The Fringe, Issue 261, August 2026

ISSUE 261, AUGUST 2026

Tītīrangi Library : Re-opening this month Tītīrangi Librar y's child

ren's librarian, El have been busy aine Haines, and restocking the sh the rest of the lib elves of the libra rary team ry, with the help The library has of two furry frie gone through a nds. major upgrade ov manager area op er the last year, erations for Hen sa ys Greer Clark, derson-Massey an The work includ d Waitākere Rang ed a full re-roof es Local Boards. an d re -c lad, upgraded st strengthening, re ormwater draina pairs to timber ge, seismic joinery and the replacement of The library will tim be r joinery. reopen on Monda y, August 10 with Memorial Hall sc th e Tī tīr angi War heduled to reop en later this year upgrade is compl . Once the hall ete, this popular venue will once be available for more the community to use.

community news, issues, arts, people, events

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The Fringe, Issue 261, August 2026

Contents Septic tank pump-outs to change................................4 Art & About with Naomi McCleary.........................6 – 7 Out & About in the West...........................................8 – 9

www.fringemedia.co.nz 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

Honouring a family: connecting a community; Building community through horses............................10

Editor: Bevis England

Who's a good boy then?..............................................11

Advertising:

Birds of a feather: rescuing native birds......................12

Writers and contributors: Moira Kennedy, David Thiele, Naomi McCleary, Fiona Drummond, Jade Reidy, Azzurra Snelgrove-Douch, Anna Crichton.

Live at the Lounge.........................................................14 Advertisers directory......................................................15

817 8024, 027 494 0700 bevis@fringemedia.co.nz info@fringemedia.co.nz

September 2026 deadline: August 14 The Fringe (and the Tītīrangi Tatler before it) is on-line at www.fringemedia.co.nz. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FringeWest) to hear when each issue is available.

There is something very wrong when the only solution to people sleeping on the streets is to give the police more powers to move them on, who knows where. In a caring society, where people and their welfare are important, there are much better solutions than criminalising those who are already suffering from government neglect. — Bevis England.

Anna's View Anna Crichton, a long time resident of Tītīrangi, is a multi-award winning cartoonist, illustrator and ceramicist. She has drawn for The New York Times, The Wall St Journal, The Australian, Time Magazine, The NZ Herald and many more. If you would like to purchase the original email Anna at illustrator@ annacrichton.com. You can see more of her work and projects at www.annacrichton.com.

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Our Place

Septic tank pump-outs to change Change is afoot for septic tank management in the Waitākere Ranges, with responsibility for pump-outs shifting from Council to owners. JADE REIDY reports.

Auckland Council has confirmed that from July 2027, the 3,300 properties that are not on reticulated sewerage and have standard septic tanks will no longer have three-yearly pump-outs included as an annual targeted rate.

Instead, owners will need to choose both the contractor and the timing of their pump-out and will pay directly for the service. (For those with newer tertiary systems that require inspection every six months and are not part of the council pump-out scheme, nothing changes.)

This flexible arrangement also means that some pump-outs could be combined with the two-yearly requirement to have septic tanks inspected for safety and performance.

Owners’ next inspection is an opportunity to get feedback on the level of solids, hence when a pump-out is likely to be needed. Tank sizes vary, but for a one-person household, a 4,000-litre septic tank typically takes 4–6 years or longer to require pumping, depending on water use and maintenance.

Executive manager of Drain Ninjas, Sasha Langham-Gorst, says that further cost savings are possible if neighbours of similar-size households arrange to share a pump-out.

“Depending on the tank size, our larger trucks (up to 9000 litres capacity) could fit two or possibly three tanks, which significantly reduces the travel time involved and hence the cost,” Sasha says.

Concerns have been expressed that some owners may not keep up with pump-out needs but a significant shift over the past six years in compliance with inspections (from 25% to 75%) suggests otherwise. Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, says that while the Safe Septic programme focuses on ensuring septic tanks systems are running effectively to prevent waterway pollution, it also indicates that owners are taking responsibility for their septic systems.

"Now that Waitākere septic tank owners have told us that they no longer wish to pay the targeted rate for council-

arranged pump-outs, and Auckland Council has responded, we expect these owners to take similar responsibility for also ensuring their tanks are pumped out," Josephine says.

In early July, the Huia Domain public toilets backed up with sewage due to an overfull septic tank, which suggests the council needs to take its own advice. Common signs of an overfull tank are slow drains, bad smells, soggy ground near the tank in dry weather or sewage backing up into the house.

Any of these require urgent action.

