when the boats and the sailors begin assembling and getting practice sessions in on our world-class sailing waters.
Many of the sailors and their families/supporters will be staying locally in Milford.
This is an event where we will be able to showcase the Milford community spirit and interact with the sailors and their supporters whilst seeing world class athletes sailing off our local beach.
About the event: The A-Class Catamaran Championship is a prestigious sailing event that showcases the world’s most advanced single-handed multihulls. It attracts sailors both locally and from around the globe, combining high-speed racing with cutting-edge technology.
The A Class Event is being organised by the Milford Cruising Club in conjunction with the NZ Multi Hull Yacht Club, renowned for delivering worldclass sailing events, including the prestigious PIC Coastal Classic.
The event is on from Milford Cruising Club over nine days, including a twoday Pre-Worlds event and opening and closing ceremonies.
Key event dates:
• Saturday 8th November – Pre-Worlds Regatta
• Sunday 9th November – Pre-Worlds Regatta and prizegiving
• Tuesday 11th November – Opening Ceremony
• Tuesday 11th to 16th November – A-Class Catamaran Championship
• Sunday 16th November – Prizegiving & Closing Ceremony
Have a great September
Murray Hill, Manager, Milford Business Association manager@milfordshops.co.nz • 021 950 463 • milfordshops.co.nz � milfordshops � milfordnz youtube MilfordshopsTV
Your monthly update from Murray Hill, Manager of Milford Business Association.
Justin Mitchell Photography. justinmitchell.co.nz
Justin Mitchell Photography. justinmitchell.co.nz
Basketballers among Westlake winter sport winners
Defending champions... Westlake Girls High School basketballers after winning the Auckland premier competition last month. Last Sunday they secured top seeding for a national title defence, after winning the regional qualifying tournament played at Eventfinda stadium. The team is, Back Row: Nela Fotu (assistant coach), Katie Moors, Imani Rasmussen, Charlotte Mawston, Riley Sina’au, Mia John, Brydie McMillan, Emma Schroeder, Lucy Dawson, Honor Coates, Lucy Taylor, Bronwen Davidson (coach) Front row: Shyloh Udomsak, Sahara Katene, Lexi Turner, Lauren Williams, Lily Fotu, Tanja Venema (manager).
Basketball champs join netballers in qualifying for nationals as tournament week wraps up
Westlake Girls High School’s top basketballers will head to secondary school nationals to seek a fourth title in a row after their dominant Auckland season was capped off by winning the Zone One regional qualifying tournament last Sunday.
The team beat St Kentigern 80-59 in the final, after going undefeated through the tournament, giving them the top seeding for nationals to be played in Palmerston North from September 22-27.
This followed their securing the Auckland premier grade title last month.
The young team dominated the boards both on defence and attack and featured elusive passing throughout the court.
Led strongly by captains Emma Schroeder and Lily Fotu, the team built on a close halftime score of 30-28.
Head coach Bronwen Davidson shifted them into high gear, with the attack firing and defence staunch.
Year 11 players Imani Rasmussen and Katie Moors stood out with defensive efforts that re-energised the team in the second half.
More school sports, pages 12-15
Auckland champions! The Westlake Girls High School first XI hockey side after winning their regional tournament. Back Row: Robyn McNaughton (manager), Ashley Brown (assistant coach), Emma Pienaar, Chloe Huntington, Kirsten Soehnel, Lare Koen, Aariya Rama, Allegra Healy, Rene MacKenzie, Sasha Holt, Gabriella Barton.
Front Row: Geoff McNaughton (coach), Maiah Rama, Olivia Garner, Viktoria Gleissner, Ruby Bell, Emily Watton, Alma Casper, Bria Scully. The side went on to finish fifth at their national tournament.
Melanoma -
Rock steady... The Westlake Girls High School climbing team who won Top Girls School at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Bouldering Cup in New Plymouth last month: (from left ) Jessica Allen, Amaya Tan-Peters and Bailey Welch. Right: Tan-Peters in action.
Dermatologist, Dr David Lim www.skintel.co.nz 0800 SKINTEL 11a Apollo Drive, Rosedale
Netballers overcome injury setbacks to make final
Finalists... Westlake Girls’ top netball side after winning silver at their Upper North Island tournament: Louise Clouston (manager), Michelle Catterall, Aria Davies, Lucy Taylor, Phia Marshall, Katie Moors, Isobel Chapman-Smith, Lena Turnbull, Lani Baledrokadroka, Emma Chambers, Lily Fotu, Talia Chatfield, Imani Rasmussen, April Ieremia (coach)
Westlake Girls High School’s premier netball team secured its place in the final of the hotly contested Upper North Island secondary schools (Uniss) tournament for the first time last week.
