1st December Independent Herald

Karori gin goes global

A new gin launched by a Karori couple in September has won its first award at a prestigious spirits competition in London.

Chemistry Gin, the flagship product of the Wellington-based Karori Drinks Company, has won a gold medal at the Women’s Wine and Spirit Awards 2023.

Developed by Marie van Drimmelen, a medical biochemist, and stand-up comedian Laura Bruce, Chemistry Gin is the first New Zealand gin bottled in one-hundred per cent post-consumer glass.

Continued on page 2.

Developed by Karori couple Marie van Drimmelen, a medical biochemist, and stand-up comedian Laura Bruce, Chemistry Gin is the first New Zealand gin bottled in one-hundred per cent post-consumer glass and it has won big in London.

Karori gin wins big in London

Continued from page 1.

The pair, who are partners in life as well as in gin, became fascinated with the burgeoning small-craft gin industry whilst living in the Highlands of Scotland. They emigrated to New Zealand in 2019, and during the 2020 lockdown, decided to explore transforming their love of gin into a business.

van Drimmelen, who is a talented chef as well as a scientist, developed the recipe for Chemistry Gin, exploring botanicals at a molecular level to get the perfect combinations.

“Once we were certain we had a recipe that would work, we went to great lengths to source a bottle made entirely from recycled glass,” noted van Drimmelen. “Because we’re committed to minimise any negative environmental impact, we also chose widely available botanicals, all sustainably sourced.”

“We’re also committed to strengthening women in science. That’s why we’re donating $2 from every sale to women in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine. We want to support the next generation of women scientists.”

Response to the gin has been tremendous.

“We’re thrilled with the positive response from customers, retailers, and licensed premises who are serving Chemistry Gin,” said Bruce, who manages business development for Karori Drinks. “Winning this gold medal from WWSA is the icing on the cake!”

“We’ve been fortunate to get distribution with some of New Zealand’s premier retailers very quickly,” added Bruce. “Besides our website, Chemistry Gin is available at Regional Wines and Spirits, Moore Wilson’s, Glengarry Wines, La Bella Italia in Petone and Down to Find Wine in Greytown, as well as selected Liquorland outlets.”

Chemistry Gin’s Gold at the WWSA is actually the second gold medal for the pair.

In

beautifully

“The

“Everyone comments on our packaging – it really is eye-catching,” noted

October, the Designers Institute of New Zealand awarded Chemistry Gin a gold medal for its packaging at the ‘Best Awards’ in Auckland.

Bruce.

colourful label, coupled with our pale green bottle is a powerful combination that’s really registered with consumers. Our design team, SingleDouble, did a fantastic job developing branding which makes Chemistry leap off the shelf!”

The couple’s time in Scotland proved just the tonic to launch their gin dreams.

Sally reflects on 40 years of helping people

By Jacob Page

Sally Ross has spent nearly four decades caring for others and tomorrow she calls time on her nursing career.

Sally has been a diabetic nurse specialist at Khandallah Medical Centre for the past 19 years and the Johnsonville School and Onslow College woman says she’s loved every minute of it.

“It’s been a great place to work and I’ve loved helping all the patients on their journey with diabetes while watching and helping with their progress.

Sally’s nursing journey started after another came to an end.

“I’d trialled for the Olympic rowing team in 1980 in Moscow with my identical twin sister Pam and we were known as the Jackson twins.

“Of course New Zealand largely boycotted that Olympics so no team was ever announced but 12 of us trialled and they were going to probably send an eight and a pair so we had a good chance,” Sally says.

“After that, I decided to go into nursing after also considering becoming a police officer.

“I thought nursing was a good option because it gave you a good base to carry on in your career and gave you life experience.”

Sally worked at Wellington and Hutt Hospitals

particularly in pediatrics which was “a hard but rewarding ward to work in”.

Sally and husband, Gerald moved with their three kids to Korea in the late 1990s.

While Sally did not work as a nurse over there she got a number of insights into how medicine worked over there.

