FEBRUARY '11 Ponsonby News

PONSONBY NEWS

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BRING OUT THE ROMANTIC IN YOU THIS VALENTINES DAY: chocolates, flowers, a nice restaurant, a small gift... what ever, it takes! + CELEBRATE SUMMER ON JERVOIS ROAD: we take a walk along a very special road + TAKE FRIDAY OFF - p6

MAINTAINING A GOOD HEALTHLY LIFESTYLE: checkups, therapists, good nutrition and fitness

February 2011 www.PONSONBYNEWS.co.nz

EST: OCTOBER 1989 – Incorporating the Ponsonby Community Newsletter (PCNL) CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

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ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COXS BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES The World Belongs to the Dissatisfi ed HIGH STREET, CHANCERY, CBD, KINGSLAND, DEADLINE 20TH OFNEWMARKET, THE MONTH February 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+ MT –EDEN, NEWTON + PARNELL Published 4 February, 2011 IN COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE 006 TAKE FRIDAY OFF 008 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 009 FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM 012 JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX 013 K ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 018 NIKKI KAYE: MP AUCKLAND CENTRAL 020 GET IT ON! BIG GAY OUT 023 GREY LYNN 2030 026 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

057 044 FASHION + STYLE 046 LETTERS FROM MAUDIE:

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089 DENISE CLEVERLEY: THE PONSONBY GARDENER

ANGELA LASSIG

049 TRAVELBREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY 050 PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

028 JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE 036 JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 038 VALENTINE’S DAY 038

055 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 056 SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY 060 JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH 061 NIKKI HART: GOOD NUTRITION 062 HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS 064 HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY 069 ASK DR AJIT 072 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 074 REBECCA GIBB ON WINE 084 FUTURE GENERATION 087 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

114 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS 116 PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS 118 ARTS + CULTURE 125 OUT + ABOUT 130 PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS 077

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding Januaryy byy ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby,y, Auckland T: (09) 378 8553 or (09) 361 3356 www.ponsonbynews.co.nzz Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher Deputy Editor Business Development and Fashion Editor Contributing Editor Proof Reader Layout Designer Designer

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MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz PROUDLY PRINTED DEIRDRE ROELANTS; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir@orcon.net.nz

BY GEON GROUP, RICHARD GRAVENOR AUCKLAND. ANYA VERYASKINA; E: pn4anya@gmail.com ISSN 1177-3987.

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ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: WITHIN NEW ZEALAND $49, AUSTRALIA/PACIFIC $99. BY CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER IN NZ$. NO CREDIT CARDS. PLEASE NOTE: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News. Our archive is all online as a low resolution pdf or from august 2010, as a high resolution E-mag – visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies & manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

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FOR BACK ISSUES AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION: WWW.PONSONBYNEWS.CO.NZ Cover Illustration: Onno Knuvers www.onnoknuvers.com

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LETTERS

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

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R.I.P LYNETTE KILMARTIN Before Christmas and whilst the Ponsonby News offices were closed during the summer break, I received a very upsetting email from Lynette Kilmartin’s cousin Rochelle informing me that Lynette had taken her own life. Regular readers will remember reading about the hit and run accident on Ponsonby Road, Lynette had been seriously injured in back in November 2009. The NZ Herald ran this sad news on its front page and I received a number of calls, Facebook messages and emails from locals expressing their sympathy. I was and still am gutted by this news as I had been organising a benefit night to try and help her. (MARTIN LEACH)

photography: martin leach

Hello Martin, I’m sorry to have to let you know that Lynette took her own life yesterday (Sunday, 12 December) - I wanted to say thank you for all your support for Lynette, I know she greatly appreciated it.

I also wanted to thank you, if you had not run Lynette’s story so many months ago I would not have known that she had been in such a terrible accident.

Kind regards, ROCHELLE KILMARTIN (Lynette’s cousin) Hello Martin, I’ve just heard some awful news. I wanted to inform you over the phone, but hopefully you will receive this email on holiday. My friend called to say that Lynette took her life this weekend. I will forward you the details of the funeral. I’m sure there are people you’ll want to inform and they may want to write a letter of condolence to her family. It’s a real tragedy. After her accident, she touched many lives and was an inspiration to lots of people.

Lynee K, your friends in Sienna Terrace Apartments miss you. You were a caring neighbour and I will always remember your quick wit. You were an inspiration to many people. Kind regards, ROB THOMAS, Waitemata Local Board - Auckland Council Hi Martin, Lynette Kilmartin was a friend of mine who you wrote an article on regarding her horrific accident after being struck by Prasant Nathoo.

Lynette committed suicide in the weekend following a long battle to rebuild her life and the depression that soon followed, you may wish to publish this and hope it gets back to Nathoo. Lynette’s funeral will be in Blenheim on Friday. RIP in Lynette.

DION NEILL, Wellington Hi Martin, Could you please look at printing a tribute page in your Ponsonby News to Lynette Kilmartin who has passed away suddenly.

I know you got to know her after the horrific situation she was left in just over a year ago, and she had written a couple of articles for you. She was never quite the same old Lynette that I knew from our Wellington days after the accident and although she had such hardship and struggle she was one hell of a determined lady. A strong willed and beautiful soul that was worn down by the struggles she faced since her ordeal.

Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers and that at least she is now no longer suffering and is at peace.

To my darling friend Lynette, you’re an angel in the light now my wonderful and beautiful friend, and you now no longer see the shadow. And in the words of your favourite singer MJ, “Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight, here one day, gone one night, like a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soon”.

Love Always R.I.P, Kelly E

normal. Her passing was just brought to my attention by Grant. I just want to reach out to someone. She last spoke about starting a fund to help pay her mounting debt.

I felt helpless to do anything or give the appropriate advice. I’m sorry and just feel very sad I didn’t do more to help her. LINDA CHANDLER, Ponsonby Hi Martin, I have just read the story in the Herald about Lynette. We are all devastated here at Grey Lynn. We wish we could have been some help to her. It’s absolutely tragic. We have followed her progress and successes in your magazine, and really hoped for a good outcome. Please know that she was in our thoughts.

Regards, CLAIRE SCOTT, Grey Lynn Library Dear Martin, I just want to let you and the team know that my thoughts and prayers are with you on the tragic death of Lynette. I know you have supported her in so many different ways. It is a terrible shock for her family and for others, like yourselves, in the community who have made an effort to be there for her. If I can offer practical support in any way please let me know. Kind regards, REV DIANA RATTRAY, All Saints Anglican Church, Ponsonby Hi Martin I got in touch with you late last year / early this year when I read of Lynette’s plight in the Ponsonby News. I know you passed on my details to her but I didn’t hear back from her which was absolutely fine, she must have been flooded with people wanting to her from her which would have been great. I actually got in touch with her again a few months ago via Facebook when I saw her on 60 Minutes, I just sent her a message to tell her I was thinking of her and how brave I thought she was.

I was absolutely devastated to hear of her passing today. I had thought of her often and even though I never met her, I felt like I knew her. I saw in the paper today that there is a service in Blenheim for her but just wondered if you can let me know if a service is being held in Auckland as I would like to attend. I am thinking of you and all her friends and family at this very sad time. Kind regards, ANNIE ANDERSON www.facebook.com/PonsonbyNews www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News

Hi Martin, My name is Sandy and I’m writing to you regarding an article you did on Lynette Kilmartin in February 2010. I am writing to ask if you know if Lynette had lived in Island Bay, Wellington previously? I own a local dairy in Island Bay and I had a customer named Lynette who moved to Auckland. I am trying to find out if this is the same Lynette Kilmartin.

I read about the tragic accident Lynette had and looking at the picture I feel it is the same Lynette. Unfortunately I didn’t know her second name. Please let me know if you know where she lived in Wellington. I was truly saddened to read that Lynette passed away recently. Regards, SANDY, Wellington Hi Martin, Depressing reading this mornings paper about Lynette. How sad. You have to feel for her family. Kind of wished I knew more of her circumstances to offer her occupancy here in our business to take her mind off her situation.

BILL, Design Denmark, Ponsonby Hello Martin, I’m so lost for words over Lynette who called in to see me only six weeks ago. I was surprised and happy to see her walking and on her way to getting back to

Views and opinions published in Ponsonby News as expressed by their authors are not necessarily those of Alchemy Media Limited.

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FROM THE PUBLISHING TEAM HAPPY NEW YEAR PONSONBY! WHAT A FABULOUS BREAK WE’VE ALL enjoyed. The weather has been perfect and just as we started back on Monday, the 17th, it started to turn but we kidded ourselves our gardens needed the rain!

photography: jane @ kloser www.kloser.co.nz

2011 will be an interesting year. A General Election in November is looming, but more importantly for Ponsonby, in September and in to October we’ll be all ensconced in Rugby World Cup fever! Local businesses will be glad of the tourist dollar, so let’s hope they spend it HERE – in our ‘hood!

Thank goodness we have some positives to look forward to, as last year was not so good for many of us. Just before Christmas, a young woman, a new resident to Ponsonby was mugged at a bus stop on Richmond Road – near the Ponsonby end.

It was 2pm, 19 December and a very wet Sunday afternoon. The woman concerned was off on a cruise and was standing patiently waiting for her bus to the Viaduct when a red car with several men in it drove past. They did a loop, pulled up and one of them got out, approached her asking for the time. As she checked her watch, she was punched in the mouth and her luggage was stolen before these cowards drove off.

Next, between Christmas and New Year one of our PN team, a Franklin Road resident had her town house broken into and her new flatscreen telly and computer were stolen.

Clearly, and not surprisingly, criminals work at all hours and times, so our colleague has now invested in additional security and a burglar alarm.

Sadly, we need to remain vigilant on our streets and in our homes, as not every one we encounter has our best interests at heart.

JUST OVER A WEEK AWAY IS ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE DAYS OF THE YEAR. It’s Valentines Day and is the one day we all tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. So, remember to book a favourite restaurant – although they’re normally closed on Mondays, both Vinnies and Sidart will be open and both have wonderful menus for any romantic foodies.

Flowers are always a special gift, as is a bottle of your favourite Champagne. Glengarry has one of the best selections and we have three branches in our ‘hood. Treasure the time together, what ever you do. Jay’s ‘Things we can’t live without’ this issue is focused on gifts for the one you love.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

THE FEBRUARY ISSUE IS THE FIRST OF THE YEAR AND INCLUDES A WALK along Jervois Road. We hope you’ll enjoy Julie Roulston’s feedback this month – it seems, it’s all about cafes, restaurants, fashion, real estate and retail for our fashionable scribe.

THE GOOD WITCH OF PONSONBY IS PASSIONATE ABOUT US TAKING responsibility for maintaining good health. This month, we’ve included holistic advice, taking up a sport, and talked about the old hippy adage you are what you eat. There’s never been a better time to look after your body, mind and spirit.

OUR MARCH ISSUE IS PUBLISHED ON FRIDAY, 4 MARCH AND WILL INCLUDE, Viva Italia + Kingsland + Fashion - Shoes + Social Media in greater Ponsonby.

Have a great month and enjoy the rest of the summer!

MARTIN LEACH, JULIE ROULSTON, JAY PLATT + JO BARRETT

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LETTERS

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

STARBUCKS COULDN’T HACK IT ON PONSONBY ROAD Some years back an international marketing manager of Starbucks was our guest. He was charming and sincere. He spent a week walking along Ponsonby Road giving all who would listen to his message, a voucher for coffee. He was not ungenerous to our crew and other guests.

His message was simple that Starbucks is an ethical company and pays three times the international price to the coffee growers and provides better wages where they have cafes than any other company. Within weeks Starbucks staff were on strike.

I enjoyed Roger’s company and conversation and shared more than a bottle or two of Kiwi Pinot. He confided to me that Starbucks had identified Ponsonby Road and Primrose Hill in London as locations that Starbucks had to be. Both these neighbourhoods were hip, with established cafes and grinders. The locals had commitment to ethical things such as the environment and social justice issues he told me.

He was happy when I told him that their location was one of the sunniest in Ponsonby.

When Starbucks departed Ponsonby Road last December I thought of Roger and his passion. I wondered where he is now. He would be a good man for Amnesty International or Oxfam however I did not drink his coffee.

GERARD HILL, The Great Ponsonby Art Hotel, Ponsonby

LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews PONSONBY MARKET DAY FEEDBACK This is supposed to be constructive. I brought my grandson to the Ponsonby Market Day on Saturday, 4 December. We were positioned near the Telecom Christmas Tree.

We heard Santa coming and positioned ourselves on the curb, we saw Santa get off the truck and mingle and voice some jingle to someone he must have known! He came past us, barely able to ‘Ho Ho Ho’. Further along from us there were four or five children to whom he threw lollies along with his ‘Ho Ho Ho’!

OK, we waited and crossed the road for another shot at having Santa throw some cheer our way, but again he barely noticed my grandson and daughter, of course I threw myself out there yelling ‘Hello Santa’ and finally got the ‘Ho Ho Ho’ as he passed by. Suggestions: Santa, should have sweets, one or two, that he can throw out to all the jolly faces, not just a selective few. My grandson was disappointed that he didn’t get a lolly, but then we said Santa had probably run out. I’d want to see a more fair-minded Santa next year, genuine and sensitive to all children.

SHARYN JOHNSTON, Herne Bay VIV ROSENBERG, of PONSONBY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION responds: Thanks for your letter and we are sorry that your experience was not more positive.

We have passed your comments to Santa, who has apologised and is looking forward to seeing you next Christmas. PN

MAYOR LOOKS TO AUCKLAND’S ENVIRONMENTAL FUTURE In his goal to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city, the Mayor is focusing on Auckland’s environmental credentials and future as he announces a range of new initiatives.

Len Brown is asking council staff to look at the feasibility of rolling out the Eco-City model adopted by the former Waitakere City across Auckland. “Cities with a reputation for high quality liveability, such as Melbourne, Vancouver, Portland, Seattle and San Francisco, all have a strong environmental focus,” says Len Brown.

Eco-Cities are inclusive, creative and resilient, focusing on more than just the physical environment. They recognise relationships between people, environment and the economy. Within Eco-Cities, urban and rural policy and planning set economic, social and environmental objectives while considering the potential impacts of factors such as technological transformation, changing demographic patterns, increasing resource scarcity, climate change, globalisation and worldview shifts. “Auckland has a stunning natural environment. We will build on the achievements of former councils. It’s our responsibility to current and future Aucklanders to protect and improve it, and make sustainable choices.”

Achieving a low carbon future is fundamental for the Mayor’s vision of Auckland as the world’s most liveable city. “The challenge for Auckland is to break the link between development, economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions, and move from a high energy-use, wasteful society to an Auckland that saves energy and resources and reduces waste. Aucklanders can tackle these challenges together with good policies and partnerships.”

Len Brown is asking staff to evaluate setting an aspirational target to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2025. In line with the Mayor’s carbon reduction goal is an investigation into solar energy opportunities for water heating and electricity generation within Auckland. An assessment of organic waste collection and processing as part of Auckland’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is underway, and recommendations go to the Environment and Sustainability Forum in February. As well as assessing new services, existing recycling services will be standardised across Auckland. From September, Papakura residents will receive wheelie bins for recycling, and Rodney residents by 2013, to allow for existing contractual arrangements.

(Residents of former Papakura and Rodney council areas do not currently have wheelie bins for recycling.)

A major step toward an open sanctuary at Shakespear Regional Park is almost complete. Construction of a 1.7km pest-proof fence built across the Whangaparaoa Peninsula is well underway with just installation of the gates to go, by the end of February. This project will eventually see the reintroduction of native species to more than 500 hectares of parkland, providing an important opportunity to conserve some of the region’s threatened species.

The resulting Shakespear Open Sanctuary, a council community partnership, will become one of New Zealand’s most visited and accessible wildlife sanctuaries, integrating conservation with recreation and farming at this popular regional park.

Early next month, Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse will represent Auckland at an international mayoral biodiversity forum in South Africa. The LAB (Local Action for Biodiversity) International Workshop brings together mayors and technical experts from around the world to forge relationships, share research and practical experience. The costs of attending this forum are being met by the host organisation and government.

“We’ve seen amazing environmental initiatives and achievements in our former Auckland councils. Often these were excellent partnerships between the councils and local communities to enhance our wonderful natural heritage,” says Councillor Wayne Walker, Chairman of the Environment and Sustainability Forum.

“Now we can step up to take these initiatives across Auckland, to make it a sustainable, liveable and more beautiful city. I endorse these projects that the Mayor is setting out.

I’m 100 per cent behind them.” PN

The Mayor is also looking into extending two programmes to enhance Auckland’s waterways. ‘Daylighting’ opens up piped streams, improving stormwater quality, reducing flooding, providing usable recreational open space on the banks, enhancing local sense of place and community, and contributes to a beautiful city. Project Twin Streams is an environmental restoration and stormwater management project using a community development approach. Local residents and community organisations replant stream banks with native trees and shrubs. This stabilises the banks from erosion, creates a cool, shaded environment for ecology to thrive and filters toxins entering the streams, and ultimately the harbours.

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

STREET NAMES

PONSONBY U3A – DECEMBER THE LAST U3A MEETING FOR 2010 TOOK A FESTIVE THEME. INSTEAD OF the usual 10 minute speaker from within the membership, followed by an invited guest speaker, local member Lois Denbury combined the two talks.

She told how at the age of 40 and a secretary/PA living in London, she “went a little bit mad”. Feeling she needed a complete change of work and since she had always loved flowers, plants and gardening and been a bit of an artist, she began training as a florist at London City and Guilds. She spent the next 24 years in London, training and working as a florist, first as a Saturday girl at a Kensington flower shop. Later she began her own business ‘Flowertime’ in Chiswick High Road. Getting flowers from Covent Garden market was a highlight, although she couldn’t maintain the 3.30 am visits for too long. She felt that PA turned PF (personal florist) was a winning combination because 50% of her business was in the area of administration and it was these skills that ensured her survival. Flowers from her shop were ordered for the funeral of Princess Diana, for the Duchess of York and the Three Tenors and arranging flowers in well known homes and businesses was common. Books of photographs of her floral arrangements and shop window displays which won many awards were passed around.

A lively talk and floral demonstration followed, starting with all members being given red ribbons and detailed instructions which culminated in artistic bows being taken home by most members to adorn the Christmas table. (NOELINE CREIGHTON)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

STREET NAMES ARE VERY INTERESTING. WHO NAMED THEM AND WHY. THEY also mirror times past. When European settlement happened here the sun never set on the British Empire and many of our street names pertain to those glory days. Freemans Bay has quite a few. Wellington, Napier, Collingwood, Smith, Hepburn are all named after military or naval commanders and of course there’s Victoria, the queen reigning over them all. Arthur Street was possibly a nod of acknowledgement to her son, Arthur.

Anglesea Street was possibly named after the North Wales County and England Street, formerly English Street was renamed round 1875. Scotland, reluctantly part of the old empire, has a nod as well. But we do have a departure from Old Blighty nomenclature, namely Franklin Road.

Who would have thought that a personage of Huguenot descent was responsible for this exception to the rule? Lady Jane Franklin, wife of explorer and eventually lieutenant - governor of Tasmania, Sir John Franklin sailed to England in 1843 on board the barque Rajah. They made a stopover in New Zealand and folk lore has it that Lady Jane walked up a dirt track subsequently named after her, our very own Franklin Road, scene of much jollity the entire Christmas season.

I think Lady Jane would look kindly upon such festivity because she was quite a gal.

Transplanted from England to Tasmania and married to a man who was away on voyages much of the time, she took up all sorts of good causes, particularly using her influence to ameliorate the lot of female convicts. Her popularity in the new colony reached such heights that when she visited a new settlement in Melbourne she received an address from sixty three prominent citizens referring to her “character for kindness, benevolence and charity”. Sir John never returned from his last expedition and its fate remains unknown. Lady Jane sponsored seven explorations to find him or records of what happened and a ballad, Lady Franklin’s Lament commemorates her years of search for her husband. ‘What the nation would not do, a woman did’.

Myth or legend? Who knows for sure but it’s an agreeable supposition to have a beautiful street in Freemans Bay named after such a redoubtable woman.

(DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX ALONE ON A TINY ISLAND SANCTUARY MANY PONSONBY NEWS READERS WILL HAVE CRUISED around the Hauraki Gulf over the holidays, and many will have ventured further afield. Some will have landed on tiny islands for a picnic, or a swim, and may have stayed at Great Barrier, Waiheke or Kawau.

But I’ll bet not many stayed a week alone on a tiny 37 hectare wild life sanctuary as I had the privilege of doing.

Matakohe – Limestone Island is in the Whangarei Harbour, not far south of the town basin. In the 19th century it was a particularly strategic place for local Maori to repel warring tribes from the south. A pa on the highest point of the island looked straight down the Whangarei Harbour, past where the Oil Refinery now stands.

And then in the late 1800s, a cement works was built on the island. By 1910, over 200 men, women and children lived on the Island. There was a two-storeyed boarding house and a row of single men’s quarters along with a school. Cement ceased being made in 1916, but the shattered remains of the old works are still there today. A few sheep graze among the kilns and piles of old bricks -visitors interested in the history of the works wander among the ruins.

In 1989 the Whangarei District Council bought the Island and a group of interested environmentalists proposed a plant, bird and other animal sanctuary. Growing trees on the limestone island was not easy, but now, just 20 years later thousands of native trees have been planted, thousands of seeds broadcast over the west ridge, and Matakohe is now a crèche for young kiwi taken from the wild as young as two weeks old and grown to one and a half kilos before being released back into a nature reserve at Whangarei Heads. The main job on the island is to protect these young kiwi.

This was the fourth time I have relieved the Rangers on the island. The weather was warm and humid, dry but overcast, as I set off from the mainland at Onerahi for the 10-minute outboard motor run to Matakohe. There is solar power for the lights and a generator if need be. Gas powers a tiny fridge and a gas stove. The rangers Jo and Ben have a very comfy little house, while volunteers like me sleep in a tiny cabin next door.

I settled in, grabbed a cold beer, and sat out on the deck. It’s a magical place – quiet (although you can hear cars on the mainland), and the waves tinkle onto the beach below. You can hear seabirds squawking – dotterels, oystercatchers, gulls – and when darkness falls you can sometimes hear kiwi calling. The lights of Whangarei twinkle

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in the distance. I never turn the island lights on, and when it’s good and dark and the sky and sea both look the same black and I’ve watched and listened to the night long enough, I go to bed.

And then up to my busiest day – checking the traps around the island, and the mainland buffer zone.

Kiwi and other endangered species can’t ward off rats, stoats and weasels. Weasels can’t swim very well, but rats and stoats can swim from the mainland to the island.

Thankfully not many do, and the ring of traps at high water mark right around the island catches the few who do make it. The traps on the buffer zone on the mainland catch a few of those nasties each month. On this trip I found no rats or stoats, but several traps had, unfortunately caught birds. A side trip to a recommended fishing spot yielded five snapper, more than enough for dinner. With my big task over I was able to completely relax, read and slob out — just watching out for hooligans landing and causing trouble. None did.

And another night comes nearer, the sky changes from blue to grey, the sea goes dark, sombre yet calming – nothing garish to harass the senses. It is nature at rest.

