ISSUE 246, APRIL 2025
community news, issues, arts, people, events
Adapting for Tomorrow: Waitākere Ranges’ Plan to Navigate Emergencies
A new plan is set to empower the Waitākere Ranges community to better prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The Waitākere Ranges Local Board Emergency Readiness and Response Plan, created with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), offers practical guidance to help residents and businesses stay safe before, during, and after an emergency.
The plan responds to lessons learned from the devastating Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which highlighted the importance of local preparedness and community support during emergency events.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland says readiness is a team effort.
“Our region has in the past experienced floods and landslides that have impacted locals. However, the severe weather events of 2023 caused damage on a scale and severity that we have not experienced for a long time, if ever. There was widespread damage to properties, utilities and roads, and our more remote communities were especially affected.
“Developing this plan has been a priority. It is a tool for Waitākere Ranges residents to feel more confident and prepared in the case of emergency, and I encourage every resident to read and make use of the plan.”
Printed copies are available in libraries and community centres and on the council website.
South Lynn crossing to be modified
A raised crossing on South Lynn Road is set to be modified to address impacts on nearby homes, following discussions between residents and Whau Local Board.
Installed in 2024, the crossing unexpectedly triggered vibrations due to unknown pre-existing seismic conditions. Nearby homes experienced the strongest effects.
The board heard from several residents at its February business meeting.
One local resident told the board that while she had been originally supportive of the project, she “hadn’t expected the impact it would have on her house and well-being”, and that when buses or heavy vehicles went over the speed bump, “her whole house shook.”
Another resident had a similar experience, saying she realised there was a problem as soon as the crossing was installed.
“Before the crossing was installed, we had no shaking, but now the whole house shakes 20-50 times a
day, seven days a week, including Christmas Day, and wakes the whole house from the first bus at 5.21am.”
Removing the crossing
After hearing the accounts of the impact on houses from residents, the board agreed to remove the raised crossing while retaining the zebra crossing, adding side islands, and installing a pram crossing.
These changes will be paid for from the existing $359,600 project budget, plus $30,000 from Auckland Transport (AT).
Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas says that the board had to ensure that residents’ concerns were acted on.
“This was installed because of our desire to keep kids safe on their way to school. None of us ever dreamed this disruption would be a result of the installation.
“However, in this instance unforeseen seismic issues after installation resulted in negative impacts to residents’ homes, prompting them to raise the issue with us.
“Once we were made aware of the issues caused by the crossing, we worked with AT to arrive at a solution that retains many of the safety features, while also removing the raised table that was causing the issue.
“While this puts the project over budget, the shortfall has been met by AT, who recommended the solution that the board has agreed on today.
“Overall, we are pleased to have been able to resolve the problem while retaining the safety features of the crossing and want to thank the residents that took the time to bring the issue to our attention.”
New Māori name in Glen Eden park links astrology and whenua
A Māori name has been gifted to the Waitākere Ranges, marked with a celebration with a local school and community to share the significance of the name.
Te Kakau, formerly known as Sunvue Park, was named by local iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki, tangata whenua of Hikurangi (West Auckland) as the sole name for the park.
Bilingual signage has been installed in the park, including one that outlines the meaning of the name and its local significance.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland is delighted with the name.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the name for Te Kakau from Te Kawerau ā Maki. We enjoy a collaborative and productive working relationship with mana whenua and take pride in working together on projects such as this.”
and Avondale
Can we really be prepared?
Change. It’s a fact of life. Whether it’s slow and predictable, like rising sea levels or changing demographics, or rapid and (relatively) unexpected like accidents or health emergencies, tsunami, volcanoes, major storms or sudden financial crises, we are surrounded by change.
We can plan and have our survival kit ready: Government and Council have information that could help. (See https://getready.govt.nz/ or https://www. aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz/.)
But the enormity of the potential environmental, geopolitical and financial changes we are facing is different.
It’s not like a passing rain shower: umbrella up, umbrella down, life goes on. It’s much more fundamental: for many of us, life will never be the same.
Going back to the way things were will not be possible. We will have to learn new ways of living and we have to realise that the things we think are really important now could suddenly be very different.
Delivered free to letter boxes, post boxes, libraries and selected outlets throughout Tītīrangi, Glen Eden, Green Bay, New Lynn, Konini, Wood Bay, French Bay, Waima, Woodlands Park, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis, Huia, Oratia, and beyond. Published by Fringe Media Ltd, PO Box 60-469, Tītīrangi, Auckland 0642
Editor: Bevis England 817 8024, 027 494 0700 bevis@fringemedia.co.nz
Advertising: info@fringemedia.co.nz
Writers and contributors: Moira Kennedy, David Thiele, Naomi McCleary, Fiona Drummond, Jade Reidy, John Goudge, Karen McCarthy, Kerry
That’s not something our survival kit will help with! But it is something we can start working on. Perhaps this new approach to living will not only help us carry on after the next major change event; it might also reduce its severity ... and it just might improve our lives today.
– Bevis England
Every issue of The Fringe (and the Tītīrangi 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.
ON OUR COVER: Autumn sunset, Piha. Photo by Bevis England.
Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club celebrates 90 years on the coast
The Karekare patrol has been on duty every summer for the last 90 years. It is the second oldest club in Auckland and on one of NZ most beautiful but dangerous beaches.
The club is proud of its record and celebrated in style on the lawn of historic Winchelsea House with generations of lifeguards, their families, supporters and friends all dressed in the vintage era of 1935 to honour the club's great history.
The huge birthday cake had the historic photograph of the original founding members with the Governor General of NZ in 1935, Lord Galway, a regular visitor to Karekare in the vice-regal Bentley.
The surf club had a great bunch of young rookies training for their lifeguard award this summer. It also hosted Junior Surf every second weekend over the summer months. The young ones and their families enjoy the fresh air, wild surf and family time together every second Sunday morning.
For further details contact the club administrator at secretary@karekaresurfclub.org.nz.
Avondale College celebrates 80th Jubilee
2025 marks 80 years since Avondale College – originally named Avondale Technical High School – opened its doors.
The College will be marking the milestone with a number of different celebratory events throughout the year, including a Jubilee Weekend on May 2-4. Former students, staff and board members are invited to come back to Avondale College to reconnect with friends, reminisce and celebrate the many significant events across the College's 80 years.
In addition to a mix-and-mingle gathering, Gala Dinner, school tours and other events, the Jubilee Weekend will also include a fun family festival for the whole community, past and present. This will be held on Sunday May 3 on the Avondale College sports fields, with food trucks, performances and more.
For more information, visit the Avondale College website: www.avcol.school.nz
Letter
Dear Editor,
Walk Tramp Run advocates for the restoration of access to the Waitākere Ranges tramping tracks. We believe Auckland Council can reopen the closed tracks safely with only minor upgrades to protect kauri roots and improve drainage.
In 2017, kauri dieback was reported to have doubled in five years from 8 to 19%, leading to the closure of the Ranges. Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) was allegedly the cause of the disease. The media inaccurately reported “70% of sick kauri are within 50 metres of a walking track.” The correct statement is that 70% of kauri dieback zones were within 50 metres of a walking track. Auckland Council confirmed this was not evidence that areas near tracks were more diseased.
A 2022 report commissioned by Council found that proximity to tracks did not show a credible correlation with sick kauri or PA. Additionally, only 23% of symptomatic kauri had PA present. Thus it isn’t the emergency thought in 2017, with no clear evidence of symptomatic kauri or PA being closer to tracks or that track users are responsible for spreading the disease.
The current requirement to upgrade tracks to a dry foot standard comes from an agreement between Te Kawerau ā Maki and Auckland Council made in 2018 without consultation. Many tracks upgraded with boardwalks before 2018 to protect kauri roots lay abandoned for not meeting this unnecessary standard.
Over-engineered tracks diminish the wilderness experience, introducing weeds and huge costs. Whereas hiking on natural, varied terrain offers educational opportunities, better fitness and personal achievement, accessibility to those with joint damage, and wellbeing benefits.
As Sir David Attenborough said, “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
Emily Anderson, Walk, Tramp, Run.
Photo byTed Scott
Things with wings: EcoFest in West Auckland
EcoFest has grown over the last decade to become a regional celebration of the environment and community. It was started by EcoMatters in New Lynn.
The festival has over 300 events this year, all showing how small steps can help create a more sustainable world for all living things. Many of the events involve ‘things with wings’.
April 5 sees perma-chook expert Oliver Liddell drawing on permaculture principles at EcoMatters’ New Lynn garden, to help you understand how garden ecosystems can meet the lifestyle needs of chickens.
On April 6, BirdCare Aotearoa in Green Bay offers a workshop that helps people look after sick, injured or orphaned birds – and it’s not what you might think!
On April 11, there’s the Butterflies in Blockhouse Bay treasure hunt. Keep your eyes peeled around the Blockhouse Bay shops for beautiful butterflies that can help tamariki win prizes at the next special Earth Day event, held on April 22 at the Blockhouse Bay Recreational Reserve Butterfly Habitat.
April 16 has two events focussing on bats. Arataki Visitor Centre and Community Waitākere are collaborating with a range of Waitākere conservation groups to bring you Bat Night at Te Piringa. You’ll engage in a range of batthemed activities: use bat detectors to locate bats, identify
invertebrates from the nearby stream, learn about bats, look for native creatures of the night, and much more!
If night time, outdoor excursions are not for you or the whānau, West Auckland-based ReCreators are hosting an upcycling event where you can sew a little bat of your very own, learning creativity and sewing skills as well as inspiring a love for conservation and sustainability.
Visit https://ecofest.org.nz/for details and other events.
561 Blockhouse Bay Road
Blockhouse Bay Village (opposite the Library) Tues – Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm Closed Sun and Mon Ph 09 626 5633
A positive vision for the future of Auckland
Kia ora.
I’m Kerrin Leoni, the elected Auckland Council member for Whau Ward, and now stepping up to stand as the next Mayor of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
I'm standing for the Mayoralty because I’ve been called by my community. My iwi, Ngāti Paoa, and Aucklanders from every walk of life have told me they want change.
They want a positive vision and real action, not fear and constant cuts to our services; and they see a younger woman with the expertise and values to bring fresh ideas to Auckland Council and our Super City.