Sally says the time in Korea helped her children gain a broader world view and some valuable life experience.

“When we came back to Wellington in 2003, I was approached to work at Khandallah Medical Centre.

“I met Anne-Marie Cullen, a GP at Khandallah Medical and I was offered a relieving position and then eventually a fulltime position.

“It’s a fantastic place to work, with amazing staff and great opportunities.

“I had a special interest in immunisations and diabetes and that got me started on operating the diabetes clinic out of Khandallah Medical.

“It’s been fabulous to be part of people’s journey’s because when many people get a diagnosis like diabetes, they don’t know a lot about it.

“I’ve loved being part of their journey navigating issues and seeing their positive progressions.

“Diabetes is not easy, you have good years and bad years so the support and changes that can

be made over time is important.

“I hope I’ve made a difference and I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone.”

Sally says she is looking forward to retirement and the prospect of doing more cycling and travelling, particularly to Sydney to see her granddaughter.

Sally says she will also try golf and potentially play alongside Gerald.

“As I look back, I feel very fortunate to have found a career that I’ve really enjoyed and that I have found rewarding all my life because I know many people don’t get that in their working life.”

JCA urges community engagement on LGWM

Darren Bottin, President of the Johnsonville Community Association (JCA) is asking the community for feedback on Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) proposals to remove most of the roadside public car parks around Johnsonville so protected cycleway lanes can be installed.

He says the JCA is very disappointed that LGWM did not talk to locals about the transport issues they face before putting these proposals out for public consultation.

Johnsonville already has had cycleways on the roads since 2013.

Their research shows there have been only six reported cycling accidents since then with none occurring on the roading where LGWM wants to remove car parks for

protected cycleways.

The JCA believes the real traffic safety problem is with pedestrian accidents.

Johnsonville has had more than 20 reported pedestrian accidents since 2013 on the same roads that LGWM want to make safe for cyclists. They think attention should be about this issue yet measures such as signalised pedestrian crossings on Moorefield Road are not proposed.

The JCA supports safe walking and cycling along with better public transport access to/from and through Johnsonville. But the JCA also considers that it is unfair and unnecessary to remove access, including mobility car parks, to Johnsonville shops and facilities for the many residents who need to

park close to them.

For this reason, the JCA wants residents to submit their view on the proposals to remove car parks in order to promote cycling to the LGWM Johnsonville and Ng ranga Project.

Paper Submission Forms are available at Waitohi (Johnsonville Library), Nada Bakery and many other businesses on Johnsonville Road.

Submissions sent in by midnight on 4th December 2022 will be considered by Let’s Get Wellington Moving as part of their consultation process and results will be published in the next few months.

The JCA and LGWM urge residents to complete a submission.

Councillors have discussed wanting to compulsorily acquire the Johnsonville Shopping Centre if mall owners Stride continue to do nothing.

Stride Property Group, the owner of the shopping centre, is well known in Wellington for announcing new developments that come to nothing.

Locals councillors Ben McNulty and Diane Calvert found common ground on the issue saying the council could look at stepping-in as Stride continues to kick the can down the road.

Councillors losing patience over Johnsonville Mall NEWS TIPS

Send your tips to herald@wsn.co.nz

Khandallah Medical Centre nurse is retiring tomorrow after almost four decades in the profession and more than a decade as a specialist diabetes nurse.

CSI. It’s excellent viewing and it keeps me going until 12 o’clock.

Local artist’s first NZ show

By Frank Neill

Long time Johnsonville resident Em Wafer’s fi rst New Zealand solo show is now open at Academy Galleries on Queens Wharf.

Em is a full-time artist and muralist known for her surreal microcosmic worlds.

From street art to gallery paintings, she exhibits locally and internationally and has collectors worldwide.

After her last solo exhibition at Los Angeles Gabba Gallery, she has been working on commissions for her growing client base, until more recently focusing solely on the creation and development of Journeys: her first Aotearoa solo show.