This next year, before the new rules apply, may also be a time for households to consider switching to a composting toilet. Auckland Council issues building consents for composting toilets, so long as they are waterless or urinediverting. Households use between 10,000 and 40,000 litres of water per year just to flush the toilet, so composting toilets significantly reduce water flowing through the septic system.

See goodloos.co.nz or lewisgray.com to start that journey.

Play therapist Chloe Davidson and patient Sebastian Furter are pictured enjoying the revamped Rangatira Ward outdoor play area at Waitākere Hospital.

Around 3000 children each year pass through the Rangatira Children's Ward and its once tired and uninspiring outdoor play area has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming playground. It features a striking mural depicting the local West Auckland beach and bush

by Auckland artist John Feary, custom built wooden play furniture, a new shade sail and fresh turf. The transformation was made possible through the support of Well Foundation, the charity for North Shore and Waitākere Hospital, and valued Well Foundation sponsor nib NZ. Chloe says opportunities for play are a vital part of a child's hospital experience. "Play helps children make sense of what's happening around them and having access to an outdoor space where they can move, play and enjoy some fresh air can help reduce anxiety, provide FRINGEADLTD.pdf 1 15/11/16 16:33 a sense of normality and support their emotional wellbeing during their time in hospital."

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4 The Fringe AUGUST 2026

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Art & About with Naomi McCLeary

It Takes Two to Tango 'Two’ is the drumbeat that is maintained today, up well driving me to the computer before dawn, painting in his this month. ‘Tango’ is studio down the bush path from superfluous – but it is such his house, cycling, climbing, a sensuous word! Think and always more painting. ‘blind’ Al Pacino in Scent of a Dean has found his unique Woman! But to the business. voice, his unique vision of the Matariki has become a world around him and now as wildly significant part of our ever he seeks only to paint it. celebratory calendar. Year by Go stand in the Upstairs Gallery year, the deepening meaning and have your senses assaulted of the celestial constellation, by colour, form, intensity. It and the stories behind it, are is overwhelming in the most permeating our mid-winter marvellous way. conversations in a more His paintings are in collections relaxed manner. nationally and internationally, As I sat watching (on TV to but it is so good to see his work my shame) the very beautiful here on home territory. dawn service at the Ōrākei John Parker, a longMarae, I had this ‘aha’ moment. time resident of bush-clad That until now I have had a Waiatarua, and a ceramicist head understanding and of national and international appreciation of Matariki; but standing, has a display of his something was missing. The elegant, and deceptively simple, honouring of those who have Dean Buchanan at Upstairs Gallery: overwhelming in the most white vessels and forms in the passed in the last year was that marvellous way. newly opened Ambrico Kiln in moment, and suddenly my heart clicked into gear.

New Lynn. (See the July 2026 Fringe). The organic and Perhaps it was intensified by the loss of Sam Neill and the industrial nature of the kiln tunnel, in particular the white intense sadness we all feel. So, I’m ‘head and heart’ now, and accretions from decades of brick firings, covering the arch feel that I can truly mark the new Matariki year as my own. of the interior, stand in sharp contrast to his sophisticated The amazing mid-winter dinner my family cooked topped it work. off, and we practiced saying Mānawatia a Matariki until it John is without doubt a renaissance man; a writer, a rolled smoothly off our tongues. theatre and costume designer, a potter and a collector of Two very senior, and local, artists have exhibitions in our Chinese memorabilia. He grew up in Panmure in the middle 'hood right now. Dean Buchanan’s work will be at the of Chinese market gardens, so his exposure to, and love of, Upstairs Gallery until August 9. This ‘small but perfectly things Chinese happened at a very early pre-pottery age. formed’ gallery is punching way above its weight. Of course His forms and aesthetic, of the stark and the industrial, that’s the result of the vision, passion and dedication of have, to some degree, put him out of step with the craft based Carlos and Tatiana Vano. They are unstoppable. organically-oriented mainstream of NZ pottery. My view is But to Dean. He is an unusual and intense individual; has that he has transcended that and has become a powerful lived in Karekare in the heart of the rugged Waitākere Ranges voice for a different aesthetic that is truly authentic and ‘of forever. I have known him on and off going way back. He is this place’. a man who has to keep moving; running, cycling, climbing In John’s words: My life is a successful marriage of all my and throwing that unstoppable energy onto canvas with interests. I make no distinction between them, even if trying his sweeping, moving landscapes, most often featuring the to define what I actually do for a job bothers other people. I Ranges. His style and content has evolved over time, but it is see no difference between my two practices. They both are still indisputably Dean Buchanan. He continues to capture the concerned with 3D objects in space. The only difference is beauty and, in some ways, the violence of the land and sea; is that my ceramic work is a solo activity and my theatre work transfixed by line and colour, by the complex geometries of involves total collaboration.