Soon kiwi will awaken and call. A mosquito as big as a helicopter swoops over me, and I grab the insect repellent I sensibly brought. Maybe in darkest Africa with untold dreaded lurgies more medicines would be required – but not on Matakohe. Soon I hear only the swish of the tide against the beach, a relaxing and rhythmic sound which soon sends me off to sleep.

Waking and sleeping to the rhythms of nature away from the artificial lights and noise of the tarseal jungle is a cathartic experience. I thoroughly recommend it.

(JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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9 LOCAL NEWS A STRAWBERRY AFFAIR St Columba in Grey Lynn hosted a garden party in early December having held one for the past three years to celebrate summer with a feast of strawberries and meringues. The Christmas season encourages festivities and a generosity of spirit as well as nostalgia for the traditions of Christmas, so with the support of local choirs there is a community sing-along of Christmas carols and songs.

This year the City Songbirds women’s choir, and the choir from Mt Albert Methodist Church shared their Christmas music and the Ukuladies, with their infectious sense of fun, delighted us with their singing and ukulele accompaniment. The party included children’s prizes and an adult prize for the best decorated hat courtesy of Jafa, a local cafe and Dear Reader, the local bookshop.

The St Columba garden is an ideal location for this community event as it provides sufficient open space for people to spread their blankets while being intimate enough for the singing. This year the day was clear and blue and with the pohutakwa as a backdrop we celebrated our summer and Christmas. (SUSAN ADAMS) PN

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9 UNIQUE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY reab on Selbourne is a boutique health and wellbeing centre in Grey Lynn. We offer a one stop shop for our community’s health and wellbeing needs including physiotherapy, pilates, fitness training, massage, beauty therapy, Breathing Works, facial radiance, cardiac rehabilitation and yoga.

We are now ready to expand our offering and would be interested in talking to providers of complementary services. Examples that might fit include medical providers and specialists, nutritionists, counsellors, yoga teachers and additional rehabilitation providers.

We have stunning, fully equipped premises and can provide full support to your business if required, including reception, accounting, IT support, marketing, PR and a collegial working environment.

LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

“There are many aspects of being at reab on Selbourne that have benefited my business - Kirsty Gregg Studio. I particularly enjoy the expertise and ease of contact with like minded professionals. reab on Selbourne provides a high-end environment, allowing my clients to receive personalised health solutions from a broad range of leading practitioners, while allowing them to squeeze as much as possible into their busy lifestyles. It’s the luxury department store of wellness.” Kirsty Gregg Studio provides personal training and spin, boxing and circuit classes at reab on Selbourne.

Please contact Kirsty Wilkinson on 021 755 579 or Kirsty@aptus.co.nz for more information.

WHAT COULD BE DONE WITH VICTORIA PARK MARKET Urban Design is a major topic at the moment with all the construction being undertaken in our part of the city.

Helen Bowen is a recent graduate from UNITEC and has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture under her belt. She’s ready to take on the world but in the meantime would love to be taking on the re-development of Victoria Park. For her finals she completed a year long project on Vic Park and her design based on extensive research is quite different in intent and purpose from that being undertaken by the new owners. Well they would be, wouldn’t they? Idealism as opposed to pragmatism.

She has named the Birdcage end the west plaza and the present car park the east plaza and how the connection between the two could be a catchment area.

A suggested apartment building would be too shadowing and there’s enough residential in the area already, especially when Rhubarb Lane’s development gets underway.

Helen believes that only by reaching out and exchanging with the local community can Victoria Park Market achieve its true potential.

Helen has been in love with the market since childhood and has witnessed the changes it has gone through over the years, which is why she chose it for her project. The basis of her research was looking at post-industrial sites and how they can become isolated as the city grows up around them. Her task was to explore what opportunities arise when a post-industrial landscape is revitalised in a city context. She enquired into different avenues guided by her supervisor, Den Aitken who also has a practice – Field_LA whose concept for the Queens Wharf sheds has featured previously in Ponsonby News. For part of her project she had to do abstract modelling of the site which helped unlock ideas she might have bypassed.

A collaboration with the Council and the developers to have the car park area transformed into a water feature would be great and looking at the rest of the building she thinks it should be community orientated. Why not a bakery, or a pizzeria, or even a video shop. Maybe a glass blowing studio and a meditation centre and naturally, a Farmer’s market as well. Anything rather than a collection of Australian fashion shops that would turn it into a sort of outdoor Westgate mall.

Helen is concerned with open space and looked at how the site could reach out to the Wynyard Quarter instead of being closed in.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Auckland needs better connectivity through a variety of public transport options. She looked at trams as well and visualizes them going past the market and up Drake Street. Oh, those trams again. We’ve simply got to have them back, Mr Lee. Why, oh why did the Council sell the market in the first place and leave this jewel of a site to the mercies of developers? (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE ROELANTS

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AALTO - PAINT SUPREMO YOU’VE GOT TO ADMIRE THE AUDACITY OF IT. FORGET CONTEMPORARY mores says Rachel Lacy. I swapped my kids for Mum’s company and we both think we’ve got a good deal. So, gulp, gulp, let’s face it, Grandmothers more often than not, do a better job with their grandchildren than they did with their own children and Rachel’s nowadays unusual arrangement is not so historically. In many cultures it was the way families worked. Rachel tells me as far as she’s concerned it’s great for the kids. Her mother, Prue Cook looks after the four boys aged eleven, nine, and seven year old twins when Rachel has to work and travel, which she doesn’t see as a negative. The children are very content living between two domiciles, one in Parnell and the other on Franklin Road. They get to go sailing with their grandfather, which Rachel’s English husband isn’t into and happily attend school in Freemans Bay. The company Rachel did a swap for is called Aalto, named after the Finnish architect, Alva Aalto, which fits because they import their pigments from Finland. Twenty years ago Prue started mixing paints in the garage and what she produced was so good it became the favoured choice of architects and their clients. The business expanded rapidly and at one stage had no less than seven retail outlets, but eventually was scaled back to concentrate on its core business, developing series after series of beautiful colour palettes. The Aalto shop on 8 Railway Street in Newmarket is now owned by Steve Powers and Rachel has a studio-lab at the rear where she and Nadia, an Elam graduate do research and development. The three have an ideal collaboration, and Prue is still consulted, usually over a glass of wine in the evening when she and Rachel bounce ideas off one another with Pere Marshall throwing in his bit of advice as well. The network of contacts Prue has built over the years is invaluable. Auckland Art Gallery Director, Chris Saines is loud in his praise of Aalto and has made it the preferred paint supplier to the Gallery. Curators also use Aalto because a specific complex pigment structure is needed as a background for art. And that is what Aalto does. They differ in the way they mix pigments.

Aalto colours have between six and thirteen pigments, each one of which has its own variation of light wave. Colour is judged by the way it reflects light and the greater the number of pigments used, the greater the perception of depth.

The WORKSHOP Ponsonby store used AALTO paints for their renovations Anyone can go the studio and be shown how they make a colour. In Rachel’s words “If you give people knowledge and understanding they are going to make an informed choice - it’s not fashion, it’s not marketing, it’s science”.

Paint shops do tend to dumb things down on the basis the consumer isn’t interested and that’s wrong. How often do you find a colour on a paint chart is not the same when it’s applied to a wall? It’s happened to me often enough! Rachel believes in the current economic climate people are more discerning about what they are spending their money on and Aalto gives a level of service and advice that is way and above what you’ll find elsewhere. She returned recently from a two week stint in Zurich where she visited a Swiss company that specialises in organic pigments of which few are used and promoted here. Bringing them here and creating some limited edition colours with them is in the pipeline. This is the sort of initiative that keeps Aalto ahead of the play. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

LET’S PETITION THE POWERS THAT BE TO BRING BACK THE TRAMS SOMETIMES PETITIONS GET RESULTS, SOMETIMES THEY DON’T BUT AT least they alert the decision makers as to what their constituents want. Grey Lynn resident, Geoff Houtman spent time in Portland, Oregon last year where they are reinstalling tram lines all over the place. He noted how people loved their new sleek tramcars and told his father about it when he returned home. His father recounted how he’d stood with some mates at the top of Symonds Street back in 1956 and watched the tram lines being ripped up. “They’ll regret this, oh they’ll regret this,” the group growled all together. Geoff is in strong agreement and has decided to get people to sign a petition for their return.

Rumour has it a Dunlop representative on the council held sway when the motorway split Freemans Bay from the rest of the city and trams were knocked out. Tyres would be needed of course. An amazingly short sighted decision when you realise the trams made eighty million trips a year servicing a much smaller population than Auckland has today. A look at the map included here shows how this mode of transport was concentrated all around the central area and spread further afield, even as far as Manukau.

Business-wise trams make more sense than buses because when rails are laid, retailers know they will be there for a long time and it’s a guarantee people will be traveling past or hopping on and off them along the same route for the foreseeable future. A commercial boom would follow. Environment-wise they make even more sense. The trams are electric, there’s less exhaust in the air, the streets are healthier with resulting health benefits for residents and shoppers. Tourism-wise they are a winner. Twelve thousand visitors a day come into the CBD. Heritage tram rides in other cities are a major attraction and Auckland should be providing tourists a similar inducement to stay in our city longer, rather than getting off a cruise ship and beetling straight down to Rotorua.

As well as organising the petition, Geoff has been lobbying various civic bodies. His proposed route for a Queens Wharf - MOTAT tram extension has already gained support from the Ponsonby Business Association, Western Bays and Hobson

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Community Boards, the former Auckland Transport Committee, ARTA and the Waitemata Local Board. The route as depicted on the second map would include a string of historic destinations. Victoria Park, Victoria Park Market, Three Lamps, Ponsonby Road, Western Park, Grey Lynn Park, Grey Lynn Shops, Western Springs Stadium, MOTAT where the existing tram line carries people to Western Springs Park, the Zoo and MOTAT 2. 180,000 people use this line a year and just imagine how many would use an expanded version! The square-dashed route is an alternative to the round dotted one.

Having a circular tram route round what’s virtually a demolition site at present seems stupid. Wynyard Wharf will cost millions of dollars and will be great if it’s done right but it needs to be connected further afield than just to the Viaduct and Queens Wharf. There are other places people want to go and tourists certainly like taking in a bit of history.

Considering that our part of Auckland was developed first, Geoff’s concept seems the obvious way to go. The line connects every attraction west of Queen Street, plus gives access across the road to Britomart, our rail network, the Ferries, and Cruise Ship terminals. Once established people will want more trams so bring it on! The more tram lines the better off Auckland will be. So whip out your pens and sign Geoff’s petition.

We are the people of Auckland and we want our voices heard! www.ourhood.co.nz (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

A DEALERSHIP PASSIONATE ABOUT ANYTHING ON WHEELS Team Motor Group’s showrooms are custom built to showcase the best looking motorcycles you can find. Experiencing the showroom is something like hanging out in a gallery workshop.

The TMG staff are happy to get an engine revving and you on it.

Straddle in the wide leather seats and enjoy the 1731cc of power under your thumbs of Victory ‘The New American Motorcycle’. Their range of models is phenomenal. Modern James Dean types might go for the 8-Ball in black and chrome. Maybe the Vegas or Jackpot is more your style. TMG also has the largest showroom of scooters in the country. Snappy stylish and simply the most economical, easy and eco-friendly way to get around town, they have Vespa, Piaggio and Keeway on display.

If hard-core dirt bikes and racing is your thing, then you can’t go past KTM! This is for the edgy, sporty, racy set. TMG’s expert team with professional managing champions in motorsport, Stephen Briggs and Blake Gillard, are happy to offer advice.

TMG is a one stop shop with branded merchandise, apparel, accessories and parts.

TMG has recently become the new home for Great Wall Motors, offering an exciting range of SVU’s and Utes. What’s more, there are always a number of premium preowned and affordable vehicles to check out. TMG also offer a fully trained experienced team in parts and service, who can source parts and service all makes and models of cars, motorcycles, and scooters. PN Join up on Facebook to get their e-News and more at www.teammotorgroup.co.nz TEAM MOTOR GROUP, 425 Broadway Newmarket, T: 09 520 7250

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

THRASH THE TRASH – A SMARTER CLEANER AUCKLAND Imagine a mountain of rubbish that covers the entire area of Eden Park and climbs as high as the Sky Tower. That is what the greater Auckland region produced in waste in 2008. 1.4 million tonnes of it. Today our waste mountain would be even higher than the Sky Tower.

A critical part of my role as MP for Auckland Central is not only helping constituents with their problems and working on the big national issues in Parliament but also delivering real results on projects that are important to our local community. For most of my term as Auckland Central’s MP I’ve been working on ways to deliver a much cleaner Auckland.

Late last year I launched on Facebook a campaign called “Thrash the Trash – A Smarter Cleaner Auckland”. I truly believe Auckland can do much better with its waste and I know that Aucklanders can play a big role in getting the Auckland Council to make the changes to waste policy that are vital for our future.

THE CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON SIX OBJECTIVES: 1. Investigating possible financial incentives to reduce waste in Auckland 2. Improving the management of organic waste in Auckland 3. Exploring initiatives to reduce plastic at Auckland landfills 4. Investigating initiatives to reduce rubbish flowing from storm water drains into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

We can no longer live with the current situation whereby rubbish flows freely from storm water drains into the Hauraki Gulf. That is no way to keep a healthy harbour and this pollution has a lasting impact on the environment. Recently I went down to Cox’s Bay and collected an entire sack of rubbish just from the stormwater drains.

We who live, work and play in and around the Gulf and its surrounding islands, deserve better. The sheer volume of waste being produced by our city has become a major environmental threat to our quality of life.

A significant fraction of Auckland’s waste is organic and there are estimates this could be turned into about 100,000 tonnes of valuable compost. Using a more innovative approach, other valuable resources we currently discard could be used by local businesses to extract value.

The Auckland Council says it is concerned about this issue and I look forward to helping it to develop policies that will reduce the city’s waste. I have also spoken to the Minister for the Environment about how to support initiatives that result from this campaign via the Waste Minimisation Fund.

6. Identifying any other initiatives to clean up Auckland.

One of the new benefits of the new Auckland Council is that we finally have a single regional entity with the rating base and the power to be able to address environmental issues to make our city a better place for all.

The purpose of this campaign is to mobilise Aucklanders who care about having a smarter, cleaner city and give them the opportunity and platform to contribute their ideas to create better central and local government processes to deal with waste.

Those who want to help the campaign can go to Thrash the Trash’s community page on www.facebook.com and get involved. Our first victory has come in the last couple of weeks with the Mayor’s office confirming that Len Brown is “broadly supportive” of my plan.

Over the coming weeks I intend to work on providing the Mayor with more detail on some of the ideas that I received from community groups, specifically on how we can stop the rubbish from the storm water drains entering the Hauraki Gulf.

Now is your chance to contribute. I already have had a lot of positive feedback from Aucklanders and Gulf Islanders that care deeply about our harbour and our beaches and want to ensure they are better cared for. Let’s thrash the trash together. (NIKKI KAYE) PN

5. Investigating support for businesses involved in waste innovation

COXS CREEK – January 2011

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DIARY DATE: GET IT ON! BIG GAY OUT - SUNDAY, 13 FEBRUARY Appearing for the first time at Get it On! Big Gay Out, Anika Moa will headline Auckland’s premier gay event, on Sunday, 13 February 2011.

Needing no introduction, Anika will be plucking the heart strings of love and loss as she performs tracks from her fourth album Love In Motion, due for release on 5 April. With a committed fan base in the rainbow communities, Anika is expected to attract huge crowds who will also be entertained by a selection of premium bands, solo artists, dancers, opera, comedy performances and selected stars from New Zealand’s drag scene.

Blending a celebration of condom use as well as supporting diversity is the raison d’être of the Get it On! Big Gay Out. A Get it On! spokesperson says “The Get it On! Big Gay Out is a celebration for people of diverse sexualities and gender and an opportunity to deliver safe sex messaging to thousands of people. The Get it On! Big Gay Out regularly draws together around 10,000 individuals, their friends and families to Coyle Park in Point Chevalier. This means that there are around 10,000 people who will hear the call to action to use condoms and lube when they’re getting it on.”

In previous years the weather has been scorching and in 2011 the ever popular Slip’n’Slide will be manned by the muscles of the New Zealand Fire Service. Other attractions will include the Caluzzi-Urge-Lola Bar dance tent, complete with elegant chandeliers, decadent furnishings and sexy beats.

A new addition to the Get it On! Big Gay Out is the Rainbow Youth-Outline-Mental Health Foundation Bach; a cool place to relax, with stylish second hand décor, water activities, board games and a tug-of-war.

The 2010 Get it On! Big Gay Out featured an abundance of high-quality food and beverages that will be back in 2011 in the Get it On! Marketplace along with around 100 outlets of locally produced and specialty products, services, community organisations and political groups. Tired attendees will be able to relax in the beer garden which has shade-covered seating and ice-cool refreshments.

The Get it On! Big Gay Out has extensive political support; the Prime Minister, Mayor, Labour Party leader and MPs will all be attending New Zealand’s biggest gay festival.

To enable people to arrive in air-conditioned, sequined comfort without the hassle of finding a car park the Family Bar bus will do a continual loop from Family Bar and Ponsonby Road to Coyle Park and back again every 30 minutes from 11.00am to 8.00pm.

The Get it On! Big Gay Out will run from midday to 7.00pm on Sunday, 13 February 2011 at Coyle Park, Point Chevalier Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland. Entry is by gold coin donation with the proceeds used to cover the cost of staging the event.

For more information go to www.biggayout.co.nz PN

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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9 LOCAL NEWS MAYOR ANNOUNCES AUCKLAND-WIDE GRAFFITI PLAN The Mayor has announced a plan for a coordinated campaign across Auckland against graffiti vandalism.

Auckland Council will consolidate a number of contracts relating to graffiti vandalism which it inherited from former councils to ensure a consistent approach to eradication and enforcement services.

A variety of trusts and private contractors hold these contracts and their work is complemented by volunteers who act locally and undertake regular ‘paint-outs’ in their neighbourhoods.

Frequently groups and individuals ‘adopt-a-spot’ to ensure fences, bus shelters and the like are free of graffiti.

The creation of the Auckland Council means that a best practice approach to graffiti vandalism can now be developed across Auckland. “We are defining what our communities will put up with as acceptable behaviour across Auckland,” says Mayor Len Brown. “I want to acknowledge the work that many people in the community are already doing in this area.

“It is now time to unite and take the message across Auckland that we will not put up with graffiti vandalism. The economies of scale in dealing with the issue across Auckland means that value for money can be assured,” says the Mayor.

Auckland Council will work with local boards, key stakeholders and the community to ensure its policy for dealing with graffiti vandalism is effective. The plan will include a three-pronged approach focussing on eradication, enforcement and education.

The plan comes as work continues on cleaning up one of central Auckland’s worst graffiti eyesores, the Yates Building in Albert Street. PN

LIAM AND SOPHIE TOP THE LIST OF POPULAR NAMES FOR 2010 THE OFFICE OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES OF THE DEPARTMENT of Internal Affairs today released the list of the most popular baby names registered in 2010. This year’s most popular boys’ name is Liam. Ranked seventh in 2009, Liam jumped to the top to overtake Jack, which had been the most popular since 2005. Jack was the fourth most popular name in 2010.

Jacob and Lucas are the most popular newcomers for boys, coming in at eighth and tenth. Chloe made the jump into the girls’ top 10 after being ranked 11 last year. The new names entered the lists at the expense of Daniel and Thomas for the boys and Amelia for the girls. Name lists are recorded in a national register only.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide regional lists of the most popular names. PN

Sophie remains the most popular name for girls and has been atop the list since 2008. There are three new entries in the top 10 lists for boys’ and girls’ names.

The full list is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website, www.dia.govt.nz.

THE PAST AWAITS Grey Lynn’s Vincent Ward is a courageous film maker and Craig Potton a courageous publishing house. Bring the two together and the result is a 216 page hard cover book full of stunning images combined with autobiographical material and explanations of why these films were made. “This book is about the search to stay whole through making films, of being inspired by the people I have worked with and made films about, and how by seeing these lives it is perhaps easier to see more clearly into my own.”

Vincent was born in Greytown, and originally trained as an artist. He now lives between Grey Lynn, Australia and Los Angeles. He was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008 for his contribution to the film industry and has received international recognition at both the Academy Awards and the Cannes Film Festival. Already acknowledged as one of our pre-eminent film makers, a fine artist, he can now add ‘writer’ to his laurels with the beautiful text accompanying the book’s imagery.

The Past Awaits is a must for film buffs who are bound to delight in this collection of remarkable images from films they’ve seen and loved. The following accolade from Peter Jackson says it all. “To read The Past Awaits is to take a journey, not just into the wonderfully gifted imagination of Vincent Ward, but into his heart and soul.

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These images have a power and strength that goes way beyond the context of the film they belong to. They present the spirit of New Zealand and this remarkable New Zealander.” (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS 9 GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS Honey, vegetables and compost are in full production at the Wilton Street Community Garden with the support of local residents and businesses. At the end of last year Grey Lynn bee keepers Carol Downer and Lynn Green installed a new start–up hive at the garden which quickly expanded and has now begun producing honey.

The bees seem to love all the flowers in the neighbourhood and are doing a great job keeping the Garden’s plants pollinated.

The compost facility at the garden is open to the community. Local cafes, Monterey and Savour & Devour are particularly big contributors with a regular supply of coffee grounds which keeps the compost high in nitrogen and running hot. The compost needs regular turning and volunteers - along with new gardeners – are welcome. Turn up at the garden on Sundays from 10 – midday.

Grey Lynn honey is available at the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market each week. The Market is back open for the year at the regular time of 9am – 12.30pm, every Sunday at the Grey Lynn Community Centre (except the last Sunday of the month).

Locals are finding there is nothing ‘super’ about the supermarket compared with the Market when it comes to buying seasonal, fresh, locally grown vegetables and produce. A unique feature of the Market is the Ooooby stall where excess backyard produce can be sold. Local producers (i.e. you the gardener) can receive 100% credits for any produce sold to spend at the Ooooby stand or receive 50% of the sales in cash.

More information about Ooooby is available at www.ooooby.org Transition town group Grey Lynn 2030 was instrumental in the establishment of the Market and the Wilton Street Community Garden. We are working towards a vision of a resilient, vibrant, sustainable community with a range of fun projects and activities planned for 2011.

The last GREY LYNN FARMERS’ MARKET before Christmas

We’ll be getting involved in Neighbours Day at the end of March with the promotion of local street parties; Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away group are hosting the Wanaka Waste Busters roadshow to demystify packaging in April; and regular community meetings will continue on the second Wednesday of each month.

Another Grey Lynn 2030 initiative, the Grey Lynn Business Association, which is now an incorporated society and operating independently, kicks the year off with a networking event on 22 February. More details at www.glba.co.nz.

We are particularly excited to have secured $8000 of funding from the Rugby World Cup festival fund to host a week of art focused events called “Grey Lynn Creates” in September. We are looking for volunteers to join the project team for the event.

Anyone who would like to find out more about Grey Lynn 2030, share ideas for a positive community and help plan for the year ahead is welcome to the first gathering of the year at 7.30pm on Wednesday 9 February at the Grey Lynn Community Centre.

