ISSUE 260, JULY 2026 community news, issues, arts, people, events
community news, issues, arts, people, events
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*Bupa’s standard application terms and conditions apply. The offer is available to all new prospective residents entering an application for an ORA at Bupa’s Glenburn or Sunset Retirement Villages between 16 May – 16 September 2026. Full settlement of the ORA must occur on or before 30 September 2026. For full terms and conditions visit bupa.co.nz/promotions ^Price is for a licence to occupy under an Occupation Right Agreement.
Delivered free to letter boxes, libraries and selected outlets throughout Tītīrangi, Glen Eden, Kelston, 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, Azzurra Snelgrove-Douch, Anna Crichton.
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.
Auckland Transport has recognised that it needs to remove or replace all the level crossings on the Western train line if the CRL (that we are all having to help pay for) is to deliver its full benefits. This could take time ...
You can see more of her
and projects at www.annacrichton.com.
Anna Crichton, a long time resident of Tītīrangi, is a multi-award winning cartoonist, illustrator
ceramicist. She has drawn for The New York Times, The Wall St Journal, The Australian, Time Magazine, The NZ Herald and many more.
Anna's View
Advocacy is top of agenda for Tītīrangi Business Association
The Tītīrangi Business Association – which despite the name is about community as much as business –is providing a collective voice for the interests of Tītīrangi Village.
The association is 100% volunteer run and its members are contributing their time and energy to a range of projects to benefit the Village.
This includes staying in close contact with Watercare as it confirms its preferred route options for the Huia Raw Watermain and other projects. The association has raised its concerns about the cumulative impact on local businesses, possible road damage from heavy vehicles, traffic management and school safety at peak times.
The association is also keeping a watchful eye on safety and security and has connected with NZ Police, including the new community constable.
As well as free networking events at local venues, the association is working towards the Twilight in the Village celebration, led by Lopdell Precinct and featuring Tītīrangi's Christmas lights.
The association is reaching out to larger businesses and property owners in the village to ask for financial support to get more done. To find out more, find Tītīrangi Village on Instagam or Facebook or go to titirangivillage.nz.
Local pilot flying high with novel
Was it really an accident? A routine international flight descends into catastrophe. With the captain gone, co-pilot Jay Walker seizes the controls – wrestling a failing jet to a harrowing crash landing that claims scores of lives.
The investigators must consider grim possibilities: pilot error, concealed aircraft flaws, or even sabotage. As blackbox revelations surface, a powerful conspiracy mobilises to bury the truth – whatever the cost.
This space is being seen by up to 40,000 local residents. It could be yours for as little as $240 + GST, or 0.6 cents per reader.
Email info@fringemedia.co.nz to find out more.
(For all our rates, download our media kit from http://www.fringemedia.co.nz/Rates.html.)
From "Sitting on Gifts" to Professional Grit
Raised in a musical Tongan family in West Auckland, Manuekaho-Theodora (Manu) Moala spent years "sitting on her gifts" while working as a bar duty manager. Though deeply talented, she lacked a clear roadmap to turn her passion for Soul and R&B into a career. That all changed when she connected with Crescendo, based at Te Puna Creative Hub on Henderson Valley Road.
Under the mentorship of Nesian Mystik's David Atai, Manu learned to pair her raw talent with strategic planning, high professional standards and the business acumen needed to survive as an independent artist. Her growth didn't stop at graduation. She transitioned from volunteering to mentoring other rangatahi and now serves on staff as an event manager for Crescendo, supporting the next generation of performers. She is actively planning her debut EP.
Crescendo’s unique social enterprise model funds lifechanging youth pathways through its commercial studio. Whether you want to realise your own creative potential or need premium industry services, Crescendo offers a pathway for everyone. Crescendo provides:
• Free youth group mentoring: Holistic music and content creation and wellbeing programmes for young people facing disconnection or mental health challenges.
• Paid one-to-one youth and adult tutoring: Personalised, expert-led technical training to fast-track your skills.
• Paid commercial studio services: Professional music production, high-end audio recording, sound design, and professional video podcasting.
To find out more, email info@crescendo.org.nz or visit crescendo.org.nz.
Desperate to clear his name, Walker allies with an aviation specialist he meets amid the chaos. Together, they evade deadly threats, unearth buried secrets and race against time before they're silenced forever.
Broken Wings was written by A.J.Connors who was raised in Green Bay and completed his aviation qualifications after leaving high school. During a professional hiatus over the COVID-19 period he completed a bachelor degree and started writing this book. Flying aircraft for nearly 30 years he has worked in America, Asia, Europe and Australasia. He is still working as an airline pilot, and lives locally with his wife and three children.
Broken Wings is available at Green Bay Bookshop and it is also available as an ebook at https://www.amazon.com.au/ Broken-Wings-J-Connors-ebook/dp/B0GSP2NQQL
This map was designed for Tītīrangi by local graphic designer Anna Tunnell.
Waitākere Ranges Forum gets under way
A new Forum met for the first time in June, marking the start of a long-term collaboration that was signalled back in 2008 with the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act (WRHAA). JADE REIDY reports.
Forums are joint committees designed to have strategic oversight and monitoring of Auckland’s natural features, including the city’s two harbours – and now the Waitākere Ranges. Its members include iwi, councillors, local board members and a representative from the Department of Conservation. Rewi Spraggon was elected chair with Greg Presland as deputy.
Chair of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, Mark Allen, says the forum fills a long-standing gap. “The Forum strengthens tangata whenua participation and gives our community clearer pathways to be part of the conversation.”
One of the first agenda items is to develop a strategic plan that closely follows the objectives of the WRHAA. Edward Ashby of Te Kawerau ā Maki says a plan is needed because, to date, the many efforts being made to protect and enhance the Ranges are all happening in isolation, while other outcomes are being ignored altogether.
“There’s a lack of clarity and a lot of overlap and wasted time,” Edward says. “We see the plan leading to more effective, coordinated action.”
Beyond simple efficiency, however, is context. The iwi holds five of the 11 seats on the Forum and Edward says it is important to frame the plan in a te ao Māori context.
“We’ve been transparent and up front with our thinking on that from day one,” he says. “There are a number of different areas to consider – dark skies, natural landscape and ecology, recreation and economic wellbeing. We want to create a pou for each, to frame them in their proper domain, their value ethic, for example kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment) or manaakitanga (caring for the people).”
Concerns have been aired about the iwi ‘taking over’ the Ranges and restricting access.