Vision and values
So what are my values? I value building a better Auckland and a truly liveable city for Aucklanders, whether we are in city apartments or the rural reaches. I value the genuinely responsible use of ratepayers’ money – not turning a blind eye to shady deals, or funnelling our hardearned public assets into private hands. I believe in building quality infrastructure for the long term, and prioritising safety and sustainability in our environment.
For the past five years, I’ve been on both the Whau Local Board and the main Auckland Council, so I have all the essential knowledge and skills to lead from Day 1. I have a Master’s degree in economics from King’s College
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London, ran my own business in the UK and also launched a property investment business here in New Zealand.
In policy, I’m dedicated to providing affordable housing, building smarter infrastructure and supporting stronger communities with the services we need to thrive. I will promote open governance and encourage far more active public input in key city decisions.
Setting the stage for change
I’m focused on getting out across the city and giving Aucklanders a real alternative to the incumbent – the first woman as Mayor of the Super City, and the first Māori woman as Mayor for Auckland overall. It’s important that we have a strong and credible progressive choice; looking around the world, we see that voting for the big money interests leads down a dangerous path.
Perhaps most importantly, I am a lifelong Aucklander who wants to see a refreshed style of leadership for this beautiful place we call home. Leadership that will encourage entrepreneurs and skilled young people to stay in Auckland and raise their families here. Leadership that unites Aucklanders and makes them feel proud and connected to their communities.
I’m happy to meet with anyone and everyone, to talk about our city's future and what we want to achieve. For more info or to make contact, please visit www.kerrinleoniformayor.com.
Nga mihi nui, Kerrin Leoni
Authorised by Greg Presland 512 South Tītīrangi
Are your Drains rain-ready?
I don’t know if I’m the only one, but hearing those words: “Summer’s officially over”, makes me a little blue, I know for many, Autumn is their favourite season and if you can Ski you’ll be looking forward to winter, a mere 10 weeks away.
Keeping it local, and supporting our advertisers.
We’ve had a dry summer: trees aren’t fussy if it’s clean storm water or dirty sewer, the reality is their roots are searching for water in broken, crushed, cracked, and misaligned drainage lines causing storm water and sanitary sewers to block and often burst. We’re seeing a lot of damaged lines due to tree roots this year and often these costly repairs could be avoided by booking an annual drain maintenance programme with Drain Ranger.
Drain Ranger can clean your drains using their purpose built Hydro Jett unit and, being certifying drain layers, they have the skills to detect faults early with their state of the art CCTV. With Drain Ranger you can see what’s lurking in your drains.
Invest now, mitigate flooding and protect your property by calling Drain Ranger on 021 709 783 to get your drains maintained and rain-ready.
An exploration of freedom and control
The next production from Playhouse Theatre Inc. is the acclaimed play One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Based on Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest takes place in a mental institution in the 1950s, where the central character, Randle P. McMurphy, has been sent after faking insanity to avoid serving prison time. Upon his arrival, he meets Nurse Ratched, the cold and authoritarian figure who runs the ward with an iron fist.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest explores the psychological and emotional challenges faced by those incarcerated within the institution, as well as the larger theme of individual freedom versus institutional control. The exploration of human spirit, individuality, and resistance against oppression makes the story as relevant today as ever before.
Randle P. McMurphy, is played by Michael Hallows while Melissa Hyde plays Nurse Ratched. Chief Bromden, the narrator of the story, is played by John Bower.
Directed by Paul Roukchan, who previously brought successful productions of M.A.S.H and the award winning 12 Angry Jurors to the Playhouse Theatre, this adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest remains true to the original text while offering a fresh, modern interpretation.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will run from April 12 –26 at Glen Eden’s Playhouse Theatre. Tickets are available at Eventfinda or playhousetheatreinc.com.
WIN
This is a production that you won’t want to miss and The Fringe has two double passes available for opening night (April 12). To be in the draw to win, email your name, address and phone number to info@ fringemedia.co.nz with Cuckoo in the subject line. Entries must be received by close of business on April 7.
Content Advisory: This play is recommended as R16 and contains adult material, including topics of violence, sex and suicide. The depiction of brutal mental health treatment is historical and not a reflection of today’s methodology.
LYNFIELD’S BEST KEPT SECRET
Murray Halberg Village is nestled on the edge of Mt Roskill, between Hillsborough and Blockhouse Bay with stunning views out to lush bush and the Manukau Harbour.
We have two and three bedroom apartments available now.
All offer spacious open plan living, with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms and your own private patio or balcony.
Join a thriving community with a village centre that includes a heated indoor pool and spa, gym, hair salon, movie theatre and cafe. The onsite care centre offers rest home, hospital and specialist dementia care.
