The Fringe, April 2022

ISSUE 213, APRIL 2022

community news, issues, arts, people, events

contents

George’s toys win hearts at Starship – and around the world ..............3 ‘Glen Eden deserves better’; EcoFest West 2022 continues .................4 Live theatre returns to the Playhouse ...................................................5 Local gem: Judi Clements ......................................................................6

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Covid-19 – (a personal view) .................................................................7 The bicycle whisperer ............................................................................8 Keeping it local ......................................................................................9 Art and about with Naomi McCleary ...........................................10 – 11 Places to go: Events listing ..........................................................12 – 13 Bandstanding: “I fell in love with my Video Nasty” .............................14

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Flicks gets go-ahead for full April programme ....................................15 History: Laingholm stories and the ‘silent army’ .................................16 It started with a couple of jasmine flowers ... ....................................17 Sick kauri get injections too ................................................................18 Monitoring our changing atmosphere; Weather by the moon .........................................................................19 West is Best – sustainability in action, part 1......................................20

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Naturally West: Hostile Relatives – the myna and the starling ...........21 Live @ the lounge ..............................................................................22 Advertisers’ Directory ..........................................................................23

On our cover: George Way just loves making wooden toys, for family, friends and Starship Hospital. See page 3. Photo by Rick Mayne.

The West needs a better hospital

Waitākere Healthlink has created a petition to urge the Capital Investment Committee of the Ministry of Health to reverse its decision not to fund Waitākere Hospital’s 20 Year Plan. The committee has decided unilaterally that this plan, developed with full community consultation, will be passed over to the new Health NZ entity meaning that funding will be withheld indefinitely.

West Auckland already has the lowest number of hospital beds per head of population and this situation will now get a lot worse.

Chair of Waitākere Healthlink, Linda Cooper says “I am so disappointed for our community. West Aucklanders absolutely deserve the same level of care as others.

With unprecedented growth underway and a community with complex health needs, it is urgent that funding be committed immediately for a Waitākere District Hospital.”

Visit https://www.change.org/p/minister-of-health-help-us-make-waitakerehospital-a-priority?redirect=false to find out more and sign the petition.

Every issue of The Fringe (and the Titirangi Tatler before it) since April 2011 is on-line at www.fringemedia.co.nz. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ FringeWest) to hear when each issue is available and get other updates.

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

www.fringemedia.co.nz 21,000 copies delivered free to letter boxes, post boxes, libraries and selected outlets throughout Tītīrangi, Glen Eden, Green Bay, New Lynn, Kelston, Konini, Wood Bay, French Bay, South Titirangi, Waima, Woodlands Park, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis, Huia and Oratia.

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Editor: Bevis England 817 8024, 027 494 0700 bevis@fringemedia.co.nz

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Writers and contributors: Moira Kennedy, David Thiele, Naomi McCleary, Susannah Bridges, Fiona Drummond, Jade Reidy, Zoe Hawkins, Marlo Schorr-Kon, Jill Poulston, John Goudge.

Advertising deadline for May 2022: April 14.

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people

George’s toys win hearts at Starship – and around the world When George Way made a toy crane for his first grandchild nearly 30 years ago, he had no idea toy-making would end up becoming such a huge part of his life.

George and his wife Margaret are long-time Tītīrangi residents and she is used to George disappearing down the path into his shed to focus on his latest wooden creations … cars, aeroplanes, one or two bi-planes and some helicopters.

An aircraft engineer by profession, George says he’s always liked working with his hands and a short period working as a tool maker in Scotland further developed his skills. When he and Margaret bought a small house on a hillside more than 55 years ago, George spent his spare time away from work turning it into the big family home in which they still live.

When retirement came, and with memories of the little crane he had made, George thought it would be a nice thing to do to make wooden toys. “I had so enjoyed doing it and it just evolved from there.”

A little bi-plane that was hung in the bedroom of a neighbour’s grandson was a great hit and then the boy wanted a helicopter as well so George took up the challenge.

“It was quite difficult. There were a lot of bends and curves and I had to steam 3.5mm plywood to get it into the right shape. If you clamp it, it will stay in shape.” (Margaret’s kettle and other kitchen utensils may have been used to complete some of the projects ...)

“Those early planes were my own design. I wanted a 1930s look for the bi-planes,” George says.

After that, along came the little wooden cars which George would donate to Starship. “The cars were great for boys but not so much for girls so I thought I should make something for them and found a little ‘girly’ sort of car on pinterest. We painted it pink and it was very sweet.

“Then I thought I should make more cars and do them other colours. I just use poster paints and a good polyurethane coating that sets hard. And you have to make them childproof and be able to drop them. Children have tantrums and throw things, you know.” ai16475716681743_Mann-Kitchens_Advert.pdf 1 18/03/22 3:47 George admits a good bit of

time is involved but over the years he’s fine-tuned ways of doing things.

“For the cars, I cut out about four bodies and then do all the bits in my own version of a production line, making the wheels and other bits and pieces with a lathe, bandsaw and drills. It would take a whole day to do a helicopter … making little winches, glueing and then clamping them overnight.”

While George gives the toys away, many as gifts for children in Starship, members in the couple’s walking group originally George in his element – his beloved shed suggested they should get a with myriad tools helping him make market stall, and sell them. dreams come true.

“But George didn’t want to do that. It just wasn’t him,” Margaret says.

“He’s made about 200, probably many more, and they’re all over the world now with friends and family (and friends of theirs) in America, South Africa, Scotland, Holland, Australia.”

George lovingly puts an “I Love NZ” sticker on those heading offshore.

‘I love it,” says George. “I find it peaceful and soothing. I have the radio on in the workshop, listen to bFM. The student music is great. They have a great variety of music and hardly any adverts. I play a bit of jazz too. I like that.

“I don’t know what’s next with the toys.

Margaret wants me to do the other cars now ...”

At this point, there’s eye-rolling from both parties. The couple love classic Alfa Romeos and are the proud owners of a 1959 Julietta Spider brought in from Hollywood in a wrecked state, a 1972 GTV 2000 and a Roundtail Spider which George says is “quite a pretty car.” There’s a Fiat Bambina and a Renault as well and after working on the Alfas for about 40 years, George admits there are lively marital discussions about the cars and their future.

Working on old Alfas or creating toys for children, nothing is going to stop George Way from doing the things he loves. Margaret says he doesn’t know how to stop. And she smiles. Or was that an eye-roll?

PM – Moira Kennedy. (Photos by Rick Mayne.)

Linda Cooper Linda Cooper

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

3

our place

‘Glen Eden deserves better’

A major upgrade to Glen Eden’s tired town centre has been on hold for 20 years, and the brakes are still firmly on, writes JADE REIDY. Local board member Michelle Clayton is passionate about Glen Eden but she calls the upgrade “a nice dream”. Along the way there have been several master plans with budgets of around $23 million – the most recent consulted on in 2018 – but they have all failed due to what Auckland Council calls “budgetary issues,” she says.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board member Michelle Clayton, Glen Eden BID manager Gary Holmes and BID chair Natasha McDowall in front of one the new murals.

Michelle says the real reason has more to do with Glen Eden’s location. “Just because we’re not a transport hub like Henderson or New Lynn has meant we’re a forgotten area.”

In 2019, the council bought one property on West Coast Road with the aim of pulling it down to create a civic space. That was due to happen in 2020 but Covid froze all projects not already contracted.

Part of the property has been painted with murals by the Glen Eden

Business Association (BID) to prevent the building looking dilapidated.

Chair of the BID, Natasha McDowall, says they have been organising for buildings in the area to be cleaned and in some cases painted but points the finger at the council.

“The worst-kept buildings are owned by the council,” she claims.

“The current council is all about making sure everybody’s looked after, and being kind, but Glen Eden’s neglect in favour of more affluent areas including Tītīrangi goes against its philosophy. It doesn’t seem right. I don’t understand its rationale.”

There are about 135 businesses operating in Glen Eden and Natasha believes that despite the disruption that an upgrade inflicts, business would have embraced it. Broken promises, she says “get really tiring really fast.”

Michelle is also experiencing a headwind when it comes to even basic maintenance such as getting footpaths repaired, let alone the money for new parks and better public transport as the population rapidly increases.

“I’ve been asking AT for footpath repairs in Glen Mall since I was elected in 2019 and keep being told ‘They’re not that bad’. I’d give them a four out of 10.”

Natasha adds that businesses are being impacted by the unsafe footpaths as they affect many people’s ability to get around.

Despite its challenges, Glen Eden gets more negative feedback than is fair she says. “The whole vibe is really cool if you spend enough time there to feel it. Glen Eden just needs care and love to make it more welcoming.”

Local government elections later this year are not likely to unlock anything for Glen Eden, in her opinion. “Some people have been on the local board for years, during which it’s been all talk and no action.

I don’t think anything will change.”

Michelle agrees that the lack of investment has taken a toll on Glen Eden’s image and its community.

“People in Glen Eden deserve better. They’ve been very patient and it’s time it got better. It makes me really sad.”

EcoFest West 2022 continues to entertain EcoFest West, a celebration of our unique environment and sustainable living, got off to a great start last month and the programme of outdoor experiences, whānau-friendly activities and interactive workshops will continue until Sunday April 17.

EcoFest West features more than 100 events, including plant swaps, bat walks, stream care sessions, and a wide range of webinars on topics as varied as reversing climate change, ethical investing and keeping chickens. Many events are free or low-cost, whānau friendly, and either in small groups, outdoors or online.

Among the upcoming events are: • VIP KAYAK DAY: Sunday April 3, 9am-5pm, Matuku Link, 111 Bethells Road, Waitākere.

