Issuu

ISSUE 262, SEPTEMBER 2026

community news, issues, arts, people, events

Tītīrangi Library turns a new page

The doors to the much-loved Tītīrangi Community Library reopened to the public on Monday August 10, with weather-tightness and seismic-strengthening works giving the community a safer, more resilient and sustainable place to read, learn and connect. The refurbished library has been freshly repainted, and is now equipped with new furniture, and new carpet in the children's area. The foyer has also been refreshed with new flooring, ceiling and lighting, alongside timber and joinery works. Waitākere Ranges Local Board chair Mark Allen says reopening the library is a significant milestone for the community.   “We know how much this library means to people. It's one of Tītīrangi's most valued community spaces. The refurbishment protects this important asset and ensures it can continue serving the community for many years to come.” The refurbishment is part of a wider project to restore the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall complex and addresses long-standing weather-tightness issues while improving the building's seismic resilience and environmental performance. With an investment of $3.4 million from Waitākere Ranges Local Board, the project also included a full replacement of the roof and exterior cladding, repairs and replacement of joinery, upgrades to the storm-water drainage system, installation of seismic bracing and the addition of solar panels. The seismic strengthening will also ensure the facility meets legislative requirements for any potential future use as a Civil Defence Centre. With the library reopening, the eight parking spaces previously occupied by the mobile library, along with two contractor parking spaces, are once again available for public use. Work on the remainder of the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall is continuing, with the hall and remaining areas expected to reopen later in 2026. During construction, more rot was uncovered than originally anticipated, requiring additional repairs and extending the construction programme.

2 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

$1.7 million transport investment for the West Safer and more sustainable transport options are on the way for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area, with nearly $1.7 million being invested in three projects that will improve walking and cycling connections. The allocation of $1.68 million will enable Auckland Transport to progress the investigation, design and staged delivery of the projects. Local Board chair Mark Allen says the investment reflects the board's commitment to creating a safer, more connected and accessible transport network. "We're committed to making it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle around our communities. These projects will help connect neighbourhoods, improve access to public transport and give people more sustainable ways to get where they need to go. " As our communities continue to grow and we respond to the challenges of high fuel costs and climate change, investing in safer and greener transport infrastructure is more important than ever." The approved projects are: • Greenways Connection G1: Parrs Park to Sunnyvale Shared Path ($820,000) This project will investigate and develop improvements to walking and cycling connections through Parrs Park, linking Sunnyvale Train Station with West Coast Road, Seymour Road and Woodbank Road. The shared path will help improve connectivity between local neighbourhoods and public transport. • Greenways Connection G2 – Waikumete Cemetery Shared Path ($750,000) This project will investigate and develop a gravel shared path within Waikumete Cemetery, creating a walking and cycling connection between Rangeview Road and Agathis Rise and improving access through the area. • Waikumete Road Footpath Improvements ($110,000) This project will investigate and develop a new footpath linking the Waikumete Road park-and-ride facility with Glenview Road, improving pedestrian access to Glen Eden Train Station. The three projects will now move into the next stage, which includes working with the community, investigating options and developing designs. Construction will then take place in stages as the projects progress. The funding was allocated through the Local Board Transport Capital Fund, a fund delivered by Auckland Transport that gives Auckland’s 21 local boards financial discretion to support small-scale, locally significant transport and safety improvements that otherwise miss out on regional prioritisation. Advertisement

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The Fringe, Issue 262, September 2026

Contents Meet Hector, the steam engine; From the chair.........4 Tītīrangi Celebrity Sketch.................................................5 "A place to gather and celebrate"; Revitalise the Manukau...................................................6 Council backing for Te Henga Marae..........................8 Art & About with Naomi McCleary.....................10 – 11

www.fringemedia.co.nz Published by Fringe Media Ltd, PO Box 60-469, Tītīrangi, Auckland 0642

Editor: Bevis England

Out & About in the West.......................................12 – 13

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

Whānau Day; Westies lead the way...........................14

Advertising:

What should our politicians be focussed on?....16 – 17 Be a responsible dog owner........................................18

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

New fish passage improves biodiversity; Keeping it Local.............................................................20 Live at the Lounge.........................................................22 Advertisers directory......................................................23 On our Cover: Hector the steam engine has a new home at the Huia Settlers Museum. See page 4 for more. Photo by Jade Reidy.

October 2026 deadline: September 11 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.

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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Out & About

Meet Hector, the steam engine After languishing in a Watercare storage space for many years, a steam locomotive named Hector is now on display in front of the Huia Museum. JADE REIDY reports. Hector was the fifth and last Gibbons & Harris locomotive, built in 1912. The locomotives were mostly used for hauling logs to timber mills on temporary bush tramways but once the native timber was exhausted Hector was put to use constructing two of Auckland’s dams on those same tramlines. Hector hauled quarried rock to the Upper Nihotupu dam site, where it was crushed to provide coarse aggregate for the 40-metre-high concrete face of the dam. Once it was completed in 1923, Hector was dismantled and transported by barge to do similar work for the construction of the Upper Huia Dam. The locomotive also transported materials for the 6.5km tram line that linked the dam site to the Huia Wharf. Auckland Councillor Ken Turner was keen to give Hector the historical recognition he deserved. In May this year, Watercare gifted the rusting locomotive to the Huia Settlers Museum where Hector now stands on a retaining wall base that Ken built himself.