To receive the Grey Lynn 2030 monthly community newsletter email greylynn2030@gmail.com. More information is available at www.greylynn2030.co.nz

LYNN GREEN collects the first honey from the Wilton Street Community Garden hive The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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9 LOCAL NEWS AUCKLAND FRINGE IS BACK AND IT IS RAZOR SHARP We definitely look better with a Fringe.

We have time machines, failed rock bands, surprising lift encounters, jelly setting, water nymphs, Shakespeare, the Chatham Islands, speed dating and a men’s knitting group. Yep – they are all in the Auckland Fringe!

The second ever Auckland Fringe runs from 25 February – 13 March. It will sprawl its way around the Auckland region from the Waitakere ranges to Waiheke Island.

For two electrifying weeks over 100 events will be squeezed into theatres, gardens, galleries, lounge rooms, lifts and alleyways. Artists from across the country and from the international stage will present fresh, creative work that is guaranteed to entertain audiences from Auckland’s North, South, East and West. The shows will range from the hilarious and absurd, to the touching and heart warming to the just downright entertaining!

The call-out to artists was made in June last year. There was a huge response from the Auckland arts community, with emerging performers and art practitioners wanting to share their diverse talents in cabaret/burlesque, comedy, dance, theatre, music, and visual arts, which has resulted in an immensely varied and interesting programme.

The first Auckland Fringe in 2009 had impressive audience numbers, with 10,000 paid ticket buyers watching 75 shows performed by 900 artists, and an estimated 30,000 people accounted for in non-ticketed (free or koha) events. Auckland Fringe 2011 looks to eclipse those figures and continue to grow within the city.

In addition to the huge line up of shows, 2011 also sees two new initiatives take place – an opening weekend event, Fringe in the Park, at Myers Park on 26 February to kick off the festival, and a Fringe Awards Ceremony at the end of the festival. These inaugural awards will recognise the Fringe artistic endeavours and excellence.

EVENTS AROUND THE CITY THAT WILL KICK THE AUCKLAND FRINGE IN TO GEAR INCLUDE: • OPENING EVENT: Fringe in the Park – Myers Park, 26 February, 2pm-6pm.

Entry is free.

Installations, live opera, pole dancing and hula hooping in the sunshine, an opportunity to be part of a live art project and masses of performances by Auckland Fringe acts.

There will also be a horse and cardboard box war !

• AUCKLAND FRINGE ON WAIHEKE: Stefanos Restaurant – Waiheke Island, 25 February – 13 March.

DJ dance nights, a capella choirs, clowns and children’s story telling, improvised theatre, a sizzling burlesque show, and live music featuring Waihetian mambo jazz band Chocolate Fish and acoustic blues rock favourites The Mojo Risers.

• PACIFIC FRINGE: Mangere Arts Centre, 25 – 27 February.

A weekend of Pacific performance, visual art and tradition, take this opportunity to experience the richness of South Auckland’s Pacific diaspora with this weekend packed full of art and entertainment.

• SOUL SESSIONS: Myers Park, Saturday, 5 March – Midday to 6.00pm Check out a bunch of established and emerging artists featuring members of the Cut Collective, Cinzah Merkens and others, painting live to a soundtrack provided by Peter Mac, Ed G and more. It’s a chance to soak up contemporary, artistic action and sweet sounds in one of the CBD’s finest parks.

This is just a small taste of the wild assortment of entertainment that is on offer this year in the Auckland Fringe. For more information visit www.aucklandfringe.co.nz

IN THE MIX The rumour mill was rife. Speculation was at an all time high. It was no longer just an idea, a concept, a dream. We all remember where we were when we heard the news. On April 2010, Radio Ponsonby was born. No longer a lonely superhero – Ponsonby now had its trusty sidekick.

Things would be different this year for Auckland’s most iconic suburb. Things would never be the same.

Originally the brainchild of Thane Kirby and Luke Dallow, Radio Ponsonby was soon embraced by the Ponsonby community as their own.

As individual as its loyal listener base, it has the kind of charm found only down the side streets of Ponsonby. The station is fiercely local and proud to represent its community – offering a unique mix of music and entertainment tailored for the people who live, work and play in Ponsonby.

This summer, Radio Ponsonby began a new promotion aptly named “100 Daze of Summer.” Dedicated listeners were treated to 2 hours of roving radio – with each daily broadcast taking place at a new location around town. Many residents began to notice the Radio Ponsonby live broadcast unit – a Honda Spike converted into a mobile babe magnet with the ability to make ordinary people feel like dancing in the strangest of locations.

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In December there were many successful live broadcasts at local businesses around Ponsonby, such as outside JC Kitesurfing on Great North Road.

“It was a lot of fun and great promotion for our Kitesurfing business,” coowner Christie remembers. “The girls were handing out stickers and vouchers to cars, while changing their radio dials. Everyone was honking and enjoying the live music and atmosphere it created – I cant wait to do it again.”

Radio Ponsonby broadcast from all your favourite hang outs over the Christmas period, even meeting Auckland mayor Len Brown at Franklin Road as the lights spectacular revealed itself for the first time. Other broadcasts included Ripe Deli, Burgerfuel, Dymocks, Resene, Servilles, Republic, Landreth & co, Gables Ale House, Grey Lynn market, Lola Bar, Harcourts, Salta, Murder Burger and Glengarrys.

February promises more surprises and treats from your local radio station – never content to settle for the mediocre or mundane. Things are more exciting than ever for Ponsonby in the New Year – especially with its newfound sidekick, ready as always. PN If you would like to participate in their successful live broadcasts contact nikki@radioponsonby.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH LINN LORKIN LONG TIME GREY LYNN RESIDENT LINN LORKIN HAS TRAVELLED THE WORLD singing from the pages of her impressive songbook with her extraordinary unique sweet smooth voice. The world has been Linn’s stage, but she now calls Grey Lynn home. She loves Grey Lynn so much that she even wrote a song about it entitled, “I Should Be A Star in Las Vegas but Tonight I’m Sleeping in Grey Lynn.” Linn is true Kiwiana, she is a living treasure and an icon in and around the Ponsonby cafes and clubs where she performs.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SINGING STYLE? I never had singing lessons so I would say my style has been shaped by the music I’ve sung: jazz, chanson and cabaret/musical theatre WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SONG OF ALL TIME? Here are two really great songs: “Jerusalem”, words by William Blake, music by Charles Parry and “Ne Me Quitte Pas”

by Jacques Brel but ONLY in the original French - emotional, poetic and untranslatable (sorry, non Francophone’s!)

WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE SINGING STAR AND WHY? Ella Fitzgerald for the swing, Betty Carter for the scat, Otis Redding for the soul.

WHY DO YOU LIKE LIVING IN GREY LYNN AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED THERE? It’s the bohemian heart of Auckland and I’ve lived here for 23 years.

WHAT STAR SIGN ARE YOU AND ARE YOU TRUE TO THAT SIGN? Cancer, yes, I’m sensitive AND an artist, so double the sensitivity!

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REGRET? Je ne regrette rien!

WHAT IS THE ONE PLACE ON EARTH YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT BEFORE YOU FLICK THE TWIG? The western isles of Scotland on a “single malt” tour.

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE MOTTO? Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you WHAT MAKES YOU TICK? My heart.

IF YOU HADN’T SELECTED A SINGING CAREER WHAT CAREER WOULD YOU HAVE SELECTED? A translator at UNESCO in Paris.

WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN YOURSELF? Hanging on when I should be moving on.

WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH YOUR HUSBAND? We pretty much disagree on just about everything, except music!

DID YOU COME FROM A SHOW BUSINESS FAMILY? My Dad’s father was a professional concert organist in London and once played at the Royal Albert Hall and his mother played piano for silent movies in Dunedin. Mum was the church organist in Kihikihi and my Aunty June was great on the “Joanna” at parties and community functions.

IF THERE IS ONE THING YOU COULD CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE? Lack of confidence

application” designer in New York and does the creative stuff (like his Bollywood spoof video “Hetty Girl”) strictly in his spare time!

YOU FUND AND SELL YOUR OWN CD’S - HOW HARD HAS THAT BEEN? All 13 of our Rouge Records CDs have also been recorded by us and have very creative packaging so it’s been a huge effort but we have usually made our money back, at least. We floated the first Jews Bros Euro tour 2002 by not sharing in the fees and only taking CD sales and we actually made a lot more than “the boys”!

ARE YOU WORKING ON A NEW CD? Yes, the album of my new autobiographical musical, “Hey, Piano Bar Lady!” which I’ve performed in Berlin, Auckland and most recently New York. It’s about my time playing piano-bars in New York 1977-85, and going back there for six months in 2010 has been wonderful inspiration for writing more songs for it and really pulling the show together. And we’re putting out a CD of our band “Happy Talk” from 1992 cassettes.

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON BOTOX? I personally would rather have singing mobility and an expressive face.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD BE YOUR ULTIMATE PLACE TO PERFORM AND WHY? Broadway. I was smitten by the movie musicals, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls et al when I was a teen and my own songs fit right into music theatre.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR BEST SINGING ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Singing on my last solo album, ‘Linn Lorkin’s Kiwiana’, as my producer Anna Rugis was a hard taskmaster and wouldn’t let me get away with any of my bad habits! I am proud of that CD and the people in New York that I gave it to love it.

ARE YOUR CHILDREN FOLLOWING IN YOUR SHOW BUSINESS FOOTSTEPS? My very practical son has got the show biz talent but works as a “rich internet

ARE YOU A TEA OR COFFEE KIND OF PERSON? I love my cup of tea, straight out of bed, in the morning. Coffee comes later for a real kick! (DAVID HARTNELL) PN

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS 9 LOCAL LAWYER FIRST TO GET BEHIND FREE WILL WEEK Ponsonby law firm Davenports City Law was the first to put up their hands to partner with Mercy Hospice Auckland in a new initiative that aims to educate the public of the importance of having an up to date and accurate will.

Backed by the Auckland District Law Society the initiative involves local solicitors volunteering their writing services (between 6090 minutes) to form a simple will and in exchange for this service a voluntary donation (approximately the cost of a simple will $120) is requested for Mercy Hospice Auckland.

Kevin Pearson (pictured above), a Principal at Davenports City Law says he didn’t hesitate to get involved when he heard about Free Will Week. “Being a Ponsonby law practice we have a reasonable involvement with Mercy Hospice through patients and their families wanting to make bequests but some of our clients have also required hospice support. I have nothing but praise for Mercy Hospice, the people are incredibly committed to ensuring patients and their families are fully supported at what is such a difficult time for people. We are lucky to have them and our firm will be delighted to be involved in Free Will Week.”

Mr Pearson says many people are unaware of how important a will is, regardless of their age and stage in life. “The reality is that people don’t always realise what will happen if they don’t make a will. They also think it’s something you have time to sort in the future but it’s in everyone’s interests that people have a will. It ensures your wishes are adhered to, without a will there is no guarantee that this will happen.”

In addition to first timers Mr Pearson also sees an opportunity for more mature people to have an existing will reviewed. “People’s situations change and often their will becomes outdated and irrelevant which can place them in a situation similar to not having a will at all. This initiative would provide the perfect opportunity to have a will checked and the necessary changes made.”

Jan Nichols, Chief Executive of Mercy Hospice Auckland agrees. “All of us should have an up to date will and we’re keen to help local lawyers to promote this, the fact it could raise money for Mercy Hospice Auckland is an added bonus.”

Ms Nichols says one aspect people might like to consider when having a will written is a bequest. “It’s something I have done and while I have a unique perspective, being chief executive of a hospice, the difference that we can make to the lives of patients and families that we care for with additional funding, through the likes of bequests, is significant. Whilst very much a personal decision, I hope that this initiative will encourage others to do the same.”

Ms Nichols says the idea is to provide a non-threatening opportunity for people to meet lawyers. “Mercy Hospice Auckland will be arranging a breakfast that legal firms could join in with, if they wish, whilst others might wish to establish their own initiative locally. Of course people can make an appointment with the practice but an informal environment such as this should help to remove any barriers for people curious about what making a will is all about but who are a bit overwhelmed by it all.”

Legal firms - large, small and regardless of their Auckland location are encouraged to get involved. Free Will Week begins 28 February. For more information or to register your interest please email david.williams-jones@mercyhospice.org.nz by 14 February. PN For more information www.mercyhospice.org.nz

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JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE TAKE A STROLL ALONG JERVOIS ROAD...

Every January Ponsonby News undertakes the delightful task of visiting Jervois Road’s abundance of boutiques, eateries and other fine businesses.

We always begin at SERVILLES PONSONBY on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Jervois Road. One of Auckland’s leading hairdressing businesses, Servilles has recently been bought by longtime manager Libby Baxter. You’ll find it’s quality business-as-usual at the salon, plus Servilles Ponsonby’s signature extras, like complimentary Pimms and Baileys from 4pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Next door is ASKEW whose manager laughingly describes it as the home of ‘nifty gifties.’ Askew has been in the same site for 16 years. A current standout from their extensive range is Jonathon Adler Ceramics and stationery from New York. We loved the witty angel/devil vase - display either face according to your mood!

At No 6, CHI CHI stock affordably priced European shoes. When we dropped in the store was still largely in sale, but some beautiful new season styles were available also.

DIDA’S FOODSTORE

GILMOUR & ASSOCIATES TAILOR MADE TREATMENTS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

On the corner of Redmond Street and Jervois Road you’ll find Judi Lee’s emporium of fine home and gift wares, TESSUTI. We admired ‘Front Room’ bed, table and kitchenware - hand printed in New Zealand - and divinely quirky Morgan Haines New Zealand handmade ceramics, already being collected by style savvy missesabout-town.

HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT YOUR BACK AND NECK PAIN OR HEADACHES HAVE returned now that the holidays are over and you are again spending hours in the office at your computer? Did you put all that pain simply down to stress before Christmas? Or could the underlying reason have a biomechanical origin.

If this is indeed the case then have you found the solution that works best for you?

NUMBER 18 HAIR AND BEAUTY is an award-winning Clarins Gold salon whose staff are internationally qualified.

At Gilmour & Associates their point of difference is the unique philosophy developed by the Gilmour Research Team. When you visit Gilmour’s you can expect a thorough and proven biomechanical analysis complete with neurological testing methods and easy to understand explanations.

Next door is the wonderful TAYLOR BOUTIQUE, where in addition to designer Vicki’s immaculate, design-driven womenswear, you’ll find exclusive and unusual labels - Vicki is particularly excited about lacy new knitwear from Nicki Gabriel. The store also has new drops of summer dresses to keep your wardrobe fresh as the warm weather continues.

You’ll find designer YVONNE BENNETTI at No 24, and DIVINE GODDESS at No 28 offers a mix of New Zealand and Australian womenswear labels, with colour and femininity a specialty.

No 36 is the home of AKIE, Genevieve Acquier’s trove of European jewellery and accessories. Genevieve tells us she has been doing more and more accessory styling lately, where clients bring in outfits and put them on in the store so that Genevieve can lend her French flair in advising how to adorn them. Just behind Akie is the FITNESS TRAINER studio run by the very lovely Sibyl Mandow known affectionately as Strictly Sibyl!

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

Using demonstrations and therapeutic hands on techniques that they’ve found to work, they can help you to get a clear picture of what’s going on with your body and tailor make treatments to your specific requirements for at work or the home office.

Their open and frank discussions about your concerns can help you get back to living the life you want through postural modifications and habit changes.

At Gilmour they believe they have the answers you may not have heard before about those niggles, aches and pains that trouble you when you hobble out of bed first thing in the morning, sit in your car for long periods or work for long stretches at your computer.

GILMOUR & ASSOCIATES, 134 Jervois Road T: 09 376 4500 E: info@gilmourphysio.co.nz www.gilmourphysio.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE At No 128 is the lovely CHANTAL LANDAIS and her highly respected hair salon - currently (in Chantal’s words) “the home of Soft Liss treatment and chemicalfree Keratine treatment” – ask Chantal if you want to know more about these hair innovations! If you suffer aches and back pain GILMOUR & ASSOCIATES at 134, offer many years of expertise.

BABY ON THE MOVE at no 158 have everything you need for baby, both for sale and to rent. The rest of the block is Real Estate central. Pene Milne’s PREMIUM REAL ESTATE and UNLIMITED POTENTIAL nestle virtually cheek to jowl with NEW ZEALAND SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY. There are also a couple of great eateries. At No 166, VINNIES’ Summer 2011 tasting menu sounds exquisite. At HERNE BAY LOCAL you can drink or eat or both, and they thoughtfully do breakfast on Sundays for weary weekend revellers!

ICING ON THE CAKE Next door, GROOM is known for good hairdressing at good prices, and at No 32 FUSION is one of Greater Ponsonby’s few cafes with a sandpit for the kids and easy stroller access. GANNET ROCK cafe has a dedicated clientele who can be seen seemingly every day having coffee at its outside tables.

Nos 40 and 42 are a little enclave of things beautiful - the first of the two being ENCHANTED ROSE FLORAL DESIGN, and the second TROVE RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS. DIDA’S FOODSTORE, GLENGARRY’S and DIDA’S WINE LOUNGE form a formidable trio of delicious things to eat and drink - Ponsonby News particularly likes Dida’s great wine list and quirky tapas.

Across Blake Street is Simon Gault’s JERVOIS STEAK HOUSE, a highly rated restaurant where a specialty is Wagyu beef - the ‘foie gras’ of beef, as the menu puts it.

Ken Beguely at PONSONBY’S ON JERVOIS tells us excitedly that his hairdressing business is growing at great speed - so much so that he will be expanding the premises this year.

EQUIPOISE at No 100 offers an extensive range of health and beauty spa services and therapists work with top brands Sothys, Dr Haushka and Ultraceuticals.

A little further along is HERNE BAY WELLBEING - Organic Body and Beauty, where owner Nadine offers massage, skin rejuvenation and the most extensive waxing menu you can imagine!

On the corner of Clarence Street is Rick McCay’s AIRSHIPS antique and art shop, specialising in air and sea memorabilia. A great place to Valentine’s Day shop for the hard-to-find-for person in your life (we spotted a gorgeous Bally print - hint, hint!)

MOMENTUM FRAMING GALLERY

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

At the entrance to the Herne Bay Plaza, MOMENTUM FRAMING GALLERY offers contemporary art prints that you can have framed right there, with Londoner Marty Ball currently excited about prints of Banksy’s work instore. Opposite, ALTER EGO’s Roong offers well-priced clothing repairs. Also opposite is TRANSVIDEO run by Henry, whose pick this month is Harry Brown starring Michael Caine. In the same arcade is HERNE BAY CELLARS who always have good wines at special prices.

At No 184, PEPPIN joined the strip last November, stocking owner Kath’s own line of adorable clothing for children 0-4 years, in organic cotton and merino. Next door is PURE restaurant where they are offering happy hour from 5-7pm, and next door again is the delightful ICING ON THE CAKE. Here you can buy cupcakes standard and mini, and cones of delicious Cone Kings frozen yoghurt, or buy a tub of the latter to take home. We loved the dog clip and bowl thoughtfully provided outside!

At No 194 ANDIAMO continues to serve good food in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

Across Wanganui Avenue is the ELBOW ROOM bar, and then Andrew Maben’s trove of books, NOVEL - new and exciting at the moment are ‘UFO’ books by photographer Albert Watson. There are just 500 available worldwide and thanks to Novel you can own one, signed and numbered, for a mere $700.

At no 204, TRENDY INDIAN is newish to Jervois Road and the chefs are all originally from India with 20 years experience in authentic Indian cuisine. 5 LOAVES & 2 FISH is a popular local deli and cafe (we can recommend their coffee); next door is ARTISAN HAIR. Equally well frequented DELLOWS KITCHEN is at No 212, next to INSPIRATIONS hair salon which in turn is neighbour to LA BOULANGE, “The French Grocer,” where the smell of pastries cooking will ruin many a diet. La Boulange also offers light French-style meals, coffee and deli specialties.

SUGAR FREE at No 216 has an extensive range of local and imported childrenswear, as well as selected toys like the cult (and very cute) “Ugly Dolls.” Cross the road and you have TUTTA BELLA bridal, where owner Lesley has exquisite international designs.

At No 226, ANNA BIBBY GALLERY was advertising a soon to open exhibition by Graham Fletcher and Tim Thatcher when we walked by. Neighbour ZUS & ZO is

CHANTAL LANDAIS HAIR STUDIO PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE HAIR STAR COMES TO JERVOIS ROAD David Shields opened his new hair salon on the corner of Jervois Road and Kelmarna Avenue late in 2010.

David has been hairdressing for 25 years, in salons and on film and television productions, fashion shows and editorial shoots. He has also toured the Asia/ Pacific region as an educator and demonstrator for Wella, presenting seminars and hair shows.

The former owner of a salon in Lorne Street, David says moving to Jervois Road was an easy decision. “After working in the city for years, and experiencing the problems with parking and the upheaval created by never-ending construction work, moving to Herne Bay was an easy decision. There is plenty of parking, and the shopping and cafes are enjoyed by the salon clients, some of whom come from as far afield as Thames and Cambridge,” he says.

The focus at David Shields Hairdressing is providing clients with individual cuts and colour work, and acknowledging that every client has different needs. “The single thing our clientele have in common is that every one leaves the salon knowing that they can manage and maintain their hair,” says David.

ANDIAMO RESTAURANT new-ish to the hood, but owner Joost’s lifelong background in hospitality in Holland has seen the cafe gain instant popularity - it’s known for fantastic sandwiches.

The M.D. of Wella describes David as a leader in the industry, “one of the true visionaries of hairdressing”. The New Zealand Association of Registered Hairdressers formally recognised David in October 2010, awarding him its most prestigious award, the NZARH Award of Merit.

TOI TOI FLORAL BOUTIQUE is at No 230A, next door to ANNIE BOYD’S BED, BABY AND ME. On the corner opposite Wallace Street is BUENOS AIRES WOODFIRE GRILL with its well-reputed traditional Argentinean cuisine.

And the new premises? Both new and existing clients are really enjoying the natural light in the salon. “It is amazing to work in, and to experience as a client,” says David.

At No 236, WALLACE HAIRCUTTERS sits next to RESCUE US with its extraordinary array of soft toys, which in turn sits next to the always fabulous FRASER JOHN HAIR STUDIO. Old faithful THE ITALIAN JOB restaurant is at No 242, with wine store BLEND taking the corner position.

We say make an appointment now, before he is fully booked! PN

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DAVID SHIELDS HAIRDRESSING, 246a Jervois Road T: 09 360 2462

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JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE New to this corner of Jervois is DAVID SHIELDS HAIR DESIGN, where you can have your hair styled by one of the industry’s most respected players. David is a winner of the New Zealand Association of Registered Hairdressers’ most prestigious award – The NZARH Award of Merit - given for his service and dedication to the industry.

Ponsonby News can highly recommend him.

Across Kelmarna Avenue is of course SPEIGHTS ALE HOUSE (formerly known as the Gables). Now venture down a little and cross to the other side of Jervois Road! New and super cute at No 203 is RABBITHOLE CAFE. An Alice in Wonderland theme, Louis Vuitton chairs, a view, a sandpit and organic food - what more can we say!

Now you can start to wander back down the road. ERAWAN THAI on the corner of Wallace Street is a well-loved and Ponsonby News favourite Thai restaurant.