One of Em’s inspirations is her son, who is on the autism spectrum. Her son, she says, “brings beautifully unique perspective shifts through a

neurodivergent lens”.

Generally, her inspiration is internal and external: conversation, surrealism, spirituality, gallery visits, paradox, gut feelings, long drives and humour.

After living most of her life in Johnsonville, where she completed most of her works, Em recently moved to Raumati Beach.

The show runs until 4 December.

There are lots of programmes I like. There’s the CSI series and NCIS.

Wellington Coastguard gets helping hand from NZCT

NZCT has awarded a grant of $20,000 towards the refurbishment and modernisation of Wellington Coastguard’s operational base in Evans Bay Marina.

Central Regional Manager Lesley Slieker says, “Wellington Coastguard is the primary provider of emergency maritime Search and Rescue across Te Whanganui-a-Tara, encompassing the harbour, coastal regions, and Cook Strait. Their operational base was built forty years ago, and while structurally sound, it has had no internal refurbishment during that time. It urgently needs internal refurbishment to bring it up to building and OSH regulations and provide a fit-for-purpose, safe environment for the rescue crews.”

“Wellington Coastguard runs two vessels, 12.6m Spirit of Wellington and 9m Reremoana. Storage of these vessels alternate between on a cradle in the base and a marina berth. Essential life-saving rescue equipment to sup-

port these vessels and volunteer crew personal protection equipment will all be well-stowed to ensure it is kept dry and easily accessible in an emergency.”

“Coastguard are recognised within the community as the ‘Go to’ people for marine safety, education, and search and rescue services. Their volunteers gift over 250,000 hours and complete nearly 3,000 missions annually. Last year twenty-five lives were saved and nearly 8,000 people were helped home safely by dedicated Coastguard volunteers.”

“The Wahine Disaster in 1968 was the catalyst for establishing a Wellington Coastguard Unit to provide emergency maritime responses in the harbour and out into the often treacherous Cook Strait. The original base was opened in 1982 and since then the internal structures have received little or no upgrades, with most of the furniture and fittings being original. Work has recently begun to develop a

fit-for-purpose Marine Rescue Centre, providing the health and safety, crew welfare, and operational readiness capabilities to deliver on our mission and vision - saving lives at sea.”

“This grant from NZCT will help create a base that our volunteers are proud to be part. It will provide essential and comfortable facilities for crew operations and welfare, including a new modern kitchen and bathrooms, purpose-built changing rooms with storage, and a training room equipped with modern technology to enable online training. Volunteers from other units will also be able to access the modernised base for shared training.”

“The plan for the building upgrade has been developed with the generous support of architects Novak Middleton, in such a way that expensive structural changes are avoided whilst achieving a layout that will fit the facility’s operational requirements and the volunteers’ needs for many decades to come.”

Showroom: 29 Hutt Road, Thorndon

Yvonne Mexted

P J Povey Game of Thrones. I like the stories and the action.

Chris Johnston

I don’t watch much TV now.

Dave Turner The sports channel, that’s my favourite.

Linda Codyne I don’t watch much TV.

Ann Reynor

Em Wafers at work on a painting. Photo: Supplied.

Make life easy at Huntleigh Apartments

Retirement isn’t about slowing down, it’s about having the time to do the things you enjoy most, and at Enliven’s Huntleigh Apartments in Karori this can be a reality.

Start the new year off with time to pursue your favourite pastimes, while Enliven takes care of the hard work like property maintenance.

Huntleigh Apartments coordinator Desrae Martin says residents get all the perks of independent living without having to worry about the hassle of owning a home.

“For people who don’t want the maintenance of a home, mowing lawns and looking after the building, this is the perfect solution.”

Rates, building insurance, ongoing maintenance of the apartment, gardening and security are all covered by Enliven.

The apartments all have lots of light, are comfortable, and are close to shops and other amenities.

Desrae says residents will also find a great sense of community and a social atmosphere at Huntleigh Apartments.

“There is a real community feeling within the apartments, residents build long-lasting supportive friendships.”