From the chair

Kia ora, Tītīrangi, Laingholm and Huia are a great example of what makes the Waitākere Ranges special. Each has its own strong identity: a vibrant village and cultural centre, a close-knit harbour community, and a settlement on the edge of the wild west coast. What connects them is a deep sense of place and a determination to protect what matters while adapting to change. That balance between change and protection comes up often in conversations with residents. People care deeply about the health of our environment, the future of our village centres, and practical issues such as resilient infrastructure, transport connections and community facilities. As a local board, we are about to consider your feedback on our draft Local Board Plan, which will help guide our priorities over the next three years. The responses reinforce what many of us already knew. Residents want thriving villages, creative spaces, stronger environmental protection, and communities that are resilient in the face of climate change and natural hazards. These conversations also help explain why many

4 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

“This is a unique engine that represents a unique part of our history,” says Ken. “The engine was built in Auckland and was unlike traditional steam engines. It featured inside cylinders and a triple reduction gearing system. The cylinders drove through a reduction gear to a jackshaft, which in turn was connected to wheels via side rods. This allowed for greater pulling power and traction.” Traction was essential as the temporary tracks were typically cheaply built and uneven, leading to frequent derailments. When the Upper Huia Dam was completed in 1929, Hector still wasn’t ready to let off steam and park up. He found a new job in what would be the last chapter of the local timber industry, hauling logs for Smyth Bros & Boyer Ltd. The two lower dams were built much later with earth embankments that were, by then, both more economical and feasible. Hector was replaced by earthmoving equipment. To find out more about rail in the ranges, the museum is hosting a talk by ex-Watercare engineer Harvey Stewart, author of Water From the West, on September 20 at 2pm at the Huia Hall, next to the museum, 1253 Huia Rd. Entry $5. people are concerned about recent government Resource Management Act reform proposals and the possibility of reduced protection for the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area. The Heritage Area legislation reflects decades of effort by local communities, mana whenua and public agencies to protect a landscape of national significance. As Auckland grows, maintaining those protections and celebrating our heritage remains critically important. At the same time, we need to embrace opportunities. Projects like the City Rail Link will improve connections between West Auckland and the rest of the region, supporting access to jobs, education and culture while helping local centres thrive. We must capitalise on this. However, what ultimately gives our plans meaning are the projects we deliver like the Tītīrangi Library and War Memorial Hall rebuild and supporting the people who make it happen through the amazing community groups and projects across the area. That is why I remain really optimistic about our future. Communities across the Te Waonui a Tiriwa, such as Tītīrangi, Laingholm and Huia continue to show they not only care for this place but want to shape what comes next. Ngā mihi, Mark Allen, Chair, Waitākere Ranges Local Board Advertise with The Fringe – It’s who we are

Out & About

Tītīrangi Celebrity Sketch

Tītīrangi has always been a hub for artists and other creative people and a recent exhibition saw a new generation of artists take centre stage. Tītīrangi Celebrity Sketch was a unique exhibition that covered the walls of Tītīrangi’s Crafty Baker last month. The exhibition was the brainchild of local artist Jill Perrott and Crafty Baker's Dinesh, pictured left. Jill took photos of many well-known Tītīrangi locals. Tītīrangi Primary school artists then sketched their own versions of the portraits. The event was supported by The Trusts and the Tītīrangi Business Association.

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Our Place

"A place to gather and celebrate" Governor-General the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO visited West Lynn Garden on a very rainy day last month. She praised – and thanked – West Lynn Garden’s committee, volunteers, members and donors, for their dedicated work caring for the gardens she says are truly precious to its visitors. “It is a place to gather and celebrate, to learn and remember, or simply to pause. In a busy city, such places give us room to breathe and renew our connections with nature and Dame Cindy Kiro with Margaret Jamieson communities, and (holding the umbrella), long time ourselves,” she said. volunteer and ex-President of West Lynn Garden Society. Dame Cindy planted a Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum Sango-Kaku), a tree celebrated for its elegance, resilience and vibrant colours with changing seasons. West Lynn Garden Society president, Jock Jamieson says the 1.5 hectare sanctuary in Parker Avenue, New Lynn, stands as a living testament to what can be achieved when people unite behind a shared vision. It is owned and operated by the Society, a not-for profit organisation, and does not rely on council or corporate funding. “Instead, we thrive on the hearts, hands and tireless

dedication of our incredible team of volunteers,” says Jock. "Every pathway, every tree, every flower that blooms and every butterfly that takes flight in our butterfly house, is a direct result of thousands of hours of voluntary love, sweat and community." The visionary behind this local paradise was well-known horticulturist Jack Clark. Having transformed an old quarry into what is now Eden Garden in Mt Eden in the early 1960s, Jack and a group of friends saw similar potential for what is now West Lynn Garden. One of those pioneers was Margaret Jamieson, who has spent 44 years volunteering at West Lynn, including 17 years as the society’s president. She still volunteers there. Dame Cindy continues a vice-regal connection with the garden. Other Governors-General who have planted trees there are Sir Paul Reeves (1987), Dame Catherine Tizard (1993), Sir Michael Hardie Boys (1997), Dame Sylvia Cartwright (2002) and Sir Anand Satyanand in 2009. www.westlynngarden. org.nz

Revitalise the Manukau

"Like the Waitematā Harbour and the Kaipara Harbour, the Manukau Harbour is one of Auckland's greatest natural taonga, deeply valued by communities, mana whenua and all those who care for its future," says Mayor Wayne Brown. “By working with mana whenua, communities, businesses, government agencies and environmental organisations, we can make meaningful progress towards restoring the harbour's health and mauri." Chair of Auckland Council's Policy, Planning and Development Committee, Councillor Richard Hills, says the strategy marks an important step forward in the long-term restoration of the harbour. "This strategy gives Council a clear framework for how we can make the biggest difference for the Manukau Harbour. It helps ensure our planning, infrastructure, regulatory and investment decisions are all supporting the same environmental outcomes,” Richard says. Work is now beginning on planning for implementation, early opportunities, identifying the resources that will be required, communications and monitoring.

A major new strategy to improve the health of Manukau Harbour was recently adopted by Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee. The Manukau Harbour is New Zealand's second largest harbour, covering approximately 365 square kilometres and with more than 450 kilometres of shoreline. It is home to internationally significant bird populations and diverse marine habitats, and supports recreational, cultural and ecological values for communities across Auckland. Revitalise Manukau Harbour: Auckland Council's strategy for a thriving Manukau Harbour provides the framework for how Council will focus and align its planning, regulatory, investment and partnership activities to restore the harbour's mauri, strengthen biodiversity, improve water quality and build resilience to climate change. The strategy responds to ongoing and historic concerns about sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, habitat loss, microplastics, marine pests and the growing impacts of a changing climate.