New Zealand landscape and bush. There is some abstraction, The Ambrico Kiln is open Wednesday to Friday, 10am-4pm; heavy outlines shape the slightly cubist segmenting, but one and Saturday 10am-3pm. John Parker’s exhibition will grace can always recognise the place. the kiln until late September.

His same punishing regime of work and exercise is

6 The Fringe AUGUST 2026

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Art & About with Naomi McCLeary

Memoirs times two!

I have to ‘fess up to being hooked on memoirs; in part because they are so unreliable! Recall is such quaky and subjective territory, but comes always with its own conviction of certainty.

Night Ma by Elizabeth Knox was the first of two books to knock me around.

She has taken a very particular five years of her life when she and her family were rocked again and again with trauma and tragedy; but in the telling she has dug deep back into the trauma of her childhood, and it is a breathtaking, and heartbreaking, story. I did not see it coming, which almost stopped me in my tracks. But through and over the litany of events, is the sad story of her mother’s slow descent with an auto immune disease and her inevitable passing. I think the brilliance of this memoir is that she most certainly doesn’t ‘gild the lily’; her mother’s inadequacies almost dispassionately named and numbered; but the love and grief that play out is the legacy that she takes forward. It is, in places, not a comfortable read, but it is a powerful and honest account from one of our best writers.

Last, but not least, is Stakes by Noelle McCarthy, pictured left. Recently published, this book is capturing the limelight. It traverses again much of the territory of her earlier memoir Grand, but now laces it with her obsession from childhood with the Dracula/vampire mythology. It sure as hell adds a technicolour wash over everything!

The chapters on her dysfunctional childhood, alcoholic mother, tumultuous and dangerous adolescence and increasing alcoholism, had me almost praying out loud that she would ‘please just stop'! The writing is brilliant, captivating, sensuous.

I could see it, smell it, feel the self-destructive whirlpool. I recall when Noelle first appeared on the New Zealand scene; the quite glorious, tousled-haired journalist with the sublime Irish accent. To know that the interviews, often celebratory appearances, were all laced with monstrous amounts of alcohol, defies belief. But I am convinced. This is a story of redemption; flawed, questioned, articulated with such insight and passion. You have to love her.

So, there are my ‘twos’ for August; two artists, two writers and two organs brought into alignment. Mānawatia a Matariki.

Western Water Supply Programme update

Watercare is delivering a programme of work to upgrade the western water supply network and help secure Auckland’s water supply into the future. Here’s an update from Axel Dumont who is leading the Western Water Supply Programme.

Over the past few months, our planning team has been assessing options and reviewing community feedback on two projects within our Western Water Supply Programme – the replacement Upper Nihotupu and Huia raw watermains.

I'd like to start by thanking everyone who took the time to share their views. We received important feedback from residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders, helping to shape the projects.

After completing detailed technical, environmental, cultural and planning assessments, we're now pleased to share our preferred options for both raw watermain replacements.

The existing raw watermains are critical pieces of infrastructure, transporting water from our western dams for treatment before it reaches homes and businesses across the region. Replacing them will help ensure they continue to serve Auckland reliably for many decades to come.

Our preferred option for the Upper Nihotupu raw watermain involves constructing a new pipeline over approximately 8km, connecting the Upper Nihotupu Dam to the new Water Treatment Plant. The section of the pipeline between Seavers Camp and the new water treatment plant will be installed deep underground, making it less vulnerable to slips and severe

weather events and reducing the risk of future disruptions.

The preferred option for the Huia raw watermain follows a similar approach and was identified following the selection at Upper Nihotupu.

This option brings the Lower Nihotupu flow via a new tunnelled pipe approximately 1km long to meet the Upper Nihotupu raw watermain at Jacobson's Depot. The connection to the existing Lower Nihotupu rising main will be located near the Parau spoil management area. Importantly, this option allows us to retain the existing Huia raw watermain in service, providing additional capacity and resilience within the network.

One of the reasons these options were preferred is that they make greater use of existing infrastructure corridors, reducing the need for disruptive surface construction and minimising community and environmental impact.

They have relatively low construction footprints, generate less construction soil for disposal and require fewer truck movements, helping to reduce impacts on roads, residents, businesses and recreational spaces.

Community feedback was a key consideration. Concerns about traffic management, road closures, property access, construction disruption and environmental protection were all weighed alongside engineering, environmental and cultural considerations. The preferred options reflect this balance and demonstrate the importance of community input.

While there is still work ahead, reaching this milestone is an important step forward. We look forward to continuing to work with communities as these projects progress and to keeping you informed along the way.