“It’s a bit rich to be accused of taking over land that was stolen or alienated from us,” responds Edward. “People seem
Update: The campaign to "Save the Ranges" from the Government's ill-considered replacements for the Resource Management Act, initiated at a public meeting in April, resulted in a petition with over 8,000 signatures and MPs email inboxes have been flooded with requests for the existing protection to be continued. The Environment Committee which is considering the new bills was due to report back to the House in late June. (See the May issue of The Fringe for more information on the threat to the Ranges).
to overlook that one of the heritage features that the Act safeguards is us. We already contribute a lot, and this will grow over time. We’ll continue to strive to take the community on a journey with us, to build consensus."
Local area plans and resource consents guide development within the Ranges. The Forum’s development of a strategic plan is seen as an important overarching tool for safeguarding against the forthcoming devolvement of the Resource Management Act (RMA) into two new Acts that are widely seen as prioritising development over protection.
The Forum, can only recommend actions to Auckland Council; it has no budgetary allocation. It will, however, be tasked with the monitoring of agreed outcomes, including the legal requirement for Auckland Council and the Crown to adequately fund the activities identified for those outcomes. In this sense, the Forum will help maintain accountability. Meetings are open to the public. Information, agendas and meeting materials will be available at https:// aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/
Karekare celebrates 90 great years on patrol
Ever since 1935 the Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club has been saving lives and last summer was no exception. The club is proud they have never lost a swimmer between the flags.
The club has nearly 100 young members, including a flourishing Nipper and Rookie programme and a combination of parents and junior guards of the future.
The club started after the dramatic rescue of a young woman swept out to sea beyond any hope of beach help. Fast thinking called up a sea plane from Hobsonville and in an act of mercy and sheer brilliance, the RNZ Air Force and a heroic airman launched the massive float plane, flew out to Karekare, spotted the floating girl, landed between the surf lines and somehow managed to get her up and into the cockpit –and safety.
OPEN DAYS AND EVENINGS FOR ENROLMENT AT GEIS IN 2 027
O P E N D A Y S
Tuesday 28 July & Thursday 30 July
9.00am - 10.15am; 1 2.00pm - 1.00pm
Please arrive at either of the start times for a guided tour of the school hosted by our school councillors
O P E N E V E N I N G S
Tuesday 4 August, 6.30pm – 8.30pm (Enrolments from Fruitvale, Kaurilands, Laingholm , Prospect, Titirangi, Western Heights, other out of zone schools)
Thursday 6 August, 6.30pm – 8.30pm (Enrolments from Arahoe, Glen Eden, Henderson Valley, Konini, Oratia , Woodlands Park, other out of zone schools)
Meet in the school Auditorium at 6.30pm for a short presentation from Senior Leaders, followed by a guided tour of the school hosted by our school councillors www.geis.school.nz
Locals and visiting members of The Manukau Cycling Club agreed to buy a reel and line and a few swim costumes and the club was on its way.
After 10 years research, the club and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand are applying to the Guinness Book of Records to list the dramatic rescue as the first air-sea rescue in the world.
To commemorate 90 successful years, the St Lazarus Trust donated a new surf rescue IRB and motor to the club. It was presented by the Trust on the club's Carnival Weekend and christened The Stuart Hammond after a lifelong lifeguard and dedicated club member. His widow Helen and lifeguard sons, Robert and John, launched the much appreciated addition to next season's patrol.
Although the flags are stored away, the warm weather on the West Coast is still seeing swimmers every weekend and after-hours rescues are still taking place.
With the new clubhouse being used by club members and booked for conferences most weekdays, the club is looking forward to the next big celebration, 100 years of surf lifesaving at Karekare.
– Bob Harvey
Does your neighbourhood need a ‘play street’
After a successful pilot, Auckland Council is facilitating the roll out of community-led ‘play streets’ that hark back to a time when children could play safely and be home ‘in time for dinner’.
The pilot showed that play streets increase children’s access to play and strengthen communities. For two–three daylight hours, traffic on an approved play street is temporarily restricted so neighbourhoods can come together and play freely and safely close to home. Children might ride bikes and scooters, draw chalk art across the asphalt, kick a ball around, build obstacle courses, or invent entirely new games on the spot. No programme, no special equipment – just simple, local fun.
Residents and essential vehicles can still access the street, but at a slow, walking pace, guided by organisers. This approach creates a gentle shift that helps everyone see the streets as a shared space for people, not just cars.
To find out more, and start your own play street, visit https://aucklandleisure.co.nz/activities/play-in-aucklandtamaki-makaurau/.
Stuart Hammond's wife, Helen blessing KKSLC's new rescue boat with Stu's favourite drink – brandy!
"Be eager and open to learning"
Volunteering at Te Uru is a great way to gain a better understanding of contemporary art and how a public gallery operates.
AZZURRA SNELGROVE-DOUCH talks with Emma Richards who volunteered with the gallery in 2025 and is now Te Uru's retail and front of house operations manager.
What inspired you to begin volunteering for Te Uru?
I have always had a love for art and the Tītīrangi community, so volunteering at Te Uru seemed like a great opportunity. I hoped to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of contemporary galleries.
How has volunteering at Te Uru increased or changed your perception and engagement with art?
Volunteering at Te Uru helped me to see the broad ways of understanding and engaging with an array of contemporary art. Whether it is painting or more conceptual work like performance art, I believe contemporary art is a way of communicating through a universal visual language. I get excited every time we have a new exhibit, as each one has new ideas and ways to be interpreted.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer at the gallery?
I would say be eager and open to learning and helping out in any way possible. See it as an opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge in an amazing art environment.
Do you have any specific special memories or moments from your time volunteering?
A special memory I had volunteering was helping Jake, the technician, and Hōhua, the assistant curator, unpack and conduct a condition report on a private collection of Bill Hammond works. It was so amazing to see how much care was put into handling the works and to see the artworks so intimately.
What do you think the most important aspect of your volunteering is?
I think being able to lend a hand to such a small team was a real privilege and something I felt very proud of doing.
What is your favourite piece currently on display?
My favourite at the moment is a painting by Ammon Ngakuru called Miniature Furniture.
Emma Richards holds a Masters degree in Visual Arts from Auckland University of Technology. Her story provides an example of the path Te Uru can offer those with the right passion and drive. Te Uru is currently accepting volunteer applications for those interested in getting involved or furthering a career in the arts.
Email info@teuru.org.nz to discover what’s on offer.
ensemble Chihiro Yamazaki + Route 14 Band are headlining this year's Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival, and we have a chance to see them before then, on August 1 at Lopdell Theatre. Their infectious “Singing Instruments” style blends jazz, funk, and pop into crowd-pleasing performances that demonstrate how jazz and blues create connections across cultures. Tickets $25 ($20 concessions) from eventfinda.co.nz. For bookings, text Robin on 0210 222 5558.