6 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

– Moira Kennedy

Dame Cindy planted a Coral Bark Maple in the Garden.

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Our Place

Council backing for Te Henga Marae Auckland Council has approved an allocation of up to $2.2 million from the Tahua Huanga Ora Māori Outcomes Fund to support the next stage of Te Henga Marae, helping Te Kawerau ā Maki progress plans to re-establish a permanent marae on its ancestral whenua. The proposed funding supports specialist project management support and an initial contribution towards the first stage of the development of the marae. Edward Ashby, Chief Executive of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, said the decision marks an important milestone in a journey spanning generations. “Te Kawerau ā Maki have waited more than a century to once again have a marae on its ancestral whenua at Te Henga," says Edward. “For the iwi, this is about far more than constructing buildings. It is about restoring a place that was lost, honouring those who kept the vision alive, and ensuring our mokopuna will always have a home to return to. “This support allows Te Kawerau to continue planning, strengthen partnerships with other funders, and move one step closer to creating a marae that will serve our people and the wider community for generations to come.” For centuries, Waitī at Te Henga was home to Te Kawerau ā Maki and the location of one of the principal kāinga and marae of the iwi. Around 1920, following changes to the Waitākere River flow because of the construction of the Waitākere Dam and the cumulative loss of ancestral land through colonisation and encroachment from settlers, the settlement had to be abandoned. By the mid-20th century, Te Kawerau ā Maki had become

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the only mana whenua iwi in Tāmaki Makaurau without a marae, and it has remained that way ever since. The establishment of Te Henga Marae represents the restoration of an enduring cultural home on ancestral whenua, continuing an aspiration that has been carried by generations of Te Kawerau ā Maki. The development will restore an important cultural presence at Te Henga and provide a permanent place for future generations to gather, celebrate, learn and maintain connections with their whenua. Funding will only be released once several conditions have been met, including confirmation of sufficient co-investment, agreement on project scope and staging, validated project costs, governance arrangements and a formal funding agreement between Auckland Council and Te Kawerau ā Maki. Watercare has indicated in-principle support for the project, while Te Kawerau ā Maki is also exploring co-investment opportunities with Foundation North and other potential partners. The approval does not commit Auckland Council to funding the full marae or papakāinga development. Any future requests for additional council funding would require separate consideration by the committee. Councillor Matt Winiata, Auckland Council’s Māori Outcomes Portfolio Lead, says the investment is a practical example of the council responding to priorities identified by mana whenua. “Te Henga Marae shows what delivering Māori outcomes looks like in practice. This is an aspiration identified and led by Te Kawerau ā Maki, with the council working alongside the iwi to help create the conditions for it to be realised. “Re-establishing a marae at Te Henga will strengthen the connections between iwi, whānau and whenua and create an enduring cultural and community asset." Construction planning has been progressing for several years, with earlier support through the Māori Outcomes Fund contributing towards feasibility, design and consenting work. The next phase will focus on confirming detailed staging, project costs, delivery arrangements and co-investment opportunities before future construction funding decisions are considered. For more information see The Fringe, April 2024, page 18. https://issuu.com/fringemedia8/docs/2404 Advertise with The Fringe – It’s who we are

ways we support

Donations A little leg up to support local fundraising activities.

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Art & About with Naomi McCLeary

Here’s Hoping! Am I alone in struggling to keep hope alive? Everywhere I look I see discord and disharmony; politics (dreary, incompetent leaders), environment (Europe burning, floods all over), wars that would be B-grade cinema if it weren’t for the death and destruction they wrought. How can we get it so wrong? Doomscrolling is a virus best not caught, but if you want a hollow laugh, go to The Grim Historian (Carlyn Beccia); impeccably well-researched and often wildly satirical. For ‘local’ positivity I go to Simon Wilson’s Hopetown. This man deserves a knighthood! He faces full frontal into all the issues we care about (especially climate change) and, without attacking deniers and ‘ignorers’, paints the big picture but holds us to what we can do as individuals. It’s often uncomfortable stuff. A clumsy segue to another plague infecting all of us; that of the screen, the phone, creeping AI. It is an addiction that threatens every age cohort. I justify it: ‘I’m a news junkie’, as if that makes it OK. But the degree and repetition are not. We need the equivalent of AA, and I’m not entirely joking. Segue two: As an antidote to all the above we must fight to keep the real, tactile, immersive, wonderful world of colour, touch, smell and sound, alive and pulsing in our lives. Focussing out into our community and seeing the sheer goodness of so much that real people are engaging in, literally keeps hope alive. Avondale is a perfect example. Beneath its everyday urban and suburban rhythms there has long been a creative force. Musicians, visual artists and people out on the edge breaking barriers in the contemporary scene. It fits with the grit, diversity and multicultural nature of the area. Almost certainly it started with affordability, but grew to be a vital community. From this 1fertile ground emerged Whau the FRINGEADLTD.pdf 15/11/16 16:33 People, a loose organisation that daylighted the richness

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of the community. It revealed that there was significant talent; arts practitioners willing to share and promote the joy of making. At some point a trust was formed and the ongoing Whau Arts Festival became a celebration of shared talent. Watch out for the 2026 iteration in October. Intermittently there have been temporary gallery spaces. Some of these have had quite a life; occupancy is a powerful tool. Note also: the ArtsWhau annual funding round is now open, inviting proposals for creative projects happening between October 2026 and June 2027. Applications close September 7. In parallel, the Whau Local Board has a contracted Arts Broker whose brief is to connect and stimulate a creative economy. To facilitate that a project called The Art Kitchen is being developed. Its job will be to cook up recipes for success. Does it sound a bit messy? Yes, in the best possible way. It’s messy because it’s organic and people-focussed; open to new ideas; very arms wide open. Tītīrangi is another hotbed of creativity, always serving up a smorgasbord of engagement and delight; has been doing it for decades. Currently Te Uru is bringing almost all the groups that serve the creative life of the community under the umbrella of ‘Whānau Day’. Think hands-on activities, workshops and exhibitions, tailored for tamariki and their caregivers. It’s free, fun and may just light a spark in some young mind that will have life-long consequences. Whānau Day is on September 19 from 10am to 2pm and there are events throughout the Village. See page 14 of this issue of The Fringe for more information. What I find so moving about art and culture at a community level, is that it is almost always authentic. It may not be ‘high art’ but it connects with its audience and allows them to connect with each other. Preparing for an event such as Whānau Day is time and energy intensive; a gift that is always generously given. It keeps hope alive.