Don’t miss out, call Lucy or Rochelle on 627 2727 for more details
Commodore Drive, Lynfield
Places to go – Things to do
Out and About 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 if possible, especially over the festive and holiday season
Exhibitions
w – 5, Hellenic, glass works by Sofia Athineou exploring the essence of Hellenic identity, weaving together histories, mythology, and lived experiences; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.
w – 5, Big sea, Small waves, an exhibition by Guy Howard-Smith building on, and celebrating, Anglo-Indian traditions, touching on ideas of nationhood and belonging; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.
w 20, Aspire, a member’s group exhibition; Upstairs Art Gallery, First floor, Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 4278
w – 20, TOUCHSTONES – paintings by Andy Leleisi’uao, Marcus Hipa, David Murray, Carlos Vano, and Sefton Rani; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Mon/Thu/Fri 10-3pm, Sat/Sun 10-5pm. Phone 09 812 8029 www. westcoast.co.nz
w – 20, Soft Spot, works by Claudia Kogachi, Ming Ranginui and Erica van Zon; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.
w – May 25, Photosynthesisers: Women and the lens, an exhibition of photographs and videos by 41 women artists and collectives from Aotearoa and Australia; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.
w – May 25, Oil and Water, paintings by Jelena Telecki; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.
w – June 22, Kokonga Ngākau, fabric works and quilts by Maungarongo Te Kawa (Ngāti Porou); Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.
w – July 27, Life in forms, works by Pauline Yearbuiry (Ngaphui); Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.
w 1, Climate Change and Alternative Economics, Ruth Irwin explores what drives economic growth and opens discussion about what a relaxed economy of ‘enoughness’ might look like; Tītīrangi Library, 500 South Titirangi Road; 11am–12:30pm. Phone 817 0011.
w 4, Fall Prevention Workshop; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 10:30-11:30am. Phone 377 0209.
w 4, West Lynn Garden Club. Learn new skills, meet new people, monthly speakers, day-trips; West Lynn Gardens, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn; 9:3011:30am. Contact lynne.hunter@xtra.co.nz, 0210 245 5120.
w 5, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.
w 9, Flicks presents Gone with the wind (PG), classic movie night introduced by Sir Bob Harvey; $20 including refreshments (Senior/Student $15); Text 0210 222 5558 for bookings.
w 12, Tītīrangi Poets with a guest poet and readings by members; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 2-4pm. Phone Ron Riddell 021 181 6698.
w 12, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Sean Kelly & The Super 8s floorsingers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $15, members $10, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.
w 19, New Lynn Lions Club $1 Book Sale: Books and more; New Lynn Friendship Club Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn (down the driveway by the traffic lights); 8am-4pm. Contact Mary Hibberd on 027 487 0639.
w 16, Flicks presents a music film night; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 7.30pm. See www.flickscinema.weebly.com for details.
w 17, Waitākere Forest and Bird presents Technecology: Being ‘bad with technology’ to understand our natural world, a talk by Rebecca Rogers – lecturer, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology; Ranui Community Centre 474 Swanson Rd, Ranui; 7:30pm; koha appreciated. Phone Liz 027 476 2732 or email lizanstey@hotmail.com
w 18, Flicks presents Conclave (M), following one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events: selecting the new Pope. Starring Ralph Fiennes; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 10.30am, 5.30pm and 8.15pm; $16 and $12; Test 0210 222 5558 for bookings.
w 22, Tītīrangi U3A – informal learning for people 50-years plus, guest speakers, study groups; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm. Contact Irene Pearcey ipearceyu3a@gmail.com. www.u3a.nz.
w 25, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal gathering of musicians and listeners; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, Tītīrangi Beach Road; 7:30pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.
w 25, Flicks presents a special ANZAC Day screening of Bonnhoeffer –Pastor-Spy-Assassin (M). As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is swept into the epicenter of a deadly plot to assassinate Hitler; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 2pm and 7.30pm; Free.
w 26, New Lynn Repair Cafe organised and run by DEANZ. Bring your broken items and work with skilled volunteers to fix them; New Lynn Community Centre, Tōtara Avenue, New Lynn; 11am-2pm; Koha. Phone Surbhi Gupta 022 507 0905.
w 26, Western Line featuring multi-award-winning saxophonist Ben Ridsdale with, Francis Gallichan-Stewart on piano, Claude Wedde on double bass and Ruhan Ediweera-Wjesuriya on drums.;Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; Doors/bar open from 7-15pm music starts 8pm; Tickets $20 (Senior/student $15) from eventfinda.co.nz and on door if not sold out. Text 0210 222 5558 for bookings.
w 27, Tītīrangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall; 10am-2pm. Contact tvm.manager@gmail.com or phone 022 631 9436.
Places to go – Things to do
At the libraries ...
School Holidays at Tītīrangi Library
Hands-on craft session, April 14, 2-3pm. Make your own bead lizards! Suitable age 8+.
World Art Day, April 15, 10-11am. Make your own paper totem poles inspired by First Nations art. Suitable age 5+.
Magic Jack book launch and Storytime, April 16, 10-11am. The true-ish story of the Easter Bunny. Meet and chat with the author Kirsty Roby and illustrator Tania Pauling.
Teen painting workshop, April 17, 2-3.30pm. Explore your creativity in a relaxed environment! Suitable age 13+, contact the library to book. Walk among the forest giants, April 22, drop-in between 10am-1pm. Join the team from the Arataki Visitors Centre for a fun Virtual Reality experience. Suitable for the whole family.
