was not made by the local board,” van Tonder said.
“I am not getting any remuneration for continuing and see my role as a voluntary act of service to support the TMA kaupapa and for the benefit of Auckland’s maunga.”
Van Tonder has been deputy chair of the authority, which manages 14 of Auckland’s volcanic cones, for five and a half years.
Under the Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014, the appointment term for each authority member lasts until 59 days after the date of the next election “or until the Governing Body resolves to remove me from the role”, van Tonder said.
“My resignation from the local board does not affect this appointment.
“Having discussed this prior to my departure with the chair of the TMA [Paul Majurey] as well as [Auckland Council] CEO Phil Wilson, we agreed that there is an advantage for me to remain on the authority to support continuity with governance until the end of the term.”
Comment, page 6.
Public-toilets activity draws concern
Community concerns have been raised about suspected sexual activity in the men’s public toilets in the car park of the Hauraki Corner retail strip.
Auckland Council says it has reported an act of vandalism to police, in which a previously repaired hole in a concrete wall between two cubicles had been again knocked through.
Council was also aware of social-media posts about “anti-social” behaviour at the toilets, the acting area operations manager, Steph Westmore, said last week.
It urged anyone witnessing any suspicious activity to call police.
A quick repair would be made to the cubicle wall, she said.
Police said they were not aware of any recent reports about suspect activity in the toilets. “We understand this sort of behaviour can cause concern amongst the community,” a spokesperson said.
“We encourage the public to report any such instances of an indecent act, or similar behaviour, occurring by contacting Police on 111 as soon as they are able.”
Matters could also be reported after the fact for further assessment, either online or by calling 105.
The police did not respond to a question about whether patrols would visit the area.
Vandalism of public facilities can be reported through the Report a Problem tool on council’s website.
Bayswater breakwater back open
The Bayswater Marina breakwater was open to the public when the Flagstaff checked on Monday in response to concerns from the public it remained closed.
Following an Environment Court decision in early April, which threw out the marina’s attempt to exclude the public, it was given 15 days to open it for public use.
Public access was guaranteed under the marina’s original consents, but it had closed the breakwater since December 2023, citing health and safety concerns.
Recycling centres help each other
Resource Recovery Devonport (RRD) is helping with work placements for several of the workers from the Abilities Group recycling operation in Wairau, which lost its premises in a fire on 24 April.
New premises are being sought for the operation which provided work opportunities for 120 people with disabilities and 30 support staff.
Some Abilities Group workers are helping at the Porana Rd community recycling centre and at a bike-repairer, while others are helping with the clean-up following the fire in Hillside Rd. Rotary is supporting weekly meetings to keep its workers connected.
Polystrene and e-waste was collected from Devonport for processing at the Hillside facility, so RRD was keen to help out.
Devonport Publishing Ltd First Floor, 9 Wynyard St
Best Community Involvement: 2021, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2005
Best Special Project/Supplement: 2020, 2016
Best Lifestyle/Feature Writer: 2023
VOYAGER/CANON MEDIA AWARDS
Community Reporter of the Year: Winner 2018
Community Newspaper of the Year: Finalist 2017
MANAGING EDITOR: Rob Drent
CHIEF REPORTER: Janetta Mackay
ADVERTISING: Candice Izzard
DESIGN: Brendon De Suza
COPY EDITOR: Jo Hammer
Ready, set, paint! Hundreds turn out for art clash
Around 500 people watched Art Battle Devonport at the Devonport Ferry Terminal last Thursday, with the winner Agnes Ishak advancing to an Auckland final at Eden Park on 30 May.
The event was held as part of the Depot -initiated ‘First Thursdays’ – monthly arts events across venues in the village.
Entrants, who took part in heats and then a final round, had 20 minutes to complete art works, with the added pressure of crowds milling around them and voting.
TGS students performed music as part of the event.
Art in action… (clockwise from above) Patricia Brickell with her finished work; Dylan Huata is all concentration; and winner Agnes Ishak with her floral still-life
For Sale
Asking Price $2,150,000
View
As advertised or by appointment cooperandco.co.nz/L33452826
Devonport Lifestyle
Elegant and full of character, this renovated Devonport villa blends timeless charm with modern style. Featuring sun-filled living, a designer kitchen and seamless indooroutdoor flow to a private deck and lush garden. Set on prestigious Albert Road, close to schools, cafes, beaches, and the ferry – this is Devonport living at its finest.
Ben Potter 027 953 0210
Gary Potter 021 953 021
Asking Price $775,000
advertised or by appointment cooperandco.co.nz/L24195306 Jackie Mark 021 458 797
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!
