Issuu

ISSUE 263, OCTOBER 2026

community news, issues, arts, people, events

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The Fringe, Issue 263, October 2026

Contents The people have a plan for Avondale racecourse; Nepal flood fundraiser....................................................4

www.fringemedia.co.nz

Art & About with Naomi McCleary.........................6 – 7 Behind the studio doors..................................................7 Out & About in the West...........................................8 – 9 Flat White Ride cycle map; Coming soon to Upstairs Gallery..................................10 Flicks presents ... ; Turning Pink for a purpose.............11 "Surrendering to what is new. It is what it is."..............12 Keeping it Local: Aryeh at Piha and Prime Massage Therapy...............13 Live at the Lounge.........................................................14 Advertisers directory......................................................15

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, Kerry Lee.

November 2026 deadline: October 15

On our Cover: Surf life saving clubs along Auckland's West

Coast are preparing for the start of the 2026 –27 season on Labour Weekend, and the team at Piha Surf Life Saving Club is no exception. Photo by Steen Bech, @pihasteve.

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.

We can no longer ignore the threat posed by climate change ... real action is needed

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed the government does not plan to spend billions of dollars purchasing international carbon offsets to bridge any shortfall in meeting its 2030 goals, even though official advice warns that failing to meet these targets without purchasing offsets could strain relationships and trigger compliance scrutiny or sanctions under free trade agreements with the UK and EU. (RNZ and Stuff)

Anna's View

The present government has rejected several recommendations from the Climate Change Commission, reversed the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, and altered domestic methane reduction targets. (theconversation.com)

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

The people have a plan for Avondale racecourse In mid-July the last horse race was run at Avondale Racecourse, but the race to secure the future of this 35 hectares of green space is far from won. JADE REIDY reports. On October 6, the community-led Avondale Racecourse Alliance (ARA) will be presenting its People’s Plan to Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee. The ARA was formed after the community discovered, in 2022, that the Avondale Jockey Club had submitted a request for the entire racecourse to be rezoned to terraced and apartment buildings. The club is required by legislation concerning ‘surplus land’ to transfer the title to its governing body, NZ Thoroughbred Racing, by mid-2028. NZTR has submitted to Plan Change 120 that the entire site be rezoned for buildings up to 10 storeys high. The People’s Plan requests instead that the council purchase the land, rated at $80 million. “What’s at stake matters to every Aucklander,” team member Jaclyn Bonnici told a community meeting last month. “The heritage of this whenua is its portage route, and community use that stretches back to the 1890s. We believe the community should decide its future. No decisions should be made out of sight.”

Bruce McLaren Intermediate ENROLMENTS ARE OPEN FOR 2027 Year 7 & 8 Students

Please submit applications online/office www.brucemclaren.school.nz 61-69 Bruce McLaren Road, Henderson Office hours: 8.00am – 3.30pm. Phone: 836-3175 • email: admin@brucemclaren.school.nz

4 The Fringe OCTOBER 2026

Of the 35ha, the plan sets aside almost half for a park and sports fields. The popular Sunday market (still ongoing), stormwater facilities and native planting, and the longawaited Whau swimming pool have dedicated space and the remaining 7ha would accommodate housing development. The Alliance’s integrated approach sees potential for creative-industry facilities, better walking and cycling links, and stronger connections to the Te Whau Pathway and public transport network. It also acknowledges the need for a new school to address significant population growth. Whau Local Board funded the latest iteration of the People’s Plan. Chair Kay Thomas argues that the plan could recover some of the purchase price through new housing and address multiple community needs. “Teams across Auckland train and play on these fields and there is no Plan B,” she explains. “Up to 20,000 people buy affordable kai at the Sunday Market, sold directly by growers.” There is equally a strong environmental case for this green space. “Avondale has only 10-15 percent urban tree canopy – well below the city’s average. Stormwater is an issue. Seven hectares of racecourse land is within flood-prone areas and is essential for flood resilience,” she explains. “Native shorebirds also rely on the open space, so we have a oncein-a-generation opportunity to expand Whau’s green-blue ecological network.” Kay is also adamant that Avondale should not be put in a position by the council to choose between the racecourse or a new pool. “The racecourse is a regional asset while the pool is a local facility we’ve already waited decades for,” she says. Locals are encouraged to attend the planning committee meeting at 10am on October 6 to support the People’s Plan. The ARA is looking to organise a free minibus. To hop aboard, contact hello@avondaleraceoursealliance.co.nz. Visit www. avondaleracecoursealliance.co.nz/ to sign up to the ARA’s newsletter and download the People’s Plan. Anup Chapain (left) was one of the many musicians who performed at A Night for Nepal last month at the Tītīrangi RSA, raising funds for the Red Cross Nepal Flood Emergency Appeal. Other musicians included The Flaming Mudcats, Freight, Albi & The Wolves, Stephen Tauaniga, Bhaskar Prabhant with Dylan, Eleventy 1, Rick Topp, and Paula Feather with Phil Toms. Many local companies also supported the event including New World, Iti, Tonic Spa, Gecko in the Village, Fairy Flower Shop, Green Bay Florist, Mike Logan and two New Lynn Nepalese eateries, Olive and Uglies. With the help of the 'Bucket Brigade', selling raffle tickets and collecting donations, the night raised over $4000 for the Red Cross. Not only did the event bring the need for emergency relief into focus; it also recognised the huge role that climate change played as a major cause of this disaster, underlining the need to do much more to mitigate this phenomena. Photo by Greer Wilcox.

