13 November 2015 Devonport Flagstaff

November 13, 2015

Marathon a pain for motorists… p2

Esplanade sells to Chinese investors… p4

Interview: broadcaster Anna Thomas … p18

Takapuna Grammar heritage protected at a huge price Demolition of Takapuna Grammar School’s historic main block has been averted. Instead the building will undergo a $26 million restoration – a massive increase on an estimated $8 million upgrade.

After two years of assessments, surveys and Nikki Kaye. reports, Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) is Two years ago, the MoE allocated $8 million now “a school with one of the most significant to refurbish the main block inside and out. Of property challenges in the country,” according this, $6 million was for the restoration of the to Associate Minister of Education (MoE) To page 11

St Leo’s Village Fair draws the crowds

Dunked… St Leo’s dad and The Block builder Peter Wolfkamp cooled off at last Saturday’s school fair. He was drenched 15 times in a quarter of an hour in the chair. Story and pictures, page 6.

Phil Clark P 09 446 2125 M 021 940 041 E phil.clark@harcourts.co.nz Peter Ayton P 09 446 2109 M 021 336 300 E peter.ayton@harcourts.co.nz

Superb Narrow Neck Family Home 14 North Avenue – $By Neg.

Open Homes Sat/Sun 12.00-12.45pm Built in 1928, this stunning 4 bedroom home exudes warmth and character, while being functional, thanks to a modern addition at the rear.

ONLINE devonportexperts.nz

LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 2

MARK ROWLEY

FUNERAL SERVICES Your local funeral home

November 13, 2015

Cars towed in preparation for Auckland Marathon

Mark and Paulette Rowley

For personal, professional service.

Funeral Director and Monumentalist

Ph 445 9800

Office and Chapel 16 –18 Anne St, Devonport

Results come with first class service Call me today

Licensed Agent, REAA 2008

Caroline Devereux 09 446 2107 021 573 305

NEW ZEALAND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Run out of time… towies hit Devonport on a Saturday afternoon Ten cars parked along Windsor Reserve were towed on the Saturday afternoon prior to the Auckland Marathon.

Auckland Transport (AT) restricted parking after 2 pm on the edge of the reserve in the lead-up to this year’s event. Two tow trucks went to work soon after 2 pm, towing cars across Victoria Road as parking spots near the Esplanade became available.

An AT spokesperson said the early restriction was a requirement of the event organiser, who needed extra setting-up time to prepare for the Rugby World Cup final being broadcasted on a massive screen in the park.

Each car was ticketed $40 for being

Best Community Involvement: 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2005 Most Improved Newspaper: 2011, 2010 Best Young Journalist: 2014, 2012, 2013 Best Journalist: 2012, 2009 Best Junior Sports Journalist: 2014, 2013 Best Senior Feature/Lifestyle Writer: 2014 Best Junior Feature/Lifestyle Writer: 2014 Best Headline Writing: 2012, 2013 Canon Media Awards Community Reporter of the Year: Highly Commended 2015

St Leo’s Catholic School

Limited places for 2016

Devonport Publishing Ltd PO Box 32 275 First Floor, 9 Wynyard Street, Devonport Telephone: 09 445 0060 Email: devonportflagstaff@orcon.net.nz Website: www.devonportflagstaff.co.nz EDITOR: ADVERTISING: REPORTER: DESIGN: COPY EDITOR: OFFICE MANAGER: PRINTER:

Rob Drent Rob Drent Maire Vieth Brendon De Suza Jo Hammer Janet Klee Beacon Print

Information in the Devonport Flagstaff is copyright and cannot be published or broadcast without the permission of Devonport Publishing Ltd.

NEXT ISSUE: November 27 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: November 20

illegally parked in a no-parking zone, and an additional $71.50 for being towed away on a weekend.

An AT parking officer, who did not want to be named, said relocating cars within 500 metres of where they were illegally parked was nothing new and “standard procedure”.

Parking restrictions go up at least 24 hours before the event. All cars already parked in that spot are marked and won’t be penalised, even if they are towed, he said.

“We won’t be towing any cars to the car yard. We are just waiting for spots close by to open and are moving them in there one by one,” he said.

New Entrants - Y6 Tickets also available from Janet 479 2111

www.albanysingers.org.nz

Please email the principal e.walker@stleos.school.nz for more information

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 3

November 13, 2015

Karate dad wins double silver at world champs Wearing a helmet and body armour, Devonport black-belt dad and karate teacher Marc Sofinowski pulls no punches in Koshiki karate competitions.

Last month, Sofinowski won two medals at the 2015 World Koshiki Karatedo Federation (WKKF) Oceania Worlds, held on the Gold Coast. He came second in the Black Belt Middleweight sparring division (63 – 72.5 kg) and the Black Belt Cruiser Weight division (73 – 82.5 kg).

Sofinowski has competed in many national Australian tournaments in the past and was inducted into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2008. This was his fourth world title event and his first placing.

With the use of safety and protective gear, Koshiki Karate is called a safe-contact sport and lies somewhere between non-contact and full-contact karate.

“The idea behind it is to protect the target,” says Sofinowski, who is a senior consultant for a Takapuna IT firm. “So we’re able to do contact karate safely and without getting all the bruising in the face, which is great if you have a work meeting with a customer the next day,” he says.

The style of karate Sofinowski practices and teaches is called Kenkokan. “It’s a unique mix of Japanese and Chinese influences and includes punching with a vertical fist,” he says.

Growing up on the Gold Coast, Sofinowski

(33) got into Karate at the age of six, after he was bullied at school. “I knew off Bruce Lee (movies), my parents took me to a Shotokan Karate school and I haven’t stopped doing karate since,” he says.

Sofinowski’s training began with Budokan, then Renbukan and, since the age of 12, Kenkokan. His current black-belt rank is fifth dan.

Sofinowski also has a first dan in Iaido, a Japanese sword martial art.

Sofinowski and his Kiwi wife Katherine moved to Devonport a year ago and started holding kids karate classes at Stanley Bay School, where the couple’s oldest daughter Zipporah (6) is in Year 1. “She is also taking the Karate lessons there, as is our second daughter Jemimah (4),” says the proud father.

Twenty-one-month-old Alexander is still warming to the sport, but Katherine caught the bug two months ago and is now taking Marc’s weekly adult classes at Devonport Primary School. “It’s great for fitness and a nice husband/ wife thing to do,” she says.

“Between the baby, working and trying to grow my karate school, I’m pretty busy,” says Marc. He was training one to two hours daily for six months leading up to the world champs.

When not doing training or competing, Sofinowski enjoys running around Devonport. Last year, he completed the Coastal Challenge and placed seventh overall in the Men’s open division.

Silver medalist at world champs…

Marc Sofinowski at Devonport Primary School Hall (above), and in action at the World champs (left)

Devonport Dog Groomers

Short Bark and Sides

Learn to swim, improve technique aat UC T i On Devonport aUCTiOn Primary School this summer • Small classes • Fantastic coaches • 3 years + • Beginners to mini-squad Previously known as Devonport swimsation.

Our 5th year providing great lessons in Devonport.

Ph: 480 8914

www.theswimbus.co.nz

Licensed REAA 2008

Every rt Devonpiso a Home m Premiue Hom

Rowan Renouf AREINZ

Short Bark and Sides offers the ultimate experience for your pet

Full groom Bath & blow dry Puppy introduction to grooming

Prices depend on breed, size and coat Please call Barbara 021 141 0331 Local in Devonport, but happy to travel around the Shore.

Short Bark and Sides NZ 09 445 3414 or 021 736 683 VIEW FROM THE PROPERTY

D E V OnP ORT | 9 6 VICt orRowanRenouf@premium.co.nz I a r oaD mountain Hideaway - two unique Dwellings

Check our website for more information

a family villa resting high on the slopes of mt Victoria, a self-contained office with extra rooms, double garage, plus a full 825m2 site with mountain access - quite the package! With four bedrooms, two living and fantastic views across Devonport to the harbour and city beyond, this is

Barbarashortbarkandsides@gmail.com

GRANT SPEEDY 0274 511 800 GrantSpeedy@premium.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 4

November 13, 2015

Esplanade sold to Chinese investors The Esplanade, Devonport’s landmark waterfront heritage hotel, has sold to Chinese investors for $6.2 million.

Bayleys real-estate agent James Chan says a family from the Southern China capital city of Guangzhou bought the 115-year-old Category 1 listed building.

“They just loved this building, its historic character and high-profile location, and want to keep it pretty much as it is, just tidy it up a bit,” he said.

Chan said the family had not yet met the current tenants and did not want to be named.

But the Flagstaff understands they are incorporated as Sun Aohua NZ Ltd. Chan had marketed the building as having potential for development, and expansion at the rear of the site where numerous additions have little historic value. But he says expansion plans had not been drawn up.

The building has seismic issues and earthquake-proofing was in scope, but the timing would be negotiated with the current tenants, he said.

The family owns other “passive investment properties” in New Zealand, Chan said.

The Esplanade is believed to have last sold in 2004 for $3.91 million.

The Property Guru website says in 2014 The Esplanade was valued at $4,775,000.

It had previously sold for $3,390,990 in Heritage buy… Esplanade sells for $6.2 million March 2000.

Interior design business with Italian flair

www.skinnerdesign.co.nz info@skinnerdesign.co.nz t. +64 09 376 9168 project management - interior architecture - soft furnishings - colour specialists

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 5

November 13, 2015

Catching up with

Jacko Gill – steadily moving up the senior ranks

Its hard to believe shot-put sensation Jacko Gill is only 20 years old.

Its five years since he superseded Usain Bolt as the youngest-ever winner at a World Junior Championship and set a world-best youth record at the New Zealand National Secondary School Championships.

His move up the senior ranks has been steady rather than rapid.

Earlier this year, Gill won the Australian Athletics Championships in Brisbane with a 20.75 metre throw. In August he came eighth in the World Athletics Championships in China.

“It was my first senior world champs. I was the youngest in the final and my goal was 12th, so I’m happy with the result. It’s been a good confidence boost,” says Gill about his 20.11 metre throw in Beijing.

The transition from junior to senior athlete has been harder than he expected. Gill is now throwing the heavier 7.26 kg shot and has gone back to basics, improving technique and strength.

Alongside Valerie Adams’ former coach Kirsten Hellier, he is working on building up his legs, shoulders and fingers, and on improving the movement of his right foot. “I want to make it go ahead of my body rather than behind when I throw,” he says. Rehabilitation is on his to-do list as well. Gill sees a physio every week and has a massage once a month.

Gill says he feels more dedicated to his sport than ever. “It’s like a job now and everything I do is for my sport. I train three times a day and have one rest day a fortnight. I do about half of my weight training at home in the garage and the other half at Tika Gym in Wairau Valley, which is run by a friend of mine. I also do a bit of hurdling and sprinting at the Takapuna Athletics Club), boxing and basketball with friends at the local hoop on Northboro Reserve,” he says.

Athletics is a minority sport in New Zealand and securing funding through the transition from junior to senior is a challenge, says Gill.

“Every year, my funding depends on where I place in top events. If I don’t come in the top 12, I lose it. It all comes down to those three throws,” he says.

Gill plans on throwing for quite a few more years. “Shot-putters tend to peak in their 30s, so I’m working on building up strength over time and this year has been a big step in the right direction,” he says.

There is some room left for fun. Gill spent August and September overseas, first competing in Australia, Japan and China, and then training for a month in Östersund, Sweden, where discus thrower Lovisa Sjöstrand, his girlfriend of four years, lives.

“It was pretty cold but I got to see the Northern Lights and went skiing with Lovisa’s dad. He and I fell out of the ski lift together, were propelled 30 metres down a really steep hill and I fell of top of him and totally wasted him. He is a skinny long-distance runner,” says Gill with a grin.

Having a ball… Jacko Gill settling into the senior shot-put ranks after a stellar junior career Gill tried to learn a bit of Swedish but says the pronunciation has been a challenge. He has, however, mastered Lovisa’s surname.

Sjöstrand is coming to visit New Zealand later in the summer and the two are planning a fishing trip to the Bay of Islands. But there won’t be much rest. “I can’t stop training, even when we are on a holiday,” says Gill.

Gill already spends his rest days fishing in his kayak off Narrow Neck Beach. “It’s a bit weather dependent and I haven’t been out that far. I use fresh bait and catch about 10 snapper a trip, and one or two of them are big enough to keep and cook,” he says.

“Once I kayaked to Rangitoto, but it took a pretty long time and I was only good for a couple of strokes. I’m not that fit yet,” he jokes.

“If anyone in Devonport wants to take me out fishing, please let me know. I have a fishing rod and bait but no boat. I can be flexible if I move my rest day around a bit,” he says.

Professionally, Gill’s short-term focus is on the March 2016 Indoor World Championships

in Portland and then the Rio Olympics in August, where he is aiming for a spot in the top eight, he says.

Long-term, he is looking at becoming part of his father Walter’s local concrete and construction firm Gill and Gundry. “I think I want to get into that after throwing. I am an outdoor person and a hard worker physically, so something like that or studying sports science or doing personal training would be fun,” he says.

Devonport is where his heart is. “All of my friends are from school. I really loved Takapuna Grammar even if I wasn’t the best student and left two years early. They were really good to me there,” he says.

During the Rugby World Cup, he was proudest of Jerome Kaino, another elite local sportsman. “He played awesome!” Gill says.

Gill will be even happier once Sjöstrand moves to Devonport next September. “She wants to become a physio and is working at a kindy in Sweden and will be looking to work locally once she is here. It will be great,” he says.

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 6

Travel

November 13, 2015

School fair raises $30,000

notes

Getting the most out of your airline points With the airlines aligning with the credit card companies, many opportunities are now available to earn points with all purchases and reduce travel costs.

All the major carriers have redemption programmes with the most popular membership schemes with Air NZ, Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines. The Air NZ Air Points programme also links with Fly Buys, letting clients triple dip by flying on Air NZ, paying by a partner credit card and also earning Fly Buys points with United Travel.