Although well beaten 40-24 in the final by reigning national and Auckland champion Howick College, Westlake was buoyed by other results through the week, winning eight of its 10 games.
A highlight was defeating Mt Albert Grammar after regular-season defeats in the Auckland premier schools competition.
Head coach April Ieremia, a former Silver Fern and the school’s director of sport, said she was extremely proud of the team, especially given captains Aaliya Sina’au and Karmen Maritz were ruled out prior to the tournament due to ankle injuries. “The young players stepped up perfectly,” she said.
Defender Lani Baledrokadroka took on the captaincy. Television viewers may have spotted her in the recent netball series, Game On. Outstanding performances from defender Imani Rasmussen, shooter Phia Marshall and mid-courter Talia Chatfield were rewarded with their naming in the A Grade tournament team.
The Uniss silver medal and placing third in the Auckland premier college competition cements Westlake’s place as the top North Shore netball school. As a top finisher at Uniss, the side goes through to nationals in Wellington, from 30 September, where Howick will again be the team to beat.
Tournament team picks... Westlake players (from left) Talia Chatfield, Imani Rasmussen and Phia Marshall made the A-grade tournament selection
Takapuna Q4 on The Boulevard, Smales Farm 09 486 1588 Mairangi Bay 429 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay 09 442 1266 Browns Bay 13 Bute Road, Browns Bay 09 478 5050
WBHS just miss out on big rugby final
Westlake Boys High School came within three minutes of making the national secondary schools rugby final.
In the semifinal against Feilding in Palmerston North last Friday, Westlake led until 32 minutes into the second half, when Feilding scored a try to go ahead for the first time, 36-34.
A penalty from halfway sealed the victory for Feilding, 39-34 after a highly competitive and entertaining match dominated by high winds reaching 35 km/h.
Playing with the wind, Westlake led 19-5 at halftime, with fullback Ollie Davies slotting two excellent sideline conversions.
Immediately after halftime, a steal at a ruck freed Westlake centre Matt Fleming to run 50m to score, increasing the lead to 24-5.
Even after Feilding fought back 11 minutes into the half to make it 24-19, the North Shore side rallied with a multi-phase attack, which saw blindside flanker Solomone Tuitupou crash over for a try converted by Davies for a 31-19 lead.
It wasn’t to be enough though. Cleverly using the wind to dominate territory, Feilding’s backs and forwards combined in some brilliant interchanges to post five tries to two in the second half.
After 23 minutes, Feilding had scored two tries and a conversion to a Westlake penalty, closing Westlake’s lead to three points at 34-31.
As the clock wound down, Westlake fought bravely, rebuffing numerous Feilding attacks.
Television commentators wondered if they could hang on for a hard-fought win as they had against King’s College to take the Auckland area final 29-24 the week before.
After Feilding took the lead in the dying stages, Westlake showed great character, attacking deep into their opponents’ half seeking what would have been a miraculous match-winner.
Tuitupou, Fleming and the two halfbacks, Lee-Hanru Greyvensteyn and Levi Leith, had outstanding matches in the semifinal.
Close loss puts Blues region champs fourth
Westlake Boys High School lost 19-17 to Southland Boys in the national third-place playoff last Sunday.
Westlake had a nine-point lead at one stage, and led the southerners 19-14 with 10 minutes to play. But for the second game in a row appalling weather played a part in the match.
In wet and slippery conditions and slightly against the run of play, Southland forced a handling error from Westlake deep in their own territory and scored a pick-and-go try handy to the posts to take the lead 21-19.
Westlake threw everything at Southland in the final few minutes of what had been an evenly contested match, but the mainlanders held on to win.
Solomone Tuitupou and Travis Findlay had massive games for Westlake in the pack. Westlake could be proud of their season, despite the disappointment of losing two close-run secondary-school finals matches.
They claimed the the North Harbour and Auckland regional titles and were within a whisker of success at the finals.
Westlake captain Arlo Leith was named its MVP of the tournament.
Coach Rob Mildenhall said: “We are really really proud of this team and what they have acheived...we are a little bit disappointed (at the top four loses) but at this level of rugby they are games of very small margins.”