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Art & About – Naomi McCleary

To Seduce? I’ve been thinking about the power of words, triggered by a search online to see what is showing at our wonderful Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery. The first image I lucked upon was a glorious painting that seemed to fill a wall and then continuously unroll across the floor. The richness of the colours (a spectrum of blues and greens) seduced me. The name of the artist (Ruth Ige) is unknown to me; this happens more and more as new and exciting talent emerges from the multi-ethnic nature of Tāmaki Makaurau. One has to swim with it, and I love that. For me, each new artwork is either yes or no. ‘Yes’, this one speaks to me and I will put energy into being in it and with it. ‘No’, life is too short to attempt to penetrate this, probably, worthy work. Not particularly proud of myself in that regard. So, to Ruth Ige. I went to the notes, and herein lies the dilemma. There is a language, called by the slightly cynical, ‘artspeak’! Laid out before me were notes honouring the artist’s origins (great), her influences, materials, the subtext, cultural connections, and so forth. I can broadly understand it, as can most of the people who are art lovers and gallery attendees. Even so, sometimes I am irritated. It is endemic to

100% owned and

the arts world with some worthy exceptions. (Read How to Look at a Painting by New Zealander, Justin Paton.) But, to the person wanting to dip a toe into the contemporary art world, to feel confident and welcomed into a public gallery, it can be a very real turnoff. Back to Ruth Ige; the commentary beside the images of her exhibition is complex, thoughtful, insightful. It has a dual purpose; to expose the depth of reflection and intention she brings to her work, and to share that rich life experience with the viewer. I have read it through twice, mostly because I’m using it as an example of how we, at all our various levels of interest, approach art. So, even though I ‘get it’, the earnest and necessary attempt to contextualise her paintings is not what will take me to Te Uru. It is the richness, colour, intrigue of the images, that arrests me. So what am I saying? Search for art that, either head or heart, draws you in some way that you don’t have to immediately understand. Stand in front of it, or walk around it, and give it the courtesy of your time. Once you have filled yourself, then turn to the text, and that may well enhance the experience. I hope it does, but if it doesn’t, walk away and continue your relationship with what is on the wall. Note: our public galleries, like our libraries, belong to us, the community. Their brief is to present the best, most thoughtful, diverse reflection of the art world. Te Uru does this brilliantly. My purpose here is to encourage the notion that engaging with, and responding to, the exhibitions and events that Te Uru presents, is a gift. All you have to do is walk in the door with an open heart and mind. The Evocation of Worlds by Ruth Ige, until November 15.

A Book to Seduce:

Newly published, and making waves, is Contrapposto by Dave Eggers. I’m pretty confident in saying that this novel can be described as ‘autofiction’. The author has mined his life to create a narrative that takes one into the very strange, and sometimes visceral, arena of contemporary art; with PLAYHOUSE THEATRE INC. PRESENTS THE

PRODUCTION OF

operated by our thetrusts.co.nz

6 The Fringe OCTOBER 2026

The Trusts

Artwork designed by AKA NYC

community.

Book by Chris D’Arienzo Arrangements and Orchestrations by Ethan Popp

Book at Eventfinda

GLEN EDEN PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 10th - 24th Rocktober! 2026

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Art & About – Naomi McCleary

all its bizarre characters, cloistered galleries, autocratic institutions; the mystery of what the elite arts fraternity judges to be good – or not. There are no answers, but a ripping tale of the forces that shape success or failure in this entirely subjective world.