Across Lawrence Street and a few doors along is HERNE BAY VETERINARY CLINIC and at No 157 you’ll find the new-ish home of BARE PR and PRODUCT PLACEMENT. MERINO KIDS is at No 155, and a little further down at No 139 is JERVOIS DENTAL where Graham Shaw and his team are at the chair, so to speak!

Pop over Hamilton Road and along to Curran Street and you’ll find HARROWSET HALL with its exquisite bed linen and interior design accessories, next to KRISTEN FORDHAM’S unique children’s store. Here the designer makes all the stock on the premises, and we were happily surprised to see she stocks a selection of women’s separates, too!

ERAWAN THAI RESTAURANT

SMYTH GALLERIES have a superb collection of vintage posters and are located on the corner of Seymour Street at No 39, just next to designer CRYSTAL SLOANE who in turn neighbours THE LETHAM GALLERY. Back to the block we started from! And a little kids’ heaven to finish, with DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP - home of beautiful books and toys - at No 13, and FUTURE FEET, home of top quality children’s shoes, at No 1.

Ponsonby News bets you can’t complete the Jervois jaunt without coming away with PN a new purchase, having something delicious to eat and quenching your thirst, as we did! (JULIE ROULSTON)

ASKEW

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

PURE RESTAURANT

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE BARE PR: A LOCAL BUSINESS WHICH CARES Jervois Road business bare pr represents organic, eco-friendly or natural based products and is just about to celebrate its third year in business.

“Primarily our role is to promote our clients products to ensure they get exposure in key media, such as magazines, newspaper, radio or television,” says Rebecca Purdy. “An important part of our job is to cultivate excellent relationships with editors and other people in the media arena. We know what will make clients products stand out and we work hard to ensure they get the maximum exposure”.

The company aims to represent the best natural and organic brands available and to assist in developing each of their clients businesses successfully. They see themselves as not only a vital resource for the businesses they work with but as a business tool to get clients names out there and consumers buying their products.

“Most of our clients are smaller businesses, some of who aren’t sure how to communicate their message to the public, which is where we come in. We like to see people in smaller companies succeed and see their products in the media – and help increase their sales.”

The women are clear on their views about ‘going natural or organic’… “We think it’s important to consider natural alternatives – the skin absorbs hundreds of chemicals every day, add to that the chemical “enhancers” on our fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat products and you have a fairly substantial amount of “nasties” in your body. We have to think about all the things we flush down our waterways and throw into our landfills – when you consider how many people in your apartment block or suburb are doing the same, multiply that by the entire world, and it really does become evident there’s a global issue here that we all need to take responsibility for. bare pr tries to work with products that operate within responsible and ethical principles. “We try to only represent companies which fit with the bare philosophies. As a company we are aiming to raise the awareness of natural living. We know that our clients are of a similar view. We are also of the belief that if someone would lie about their own products and own philosophies they will ultimately be found out and they will compromise their own ethics.”

The culture at bare is reflective of what their clients are all about. They keep it simple, operating both ethically and responsibly and are always approachable believing in open communication with clients and media. They like to deal with people on a personal level and believe this approach reflects both the company and the women working there. PN Some of their clients include: Dr Hauschka, Trilogy, Naked Organics, Pure Fiji among others.

For more information call T: 09 378 2020 www.barepr.co.nz

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JERVOIS ROAD – HERNE BAY VILLAGE TO START

CLEVEDON COAST OYSTERS each 4 served natural or with fennel & tarragon oil VINNIES SAVOURY CONES 20 mint & cucumber, smoked salmon parfait rock melon with spanish bellotta chorizo SNAPPER CEVICHE 24 mango & avocado, coconut & lime COROMANDEL SCALLOPS 28 choy sum, ginger, red beet dressing EYE FILLET BEEF TARTARE 25 organic yolk, condiments & white truffle oil SOFT HERB GOATS CHEESE 24 pickled anjou pear, roast hazelnuts (v)

TO FOLLOW

HAWKES BAY LAMB LOIN 40 smoked pumpkin, rocket & dates FRESH BAKED MARKET FISH 40 diamond clam chowder, speck, leeks, baby carrots ANGUS EYE FILLET OF BEEF 42 potato terrine, watercress & mustard seeds, cranberry relish SUMMER WHITE AUBERGINE RATATOUILLE 38 black morris tomatoes & bull horn peppers (v) WILD SOUTH ISLAND HARE PIE 39 glazed radish, lentils & shitake mushroom, garlic crème NELSON SWIFT POTATOES

9

SALAD OF MIXED BABY LEAVES 9 GREEN BEANS & TOASTED MACADAMIA NUT BUTTER 9

TO SAVOUR

NEW ZEALAND & FRENCH CHEESE 30 presented at the table with canterbury walnuts house-made walnut & honey loaf RED SUMMER FRUIT SHORTCAKE 18 lemon crème fraiche, tahitian vanilla ice-cream CHOCOLATE, PEANUT & CARAMEL TART 18 dark chocolate sorbet, caramel sauce, peanut powder CARDAMOM INFUSED CRÈME BRULEE 18 roast summer stone fruit, buffalo yoghurt sorbet DESSERT TASTING PLATTER TO SHARE 32

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

VINNIES FINE SUMMER DINING THE NEW YEAR HAS BEGUN WITH A BRAND NEW SUPERB LIGHT SUMMER menu. The creative inspiration coming from the superb seasonal produce available at present. Fresh snapper coconut ceviche, eye fillet tartare with white truffle oil, soft herb crusted New Zealand goats cheese with Anjou pears and hazelnuts – great flavours, great textures and all carefully designed to satisfy and to be savoured by you, in our unique Auckland climate.

Next time you dine with Vinnies, you may recognise the familiar voice and welcoming face of their new restaurant manager Trevor Bancroft (ex Auckland Hilton, Jervois Steak House and Euro). Enjoy one of his new ‘hot in the city’ summer cocktails, or one of the many deliciously refreshing chilled wines, perfect by the glass and selected carefully to match their cuisine.

Vinnies is now serving a superb lunch every Friday. “We are continuing to offer the highly successful and well received $45 two course seasonal lunch. Dine al fresco in comfort, with our Vinnies team looking after your every need. We can wine and dine and indulge you - and even get you back to work promptly on time, if you feel the need to! No need to book, it’s relaxed, casual and very tasty!” says Vinnies chef and owner, Geoff Scott.

This year Valentines Day falls on a Monday, when they are normally closed, however, they will be open especially for all our locals to have a romantic evening. The menu for Valentines is available on the Vinnies website and their special menu for the evening is priced at only $125 plus wine.

VINNIES ART BOX DINNER, 7pm, Wednesday 2 March Every four months Vinnies hosts an Art Box dinner, an informal Bohemian evening where guests sit socially around long tables, enjoy great cuisine, fine wine and learn from the artist at a very intimate level about their work and creative inspiration. Their resident summer artist is Lester Hall whose work in the restaurant is from his Ngati Pakeha Inks series.

Perhaps the current ‘’Andy Warhol” of New Zealand, Lester’s work is the subject of historic Maori and Pakeha and how we see and relate to this in our current society.

Expertly crafted and based on limited stamp editions, Lester’s use of colour and printing techniques are a fascinating subject in their own right. Places are strictly limited for this one off opportunity to hear Lester talk. A sumptuous four course dinner with matching wine. Book now to secure your seats at $130 each.

VINNIES RESTAURANT, 166 Jervois Road T: 09 376 5597; F: 09 376 5559 info@vinnies.co.nz www.vinnies.conz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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FOR ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Jo Barrett on T: 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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JAY PLATT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Alessi ‘La Rosa’ bowl $225 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Jamie Hayon for Lladro Porcelain Masquerade candle holder $795 each @ Design 55 www.design55.co.nz; Rose des Neiges Shower Cream $39, Body Cream $72, Soap $9.50 & Hand Cream $19 @ Tessuti; Resin Heart Locket $149 @ Akie Jewellery www.akie.co.nz; Hand blown glass rings $49 @ Pylones www.pylones-newzealand.com; Heart key covers $4.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Bouquet of Flowers @ Nina & Co www.ninaforflowers.co.nz STYLING: Jay Platt; PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santanta

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ‘High Jewellery’ by Cartier $260 @ Novel; Cire Trudon ‘La Grande Bovgie’ scented candle 600-700 hours burning time $799 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand. co.nz; Pink Angel mug $40 @ Pylones www.pylones-newzealand.com; Rance ‘Josephine’ eau de Parfum $255 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz; Solid Parfum set $65 @ Tessuti; Rose Quartz ‘Skull’ $140 @ Seventy Six Design www.seventysixdesign.co.nz; Black Winged ‘Espresso’ cup $28 @ Pylones www.pylones-newzealand.com; Dog water spray bottle $55 @ Pylones www.pylones-newzealand.com

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Y VALENTINES DAY 14 FEBRUARY

VALENTINE’S DAY, MYTHS, LEGENDS AND CHOCOLATE Valentine’s Day conjures up images of cupids, hearts, red roses and of course chocolates, but where did it all begin? Some research reveals that the history of Valentine’s Day is wrapped up in the legends of saints, medieval courtship and lilting love notes.

Valentine’s Day is no longer a day officially on the Roman Catholic Church’s calendar as little is known about St Valentine. In Roman times legend has it, that one priest continued to marry young couples despite marriage being outlawed for young men; they were required for battle.

The earliest recorded Valentine’s note was sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife when being held in the Tower of London following his capture while in battle. His ‘Farewell to Love’ poem is in stark contrast to a book published in 1797, ‘The Young Mans Valentine Writer’ containing verses for the man who couldn’t write his own, much like Valentine’s cards of today.

So when did chocolate become synonymous with Valentine’s Day? Chocolate is known to stimulate the secretion of endorphins to the brain, producing a pleasurable sensation and certainly 16th century Aztec Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of chocolate drink before entertaining his harem. So could it be that wooing your Valentine is much easier after they’ve eaten chocolate?

THIS VALENTINES DAY: • Hold a wine and chocolate tasting evening with your loved one with passionate flavours like strawberry champagne, chilli and gooey caramel.

• Be a romantic and pen a poem enclosing it in a delicious box of chocolates.

• Cook something chocolaty and delicious.

For ideas go to: www.devonportchocolates.co.nz/Chocolate-Recipes. PN DEVONPORT CHOCOLATES, 177B Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 6952

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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Y VALENTINES DAY 14 FEBRUARY

TWO HANDS TATTOO’S JOSH SOLOMON Like most young kids intrigued by tattoos, Josh Solomon’s parents had a word of advice about what they must have thought was a passing fad: “My dad, the only thing he ever said to me was ‘don’t ever get tattooed, because if you become a criminal it will be easier to find you,’” he laughs. Clearly not enough of a deterrent, the 28-year-old is now an apprentice tattooist at Ponsonby’s Two Hands Tattoo studio.“I’ve always been into tattooing ever since I was young,” he says over a cup of tea at il Buco. “And I always wanted to be a tattooist, but got sidetracked doing other things.”

Other things such as travelling through the UK and Spain and managing skateboard store Cheapskates on Khyber Pass, which he still does part time, dedicating any spare moment to tattooing at Two Hands, the recently opened store above the Ponsonby Fish ‘n’ Chip shop.

Solomon was just 19 when he got his first tattoo (although he admits to giving himself a couple of home made pinjobs before then) and he hasn’t stopped since. Tattoos creep up and over his neck, hands, arms – pretty much everywhere, which might have been strange 10 years ago but seems right at home in Ponsonby these days. “It’s changed so much, it’s really weird. Just the advent of the reality TV shows like LA Ink changed people’s views big time and then sports as well, especially in New Zealand – all the sports stars have them.”

Two Hands Tattoo, which opened on Symonds Street six years ago but moved to Ponsonby in May last year, plays host to several well-established and up-and-coming tattoo artists in its bright and airy rooms – rooms that Solomon says are perfect for tattooing in as they have plenty of natural light. “The space is amazing, it’s the best space for a tattoo shop I’ve ever been in – it’s so un-tattoo shop. They’re normally bogan.” But it’s the people he works with that make it so worthwhile. “Everyone who works there is really inspirational, especially since I’m still learning. There’s something new to learn every day, always cool ideas coming through.”

His favourite style to work with is what’s called old school “old sailor tattoos that are rugged, and all black with just a little bit of colour is like the coolest thing for me, they look tough and rad.” As a teenage skateboarder it was this tough look that drew him to tattoos in the first place. “Music and skateboarding got me into it. One guy, [skateboarder] Scott Bourne, blacked out both his arms at the age of 18 and I was just like man, it’s on, I just wanted to get covered.”

Solomon lives in Pt Chevalier with his long-term partner Jane, who works at Ponsonby’s Good One café, and they both share a drug-free vegan lifestyle, something he says he doesn’t even have to think about anymore. “People freak out and think you can’t have this or that but you just live your life, it’s normal for me,” he explains. “It’s like tattoos – you see people with face tattoos and you know them and you don’t even see that, they’re just your friends.” PN TWO HANDS TATTOO, 127a Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 6999 www.twohandstattoo.com

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ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

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Y VALENTINES DAY 14 FEBRUARY

ROMANCE HITS PONSONBY Well, it will do on 14 February at the very least! To put you in the mood, we asked five fab Ponsonby people to share their memorable romantic moments.

JEREMY AND I HAVE BEEN PARTNERS in crime for almost 10 years, and for five of these years we have shared the love of our gorgeous five year old Boxer Bruno.

Jeremy was working in the film industry at the time and I hated being alone and without him at nights. So after many months of worrying about me, researching and planning, Jeremy turned up the day before my birthday with this special little man.

To this day Bruno is the most romantic and thoughtful surprise gift that I can’t get enough of everyday, and even better still is that he came from the man that puts a twinkle in my eye.

BIANCA TALAIC – bare PR www.barepr.co.nz “MY HUSBAND WAYNE AND I WERE ON HONEYMOON IN NEW YORK BACK IN 1997. I had organised him to within an inch of his life with sightseeing while we were there, and he played along, being the good tourist. One evening, we went to the Plaza Hotel for a cocktail. After a while, Wayne said “I’ll just go and get us a cab to go back to the hotel. Meet me in the lobby in five minutes”. When I went out the front entrance, he was waiting there with a horse and carriage for a romantic ride around Central Park!”

ANNE HOLMAN – RSVP Events www.rsvpevents.co.nz “I HAD ONE VALENTINE’S DAY experience a few years ago that wasn’t romantic but was certainly unforgettable. A friend set me up on a blind date with a girl he promised I would absolutely fall in love with, but as fate would have it I was booked in to have my wisdom teeth out earlier the same day. The procedure ended up being quite complicated and I was given larger than normal doses of anaesthetic.

Still looking forward to dinner, I walked home in a heavily drug-induced state and for some reason got it into my head to give the house a thorough cleaning whilst getting ready to go out. When I took an armload of recycling out to the bin the front door shut behind me, leaving me locked out and wearing only underpants and a pair of rubber gloves.

Still severely woozy, I had to recruit a bemused neighbour to help me back inside, by which time any possibility of making the date in an acceptable state was well and truly gone. I never did end up going out with the young lady in question, but my mouth healed up and never felt better.”

BEN BARRINGTON – The Almighty Johnsons

“NOTHING BEATS A ROMANTIC SUNSET cruise on the ferry to Waiheke, followed by an al fresco dinner at Mudbrick, looking back at the city with the lights twinkling in Shavvah’s eyes. I took her on a cruise as a surprise in mid January.”

RICK RADIO – Texas Radio Big Beat Boutique www.texasradio.co.nz

“MY BOYFRIEND AND I WENT ON A two-week campervan trip around the South Island, which was amazing but not especially romantic (sharing a tiny van and less-than-ideal ablutions isn’t really up there on the romance scales). About midway through the trip though he told me he was going to drive us to a surprise location, which got me all nervous because I am not a huge fan of surprises. Eventually we rolled up at Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown, where it turns out he had pre-booked us a private indoor/outdoor hot tub complete with hundreds of candles. We opened up the roof to see the starry night sky and a beautiful dark valley before us. Most unexpected and totally lovely! I must also add that he treats me like a princess all of the time, and the little things he does on a daily basis all add up. Love!”

TINA MOORE – Remix magazine www.remix.co.nz

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MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to travel to St Petersburg and Prague after selling the WORLD collection in Paris this year.

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WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is it is relaxed and still retains the character of old Auckland. Most of all I love Ponsonby because it’s my home.

FRANCIS HOOPER – WORLD

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON THE FASHIONISTA’S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL SALE SHOPPING WE’VE ALL DONE IT - SNAPPED UP THAT FASHION ‘BARGAIN’ ONLY TO REALISE that we may as well have flung a crumpled $100 note or two, to the back of the wardrobe. The thrill of the chase can overstimulate even the most careful shopper.

Now, Ponsonby News knows that most of you already know the secrets to successful sale shopping - it’s not the loftiest of sciences! But it can’t help to be reminded, nor to have your nous updated by experts.

First of all - know your existing wardrobe. This will avoid double ups - that little black dress at half price has little value if you already have four - and you may be able to snap up something you need to pull other pieces together, at a killer price.

IS YOUR VALENTINE A STYLE MAVEN?

It’s great to do your research if you can. Figure out who is on sale so that you can do some good quality comparison shopping if you need to be really careful. And get an idea what level of discount abounds. Boutiques generally go into sale later than chains, and often at increasing discount levels. Be in first to get the most choice, or take a punt and wait to get the greatest discount.

YES? THEN THEY WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE VERRRRY HAPPY WITH A PIECE of jewellery from Black Box. Dan, Jae and their team are all ready for 14 February, with heart rings from both former Ksubi designer Jordan Askill, and from the new Stolen Jewellery range from Stolen Girlfriends Club.

Ok, now you are in the fitting room with a bundle of uber-bargains. Presumably, being a seasoned fashion shopper, you are wearing neutral undies to suit a maximum of changes, and your outer garments are easy to take on and off - you want the whole exercise to be as pleasant as possible.

Not everyone’s taste lends to the lovey-dovey, so there are also mystical new “luxe handmade treasure” jewels from Maniamania, and Grey Lynn local Nick Von K’s haunting and clever collection. Ponsonby News’ pick? The adorable bow ring from Stolen Jewellery pictured - more subtle than a loveheart; rather, sophisticatedly romantic.

You will have checked the original retail price and the sale price and ascertained quite how much of a bargain each piece is.

BLACK BOX, 35B Surrey Crescent T: 09 378 0073 www.blackboxboutique.co.nz

Now, try on and ask yourself - does it fit? And we mean, fit perfectly. If it doesn’t you will have to either alter it yourself or have it professionally altered - which means you need to add that cost to the sale price.

RANCÉ TRIOMPHE AT WORLD BEAUTY

There is the occasional trend-driven exception to the ‘perfect fit’ rule. Designer and retailer Claire Kingan Jones (www.kinganjones.co.nz) says “where size is concerned you can go bigger, but not smaller. There is a trend towards oversized cuts or the ‘boyfriend’ look at the moment, so don’t be afraid to buy a size bigger in a loose fitting top, dress or tunic on sale, and wear a belt or brooch to cinch it in.

The next thing to ensure is whether the sale garment flatters you. Is it a style and colour that suits you? Make sure you take a really good look in a full length mirror.

Don’t ever hesitate to exit the changing room to access a bigger, better lit exterior mirror. And use the sales assistants to gather alternative colours/sizes/styles for you while you are half dressed.

Third: how much longevity does it have? If it’s $40 and you will only get the rest of the season out of it, it may well have earned its price. But even at half price, if the sale price is $400 you will likely want to get one full season ahead out of your purchase.

For most of us something slightly more classic and less trend-driven, makes for a more successful higher-priced sale buy.

To get the best seasonal bang for your buck, Claire Kingan Jones suggests you look in the sale rack for transitional pieces that can carry you through to the next season.

For example, a sheer dress bought on sale can be worn alone for the second part of summer and then layered over leggings when the weather cools down.

SINCE 1795, THE RANCÉ FAMILY HAS DEDICATED ITSELF to the development of the finest fragrances, which historically were favoured by Napoleon. Originally founded in Grasse

by François Rancé, this family owned perfume house now operates in Milan. Each generation continues the Rancé family tradition of utilising only the highest quality flowers, cultivated in the Grasse countryside, to produce their legendary fragrances.

One such icon is Triomphe. Only the word TRIOMPHE could describe Napoleon’s immense glory and this celebrated fragrance was dedicated to him. Napoleon loved the scents of his native island and Triomphe draws inspiration from these: the light perfume of citrus fruit merges with the fragrance of roses and orange blossom, adorned with Grasse jasmine and Florentine iris. Cedar wood and musk, with hints of vanilla Reunion, give the fragrance intensity.

A decoration which represents the military virtues of the Victor was etched onto the crystal of the bottle by a Parisian master glassmaker. It is today as it was 200 years ago.

Rancé Triomphe is available exclusively to WORLDbeauty, 175 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 0897 www.worldbrand.co.nz

Personal Stylist Jackie O’Fee of Signature Style (www.signaturestyle.co.nz) has this recommendation for the sale shopper: “Ask yourself if you really, really love it. Many of us are seduced by the ‘sale’ tag and the designer label but if you don’t love the item, it’ll end up consigned to the back of the wardrobe.” She adds, “Make sure it works with other garments you currently own or you’ll end up wasting what you’ve saved buying more items to make the ‘bargain’ work.”

Great things to look out for on sale are basics that you will have to replace within your wardrobe eventually even if you don’t need them right now, and accessories. Ever admired that man or woman who always has a quirky bag or a funky piece of jewellery?

Chances are that they have a glorious wardrobe of accessories that they add to on an ongoing basis.

Borrow a golden rule of interior design successfully - only have something in your wardrobe that you deem beautiful or useful - no matter what the discount.

(JULIE ROULSTON) PN

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“

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to be fitter and healthier and to share my time a bit more with friends and family, including finding a little more time for myself.

“

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is the community.

I love Johnny and il Buco and all the delicious food - I love Yuzu. I love market day because of the sense of community and all the music and everyone getting out on the street.

I like Minnie Cooper - in fact I love that Ponsonby Road is a boutique strip with lots of New Zealand made products and smaller businesses.

SAM GRAY - MARVEL

”

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ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE The monthly jottings of a free-spirited Ponsonby dressmaker of the 1920s, as imagined by Angela Lassig.

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY February, 1921

Dearest Letty BORED, BORED, BORED. I ’M SO BORED WITH MY LIFE and it ’s only February! I ’m so busy at the moment that nding time to have fun is impossible. The Christmas holidays seem so far away now. At least the weather is good. In fact we ’re having a lovely summer. George and Annie dropped by yesterday and asked me to come on an excursion with them on Sunday to St Heliers by steamer. I ’ll have to hurry up and nish the embroidery on the dress I ’m making for a batty old dear in Epsom but I might just go as I really haven ’t given my new bathing suit a good outing since I bought it.

I might ask Tom to come with me but he ’s been acting strangely of late. In fact ever since I turned him down to go see ‘Ratana the Maori Miracle Man ’. I was so busy at the time he asked me and I really don ’t like the Hippodrome. Tom was so keen to go and in such a huff that he threatened to take Annie ’s friend Olive with him instead. I wonder if he went after all? Do you know that Olive girl? She went to school the same time as us and played Hockey for Baradene. She was a right cow then and I still nd her a bore but the boys seem to go for her. You don ’t think I should be worried about Tom do you?