However, when it comes to redeeming points, many clients do not make the most out of the points earned and know how best to use them. With Air NZ, for example, there are a few things you can do to use Air Dollars and save on flight purchases. Firstly, register and join a family member to Shairpoints – allowing pooling of dollars. If additional dollars are needed, use the One Smart card to top up and pay for Air Dollar shortfalls. And simply look to use Air dollars on your next Air NZ flight purchase.

Finally, the Air NZ gold and gold-elite members who have unused upgrade certificates can transfer these upgrades to friends and family to use.

For further advice – email or give us a call Happy Travels

ha n Je re m y Sh a n a

Hundreds of local families enjoyed the annual St Leo’s Village Fair last Saturday, which raised around $30,000 for the school.

Early Childhood Centre

Cook BelmonT

We need a new full-time permanent cook for our lovely family-friendly centre in Belmont.

Preparing morning and afternoon teas, and cooking vegetarian lunches for up to 70 children, you will need to have good organisation and time management skills, be a clear communicator and have a high standard of cleanliness.

Ideally you will have experience in designing menus for children, and be familiar with vegetarian cooking. Awareness of dietary requirements for children with allergies will be an advantage.

This position also includes some domestic duties, and has the variety of helping mind our children when our teachers are on their lunch break, answering phones etc.

Hours - Monday to Friday Availability between 7.15am – 4.15pm Ideally this position will start 5 January 2016, however we may be slightly flexible with this date. Kindercare police vet all potential staff.

Please email your CV and cover letter to: centredirector.belmont@kindercare.co.nz or call Jo Gairdner on 445-1201

2 Northcroft Street, Takapuna Phone 486 1625 email: jeremys@unitedtravel.co.nz www.unitedtravel.co.nz

Relishing her work…

Kate O’Rourke (above) was selling relishes, chutneys, pickles and jams, including some made from the loquat tree in her garden.

Annie Barton (below) looked a picture after the face painting

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 7

November 13, 2015

North Head gets weed treatment with Donna Gustafson

Party Season is almost here Dust off your favourite sparkly number or pop into one of our great local boutiques to get a new one! The glitz and glamour of the social occasions that we enjoy in the lead-up to Christmas is upon us.

Good to grow… Conservation Minister Maggie Barry launches the new weed removal programme at North Head, with Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga A national agreement to clean up weeds on Department of Conservation (DOC) land using labour provided by periodic detention workers was launched last week. But it transpires the project has already begun on North Head.

The access road to North Head has been noticeably tidied up since February this year, thanks to weekly weeding and maintenance by offenders sentenced to community work.

Last week Conservation Minister Maggie Barry and Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-liga formalised the project with the name Good to Grow. They signed an agreement between their departments on the maunga.

DOC Ranger Joe Moretti said one or two vans with 10 or 20 offenders, come every Wednesday from 9.30 am until 2pm, and have already made a big dent on the weeding and maintenance work needed on the reserve.

“They have been whitewashing and cleaning the tunnels, removed graffiti and weeded the garden edges coming up from the main gate to the first car park.”

“They also do a bit of trimming and pruning,” he said.

The main weeds targetted were kikuyu, fennel, and agapanthus, plus small amounts of thistles and jasmine, Moretti said.

Stefan Sebregts, another DOC ranger, said the mountain looked noticeably better. “They have really tidied up the access on the bottom of the mountain with mulch and also prepared the toilets on the summit to be repainted inside and out.”

The offenders arrive with a supervisor from the Department of Corrections, while their work is being overseen by Department of Conservation staff.

Barry said their weeding, planting and maintenance work gave offenders a sense of purpose, new skills, and pride in having done something for the community and the environment. “It’s a win-win for all,” she said.

Auckland Council and the Maunga Authority co-managing North Head/Maungauika were also supportive of the initiative, said DOC spokesperson Nick Hurst.

Barry said nearly 400,000 people visit North Head every year. “It’s the second-most visited site of Auckland after the Museum,” she said.

It’s still a bit chilly in the evening (some of us still have our winter legs that we are not ready to show the world). So it can be a good idea to wear some nice sheer hosiery to complete your party ensemble. In-store we have the Bellamagia Italian range, and the new NZ-made Sheers from Columbine, priced from $16.99 The right pantyhose can really finish your outfit and we can give you advice as to what would work best for you.

If you have open-toe shoes you can even get toeless tights so you can show off your pedicure and polish, which of course you can get from one of our local beauty spas. Aren’t we lucky we don’t have to leave our bubble to get ready to party!

If you need help getting in to your party dress after partaking in some extra wine and cheese over the winter, then we have a good selection of shapewear that can work.

Mention you read about it in this column and get a $5 discount off your purchase.

Phone 445 8347 Open 7 Days

Shop 2, Queens Parade

www.donna.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 8

November 13, 2015

AUCTION SUNDAY

Devonport 30 Waterview Road

5

A Celebration Of Old And New - Auction This Sunday

Auction

Located on one of Stanley Bay´s established streets, 30 Waterview Road showcases a picture-perfect balance of old and new. The 350m² home maximises the sun, while capturing stunning views out across Ngataringa Bay. Heritage elements blend with a stylish contemporary aesthetic. Lead lights, Kauri floors, ornate ceilings and a soaring stud height delivers light, sun and an exceptional feeling of space. This family sanctuary showcases artfully retained period features combined with all the modern lifestyle must-haves in a highly sought-after Devonport location.

View Open

3

2+

1

1

On site, Sunday 15th November 2015 at 11.00am (unless sold prior) www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8333 Sat 1.00 - 1.45pm, Sun 10.30 - 11.00am Glenice Taylor P 09 446 2112 M 021 943 021 E glenice.taylor@harcourts.co.nz Gary Potter P 09 446 2106 M 021 953 021 E gary.potter@harcourts.co.nz Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

luxurypropertyselection.com

NEW LISTING

Devonport 16 Kawerau Avenue Devonport Plum, Ripe For Picking Development/Landbank/Home and Income/expand to grand.

A Devonport classic villa in 2x1 bedroom flats on a glorious 688ms site.

In 2015 this is as rare as hens teeth!

A great opportunity to get on the property ladder, live in one flat and rent the other out.

Call now to arrange your private viewing.

2 Auction View Open

2

2

2

On site, Sunday 29th November 2015 at 3.00pm (unless sold prior) www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8352 Saturday & Sunday 1.00 - 1.45pm Phil Clark P 09 446 2125 M 021 940041 Peter Ayton P 09 446 2109 M 021 336 300 E peter.ayton@harcourts.co.nz Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Contributor to realestate.co.nz

www.harcourts.co.nz

November 13, 2015

The Flagstaff Notes

As a critic of government largesse and rash spending, I am broadly in support of this one.

Many will be shocked at the price – three

By Rob times that of the initial estimate of $8 million.

Drent The new figure comes after much investigation and surveying. And as every home renovator knows, once the skirting boards and gib are taken off there can be a whole new set of problems and costs.

Moreover, what this does reveal is how much the real costs may be of fully restoring the Auckland Council-owned Victoria Theatre.

It seems every large heritage building in DeIs it realistic for the council to put all the vonport is under threat of some kind. http://dogtec.org/dogwalkingonus on a community trust to raise money for So it is good news for historic protection in our earthquake-strengthening through donations academy.php suburb that the government has announced it will and grants? An additional capital injection by spend $26 million restoring the character main the council may be needed before the building block building at Takapuna Grammar. deteriorates further.

What did you do today?

Today we went walking with our dog*tec certified dog walker HAPPY

RELAXED

STIMULATED

www.dogease.co.nz PUPPY CLASS / DOG TRAINING AND RAW FOOD SHOP

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 9

Staying ‘On Trend’ Fashion is a fickle friend, don’t you think?

What was all the rage (was it only last year??) is now passé, and then there’s the new stuff…. is anyone actually into that? (Then before you know it, so are you….) It can be a bitch to stay on-trend, and cars, like clothes, fall victim to the waxing and waning of certain trends.

Colours are an obvious biggie. Back in the day, Grandad’s car was brown, then it became something of a jokey cliché colour, then a classic (see last week’s column), and now, a rich metallic chocolate-coloured car could just place you at the head of the style pack!

In my humble opinion, white is a perennial and looks good on anything (it is probably the new black…) Twinned with black wheels it is still turning heads after a couple of ‘seasons’.

A dash of colour is always good, especially at this time of year, and we have picked a few bright young things for your delectation. A nice orange Nissan Dualis (Quashqai) or bright-blue Suzuki Swift Sport, perhaps, madam?

Perhaps if you fancy a facelift, why not funkify your wheels and go from boring silver to a cool grey or gloss black? We can arrange that for you, and it’s a great way to freshen up your look.

So get out there with a grin on your face.

Summer is coming on fast and the good times are ready to roll!

Jonno Jonno Leonard

OPEN 7 DAYS Ph 445 6236 154 Lake Rd, Belmont

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 10

November 13, 2015

And the crowd goes wild!

Jumping for joy… All Blacks supporters celebrate at North Shore Rugby Club As the game closed two minutes later There was lift-off at the North Shore Rug- under threat, and soared again.

When Beauden Barrett dived for the with a score of 34 (NZ) – 17 (AUS), seby Football Club during the Rugby World Cup final game between the All Blacks and game-sealing try in the game’s 78th min- curing the return of the Webb-Ellis Cup ute, grown men jumped for joy close to a to New Zealand, the younger crowd got to the Wallabies.

Around 100 locals of all ages got up early metre high, propelled by the excitement their feet as well.

Some of them had been watching the and came together for the occasion. They and fuelled by a 4.30 am bacon sandwich game lying on the floor under a duvet. celebrated as the All Blacks soared, were breakfast.

FAIRY-TALE COTTAGE RIGHT IN THE VILLAGE

19 Anne Street, Devonport

You will be thoroughly charmed by this quintessential piece of Devonport. Sitting behind a

Auction

picket fence this lovely cottage is as cute as a button with original features and verandahs front and back. Offering three bedrooms plus a study (or fourth bedroom), two separate utility rooms and an off-street park, the home gives you flexibility of space for families, professionals or retirees. The well appointed, modern kitchen, overlooks the garden and has

28 Northcroft St, Takapuna 1.30pm, Thur 26 Nov 2015 (unless sold prior) View Sat/Sun 1.30-2.15pm www.bayleys.co.nz/1450610

Victoria Bidwell

a great connection with the living and dining rooms, plus excellent flow to the sunny, tropical

M 021 947 080 B 09 487 0735

garden with a choice of outdoor entertaining areas. Positioned in one of The village’s most

victoria.bidwell@bayleys.co.nz

character filled streets, just off the waterfront and within minutes on foot to the city ferry,

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

restaurants, cafes, beach,school and parks. Charming character cottages in such a sought after position are rare to the market, secure it while you can!

www.bayleys.co.nz

All companies within this composite are Members of Bayleys Realty Group

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 11

November 13, 2015 From page 1

$26 million TGS restoration WHAT’S

ON

Pre Christmas holiday Programme

Need help with the children when school breaks up? Great programme of Christmas activities, crafts, baking, sports and more from Dec 16th. Spaces limited.

Check our website for more details.

BaBysitting WorkshoP for 13 to 17-year-olds Wednesday 9th december – $40

Welcomed by students… Year 10 student Barnaby Watts said he was excited by the prospect of air conditioning in the main block.

Investing $26 million “just to increase the main block’s longevity says something about how special it really is,” Barnaby said. façade, which has become a leaky building after shoddy earthquake strengthening in 1994.

Last week, the total figure had risen to $26 million for the same job, plus the construction of two new separate art rooms behind the library. Kaye would not specify how much of the $26 million goes towards the main block, but said in her announcement that “$20 million can sometimes build a new school.”

“I am delighted for the school and for Auckland that the heritage value of this feature building can be recognised and retained,” she said.

Kaye says that since 2013, “subsequent condition assessment revealed that more extensive remedial works would be required. Further structural, seismic and building surveys highlighted more areas where significant work was needed, including structural strengthening of the historic main block.”

She says the $8 million was an “early estimate before exploratory investigations,” which had taken two years, she says.

Local MP and Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Maggie Barry, said the investment was “absolutely worth it,” because the main block was an important landmark. “To lose it became

unthinkable,” she said. “It came close to needing demolition if we didn’t act quickly. There was no time to waste.”

Jon Williams, chair of the school’s Board of Education acknowledged the “fair bit of scope creep” and said it “would be a tragedy to see the building pulled down.” He said that since 2013 reasonably significant structural issues, such as how the bricks tie on to the building, had been uncovered. “And from at first thinking only specific areas needed work, it is now the entire building,” he said.

Kaye said construction of the art rooms can start next year. The entire project is estimated to take 30 months to complete, which will take it past the building’s 90th birthday in 2017.

Once restored, the main block will house a modern learning environment with 20 revamped learning spaces, an upgraded administration area and adjoining hall.

Enrol now for The Parenting Place’s Babysitting Workshop to be held at the Community House. In two parts: 10.30am-12noon – The babysitter that gets booked and 1.00-2.30pm – First aid for babysitters. A concise first aid course specifically designed for babysitters, covering child safety and accident prevention, life-saving techniques and emergency first aid.

Last course for the year, only 14 places available. Check out our website for more details. Phone or email to book.

BaCk to Work monday 16th nov, 11-12pm

Are you currently looking for work, want more work or thinking about returning to work? Join us for “Back to Work,” a free networking and discussion series. Supported by Sam Standley, Clarity Careers and the Devonport Peninsula Trust.

Bike maintenanCe for Beginners nov 12th & dec 3rd 6-8pm

Learn how to do a basic inspection to make sure your bike is in safe working order. You’ll also learn how to check your brakes and gears, clean your bike and how to fix the dreaded flat tyre.

Free workshop from Auckland Transport Register at: https://at.govt.nz/ cycling-walking/cycle-training-courses/ 32 ClarenCe st, devonPort Ph: 445 3068 | Fax: 445 6888 e: devonportcomhouse@xtra.co.nz

on faCeBook DevonportCommunityHouse

PORTOFINO SPECIAL

Proudly supported by

Catharina Andersson

$35 THREE-COURSE MENU

09 446 2110 or 021 812 621 catharina.andersson@harcourts.co.nz

November- December

Portofino

26 Victoria Rd, Devonport Phone 09 445 3777 www.portofinodevonport.co.nz

Major announcement… Nikki Kaye and Maggie Barry arrive at TGS

LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 12

Devonport included in best cycle routes of Auckland The green cycle route from Devonport to Takapuna has been included in one of the top ten most scenic bike rides in the Auckland region.