• HÜGELKULTUR CONSTRUCTION: Sunday April 3, 9:30-11:30am, Lucinda Community Orchard 8 Lucinda Place, Glen Eden • CLOTHES SWAP FOR THE CLIMATE: Sunday April 3, 10am-1pm, Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Titirangi Road • BUG BALM: Tuesday April 5, 2:15-3:00pm, Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road, Tītīrangi

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

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TAI HARURU LODGE OPEN DAY: Friday April 8, 10am-1pm, Tai Haruru Lodge, 92 Garden Road, Piha Five event categories are designed to cater to a wide range of interests, so foodies, cyclists and crafters alike will find an event to suit them. The categories are Waka Hourua/Clean Transport, Kīnaki Kai Reka/Foodies’ Fix, Te Whaihanga/Makers’ Mayhem, Torohē Nuku/ Explore Nature and Mauri Noho/Conscious Living.

From nature-lovers to foodies and everyone in between, there's something for everyone at 2022's EcoFest West. To see full details of all EcoFest West events, please visit www.ecofest.org.nz.

Hosted by groups and individuals across West Auckland, the annual festival is funded by the Henderson-Massey, Waitākere Ranges and Whau Local Boards and organised by EcoMatters Environment Trust.

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places to go

Live theatre returns to the Playhouse

After a long break in theatre performances, Playhouse Theatre Incorporated is thrilled that the Tael Solutions Ltd Season of M*A*S*H will soon be on stage.

Featuring many of the characters you know and love from the TV Series, M*A*S*H is a full length play by Tim Kelly, adapted from the book

by Richard Hooker. It is a freeflowing comedy suitable for all the family. Join the doctors and nurses of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in South Korea, just 3 miles in from the front line during the Korean War (in the early 1950s) including fan favourites Hawkeye, Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, Duke, Colonel Blake, Trapper John, Radar, and Frank Burns as well as many others.

Hawkeye and Duke play pranks, crack jokes, and try to have as much fun as possible, while Frank and Margaret try to keep the unit as military as possible. Filled with PG comedy, the show follows the comic misadventures of the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and its staff as they attempt to save lives during the war and send their young Korean friend, Ho-John, to America.

The season runs April 16 – 30 at the Playhouse Theatre, Glen Eden and tickets are available through Eventfinda.

The Fringe has four tickets to this iconic comedy to give away.

To go in the draw to win a ticket write your name, phone number and address on the back of an envelope and post it to MASH, PO Box 60-469, Tītīrangi, 0642 or email your details to info@fringemedia.co.nz with MASH in the subject line. Entries must be received by April 14.

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our place people

Local gem: Judi Clements

Every day, Judi Clements finds something special. Whether it’s a few moments of joy in a swim at French Bay, the feel of wind in her face as she zooms down Otitori Bay Road, or a kauri seed or special shell to become part of a future piece of jewellery, she always finds something.

Judi moved to Tītīrangi with partner Rex Hewitt seven years ago, after a period in Kohimarama.

At the time she had stepped back from a demanding position as CEO of the Mental Health Foundation, and she wanted three things: to learn jewellery making, to get an e-bike, and to practice yoga.

She chose well coming to Tītīrangi. Her home is exactly 1,000 steps from French Bay, and a short e-bike ride uphill to yoga classes in the Village. It is also just a few steps from her jewellery studio, a converted garage surrounded by quirky garden art, an edible garden, trees and sunshine.

“I am making the most of being here in Tītīrangi, making the most of not working full time,” she says.

And she is finding success.

Judi’s jewellery is stocked in World stores, independent galleries in Tutukaka and Waiheke, it is on display at Pah Homestead, and, until April 3, is also on display at the Upstairs Gallery.

Judi says that throughout her life, she loved silver jewellery and accumulated many pieces. She came across the contemporary jewellery scene in Auckland soon after arriving in New Zealand but wasn’t able to take it seriously until she left full-time work.

Her pieces are distinctively individual, often oversized, and made from things she finds – broken shells from various places in New Zealand, coral from a second hand shop, drift wood, and kauri seeds from her garden.

“Wherever I am, I pick things up. And the bush inspires me, the way roots grow, the textures of bark.

I take photos of tree bark and try to recreate it,” she explains.

When asked about the difficult period the world is in, Judi says there are many ways we can focus on ourselves to help get through this time. “For me doing creative things. For others, making recipes, challenging themselves with new learnings.”

She also recommends keeping physically active.

“You don’t have to be a marathon runner. You don’t need lycra gear. Just go for a walk. We live in a beautiful part of Tāmaki Makarau.

“Talk to the trees. Forest bathing is very easy to do here!”

Find Judi and Crone Jewellery on Instagram – crone.jewellery – Zoe Hawkins

Judi Clements: making the most of life – and what she finds along the way.

ProCare acquires Health New Lynn

Russian vodka pulled from shelves

around 50 healthcare professionals.

“Over the past 12 months we have acquired a number of practices under our Elevate programme,” says Bindi Norwell, chief executive at ProCare. “Health New Lynn was a natural fit given its integrated health approach which includes co-located general health, after hours accident and medical and virtual health, alongside pharmacology, radiology and laboratory services, providing care for patients that is both easy and convenient.”

Patients and staff will not notice any changes as a result of this acquisition and the current GP owners will continue to work in the practice.

The Trusts was one of the first retailers in New Zealand to react to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Thousands of bottles of Russian vodka and beer have been removed from the shelves of The Trusts’ 26 retail stores and hospitality venues throughout West Auckland.

The ban covers all brands with Russia as their country of origin and includes; Ivanov, Russian Standard, Russkaya, Kristov Red vodkas, Gorkovskaya Vodka, JJ Whitley Rhubarb Vodka, Royal Bison Vodka, Russkaya Vodka, Baltika Beer and Three Hills Pale Ale beer.

Allan Pollard, Trusts CEO, says the company sells thousands of bottles of Russian made liquor annually but is prepared to bear the cost associated with this self-imposed boycott to support those impacted by events in Ukraine.

The products will be removed from sale and placed in storage, or discarded if there is no imminent resolution to the conflict.

Healthcare provider, ProCare, has acquired integrated healthcare provider Health New Lynn as part of its ‘Elevate’ programme.

Health New Lynn is a modern, integrated general practice and 7-days urgent care facility with approximately 20,000 patients across the greater West Auckland area (including more than 4,000 Māori and Pasifika patients), and

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

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opinion

Covid-19 – (a personal view)

Covid hesitancy. So many new words to adopt; so many new ideas and behaviours to accommodate. In writing this I started with the thought that Covid hesitancy is ‘a thing’, and that it was perhaps more prevalent in my age cohort (indisputably senior). But as I’ve contemplated the last two years it is more complex than that.

Covid hesitancy is where we are; the end point of an experience we all have shared, absolutely unprecedented in our lifetime, totally without a road map and unutterably wearying.

Certainly it is not the preserve of the older and more vulnerable.

I find it in every age group and circumstance, borne to some degree because it is so hard to see an end point.

And yes, we are blessed – so much better off than the rest of the world. Our small tumults do not bear comparison to the nightmare of Ukraine. But the reality is that we have to live with, and deal to, the frustrations that bedevil our days and weeks.

Even though our Covid world is just over two years old, recall of the milestones and events already suffers from what I call ‘memory (or memoir) unreliability’. We all retain cameos of moments and events that shaped our 2020 and 2021 lives.

Here are some of mine.

The first lockdown was a shock and there was an avalanche of things we had to grapple with and get right. And we did, and the ‘team of five million’ felt real and somehow comforting. My first moment of horror was watching television news of people dying in New York – alone! I had always assumed that my demise would, if possible, be with my loved ones around me, as I had been with my mother. I had never contemplated that anything would turn that on its head.

We developed new rituals; waving and shouting across the distancing metres to people that we had been hugging and kissing all our lives. So ‘hug deprivation’ became an ongoing sadness.

There were teddy bears and tiramisu; fabric fashion masks; long walks, crossing roads to avoid close passing; trying to grow seeds from out-of-date packets. So many small pleasures to pass the uncertain days. Lipstick abandoned and mascara too much bother!

Once we learned the rules, we got through, although some of those milestone events like funerals and weddings and New Zealanders trapped overseas, while not closely impacting me, were clearly creating heartbreak out in the community.

The slow crawl out of lockdown is a bit of a blur, other than we did it with relative good humour and created new rituals along the way. One of my favourites looked like this: a table at one end of our deck and on it a bottle of half-way decent Pinot Gris and two or more glasses, plus hand sanitiser and wipes. Masked, we approached separately, filling our glass and then sanitising the bottle. Next one up and so on – before retreating to our distanced chairs to raise a glass, see the familiar smiles and talk, talk, talk!

At some point an Indian summer! Those months when it looked liked we had tamed the beast; when life returned to something like normal – but not quite. We still felt like a team. We cautiously planned events, some of which happened and some not. Risk became an always there presence.

Then Omicron! A new word to add to the lexicon, and aerosols and long Covid – and more. Spirits began to fall, slowly but inexorably, as we came to terms with the reality that there was no foreseeable end point.

We waited for the surge that we were promised – and waited and waited – and eventually it came.

I write from the crest of that wave, but with no longer any certainty that there is not another one to break over us. And I think this is where it became so hard to do every little thing that is designed to keep us safe, because it was no longer interim. This is our new foreseeable future.

So the Traffic Lights regime became the framework, and it unexpectedly became so challenging. It’s clear what you can’t do. But there is this space called ‘what you can do’, and it’s a yawning hole of personal decision-making. And it crept up on us unannounced.

I can go to the movies (one of my favourite pre-Covid things) but do I want to? My local café is crying out to me to be the frequent customer I was, but am I safe? The mall! Not my sort of place, but not even an option now. My neighbour keeping her toddler from pre-school; she’s about to have a baby and can’t take the risk. Even party-goers less keen and event after event being postponed or cancelled.

It’s called Covid hesitancy and it is the response to all of the above and so much more. Everyone has their personal trajectory into this slightly greying world. It is suffocating local businesses. I see them closing and feel helpless.

