3 November 2023 Devonport Flagstaff

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FOR MARKETING THAT SEL LLS Linda Simmons 027 459 0957 No.1 BAYLEYS DEVONPORT 2021/2022

November 3, 2023

Real-estate agent delivers baby on roadside... p3

Ombudsman backs our anti-secrecy stance... p8-9

A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

Interview: Local Ray Gethen reflects at 98... p20-21

Residents give up battle against Amaia expansion The final hurdle has been cleared for a plan change that will see the Amaia development on Esmonde Rd upsize to 16 storeys.

No appeals were lodged against a hearing panel’s decision to allow a massive upscaling of the development on the old Harbourside Church site.

Residents remained unhappy with the

expanded plans but had little hope that the decision could be overturned.

The Takapuna Residents Association (TRA) is among 58 original submitters against the plans who have opted not to take the case further.

Citing the time and resources required for an ongoing challenge, association chair Ste-

ven Salt expressed disappointment that the objections it raised to the expansion hadn’t been given more consideration.

These included concerns about the height and imposition on the skyline. Traffic impacts on Esmonde Rd remained a concern, he said.

To page 2

Dress-up fun’s a family affair

Puppy love... The Romeril family embraced the spirit of the Bayswater Halloween Trail last weekend, with Paw Patrol costumes for Juniper (left) and Monty, with dad Cameron playing a scary clown and mum Christina turning into the Cat in the Hat. More photos, pages 12-13.

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 2

November 3, 2023

No appeals lodged against development decision From page 1 But after considering an appeal and the need to call in experts, the TRA committee decided it should focus on town-centre issues and threats to the Takapuna-Milford coastal track.

Bridget Thrussell, who lives in Spencer Tce, just across an inlet from the development site, said she felt the odds were stacked against individuals up against expert witnesses called by developers in planning hearings.

Having previously given evidence to the Independent Hearings Panel which went on to approve developer KBS Capital’s plans, she decided against paying $600 to lodge an appeal to the Environment Court.

Thrussell told the Flagstaff that expert witnesses took a narrow focus, but the overall impact on the community was being overlooked.

Thrussell said a family down the road from her, with a daughter bedridden from long Covid, was moving out soon. “She was

finding the noise disturbing.”

Other neighbours were unhappy, fearing as she did that their properties would be shaded in the evenings. Others were concerned about Amaia residents parking on streets off Esmonde Rd. The hearings panel found in a decision issued two months ago that these impacts would be within acceptable parameters.

Another Hauraki resident, Steven Arthur, said awareness of the upsizing was limited, which in turn had limited opposition to it.

The traffic impacts on commuters would be felt across the wider Devonport peninsula and Takapuna areas, yet council had ensured notification of the project was limited to nearby residents, he said.

Taller buildings were appropriate in the town centre, but not at the Amaia location.

“This complex will be a landmark for all the wrong reasons.”

Salt noted that even a council planner had submitted to the panel that the development should be capped at 12 storeys, which is up

from the seven storeys originally consented.

New blocks added to the original plan will see more construction peaking at the centre of the site.

Developers are still advertising the site with images of its original plans, featuring smaller buildings, a boardwalk around the base of the site and connecting pathways.

“There was a lot of sliding back on some of the positive community things that would come out of it, with walkways,” said Salt.

Thrussell said prospective Amaia residents were now facing a much more cramped and less permeable site.

With public funds not available to build the Francis St-Esmonde Rd connection, they would be cut off from the wider Hauraki community and easy pedestrian access to its primary school.

Since a large slip at the rear of the site after last summer’s adverse weather and the development’s upsizing being approved, Thrussell said she was more worried about sedimentation and stormwater issues.

Vector looks guilty in open and won’t shut case A power pole recently installed outside a Narrow Neck resident’s house has left him unable to close his gate.

The pole on Fraser Rd was installed three weeks ago, replacing another that was removed.

It was placed further to the east than the previous pole, and installed while the resident’s gate was open – leaving it stuck in that position.

Vector has since arranged to move the new pole next week, a process that will take two hours, in which power will be lost to two homes.

The resident, who did not want to be named, told the Flagstaff he “can’t believe adults could make such a stupid mistake”. Vector said: “We’ve discussed the poor experience with our Pole position... the Fraser Rd gate left stuck behind a new power pole installed by Vector contractor so it doesn’t happen again”

SIMON WATTS

Devonport Publishing Ltd First Floor, 9 Wynyard St Telephone: 09 445 0060 Email: sales@devonportflagstaff.co.nz news@devonportflagstaff.co.nz Website: www.devonportflagstaff.co.nz

MP for North Shore

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 3

November 3, 2023

Local agent delivers baby on Far North roadside Getting away to the Far North during Labour Weekend, Tracey Lawrence never expected having to call on midwifery skills she last used 25 years ago.

But that’s exactly what happened when the Devonport real-estate salesperson delivered a baby whose mother was in the back of a ute in Mangōnui.

Lawrence, who also volunteers for Harbour Hospice at its Devonport shop, was ordering coffee in a cafe in the settlement on the Sunday of the long weekend when a woman ran in seeking help.

“She called out, ‘Is anyone here a nurse or doctor?’” Lawrence says. “And I’m thinking, ‘Well, I did my nursing training a long time ago, but I actually worked as a midwife.’ Then the woman shouted, ‘There’s a lady over the road having a baby.’ I knew that I could help.”

Lawrence trained as a midwife in the UK and practised for 10 years before she and her husband moved to New Zealand and started a family of their own.

Though 25 years had passed since Lawrence, 57, last delivered a baby, she says “it all came flooding back” as soon as she saw the expectant mother in full labour on the back seat of a ute parked outside Mangōnui’s Four Square.

An ambulance had been called, and St John staff stayed on the Happy ending... Tracey Lawrence with the baby girl phone with Lawrence while she delivered the baby. Meanwhile, she delivered (above) and after St John staff arrived bystanders brought water, towels and rubber gloves, and formed a human shield around the vehicle to give some privacy.

Lawrence says the baby – a healthy girl – was born within 30 minutes, at 12.25pm. The ambulance arrived 15 minutes later. With scissors and clamps available from St John, the baby’s proud father was able to cut the umbilical cord.

Lawrence says it wasn’t until afterwards that she realised how intense the situation had been. “That’s when my knees started shaking – once I knew everything was okay.”

She will never forget the special experience she shared with the couple, and says she feels privileged to have been able to help.

The couple had been on their way to Kaitaia Hospital when the woman had gone into labour, Lawrence says. “She’d been feeling a bit uncomfortable and had wanted to get checked out. But they’d had to drive over all these potholed roads and going over the potholes had put her into full-blown labour. As they were going past Mangōnui they pulled in to see if there was a doctor’s surgery, but there wasn’t anything.”

Lawrence says she volunteers for Hospice because she enjoys the culture that hospice brings of working together as a team to care for others. Reflecting on her only delivery of a baby in New Zealand, she says: “I’m just really grateful that I was in the right place at the right time.”

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 4

November 3, 2023

Eyes on the Prize: Classic yacht clocks up a century The 100th birthday of one of Auckland’s most storied classic yachts, Prize, was celebrated at the Devonport Yacht Club last Friday.

Owner and local resident Chad Thompson had readied the vessel with maintenance and a repaint at club’s slipyard on King Edward Pde, ahead of an event attended by around 70 people. “It was primarily aimed at the early crew,” said Thompson, who has been sailing master of the Prize since taking over from his father, Bressin – who raced her with distinction in the post-World War II period.

“Depending on the varying conditions she can still put on a turn of speed,” said Thompson.

The kauri 43-footer rigged as a ‘Bermudan cutter’ was launched on 27 October 1923 and named after the submarine hunter HMS Prize, which was helmed by Takapuna-raised Lieutenant Commander William Sanders in World War I. Sanders, who won the Victoria Cross, later died at sea.

Prize has been in the Thompson family since 1943, when Chad’s grandfather Alf bought it from the family who had commissioned Charles Bailey Jnr to design her.

Her launch was covered in the Auckland Star with hopes she and others of her class would enhance the world-wide reputation of Auckland yacht builders.

Today she falls under the Protected Objects Act, meaning she cannot be taken out of the country.

Thompson, now aged 73, grew up in Herne Bay and learned to sail out of Westhaven with his father. He has gone onto run a charter business with his Waiheke-based daughter and son-in-law and describes himself as a skipper for hire and an on-water tutor.

Prize was taken out of charter in 2002 but is regularly used by Thompson for classic-yacht racing with a crew of six to eight or cruising with his wife, Margaret.

Ship shape... Chad Thompson performing maintenance on Prize at the Devonport Yacht Club ahead of her 100th birthday celebration last weekend. Above right: The yacht under sail on the Waitemata.

The couple moved to Devonport around the classic series in 1996.

20 years ago, and soon became involved in She will once again be racing in the catthe yacht club here. egory this summer.

Thompson says the friendly club, which “The New Zealand-designed-and-built has clocked up its own 100th, is a great classic yachts are fortunate in that with the facility. magnificent timber, kauri, from which they “It’s good for John Citizen boat owners, were built and the temperate climate, they not just the very wealthy.” have been able to survive in such good Club and Classic Yacht Association condition,” Thompson said. members were among those who gathered “Prize is a fine example of everything speto toast the Prize, which still holds a Royal cial about New Zealand classic yachting.”

New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) Her 70th birthday in 1993 was celebratrecord from the 1950s of winning the or- ed at the National Maritime Museum and ganisation’s points prize five times, four RNZYS. consecutively – which has yet to be bettered.

The proud owner has three adult children, Another notable success was winning two of whom are keen sailors. Should he the Balokovic Cup in 1947, setting a new sell Prize in the future, his Waiheke-based record which stood for many years. Her daughter, Emily, and her husband, Robin, open racing days came to an end in 1976, would have first right of refusal, as the when the squadron changed the rules on others are settled in Canada. spinnaker size.

“She’s going to see us out,” Thompson After a major restoration in 1995, she won said.

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 5

November 3, 2023

NSU under-19s clinch promotion at national tournament North Shore United’s future prospects were given a boost by its under-19 side finishing runner-up in the second division at the national youth championship in Napier.

The side won all of their group stage games at the post-season Labour Weekend tournament, earning a quarter-final spot.

Local rivals Takapuna FC proved tough competition in the quarter-final but a goal from Shore midfielder Hugo Sweetman earned a 1-0 victory in a tightly contested match.

Shore played the Wellington Phoenix in the semi-final, going 1-0 up early in the second half, but the Phoenix scored five minutes before the final whistle, sending the game to penalties.

The Shore penalty-takers showed their composure from 12 yards, slotting home all four attempts while the Phoenix missed two, sending Shore to the final and winning promotion to the top division for next year.

Shore lost to Christchurch United 3-0 in the final.

Co-coach Ryan Ward said his side suffered from something of a hangover from the semi, as the players were fatigued after giving it all through their eight games over three days, with many playing through or being ruled out by injury.

“I think [the semi-final] became a bit more like a final because we knew if we’d won that we’d gain promotion.

“Win, lose or draw in the final, the boys have done the club proud.”

The average age of the squad is around 16, so most will return, aiming to make their mark in the top competition.

“There’s only two players that aren’t eligible next year because of their age,” Ward said.

“It’s building for next year and we’ll start now really.”

Ward said the side’s aim going into the

Going up... North Shore United’s under-19 team celebrating their national tournament success: (back, from left) Logan Archer (physio), James Unler, Marcus Griffiths, Evan White, Ben Wall (co-head coach), Ryan Ward (co-head coach), Nick Daniels (set-piece coach), Macsen Jones, Kallen Mutch, Finn De Hora, Raff Clayton, Luka Langenbach, Freddie Fox and Jacob Steele; (front) Louie Le Comte (captain), Jude Broomby-Garrod, Chrishan Hensel, Toby Hobbs-Allen, George Morris, Sam Kay, Dom Hawkins and Hugo Sweetman. tournament was to earn promotion so they can build consistently good teams in the long term.