ANZAC remembrance craft, April 24, 10-11am. Decorate a recycled jar with tissue paper poppies and doves to make a lantern. Suitable age 5+
Phone 817 0011
w May 3, West Lynn Garden Club. Learn new skills, meet new people, monthly speakers, day-trips; West Lynn Gardens, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn; 9:30-11:30am. Contact lynne.hunter@xtra.co.nz, 0210 245 5120.
w May 4, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.
There is so much happening in and around our community, including many regular events, that we can’t fit everything into these listings. If you can’t see the event you’re interested in, visit: www.fringemedia.co.nz/ourplace
School Holidays at Glen Eden
Library
First Nations Paper Totem Pole Craft, April 12, 10am-12pm. Suitable for ages 5+.
World Memory Circle Book, April 16, 2-4pm. Get inspired by traditional scrapbooking, and make a special memory book. Bring your travel photos (on USB drive), stamps, tickets to use for the session. Suitable for ages 10+.
Easter Themed String and Nail Art with the ReCreators, April 17, 2-4pm. Paint, hammer, and weave yarn to create beautiful Easter-themed designs. Suitable for ages 5+, contact the library to register.
Science with Physics Pathfinders, April 22, 2-3pm. Fun science experiments. Suitable for ages 7 – 12, contact the library to register.
Landscape Painting with Rachel, April 23, 2-4pm. Suitable for ages 12-16, contact the library to register.
Family Movie Afternoon, April 26, 2-4pm. All are welcome.
Phone 377 0209
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE INC. PRESENTS THE SEASON OF
GLEN EDEN PLAYHOUSE THEATRE
12th - 26th April 2025
Book at Eventfinda
3069 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600
Phone: 09 826 2170
paulo.garcia@parliament.govt.nz
Art & About with Naomi McCLeary
Weasel Words
Politicians do it on a daily basis. I’ll resist the urge to use local examples, possibly dangerous territory, and quote Ronald Reagan – when he, and others since, referred to Europe as a ‘theatre of war’! So, WW11; a staging; a performance; even an entertainment? No blood and guts, death, despair and destruction. Weasel words deflect, obscure, protect us from realities.
Recently, I was sad to hear that Wellington’s wonderful Verb Writers and Readers Festival was ‘taking a pause’; as did Going West’s Books and Writers’ Festival some few years ago. What ‘taking a pause’ really means is: ‘the money has run out, there’s no likelihood of more to come and we’re weary of the struggle’. In this current climate of restraint (is that another weasel?) many more wonderful and worthy groups of creative souls will hit the wall.
But, ‘taking a pause’ has its upsides. Initially there’s pain and a sense of despair; then a time of reflection; then some deep diving into what can be retrieved, what worked and what’s worth salvaging. This is the process the Going West Trust* has been through since, first Covid, then the funding environment, took the much loved annual festival off the local calendar. It takes time to work it all out, to honestly face realities and to reinvent something that honours the past but looks to provide a programme that nurtures us all in this most challenging of times.
Our realities: The Auckland Writers Festival completely occupies the big bang, international literary performance arena. And they do it so well; including honouring our Aotearoa writers and hosting the Ockham Awards.
Our assets: A team who share a deep commitment to our writers and their writing and a lease of Maurice Shadbolt’s house in Arapito Road. It’s a slow burn, but we are closing
in on sufficient funding to complete the hideously expensive foundation works. (Thank you Lotteries Heritage and TTCF.) Although a writers’ residency programme may be a way off yet, we have a venue in which we can create ‘small but perfectly formed’ events on a regular basis.
We want to create a rhythm, a regularity; of workshops, seminars, winter salons; a calendar of word-based gatherings; a pick and choose bag of delights. The plan is currently a work in progress, but we know there will be workshops in creative non-fiction and ‘flash-fiction’. As each gig is confirmed, it will go up on the Going West website and out on social media.
Keep watching as we build a pattern of events.
To start the year we return to a favourite; Poetry at Piha, on Sunday April 6. It goes like this: A poetry writing exploration with renowned writer Anne Kennedy, starting at 11am, in the glade, North Piha. Bring a picnic lunch. Then, beach tagging or, more delicately, sand scribing. Beach Tagger David Hilliam will create a beautifully scribed ‘vessel’ for you to download your words to the ‘listening sand’, a chance for you to use the craft of poetry to shape and share your deep thoughts – to ‘tell the sand’ a memory, a secret, a hope; your joy and maybe your sadness. And, at the end of the day, the sea will wash your words away. Unlike social media, it’s truly gone forever, but you may be shaped by the experience.
Free to attend and participate. Families welcome. You can also join the sand scribing from around 1.30pm. Register by email to diane@goingwestfest.co.nz or text 027 472 1346
View the 2023 video What I’d Ask the Sand commissioned by Going West at https://vimeo.com/863013646.
Our thanks to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, who really ‘get us’.
Trusts and trustees tend to be invisible, despite the hard work and time given freely. Meet the current Going West Trustees and the New Zealand books they’ve recently, or long-time, loved.
The eponymous writer: Aging chair of the trust. Founder, with Murray Gray, of the Going West Books and Writers Festival. Seen it all.