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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 – 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.

– 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.

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w – 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 6, Flicks presents Where to invade Next? (M, Doc./Comedy ), a Michael

Moore film where he plays the role of an American "invader", undergoing a global tour where he experiences alternative methods that deal with social and economic ills. The USA has a long history of invading countries and pushing agendas that have produced results that have failed every time – António Guterres, UN; Sozo Cafe, 1/2 Shetland Street, Glen Eden; 10.30am, 1pm and 7pm; $15/$12. Bookings essential Text 0210 222 5558.

w 8, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents The Whinray Family, floorsingers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $15, members $10, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz.

w 9 and 23, 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 12, Tītīrangi Wine & Food Society Mid-Winter Dinner; La Rosa Restaurant, 16 Captain Scott Road, Glen Eden; 6.30pm. Email twinefs@ gmail.com.

w 15 – September 13, Beyond the Realm, Paintings by Val Enger; West

Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Thursday/Friday, 10am-3pm, Saturday/ Sunday, 10am-4pm. Phone 09 812 8029. www.westcoast.co.nz

w 15, New Lynn Lions Club $2 Book Sale: Books, Magazines, CDs, DVDs, w – 9, Dean Buchanan, A Journey, a solo show; Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, LPs and jigsaw puzzles; New Lynn Friendship Club Hall, 3063 Great North Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

w – 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

Road, New Lynn (down the driveway by the traffic lights); 8am-4pm. Contact Mary Hibberd on 027 487 0639.

w 15, Glen Eden Community Market: car boot stalls, sausage sizzle and

family-friendly entertainment; Glen Eden Community House, 13 Pisces

w – 16, Silent Kōrero, a quiet hui of conversations that have unfolded in Road, Glen Eden;10am-12pm. Phone 818 2194.

Peata Larkin's studio; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough w 15, Book Swap, bring up to 10 books you’re ready to part with and take 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.

home up to 10 "new-to-you" books; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 10:30pm-2:30pm. Register your interest and read more at https://www.facebook.com/share/1B894WqLNr/.

w 15 – 21, Reading Around Aotearoa. Celebrate the very first NZ Children’s

book week starting off the week off with scavenger hunts, book displays,

w 8 – September 6, Fire & Clay, an exhibition celebrating the work of an afterschool DIY kids Make-and-take craft station and a special Dazzle Auckland Studio Potters; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010.

Hands storytime on August 17, 11-11.30am; Titirangi Library, 500 South Titirangi Road.

w 14 – August 30, Galaxie Petunia, a exhibition by Chlo and Sylvia w 18 – 29, Tītīrangi Theatre presents Dinner with the Family by Jean Marsters; Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road.

Phone 817 4278.

Anouith; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; Bookings at https://www.titirangitheatre.co.nz/

w 20 – November 15, Clear my throat: Sefton Rani reimagines colonial w 20, Waitākere Forest & Bird presents Ian McLean, the Auckland Regional domestic architecture; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010.

August

Representative for Birds New Zealand, who will detail the Birds New Zealand Beach Patrol scheme which has been running for 75 years; Ranui Community Centre 474 Swanson Rd, Ranui; 7.30 pm; koha appreciated.

Phone Liz 027 476 2732 or email lizanstey@hotmail.com.

w 1, West Lynn Garden Club. Learn new skills, meet new people, monthly w 21, Waitākere Grey Power Association presents a Meet the Candidates

speakers, day-trips; West Lynn Gardens, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn; 9:3011:30am. Contact Linda Cartwright: cartwrightlynda764@gmail.com, 027 333 2656.

w 2, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

8 The Fringe AUGUST 2026

meeting and Q&A; Te Atatū South Community Centre, 247 Edmonton Rd, Te Atatū South; 12.30pm, Phone Mate Marinovich 09 838 5207.

w 23, Modular Poetry in the Whau with Wordcore Wayfinders: a workshop bringing together poetry, music and visual art, supported by Whau Local Board; New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Tōtara Avenue; 3-5pm; free. Phone Christian 027 238 8223. www.wordcore.net Advertise with The Fringe – It’s who we are

Visitors are welcome, book an appointment to view the facilities and see where your cat will be staying.

w 25, 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 26, Glen Eden Library presents forensic scientist turned author Ruben

Miller, sharing the stories behind The Blood Says Otherwise. After 22 years on crime scenes across Aotearoa, Ruben offers a rare look behind the blue lines — exploring the human stories within the evidence and the personal toll of working with tragedy; Glen Eden Library; 6.30-7.30pm; Free tickets from https://tinyurl.com/rubenmiller.

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Keeping your feline friends safe & happy.