Auckland Transport has released Great Ride Passports, which contains a map of each ride with a description of the terrain, length, amenities and points of interest along the way.

The great rides are: • Matakana Trails • Te Ara Tahuna Pathway: Orewa Estuary • Green Route: Devonport to Takapuna • Hobsonville Point • Twin Streams: Henderson Creek and Opanuku Stream • Auckland Waterfront: Britomart to Mission Bay • Pakuranga Rotary Pathway • The Cascades Paths: Pakuranga, Botany and Meadowlands • Waikaraka Cycleway: Onehunga to Mangere Bridge • Wattle Downs The 10 passports are available at local libraries or on the Auckland Transport website www.at.govt.nz/greatrides

November 13, 2015

Skimming resurfaces in Devonport Bank skimmers have targeted Devonport again - this time at Westpac.

Glen Curach told the Flagstaf that several hundred dollars had been skimmed from his account on three different occasions earlier this month.

He said Westpac had a photograph of the alleged offender but it appeared unclear.

Westpac did not respond to Flagstaff queries prior to deadline.

Fraudsters previously hit Devonport in April skimming the ANZ ATM machine.

Two Guy Fawkes fires on North Head Two fires on North Head were reported on Guy Fawkes Night.

One was in a bunker on the south side North Head. The other was on a grassed area on the north side of the mountain.

Both fires are suspected to have been caused by fire works.

In general though, Devonport – a scene of Guy Fawkes riots in the past – was quiet on November 5, 2015.

A little event on a Thursday Little & Friday cafe owner and cookbook author Kim Evans will speak at Devonport Library on Thursday 19, November 2015 at 8 pm.

An added attraction is free nibbles provided by Little & Friday from 7.30 pm.

Pre Christmas Hours

From Thursday 17th December

We will be Open every day 9am-6pm Joyous Noel

NEW Flavours of NZ Selection - iconic NZ flavours featured with delicious handmade chocolate.

17 WYNYARD ST, DEVONPORT SHOP 34, QUEENS ARCADE, 34-40 QUEEN ST SHOP ONLINE: WWW.DEVONPORTCHOCOLATES.CO.NZ

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 13

November 13, 2015

Beauty is ageless for new face of Millers

Goofy hippy meets shabby chic… Leanne Eaton took her Millers dress around the world with her this year. She is pictured here adding some style to a shop window in Stockholm.

At 53-years young, Devonport’s Leanne Eaton has become New Zealand’s top model for an Australasian fashion retailer.

Last month, Eaton was featured in Millers ads on TV, in the Sunday Star Times and in New Zealand House and Garden.

“It’s been fun but also weird and surreal, especially when they have a life-size image of you hanging at the Millers shop in Milford,” says the former coordinator of

Rent a Car Locally Small cars to people movers Competitive rates, local pickups

Call 09 445 6236 sales@devcars.co.nz

Takapuna Grammar School’s international student homestays and Devonport Community House manager.

Her three children James (25), Laura (23) and Daniel (15), as well as husband Dave, seem unfazed but proud of her new-found fame.

Her career change began as something of a fluke. “Millers had a Facebook competition and my sister-in-law said I should do it. So I sent in a photo, a bit of a story about myself and I had to describe my style. I said it was, ‘goofy hippy meets shabby chic’,” she says.

Eaton was selected as the only Kiwi alongside six Australian women for Millers’ Seeing Me Project, an attempt to increase the visibility of women aged over 40 in the fashion world. Eaton supports the message.

“I liked all those women who speak out because we do need a voice and we are not invisible,” she says.

The modelling contract comes with perks too. “They flew me to Sydney in August.

They treated me like a princess, putting us up in a four-star hotel, picking us up by limousine and taking us to a designer studio with photographers and stylists. They paid us well and also gave us heaps of Millers

vouchers,” she says.

The project really made her think about ageing and how to become comfortable with it, she says. “After all, the best things in life aren’t things.”

For Eaton two of her passions, apart from her family, are travelling and food. “This year, I have been to Stockholm, where my daughter is in her last year at university. I’ve also been to Paris, London and Vancouver.

And I am keen to go to Italy next,” she says.

“I also love cooking and eating – with a name like Eaton you’ve just got to,” she says.

There is a shelf of cookbooks in her hall.

Eaton uses them to cook, but they influence her travels as well. While in London, she took her family to Yotam Ottolenghi’s restaurant. “I’d give that an eight out of ten and it was very pricey. One of our best meals we had was at Jamie’s Italian. That was a ten out of ten and more affordable too,” she says.

The Millers campaign is not the first time Eaton has modelled. “When I was 16, I was stopped on Cavil Ave in Surfers Paradise and modelled for a crochet-bikini company.

Those pictures went up on the wall too. We got paid money and lots of free bikinis,” she says.

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 14

OPEN HOME

November 13, 2015

OPEN HOME

Bayswater 51 Philomel Crescent

Belmont 59 Williamson Avenue

Family Home With Position And Potential This freestanding, single level, three bedroom family home is on a full, freehold, north west facing site with a sunny garden enjoying water views.

Home & Income Winner Character home and income on the seaward side of Belmont.

5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on a freehold 799sqm site.

Auction On site, Sunday 29th November 2015 at 10.00am (unless sold prior) View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8354 Open Sat & Sun 2.00 - 2.45pm Glenice Taylor & Gary Potter P 09 446 2112 M 021 943 021 P 09 446 2106 M 021 953 021 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Auction On site, Sunday 6th December 2015 at 2.00pm (unless sold prior) View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8356 Open Saturday & Sunday 2.00-2.45pm Catharina Andersson P 09 446 2110 M 021 812 621 E catharina.andersson@harcourts.co.nz Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

OPEN HOME

OPEN HOME

Devonport 9 Shoal Bay Road

Devonport 4a Ngataringa Road

A Grande Olde Dame Ready For A Makeover Simply untouched by time, quite original inside, but has been well maintained over the years. North-west flat rear garden.

Stunning Spacious & Brand New Fastidiously built new home, extremely high spec executive 5 bedroom, 3 living, Miele appliances. Inspect today!

Auction On site, Sunday 29th November 2015 at 11.00am (unless sold prior) View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8342 Open Sat & Sun 11-11.30am Jane Hastings & Jackie Mark P 09 446 2116 M 021 735 263 P 09 446 2113 M 021 458 797 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

For Sale $1,750,000 View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8278 Open Sat & Sun 2.30 - 3.00pm Peter Restall P 09 446 2114 M 021 808 808 E peter.restall@harcourts.co.nz Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

OPEN HOME

OPEN HOME

Bayswater 179 Bayswater Avenue

Bayswater 116 Bayswater Ave

Large Flat Land - Large Renovated Home If you are looking for spaciousness and a fully renovated home this Bayswater Beauty could be for you.

Land Land Marvellous Land With the bonus of a 1950s home positioned to the front of this 809m2 block of land, astute buyers must take a look at the possibilities on offer here.

For Sale $1,525,000 View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8327 Open Sat 12.00 - 12.45pm Gary Potter & Glenice Taylor P 09 446 2106 M 021 953 021 P 09 446 2112 M 021 943 021 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Auction On site, Sunday 29th November 2015 at 2.00pm (unless sold prior) View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8344 Open Sat & Sun 12.30 - 1pm Jane Hastings & Jackie Mark P 09 446 2116 M 021 735 263 P 09 446 2113 M 021 458 797 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Contributor to realestate.co.nz

www.harcourts.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 15

November 13, 2015

OPEN HOME

OPEN HOME

Belmont 2/6 Evan Street

Devonport 17b Niccol Ave

Owners Say Sell - Immediate Possession Available A standalone two storey home, easy to maintain on a carefree half site. With neutral dĂŠcor throughout, and a garage with internal access.

Great Location, Excellent Opportunity 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 living room, double garage executive home.

Huge rooms, wonderful indoor/outdoor flow, stunning gardens.

Auction On site, Sunday 29th November 2015 at 12.00pm (unless sold prior) View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8255 Open Sat & Sun 11.00 - 11.45am Anne Iremonger & Jenny Hinton P 09 446 2117 M 021 443 959 P 09 446 2126 M 027 773 1841 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

For Sale $1,395,000 View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8288 Open Saturday & Sunday 2 - 2.30pm Jane Hastings & Jackie Mark P 09 446 2116 P 09 446 2113 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

NEW LISTING

Devonport 20a Waterview Road

Takapuna 1h/175 Hurstmere Road

Rare Land For Sale Seldom do you get the opportunity to own a 693sqm subdivided section in Stanley Bay Devonport. Plans available for five bedroom home.

Beach Side Location - Resort Style Living Here is your opportunity to secure a very desirable apartment at the sought after "Mon Desir" complex in central Takapuna.

For Sale By Negotiation View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8249 Open By appointment Glenice Taylor & Gary Potter P 09 446 2112 M 021 943 021 P 09 446 2106 M 021 953 021 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

For Sale $965,000 View www.harcourts.co.nz Open Meet outside Sat & Sun at 1.00pm Catharina Andersson & Alan Rogers P 09 446 2110 M 021 812 621 P 486 9219 M 0274 996 572 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

OPEN HOME

Belmont 7b Evan Street

Devonport 4 Cautley Street

Private, Quiet, Affordable....

This could be a great buying opportunity if you are a downsizer, an entry level buyer or a single parent looking in the ever popular Belmont area.

Owner Has Moved South....

This quaint cottage offers location, charm, sunshine and potential.

For Sale By Negotiation View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8325 Open Sunday 3.00 - 3.45pm Gary Potter & Glenice Taylor P 09 446 2106 M 021 953 021 P 09 446 2112 M 021 943 021 Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

For Sale $1,195,000 View www.harcourts.co.nz/DP8272 Open by appointment Caroline Devereux P 09 446 2107 M 021 573 305 E caroline.devereux@harcourts.co.nz Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Contributor to realestate.co.nz

www.harcourts.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 16

Letters

November 13, 2015

Endless money spent on plans but where is the progress?

In November 1992 the dumping of rubbish ended. Shortly after, the maze was built and we really thought we were on the way to creating a special place.

However, requests for a management plan were repeatedly met with the answer; ‘no funds available’ and work stuttered to a halt.

Halted, that is, except for the construction of the skatepark, which somehow ended up in the centre of the park, rather than the ‘gateway’ site proposed by the then working party. The original site would have avoided a great many of the ongoing problems we now face.

It was 2004 before a Draft Management Plan for the park emerged, which also included Dacre Park. Sadly, a great deal of the brilliance of the concept plan had been lost, and we ended up with a bland, less well-defined future for

I must admit that reading your article on a $20,000 council rewrite of the Ngataringa Park Management Plan made me a bit grumpy. Why? Because it will be the costly third version of a plan that started out as an aspirational guide for a closed landfill, yet has, with each incarnation, become less and less reflective of local people’s wishes.

With closure of the tip imminent, 1990 bought the first Concept Plan, one the community responded to with huge enthusiasm. We had the maze, a dedicated village green, kite vectors, hopes for a sculpture park, remedial planting projects and the continuance of the wonderful Framework Trust gardens. Local people raised funds for tree planting and hundreds, carrying their shovels, turned up to planting days. It was a brilliant start!

the area.

In 2010 another document appeared: a ‘development plan’. While the latter term would imply a design initiative only, I was informed that the final document would be binding and equate to a management plan. This glossy document was full of computer-simulated images but very short on text.

Selected people and groups were invited to give input, which they did, at length, and small practical changes were made.

So what do we have? Three plans, two of which are supposed to be defined blueprints for a park that has amazing potential. After 25 years, I’m starting to wonder if we’re ever going to realise that potential, or if we’re just going to keep spending more and more money on plans.

Lyndsay Brock

Auckland Transport officer lost in Stanley Bay

Need to find a Justice of the Peace in Devonport??

There haven’t been any car accidents, because there were distracting signs – at least none that we’ve heard of.

This was part of a letter sent to us last year on Friday 17th October: “We understand your concern that some road users may not easily find Stanley Bay School. The objective of placing directional signs on roads is to guide and aid the safe and efficient movement of road users to their destinations, primarily when they are visitors to the area and do not know how to get there.”

This is one of the reasons we are concerned about not having a sign for our school.Yours sincerely, The 2015 Year Five Travelwise Monitors

We are contacting you about a matter that concerns our school. We are the Year Fives from Stanley Bay School and members of the Travelwise team.

The problem is that outside and around our school there are no signs, so people who are new to the school or the community will get lost when trying to find our school. As an example, the Auckland Transport representative got lost when trying to find our school! These are the people who say Stanley Bay School having a sign does not come within the requirements.

We doubt that Auckland Transport got lost when trying to visit other schools in the area.

Also, the school signs apparently will distract drivers. How come the other schools get them?