Book/s of the Month

Continuing the theme of keeping hope alive, there are two favourite books on my shelves; written by authors who drill down into the small and mundane and make magic from acute observation. When you’re captured by the detail of a bird’s nest or a wriggly in a stream, the wide world and all its craziness disappears. Pilgrim at Tinkers Creek, by Annie Dillard, was a Pulitzer prize-winner in 1975. It literally changed my life. Apart from the exquisitely recorded life of a stream over a year, her exhortation to ‘use the mind’s eye as a camera’ allowed me to be in the moment and stopped the impulse to use a camera. And now I have discovered Late Advertise with The Fringe – It’s who we are

Art & About with Naomi McCLeary

Migrations by Margaret Renkl; slender essays on watching the minutiae of bird and animal life around her, intersected with reflections on love and loss inside her family history. Both are American writers, but their reflections, while particular, are universal. Because of them I watch the pīwakawaka outside my deck with an enhanced intensity. My next task is to track down writers from Aotearoa who chime the same bell. I know they’re out there; certainly in our poets. And on that subject, poetry is hot! Its long been the place where what it means to be of this place is distilled; but I don’t think in the past it could always be described as raw and accessible. Performance poetry has made it popular; poetry slams have popped up everywhere, including as part of the early Going West Writers Festival. I previously reviewed Standing on my Shadow by Seri Barford. This courageous revealing of her journey through cancer treatment, and the cultural confrontations she faced as a Pacifica woman, fit the ‘raw and accessible’ descriptor. Be assured, you can find real beauty in her transparency. And, as there are surely no more than two degrees of separation in Aotearoa, Seri has been an intimate part of Going West as a performer over many years. She can be found in the Going West archive on the Auckland Library’s Kura Platform.

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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 — 6, Puawānanga, a 16mm film by Nova Paul (Ngāpuhi), made using plant-based hand processing; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road. Phone 639 2010.

w — 6, Fire & Clay, an exhibition celebrating the work of Auckland Studio Potters; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010. w — 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 5, West Lynn Garden Club. Learn new skills, meet new people, day-trips; West Lynn Gardens, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn; 9:30-11:30am. Contact Linda Cartwright: cartwrightlynda764@gmail.com, 027 333 2656. w 6, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm;

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

w 12, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents The Asher Family (and AGM),

floorsingers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $15, members $10, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz.

w 6 and 20, 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 7, Digital Drop in, learn about eBooks, eAudiobooks and free streaming films; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 10.30-11.30am. Phone 377 0209. w 8, CV Drop in, one-on-one support to strengthen your job applications;

Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 2-3pm. Phone 377 0209.

w — October 10, Tūturu Kāenga, works by George and Brook Konia w 10, Waitākere Health Link AGM & Community Meeting; Te Pai Netball inspired by a road trip along SH35; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.

w — October 10, Witipū, a group exhibition reclaiming witipū, a term used to describe strong wāhine Māori; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz. w — October 18, Pōtikitanga: Emerging Artists Awards; Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

— 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; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. 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; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Phone 817 8087.

— 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; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Phone 817 8087.

Courts, 31-35 Te Pai Place, Henderson; 11am to 1.30pm. RSVP to Tracy@ waitakerehealthlink.org.nz.

w 10, Memoir and Life-Writing Circle: explore simple memory prompts, enjoy quiet writing time and share your stories if you wish. Bring a notebook and pen or a laptop; Tītīrangi Library, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 2-4 pm. Phone 377 0209.

w 13, Seed Swap, swap seeds, share knowledge, and grow something new; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 10.30am-12.00pm. Phone 377 0209. w 17, Waitākere Forest & Bird presents Moth Monitoring at Matuku Link

with Josh Campbell and Dan Borja, masters students in Biological Science at the University of Auckland; Ranui Community Centre 474 Swanson Rd, Ranui; 7.30pm; koha appreciated. Phone Liz 027 476 2732 or email lizanstey@hotmail.com.

w 18, Eden, the Inside Story introduced by film-maker Robin Kewell. The Eden Project in Cornwall is celebrating 25 years and this film shows how it all happened from the seed of an idea through to reality; Lopdell Theatre, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 2pm; $15. Bookings by text to 0210 222 5558.

w 18, Flicks presents Primavera (M, 110 minutes), an historical drama w — November 15, Clear my throat: Sefton Rani reimagines colonial inspired by the life and music of Antonio Vivaldi; Lopdell Theatre, Lopdell domestic architecture; The Arts House, Pah Homestead, 72A Hillsborough Road; Tuesday – Friday, 9am-3pm, Weekends 8am-4pm. Phone 639 2010.

September

w 2, Henderson Photographic Society presents Landscape Photography

– Competition; Henderson Bowling Club, behind Westwave; 7.30pm; New members welcome. Phone Joe 027 3644 663.

w 3, Father's Day gift making, for ages 5+; Tītīrangi Library, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 3.30-4.30pm. Phone 377 0209.

House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 10.30am, 6pm and 8.15pm; $16 and $12.50. Bookings by text 0210 222 5558. www,flickscinema.weebly.com.

w 19, 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 19, 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. 20, Rails in the Ranges: the water supply dams and tramlines in the Waitākeres, a talk with film by Harvey Stewart; Huia Settlers Museum, 1253 Huia Road, Huia; 2pm; $5 (cash please). Phone 811 8971.

w 4, Florence Saves Clothes Pop Up: drop in for repair or reinvention of w

clothes you want to bring back to life; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 9am-3pm. www.titirangihouse.co.nz.