My book: Chthonic Cycle by Una Cruickshank. The. Most. Fascinating. Book. Ever! Took me head-first down wonderful rabbit holes, delving, diving into the worlds of ammonites, corals, pearls and on and on. Unbelievable research (one blessing of the Covid lockdowns) feeding into a rich contemplation of what it means to be human. I went straight back to the beginning to read again! And she’s an Ockham finalist.
The listening sand. Photo by P Adam Jones.
Art & About with Naomi McCLeary
Nicola Strawbridge: Long-time trustee, privileged to have been part of the team creating the festival over the years. Currently working with community groups to empower Aucklanders to reduce our impact on Papatūānuku.
Her book: Hine Toa – A story of bravery by Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku. The memoir of a trail blazer in women’s, queer and Māori liberation. ‘I fell in love with the feisty characters coming of age in Ngāhuia’s early fiction collection when I was coming up myself and I’ve been inspired by her life and work ever since.’
Mark Easterbrook: Pākehā. One of the few humans large enough to be seen from space. Writer and thinker. Day job?
An independent creative director and copywriter.
His book: ‘I’m looking forward to Dominic Hoey’s new novel, 1985. It’s his third and I loved the first two – raw, both funny and poignant, and grounded in a street-level view of Auckland and Aotearoa.’
Jan Coates: Retired, but you’d never guess. A traveller. Many moons ago, a senior DOC manager. Now a rock for the trust’s formal and legal obligations.
Her book: Ngā Uruora/ the Groves of Life by Geoff Park. Ecology and History in a New Zealand Landscape. Focuses on the NewZealand coastal plains; ‘Flatlands where the imperatives of colonial settlements transformed the original forests and swamps with ruthless efficiency’.
Tracey Sharp: Writer; activist; fierce waka ama woman; dog lover.
Her book: ‘My favourite New Zealand book of the past few years is Catherine Chidgey's The Axeman's Carnival The excellent writing, the compelling premise, and the astonishing ease with which Chidgey immerses us in the mind of a magpie narrator make it unforgettable. It's the kind of book I dearly wish I'd written myself.’
Diane Blomfield: First and foremost a sailor; a lifetime of involvement in the arts of all stripes; a splendid project and events manager.
Her book: ‘My current fav is Una Platts’ The Lively Capital Auckland 1840-1865. Dipping into Una’s writing is a deeply personal journey to the sources of braided art historical stories.’
Tam Alexander: Staunch defender of ‘not-for-profit’ organisations and a governance expert. He keeps the books straight and the trust firmly grounded.
His book: ‘I’ve been dipping into The New Zealand Wars Trilogy by Maurice Shadbolt. It seemed an appropriate place to start, to understand more of the history of the country I have made my home.’
That’s a little glimpse of the Going West Trust. Just to think, that all over our country there are hundreds, nay thousands, of small trusts who keep some aspect of our culture alive. It’s crazy, but thank goodness.
*The writer is the current chair of the Going West Trust
Stop Press!
Kids Arts Festival is racing upon us! April 6 from 10am to 3pm at Corban Estate Arts Centre! It’s all about colour! Extra to all the activities for kids the festival has scored Rainbow Machine – a spectacular fusion of science, art, design, and engineering that draws in kids of all ages.
Turn the wheels and watch as Rainbow Machine transforms sunlight into dazzling arcs of colour. This bright yellow invention is more than just fun – it’s an interactive, hands-on experience that invites exploration, imagination and play. Along with the entire festival, it’s completely free!
Created by Shahriar Asdollah-Zadeh, Patrick Loo, and Sarosh Mulla, Rainbow Machine is a mobile artwork and part of the Auckland Council Public Art Collection.
Fairer funding for local boards
Council is currently finalising fairer funding for local boards.
The previous formula meant that facility-rich local boards received considerably more financial support than other local boards. The new formula calculates funding on the basis of population (80 per cent), deprivation (15 per cent) and land area (5 per cent).
For Waitākere Ranges, given our large land area, this will result in a welcome increase to our funding. For some time we have seen our funding frozen or going backward. This has meant that we have had to “sweat” local organisations and hold their funding. In recent inflationary times this has represented an effective cut to organisations who perform really important work.
Fairer funding will allow us to address this. It will also allow us to grapple with the many issues facing our area, including the number of properties being bought under Council’s purchase of category 3 properties, a number of which need remediation.
There have been some hiccups in the scheme. Cost pressures relating to electricity, gas and some full facility and environmental contracts have emerged. My view is that cost increases are legitimately dealt with by way of a rates increase. I am sure people will agree that if the power bill goes up then the appropriate way to deal with it is through a rates increase. Decisions will depend on Council’s budget being finalised. Hopefully the local board will be able to give a clearer steer on future activity shortly.
Greg Presland, Chair, Waitākere Ranges Local Board
Volunteering thriving in West Auckland. Or is it?
Attending EcoMatters’ biennial Love Your Place Awards event is always a heartening experience, catching up with like-minded people with a passion for conservation, writes FIONA DRUMMOND.
That a majority of the people present are known to me shows that most have been volunteering a long time. But it also indicates that there aren’t enough new volunteers in the conservation sector. If you asked any one of the 30 groups listed on the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance website, they would all tell you they are short of volunteers, and particularly young volunteers.