So what does one do?

I’m a bit sick of relentless positivity. Yes, the weather is fabulous, and yes, so many countries are worse off than blessed little Aotearoa tucked away at the bottom of the world. But hey, this was not part of the plan – and it is, by the way, diverting us from giving the climate catastrophe the attention it so desperately needs.

Two things are helping me; the first is to talk openly about my fear and sadness, not so much for myself but for our young people, my children and grandchildren, facing an unpredictable future. And the second is looking into the ‘procrastination cupboard’ and dragging out ideas and projects, long abandoned in my pre-Covid world, but ready to have life breathed back into them. There’s a slowly growing excitement that is being shared by others.

Nowhere is it more obvious than in the arts. I guess it is testament to our innate resilience.

Another glass of Pinot Gris, anyone?

– Naomi McCleary

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people

The bicycle whisperer

I first met Sam Gardner on my afternoon cycle commute when he was working outside his Kohu Road home, writes FIONA DRUMMOND. I was excited to discover that we have an experienced bike mechanic in the Village. A few days later, I was messaging him for a bolt for my bike carrier which had disappeared and, sure enough, he had one that did the job.

Cycling has been at the core of Sam’s life since he was 12 when he competed in a cyclo-cross race with his local Scout group in the UK. “Through the Scouts I did other cycle touring trips and developed what has become a lifelong attachment to the bicycle. I got a job in a bike shop as soon as I was old enough, and lived for the freedom of exploring the tracks and roads near my house in Surrey,” says Sam. Sam became more serious about competing and started racing internationally, including the World and European Championships.

He won a national title in the UK and a stage of the Tour of the Low Countries in Belgium.

“In my late twenties, I decided I had progressed as far as I could with road-racing so I decided to try triathlon. I raced for 10 years as a pro triathlete, concentrating on the Xterra (an off-road racing series). I won 10 World Cup races and got to travel the world, including a trip to New Zealand in 2014.”

After the New Zealand race, Sam and his wife Susan (and their two kids) explored the North Island for three weeks. “We noted that everyone seemed to have a better quality of life than we had just outside London and on our return to the UK we looked into emigrating to New Zealand, and started hunting for jobs.” Susan was offered a job in Palmerston North where the family lived for two years before shifting to Auckland.

Sam had set up a family business with his sister in the UK, manufacturing a bicycle travel case for air travel. It was called the VeloVault. They had also set up a network of hubs where people could

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rent these boxes for their trips abroad.

This business was sold in 2018 but Sam discovered that there was no such business in New Zealand.

“I decided to set up a similar business, but on a much smaller scale,” says Sam. “We also decided to make a new mould for the VeloVault, in line with a change of design in mountain bikes to longer frames. We also changed the manufacturing process to one called rotational moulding. The boxes are currently moulded in Feilding in the Manawatū, and assembled in Tītīrangi.

We use as many locally sourced components as we can with both the foam and webbing straps coming from Auckland.”

Ever since he was 13, Sam had been Sam Gardner: bicycle working in various bike shops, funding whisperer. his university studies and beyond but he didn’t plan to return to work as a mechanic – until Covid came along: with the termination of most air travel, the VeloVault business declined.

Sam is still a keen cyclist and loves riding the Waitākere roads.

“I try to avoid the busy times of day, and generally ride on my own as drivers aren’t always the most courteous to groups of cyclists. One of my favourite loops (which needs to be planned for the right time of day, and best on a gravel or mountain bike) is heading along Scenic Drive, down the Cutty Grass Track to Anawhata Road, onto Piha Road, to Lone Kauri Road, then down the beach to Whatipu, and back on Huia Road.

It’s a great mixture of sealed and unsealed roads and sand.”

Sam and his family have ridden sections of the Hauraki Rail Trail and more recently the Timber Trail, with an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old and the odd breakdown. The family has plans to ride the Lake Dunstan Trail soon and Sam is also keen to explore The Old Ghost Road on the West Coast.

When not out riding the trails or working as a mechanic, Sam also coaches the cycling and triathlon teams at Diocesan School.

“This is my really fun piece of work. It’s great seeing the girls progress as athletes and finding a passion for the sport,” he says. “It was also really interesting to see Green Bay High School enter a team at the Auckland Aquathon (swim and run) championships recently, with some great success. It’s cool to see our local school doing really well!”

You can phone or message Sam through his Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/TheBicycleWhispererNZ/) to book your bike in for servicing. Bike collection and drop off can be arranged if required. His Velovault travel case is also available for sale or hire.

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keeping it local

Expert advice from a team that understands your business You won’t find the team from GSI Insurance Partners spending their weekends at the office – they’re much more likely to be out and about in the community, taking their kids to Trusts Stadium for athletics or heading to Te Pai courts to cheer on the team. Providing tailored insurance cover for local businesses is just one more way GSI supports the West Auckland community.

GSI’s New Zealand Sales Manager, Matt Naylor, is a born and bred Westie and experienced insurance specialist. When Matt isn’t ferrying his son to football practice, he’s working alongside his clients to build stronger relationships.

“We’re really our clients’ advocate,” Matt says. “We’re organised in what we do, we’re proactive, and we go to clients quickly, and maintain good communication.

When people call, we pick up the phone – we don’t hide behind our emails. ” The GSI team have strong networks throughout the business community, and they often consult with leading industry professionals to make sure they’re offering the best solution for their clients. GSI Managing Director, Glenn Stone, believes it’s crucial to take a tailored approach to each client’s insurance.

“We realise that not one size fits all,” Glenn says. “We’ll do all the calculations and make recommendations, and we can really cover off all of our clients’ needs. We don’t just bring our team to the table - we bring people who are recognised as being at the top of their industry.”

Before designing a risk management programme, GSI’s advisors take the time to understand the unique

GSI sataff are always here to help.

risks, opportunities and challenges of each business.

They combine this knowledge with access to best-inclass insurance products, to create customised policies that give clients extra peace of mind. GSI also has a specialist claims administration team who provide expert advice and lodge claims on their clients’ behalf, creating a positive and stress-free claims process.

It all comes down to taking a fresh approach, understanding the community, and putting in the time and effort to design the best solution for each client.

For tailored insurance advice from a team that live and breathe West Auckland, talk to GSI Insurance Partners.

Benefits must be equal South Auckland community leaders are accusing Council and Auckland Transport of favouritism.

They are angry that another $35 million cycle lane is planned for inner city suburbs while their South Auckland community has received much less transport investment. They have called this out as a disparity in how public money is spent between rich and poor suburbs.

I would add West Auckland to this disparity. And what capital investment Auckland Transport does make in our area few people want. People want better roads, not slower roads, and most of all people want foot paths!

this level of investment ongoing and our 100year backlog is sorted in a decade.

In the meantime, West Aucklanders also hope and beg in vain for more footpaths. Moreover, we are forced to stand Ken Turner and Michelle Clayton of by and watch what WestWards footpath infrastructure we do have, fall into disrepair. From rudimentary rural foot paths (where they exist) to urban top end cobblestone foot paths like Park Road, Titirangi, residents are forced to endure premature failures due to lack of maintenance and substandard renewals, all due to how Council and Auckland Transport set their budgets.

The problem is not rich over poor, the problem is trendy pet projects over core purpose.

In reality, Auckland Transport manages money set aside annually for a targeted purpose, in other words, a Transport Targeted Rate. And as such are duty bound to ensure all those who are forced to pay the Targeted Rate benefit. And I would argue, must benefit equally.

– Ken Turner

The Fringe APRIL 2022

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Auckland Transport’s own reports show an average of eight requests for footpath extensions and/or renewals received from across Auckland monthly. AT acknowledges that at present funding levels ($4 million per year) it will take 100 years for them to deliver the present list of footpath requests, and that’s providing no more requests are added.

If $35 million was added to next financial year’s footpath budget, we could deliver 10% of the work on AT’s list. Keep

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The Fringe is keen to help local businesses and community groups and makes space on these pages available for current advertisers and non-commercial organisations, at no charge.

To be included in our next issue, email info@fringemedia. co.nz before April 14.

9

art & about with naomi mccleary

Reinventing Going West*

You have to admire the resilience of the performing arts sector over the last two years. So much thwarted performance; so many theatre, music, dance productions bravely developed, scheduled and then cancelled, sometimes shockingly at the last minute.

The Going West Festival is one such event; for 24 years lighting up the hearts and minds of the book-loving public in Tītīrangi. From 2016 to 2019 the festival had seen the impact of new and younger programmers and producers working within the recognisable Going West format but bringing in new content and sharper production values. Diane Blomfield had led the charge on that with Nicola Strawbridge and Mark Easterbrook in the programming roles. 2017 saw a fire in the Tītīrangi hall which triggered a last-minute switch to the Henderson Civic Centre. And we thought that was a crisis! Little did we know.

When James Littlewood joined the team as programme director at the end of 2019, with Diane continuing as producer, he heralded plans for focusing on revamping the things we did well, very well, such as the literary weekend – and started a conversation about the 25th anniversary. A book of the keynote addresses was definitely on the menu. There was a real sense of excitement; a sense of freshness and innovation.

By March 2020 Going West, like so much else, was cancelled. We thought it was a one-off! Disappointment was widespread and this was intensified within the team; so much work which had to be put aside and energy found to pivot (as they say) into an online world.

And they did, at speed, with some amazing results. First the podcasts, which gave us an entry into digital publishing, then to commissioning, the Different Out Loud season, the Moving Portraits documentaries and the book of Going West oratory. Much of this is available on www. goingwestfest.co.nz.

2021, after a seductive post-Delta lull, Going West came up with a smart idea; split the festival into four sessions, each a month apart.