12 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

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Places to go – Things to do

w 22, Tītīrangi U3A – informal learning for people 50-years plus, guest speakers, study groups; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm. Contact Irene Pearcey ipearceyu3a@gmail.com. www.u3a.nz.

and crafts, outdoor play, excursions, and new skills; Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road. www.titirangihouse.co.nz.

w 25, Crafternoons for Kids (5-14); Tītīrangi Community House, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 3.00-3.45pm; Free. www.titirangihouse.co.nz.

w 29, Will Making Information Talk; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale

w 25, Falls Prevention Workshop; Glen Eden Library, 12/32 Glendale Road, Glen Eden; 10.30am; No registration required. Phone 377 0209.

w 28 – October 9, School Holiday Programme: fill your kids’ days with arts w 29, Tītīrangi Library presents Rationing 1939-1950, the Household

Experience, a talk by researcher Lynley Stone; Lopdell House Seminar Room, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 10.30 – 11.30am. Phone 377 0209.

w 25, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal gathering Road, Glen Eden; 10.30-11.30am; register by email gleneden.library@ of musicians, singers and listeners; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 7:30pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz.

aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call 377 0209.

w 30, Flicks presents a Classic Movie Night with Night of the Hunter (1955, w 25, Open Mic Night, Great music from the West's best; Tītīrangi RSA, 502 M, 92 minutes), directed by Charles Laughton and starring Robert Mitchum,

South Tītīrangi Road; 8pm. Phone 817 6415.

w 26, New Lynn Repair Cafe organised and run by DEANZ. Bring your broken items and work with skilled volunteers to fix them; New Lynn Community Centre, Tōtara Avenue, New Lynn; 11am-2pm; Koha. Contact Kabir on mehsanul.nz@gmail.com. w 27, 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, 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

Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish introduced by Sir Bob Harvey; Lopdell Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road; 7pm; $16 and $12.50. Bookings by text 0210 222 5558. www,flickscinema.weebly.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:

www.fringemedia.co.nz/ourplace

Free Creat i ve f u ALL A n! GES

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Places to go – Things to do

Out & About

Westies lead the way

Whānau Day is a fun-filled day of free creative activities taking place throughout Tītīrangi Village on Saturday September 19, from 10am to 2pm. McCahon House Museum, Te Uru Gallery, Tītīrangi Potters, Tītīrangi Community House, Tītīrangi Library and Tītīrangi Theatre are all coming together to offer a day of fun for all ages. This is a great opportunity for tamariki to explore with their caregivers and enjoy hands on workshops and events. McCahon House Museum: Discover McCahon House Museum and take part in an engaging art worksheet that encourages creativity and imagination.

Te Uru Gallery: Sit for your hand-drawn portrait in our human-powered photo booth. And print your own bespoke Te Uru Tītīrangi screen print on paper or your bring your own T-shirt to print on.

Tītīrangi Potters: Get your hands into clay and add your piece to the community cairn/totem that will be erected in the precinct.

Tītīrangi Community House: Upcycle fabrics, ribbons, and accessories to create a one-of-a-kind award ribbon. Whether it’s for a friend, a sibling, or to celebrate yourself.

Tītīrangi Library: Create your own Tiny Artwork on a canvas using paint, collage, pencils, and more. Fun for the whole whānau.

Tītīrangi Theatre: Dress up and Dance: Dress up in our costume bunker (or wear your own fabulous costume), then dance your heart out on stage under the lights.

Find out more at https://teuru.org.nz/products/eventtitirangi-whanau-day.

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

14 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

West Auckland's strong community spirit and environmental commitment were recognised at the 2026 Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards, with several locals celebrated for their outstanding contributions to reducing waste and building more sustainable communities. Among the winners was Hannah Emson (pictured right) who won the Growing the Movement Award for her work encouraging people to repair, reuse and rethink waste. Through clothing repair workshops and fabric swap events, Hannah has helped keep valuable materials in circulation. Her Local Fibre fabric swap alone diverted an impressive 420kg of fabric from Photo credit: Logan West landfill, while also bringing Photography. together a growing community of makers and menders. Waitākere Ranges Local Board chair Mark Allen said he was proud to see locals recognised at the awards. “Waitākere Ranges has always been home to so many amazing environmental groups and individuals. It’s heartening to see their long-term efforts acknowledged and celebrated.” West Auckland was also well represented in the Lifetime Contribution Awards. Amanda Hookham-Kraft was recognised for years of leadership in regenerative gardening, composting and environmental education. Through her work with EcoMatters and local schools, Amanda has helped countless young people understand the connection between healthy soil, thriving ecosystems and waste reduction. She also played a key role in making the Tītīrangi Village Market's food offering zero waste. Fellow lifetime recipient Jan Felton was honoured for 47 years of volunteering at the West Auckland Resource Centre. Her dedication has helped rescue thousands of items from landfill and redistribute them to schools, community groups, artists and families, supporting creativity and resourcefulness across the west. The Innovation Award went to HEB Construction for its work on the Te Whau Pathway project. Over 21 months, the project diverted 90 per cent of its 5,495 tonnes of waste from landfill, with materials such as metals, aggregates and concrete pile offcuts reused on site. The project demonstrates how large-scale infrastructure can embrace circular economy principles while strengthening community connections to the local environment. The awards, organised by EcoMatters Environment Trust in partnership with Auckland Council, showcase the many ways Aucklanders are helping move Tāmaki Makaurau towards its aspirational goal of becoming a zero-waste city by 2040. Advertise with The Fringe – It’s who we are

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It's time to have your say ...

What should our politicians be focussed on? Ahead of the upcoming elections, AZZURRA SNELGROVEDOUCH speaks to current and future voters about the main issues that they’d like to see addressed by politicians. The cost of living Natalia: As a student living out of home, I’ve been hit hard by the cost of living crisis. Students are the basis of our future yet are the most vulnerable to cuts. They should be treated as more of a priority. The removal of ‘fees free’ under the excuse that it “didn’t achieve any goals” is a slap in the face to myself and countless other students.