Emma Richards: being able to lend a hand is a privilege.
Japanese
Slow Down!
- - - you move too fast. You got to make the morning last. Just kicking down the cobblestones; looking for fun and feeling groovy! Yes, Simon and Garfunkel; from another age and another place. In this crazily accelerating world, I think we are all looking for moments to pause; slow the breathing; step into something that yields up slowly and not immediately. In other words, not Spotify!
I have two such treasures to share.
Story 1:
As signalled in the June Fringe, the Going West archive was launched on Kura, the Auckland Libraries Heritage Platform, on June 2. Two years of painstaking work by James Littlewood has identified, catalogued, 30 years of audio recordings of every word spoken at the Going West Writers Festival. Add to that the, close to perfect, identification of around 20,000 images, mostly by the wondrous and iconic recorder of life in Aotearoa, Gil Hanly.
What’s the intention? To create an online community of folk who are prepared to signal an interest and happy to wait 24 hours to fulfil it. Naturally it is fine for researchers; but it is equally fine for anyone who sees value in looking back at some of the most important moments in our literary history; because there’s relevance there.
A tiny example, Chris Price waxing eloquent on the subject of ‘truthiness’ in 2006 (a word coined by Stephen Colbert in 2003). That was prescient!
On the Going West website you will find a scene-setting short video and a most excellent podcast of James Littlewood in conversation with Sue Berman from Auckland Libraries.
The ‘slow’ triggers memories of ‘Slow and Steamy’; a celebration that has accrued an almost mythic reputation; held sometime in the late 90s on an orchard, by a lake, in Oratia; and the only Going West event of which there is no record. Possibly fortunately!
Picture Dave Harré’s mighty steam engine, belching fire and turning out trays of cooked mussels and mini Christmas puddings; an early 1900s steam car ferrying guests dizzyingly around the orchard; a wood-fired oven disgorging pizzas; wine flowing; sunshine; and music and poetry off the back of a truck! All this largesse included in an $80 ticket! The famous Luke Hurley turned up unannounced and took over the late afternoon entertainment – and the crowd danced –and danced – and the light faded and we had not planned on it!
I’d like to say that, like the owl and the pussycat, we danced to the light of the moon; but there was no moon; and the cars were all several paddocks away! Yet the story lingers on and there are occasional wistful conversations about replicating it. But no! It’s better as a story of a world that we briefly captured and has slipped away.
Story 2:
A remarkable tale is unfolding around the original Gardner Bros & Parker downdraught kiln located in Ambrico Place, New Lynn, beside Te Toi Uku: Crown Lynn Museum. Built in 1926 and last fired in 1957, it is the only remaining structure from New Lynn’s brickmaking era. During the 1990s and early 2000s the largely abandoned kiln sat open and slightly derelict while a huge amount of energy was focused on saving precious collections of artefacts and Crown Lynn memorabilia and the setting up of the ‘small but perfectly formed’ museum we have today.
In those years the Going West Steam Train stopped by for mulled wine and clay-based stories and exhibitions. In 2000 John Parker, along with Richard Parker, filled the kiln with contemporary ceramics – and the audience walked through marvelling at both the new and the old – the arched walls crusted with the glazes of decades of brick firings. (John Parker becomes a key figure in this latest story!)
Around that time, two descendants of the clay industry families, Dave Harré and Ros Gardner, created an immersive theatre piece about studio ceramicist Briar Gardner, set around the kiln. It was a little too immersive for some folks; Dave took on the role of a grumpy and antisocial early Clarke brick-maker, and told a startled audience to ‘get the hell out!’
Local gangs of young kids, who used the railway line as their ‘highway’, to avoid the constabulary, used to light fires in the wickets that had originally fired the kiln, and I have no doubt they sheltered in the kiln on many a rainy night.
Then, in 2020, the structure was declared an earthquake risk and access closed.
Easy to be critical, but hey, it’s the world we live in. And this story has a triumphant ending. Funding has been established and the painstaking work of stabilising an essentially unstable structure has been completed by a specialist team of heritage restorers.
The full story of the kiln is beautifully described on the Te Toi Uku website and I thoroughly recommend it. I’m snatching one small part of the story to illustrate the beauty of ‘slow’!
The Gardner downdraught kiln in Ambrico place, where 'slow' takes on a new meaning.
Art & About with Naomi McCLeary
This kiln could fire 30,000 bricks at once, and it took two weeks to fully complete a firing cycle. The downdraught kiln was fuelled with a combination of coal and timber fires. Along each side are seven open wickets in which the fires were lit. Fourteen in total, these wickets, or fireboxes, had a grate to hold the coal, and space beneath for the timber.
Once the kiln was packed with bricks and the fires lit, the doors were bricked over. It would then have taken a week to fire up, and another to cool again.
That, dear reader, is slow
Back to John Parker: The official launch in early July will be celebrated with an exhibition, in the kiln, of his work. The circle is complete. Be in the kiln and let time, literally, stand still. Maybe ponder on how to slow down; pause; reflect; acknowledge the past and the colourful and passionate people who kept ‘slow’ alive. The newly restored downdraught kiln, and Parker exhibition, will be open to the public from July 8, during museum hours.
Quality Fashion
Winter Seasonal Markdowns
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
Western Water Supply Programme update
Watercare is working behind the scenes to deliver a programme to upgrade the western water supply network and secure Auckland’s water future. From time to time, they’ll pop up in The Fringe to share updates on how the programme’s tracking and introduce some of the faces you’ll meet at community events or hear from in local updates. Here’s the latest from our strategic programme manager Axel Dumont (right), who is leading our Western Water Supply Programme.
You might expect the first cab off the rank for the Western Water Supply Programme to be closer to home. Instead, activity has kicked off in Mt Roskill.
That’s where the May Road Booster Pump Station is taking shape, the first project and an important step in enabling the wider programme. On track to be up and running in the second half of next year, the station will be capable of pumping up to 90 million litres of water through the network.
More importantly, it will open an additional supply route into the Tītīrangi reservoirs, significantly improving the reliability of water supply across west Auckland.
The booster pump station is currently in the early construction phase, with around 70 per cent of site earthworks and 40 per cent of drainage works complete.
Once the drainage works are complete, our crews will move onto building the foundations of the pump station as well as realigning and replacing sections of the local network.
Although the first project is being delivered in Mt Roskill, most of the upgrades and renewals will take place in and around Tītīrangi and the
western dams, which supply around 20 per cent of Auckland’s water.