The squad was put together four weeks before the tournament, mostly with players from the Takapuna Grammar School first and second XIs. Co-coach Ben Wall was great at motivating the boys and making them believe in the long-term vision, Ward said.

“We weren’t necessarily just looking at

Rates still ticking up We see ANZ and ASB lifted their mortgage rates again last week - now 7.39% for 1 year and 7.09% for 2yr fixed. Once again it’s in response to higher global bond rates in the face of sticky inflation and more Govt debt on issue - and as a result Central Banks are not needing to raise their OCR cash rates as the market is doing the tightening for them could well get over tight?

Despite this we understand there is a bit more interest post-election from both buyers and sellers in the property market with more stock coming on the market and more enquiry – however we don’t expect to see any great rebound in prices or affordability in the near term because at these interest rate levels things just don’t work as well for many hopefuls!

winning the tournament but at developing them as players, and they bought into that.”

Ward said the secret to the side’s success was having core values of trust, passion and positivity, as well as playing the North Shore style of high-energy, high-possession attacking football.

Birkenhead United won the top division, with Takapuna Grammar School first XI player Nick Petherick scoring a last-minute winner to secure the title.

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 6

By Rob Drent

While the final composition of the government is still to be decided, National will be the dominant partner, with repealing or canning a number of Labour initiatives seemingly high on the agenda.

Locally, I imagine Labour’s plans for ‘rail to the Shore’ will come under scrutiny.

National will quite probably look at a tunnel under the harbour, but for cars rather than trains. This would be incredibly short-sighted.

In a city decades behind on transport infrastructure, major work needs to be locked in.

The Auckland metropolitan area has a population closing in on 1.7 million and is projected to reach two million by the early 2030s.

Hong Kong (current population more than seven million) had the roughly the same population as Auckland in 1950. But since then has invested heavily in mass transit, and is now ranked best in the world for public transport by the World Economic Forum.

Hong Kong has car-free zones, the highest usage of public transport in the world and a rapid-transit rail system with 166 stations.

Auckland won’t reach Hong Kong’s pop-

The Flagstaff Notes ulation any time soon, But planning and the provision of a mass-transit system is vital for a liveable first-world city.

Rather than can rail to the Shore, National should be locking in a timeline for trains and trams over the city and further afield for growth areas such as Warkworth.

On a trip to Europe recently, I found the availability, efficiency and cost of public transport to be eye-opening. I couldn’t help thinking of Fuller’s ferry users when departing on a train from Haarlem in the Netherlands to Germany. An announcement came over the speaker apologising for leaving one minute late.

Arriving home to Auckland on a delayed flight at 1am, with no public transport options available, I took a cab. For the 45-minute trip to Devonport it cost more than a two-hour Eurostar ticket from Brussels to London.

A prediction: Auckland Transport’s Hop card system will soon be obsolete. In New York, London and the Netherlands, a tap-on/ tap-off system with your credit card is used.

Discounts – such as for cheap off-peak travel – are incorporated into the price and the system works just as well for tourists as for locals.

News of the potential demise and scrapping of the William C Daldy, which for many years has been berthed at Devonport’s Victoria Wharf, is disappointing, and indic-

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November 3, 2023 ative of the somewhat dismissive attitude Aucklanders and museum organisations have to our maritime history.

With the rise of the motor vehicle and the opening of the harbour bridge in 1959, the demand for ferries services diminished. I can remember as a young boy travelling over the bridge and seeing numerous derelict ferries near Westhaven. They were later scuppered, leaving only a few in service.

The Kestrel plied the Devonport route for many years and ended its commercial days running across the harbour on Friday and Saturday nights with a popular jazz band on board.

After it was retired, it became for a time a floating restaurant in Tauranga, but was returned to Auckland and in 2016 sank at its berth before being refloated.

Keeping old vessels sufficiently maintained to meet maritime standards is expensive.

Another of the double-ended steam ferries built for the Waitematā, the Toroa, was briefly berthed at Stanley Bay in Devonport. Regarded as something of a cluttering nuisance, it was denied a permanent home. It has sat on the edge of the northwestern motorway for decades, as keen but cash strapped volunteers try to find ways to save it. Now the Daldy tug, a workhorse for the Auckland Harbour Board from 1935 to 1977, faces a very uncertain future.

I find it mystifying that institutions like the Maritime Museum or Museum of Transport and Technology can’t find some space to house at least one example of Auckland’s rich passenger-ferry history.

Undergrounding overhead lines was being done progressively when power companies were government owned. This initiative was dropped when they were privatised – which was a great shame for the ambience of this area, and for practical purposes such as finding room for off-road cycle lanes or the potential widening of Lake Rd. Another example of the blight of the power lines is illustrated by the ugly pruning of trees to accommodate them (such as seen here on Cautley St).

November 3, 2023

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 7

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 8

Open Workshops

November 3, 2023

Local-board workshops should be open – Ombudsman A Chief Ombudsman’s investigation has backed the Devonport Flagstaff’s decade-long campaign for public access to local-board workshops.

Workshops should be open to the public by default, the Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier said in his report made public last week.

“The principles of openness and good administrative practice apply to workshops as much as any other aspect of council business,” Boshier said “It is crucial that these are adhered to in order to maintain public trust and avoid perceptions that councils are operating in secret.

“I expect all councils to make sure their policies and practices meet my expectations of good workshop practice. Crucially, this includes opening workshops to the public by default; closing them only where good reason exists.”

The Devonport Flagstaff has campaigned for public access to workshops since the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board was created as part of the new Auckland Council in 2010.

The DTLB was one of the few across Auckland that made workshops public, but this stance was often threatened by Auckland Council officers and local-board members who wanted to discuss information behind closed doors.

The Flagstaff was heavily critical of member Aidan Bennett who used his casting vote at the start of his 18-month term as chair in 2019 to ban the public from workshops.

The newspaper also supported Ruth Jackson’s decision to reopen the meetings when she became chair in 2021.

Open democracy was top of her list of board priorities, she said, Workshops were a great place for people

Changed stance vindicated...

Prior to this term, DevonportTakapuna Local Board chair Toni van Tonder had opposed holding workshops in public to learn more about the background to decision-making, Jackson said at the time.

At the board’s monthly meeting, agenda items are more often rubber-stamped than explained.

Jackson said if the public attended workshops, they would also be better able to give timely feedback to board members on matters they may have knowledge about.

“I look at the local board being a collaboration with the community, not us dictating,” she said.

“It’s giving the community the absolutely best chance to know what is going on.”

To help with this, workshop topics would be notified publicly in advance.

Current board chair Toni Van Tonder had said prior to the local body elections last year that her A Fresh Approach team would go back to closed workshops.

But in a surprise turnaround after the election she continued to allow public workshops, saying they were a good way of informing the community.

In his investigation, Bouchier said some councils seemed to rely on a literal interpretation of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, which said a meeting where no decisions were made didn’t need to be made public.

However, Boshier said the need for openness overrode a narrow interpretation.

“I saw no evidence in my investigation that actual and effective decisions were made in workshops, but I saw some workshop practices that are counter to the principles of openness and could contribute to a public perception that workshops are not being used in the right way.

“This investigation has highlighted to me the important role that workshops play in the decision-making process for councils... deliberative discussion may take place in a workshop.”

The workshops ensured “the public has access to accurate information (which) should provide an antidote to misinformation.

“Conducting a great deal of council business behind closed doors, whether through workshops or public-excluded meetings, can have a damaging effect on how open the community perceives a council to be,” he said.

Boshier’s investigation included the Clutha District Council, Palmerston North City Council, Rangitīkei District Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, Taranaki Regional Council, Taupō District Council, Timaru District Council and Waimakariri District Council.

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November 3, 2023

How the Flagstaff reported on the issue in 2019 The lack of a press bench at the new Devonport-Takapuna Local Board rooms in Takapuna was perhaps an ominous sign as I entered a meeting where media freedoms, transparency and public access to information were about to be discussed.

Provision of a press table is a long-held tradition among local authorities – a symbol as much as anything that these meetings and the activities of local-body politicians and council officials, funded by ratepayers, are open to scrutiny.

For its first official meeting of the new term last week, the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board moved to its new public home in cramped, reduced premises downstairs from the former North Shore City Council chamber.

No press agenda was on offer, either. Board member Jan O’Connor lent me hers.

Temperatures rose as staff struggled to get the air-conditioning working, while board chair Aidan Bennett drove through his motion to close workshops to the public and the media.

With the board split, he used his casting vote, as predicted. An 11th-hour attempt to mollify opponents was also passed – with all documents at the workshops to be put on the board’s website, and a planned monthly dropin session where the public can discuss the material with council staff.

This could cause more trouble than it’s worth, as the workshop material is often raw, with detail and context fleshed out in the discussion between board members and officers.

Wouldn’t it have been easier just to keep the workshops open?

Yes, there is grandstanding. Yes, there is point-scoring at the public workshops – but welcome to politics.

The proponents of the closed workshops and council staff say that no decisions are made at workshops, only at full public meetings.

Open Workshops

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 9

Press table goes missing on dark day for democratic scrutiny

This is legally correct, but practically wrong.

No resolutions are made at workshops, but decisions are made by the board on the directions projects take, and on what ideas are given air or snuffed out.

In fact, it could be argued it is in the workshops where the critical decisions are made that influence key projects in our area. Board-meeting resolutions are often rubber stamps, which follow lengthy arguments in workshops.

Bennett and some board members seem surprised at my opposition to closed meetings.

Why so? I’ve been seeking transparency and accountability from local authorities and politicians for almost 40 years, in an attempt to bring

plans and changes to the attention of the public as early in the process as possible.

This issue, we’re printing a letter from a resident who lives on Lake Rd, worried about the impact of a $47 million upgrade on the carriageway and surrounding homes. Why shouldn’t this person be kept abreast of developments and options as soon as they are created

by Auckland Transport?

My surprise is that Bennett – the publisher of a monthly magazine on the Shore – would seek to restrict media freedoms at all.

Rob Drent Managing Editor The Devonport Flagstaff

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 10

November 3, 2023

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 11

November 3, 2023

Going green... David Downs (right) chairs the foundation raising money for an indoor garden at North Shore Hospital (above)

Hospital’s big new garden plans championed by local A Devonport resident is behind the push to build Australasia’s first big indoor healing garden at North Shore Hospital.

David Downs is chair of hospital charity the Well Foundation, which is leading the fundraising drive for the garden.

His own health battles over recent years helped convince him of the merits of the project, launched this week. Now five years clear of cancer, after pioneering gene therapy, Downs spent months receiving treatment at the hospital in 2017.

He later became involved in the foundation, having learned of the work it did to raise money for hospital projects.

The garden is one of its most ambitious initiatives to date, with $2 million sought to transform what would have been a grey void into a green space in the atrium of a new four-storey building now under construction.

“Having a space like this is going to be huge,” says Downs. “For patients it will be a wonderful addition.”

It will offer a place with seating areas for respite time with family and give somewhere

soothing to take time out.

Wards will look down into the garden, which will have 500 plants in giant planters.

While bed-bound in his ward having chemotherapy, Downs made up for the lack of a view by putting photographs of his “special place” – Cheltenham Beach – on the wall. He added shots of Paris and Fiji.

A few years later, when the hospital’s former chief executive Dale Bramley told him of his idea of using the empty space in the new hospital building for a garden, Downs knew this was a perfect project for the foundation.

“We knew through research there’s a real benefit in green spaces.”

