29 March 2019 Rangitoto Observer

Takapuna, Milford, Castor Bay, Forrest Hill and Sunnynook DELIVERED DELIVERED FORTNIGHTLY FORTNIGHTLY

Beach vigil shines a light for Christchurch victims... p3

Issue 1 – 15 March 2019 Issue March2019 2019 Issue21 –– 29 15 March

AN AN INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT VOICE VOICE

Interview: the busy life of writer Council’s plan for DevonportEileen Merriman... p6 Takapuna’s open space... p22

King of sea swims set to return King of the Bays, a New Zealand sea The swim – over a 2.3km course from swim classic, looks set to make a return in Milford to Takapuna – was put on hold this the 2019–2020 season. summer due to concerns around water qual-

ity at Milford and Takapuna.

In the 2017–2018 season the course was To page 2

Everybody welcomed at inclusive play date

Taking a spin... Arthur Brookway shows off his moves while Ben Summerfield looks on at Charlie’s Play Date, a celebration of inclusiveness at Takapuna Beach Reserve. More pictures p8-9

The Rangitoto Observer Page 2

March 29, 2019

Crafty plan to unplug youth from devices

09 445 9800 The Creative Youth NZ team who are behind the Young Designers and Creators Market on 31 March. Left to right, Amelia Peachey, Maddy Thorne, Laura MacLean, Tessa Renneberg and Dahlia Mohd Razali. Not pictured, Allegra Bouwer, Tina Luo and Susie MacLean.

DELIVERED FORTNIGHTLY

New Takapuna-Milford paper hits the streets... p2

Issue 1 – 15 March 2019

‘Sacred’ pohutukawa trees turn into a menace... p4

AN INDEPENDENT VOICE

Fears locals short-changed by new town square... p7

Preserving coastal track no walk in the park The future of a hugely popular coastal People have been walking through Paul track between Takapuna and Milford is set to Firth’s garden since 2011, when a wooden be secured as Auckland Council negotiates bridge was washed away in a storm. with a property owner over purchasing his At that time, the council found it had never historic bach. been an official bridge and rebuilding would

require a coastal consent, which required approval from all affected landowners.

Firth, now 74, withheld his consent because To page 3

Oarsome costumes make waves at Beach Series finale

An upcoming craft market in Takapuna has been organised by a group of young people, as a creative response to issues with device addiction among their peers.

The Young Designers and Creators Market, which will be held at Smales Farm, Takapuna, between 3 and 7pm on 31 March, is the brainchild of a new group called Creative Youth NZ. “A craft market is a way to get young people together and off social media, and to socialise and have fun,” youth group member Maddy Thorne says.

The market is for young people aged 12 to 25 years to sell their creations and showcase their musical talents as buskers.

There will also be food trucks and information stalls.

The idea for the market originally came from an annual “intergenerational dialogue”

event, held in Takapuna last year, with the theme of digital wellbeing.

A group of young people who attended that event, plus some students from Takapuna Grammar School who had approached Takapuna North community coordinator Sarah Thorne, formed the group behind the market.

Thorne has been able to contribute some funding from a Devonport-Takapuna Local Board operational expenditure grant.

Deb Humphries of North Shore Family Violence Prevention Network also donated her Women's Leadership Award prize of $500 from Soroptimist North Shore towards the market.

Humphries coordinates a Youth Cyber Safety working group that meets monthly at Takapuna Oranga Tamariki – the Ministry for Children.

In the pink… Jason Herriman was among entrants who got into the spirit of a retro-themed final night of the Beach Series summer races at Takapuna Beach last Tuesday. More pictures p12-14

From page 1

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King of the Bays set to make return shifted south to offer a better guarantee of water quality. It started at Cheltenham and finished at Devonport’s Windsor Reserve Ocean Swim series operator Scott Rice said he had been working closely with Auckland Council’s Safeswim team and was optimistic the race would make a comeback at its previous location.

The Ocean Swim 2019 programme would be finalised in the next six to eight weeks.

King of the Bays had run continuously for 14 years since 2004. It was Rice’s first event which “held a lot of special memories”, he said.

There were cups for the King and Queen of the Bays, both of which had a sprinkling of

famous swimmers’ names on them, including several Olympians and it would be great to see the tradition continue, he said.

The Milford-Takapuna course was one of the few Ocean Swim events where spectators and well wishers could actually walk closely alongside the competitors on the Milford to Takapuna walkway.

A new Ocean Swim race at Omaha was held last summer, but although over “a great course, at a great beach” it did not quite attract the numbers of King of the Bays.

However the series’ newest event – Swim the Bridge on 6 April, which takes swimmers under the Auckland Harbour Bridge – was proving its quickest selling.

The Rangitoto Observer Page 3

March 29, 2019

Beach vigil brings light to darkest hour

Coming together... Candles in the shape of a heart illuminated a gathering on Takapuna Beach. Photos of the heart became a widely-shared symbol of New Zealand’s response to the Christchurch attacks.

Hundreds of North Shore residents gathered at a sombre vigil on Takapuna Beach to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Muslim community and acknowledge those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack on two Christchurch mosques.

People stood silent, many cried, and everyone joined in a spontaneous national

anthem. A group of young Maori women stepped forward to sing Whakaaria Mai, with many others joining in.

People lit candles and placed them in a heart shape. Others wrote messages on a large card for those affected.

North Shore councillor Richard Hills said the sense of togetherness was “extremely

powerful”.

The 16 March event, Bringing Light to our Darkest Day, was organised by entrepreneur Sharndre Kushor and her cousin, school student Sayuri Naidoo.

“As a nation we are uniting to reinforce we are one nation and we are not divided by the actions of one person,” Kushor said.

Students send letters #withlove Hundreds of school students have handwritten letters of sympathy and compassion to grieving families in Christchurch, as part of an initiative dubbed #withlove led by Westlake Girls High School prefect Hala Baraket and board of trustees student rep Sania Mohammadi Jafarian.

Around 100 were written at a workshop held at lunchtime at the school on 21 March, and the college’s 400 year 9 students were invited to write letters in their classrooms for later collection.

“Some letters were whole A4 pages long and filled with such nice words,” Hala said.

She felt hit in the heart when she heard of the mass shooting in two mosques on 15 March, and said she never thought it would happen in New Zealand.

“I felt united, as I believe in God, too,” said Hala, who was born in Iraq but grew up in New Zealand.

Hala has invited other schools in the same “community of learning” – Pupuke Kahui Ako – to be part of the letter-writing project. There are nine nearby high schools and intermediate schools in the community.

The letters would be delivered to an Imam (Islamic leader) at one of the two Christchurch mosques for distribution among grieving and affected families.

“We know the letters can never make up for the trauma and shock that the Muslim community of Christchurch has faced,” Hala says. “But we would like to unite the community to show our solidarity.”

On 22 March, Westlake Girls students wore mufti for Colour Your Day, a national initiative to fundraise for Muslim families dealing with the impacts of the massacre.

See photos on pages 10 and 11.

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The Rangitoto Observer Page 4

March 29, 2019

Electric moped trial quietly under way The country’s first shared electric mopeds are being piloted in Takapuna and Devonport, where tourists and locals have been using them to zip silently around.

Kwikli launched its fleet of 10 mopeds in mid-November and by mid-March they had clocked up 530 rides, or around 30 per week, with 4200km travelled in total.