Actually Tom called me a ‘capable woman ’ the other day ….

Now, what on earth should I read into that!! Talking to Mother last Sunday has given me an idea. She was telling me all about St Valentine ’s Day – it ’s 14 February. She had such fun with it when she was a girl, sending cards to all the boys she fancied. What a pity we don ’t enjoy that quaint old Victorian custom any more. An anonymous card sent to Tom would be rather amusing and might serve to determine whether he does have feelings for that Olive in spite of his declarations that I am his girl. Hmmm …I might just send him a pretty card anyway and see what happens – what do you think? I ’ll say something like ‘to a strapping sapling from a delicate pink rose ’. That should elicit some response when next we meet for tea …with Olive in tow of course! That should certainly set the cat amongst the pigeons if he has any feelings for her! While I ’m at it I ’m going to send a card to Harry too, just to confound him. I think he likes me more than a little. Perhaps I ’ll ask him out to one of the new jazz evenings in the city.

Letty, I ’m thinking of getting a bob and a Marcel-wave. How wicked is that! All the popular girls have them. I don ’t think I ’ll take up smoking though. One of the girls I met there told me that she went to the doctor about a cough and even though she ’d removed + February 46 PONSONBY PONSONBY PARISH NEWS+ NEWS February 2011 1921

all the yellow from her ngers, he could tell that she was a smoker and told her to stop as it was affecting her heart. She couldn ’t think what it was that gave her away. All he needed to do was to smell her breath! She must have smoked at least two packets of those ghastly Egyptian cigarettes in that one evening!

I ’m having to consider the fashion for shorter skirts at present as lots of girls are starting to wear them. I tell you even some of the matrons at the Ellerslie races were sporting them and I ’m bound to be asked to make one soon. The trouble is there are some awful legs to be seen out there. One old dear from The Drive had her dress nearly to her knees and her legs were very uneven. I rather think that in spite of the fashion it would have served nine out of ten of the women there to cover more of their ‘understandings ’.

You know how I really dislike cousin Timmy ’s new girl. Well wait ‘till you hear what I put him up to. You see, he asked me for a tip for a good movie …you know ….one where they could snuggle up. Well I said, you can ’t miss the Goodrich lm that ’s playing at Everybody ’s Theatre. I ’m sure the wonders of the rubber industry and the miracle of tyre manufacturing will be just the trick for a romantic evening! Can you imagine anything more boring!

Speaking of boring, I had the ‘pleasure ’ of Aunt Clarice last Friday. She has been staying with cousin Violet for the past week and has been ‘doing the rounds ’. I served tea and cakes and then she stayed for hours and hours speaking of nothing more than the tedious comings and goings of her neighbours in Bulls.

I don ’t even know any of these people and certainly have no desire to meet any of them now! The confounding thing was that just as she was going out the door she let slip the juiciest piece of gossip about Miss N_______ - that uppity society girl we met last winter at the Fergusons ’ in Victoria Avenue. Apparently she has been engaged in a dalliance with a local racehorse breeder for the past year and has had to leave suddenly for a long ocean voyage to a distant Dominion. Needless to say, every effort is being made to hush it up. I ’ll be sure to let you know as I nd out more!

I must get back to my sewing, dear, but before I close I must tell you that I think I ’ve found the perfect engagement presents for Rose and Henry - two little books that should be good for a titter!

‘Himself: Talks with a Man Concerning Himself ” and “Herself: Talks with a Woman Concerning Herself ”! If you approve, let ’s go halves.

Deary, do write with all your news and soon.

Love and kisses,

Maudie xoxo LETTY IS SECOND COUSIN TO MAUDIE PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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FASHION + STYLE KINGAN JONES RELEASES NEW BASICS RANGE ‘SOMEBODY’ Kingan Jones have released a new range of women’s luxury basics called ‘SOMEBODY.’ To be available throughout the year in all Kingan Jones stores (as well as RJC and Kingan Jones stockists in New Zealand and Australia), styles include leggings, short sleeve t-shirts, 3/4 sleeve t-shirts and slips, with prices ranging from $55 to $89.

Look for clever details like this: the legging can be customised to one of four lengths, from ankle length to a just-belowthe-knee crop.

They come with reinforcement stitches to secure the various lengths, and you cut below the stitchline of your choice.

The company has strived to use the highest quality cotton, in designs which reflect the art of a great fit for Australasian bodies that Kingan Jones has gained over decades in the business. PN KINGAN JONES, 124 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 2684 www.kinganjones.co.nz

New ‘SOMEBODY’ luxe basics

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ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY! M

EXPERIENCE CONTIKI FUN FILLED WITH FREEDOM AND FLEXIBLITLY After 49 years in operation, Contiki and its community are stronger than ever. They have expanded to travel in over 40 countries on five continents and who knows where they will travel to next.

Bringing together exclusively, 18 to 35’s from around the world ensures there is more fun with Contiki and having the boring travel details taken care of by them means there is more time to embrace amazing sightseeing, culture, friendships and free time.

All their tours are flexible and give free time every day. So there is plenty of time for the clients to do their own thing. They also give plenty of great ideas and deals with their Explore More optional activities.

Contiki provides its clients, not only with accommodation, food and transport but also an unbeatable Contiki crew who will definitely make the trip. The Contiki crew doesn’t just organize the adventures, they’re part of them.

They know everyone is different, that’s why on a Contiki tour there is the choice for the client to personalise their trip. There are many activities to suit each individuals personal travel style, whether they are looking for culture or a bit of adventure, Contiki has it all covered! PN

They’re young, friendly and have done their homework on where their clients are going so as to help them find what they’re after, whether it’s the best shopping in a city or the nightclub with the best music. This means each client can enjoy the places they visit even more.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

HARVEY WORLD TRAVEL, 293 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0443 www.harveyworld.co.nz

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1-2. “My name is JONNY 4HIGHER (with dark hair), I’m a Grey Lynn-based artist and Radio Ponsonby DJ. My blonde Friend ELLIOT STEWART is a long time Grey Lynn resident and well-known local artist (an example of his work is on the side of Video Ezy on Ponsonby Road). We were both enjoying the mag in MIAMI late last year for the ‘Art Basel’ city-wide art event, we collaborated on a mural in the city.

ago. Nowadays, the pair run Captain Moko’s fishing charters out of Avana Harbour Rarotonga. “Great fishing was had,” they assured us.

We are seen here on Ocean Drive, South Beach and out on the sand on Miami Beach.

We hope you like the pictures, keep up the great work with the publication.”

6-7. RICHARD BARBER of Freemans Bay reading his favourite mag at LAKE TAHOE, USA. The second shot is taken with his friend JASON in NEW YORK. Looks freezing!

3. CLAUDIA (BOOPSIE) MARAN of S.P.Q.R. dutifully lugged her Ponsonby News through Morocco, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom but only managed to snap two nearly identical photos in LAKE COMO, ITALY, and Korcula, Croatia.

8. BIANCA O’DEA sent us this shot taken in BALI, “my boyfriend Dave hadn’t ridden much (just walking) we had a fantastic day riding along Seminyak beach, even when our horse’s took off racing each other, with him yelling STOP THEM! These wild Bali horse’s were a real highlight.”

4. While recently holidaying in RAROTONGA, Herne Bay residents JAN and STEVE BREBNER caught up with a friend, former Ponsonby resident Jill Stanton and her partner. Jill was with Barfoots Ponsonby until going to live in Rarotonga three years

9. MADDISON, JENNIE and STEVE BOOMER sent in this shot taken on the AMALFI COAST, ITALY. “We had a five week holiday of a lifetime to celebrate dad turning the big FIVE 0. We all love your mag, and it makes us proud to be locals.”

5. IAN WATSON is clearly a man of few words and wrote, “photo taken at Stresa on LAKE MAGGIORE, PIEDMONT, ITALY.”

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10-11. ANDREW ALEXANDER, wrote, “While attending a conference in MACAU at the Venetian Hotel and visiting HONG KONG in December I took a few photos of myself with the Ponsonby News.”

12. RICHARD BARBER emailed to say, “ I thought you may want to use this photo of myself and JULIA from New Zealand in the next Ponsony News. We were enjoying the NAPA VALLEY and a wee tipple or two.”

13-14. KIM ZANDERS wrote, “Here are a few pix of me, when I travelled to LA and LAS VEGAS last month with my then fiance JOSH. We had a fantastic time – and even managed to get married in Vegas while we were there! We are both Grey Lynn residents.”

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to get my body and “ health back on track and to stop sampling my delicious little cup cakes so much. I aim to grow Icing On The Cake and Cone Kings, within the local market and nationwide.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT HERNE BAY... is the amazing “ support from the local community. Without this support I would not be in business, I’m truly grateful for that. The Jervois Road strip has taken on a new life with the new stores that have opened recently and the local support is phenomenal.

MATHEW METCALFE - ICING ON THE CAKE

”

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY! M KIWI TRAVELLERS FEAR PLANTING OF DRUGS AS KIWIS PACK THEIR BAGS TO GO ON HOLIDAY OR FOR BUSINESS, THEIR biggest fear is having their luggage tampered with. The issue is not so much having something stolen but having unwanted items such as drugs or prohibited goods put into their suitcases.

A survey conducted by ProLuggage to gauge travel and security habits showed more than three quarters of Kiwi travellers fear having drugs placed in their suitcase.

In comparison, only 23% were concerned about theft.

TANZANIA A REAL AND SPECTACULAR ‘OUT OF AFRICA’ EXPERIENCE Tanzania is one of Africa’s most diverse country’s, providing a home for more than 100 different ethnic groups, as well as some of the largest wildlife herds on the continent.

To get to Tanzania you can flight directly into Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro.

Most tours start from Arusha, which is a 45 minute drive from Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Nairobi, especially if you want to incorporate some of Kenya’s National Parks. A shuttle from Nairobi to Arusha, takes about five hours.

The standard tourist season is in January and February, when the hot, dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most pleasant. But to catch the Serengeti at its best you want to avoid the dry season since that’s when a lot of the animals head to Kenya. Game viewing is excellent with the country’s many parks, sustaining one of the largest animal populations in the world. Not to forget the Masia nomadic people, that you see roaming the plains with their cattle in search of water and food on a daily basis A 10 day package is the best way to truly experience Tanzania: One night Lake Manyara, two nights Ngorongoro Crater, three nights Serengeti National Park and three nights Zanzibar Island. Tanzania is perfect for couples, families, naturalists and photographers. Spend a few days out on the Tanzania plains, and you forget everything that is going on in the rest of the world. Completely lose yourself out there, sitting in your game vehicle, watching a pride of lions go about their daily routine - normally sleeping! PN HOUSE OF TRAVEL PONSONBY, 346 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 5760 E: ponsonby@hot.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Russell Fisk, Managing Director of ProLuggage who distribute French luggage Delsey, said it was more important to people that they be protected against items being placed in their bags rather than losing something out of it. “Twenty years ago your only worry was having a camera or jewellery stolen out of your bag but now with prolific international drug trafficking, having illegal goods planted in luggage has struck fear into the hearts of Kiwi travellers. The Schapelle Corby case made everyone stop and think about unknowingly being the recipient of drugs,” says Mr Fisk.

60 per cent of respondents do not feel their luggage is safe from theft or planting once it has left their possession and one in ten reported that their luggage had been interfered with at some point during their travels. Over half those surveyed suspected baggage handlers in airports to be the major culprits.

Paul Yeo, CEO of TAANZ (Travel Agents Association New Zealand) says, given we are a nation that travel so frequently both domestic and internationally, that we should certainly take note of the importance of securing luggage and remaining alert in airports and terminals. “Travellers face a high level of risk when it comes to theft and trafficking. We encourage people to be aware of what is going on around them and to take all necessary security precautions,” says Yeo. Just over 70% of travellers secure their luggage, most commonly with a padlock or combination lock but Mr Fisk says this is almost a complete waste of time and gives a false sense of security.

“Travellers mistakenly believe a padlocked zip will prevent their bags being tampered with but a zip is the easiest point of entry, even when your luggage is locked. Anyone, armed with a pen can gain access to the contents of a suitcase in two seconds.

Pushing a pen through the zip’s teeth will spread it open and you can take out or put in whatever and re-zip the case removing all evidence of entry.”

Delsey has launched a world first anti-theft zip technology which keeps unwanted hands out of bags. Delsey’s Zip Securi Tech is a robust double zip that offers very high resistance against theft or planting. PN For more information on Delsey Luggage and Zip Securi Tech visit www.delsey.com

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TOUCANS, TURTLES & TANGO

by Chris Lyons, Director, World Journeys

AT THE TENDER AGE OF 20 AND CARRYING A backpack, my first visit to South America in 1975 found most countries under military dictatorship, and quite unprepared for tourists. The positive changes I have seen in my 20+ visits since that time are remarkable and my annual ‘pilgrimage’ hosting small groups of Kiwis to this, my most favourite of all destinations, is like returning home to visit old friends. South America is now incredibly welcoming and the tourism infrastructure world class.

Most Kiwis planning a trip put top of their list Machu Picchu. Untouched by the Spanish Conquistadores, it is best seen at sunset or sunrise when day-trippers are gone and the light is a photographer’s dream. In the beautiful Sacred Valley between Cuzco and Machu Picchu the colourful markets attract Indians from the surrounding mountains, still speaking the native tongue of the Inca, Quechua. Cuzco itself offers beautiful colonial buildings and cathedrals, some built on original Inca stone foundations.

A wonderful contrast is the lovely lodge in the Amazon jungle where we marvel at the myriad of parrots, toucans and butterflies, and fall asleep to the call of howler monkeys.

Further north is my personal favourite, Ecuador. Quito is a colonial gem and one of the great UNESCO heritage sites. We visit the rugged Galapagos Islands aboard a very comfortable ship - nowhere on earth is the wildlife so tame. Accompanied by superb naturalist guides, you may approach nesting albatrosses, frigate birds, boobies, iguanas and enormous tortoises. Keen snorkellers find sea lions will play with them, enormous rays pass by, and I once counted 14 green turtles feeding in a submarine cave.

Bolivia and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, round off our Andean experience before we head for Argentina – a heady blend of Spain, Italy and France in attitude, architecture and stylish people. Buenos Aires is truly a great city, with elegant avenues, superb shopping, fine restaurants, and of course it’s the birthplace of Tango – best watched while dining on a sumptuous Argentinean steak and sipping a delightful red.

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

No trip to South America is complete without Rio de Janeiro! En route we stop at the mighty Iguazu Falls. 275 cataracts thunder into a canyon that forms a border between Argentina and Brazil. The view from each side is totally different and equally impressive. Forget Niagara or Victoria, no other waterfalls come even close! Rio de Janeiro is all about soaring striking limestone mountains, beautiful white sand beaches, great nightlife and friendly welcoming people. Relax and you’ll be swept along by the samba rhythm! The view from the feet of Christ on top of Corcovado will remain with you forever.

I love South America. It is historic, fun, colourful, eye-opening, and often bizarre! It will transport you to landscapes and cultures so different from our own. Why not join my small, select group at the ideal time of August this year to experience it all for yourself!

WORLD JOURNEYS, T: 09 360 7311 www.worldjourneys.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

EFFECT OF OVER-BREATHING ON OXYGEN LEVELS IN THE HUMAN BRAIN THE SCAN ON THE RHS SHOWS A 40% reduction in oxygen saturation levels to the brain after only one minute of deep breathing (red – yellow = highest oxygen levels). This explains the sensation of dizziness that often accompanies a panic attack (source Litchfield 1999).

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Here are some simple tips to help if you think you are experiencing a panic attack.

If possible, sit down and adopt a relaxed upright posture.

Close your mouth and try to breathe in and out through your nose.

Place the palm of your hand on your belly and imagine you are breathing into the palm of your hand.

Slow your breathing and try to breathe rhythmically.

Now the hardest part: try breathing less. This feels counter intuitive when the feeling accompanying a panic attack is usually one of suffocation. However, this is the key to restoring brain oxygen and switching off the fight or flight response.

The science behind restoring oxygen levels in the brain is normalising carbon dioxide levels in the blood. An old remedy for a panic attack was to breathe into a paper bag (re-breathing your own carbon dioxide) helping to raise arterial CO2. While this can be effective it is no longer recommended as it can result in suffocation.

The Buteyko programme shows you how to control panic attacks and by helping retrain your breathing pattern symptoms no longer return.

SOURCES: TO STAVE OFF PANIC ATTACKS, DON’T TAKE A DEEP BREATH This new technique focuses on taking shallow breaths to help calm anxiety and fear.

Contact Glenn on T: 09 360 6291 glenn@buteykobreathing.co.nz for information on this life changing program. PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

LOOKING AFTER YOUR BODY, MIND + SPIRIT A New Year is the best time to make resolutions and getting fit is one many of us make, but few stick with!

The Good Witch of Ponsonby is passionate about us taking responsibility for maintaining good health. In this issue we’ve included thinking from local experts.

Good breathing and always through the nose, rather than the mouth, is one idea Glenn White, our Buteyko practitioner suggests and this is highly recommended for those suffering panic attacks.

Over the page, Dawn Lucia has some advice for positive solutions for menopause using Acupuncture and herbal medicine for those who are suffering.

Athough our Good Nutrition scribe Nikki Hart is not a fan of detox, Planet Ayurveda’s Dr Ajit answers a reader’s question about this issue. Ayurveda is one of the world’s most complete approaches to health and wellbeing and Dr Ajit has developed a comprehensive and systematic programme to detoxify the body to allow us to lead healthy, joyful lives. The pair should talk!

There’s plenty of holistic advice to follow… even something simple like taking up a sport is a good start and there are several fitness coaches in this issue to help you along the way. The old hippy adage ‘you are what you eat,’ is very true – both Nikki Hart and John Appleton make some very good points about good nutrition.

There’s never been a better time to look after your body, mind and spirit.

(MARTIN LEACH) PN

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

FULL CALENDAR

The Black Sticks will play a total of 14 matches in New Zealand between 5-22 February against top ranked international teams – Korea, Japan and Belgium. The men play all three nations and the women take on Korea in matches hosted in Auckland, Whangarei, Hamilton and Tauranga.

“Our focus is to give both Black Sticks teams as much top quality international competition over the next 20 months as possible so they are prepared to take on the world’s best at the 2012 London Olympics – and this series is a great start to the year,” says Hockey New Zealand’s High Performance Manager Toni Cumpston.

Auckland gets a delightful taste of competition with the double header matches at Lloyd Elsmore Park on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 February, when the Black Sticks Women will play their final two matches against Korea and the Black Sticks Men will play Korea and Belgium. “With Korea women ranked eighth, only one behind us in the world rankings, these matches will be hotly contested,” says Cumpston.

Black Sticks co-captain Emily Naylor, who has been playing in the European league following the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, says she is looking forward to regrouping with the team at the end of January. “Although we have been keeping our fitness up, we haven’t played together since the Games, so it will be great to get back on the turf again and play against a top side. PN For more details on dates and times go to www.hockeynz.co.nz

photography: SportsProMedia

WITH SUCH A LARGE BUFFET OF SPORT OVER THE SUMMER, IT’S BEEN a challenge for an enthusiast like myself to decipher which event to go to next, however the up coming Golden Summer Series of Hockey has really got me excited.

ENTERING THE FAST LANE THE EVER PRESENT TIM EDGELL’S MOVING UP THROUGH THE GEARS IN THE New Zealand V8 competition as he positions himself to over take the top five drivers.

Edgell a championship-winning race driver from the North Shore, continued to deliver stellar performances in the BNT V8s Championship and ticked off a solid weekend at the popular Teratonga Race way in Southland for this season’s third round.

30 year old Edgell again made it into the top ten shootout with ease, then went on to secure fifth position on the starting grid for race one, just seven-thousandths of a second behind fourth-placed driver, Angus Fogg.

Propped up in the number 26 Chesters BNT Falcon, Edgell demonstrated an exceptional turn of speed as the field charged into Teretonga’s famed left-handed opening sweeper from the first rolling race start. Edgell got the edge on Fogg and powered around the bend for the first time in fourth position. In increasingly gusty conditions, Edgell maintained his position among the top-runners to secure his first fourth place finish of the season.

In race two, also 12 laps in length, Edgell was challenged by former Bathurst winner Jason Bargwanna and had to settle for fifth, but the two strong placings looked set to position the Chesters Falcon driver well in the overall standings.

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

“The first two races were okay and we got some good points from them,” said Edgell.

“Despite the fact I struggled with balance in the car it was excellent to bank two more solid, top-five results.”

Weather conditions deteriorated for race three, a reverse grid format on Sunday afternoon, with heavy rain falling and causing officials to specify ‘wet’ tyres for all competitors.

“It was a tricky race, whether you were starting near the back of the field as I was, or nearer the front. I decided to push hard to try and pass as many cars as possible,” Edgell explained. “I slipped off at one point, but got back on and kept trying hard.

Regrettably I tapped another competitor, turning them around, so received a drivethrough penalty and the best I could manage by the end was 16th.”

As the New Zealand V8 season rolls on I suggest you keep an eye on the number 26 Chesters Falcon and Tim Edgell as he looks to put together stronger performance’s and improve his overall championship position.

While the closest rounds to Ponsonby have already been completed don’t forget round 6 at the Taupo Motor Sport Park on 11 - 13 March and the Hamilton 400 on 15 - 17 April.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

SMOOTH SAILING WITH LARRY WILLIAMS AND BMW ORACLE WINNING THE LATEST AMERICA’S cup off Alinghi, it means an end to the shenanigans that has been the Americas Cup for the past few years, the result also spelled the end to the Louis Vuitton Trophy series that toured the globe including Auckland’s Waitamata Harbour. I must say I dearly loved the month long Festival of Sailing last year, including the 10 days of match racing just off the Devonport Heads.

However a few other bright sparks have filled the void on Aucklands Anniversary day with the Race Day Waitemata Spectacle. Including the Classic Yacht regatta, Vintage Tugboats and Waka Ama races.

A full fleet of sailing craft from the graceful Jessie Logan, built in 1878, to the grunty Ports of Auckland tugboats and nippy P class yachts skippered by the next generation of racing sailors will bring the Waitemata Harbour alive in a maritime spectacle to celebrate the Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta. This is the 171st regatta and the oldest sporting event in New Zealand. A celebration to mark the region’s birthday and establishment of the new Auckland super city, the event has stepped up a notch and will be held on land and air, with flying displays from the Red Checkers and Warbirds included.

There will be elegant classic yachts and launches, rowdy tugboats racing up the harbour, some of the fastest boats in the southern hemisphere blasting down the harbour, radio controlled masterpieces, dragonboats, and waka ama canoes.

“We have a spectacular day ahead of us with sailors of every age from more than 50 clubs participating for cash prizes and beautiful silver trophies with names that recall our maritime heritage and history from the 19th century through to contemporary

times,” says Eric Mahoney, the chairman of the regatta organising committee and a very keen classic sailor.