Downs doesn’t claim to be green-fingered himself, but says wife Katherine was responsible for a “great garden in our previous place”. The couple, who have been based in Devonport for 20 years, where they raised their three children, have for the last few months been temporarily living in Belmont.

With two adult children now overseas and their youngest finishing school this year, they have sold their large family home and are

looking to downsize in their next property.

After his illness, Downs also downsized his career, which has centred on work for the government promoting New Zealand, through marketing and tourism initiatives. He still has a part-time role. “When I got back from being sick, I realised there was more to life to working,” is how he puts it.

But he is as busy as ever, with activities including his volunteer work for the Well Foundation, other board work and public speaking. Katherine, a former manager of the Devonport Business Association, also changed tack during Covid lockdown times, completing museum curation studies. She now works at Motat.

Downs, aged 53, says some individual donations and bequests have already been committed to the Well Foundation’s “give a bit of green” campaign to raise funds for the garden. Details can be found at giveabitofgreen.co.nz.

The new building is due to open in April, adding eight operating theatres, four endoscopy suites and 150 beds across five wards.

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 12

November 3, 2023

Halloween Trail draws scary creatures aplenty,

Costume crazy... More than 3000 fun seekers descended on Bayswater for the annual Halloween Trail last Saturday. This page (clockwise from top left): Hauraki’s Adelle, Nathan and Zoe Billing turned turtle; Devonport residents (from left) Leila, Kerra, dad Toby, mum Sarah, Thedra and Jezebel Lawry, and Pirate the dog in a woolly disguise; and a devilish Isabella Lusty of Devonport with firefighter Dan Brady. Opposite page (clockwise from top): Scary Devonport skeletons (from left) Mylo Crawford, Finn Rogers and Huxley Crawford, and ‘The Flash’ Caio Rogers; dragon Jerry Lu, from Devonport; Bayswater locals Lennox Nicholas, Caden Gundry, Richard Nicholas, Indi Nicholas and ‘nun’ Helen Shirley; Star Wars characters from Devonport Anya and Roger Dickinson and friend Julieta Sosa; and Bayswater’s Libby Drew, a hoop-spinning pumpkin princess.

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 13

plus turtles, a wolf in sheep’s clothing and more

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 14

November 3, 2023

Recently at the 2023 North Harbour Rugby Awards: "Most Successful Club of the Year" North Shore Rugby Football Club "Junior Club of the Year" North Shore Rugby Football Club "Outstanding Contribution to Senior Rugby" Danjela Martin "Player of the Year" Oscar Koller "Coaches of the Year" Rua Tipoki, Chris Davies, and James Hinchco A big huge thanks to all the clubs loyal supporters, Go the Pride!!

Proudly Sponsored by

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 15

November 3, 2023

Devonport 09 446 2030 Proud Sponsor Of North Shore Rugby Club

Devonport 62 Vauxhall Road 5

2

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Auction Thursday 16th November at 1.00pm In Rooms (Unless Sold Prior) View Saturday/Sunday 1.00pm - 1.30pm harcourts.co.nz/L24874169

Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Space, Sun and Sea Views in Cheltenham Available for the first time in 37 years, this landmark Cheltenham bungalow was extended and expanded by its current owners to provide the essential space, light and flow for modern family life. The 592sqm freehold property is located at the very heart of the vibrant Vauxhall village and just a two-minute stroll from Cheltenham beach. Generous proportions and a beautifully balanced floorplan provide ample space for living and entertaining. The ground floor offers a large separate lounge with wood burner, open-plan living, kitchen and dining space, plus another tiled casual living zone that flows out to the deck. The huge rear garden is fully fenced, flooded with sun and completely flat. While some recent renovations have been undertaken and the home is perfectly comfortable as it is, there is undeniable scope here for the new owner to further maximise its solid bones and dream location.

Maria Stevens Marissa Muirhead 021 979 084 021 337 222 maria.stevens@harcourts.co.nz marissa.muirhead@harcourts.co.nz

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 16

Devonport 11 Summer Street 3

1

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Auction Thursday 16th November at 1.00pm In Rooms (Unless Sold Prior) View Saturday/Sunday 12.00pm - 12.30pm harcourts.co.nz/L24197207

Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd. Licensed Agent REAA 2008

November 3, 2023

Classic Villa with Stunning Garden Perfectly positioned on the sought-after side of Devonport’s Summer Street, this classic villa has been thoughtfully enhanced with a series of stylish and functional contemporary features. Small families and downsizers will love the ideal proportions, single level floorplan and stunning gardens that envelop the home. Soaked in sun and filled with light, the very best of old and new is on display here. Three double bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom and separate toilet.

The master suite has a custom-built walk-in wardrobe and separate office space. The formal lounge can be closed off from the open-plan casual living, dining and kitchen area, which flows out to the deck and beautifully landscaped rear garden. The lush flat lawns that frame the property are fully fenced, so are safe for kids and pets.

Maria Stevens Marissa Muirhead 021 979 084 021 337 222 maria.stevens@harcourts.co.nz marissa.muirhead@harcourts.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 17

November 3, 2023

dividend for locals

Recycling

pays

Resource Recovery Devonport – formerly Devonport Community Recycling Centre – is on a mission to find local organisations and charities who need funding to help support their activities.

“We have funds available for a wide range of local organisations who can demonstrate good management, fiscal responsibility and above all a commitment to supporting local people through their club’s activities,” says Resource Recovery Devonport general manager Richard Linthwaite.

“Our financial mandate is to reinvest our profits back into the local community” says the 30-year waste-management professional.

The centre traces its roots back to 1977, when a group of locals successfully lobbied Devonport Borough Council to begin New cil-funded building extension and upgrade, of the big two waste companies and we Zealand’s first municipal recycling scheme. increasing the shop size to 300 square me- provide a range of enhanced services. PartA lot has changed since then, but a dedica- tres, so more items can be recovered, sold nering with other recycling providers and tion to diverting waste from landfill remains. back to the community and kept out of land- offering valuable building and landscaping products and services.

The organisation’s recent rebranding re- fill.

Excitingly, Resource Recovery Devonport In addition, the facility has a learning-cenflects its overall mission and operational tre space for educational workshops or- will in 2024 introduce a skip service, with goal of ‘zero waste to landfill’.

Linthwaite explains some of the ways this ganised by highly regarded educator Ann each skip’s contents hand-sorted to ensure nothing goes to landfill that doesn’t need to.

Langis. is achieved: It’s hoped customers will opt for the serFather-of-two Linthwaite came to New • Green waste is turned into compost, lawn Zealand from Derbyshire in the UK in vice in place of environmentally unfriendly mix and garden mix by Living Earth.

• Wood waste is turned into woodchip to be 2000. His advice to anyone wanting to save skip services, including those offering sinused as fuel at Golden Bay cement Whan- the planet? “Consumerism produces waste, gle-use flexible bins that are trucked direct consume less and you produce less waste.” to a landfill. garei.

“Our skips will travel within DevonThe centre is run as a successful business, • Two of the three mulches available are waste materials recycled from forestry op- with a strong emphasis on environmental port and are reusable of course,” says Linthwaite. erations, while the third is produced from responsibility.

Community groups and charities in “We hire dedicated, environmentally conchipped and dyed untreated waste timber.

• Top soil is sourced from local subdivisions. scious staff. It’s a tough job, we pay them Devonport looking for funding can contact • The 40mm drainage metal and Gap 20 well to do it and our health and safety is top Richard Linthwaite by email richard@ devonportrecycle.co.nz or phone 021 0831 base course are produced from reprocessed notch,” he says.

Linwaite explains that being located in 0025. concrete waste.

The deadline for the February funding Resource Recovery Devonport recently Devonport creates logistical challenges and costs, the centres charges are below those applications is 20 December. completed a $1 million Auckland CounM ORT COMMUNITY U DEVONPORT N COMMUNITY I DEVONPORT T COMMUNITY DEVONPORT Y COMMUNITY

N CLING T CENTRE R RECYCLING CENTRE E RECYCLING CENTRE

RECYCLING CENTRE

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CLUBS

DEVONPORT COMMUNITY Resource Recovery Devonport, a registered charity that operates a DAYS | 27 Lake k Rd OPEN e 6 DAYS | 27 Lake Rd R OPEN 6 DAYS | 27 d Lake RdOPENRECYCLING 6 DAYS | 27CENTRE Lake Rd the Recycling and Landscape supplies business in Devonport, invites OPEN 6 DAYS | 27 Lake Rd applications from local organisations who may need funding to help

support their activities.

We have funds available for a wide range of local organisations who can

demonstrate good management, fiscal responsibility above all a

and

commitment to supporting local people through their club’s activities.

0 9 445 3830 09 445 3830 09 445 3830 090944544538303830 e.co.nz ortRecycle.co.nz DevonportRecycle.co.nz DevonportRecycle.co.nDevonpor z DevonportRtecyclRecyclee.c.o.nz

ONMENTAL

NCE 2016

SUPPORTING

SUPPORTING

SUPPORTING

SUPPORTING

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL

INITIATIVES SINCE 2016

INITIATIVES SINCE 2016

Our annual gifting programme takes place in February and August each year, with the deadline for February applications being 20th December.

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL

For more information, email the General Manager at INITIATIVES SINCE 2016 SINCE 2016

richard@devonportrecycle.co.nz or call 021INITIATIVES 0831 0025.

445 3830 DEVONPORT COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE | 093830 445 3830 | devonportrecycle.co.nz 0 9 445 3830 09 445 3830 09 445 0909 445 3830 DevonportRecycle.co.nz devonportrecycle.co.nz e ortRecycle.co.nz .

DevonportRecycle.co.nz o .

DevonportRecycle.co.nz n z DevonportRecycle.co.nz e ortrecycle.co.nz .c c devonportrecycle.co.nz o . devonportrecycle.co.nz n devonportrecycle.co.nz z

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 18

Timeless, Elegant and Exquisitely Renovated!

33 CHELTENHAM ROAD CHELTENHAM Located on a sprawling quarter-acre site of 1,157sqm fronting Cheltenham Beach. This home is superbly

Located on a sprawling quarter-acre site of 1,157sqm fronting Cheltenham Beach. This home is superbly refurbished with refurbished with exquisite attention to detail in keeping with the original character of the home. This is the absolute exquisite attention to detail in keeping with the original character of the home. This is the absolute pinnacle of beachfront living pinnacle of beachfront living in this location. The home has been owned by the current vendors for the last 14 years, in this location. The home has been owned by the current vendors for the last 14 years, and when the decision to renovate was and when thethey decision renovate made in and 2011 they didCrafted so with absolute care, and precision.

Crafted made in 2011 did so to with absolutewas care, quality precision. over one level, the quality home sprawls from the beachfront with of kitchen andbeachfront informal dining one expansive outlook over the overthe onemain level,living the comprising home sprawls from the with contained the main within living comprising of space, kitchenwith andaninformal dining lawn and towithin the beach.

Steel sliding doors with expose gorgeous second livingand areatoand with viewsexpose out to a the contained one expansive space, an aoutlook over the lawn the formal beach.dining Steelroom sliding doors western side of the home and the expansive patio complete with a pool with automatic cover. As you weave further through the gorgeous second living area and formal dining room with views out to the western side of the home and the expansive home there is another very large living space, ideal for families who want good separation from the main living. This room enjoys glorious patio complete a pool with automatic As you weaveprivacy. further There through home there is another large north-facing views with out over the courtyard and pool cover. area offering complete is a the movie theatre downstairs, 3 carvery garaging and

November 3, 2023

EXCLUSIVE VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT Deadline Sale Closes 4PM Wed 29 Nov (unless sold prior) www.precision.net.nz

"Cheltenham Beachfront"

space, ideal aforlarge families separation from the amain living.