• Rotorua Boys High beat Feilding 43-17 to win the final.
Westlake lads enjoy fruitful tournaments
Westlake Boys High School’s premier basketball team showed its depth in qualifying for nationals at the end of the month, despite having three top players overseas in the New Zealand Under-16 team at the Asia Cup.
Playing eight games in four days, the team’s only loss was in the final of the Zone 1 qualifying tournament, lost 80-88 to Dilworth. In other tournament week results:
• The senior road-running team of Harry Witheridge, Karabo Mosiane, Stanley Bateman and Tommy Evitt claimed the New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Association road championshp in a tight race. The Year 9s were dominant junior champions, with Brennan Wilson, Lincoln Thorpe, Liam Crooks2 and Huw Robinson winning by an impressive 1min 27s.
• The WGHS premier badminton team was unbeaten going into its final against Auckland Grammar, which finished 3-3 though the title was awarded to Grammar on a countback.
• The 1st XI hockey side lost its national semi-final to Timaru Boys, but bounced back to beat Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ruamata for a bronze medal. The 2nd X1 side playing in the Mayhill Cup competition placed second.
• WBHS’s 2nd X1 footballers placed third in their national grade; the U14 side are the national 14 age group champions, winning the Hillsdene Cup.
• Skateboarder Ari Saffer was third in the junior secondary schools event.
Award-laden...
Constantine Mata’afa, Othniel Dones, Matt Donaldson, Abi Mitchell, Mel
and
North Shore school choirs shine at Big Sing Finale
North Shore schools won an outstanding four of the six gold medals at the Big Sing Finale. The medals were awarded after performances by the nation’s 24 top secondary school choirs.
The two Westlake schools led the way with three golds and two of four of the event’s special awards.
Westlake Girls High School’s head of music, Fiona Wilson, said the fantastic showing at the annual event, held this year in Dunedin, underscored an outstanding choral tradition.
Wilson is musical director for WGHS’s Cantare and the combined Westlake choir, Choralation, with the boys’ school’s choir, Voicemale, directed by David Squire. He also directs Kristin School’s
Euphony choir, the other North Shore gold medal winner.
Voicemale was the popular choice in the Audience Impact Award for a rendition of An Old Fashioned Song, with a lively performance.
Choralation won the cup for Best Performance of a piece of Choral Art Music, singing Rytmus by Ivan Hrušokský, an advanced and rapid piece with Slovenian harmonies.
Takapuna Grammar School’s Leonessa choir had to settle for a silver medal under the Choral Federation’s points judging system, but shone in winning one of the other special awards, for a performance in te reo.
Geotechnical investigations begin for Devonport watermain upgrade
Watercare will begin geotechnical investigations in mid-September along the proposed 4.5-kilometre route for the planned $40m Devonport watermain replacement.
Watercare project manager Raj Unka says the new watermain replaces an ageing pipeline and supports future population growth.
“The Devonport 2 Watermain has reached the end of its design life after serving the community since 1960. It’s one of two major watermains supplying drinking water to Takapuna, Hauraki, Bayswater and its surrounding suburbs.
“The new pipeline will be approximately 450mm in diameter - 150mm bigger than its predecessor – and will stretch from the corner of Killarney and Auburn streets to the bulk water supply point near 95 Lake Road, Belmont.
“It will follow a revised route that avoids private properties and recreational parks, making better use of road corridors to support future maintenance access.
“It will operate alongside the existing Devonport 1 Watermain, which will remain in service once the new pipeline is commissioned.”
Although construction of the new pipeline is not scheduled to begin until early 2027, these early geotechnical investigations will help Watercare gain a clearer understanding of existing underground services and ground conditions.
Unka says the data gathered will also help refine the pipeline’s design and construction methodology.
“These investigations will run through to late November and include a range of survey and testing activities such as drone aerial surveys, topographical ground surveys, and potholing
on berms and roads.”
“Temporary traffic management will be in place at various locations along the route to ensure the safety of both our crews and the public.”
Unka says once the geotechnical investigations are complete, the project team will move into the preliminary and then the detailed design phase.
“After these investigations, we’ll go back to the drawing board to finalise the pipeline route and develop the construction methodology.
It’s likely that further traffic management will be required to support this next phase of work. We remain committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses.
“The geotechnical investigations are expected to continue through to late October.”