This meant a reduced risk of losing the whole weekend, at worst maybe one event? Omicron outsmarted us. The gala opening in the Playhouse Theatre in August was unforgettable. The format was there and recognisable; Keynote oratory (Simon Wilson) on Stranded in Paradise (were we ever!), Curnow Poets (Karlo Mila and Daren Kamali) and singer-songwriter Charlotte Yates traversing her four standout albums of New Zealand poetry-to-song accompanied by multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Show Pony and the golden voices of Julia Deans and Sandy Mill. What was fabulous, apart from the zinging content, was the staging; a set filled with couches, carpets, books, plants and other memorabilia, creating such a sense of intimacy and richness. The old and the new in perfect harmony.

For a snippet of this evening go to www.goingwestfest.co.nz, click on ‘live’ and go to the bottom file.

That was the last of it; all cancelled by Covid.

Quoting James: We’ll always bring people together, but I think it will be a long time before we can stage large events with confidence.

Even if we do, all live events will effectively be content recording sessions. We’ve always recorded everything, but I think there’ll be a more direct line between the live events and the podcasts and videos.

Before I go to the new programme about to unfold, I want to raise a glass to James, Diane and Paula Morris. Photo by Colleen the team for their sheer dogged Maria Lenihan determination and creative genius.

It’s tough having to let go of great ideas that can’t fly in a Covid world and come up with the doable at speed and with a smile.

So – GOING WEST: Live in April!

There will be two in-person experiences during the month.

Shifted Ground, an intimate literary salon; and The Listening Sand, a unique outdoor environmental writing experience.

Shifted Ground, April 9 in the theatre of Lopdell House, will have a limited audience of 40. At this Freya Daly Sadgrove point it is a sell-out, but if the traffic lights change there could be a late release of more tickets. But it will be a content recording session with the added frisson of the live audience response. To tantalise, it will star poets Serie Barford (short-listed for the Ockham Poetry Award) and Michael Steven. Lucy Mackintosh (another Ockham short-lister) and Richard Shaw, in discussion with Tania Page and Pīta Turei, will explore the deeply contested narratives of Aotearoa. Author Paula Morris together with photographer Haru Sameshima will present an illustrated exploration of time, place and madness in Robin Hyde’s two great prose works, Passport to Hell and Godwits Fly. I can’t help but imagine this night in the dear old Tītīrangi Hall, or the Playhouse for that matter. Damn!

Consolation prize? This programme will feed into the new season of digital and video works on the Going West website. But wait, there’s more. The evening also doubles as the premier of Going West’s newly commissioned series of documentary short films, Moving Portraits.

Following the screenings, Directors Nahyeon Lee and Kathleen Winter

Available now at Te Uru Gallery, Titirangi

Embossed Lights

susannahbridges.co.nz 10

The Fringe APRIL 2022

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Your local MP Dr Deborah Russell MP for New Lynn New Lynn Electorate Office 09 820 6245 newlynn.mp@parliament.govt.nz 1885 Great North Rd, Avondale, Auckland

and cast Nathan Joe and Freya Daly Sadgrove will discuss their experiences of working with Going West to create these moving portraits of storytellers.

The Listening Sand on April 30 (2pm, North Piha Glade and Beach, above) serves up real-time poetry on the iron sands of Piha; an outdoor workshop with award winning writer Anne Kennedy and environmental mark making with the talented David Hilliam, aka Beach Tagger. The event will be filmed by visual journalist Luke McPake. Get a taste of what’s in store on the day with the video created at last year’s event, Literal/Littoral. Register by emailing info@goingwestfest.co.nz.

I attended last year’s event, initially a little reluctantly, feeling not in the mood for participating. Within minutes I was totally seduced and sucked into scribbling on paper and eventually scratching in the sand; self-consciousness gone with the wind. So much ozone-laden air. Covid forgotten for several sun-soaked hours. * The writer is a member of the Going West Trust and closely associated with the festival.

Authorised by Deborah Russell MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE INC PRESENTS THE

SEASON OF

by Tim Kelly

16 - 30 April 2022 Playhouse Theatre Glen Eden A Community Theatre production with permission by Dramatic Publishing Ltd and New Zealand Play Bureau Ltd.

www.taelsolutions.nz - Ph:09-869-2200

Book tickets at Eventfinda

Halving greenhouse gas emissions

The Mayor has proposed a climate change targeted rate for this year’s budget.

a 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, then much more is required.

The proposed increase would add $1.12 a week to the average ratepayer’s rates bill.

We are running out of time, and the scale of change required is something that has not properly entered into public debate.

Council has recognised that we are in a climate emergency. Future West local The proposed targeted rate board members passed a will fund improved bus services The Waitākere Ranges Local Board Future West team are (left to resolution declaring the same and the purchase of additional right) Mark Allen, Saffron Toms, Sandra Coney and Greg Presland. for our area. We are working low-emission buses. The ferry on a local climate action plan and have completed our fleet will be partially decarbonised. There will be extra greenways plan. We have also worked on improving resilience resources for walking and cycling infrastructure. And there will in the area by helping local communities develop their own be additions to the urban ngāhere (forest) in areas that do emergency response plans. not share Titirangi’s rate of coverage.

I was elected to Waitākere City Council in 2001 and even then it was clear that climate change was a significant issue.

We were part of a regional effort to revamp and improve the rail system and the double tracking and electrification of the Western Line. I can recall happily watching the first electric train roll through Glen Eden in 2015.

The rail system has helped significantly but if we want to meet Council’s goal,

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The challenge for each of us is to work out how we can halve our greenhouse gas emissions in the next nine years. Council has a huge role to play and the proposed targeted rate is a start. But collectively we will need to do much more if we want to reach the city’s goal.

– Greg Presland Advertisement

The Fringe APRIL 2022

11

places to go

who, what, where, when in the west...

Event organisers: Do you have an

upcoming event you’d like listed in The Fringe? Send the details, including a contact person and number, to info@fringemedia. co.nz.

Readers: While

we take care to ensure listings are correct, errors may occur.

Check with the contact person wherever possible.

Covid precautions: All events and

gatherings in these listings will require full compliance with relevant Covid regulations.

april w – 3, Someplace Else: A Travel Archive, Part of Auckland Arts Festival 2022, this exhibition by Louise Stevenson speaks to anyone who has ever travelled and negotiated an inescapable pull between two places; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455.

– 3, Mood Indigo, The Handweavers and Spinners Guild presents a range of textile works inspired by the ancient Indigo dye; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455.

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– 3, Assorted Fragments, works by Mathew Hayes; Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

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w – 18, Fugitive pigment –paint skins, works by Sefton Rani; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Thu/Fri 10am-2pm, Sat/Sun 10am-4pm. Phone 812 8029. www. westcoastgallery.co.nz w – May 29, Te Kaneati, a presentation of Banaban arts culture and heritage, presented alongside Project Banaba,

a multimedia installation by Katerina Teaiwa; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

– June 5, Cora-Allan Wickliffe: From Otitori Bay Rd, landscapes painted with pigments and colours from the land and sea; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

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w – June 12, ICI: Notes for Tomorrow, an exhibition conceived by Independent Curators International featuring artworks selected by curators around the world to reflect on the post Covid reality; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8070. w 3, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732. w 8, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club; 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 10am-12noon. Phone Laurie 820 2234. w 8, Ladies’ Probus Club, fellowship, fun, speakers; St John’s Hall, Te Atatū South; 9.45am-Noon. Phone 832 0484.

8, Flicks presents It Snows in Benidorm (M) starring Timothy Spall; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, Tītīrangi; 10.30am, 1pm, 5.30pm and 8.15pm; $15 /$12 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558.

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w 8 – May 1, Gina Hochstein: Tītīrangi modernism through the lens of jewellery; Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

9/10 and 23/24, Ecological Building Workshop with Join Guenther Andraschko; Waygood Foundation, Piha. For details contact Claire 0212392809, www. earthskintrust.org, @waygoood_foundation_garden_ piha

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10, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Hanna Wiskari and Harry Champion, soprano sax and guitar. Floorsingers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road (Live streamed if meeting not possible); 8pm; $12, members $8, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289. Vaccination Pass required.

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12, West Auckland Historical Society Family History

Group meeting; Henderson Central Library West Auckland Research Centre; 10-11.30am. Phone Gary Snow 832 5098, 021 618 434 or email gary@snofam.co.nz.

w 15, Flicks presents Frocks & Divas (M), a fun, frivolous and fabulous journey. Get your fancy dress on and win prizes. See page 15 for more; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, Tītīrangi; 6pm and 8.15pm; $15 /$12 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558.

18, Henderson Falls Combined Friendship Club – fun, friendship and fellowship with monthly speakers and frequent outings; Henderson Bowling Clubrooms, 2/20 Alderman Drive, Henderson; 10am-noon. Contact Joy 837 4646 or 021 267 3544.

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19, SeniorNet West Auckland, speaker, morning tea and chatting about computers; RSA Henderson, Poppy Restaurant, 66-70 Railside Avenue, Henderson; 10am.

Phone June 021 179 3635.

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22, Glen Eden Combined Probus Club: company and fellowship, interesting speakers, morning tea and monthly outings; Ceramco Park Function Centre, 120 Glendale Road, Kaurilands; 9.45am. Phone Brian Holt 838 5857.

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w 22, Flicks presents Never Going to Snow Again (M, Poland) blending sci-fi, satire and surreal drama; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, Tītīrangi; 10.30am, 1pm, 5.30pm and 8.15pm; $15 /$12 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door.

Text bookings to 0210 222 5558.

22, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal gathering of musicians and singers; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289. Vaccination Pass required.

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w 23 – May 22, Through the Portal, acrylic paintings

by NikiPrice by Sefton Rani; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Thu/Fri 10am-2pm, Sat/Sun 10am-4pm.

Phone 812 8029. www.westcoastgallery.co.nz w 24, Tītīrangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall; 10am-2pm. Contact Tess on tvm.manager@gmail.com or phone 022 631 9436.