This room enjoys glorious north-facing 4living bedrooms including masterwho suite,want more good than enough to accommodate typical Kiwi family. views out over the courtyard and pool area offering complete privacy. There is a movie theatre downstairs, 3 car garaging and 4 bedrooms including a large master suite, more than enough to accommodate a typical Kiwi family.

ANDREW DORREEN 021 747 334 I 09 215 0737 andrew@precision.net.nz Precision Real Estate Ltd MREINZ 09 489 1189 (Licensed - REAA 2008)

November 3, 2023

Our People

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 19

In a world of trash Bob’s got a smile to treasure

Warm welcome… Bob Durrant is a customers’ favourite at Resource Recovery Devonport

The friendly frontman for Devonport’s recycling centre is a born-andbred Londoner with past careers in scaffolding and pawnbroking.

The big smile and the friendly face charm residents who pull up to the front office window at Resource Recovery Devonport (formerly known as the Devonport Community Recycling Centre) Local people appreciate the cheerful, positive outlook of Bob Durrant, who has become the face of the centre.

And for his part, he enjoys the interaction with the customers.

The former Londoner is happy to have washed up in a great place to live and work as he moves closer to his retirement years.

More than five years ago he came to run the centre recycling shop, which seemed like a great fit for him after 14 years in Auckland working as a pawnbroker.

Quite soon, Durrant had the keys to the gate and had become the site supervisor,

running the busy facility.

“How are ya, Bob?” call the regulars as they roll through in trucks and utes, dumping this or that, picking up landscaping materials, dropping off trailers and sometimes poking around the shop for handy bargains.

Durrant was born in Southeast London in the mid-1950s. He has an enduring and engaging London accent and ready banter, but says his birthplace wasn’t close enough to the city’s Bow Bells for him to call himself a ‘cockney’.

His parents had emigrated from Guyana after the war and bought a home in what was then a rough part of London, where Bob says his family was part of a large black population.

But he and his three sisters didn’t find the going easy where they grew up, with violence and racial tensions all around them in the 60s and 70s.

He remembers a childhood of tough times, poverty and schoolyard scraps. His aim was simple: to earn enough so as soon he was old enough he could move on to a better life.

He became a tailor and worked for one of the UK’s big clothing brands.

But when he saw a friend’s payslip from

scaffolding work, he figured clambering around on scaffolding, even in bitterly cold weather, would give him the step up he wanted.

Twenty-two years on the job was very rough on the body and took a toll on his hips, he says. Meeting a Kiwi girl in a London pub led him to New Zealand.

“I had to get my hips fixed really before I could do anything. But I couldn’t do hard physical work anymore.”

After all the freezing, arduous years on scaffolding, it was his love of people and having a natter that made him the right fit for an Auckland pawnbroker’s shop.

He learned to figure out the value of stuff that came through the door and understand the local second-hand market.

“I found I loved all the wheeling and dealing. I guess in all of us there’s a bit of a [Only Fools and Horses character] Del Boy, though I can still get it wrong sometimes,” he laughs.

Does the endless stream of unwanted goods reflect the character of the village?

Not really, according to the man who sifts through it. “Everyone’s got to chuck stuff out sooner or later. There’s often a few finds but that’s the same everywhere.”

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 20

Interview

November 3, 2023

From the slums to ‘heaven’: memories of a Ray Gethen emigrated as a young man from the UK to Devonport, where he met the love of his life.

Now 98, he tells Ruth Greenaway about once holding three local jobs – and working until he was 91.

It is not often you meet someone who can clearly remember a childhood of nearly a century ago.

Raymond Gethen, born in 1924, remembers living in a slum for his first seven years, in Denton, at Gravesend, Kent, where rows of attached black-slate houses lined potholed streets with no footpaths, and no gutters.

As a child, Gethen found solace and adventure playing among the vines and ruins of the 19th-century Rosherville Gardens and exploring the marshes along the Thames River, made famous in the Dickens novel Great Expectations.

Growing up in a family of eight older siblings and with an obnoxious father, this was a difficult start in life, but Gethen holds close the memories of times with his siblings and his mother, whom he adored.

He left school at the age of 12 to go and work in the local butcher’s shop. At 14, he undertook an engineering apprenticeship at a paper mill. During the Second World War, the mill turned to ammunitions and weapons manufacturing.

Gethen joined the British Navy with a group of his mates, but due to a burst ear drum was discharged. Soon afterwards, his entire platoon was killed by a German torpedo whilst onboard a destroyer headed to Freetown, South Africa.

The pull of the sea proved strong. After the war, Gethen joined the Merchant Navy as a ship’s engineer. For 10 years, he travelled the world, visiting Ceylon (Sri Lanka), India, Japan, China and Australia, along with ports in Europe and America.

Life on the P&O ship was the making of him; he had found his independence and, by 1953, decided to emigrate to New Zealand as a “ten-pound Pom”, becoming the only one of his siblings to leave the UK. He was familiar with some aspects of Kiwi life: “We were eating your sheep and butter.”

Arriving just before Queen Elizabeth’s

Prime spot... Ray Gethen, who lives in Queens Pde, doesn’t believe in an afterlife, but reckons Devonport is heaven on earth Coronation Tour of New Zealand, he settled in Devonport and worked at the Naval base, which was on the young Queen’s schedule.

Gethen gave his ticket to a mate, saying he had already seen the former princess many times.

He became a recognisable face around the Devonport village during the four years he worked at the Navy. He knocked off work at 4pm each day and headed to the Esplanade

Hotel to tend the curved bar for two hours before the six o’clock closing.

He recalls patrons guzzling their beers or spirits as he filled their glasses from the bar hose and serving patrons in the beer garden where apartments are now.

Twice a week, he worked as an usher at the Victoria Theatre, where he earned £2.

Gethen has always loved the movies. As a child, he would ask an adult to take him

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November 3, 2023

Interview

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 21

10-pound pom in with them (often to an R-rated film), then sit by himself and drift away in awe of the glamour and dreamlike world portrayed on the silver screen.

Living in Devonport offered other recreational opportunities. Once a week, with a Navy mate, he would go over to Rangitoto Island, drop anchor, and enjoy fishing, going ashore, making a fire, and feeding by hand the wallabies who lived there at the time.

Devonport also had romantic plans for Gethen. Invited to join in a game of cards at a friend’s place, he met his future wife, Sheila,who worked in the city for the Auckland Star. She lived in Northcote with her parents, who were also 10-pound Poms, who had arrived in the late 1940s. The family had lived only a couple of miles from his home in England.

“He knocked off work at 4pm each day and headed to the Esplanade Hotel to tend the curved bar for two hours before the six o’clock closing.”

Gethen often escorted Sheila to the ferry after a night at the cinema or a local dance, but Auckland life was much quieter in those days, with eating out a rarity. He remembers dancing at the London Bar or eating at a newly opened chicken-in-a-basket restaurant on Karangahape Rd. To go out for a meal was a radical change for many. Gethen says it was so popular you had to book six months ahead. “I thought this was a bit different.” Before that, it was common to get bangers and mash from the White Lady food cart parked downtown, or a meal of mince on toast from a worker’s cafe on Customs St. Proudly attached to the refrigerator door at Gethen’s flat off Queens Pde is a photo of him and Sheila walking up Queen St when they were courting. It was taken on a winter’s night, when both were wearing their heavy coats, walking arm in arm. A photographer stopped them and asked if he could take their photo. The following day, Ray returned, found the right shop, looked through the negatives, and ordered a copy of the picture. Gethen and Sheila married in 1955 and lived in a flat in Tudor St. Their first child, Chris, was born in 1961, followed

by Rod and Jennifer.

The couple saw The Sound of Music when Sheila was pregnant with Rod in 1963.

Snapped... Ray Gethen and his wife to be, Sheila, photographed in Queen St, when they were courting in the early 1950s. They married in 1955, lived in Tudor St, Devonport, and had three children. Sheila died in 2008.

By the mid-1960s, with a growing family and to be closer to Sheila’s parents, the couple moved to Northcote. Gethen’s career was now in engineering sales and evaluations, which meant he travelled a lot in New Zealand and Australia.

To celebrate special occasions, the family often went out for a meal. Ray remembers taking the boys to The Hungry Horse Steakhouse on Elliott Street for a birthday treat.

The proprietors, Otto Groen and Bob Sell, had helped set up Auckland’s dining scene between them. Other venues were La Boheme, The Gourmet, the Sapphire Room, the Hi Diddle Griddle and Fisherman’s Wharf.

“That was a great change for Auckland,” says Gethen. The Hungry Horse closed in 1979.

Gethen retired at the age of 65, but at 70, he was shoulder-tapped to assist a friend with a project at the Auckland City Council; the project turned into a full-time position

in building consents, and he began a new chapter in his working life. He stayed at the council a further 21 years – retiring at the age of 91.

Few people knew how old he was. Gethen enjoyed working with a diverse group of people of Māori, Polynesian and Asian heritage.

During this time, however, his beloved Sheila died of breast cancer in 2008. Gethen moved back to his favourite suburb, Devonport.

Today, you might see him walking with his stroller to the supermarket or Devon on the Wharf for a meal. Life is full of vivid memories as he treads the same paths he has on and off for over 70 years.

Gethen doesn’t believe in an afterlife or heaven: “Heaven is here, and it’s in Devonport.”

• Ruth Greenaway, an oral historian, interviewed Ray in June. tapestries.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 22

November 3, 2023

Councillors pledge to push light rail to Shore option

Light rail to the Shore will be one of the key items on the agenda when Auckland Council meets with the new government when it is formed.

“The time of election rhetoric is now over,” said Chris Darby, Auckland Councillor for the North Shore.

“I expect the new government will not want to throw out the enormous value of IP developed in support of light rail,” he says.

The new Minister of Transport will receive a briefing as an incoming minister that will cover both the Waitematā Harbour Connections and Auckland Light Rail programmes.

Darby and fellow North Shore councillor Richard Hills have for many years focused on promoting rapid transit (rail or light rail) “against a background where the uninformed assumption was that a road crossing was the only crossing”, Darby said. “Our secondary focus was to then have Takapuna and the city centre connected by that rapid-transit solution and to resolve the final missing links, walking and biking across the harbour.”

The preferred option released early this year had light rail floating to the top as the rapid-transit solution for the Shore, something 75 per cent of respondents to the public-feedback process considered ‘most important’.

“The outstanding question to be addressed in the [indicative business case], to be completed in early 2024, is the priority and timing of each mode and route definition, Darby

Going into bat for mass transit…

Auckland councillor Chris Darby said. “Light rail to the Shore does not sit in isolation though,” he said.

It forms part of a three-pronged light rail network (City-centre to Mangere, City-centre to North West and City-centre to the Shore) that further integrates with heavy rail, rapid bus, ferries and the wider bus network.

With the incoming government signalling the demise of City-centre to Mangere light rail, they inadvertently pull the plug on light rail to the Shore.

“All three routes are inextricably linked.”

Darby said that if a new minister allowed the business case to be completed, “I don’t doubt that it will show rapid transit light rail as the priority mode for delivery.

Devonport 09 445 2010

“We know the runaway success of the Northern Busway faces insurmountable capacity issues in the early 2030s.

“We cannot sit on our hands for too much longer. The busway is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to moving people to jobs, education, friends and places to visit, and light rail needs to complement it by the early to mid-30s. “I personally would like to see the Akoranga – Takapuna – Smales Farm – Glenfield – North Harbour – Albany route investigated.

“When it comes to an additional harbour crossing where driving is to the fore, let’s keep in mind there is no additional local road capacity at Onewa Rd, Esmonde Rd, Akoranga Dr, Northcote Rd, Tristram Ave or Constellation Dr.” All these motorway feeder arterials are at capacity and cannot be widened further, Darby said “Neither can the motorway through Smiths Bush, just south of Northcote Rd. I’m hopeful these considerable constraints, and the need to reduce emissions, will be flushed out in the [business case] and we fix our eyes on a solution that recognises how to get around town in a climate-change world.