Flanked by Westlake choir directors Fiona Wilson and David Squire, student choir leaders (from left) Annie Yang, Jamie Chee,
Teulilo
Elaine Zhou.
Still digging it: Society marks 90 years
The North Shore Horticultural Society recently celebrated its 90th anniversary with a lunch and recognition of long-serving members.
The group, which had its start in 1935 as the Takapuna and Districts Horticultural Society, these days meets in Milford.
Recognition of its wider reach due to expanding residential development sparked by the opening of the Harbour Bridge, led to the name change to North Shore in 1961.
The club’s longest serving member, Fay Chapman of Forrest Hill, had the honour of cutting the cake at the lunch held at McHugh’s of Cheltenham. She recalled joining in the society’s heyday, some 70 years ago, when membership exceeded 150.
A former judge at the society’s monthly competition table, she was also its delegate to the Auckland Horticultural Council.
President Barbara Bennett, who researched the club’s history for the anniversary, said highlights included planning the Takapuna Rose Garden in 1953. Each member donated a rose to be planted on Potters Park (opposite the mall).
More recently, efforts have included backing environmental concerns about the impact
of development on the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, predator control on Hauraki Gulf islands, and local parks and garden beautification.
Bennett extended special thanks to long-serving members Pat and Don Wrigglesworth, Kath Watson, Athol Salter, Barbara Bridges, Doreen Weston, Vivienne Mirko, Margaret Glackin and former president from the 1960s Kerry Cordes. She also thanked committee members Linda Chapman and Louise Cotterall for organising the lunch.
Over the years the society has met in venues ranging from private homes to the Takapuna Methodist Church Hall and RSA hall, then from 1975 in a former kindergarten on Hurstmere Rd that it leased from council for 21 years. After it turned down a lease renewal it moved to the Mary Thomas Centre for a few years, then to its current home for monthly meetings at the Milford Senior Citizens Hall.
Garden visits and guest speakers are a feature.
New members are welcome: contact Cotterall at lm.cotterall@xtra.co.nz or Kevin Roach, ph 027 2257504.
Fittingly floral... Forrest Hill resident Fay Chapman had the honour of cutting the cake at the North Shore Horticultural Society’s 90th anniversary lunch
Society identities... North Shore Horticultural Society’s committee: (from left) long-term treasurer Don Wrigglesworth from Bayview, president Barbara Bennett from Glenfield, Vivienne Mirko from Forrest HIll, judge Barbara Bridges from Glenfield, past president Pat Wrigglesworth, vice-president Linda Chapman and secretary Kevin Roach, both from Sunnynook, and membership co-ordinator Louise Cotterall of Cheltenham.
REVIVAL MIRACLE MEETINGS
Free Registration & Miracle Stories
To: jesusencounterministries.com
North Shore Winds is bringing a creative approach to a concert of popular film music, adding live action sequences to the soundscape.
For two shows on 20 September, it is working with the New Zealand Stage, Screen and Combat School.
Go to rangitoto-observer.co.nz and click on ‘Become a supporter’ at the top of the page.
Winds musical director Leah Munroe said the group of brass, woodwind and percussion musicians enjoyed collaborations in its occasional stage performances. Last year it included dancers in a multi-cultural musical programme.
This time, for Heroes & Legends: Music of the Silver Screen evening show at Westlake Boys High School, stunt artists will accompany the film music with a sword fight, among other action scenes.
Clarinet soloist Dennis Liu will feature, along with the Sitting Room Singers choir and tap-dancer Yigu Ye, who will represent New Zealand at the World Tap Championships in Prague next month.
Music from favourite film composers will include pieces by John Williams (Harry Potter, Star Wars), Alan Menken (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Lalo Schifrin (Mission Impossible) Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles).
North Shore Winds sprang from the North Shore Symphonic Youth Band, said Munroe.
It was still very much young at heart in how it liked to stage its shows, she said. “Much as the music is terrific, we like to add a visual element.”
Winds has junior, youth and senior bands, which practice at the North Shore Brass hall in Takapuna.
Munroe, a music teacher and freelance musician, has helped lead the organisation’s expansion, providing pathways for junior players and those who have outgrown the youth band, but want to keep playing.
• North Shore Winds will perform twice on Saturday 20 September, at 2pm, with a 60-minute matinee highlights show (tickets $15) and a two-hour show (including interval) from 7pm ($30).Tickets through northshorewinds.org/tickets.