Flexible Layout For Families
As advertised or by appointment cooperandco.co.nz/L33333716
Two-level home with two bedrooms, family bathroom, and open-plan living flowing to a sunny deck. Downstairs includes a study, rumpus, laundry, 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. 2 1 2 1
Maria Stevens 021 979 084
Marissa Muirhead 021 337 222
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 4511 800
Hastings 021 735 263
Monika Bak 021 857 565
‘Joys, loves and losses’ of an Devonport village life
Artist and former Devonport Borough Councillor Tina Frantzen’s ‘Our Devonport’ presentation was a series of poems, some of which are reproduced below (some only in part). She closed by saying: “All journeys begin and end with home. Walking our beaches and maunga, I’ve experienced the joys, loves and losses of an ordinary life. I have been at times despairing, consoled, uplifted, calmed and refreshed as I intuitively follow the same path – my ley lines of home.”
55 years
Eleven times a census café explosion bank depletion brand new library defunct council chambers population stable statistics don’t lie but they don’t tell the story of elocution perfect Audrey barefoot in her hessian sack bearing bags of coins to the bank to be counted in the lunchtime rush the constants? the maunga and the beaches
Roger (excerpt)
Roger my neighbour of 42 years, the guardian of Takarunga on his daily walk with dog in tow host of the Bunker of world renown entertaining and performing in that close quartered room of nostalgia quirky and quick witted he brought us music unique to our ears...
Walks of Devonport there
etched into the glass of a door the colour of hope and sunshine a solid permanent message for those who cross the threshold both ways
a conundrum an impossible feat not unlike Peter Pan stitching his shadow to the soles of his feet
DON’T STAND IN YOUR OWN WAY
McHugh’s place of memories firsts and lasts
as Devonport Kiosk a century ago tea rooms for private parties changing cubicles bathing suit and towel sixpence an hour lying on the beach in bathers prohibited
now as McHugh’s firsts and lasts of family weddings second son wedding his school days’ sweetheart the last time ever the whole family were together
Stories (excerpt)
There is history written in my head of hair nearly a year’s worth
my first chapter of irradiation and chemical dosing now lies around my chair in damp black hieroglyphics written on the floor of the hairdressers...
Ley Lines 1998 a serious illness – yours my son
2002
a marriage – your brother’s a death – yours
2004 a wedding – mine a birth – your niece
2007 another niece
2014 a serious illness – mine
I have criss-crossed the ley lines between these life events from maunga to maunga and shore to shore like a threadbare, wandering sufi trudging the troughs and peaks of foreign climes in search of the answers to improbable riddles.
now I have achieved, not quite enlightenment guaranteed but contentment with a little pocketful of sadness you would be proud of me.
Warmer: Thermal insulation levels that far exceed even thermally broken aluminium.
Quieter: Combined with doubleglazing, our uPVC windows offer excellent soundproofing.
Secure: Our uPVC windows and doors employ a multi-point locking mechanism for a safe, secure home.
Durable: Built to withstand 40 years in NZ conditions, with minimal maintenance.
Reduces or eliminates condensation.
Packed crowd hears quickfire talks on local area
A 60-minute ‘Our Devonport’ programme of short talks and slide shows proved so popular the doors at the RSA in Victoria Rd had to be locked half an hour before the event’s start time as the venue was full to capacity.
Just on 150 people packed in for seven presentations by Dave Veart, Trish Deans and Margot McRae, Tina Frantzen, Helen Pollock, Colin McRae, Lynn Lawton and Linda Blincko and Julie Stout and Ken Davis. Devonport Library Associates booked the RSA instead of the library for the event because of expected numbers.
Archeologist Veart, who spoke on pre-colonial history, said he was overwhelmed by the response.
“I thought there would be about 12 people.”
With only 20 slides and six minutes 40seconds of speaking time allowed for each presentation, they were full of juicy nuggets of local interest.
Veart showed evidence of moa bones and hangi found along the Devonport waterfront, indicating human habitation dating back to around 1350. Other finds showed settlement along the waterfront, a sheltered spot before the eruption of Rangitoto, which gave weather protection to the wider harbour.
Margot McRae and Trish Deans detailed the fight by Devonport Heritage to protect the historic homes of the suburb. Some battles had been lost (such as the Masonic Hotel, which was turned into apartments) and some won (including the Victoria Theatre, which was bought by the North Shore City Council and restored for future generations).