Green Bay High School (where I work) is actively promoting volunteering as a way for students to get work experience and community involvement for their CVs. Youth with volunteering experience are steps ahead of those without in today’s employment environment. Students volunteer as coaches, lifeguards, fire fighters, in search and rescue, in rest homes, for church, at tree plantings and more. Many are also involved in the Student Volunteer Army, which originated in Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake. Through SVA, students log their hours for volunteer work, and are able to print out a record of their volunteering at any time.
With baby boomers now entering retirement, more over65s are also participating in volunteer work, a perfect way to keep your hands or mind active in an area you have always been interested in, but never had the time for. Volunteer groups are happy to train you regardless of your level of knowledge.
I can attest to the skills and friendships gained through volunteering, as well as the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in your community.
There is a huge need for conservation volunteers in West Auckland but there are also hundreds of community groups who need board and committee members with governance, secretarial, financial and fundraising skills. Event volunteers are always sought after too. The Volunteering Auckland website (https://volunteeringauckland.org.nz/individuals/ opportunities) always has opportunities listed, and there also volunteer roles on https://jobs.dogoodjobs.co.nz/jobs/ West Auckland volunteering opportunities include:
• https://pfwra.org.nz/find-your-people/
• https://www.facebook.com/theroundaboutnews –help compile the monthly Roundabout in Laingholm
• West Auckland Historical Society: email info@ westaucklandhistory.org.nz
• https://kaurirescue.org.nz/support-us/#volunteer
• https://ceac.org.nz/about/support (Corbans Estate Arts Centre volunteering)
• https://visionwest.org.nz/get-involved/volunteers/: https://www.ecomatters.org.nz/volunteer/
• https://birdcareaotearoa.org.nz/get-involved/
• https://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/patients-
visitors/volunteers/volunteer-opportunities/
• https://www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/project/tagging/
• The charity stores of the Salvation Army, West Auckland Hospice, SPCA and Habitat for Humanity
2024 Love Your Place Award Winners
The Denise Yates Award, for youth (18 years and under) showing leadership around environmental issues, was won by Eloise Dwyer. At just 13 years old, Eloise is a volunteer at Matuku Link. Her passion led to her becoming the first “Junior Volunteer” for the school holiday programmes, inspiring younger children to explore nature. Fred Cannon, 15, was highly commended for his dedication to pest control and environmental conservation with Karekare Landcare.
The Karaka Award, for a school or school group taking action on a local environmental issue, was won by Green Bay High School’s Green Impact Group. The group has helped divert around 2,000kg of green waste from going to landfill. It has also implemented a waste separation programme on campus, promoting proper disposal of waste, recyclables, plastics, and rubbish. Shining Starz was highly commended for its work embracing kaitiaki (guardianship) practices to care for its community and environment.
The Nīkau Award, for a business or social enterprise making a contribution to improve the environment, was won by the Arataki Visitor Centre, a key tourism and education hub. BirdCare Aotearoa was highly commended for its work providing clinical care and rehabilitation for wild birds
The Rātā Award, for a volunteer group or organisation taking action on a local environmental issue, was won by Restoration Ruatuna, a volunteer group restoring native habitats in Laingholm. Cornwallis’ Petrelheads were highly commended for its work reducing pests and helping native birdlife, including rare grey-faced petrels, flourish. Friends of Whatipū was highly commended for its work as kaitiaki for the remote Whatipū area.
The Kahikatea Award, for an outstanding individual volunteer taking action on a local environmental issue, was won by Megan Fitter, the secretary of the Waima to Laingholm Pest Free Group for six years. Megan has organised key community events, and been involved in multiple initiatives, including the Little Muddy Creek Estuary Rehabilitation Project, Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance, and Huia Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project. Peter King was highly commended for his 20 years of pest control and ecological monitoring in Karekare, including the La Trobe Mainland Island project.
Watch out for fake fifties
Since last year counterfeit $50 notes have been making their way into West Auckland businesses, and people are being warned to be on the lookout.
A local resident who requested anonymity says fake notes have passed through shops in Lynfield, New Lynn, Tītīrangi, and Green Bay, with at least three being used at his local dairy.
“I know a lot of businesses around West Auckland have received them.”
Srivi Nay, of The Mill Bakehouse in Tītīrangi, said culprits waited until the bakery's busy period before using a counterfeit, and it was not until the end of the day that staff realise what has happened. Srivi taped the one he got to his front counter (above) to deter repeat offenders and alert the community to the problem.
While fakes can be difficult to detect, there are signs to look for. Srivi said that the material used in his note was like legitimate ones. However, his copy seemed to lack details normal $50 notes have that made it easier to spot. Genuine notes have an outline of a kōkako (a native bird of New Zealand), a map of the country, and a silver fern on them, while on a counterfeit some or all these features are either altered or missing.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand recommends using the look, feel and tilt technique to see if any suspect notes are genuine. First look at the note. It should have all the features mentioned earlier, as well as a unique serial number. Next feel the material it is made from. New Zealand notes use a plastic polymer, which has a distinctive plasticky feel to it. Lastly check the shiny bird on the bottom left-hand corner on the front. A coloured bar should roll up and down the bird as you tilt it up to the light.