There is a local Justice of the Peace available at Devonport Library each Monday (except Public Holidays) from 12 noon to 2 pm

No appointment necessary

Harcourts Devonport Tides m am 3 4

Fri Nov 13

6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm am 3

Sat Nov 14

6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm am 3

Sun Nov 15

6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm am 3

Mon Nov 16 6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm am 3

Tue Nov 17

6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm am 3

Wed Nov 18 6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm am 3

Thu Nov 19

6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm

3 2 1 0

H 9:26am 9:36pm L 2:58am 3:17pm

m am 3 4

Fri Nov 20

6

9 noon 3

6

H 10:04am 10:16pm L 3:36am 3:57pm

9 pm am 3

Sat Nov 21

6

9 noon 3

6

H 10:43am 10:58pm L 4:15am 4:38pm

H 11:25am 11:41pm L 4:56am 5:22pm

Sun Nov 22

Mon Nov 23

9 pm am 3

6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm am 3

6

9 noon 3

6

H 12:09pm L 5:38am 6:09pm

H 12:27am 12:57pm L 6:23am 6:59pm

Tue Nov 24

Wed Nov 25

9 pm am 3

6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm am 3

6

9 noon 3

6

H 1:16am 1:49pm L 7:14am 7:54pm

9 pm am 3

Thu Nov 26

6

9 noon 3

6

9 pm

3 2 1 0

H 2:09am 2:46pm L 8:11am 8:51pm

H 3:09am 3:45pm L 9:14am 9:52pm

H 4:13am 4:46pm L 10:20am 10:52pm

H 5:17am 5:45pm L 11:23am 11:51pm

H 6:19am 6:43pm L 12:22pm

H 7:17am 7:40pm L 12:48am 1:17pm

H 8:12am 8:34pm L 1:43am 2:11pm

Devonport Tides

Harcourts of Devonport Property Management Put the management of your rental property in safe hands. www.harcourts.co.nz

CONTACT Larissa Williams P 446 2108 M 021 960 313 E larissa.williams@harcourts.co.nz ©Copyright OceanFun Publishing Ltd

www.ofu.co.nz

November 13, 2015

Letters

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 17

Toilets to be ignored at the wharf?

Overheard from a tourist on Devonport Wharf this week: “Those toilets are absolutely disgusting!” True. They are inadequate (often queues in summer), antiquated, unhygienic and a place to be avoided if possible.

Are we to assume much-needed new toilets are the last job to be done on the wharf? Or are the powers that be going to overlook our basic user-friendly essentials, such as pleasant clean toilets and a small bus shelter at the exposed bus stop outside the wharf?

Carole Gudgeon, Narrow Neck • Rob Drent, Editor responds: And Carole you probably haven’t seen inside the men’s toilets, which are in a terrible state (pictured at right). We have raised this issue with Auckland Transport.

It beggars belief that millions can be spent tarting up part of wharf, but nothing done to improve unsanitary toilets just metres away in the same building.

OUT & ABOUT with MARIA TEAPE 445445 95339533 | maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz | dportcomm@xtra.co.nz

SUMMER FUN PRESCHOOL PLAY Tuesdays 9:30-11:00am at Windsor Reserve Thursdays, 9:30-11:00am at Bayswater Park A FREE fun time for preschoolers to play with big toys, be active and to make new friends.

Bring your toddler and a coffee and enjoy our beautiful parks! For more information, contact Carolyn or Maria on ph: 445 9533.

Flooding can only get worse on Navy land at Ngataringa Bay

COMMUNITY NETWORK MEETING Thursday 12th November 10am - 12 noon Devonport Yacht Club, 25 King Edward Parade A quarterly meeting to promote networking among residents and local community groups.

Meet new Community Constable Jasmine Bundle.

Hear from Auckland Council about the new dog and alcohol by-laws plus about changes to the Inorganic Collection programme, and from Cliff Heywood of the Navy Museum about their latest projects. All welcome and morning tea provided.

Contact Maria on phone: 445 9533 or email: maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz PLUNKET SPRING FAMILY FUNDRAISER Sunday 22nd November, 10am on Plunket Rooms, 1/3 Wairoa Rd, Devonport Fun for all the family with a bouncy castle, dance instructor, facepainting, games, live music, bbq, raffles, coffee van, icecream, baked goodies and more! Visit https://www.facebook. com/PlunketDevonportTakapuna/ for more info.

WELCOME TO DEVONPORT Friday 27th November, 10:30am Corelli’s Café, 46 Victoria Rd, Devonport New to Devonport or interested in meeting others from your community? You are warmly invited to Welcome to Devonport to find out more about what’s on and meet some new faces. Contact Rebecca ph: 445 3068 or Maria ph: 445 9533.

Devonport Peninsula Community eNEWS To receive the Devonport Peninsula eNEWS, a monthly email listing of community events, and other community notices, please email us at maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz

Proudly supported by

Carol Wetzell

027 245 3392 c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz

Today there was a 3.6 metre tide, not that unusual for a spring tide.

From our home I can see that the water has lapped over the perimeter wall of the Navy fire school and playing fields.

Had there been a storm, which is not unusual at spring high tide, the wave surge would have resulted in much more serious flooding, possibly killing the playing-field grass.

Letters to the Editor

If I had a car parked there, I would be rather upset to find it wallowing in salt water.

If the Navy follows the Government line of global warming and increased sea levels, one would think that they would take the initiative and raise the height of the perimeter wall before more serious damage is done by the flooding?

Keith Humphreys

Letters to the Editor are welcome. They should relate to Devonport issues. Unsigned or nom-de-plume letters will not be published. Email letters to devonportflagstaff@orcon.net.nz or post to Devonport Flagstaff, PO Box 32-275, Devonport.

Ian Cunliffe

0800 248 521 i.cunliffe@barfoot.co.nz

Devonport 09 445 2010 | www.barfoot.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 18

Interview

November 13, 2015

Smiling assassin still knocking them dead After 30 years working in the media, Anna Thomas’s career has come full circle. From working at Radio Avon in Christchurch to hosting Fair Go on TV and managing PR for Tourism New Zealand, she is now back on the radio. The new co-host of The Breeze breakfast show spoke to Maire Vieth.

Anna Thomas has a great smile that shines through in her broadcasts. She’s the sound 80,000 Aucklanders wake up to every week on the Robbie and Anna show she co-hosts with Robbie Rakete on The Breeze (93.4FM).

Thomas (48) has been fronting the breakfast show since June, after being its newsreader for nearly four years.

“And I still like my news. I am a journalist at heart. At work they called me - affectionately I think - ‘News Girl’ because I really enjoy knowing what’s going on in the world.

I get to work at about 5 am and the first thing I do is go through all the wires to see what’s been happening in New Zealand and in the world,” she says.

Thomas was 18 when she started her career at Radio Avon, a private radio station in Christchurch. “I never thought I would end up back on radio. But the truth is that it has always been my first and great love. I love its immediacy, which makes it a great medium for current affairs,” she says.

Prior to joining The Breeze, Thomas worked for Tourism New Zealand as its media specialist, producing and directing promotional films, writing and editing a journal and managing PR. In October 2011, she worked on the Rugby World Cup – a golden opportunity to promote New Zealand to overseas viewers.

“I was in charge of all international media who came to cover the event. It was up to me to make sure they had everything they needed. But being a journalist at heart, I would also jack up all sorts of rugby-related story ideas for them,” she says.

Thomas’s job included filming local attractions and making programmes that international media could use. “Getting the All Blacks to talk about things other than rugby was fun, whether it was about their favourite parts of New Zealand, their preferred food or their hobbies. We did the same for The Lord of the Rings and The

www.scapetech.co.nz scapetech@clear.net.nz

Radio waves in her blood... Anna Thomas at home in Devonport Hobbit premieres,” she says.

Thomas credits the six years in the tourism job for knowing the country like the back of her hand. She regularly showed international journalists, celebrities and sports stars around. “I have been to Stewart Island four times. I have probably seen every nook and cranny of New Zealand several times over and it’s made me really passionate about the country,” she says.

Thomas got into the news business in a roundabout way. As the youngest of four daughters growing up in Ashburton, she was often looked after by a journalist called Felicity Clark, who still contributes to the Ashburton Guardian and is the godmother to Thomas’s daughter Lily Powell.

“When I was born she was employed as our babysitter and ended up living in the flat attached to our house. Because I was the youngest, I thought kindergarten was too babyish and didn’t like it. So I went everywhere with her.

“Right from the age of three she used to drag me around newsrooms. She would do night shifts and I would sleep under her desk. Or we’d go out to cover stories of fires and things. I think chasing fire engines was ingrained in me then,” Thomas says.

She says Clark inspired her when her parents split up, and she failed University Entrance after moving to Christchurch and having to start new subjects in her last year of high school.

She told me about a cadetship at Radio Avon in Christchurch and said ‘you love writing, you have a great voice, why don’t you try radio?’ A year later the newsroom in Christchurch closed down and I moved up to Whakatane to read breakfast news at 1XX .”

But Thomas hadn’t given up on her childhood dream of joining the police force.

“From the age of nine, I wanted to become a police officer. I loved watching Angie Dickinson in Police Woman and also Charlie’s Angels,” she says.

Thomas ended up applying and withdrawing her application three times. “The first time they told me what the fitness requirements were and I wasn’t very fit, so I thought I would go away and work on it,” she says.

“Then I went to Radio Bop in Tauranga, did breakfast there and was the local journalist. I applied to join the police towards the end of two years there. I was really fit, but got a job offer at Radio NZ in Dunedin, took it and dropped the application,” she says.

“I toyed one last time with joining the

November 13, 2015 police in Dunedin, and even had an interview. But then a job came up at Radio NZ in Auckland. I took it and got to cover the 1990 Commonwealth Games and then moved to Wellington to work for the Radio NZ Network and the news desk,” she says.

In 1994, she followed another dream, quitting her job and heading to Yugoslavia to work overseas. “I always had this dream of becoming a foreign correspondent. Christiane Amanpour is one of my heroes. I had been reporting on the war in Yugoslavia and the fighting in Croatia and Bosnia and I just wanted to go there,” Thomas says.

Arriving in Zagreb was “pretty grim.”

She struggled to track down two New Zealand journalists working at the UN. She couldn’t afford the flash Holiday Inn that was the home of TV station crews, politicians and diplomats. “I finally found a room in this refugee block. They still charged an exorbitant of money and there was a pipe coming out of the cracked wall for a shower,” she says.

Cracks began to appear in her dream as well. “I thought to myself, ‘What am I doing here, stuck in this godforsaken city in the middle of a war hearing shells being dropped?’ At that stage 74 journalists had died covering the war,” she says.

With a bit of luck, her path crossed that of David Balham, a former colleague from Dunedin who was working on the UN’s media relations team. He took Thomas in, set up a meeting with his boss and invited her along to a party with UN workers and journalists.

She was told that while working in the war zone was dangerous, it could be fulfilling and there was also a lot of money to be made.

“But I decided in the end it wasn’t the kind of life that was right for me. In order to deal with the stress of what was going on at work, there was a lot of drinking and things like that going on once work was over,” she says.

Thomas returned to New Zealand after a month without filing any stories on the war.

Ten years later she returned to Bosnia with her husband Chris Powell, who was serving there with the New Zealand army on an overseas mission.

“We had our 18-month-old daughter Lily with us, but I filed stories for TV news and wrote a couple of stories for Fairfax as well,” she says.

In 1995 Thomas started working with Kevin Milne as the co-host of the consumer affairs news show Fair Go. She developed a new use for her sunny smile. “During my eight years of fighting for the underdog on Fair Go, I learned to deal with a lot of crap and a lot of nasty people. I don’t really suffer fools and I don’t like injustice, but I don’t like confrontation either. So wherever possible I get my point across with a smile on my face. I have been called a smiling assassin,” she says.

Of the numerous battles they fought, Thomas especially remembers how the

Interview

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 19

team helped change ACC legislation to compensate firefighters adequately. She also recalls exposing a get-rich-scheme fraudster by confronting him with a camera and microphone in an Onehunga burger bar. “He had a burger in one hand and with the other picked up a chair. He came at me with the chair and tried to throw it at me, which of course made fantastic television. I chased him down the road but he disappeared into the night,” she says.

Thomas can trace her strong and tenacious streak back to her Ashburton childhood. It was “a place of long hot summers and no beach around. You had to make your own entertainment, which often meant heading down to the river bank,” she says.

“From the age of three she used to drag me around newsrooms. She would do night shifts and I would sleep under her desk, ” journalist Anna Thomas on how a caregiver instilled her love of news.

One of those days left a permanent mark on her. “When I was eight, I was having a running race with a boy and I tripped and ran straight into the seat we were meant to touch.

It really hurt and I had two black eyes,” she says. There was no visit to the doctor. “You just dealt with it and it’s why I have had this bump on my nose ever since,” she says.

“I also did judo and at one point came second in a South Island championship in my weight division.”

These days Thomas is working on getting her motorbike licence.

“I do like to push the boundaries a wee bit. It has always been in my nature. My husband Chris goes off on his motorbike a bit and I don’t like being left behind. So I thought I would solve it by getting my own licence. I have done the basic skills and just have to sit the theory. I haven’t tried to study for anything in decades, so I’m a little nervous,” she says.

Does Thomas find getting up for work at 4 am tough? “Once I’m up it’s fantastic and I have lots of energy. I just don’t have much of a social life anymore. By the time I get home and get after-school activities sorted, then dinner, I pretty much collapse. My guilty pleasure is to watch Shortland Street at 7 pm. And I’m in bed by 8.30 pm,” she says.

Thomas is mother to Rupert (11) and Lily (15), who is an actor in TV2’s series Step Dave, currently in its second season. And then there is Lenny, the Labrador. “He’s a ‘career-change guide dog’. We don’t say ‘failed’. We don’t use the F-word in front of him,” she says.

Ponsonby kitchen

CREATE A KITCHEN THAT REFLECTS YOUR TRUE STYLE Work with our designers to bring your kitchen ideas to life: tasteful, functional, enduring.

With 25 years designing and making top quality cabinetry, you can be sure your custommade Neo Design kitchen will exceed your expectations. All our workmanship is backed by a 10 year guarantee. Call our designers today to discuss your next project:

Phone 09 443 4461 www.neodesign.co.nz info@neodesign.co.nz

KITCHENS CABINETRY JOINERY VISIT OUR SHOWROOM:

96 Hillside Rd, Glenfield, Auckland Hours: 8 - 5 weekdays

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 20

Devonport 09 445 2010

November 13, 2015

November 13, 2015

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 21

Devonport 09 445 2010

Letters

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 22

November 13, 2015

Devonport’s generous spirit alive and well Last Friday as I waited for a lateafternoon ferry to town, I watched a Waiheke ferry disembark.

In among the usual bustle I noticed an elderly gentleman who appeared a little disorientated and, feeling the heat, making good use of the railings for support. Two middle-aged men, obviously in holiday mode and enjoying each other’s company, followed closely - but not too close - behind him.