“We have a number of regular users, as well as groups of friends, who like to explore the North Shore on our mopeds,” Kwikli chief executive Rushabh Trivedy says.

So far, there have been no injuries reported to ACC, nor have any scooters been stolen or vandalised.

The e-mopeds have a top speed of 50 km/h and riders must have a licence.

If you want to use a Kwikli scooter, you need to sign up for the app and pay a $1 joining fee, then it’s $2 per ride and 35 cents per minute.

They can use the transit lanes, but not the footpath or motorway.

A volunteer who tried out the scooter for the Rangitoto Observer found the app a bit clunky, but then enjoyed the 6.9km ride, which at 14 minutes, cost $6.90.

The rider, who didn’t wish to be named, would consider using it again if traffic congestion was particularly bad.

The scooters need to be parked in motorcycle bays and the app shows five green zones between Devonport and Takapuna where

Quickly by Kwikli... a rider makes use of a shared e-moped Kwikli scooters can be parked without incurring an $80 charge.

Meanwhile, Lime scooters are reappearing in the CBD, as the company gets its scooters back on the streets, following a recent recall.

Auckland Council suspended Lime’s licence on 22 February, as a result of a fault

Freedom-camper policing expected to be limited

that saw some of the electric scooters’ wheels seizing up while in motion.

The temporary ban was lifted on 1 March, but the company took a further week to test its scooters before returning them to the streets.

It then had to distribute the fleet of 1000 scooters.

Heritage fund sings swansong A pool of funding for heritage projects across the former North Shore City is drying up, with a final $30,000 available for restorations and other work on heritage-listed properties. The North Shore Heritage Trust had its $50,000 per annum grant from Auckland Council cut two years ago and has not been able to find alternative funding. In the past 16 years, it has given grants of up to $5000 to homeowners and other groups, funding work such as the restoration of a stainedglass window at the Wilson Home. To apply email northshoreheritagetrust@ gmail.com.

Free and easy... a camper van in the public car park opposite Narrow Neck Beach A shortage of compliance officers at Auckland Council could impact on the enforcement of freedom-camping bylaws.

New bylaws are working their way through Auckland Council, with heavy restrictions planned for coastal areas from Milford to Devonport.

The council’s Devonport-Takapuna Local Board support officer Tristan Coulson says

enforcement will be the key for the rules to work.

However, compliance officers at Auckland Council working on noise-complaint and resource-consent compliance were fully stretched now, and would not have much time to follow up freedom-camper issues, Coulson told the Devonport-Takapuna Board at its meeting last week.

Suffrage sculpture in works A suffrage-themed sculpture is set to be installed in Killarney Park, Takapuna, in April. It is one of three suffrage-themed public artworks to be installed across the city, with the others in Howick and Pukekohe. They are the inaugural works, each commissioned for $55,000, that will stand on permanent plinths for a period of five years. In Takapuna, the work Soapbox is led by Jasmax and will be created by Vanessa Coxhead, Stephanie Darlington, Prue Fea, Jayne Kersten, Madeleine Racz and Olivia Collinson.

The Rangitoto Observer Page 5

March 29, 2019

Takapuna lawyer has close shave for a cause Lawyer Andrew Reeder is feeling the cold after losing his locks for a cause that is close to his heart.

Reeder, who was recently appointed as a partner at Takapuna law firm Armstrong Murray, participated in Shave for a Cure on 20 March, raising an impressive $4880 in sponsorship for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ. Reeder was one of the top individual fundraisers in New Zealand for Shave for a Cure this year, coming in at number four on the official leaderboard. He puts his success down to social media and generous friends, colleagues and family.

The motivation for Reeder came from losing his father to leukaemia in 2015 at the age of 67, and he has friends who have lost family members to the same disease.

Every day, six Kiwis are diagnosed with blood cancer or a related condition.

To show support for Reeder and raise awareness, the rest of the law firm’s team came into work with crazy hairstyles and dressed in orange on the day of the shave Reeder, who went to Takapuna Grammar School, following on from his uncle and grandfather, was shaved by John van Zyl at The bald reality...

Above: Takapuna lawyer Lake Road Barbers.

Andrew Reeder loses his locks at the hands of Lake Rd Barbers’ John van Zyl. Right: Thanks to supportive colleagues, who dressed up on shave day, friends and family, Andrew Reeder raised almost $5000 for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ. Left: Reeder before his haircut.

Get used to tighter credit

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The Rangitoto Observer Page 6

The Interview

March 29, 2019

Writing books just part of this doctor’s prescription Bestselling young adult fiction writer Eileen Merriman – who is also a full-time doctor – is surfacing after a whirlwind 19 months of writing four books. Jodi Yeats asks how she does it.

It seems like an understatement when Eileen Merriman tells the Rangitoto Observer she enjoys keeping occupied.

The vivacious, petite 44-year-old has written four books in 19 months – one of them already published – while also managing the demands of her career as a consultant haematologist at North Shore Hospital and family life with her husband and two children, aged 5 and 11.

“I’m a busy person. I’m not good at blobbing in front of the TV. I read fast. I process things fast. I fill in every spare gap,” Merriman says. She even speaks quickly.

Waiting for a bus, stuck on the train, long-haul flights – these are all opportunities to write, which Merriman often does on her phone.

During the week, she’s busy with children after work, but around 7pm settles on the couch in her Castor Bay home to start creating. There’s more at the weekends.

At this point in her life, though, Merriman is taking a breather, while the next idea percolates.

Her first book, Pieces of You, was picked up by Penguin Random House and released in 2017 after Merriman received help, through the New Zealand Society of Authors’ mentoring scheme, from awardwinning novelist Paula Morris.

Morris provided useful advice on plot and writing for young adults, in general, that led to Merriman cutting down and reworking the manuscript that became Pieces of You. The novel is described as a heartbreaking romance, about a 15-year-old who moves

Full on... Eileen Merriman admits having two careers has its challenges with her parents to a new town, tries to fit in, goes to a party and then finds her world falling apart.

As soon as she had finished that book, Merriman started work on another story about a girl with leukaemia, set in a hospital in Christchurch (so readers didn’t think it

Enjoy North Shore’s treasure trove of books for children of all ages – reading, discovering, and hands-on activities ...without a device in sight!

was one of Merriman’s patients).

Four months later, that book, Catch Me When You Fall, was finished and published in early 2018.

Next came the first of the four books written in the past 19 months, Invisibly Breathing, released earlier this month.

Eileen Merriman’s superb YA novels

The Rangitoto Observer Page 7

March 29, 2019 Merriman’s first adult novel, Moonlight Sonata, is scheduled for release in the second half of this year.

Next year, another adult novel, The Silence of Snow, plus YA novel A Trio of Sophies are due to be published.

Merriman says she did lose a bit of sleep at the end of last year, when she was finishing her PhD (on deep vein thrombosis), organising a conference in her role as president of the Australasian Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society and checking proofs of her just published novel.

Her husband works part-time and has previously been a “house-husband”, but Merriman admits she is still finding it challenging having two full-on careers.

Hence, the current issue with writer’s block, but there are upcoming appearances at the Featherston Booktown Festival and the Auckland Writers Festival’s high schools programme during May. Writing is never far away though, as Merriman says it makes her a happier person.

“I just like the escapism of making stories. I love it when people read a book and say it resonated with them, especially teenagers who say, ‘This feels true to me – this is something I have been through.’”