The programme reflects our long-term commitment to investing in infrastructure and planning ahead to support Auckland’s growth for generations, while protecting water quality, the environment, and the communities connected to it.
To help shape the rest of the Western Water Supply Programme, we recently completed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveying to inform route options for the future Huia Watermain and Upper Nihotupu Raw Watermain. These transmission mains will transport water from the western dams to the Huia Water Treatment Plant.
The LiDAR surveying was carried out using a twin-engine aircraft, allowing us to see through dense vegetation and better understand ground conditions, underlying topography, and geotechnical features around critical water assets in the Waitākere Ranges. This gives us a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground and will significantly improve our planning.
The insights gained from the LiDAR are now being assessed by our survey and geotechnical teams to evaluate the benefits and risks of each option.
The Western Water Supply Programme is continuing to evolve as preferred routes are refined, renewals and replacements are finalised, and key projects are confirmed to ensure Auckland’s western water supply remains resilient, reliable, and capable of supporting the region for decades to come.
The newly restored interior of the Gardner downdraught kiln.
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 – August 2, Re: Tale. Contemporary practitioners explore "retail" and "retelling" across different media; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010.
w – August 8, Whetūrangitia, an exhibition series in celebration of Matariki; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.
w – August 9, Cosmologies. Nikau Hindin and Naminapu Maymuru-White work with aute (barkcloth) and bark painting to translate lived astronomical knowledge into contemporary abstraction; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Phone 817 8087.
w – August 9, All the forest stands with you. Jonathas de Andrade, Anetta Mona Chişa, Ayesha Green, Arapeta Hākura, Emily Karaka, Agnieszka Polska, Mathilde Rosier, and Zheng Bo trace the entangled relationships between the human and the more-than-human; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Phone 817 8087.
w – August 16, Silent Kōrero, a quiet hui of conversations that have unfolded in Peata Larkin's studio; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010.
w – September 6, Puawānanga, a 16mm film by Nova Paul (Ngāpuhi), made using plant-based hand processing; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010.
w July 4 – August 9, Golden Hour, photography and mixed media by Jago Neal; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Thursday/Friday, 10am-3pm, Saturday/Sunday, 10am-4pm. Phone 09 812 8029. www.westcoast.co.nz
July
w 1, Flicks presents On the Waterfront starring Marlon Brando, introduced by movie man Sir Bob Harvey; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 7pm; $16 and $12.50. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558.
w 3, Flicks presents A Dash of Love (M, 84 mins, France. Comedy/Drama), a film from the 2026 French Film Festival following a delightful cast of characters on a road trip that will change their lives;
w 3, Flicks presents a special screening of The Time Traveller's Guide to Hamilton Gardens (E, 73 mins) plus the short film Pit to Paradise (20 mins), a celebration of 25 years of the Eden Project introduced by film-maker Robin Kewell. Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 2pm; $16 and $12.50 Text bookings to 0210 222 5558.
w 4, West Lynn Garden Club. Learn new skills, meet new people, monthly speakers, day-trips; West Lynn Gardens, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn; 9:30-
11:30am. Contact Linda Cartwright: cartwrightlynda764@gmail.com, 027 333 2656.
w 4, Matariki Planting; Te Kōtuitanga (Olympic Park), New Lynn; 10am-12.30pm. More info at ecomatters.org.nz/events
w 5, Make a Matariki Star, weave your own harakeke Matariki star, learn tikanga, and connect over stories and shared kai; 10.30-11.30am; $18-22. Book your ticket online at ecomatters.org.nz/events
w 5, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.
w 8, Tītīrangi Wine & Food Society presents Carrick Winery; West Lynn Gardens, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn; 7.30pm. Email twinefs@gmail.com.
w 9, Matariki Shorts with Day One Films; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 6.30pm; Koha appreciated, kai and drinks available. See website to book. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.
w 9 – 17, School Holiday Programme with fun activities for school-age kids in a friendly, welcoming environment; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; Spots are limited, so don’t wait. Book now at https:// titirangicommunityhouse.aimyplus.com/, Phone: 09 817 7448 .
w 11, Ikebana-Inspired Floral Arrangements; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 10:00am-12:00pm. Book online at https:// fleurandco.nz/ or email hello@fleurandco.nz. Phone: 09 817 7448 .
w 11, Tweens DIY Beading Workshop for ages 10-16; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 1:30pm-2:30pm. Book online at https:// events.humanitix.com/diybeadingworkshop. Phone: 09 817 7448
w 11, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Portable Panic +, floorsingers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $15, members $10, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz.
w 12 and 26, Waitematā Country Music Club club night; Glen Eden Community and Recreation Centre, 44 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 7-10pm; $5. Phone Kathy 09 817 4994
w 18, Matariki Planting along the Whau Awa Bike Path; 10am-12.30pm. More info at ecomatters.org.nz/events
w 17 - Matariki Evening Market, arts and crafts and food stalls; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 4.30-8.30pm; free entry. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.
w 18, New Lynn Lions Club $2 Book Sale: Books, Magazines, CDs, DVDs, LPs and jigsaw puzzles; 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 18, Glen Eden Community Market; Glen Eden Community House, 13 Pisces Road, Glen Eden;10am-12pm. Phone 818 2194.
w 19, Matariki Planting with Laingholm Restoration Ruatuna; 10.00am-12:30pm. More info at ecomatters.org.nz/events
w 19, Life in the slow lane, Tītīrangi's own ukulele band The Nukes, in concert; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 3pm. Details and tickets at www.thenukes.co.nz/gigs.
w 24, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal gathering of musicians, singers and listeners; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 7:30pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz.
Places to go – Things to do
w 25, 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. Contact Kabir on mehsanul.nz@gmail.com.
w 26, Tītīrangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall car park, 9am-2pm and Titirangi RSA; 9am-1pm. Contact tvm.manager@gmail.com.
w 26, Modular Poetry in the Whau: a workshop bringing together poetry, music and visual art; New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Tōtara Avenue; 3-5pm; free. Phone Christian 027 238 8223. www.wordcore.net
w 28, 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 31, Open Mic Night, Great music from the West's best; Tītīrangi RSA, 502 South Tītīrangi Road; 8pm. Phone 817 6415.