The next issue of The Fringe will hit the streets as our days get cooler and the nights get longer. Yes, autumn is coming and winter will soon follow. Many of our readers will be starting to think abut how they can keep their home warm. We’ll also be doing a special feature for Mother’s Day with special rates and editorial options. And our keeping it local section continues to offer exposure for local businesses.

To get your message across, get in touch by emailing info@fringemedia.co.nz.

Have you ever thought you could be a good writer? We’d love to hear from you ...

The booking deadline for advertising in our May 2022 issue is April 14 with finished artwork due by April 19. Please let us know your requirements as soon as possible.

Contact us at info@fringemedia.co.nz.

12

The Fringe APRIL 2022

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places to go

29, Flicks presents House of Gucci (R13, USA) Al, Pacino, Lady Gaga, Jared Leto and Jeremy Irons star in Ridley Scott’s chronicle of the Gucci family fashion; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, Tītīrangi; 10.30am, 1pm, 5.30pm and 8.15pm; $15 /$12 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558.

Te Kamari, a traditional Banaban ornament worn mainly by women during special occassions. Visit Te Kaneati at Te Uru for more.

Image courtesy of Maggie Kaipati.

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may May 1, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

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May 10, West Auckland Historical Society Family History Group; Henderson Central Library West Auckland Research Centre; 10-11.30am. Phone Gary Snow 832 5098, 021 618 434 or email gary@snofam.co.nz.

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There is so much happening in and around our community, including many weekly events, that we can’t fit everything into these listings. To find out more about whatever you are interested in, visit:

www.fringemedia.co.nz/ourplace

l WHERE IT’S AT: • Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. 838 4455, www.ceac. org.nz.

• EcoMatters Environment Trust, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn; Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-2pm. 826 4276, info@ecomatters.org.nz.

• Flicks cinema, Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House. 818 2489, www.flickscinema.weebly.com.

• McCahon House Museum, 67 Otitori Bay Road, Titirangi; Wednesday – Sunday, 1-4pm, except public holidays. 817 6148, mccahon@mccahonhouse.org.nz.

• Playhouse Theatre, 15 Glendale Road, Glen Eden. 818 5751.

• Te Toi Uku – Clay Works, 8 Ambrico Place, New Lynn; Wednesday – Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm. Phone 827 7349, www.portageceramicstrust.org.nz.

• Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, 420 Tītīrangi Road, Tītīrangi; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4.30pm.

817 8087, info@teuru.org.nz.

• Tītīrangi Theatre, Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House; Tītīrangi. 817 5812, infoline 817 5951, www. titirangitheatre.co.nz.

• Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4pm, 817 4278, www.upstairs.org.nz.

• West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Thursday/Friday, 10am-2pm; Saturday/Sunday, 10am-4pm. 812 8029, www.westcoastgallery.co.nz.

Merger of West Auckland Law Firms We are pleased to announce the merger of David J Brown & Associates (lawyers in Tītīrangi) with Thomas & Co Lawyers Limited (lawyers in New Lynn).

Thomas & Co already incorporates the practice of Ray Ganda (Titirangi Law Centre) from a merger in 2017. The original principals of the three practices, Ray, David and Don, have many years of experience working in West Auckland.

The David J Brown & Associates team – Paula Fletcher, Legal Executive, Jaimee KirbyBrown, Lawyer and Danielle Norrie, Lawyer - join the merged team to continue to assist all their existing clients as well as the clients of the merged practices. See the “Our Team” tab on the website for the whole team.

Our focus on service for our community and clients is behind the merger. The directors and staff of the combined practices can now offer an even wider range of skills and resources. This means we can meet your every legal requirement. There is always someone available with the necessary knowledge and experience to assist with any legal matters that might arise.

Give us a call, or come in and visit us. We welcome enquiries and are happy to answer any questions.

Details of our office location and on-site parking can be found under the “Contact” tab on our website. We have lift access and are also handy to the bus/train interchange. This means that visiting our office is easy and convenient.

Proudly supporting our local community INCORPORATING T I T I R A N G I L AW C E N T R E D AV I D J B R O W N & ASSOCIATES

TITIRANGI LAW CENTRE

2nd Floor, 3 Totara Avenue, New Lynn (09) 827 5907 www.thomas.co.nz

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

13

who, what, where, when in the west...

26, Tītīrangi U3A – informal learning for people 60-years plus, guest speakers, study groups; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm. Contact 818 8809, 027 699 5480 or heathertanguay@slingshot.co.nz. www.u3a.nz.

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bandstanding: music in the west with marlo schorr-kon

“I fell in love with my Video Nasty”

a live audience. It’s the best to University students Jack be in Video Nasty and to make Gannaway and Sam Kemp don’t music with Jack and Tommy.” get up to much in their free time, Influenced by bands such as besides music and playing in Sonic Youth, Nirvana, The 3Ds, their band, Video Nasty.

S.P.U.D, AC/DC and Swans, “I don’t do much outside Jack says he admires quite a of Video Nasty,” says Jack. lot of our local punk bands “Whenever I’m home I’m either but Cootie Cuties inspire playing music or listening to him the most. “I really like music. I do go to uni but that's their attitude towards certain about it. I’m always finding new things and they have some bands that interest me and that’s really good songs.” exciting.”

Video Nasty has big things Drummer Sam has recently planned and later in the year started a three-year course at intend to release their debut SAE doing a Bachelor of Audio album. “We want to tour the Production. “Basically we are just album around the country,” trying to play as many shows as we Sam says. “In 10 years time possibly can while in a pandemic,” I would love for us to be he says. “For me playing live is the playing to people all around most fun part of being in a band. the world as well as making I love seeing the crowd having and releasing new music. I a good time and seeing people Video Nasty are (left to right) Jack Gannaway, Sam Kemp and Tommy Maitai. really want to play Download crowd surfing. I haven't crowd Photo by Caleb Farrell.

Festival (originally Monsters of Rock) so I can say I have played the surfed yet but I would love to one day!”

Growing up in musical households with musician parents has same stage as Bad News.”

Jack says he wants to “continue what we are doing, write some good seasoned the band to the local music and performance scene.

“When I was young I would watch my dad play drums in his bands, songs and play live. And I would like to play in Seattle, that’s a personal so when I got interested in music I wanted to do the same as him,” goal of mine.”

The Fringe looks forward to receiving news of Seattle and Download, says Sam “Music was always around me ‘cause of my dad but I didn’t love it as but in the meantime you can keep up to date with local Video Nasty much until I found Nirvana when I was younger, and have been hooked gigs and releases here: on music ever since,” says Jack. https://www.facebook.com/videonastyband Video Nasty began in 2020. “Jack and I started playing together in https://www.instagram.com/videonastysuckass/?hl=en mid 2020 and we officially became Video Nasty in October of that year.

Be sure to catch them if you can!

I got the name of the band from The Damned’s song called Nasty. One of the song’s lyrics is ‘I fell in love with my Video Nasty’. I can remember watching them play this song on one of my favourite television shows, The Young Ones. Our bass player Tommy joined us in 2021,” says Sam. Tuesday April 5, 2.15-3.00 pm – DIY Mosquito Repellent: Make The band has released two singles so far, Menthol and the hot-offa moisturising bug-repelling balm which is kind to the body, the the-press Castrate The Predator. The band is happy with the response senses and the environment. Learn about the raw ingredients and to this latest single, and, yes, the song really is about castrating how the recipe can be adapted for different uses. Please bring a predators. “We are against sexual abuse or any kind of violence for that small pot if you wish to take a sample home with you. matter and we thought we should express ourselves by writing a song Tuesday April 12, 2.15-3.00 pm – Basic Book Mending: about it,” says Jack.

Librarians mend books, and they don’t use sellotape! Learn As for Video Nasty’s song writing process, Jack generally gets the some tips and techniques to repair that special book. Bring your wheels turning. “Usually I’ll come up with a song with just guitar and damaged item and we’ll try to give it new life, or bring a cheap lyrics and the others jam along and we practice over and over again notebook and turn it into a personalised gift. until we are happy with it. Sometimes one of us will play something Registrations are required for both these events. Email titirangi. random, the others join in and eventually it just turns into a song. As for library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Vaccine passes are also recording we go to our good friend Darren McShane at Earwig Studios required.

The events will be held in Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall on the North Shore. He uses tape and an analogue process which is (next to the library). right up our alley. Anyone looking to record should check out Earwig.”

Read for fun, try new activities, earn virtual badges and With several gigs already under their belt (including at local New the chance to win with the library this April. A programme of Lynn venue UFO), Tommy, Sam and Jack are keen to head out of town Over Under, Upside-down challenges will keep your whānau “…perhaps Tauranga and Hamilton” just as soon as they can. Jack’s entertained these school holidays. Download the Beanstack favourite Video Nasty gig was at UFO in June last year. “There were Tracker app and log challenges virtually or pick up a challenge 200 people their which remains the biggest crowd we have ever played booklet from your local library and compete offline. Tītīrangi in front of, and I got to crowd surf which has been a long time dream Community Library are planning fun, free events to help you of mine – it was so much fun! I love getting to express myself through along the way. being in Video Nasty.”

Check out our Facebook page for more details www.facebook.

Sam loves to play live. “I get to play music that means something to com/titirangilibrary me on a stage with my two best friends. My favourite thing about being

Events at Tītīrangi Library

in a band is being able to play songs that we made together in front of

14

The Fringe APRIL 2022

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places to go

Flicks gets go-ahead for full April programme

please support our advertisers – they support us

Frocks and Divas (left) is a fun, frivolous and fabulous film tracing the journey of the extraordinary women who perform at the Tarnished Frocks and Divas Festival. It’s a platform for these dazzling women to express themselves and show their colours through a meaningful, positive art form. The incredible genuine kiwi personalities captured on screen will warm our hearts, provide plenty of comedy, and a cinema experience like no other.