Ian Woolford, director of money and cash at the bank, says it works closely with banks and retailers to raise awareness
and educate people about genuine banknotes and how to spot fakes.
“It’s part of our role as kaitiaki or steward of the cash system and an important part of maintaining trust and confidence in our banknotes.
“Counterfeiting is a crime and we work with the New Zealand Police to monitor counterfeiting and enforce the law. If you believe someone is trying to pass you a counterfeit note, notify the Police,” he says.
“If you find you’ve already received a counterfeit note, put it in an envelope to avoid handling it further and take it to the Police.” Possession or using forged bank notes can be punishable for up to seven years in prison, and 10 for purposely using one.
For more information on spotting fake banknotes, or if you think you have received one, visit the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s website: https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-andcash/banknotes-and-coins/how-to-spot-a-fake-banknoteor-coin.
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“My black Lab ate an entire raw chicken.”
Yeah gidday, Lizard here.
Wow, what a summer. Last month was just the best. I even went swimming! The water temp was bang on and now we have autumn to look forward to. All those colours and dappled sunlight through the bush. Yum. Groovy times ahead man.
Mopey Jesus and my good self have been hanging out with our dogs, Whoosagoodboy and Plumless Walker. Most days we pile into Whitevan, who is always up for a potter around the Waitaks, and head to one of the dog parks or beaches. I’m talking about the off-leash places, not the nip around the block so pooch doesn’t lay a smelly landmine on the front lawn. These areas for dogs to mess about are all over the West and are just brilliant!
Plumless is a shrewd old dog and once he’s sniffed, identified and personally signed everything from a tree to a park bench leg he’s off to the far end of wherever, knowing if he takes a dump too quickly he’ll be back in Whitevan and heading home, so he takes his time, or hides doing his business. He can be sound asleep in the back of Whitevan but as we pass Tangiwai Reserve he’s up and looking out the window.
Both me and Mopey’s dogs are very sociable. Sure, they have their favourite mates, Plumless likes this hairy little terrier called Dugg and Whoosagoodboy hangs with a Schnauzer/Pointer/Retriever type dog when it’s around. Neither of our dogs like to fetch tennis balls or sticks but for those dogs who have this fascination, there are always heaps of quality sticks dotted about the place.
Other people prefer to train their pooches. This usually goes like this. “Here boy. Here. Good boy. Come! Here!! In the bloody car! HERE!!! Do as you’re told. What have you rolled in? Jesus wept. Get in the back. I told you to behave. Bye Lizard. See ya Mopey Jesus.”
Because dogs, by in large, have no worries hanging out
as soon as they spot each other, I often have to walk up to Plumless while he’s tail sniffing with a new dog to put on his lead. This is how many brief conversations begin. It’s hard to be stuck-up when you're both holding a plastic bag of warm dog turds.
I’ve said “Gidday, nice dog” and ended up hearing about their messy divorce. I’ve learned heaps on planting wildflowers. Ducks. Tooth decay and their outrageous costs.
The other day I got a brilliant recipe for smoked fish pie and whether prostate surgery puts an end to certain adult fun activities. Apparently not necessarily.
I’ve seen bunches of women ... (Is it a bunch? A girls gathering? A collection of chicks?) ... I’ve seen ladies chatting away while their dogs run about and I’m pretty sure they were strangers to each other.
Old people talk to young people. Fat people wave to fit running dog people, usually with a Dalmatian or some kind of Kelpie as a rule. Jogging along the pipeline.
Mopey Jesus said the other day, “You know Lizard? I’ve been thinking that it would be very hard to commit suicide if you had a dog in your life.”
He gets a bit dark does our Mopey but I reckon he has a valid point.
I now say “Gidday” to people sitting outside cafés. Dog people generally sit at the outside tables even if they don’t have their dogs with them. I think they feel comforted by being near those water bowls cafés put out for dogs nowadays. It’s generally just a nod more than a full on chat. Maybe a quick “You’ll never guess what Plumless dragged into the house last night?” That sort of thing.
Not many city folk have outside kennels for their dogs anymore. Most of us have them living inside with us. They become part of the family. People actually think you can talk to them. Mopey said, “Maybe this feeling of family by extended association at an off-leash park creates these relaxed interactions because we feel we are part of a large dog owners family?”
“Perhaps bruv?” I thought. Perhaps.
I find people with dogs will, often uninvited, describe situations about their best little doggy friend. “Sorry about Poodles. You must have a sandwich? She loves a sandwich. Once my black Lab ate an entire raw chicken and fell asleep in a church. He was locked in overnight. They never used to lock churches. Funny times? Anyhoo. Mustn’t hold you up.” All the while, holding the hand of a child that doesn’t get a mention!
They say patting a dog lowers our blood pressure and releases stress. Me and Mopey tend to agree.
So, have a beaut week. Pat a dog, or better yet, get yourself one.
Later, Lizard.
P.S.: Plumless said, ”Whatever” and wagged his tail.
Local Kate Mora has been painting for 12 years. Some of her work will be on display in The Crafty Baker during the month of April.
818 4683 sales@watkinsplumbing.co.nz www.watkinsplumbing.co.nz