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
at Eventfinda
Stay long enough to explore it all — with new extended-stay offers at Bethells Beach Cottages for one-week, one-month, or three-month adventures, placing you above the wild West Coast with endless trails, surf, skies, and sea at your doorstep. www.bethellsbeach.com
Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
GLEN EDEN PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 11th - 18th July 2026
Bethells Beach Cottages natural luxury for humans being
At the libraries
Places to go – Things to do
Tītīrangi Library's Book Chats will be held in the Tītīrangi RSA's ‘museum room’ on Saturday, July 4, 2.15-3.45pm and Tuesday, July 7, 2.15-3.45pm. The library is also still running its preschool Rhymetime sessions at Tītīrangi Community House on Wednesdays, 9.30-10.00am (during term time).
Glen Eden Library's special events for Matariki include: Mindfulness for Matariki on Wednesday, July 1, 3-5.00pm and Saturday, July 4, 10am-12pm. Enjoy music in te reo Māori while you unwind in our calm, creative space. Reflect on the past year and visualise your dreams for the new one. 13+.
Matariki Macramé with ReCreators on Thursday, July 16, 2-4.00pm. Learn how to create a Matariki star. Adults only, registration required.
Waitā – Taonga from the Moana with Whare hau ako on Saturday, July 18, 10.30am-1.30pm. Create small sculptural pieces inspired by atua Māori, animals, and the ocean that connects us. Adults only, registration required.
The library's regular programmes include Book Chat (Wednesday, July 1, 10:30-11:30am), English Conversation (Saturday, July 4,10-11.30am), Shared Reading (Tuesday, July 14, 10-11:30am), Brain Charge, a brain fitness programme for adults (Wednesday, July 15, 2.30pm-3.30pm), and a Board Games club (Friday July 31, 5-7pm).
Glen Eden Library will also be running school holiday programmes. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/ GlenEdenLibrary/.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. comes to the Playhouse
Playhouse Theatre Inc. is to present Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. at the Glen Eden Playhouse during the July school holidays.
Get ready for a magical, high-flying adventure as a talented cast of young local performers aged 18 years and under bring this beloved family musical to life.
Inventor Caractacus Potts (Sushant Kaushal) transforms an old racing car into a fantastical flying machine. The eccentric inventor is thrilled to discover the car possesses magical powers but trouble soon follows as the villainous Baron Bomburst (Nico Betanzo) becomes determined to claim the extraordinary vehicle for himself.
Joined by his adventurous children, Jeremy (Noah Skeen) and Jemima (Isla Dalziel), pictured above, along with the charming Truly Scrumptious (Sophie Lowndes), Caractacus embarks on a thrilling journey to rescue Grandpa Potts and outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness Bomburst – as well as the sinister Child Catcher.
Packed with spectacular stage moments and unforgettable songs, including the Academy Award-nominated title number, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. promises a fun-filled theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
The Tael Solutions Ltd season of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. runs from July 11–18 at the Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at Eventfinda.
The original three Nukes, Ben 'Country boy' Collier, Dave 'Snapper' Thiele and Dave 'Fingers of fire' Parker reunite – with the addition of Dave's son Josh 'JayP' Parker – for a special concert to embark on possibly their last intrepid adventure together: to create a 12-inch vinyl album.
Expect them to have some new songs as well as a bunch of their old classics. Buy a ticket and enjoy the concert only, or help them on their way to make this dream a reality and pay it forward and pre-purchase the album. Be one of the early backers and you'll get a credit on the album sleeve and a signed copy when it's released.
With Life in the Slow Lane The Nukes, who have released four CDs of original material but never a piece of classic vinyl in their almost 18 year history, will prove that it doesn't matter how long it takes just as long as you get there.
Authorised by Vanushi Walters MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Join them on the journey at Tītīrangi Theatre, July 19, 3pm. For details and tickets visit www.thenukes.co.nz/gigs.
Local voices, local choices! Local Board Plans consultation opens
Now’s your chance to help shape the future of your neighbourhood as Waitākere Ranges and Whau Local Boards open their draft three-year plans for public feedback.
The Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan and the Whau Local Board Plan will help guide local decisions over the next three years on the things that matter most to communities—from parks, transport and town centres to playgrounds, events, community facilities, funding and support for local groups.
Find out what’s planned for your area, learn how local projects and partnerships support your community, and share your thoughts by 23 July at akhaveyoursay.nz/ localboardplans.
“The plan is not just another council document sitting somewhere in cyberspace. It’s a roadmap signalling all the important curves, intersections and wonderful landscapes in our local life for the next three years,” says Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas.
“It’s also about building a connected, inclusive, and resilient Whau, and we encourage our community to share feedback so we can shape the future together.”
With budgets stretched further than ever, it’s important the boards hear what matters most to you. Your feedback helps board members advocate for community priorities and influence Auckland Council’s future planning and long-term budget decisions.
“With the rising cost of living and more recreation and social needs due to intensified housing in the local board area, we’ll need to make careful decisions when it comes to planning for the next three years.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever that we hear from our community. We’d love your feedback on the draft plan as we firm up our direction for the next three years,” says Waitākere Ranges Local Board chair Mark Allen.
Have your say
Providing feedback is easy. Residents can complete an online feedback form or attend a local consultation event to speak directly with local board members.
Consultation is open until 23 July 2026. Visit akhaveyoursay.nz/localboardplans to:
• Read the draft plans
• Find consultation event details
• Complete the online feedback form
About local board plans
Local board plans are strategic three-year plans. The consultation enables local boards to identify and prioritise the key outcomes, initiatives and projects that are of most value to their communities.
This information will be considered as each of the 21 local boards draft their plans for the 2026-2029 period, for publication at the end of this year.
They will include focus areas or outcomes for the local boards to concentrate on, such as the environment, our diverse communities, working with mana whenua, storm resilience and ensuring local community facilities and parks meet the needs of their communities.
About local boards
Local boards provide governance at the local level within Auckland Council. They enable democratic decision-making by, and on behalf of, communities within the local board area.
There are 21 local boards with between five and nine members elected to each board (149 local board members in total).
Local boards are charged with decision-making on local issues, activities and services, and provide input into regional strategies, policies, plans and decisions.
Social responsibility demanded while meeting ongoing changes
“What’s the future of alcohol in our communities?” This question is constantly asked of members of our two licensing trusts as they work through myriad issues and seek the best ways to meet the hospitality needs of locals while also meeting community funding outcomes.
Born in Huia, Mark Allen says his parents were both strong in the community. His passion for community is strong too. He’s lived most of his life in the West, working with Waitākere and Auckland City Councils for three decades.
“I grew up in a family that did community stuff and even when I was young I knew I wanted to work in the community,” he says. “I think West Auckland is different to other places. We pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. A lot of things happen because our community wants it and decides to do it.”
Mark is now president of West Auckland Trust Services, chair of the Waitākere Licensing Trust and chair of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.