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Places to go – Things to do

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Only 8 minutes from Titirangi.

719 HUIA ROAD, PARAU, WEST AUCKLAND To book, email keepinkatz719@gmail.com or book online WWW.KEEPIN-KATZ.CO.NZ

w 28, Paper Portraits Crafternoon for ages 5-14; Tītīrangi Community

House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 3:30-4:30pm; Free. Register your interest and read more at https://www.facebook.com/share/1cYeW3dRo1/

w 28, 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.w

w 28, Open Mic Night, Great music from the West's best; Tītīrangi RSA, 502

South Tītīrangi Road; 8pm. Phone 817 6415.

w 29, Plunket Babysitting Course. Gain the skills and confidence you need to step into paid work at this practical, one-day course, designed for teens aged 14–17. Saturday August 29th Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 9am-3pm; $45. Register at https://events.humanitix.com/ plunket-babysitting-course-titirangi

Quality Fashion Spring is on its way!

New styles arriving daily

Further reductions on balance of Winter stock

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

w 29, 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 30, 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.

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:

213 – 215 Woodlands Park Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604 Phone: 09 817 8495 or 09 817 6188 www.kenturnermotors.co.nz

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The Fringe AUGUST 2026 9

Our Place

Honouring a family; connecting a community Often an overlooked landmark, 400 Tītīrangi Road has long sat on the fringes of the Village’s cultural scene. On the corner of Rangiwai Road and with major renovations underway the building promises a new local asset.

AZZURRA SNELGROVE-DOUCH reports.

The building is owned by the Titchener family and its recent renovation and construction have been overseen

by Kerry Titchener. It's a project which, as Kerry says, has had “no expense spared”, with the main goal of "getting the building to a good standard”. This includes new stone columns, extensive underground parking spaces and garages, and sprawling outdoor patio areas.

The addition of blue stone columns and tiles echo those seen across Tītīrangi, particularly around the RSA and library spaces. The redevelopment also includes new steel framing and concrete floors, as well as expanded upstairs spaces and a redesigned interior. There will be new outdoor seating, canopies and planters, soon to be filled with flowing greenery, while glass replaces walls to increase light and open the space.

It's a project which also holds strong family and historical significance. Originally owned by Kerry's grandmother in the 1940s and 50s, the building was later acquired by the government to establish the Tītīrangi Post Office. Remnants of this remain with sections of the historical post office tile flooring being retained in the building's almost complete reconstruction. The space was offered back to Kerry’s father, Walter Titchener, during the 1990s and he was more than happy to take it back. Following his passing, the redevelopment became an important process in honouring family tradition. Kerry hopes to maintain family possession of the building, passing it down to future generations.

The building will house a number of different businesses.

The second shop space next to Gecko in the Village (which has undergone expansion) will shortly open to new tenants.

The Titchener family will also maintain a presence upstairs through the establishment of the W F Titchener Holdings offices, alongside the existing Traffic Planning Consultants

10 The Fringe AUGUST 2026

offices, which have been expanded and revamped.

A familiar face takes on the main restaurant space: Vevo Café owner Victoria Warne. She aims to bring a “little bit of Auckland to Tītīrangi” through the opening of a modern Italian eatery. This will include sharing plates and “nice wines”. She hopes it will be an elevated spot to "spend evenings and special occasions".

Construction is scheduled to finish in September, with the opening of the restaurant expected shortly after. The redevelopment marks a new chapter for the building, after a history of changing hands; and a commitment to honouring family history and reconnecting with the community.

Building community through horses

Tucked away behind Owen's Green, beside Laingholm Kindergarten, Huia Road Horse Club is one of West Auckland's hidden gems.

For decades, the club has brought together local families, horse lovers, and volunteers who share a passion for horses, the outdoors, and community.

The club is a welcoming space where people of all ages can develop new skills, and make lasting friendships.

Community is at the heart of everything the club does. On the first Sunday of each month, the club hosts pony rides for children and the club has also expanded its activities to learn about the beehives on site, care for the surrounding bush through community weeding days, and help create a space that supports both people and nature. Other activities include Halloween dress-ups, dog days, art evenings and more.

In an increasingly busy world, the club offers something refreshingly simple: fresh air, hands-on learning, genuine community connection, and a sense of belonging.

To find out more follow the Huia Road Horse Club Facebook page or contact Diana at hrhc.secretary@gmail.com or 021 111 0608.

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People

Who’s a good boy then?

Glenn and Glynis Jennings’ Green Bay apartment is not your average two or three-bedroom home. For a start, one of the rooms is exclusively for JJ, a sulphur-crested cockatoo who has been living with the retired couple for two years. MOIRA KENNEDY finds out more.