I noticed that they were sensitive to the fragility of their fellow passenger. I could already see that they were ‘protecting’ him from the surrounding fast pace. Once they were up the ramp, and along the walkway a little, they approached him: “Mate, you OK?” “Yes, thank you”, still clinging to his independence.

“Is someone meeting you in Devonport?”

“Devonport!” And with that realisation sweat streamed down his brow.

These two guardian angels quickly realised that he had got off too early and asked who was meeting him on the other side. They had such a way about them that, by now, their new friend was gently relinquishing some of his independence to their trust. They asked for his son’s phone number, contacted him over at the ferry building, sorted it out with ferry staff, waited with him and then handed him over to

my care for the last leg.

While we were gathered he told us he was 96. During my 10 minutes on the ferry with him I asked about his long life.

What his two guardian angels didn’t know was that he fought in Italy and Egypt and that he had suffered significant loss recently, including the death of his wife.

He was from out of town. Overwhelmed, he told me that he had always believed that cities were uncaring places. He kept saying how overcome he was with his experience that day.

He now has a new “view” of Auckland.

It didn’t finish there. Other passengers, and ferry staff, had heard the conversation and as the ferry berthed everyone stepped back to let him off first, as if in a guard of honour for this old soldier. It was beautiful. Another man came forward to take his other arm and he was safely delivered into the arms of his loving son and daughter-in-law.

To the two guardian angels: No Christmas present will equal what you gave this gentleman last Friday.

Thank you for leading by example.

As we head to Christmas I hope this random act of kindness will inspire us all to not miss an opportunity, each day, to make someone’s life happier. To put people before things.

A smile, a thank you wave at the pedestrian crossing, starting the day with a note or a call to

the lonely and fragile, a couple of hours respite to families caring for disabled members, “hearing” silent cries for help, reserving judgement, honouring the wisdom of the elderly, a note acknowledging good service, and finally openness and honesty with your dearest.

Véronique Cornille

Biking and walking part of community picture Re the article (Oct 30) entitled “Red and her famous green car”. Mostly the bright-green 2CV with the striped hood is famous for the smiles it brings to people.

But, for all the fun, often the car is left at home in favour of the bike or walking.

I have long been an advocate of Living Streets, for communities where we can all get out and about without the use of a car, able to connect with each other and with our environment.

Here’s to one of many opportunities to celebrate the win-­win benefits of walk/ bike/bus/ferry-­friendly neighbourhoods – here’s to the BikeTheBridge event in aid of MS this weekend. Go the Flat Whites and their families!

Red Lunday de Waal

NOW OPEN IN BELMONT! FREE Dermalogica Gift with every facial booked before end of November*

197 Bayswater Ave, Belmont (09) 445 8999 belmont@barewaxing.co.nz www.barewaxing.co.nz

Waxing . Brows . Facials . Spray Tanning *while stocks last

November 13, 2015

Devonport 09 445 2010

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 23

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 24

November 13, 2015

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE...

NEGOTIATION SKILLS? SALE PRICE? SERVICE? Then you are probably looking for Andrew North!

You don’t win awards by not being the best in your field.

Not only has Andrew made the finals in every auction competition he has entered but he’s won quite a few of them. As the REINZ Auctioneer of the Year, Andrew clearly has the ability to help you get the best possible result.

Talk to Andrew, or any member of our Devonport team, today about how we can help you with the sale of your property.

Andrew North AU C T I O N E E R

P 486 4747 M 021 303 295 E andrew.north@harcourts.co.nz www.cooperandco.co.nz

Harcourts of Devonport

P. 09 446 2030 F. 09 445 4004 E. enquiries.devonport@harcourts.co.nz

Classifieds

November 13, 2015 ACCOMMODATION Classy 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, fully furnished Devonport house on Achilles Reserve near Narrow Neck. More information go to www.devonporttuihouse.weebly.com or www.sabbaticalhomes.com.

Ph: 445 7895.

Devonport short let. Large, comfortable, 4 bed fully furnished family home available for rent short term. Great location, close to Vauxhall shops and views down Cheltenham beach.

Phone: 022 3175 401.

Flat, central Devonport, 1 brm, part-furnished. Garden, beach 150m. Short-term until Christmas, possible continuation long-term, $450pw.

027 545 3060 Do you have a spare room in your house? I’m an active semi-retired man, looking to rent in Devonport/Belmont. Interests include grandchildren, tennis, creative arts. Please contact Alex on 027 572 4432 ACCOMMODATION Relatives visiting? Spacious garden studio with en-suite and kitchenette; minutes to Narrow Neck beach. Reasonable rates.

Ph Pauline 445 6471.

Stunning Cheltenham Beach Cottage, metres from the beach.

Available for short or long-term holiday accommodation. Beautifully refurbished, one bedroom, self-contained cottage with a private garden. Phone Rebekah 027 694 3933 or email devonportbeks@gmail.com

BUSINESS FOR SALE Business Opportunity for Teacher Devonport area - Love Teaching but not paperwork and meetings? Looking for Lifestyle and to work from home?

Would like to earn 70k plus for a 20 hour week? Full training provided. 52k and some set ups costs. Contact Eve 0223411716/ iywalton@gmail.com REST HOMES Ascot House Retirement Home, quality care with dignity in a friendly, family atmosphere.

Phone Shona, 445 2518.

Komatua Care Centre – We care for older people who have memory loss and behavioural difficulties. Professional care is given in a nurturing environment.

For all enquiries - phone 445 1707.

SERVICES OFFERED 10 YEARS’ experience.

Home cleaning. Husband and wife. Honest, reliable, careful workers. All equipment supplied. References available.

Ph Joyce 022 073 1550.

At Your Request Home Cleaning. Our local team is ready to deliver 5-Star services in your home for weekly cleaning, spring, moving or open-home cleaning.

Call Yvonne for a free quote 415 0028.

Builder available Small job specialist, repairs and maintenance. Skilled, reliable and local. Please phone Clive Melling. Hm 445 2485, Mob 027 29 222 84.

SERVICES OFFERED Cars wanted dead or alive. Top dollar paid $360 to $1700 for any small car, $800 to $15,000 for vans, utes, 4WD and trucks. Free retrieval 0800 3333 98.

Cleaning Maid Easy Use own cleaning products and gear.

Reliable/trustworthy/mature lady. References available Please contact Sharon - 021 405 596.

Curtains & Roman Blinds Free measure, quote and design advice. 20 years’ experience. Phone Sara 027 625 5844.

Devonport upholstery. Recover specialist. Antiques and contemporary styles. Recycling furniture for 36 years. John Hancox, phone: 446-0372.

Devonport Window Repairs.

Sash and casement windows, wooden doors. Rotten sills and window components repaired or replaced. General carpentry. For your local window specialist. Phone Hubert Strang 446 6174 or 021 274 4191.

Diggadrain. Drain unblockers and drainage experts. CCTV drain locating. Repairs. New drains.

0800 your drain.

Dog grooming available. Full groom, bath and blow dry, puppy introduction to grooming. Devonport-based. Call Barbara 021 141 0331.

Gardening. Do you need regular help? No time for a tidy up? Let me help. Experienced gardener. Ph Carolyn on 446 6517 or 027 292 8167 for a free on-site consultation.C

SERVICES OFFERED Gardener Available Qualified and experienced landscape designer. Enjoys getting his hands dirty. Good plant knowledge.

Hardworking, reliable and creative with plantings. Contact Paddy 022 502 2122 or 446 6188 paddyvogt@gmail.comE Handyman. Mature professional in Devonport, Bayswater area. Repairs, painting, those jobs you just don’t have time to do. Free quote. References.

Ph. Brian 021 150 8898 Housekeeper. Home cleaning, including windows, washing, ironing, furniture polishing. Experienced. References. $25 per hour. Ph 442 2273, 027 4926220.

Housewashing, prof. service, 10 years-plus experience, reliable and prompt. Free quotes, also decks, driveways, paths, fences, roof moss treatments etc.

Phone Rod 021 390 800.

Landscaping – Format Landscapes, 18 years’ experience, Dip. Landscape Design. Design and build. We undertake all aspects of hard and soft landscaping including decks, paving, fences, retaining walls, planting etc.

Small to large projects. Free quote www.formatlandscapes.co.nz.

Call Matt 021 599107.

Ironing: Professional, reliable, fast turnaround. Call Denise or Peter 486-1614/0223-552-350.

Locksmith, Devonport’s own Scott Richardson. mob 021 976 607.

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 25 SERVICES OFFERED Mobile Therapy Massage Release muscle tension, headaches backache, stress.

NZ Diploma. Experienced.

References. $80 per hour.

Ph 442 2273; 027 492 6221.

Small biz solutions the light at the end of the tunnel! From Bookkeeping and Office Administration to Design and Illustration to Printready Artwork. Local resident with 25+yrs experience, $30/hr.

Sharon - 027 272 5977. http:// sharonfergussonart.wix.com/ smallbizsolutions Tagbuster, graffiti looked after Devonport to Hauraki Corner.

Call the Tagbuster 0800antitag, 0800 2684 824.

Window Cleaning for houses and businesses. For a free quote call Ivan 473 6631.

TUITION Acoustic and classical guitar, music theory. Fun, comprehensive, tailored to you! Devonport-based.

Michelle Birch, BMus (Hons) michellebirch@zoho.com, www.michellebirch.com Learn piano/keyboard. Lessons from $17.00. Private, Professional, Affordable, Enjoyment for all ages. Competitions, Practical, Theory Exams.

NZ Modern School of Music 0800-696-874.

Mathematics Tuition, Sensitive tutoring offered at all levels of the secondary school curriculum.

NCEA, IB and Cambridge welcomed. 97% pass rate in 2014.

NCEA 3 calculus specialist. Ph Peter Ridge BE,Dip Tchg (sec) 445 2283.

SLSS Swim School, 11 Evan Street, Belmont (off SITUATIONS VACANT Eversleigh Road). SpecialDixie Browns Restaurant in ists in pre-schoolers. Phone Devonport. Opening December. 486 6728 for more info.

Chefs, Barista, Barman Contact Michael : michael@dixiebrowns. co.nz or 021442660

FOOD BANK @ HOLY TRINITY

Holy Trinity Church operates a Food Bank of non-perishable items for those who are in need.

If you need a food parcel or know someone who does please contact the office on 445-0328 week days between 9am and www.devonport.harcourts.co.nz midday to arrange to pick-up.       licensed agent, REaa CoopER & Co REal EstatE limitEd mREiNZ dEvoNpoRt 

Real Estate

buying, selling, renting

    Tips for trouble-free computing       Q:  A company called ‘SparkTrust’ offered me a free scan, which I accepted. It said it diagnosed 784      issues that could be slowing my computer speed etc (Systems, Junk, Software, Privacy, Malware.....)      The next step was to register for a subscription for which I will have to pay. Until one registers one       appears not to be told how much this will cost so I daren’t register in case I can’t back out if the fee       is exorbitant. Is this a useful thing for me to do? Would welcome your advice.        A: Be careful with this sort of claim and offer. I have never seen any program like this do anything of any worth        or significance. Most of the time these programs are rogue software or even malware, so it really is best     to avoid them altogether. Besides, I have already installed some tools on your computer that will do these      Upcycle your laptop sorts of clean-up jobs effectively. You don’t need anything else.       Wanted: old laptops still in working       condition to refurbish and donate to the  Q: I have a message coming up on my screen saying ‘Your computer is low on memory…

Red Cross Refugee service.      close or restart all open programs’ Why does this keep coming up? I am using Windows 7.

If you are upgrading, I will pass on     your old computers to help refugees.

A: This is actually referring to Virtual Memory rather than RAM and this message comes up when you have too      many programs and files open all at once. Multi-tasking does not necessarily mean you will get things done      faster!

Close all your programs, reboot the computer and all will be well. Try not to have more than three     things open at the same time, and you will avoid this problem in the future.    Q:  With this new version of MS Outlook, I am finding when typing in an address for emails, there is     no automation. Before when I typed in a name, the address filled in automatically. That is not      happening now and would make a large portion of my daily work very slow.        A: That’s the way Outlook is, sorry. I’m afraid the ‘automatic completion’ of email addresses is a learned thing,    Why go anywhere else?!    and Outlook will remember them after you have typed them in /replied to them once. Unfortunately there    is no way to speed that learning process up, but it will come right in the end.      

Red Dragon Computers 445 7810



 Serving 

445 7810 

Devonport Businesses, Home Users and the Devonport Community since 2001



Trades & Services

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 26

den electrical ltd

Piper Painters Ltd

OEL EST1971

OGDE N ELECTRICAL LTD

November 13, 2015

phone 0274 937380

Call Carl for all your electrical needs 0274 937380 or 445 7528

• • • • •

Solid Plastering Block-work Fireplaces Gib-stopping Small or Large Jobs

Phone Paul: 445 3154 027 493 8592 zipzap@ihug.co.nz

• Interior/exterior house painting • Roof painting • Specialised coatings and textures • Spray painting • Water blasting

Call us today

021 410 766 P 021 410 766| Freephone 0800 023 296 luke@piperpainters.co.nz www.piperpainters.co.nz

Sick of flushing money down the...

Repairs, refurbishments and new work for both Plumbing and Gasfitting.

• Quality workmanship • Interior and external • References available

Including gas heaters, instantaneous hot water systems and more.

Full project management and pensioner rates.

For all your Plumbing and Gasfitting needs Call the boss (Bruce) today on 0274 472 742

McMinn Plumbing

Contact: Brendan 445 3929

021 996 738

09 445 2415 minn@xtra.co.nz www.mcminnplumbing.co.nz

Ltd

Mark Sinclair

Paperhanger

Guy Anderson

ON A

ROLL I’ll personally do the entire job, from stripping and wall preparation to hanging and clean-up. No job’s too small or too large.

FOR FRee advice OR a quOte

Ph (09) 445 4114 Mob 021 105 2084 email markcsinclair@vodafone.co.nz

YOUR LOCAL CRAFTSMAN

PLUMBER

Friendly, experienced service for all of your plumbing needs.