Crafting stories and saying things in an original way also give Merriman pleasure.

Many of the books started as short stories and Merriman has had many successes in competitions, including being placed four times in the Sunday Star-Times short story competitions and coming second in the 2015 Bath ‘Flash Fiction’ competition, for stories of under 300 words.

She has also helped organise flash fiction events in New Zealand.

Her stories, and sections of earlier unpublished manuscripts, including one written when Merriman did a fiction-writing

Spreading the word... Merriman during a reading at the launch of her latest book course in 2013, often form the basis of the longer works, or are plundered for them.

Merriman’s books are selling well, with Invisibly Breathing at number nine for children and young adults books in its first week of sales.

Both Pieces of You and Catch Me When

Preparing for End of Financial Year

If your business has a 31 March balance date, then your end of financial year is here. Make sure you are prepared by reviewing the following: • Debtors – are they all recoverable?

In order to get a tax deduction for bad debts, they must be written off before balance date.

• Creditors – make sure you have all unpaid invoices to hand and recorded into your accounting system.

• If your business holds stock, carry out a stocktake on 31 March. Stock is valued at the lower of cost price or net realisable value. However, if your annual turnover is $1,300,000 or less, and your stock value is reasonably estimated to be less than $10,000, then no stocktake is required.

• If you have a service business, review your work-in-progress at 31 March to ascertain a value.

• Fixed Assets. Review your prior year’s asset schedule and note any that have been sold or are obsolete.

• Repairs & Maintenance expenditure is generally 100% tax deductible. If there is any expenditure of this nature, then it may be worthwhile doing before 31 March.

• Low Value Assets. Generally, minor assets that cost less than $500 are fully tax deductible in the year they are purchased, so now may be a good time to purchase that printer or office chair you’ve been holding out for.

• Staff Leave Reports. If you employ staff, make sure you have all leave reports from your payroll system.

Also, remember that IRD’s new Payday filing system is active from 1 April 2019, so make sure you’re prepared for this.

If you need assistance with your endof-year processes, contact me and I can help.

You Fall were finalists in the 2018 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

The doctor and prolific prose writer may still have to figure out how to maintain her twin careers, but she seems likely to craft a happy ending.

“We’re here to help your business succeed.”

Let’s meet for a no-obligation

chat about how we could help your business.

Contact Mark Spooner Office: (09) 486 6099 Mobile: (021) 221 2348 mark@insightaccounting.co.nz www.insightaccounting.co.nz

The Rangitoto Observer Page 8

March 29, 2019

Community play date

Emerging ... Olive Catterall is transformed into a monarch butterfly by Zanda Markitane

Sita Pongjak braves a swinging boardwalk.

Face time... Johnny Herring insists on blue facepaint, despite his caregiver Ellie Sanson’s misgivings.

The Rangitoto Observer Page 9

March 29, 2019

welcomes everyone

Cool for cats... Scarlett Hough, with Dad Andrew Hough, was among the children enjoying the annual Charlie’s Play Date at Takapuna Beach Reserve Playground.

About 600 children enjoyed a third annual play date celebrating diversity and inclusiveness at Takapuna Beach Reserve Playground.

Charlie’s Play Date was started after a severely disabled boy, Charlie Gordon-Stables, was asked to leave the playground in 2017.

The community rallied around Charlie, who has cerebral palsy, and his mother, Kirstin Mckendry, and arranged the annual play date, where all children would be welcomed.

Many of the adults who attended the 16 March event commented it was especially

appropriate on the day after the mass shooting in Christchurch.

“It’s particularly important that we celebrate inclusiveness and make it the norm,” Takapuna North community coordinator Sarah Thorne said.

Blown away ... Nikau Catterell is mesmerised by bubbles at Charlie’s Play Date (above), while Bronwyn Brockway zooms out of the slide (left).

The Rangitoto Observer Page 10

March 29, 2019

Westlake Girls students write #withlove

Westlake Girls High School students wrote heartfelt handwritten letters of support and compassion to grieving families in Christchurch. See story, p3. The two students pictured left are Lina Amer and Donia Hegazy who spoke about their religion and the need for the country to unite and embrace differences; below organisers Sania Jafarian (left) and Hala Baraket in mufti for the Colour Your Day fundraiser.

March 29, 2019

Clockwise from top: Lauren Gans, Amy Henger, and Jordan Smithson; Hana Muhammed (left) and Trisha Quiliza; students colouring card; Annie Reid. Photos by Keeley Watson.

The Rangitoto Observer Page 11

The Rangitoto Observer Page 12

March 29, 2019

Creek treated as dumping ground: A real-estate sign, a clothes rack, large pieces of broken glass, paint cans, bottles and large piles of garden waste are all chucked over fences and down from streets into the Wairau Stream, sparking numerous calls to the council.

Residents of Napolean Ave say they have placed calls to Auckland Council’s pollution line about the issue, and they would like council officers to fine the polluters.

“These people need a wake-up call that this isn’t a dumping ground. Our waterways need looking after,” neighbour Susan Wann said.

In mid-March, Wann called the council’s pollution line to raise the alarm about what appeared to be a chalky slurry polluting the creek.

Council compliance officers visited the site at 7pm and met Wann on 13 March, but found no discharge. However, the following day, the compliance team received another complaint, also related to a murky substance in the stream.

This time, investigations found a burst Watercare main nearby. Watercare was contacted and the pipe was fixed that evening, team leader compliance investigations David Pawson said.

The council officers gave feedback to the two complainants.

Wann said they advised her they couldn’t fine people for dumping rubbish in the stream unless someone caught them in the act.

Fines for littering range from $100 to $400

Murky issue... A chalky white discharge worried residents near Milford’s Wairau stream so much they called the council twice

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The Rangitoto Observer Page 13

March 29, 2019

residents want council action

for a first offence, depending on the quantity and how hazardous the waste is.

Wann and other neighbours say they have seen an oily substance discolouring the creek and worry for ducks and other animals. The creek runs into the sea.

The stream appears to have become more of a culvert, since it was lined with concrete to stop the regular flooding of nearby properties that used to occur.

In the 1960s, after heavy rain you’d see

carpets hanging out to dry on the fences of streets near the stream, Wann recalled.

Another big concern is noxious weeds, with large privet trees, rampant bamboo and moth plants all flourishing alongside the stream. Many people in the area say they have serious problems with hay fever, and they would like council contractors to tackle the issue.

Auckland Council’s pollution line: ph 377 3107.

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Garden rubbish, packing, clothes horses and signs are among items turfed into Milford’s Wairau Creek. Concerned Napolean Ave resident Susan Wann has called the council, but pollution officers told her they could only impose fines, if she caught culprits in the act of fly tipping.