A Love Letter:

Somehow, wonderfully, strangely, Going West, (Writers Festival) turns 30 this year. Going West Trust couldn’t let this pass without sending out a signal that we intend, God (and funders) willing, to plan for a weekend festival in 2027. But for 2026, after an inordinate amount of talking, and with building excitement, a taste of the past and a whiff of the future will emerge as A Love Letter to Going West. It will be a small (but perfectly formed) anniversary celebration of the writers, readers, performers, stories and general literary carry-on that was ‘Going West’. Think sounds and images from the archives; Stephanie Johnson, Glenn Colquhoun, Simon Wilson on stage reflecting on the past and dreaming forward; poets as always and music to end the night; all laced with food and wine. A microcosm of the old festival and a of what yet may come. Lopdell Theatre, October 16, 7pm. Tickets at https://events. humanitix.com/love-letter-to-going-west

Behind the studio doors There is something rather special about being invited into an artist’s studio. a glimpse not only of the finished work, but of the ideas, experiments and often beautifully organised chaos behind it. Open Studios Waitākere returns this November for another weekend of exploring the creative heart of West Auckland. On November 7 and 8, more than 80 local artists from Tītīrangi and Glen Eden to Piha, Te Henga, Huia and beyond will open their doors and welcome visitors into the places where their work is created. Visitors will meet painters, sculptors, ceramicists, jewellers, illustrators, textile artists and makers working across many disciplines. Some studios will offer demonstrations or the chance to see works in progress, while others will have original artworks to purchase. Tītīrangi artist Katherine Simpson joins Open Studios Waitākere for the first time this year. An established painter, Katherine creates layered contemporary works that explore the space between abstraction and recognition. Open Studios Waitākere is a chance to better understand the people and processes behind art. Pick up a brochure, choose a start point and see where the weekend takes you. Full details are at openstudioswaitakere.co.nz

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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 — 10, Tūturu Kāenga, works by George and Brook Konia inspired by a road trip along SH35; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.

w 4, WilkieMac and Penni Feather House Concert; 3pm; $20. Email redrustyshed@gmail.com to reserve a place and find the address.

w 5, Tītīrangi Residents & Ratepayers Association AGM and meet the candidates meeting; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, 2a Aydon Road, Tītīrangi; 7pm. $5 cash per person ($10 family) for membership if coming for the AGM.

w 10, West Lynn Garden Spring Festival Fundraiser with crafts, activities,

scavenger hunt, raffle, food, drinks and market stalls; 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn; 10am-2pm. Phone 09 827 7045

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

w — 10, Witipū, a group exhibition reclaiming witipū, a term used to w 4 and 18, Waitematā Country Music Club club night; Glen Eden describe strong wāhine Māori; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.

w — 18, Tiaki, soft scuptures of taniwha and tuna by Kiara Schaumkell and Aliyah Edwards; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010.

w — 18, Pōtikitanga: Emerging Artists Awards; Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

Community and Recreation Centre, 44 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 7-10pm; $5. Phone Kathy 09 817 4994

w 7, It's Alive! Learn how to animate with stop motion; Tītīrangi Library,

500 South Tītīrangi Road, 3–4pm; Age 10+. Please bring own device and RSVP to titirangi.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with your name and phone number.

w 8, Turning the Pages: Star Jackson uncovers the history of the Auckland w — 18, Zeke’s World – Ceramics and paintings by Zeke Wolf; West Coast and Tītīrangi Libraries; Tītīrangi Library, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 10.30-

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

w — November 1, The Crackling of the Sun, a dynamic group exhibition bringing together nine artists, from Aotearoa and abroad, whose works are shaped by myth, speculative storytelling, and futuristic 'worldmaking'; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087. w — November 1, Moving through time, a dialogue between two painters,

Jeena Shin and Jamie Te Heuheu, exploring gesture, rhythm and the passage of time; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w — November 15, The Evocation of Worlds, a new body of work by Ruth Ige, the 2025 Rydal Prize winner, exploring memory, mythology and identity; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w — November 15, Changing Faces, a collaboration between Kaurilands School and Te Uru exploring identity and mark-making; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

11.30am; RSVP appreciated to titirangi.library@auckandcouncil.govt.nz.