“We have been very fortunate in getting the film ahead of its release date and we are planning a fun-filled night, serving bubbly and icecreams and with prizes for best dressed patrons,” says Robin.

A full list of films can be found on pages 12-13 of this issue of The Fringe and full details with trailers can be found at www.flickscinema. weebly.com.

The Fringe has two tickets to Frocks and Divas to give away.

To go in the draw to win this prize, email your name, phone number and address to info@fringemedia.co.nz with Divas in the subject line. Entries must be received by April 8.

WIN

The Fringe APRIL 2022

15

who, what, where, when in the west...

Flicks Cinema co-ordinator, Robin Kewell has managed to book a full programme of films for April, thanks to Lopdell Trust.

With seating capacity reduced from 83 to 32 it has not been financially viable for Flicks to run any films since last August. But all that is about to change. At a special meeting Lopdell Trust has approved a 50% reduction on the theatre hire while the current seating restrictions are in place.

Covid rules meant that the Father’s Day film event and Mountain Film Festival, plus six other film days had to be cancelled last year with no films showing since last August 6.

Lopdell Trust paid for two free community film events, one before Christmas and another in February. The idea was to test the mood of the public. The turn-out to these screenings proved that many people were still wanting to go to the cinema and with that in mind a full programme has now been booked for April.

“Planning takes a lot of time, finding out if films are available and then fixing the terms of the license fee with the film distributors,” says Robin, who has been involved with Flicks for over 10 years. “Last year we had to cancel many films at the last moment. With the Trust’s generous reduction in the rent we are now confident and able to go ahead with our future film offerings.”

The film distributors have also been supportive of Flicks, providing brand new release features for April. The first is It Snows in Benidorm starring Timothy Spall, showing on Friday the 8th. The following Friday (April 15) will see a special pre-release screening of a New Zealand film, Frocks & Divas. The release date had originally been April 14 but, due to Covid, the distributors have delayed the cinema release until June.

history

Local history project collects stories

As a seventh generation life and portrait works in oils, water colours, pastels, descendant of the Laings of pencil, etc. over the years. She was independent and Laingholm who date back to self-supporting, especially after she retired from art 1853, Wayne Mackenzie has teaching. had a long association with “A sale of one of her paintings came to my the Laingholm area. He has a attention a few years back which, after some cursory strong sense of heritage and investigation, seemed to have been incorrectly belonging to the area he was labelled by the gallery as being at Hooper’s Inlet, born in almost 60 years ago Otago Peninsula. This totally disregards the land writes FIONA DRUMMOND. form in the background, which is impossible as the Recognised as a local historian nearest land east of Hooper’s Inlet is South America!

Wayne has written about While Ivy could very well have painted a view from the area for many years. and Hooper’s Inlet – she was an art tutor at the Dunedin recorded.

Teachers’ College 1936-1940 – it would appear that He began the Laingholm she painted it much closer to her Auckland home. I History Facebook page in couldn’t figure out its actual location until, by chance, January 2011, and last year one of the Auckland Heritage Facebook sites I follow announced a plan to collate posted a black and white photo (left). It comes from the history he has collected, the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection, dated along with more from the local 1920, and is looking south-west towards the Awhitu community, to create a book Peninsula. As soon as I saw it, I thought ‘I recognise focusing on the history of Little that view!’”

Muddy Creek, Laingholm, Big Wayne and Simon’s research also came across a Muddy Creek, Parau and the map (below, from Research West’s archives) drawn by Little Muddy Creek and surrounds, c. Sir George Grey two Nihotupu dams.

Les Williams in 1967, showing some early names of The book is subtitled By us, Special Collections, Auckland Libraries 4-4082 Parau c.1920. Interestingly, what we now call Armour for us, and the community is helping to write the book. The Laingholm Bay is labelled ‘Maori Volunteer Fire Brigade is writing its own history, as are the church, Johns Bay’ and Armour schools and local clubs. Knowledgeable locals are writing about ecology, Bay is the tiny beach when architecture, geology and more. Māori history will be recounted, with you walk down behind the local place names, mythology and archaeology explained. tennis courts.

Wayne is working with Simon Rush, an amateur historian and If you have specific Laingholm resident who has a strong background in research and 10 information about your years experience writing for international trade publications. They Laingholm ancestors, have called their collaboration the Muddy Creeks History Project and documents, old photos are also working with local Megan Fitter who has begun to collect or memorabilia relating memories from around the Landing Road area. to the area, Wayne Wayne has sent a shout out to the community to share their and Simon would love photographs, stories and questions. to hear from you at One interesting story was shared by John CLark: muddycreekshistor y@ “For some years, I have been interested in the artworks of a late gmail.com or Laingholm@ great-aunt of mine, Ivy Margaret Copeland (1888-1961). Aunt Ivy lived xtra.co.nz in Auckland, but taught, travelled and painted in many places, including overseas. She was quite talented and created many landscape, still

In search of New Zealand’s ‘Silent Army’

Woman driving a tractor alongside a Avro Anson training plane, during World War II, ALEX.

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

Historian and author Renée Hollis is searching New Zealand for untold stories from New Zealand’s ‘silent army’.

After the success of her book Voices of World War II: New Zealanders share their stories (Exisle Publishing) she is now working on a social history project focusing on the experiences of New Zealand women during World War II, immersing herself in letters and diaries from women who helped keep the home fires burning or served overseas. If you have any letters, diaries or photographs that might be useful please email newzealandsilentarmy@gmail.com or post them to Renée Hollis, P.O. Box 85, Nelson, 7040.

Letters and diaries should be submitted by June 19, 2022 and please include a return address. Renée understands how precious these items are.

She will take great care of them and will return all items by courier.

Woman operating a metal lathe during World War II. Taken in June 1942.ALEX.

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west’s pests

It started with a couple of jasmine flowers ...

I could see them from the house, thing. As the tendrils got thicker, and had the vague thought that there were more of them, so I should get rid of them one work became slower. Eventually day. So in March 2020, stuck at I cleared a metre away from the home in a lockdown, I ventured vertical line, and moved that below the house to find the rope inwards as well. base of the jasmine.

I saw cats from time to time, I was disappointed to discover and photographed them. I put that it wasn’t to be that easy. their mugshots on Facebook to I expected it would just be a see if they were feral – none matter of finding the base of of them was. Their owners all the naughty plant and snipping apologised and said they would it off. I returned to the shed for lock up their moggies at night. a slashing tool to cut through Yeah right. They weren’t even the vines. I kept going for a few keeping the rat population metres, then gave up. I needed A jasmine jungle in April 2021 became healthier, lighter, more airy, with new down! seedlings and flourishing flax by February 2022. to think about what to do.

Every afternoon I went down I picked up the pamphlet the council had kindly dropped in my to work on the jasmine, and I asked my husband Rodney to slice and letterbox telling me about weeds, and looked up jasmine. I needed a paste the ginger, as there was plenty of that as well. At first I put the poison it seemed, so next time I was in town, I bought some Vigilant jasmine tendrils into old poultry feed bags, but they soon ran out, so I cut and paste. This wouldn’t take long. started using up old black rubbish bags. I filled them up and left them I returned to the bush to find the extent of the jasmine so I would in the bush, and Rodney would carry them up to the shed. We got into know where to start. I walked along a small path below the house and a routine of taking them to the weed bin each weekend. Peter Hosking noticed some jasmine on that, so followed the tendril a few metres from Pest Free Piha turned up with his trailer a few times to help – our to see where it went. As I traced it, I saw other tendrils heading off in little Prius just wasn’t coping! other directions. It had suddenly become very complicated. I returned I got to know every inch of the bush, literally. I remember working to the house for some rope. This jasmine was not going to beat me. around a small kawakawa that was being throttled by jasmine, and I tied the rope to a tree at the top of the path, and taking the rope in seeing it three times its height a year later. It was very satisfying. hand, I went as far from the house as the jasmine went, then tied it to As the jasmine thickened, work became slower. I would snip the lines a tree. Then, still holding the rope, I headed across the bush parallel to around tree trunks, to free up the trees. I left the dead jasmine in the our property line, until again, I ran out of jasmine. I ran out of rope too. trees, as pulling it down damaged the branches, and anyway, it meant Eventually, after finding more rope, I had made an enormous square there was less to carry to the weed bin. in the bush of about 700 square metres. Beyond this square was mostly By now the jasmine was so thick I could only do one square metre an native bush with some gorse and a few agapanthus plants, but within hour. Sometimes I got overwhelmed, but then I would find what I called the square I could see ginger, jasmine, honeysuckle, agapanthus, gorse, a nest, where the tendrils were so thick I needed my loppers to cut and pampas. (I knew these plants from the pamphlet.) them. Finding the base of a jasmine plant was always a good feeling.

This had taken an hour or two, and I still hadn’t got rid of anything.

Almost always, the nest was in among dumped rubbish, often old I went to the bottom of the roped off square, and began work. The plant pots, or plastic bags. Wherever there had been human activity, first few days were quite easy. I would find a trailing tendril in the bush, there would be weeds, and there was a lot of rubbish! I also found follow it back to its base, snip it there, and daub some poison on what where marijuana growers in the past had left large pots in the bush. was left. I was careful not to pull the tendril away from the soil, but I worked through the winter, then stopped to let the native plants carefully snip on each side of whereever it dipped into the ground, recover. I was nervous of standing on small seedlings. The following as I didn’t want to leave any live roots behind to start a new family of autumn, I started work again, metre by metre, moving the ropes as jasmine in the spring. I worked each afternoon for a few hours; it was I went so I always knew where I was up to. I left the agapanthus and pleasant enough in the bush with the birds cheering me on. After a few gorse until last. Rodney sprayed the pampas and cut and pasted the days I moved the bottom rope up a metre, having cleared its length of ginger. FRINGEADLTD.pdf 1 15/11/16 16:33 Continued on page 20 >> jasmine. Then I went up the line towards the house, doing the same

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17

our place

Sick kauri get injections too

While most New Zealanders have had two or three injections for protection from Covid, some of Auckland’s kauri trees have also been getting the jab, to help them deal with kauri dieback disease. JOHN GOUDGE finds out more.