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The Rangitoto Observer Page 14

March 29, 2019

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• 1 night in Bergen including breakfast Internet Package or US$100 Onboard credit per person V E R A N DA IN •T 14W night cruise aboard Viking Sun visiting • 15 day river cruise Amsterdam to Budapest • 15 day river cruise Amsterdam to Budapest • 12 night cruise aboard Viking Star Bergen Bergen, Lerwick, Torshavn, Reykjavik, (overnight), Narvik, Alta (overnight), Tromso • 12 guided tours • 12 guided tours pp PACKAGE INCLUDES: PACKAGE INCLUDES: Nanortalik, Qaqortoq, L’Anse aux Medows, (overnight), Bodo, Stavanger, London • •Beers, & soft with onboard • Beers, wine & soft Portofino, drinks withPortoferraio onboard of Stairfare Lawrence, Saguenay,Wellington Qebec City, • 8 night cruise aboard Windexcursion Surf visiting Monte Carlo, Cannes, •Gulf Return from Auckland, or Returnwine airfare fromdrinks Auckland, Wellington or • 1 complimentary shore in every lunch & dinner(ex Christchurch +$59pp) lunch & dinner Montreal Split,Free Dubrovnik, Kotor (Elba), Rome Queenstown (ex ChristchurchB +$59pp) Queenstown 5000 + O N U Venice, S port |Rovinj, Fly to Europe + AU$200 B O N U S | Fly Free to • 1• complimentary in every port • •Speciality coffees, teasincluding & bottledbreakfast water • Speciality coffees, teasbreakfast & bottled&water couple (Montenegro), Giardini Naxosper (Sicily), Sorrento, shipboard credit couple shipboard credit per 1 night in Dohashore excursion 2 nights in Barcelona • 2 nights in Rome including • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch Rome • •Port taxes, feesaboard & gratuties • Port taxes, gratuties transfers port -fees hotel & dinner PA C K A G E INCLUDES: P A&C K AG E INCLUD •&2dinner nights in Venice 4* hotel including 7 night cruise Wind Surf visiting • 2 nights in Rome 4* hotel including breakfast • Return economy class airfares from • Return economy clas breakfast Barcelona, Vendres, Sanary-sur-Mer, • Port taxes, fees & gratuities Cruise departsPort March - November in both Cruise departs March - November in both • Port taxes, fees & gratuities Auckland, W or Christchurch Auckland, Wellington & transfers port -ellington hotel akfast directions.

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CRS0051-WINDSTAR--0319 CRS0049-VIKING-0319

0800 4 68 278 I HOTCRUISES.CO.NZ 0 8TAKAPUNA@HOT.CO.NZ 0 0 4 6 8 2 7 8 I H O T C R 20 U I SHurstmere E S . C O . N Rd, Z Takapuna 09 486 0995 CONDITIONS: *Different bonus offers apply to different Viking Ocean cruises. Please talk to your consultant to find out if there are any applicable bonus offers on your selected cruise. All cruise packages are based on CONDITIONS: Conditions apply for Pick your Pek promotion. All cruise packages are based on Twin share, in cabin category stated and costs are per person. Prices shows are subject to currency Twin share, outside or Veranda cabin and costs are per person. Availability is current as at 7 Mar 19 and deals are available until date shown or until sold out. Space is strictly limited and is subject to availability at time fluctuations and may change at any time. Availability is current as at 13 Mar 19 and deals are available until date shown or until sold out. Space is strictly limited and is subject to availability at time of

WINDSTAR

HOT0503_NZH_NCL HOT0503_NZH_NCL

of if booking.

Prices shown are inclusive of all discounts. On board creditbonus where shown is per cabin & muston be spent on board and is not refundable in cash.

All passengersAll are bound by the individual cruise lines terms & are based on nt to find out there are any applicable offers your selected cruise. cruise booking.

Onboard credit where shown is per shown cabin & must be spent onuntil board and issold not refundable in cash.Space Single travellers receive the per person Onboard credit. All passengers are bound by the packages eals are available until or out. is strictly and is subject at time conditions, please ask yourdate consultant for a full copy. Current Deals must be paid in full at time of booking or as shown. All passengers must havelimited a valid passport with more than 6 months validity at theto end ofavailability their holiday. individual cruise lines terms & conditions, please ask your consultant for a full copy.

Current Deals must be paid in full at time of booking or asare shown. All passengers must have athe valid passport with more be spent on board and is out not in cash.

All passengers bound by individual cruise lines terms & Travel insurance should be taken at time refundable of booking to cover in the event of any unforeseen cancellation.

Included airfares are based on special non-refundable economy fares, ground transfers are not included unless or as shown.

All passengers must a out valid passport with more than 6 months at the end of their holiday. than 6 months validity at the end of their holiday. Travel insurancehave should be taken at time of booking to cover in the event of any unforeseen cancellation.

Included airfares are based onvalidity special nonany hotels included on a room onlyon basis unless specified. ESTA Visas are required for Itineraries visiting economy USA, Canada, India, China, Vietnam & Sriground Lanka. Visa costs are not included. If travelling on a non NZ on. Included specified, airfares are are based special non-refundable fares, transfers are not included unless refundable economy fares, ground transfers are not included unless specified, any hotels included are on a room onlyLanka. basis unless specified.

ESTA Visas are required for Itineraries visiting USA, Canada, aries visitingpassport USA, Canada, India, China, Vietnam & Sri Visa costs are not included. If travelling on a non NZ other visas + NZ re-entry permits may also be required, please check with applicable embassy.

CRS0319-VIKING India, China, Vietnam & Sri Lanka. Visa costs are not included. If travelling on a non NZ passport other visas + NZ re-entry permits may also be required, please check with applicable embassy. CRS0319CRS0319-VIKING

Letters

March 29, 2019

How about a bigger boardwalk?

Having just joined and subsequently read your article (Preserving coastal track no walk in the park, 15 March), all progress seems to be halted by potential, possibly hostile, responses from those “affected” property owners.

I truly wish folk could drop sole focus vision and consider peripherally, for example,

a boardwalk of substantial proportion (like the Brisbane River concept), beyond the boundaries of existing properties.

It is only natural that folk want to preserve their specific rights of ownership.

Then their infliction (the boardwalk) can be viewed as an attribute!

Yvonne Sutton

Sky-high praise for airport bus I would like to bring to your attention the brilliant service to the airport that “SkyBus” now offers. I recently had to fly to Wellington and took the opportunity to test it. It leaves from Albany, stops at Smales Farm and Akoranga Station (my stop) and then direct via Waterview Tunnel to the airport. The bus drops you right outside the front door, has masses of room for luggage, comfortable seats and, considering the stress of driving, it was a bargain.

Returning, I caught the SkyBus at the terminal exit. It drove to the International Terminal and then direct to Akoranga Drive where I was picked up by a friend. I think it took about 35 minutes. Yes, my trips were off-peak and, on the return journey, I was the only passenger!

Travel Sketching classes for beginners TRAVEL SKETCHING CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS 2019

Just thinking a little publicity in your newspaper about riding the “SkyBus” might be informative and helpful for our community.

Mandy Dempsey

See the world differently

Letters to the Editor Noms-de-plume or submissions without a name will not be printed.

Email letters to news@rangitoto-observer.co.nz or post to Rangitoto Observer, PO Box, 32 275, Devonport.

Internal wrangling hamstrings gulf forum The poster of the Hauraki Gulf distributed by the New Zealand Herald and produced by the Hauraki Gulf Forum is colourful and informative and should be on display on classroom and bedroom walls.

Sadly, it appears to be one of the few tangible outputs last year from a largely dysfunctional Hauraki Gulf Forum, which is so preoccupied by internal wrangling that it is failing to deliver on its environmental responsibilities.

When the new forum chair expressed his vision at the February meeting for future projects such as targets for water quality, re-establishing mussel beds and creating

The Rangitoto Observer Page 15

marine parks in the gulf, you would assume that there would have been unanimous support, at least in principle. But no, he was immediately strongly criticised by the tangata whenua members for not having consulted with them first. His report was not passed unanimously and his ideas look dead in the water.