When Mark first went onto the Waitākere Licensing Trust six years ago, its focus was to generate a “load of money so the interest from it could generate grants to be paid into the community. There were many property holdings but that’s been rationalised.”
The emphasis has been taken off property, and the money is now in high-interest accounts with interest paid out to the community along with profits from the retail operations.
Substantial changes had to be made across the board to meet ongoing change in the community, says Mark. “We took millions of dollars out of the operating costs of the business – like getting rid of our warehouse function and going into franchises with Super Liquor and Liquorland. That gave us access to a much bigger product range and bulk pricing.
“That took out a lot of internal costs in these tough recessionary times where discretionary spending is way down (in hospitality and alcohol spending}. We still function in business and we’re not backed against a wall," he says.
Efficiencies and restructuring are ongoing as the market changes too. The old days of going to the pub to just drink with maybe a bowl of fries on the side are gone. Now people want good food with plenty of drink choices; modern venues where they can meet with friends.
“It’s a really tough business and even harder in a corporate environment like ours where we run high standards, pay the living wage and also provide a lot of staff training. That’s the social license of a licensing trust,” he says.
“We may be maturing as a society. Young people are not drinking as much as their elders and generationally alcohol is not playing a major role,” Mark says.
Tastes are changing too with the diversifying of our communities and palates are broadening as well.
“Diversity of choice results in huge change. As more people come from different parts of the world, tastes change.
“An average liquor store in New Zealand has about 1600 products. Our licensing trusts have about 6000. That’s too many. We’re trying to shrink it but it’s a reflection of the market. We do sense that alcohol consumption may decrease to a lower plateau,” Mark says.
• Licensing Trusts are publicly-owned businesses, with privileges under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act. Only Licensing Trusts can be granted alcohol licenses in the areas where they operate. They were established throughout the country in the 1970s to control the sale of liquor.
• There are two in West Auckland: The Waitākere Licensing Trust and The Portage Licensing Trust and only they may operate hotels, taverns and offlicences.
• Trustees are elected to govern them. Their role is to return surplus profits through grants and sponsorships to support community activities.
• Both Trusts are principal shareholders in a company called West Auckland Trust Services that run the retail and hospitality outlets on behalf of the two Trusts.
Our Place
in the community
“We are in the business of selling drinks, not just alcohol. We are carrying more low alcohol/no alcohol options because that is what people want. Margins are tight.
“We need to look at how we maintain our community giveback, our high quality enterprise model and high quality staff while me meet the needs of all the different markets in West Auckland.
“I think The Trusts are absolutely up for doing that as we continuously change.”
The 2025/26 financial year was expected to show a strong cash position despite recent challenges to the businesses and financial pressures on the community.
– Moira Kennedy
The Trusts have announced the recipients of their 2026 community funding round, distributing a record $1.6 million across 78 initiatives throughout West Auckland. This round includes the biggest-ever Your West Support Fund allocation of $1.2 million, with 53% more recipients than 2025. The Trusts' Your West Innovation Fund provided over $373,000 funding to five community organisations, with an average grant size of $74,652.
My family and I have lived in Glen Eden, and now the Waitākere Ranges, for the last 14 years.
In my interactions across our community, and in my work as a List MP based in Waitākere, I hear from many Westies. One of the biggest issues raised with me apart from the cost of living, are examples of difficult patient experiences at Waitākere Hospital because of its understaffing.
Our growing population across West Auckland relies on Waitākere Hospital. However, patients are waiting too long to get the care that they deserve. Our healthcare teams do an amazing job with the capacity they have but we need a hospital that’s adequately staffed to meet demand. The data confirms local experiences: documents released under the Official Information Act show that between January 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, 71% of shifts at Waitākere Hospital were understaffed.
Understaffing of our hospital is because of underfunding. People in Waitākere deserve better. I will keep advocating for a decent public health system that’s there for us when we need it.
Vanushi Walters MP, List Member of Parliament (MP) based in Waitākere
*Funded by Parliamentary Services
Tītīrangi's war memorial spaces
Tītīrangi has a number of commemorative reminders of the local men who have served and fought in both world wars, writes FIONA DRUMMOND.
The Tītīrangi Soldiers’ Memorial Church was one of the first churches constructed as a war memorial. Earlier, a commemorative obelisk (gifted by Henry Atkinson) had been erected in 1917 opposite Lopdell House, recognising the men who fought in World War I. The path linking Tītīrangi Road to Atkinson Road is known as the Soldiers Memorial Walkway.
Dignitaries arriving for the opening of the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall in1965. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections JTD-10A-02516-1 (002)
through the lens of modernism”. This is evident in the hall’s elevations, and the strong emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines and rectangular and cubic shapes. The use of concrete, steel and glass is also a nod to the new and industrial materials of the 20th century. The asymmetric composition and plain form makes the building distinctly modernist.
And then there is the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, originally opened in 1965. (Atkinson's memorial obelisk was moved down to the hall site soon after it was opened.)
Three of the key architects for the design of the hall building were local residents; Tibor Donner, Geoff Hole and Frederick Whitehead.
Tibor Donner was born in 1907 in what is now Serbia. He studied architecture at Auckland University College and from 1945 until he retired was chief architect to the Auckland City Council. His own house in Kohu Road, still a private residence, is a wonderful example of modernism. He also designed the house at 1 Rangiwai Road which was the Tītīrangi Community House for many years.
Geoff Hole worked on the earliest plans for the hall, in collaboration with Donner and others. He was later part of Abbott, Hole & Annabell Architects who designed the innovative circular New Lynn Bank of New Zealand in 1965. Frederick Whitehead produced the documentation for the hall, and is recorded as one of the architects who helped formulate the design and final drawings.
In July 2022, nearly 60 years a the hall’s opening, a draft Conservation Plan for the hall was commissioned from Burgess Treep Knight Architects by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board. The plan states that the hall is “an excellent example of a public community building, designed
1 15/11/16 16:33
PRESLAND and CO LTD
Keepin Katz Boarding Cattery – Your Cat’s Home Away From Home
Planning a trip away but worried about leaving your feline friend behind?
As part of the Conservation Plan, an assessment was made of the many attributes adding to the cultural and historical significance of the hall and its surroundings. The assessment noted that much of the precinct was considered to be Heritage Value A. This included the 1917 obelisk, the memorial plaque on the brick feature wall, the Alec Bishop memorial plaque in the foyer, the Armistice Day plaque in the garden on the northern side of the Plunket Room and the anti-aircraft gun on the platform in the 1968 RSA garden.