Listen up... One of the stunt performers appearing with North Shore Winds
Stream of consciousness: creek inspires local artist
A little grove by the mangroves of the lower Wairau Creek is Sonja Drake’s happy place. There, in dappled light filtering through a tangle of trees, the Milford artist takes inspiration for her delicately detailed paintings.
They depict the fragile ecosystem she is fascinated by and concerned about.
Drake’s connections to the waterway are deep. Her grandparents farmed in the floodprone Wairau Valley, near where Pak’nSave flooded in January 2023. Her mother lives in the Lady Allum retirement village and was upstairs in the Inverlochy block when its lower level flooded on that Auckland Anniversary weekend.
Drake herself has used the creek as an ongoing subject in her work, including paintings in her upcoming exhibition at the Lake House Arts centre in Takapuna.
The creek has also featured in her work towards a Masters of Fine Arts, completed in 2021, and a show that year at the Angela Morton Room at Takapuna Library. As well as drawing on family memories of sodden paddocks around Porana Rd and a washout of the Waterloo Rd bridge, she has dug into council and library archives, reading up on “all the floods”.
“It’s been quite an interesting journey,” she says.
Drake has participated in several com-
Water world... One of Sonja Drake’s depictions of the Wairau Creek
munity clean-ups of the waterway and has submitted on flood-resilience plans for the area. She hopes a future Blue-Green Network will restore the creek to replace parts of the existing concrete channel.
She sees her work as a way of highlighting issues, such as how, in the 1960s, the creek was turned into a drain carrying contaminants to the estuary and sea, where people fish and swim. She mentions the smell from runoff into the creek after a large fire in Wairau Valley in May.
But Drake also sees beauty in how the more natural lower parts of the creek, with its mangroves and mud and tiny creatures, act as a purifying filter. By referencing these features in her paintings she hopes people will come to appreciate the role they play.
“In our visually saturated culture, it’s easy for people to see something and walk by,” she says.
Her show of mostly smaller watercolours and a few acrylics includes one 8.5m work on paper, with its size reflecting the 85 years since her grandparents bought their land. Some images are of Lake Pupuke, which she lives near.
Drake, who teaches art and art history at Epsom Girls Grammar School and takes Creative Matters children’s classes at the Lake House, has won several awards for her paintings. She intends donating a proportion of sales to the Pupuke Birdsong Project for its environmental restoration work.
Summing up the show, she says: “I want to make paintings interesting enough for people to have a second look. Ideally, I want people to reflect on the environment – these waterways are living entities and need and are deserving of our respect.”
• Unfiltered: Wairau Creek Waterlines by Sonja Drake is on at the Becroft Gallery at the Lake House, Takapuna, 6-18 September.
SHOWING NOW
The Conjuring: Last Rites (R16) 136min Life in One Chord (E) 93min
First Thursdays: The Treasure of His Youth (E) 109min 4 Sep
Potluck - Live Comedy (E) 60min 5 Sep
The Bad Guys 2 (PG) 95min - Advance Screenings 6&7 Sep
Kangaroo (PG) 107min -
Father’s Day Advance Screening 7 Sep
For more info on films & events go to thevic.co.nz
Thanks to our partners and supporters
Among the mangroves... Artist Sonja Drake beside the Wairau Creek, where observing the fragile ecosystem helps inspire her delicate watercolours on environmental themes
Shore companies win big at ‘Naptas’
North Shore Music Theatre was a big winner at the recent Northern Area Performance Theatre Awards (the Naptas).
The company was awarded Outstanding Musical for its production last year of Next to Normal, for which it also won Naptas for Outstanding Vocal Work by a Musical Company and Outstanding Set Design by Mark Betty.
To cap off the awards evening, held at the Pupuke Golf Course, Charlotte West was named Outstanding Performer in a Leading Female Role for the same show.
The hotly contested Naptas are open to community theatre groups from Auckland and Northland.
Belmont-based Company Theatre also had a standout year, winning awards for two shows in the play categories.
Its sellout production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time was named Outstanding Play of the Year, picked up the Outstanding Supporting Ensemble award.,and won Hauraki resident Suzy Sampson the Outstanding Direction award and actor Ben Wickers the Outstanding Performance in a Leading Male Role in a Play category.
Company’s staging of Home Land by Gary Henderson won an Outstanding Props award for Vettinia Ross, Sherry Ede and Sarah Dettwiler.
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