It would appear that this “co-governance” committee has devolved into a power struggle as tangata whenua collectively aim to gain the predominant influence on the activities and direction of the forum, instead of just getting on with meeting the responsibilities for which they were appointed.

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39 Killarney Street, Takapuna • www.nsbc.org.nz

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Travel sketching is that sketched impression where we teach you how to ‘see’ your subject.

Tony McNeight tutors you through a 8 week programme of foundation skills to take you from first steps to being a confident and passionate sketcher.

Our weekly classes will guide you in a relaxed fun way to find your creative side.

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DEVONPORT 18 May – 6 July For further information www.erinhillsketching.co.nz TONY MCNEIGHT

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The Rangitoto Observer Page 16

March 29, 2019

Takapuna 09 489 5084

March 29, 2019

Takapuna 09 489 5084

The Rangitoto Observer Page 17

Trades & Services

The Rangitoto Observer Page 18

March 29, 2019

ObOrn

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

Carl Ogden – 444 5782 carlo@searchfield.co.nz

• • • • •

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

Ph Paul: 445 Phone Paul: 445 3154 3154 027 493 8592493 zipzap@ihug.co.nz 027 8592

DEVONPORT ELECTRICAL Your Local Electricians

021 670 103 www.scapetech.co.nz scapetech@clear.net.nz scapetech@outlook.com

John Bisset LtD

Painting & Decorating Specialists Serving Auckland for over 35 years Master Painter of the Year 2017 Interior and Exterior – New and existing, roofs, fences, decks and balustrading, wallpaper stripping, paint stripping, gib stopping, pressure cleaning.

Accredited Lead-based Removal Specialists.

Office: 445 8099 email: info@bissetltd.co.nz

www.bissetltd.co.nz

or

445 3447

ELECTRICAL INSPECTION SPECIALISTS

Paul Sievers - Toby Ballard www.devonportelectrical.co.nz

“Do it once, Do it right” Residential & Commercial Electrician Maintenance New Installation

Contact Byron Knight 022 065 6202

knightlightelectrical@gmail.com

PlumbinG AnD DrAinAGE lTD Professional Quality Service

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

Contact Dan info@obornplumbing.co.nz www.obornplumbing.co.nz 0800-143-051 or mob 021 119 3227

Private Home Sales Sell Your Property Privately • We buy any property in any condition •Save on Commissions •Save on Marketing •Favourable Settlement Terms

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022 632 4663

Guy Anderson

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.

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We guarantee our Workmanship

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March 29, 2019

DEVONPORT DEVONPORT DEVONPORT AUTO AUTO CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE

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Specialist in all aspects of concrete.

Small diggers and Bobcat (for tight excavation work).

For free quotes and advice Phone Alan Michie

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Trades & Services

Barnett Call SteveBros. at SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Barnett Bros.

RESTORATION, RENOVATION & ALTERATIONS

Jefferson

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

Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainage, Roof Leaks

MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS Prompt courteous service Fully insured for your peace of mind

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kitchens DESIGN MANUFACTURE INSTALL

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Phone 09 443 4461 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM:

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

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DESIGN AND BUILD NZ Devonport builders since 1990 Residential Building Architectural Draughting Scott Peters 021 606 737 www.designandbuildnz.co.nz

All Safe Electrical Services Ltd • New builds and renovations • Rewires • Home network cabling • Wall-mount TVs • Home theatre

LocaL to Devonport Call Peter Cairns for your free quotation

Phone 021 858 243 or 445 4675

email allsafe.electrical@xtra.co.nz

The Rangitoto Observer Page 19

Plumbing Ltd

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 Yourand quality local All carpentry associated All joineryservices repairs building plumbing tradesman All carpentry and associated Home inspections building services for over 30 years Bathrooms Home inspections All work guaranteed Bathrooms

Ph. (021)021 731 188 646 7189 Scott AllBarnett work guaranteed Ph. (09) 445 3764 s.barnett.builder@gmail.com Licensed building practitioner Scott Barnett 021 188 7189

Barnett Bros.

Call Steve at email: sjefferson@xtra.co.nz s.barnett.builder@gmail.com www.jeffersonplumbing.co.nz

SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Jefferson RESTORATION, RENOVATION & ALTERATIONS

Plumbing Ltd

QualifiedYour builderquality and craftlocal sman plumbing tradesman Carpenter availabl30e now for over years for door/wi ndow/sash/cord/sil Ph. (021) 731 646 Ph. (09) 445 3764 replacements All joinery repairs Villa Masonry All carpentry and associatedLtd • Brick work building services • Block work • Paving • CobbleHome driveways inspections • Paved Patios • Repair work Bathrooms No job too small! email: sjefferson@xtra.co.nz www.jeffersonplumbing.co.nz

All work guaranteed Scott Barnett 021 188 7189 villamasonryltd@gmail.com

Ph 09 551 3171 021 465 460

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Electrician Friendly Registered Electrician

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Genuine Low Prices Prompt Service Senior Discount Call Oli

021 02 73 63 23

The Rangitoto Observer Page 20

March 29, 2019

Council opposes Anzac St billboard A large electronic billboard planned opposite apartments in Takapuna has been opposed by council officers.

QMS NZ Ltd has applied to Auckland Council to erect a new digital billboard 10m high by five metres wide, and 15m above the ground at 62-64 Anzac St. The electric billboard would display advertising and change every 15 seconds.

It would replace an existing (static, nonelectronic) billboard on the site, which is non-complying.

The non-complying billboard was erected around six years ago, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Jan O’Connor told the board at its meeting last week.

The site is near Takapuna Primary School.

And it would “shine directly into a ninestorey apartment block which has been approved on the corner of Auburn and Anzac St,” O’Connor said.

The board agreed to support planning officers’ rejection of a illuminated billboard on the site.

Going electric?... This Anzac St billboard could be replaced with an electronic sign

Memorial held up by privacy worries A planned memorial bench and plaque to honour Takapuna identity Brian Osborne has been put on hold after a proposed site on the Milford coastline was rejected due to privacy concerns.

Osborne was a long-time Takapuna resident who would often walk the Takapuna to Milford walkway with his family.

He worked on the Save Takapuna Beach Holiday Park Campaign over a five-year period to ensure a community voice was heard.

A preferred site for the seat was on the walkway, and Auckland Council officers had been negotiating with a coastal land owner to locate it in front of the property.

However, the proposed site was rejected by the property owner due to privacy issues.

The proposed memorial was taken off the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board’s agenda last week. A new site will be investigated.

Osborne died in June 2018, after a twoyear battle with cancer.

On 23 November 2018, business clients and friends organised the Brian Osborne Memorial Golf Tournament. This will be an annual fundraising event with the proceeds donated to North Shore Hospice.

Pedestrian crossings coming Three new pedestrian crossings are under development by Auckland Transport.

The sites are: • 145 Sunnynook Rd • Forrest Hill Rd • Sunnynook Rd between Morton Ave and Tobago Place.

Investigations into possible crossings are being made at the following sites: • E ast Coast Rd near Kowhai Rd intersection • East Coast Rd between William Souter St and Forest Hill roundabout • East Coast Rd between Aberdeen Rd

and Forest Hill Roundabout •o n Forrest Hill Rd, near Blakeborough Drive Intersection.