Sophie: Even comparing everyday living costs from my childhood to now shows a drastic difference. We should prioritise students and tax those benefiting unnecessarily, not getting rid of student loans. I’m inspired by what I’ve seen through social media such as Mamdani’s policies in New York. I’d love to see more of that in New Zealand, something that the Opportunity Party is introducing. Ash: A main priority would be addressing the cost of living crisis and making everyday expenses more affordable. We should be prioritising the needs of students!

The environment Natalia: It’s easy to feel hopeless about our environment’s future. It feels like we have inherited a dying planet. Young people had the least to do with these issues yet will be the ones responsible for their consequences. I want politicians to care more about our country, and ensure that it will be a suitable home for future generations. That idea feels so far out of reach, which is why voting is so important. Sophie: As a young person, it feels as though our future is slipping away. AI is another key issue; I want a government willing to be stricter around its use. The threat of replaceable jobs is a big fear, especially as a young person wanting to work in the arts sector.

Natalia

Sophie

Are young people given enough political education?

Natalia: Definitely not. I feel undereducated about the policies each party is proposing. Sometimes I almost feel I know more about politics in the United States than my own country. These are things that should absolutely be taught, especially towards the end of high school.

Ash

Sophie: Not really. Our political education was mostly given while we were still figuring ourselves out, when politics wasn’t a major concern. At that age, I was still succumbing to peer pressure and fear of being an outsider, so I mostly copied my peers.

Ash: I don’t think so. It feels more like a conscious decision to learn about politics rather than something that’s required, which I think is why so many of us don’t feel well-equipped to vote or have political opinions. Have you enrolled and do you intend to vote?

Natalia: I definitely intend to vote. Especially as a first time voter, it seems more important than ever. For the first time I have the chance to have my voice heard. Despite the lack of education, I feel every vote matters and I’m confident in my understanding of the party my viewpoints best align with.

16 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

Sophie: I will, but I know many are opting out because they don’t feel aligned with any party or knowledgeable enough to vote. Many of us feel we don’t have the ‘authority’ to vote, but we need to remember that we are the future and that it's our adulthood that we’re voting for. Advertise with The Fringe – It’s who we are

It's time to have your say ...

Where do you get the majority of your news from? Natalia: Social media. However, the algorithms are extremely curated. The political information I see differs greatly to my peers, skewed towards my political stance, meaning I’m not equally informed about each party.

Sophie: Social media. There’s been a shift in our generation’s approach to politics; it's become more identity-based. We’ve gone from very progressive, alternative views and culture online to a much more conservative one. Youth politics is less about beliefs and more about ‘aesthetic’, something that politicians appeal to through social media. Ash: Social media. There’s less ‘central’ news nowadays – we’re all more divided through social media. It’s harder to understand different perspectives when we’re all consuming different news. What’s the most important thing you’d like to see from a new government?

Natalia: Fairer representation. As a woman and a young person, I don’t feel particularly represented. We need more diversity: more women, minorities, LGBTQIA+, takatāpui, etc. Without that, decisions surrounding women’s bodies and the history of our country are being made without necessary

consultation. I want to see a government that recognises and honours Te Tiriti and prioritises our marginalised groups.

Sophie: Our current government lacks diversity and echoes ideas that I don’t feel represented by. There’s a feeling that it isn’t aware of our historic issues, with too much focus on ‘white issues’. As a woman, I’m uncomfortable having a man in power who views women’s bodies as something to dictate and control. I’ve also noticed what feels like higher rates of homelessness, despite narratives of ‘cracking down’ on it. It feels like the government is sweeping issues under the rug rather than directly addressing them.

Enrol today

In previous elections, it has been possible for new voters to enrol to vote on election day. This will not be possible for the 2026 General Election: all voters have to ber enrolled two weeks prior to the election. This means that you will not be able to enrol or update your details after midnight on October 25. To check your details or enrol as a nw voter, visit https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-orupdate-online as soon as possible.

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 programme. Last month, we shared the preferred options for replacing the Upper Nihotupu and Huia raw watermains. These options were identified as the preferred choices because they reduce the need for disruptive surface construction and limit impacts on surrounding communities and the environment. Compared with other options assessed, they have smaller construction footprints, generate less surplus soil, and require fewer truck movements, helping to minimise disruption to residents, businesses, recreational areas and local roads. Over the coming months, our planning team will progress the concept design and carry out further investigations to confirm feasibility, refine cost estimates, evaluate construction approaches, and identify ways to minimise impacts on residents, businesses, and the environment. Earlier this year, we committed to keep you updated on progress, challenges and any changes to the Western Water Supply Programme. In that spirit, I wanted to give you an update on where things are at. There's still plenty of work happening. Over the next couple of months, we'll carry out a heritage assessment of the Nihotupu Filter Station. We will then explore opportunities to improve security and identify future uses for the site. This will help preserve an important part of the area's water supply history. Next year, we'll begin construction of the replacement Lower Nihotupu

Pump Station beside the existing facility. Built in 1946, the current pump station (pictured left) is nearing the end of its operational life and needs replacing. The new pump station will continue providing a reliable link between the Lower Nihotupu Dam and the Huia Water Treatment Plant, with the capacity to pump up to 60 million litres of water each day. I also wanted to let you know that the delivery timeframes for some of the programme's larger projects, including the replacement of the Huia and Upper Nihotupu raw watermains, the integration of two reservoirs, and the replacement of the Huia Water Treatment Plant, have been extended. This reflects Watercare's decision to reprioritise its 10-year capital investment programme and focus investment on the areas of greatest need across Auckland. This includes investment in the Waikato Water Supply Programme, the delivery of two critical wastewater interceptors, and increased investment in renewing Auckland's ageing water and wastewater assets. While some projects in the Western Water Supply Programme are now expected to begin later than originally planned, they remain an important part of Watercare’s long-term plans. This approach allows us to direct resources where they can make the biggest difference for Auckland, strengthening resilience across the network and supporting growth. At this stage, construction of the replacement Huia Water Treatment Plant is expected to begin in 2033 and be completed around 2038. We'll continue to keep you updated as planning progresses and key decisions are made. Advertisement