CALL DERRICK TRAVERS

021-909790 445-6691

Jim McBride

Painter and Decorator • • •

Member of the Master Painters interior and exterior quality workmanship • no job too big or too small

Ph Jim on 021 244 6990 or a/hrs on 441 6990 email jim.sandy@xtra.co.nz

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

Painting and Decorating All commercial and domestic decoration undertaken. Interior and exterior decorating.

All wallpaper and fabrics. Expertly hung.

Skim coat plastering and stopping Specialist in decorative paint finishes, carried out by a tradesman with 25 years experience.

Competitive pricing.

All work guaranteed.

s

ar PHONE 445 2549 30 yreience e MOBILE 021 767 093 exp

November 13, 2015

DEVONPORT DEVONPORT DEVONPORT AUTO AUTO CENTRE CENTRE

� Servicing � Full Full Vehicle Vehicle Servicing � Full Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance � WOF WOF and Maintenance and Maintenance � � WOF ANDRE WENDY CUMISKEY CUMISKEY ANDRE & & WENDY ANDRE & WENDY CUMISKEY

Ph 445 4456 4456 Ph (09) (09) 445 Ph (09) 445 Fax (09) 445 7629 Fax 445 4456 7629 Fax (09) 445 7629 1A Fleet Street, Devonport

Trades & Services

Barnett Bros.

SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Barnett Bros.

RESTORATION, RENOVATION & ALTERATIONS SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Qualified RENOVATION builder and & craftsman RESTORATION, ALTERATIONS

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

KASPA

TRANSMISSION RECONDITIONERS

Alan Michie Ph 445 3013 • 0274 957 505

ON ” EN CK SE LO B HE “T

AS

Your local NZ qualified electricians for:  Renovations  Maintenance  LED changeovers  Garden Lighting  Ultrafast Broadband

Call Jordan

022 4567 367

www.kitchenvision.co.nz

55 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna 09 486 0811 Free 0508 22 55 58

DEVONPORT GLASS

For bins and skips

LOCAL AND RELIABLE All sizes available Ph 486 3885 www.discountbins.co.nz

Scott 021 188 7189 AllBarnett work guaranteed s.barnett.builder@gmail.com Licensed building practitioner Scott Barnett 021 188 7189

Barnett Bros.

Devonport s.barnett.builder@gmail.com

Qualified builder and craftsman Carpenter available now for door/window/sash/cord/sil Contact Mike Pita replacements on 021 050 3894 for a free quote All joinery repairs All carpentry and associated building services - NEW ROOFS - RE iROOFS Home nspections - LEAK REPAIRS - FLASHINGS Bathrooms - MAINTENANCE Highly experienced residential and commercial painting services Top quality finish References available

• Automatic and manual Recondition and Service specialists • Free pickup and delivery

165a Sunnybrae Road, Glenfield

Carpenter available now Qualified builder and craftsman for door/window/sash/cord/sill Carpenter available now replacements for door/window/sash/cord/sill All joinery repairs replacements All carpentry and associated All joineryservices repairs building All carpentry and associated Home inspections building services Bathrooms Home inspections All work guaranteed Bathrooms

SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Painters RESTORATION, RENOVATION & ALTERATIONS

TRANSMISSIONS

Phone 441 4500 email glenfield@kaspa.co.nz www.kaspa.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 27

For all your glazing requirements Competitive Rates and Free Quotes Double Glazing New Glazing & Re-Glazing Re-Putties Mirrors Insurance repairs Pet doors – supply and fit

PH 445 1974

Mobile Showroom devonportglass@xtra.co.nz

QUOTES AllFREE work guaranteed PH ADAM 021 927 663 Scott Barnett 021 188 7189 www.relayroofing.co.nz

s.barnett.builder@gmail.com

Villa Masonry Ltd • Brick work • Block work • Paving • Cobble driveways • Paved Patios • Repair work No job too small!

Ph 09 551 3171 021 465 460 villamasonryltd@gmail.com

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 28

November 13, 2015

Don’t Dress for Dinner: fun and frivolity at the Rose Centre Don’t Dress for Dinner, now showing at the Rose Centre, sees experienced local director Elena Stejko take the helm for Company Threatre for the first time.

The play runs from 14-28 November and is billed as an evening of fun, flirtation and frivolity.

Scriptwriter Marc Camoletti has penned a farce that is a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns. Characters Bernard and Robert are forced to improvise at breakneck speed as they try and keep one step ahead of their partners.

Bernard is hoping to entertain his chic mistress, Suzy, for the weekend. He has arranged for a cordon bleu chef to cook the gourmet delights, and is in the process of packing his wife, Jacqueline, off to her mother. He has even invited his best friend Robert as an alibi. It’s foolproof – what could possibly go wrong?

In addition to Stejko, the play includes local actors Greta Lawson, Donna Franks and Ian Birch.

Speciality nights include ‘Date Night’ on Saturday 14 November, ‘Flirty Friday’ on Friday 20 November and ‘Christmas Theme Night’ on Saturday 21 November . Go to www.companytheatre.co.nz for more information and phone Starring roles in Don’t Dress for Dinner… actress Donna Franks the Rose Centre on 445 9900 to book tickets. (at left) and director Elena Stejko (above right)

Trades & Services

Design and Build NZ Architectural Design Residential Building Over 20 years’ experience Phone Scott: 021 606 737 Email: info@designandbuildnz.co.nz www.designandbuildnz.co.nz

Sam the Floor Sander

OBORN

Floor-sanding Polyurethane Water base Chemical base Stain

AND DRAINAGE LTD

for FREE Quote Call 021 672 641

PLUMBING

Professional Quality Service • Gasfitting • Certifying/Licenced • Digger Hire • Plumber/Drainlayer • All Aspects of Plumbing & Drainage Dan Oborn, Director info@obornplumbing.co.nz www.obronplumbing.co.nz 0800-143-051 or mob 021 1193 227

Athol’s Lawnmowing Devonport Creating great looking, functional, outdoor spaces “Because your gardens are worth it”

12 YEARS IN DEVONPORT • Lawnmowing • Gardening • Hedge Trimming • Property Maintenance

LANDSCAPING EXCAVATION RETAINING WALLS BASEMENT DIGOUTS TIGHT ACCESS SPECIALISTS

Phone 021 239 7848

REUBEN Mobile: 022 043 4526

SERVING DEVONPORT SINCE 2001

EMAIL: reuben@aucklandoutdoor.co.nz WEBSITE: www.aucklandoutdoor.co.nz

atholsmowing@outlook.com

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 29

November 13, 2015

Takapuna Grammar Sports Awards 2016 EX-PUPILS’ CUP (Athletics Champion) Sean Green and John Mottram; McINTOSH VASE (Athletics Champion) Imogen Ayris; 1976 PREFECTS CUP (Cross-Country Champion) Julia Giurgiu; MORRIS CUP (Athletics Field Champion) Donald Coleman; WILSON CUP (Athletics Champion) Donald Coleman; WILLIAMSON CUP (Track Champion) Jasper Edgar and Frances Bilham; SCHULTZ CUP (Middle-Distance Champion) Adam Rundle; HORROCKS CUP (800 metres Champion) Adam Rundle; JACKO GILL TROPHY (Supreme Male Athlete) Hamish McCartney. 1977 PREFECTS’ CUP (Track Champion) Hannah Williams; WATT CUP (Athletics Champion) Hannah Williams; 1976 PREFECTS’ CUP (Cross-Country Champion) Katherine Badham; JACKO GILL TROPHY (Supreme Female Athlete) Imogen Ayris.

GULDBRANDSEN CUP (Best All-Round Basketball Player) Jack Stevenson; SULLIVAN CUP (Service to Basketball) Jungha Lee; HEWITSON CUP (Best All-Round Cricketer) Matt Strain.

THE CHAIN RING TROPHY: Commitment and Consistency in TGS Cycling: Lily Macdonald; Female Cyclist of the Year: Elle Wintle; Male Cyclist of the Year: Oscar Elworthy; Junior Male Cyclist: Adam McPheat.

HARRY WALTERS’ MEMORIAL CUP (Best Team Spirit and Performance Boys’ Soccer) BoysOPEN Senior Social; WATERHOUSE CUP (Most OPEN HOME HOME Improved Soccer Player) Tobias Thomas-Smith; MELITA HARRISON TROPHY (Service to Senior Girls’ Soccer) Emily Couchman; HALEY BENNETT TROPHY (All-Round Excellence in girls soccer, Saskia Vosper; SAM HILL CUP (Service to Senior Boys Soccer) Kyung Iel Nah; BUCHANAN CUP (Senior Girls footballer of the year) Lily Jervis; JERVIS TROPHY (1st XI Junior player of the year) Talisha Green; EVITT CUP (Senior Player of the Year) Stanley Hannington.

THE GOLF CUP (Golf Champion) Ethan Sangster.

TOKONA CUP For Team Spirit and Morale

IZZARD VASE (Tennis MVP) Sophia in Hockey) Girls 1st XI; ARMSTRONG CUP (Service to Hockey) Finn Cordwell; PAYNE Edgson.

Touch (Most Valuable Player Senior Boys) CUP (Service to Hockey) Lucy Hill; MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS HOCKEY: Mitchell James Little; Touch (Most Valuable Player Senior Bremner and Phoebe Rendle; ARMSTRONG Girls) Pia Tapsell.

Ultimate Frisbee Player of the year, Olivia CUP (Best contribution to Junior Boy’ Hockey) Tobias Thomas-Smith; ARMSTRONG CUP Bonniface.

VOLLEYBALL TROPHY (Most Improved (Best contribution to Junior Girls’ Hockey PhoePlayer) Will Watson; VOLLEYBALL TROPHY be Rendle and James Richardson.

MOUNTAIN BIKING CUP (Team spirit, (Most Valuable Player) Alex Roberts; Volleysportsmanship, commitment, consistency) Dan ball trophy Most Improved Player, Grace O’Brien; VOLLEYBALL TROPHY (Most Finnemore.

TOKONA CUP (Best Team Spirit & Morale in Valuable Player) Jess Neves.

SHANAHAN CUP (Male Waterpolo Player of Netball) TGS 13; JUBILEE TROPHY (Service to Netball) Ella Nelson; BAKER CUP (Netball the Year) Mitchell Donnelly; THE JONES CUP Goaling Average) Lucy McCallum; SMITH (Female Waterpolo Player of the Year) Sophia NETBALL TROPHY (Most Promising Senior Edgson; THE KERSLAKE CUP (For CommitPlayer) Cartier Cookson; KIA KAHA TROPHY ment and Dedication to Senior Boys Water polo) Harry Cronshaw; THE KERSLAKE CUP (For (Netball Player of the Year) Isabelle O’Brien.

TONEI CUP (Best Rowing Crew) Girls U/16 Commitment and Dedication to Senior Girls double sculls: Emerald Schofield & Liberty Water polo) Briahna Sheehan and Georgia Rafe.

Team Of The Year: Snr Boys A Cycling Soanes; HOPKINS ROWING CUP (Boys’ All Round excellence) Thomas Ferguson; WHITE Team. Coach of the Year: Lee Green - football.

CUP (Best Rower of the Year) Liberty Soanes; Sportsman of the Year: James Little. SportsMARTIN HINKS MEMORIAL TROPHY woman of the Year: Katherine Badham.

COULSON CUP (All Round Participation (Outstanding Effort for Rowing) Rebekah Alvey.

LOWE CUP (Dedicated Effort in 1st XV and Sportsmanship) Donald Coleman. MARRugby) James Little; VIVIENNE DONALD GARET MOORE CUP (Service to Sport (Girls) MEMORIAL CUP (Most Improved Senior Ella Nelson. EPSOM CUP (Most Points in All Sports (Girls)) Sophia Edgson. THE GEANGE Rugby Player) Kemara Leauga.

NAVY SAILING TROPHY (TGS Yachtsper- TROPHY (For Dedicated Assistance to Sports) Mitchell Donnelly. son of the Year) Airi Kawana.

Skiier of the year, Sebastian Jones; PHIL DOMINICK TROPHY (Snowboarder of the year) Robert Milne.

HAWKINS FAMILY TROPHY (Excellence in Special Olympics) Richard (Ricky) Buxton.

BELMONT PARK TROPHY (Boys Squash Champion) Harvey Malva.

Notice of AGM to be held on H C HULME MEMORIAL TROPHY (Most Dedicated and Enthusiastic Surfer) Kate Johnson Monday 23rd November 2015 & Rio Millington; Takapuna Grammar Surfer of at 7.30pm the year, Lewis Mennie. at Allen Hill Clubrooms, SNEYD CUP (Swimming Champion) Michael Worsfold; OWEN WINSTONE CUP Lake Road Devonport.

(Swimming Champion) Arushni Naicker; Please contact WILSON CUP (Swimming Champion) Edward Devonport Devonport 09 09445 4452010 2010 office@nsu.org.nz Lotawa.

11

22

North Shore United AFC

33

for further information.

Thinking of managing Devonport Devonport 49A 49A Albert Albert RdRd your rental yourself?

Auction: Auction: 10:00am 10:00am 18 18 Sep Sep 2014 2014 at at Central, Central, Sunny Sunny and and OhOh SoSo Quiet!

Quiet!

OPEN OPEN HOME HOME

Bruce Bruce Mason Mason Centre, Centre, Takapuna Takapuna Tucked Tucked down down thethe driveway driveway in a very a us very Read this first and theninring . (unless (unless sold sold prior) prior) central central location location sitssits this this solid solid timber timber View: View: Sat/Sun Sat/Sun 2.00 2.00 - 2.45pm.

- 2.45pm.

• Over 20exciting years’ propertyforfor www.barfoot.co.nz/527748 home. home.

AnAn exciting opportunity opportunity those those www.barfoot.co.nz/527748 management looking looking to to ‘step ‘step in in or experience or stay stay in’ in’ thethe Toni Toni Gregory Gregory Devonport Devonport market. market.

Warm Warm and and – we have seen and M 021 M 021 044 044 3663 3663 contemporary contemporary offers it offers four bedrooms, bedrooms, a a managedit them allfour A/H A/H 0909 446 446 1023 1023 second second living living room room or or ‘work ‘work from from home’ home’ E t.gregory@barfoot.co.nz E t.gregory@barfoot.co.nz • A tax-deductible expense Devonport Devonport 0909 445 445 2010 2010 option. option.