At 145 Sunnynook Rd AT is looking at a signalised pedestrian crossing for people walking to and from Sunnynook bus station.

The existing pedestrian refuge island on Forest Hill Rd, in front of Greville Reserve, will be converted to a signalised pedestrian crossing.

At Sunnynook Rd between Morton Ave and Tobago Place, a zebra crossing is under investigation after feedback from residents.

Staff Vacancy Busy Devonport Chartered Accountants Are you experienced in preparing year-end financial statements and tax returns?

Do you have previous NZ CA experience, preferably recent?

Are you highly computer literate?

Give us a call 445 2300 or email jennifer@gannaway.co.nz

Professional Services

March 29, 2019

The Rangitoto Observer Page 21

Devonport’s Locksmith

RECOVER YOUR

LOUNGE SUITE

SPECIALIST IN PROVIDING

• New keys for existing locks • Lock repairs • Installation

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

• Lock Hardware Contact Scott on IGNITE SOHO QUARTER LANEWAY TAKAPUNA, AUCKLAND

Assessment of Environmental Effects 03.07.2018

AWARD FURNITURE Phone COLIN on 480PROOF 5864 A6 POSTCARD

Call Sean Reeves for a free quote

021 976 607 445 3064

• Housewashing • Roof treatments • Waterblasting • Window cleaning

72 Lake Road, Devonport

bubbleboyshousewashing@gmail.com

.

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

Member of the Real Estate Institute of NZ Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)   





   

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The Rangitoto Observer Page 22

March 29, 2019

Making the most of open space in Devonport and Takapuna The Devonport-Takapuna Open Space Network plan was made public last week, showing there is simply inadequate recreation land to cater for a growing population.

Rob Drent cast his eye over the plan, which aims to make the most of what we’ve got.

Trends in households and population A growing, aging and increasingly Asian population is set to be the key influence on future planning for Devonport and Takapuna’s open spaces.

And partnerships with schools is one way of increasing available open space without buying land, according to the DevonportTakapuna Open Space Network plan.

• Between 2013 and 2051, household numbers are projected to increase by 69 per cent in the local board area. Private open space in residential backyards is likely to diminish as intensification occurs.

• 22 schools offer opportunities – both informally and formally – for recreation, sport and play. However, increasing student rolls mean that school playgrounds are under pressure of being replaced with classrooms.

• The 2018 population forecast is 62,663 (a 12 per cent increase since 2013). The projected local board annual population growth rate over the next 30 years is 2.23 per cent a year.

• The under 15-year age group is forecast to increase by 10 per cent, from 11,220 to 12,390, by 2043.

• From 2006 to 2013 there was a 16.5 per cent increase in the 65-and-over age group and this trend is forecast to continue.

• The European demographic is forecast to reduce as a proportion of the whole, and Asian, Māori and Pasifika are forecast to increase. In 2013, the European population in the area was just over 60 per cent, with the Asian category just under 30. By 2038 the European segment is predicted to fall to under 50 per cent, while Asian numbers are

State of the environment set to rise to close to 40 per cent.

The State of Auckland Report Card 2016 scored the local board area a ‘C’ grade (up from D in 2013) when measuring native plants, animals, weeds and pests in the area.

Devonport-Takapuna has areas with a variety of plant and animal life which are important. There are also biodiversity intiatives being implemented.

• Takarunga/Mt Victoria and Maungaūika/ North Head: The Tūpuna Maunga Integrated Management Plan records a key activity is to replant and restore the indigenous

A snapshot of the Devonport/Takapuna Board area • J ust over 2100 hectares, which includes Lake Pupuke (105 hectares).

• D evonport-Takapuna has 123 council-owned open spaces, spread across the local board area. These total approximately 216 hectares and include: • 3 9 connection and linkage open spaces • 29 neighbourhood parks • 18 suburb parks • 15 pocket parks • 9 sports parks • 5 esplanade reserves

• 4 destination parks • 3 civic spaces • 1 historic reserve • 6 kilometres of coastline.

• Local employment is an important feature of the local-board area with 8787 businesses (2015) and one-third of the workforce being locals.

• The Devonport-Takapuna landscape has been highly modified: 52 per cent of the land is now hard (impervious) cover. Land cover is mainly urban (86 per cent), with small pockets of remaining native vegetation.

biodiversity of the Tūpuna Maunga.

• The local board is preparing a pest-free strategy for the area.

• The local board plan also includes activities to support a communityled restoration, weeding and planting programme.

• The remnant coastal forest near the Takapuna boat ramp includes approximately 500 tree stumps. This is a rare example of a fossil forest.

• Ngataringa and Shoal Bay are known for their ecological significance to native flora and fauna and are home to a wide range of migratory seabirds and threatened native seabirds.

The lack of modern infrastructure is cited as having a significant impact on the environment: • Sewage overflow events within 50 metres of the Wairau Creek and around the coastline occur mainly during periods of heavy rainfall.

• On a scale from A-F, freshwater streams in the Devonport-Takapuna area were given a ‘C’ grade, as reported in the State of Auckland Freshwater Report Card 2016.

• In 2016, Land Air Water Aotearoa scored Lake Pupuke ‘poor’ for both water quality and ecological conditions.

• In 2018, swimming was not advised for 30 per cent of the summer swim season

March 29, 2019 Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Open Space Network Plan The Rangitoto Observer Page 23 at Takapuna Beach. Takapuna Beach was The east-west gaps are considered more apranked 69th of 84 monitored sites. parent in the following areas: Neigbourhood Figure 12. Neighbourhood park gaps • Sunnynook Campbells Bay increases to young retirees and toolder retiree park gaps • Forrest Hill to Castor Bay Growth lifestages. There are also forecast reductions • Westlake to Milford The Unitary Plan enables higher levels of toleading older tofamilies • Hauraki reductions in residential intensification, significantand significant • Bayswater Belmontage population growth focused alongfamilies, the transport young early year, and to primary • Narrow Neck corridor and occupying an estimated 50 per cent life stages (Table 2).

• Stanley Bay to Mt Victoria. of the local board area.

Table 2. Lifestages trends 2013 - 2038

Sports fields

Changing demands

Demands on open space are increasing.

Devonport-Takapuna has nine sports parks. They provide for a wide range of These are not always consistent with existing sports codes that include rugby, rugby reserve management plan rules or changing league, football, softball, cricket and touch demographic patterns, and the open space needs of a growing population. Examples include: rugby.

A review of the sports capacity and de• Coffee vendors and food cart operators mand study was updated in 2017. By 2028 there is a forecast shortfall of 54 fixed field have requested regular access to popular coastal equivalent hours per week for training under beach open spaces including Takapuna Beach lights, 26 hours of week-day training fields and Milford Reserve. However current reserve and 21 hours of weekend competition fields management plan rules and the Reserves Act in the local board area – a total of 91 fixed place a high restriction on commercial activities field equivalent hours. Most of the shortfall on local-purpose reserves. is recorded within the Takapuna area.

Sport New Zealand figures for 2013 show • The Asian population increased in the the top three recreation activities in the local Devonport-Takapuna area from 16.2 per cent board area were walking (50.2 per cent), in 2006 to 19.7 per cent in 2013 and the rate gardening (27.1 per cent), and jogging 24.6 of population growth is projected to continue.

Space constraints... per cent.