w 9, Monster Mash Silent Disco, dress up and win prizes; Tītīrangi Library,

500 South Tītīrangi Road; 3.30–4.30 pm; All ages welcome.

w — 11 Auckland Heritage Festival: Celebrate bizarre cookbooks from New Zealand’s past; discover the history behind the gardens and orchards in West Auckland, or visit Kai West for epic stories of kai, whakapapa, whenua, and communities. Full programme at heritagefestival.co.nz

w 12 – 18, Mental Health Awareness Week, a series of health and wellness

workshops with Jefferson Chapple including Inspirational Breathing, Monday October 12, 3.30–4.30pm; Anatomy of an Upset, Wednesday October 14, 4–5pm; and Time is Not Toxic, Friday 16 October, 3.30– 4.30pm; Register on https://tinyurl.com/5n6f792c; Glen Eden Library, Glen Mall, Glen Eden.

w 14, Brain Storm, a multimedia presentation by Bryony Matthews; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Tickets at https:// www.undertheradar.co.nz or on the door if not sold out.

w — November 15, Clear my throat: Sefton Rani reimagines colonial w 15, Waitākere Forest & Bird lecture series with Ben Potter presenting domestic architecture; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010.

October

w 1, From black sand to red ochre. Join Thalia Henry for a creative writing workshop inspired by her novel, Sorry Rock; Tītīrangi Library, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 2-4pm. Phone 377 0209.

w 3, West Lynn Garden Club. Learn new skills, meet new people, monthly speakers, day-trips; West Lynn Gardens, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn; 9:3011:30am. Contact Linda Cartwright: cartwrightlynda764@gmail.com, 027 333 2656.

Some insights into the ecology of the North Island tree flora; Ranui Community Centre 474 Swanson Rd, Ranui; 7.30 pm; Koha appreciated. For further information phone Liz 027 476 2732 or email lizanstey@hotmail.com .

w 17, 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 17, Glen Eden Community Market: car boot stalls, sausage sizzle and family-friendly entertainment; Glen Eden Community House, 13 Pisces Road, Glen Eden;10am-12pm. Phone 818 2194. w 17, Pre-Loved Toy Market. Come find unique items and support

w 4, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; sustainable shopping; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi

3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

8 The Fringe OCTOBER 2026

Road; 10.00am-12.30pm. Contact admin@titirangihouse.co.nz, 817 7448.

w 23, Florence Saves Clothes Pop Up: bring any clothes you’d like to bring Advertise with The Fringe – It’s who we are

Places to go – Things to do

Quality Fashion back to life either in repair or reinvention; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 9.00am-3.00pm (tailoring tutorials 11am-1pm). Phone 817 7448.

Organic Cotton

from our Spring Collection

w 23, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal gathering

561 Blockhouse Bay Road

w 24 — November 8, Works by Raewyn Booth and Sammy Milne; Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278

Ph 09 626 5633

of musicians, singers and listeners; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 7:30pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz.

Blockhouse Bay Village (opposite the Library) Tues – Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm Closed Sun and Mon

w 24 — November 22, Swimmingly – Sculptures by Rebecca Rose; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Thursday/Friday 10–3, Saturday/Sunday 10–4.Phone. 09 812 8029 www.westcoast.co.nz w 25, 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 27, 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 30, Open Mic Night, Great music from the West's best; Tītīrangi RSA, 502

South Tītīrangi Road; 8pm. Phone 817 6415.

w 31, 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. The Auckland Folk Festival returns to Kumeu Showgrounds early next year (January 29 – February 1). Tickets are now on sale for what has become New Zealand's largest celebration of folk music and dance, featuring guests from Ireland to Ghana, Australia to Nashville, and all over Aotearoa. As New Zealand’s largest folk festival, Auckland Folk Festival honours the traditional, while exploring the modern, with five stages under cover (including a dedicated kids' stage) alongside flax weaving, pottery, music and dance workshops. Ny Oh is headlining the festival this year with beguiling voice and songwriting. She will be joined by Yurt Party, the beloved Christchurch-based street party band and three exciting Australian acts, Apolline The Inadequates, and The Borough, featuring Lucy Kammerman on fiddle. Representing Ireland is four-piece Tulua, a traditional Irish ensemble whose music is deeply rooted in their rich heritage while Ghanaian musician Yaw Asumadu, now based in Aotearoa, will bring his WOMAD-honed sound to the festival. For full information on all the guests visit www. aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz Day passes and full weekend camping passes are available through Moshtix.