They aren’t sure of JJ's history (nor his/her sex) but the chatty bird’s thought to be about 40 years old and had travelled around ‘a bit’ with its previous owners.

Cockatoos are unmatched mimics and JJ’s been known to greet visitors and enquire about their welfare. It even asked his vet "What’s up?" It lives in an expansive cage in its own room, looking out to a bright and sunny Glynis, Glenn and JJ sharing family time deck, and takes time out to hop around the apartment, loving nothing better than having a chat then poking its head under Glenn’s armpit and snuggling in to watch a bit of telly.

JJ is a bit of a 'daddy’s boy' and enjoys being patted like a cat. Its treats include peanuts, sunflower seeds and navel oranges. Although JJ has the potential to create chaos, Glenn and Glynis aren’t fazed – they’ve had lots of birds over the years including a Major Mitchell cockatoo (they have pink crests) for 34 years.

“JJ’s part of the family and a very special part of our lives.

No expense is spared on him,” says Glynis.

Another special part of their lives is their unique range of carvings, art works, photos, animal ornaments and paintings.

Words that spring to mind to describe the hundreds, possibly thousands, of treasures include eccentric, eclectic, quirky, unique and unconventional. A first-time visitor was heard to gasp ‘good grief’ but the accumulation-prone pair care not a jot what others think.

“This might all be a bit excessive for some people, most people perhaps,” says Glenn. “We don’t care. Every piece is an art work in its own right.”

And he’s right. Many of the works have been made by Glenn. He’s taught himself to turn his hand to anything over the years. “It doesn’t come naturally. I work hard to find out the best way of doing things then develop whatever I’m working on.”

That includes wood carving, a book of animal photography for Hamilton Zoo, bird photography for John Sands calendars and making 20 guitars and restoring others that are old and rare. One acoustic guitar took him three months to create.

Although retailers wanted to stock and sell them, “I just did them for fun, for myself to play," says Glenn.

Some of Glenn's wooden plates have taken 40 hours to make, woodturning with native, exotic and rare woods like the now strictly protected Brazilian rosewood or rara

cocobolo, a dense tropical hardwood from Central America.

But Glenn’s not a solo collector.

Glynis started collecting ornaments when she was a child and has done her fair share with Glenn. On occasion she’s seen something she liked in a magazine and had it made for her in pottery or bronze.

“We don’t think ahead. We might just be cruising the 'net and see something and think, 'That would be good', and so we get it,” says Glynis.

Glenn with a few of his Moving from their big family home 20 self-made guitars in Tītīrangi to an apartment three years ago could have been a nightmare. Not trusting professional movers to handle their treasures, they did the move themselves. Glenn created cardboard cutouts for every single item to nestle in its own safe space. That also went for all the shelves in the glass cases.

A cardboard creation of the new apartment’s floor plan was his masterpiece. “Yes, it took time. A couple of weeks, more perhaps,” says Glenn. “It was like doing a big jigsaw.”

"Who's a good boy then," says JJ.

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Naturally West

Birds of a feather: rescuing native birds says Rashi. "Just like human Dr Rashi Parker loves engaging diverse hospitals, our patients need clinical communities in caring for the environment, triaging. They are given medication, and is excited about her new role as the fluids, oxygen ventilation, and general manager of BirdCare Aotearoa, species-specific food. They need writes FIONA DRUMMOND. daily health checks to monitor The daughter of a marine biologist and their progress and physiotherapy, photographer, Rashi grew up in awe of the before they are ready to return to living world. She trained as a neuroscientist the wild. In the spring and summer, at the University of Auckland and Marine chicks need warm and humidityBiological Laboratory (USA) but a quirky controlled incubators.” question from her young daughter about the Today, the team is working environment inspired an immediate move through the evolving challenge out of research and into animal welfare.

Checking the health of a kahu. Photo by of the highly-infectious avian Rashi joined BirdCare Aotearoa in 2024. Ethan Lu. The organisation, based in Green Bay, cares for over 2000 influenza (H5N1) and is part of a critical front-line diseasesick, injured or orphaned native birds annually and treated screening programme, maintaining a safe hospital, for both 111 different species last year, from common garden delights birds and the wider community. Auckland Council are key like tūī and kererū, to endangered taiko (black petrels), and partners in this work.

However, BirdCare urgently needs additional support. pāteke (brown teals). The operation involves five specialised clinical staff members, supported by more than 150 dedicated It warmly welcomes donations and discussions so it can continue serving birds, and bird lovers. volunteers and trustees.