At Keepin Katz Boarding Cattery, you can relax knowing your cat will enjoy a holiday of their own in the peaceful bush setting of Parau, just past Titirangi. Keepin Katz offers a calm, safe and caring environment for cats while their owners are away.
The setting of the hall within the Tītīrangi War Memorial Reserve, the mature native trees of the street frontage and the landscaping and gardens designed in 1968 also contribute to the hall's heritage value.
Culturally, the Memorial Hall has strong significance as a living memorial, commemorating the local people who sacrificed their lives in the Great War and Second World War.
Run by Jan and her daughter Amy, the cattery has built a reputation for providing loving and attentive care for every guest. Keepin Katz celebrates 25 years this year, the last ten of which Jan and Amy have been concientious guardians of the cattery. They take pride in getting to know every one of their guests, where each cat is treated as an individual.
The major refurbishment of the hall which started in July 2025 aims to create a weather-tight, seismicallystrengthened and more sustainable building. This work is expected to be completed later this year although the library should be reopening in August.
Social cats enjoy spacious communal areas, while those who are less social relax in comfortable individual units. Guests are provided quality vet-approved food, special dietary or medical needs are always carefully managed. A local veterinarian is available 24 hours a day if required.
While a member of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, Sandra Coney was a strong advocate for gaining heritage protection for the hall and its special elements. “Now we have the conservation plan, we can protect the hall into the future. The Board can nominate it for heritage status in the Auckland Unitary Plan and I would urge them to do that so it's in place when the hall reopens.”
At Keepin Katz, the goal is simple - to make your cat feel at home while you’re away.
Visitors are welcome, book an appointment to view the facilities and see where your cat will be staying.
KEEPIN KATZ
BOUTIQUE CATTER Y 719 HUIA ROAD, PARAU, WEST AUCKLAND Keeping your feline friends safe & happy.
8 minutes from Titirangi.
A shared responsibility
Dozens of families from Auckland's Dawoodi Bohra community recently traded a quiet weekend morning for spades and gumboots, joining efforts to restore the Matuku Link wetland near Bethells Beach.
The Dawoodi Bohras is a Muslim community originating from western India. It follows the Fatimi Ismaili Tayyibi school of thought within Shia Islam. The community has pledged to plant 4000 native trees each year as part of a three-year partnership with Matuku Link, a 37-hectare bush and wetland restoration project.
"I think we are unique in a way that we are a religious community coming together for a conservation project," said Adnan Hasan, president of the Dawoodi Bohras of New Zealand.
Hasan said the community had already started seeing the results of its work through earlier planting efforts.
"You can see the impact of what 30- or 40-odd families can bring on a morning like today," he said.
For many families, the project is about passing environmental values on to younger generations.
Shabbir Rajkotwala, trustee and outreach lead, said caring for the environment was a shared responsibility regardless of background or faith.
"It is an obligation that everyone has to protect the land we live in regardless of what their background is," he said.
Evening Wednesday 22 nd July 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Serving families in Green Bay, Titirangi and the surrounding areas, our focus is on learning that is relevant, exciting and meets the needs of all our students. At Green Bay High School, teachers know their students, they make time to foster strong relationships and support all students to achieve their best throughout the five years they are with us.
Come along to our Open Evening and see the great range of opportunities available. Tours are available from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. Our Principal, Fiona Barker, will talk in the Auditorium at 5pm and 6.30pm about what your child’s future could look like at Green Bay High School.
Fiona Barker Principal
www.greenbayhigh.school.nz
Photo by Matthew Wardle.
Pre-purchase drain checks
Most people buying a property don’t think to check the drains and to be fair, why would they?
When we’re walking through a home, we’re looking at the kitchen, the layout, the sun, the feel of the place. We’re imagining our life there, not what’s happening underground.
Building inspections are standard and most people know about them, but drainage is one of those hidden systems that gets overlooked, simply because it’s underground and out of sight.
That’s why Drain Ranger started offering a pre-purchase service. We kept hearing: “we wish we’d known”, from homeowners who were caught out by drainage problems after settlement.
The Fringe makes space available for current advertisers and noncommercial organisations, at no charge. Email info@ fringemedia.co.nz to find out more.
We’ve seen buyers move in, only to discover they’re suddenly facing $25,000 to $45,000 in repairs. When you compare that with the cost of a prepurchase drainage inspection at $550 + GST, it puts things into perspective.
A drainage inspection can identify issues with sewer, storm water, or septic systems before you’re fully committed. It gives you clarity around what might need attention, what it could cost, whether you have drainage assets to develop or build and whether there’s anything you should know before going ahead with your purchase.
It’s not about scaring people off. It’s about giving buyers the choice to make informed decisions, with a clearer picture of what they could be taking on.
Don’t be caught out buying a property, be informed. Drain Ranger are here to help with your Pre Purchase Drainage Inspection
Contact Drain Ranger on 021 709 783.
TREE ROOTS ARE
Introducing:
My name is Mark Roach and I’m standing for The Opportunity Party in the Waitākere.
I come from a creative background, specifically the music industry. I’ve spent most of my career advocating for artists and creators in some form or another – as an artist manager, indie label; then as a founder of the national associations, Independent Music NZ and the Music Managers Forum.
During two decades at Recorded Music NZ, I worked to get better returns for music rights holders and then worked across the company’s brands such as the Aotearoa Music Awards, Aotearoa Music Charts, and the NZ Music Hall of Fame. Managing the latter led me to creating the landmark exhibition, Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa at Auckland Museum.
I was also the strategic architect behind Auckland being designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
More recently I’ve been focusing on my creative agency which I run from my home office in New Lynn.
My entire career has centred around building the infrastructure and projects needed to help communities thrive and survive. I never thought in a million years that would translate to standing for Parliament, but New Zealand is at a crossroads and I believe that a new generation of politicians with fresh, forward-thinking ideas such as those proposed by Opportunity can be the change-makers this country needs.
Change is never easy, but I’m reminded of a quote by Edwin Land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera who said, “Don't undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.” The change that our country needs is important, but it’s not impossible. I believe we can make that change possible with your help. Together, we can be that change.
Feel free to contact me at mark.roach@opportunity. org.nz or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @markroachforwaitakere
213 – 215 Woodlands Park Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604
Phone: 09 817 8495 or 09 817 6188
www.kenturnermotors.co.nz
Protecting our local environment
As Tītīrangi Urban Sanctuary (TUS) approaches it’s 10th anniversary, AZZURRA SNELGROVE=DOUCH reports on its significant impact on the local environment and community.