Government-advocated intensification in all central city suburbs was a major threat to heritage, they said.
Tina Frantzen, an artist and former Devonport Borough councillor, created an original work for the event: The Ley Lines of Home, a personal soliloquy outlining her 55 years living in the area.
Helen Pollock, a world recognised sculptor, told the audience how her works were created in her Devonport workshop and kiln. Many had been installed for a time in Devonport landscapes including Fort Takapuna and Cheltenham Beach.
Colin McRae gave an update on a Devonport documentary he is making which aims to capture the area’s “rich history and rich contemporary life”.
Former Depot stalwart and current Satellite2 gallery owner Lynn Lawton detailed the creative life of 1980s Devonport in a From the Mountain to the Sea snapshot. He recalled when potters and glassblowers worked in a large studio on the corner of Church St and King Edward Pde. Across the road, bands played at the Masonic, as they did at the Esplanade Hotel.
He referred to a 1989 article in Metro
magazine which captured the changing nature of the suburb: “Devonport: a Paradise Lost”.
Architect Julie Stout posed some questions on the Future of Devonport, which she believed could become a modern village while retaining its heritage buildings.
Much of the current village was “sub-optimal” and car-dominant, she said. Great potential existed to create laneways, more public spaces and incorporate nature into future designs. Only 100 people currently lived in the village, which to thrive needed more residents to give life to restaurants and other activities.
Cristina Beth Cameos – a women’s line A rich tapestry of unique personal history
The session was such a success organisers are contemplating another.
• The event raised $1100 for the Victoria Theatre Trust, which is fundraising for new seats.
Cristina Beth Cameos – a women’s line A rich tapestry of unique personal history
Cristina Beth Cameos – a women’s line A rich tapestry of unique personal history
Opening Sat 3 May 12 to 3pm Exhibition: 2 to 18 May
Opening Sat 3 May 12 to 3pm Exhibition: 2 to 18 May
Opening Sat 3 May 12 to 3pm Exhibition: 2 to 18 May 61a
Big picture... Artist and former Devonport Borough councillor Tina Frantzen during her presentation
Victoria Rd, Devonport
61a Victoria Rd, Devonport
Devonport
DEVONPORT NAVAL BASE DECLARES WAR ON WASTE
Devonport Naval Base could nearly halve the amount of waste it produces and reduce waste costs by about a quarter in a “war on waste” with the backing of shore-based staff who were outnumbered by rubbish bins under their desks
Petty Officer Lexie Gray and New Zealand Defence Force
Sustainability Director Lee Bint identified a major challenge: the excessive number of under-desk bins in offices and not enough options to recycle. There were 994 bins, outnumbering the people working at the base.
They trialled a replacement of 371 under-desk bins with 69 new bin stations, with red bins for landfill and blue, yellow and green bins for glass, plastic and cans and organic waste.
The team expect to see a 47 per cent reduction in waste volume by diverting waste to recycling.
“There should also be a 25 per cent reduction in waste collection costs due to emptying our skip bins less frequently, and a significant boost in customer satisfaction, which had been previously rated low,” says Petty Officer Gray.
Dr Bint said they were excited about the early success of the trial.
“The feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re seeing a measurable impact on efficiency and waste reduction.
“The initial figures suggest that if rolled out across the New Zealand Defence Force, we could save a significant amount annually in waste disposal costs and reduce our environmental footprint.”
Devonport Naval Base security reminder – for the safety of the community, please take care and remain outside the 60-metre perimeter of the Naval Base at all times. This includes when swimming, diving, kayaking, fishing and sailing.
Are bunions causing pain, discomfort, or limiting your mobility?
At Advanced Podiatry Solutions, we offer Foot Mobilizatio Therapy (FMT) a gentle, non-surgical treatment that targets the root cause of bunion pain and restores foot function. Our treatment is backed by years of research a successful patient outcomes, helping you live pain-free without invasive procedures
Stop putting it off and start feeling better today book assessment now.
“After struggling with foot pain for years, I f inally found relief at Advanced Podiatry Solutions I wish I had come sooner!”
Open the door to LOCATION and VALUE!