“I’ve been riding the additional harbour crossing work for more than 17 years, joined

by Richard in 2016.

“It certainly feels like a through-the-ages journey, but hey the City Rail Link was first conceived in 1924.”

Barfoot & Thompson Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Major sponsor for the North Shore Cricket Club

NEW LISTING

D E V O N P O RT

Village Location - Classic '50s Hero!

1 1 B A L B E RT R OA D

Private and peaceful, this home combines the solid hallmarks of a 1950s build together with contemporary living and a winning central location. On the upper level, three double bedrooms, newly renovated bathroom, open plan kitchen, dining and living with access to the sunny deck. Downstairs offers a second living and laundry. And with location and convenience at the fore - you can walk to schools and ferry.

3

2

1

2

1

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AU C T I O N

VIEWING

10:00am 16 Nov 2023 at 8-12 The Promenade, Takapuna (unless sold prior)

Saturday-Sunday 12:00 - 12:45pm

barfoot.co.nz/855837

Sue Harrison 021 909 549

s.harrison@barfoot.co.nz

Toni Gregory 021 044 3663

t.gregory@barfoot.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 23

November 3, 2023

Devonport 09 445 2010

Barfoot & Thompson Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Major sponsor for the North Shore Cricket Club

NEW LISTING

DEVONPORT

Welcome to Your Private Paradise

64 CHURCH STREET

Captivating and inviting this welcoming Home and Income offers a sensory experience like no other. With gorgeous gardens, this home has everything. Pool and spa, two bedroom separate accommodation, garage with loft and a family home of generous proportions. Beautiful decorative style paired perfectly with the many original features. Make your own happy family memories in this city paradise.

6

3

2.5

1

1

1

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FOR SALE

VIEWING

$4,150,000

By Appointment

barfoot.co.nz/856108

Patricia Hinchey 027 222 3367

p.hinchey@barfoot.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 24

November 3, 2023

Devonport 09 445 2010

Barfoot & Thompson Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Major sponsor for the North Shore Cricket Club

NEW LISTING

TAKAPUNA

2

1

1

FOR SALE

BELMONT

1

3 / 1 1 E S M O N D E R OA D

barfoot.co.nz/856335

(unless sold prior)

VIEWING Sat/Sun 11:00 to 11:30am

Sue Evans 021 448 977

2

VIEWING As advertised or by appointment

Bianca O'Dea 021 361 116 Desiree Tod 021 851 975

3

2

2

AU C T I O N 2

TAKAPUNA

4

2.5

1

70C FRANCIS STREET

AU C T I O N

barfoot.co.nz/856190

1

By Negotiation

Brick and block 1980's rear home in great location offers plenty of privacy and potential to add value.

barfoot.co.nz/855016

1 0 B N O R M A N R OA D

Deceased Estate plaster clad home. This is a great home! Don't miss this one!

Executors want this sold.

Building report available.

Call us for details!

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FOR SALE

10:00am 15 Nov 2023 The Promenade, Takapuna

NEW LISTING

TAKAPUNA

1

2 / 9 3 L A K E R OA D

AU C T I O N Beautifully refurbished brick and tile about 500m from the golden sand beach, privately hedged courtyard BBQ zone, ample off-street parking.

3

10:00am 15 Nov at 8-12 The Promenade, Takapuna (unless sold prior)

VIEWING Sat/Sun 12:00-12:45pm

Lance Richardson 021 796 660 Suzy Wang 022 199 7808

AU C T I O N This brand-new architecturally designed family home provides a sumptuous launchpad from which to explore the region.

barfoot.co.nz/855687

10:00am 16 Nov 2023 at 8 The Promenade, Takapuna (unless sold prior)

VIEWING Sat/Sun 1:00-1:45pm

Samuel Tang 021 688 364

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 25

November 3, 2023

Devonport 09 445 2010

Barfoot & Thompson Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Major sponsor for the North Shore Cricket Club

NEW LISTING

DEVONPORT

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NEW LISTING

DEVONPORT

2

6 E T O N AV E N U E

3 /4 4 S TA N L E Y P O I N T R OA D

AU C T I O N Welcome to this character villa situated in sought after Cheltenham beach location. With opportunity to enhance and add your own touches.

barfoot.co.nz/855874

5:00pm 15 Nov 2023 at Devonport Branch Office

2

VIEWING Sat / Sun 2:00-2:45pm

Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681 Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452

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3.5

barfoot.co.nz/856124

2

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TAKAPUNA

(unless sold prior)

VIEWING Sat/Sun 12:00-12:30pm

Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452 Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681

barfoot.co.nz/844503

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2

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1 / 2 8 N O R M A N R OA D

AU C T I O N 12:00pm 8 Nov 2023 at 39 Victoria Road, Devonport (unless sold prior)

VIEWING Sat/Sun 1:15 - 2:00pm

Patricia Hinchey 027 222 3367

1

TENDER

2 5 Q U E E N S PA R A D E

With captivating City and Sky Tower panorama constantly unfolding, this expansive family home belies the traditional high cost of villa maintenance.

1

4:00pm 15 Nov 2023

This charming townhouse is tucked down a driveway, set back from the road to ensure peace and privacy. Low maintenance and sunny.

(unless sold prior)

4

1.5

TENDER

AU C T I O N

DEVONPORT

1

TENDER 4:00pm 9 Nov 2023

Renovate & Realise!

(unless sold prior)

- Location, Sun, Elevation - Floor area approx.

200m² - 1960's retro-vibe

By Appointment

barfoot.co.nz/855350

VIEWING

Sue Harrison 021 909 549 Toni Gregory 021 044 3663

1

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 26

November 3, 2023

North Shore United junior prizegiving results Most valuable players 9th grade: Liverpool, Finn Gibson; Man United, Nixon Thompson; Chelsea, Hugo Nordstrand; Man City, Eli Little-Codling; Newcastle, Oscar Elliot; Tottenham, Jackson Buckle; Girls Arsenal, Leila Fell.

10th grade: PSG, Elliot Chandler; Lyon, Luke Harbour; Monaco, Elijah Steytler; Marseille, Josh De Koh. 11th grade: Bayern Munich, Charlie Brown and Liam Carey; Borussia Dortmund, Sunny Becker; RB Leipzig, Flynn Utting; Mainz, Arlo Brodie; Wolfsburg, Daniel Kirk; Girls 04 Bayer Leverkusen, Lucetta Cheng.

12th grade: Barcelona, Danny Mills; Real Madrid, Gabe Ansley and Brodie Robinson; Atletico Madrid, Jack Bates; Real Betis, Archie Johnson; Girls Espanyol, Delilah Pezaro.

13th grade: Blue, Harry Jang; Maroon Championship, Cam James; Yellow Conference, Rowan Smith; Girls Maroon, Sacha Curson.

14th grade: Girls Sculpt Gardens Scorers, Leila Ison.

15th grade: Yellow, Nate Hallman; Championship, Felix Johnson.

17th grade: Championship, Mattia Coco; Conference, Danny Glass.

Overall special club awards Club Sportsmanship Award, Tommy Wilmer; Most Promising Female Junior, Ruby Alpers; Most Promising Female Youth, Jessica Ellis; Most Promising Male Junior, Brodie Robinson and Gabe Ansley; Most Promising Male Youth, Raffery Clayton; Female Outstanding Goalkeeper, Lilian Carey; Male Outstanding Goalkeeper, Finn de Vrij; Young Coaches Cup, Callum Massey. Coaches Cup, Nick Daniels.

Top talent... North Shore United’s director of football Ryan Ward with most promising female junior Ruby Alpers (above) and Sportsmanship Award Tommy Wilmer (right)

Fireworks fear: Maunga closed at nights

Tūpuna maunga across Auckland, including Takarunga and Maungauika, are closed on evenings from 2-5 November.

It is the fourth consecutive year the mountains have been closed for public access to protect against fire damage, leading up to Guy Fawkes, after fires caused by fireworks in 2019 and 2020.

Tūpuna Maunga Authority says gates will be shut from 7.30pm, reopening at the usual morning times for each of the 14 maunga.

Security staff will keep an eye on maunga and signage will remind people of the restrictions.

The authority has repeated its call for the government to end sales of fireworks to the public.

Black flag warnings lifted from Devonport beaches Devonport peninsula beaches are now swim-safe with black flag warnings lifted.

The rāhui has been lifted across the Waitematā Harbour except some areas on the city

Live local.

Work local.

ShoreJobs.co.nz

side of the harbour.The Auckland Regional Public Health Service said fish and shellfish should not be collected in areas that have been contaminated for at least 28 days.

26 Victoria Rd Ph 446 0023 www.paradoxbooks.co.nz paradoxbooksdevonport@gmail.com Photos kindly supplied by Kathryn Nobbs Photography

Devonport Calendar 2024 - $18

November 3, 2023

Parliament will look at boat-club law Legislation to clear the way for commercial use of the heritage Bayswater Boating Club building will go before Parliament this year.

North Shore MP Simon Watts has secured first slot on the first Members’ Day to be held when Parliament begins its term under the new government. “It will be the first piece of legislation to be read,” he said.

Members’ Days are when bills sponsored

by MPs come before the House.

Though the date for the first under the

new government is yet to be set, Watts told the Flagstaff it would be pre-Christmas.

The aim of a change to legislation from the 1920s is to give the building’s owner, the Takapuna Boating Club, the right to lease parts for other than boating purposes. It is keen to generate income to maintain the building, by adding new tenants.

Watts agreed to take up the club’s case soon after first winning election to Parliament in 2020.

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 27

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

(REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY)

2023

NOVEMBER 12th

Shore reps back council seats for Ma ori

North Shore ward councillors Chris Darby and Richard Hills were in the minority of Auckland councillors who last week unsuccessfully backed a move to set up Maori seats by the next local body election.

Along with 18 out of 21 of the city’s local boards, including divided Devonport-Takapuna’s, they supported the initiative. But public feedback was against and councillors were lobbied by email to say no at a council meeting attended by about 50 members of the public.

An amendment by Manukau councillor Alf Filipaina to support the seats was lost 11 votes to 9. Mayor Wayne Brown abstained, saying: “I stood to fix Auckland and this wasn’t one of my five things.” Without a clear consensus it was better for the matter to be put back, he said.

Darby questioned Brown’s abstaining,

saying it gave the impression there was no leadership.

When the matter came up for feedback at the Devonport-Takapuna board’s September meeting, chair Toni van Tonder backed a resolution supporting having either Māori seats or continued representation of Māori interests via the Independent Māori Statutory Board as at present.

A second clause recommended the council make its decision based on the views of Māori provided through the consultation process. These favoured seats.

Members George Wood and Gavin Busch opposed both clauses and had their votes recorded against, with deputy chair Terence Harpur also opposing the second clause.

On the chair’s casting vote, the motion was carried, with Mel Powell and Peter Allen also in favour.

Work towards a major revamp of the Devonport town centre is set to start in the new year.

Peninsula Capital this year paid $35 million for more than a dozen properties owned

by Vista Linda, Devonport’s largest landlord before the sale, with a view to redeveloping

the village.

“We’re exploring various heritage experts, architects, urban planners, etc, with the aim to pull a team together to start the design process in the new year,” said Peninsula Capital managing director Mark Hiddleston.