“Auckland is particularly lucky in that we have such a large classic yacht and launch fleet racing, a result of a decade long revival in restoring these beautiful boats to their original glory using traditional arts and crafts. This has seen the formation of trusts to preserve our history thanks to the support and energy of people of great vision and passion.” Among the classics that will be racing will be Thelma, the largest of the famous Logans, Ranger and Prize, Waitangi and Wairiki, Rainbow and Little Jim. Mr Mahoney was also expecting a number of classic yachts from Australia to participate in a Challenge Series and a continuation of the racing rivalry between Wraith of Odin from Australia and Thelma. The classic yacht fleet will be lit up, Mediterranean style, at dusk, on Sunday 30 January at their base in Viaduct Harbour. A popular highlight will be the tugboat and workboat race featuring both vintage boats right through to the powerhouse tugboats used today. The vessels will parade back to the Viaduct after the skippers have thrashed it out on the churning race course.

The start line, off Princes Wharf, will ensure spectators have a great view and there are other excellent vantage points around the harbour including Bastion Point, Devonport Wharf, North Head, Orakei and East Coast Bays.

The flagship for the day will be the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Wellington with the Governor General and VIP guests aboard. The Red Checkers and Warbirds will parade our skies from 11.30 am and there will be continuous entertainment on land with buskers, music, maritime displays, tours and the Seafood Festival.

(GEORGE BERRY) PN

SOMETHING NEW Every now and then we see a sport hit our shores and create waves to such a level it quickly becomes the thing all your mates are doing.

For me stand up paddling is it. And lucky enough for Aucklanders the first ever series of events solely for Stand Up Paddling is being held on our local beaches this month as part of the Starboard Summer Series.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is the fastest growing sport in the world and is the only sport to have been established since the boom of social media.

Among the thousands of New Zealanders already enjoying the sport are some of our top sports stars who are finding it a great cross training exercise, including Olympic Champions, league players, top New Zealand surfers and triathletes. One of those is Olympic Gold Medalist, Barbara Kendall. “Stand Up Paddling is an unbelievable sport – I just love it. I feel so fortunate it has come about since my retirement from boardsailing.

It is a great way to keep fit and include some social aspects to fitness as well.”

Kendall will be attending all four events that make up the Hyundai Starboard Summer Series events, starting with Race One of the Hyundai Auckland City Series on Saturday 29 January.

Racing consists of a 10 km course designed to test fitness and endurance of athletes and is organised by founder of Starboard New Zealand, Jeremy Stephenson.

“We are so excited to be bringing the first SUP races to New Zealand, it is such a great sport to not only take part in but such a great spectator sport,” said Stephenson.

Originating in Hawaii, the sport is an ancient form of surfing, and re-emerged as a way for surfing instructors to manage their large groups of students, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint, increasing visibility of what was going on around them - such as incoming swell.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Over the last eight years it has really taken off as a sport for all ages and abilities, its participants finding great results in overall strength and fitness; it has even been nicknamed ‘yoga on water’. Check out the The Auckland City Series starting on Saturday 29 January and Saturday 26 February at Kohimarama Beach, and Saturday 19 March at Takapuna.

The NZ SUP Championships are on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April at Takapuna Beach.

And possibly the best thing - SUP Clinics – FREE! on Sunday 23 January, Monday 24 January, Sunday 13th February.

See www.starboard.co.nz for start times and registration information.

(GEORGE BERRY) PN

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

POSITIVE SOLUTION TO MENOPAUSE SKIN CANCER RISK IGNORED BY THE YOUNG Symptoms like, hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, palpitations, depression, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain and weight gain are there to be tolerated for most women before and/or during menopause.

Increasingly though, women are looking to other methods of healing, and Traditional Chinese Medicine has shown that it has a great deal to offer.

Grey Lynn Acupuncturist Dawn Lucia – treats each woman individually, taking into account each patient’s physical and emotional symptoms. Treatment options include either one or a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary suggestions, and lifestyle recommendations.

Gynaecology is an area in which acupuncture and herbal medicine shine. Its treatment is without side effects - and relatively inexpensive - and prevention is the end goal. It can also be used in conjunction with Western medicine.

For those that like facts, in a study at the University of Pittsburgh it was found that during the course of acupuncture treatments, hot flushes decreased by 35% and insomnia decreased by 50%.

A follow-up study revealed hot flushes significantly decreased in those receiving acupuncture, compared to those receiving routine care.

Detroit-born Dawn has practiced for years both in the USA and New Zealand, as well as training extensively in the likes of nutrition, traditional herbal Chinese medicine and counselling. Her clinic brings to you the 2,500 year old ancient art of Traditional Chinese Medicine for natural health, in the most nurturing way possible. PN Visit www.acuherb.co.nz and call for an appointment: T: 09 360 4040.

The sun smart message is slowly getting through - but the dangers of sunbeds continue to be ignored by young New Zealanders, according to new research by the not-for-profit Southern Cross Health Society.

A survey of 1000 Southern Cross Health Society members revealed that 33% of those aged 21-29 had used a sunbed in the past. Of those, 27% would consider using one again and 3% were regular users. Although 36% of respondents in the 30-54 age group had used a sunbed in the past, only 14% of these people would consider doing so again.

Southern Cross Healthcare Group CEO Dr Ian McPherson said it appeared some young New Zealanders were either not aware of, or choosing to ignore, the dangers of sunbed use.

“The International Agency for Research on Cancer has calculated there is a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma for those who first use sunbeds in their teens or twenties. Melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that can strike at any age.”

Young New Zealanders are also increasing their risk of skin cancer by allowing themselves to burn in the sun. 89% of those aged 21-29 reported sunburn over the last year, compared to 73% of those aged 30-54, 49% of those aged 55-64 and just 27% of those aged 65 and over.

Dr McPherson said though we all know excessive sun exposure is incredibly bad for your skin the survey indicated a tan remained desirable for the young and for females in particular. Fortunately, many were also turning to safer tanning options, with 45% of under 30s and 47% of women reporting use of artificial tanning products.

Encouragingly, it seems the majority of New Zealanders are also acting on the message to check their skin regularly for signs of changes that may indicate skin cancer. 34% said they checked their skin once every three months and another 32% said they checked at least once every six months or once a year. However, 23% of those aged 21-29 and 17% of those aged 30-54 said they never checked their skin.

Sun smart behaviour is also practised by the majority, with 38% of those surveyed applying sunscreen daily, and a further 53% applying it when they planned to be in the sun for prolonged periods. Sunbathing was also shunned, with 74% saying they did not sunbathe while on holiday.

The removal of skin lesions is Southern Cross Health Society’s most commonly claimed for elective surgical procedure. In the year to 30 June 2010, the Society funded or part-funded nearly 31,000 skin surgeries for its 840,000 members at a total cost of over $34 million.

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

NUTRITIONAL SOLUTIONS FOR CHRONIC ILLNESSES A recent article in the NZ Herald caught my eye – ‘Vitamins aid becoming a father, study shows’. Auckland researchers have apparently ‘discovered’ that taking certain Vitamins and Minerals (Vitamins C – E – Zinc – Folic acid – Lycopene – Garlic Oil and Selenium) may help men with low fertility. It’s great that at last the message is getting out but it surprises me that this is such big news. It should be obvious to any investigator that good nutrition should be the first port of call when seeking a solution to a problem like this.

Since man first walked on the earth, the health of humanity has been determined by the quality of the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. Much of the food we eat today is highly processed, our fruits and vegetables are grown in nutrient depleted soils that are sprayed with countless chemicals and our water is contaminated with heavy metals, run-off from farm lands and added chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine. In the air we breathe there are toxins from factories, exhaust particulates from the traffic we can’t avoid and sprays that are extensively used on our farms and orchards.

Heart disease also responds very well to good nutrition. In Dr Julian Whitaker’s book “Reversing Hypertension” he talks about pilots embracing a diet of brown rice, vegetables and water prior to their flight medical. Blood pressure normalised.

Magnesium is a vasodilator and a natural Calcium Channel Blocker (a drug used for blood pressure). Coenzyme Q10 is a very safe option for blood pressure that has shown considerable promise in trials. Vitamin C ensures that artery walls maintain their integrity and flexibility. Omega 3 (Fish Oil) is highly anti-inflammatory and it is considered to be very cardio-protective.

The human body is remarkably resilient but over time our defences become compromised and our DNA becomes mutated, which sets the stage for chronic illnesses. We are constantly being asked to support well-meaning charities as they continue to search for ‘cures’ for heart disease, diabetes, asthma, allergies and arthritis etc. I suspect that the reason we are told that there is no ‘cure’ for these conditions is that they keep looking in the wrong place, seeking pharmaceutical solutions to nutritional and environmental problems. Regrettably because nutritional medicine is not patentable, there’s no money in it and what is clearly obvious to any observer with even a basic understanding of biochemistry is overlooked.

Metabolic Cardiology views Heart Failure as an energy starved heart and nutrients such as Coenzyme Q10, L-Carnitine and D-Ribose are used extensively and very successfully by Cardiologists who embrace this approach. Nutritional interventions for rhythm problems would include Magnesium – Omega 3 and Coenzyme Q10.

Hippocrates said more than 2,000 years ago “All disease begins in the gut”. He wasn’t wrong. I am not aware of any chronic illness or condition that isn’t very positively influenced by nutritional interventions. The remarkable thing is that for the most part the formula that works for diabetes will almost certainly work for heart disease, arthritis and other lifestyle diseases and conditions. This is because all of our cells work together and communicate with each other.

Diabetes (type 2) is, I believe, one of the most curable of the so called incurable diseases. It responds incredibly well to dietary interventions. In the U.S. a group of diabetics (at the high end of the scale) were put on a raw food diet for 30 days. The results were remarkable and you can watch the trailer of a documentary made about this by typing ‘Raw for 30 Days’ into google.

For arthritis I have observed how an anti-inflammatory diet combined with a few simple and very safe nutrients such as Omega 3 and Curcumin can make a huge difference. When it comes to simple solutions, the ‘Buteyko Breathing Method’ should, in my humble opinion, be one of the first interventions that anyone considers when it comes to asthma – check it out at www.buteykocourses.com.

The ‘establishment’ approach is that there is no evidence for its efficacy but because it’s totally safe and non-invasive, even it if didn’t work it won’t do any harm. I’m a believer.

Anyone really serious about finding answers to the health problems that are sucking up ever increasing sums of money in NZ should consider a head to head trial with nutritional interventions alongside the current standard of care . I know which ‘horse’ my money would be on. Maybe to set the stage for this a televised debate might be a first step. (JOHN APPLETON) PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES T: 09 489-9362 www.johnappleton.co.nz

BIKE WISE MONTH KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK Next week marks the beginning of Bike Wise Month – New Zealand’s annual cycling celebration. Hundreds of events will be held around the country during February, each with the goal of getting as many Kiwis riding as possible, whether commuting, training or just having fun with their families. Events include: • Go By Bike Day 16 February – A one-off, nationwide event which asks all New Zealanders to ditch the car for a day and give cycle commuting a go, taking the bike to work or school • Mayoral Challenge (Weekends throughout February) – A national event in which towns and cities compete for the title of “Cycle Mad City” by attempting to get the most people to take part in a fun ride behind the local mayor. • Bike Wise Challenge 1 - 28 February – An online competition in which businesses sign up and compete to see which can get the greatest proportion of staff to ride at least 2km during the month.

Bike Wise Month is a New Zealand Transport Agency and Ministry of Health initiative.

Further information and event details are available at www.bikewise.co.nz

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NIKKI HART: GOOD NUTRITION NUTRITION RESOLUTIONS – HEALTHY EATING FOR THE NEW YEAR SCIENCE DOES NOT SUPPORT THE THEORY OF ‘CLEARING THE BODY OF toxins’ – so I am not a fan of ‘detox’ diets.

If you can’t forgo your pre-dinner drink – then think about mixing a pale spirit with a diet soda or ditching the alcohol all together and grabbing just a diet soda instead.

Your body via the kidneys, liver, skin, intestines and lungs is constantly filtering out and breaking down waste products/toxins – such as alcohol, medications, chemicals from bacteria, dead cells, as well as products of metabolism. Your body begins removing waste products within hours of food being consumed and research has reported that actually undertaking a detox diet that encourages a greater increase in waste (faeces and urine) could actually cause depletion of calcium, and electrolytes needed for fluid balance.

Nine times out of 10 we think we are hungry when we are in fact just thirsty – have a glass of water before reaching for a biscuit!

Severe dieting or detoxing can actually be disadvantageous for weight loss as metabolism will slow down during the restriction and this will make future weight loss more difficult and the diets can possibly cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

If you are looking for a healthier you in 2011, then avoid the promise and unnecessary restriction of detox diets and adopt these five nutrition resolutions.

RESOLUTION 1: Make fruit and vegetables part of every meal In this country, it is recommended that we eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables everyday. That’s five handfuls! Your hand is the perfect gauge to the portion you need. Mix up the colours to get all the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals you need for good health and energy.

RESOLUTION 3: Eat more Fish Fish is an excellent source of protein, its low in saturated fat and is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are vital for brain and eye development in infants and look after an adult heart. It is recommended that New Zealanders eat at least 140g fish two times a week. Choose varieties such as salmon, tuna, sardines etc.

Some fish however are high in mercury – these tend to be older, bigger/predatory fish or fish in geothermal areas such as trout.

RESOLUTION 4: Eat at least 1 vegetarian meal a week Meat alternatives such as beans, tofu, and lentils etc are inexpensive protein sources that are full of fibre and folate which are good for the heart.

• Add chickpeas or beans to your summer salad • Use hummus on your sandwich instead of meat • Use tofu in a stirfry with lots of vegetables and top with toasted sesame seeds

• Blitz frozen tropical fruit with OJ and yoghurt for a fruitful breakfast • Add spinach, carrot sticks and beetroot cubes to energize your summer sandwich • Make ½ your dinner plate veges or salad

RESOLUTION 5: Get into Wholegrains The fibre in breads and cereals helps you to keep full and this stops you eating too many kilojoules in other foods.

RESOLUTION 2 :Ditch the regular sodas and fruit juices – drink more water, milk or sugar free drinks The hidden energy in drinks can be a real problem when it comes to weight gain.

Choose water when planning to do activity this summer – drink water before, during and after activity.

• Use oats in the morning as a nourishing porridge with fruit or toast the oats with other grains and make your own muesli • Swap from regular white to whole grain breads – read the label and look for ‘wholegrain’ on the packet • Try making a brown rice salad rather than plain PN

To have a sweet snack that won’t load you up on too many kilojoules blend 1 cup low fat milk with a low calorie drinking chocolate – just as good hot or cold!

NIKKI HART NZRD MSc, Shop 9, All Saints Centre, 282 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 6330 www.evildietwitch.co.nz www.nikkihartdietitians.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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HOROSCOPES

MISS PEARL NECLIS

♒

Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February Walking a fine line between the old and the new is something that you have been doing for some time now. You must shrug off your past, it’s the only way you can make any progress.

♓

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March You’re all fired up and ready to work this year but finding what you want to do is proving difficult. Relax and think about what makes you happy, maybe you can find the right balance.

♈

Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April There is something important building in your life and it is going to make a big impact.

However you’re not very comfortable with change and are not sure what to expect.

♉

Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May Hopefully you have come back from your break with a positive attitude and fresh outlook on life. Lots of great opportunities have come your way in the past and they will continue doing so in the future.

♊

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June Even the most intelligent of ideas can go wrong some time and the key is not to take it too personally. Just concentrate on what is possible and you’ll find you might reach your goals sooner.

♋

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July You need to clarify your position this year as to what you will and won’t do otherwise you are going to be always compromising. Stick to your guns whether it feels right or not.

Anything is possible.

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August It can be difficult admitting when you’re wrong about something as your ego and pride always gets in the way. Being aware of how you are doesn’t help, doing something about it will.

♍

Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September Don’t try and implement all your ideas at once. If you try and change your approach to the way you work you might find that by some fine tuning you will produce some excellent results.

KEEP YOUR WEIGHT AND HEALTH SUCCESS SIMPLE AND COST EFFECTIVE BODY COACH KERI ROPATI SAYS, “AFTER 15 YEARS IN THE HEALTH, AND fitness industry I still abide by the same successful principles; back to basics, and common sense. It is not about expensive gyms, nor quick fix solutions but eating the right foods, in small portions, and leading a more active lifestyle.”

THINK LIKE A CAVEMAN. Cavemen did not have temptations of fast food outlets, the crunch of chicken chips, and a bottle of Stella while lying on the couch, nor the divine smell of the finest dining wafting along Ponsonby Road.

Cavemen ate natural foods, lean meats and they had to hunt for it FUEL IN VERSUS ENERGY OUT ... ok I am not suggesting that you start running with a spear around the supermarket hunting for your chicken, what I am suggesting is that we moderate our existing lifestyle by implementing simple but effective changes.

Fuel in = reduce processed foods, eliminate additives eg: salt, saturated fats, maintain portion control. Start focusing on fruit and vegetables, lean meats, seafood, raw nuts, natural sugars and fats, replace two coffees a day with two big glasses of water... simple tips. “If it does not grow from nature, neither the ground nor a tree, think twice before you bite”. When it comes to fuel out = walk the stairs instead of taking the lift, park the car further away from the supermarket, maybe sack the lawnmower person and do the job yourself, even the simple chore of vacuuming burns energy.

Modern Influences in Life; family, work, social events, easy access to food, and financial pressures not only reduce our time for exercise but also make us more likely to opt for fast foods. We cannot ignore these pressures/luxuries but we can learn to deal with them better to prevent an obesity/weight issue. It is never ever too late.

Whatever your weight loss target is THINK LIKE A CAVEMAN don’t be afraid to use a body coach to help you get on the right path to your ideal weight target or fitness goal.

KERI ROPATI, T: 021 53 08 07 E: keri.ropati@xtra.co.nz

♎

Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October You feel like your creativity is slipping you by but it’s not you’re just getting to the point where you have taken on too many projects and are not finishing any of them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed it’s easy to say no.

♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November You sometimes feel like a change and the only way you can achieve this is by a good clean out both physically and emotionally. When that’s done you will have a great opportunity to look back and see how cluttered you were before.

♐

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December As the New Year begins you need to make sure that your life is going in the direction that you want. Choices that were made in haste in the past need not be repeated now or in the future.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

You’re thinking of making an escape somewhere on your own but you need to give yourself some more time to settle into the groove. Make the most of these long Summer nights and have a holiday at home. PN

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

KEITH NELSON: A CAREER SPANNING ALMOST 50 YEARS IN DENTISTRY I’m veering dangerously close to revealing my age by admitting that Ponsonby-born and bred Keith Nelson has been my dentist for over thirty years, and I was lucky enough to spend some time with him out of the chair, having a chat about what Ponsonby means to him.

A dentist for almost fifty years now, he first knew he wanted to be in the business when he was 13 years old and his next door neighbour – a New Zealand swimming champion – was at dentistry school. “I was winning a few swimming titles too and he was my idol, a really good looking guy,” he laughs, “I thought that if it was good enough for him it would definitely be good enough for me.” Funnily enough, the then-dentistry student next door never actually graduated, “and now he’s a patient of mine!”

Three years after graduating, Keith started his first practice in Glen Eden and he still sees many of his original patients as well as their offspring. I first saw Keith when I was still living in West Auckland (where I was born) and still pop by for regular check ups without fail. When Keith started out in the business of caring for people’s teeth, pulling the lot of them out was often the order of the day.

“Cosmetic dentistry is the big thing these days though,” he says, “and the dentists I know now spend most of their time prettying people up or maintaining their teeth rather than just dealing with problems that have got worse over the years.” When I ask him if people are willing to pay big bucks to have as near to perfect teeth as they can get he is in total agreement, saying “they want the straightest, whitest teeth they can get, and are more than ready to pay for looking great”.

Keith has seen many changes in the past five decades and can claim to have been at the forefront of many of them having brought back progressive ideas from the United States and England where he has also worked and trained. He was one of the first dentists in New Zealand to do nitrous oxide sedation, one of the first to do dental implants and also broke a “gentlemen’s agreement” that restricted surgery hours to nine to five by offering working patients appointments before or after work. He says that the average Kiwi’s teeth are exceptional in comparison to his early days in the business, “nowadays with fluoridation even kids that don’t clean their teeth very well have a pretty good set. Back in the old days getting six fillings every six months was not out of the ordinary at all”.

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THE NELSON FAMILY: (pictured left - right) TONI, VIKKI, the late ALDYTH, KEITH and DEANNA Keith opened his Ponsonby practice in 1997 and now heads a dental dynasty. He leads a team that includes his daughters Deanna and Vikki (his other daughter is a barrister) and was beyond happy to move back to his old stomping ground after many years away. “I love being in Ponsonby because it brings back nothing but pleasant memories,” he says, “I grew up in Ponsonby and my dad had a menswear store just up the road. Now when I walk my dog I follow almost the same route I took many years ago as a Herald delivery boy – it’s definitely my area.”

Away from home and work Keith’s main passion is rugby. He was an All Black as a student - touring the UK, Ireland and France - and also played for Ponsonby, Otago and Auckland before hanging up his boots. These days he’s one of the sport’s most rabid fans, and is as passionate about the game as he is about dentistry. When asked how much longer he thinks he’ll be poking around in my mouth he laughs and says that he’ll be working “as long as they’ll have me! It keeps me alert and I haven’t got the shakes yet!” (HELENE RAVLICH) PN

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

TOP DERMATOLOGIST SAYS KIWI MEN COMPLACENT ABOUT SKIN CANCER One of New Zealand’s leading dermatologists says Kiwi men are risking their lives by waiting too long to act after becoming concerned about a mole or lesion. Skin cancer specialist and MoleMap medical director, Dr Mark Gray, says new patient research* shows that one in five men (20%) waited at least six months to act on a lesion of concern, with 5% taking up to a year.

MoleMap is a melanoma surveillance and diagnostic service which combines modern technologies with an expert dermatologist’s diagnosis to screen for melanoma.

Dr Gray says the new survey highlights just how many men delay seeking medical advice for lesions of concern and how this can ultimately result in a worse prognosis if the lesion is in fact a skin cancer.

“Kiwis need to ensure they visit a specialist as soon as they find a mole or lesion of concern as we’ve found that more than one in five of these consultations results in a diagnosis of skin cancer.”

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in New Zealand and affects around 60,000 Kiwis a year with around 250 dying from the disease annually.

“Melanoma is often completely without symptoms. Left untreated, in severe cases the cancer can progress to other areas of the body such as the brain, lymph nodes, lungs and liver,” says Dr Gray.

The survey also showed that women were more than twice as likely (50%) than men to act in the first month of becoming concerned about a lesion with one third (33%) taking between one and five months.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of following your instincts and having a mole of concern checked as soon as you discover it, as well as booking yourself in for a general skin screening every year,” says Dr Gray.

The results of the MoleMap survey are supported by previous research which revealed that more than half of Kiwis (52%) had never had a mole or lesion checked, yet nearly a quarter (24%) have had a mole removed because of concerns about skin cancer.

The research also showed that New Zealand men are ignoring sun safety messages and are at greatest risk of skin cancer with more than one in four (27%) saying they rarely or never use a sunscreen.

A MID-SUMMER BEAUTY BOOST AT MORE THAN SKIN Are you looking for a flawless complexion with a super-model finish? We’ve found the answer at More Than Skin Spa & Beauty with their Couture Facial.

Utilising products from DECLÉOR, France’s prestigious Aroma-Skin Care line, the Couture Facial experience will leave your complexion looking picture-perfect for the Parissiene catwalks. Including a stylish selection of free goodies, this treatment provides an instant beauty boost for neglected summer skin.