“Westies have a special connection with birds and I am The charity has a long legacy in West Auckland, from pioneering ‘bird rescue’ efforts over two decades, which confident that, together, we can really improve the protection then developed to a more clinical and conservation focus. It of our taonga,” says Rashi. https://birdcareaotearoa.org.nz/donate/ is situated on the scenic property of the late Jocelyn Grattan, who wished for an animal-welfare focused bird hospital to be established at her former home.

It’s been a sad year for the arts community, first with Rashi’s first role, as fundraising and advocacy manager, was the loss of Jools Topp and more recently the passing to support the organisation’s transition into a sustainable of Sam Neill. The outpouring of public grief tells us charity. She continues this work as general manager. A a great deal about just how highly Kiwis regard and key focus is to connect with environmentally conscious cherish the arts; and arts icons like Jools and Sam. communities and businesses, keen to make a real impact on What we will sorely miss from them is a fierce advocacy biodiversity restoration. for the arts.

Local supporters include Dinesh at the Crafty Baker, who Sam, speaking to Metro magazine said, “[New Zealand famously trained for his Auckland Marathon (to raise funds is] so full of potential, but we lack leadership.” He noted for BirdCare) wearing a chicken suit through Tītīrangi. Other that the New Year Honours Lists reveal where the supporters include Gree NZ, the Hugh Green Foundation, priorities lie in this country. “Have a look at the last one,” and Matta Products. The Friends of BirdCare programme, he said, “Jane Campion gets knighted. Apart from that, the Tītīrangi Potters, the Hollywood in Avondale, Ash from the arts are almost entirely ignored. And without the Haxan Hair Studio, and local youth orchestras have also arts, we’re rooted. We’re rooted.” helped with raising funds.

That was a decade ago. Since then, we have tolerated A close connection with Te Kawerau ā Maki has expanded a managed decline by those in the Beehive of so much BirdCare’s appreciation of the cultural impact of healthy that makes up the fabric of being Kiwi; flip-flopping bird life. Te Kawerau’s ancestral knowledge is also helping between parties that lack the leadership or courage to understand natural cycles, like predicting drunk kererū to undertake the bold, transformative ideas that are admissions during karaka berry season. needed. “A voiceless place that just does business”, as BirdCare is analysing its hospital admission data, in Sam said. It’s time that we expect better. collaboration with colleagues from Unitec, and Massey and Mark Roach is the Opportunity candidate for Auckland universities, to identify other biodiversity threats Waitākere. Contact mark.roach@opportunity.org.nz such as predation, collisions, fish-hooks, and disorientation or find him on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @ by bright night lighting. markroachforwaitakere.

With little central government support, BirdCare relies on Advertorial donations and grants. “Running a hospital is very expensive,"

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ways we support

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New Fish Passage supports rich aquatic life at Kawaka Reserve

Many years ago Kay Millar walked her children to school through the walkway to Kaurilands Primary School, and often thought that it was a great little oasis of bush, but a pity it was overrun with so many weeds.

Supporters Club $500 a month from each of our venues to boost local community activities.

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To learn more about the funds and which one fits your requirements, please visit thetrusts.co.nz

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Live @ the lounge

Ever wondered why Sandy's Parade is so named?

Yeah gidday. Lizard here. parent, when interview by I must say, I don’t like The Fringe, said, “She’s a being fat, but I really hero. A saint." enjoyed getting here.

"How such a small, Anyway, with my but well shaped woman shirt tails out, a must managed that was a for the round bellied miracle," her husband man, I headed in to the added. "She turned that community hall to attend bus seat into a kind of the monthly meeting of the life raft. She’s so strong.

Stand-up Bus Drivers and God Leigh rowed.” Hence, Public Pranks Guild. The Godley Road.

SUBDPPG. Route 171 to Laingholm Our members are mostly Not every member of the SUBDPPG escaped censure for their pranks ... was once the total domain local, a few of the Richies mob and of course a smattering of that incredibly popular bus driver, none other than the from Auckland Transport. Mark my words, these are some music man himself, Harry hold-a-tune Harrison. Rumoured old school pranksters. to be the 13th fastest beach horse rider, he drove the 1963 There was quite a buzz in the hall as we greeted each other, AEC RF 41-seater for many years. Out of his own pocket, he ate our packed lunch sandwiches and drank our Thermos roof-fitted the public address speakers. On March 7, 1967 tea. when Sandie Shaw released Puppet on a String, Harry hold-aThese drivers are legendary. Routes were named after tune Harrison skilfully straddled his bus across the Langholm them. Hell, roads were renamed after them!