COST EFFECTIVE SUSTAINABLE LIVING EXPO

DEVONPORT COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE

Work on centre upgrade slated for 2024

LET’S RE THINK DUCE USE

4TH NOVEMBER 2023 FORREST HILL SCHOOL, 50 FORREST HILL ROAD 10AM - 3PM

SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS & THRIFT SHOPPING

Free expo entry Scan for the full programme & to register for workshops

OPEN 6 DAYS | 27 Lake Rd

09 445 3830 DevonportRecycle.co.nz

SUPPORTING

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL

INITIATIVES SINCE 2016

09 445 3830 DevonportRecycle.co.nz devonportrecycle.co.nz

The Devonport RSA invites the people of Devonport and Takapuna to attend the Remembrance Sunday Service at the memorial of the Untidy Soldier Victoria Road, Devonport, at 1045 Sunday 12 November 23. Note there will be no street parade this year and parade participants will muster and fall-in at the memorial and dismiss from there. The public are invited to stand in the grass space in front of the Library or across the road at Windsor Reserve.

Remembrance Sunday commemorates the loss of New Zealand lives from all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The focus this year is on more recent conflicts (East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and Peace keeping Operations) and remembering those NZDF personnel that have lost their lives whilst on these operations.

All veterans and participants seated/fallen-in by 10.45am Commemoration Service: 10.50am – 11.30am Guest Speaker: LT COL Chris Powell (Veteran- United Nations Observer Golan Heights, NATO Yugoslavia, and East Timor) Enquiries can be made to the RSA manager on 09 445 8938.

61 VICTORIA RD 09 445 8938

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 28

much loved ous, level kauri floors ned in the th raised play, a studio on there is e it just as it is!

November 3, 2023

NEW LISTING

Devonport 1-2 Tudor Street

Easy-care lock & leave in a location to love!

3

A gently sloping pathway leads to this surprisingly spacious, elevated unit where a “WOW” view of the sparkling Waitemata Harbour greets you from a roomy lounge. Soak up the sunshine on the substantial deck where you can look forward to dining alfresco all summer long. A well-designed galley-style kitchen has good benchtop space, storage, and all mod-cons. There’s three big double bedrooms, with a fully tiled bathroom plus a cleverly added ensuite in the master. A secure garage can store the car and more, with room for a workshop too. Ample off-street space accommodates a camper, caravan, or small boat. Opportunities like this are a rarity in our little slice of paradise - you’ll need to be quick to make it yours! Call me or come along to an open home.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm, Thu 23 Nov 2023 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 12-12.30pm Helen Michell 021 210 3228 helen.michell@bayleys.co.nz

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BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1470645

Devonport 203 Victoria Road

Ready 4 2to fall 2 in love?

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Auction (unless sold prior) This gorgeous 1910 villa, is just an easy stroll into the village and has been the vendor's much loved family home for1627 years, with many treasured memories made here. On a very generous, level 1.30pm, Thu Nov 2023 696sqm section,Street, this light filled home with wonderful street appeal, has white washed kauri floors 28 Northcroft Takapuna, Auckland and a “Scandi” interior feel which blends well with the many original villa features retained in the View Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm home. The magnificent, sundrenched rear garden has been beautifully landscaped with raised or bybeds, appointment garden fruit trees and lush tropical plants. There is plenty of room for children to play, a studio Prue de Bie 021 242 with ensuite and a 521 substantial workshop and room for the boat! Set in this quiet location there is loads of potential for your future plans - possibly extend the home, put in a pool or love it just as it is! prue.debie@bayleys.co.nz

Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm, Thu 16 Nov 2023 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm or by appointment Prue de Bie 021 521 242 prue.debie@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT,

LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 bayleys.co.nz/1470643

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BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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Letters

November 3, 2023

Simple Lake Rd fix should be supported

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 29

Parking loss could be called mean-spirited Re: the car park at Harmony Hall (“Harmony Hall faces parking loss”, Flagstaff, 20 October) The Senior Citizens and U3A are major users of Harmony Hall and a significant number of members have issues with mobility. Parallel parking is not practical because of the concrete entrance ramp.

The best solution would be to create two

I am writing in support of the excellent suggestion made by Gillian Smith (Flagstaff letters, 8 September) as a simple idea to help alleviate the traffic congestion on Lake Rd. There is likely enough space to get two lanes of traffic through the Bardia St lights coming back into Devonport, if the right-turn lanes are removed. It is such a simple fix and we should campaign for Auckland Transport to trial it.

Nathan Male

disability car-park spaces in front of the hall with perhaps a solid yellow line marking the inner edge of the footpath.

There will undoubtedly be considerable inconvenience to users bringing in large musical instruments and band equipment.

The change could easily be described as mean-spirited.

Graham Pettersen

Write to the Devonport Flagstaff

We welcome letters. Please limit to 300 words on local topics.

Noms de plume or unnamed letters will not be printed.

Email news@devonportflagstaff.co.nz or write to Letters, PO Box 32 275, Devonport.

Bo

Precision Skin Cancer Care

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By Dr David Lim

www.skintel.co.nz 0800 SKINTEL Affiliated providers of:

©Copyright OceanFun Publishing Ltd

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Harcourts of Devonport Property Management Put the management of your rental property in safe hands

Hannah Tillman

PORTFOLIO MANAGER

P 09 446 2108 M 021 960 313 E hannah.tillman@harcourts.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 30

November 3, 2023

NEW LISTING

Narrow Neck 22 Merani Street

Position, potential, views

2

Situated in a lovely street in Narrow Neck amongst other quality homes, this character bungalow offers you a wonderful opportunity to completely renovate and rebuild or demolish to build your new dream home. In original condition with two double bedrooms, two lounges, bathroom, and kitchen/dining room, there is under-house storage and laundry plus a garage, carport, and parking space. You will be able to pop to Narrow Neck for a swim and excellent schools and local amenities are close by. Bring your builder, architect and designer and let your imagination run wild. Available for the first time in 40 years, here is your chance to get into this tightly held street, view now.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm, Thu 16 Nov 2023 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 10-10.45am Lynda Betts 021 278 3024 lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/1470644

bayleys.co.nz

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1

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

1

November 3, 2023

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 31

NEW LISTING

Devonport 22 Stanley Point Road

Sea views, space and superb lifestyle

4

This renovated character home is all about the sea views, sun, privacy and room to spread out so that your family can enjoy a superb lifestyle. You will love the living rooms flowing to decks, the elevated position and the peaceful environment. You can choose one of several indoor or outdoor living areas to entertain your friends and family and there is flat lawn for children. The landscaped, tiered gardens meander down to the pétanque court next door and on to the water’s edge.This charming home is located in prestigious Stanley Point; Devonport village with its shops, cafes, restaurants and transport options including the ferry to the city, are close by. Our vendors are downsizing so this is an exceptional opportunity for you and your family.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm, Thu 23 Nov 2023 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 11-11.45am Lynda Betts 021 278 3024 lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz

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BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1470633

bayleys.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 32

November 3, 2023

Devonport 2/6 North Avenue

Nest or invest in style by the beach

2

This home is the perfect place to start your property journey in one of the best locations in Devonport. The single level, solid brick and tile unit is one of five and has been beautifully renovated inside, creating a light, bright and stylish modern living environment. It would make a dream first home, a great down-sizing option or an incredibly sound investment for a savvy buyer. North Avenue’s quiet and picturesque neighbourhood is so coveted as it is perfectly positioned between Narrow Neck and Cheltenham beaches, and is a short stroll to the Waitemata golf club, Wakatere boating club, Vauxhall Primary and local cafes.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm, Thu 9 Nov 2023 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 1-1.30pm Emma Lynskey 021 803 873 Linda Simmons 027 459 0957

bayleys.co.nz/1470629

bayleys.co.nz

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BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

1

November 3, 2023

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 33

NEW LISTING

Devonport 40 Kawerau Avenue

“Kingfisher” – sunny, private and tranquil

4

A charming, character-filled, four-bedroom 1940s bungalow re-sited to this safely fenced section in 2009. The generous dining and living rooms flow outdoors to a private sunny deck with a peaceful outlook and spectacular sunsets. The modern kitchen and open-plan dining allow your family to live and entertain in style. The master bedroom retreat has an en-suite bathroom and a living room with its own entrance. A bonus self-contained area under the home (with access to the double garage), is ideal for extended family or working from home. Situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, yet so close to Devonport village with all it offers plus excellent schools, beautiful beaches and transport options including the ferry to the city, are all close by. View this fabulous family home now.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm, Thu 23 Nov 2023 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm Lynda Betts 021 278 3024 lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz

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BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1470641

bayleys.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 34

November 3, 2023

Takapuna Grammar sports awards winners revealed:

Joint effort... Team of the year, the girls cricket first XI: (back, from left) Pippa Priddy, Issy Smith, Jasmine Perry, Maia Scott, Izzy Fox, Orla Langdon and Isabella Watson; (front) Dorothea Waldron, Scout Hallman, Audrey Melhuish and Raiha Jeory Reynolds.

Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) has announced its sports award winners for 2023.

Liam Arthur Hunt was awarded the senior sportsman of the year for his achievements in rugby. He has amassed 41 caps for the first XV over the last three years and this season led them to their first finals playoff match in five years. He was selected for both the U18 North Harbour representative side and the U18 Blues team.

Bailey Flavell was the school’s senior sportswoman of the year. Her skill and determination led the girls premier basketball team to a semi-final in the highly competitive Auckland Premier League. She was the league’s second top scorer averaging 28.7 points per game. Bailey represented North Harbour in two different national tournaments including the U20 nationals and captained New Zealand’s U16 FIBA world cup team to a bronze medal in Jordan as the squad’s top scorer and rebounder.

PRESENTS…

DANCING IN WONDERLAND SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER BRUCE MASON CENTRE 2PM & 6PM

TICKETS ON SALE 1ST NOVEMBER | www.ticketmaster.co.nz *booking fees apply*

Belmont 39 Williamson Avenue 621sqm

4

1

3

Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm, Thu 9 Nov 2023 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 12-12.30pm Linda Simmons 027 459 0957 linda.simmons@bayleys.co.nz Emma Lynskey 021 803 873 emma.lynskey@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Architect-designed family home Architect-designed and built for the current owners in 2005, this topquality weatherboard residence on a sunny 621sqm freehold site boasts great proportions and perfect family flow. Plus, our Vendor is on the move and says ignore the high CV – he is super keen to sell. So, if you are looking for an easy-going family life in an easy-care modern home, you will enjoy the ease of low-maintenance, stylish living at this private Belmont haven.

bayleys.co.nz/1470638

November 3, 2023

student excellence honoured Christian Scott was the school’s male all-rounder of the year. He competed in the premier rugby, basketball, and cricket teams, captaining the latter two. Christian is now the most-capped first XI cricket player ever, with 93 appearances since he joined the team in year 9. He is second in total runs scored, surpassed only by the legendary Bert Sutcliffe.

Kate Hallie has been awarded the female all-rounder of the year award. She won national secondary school titles in shot put and discus in December last year. That form continued into 2023 as she won Intermediate Girls titles for these two events at both the College Sport Auckland and North Island Secondary School track and field championships and was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools team to compete in the Australian Athletics Track and Field Championships.

Kate is ranked number one nationally for U18 Women’s shot put, and fifth in the senior women’s division.

The girls first XI cricket side was team of the year. The girls qualified to be Auckland’s regional representatives at nationals after winning the sport’s secondary schools tournament week, beating national champions Epsom Girls Grammar School in the final. The team also won the Auckland T20 championship.

Top performers... (top right) TGS sportswoman of the year Bailey Flavell; (bottom right) sportsman of the year Liam Arthur Hunt

Above: Female all-rounder of the year Kate Hallie Right: Male all-rounder of the year Christian Scott

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 35

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 36

November 3, 2023

GIVE A BIT OF GREEN TO OUR NEW HOSPITAL AND HELP NATURE HELP US

Help fill our new hospital on the North Shore with a beautiful indoor Healing Garden.

Donate today at

Scan QR code to donate

giveabitofgreen.co.nz Proudly supported by

GIVE A BIT OF GREEN

November 3, 2023

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 37

Old Vic projector finds new home with reel fan A film enthusiast is adding a huge 35mm projector from the Victoria Theatre to his collection of memorabilia, saying it is a dream come true to own it.