You’ll indulge in an aromatic 75 minute DECLÉOR facial, a FREE lash tint and brow shape, plus you’ll receive a FREE Harmonie Calm Mask to take home, all for only $135 – a total value of over $275!

If you prefer a Kiwi beauty connection, More Than Skin are also offering a delicious Joyce Blok Feed Your Face facial package.

We all know that ‘you are what you eat’ and the Feed Your Face facial highlights the importance of nourishing your complexion internally through diet and skinfriendly foods, and externally through a professional range of skin care. It’s an unbeatable combination for a healthy glowing complexion.

You’ll enjoy a revitalising Joyce Blok facial, along with a FREE lash tint and brow shape, and you can maintain these results at home with a FREE Collagen & Elastin Gel Mask all for just $125! (valued at over $210) Don’t forget that More Than Skin has a range of beautifully packaged gift vouchers available for a romantic pampering gift this Valentine’s Day. PN Call Megs today on T: 09 361 2231 for more information.

With the largest database of lesions in the world at over 2.5 million, MoleMap data is used for international studies and educational programmes at the world-leading Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center in the United States and at New York University. www.skininstitute.co.nz PN

CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR PORTS OF AUCKLAND ROUND THE BAYS 2011 Registration has opened for the city’s 39th annual waterfront run.

With Christmas indulgences now a distant memory, it’s time to make good on your New Year’s resolutions and go for your personal best – by registering for New Zealand’s largest mass-participation sporting event! Taking place on Sunday 13 March, the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays attracts more than 40,000 registered entrants of all ages and abilities each year.

The run continues to maintain its reputation as Auckland’s favourite all-ages sporting event – last year participants ranged in age from babies in pushchairs to a 104 year-old woman!

Proceeds from this year’s run will again be divided between several charities that benefit children including Koru Care, Kidney Kids and the Waitemata Harbour CleanUp Trust.

Event spokesperson, Fairfax Media Group Sales and Marketing Manager Sandra King, encourages entrants to register for the event via the official website, www.roundthebays.co.nz.

“By entering the run via our website, you will be helping some very worthy organisations – last year our generous participants raised more than $100,000 for children’s charities,” says Ms King. “Officially registered entrants receive a race number which is scanned at the finish line to give an exact race time. All results are listed on the official website after the run.”

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From 1 February, the website provides a six week training programme for runners or walkers, so there is plenty of time to get race-ready for those wanting to improve their fitness.

Returning as the event’s major sponsor for a second year is Ports of Auckland. Chief Executive Officer Jens Madsen says the company is thrilled to be involved again. “We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Ports of Auckland Round the Bays in 2010 and look forward to our involvement in 2011. Auckland’s port has been part of the city’s waterfront for over 100 years and it is fitting that we are associated with this fantastic event that takes place on our doorstep,” he says.

“The run does a magnificent job of showcasing Auckland’s beautiful harbour and waterfront as well as providing the tens-of-thousands of participants with the chance to glimpse our working port facilities.”

Last year over 400 Port employees and their families participated in the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays event, and Mr Madsen says he will be encouraging a big turn out again this year. Spanning 8.4km around the city’s picturesque waterfront boulevards, Quay Street and Tamaki Drive, the event is an achievable distance for runners and walkers - the able-bodied and the physically challenged.

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays starts at 9.30am on Sunday 13 March.

Entry fee is $10 for children (16 and under) and $15 for adults. PN To enter visit www.roundthebays.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

THE LOUISE GRAY SKIN CARE WAY WHEN I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE JASMINE AT THE NEWLY OPENED Louise Gray Skin Care on Ponsonby Road my skin was in dire need of some TLC. It was immediately post-Christmas holidays and a few long and lazy weeks of a little too much sun, Chardonnay and what I like to call “extreme eating” had most definitely taken their toll. I was determined to start the year on the right foot though, and a 75-minute treatment at the hands of the talented South African-born therapist was destined to be just that.

It was also a Sunday, which is my favourite day for a treatment - nowhere to go, no makeup to wear! It’s the one day of the week that sees many spas and the like shut for business at a time when many of us can actually spare a few hours to really pamper ourselves, which is a huge shame. Lucky for us then that Louise Gray and her team are there to help.

Louise Gray Skin Care has a unique approach to beauty therapy in that there is no prefabricated selection of services on offer – each treatment is totally customised to your lifestyle and your skin’s needs, using dermalogica products and only after a highly detailed consultation. The treatment you’ll then receive will focus on “ensuring maximum benefits, optimal skin health and complete relaxation”, and mine was no different.

The perfect mix of high performance and “feelgood” facial, it included a double cleanse, dermalogica face mapping (a thorough examination of the 14 sections of the face), electronic modalities, a treatment masque and the most deliciously relaxing pressure point face massage that I’ve experienced in a long time. If you have some extra time you can even further customise your treatment with one of their “touch therapies” – a back massage, foot massage etc. - for 15 minutes of extra attention where you want it most.

A factor unique to LGSC is the use of a bt-analyze machine - a hand held, battery operated moisture analysis meter that utilises bioelectric impedance technology with a skin membrane sensor. When placed on the skin, a low level of electrical current is used to measure the conductivity, resistance, and the time in which it takes to obtain the reading. These measurements are calculated against an internal database of statistics to determine the exact final numerical result, which is your skin’s hydration level. This can then be checked before and after your treatment, during which time mine doubled in several key areas. The clever little device means you can actually see whether or not your treatment worked – a factor that is vital when you’re time poor or even when funds are tight and you’ve scrimped and saved in order to give yourself a bit of a treat.

ENSURING YOUR CHILDS DENTAL CARE AT KEITH NELSON KEITH NELSON IS ONE OF THE ONLY dentists in the Ponsonby area who offer FREE general dentistry for children aged 13 to 18 years. So, make the smart move and enrol them with the ‘’dental family for your family’!

Once your child is of high school age, they MUST be enrolled with a dentist to ensure they receive fully subsidised (free) regular check-ups and general dental care. So why not choose a practice that’s part of your local community.

Established in Ponsonby since 1996, Keith Nelson offers general family dentistry and Orthodontics. The dental team includes Keith and daughters Vikki and Deanna.

LIMITED OFFER: All new enrolments at Keith Nelson before 28 February 2011 will receive a free orthodontic screening to the value of $110 + go into a draw to receive a COMPLETE FULL ORTHODONTIC treatment valued at $7,000!

Simply make an appointment with their receptionist and mention the campaign code ‘HIGH SCHOOL’ and you will be automatically in the draw. If you don’t have a child at high school, then tell your friends, family and colleagues so that they can enjoy this fantastic offer! PN KEITH NELSON, 103 Franklin Road, T: 09 378 0877 F: 09 378 0872.

To view promotion terms and conditions email infofranklin@keithnelson.co.nz

Speaking of time poor, the talented team at LGSC also offer dermalogica’s Microzone ‘quick fix’ treatments that give you skin solutions in 20 minutes. They cost just $50.00 and include flash exfoliation (to resurface, smooth and brighten), hydration (to revitalise dull thirsty skin), age management (a yummy firming vitamin infusion) and spot and blackhead relief for those in need. They also have special treatments targeting men’s skincare concerns.

Educated as well as pampered, I leave with great skin, a fabulous new attitude and a product recommendation that I’m gagging to try – the highly respected skincare brand’s Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, which is part of their AGE smart range.

Jasmine calls it “an ambulance in a tube”, and after a season in the sun that sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered! (HELENE RAVLICH) PN LOUISE GRAY, 188 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 6692 www.louisegray.co.nz

ALISON, one of the therapists at the newly opened LOUISE GRAY SKIN CARE

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PLANET AYURVEDA: ASK DOCTOR AJIT Each month, Dr Ajit, Australasia’s most experienced Ayurvedic practitioner answers a reader’s question. Please e-mail yours to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

Q: A:

Now that we’re into 2011, I’ve decided to make my health a big priority this year. Like many people I feel I’ve been over whelmed by Christmas and all it entails. What does Ayurveda think about detox?

SOPHIE HOWSON, Grey Lynn.

Of course, Ayurveda recommends regular detoxification. As one of the world’s most complete approaches to health and well being, Ayurveda has developed a comprehensive and systematic programme to detoxify the body to allow us to lead healthy, joyful lives.

• Eat only warm, cooked foods.

• Eat a handful or raisins and 5-10 peeled almonds at least twice a day.

• Eat fresh fruit but avoid raw apple and banana.

• Avoid such foods as peanut butter, bread, cheese, tomato or soya sauce, carbonated drinks, tinned foods, coffee and alcohol.

• Take Ayurvedic herbs such as Triphala & Liverol Strong, both available at www.planetayurveda.co.nz PLANET AYURVEDA, 41 Gillies Avenue T: 09 623 2651 www.planetayurveda.co.nz

From an Ayurvedic perspective, the reason the body requires regular detoxification is to revive its own natural intelligence. Each individual has a unique bodily intelligence, the natural ability of each of the body’s systems to carry out their important functions. As long as this intelligence is in balance, the body has the ability to flush out waste products and the toxins that build up in the body from the daily wear and tear of our busy lives. But when this intelligence is affected, the body loses its ability to flush out these toxins and they start accumulating in the body, which according to Ayurveda, is the principle cause of all disease.

This intelligence gets affected when our body and mind become imbalanced by the incompatible choices we make in our diet, lifestyle and environment. When this occurs, the best way to return the body to balance is through a programme of detoxification. Some common symptoms that indicate that a detoxification is necessary are: • • • • • • • • •

Feeling tired and fatigued Disturbed sleep Thick coating on tongue first thing in morning Lack of concentration Feeling impatient and irritable Feeling bloated Constipation Dry skin Whole body feels stiff and tight

The Ayurvedic approach to detoxification is unique because its focus is to dislodge toxins from body tissue and remove them from the body while preventing the accumulation of more toxins by enhancing digestion. However, it is an intensive programme, involving daily therapy for up to 14 days. These treatments, called Panchkarma, are available at my clinic in Newmarket which is one of the few centres outside India equipped to carry them out.

Of course, many of us don’t have the time to commit to such a programme. Thankfully, Ayurveda can suggest some routines that can be incorporated into your daily life to regularly flush out toxins from the body: • Brush your teeth and scrape your tongue first thing in the morning • Each morning, drink a cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey and ½ teaspoon of fresh grated ginger.

• Take 10-15 slow, deep breaths at least twice a day.

• Massage your body daily with warm sesame oil (use only cold pressed oil).

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CLARE CALDWELL

THE ART OF LIVING

SO HERE WE ARE AGAIN – AT THE BEGINNING OF A WHOLE NEW YEAR WITH its sense of optimism and challenge – I will lose that weight, get fitter and healthier, tackle new projects, be more confident, have a better year than the one before...we all know this list! Once the jocularity and overindulgence of Christmas is over and we disappear with partners or with friends and family to holiday in various locations around the country (or further afield), we have time to step out of our usual routines and redefine ourselves a little. Suddenly many of us are faced with having to be with people all the time who we normally see only intermittently! And by the time we’ve adjusted to being in all this company, had and hopefully resolved a few spats, it’s time to go our separate ways again! We all know the joys of the family holiday scenario!

Meeting new people on our holidays and interacting with them for the first (and sometimes only) time also brings up an interesting sense of who we are as individuals and as couples. We can explore a sense of Self in relation to an unknown other. What do we choose to tell them about ourselves? What (if any) persona are we projecting or are we being honest and real? How does the nature of the transient encounter affect all this? Does it make us more real because we assume we won’t see that person again? Do we interact differently when a partner is with us? Or we can just lie in the sun, swim and think about it all later!

What I love about being involved with art therapy is noticing how much we reveal about our true selves often without even realising it. When done without over thinking it, it can come from a deep, unconscious and often really subtle level and I never cease to be blown away by its diversity and power. Art bypasses our protective adult defence mechanisms which we all have in place, consciously or unconsciously, and goes straight to our emotional centre. By getting in touch with our feelings we can begin to facilitate an opening up of what has been closed and hidden. Art therapy helps us to ‘say’ things we can’t put into words and can be a vehicle to slowly reveal what is going on inside us that we’re struggling to understand or deal with. We can then sit with this externalised ‘language’ on the page and within the safety of the relationship with the therapist, ponder it for gentle contemplation, understanding and resolution. Happy New Year everyone! I hope you’ve all had a relaxing break.

CLARE (CLAUDIE) CALDWELL is a Creative Arts Therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She is Voluntary Team Leader of Creative Therapies at Mercy Hospice Auckland, College Hill where she has worked for the last ten years. She is also a Freelance Artist. PN Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171 clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

PONSONBY’S LATEST POP UP

NATALIE SANCHEZ chief saliva sucker at PONSONBY DENTIST in her toothpaste uniform promoting teeth whitening treatments and already she has two random lads taking a keen interest

We were well used to Pop Up boutiques here in Ponsonby then Mini upsized it with their Mini Garage. Now it’s Ponsonby Dentist’s turn. Dr Tony Dey, (previously misrepresented in this publication as having no thumbs) lead Clinician at Ponsonby Dentist was concerned at the rapid proliferation of chop shop style ‘cosmetic whitening’ clinics opening around New Zealand.

Frequently these services are rendered by staff without professional training who tantalize with the lure of low cost. But as we all know “you get what you pay for”! Dr Dey had the pool table and bean bags removed from the back room of the practice, kicked out the squatters and commissioned a new whitening spa over summer.

In a stroke of genius Dr Dey has partnered with entrepreneur Sonny Lowe of Whiter Smile to create a whole new animal –‘Whiter Smile at Ponsonby Dentist’ delivering amazing whitening results with something the others can’t rival - a safe professional environment overseen by a dentist with thumbs and everything right here in the heart of Ponsonby.

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This whole whitening phenomenon may be a fad. The bygone days of outdated, crusty, yellow, dingy, stained, baked bean style nubbins for teeth may indeed come back into fashion.

But while it’s hot Ponsonby Dentist wants to get in on the whitening action without sacrificing the best, safest care possible at an affordable price for our beloved Ponsonby comrades & co.

PONSONBY DENTIST, Level 1, 114 Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 2060 www.ponsonbydentist.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FOODBOX.CO.NZ DELIVERING FREE TO YOUR HOME IN PONSONBY At Foodbox.co.nz they hand select the best quality produce available from the markets, pack it into boxes and deliver to your home as fresh as possible all in the same day! They also benchmark themselves against supermarket prices to make sure they’re giving you the best value.

Pete and Jenny started Foodbox after returning from the UK where they used a similar service, and loved it. The great products suited their busy lives and the whole service package was very convenient. “We think we have improved the service” says Jenny, “and are very excited about delivering it to you in the Ponsonby area”.

FINE FOOD NEW ZEALAND WINS BIG IN MELBOURNE LOCAL PONSONBY BUSINESS NORTH PORT EVENTS HAS WON ‘BEST NEW Zealand Show’ for the third year running at the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) 2010 Awards for Excellence – this time for its newest show, Fine Food New Zealand. Fine Food New Zealand also picked up the award for Best New Show at the gala industry event held in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 30 November 2010.

Meanwhile, The Food Show Auckland, last year’s winner in the ‘Best Consumer Show Under 10,000m2’ category, was named as a finalist in the same category but was beaten by The Baby Show Melbourne. “Winning these awards is a very big deal and serves to underscore what a massive success the very first Fine Food New Zealand has been,” says Dona White (pictured far right), CEO of North Port Events.

Each week included in the boxes there are recipe cards to give you an idea on how you might turn something from your delivery into a delicious meal. In addition check out their website for previous recipes, also the interesting ideas and quick tips shared by their customers on their Foodbox Facebook page.

Have a look at the Foodbox online store for the products available. There are set boxes that vary from week to week with whatever is in season with only the best quality from local New Zealand growers.

Deliveries in the Ponsonby area are between 3.30-6.30pm on Tuesdays. You don’t need to be home they can leave it in the shade, on your doorstep or arrange an alternative place with you. In Auckland central city deliveries are done before 5pm.

If you’ve got any questions please feel free to contact FOODBOX.CO.NZ on: T: 09 265 1054; E: orders@foodbox.co.nz www.foodbox.co.nz

Launched in 2010, Fine Food New Zealand is the only fully comprehensive, international trade exhibition for the New Zealand food service, food retail, and hospitality industries.

A ‘sister event’ to the highly successful Fine Food Australia shows, the inaugural Fine Food New Zealand event exceeded expected visitor numbers by 15% and drew a constant stream of praise from all corners of the industry. “Winning Best New Show and Best New Zealand Show are particularly great accolades for us because it confirms we made the right call in providing the New Zealand food and hospitality industries with an event that they’re proud to support in huge numbers,” says Dona White.

“I’d like to pay tribute to Diversified Exhibitions, who had the foresight to partner with us to bring the Fine Food concept to New Zealand and helped us make the show the runaway success it has been.

“We’re now looking forward to the next Fine Food New Zealand show in 2012 – and to make it even bigger and better than it was in 2010.” PN NORTH PORT EVENTS, 136 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 4603 www.northportevents.co.nz

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to get fit and get a “ better eating plan going. Also to resist the temptation of drinking the great wine at Chapel Bar and Sale St on such a regular basis and instead spend more time with my kids on the beach, it’s about creating quality family time.

“

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is the community spirit here and it really is so different from any other suburb that I know. We have a uniqueness about us, from the people to the shops and everything else in between.

STACEY HART – CHAPEL BAR AND SALE ST

”

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SAVOUR & DEVOUR – NOW OPEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS Looking for the perfect venue in which to take a break from your busy morning and relax with a cup of coffee, sweet treat or mouthwatering meal?

At Savour & Devour they use the amazing fair trade organic coffee Supreme to produce some of the best coffee around, and you’ll also be impressed by how quick the service is.

As well as great coffee, Savour & Devour stock a large range of organic cold drinks, as well as beer and wine. While in the cabinet, there’s a selection of pies, tarts, sandwiches and sweet treats which are baked on site using free range and organic ingredients for most of their creations.

The menu is extensive and incredibly interesting. Meals such as grilled haloumi on ciabatta, Catalan sardines, bruschetta and smoked fish kedgeree, along with a full tapas range.

The amazing menu has seen Savour & Devour’s young Brazilian chef Jacqueline Maciel enjoy all kind of accolades, and she was recently invited to cook in the `Kai to Pie’ expo during which she received wonderful reviews.

Now open on Friday and Saturday nights, with a completely different menu, Savour & Devour will be an exciting venue if you’re looking to entertain friends or clients, or simply want to enjoy a relaxed meal for two.

Open Monday to Thursday from 7am-5pm, Friday from 7am-10pm, Saturday from 8am-10pm and Sunday from 8am-5pm. PN SAVOUR & DEVOUR, 478 Richmond Road, T: 09 361 2631

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REBECCA GIBB: ON WINE REES LIGHTNING A young Ponsonby local with a have-a-go attitude is taking Auckland wine lists by storm. At 23, Oliver Scutts is not your average wine brand owner. He’s at least 20 years too young for a start, and his no-nonsense attitude towards wine is a breath of fresh air. Rochfort Rees wines have become a regular feature on the wine lists of the city’s best bars and restaurants in the past twelve months and this young gun is one to watch.

One-man band Scutts created the company with his father’s backing in 2008, using his middle name Rochfort and his mother’s maiden name, Rees. While he grew up in Ponsonby and Parnell, he can trace back his roots to William Gilbert Rees, founder of Queenstown. That’s a hard act to follow but Scutts doesn’t seem fazed. He is certainly not work shy: he does everything at Rochfort Rees from negotiating with growers and buying the grapes to marketing and selling the wine. He’s even the delivery boy.

Rochfort Rees produces just two wines: a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a Central Otago Pinot Noir. The latest Sauvignon release provides classic Marlborough aromas with minerally notes thrown in while the Pinot is a fruit-driven quaffer. It’s not massively complex but has great concentration at under $28, which is a lot more than you can say for a lot of Pinot Noirs at that price. Scutts explains, “A lot of young people drink wine but they are apprehensive about buying it because they don’t know much about it. So, I’m trying to make it affordable and approachable for people in my age group.”

Scutts is a businessman before he is a wine guy. He doesn’t know his Bordeaux vintages and, quite frankly, doesn’t care. He will never own a vineyard and will always employ a winemaker to produce his wine. “There’s always Sauvignon grapes to be had. You don’t want to buy a vineyard when you’re just starting out.” He adds,“I will never ever own a single hectare of vines. Growers are only getting paid $1250 per tonne for working all year in the vineyard.” And, if the drinker decides they’re sick of Sauvignon Blanc and start drinking Chardonnay again, he isn’t lumbered with a vineyard full of grapes nobody wants. Scutts says he is likely to respond to the latest trend for pink wine by launching the first Rochfort Rees Pinot Noir rosé this year.

Inevitably being a young whipper snapper in a rather traditional industry, has had its problems. “People doubt you when you’re young but I have faith in my product. Once they try your wine they take you a lot more seriously and being in good bars and restaurants gives you a lot of credibility,” he says. “But watching people enjoy your product that’s the most satisfying thing. It gives me a little push to work harder.”

Despite tales of doom and gloom from both the retailers and wineries, business is booming for Scutts and he looks set to take on an employee next year to cope with the workload, which means he might have time to sit down and actually enjoy a glass of wine. He may need his ID to get served.

Try Rochfort Rees in Coco’s Cantina, Prego, SPQR and Bambina. Also available from www.blackmarket.co.nz and Point Wines www.rochfortrees.co.nz (REBECCA GIBB)

STRAWBERRY SEMIFREDDO (STRAWBERRY ICE-CREAM) A TASTY SUMMER RECIPE FOR YOUNG KIWI COOKS FROM ‘IT’S MY TURN to cook’ by Margaret Brooker with Alexandra and Charlotte Stephen, photographs

by Paul McCredie; New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd. It’s My Turn to Cook won a golden ladle for Best Children’s Cookbook at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media Awards 2010.

4. Stir the lemon juice into the pulp.

5. Separate the eggs and place the egg yolks into a large bowl. (This dessert contains raw eggs. People with low immunity – the very young, elderly, pregnant and immune-compromised - should avoid eating undercooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs to reduce the risk of contracting a foodborne illness such as Salmonella.)

SERVES 6-8 INGREDIENTS:

6. Sift the icing sugar and add to the egg yolks and beat until the mixture becomes thick and a paler colour.

• 300g ripe strawberries • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 3 egg yolks • 110g icing sugar • 250ml cream

7. Pour the cream into another bowl and, using a beater, whip the cream until it is thick.

1. Before you begin making this dish it is important to wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.

9. Spoon the mixture into the prepared container. Cover the container with more plastic wrap and carefully place in the freezer for about seven hours.

2. Line the container in which you will freeze the ice-cream (a 1 litre capacity loaf or cake tin) with a large sheet of plastic food wrap. It should come up the sides and hang over the edges.

10. To serve, remove the plastic wrap from the top and turn the container upside down onto a plate. Lift off the container, then peel of the plastic wrap that lined the ice-cream. Slice.

3. To prepare the strawberries, wash in clean water and dry with a clean paper towel, then cut off the green tops. Chop the berries into little pieces and place in a medium size bowl. Pulp the berries by mashing them with a fork against the side of the bowl until runny, or by whizzing them in a blender.

11. Don’t allow this dish to sit at room temperature for very long. This will help prevent it from melting. Partially thawed ice-cream should not be placed back in the freezer.