All residents have access to the community facility which includes a function room, a dining room with small kitchen, and a library.

Residents’ can also be assured, if their needs change, they will be looked after in the future by the neighbouring Huntleigh Home.

Huntleigh Home provides rest home and hospital level care, short-term respite, and health recovery, as well as a day programme.

Enliven has newly renovated apartments available at Huntleigh Retirement Apartments on Karori Road, Karori. To enquire further or arrange a viewing, please call 04 439 4949. PBA

Update from your local city councillor

Karori Town Centre upgrade - good things take time. Formal opening is this Sat 3 Dec at 10am

Karori - Chaytor/Curtis St intersection - Council staff are currently engaging with community representatives on early designs for this area with the aim to have a long-term solution determined next year

Ngaio proposed cycleway - this week, Council are listening to submitters on this proposal. Main local feedback to me is the proposed implementation timeframes being too short and the unplanned and unfunded impact on existing businesses

Khandallah - Station Rd/Boxhill Intersection - Council staff will be engaging with the local community in the new year on revised designs. Funding has been approved.

Landslips on council land – Council staff are continuing to the strengthening work will be completed in 2023/24.

Please get in touch if you have a question or concern 029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz

Please get in touch if you have a question or concern 029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz

Authorised by J Owens, 22 Agra Cres, Wellington 6035.

Huntleigh Apartments provide all the perks of independent living without the hassle of owning a home.

Authorised by Diane Calvert, dianecalvert.nz

(Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward)

&HOME LIVING Gardening

Inspirational Gardens

By Dianne Gallagher, director of Groundplanz Landscaping

The highlight of our year has to be last weekend’s Auckland Garden DesignFest Held every two years it provides a one-off opportunity to view a wide range of 18-20 stunning residential gardens created by top designers. The event is made possible by the generosity of their clients who allow the public to walk through their properties and enjoy their gardens.

Being landscapers ourselves it’s a valuable opportunity to view current trends and explore new ways of using plants and construction materials. It’s also a chance to talk with designers happy to share the highlights and hurdles they’ve encountered in designing and overseeing the installation of their work. So what were the trends? Most gardens included some space for food plants, veges in raised planters and fruit trees, especially citrus. Lush tropical plants such as ligularia, philodendrons and bromeliads continue to be

very popular and they grow especially well in Auckland. However, hardier varieties better suited to Wellington conditions can be used to achieve a tropical theme.

Colour and contrast was a theme this year, with loropetalum and the beautiful Forest Pansy trees providing a welcome splash of red against the fresh green tropical plants and our ever popular native ones. Herbaceous perennials, rarely used in landscaping, were mixed with shrubs adding colour and seasonal interest to some of the gardens.

A wide range of groundcovers were used in most gardens creating a living mulch and a green carpet around more prominent plants. (Leptinella, Pratia). Tall hedges between neighbours were common, often with Ficus

some natural, some in keeping with the period of the house, others quirky colourful and fun.

ideas to share with our Wellington clients, and is up there with the very best.

The established cleaning products experts

Cleaning can be expensive but Clorogene’s refilling policy will save you money, and cut down on plastic waste! Clorogene is proud to be locally owned and operated… for over 80 years now! Come in and check out our factory shop

The Foliage Studio

This Christmas why not consider a planet-friendly gift in the form of an indoor plant from The Foliage Studio?

They have gift packs that include accessories with the plant and it will make a long-lasting addition to be nurtured for years to come to any home.

The Foliage Studio aims to offer quality products and exceptional customer service to shoppers from the comfort of their own homes. They

at 58 Waione St, Petone (between the Esplanade and the Seaview bridge) for a great range of quality household and commercial cleaning products, swimming/ spa pool chemicals and accessories, and all the advice and service you could need!

know the plants and products as they use them themselves.

Owners Trav Cook and Cam Castle see the value of creating green spaces indoors, and the joy that people get from caring for their indoor collections.