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 November 10am–4pm Visit some of Waitākere’s most celebrated artists including sculptors, painters, jewellers, illustrators, ceramic artists and photographers. With over 60 artists involved, and 40 studios from Piha to Glen Eden, Titirangi to Te Henga, it’s an inspiring weekend out and about.

openstudioswaitakere.co.nz

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Out & About Working together with Bupa, the bike-mad people at EcoMatters Environment Trust have launched a new Flat White Ride map, showcasing 10 of the best cycle trails in the West. The launch of the map was part of the Bupa Healthy Cities initiative, which encourages people to adopt sustainable and healthy lifestyles, while Bupa invests in regenerating urban environments for people to thrive. Every photo EcoMatters received of someone using the Flat White Ride in September meant another tree planted. One lucky entrant went in the draw to win $3000 worth of electric scooter and gear courtesy of Storm Rides. “Our hope is that the Flat White Ride map will give local people a relaxed, no-pressure way to try cycling,” says Carla Gee, CEO of EcoMatters. The map includes suggested rides from the Waitematā Harbour in Te Atatū South, taking in completed sections of the Te Whau Pathway, through Henderson, Glen Eden, Kelston, New Lynn, Waterview, Avondale and onto the Manukau Harbour in Tītīrangi and Green Bay. Find out more at ecomatters.org.nz/flatwhiteride

Glen Eden Optometrist New owner. Same Glen Eden Optometrist. Proudly locally owned, Glen Eden Optometrist has been serving the community for over 40 years. And we are dedicated to continuing that legacy. Our priorities are top quality eye care, tailored to meet the needs of your lifestyle, and curating a unique collection of eyewear that caters to all budgets.

Coming soon to Upstairs Gallery Sammy Milne, once gallery manager at Upstairs Gallery, and a new artist, Raewyn Booth, are to present a joint exhibition at the gallery from October 23 to November 8. Raewyn volunteers at Upstairs Gallery during the day and on opening nights. She and her husband moved to Tītīrangi 34 years ago although her husband's family had a long history in the area having once owned the farm in Woodlands Park. Raewyn writes: "The bush, the sound of the kererū and tūī have become a part of my daily walks along Exhibition drive where I find beauty and serenity and a huge part of my love for Tītīrangi. "Painting came to me 24 years ago as a healing tool after a health scare. I found that I worked best with acrylic paints and creating abstract works. From small beginnings came a passion that I began to love." Raewyn had always enjoyed visiting galleries and, once she Raewyn Booth (top): a 'new artist on the block'; and retired, decided to volunteer at an embroidered portrait the Upstairs Gallery. of Jean-Michel Basquiat by It was there she met then Sammy Milne below. curator/manager Sammy Milne and they hit it off immediately. Meeting new people and new artists gave her the inspiration to show her art in the Emerging Artists awards. Sammy and Raewyn remained close friends and eventually decided to share an exhibition. "A first exhibition for me is truly exciting and scary, and to do it with the very talented Sammy Milne will be both rewarding and amazing," says Raewyn. " So come along and check us out, you never know what you may find."

As the needs of your family change and grow, and regardless of your age or stage, we will be there every step of the way to help guide your eye care journey. So, to get your vision beyond ‘just fine’, to give your eye health the tune up it desperately needs, or to find that piece of eyewear that brings out your personality...

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Out & About Flicks presents ... Amrum (M, 93 minutes, Germany). A tender coming-of-age tale about the loss of innocence in the waning days of WWII; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House; October 2, 10.30am, 6pm and 8-15pm; $16 and $12.50. Kiri and Lou go raaa (G, 60 minutes, New Zealand). New Zealand's first stop frame animation, all hand done. It is an hour of fun with great little ditties by The Front Lawn and directed by the always witty Harry Sinclair. It’s cheeky, it's kind and it's very silly; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House; October 2, 2pm; Free. Also showing at Sozo Café, 1B Shetland Street, Glen Eden; October 8, 11am and 2pm; $10. The Weight (R15, 112 minutes, USA). Starring Ethan Hawke, Julia Jones and Russell Crowe, The Weight turns a strippeddown tale of desperation into a gripping, hard-hitting thriller, the kind of action-adventure that Hollywood used to make but rarely does anymore; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House; October 9, 10.30am, 6pm and 8.15pm; $16 and $12.50. What is Love? (M, 107 minutes, France, Comedy). A warm and insightful exploration of love’s complexities and the fragile possibilities of new beginnings, carried by humour, humanity, and a glow that guarantees smiles as you leave; Tītīrangi Theatre, Lopdell House; October 23, 10-30am 6pm and 8-15pm Tickets $16 and $12-50