Drive/Warner Park Ave hairpin corner and cranked up the For example, Route 170 was once driven by Nick Cowoski. sound for all the locals to hear this marvellous song for the Yes, Nick Cowoski of Waikaraka Park Speedway fame. Legend first time. has it he could four wheel drift old number 464, the 1953 Many clambered aboard. Cheers of delight echoed up the Leyland Royal Tiger (now in Motat by the way) from the valley. roundabout to just past Kohu Road. And that old girl still He then drove along the beach-front with Puppet on a had her original Wilson pre-select transmission!! He was String reverberating across the harbour. Sandie Shaw is now so spectacular, people would say, "Wow. Did you SEE NICK an adopted Laingholmian. Hence, Sandy’s Parade.

DRIVE.” So named and nothing to do with scenery.

I could go on and on regaling the uncountable public pranks Leigh Wallace made Route 195 between New Lynn by our stand-up bus driving members but some of them are Interchange and the Green Bay shops the stuff of folklore. already over an hour late for their route ...

During the great flood of 1959, Leigh was driving a Okay, one more quickie. When they named Dorothy Road, lightweight Saunder-Roe bodied Daimler. Approaching one of our less than stable (if I can put it that way) members, Craigavon Park corner, she faced a rapidly raising road-top became very jealous of a certain Dorothy. Some say, although lake. A number of school children were trapped in the park. it was never proven, she intentionally and repeatedly ran Leigh, always quick of mind and blessed with a very athletic down the street sign with her 1946, 214 cubic inch, petrolphysique, donned her red pranksters nose, removed the full- engined Bedford OB. width rear seat, and exited via the emergency back window.

Eventually, perhaps to keep her happy, they created Karen Single-handed, she somehow got the terrified children to Road. clamber aboard the make-shift craft. The torrent carried So on behalf of the SUBDPPG. We thank you for your them all the way past La Rosa Road before hitting the safety continued good humour and hilarious posts. of high ground. Mrs Eva Grace, a shaken but very grateful Later, Lizard.

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It’s Our Place!

Community organisations, sports clubs, craft clubs and other non-commercial organisations are welcome to post their news and updates on The Fringe’s web site, FREE. Email your updates and information to info@fringemedia.co.nz See Our Place at www.fringemedia.co.nz

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Directory

These organisations support our community and make this publication possible. Please support them.

ART & CULTURE

HAIR & BEAUTY

AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BUILDING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

LEGAL SERVICES

Tītīrangi Folk Music Club.........................................................15 Ken Turner Motors....................................................................... 9

AllWest Plumbing & Drainage................................................11 Drain Ranger.................................................................................... 4 The Plumb & Gas Co Ltd...........................................................15 Watkins Plumbing Services.....................................................14

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT

Ready Press Print........................................................................15

COMMUNITY

Forest & Bird bequests..............................................................15 The Trusts.......................................................................................13 Watercare.......................................................................................... 7 Whānau Day, Te Uru and Lopdell Precinct......................... 9

GARDENS & LANDSCAPE

Gordons Nurseries......................................................................15

Quality plants at reasonable prices Open 7days 159a Scenic Drive, Titirangi 021 113 0987 www.gordonsnurseries.co.nz

Sudan Hair......................................................................................14

Hunt & Gaunt Optometrists....................................................15 Presland & Co, lawyers................................................................ 4

LEISURE & LIFESTYLE

Bupa Retirement Villages........................................................... 5 Greenview Park Retirement Village....................................16 Murray Halberg Village, Lynfield............................................ 2

PETS

Keepin Katz...................................................................................... 9

POLITICAL

The Opportunity Party..............................................................10

SHOPPING

Shirley’s, women’s fashion........................................................ 9

Creative Print &

Promotional Solutions

* Digital * Offset Large Format * and Finishing Printing

*Locally owned and operated for over 40 years

(09) 818 1615 sales@readypress.co.nz

www.readypress.co.nz

‘your eyecare centre’

Club Night: 2nd Saturday every month Friday Folk (informal): 4th Friday every month Paturoa Bay Hall Tītīrangi Beach Road www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz

Eye examinations • Glaucoma Checks Contact Lenses & Solutions • On Site Repairs • Sunglasses Prescriptions • Drivers Licence Screening

Certified Plumber / Gas-fitter

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Phone Jason 2707 PH: Jason - – 0 2 7027 2 2 6 2 7226 07 Theplumbandgasco@gmail.com Theplumbandgasco@gmail.com

Bequests can be made to “Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc”. For more information on how to make a bequest contact: Fundraising Manager, Forest & Bird PO Box 631, Wellington Freephone: 0800 200 064

TITIRANGI VILLAGE 517 South Titirangi Road

Ph 817 4380 Fax 817 4383 MT EDEN 3 Walters Road Ph 630 3785 Fax 630 3746

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