The business values quality, and handson knowledge with a personal touch. Check out their store and enrich your houseplant experience from what they have in stock, as well as plant accessories. They also have an online shop where you can see the extensive range available.

Sharpes Feed Barn has been the tried and true animal feed supplier for wider Wellington for more than 100 years.

Owner Mark Van Waveren has been providing his personal service for over 20 years and continues to make Sharpes Feed Barn the preferred place where

animal lovers and those with green fingers choose to purchase from.

Sharpes Feed Barn has quality food for most farm and domestic animals from horse feed, sheep feed, chicken feed and dog food for working dogs through to goat feed, rabbit feed and bird feed.

Our customers are loyal to us because they appreciate the balance struck between quality products and competitive prices.

Sharpes Feed Barn is committed to offering the best prices for animal feed and gardening supplies available locally.

Landscape design is about achieving a garden layout that enables you to make the most of your outdoor space. It provides the functionality you want – maybe a BBQ area, a vege garden, a kids play area, a swimming pool, or a private space for your own enjoyment. And it does so in an aesthetically pleasing and interesting setting.

the best features of your site and addresses issues like exposure to the wind, lack of privacy, steepness, poor drainage and ease of access. It has natural flow, unity and harmony, linking indoor rooms with compatible outdoor areas.

Landscape structures such as decks, retaining walls, pergolas, and screens help define use areas and can often be

used to turn unusable areas into fully functional ones.

If you need landscaping ideas, or have your own and need guidance, we can help - with garden layout, structural features and plant selection. Our

quality woodwork and has extensive expertise in paving and plant design.

MALVINA MAJOR VILLAGE PRESENTS

DENNIS MARSH CONCERT

Thursday 15 December, 2.30pm

Join us for an upli ing repertoire of kiwi country music from the amazing Dennis Marsh. Dennis has released 29 albums, including two which reached number one on the New Zealand albums chart, four gold albums and six platinum albums. Over the years Dennis has also won numerous country music awards, including being honoured as the 2011 Country Music Legend at the National Country Music Awards, and inducted into the Golden Guitar Awards Hands of Fame, also in 2011.

At Malvina Major Village there is always something going on, and it’s concerts like this that make our village an exciting place to be. This is your chance to join in on the fun and experience what it’s like to be part of our village community.

This will be a covid-safe event and numbers are limited, please RSVP to Josie on 478 3422 to secure your place.

MALVINA

MAJOR RETIREMENT VILLAGE

134 Burma Road, Khandallah rymanhealthcare.co.nz

Just 35 kilometres north of Napier City, you’ll find the remote but wellequipped Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park - just 150 metres from the beach, and close to great activities including bush walks through the Waipatiki Scenic Reserve, which is across the stream from the campground. Accommodation includes cabins and powered or non-powered camping

sites with facilities that cater for up to 150 people. That makes us a popular choice for as a beach wedding venue or for a school camp.

For an affordable, family-friendly and truly unforgettable holiday contact us today.

Phone 06 836 6075 or visit: www.waipatikibeach.co.nz

Explore South Taranaki

Experience

Tour #43 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Auckland

Tour #40 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

Sat 4th June 2022, departs Auckland 1.30pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Mon 9th

Sat 11th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 8.30am - arrive Auckland 10.30am

Tour #44 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Wellington

Mon 20th June 2022, departs Wellington 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Mon 27th June 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9.45am - arrive Wellington 11.15am

Tour #45 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch

Tues 12th July 2022, departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.45pm

Tues 19th July 2022, departs Chatham Islands 9.30am - arrive Christchurch 11.00am

Tour #46 is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Christchurch and incorporates “Festival of Science week”

Tue 16th Aug, 2022 departs Christchurch 2.00pm - arrive Chatham Islands 4.30pm

Tue 23rd Aug, 2022 departs Chatham Islands 9.30am - arrive Christchurch 11.00am

is for 8 days & 7 nights on Chatham X Whanganui

Sun 2rd Oct 2022

Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki

Where would you find the oldest dated wooden artefacts in New Zealand?

Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki has taonga carbon-dated from the 14th century in the main gallery. These taonga were excavated from Waitore, near Whenuakura and help tell the tangata whenua story of the Ng Rauru and Ng ti Ruanui people.

The Taranaki Wars are told using maps, photographs, weaponry, and artefacts. Warriors from both sides including T tokowaru, Tutange Waionui, Charles Broughton, and James Livingston, are honoured. In Poirokiroki, the Education Room, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the South Taranaki Wars are on display for people to learn about those unsettling times.

Farming and the joys of a rural lifestyle feature prominently. The creativity of South Taranaki people is celebrated in the stories and objects exhibited – wire strainers, souvenir teapots and the many uses of old cheese crates. A temporary exhibition gallery features regularly changing exhibitions. The museum has a large archive collection and a research facility is available on request.

Aotea Utanganui is located at 127 Egmont St, P tea and is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The facility is closed Sundays, Christmas Day, Good Friday, ANZAC Day, and Taranaki Anniversary Day. Entry is free and koha is appreciated.

Taranaki, a region like no other

With world-class surf breaks, famous black-sand beaches, and the picture-perfect peak of Taranaki Maunga, Taranaki has so much on offer all year round. With a dynamic events calendar, a plenitude of gorgeous parks and gardens, adventure activities galore, a vivacious foodie scene, and a world-renowned arts and cultural scene, Taranaki is a region truly like no other. There is something for everyone in Taranaki – families, adventurers, gourmet extraordinaires, and arts and cul-

Coolsville/Bambuchi

BambuchiSan in Hataitai is the perfect place to share a delicious meal with friends and family. Make yourself at home in our cosy dining room, or relax amongst the flowers on our outdoor patio. Our Asian-inspired menu is completely gluten free, includ-

ture aficionados will be taken good care of. Not to mention the unique experiences on offer that are hard to come by anywhere else (the Goblin Forest, Forgotten World Highway, Wilkies Pools, just to name a few). Set apart by a rich and remarkable history and a past filled with pioneering innovation, you’ll pick up on the energy of this vibrant and contemporary region. Be immersed in the full mountain-tosea experience and discover for yourself why Taranaki is humming.

ing the kids meals (in puppy pirate ships!). You can bring your dog, and your own bottle of wine, or enjoy the fabulous cocktails, mocktails, wines, & beers we have on offer. And, we’re expanding! Bella’s Wine Bar, opening soon…

YOUR PERFECT TARANAKI ADVENTURE AWAITS

Explore all that Taranaki has to offer. Vibrant, contemporary and buzzing with copious things to do, see, eat, and experience, Taranaki is always humming! Holding the title of New Zealand’s sunniest region, summer is the perfect time to plan your visit to the region like no other.

WHAT’S ON

TSB Festival of Lights - 17 Dec-22 Jan

UB40 at the Bowl of Brooklands - 30 Dec

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard at Bowl of Brooklands – 6 Jan

Te Kupenga International Stone Symposium - 1-21 Jan

The Good Home Taranaki Off-road Half Marathon - 14 Jan

Summer Feastival - 16-19 Feb

TSB Festival of Lights taranaki.co.nz/visit

It’s just around the corner

Belt Rd Holiday Park

Tarrant

dancers tribute to 125 Cuba St

As the year ends the Tarrant Dance Studios face a dilemma. Rising rent may make it impossible to keep dancing in a building synonymous with dance. For nearly 100 years dancers have gone up the staircase to studios where, from children developing a love of dance, community classes of adults who love dance to professional amazing creative artists, there has been a passion to move and make artistic magic. Deirdre Tarrant has taught there for just on 50 years and before her were Dorothy Daniels and Kathleen O’Brien. For the end of an era show the current students are dancing daily from Thurs Dec 8 to Wed Dec 14 at 4.30 with their TRIBUTE

TO 125 CUBA ST. Alice in Cubaland will happen as different classes perform and the 2022 Scholars join them each day. From 9-11pm each evening, on a screen under those iconic round windows, film made and compiled by the wonderful Jeremy Brick will be projected. A glimpse inside the studios as well as of the many productions staged by Tarrant and her students at the Opera House. You will know someone in this footage and very possibly you will see yourself! Many thousands of Wellingtonians have trodden these boards! Come by and as Tarrant herself would say “Love dancing”.