Beginning as the South Tītīrangi Neighbourhood Network back in 2016, the initiative began as a little weeding group and then spread into predator reduction work, as this was seen as a real need. The group has experienced steady growth over the past decade; and the stats show its progress with over 20,000 predators caught, 32,000 volunteer hours, 2,760 trees planted, and 110 hectares under intensive predator control, all driven by strong community engagement.
the environment through classes and repotting native plants in the nursery. Social media has also played a role in securing young volunteers with connection through Instagram leading to a 30% increase in volunteer participation.
As the group’s projects continue to grow, so too do opportunities for both paid and volunteer work. Whether it's propagating seeds in the native nursery, participating in weeding groups, trapping, or dropping letters into mailboxes, there’s an opportunity for everyone. Other ways to contribute include making donations, or purchasing items like trapping gear.
The group is now focused on doubling the area under predator control through expansion across to Park Road, Atkinson Park, and up to the top end of South Tītīrangi Road in Tītīrangi Village. The expansion will lift the group's profile and protects large new areas from predators.
Seeing the results of their work has been crucial in gaining public support; an increase in bird numbers, lots of forest geckos, kākā being seen for the first time in years, all physical affirmations of the group’s hard work.
TUS is also trialling exciting new innovations in technology. Their most recent project is a night-time drone survey of Atkinson Park. The drone took snapshots of pests and wildlife although the work is experimental and awaiting formal results.
Collaboration with other groups is also important. The Pest Free Waitākere Alliance links groups together, and TUS recently trialled baiting schemes in collaboration with Lincoln University. The trial, which ran over the summer, tested baiting systems targeting German wasps across local homes and sections.
It was a rewarding experience as Tony Dunn, one of the volunteers since the group’s inception, says: “It’s an amazing thing to see unfold; to have a sense of making a difference and collecting long-term data to visualise change”.
TUS recently welcomed Ella Rose Shnapp as its new community coordinator. She brings over 15 years of experience supporting community-led restoration projects. She joins an established team of volunteers but building and maintaining connections with the younger generation, particularly in the digital era, has become increasingly important. “The future is young people!” Tony says.
To celebrate 10 years of work, the group is hosting a party for volunteers and supporters at French Bay Yacht Club on July 25, starting at 6.30pm.
For more information and to get involved, visit the Titirangi Urban Sanctuary website, https://tus.nz.
Connections with both Tītīrangi Primary School and Green Bay Primary School keep students engaged with
Give worms a chance!
Yeah gidday, Lizard here.
I woke up this morning feeling quite bemused. So much so, I had to look up what bemused meant.
Google says it describes someone who is lost in thought or overwhelmed by a strange or perplexing situation. I’d been watching Trump having the audacity – again I Googled it – to fall asleep in the craziest of places. If I was up to everything he has on his plate, I reckon I’d never sleep another wink!
While bemused sounds similar to amused, it is not a synonym for being entertained or laughing.
Shaz and me have totally moved in to The Shrine. We love our morning coffee and staff meeting on the northfacing verandah. What a sun trap. It’s warmer than inside the bar. Seek out the sun folks. It’s still there. Hey, this is when oranges ripen in Northland! Gotta love all seasons.
My bemusement went to sheer delight – an experience of pure unadulterated happiness or enjoyment – when I spotted the kids from next door sneak over and raid Bill and Nancy’s guava tree. Shaz pointed out that none of them had cell phones to distract their youthful connecting. Kids being kids.
I got a buzz because old bitter Bill and nasty Nancy guarded their guava bush but then let all the fruit drop to rot on the ground. Nancy is Bill’s fifth wife. He said they’ll stay together for the pleasure of making one another miserable.
Check this out. A couple of Tuesdays back, I spent the day with Lizard Junior and a few of his mates. He wanted to take me WORMING??
He drifted up in his pride and joy. A 1990 Nissan Skyline R32. Gorgeous thing. 5 speed manual. Yum.
"Kia ora Pops. You drive.”
He threw me the keys. Plumbless Walker wagged his old tail so we let him flop on to the back seat.
“Head out towards Piha.”
“What exactly is worming, Junior?” I asked.
“It’s insane Pops. You’ll love it. Did you know that the North Auckland worm (Anisochaeta Gigantea) can grow to nearly five feet long! But we’re not helping that one. Our local earth worms are more like a foot long.
"Since we have, yet again, stuffed things up for Mother Nature by covering their natural habitat with asphalt, the worms can’t feel the vibrations of the rain. Although the sound of rain might bring the worms to the surface because they might think it's a mole hunting them, the real reason is that it's much easier to move around and find mates on the surface, especially when they can also stay moist.
"A thriving dense population of earth worms can injest and naturally turn over 10 to 50 tonnes of soil. Per hectare!"
"Wow." I said. "And a lot of worm poo," I thought.
"But they need our help," said Junior.
We arrived at the crossroads that was obviously the meeting place. There were a couple of Silvia S15s. A knarly XR6. A barp, barp, barp, very cool, very loud Mazda-powered something. And a Clubsport. And us.
"This is us Pops. Time to bring up the worms! If we go hard they’ll feel the vibrations for miles. See how everything is greener next to where we have been?
"So, stop in the middle of the intersection. Yep. Now turn the wheel hard right. Take her up to 4 grand and drop the clutch. That’s it Lizard. Floor it. Keep her spinning round. Perfect. Now ease on a little opposite lock and snake us up the road. Keep your foot down. Yeehaw.”
As we broke traction, the feeling was fantastic. Primal. Controlling the drift was like dancing on ice. We were the Torvill and Dean of road conservationists.
Everyone had a go. I was proud of their investment in doing their bit for these blind little soil makers. Deep down in my soul I knew the earth worms were very grateful.
People think worms have two hearts. They don’t. They actually have five pairs of hearts. That’s 10 hearts in total. I know one old hillbilly who’s heart was pumping with joy.
So next time you see that black tyre tattoo at a roundabout or car park, give thanks. And rejoice that the kids are following in our footsteps. Later, Lizard.
Apartments available now
At Murray Halberg Village, you aren’t just part of the retirement community. You’re part of the Lynfield community.
Situated between Hillsborough and Blockhouse Bay and bordered by beautiful views and native bush, the village gives you easy access to cafés, supermarkets, and three golf courses.
All offer spacious open plan living, with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms and your own private patio or balcony.
Apartments priced from $499,000*.
*Reflects the lowest available price at time of publication. Availability and pricing subject to change. Discover the Ryman lifestyle. To find out more call Lucy on 627 2727. 11 Commodore Drive, Lynfield ryman.co.nz