Floor area approximately 230m², 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living. Walk to schools and beach!
barfoot.co.nz/907710
$1,680,000 VIEWING Sunday 12:00-12:30 pm
Toni Gregory 021 044 3663
Alexandra Corbin 021 643 673 FOR SALE
- Dual Westlake Zone
- Stylish & Secluded
- Total Floor 209m²
- Excellent Living
- Private Courtyard
- Motivated Vendors
barfoot.co.nz/910854
10:00am 15 May 2025 at 8-12 The Promenade (unless sold prior) VIEWING Phone For Viewing Times
Ron Sadler BCom, AREINZ 021 613 546 AUCTION
Proudly perched above the waters of this Bayswater cul de sac, this family home offers more than its fair share of spectacular views.
barfoot.co.nz/910627
2pm 7 May '25 (39 Victoria Rd, Devonport Office) (unless sold prior)
VIEWING Sat/Sun 1:00-1:30 pm
Toni Gregory 021 044 3663
Alexandra Corbin 021 643 673 TENDER
VENDOR SAYS PRESENT ALL OFFERS OVER $699.000 Stunning apartment with tandem garaging. FOR SALE BIRKENHEAD 13/270 ONEWA ROAD
barfoot.co.nz/904851
Cathy Fiebig 021 383 149
Tim Roskruge 0274 923 125 FOR SALE By Negotiation VIEWING By Appointment
Young and old gather to honour the fallen
More than 1000 people turned out for the Devonport Anzac Day parade down Victoria Rd and service at the ‘Untidy Soldier’ War Memorial, to which a new name was recently added.
Solemn salute... (clockwise from above) Devonport naval base commander Captain Julie Simpkins; Auckland councillor Richard Hills and Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Gavin Busch; Jimmy Jones lays a wreath for Korean veterans; Rebecca Nelson and student singer Milla Rodrigues-Birch, leading the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia.
PICTURES: KATHRYN NOBBS
Flower power... Takapuna Grammar School students (from left) Holly Sherlock, Audrey Melhuish, Nina Sinclair and Heloise Phillips-Smith collected for the poppy appeal
Veterans remembered at moving Anzac Dusk Service
Former Takapuna Grammar School students who died serving their country were honoured at the school’s annual Anzac Dusk Service which brought together students, staff, and families. Each year, the school shares stories of two of the 84 former students who lost their lives. This year, Pilot Officer Ronald Garland Blamires and Gunner Ian Anderson MacKechnie were commemorated. Blamires was at TGS in the early 1930s and had a passion for aviation. He was sadly shot down and killed during a night raid in August 1942. Gunner Ian Anderson MacKechnie was at the school from 1927. He was a member of the New Zealand Artillery and died on 15 April
1943. Deputy Principal Nick Kingston said the service was a special occasion in the school calendar, ensuring the stories and sacrifices of its former students were never forgotten.
"Each year we read a short story about the lives of two of these men and read out all of their names. These names are etched into the memorial windows in the library and in the main block between Te Poho and reception. It is a special service, and most who attend are relatives of these students."
Keira Penny’s Beach Sprints Rowing triumphs and Anzac Day honour
Year 13 student Keira Penny had an outstanding holiday season, winning gold medals and proudly representing TGS and New Zealand internationally for Beach Sprints Rowing.
Keira took the gold medal in the U19 Women’s Quad at the NZ National Beach Sprints Championships in Orewa in early April. Following that she represented New Zealand in Malta, where she won gold in the Women’s Quad at the Anzac Regatta. She also raced in the Women’s Double and Mixed Double events, helping her team secure overall victory.
Off the water, Keira represented Takapuna Grammar at the Anzac Day memorial service in Valletta, Malta.
More success on the water for TGS
Takapuna Grammar’s sailing team delivered a standout performance at the Secondary Schools Teams Racing Nationals in New Plymouth, taking on 40 of the top school teams from across the country. Starting in the Silver Fleet, based on their regional results, the team came out strong, winning all their races in the early rounds and earning a well-deserved spot in the Gold Fleet. The competition was strong but the team sailed exceptionally well, securing several victories and finishing fourth overall.
The leadership and experience of coach and renowned sailor Matt Mason has been invaluable to the team's development. The team is already setting its sights on next year’s Nationals, which will be held in Whangarei.
Also on the water, year 11 student Hamish Brown (pictured with former Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling) delivered an outstanding performance at the NZ Optimist Nationals hosted at Royal Akarana Yacht Club in the holidays. Hamish raced in the highly competitive Open Fleet and secured second place overall. The result elevated him to second in New Zealand.
She wore the medals of her great uncle Sub Lieutenant Philip Wallace Smith who served in WW2.
Gunner
Ian Anderson MacKechnie 1913-1943
Pilot Officer
Ronald Garland Blamires 1921-1942
WHAT’S ON @ Devonport Library
Ko te pūoro te ngākau o te tangata.
Music is the very heart of a person.