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Our Place

Be a responsible dog owner For years dogs have been considered man's best friend, but roaming dogs have become a big problem around New Zealand. KERRY LEE asks why and what can we do about it. Auckland Puppy Rescue (APR) is a registered charity that helps to reduce the number of puppies born through their community desexing programme. It says there are several reasons why dogs end up on our streets. “Many are left to roam because their owners can no longer care for them due to changes in their circumstances, financial difficulties, housing restrictions, unexpected litters, or simply underestimating the time, cost and commitment involved in owning a dog," says Anna Pynenburg-Smith, the APR's adoptions coordinator. “We see puppies and dogs come into the rescue centre because they have been abandoned, surrendered, found as strays, or have not received appropriate care, socialisation, vaccinations, or desexing. In some cases, dogs come from

www.drainranger.co.nz hello@draingranger.co.nz 18 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

situations where their owners can no longer provide a safe or suitable environment. “A major issue we see is unplanned breeding and the resulting puppies needing homes. Rescue organisations play an important role in giving these dogs the veterinary care, rehabilitation, socialisation and love they need before finding responsible forever homes.” Emma Ginsberg, a shelter manager at Auckland Council's Henderson Animal Shelter says insecure fencing or gates being left open is also a problem. "Some owners simply allow their dogs to wander," she says. "Roaming dogs can contribute to issues such as overpopulation, nuisance complaints, and aggressive incidents within the community. “Responsible dog ownership means that dogs are desexed, registered with Auckland Council, microchipped and never allowed to roam. They need exercise, training, food, shelter, water and veterinary care. “Microchipping and registration play a huge role in helping dogs get home quickly, but ultimately preventing roaming starts with responsible ownership and ensuring dogs are securely contained on their property.” If you see a roaming dog and want to help it is important to keep your, and the dogs, safety in mind. Only approach if you are sure the dog is safe to approach and approach slowly from the front, Avoid sudden movements. Check the dog's collar for identification to see if you can contact the owner. If there is no identification the next step is to take it to the vet to scan for a microchip. If a dog seems dangerous contact the Council's animal control team on 09 301 0101. Complaints about barking dogs that have been left at home are also becoming more common. It normally means the dog is bored, anxious, lonely or not getting enough mental or physical stimulation. Owners can help by ensuring that dogs have enough food, water and toys to play with. If it becomes an ongoing problem owners should seek help from a veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional. Neighbours who are concerned about a barking dog can contact the animal control team. It is important to remember that being a responsible dog owner means staying mindful of the impact dogs can have on their neighbours.

For more information or if you encounter an adult dog that you think is lost or roaming contact https://savinghope. co.nz/, https://www.thedogrescueproject.org.nz, or www. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ and for puppies https://www. aucklandpuppyrescue.com/. Advertise with The Fringe – It’s who we are

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Our Place

New fish passage improves biodiversity Many years ago Kay Millar used to walk her children to Kaurilands Primary School along the walkway connecting Kawaka Street and Atkinson Road. She often thought that it was a great little oasis of bush, but felt it was a pity it was overrun with so many weeds. FIONA DRUMMOND reports. Kay was studying landscape design at the time and with a passion for native plants, thought she should do something about all the weeds. Having joined a few volunteer weeding bees with Ecomatters, she mentioned the Kawaka Reserve walkway and was encouraged to form a volunteer group. Ecomatters offered help with the initial working bees to get the group underway. The group now has a community park ranger to liaise with and Kay undertook several courses to help facilitate the group. The group now numbers around eight volunteers who

Keeping it Local

Prepare for a hot, dry Summer

Forecasters are warning New Zealand is heading into a hot, dry El Niño Summer. Overseas we’ve seen the impacts, heat waves, fires, water shortages. The message is clear: now is the time to get ready. Install a Water Tank If you’ve been thinking about it, don’t wait. Hook it up now and capture winter rain so you’ve got a reliable supply when restrictions arrive. Stay Ahead with Drain torial The Fringe makes edi rent cur for le Maintenance If your drains haven’t ilab ava ce spa advertisers and nonbeen cleaned or checked in the last ions, commercial organisat two years, you’re rolling the dice. o@ at no charge. Email inf d fin Roots are the biggest issue we’re fringemedia.co.nz to seeing, long sunshine hours and dry out more. soil drive them deeper in search of water. They don’t care if it’s clean, stormwater, or sewer. We’ve even seen roots wrap around pipes and crush them, something new in our 25 years of drainage. They get in through inspection points, manhole lids, cracks, or misaligned joints caused by shifting ground. Protect Your Property Sunny days are great, but they put a real strain on our resources. Water restrictions, struggling gardens, and sudden downpours all test your system. A professional drain inspection ensures your drains are clear and ready to cope. Pair that with a water tank, and you’ll safeguard both your water and your property. Email Drain Ranger today to book your drain check or discuss tank options: hello@drainranger.co.nz.

20 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

meet twice a month on Saturday mornings. There is an information board at the Atkinson Road end of the walkway which is updated after each working bee with the next meeting date, and postings are made on the Friends of Kawaka Reserve Walkway, Tītīrangi and Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance Facebook pages. The group has worked their way from the initial area around the walkway nearly to the south The completed fish passage in Kawaka Reserve. end of the reserve, removing pest trees and plants and undertaking pest animal control. The group was aware that fish and other aquatic animals were unable to travel up the reserve's stream into the restored areas due to a 400mm step at the Hibernia pipe structure under the walkway. Another local volunteer group at Purua Reserve on Woodfern Crescent had had a similar problem with a pipe under the road several years ago and in 2024 Kay approached Glasgow Contractors who had installed a fish passage there to see if they could help. They visited the Kawaka site and suggested a simple fix. They then liaised with Auckland Council's Healthy Waters team which obtained budget approval and the necessary consents and work began in July this year. The contractors sealed off the working area, removed the 77 aquatic inhabitants: eels (some quite tiny), kōkopu, kōura and freshwater shrimp, and relocated them all downstream while the work took place The group was surprised at the amount of life in the stream. They had been aware of one large eel, but discovering all the less visible life unable to travel further upstream confirmed the work was going to be highly beneficial and would greatly improve the habitat and biodiversity of the stream.