A must A must seesee and and rare rare find find forfor those those • Find-a-tenant service lifestyle! looking looking to to livelive thethe Devonport Devonport lifestyle!

Trish Trish Fitzgerald Fitzgerald

Birkenhead Birkenhead55A 55A Tui Tui Glen Glen Road Road Lynette Ell

ForFor Sale: Sale: $999,000 $999,000 Hidden Hidden Gem Gem in Stunning in Stunning Location Location View: Sat/Sun Sat/Sun 12.00-12.45pm 12.00-12.45pm Devonport 09 445block 2012 This This spacious spacious four four bedroom bedroom block andand View: www.barfoot.co.nz/525323 www.barfoot.co.nz/525323 MOBILE 298With 5049 cedar cedar home home is just is 027 just perfect. perfect.

With open open plan plan lounge lounge andand well-designed well-designed kitchen kitchen devonport.rental@barfoot.co.nz flowing flowing beautifully beautifully outout to to an an idyllic idyllic Carol Carol Wetzell Wetzell entertaining entertaining area. area.

A huge A huge lower lower ground ground M 027 M 027 245245 3392 3392 floor floor gives gives flexible flexible living living options, options, andand onon A/HA/H 09 09 488488 7559 7559 thethe upper upper level, level, a master a master bedroom, bedroom, E c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz E c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz Devonport Devonport 09 09 445445 2010 2010 en-suite en-suite andand extra extra lounge. lounge.

Adjacent Adjacent to to a a mature mature bush bush setting, setting, thethe peace peace andand quiet quiet

44

22

11

33

Devonport Devonport 100 100 Victoria Victoria RdRd M 021 M 021 952952 452452

24 Hour Towing 24 Hour Towing Devonport Owned Devonport Owned Operated andand Operated 1 Fleet Street, Devonport 1 Fleet Street, Devonport Phone Phone 445 445 04830483 email: fleetst@ihug.co.nz email: fleetst@ihug.co.nz www.fleetstpanel.co.nz www.fleetstpanel.co.nz

ForFor Sale: Sale: $2,499,000 $2,499,000 One One of of Devonport’s Devonport’s Finest Finest Homes Homes View:

By By Appointment Appointment This This grand grand historical historical home home is the is the perfect perfect View: www.barfoot.co.nz/511578 www.barfoot.co.nz/511578 E t.fitzgerald@barfoot.co.nz E t.fitzgerald@barfoot.co.nz ESTABLISHED ESTABLISHED 1971 combination combination of of charming charming villa villa andand1971 Devonport Devonport 09 09 445 445 2010 2010 modern modern lifestyle. lifestyle.

SixSix bedrooms, bedrooms, six six bathrooms, bathrooms, thisthis home home hashas previously previously Carol Carol Wetzell Wetzell been been operated operated as as a Ba&BB. & The B. The gracious gracious M 027 M 027 245245 3392 3392 home home with with fabulous fabulous views views of of thethe Harbour Harbour A/HA/H 09 09 488488 7559 7559 andand Auckland Auckland City, City, hashas so so many many beautiful beautiful E c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz E c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz Devonport Devonport 09 09 445445 2010 2010 features, features, all all showcased showcased onon a 961m² a 961m² site. site.

Close Close to to toptop schools, schools, thethe village, village, ferry ferry

Dennis Hale & Nathan Hale

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 30

November 13, 2015

Monster Mash a smashingly creepy carnival

Cooling off… Gabe (left) and Fletcher Ansley

Cat and rat… Andy Kozenof with daughters Anja (rat) and Zara (cat)

Chief clowns… Pam Laird and Jules Lough, the organisers of the Vauxhall School Halloween fundraiser ‘Freaky Carnival’ was the theme of this year’s Vauxhall School Monster Mash, which raised $18,000.

School parent Pam Laird says the event has evolved over the last 15 years from a Halloween-themed disco to a sizeable community event.

This year, 1,200 tickets were sold with the money raised going towards paying teacher aides. Alcohol was not available as the licence was too hard to obtain from council.

New Patients 50% off* your first examination, hygiene and x-rays

If you haven’t been in for the past four years, we would love to see you again, and so extend the 50% discount to you also

445 0097

Using the latest Biometric techniques, which means less drilling & stronger teeth *some conditions apply

DEVONPORT DENTALCARE

healthy mouth = healthy life Dr. Andrew Steele Steele Dr. Andrew BDS (Otago)

445 0097

BDS (Otago)

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 31

November 13, 2015

Talk Transport with Mayor Len Brown Join Len Brown for a community meeting on Thursday 19 November from 7pm at the Devonport RSA, Devonia Hall, 61 Victoria Road, Devonport.

Len is looking forward to seeing you and taking your questions.

Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

PN10028-SUB

TOP LEFT - The grinning reaper…

Sam Porter TOP RIGHT - A motley crew… (from left) Lily Corbett, Joel Thomson, Savannah Gray aand Mala Sullivan RIGHT - Creepy club… (clockwise from top right) Lily Nedelec-Spake, Bella Steel, Ollie Steel, Theo George, Evie George, Emme Nedelec-Spake and Amelia Legg BOTTOM RIGHT - Three’s company... (from left) Evie MarshallSeeque, Victoria McEwen and Stella McKenzie

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 32

Takapuna SchOOl NEwS

Konnichiwa Japan!

A group of TGS Japanese language students recently flew to Nippon (Japan) to enjoy two weeks of being submerged in fascinating language and culture. Beginning with five nights in Tokyo, everyone was assigned a variety of tasks to practise navigating the subway and crowded streets of the world’s most populated city. Students took a trip up the Tokyo Sky Tree, Japan’s tallest structure, and visited Ghibli Museum where the work of famous animator Hayou Miyazaki can be seen. Tech buffs got their fix of electronic gadgetry in Akihabara, otherwise known as ‘Electric City’, while the fashion-conscious were suitably impressed by all the crazy outfits in Harajuku.

Students had an opportunity to make new friends and drink traditional Japanese green tea during a visit to Mejiro Kenshin High School. The group then sped by bullet train past Mount Fuji on the way to Hiroshima. Students were billeted with host families in Osaka for two nights, where they were treated like royalty. One lucky student even got to attend the semi-final of a professional baseball game.

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, did not disappoint as students were able to appreciate the tranquil settings of the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Rock Garden. One final highlight was being able to visit the Nissin Cup Noodle factory, where students tried their hand at making their own oishii (tasty) cup noodles.

By Jake LamB (HOD, Languages)

November 13, 2015

Grammar NOVEMBER 13, 2015

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 33

November 13, 2015

Takapuna SchOOl NEwS

Grammar NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Our top sportsmen and sportswomen Impressive décor and a mass of gleaming trophies greeted those who attended Takapuna Grammar School’s 2015 Sports Awards Gala Evening. Guests were seated at tables and served a delicious platter of food, while listening to a welcome speech

by Aidan Nicholas, celebrating sporting achievement and acknowledging the work of the Sports Council throughout the year.

Congratulations to Katherine Badham who won Sportswoman of the Year. The other finalists were Lucy Jacobs, (athletics), Hannah Williams (surf lifesaving), and Erica Gatland (rock climbing). All of these young athletes have had amazing success in their fields this year.

James Little, won Sportsman of the Year, for his rugby achievements. The other two nominees were Oscar Elworthy and Harry Waine (both for cycling).

Guest speaker Portia Bing, a worldclass heptathlete, detailed her journey to the world stage. She explained how she endured many disheartening failures to get where she is now, saying that every athlete must fail to be able to succeed.

She described the intimidating feeling of leaving the comfort of high-school sport,

but said that students must focus on “taking advantage of every opportunity” that comes their way.

The Elite Sports Institute class were all acknowledged for their incredible successes over the year.

Since that evening the following ath-

letes have been shortlisted for Young Sportsperson of the Year: Bridget Connolly (golf), Katherine Badham (triathlon / duathlon), Harry Waine (cycling), Oscar Elworthy (cycling) and Max Griffiths (orienteering).

By JuLia giurgiu

Performing Arts successes celebrated Arts Awards was a fantastic event and a true representation of what Performing Arts at TGS is all about. Celebrating the breadth of talent, the night began with an amazing performance by the jazz band followed by the guest speaker Laurel Devenie.

HOD of the Performing Arts, Mr Bruce De Grut, gave his annual report detailing events like the wonderful production of ‘Oliver’ and crediting each of the performing arts groups on their successes during the year.

The brass band had a fantastic year winning the National Youth Band of New Zealand and Youth Band of the Year 2015 at the National Brass Band Association. The choirs’ success at the Big Sing was also highlighted.

As awards were made, each of the teachers spoke with great admiration and warmth about the students who had become such an integral part of the arts programme. Throughout the night awards were given for dance, singing, music, drama,

and speech and debating. There were also performances from Cactus Dance Company, the Foxy Pitches and the three senior choirs. It was a memorable night, filled with all the talent TGS has. It truly demonstrated just how lucky we are to have such dedicated teachers and students in this department.

By JOrDan BLum

S

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 34

Professional Services

November 13, 2015

RECOVER YOUR

LOUNGE SUITE

, e W ve got your back!

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

Dr. Adrian Stocco The Arcade, Devonport 445 8030 www.villagechiropractic.co.nz

Red Dragon Computers www.red-dragon.net.nz

Providing IT support to Devonport’s home users and small businesses since 2001 • Fast, reliable & cost effective

DEVONPORT

SHUTTERS CURTAINS BLINDS

DEVONPORT • Windows computers & iPad Setup

• Wi-Fi networking and ADSL broadband SHUTTERS CURTAINS BLINDS • New computers custom built • Repairs, Upgrades, Servicing • Virus & Spyware removal

DEVONPORT

Get it right first time with a Microsoft Certified Professional

SHUTTERS CURTAINS BLINDS

Christopher Jones Ph 445 7810

S CURTAINS BLINDS

Devonport’s Locksmith S CURTAINS BLINDS SPECIALIST IN PROVIDING

• New keys for S CURTAINS existing locksBLINDS • Lock repairs • Installation • Lock Hardware Contact Scott on

021 976 607 445 3064

72 Lake Road, Devonport

DEVONPORT

SHUTTERS CURTAINS BLINDS Interior / Exterior Residential Commercial Lives Locally Free Quotes /Quality Work For all your painting needs

Corey Norton M 021 0220 5444 | After Hrs 550 4218 email: cnorton@orcon.net.nz

comprehensive home handyman services

John Campbell answerphone/fax 445 4390 phone 027 246 5891

WE’RE BACK IN

DEVONPORT Clean Green is delighted to have relocated back to Devonport, servicing the local community.

Now located at The Old Post Office 1st Floor - 3/10 Victoria Road SALES, SERVICE & SUPPORT - PC’S, APPLE, LAPTOPS, iPHONES & iPADS W: CGC.CO.NZ | E: KARL@CGC.CO.NZ TEL: 0800 622815 | MOB: 021 622815

Vision examinations Glaucoma checks Contact lenses and solutions Spectacle repairs Driver’s licence certificates

The Arcade 6 Wynyard St, Devonport Phone 215 9178

November 13, 2015

Professional Services

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 35

The Beauty Space Beauty Therapy and Wellness Clinic

Caledonian Premier Tiling • Tile Installation • Existing Rapair-work • Certified Waterproofing • Guarantees SPeCialiSing in • Ceramic Tiling • Laundries • Stonework • Decks • Bathrooms • Waterproofing • Kitchens • Silicone Application

Call Doug 09 446 0687 Mobile 021 187 7852

Based in Devonport and providing nutrition expertise for: • weight management • type 2 diabetes & pre-diabetes • cholesterol & heart health • fertility & pregnancy • child nutrition & fussy eating • bowel problems • long-term health & wellbeing Available for one-off consultations or a package of sessions

Kristin Ryan (NZ Registered Dietitian) 021 2346 021 kristin@nutritionspecialists.co.nz www.nutritionspecialists.co.nz

The Beauty Space provides a range of personal, professional beauty therapy and wellness treatments Melinda Oldham for those wanting to escape Fully Qualified for a moment to a peaceful, Skin / Beauty setting in Devonport.

Therapist

31 October to 18 November

Stockists of: Environ, OPI, Quoi mineral make-up, St Tropez Tan, Revitalash

Ph 445 9532 | Mob 0211 908 889 email: info@thebeautyspace.co.nz

www.thebeautyspace.co.nz

Reach your Devonport Peninsula customers cost-effectively.

Auckland Studio Potters: Claybenders A showcase of contemporary ceramics produced by the students from Otago Polytechnic Diploma of Ceramic Arts programme.

Contact the Flagstaff for our rates and dates. devonportflagstaff@orcon.net.nz

Maree Scarlett: Seeds

Vacancies Dixie Browns Restaurant in Devonport Opening December * chefs * Barista * Barman * contact michael michael@dixiebrowns.co.nz or 021442660

Images examining the psychic, physical, mental and emotional experiences of the archetypes of sex, death and re-birth - curated by Max Gimblett

Anna Klekottka: Working The Grid...

A fresh approach to exploring the concepts of Square and Grid.

www.depotartspace.co.nz Monday 12pm to 5pm Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 11am to 3pm 28 Clarence St, Devonport Ph 963 2331

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 36

Obituary

November 13, 2015

Gifford Jackson – a world-renowned designer Illustrious product designer Gifford Jackson has died aged 93.

Jackson was part of the fabric of everyday New Zealand life – although few would have realised it.

His designs were in thousands of homes from ranchslider door handles, window locks paper roll dispensers to the ubiquitous Feltonmix plastic shower head.

In a career spanning more than 70 years, Jackson designed across the board: boats, electric shavers, refrigerators, spa pools, electric fence energisers and office trays, to name just a few from an exhaustive list.

He did not specialise in any particular design field, and singled this out as the major reason, apart from obvious talent, for his success.

In a 1998 interview with the Devonport Flagstaff, Jackson said: “Industrial design is inadequate to describe what we do.