Some 125 landowners have become ‘citizen scientists’ in trials of a fungicide treatment that is injected into diseased kauri.

Kauri Rescue Project co-ordinator Dr Mels Barton says she’s seen some promising results.

She recently visited trees in Muriwai where the owners had treated their diseased kauri three years ago. She says the lesions that develop low on the trunks of the trees showed signs of diminishing, and some had disappeared altogether.

“It’s a hope,” Mels says.

“It’s not a cure, but the treatment appears to be enabling it to survive. And it seems to give the tree a boost – it seems to give it a bit of oompf.”

Dr Mels Barton hopes to give kauri But she stresses there dieback the boot – a well-cleaned one. is much they don’t know yet, such as what the optimum dose is, whether a tree should be re-treated, or even what the long-term results will be.

“Because the trees were dying so quickly, we had to get out there and do it (the science) so we could learn as quickly as possible,” Mels says.

The Kauri Rescue Project team comprises scientists, iwi and community groups working alongside private landowners to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback, including injecting sick trees with phosphite. Previous trials of the chemical by Kauri Rescue Project’s Dr Ian Horner from Plant & Food Research, showed promise and now, five years on, citizen scientists have been part of treating and monitoring 2,578 kauri around the Auckland region, with over a hundred properties in West Auckland. (The project is funded by Auckland Council, Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, and the Ministry of Primary Industries.)

The first cases of kauri dieback or Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) were identified in the Waitākere Ranges near Piha in 2006, although a site on Aotea (Great Barrier Island) had been found in 1972, but the pathogen was misidentified. PA is a microscopic fungus-like organism

living in soil that infects kauri roots, starving the tree.

Only a tiny spot of soil is enough to spread the pathogen, so it’s easily transported by people, feral pigs or goats, or by domestic stock. Over 10,000 spores can exist in a pinhead of soil.

Mels says her job is about community engagement, where the landowners learn to be their own bio-security officer. Keeping stock away from infected trees is crucial. It might even mean keeping an eye on gardening contractors to ensure they don’t spread infected soil from one property to another.

She says those with potentially diseased kauri should make contact through the Kauri Rescue website. Treatment with the fungicide might save them having to deal with dead kauri later, she adds.

The Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is the most heavily infected kauri dieback area in New Zealand. With 250 kilometres of tramping tracks, the shoes of walkers were shown to be one of the main culprits for the spread. The percentage of infected kauri rose from 7.9% in 2011 to nearly 19% in 2016.

“We were going to have lost kauri from Piha completely, probably within a decade if things had carried on the way they were, and probably from the entire ranges maybe within 30 years. We would have lost them all.

“If you get rid of kauri, the whole ecosystem collapses. They’re a keystone species and all the other species rely on them. It’s not just one species disappearing, it’s 17 species disappearing, and that’s your podocarp forest gone.”

The issue came to greater attention in December 2017 when Te Kawerau ā Maki placed a rāhui (a Māori cultural restriction on entry) on the Waitākere Ranges, and in May 2018 Auckland Council closed most tracks in the park.

Visitor numbers to the regional park had been steadily growing in the past decade. Some grumbled about being shut out of favourite walking and recreation spots. In 2021 a West Auckland man was prosecuted by the council and fined $5,700 in the Waitākere District Court for flouting the track closures. More than 300 warnings or trespass notices have been issued to others.

But Mels says the rāhui initiated a much-needed upgrading of the park’s tracks and infrastructure. The 10-year upgrade plan has already seen a substantial number of tracks reopen.

“We’re all paying through our rates for this work to protect the forest for the long term, for the future generations – that’s what this is all about.”

Tramping on old muddy tracks was a sure way to spread the pathogen, but she says the track improvements minimise this, along with diligently cleaning all soil from shoes.

“I’m not saying that the council’s got it 100% right,” says Mels, “but we’re in a damn sight better situation now than we were before the rāhui.”

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

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our place

Monitoring our changing atmosphere

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the key greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, climate change and sea level rise.

Starting with this issue The Fringe will publish the latest available CO2 readings, as supplied

by NIWA, New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

The graph (left) shows the level of CO2 in New Zealand’s atmosphere, as measured at Baring Head, near Wellington, on March 17.

This station has been running since 1972 and is home to the longest running continuous CO2 measurements in the Southern Hemisphere.

The red entries show the latest daily average and the levels on the equivalent days one year ago and 10 years ago. The pre-industrial level of CO2 in the atmosphere was 280 ppm (parts per million). All of these values fluctuate with the seasons – with higher levels of CO2 produced in winter when energy use increases and CO2 uptake by forests slows.

The Paris Agreement, signed by 197 countries, is aiming to keep global average temperature at less than 2°C above preAs at March 24 2022 industrial values. Scientists estimate that in parts per million there is a 50% chance of doing this if CO2Latest 413.4 equivalent emissions (which include other One year ago 412 gases as well) stabilise next century at 450 ppm.

Ten years ago 390.2 For more information visit https://niwa.

Pre-industrial 280 co.nz/climate/research-projects/carbonwatch-nz.

Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Weather by the Moon Ken Ring’s predictions for April April may be a drier month than average, with rainfall only about 25% of normal.

However, sunshine hours and temperatures may be average.

The first week may be the sunniest, warmest and driest, and the third week the wettest and cloudiest with the heaviest rain.

Highest barometric pressures may come in the last week. The best weekend for outdoor activities may be the 2nd/3rd.

For fishermen, highest tides are around the 2nd. The best fishing bite-times in the West are around noon on the 1st-2nd, and 16th-18th. Bite-chances are also good around dusk on the 8th-11th and 22nd-24th.

For gardeners, planting is best (waxing moon ascending) between the 9th and 16th, and pruning is best between the 23rd and 30th, (waning moon descending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, pick crops or flowers on neap tide days of the 10th and 25th.

Always allow 24 hour error for all forecasting. For future weather for any date, visit www.predictweather.com. © Ken Ring 2021.

Don’t Read This Gotcha ...

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More often than not, their search for a specific product or service starts with something that they have read somewhere.

And even if they do additional research and make their eventual purchase through some digital platform, their choice will still be shaped by what they have seen in print.

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

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sustainable solutions with fiona drummond

West is Best – sustainability in action, part 1 One of the special things about West Auckland is the community of creative and environmentally minded people who embrace the Six Rs and are willing to share their skills with others.

The Six Rs are: • Refuse to use any packaging or products that will become waste • Reduce your use of such products, wherever possible • Reuse any material or product you can before you pass it on • Repair things that are broken instead of throwing them out • Recycle anything you can • Rot what is left for use in your garden (if appropriate) There are many activities and organisations around West Auckland and you are welcome to participate, or offer your own skills to help out.

The West Auckland Resource Centre, New Lynn (https://www. facebook.com/warcnewlynn/) is one such organisation.

The West Auckland Resource Centre is a treasure trove of reusable resources located in Seabrook Avenue. It used to open twice a week and was great for a rummage if you are involved in art activities at an early childhood centre or school, or are an avid upcycler. Companies and individuals donate resources that would otherwise be binned, and the centre has become a great example of the 6 Rs in practice.

The centre is currently open by appointment only, as it lost a number of volunteers during Covid.

However trustees Kelly and Kylie, rather than feeling demoralised by the situation, decided to innovate by running workshops, both online and on site. They received a good reception to their online Tuesday Tips, a programme of workshops offering practical alternatives to single use products and encouraging waste minimisation.

“Our aim is for people to join our two-hour sessions and make reusable products that can replace single-use options, using ‘deadstock’ fabrics that we have at the centre,” says Kelly. “For example, we make produce bags from sheers, cutlery holders to pop into your bag and use when out and about, bunting to replace single-use decorations, drawstring gift bags to replace single-use wrappings, aprons to protect clothing ... the list goes on.”

They also decided to invite small groups on site, offering their own skills and the centre’s resources to enable people to learn how to sew.

The women have created a small teaching space in one of the rooms where they can accommodate a couple of students at a time, allowing one-on-one instruction. Kelly says it was important to allow a calm and relaxed environment as many of their community had English as a second language.

“We understand many people would love to learn to sew and don’t have access to a machine or may have access but no idea how to work it,” she says.

The Learn to Sew classes are aimed at people who are at home during the day and would like to learn to sew and connect with the wider community.

“We teach how to wind a bobbin and thread a sewing machine and then help individuals learn straight and zigzag stitch. We have two different types of machines so they can understand that the principle is the same for all but can also understand the differences.

“The next step is to start making items, and we also had a student who was interested in learning how to machine mend, so we spent time going through her mending pile, then choosing a difficult one so we could do it slowly, step-by-step.

“Ruby (pictured above holding her first ever machine stitching)

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The Fringe APRIL 2022

bought her daughter a sewing machine for Christmas but since she is unable to make a local sewing class, Ruby decided she would come and learn, and take that knowledge back to share and they could then learn together.

“Machines and fabric are all supplied for free.

This makes learning accessible and also allows more people to know about us and come back to buy fabric when they need it, maybe become volunteers and perhaps join our other workshops and activities.”

April’s workshop programme includes: April 5, 9.30-11.30am – Produce Bags: learn about single-use produce bags and make your own reusable bags from rescued fabrics.

April 12, 9.30-11.30am – Make your own reusable storage basket with our sturdy furnishing fabrics.

April 5 and April 12, 12-1pm – Get your Resource Centre Sewing Licence: Learn to thread a machine and bobbin, sew straight and zigzag stitches, and get your licence to use the Centre’s machines for your own sewing projects.