Turning Pink for a Purpose Splash of Pink returns this October, bringing our community together to raise awareness, spark conversations and support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. From October 12-17, Splash of Pink will once again unite local businesses and the wider community in support of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. What started as a local initiative has become a much-loved annual campaign celebrating the power of community and collective action. Be sure to visit the Breast Cancer Awareness Campervan in Tītīrangi Village Centre on Tuesday, October 13, enjoy a Pink for Purpose drink from Churlys throughout the week, and enjoy the High Tea Finale on Saturday, October 17 at the Tītīrangi RSA. Together, every splash counts Get your tickets today! www.splashofpink.co.nz

Bookings for all films by text to 0210 222 5558. Full details at www.flickscinema.weebly.com

Western Water Supply Programme update Auckland's third water supply dam, and Watercare is delivering a programme was designed to strengthen the city's of work to upgrade the western water growing water supply network in the supply network and help secure years following World War II. Auckland’s water supply into the future. Since then, the pump station has With construction of the replacement quietly played a vital role in Auckland's Lower Nihotupu Pump Station set to water supply system, pumping raw water begin next year, it feels like the perfect from the Lower Nihotupu Dam to the time to reflect on the history of the Huia Water Treatment Plant, where it infrastructure and people who have is treated before entering the region's helped shape Auckland's western water drinking water network. network. Nearly a century after Ken and Elvie While many know the story of the dams themselves, fewer know about the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections JTD-08M-05414, helped care for the western dams, Photographer Bill Beveridge. we're continuing that legacy through the people who cared for them day in and day out. One of those people was Ken "Nugget" Thompson, a former Western Water Supply Programme. While today's infrastructure is more circus wrestler known for his tough, "nuggety" appearance, and his wife complex and the challenges are different, the goal remains the same: Elvie. After the completion of Upper Huia Dam in 1929, most workers ensuring Aucklanders can rely on safe, resilient and secure drinking moved on, but Ken and Elvie stayed behind as one of two caretaker water. Looking back at stories like Ken and Elvie's is a reminder that behind couples appointed by the Council to live and work at the dam. Their role went well beyond maintaining the site. Ken spent much every dam, pump station and pipeline are generations of people whose of his time exploring and clearing the surrounding bush, researching dedication has helped keep water flowing to Auckland homes and native plants and frogs, while Elvie helped look after the dam and businesses. As we prepare to replace the Lower Nihotupu Pump Station next its day-to-day operations. Together, they dedicated more than two decades to caring for this important piece of infrastructure before year, we're building on the foundations they helped create. Through our Western Water Supply Programme, we'll renew and retiring in 1953. The story of the Lower Nihotupu Pump Station began in 1946, when upgrade critical infrastructure across the western network, ensuring it it was built as part of the Lower Nihotupu Waterworks Scheme. The continues to serve Auckland with the same reliability and purpose for ambitious project included the construction of the Lower Nihotupu Dam, generations to come. Advertisement