In 2013, the top three indoor sport activities The red patches highlighted within Figure 13 red patches highlight The top three sports The for which grounds areneeds that Asians participated in were badminton recordthe open space of a changing indicative suburb park open space indicative neighbourhoodrequired were football (10.1 per cent), tennis (16.4 per cent), basketball (10.2 per cent) and community need to be considered during park gaps in Crown Hill, Westlake, Hauraki and park gaps in Forrest Hill, (8.1 per cent) and golf (6 per cent). table tennis (5.9 per cent.) Given the forecast planning and development.

Seacliffe .

Castor Bay, Crown Hill, increase in the Asian population and absence Indoor sports of council indoor facilities in the area, this Westlake, Lake Pupuke, 13. SuburbCentral, park gapsHauraki, Open space gapsindicates a growing need for indoor-court FigureTakapuna There are no council-owned indoor facilities in the local board area for local facilities.

Seacliffe, Narrow Neck, The Open Space Provision Policyreduction 2016 in Europeans may community use.

• The forecast Belmont and Bayswater influence a changein in use of open space, as may records that council’s investment open Playgrounds the increasing Asian populations. The plan says space in existing urban areas is to prioritise There are over 40 playgrounds with equip- design influences such as pungsu-jiri and feng for the older adult, young retirees, and older the the may existing ment installations across theimprovement local board area,ofshui also benetwork. of interest to explore when retirees lifestage categories. ranging from a swing set to the destination looking to appropriately respond to the Asian The plan notes that gardening is often an TheAred Figure open-space 12 highlight park at Takapuna Beach. keypatches challengewithin communities’ needs. activity associated with those who have time will be how to meet an expected neighbourhood increase and are mature in years and that this scenario is indicative park open space in demand for play over the next 20 years. unfolding in Devonport-Takapuna. gaps in Forrest Hill, Castor Bay, Crown Hill, Open space and gardening A key initiative of the local board is funding Westlake, Lake Pupuke, Takapuna Central, Connecting to the coast Gardening is the second most popular activity the establishment of a network of councilGiven the prominenceHauraki, and popularity of the Narrowneck, in the local boardBelmont area. As backyards (private backed community gardens across the comSeacliffe, and coastal reserve areas and the narrow shape of open space) become smaller, there may be munity (where at present there is currently Bayswater. the Devonport-Takapuna land area, the plan greater challenges in meeting the needs of only one at Mt Cambria Reserve). identifies a need to be able to traverse east to gardeners.

Continued overleaf west in order to connect open spaces.

A significant population increase is forecast

Concerns over what is missing from open-space plan A lack of environmental protection measures in the Devonport/ Takapuna open-space plan concerned community activists.

“An open-space network plan must put the highest priority on the protection of recognised and significant natural environment areas,” Iain Rea of the Bayswater Environment Action Coalition said at the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board’s public forum last week.

“Such protection is not ‘nice to have’… it should be central to the board’s plan.”

Indeed, some of the plan’s encouragement of making the most of outdoor spaces could harm sensitive areas of Ngataringa and Shoal Bay, he said Bird breeding grounds in the area were internationally known.

The plan was missing anything that would seek to prioritise the conservation of what were national assets.

“I would have thought this was fundamental. The plan opens up

these areas – which could destroy them.”

Community activist Ruth Jackson said the plan highlighted that Devonport had adequate open space for the population. But moving up the peninsula into Hauraki and Takapuna there were not enough parks and reserves for people, Jackson said.

No money was available to purchase land for open space, and even if cash was available there was little free land to buy, she said.

It reinforced her view that Auckland council could ill afford to sell off 40 Anzac Ave in Takapuna – a large open space, which she said should be kept in public ownership.

More needed to be done to plant trees to create corridors for bees and birds, Jackson said.

The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board deferred discussion on the report to its April meeting so members could give it further consideration.

17

arbour and Hibiscus The R angitoto Observer as, and to regional s.

Page 24

Figure 16. Proposed Auckland Transport cycle network.

March 29, 2019

Cycling and walking

North-to-south walking and cycling infranwaysstructure route priorites investment is a high priority for the local board.

Auckland Transport’s plan for walking and cycling in the local board area includes a route between Devonport and Takapuna completing the existing Green Route. (See map at right.)

Pushing the boat out – 300 dozen bluff oysters consumed in day at Regatta Bar

Seafood lovers converged on Takapuna’s Schools’ open space Regatta Bar says & Eatery restaurant last Friday The plan it would be useful to exand devoured more than 3000 bluff oysters. tend a current partnership programme that The Regatta Bar and(Belmont Eatery located on includes two schools Primary Takapuna’s Strand and over-looking the School and Takapuna Grammar), to include Hauraki Gulf and hosted its the remaining 17 Rangitoto schools inIsland, the open-space Annual Bluff Banquet last Friday where diners gap areas, the plan says. consumed 300 dozen bluffarea, oysters.

Of 22 schools in the 19 are within “We went through over identified open-space gap 3000 areas.bluff oysters with a sell-out lunch of 150 guests,” Regatta’s owner Andy Ruzich said.

“This is our fourth of business and our Investing inyear sports fields fourth oyster sell out event., ” Ruzich said.

The council is investing $190m in sports Ruzich is a principle sponsoracross of the Takapufield capacity development the rena Beach Business Association and a bigisadgion over the next 10 years. Theisaim to vocate for sports promoting a must visit meet the fieldTakapuna capacity as development destination localsofand tourists programmefor target at least 80alike. per cent of The Annual BluffinBanquet ideal fit projected demand all areaswas by an 2022. for clientele who were increasingly heading to Takapuna for top quality dining.

High-priority actions “Takapuna Beach is lucky to have the award recommended inoverlooking the plan winning Regatta Bar & Eatery our stunning beach,” Takapuna Beach Business • Implement naming ofsaid. reserves.

Association CEOMāori Terence Harpur •“Not In partnership Tūpunafresh Maunga only do theywith servethe delicious food Authority, replantbut andtheir restore the indigenous and tasty drinks, service and atmobiodiversity of the Tūpuna Maunga. sphere is outstanding.

•“They Extend the supporters scope of partnerships with are big of the community, schools for supporting shared usemany of school hosting and eventsland and and inicommunity buildings, for theand purposes of tiatives to showcase Takapuna drive vissport recreation. itationand to our little slice of paradise,” he said.

•Starting Monitor maintenance of in and Mayimprove and running once every existing parks especially in thetheareas of two months through to September Regatta grounds maintenance, trees, Rose trip Bar and Eatery has a series paths, of bottomless hazards, seating Brunchespublic where toilets, guests can bookand forshelter. a twoWhere appropriate, develop high-quality hour lunch seating with bottomless Le Petit pocket park spaces in new high density

Bluff gold... Regatta Bar & Eatery’s owner Andy Ruzich shucking oysters for his customers Rose, and Rose mocktails and a three-course set menu. residential “It’s a fundevelopments afternoon of high energy dining • Develop high-quality civic spaces in with DJ entertainment, ” owner Andy Ruzich local said. centre, town centre and metropolitan centre developments that also enable The Regatta also hosts thewill B.E.N (Business events.

Excellence Networking) breakfasts (five a • Prepare planone that closesoffthe in year) with theafirst kicking on gap March provision of outdoor sportformer platforms.