The second-hand 1950s projector was bought by the Victoria Theatre Trust when the trust took over the heritage building in 2010.

Three years later the projector became obsolete, with cinemas moving to digital projectors.

Now, Keith Collings, a film projectionist for 10 years, plans to install it in a building on his Kumeu property and get it back in operation.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own projector so this is a dream come true,” he said.

Fourteen years ago, Collings helped out at the Vic when the trust was working towards its 2010 reopening.

Returning to take delivery of the projector, Collings dismantled it over three days and called on a team of seven to finally move it from the theatre.

He also removed a large ‘platter’, rewind table and splicing equipment.

The projector needed to be removed to make way for much-needed storage space at the cinema.

A second 35mm projector has been retained and will soon be displayed in the upstairs cinema.

Collings, who made a generous donation to the trust, said when the projector is up and running he will invite the Victoria Theatre board members to a film screening in the converted Girl Guides hut that houses his film memorabilia.

It’s a wrap... Film enthusiast Keith Collings with the 1950s projector he’s inherited from Devonport’s Vic Theatre

Sash windows a problem?

Broken cords, jamming, drafty, dangerous?

Replace them with UPVC awning inserts Looks like sash windows but with double glazing Warmer, drier, quieter and safe!

German Quality All windows can have this system Free Measure and Quote sales@ecoauckland.nz or 021 277 0563 www.ecoauckland.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 38

Trades & Services

(formerly Ogden Electrical, same people & service, different name)

North Shore based renovations, new builds, design & project management since 1985.

Call us for all your Electrical & Data requirements No job too big or too small No travel charge Shore-wide

Carl Ogden – 445 7528 carlo@searchfield.co.nz

Trustworthy licensed builders specialising in residential alterations/extensions, kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, re-cladding.

Contact Alex Carey on 0274 660 666, or visit our website

November 3, 2023

Big City Drainage & Plumbing

Professional Quality Service

• Gasfitting • Certifying/Licensed • Digger Hire • Plumber/Drainlayer • All Aspects of Plumbing & Drainage

www.efd.kiwi

dan@allaspects.co.nz 0800 143 051 or mob 021 119 3227

Professional and affordable electrical repairs and installations

Your local handyman in Devonport

RECOVER YOUR

LOUNGE SUITE

Call us for a free quotation and put the life back into that favourite chair or lounge suite

AWARD FURNITURE Phone COLIN on 480 5864

FENCE BROTHERS

• FENCES • REtAiNiNG • PERGOLAS WALLS • DECKS • PROPERtY MAiNtENANCE

www.fencebros.co.nz CONtACt GREG FOR A FREE QUOtE

0800 336 232

09 445 3447

DEVONPORTELECTRICAL.CO.NZ

YOUR LOCAL CRAFTSMAN

PLUMBER

Friendly, experienced service for all of your plumbing needs.

CALL DERRICK TRAVERS

021-909790 445-6691

Handyman 021 1968 908

vikinghandyman@yahoo.com www.vikinghandyman.co.nz

We guarantee our Workmanship

Backed by over 35 years’ experience of quality preparation and painting

ph ross kingdom

021 723 413

registered professional painters

Professional Quality Service Craftsman Plumber and Gasfitter

Ph 021 841 745 David Mortimore New installations Repairs and Maintenance

Precision Plumbing 2010 Ltd

david@precisionplumbing.co.nz www.precisionplumbing.co.nz

Glass & Glazing Specialists For Residential, Commercial & Custom Projects

Mirrors Showers Obscure Glass Reputty Broken Glass

Double Glazing Lead Lite Repairs Low E Thermal Safety Glass Hush Glass

devonportglass.co.nz . 021 148 1804

Locally Owned

• North Shore & Auckland wide • Residential & Commercial • Interior & Exterior • Roofs • Painting & Plastering

Ph: Luke Piper 021 410 766

November 3, 2023

Family owned and operated since 1999

Full Servicing • Repairs W.O.F • Wheels/Tyres HAYDEN & KAYLA CUMISKEY

Ph (09) 445 4456

Email: devoautocentre@gmail.com

1A Fleet Street, Devonport

Trades & Services

Andrew Holloway Floorsander • Floorsanding • Floorsanding • Polyurethaning staining • Polyurethaningand and staining • Tongue and Groove repairs • Tongue and Groove repairs • Serving Devonport since 1995 • Serving Devonport since 1995 Please phone for a free quote Please phone a 4519 free quote Phone 027for 285 Phone 027 285 4519 ahfloorsanding@xtra.co.nz ahfloorsanding@xtra.co.nz www.ahfloorsanding.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 39

Tony Gasperini

Qualified Local Arborist Tree & Tall Hedge Specialist

027 770-0099 Devonport, Auckland tony.gasperini@gmail.com

John Bisset LtD

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 40

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November 3, 2023

20 years ago from the Flagstaff files • Two violent attacks occur in Devonport as the community board appeals for the return of a full-time community constable. A 45-year-old man is seriously assaulted as he walks through Devonport Domain. In a separate incident a man is stabbed at Belmont shops.

• Riply the sphinx cat becomes a minor Devonport celebrity after Julie Baker takes him to the Stone Oven Cafe for a regular ‘cattacino’.

• Princess Anne visits Devonport but only a few Navy personnel are able to witness the event • Parts of the Devonport sea wall between Windsor Reserve and the Devonport Yacht Club have been collapsing since the mid-1990s.

•A small day out for youth bands and DJs is planned at Ngataringa Park.

• Cinema operators Lido have dropped out of talks with Devonport Cinema

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operators the Kea Property Group, again putting the theatre’s future in doubt.

• Hundreds of mourners gather at Holy Trinity Church to farewell Angus Cuddihy, a Takapuna Grammar seventh former who died after collapsing at the school.

• John Smith, Vicki Lane and Donna Franks star in Run for Life, a comedy at the Rose Centre.

• The Navy donates two safety boats to Calliope Sea Scouts.

• Binary Star, a software company operating out of Devonport, plans to release a computer game internationally.

• Paula Romero, Elena Prado and Joan Buller hold a joint exhibition at the Depot’s Small Dog gallery.

• Brooke Cull (9) places second in the 8-10 age group at the New Zealand Aerobics Championships.

• The BMW marathon and half-marathon starts in Devonport.

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24 24 Hour 24Towing Hour Towing 24 Hour Towing Hour Towing Devonport Devonport Owned Owned Devonport Devonport Owned Owned Operated and Operated andand Operated and Operated 1 Fleet Street, 1 Fleet Devonport Street, Devonport 1 Fleet Street, Devonport 1 Fleet Street, Devonport Phone 445 Phone 0483 445 Phone 445 04830483 Phone 445 0483 email: office@fleetstpanel.co.nz email: fleetst@ihug.co.nz email: fleetst@ihug.co.nz email: fleetst@ihug.co.nz email: fleetst@ihug.co.nz www.fleetstpanel.co.nz www.fleetstpanel.co.nz www.fleetstpanel.co.nz www.fleetstpanel.co.nz ESTABLISHED ESTABLISHED ESTABLISHED ESTABLISHED ESTABLISHED 1971 1971 1971 1971 ESTABLISHED 1971 1971 Dennis Hale Dennis & Hale Nathan & Nathan Hale Hale

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 41

November 3, 2023

Fishing Report for November ’23 Workups, workups, workups. It is prime time for Spring workups (yes it is actually spring, believe it or not) Work, work, work is all we’ve been up to with this awful weather, Trev and I are very grumpy…..as most of you fishos will be too. All we want to do is get out there!

The fishing will be plentiful as no one has been out, find the birds and you’ll find the fish. Some anglers love workups and that’s all they do, with great results, other steer clear of them as it can be quite hectic with a flotilla of boats screaming after the birds and jostling for the best possie.

Trev is promising “The sun will come out tomorrow” and we’ll be You do have to go quite far to find them which back into them is a good idea to avoid the poo fish in our harbour! Recently the “back paddock” has had multiple areas that are just going off with numerous birds, dolphins, whales and snapper underneath. This is the area north of Tiri up to The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board board members, 170 across the city, would Little Barrier and from Whangaparoa all the would be rolled into a larger board under be cut. way over to Coromandel. It can be anywhere Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposals to shake Staffing neeeds and office locations for between 40m to 60m deep so you need heavy up the original super-city structure. boards would require working out. deep drop lures.

It would most likely be combined with Devonport-Takapuna board chair Toni Yes, it is a very large area and it can sometimes Kaipatiki Local Board, at least. Any changes van Tonder said board members were yet to take time to find the birds. Look for a common would be introduced at the same time as a meet to discuss the new options. direction they are flying, get out the binoculars move towards ‘equity funding’, which the “Everyone is open to the conversation, but and scour the horizon. Look for groups of boats mayor wants in place for the next local body no one’s expressed their views,” she said. close together as this would indicate a workup. term, starting in late 2025.

This would happen soon, given the degree Sometimes you will see numerous gannets His ideas for amalgamation of boards of urgency from the Mayor in wanting feedon the surface not doing anything. Stick with have taken a step forward recently through back. Reshaping the council’s structure and them, the bite comes on and turns off, you have to be patient. work by a joint-governance working group. rebranding the boards was no small thing, But they would require the support of coun- she said. “There’s going to be a lot of money Please put some good vibes out there to Huey, cillors and be subject to consultation. spent on this, so it’s got to add up.” the weather god, and also to whoever can fix Brown wants the city’s 21 local boards Coupling amalgamation with equity our poo problem…..it will change and we will be out there. reduced to 11, a tally including separate funding, which stands to cut existing board bodies for Waiheke and Great Barrier Island. funding by around 19 per cent, was another Please, please, please think about limiting your Larger boards on the mainland would gain factor to weigh. catch once we do get out. The snapper will be more direct control of their spending and One of the options proposes a new board, spawning soon, just think about how many you actually need. Fish for the future. more devolved decision-making, but have to be called North Harbour, with a populaGlass & Glazing Specialists to serve bigger populations. The number of tion of 150,000, for much of the North Shore. always enjoy your time out there, come in For Residential, Commercial &AsCustom Projects and share your pics and stories with us. If you have a pic you’d like to share then please send to devonport@hammerhardware.co.nz

Mayor’s plan: combine boards

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The Devonport Flagstaff Page 42

November 3, 2023

Takapuna

Grammar

SCHOOL NEWS

NOV 3, 2023

IB Graduates of 2023

2023 International Baccalaureate Prizegiving Awards The International Baccalaureate Prize Giving for Year 13 students was held in the Takapuna Grammar School library on Tuesday 17 October and was well attended

by IB students, parents, staff and the Senior Leadership team. The prizes were presented by Mrs Nixon and the winners were congratulated for their diligence and efforts over the last two years. The Jackie Rodgers’ Cup for Dux of International Baccalaureate went to Joe McKibbin and Proxime Accessit in International Baccalaureate went to Amy Xiang. Summa Cum Laude was jointly won by Selina Ma, Fletcher Watts & Emi Lipoth. The CAS Cup was awarded to Martin Blanchard for his effort in Creativity, Activity and Service.

We are exceptionally proud of our IB2 cohort who have shown resilience and perseverance over the past two years. We wish them well in their upcoming exams and we know that they will be successful in their future endeavours.