“The term has stuck. But it is the fusion of aesthetics and engineering, as opposed to pure engineering. Many pure engineers think more in terms of performance and economics, but we want to bring in the beauty factor.”

Gifford Jackson was born in 1922, at the same Jubilee Ave house where he later set up a studio that he used for the last 50 years of his design career.

His career interest in design began in that house and the local vicinity.

“I built model boats. There were no radio controls in model boats then. We used to have them on string. I used to get all the boys around the neighbourhood building these boats and we used to race them down here at Torpedo Bay,” he told the Flagstaff.

Later he designed “small little sailing boats that I could sail in. I developed an interest in boat design and eventually ship design, which is called naval architecture.”

As a child he also made many American models of trains, planes and aircraft – the beginning of a lifelong admiration for United States design.

“America was just beginning to produce beautifully styled, industrially produced items, and this is what really interested me – bringing art into industrial production.”

Jackson drew and painted all his life. In his teens his art incorporated design, and he was filling books with sketch designs for boats. He credits his interest in design and art to genes inherited from his grandfather Hal Parsons, who was graphic designer for Whitcombe and Tombes.

Gifford Jackson was dux of Devonport Primary School in 1934. After leaving Takapuna Grammar School in 1938, he worked for a few months in the government’s Public Works Department as a draughting cadet. In late 1939 he sailed on the Rangitata for Great Britain, to study naval architecture at Glasgow University.

The Second World War broke out en route and Jackson found himself doing anti-submarine watch on top of the ship’s dummy funnel in the Atlantic.

Pioneer in his field… Gifford Jackson After witnessing the devastating German bombings of Britain, Jackson joined the Royal Air Force, and as part of his training to be a navigator, he went to Canada.

On his last leave he visited New York, which blew away the young New Zealander. His OE at that stage had consisted largely of the austerity of war-torn Britain.

“I was very impressed with the look of America and New York – I looked at a lot of store interiors, products and things. The Bonds Menswear store in Times Square had very streamlined, almost ship-like galleries, with radius corners and railings just like ship architecture. I thought this was very modern and exciting.” The designer was Donald Deskey, for whom Jackson later worked.

On his return to New Zealand after the war, it was hard to earn a living in ship or yacht design, which was not fully established. So he took a job with Fisher & Paykel ( the Kiwi institution, then only 10 years old) designing washing machines, refrigerators and commercial refrigeration.

“Ship design was also more engineering and mathematically orientated – I wanted to have more of the expression of the aesthetic side. I felt product design might be a good alternative if I couldn’t practice naval architecture here in New Zealand.”

He also worked for Dennis Davis of D J Davis Ltd, designing enlargers, cine film developing units and microfilm viewers.

However the lure of New York proved too strong, and he found himself walking the Big Apple’s streets in 1949 as an unknown designer, looking for work.

Eventually he was taken on by designer Carl Otto. He worked for a while as a draughtsman in the engine plant of Mack Trucks. During the next 15 years, until he set up his own Manhattan practice, Jackson worked for several pioneering American industrial designers, including

Norman Bel Geddes, Donald Deskey, Walter Dorwin Teague and Peter Schladermundt.

His American portfolio includes a huge range of designs: electric shavers, bowling alley equipment, cigarette lighters, even executive aircraft interiors. Jackson fondly recalled that three of his products have appeared on film.

Marilyn Monroe cools her derrière against a Jackson-designed air conditioner in the movie The Seven Year Itch. A dental X-ray machine was in a film starring Ingrid Bergman, and a wall refrigerator he worked on appeared in a video of Frank Sinatra’s home in Palm Springs.

He returned to New Zealand in 1966. Setting up office in his Devonport home, Jackson began designing for a variety of clients, including Fisher & Paykel; Allied Industries (TV, hi-fi equipment); L J Fisher Ltd (building hardware); Alex Harvey Industries Ltd (building hardware); Shacklock and Atlas (electric cookers); Clearlite Industries (bathtubs and spa pools); and PEL Industries (electric fencing).

Jackson also became involved in other well-known projects, such as boat styling for Marksply boats with Dave Marks. The “Marksply 22” overnighter power boat introduced a new styling to New Zealand power boating in the 1970s.

He was also a consultant on the Auckland Rapid Transit Train – Robbie’s Rapid Rail, the system many lament never being built.

In the 1990s he received the John Britten award from the Designers’ Institute of New Zealand.

And two years ago Jackson was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, at around the same time a retrospective of his work featured at the Depot Artspace.

Fellow designer Michael Smythe in 2013 published a book about Jackson’s life, his work, and his importance in the New Zealand design field.

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 37

November 13, 2015

Run back to the future for teacher at Bayswater School Lisa Gillgren ran the inaugural Bayswater Primary Duathlon in 1996 when she was a Year 2 student.

This year Gillgren (25), who now teaches at the school, will enter the event one more time. For the 20th anniversary of the popular local fundraising race on November 22, the organisers have added a ‘Jolly Jog’ which is open to all ages.

“I might walk it because I’m not that fit, but I might jog it if the kids want to challenge me,” Gillgren says.

She remembers the first-ever Bayswater Duathlon well. “From my little person perspective, everything seemed huge and there were people everywhere. I did it with a team because my bike had a Batman logo but no gears, so I ran. I was allowed to get some pink coconut ice after the run. And I got a small ceramic casting at one of the stalls, which I still have in my bedroom,” she says.

The duathlon quickly became a family affair for the Gillgrens. “My older sister Emma joined in and my older siblings came to help on the day, because my mum was on the parent group then too,” she says.

Gillgren loves teaching at the school she attended as a child. “It’s awesome to be back in

Anniversary event… Lisa Gillgren studies the course of a race she competed in 20 years ago the community and to give back tothe place that has given me so much,” she says.

She has never strayed far, continuing on to Belmont Intermediate, Takapuna Grammar and finally AUT. “I did my first placement at Bayswater Primary, and that’s when I decided I wanted to come back here to teach,” she says.

Apart from the Jolly Jog, Gillgren doesn’t have much time or energy to be sporty these days.

“Teaching takes a lot of energy but is very rewarding. I love to watch a bit of sport though.

My dad and partner play softball on Saturdays at Rosedale and I go along with them,” she says.

The Navy CommuNiTy NewsleTTer DevoNPorT Naval Base awarDs aNNah sTreTToN wellBeiNG PriZe Devonport Naval Base and Annah Stretton Devonport have teamed up with an innovative idea to support the often unsung heroes who support others as they undertake their work in the Royal New Zealand Navy. As a result, Warrant Officer Maylene Booker will enjoy a pampering to remember, along with four of her friends.

The Navy called for nominations, last month, for someone who has made a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of a co-worker. Warrant Officer Booker was chosen from more than 30 nominations received.

“WO Maylene Booker has been recognised by our people as someone who has gone that extra mile, without hesitation,” says Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Dean McDougall.

“This personal support not only had a

significant impact on the wellbeing of individuals and their families, but it has demonstrated the leadership that has helped to support and develop the resilience of our organisation as a whole.

“WO Booker’s dedication to the support of our people epitomises the Navy’s core values of Courage, Commitment and Comradeship, and she is a worthy recipient of the Annah Stretton prize.”

“I would like to thank Annah Stretton Devonport for their generosity and support for celebrating the work of those who go above and beyond to help others,” says Commodore McDougall.

WO Booker and four friends will enjoy high tea, a, styling presentation from a Belinda Sherriff from Annah Stretton senior stylist, and a follow-up personal Devonport presents Warrant Officer Maylene Booker with her prize. styling session, all generously donated

by Annah Stretton Devonport.

Congratulations? Thanks?

Problems? Complaints?

DevoNPorT Naval Base Tel 445 5999

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 38

November 13, 2015

Swimmers stroke out to 100 km club

100 km club… (from left to right) Ben Marshall, Matt McQueen, Tom King, Pamela Meyer, Simon Millar, Kaley Crawford-Flett, Mark Riggal. (Jack Revill, absent) More than 100 km was swum by a group of Devonport Swim Club Masters over winter in a series of 5 km swims.

Called the Winter Series 21, each workout needed to be close to or slightly above 5,000 metres. The swims took place in the 33 metre outdoor pool at the Navy base, over consecutive

Devonport Heritage Inc. Annual General Meeting 7.30 pm 30th November Devonport Library

Hear an update on the impact of the Unitary Plan on the status of Devonport’s Heritage buildings and surrounds.

For further information visit our website: devonportheritage.net All residents welcome.

Become a supporter or new member.

Saturdays.

Each session was around 90 minutes and usually consisted of an 1,800m warm-up, followed by a 3,200m main set structured around interval training. While most sessions would focus on freestyle, a particularly difficult aspect of the series was to attain the high metre count

and allocate an entire workout to one stroke – butterfly one week, backstroke the next and then breaststroke.

A big driver of the winter series was to prepare for this summer’s ocean swim events.

First up is the Devonport Swim Club’s Round North Head Classic at 10am on November 14.

Belmont Pharmacy

Your natural health specialists In-store Naturopath and Pharmacists

Best product range Best advice Best service and now Best Prices with AA SmartFuel discounts

Belmont Pharmacy

Serving our area since 1989

143 Lake Rd, Devonport • Ph 445 8247 www.belmontpharmacy.co.nz

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 39

November 13, 2015

Girl cricketers batter opponents at Auckland champs

Champion cricketers… Left to right. Back row: Esther Allis, Anna Browning (leaning in), Tayla Wheeler (very back) Ella Cronshaw and Milly Pearson. Middle row: Kennedy Scott, Libby Easterbrook, Stella Stiven (not very visible), Leah Kampkes and Ruby Worrall. Front row: Leah Pank and Lucy Buckeridge (lying on her side) each other on when we are bowling or batting.”

Belmont Intermediate School’s (BIS) Year the school to do so.”

Team captain Libby Easterbrook said it came Last year, the girls Year 7 team made it to 8 girl cricket players are Auckland champions in the national Activepost Shield competition. the quarter-finals. The school’s boy cricketers down to “constructive criticism. We tell each other what to do better, say things like ‘pitch it Beating Mangere’s Viscount School at Keith qualified for the national shield in 2013.

It’s been a great season for the girls. It started up, let it go later or earlier’, and things like that.”

Hay Park in Mt Roskill, the BIS side now go on With this year’s North Shore Cricket Club to play against New Zealand’s other five region- in March when the team won all three of its pool al teams in the shield’s national championship games for the shield in Term 1, before skipping season under way and the school season not the quarter and semi-finals because both oppo- quite finished, it’s cricket, cricket, cricket, the in Christchurch. girls say. There are club trainings, school trainThe BIS team coach Gillian Scott says: “It’s nents defaulted.

Cricketer Kennedy Scott says her team was ings, games and trials. Libby Easterbrook, Leah the first-ever girls team of the school to qualify for the nationals and it’s only the second time successful in the Auckland final because “we Pank, Kennedy Scott, Ruby Worrall and Anna they have entered the competition. Bruce play well as a team.” Anna Browning added: Browning were all selected as North Harbour Warner from North Shore Cricket encouraged “We keep encouraging each other and cheer rep cricketers.

But getting ready for Christchurch is now top priority. Ruby Worrall says the plan is “to only think about cricket, not even our homework or anything like that. We will probably watch a few world cup games to psyche us up too.”

Easterbook says: “Mr Sawyer at school tells us to have a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset.”

Rome to Barcelona Their main rivals in the final are Canterbury, 19 nights from Wellington and Bay of Plenty, say the girls. * pp

Mediterranean Cruise Holiday

$6995

Includes: • Return economy class flights to Europe • 3 nights in Rome and 2 in Barcelona

• 14 night cruise Rome to Barcelona On board Royal Princess Depart Auckland 16 Aug 2016

Harvey World Travel Birkenhead birkenhead@harveyworld.co.nz 09 480 0652

*Conditions: Pricing is per person twin share based on an inside cabin & Economy Class flights from Auckland to Rome returning from Barcelona.

Subject to availability. Further conditions apply. Ask for full details. HWT4873

RENTALS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BRAD JOHNSTONE

021 881 925

DEVONPORTRENTALS@PREMIUM.CO.NZ

OFFICE: 445 3414 PREMIUM.CO.NZ/RENTALS PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD MREINZ LIC REAA 2008

Passengers evacuated from Kea A fire alert put the Kea, Fullers main Devonport ferry, out of action on Monday morning.

Passengers were evacuated from the ferry at the Devonport ferry terminal as smoke was seen in coming out of the engine room.

The ferry was back on the water Monday afternoon.

The Devonport Flagstaff Page 40

November 13, 2015

D E VON PORT /STA NLEY BAY | 1 WATE R VIEW R OAD P re pare To F al l In Lo v e • 1904 Victorian villa completely rebuilt and restored • Five bedrooms, three living, four bathrooms • Garage modified for self contained accommodation • Luxuriously comfortable; gas fire, fully insulated, under-tile heating • Premium home in a premium location

GRANT SPEEDY 0800 036 288 GrantSpeedy@premium.co.nz DEVONPORT: 445 3414 PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD LICENSED REAA 2008

VIEW | SAT/SUN 1 - 1.30 PM & WED 6 - 6.45 PM | PREMIUM.CO.NZ 60462 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | 24 NOV 2015 4 PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR

KATHRYN ROBERTSON 021 490 480 KathrynRobertson@premium.co.nz DEVONPORT: 445 3414 PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD LICENSED REAA 2008

SELLING THIS SUMMER? LIST NOW! CALL ONE OF OUR TEAM TODAY.

ROWAN RENOUF

021 736 683

GRANT SPEEDY

0274 511 800

KATHRYN ROBERTSON

021 490 480

KURT PIPER

021 137 6450

BRAD JOHNSTONE

021 779 904

DEVONPORT 445 3414 PREMIUM PARTNERSHIPS | PREMIUM RESULTS

PREMIUM.CO.NZ PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD MREINZ LICENSED REAA 2008 | * CONDITIONS APPLY

E VE RY DEV ONP ORT P R OP ERT Y I S A PREMIUM P R OP ERT Y

PETER VOLLEBREGT

0274 515 188