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WORST WEEDS WATCHLIST

Have you spotted these in your backyard? Pest plants have a real ecological impact when they jump the garden fence and smother our forests and streams. Keeping them at bay means that native plants and birds can flourish.

CLIMBING ASPARAGUS

MOTH PLANT

WILD GINGER

Smothers the forest floor and prevents growth of native plants. Climbing plant with small, thin leaves, white flowers and green berries that ripen to orange/ red. For small amounts, dig out tubers, rhizomes and seeds & rot in a water barrel or dispose in community weed bins. Try to remove before seeding occurs. Large infestations may require herbicide.

Strangles native plants and is a prolific seeder. Noxious woody vine with white sap and large green pods bearing up to 1000 seeds. Wear gloves when removing pods and dispose of in community weed bins. Pull out young plants at the root, or cut woody stumps and apply herbicide. Avoid skin contact - sap is an irritant.

Quickly forms dense stands that prevents native plants from growing. Cut off seed heads and dispose at community weed bins. Green stems and leaves can be left to compost. If rhizomes can be removed without causing erosion, dig out and rot in water barrels or dispose in community weed bins. If leaving rhizomes in the ground, cut stems at base and paste immediately with herbicide.

WOOLLY NIGHTSHADE

JASMINE

TRADESCANTIA

Quickly forms dense stands that prevent native plants from growing. Small shrubs grow into large trees with furry grey/green leaves, purple flowers and green fruit turning yellow when ripe. Dig or pull out small plants or cut and paste large trees with herbicide. Remove seeds and dispose of in community weed bins.

Grows densely and smothers native plants on the ground and in the subcanopy. Evergreen climber with tough stems, dark green leaves, red/pink flower buds and white, five-petalled flowers. Cut vines and leave upper stems to die in trees, alternatively dig out roots. Rot down in a water barrel or dispose in community weed bins.

Forms dense mats preventing native plants from growing, and will regrow from stem fragments. Rake up or pull out all pieces and compost in a weed bag, or dispose of in community weed bin.

For large infestations or more detailed information, visit https://pestsearch.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz To prevent the spread of kauri dieback, refrain from removing weeds from around the root zones of kauri. Those who live in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area can dispose of invasive weeds free of charge at the community weed bins: www.ecomatters.org.nz/weed-bins

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Live @ the lounge

What hope is there when the lunatics are in the house? Hi. My Mum and Dad are Shaz and Lizard and we now live at The Shrine, out past Huia. It’s a really nice place to live. We have lived all over the place though. When I was a kid we lived on a houseboat called Cirrhosis of the River. Then in a bus for a while but mainly in caravans. I quite liked all that but it’s great to have my own room. Dad is always so positive. The other day we were at the self-service checkout at the supermarket and it asked Lizard the question, "Do you want to continue?" Dad said, "Yeah! Of course. Life's great." We live with Uncle Mopey and Wendy Truhart. It’s very exciting. They’re going to have a baby in four months. They’ll be fantastic parents. They’re both so neat. Wendy Truhart, now Wendy Jesus cause they got married, is organising a huge community vegetable garden which she hopes will be run by people who are in jail or people that did drugs. My real name is Chardonelle but I hate that name so I’ve changed it to Shards. I’ve also got purple hair at the mo. Dad says I look like a Ninja Turtle. I want to go to Uni. I don’t really know what to study but it sounds like fun. At school I had an amazing art teacher and I loved learning Te Reo. Uncle Mopey made everyone in my Maori language class T-shirts out of hemp. They were so cool. Everyone loved them. On the front was a rainbow and on the back it said, ‘You can’t have Kiwi without Iwi.' There’s this guy, Nathan, that Dad has employed to paint a mural in the ballroom. He’s really talented. He said when he left Uni he owed 70 grand on his student loan! Dad’s letting him and his boyfriend Jacob stay in Whitevan. Jacob said it is quite common for a Filipino boy to have a Christian name. He and Uncle Mopey discuss politics heaps. Jacob said that in his country an overwhelming majority of Filipinos view government corruption as widespread. Uncle Mopey said that in Aotearoa, it’s not so much corruption but more a lack of empathy. "Our government is run by business executives who are

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22 The Fringe SEPTEMBER 2026

used to answering to shareholders rather than serving their employees," he says. Uncle Mopey was the leader of the Left Anxiously Central Party. “Not leader, Shards. Facilitator for Inclusiveness. It’s our wonderful diversity that unites us so beautifully. Everyone can board the Love Train.” This will be the first time I’ve voted. It’s really hard. Mum said,”You’ve got that right. I just read that the Trump appointed Secretary of Health for the whole of America said that vaccines caused the 1918-19 Spanish Flu and circumcision causes autism. What hope is there when the lunatics are in the house? Go and talk to Aunty Wendy." So I did. Aunty Wendy is so kind and wise. "Who should I vote for Aunty Wendy?" "Firstly Shards, good on you for voting. It’s really very, very important. "To decide who to vote for, ask yourself these questions. Does the party care about me and my friends? Do I trust them to be in control of my bank account? If my child has a disability, will they provide the support I’ll need? Will they protect our fragile environment? Do they represent the New Zealand that I love? Do I have the freedom to feel safe to be who I choose to be? "If the answers are yes, then they get your vote. But if the answers never actually answer any questions; if they instead override or disregard, ignore or divide, isolate and lie, then vote with your heart Shards. "We are going to have a baby that will be welcomed and raised by Mopey Jesus, Gay Gary, Māori Phil, Lizard, Shaz, you and your whānau and me. Raised in a fantastic wine and dine hotel. A caring village in a generous community. Raised in a kind, fair loving country on the most amazing planet in the solar system! As Mopey says, ‘Everyone can board the Love Train'.” “I love you Aunty Wendy.” “I love you too Shards.” Bye, Shards.

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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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