19, with guests speakers All Blacks • Prepare a plan for sports field the developGrant Fox and Ian Jones discussing ‘Busiment Barrys Point ness ofofRugby’ . This is aReserve. charitable event held Work withforthe Zealand Secondary to •raise funds theNew North Harbour Club for School Council North Harbour which Regatta is aand corporate sponsor. Sport to monitor physical participation rates Melbourne Cupactivity is a another huge event on and trends for young people in the area with

Regatta’s event calendar with a live on site TAB and 4-course lunch and all the racing action aonview to screens. increasing participation. the big 23 The board will also: “We local also hold summer parties with various • Seek prioritisation of and infrastructure artists including Peter Urlich Bevan Keys improvements impacting water quality, with on Waitangi day every year where the entire avenue focusison the Wairau turned into a Stream. day time Ibiza dance • Improve the 2016 fresh water quality party, ” Ruzich said. scorecard result aninclude A, by Other events runofbyCtheGrade RegattatoBar planting to mitigate run-off fromwith parks, the Chef Series in which it partners top reserves andand open spaces adjacentevenings to waNZ wineries holds degustation terways with six courses matched with six wines hostWith 28 open-space groups ed• by Ruzich himself andvolunteer the winemakers active infeatured the area,wineries. opportunities are identifrom the fied to increase volunteerism.

March 29, 2019

The Rangitoto Observer Page 25

The Rangitoto Observer Page 26

Observer Launch

March 29, 2019

Wellwishers out in force to help launch new local paper

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March 29, 2019

The Rangitoto Observer celebrated the publication of its first issue with a launch party at the Regatta Bar in Takapuna.

Around 100 clients, local identities, staff and friends attended.

Opposite page: (clockwise from top left) publisher Peter Wilson and Mika Wilson; Barfoot & Thompson’s Roland Waiariki and Nicky Rhodes; sub-editor Jo Hammer and Judith Stewart; accountant Mark Spooner and wife Suzanne. This page: Adam Watton of Bayleys Commercial and Milena Bossa; Geoff Chapple and Philip Moll; Brendon De Suza, John Harris and Ruth Jackson; Jacqui Hannah, Pauline Moore and Sue Peters; managing editor Rob Drent.

Observer Launch

The Rangitoto Observer Page 27

The Rangitoto Observer Page 28

Observer Launch

March 29, 2019

Out in force at the Rangitoto Observer launch party...

Above (from left): Sharon and Eddie de Heer, Chris Sharpe, Devonport BID manager Toni van Tonder and Anne Hocking Below: (from left) Jenny and Paul Smith, DevonportTakapuna Local Board chair George Wood and editor Jodi Yeats.

The Rangitoto Observer Page 29

March 29, 2019

End of Life Choices Public Debate NEW DATE Monday 1 April, 7-9pm Netball North Harbour, 44 Northcote Road, Takapuna Hon Maggie Barry MP for North Shore invites you to join her to discuss the proposed law changes to legalise euthanasia & assisted suicide. Former Prime Minister Sir Bill English and a visiting Canadian palliative expert along with pro euthanasia advocates will debate the issues.

Please join us to share your views on this life or death issue.

RSVP to northshore@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Maggie Barry ONZM

Sir Bill English KNZM

Authorised by Maggie Barry MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

The Rangitoto Observer Page 30

March 29, 2019

The Man WhoSe

Mother was a RATE I P

by Margaret Mahy

LIVE ON STAGE

6-28 APRIL

Bookings ph 489-8360 or via website: www.timbray.org.nz Takapuna

Illustration by Margaret Chamberlain

adapted by Tim Bray

The Rangitoto Observer Page 31

March 29, 2019

Elrick still aiming for the record books Most 35-year-old rugby players are winding down. Not Jon Elrick – he’s still aiming to break records.

Elrick kicks off his 16th full season with the Takapuna Premiers on March 30 against Silverdale. Elrick has scored more than 2300 points for Takapuna and is only 70odd points behind the top club points scorer in New Zealand rugby history.

“My goal this year is to better that mark,” he says. But he doesn’t stop there.

“I hope to be back next year and get past the 250 games for the club.”

He’s currently on 220 and averages 16 or so games and around 170 points per year.

Elrick’s not ruling himself out for higher honours either: “I’m 35 but don’t feel like it… if North Harbour came knocking again I’d put my hand up.”

Elrick’s remarkable run is probably down to his fitness. He has only had two major injuries: a ruptured bicep, which caused him to miss six games; and a concussion, which saw him miss seven games last season.

His occupation helps. “I’m a personal trainer by profession, so I’m in the gym every day. I push myself hard every session, especially these days to keep up with the young guys – I’m also careful about nutrition and recovery.”

Elrick played 14 games for North Harbour. He played in Wales and England in the 2006-2007 season, and then

in France in 2011.

Without the European stint, “I would probably have an extra 30 games so would be up to 260 now,” Elrick says.

He usually plays first or second five, but has told the Takapuna coach he will slot in anywhere to help out the team.

Takapuna finished fifth last year – “Not a great year for us,” says Elrick. “But this year under new coaches Blair [Urlich] and Aaron [Katipa] we’ve got a great bunch of young guys and are hoping to do well.”

Permanent fixture…

Jon Elrick is back for the Takapuna Rugby Club Premiers for his 16th full season

Coach hopes for top results from combination of youth and experience A g o o d m i x t u re o f y o u n g a n d experienced players and better depth in the senior squad should augur well for the Takapuna Rugby Club Premiers this season, says co-coach Blair Urlich.

The team struggled for numbers last season, but in 2019 player turnouts for preseason training have been encouraging.

This would lead to great depth in the squad, Urlich said. A number of top players were returning, either from injury or playing

elsewhere.

Prop Shane Neville was back after only playing half a season in 2018, and the evergreen Jon Elrick was as keen as ever.

“He’s been an amazing player for us and a great inspiration to the younger players,” Urlich said.

“He’s told me he would fit in anywhere in the backline to help us out.”

Fine Inisi is playing for the Tonga in the Hong Kong Sevens.

Westlake Boys triumphs in local-derby frisbee final Westlake Boys High School won the Auckland schools Ultimate Frisbee tournament, beating long-time friendly rivals Takapuna Grammar School in the final.

It was the first time since 2013 that Auckland Grammar didn’t win the AKSS Outdoor Ultimate Championship, which was this year contested at Bruce Pullman Park in Takanini on 17 March.

Takapuna Grammar beat Westlake in the semi-finals in the 2018 championships, so it was great to face them in the finals this year, says Westlake teacher Richard Kearney.

Westlake beat Takapuna Grammar 6-3 in the final, having been beaten by them by the same score earlier in the day.

Key to the win were “positivity and good spirit, as well as adaptability to the changing weather conditions”, Kearney says, adding that volunteer coach Campbell Jordan, a Westlake old boy, also deserves credit.

The Open division had 14 teams from nine schools, and the Girls’ division had nine teams from six schools.

A highlight of the day was seeing three year 10s – Stanley Reading, Jay Reading, Declan Pickstock – running a strong

Seeking space... Westlake’s Josh Holloway breaking to receive a pass from Connor Kiefte in the final against Takapuna Grammar

defence against a much larger Auckland Grammar team, Kearney says.

Westlake Boys and Takapuna Grammar

were due to meet again at the national competition on 25 and 26 March, after the Rangitoto Observer went to press.

The Rangitoto Observer Page 32

March 29, 2019

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