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The Fringe OCTOBER 2026 11

People

“Surrendering to what is new. It is what it is.” Three years ago singer-songwriter maybe decades. Experts now view it as Bryony Matthews was knocked off a chronic condition rather than a single an e-scooter close to her home in event that fully heals. Christchurch. That split second Part of Bryony’s recovery was working changed her life forever. Emergency with the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury surgery, time in ICU and weeks in Trust, an independent charity helping hospital with a traumatic brain people find new pathways through life injury were just the beginning of after brain injury. what Bryony calls a “long, slow, “It’s that long journey of learning to arduous, journey of recovery.” try and accept the differences in you as “I was an absolute wreck,” says the 39 Bryony Matthews, traumatic brain injury a person, how you’re working now and year-old whose horrendous experience survivor surrendering to what is new,” she says. has led her to create her own stage show Brain Storm, which “It’s a big grief process, hugely emotional. I have my family she is performing at Tītīrangi Theatre on October 14 at 7pm. and you keep going.” Bryony’s daughter was just five when “Brain Storm is inspired by my experience of surviving the accident happened. traumatic brain injury and explores the often unseen After her accident Bryony couldn’t read, write, listen to realities of recovery, through original music, storytelling and music or watch anything. “I’m a songwriter, but in the early visuals,” Bryony says. “While deeply personal, it’s a story that part of my recovery I started writing down poems. That was resonates with many people whose lives have been touched the one thing I could do and I knew I would turn them into by brain injury, either personally or through someone they music when I was able. That took about six months.” love.” Bryony initially planned to create an album of songs about It is estimated that 40,000 New Zealanders experience a what she was going through but that plan transformed traumatic brain injury each year. The affects can last years, into an immersive story-telling show with creative visuals, narrative and music retelling her story. “I wanted to share this. It’s quite hard to explain brain injury but I’m able to do it through song writing and storytelling. I want to help other people who’ve had similar experiences to be understood, and to share with others what those people are going through.” Bryony says while the album has some dark spaces, she doesn’t see it as positive or negative. “The last song is about me telling my brain to please let me live easily. But there are seeds of hope and I thought that was quite important. It definitely makes you realise how things can change." Bryony concedes it’s ironic that she’s doing a nationwide tour of Brain Storm while fatigue is a significant challenge. She’s already done shows in Christchurch, Wellington and Whanganui and after Tītīrangi she's performing in Hamilton before returning to Ōtautahi “to chill for a bit”. “This project is really important to me. I am functioning but a different type of functioning. I’m not the person I was but I am able to live very well. Just differently. “My family are proud of me and I am too. I’ve definitely been through months of wondering what on earth I was doing. But now I’m through that, and very proud of it.” Wellington reviewer Stanford Reynolds calls Brain Storm “a striking show … beautifully crafted. There is real vulnerability in what she [Bryony] shares, but also an unmistakable sense of gratitude. Catch it if you can.” Soundscapes to Brain Storm are by Joshua Homes and visual art by Nicholas Ahu. – Moira Kennedy Tickets from www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/103052/ Bryony-Matthews-Presents-Brain-Storm.utr

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Keeping it Local Hospitality comes first

Prime Massage Therapy — professional Lucas Parkinson, chef and owner of Aryeh, nestled on the care, right here in Tītīrangi

wild west coast at Piha, has spent more than 20 years in kitchens across New Zealand, Australia and France. His approach to food has become increasingly simple: start with exceptional ingredients, respect where they come from, waste as little as possible, and make food people genuinely want to eat. Sustainability has been at the heart of his cooking and he works with local growers, fishermen, farmers, hunters and foragers, letting the seasons and availability of produce Lucas (left) and Andrea shape his menus. He favours want Aryeh to keep evolving. sustainably sourced kaimoana, wild and responsibly farmed meats and organic produce where possible, while trying to utilise ingredients completely and minimise waste. Aryeh may be recognised as a fineThe Fringe makes editorial space available for current dining restaurant, but hospitality advertisers and nonalways comes first. "We want people commercial organisations, to feel relaxed, welcomed and well at no charge. Email info@ fringemedia.co.nz to find fed," says Lucas. "One rule is nonout more. negotiable: if you choose to trust the chef, you won’t leave hungry. "Piha is a huge part of who we are. We love the ruggedness – the ocean, bush, sunsets, weather and the community that calls it home. There’s an honesty here that keeps us grounded, and our food is increasingly a reflection of this landscape." Aryeh is now welcoming Italianborn chef Andrea Cattalini as Aryeh’s new Head Chef. Andrea has had an exceptional career and brings a wealth of knowledge, fresh ideas and energy while sharing a commitment to produce-led cooking. Together, Lucas and Andrea want Aryeh to keep evolving while staying true to what matters: great New Zealand produce, genuine hospitality, sustainability, community and building a restaurant West Auckland can be proud to call its own.

With 15 years’ experience, Nici Stirrup has built Prime Massage Therapy around providing professional, personalised care and creating a space where clients feel comfortable, cared for and confident in their treatment. Prime first opened in Onehunga in 2020 and Nici brought her experience to Tītīrangi with a dedicated home-based clinic two years ago. The clinic offers clients a welcoming, calm, private and professional environment. Nici is Bachelor-trained in New Zealand as a neuromuscular massage therapist and provides a range of professional services, including relaxation, therapeutic and sports massage, as well as manual lymphatic drainage. Building strong relationships with clients is at the heart of Prime Massage Therapy. Whether clients are looking for regular massage, support with an active lifestyle, help with muscular tension or chronic pain, or simply some time to slow down and reset, Nici’s focus is on providing consistent, quality care from an experienced professional. More recently, Prime Massage Therapy has expanded its treatment offering with the introduction of FLOWpresso®, a specialised compression and heat therapy treatment designed and created in New Zealand. It complements the clinic’s existing massage services and provides clients with another option to support their wellbeing. Visit www.prime massage.co.nz for bookings.