This month, we are celebrating Music Month, Mystery crime writing, Minecraft, the Magnificent Auckland Writers Festival and Mindfulness with tea. Join us at the Library in May MUSIC MONTH
Our talented new staff member Louise has curated a display relating to local musos AND a fab playlist of our team’s favourite Kiwi music. Come and listen.
DEADLY IN DEVONPORT
Wednesday May 7th 6:30pm
For the first time, the Ngaio Marsh Mystery in the Library series comes to Devonport. Prepare for a thrilling evening of criminally good conversation with five talented and best-selling Kiwi crime writers. Diane Robinson chairs a fascinating storytelling panel with Hannah Tunnicliffe, Dr Joanne Drayton, Rose Carlyle, and Dermot Ross.
AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL DISPLAY
Get ready for the biggest book event of the year with Murray’s superb display of books by authors from the festival. Plus the very last box of printed programmes!
MINECRAFT ON FRIDAYS
3:30pm-4:30pm
Calling all gamers! Join us to dive into the world of Minecraft, meet new friends, and build your skills. Bring your own device and login details. Open to tamariki and teens of all skill levels.
MINDFUL TEA CEREMONY
Sunday May 25th 10:30-11:30 and 12:30-13:30
Join us for this calming tea ceremony, hosted by Mindful Peace Academy. Settle your body and mind, enjoy Zen tea and mindful readings for well-being.
First session 10:30-11:30 in English. Second session 12:30-13:30 in Mandarin. Free but booking essential via Humantix or at the library desk. Ka kite anō – See you soon
Shorts on show
Youngsters turning their talents to filmmaking are being given the chance to showcase their work on the big screen.
The Rose Centre Youth Film Fest this Saturday is the first of what is planned to be an annual event at the Belmont venue. It will feature seven short films submitted in sections for primary, intermediate and secondary students.
The centre’s community engagement manager, Abby Jones, said the festival was designed to involve more young people with the venue.
It was put together with the idea that student filmmakers could shoot something between two to five minutes long over the April school holidays. “The kids get to show their family and friends and to see their film on the big screen.”
The public is welcome to check out the free screening at 4pm.
Entries showed great creativity, said Jones. Filmmakers could choose a category to enter from animation, global, coming of age, good versus evil or imagination.
Prize-winners will be announced at the screening, with items up for grabs including cameras. Judges are The Vic cinema operator Philipp Jaser from Devonport and a young Auckland director, Joshua Strawbridge, who shot his own short film at the Rose Centre.
Retro mattress
Artist Cristina Beth scavenged inorganic collections to find the foundation for her colourful artistic exploration of lineage –depicted using fabric-clad canvases.
“I was collecting mattresses off the side of the road,” she says. Specifically, she sought out those with vividly patterned floral covers from the 1970s.
The “privacy of the bed – all the emotions and intimacy that happen there” resonated with her. Colour is an added code.
Beth says it doesn’t get more domestic than the bed. Through repurposing mattress fabrics and overlaying them with painted lines and red thread, she symbolically connects her own and wider stories of women’s identity.
Exploring such themes has long been central to her work, which is on show in Devonport, where she grew up. The exhibition, at Satellite2 Gallery, is called Cameos –a women’s line. It comprises seven large paintings and 18 smaller squares.
The pieces represent the seven generations of her direct family that have lived in Aotearoa, from her great-great-grandmothers to her own granddaughters. “This work is really honouring that line,” she says.
The oval shape of the larger works equates to the size of adults in a foetal position in bed. It is also a reference to the egg shape, with the female connections this, and cameos, carry.
The Devonport Historical and Museum Society
AGM will take place on Sunday 25th May at 3pm
We will be celebrating 45 years of the Museum being open.
We will be updating our Constitution, in line with the new legislation, and acknowledging long time members including The Cornelius and Carran-Fletcher Families.
Afternoon tea will be served. All welcome!
The ultimate luxury family home
Prepare to have your breath taken completely away as you experience this fully renovated, awardwinning, designer villa and what is undoubtedly one of Devonport’s ultimate family homes. It spans well over 500sqm of living space and is set on a sought-after quarter acre site (1012sqm) complete with sun-drenched swimming pool complex. The current owners undertook the major transformation in conjunction with renowned interior designer Paul Izzard, and have created a magnificent living environment that surprises and delights at every turn. The result elegantly balances classic period architecture with the very best in contemporary design and technology, and is perfectly proportioned for family relaxing and entertaining. Must be seen to be believed. bayleys.co.nz/1470746