The 2023 IB award winners were: FIRST IN SUBJECT SUBJECT First in in IB English Language & Literature First in in IB Language Acquisition Chinese

NAME Emi Lipoth Amy Xiang

First in in IB Language Acquisition French First in in IB Language Acquisition Japanese First in in IB Language Acquisition Spanish First in in IB Language Acquisition Spanish Ab Initio First in in IB Economics First in in IB Geography First in in IB History First in in IB Physics First in in IB Chemistry First in in IB Biology First in IB Sport, Exercise & Health Science First in in IB Mathematics Analysis & Approaches First in in IB Mathematics Applications & Interpretation First in in IB Visual Art First in in IB Theory of Knowledge

Giselle den Breems Fletcher Watts Selina Ma Emi Lipoth Joe McKibbin Charlotte Rong Maggie Yang Fletcher Watts Joe McKibbin Amy Xiang Olivia Rosen Joe McKibbin Amy Xiang Korin Katayama Fletcher Watts

Scan to view all photos from the event:

Mary Nixon & 2023 Dux of IB Joe McKibbin SPECIAL AWARDS CAS Cup - Creativity, Activity, Service Cup Summa Cum Laude Academic Excellence in the IB Diploma Programme Summa Cum Laude Academic Excellence in the IB Diploma Programme Summa Cum Laude Academic Excellence in the IB Diploma Programme Proxime Accessit IB Distinction in the IB Diploma Programme Jackie Rogers Cup for Dux of IB Excellence in the IB Diploma Programme DISTINCTION IN SUBJECT SUBJECT Distinction in IB English Language & Literature Distinction in IB Language Acquisition Spanish Distinction in IB Language Acquisition Spanish Ab Initio Distinction in IB Geography Distinction in IB History Distinction in IB Physics Distinction in IB Chemistry Distinction in IB Biology Distinction in IB Sport, Exercise & Health Science Distinction in IB Mathematics Analysis & Approaches Distinction in IB Mathematics Applications & Interpretation Distinction in IB Visual Art Distinction in IB Theory of Knowledge

Martin Blanchard Selina Ma Fletcher Watts Emi Lipoth Amy Xiang Joe McKibbin

NAME Abigail Walpert Keira Stretton Joe McKibbin Addis Pattern Emi Lipoth Joe McKibbin Maggie Yang Selina Ma Natasha Nowaczek Selina Ma Utkarsh Sharma Giselle den Breems Giselle den Breems

November 3 , 2023

Arts / Entertainment Pages

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 43

Depot’s new curator brings Otara experience The new curator who joined Depot Artspace this week is eager to extend its range of innovative shows.

Dilohana Lekamge comes to Devonport from Fresh Gallery in Otara, where she has worked as a coordinator for two years on public programmes and shows.

She is also the archivist for the online arts site Satellites, which was set up to explore and record contemporary experiences of the Asian diaspora in Aotearoa.

She told the Flagstaff she was looking forward to getting to know the Devonport community, along with its history and arts heritage.

An aunt living on the North Shore is a good starting point.

Sri Lankan-born, Wellington-raised Lekamge, aged 30, gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Victoria University in 2015.

Since then she has worked in a variety of galleries and libraries, both in the capital and for the last few years in Auckland.

She believes her experience in Otara, where she worked to get schools and the community there involved in gallery programmes, will prove useful with

Settling in... Wellington-raised Dilohana Lekamge is looking forward to getting to know Devonport community outreach here.

She is keen to build on the Depot’s vision.

“First and foremost, it’s a community artspace, not only showing local artists but looking at what we can offer that community in terms of perspectives and showing diversity and what really exciting contemporary art looks like.”

Lekamge is also an artist herself, as well as an arts writer and researcher.

She hopes her hands-on experience will prove useful in the curator’s job, helping guide artists new to the Depot through the proposals process and timelines for developing shows.

“All of the different facets help me be a more empathetic curator,” she says.

Her own last exhibition, using her favoured medium, video, was mid-year at the Aigantighe in Timaru, and in conjunction with leading Dunedin and Christchurch galleries Blue Oyster and the Physics Room.

Depot director Amy Saunders said she was looking forward to Lekamge adding her perspectives to build on the work of outgoing curator Nina Dyer, who is moving to leading dealer gallery, Gus Fisher in the city.

THE NAVY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

NAVY SHOWS OFF NEW TACTICAL WARFARE CRAFT

Observers may have noticed new high-speed boats powering through Hauraki Gulf, as the Navy brings to life the capability of its Littoral Manoeuvre Craft.

The 12.6-metre PFG Sentinel 1250 jet boats, built by Sentinel Boats in Hobart, are the Navy’s first ever tactical-class small craft. The punchy, long-range vessels are designed for small, rapid team tactical insertions over the horizon.

The Navy has three, named Ururoa (great white), Matawhā (bronze whaler) and Mako (blue pointer).

Powered by twin Cummins 550hp diesel engines coupled with Hamilton jets, the boats are capable of 40-plus knots. The hulls are plastic, constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), making them highly durable and low-maintenance.

They don’t need painting and there’s no risk of corrosion or degradation from electrolysis.

It can transport (piggy-back) a 5.3-metre zodiac boat on its back, meaning it can do a fast, long range transit and drop off a team of divers or

hydrographers to cover the last leg. It has capacity for 10 passengers; one of its mission profiles is the ability to carry troops.

It can be transported on HMNZS Manawanui, allowing for even greater range in operating from a parent ship.

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.

Congratulations? Thanks?

Problems? Complaints?

DEVONPORT NAVAL BASE TEL 445 5002

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 44

November 3, 2023

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November 3 , 2023

Arts / Entertainment Pages

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 45

Cast sought for youth take on Bard WHAT’S ON @

Maria Teape Community Coordinator

Devonport Library 445 9533 | maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa

A cornucopia of delights this month.

LOCAL AUTHOR OLIVIA SPOONER Wednesday 15th November. 6pm - 8pm.

Olivia Spooner, a successful local author, launches her third book, The Girl From London. Inspired by real WWII events, a young teacher escorts children from war-torn London to New Zealand and then joins MS Rangitane. This ship was attacked

by German raiders in 1940 off the shores of Auckland. A story of love, loss, family connections and the resilience of the human spirit.

LEISURE PAINTERS OF DEVONPORT Saturday 18th November Sunday 17th December A month-long display of paintings for sale. Opening with a celebratory soiree, Saturday 18th 5:30pm-7:30pm.

DAME ANNE SALMOND Tuesday 21st November. 7pm - 9pm Dame Anne Salmond discussing her latest book, Knowledge Is a Blessing on Your Mind. Different realities - different ways of being. Difficult but fascinating to navigate.

For fifty years, Dame Anne Salmond has done just that. Join us to discover the story of Aotearoa, and one woman’s pathway through our changing land. DLA event.

Open to all. Koha appreciated.

Books for sale.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Tuesday 21st November. 10am - 1pm Citizens Advice Bureau return to help and advise.

BOTY? BOTC? The annual Bird of the Year competition is now Bird of the Century. Come and gather bird books for young and old, swot up, choose and enter on the BOTY website.

Cast your vote by Sunday 12 November.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

Lynda Betts Experience does make a difference

Ph 021 278 3024

E: lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Hang on a mo... a poster image for a youth production of Twelfth IMAGE: RATHIKKA SLICK Night at the Rose Centre next year Shakespeare by and for young people is the aim of a new dramatic initiative at the Rose Centre in Belmont. It’s part of efforts to involve new performers and audiences.

A cast of around a dozen rangatahi, aged from 15 to 25, are being sought to develop an abridged contemporary take on Twelfth Night. Auditions are being held this month.

The play has been chosen partly for its gender-bending themes; one of the lead characters, Viola, dresses as a man, causing much confusion and emotional angst in other characters. “It has wonderful comic characters,” says experienced drama tutor and director Geoff Allen, who will guide the project. Taking off the hat he wears as manager of the Rose Centre, Allen will next year be contracted to direct the production.

Allen sees his role as being a mentor, with the aim that the project will be youth-led.

The fast-paced show will be rehearsed over four weekends, leading to seven performances in late March.

Allen has a background in Shakespeare, including directing University of Auckland summer performances.

His recollections of Twelfth Night in-

cludes acting in it for performances to West Auckland schools. The reception was noisy, he recalls.

He was keen to tackle a comedy, in what he hopes will be a series of youth-focused Shakespeare productions, possibly alternating each year with a musical, following the success of Golden Screens at the theatre this year. The script and score of Golden Screens was developed and performed largely by Takapuna Grammar School students.

Allen wants to limit the Twelfth Night production to 90 minutes, with some judicious script editing. In a series of workshops, young people will shape how it is staged. He hopes for something “a little bit anarchic and risky”.

Language used is likely to be somewhere between the traditional and modern. He hopes the participants will warm to the richness of Shakespeare, but also make it accessible.

“It will very much be a discussion with the kids.”

• Auditions for Twelfth Night are on 26 November. For details contact manager@ rosecentre.co.nz.

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 46

Depot ; Te Whare Toi

Arts / Entertainment Pages

November 3, 2023

History lessons help inspire pyramids

Depot Artspace Tēnā koutou, This November the Central Gallery features “Proof of Concept,” marking the halfway point in a two-year journey for the 11 makers taking part in Handshake 8; a professional development programme for contemporary jewellers.

The Streetfront Gallery features Ji Yeon Jeong’s “Creating an Empty Space in Between,” combining traditional Korean folk painting and Chaekgeori.

Depot Sound Our next Beat Battle is Friday 24 November at 7pm. If you know any young beat makers who want to grow their potential and make connections, this fun evening offers a safe environment to take their skills to the next level. Check out our website and socials to register!

Depot Futures Applications for our Wayfind Creative Summer Cohort are now open. If you’re a local creative looking to take your career to the next level apply today!

Depot Hapori This spring Depot is supporting an Open Studio Series for local makers at its ancillary creative space Whare Toi at the foot of Maunga Takarunga (Mount Victoria). There will be workshops and exhibitions each weekend in November and December.

Visit depot.org.nz for more information!

Amy Saunders General Manager, DEPOT amy.saunders@depot.org.nz

9

ProudTO SUPPORT

DEPOT ARTSPACE

Maunga project... Amelia Mena-Levin (10, left) and Amy Jameson (10) at work on a pyramid representing Takararo Mt Cambria Senior students at St Leo’s Catholic School have created three pyramid sculptures that relate to the local history they’ve learnt throughout the year.

The three plywood pyramids representing each of Devonport’s maunga have been painted by students for display at Sculpture OnShore at Fort Takapuna this month.

Each has a landscape view of that maunga, a whakataukī (proverb) that refers to it, an image of carved pounamu and another of a Roman Catholic saint.

The landscape of Takararo Mt Cambria is based on images of the mountain before it was quarried.

New Zealand Royal Navy cultural

Arts / Entertainment Pages

November 3 , 2023

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 47

based on maunga advisor Matua Ngahiwi Walker took senior students up Takarunga earlier in the year, teaching them about the history of the maunga. Senior students later passed on the same lesson to juniors.

The students have also learned about other local history, especially about Chief Eruera Patuone, whose moko design and taiaha patterns have been replicated in the pounamu designs on the pyramids.

The three pyramids also show the respective heights of the maunga, with Takararo the smallest and Takarunga the highest.

Year five and six teacher Greg MacCarthy Morrogh told the Flagstaff the students had been able to use art as a way to communicate and reflect on what they had been taught about during the year.

“They’re expressing what they’ve learnt.”

The pyramids will be displayed in a location at Sculpture onShore that means they can be viewed from all angles.

After the exhibition is over they will be placed at the front entrance of the school, where they will be visible from the street.

The school wanted to share the sculptures with the public, said MacCarthy Morrogh.

The works and others from Devonport Primary School, Belmont Primary School, Stanley Bay School and Vauxhall School will be on display at Sculpture Onshore between 4 and 19 November.

Brush work... May Upton (11) putting the finishing touches to an image of Saint Catherine on the Takarunga pyramid created by pupils from St Leo’s Catholic School, one of several schools contributing works to Sculpture OnShore at Fort Takapuna

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November 3, 2023

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