Tītīrangi Business Association has launched a range of high quality T-shirts and Tote bags. These are now available from the Upstairs Gallery in Lopdell House. T-shirts are $45 and the Tote bags are $20.

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The Fringe OCTOBER 2026 13

Live @ the lounge

"I love this pub and village life, and the gossip!" Yeah gidday. Lizard here. Well, spring is once again spronging. Flowers are all a flirting. There’s trees to be a hugging. Birds are all a twittering. It’s nature's season to be naughty. Sunshine makes me rip off my shirt. Bung on me shorts. Shaz to find her bikini. Hedges to be trimmed. Bloody snails to step on along the path. Yuk. I hate that sound. And of course, who to vote for. Boring? As Winston Churchill once said so succinctly but brilliantly, democracy is the worst form of government there is, except for all the others. Anyway, it’s been a bit full-on at The Shrine, still Huia Hills finest wine and dine. Seems the busier we get, the more my wonderful mates gel. But we’re a hard case bunch. Lizard Junior went up to the top of the Sky Tower last weekend. "Dad, I farted in the lift which was wrong on so many levels.” Yeah, hilarious. "Go and give Mopey a hand with the dishwasher, please." “It’s a dishwasher Dad, not a dish-wash-he.” “I heard that young man,” said his Mum. "Which was tricky over the sound of me shattering glass ceilings.” When the kitchen is flat tack, it’s really important to go in the in door and out the out door, particularly when carrying very hot dishes. Last night Mopey Jesus went out the in door and crashed in to Maori Phil. I’m not sure I’ve mentioned this before, or why I would, Maori Phil is very cross-eyed. He said to Mopey Jesus, "Watch where you’re going." As quick as a flash, Mopey replied, "Go where you’re watching." Classic. And of course, there’s always time for a bit of good ‘ol gossip. Listen up folks. But mum's the word. Shhhh. With Gay Gary's flair and Camilia-Dawn's money, the upstairs apartment is ready for bookings. “It’s finished in bold gold flock walls,” Gay Gary says proudly. “Black pearlescent ceilings. Blood-red crushed velvet drapings and hot lipstick pink carpets. It’s bloody gorgeous, even if I FRINGEADLTD.pdf say so myself. Worthy of Royals 1 15/11/16 16:33 darlings. And!!! It’s

been booked and fully paid up in advance! For three months!” “By who?” asked Chardonella. “By whom. Guess,” said Gay Gary. "Simon Cowell,” said Maori Phil. "No? Madonna? She loves a flat cap and a pint.” “Ducky, that was during her Guy Richie period. Now she dates Brazilian teenagers and photographs armpit hair. Do keep up darling.” Never let it be said Gay Gary doesn’t keep up with celebrity gossip. “Who then?” asked Shaz. “Anthony Brizell. Correction. Sir Anthony Brizell.” We all looked a bit stunned. Shaz said she thought he was still in prison because he was somehow involved in that ‘wine box’ enquiry and for embezzlement from ACC when he was in parliament. “Didn’t he marry a super model?” asked Chardonella. “The one that that All Black got that tattoo of her on his leg, doing you know what. He had to wear those legging things during the tests.” “Well, apparently he’s out and they’re moving in to the penthouse suite.” Shaz said, ”Isn’t she supposed to be a nightmare? The wife.” “God yes,” said Maori Phil. “She’s a horror, a terrible snob. I remember her outburst in court. She yelled, 'It couldn’t be my Booboo Brizell. We would never be caught dead drinking wine from a box.'" “I’m sure she was under immense pressure,” Wendy Truhart-Jesus said kindly. “We must all give them a chance.” I took a gulp of Gorse Whiskey [on tap] and felt a rush of pure happiness. I love this pub and village life. The mighty Manukau harbour. And the tight gossipy world of West Auckland. A world where a new arrival with a scandalous past is ‘big news’ and like a good hotdog, it should be relished. Enjoy the spring lovely westies. Pop in for a pint. And a goss. Later, Lizard.

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Presland and Co provide a variety of legal services including conveyancing, family law, criminal law, wills & estates.

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

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