The Johnsonville Charitable Trust Lions

The Johnsonville Charitable Trust Lions Christmas Parade returns this Saturday, 3 December 2022, from 11:00, for the 23rd year. Bring the family to see Santa, local groups and other fun characters.

The parade starts at Dr Taylor Terrace, moves up Broderick and Johnsonville Roads, then returns to the start via Moorefield Road. Afterwards, come meet parade characters at Memorial Park.

St Anne’s Northland Fair

Interest Changes? YIP!

Hey Everyone, although it was expected that interest rates will rise with OCR – it is still a shock when people sit down and look at their repayment & budget changes. We’ve seen a shift in buyer’s budgets and attitude as their pre-approves get renewed.

A lot of homeowners are coming off lower fixed rates and dreading the jump in repayments. The Reserve Bank is expected to continue to increase the official cash rate and pressure on the cost of living continues. Here are a few ideas that may help manage your new repayments.

Refinance – A good mortgage broker can review your mortgage situation and find solutions across multiple banks / lending institutions. Just because you bank with a particular bank, it is an easy process to obtain a mortgage from other institutions.

Debt management – Rather than digging into credit cards, have a look at offset / flexi facilities with your mortgage provider. If something urgent pops up, it is good to know that you can access some of the equity in your property at a much more affordable rate.

Negotiate the Rate – The advertised mortgage rate is never the lowest possible rate, most lenders have discount margins that your broker / mortgage manager will be able to help with. You will find that a small discount on interest rates will compound your savings exponentially over time. Well worth doing.

Make extra repayment – The first half is the toughest part of paying off a mortgage, making extra repayments reduces the compounding interest and you can always access the repaid equity through your flexi/ offset facility.

Streamline expenses – There are always ways of saving on your living costs,

you can buy groceries direct, shopping around for same products at discounted rates, cheaper power/utilities plans, looking at fuel savings and so much more. Even an extra $100 a week put towards your repayments, would shave years off an average mortgage in this area.

Buyers are looking to get into a property before their budget drops further and lock in a lower rate for the next year or so. If you are considering buying or selling, now may be a good time to have a chat about your plans and position you in the best possible outcome.

If you would like a Mortgage Broker to be in touch with you, get in touch as well, happy to help!

THURSDAY

bring non-perishable food for the Wellington City Mission Food Market There will be an offertory collection during the Carol Service.

The man who solved the elevator safety problem, making skyscrapers possible, was Elisha Otis, who is generally known as the inventor of the modern elevator. In 1852, Otis came up with a design that had a safety “brake.”

Written by William YIP Your friend in Real Estate

William.YIP@CollectiveFN.co.nz

With Jacob Page

Football or farce? It’s hard to tell

I’m trying to get into the football World Cup but the stench of how Qatar earned the hosting rights and the human rights issues which are evident, has taken some of the gloss off it.

I wouldn’t consider myself more than a casual football fan, I follow Manchester United on a casual basis but I always enjoy the World Cup in a similar vein to the Olympics or

Commonwealth Games.

The standard of football is compelling and if you can handle the theatrics, flips, poor sportsmanship and referee intimidation, the games are mostly interesting.

My first World Cup was 1998 where I picked the Netherlands as my future team because I thought they were audacious to wear all orange in public.

I remain hopeful that one day they will win it all.

On the surface, this looks like one of the more open tournaments in recent memories.

Favoured teams like Argentina, Belgium and Germany have already had shock setbacks in the first week.

I look forward to seeing how England cock-up their campaign as they always do.

The French have a young, athletic and talented squad which seems unphased by being the defending champions.