April 19, 9-11am and 11.30am-1.30pm – Learn to Sew (bring a child or friend).

All workshops are held weekly at the West Auckland Resource Centre, 2b Seabrook Avenue, New Lynn and, bookings are essential: email workshops@warctrust.org.nz.

The centre is supported by Auckland Council through the Whau Local Board.

>> It started with a Continued from page 17

couple of jasmine flowers ...

I began to run into tradescantia, nasturtium, and plectranthus, which were harder to remove, as their roots were fragile, and easily left in the ground. I asked Peter Hosking what to do, and he sprayed the plectranthus and some of the tradescantia, which made life easier for me. However, once I got the jasmine out from where it had been among these plants, I found I needed to go over the land regularly and pull young weeds out that had regrown from fragments. I am still getting rid of the tradescantia and plectranthus seedlings, a year later.

After digging out the agapanthus, I cut down the gorse plants, bagged the flowers for the weed-bin, and left the rest on the ground to rot.

Now, well over 250 hours later, I am still removing tradescantia, and an enormous pampas that has been sprayed four times already. A matipo has emerged from among it all. And more jasmine. And more tradescantia.

My focus is now on revegetating the dead areas where the jasmine was really thick. The first year, as I got closer to the thick parts of the jasmine, there was very little bird life. That has changed now – there are tūī and pīwakawaka (fantails) where I had worked, even though there aren’t many trees there yet. Perhaps the birds find it easier to get at the koromiko and flax flowers now. I collect seeds when I am out walking, and scatter them in the bush. I also collect seedlings from our own garden, such as coprosma, flax, cabbage trees, matipo, and mānuka, and replant these where the jasmine has been. I recently planted several whau seedlings given to me by a friend, and threw some tītoki and kawakawa seeds into the bush.

I figure if I continue to do an hour a day, I will eventually get on top of my weeds.

The bush is beautiful, but we need more people that care about it.

Pampas, jasmine, and honeysuckle will not go away by themselves – we have to remove it all if we want our bush back.

– Jill Poulston, Piha.

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naturally west with fiona drummond

Hostile Relatives: the menacing myna and the darling starling

I classify myself as a bird lover but the myna feed the young until one or two weeks after has always been a pest, and its slightly evil fledging but many do not survive to fledge. appearance makes it a villain of the bird world.

At dusk, starlings will fly up to 30km to a The common starling, the only other member central roost. Communal roosts on islands of the Sturnidae family, is lovable by comparison become a source of weeds such as boxthorn, and in rural communities the starling has and may spread diseases like avian pox to bird commonly been protected from the myna by the reserves while roosts in towns are a public use of nesting boxes, where the box hole is made nuisance, with corrosive droppings. Competition a critical 45mm diameter (to keep mynas out). for nest boxes has been identified as a potential Mynas originated from Central Asia and were problem at some native bird restoration sites. introduced in the 1870s, mainly in the South Starling nests have been known to cause Island, to control insect pests. They had died blockage of chimneys and hundreds of fires in out there by 1890, but were common around tractors and other farm machinery. Nests under Wellington, East Cape, and from Whanganui to house eaves are also noisy, smelly, may attract Waikato. They expanded northwards, reaching rodents, and are often infested with fleas and Auckland around 1947, and have become very mites. abundant in Northland Mynas too are a nuisance around houses, Starlings were introduced to control caterpillar getting under roofing to nest in eaves and roof plagues in 1862. Their numbers increased cavities. They are a nuisance in factories and dramatically soon after their introduction, warehouses and they present a threat to food with four in Napier becoming “hundreds of safety for any food related business. As trees thousands” within 11 years. Numbers then A myna with its chick, above, and a starling are removed in areas under development, they declined and stabilised, and there was a marked collecting food for its chicks. Photos by increasingly look to live inside buildings. decrease following the widespread use of DDT Andrew Ross.

In rural areas they are also a crop pest, in the 1950s, until it was banned in 1968. Starlings are one of our consuming pasture and damaging other fruits including grapes. They commonest birds, yet are seldom seen in our bush environment, unlike will flock onto paddocks being ploughed. Although they eat crop pests the myna. they can also gather in large numbers to feed on stock food, crops, As with many of our early fauna introductions, it seems that our berries or fruit, causing considerable economic loss. forebears overlooked the potential pest status of both birds.

Mynas take nectar and also frequent waste dumps, seeking food Starling grass grub control has today been replaced by chemicals scraps. They are commonly seen deftly avoiding traffic while foraging but the species remains important on organic farms where farmers for road-killed insects and small groups form communal roosts at dusk. encourage them with nest boxes. On the downside starlings damage Mynas usually produce four chicks per clutch but around 20% of animal feed lots, cereal crops and fruit. They remove ticks from sheep fledglings die before adulthood. Mynas pair for life and destroy eggs and cattle, but could spread the diseases ticks carry. Pest control and nestlings of other species within their territory (especially starlings, operators list about 24 diseases carried by starlings. no family allegiance there!)

The starling’s main diet is invertebrates, including earthworms, Their pest status has seen the introduction of the Myna Magnet cage caterpillars, beetles and their larvae, and spiders. They take grain from trap, a modern and humane approach to minimise myna numbers, and hen runs, and readily take food scraps in urban areas. Fruit is also poisoning of mynas is not uncommon. If you have an issue with mynas targeted. Cicadas are caught on the wing, and starlings also take nectar. nesting in the eves of your house or outbuilding, Bird Brush will deter Clutch size averages four to five eggs and a small percentage of them (https://www.birdproof.kiwi.nz/). Bird Brush is a dense bristle clutches are enlarged when two females share a nest. Both parents brush which comes in five sizes and slides into aluminium carriers.

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21

live @ the lounge

“It’s taken me my whole life to get here.”

Yeah gidday. Lizard here. How’s it?

Over the past few evenings Shaz has been convinced she has seen a strange glow and smelt smoke coming from the bottom of our land.

“I think someone’s down there Lizard. Why don’t you go have a peek?”

Those of you who have visited us will be aware that our paddock backs on to a public reserve. There’s a creek down the side of the place that runs into a waterhole before, I think, eventually finding its way into the Manukau. Beside the waterhole, where the kids and me still swim sometimes, is a place we have always called ‘The Thicket’.

So, last night, with a gentle suggestion from Shaz, I let Plumless Walker off the chain, and together we took a stroll down towards The Thicket.

As usual, the old dog ran off up ahead, following his nose and loudly barking at nothing in particular. I think just to hear the sound of his own manliness. He does have a good deep bark on him. I’ll give him that.

It was just on dusk as we got down there, and sure enough there was a bloke. He was bending over placing a bunch of twigs on the ground. I guessed to make a fire. He had a full black beard way below his chest and very knotted long hair. He wore a three-quarter-length coat that was so filthy it would be impossible to know what colour it had originally been. It was tied at the waist with a clothes-line string.

“Oh,” I said. “It’s you.”

“As far as I know it’s been me for quite sometime,” he replied.

We’d seen this man wandering the streets for years. The kids called him The Walking Man. Through the Village. Often along Scenic Drive.

Up past Gordon’s Nursery. Way out by Piha. All over the place. Always walking. Never hitching.

He struck a match and expertly got the fire going. He put a couple of bigger branches on the small flames and when satisfied it had taken, asked me if I’d like to join him.

I sat down on the ground and pulled a couple of bottles of my homebrew from a small backpack I’d brought along, and offered him a bottle.

“Where’s it from?” he asked.

“Right here. I grew the hops along that very hedge row,” I said pointing to an old line of macrocarpas.

“Have you eaten?” Without waiting for my reply, he pulled two tins from his coat pocket. A worrying thought crossed my mind – neither had a label. He had a tin-opener hanging from a string around his neck and with this he cracked four holes in the top of each can and then placed them on the edge of the fire.

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I asked him if he’d come far and he replied “I guess. It’s taken me my whole life to get here.”

He said he was finishing a degree at university. His thesis was on the homeless and this was part of his research. Living rough. I asked him how long he had been doing his research.

“About 18 years so far,” he said with a wink. I liked him. He had an easy way about him.

We finished a bottle each of my beer and he leaned back and reached into an old suitcase and pulled out a bottle of wine and two surprisingly clean glasses. Handing me the glasses, he opened the wine with a cheeky pop, and filled the glasses with a very suspiciously dark liquid.

“We should always drink alcohol produced by the land we’re standing on. We go to Cuba, we drink rum. We go to Mexico, we drink tequila.”

“We go to Laingholm, we smoke weed,” I interrupted and we both giggled.

“That way, we never get a hangover,” he went on. “Generations of wisdom’ve gone in to making those drinks. Generations learning how a body rubs up against the climate and the soil and the water.”

I mentioned how recently my wife Shaz and I had been astounded when we went for a road trip to Napier and saw that heaps of grape vines had been pulled out and replaced by orchards.

“They should drink cider,” Walking Man said. “That’s how the farmers and folks on the land once did it. Ginger beer. Feijoa wine.

Sake. Moonshine even, they’d make out of whatever they grew.

Whiskey in Scotland naturally. That’s why we fight if we drink too much of the stuff over here. Speaking of drinking, cheers.”

We clinked glasses and happily drank our drinks.

“What is this?” ”Blackberry nip,” he said.

When steam began to rise out from the holes in the tins, he grabbed a rag and pulled them from the fire. Once again using the can-opener from around his neck he opened them and offered me one. He pulled a couple of dodgy-looking old spoons from his inside coat pocket and we sat back and ate.

I’m not sure if it was the alcohol, the great but unusual company, maybe the fire (I‘ve always loved sitting by a small fire), but I was sure it would be the only meal I remembered when I died.

A few days and drinks later, without a word, Walking Man walked on.

Let’s keep a safe distance between us but never too far apart.

Later, Lizard.

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