Brazil remain wildcards and probably the casual fans pick because of their flamboyant play and rich history of success.

I wonder if any of us Kiwis are cheering on Australia. They will need a result in their

final pool game to go through to the second round but they play a fast-paced style and they are sure to not die wondering.

The hope should be that the tournament helps human rights in Qatar, I doubt that will be the case, and a alcohol free event is also a first but it has to beat paying the $22 it was going to cost for one in the stadium.

Go the Dutch!

Johnsonville’s first win proves elusive

By Jacob Page

The quest for Johnsonville’s first win of the summer continues for another week after a 77-run defeat to Taita at Alex Moore Park in the Ewen Chatfield 50over competition on Saturday.

Johnsonville’s bowlers could not create enough early pressure at Taita amassed 293 all out.

Johnsonville’s chase never threatened as they were dis-

missed for 216 in the 45th over.

Taita created a strong base to set a target as Johnsonville continued to struggle to take early wickets.

JJ Fleming (61), Nick Greenwood (39) and Will Greenwood (72) helped lay the platform as Taita cruised to 168 for one at one stage.

Johnsonville captain Zac Ringrose says his bowlers were guilty of bowling “on both sides

of the wicket” which made it hard to generate pressure.

“We couldn’t build pressure with our lines, we bowled a few no-balls and each of those free hits went for six.

“We also dropped a few catches so we didn’t help ourselves.

Taita looked set to post a score well beyond 300 but the spin of Ben Hilder and late wickets from Ringrose pulled them back.

Hilder’s 10 overs 1 for 41 and

Ringrose’s nine overs 3 for 42.

“I thought Ben bowled a really good spell of containment and showed he was capable of doing that role for us in more games.

The run-chase never gathered any momentum.

No top-order batsman was able to score fast enough to keep Johnsonville in the run-chase.

The lone bright spot was Reece Edgecombe’s 62.

“Reece has threatened to do

Wilton Bowling Club opens its doors to new players

The sun shone, the tuis warbled and the sausages sizzled as locals enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Wilton Bowling Club’s Open Day on Saturday.

The Historic Club welcomed visitors of all ages from surrounding suburbs to come along and try their hand at Lawn Bowling in the picturesque setting of ari-Wilton’s Bush.

Club Captain Allan Chee says he was delighted to see so many visitors turn up and enjoy the fun atmosphere, with committee members on

hand to provide coaching in basic techniques to those who wanted to see what the game involved.

New club members are welcome with social or active playing membership available. A bonus is the Club’s Friday night dinners which have proved a draw card for locals in recent years with the spacious dining room overlooking the attractive ri-Wilton’s Bush- the only public Botanic Garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plant species.

Tennis scholarships available in Karori

Karori Lawn Tennis Club has launched its own scholarship programme for emerging players.

Karori Lawn Tennis Club is offering scholarships for boys aged 14-years-old and over who are of a reasonable level and are interested in joining our summer season Saturday morning interclub teams.

The scholarship is for the 2023 season and includes free club membership, access to courts, ball machine, club days and free coaching.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants to develop their tennis skills with coaching and competitive tennis play.

If you are interested in applying, please get in touch with KLTC Chairman Simon Christie via email: sichristie74@gmail. com

that for a number of games,” Ringrose says.

“If he had some support from anyone else he could have got a hundred but our top-order felt the pressure I think.

“We couldn’t find gaps and we struggled to rotate the strike with the singles that Taita were able to find.”

Johnsonville will travel to Barton Oval on Saturday to take on Upper Hutt United.

Silver for talented Onslow College diver

Onslow College diver Ross Millar returned with a medal after competing in the Australia School Games Diving Competition.

Ross earned a silver medal in platform, fifth in springboard, fourth in the team event, fourth in the knockout competition and fifth in mixed synchro.

Onslow College diver, Ross Millar found success in Australia.

Wilton Bowling Club club captain Allan Chee and Events Manager Keith Palmer identified some early bowling talent in members of the Biddington family enjoying their visit to the Open Day.

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