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8. Using a spatula, scrape the whipped cream and the strawberry pulp into the beaten egg yolks and fold all ingredients gently together with a large metal spoon.

For more summer food safety tips visit www.foodsmart.govt.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE GET YOUR ARTWORK OR PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE PONSONBY NEWS FRONT COVER! This September marks the start of the Rugby World Cup and we are offering any creative reader the opportunity to submit their design as a digital file for our use. Your cover design for our September issue must include Rugby and Ponsonby as its theme.

Our Judges (Martin Leach, Deborah White and Viv Rosenberg) will decide whose work will be published. There is a $500 cach prize and some fashion, beauty, hotel, spa, cafe/restaurant vouchers as additional prizes for highly commended work.

Entries close 13 August 2011. The winner will be notified by email by 20 August.

NB: Any other files other than PDF submitted will be disqualified. The judges decision is final and no correspondance will be entered into. info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

FOOD AND WINE MATCHING 1. Red Wine with Red Meat 2. White Wine with White meat 3. Match Like with Like

4. Drink What you Like 5. Don’t forget to Experiment

RED WINE WITH RED MEAT As a general rule red wine should be served with red meat. Red wines have a tannin structure that comes from the skins of the grapes and the stalks. Tannins are not present in white wines. It’s like a drying taste in your mouth – next time you eat some grapes chew the skin for a while and you’ll know exactly what I mean. Matched with red meat the tannin structure in red wine helps to break down the fatty proteins in meat.

Different red wines have different contents of tannin. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most tannic wines, this is due to the thickness of the Cabernet Grapes and the colour extracted by extra contact with the skins. Pinot Noir is generally less tannic, with the exception of some of the more extracted styles now coming onto the market. With less tannin Pinot Noir matches well with lighter red meats like spring lamb. Matching a red wine with the perfect tannin structure for the meat allows the two to marry and cleanse your palate, leaving you ready for the next course!

There’s off course an exception to the rule! Veal – a red meat is often best matched with a white wine – particularly Chardonnay, Veal whilst a red meat is very delicate in texture and does not stand up well to the tannin structure in red meat. Spicy Red meat dishes also don’t work with tannic wins, Spice and tannin just don’t match, you are better to have a sweeter wine which will complement the spice – like a Riesling, Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer or a cold beer with your curry.

WHITE WINE WITH WHITE MEAT The tannin structure of red wine just leaves white meat looking pale in comparison.

As a general guideline: Light Chicken Dishes Light Style Chardonnay Creamy Chicken Dishes Heavier Chardonnay Fish and Seafood Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Pinot Gris MATCH LIKE WITH LIKE • Match heavier weight foods with heavier weight wines. Beef stew with a rich powerful wine, a delicate fish dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc • Spicy dishes with a Spicy wine – Indian with Gewurztraminer • Sweet wines with sweet food – a late harvest wine with apricot tart • Butter sauces with a creamy buttery chardonnay • Acidity with Acidity – a salad with a lemon dressing, match it with a acidic white – a young Riesling But there’s an exception! Salt, it’s not a friend to wine, sweet wines do balance salty foods, so a sweeter pinot gris with a saltier dish.

DRINK WHAT YOU LIKE Everyone’s tastes are different, so what is a perfect match for one person may not be as good for you. These are guidelines, but at the end of the day, if you would prefer a Sauvignon Blanc and you are having steak – then go for it.

DON’T FORGET TO EXPERIMENT Matching food and wine to enhance each other can further enhance your dining experience. As your taste is unique to you, don’t forget to experiment and work out what works best for you. (LIZ WHEADON) www.glengarry.co.nz PN

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

HEALTHY DINING CONCEPT LAUNCHED AT HERITAGE AUCKLAND As part of an on-going sustainability initiative, Heritage Auckland has launched its Healthy Dining Concept, with a new menu that’s entirely plant-based. Wherever possible, the ingredients are also local.

Why all plant-based? Plant foods are free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat, but high in fibre and nutrients. Plus in terms of the amount of land, water and energy required to produce them, they’re far less resource-hungry than animal products, according to Jinu Abraham, executive chef at Heritage Auckland, who has established the menu range.

“It’s a whole new way of thinking about cooking with our carbon footprint in mind,” says the award-winning chef. “I also love the fresh flavours and creating an appealing and healthy dining experience, as we have a lot of guests looking for lighter options, especially if they stay in hotels a lot.”

SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NEW MENUS: • Breakfast: Apple, pecan and buckwheat pancakes, with maple syrup and strawberry salad • Lunch: Mushroom-stuffed pansotti pasta with rich tomato and basil sauce • High tea: Banana custard cake with chocolate icing and a dusting of cocoa • Tapas: Field mushrooms marinated in truffle oil, served on chickpea puree with black olive paste • Petit fours: Fig and pistachio baklava and a dark chocolate log with a raspberry and anise centre.

Ecogastronomy as a culinary concept maintains dining pleasure as paramount, but other factors are taken into consideration, notably environmental impact and the diner’s health.

So thorough has this new approach been that part of Heritage Auckland’s kitchen has been dedicated for plant-based food preparation only, right through to a coffee machine using only soy and rice milks.

“So often a restaurant pays only lip service to vegetarian and vegan dining. We wanted to completely embrace the concept and give total assurance our commitment begins from the kitchen bench right through to the table. It also fits with our wider sustainability policies for the hotel,” says Jinu.

Guests who stay at Heritage Auckland who have already tried the sample menus have given high praise for the concept, and many female diners in particular are enjoying the healthy high tea concept, according to Jinu.

The sustainable dining philosophy has also been endorsed with the recent Enviro Gold award given to Heritage Auckland by Qualmark New Zealand.

The menus are available in Hectors Restaurant and The Lobby Bar. PN

“We have been watching the trend to ecogastronomy and we wanted to be the first hotel in Auckland to fully embrace this new concept by offering meals that are plantbased, wonderfully fresh, with high nutritional value and great taste,” says Jinu.

For healthy menus and further dining information visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz or call Hectors Restaurant on T: 09 979 7434.

STONELEIGH GARDEN BAR LEADING LIGHT OF AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL STONELEIGH VINEYARDS ARE CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THE ARTS BY partnering with the Auckland Arts Festival in March 2011. The Auckland Arts Festival is the region’s leading celebration of arts and culture, offering Aucklanders and visitors to the city, a spectacular line-up of theatre, dance, music, film, visual arts and special events. The Festival brings the world’s best performances to Auckland over 19 exciting days.

The Festival’s first-ever Garden Bar brought to life by Stoneleigh, will be located in newly redesigned Aotea Square, in the heart of the Festival activity. The new and innovative Stoneleigh pop-up bar will be making an appearance, creating a beautifully designed alfresco wine garden, where patrons can enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere and festival entertainment over a glass of Stoneleigh wine.

“The custom-built Stoneleigh Bar in the Festival Garden will provide a truly ambient back-drop for the Festival, the perfect place for festival goers to enjoy a taste of Stoneleigh. We wanted festival goers to experience Stoneleigh in an environment that reflects the wine and its unique wine making story using the sunstones in our design,” said Stoneleigh brand manager Marisa Johnstone.

To celebrate the sponsorship of the Auckland Arts Festival 2011, Stoneleigh collaborated with contemporary New Zealand artist Penny Stotter to create 100 limited edition Magic of the Sunstones prints. Penny created the artwork using Stoneleigh as her muse and each limited edition print is valued at $600.

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Visitors to the pop-up Stoneleigh Garden Bar will have the chance to win their own print, with 25 being given out at the Stoneleigh Bar throughout the festival.

The pop-up Stoneleigh Garden Bar in Aotea Square will be open daily during the Auckland Arts Festival, from 2 – 20 March.

For the festival programme, visit www.aucklandfestival.co.nz

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is quite simple, less “ stress, more art and more time for friends and family.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is it is a culture made “ for walking around and through, with friendly people and many great stores. It is a very relaxed community that I’ve shared many happy moments with since 1995.

EVAN WOODROFFE – STUDIO ART SUPPLIES

”

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CHRISTMAS MISTLETOE PARTY at CHAPEL BAR, Ponsonby

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EIGHT OPENS AT THE LANGHAM, AUCKLAND photography: The Langham

A dynamic new approach to dining has launched at The Langham with the opening of the Eight, the five-star hotel’s newest restaurant.

Named after the eight world kitchens that the restaurant features, diners at Eight will experience not just a meal but a culinary journey.

A VALENTINE’S DATE WITH A DIFFERENCE IN EIGHT EIGHT IS THE PERFECT RESTAURANT FOR A VALENTINE’S DATE WITH A difference, as it offers a unique culinary journey that puts the diner in control of their own personal degustation. For a refreshing Valentine’s experience, savour Eight’s vibrant atmosphere and innovative cuisine at the eight open, world kitchens. With your date, enjoy the quality and freshness of the food and the chefs’ passion at each of the eight open, world kitchens as you are taken on an exquisite journey. Love birds can coo over the designer sushi, seafood, fiery wok and grille, Indian tandoori or share a sumptuous salad. Complete your meal with cute desserts and decadent cheeses.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also Sunday brunch.

Priced from $37 per person for breakfast and lunch. $67 per person for dinner.

Bookings are essential. PN Eight at The Langham, 83 Symonds Street T: 09 300 2852 or tlakl.eight@langhamhotels.com Eightrestaurant.co.nz

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Jeffrey van Vorsselen, Managing Director of The Langham says that the unique experience enables diners to create their own personal degustation while engaging with the chefs in the eight open kitchens. “This is an extremely exciting concept Eight is redefining expectations of hotel dining in New Zealand.

“Simply put, Eight is great! It is a fun yet sophisticated place to dine, where guests will be in control of their own culinary journey with the choice of high quality and innovative cuisine.

“I am delighted to welcome Eight to The Langham’s already renowned collection of five-star eateries, as the hotel further establishes itself as a foodie haven.”

Each of the eight kitchens has been named after a well known global journey, that relates to the cuisine available at that kitchen.

Eight will be open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and also for Sunday brunch from $37 per person. PN EIGHT, The Langham, Auckland, 83 Symonds Street T: 09 300 2852; www.eightrestaurant.co.nz; E: tlakl.eight@langhamhotels.co.nz

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WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO SUMMER SUPPLIES With the chaos of Christmas behind us for another year, it’s time to unwind. Summer is all about escaping to the beach, catching up with friends and basking in that glorious sunshine.

You definitely don’t want to be slaving away in the kitchen!

Summer food should be simple yet packed with flavour, and we’ve got some great new products to ensure you spend time with friends and family, rather than your pots and pans.

From Italy we have Alfieri pasta – silky ribbons of rich, fine egg pasta that cook in less than five minutes. Chop up some parsley and slice a few sundried tomatoes, add a sprinkling of capers and flake over some Callipo tuna then toss through the pasta with some extra virgin olive oil for a light summer lunch in moments. There are several unique varieties in the range, including spinach and egg fettuccine and a traditional Piedmontese-style pasta with truffles.

We have very much enjoyed testing whether the new range of Delicius anchovies live up to their name! These A-grade Mediterranean anchovies are connoisseur quality at a reasonable price. Anchovies are perfect for adding an instant flavour hit – simply mash the delicate fillets and they will just melt into your salad dressings. Or use a spoonful of the Delicius anchovy paste – when blended with a little extra virgin olive oil this makes a great dipping sauce for crudité. These anchovies are also available in olive oil infused with chilli or garlic and parsley – effortlessly adding an extra layer of flavour.

Buon Appetito! PN SABATO, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

GET READY FOR MOVIES IN PARKS 2011 Movies in Parks returns this summer with another fantastic programme of free movies and entertainment in February and March. This year, Auckland Council brings you the biggest programme yet with events spanning both sides of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Movies in Parks comprises two series: Mercury Energy Movies by Moonlight shows blockbuster flicks while New Zealand film talent struts its stuff in A Taste of Kiwi.

Auckland Council teams up with Mercury Energy this year to bring you the Mercury Energy Movies by Moonlight series of feature-length blockbuster films.

The series begins in Mt Eden and crosses the bridge to culminate with the ‘People’s Choice’ at Milford Reserve. Go to www.moviesinparks.co.nz to find out how you can vote for your favourite movie. Choose between Despicable Me, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World or Tomorrow, When the War Began.

A Taste of Kiwi is a series of acclaimed movies featuring home-grown talent.

The programme includes diverse feature length and short films ranging from the eclectic to blockbuster features. In previous years, two separate programmes were delivered by Auckland City Council (Movies in Parks) and North Shore City Council (Movies by Moonlight). This year, Auckland Council has combined these two programmes into one massive programme with 24 free events.

Pre-show entertainment will be provided by George FM and Mai FM DJs as well as talented local artists - Bannerman, Flip Grater, Glass Owls and Lisa Crawley. Screening times depend on sunset, so come early to secure your spot in some of Auckland’s most stunning parks, and enjoy the live music before the movie starts. PN Check out www.moviesinparks.co.nz for details of all events and artists.

WINE AWAY – EASILY REMOVES WINE STAINS FROM CARPET AND FABRIC THE LONG HOURS OF SUNSHINE, WARMER TEMPERATURES and the relaxed state of mind that the new year brings, makes it a great time for you to invite friends around for a catch up over dinner. Summer is the time for dinner parties! However, your relaxed mood can change in a flash, when a full glass of red wine leaves its mark on your carpet, best white linen table cloth or new party frock!

Wine Away is a new revolutionary natural cleaner, which easily removes wine stains from carpet and fabric – even some older stains! It effortlessly makes red wine, cranberry juice, and other red stains disappear, leaving things looking as they should.

Wine Away Spray Bottle (240ml) RRP $23.00 For stockists and information: www.wineaway.com

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY RECIPES FROM FISH MARKET, EXECUTIVE CHEF – BEN SMITH

CRISPY SKINNED SNAPPER ON ROAST BABY VEGETABLES WITH LEMONGRASS, MIRIN BEURRE BLANC SERVES 4 2 whole snapper approx 1kg each de-scaled, fillets removed skin on. Do not cut out bones remove with pliers to maintain shape and yield. Retain fish frame for stock to be used at a later date.

VEGETABLES 400g gourmet potatoes 200g baby carrots top and tail - leave unpeeled 200g baby fennel, remove base and fronds 200g green beans top and tail removed 200g spring onions - remove root then cut just above white section fine julienne green and place in ice water for later garnish METHOD Blanch baby potatoes in salted water for approx 10 minutes until just cooked leave to cool. Then cut in half. Blanch baby carrots in salted water for 8 minutes, beans and baby fennel for 3 minutes, and spring onions for 1 minute refresh all vegetables in iced water and leave to cool remove from water and pat dry. Combine all vegetables and season with sea salt and white pepper and olive oil and place in a roasting tray.

SWEET AND SOUR CHERRY TOMATOES 1 punnet cherry tomatoes 1 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp nyc pepper 50ml vincotta 50ml sherry vinegar 20ml olive oil METHOD Combine all ingredients in steel bowl. Heat a pan to medium heat add contents of steel bowl toss gently for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to split remove immediately from heat and transfer to fresh clean bowl to cool.

ENJOY! Perfect with a cold glass of Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.

BEURRE BLANC 100ml mirin 50ml white wine 50ml white wine vinegar 2 sticks lemongrass crushed and tied into a knot to release flavour 2 kaffir lime leaves 1 clove garlic whole 1 shallot peeled and sliced 5 pepper corns 1 tsp sea salt 500g butter diced then leave in fridge to keep cold METHOD Add all ingredients to high sided pan except butter and salt, heat on high until liquid is reduced to approx 2 tblsps. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in cold butter until all is used then pass through a fine sieve into a warm steel bowl and season with sea salt and chopped chives leave to one side in a warm place.

GARNISH 1 lemon top and tail removed cut into quarters.

25g chives chopped bottom half finely to add to beurre blanc leave remainder for garnish.

FISH COOKING AND PLATING Heat oven to 180 degree c. place vegetable tray in oven to heat through for 15minutes, toss at 5 minutes intervals to ensure even cooking. Season the skin side of the snapper generously with sea salt and white pepper and liberally on the flesh side. Heat a non stick pan to med high temp then add 50ml olive oil, place snapper fillets skin side down. Do not over crowd the pan use two pans if necessary and apply a little pressure with the back of fish slice to flatten the skin to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes without moving or turning. Place a small knob of butter on top of each fillet and place in the oven for 3 minutes to finish cooking. Remove from the oven and turn fillets over and baste the skin side with the pan juices. Arrange vegetables on the plates in a casual fashion, place a fillet of snapper on top, drizzle generously with the beurre blanc, place cherry tomatoes evenly around the plate, Âź of lemon along side, then top with julienne spring onions and chive batons. PN FISH MARKET, Jellicoe and Daldy Streets www.afm.co.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION AUCKLAND LIBRARIES WELCOMES THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT Auckland Libraries celebrates Chinese New Year with an exciting smorgasbord of activities, events and learning opportunities from 7-18 February.

‘THE INDIGO BIRD’ BY HELEN TAYLOR This is the first book talented artist Helen Taylor has both written and illustrated by herself. A beautiful melding of word and illustration, this is the story of Fantail who takes us with him as he searches for his friend Takahe - the indigo bird of the title.

After a fierce Year of the Tiger in 2010, this year brings a promise of peace in The Year of the Rabbit.

Is Takahe playing with Weka in the snow or maybe dancing with Kakapo in the glow of the moon? Fantail searches through fern, bracken and the New Zealand Bush to find this elusive alpine rail. He flies past luminously painted moths and dragonflies never still in his search for his friend, but is he like us in that he only looks but does not see Takahe?

To mark the occasion libraries across the region will host Chinese-themed programmes with highlights including:

This evocative book is a wonderful introduction for younger children, both in New Zealand and overseas, to the rare Takahe which has such a fascinating history of being lost and found .

• Lantern Making workshops

DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

• Calligraphy demonstrations, and • Chinese cultural dance and song performances.

Auckland Libraries is also adding a Chinese theme to its regular Wriggle & Rhyme and storytime sessions for this special occasion.

Showcasing the history of the Chinese settlers in New Zealand is The Chinese Digital Community, a website that contains historical and contemporary information about the Chinese Community. This is a resource where everyone can share his or her Chinese New Year stories. Auckland Libraries will be offering free workshops on how to make the best use of the Chinese Digital Community. PN For more information on the exciting range of events pick up a programme from your local library or visit www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION ST JAMES KINDERGARTEN TURNS TO GOLD Grey Lynn based St James Kindergarten is thrilled to have achieved Green-Gold status in the Enviroschools programme – the only early childhood centre in Auckland to receive the award.

The Enviroschools programme encourages students to explore real life challenges for environmental learning, action and sustainable communities. The programme is about working out how to live so that our society and economy nourishes the natural systems that give us life. Becoming more sustainable involves understanding and supporting the interconnections and interdependence between all living things in our community.

As part of the programme an Awards process helps centres measure their progress towards sustainability and identify future opportunities for growth. The Green-Gold Award is the top of three award levels, recognising that the school or kindergarten is embedding sustainability throughout their organisation.

From left to right SHELLEY JOLLY (Head Teacher), ZYLAH VIVACE, RED LITHGOW, ELAINE SMITH (Teacher), ROSE BENNETT, TRACEY MCALISTER (Teacher), BUBBLE BOOKER MALCOLM, MILA STEWART ARTEN, the Head Office of the Auckland Kindergarten Association.

Auckland Kindergarten Association Professional Services Manager Katie Marshall said, “St James Kindergarten has shown so much enthusiasm and dedication to the programme. The Green-Gold Award is very prestigious having only been achieved by just three other early childhood centres in New Zealand.”

“The children’s knowledge about sustainable practices such as growing and eating from the land, reducing waste and recycling has developed an understanding of how we can live smarter and help protect the natural world around us. “Our journey continues as it is always evolving, influenced by our children, community, new knowledge and global issues. We appreciate our positive relationship with the Enviroschools community,” Ms Jolly said.

St James Kindergarten located in Grey Lynn, demonstrates a living, evolving approach to environmental sustainability. These principles are woven into every aspect of kindergarten life, and are at the core of every decision made by the teachers and the children. From gardens that provide nutritious food for the children, along with native birds and insects, through to simple yet effective waste management techniques that have reduced waste by 50%, St James Kindergarten is a living ecosystem that is supporting the wider community towards sustainability.

The children have a strong connection to the vibrant and healthy environment at St James Kindergarten, with the enquiry and action learning led by them.

St James Kindergarten Head Teacher Shelley Jolly said “It was the completion of an Environmental Education paper at the University of Auckland in 2006 that inspired me to improve the environment practices at the kindergarten and so began an inspirational journey.”

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

As part of St James Kindergarten’s passion for the environment, the teaching team has developed an inspirational DVD to demonstrate how to implement some simple sustainable practices into early childhood education and the many benefits of doing so.

The resource will prove invaluable to early childhood centres looking to take a journey towards a sustainable future. It will provide centres with a guide to extend ideas on what is possible and steps to enable them to create an environment that contributes to the well being of their own patch, the wider community and the world. The DVD can be purchased directly from the kindergarten or the Head Office of the Auckland Kindergarten Association. PN ST JAMES KINDERGARTEN, 25 Home Street T: 09 378 6941 www.aka.org.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION

LOCAL STUDENT WINS RECYCLING PRIZE When recycling body CANZBAC set New Zealand’s primary schools the challenge of coming up with creative ways to promote recycling, Ponsonby Primary student Toby Aspden’s vision of a recycling superhero was just the ticket to winning the national competition.

Aspden drew a picture of CANZBAC’s steel and aluminium can recycling mascot “Hanable the Canable” as part of the organisation’s schools competition and won a Flip Mino HD camera for his class and a “Hanable the Canable” clock and T-shirt for himself.

“The competition has been a great way to teach students about the importance of recycling in a fun and imaginative way. We’ve had so much positive feedback about the competition from schools along with lots of entries,” says Paul Curtis, Executive Director for the Packaging Council.

Barbara Henderson, Director of Gifted and Talented Learning at Ponsonby Primary, says the competition was very timely for the class.

“Toby and his fellow students in our gifted and talented learning programme were learning about recycling in our community at the time of the competition. Toby was overwhelmed with his win and the students are now looking forward to using their new Flip camera,” says Henderson.

The competition follows on from the highly successful Hanable the Canable Monster Making competition and is being judged at three levels: years 4-6, years 7-10 and years 1-3. While the younger group have been asked to create a picture, the older children must write an outline of a story that could become a television adventure about a day in the life of Hanable the Canable. PN

WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD OFFICE OPENS FOR BUSINESS The Waitemata Local Board Office opened its doors late last year.

Your seven local board representatives have set-up shop and have started meeting with community groups and council staff. The board is fortunate to have a full-time administrator to help with the day-to-day running of the office.

The local board office is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm and is located on level 2 of the Council’s Service Centre on Graham Street. Feel free to drop by for a coffee.

Consultation on our draft Local Board Plan for the 2011/12 financial year will start soon.

This will provide an overview of how the board will work with the community to leverage our $43 million budget to provide local government services in our area. Services like parks, libraries and events. This includes more than four hundred thousand dollars of community grant funding that community groups can apply for later in the year.

You are warmly invited to attend our next meeting: 8 February – Grey Lynn Community Centre 8 March – Waitemata LB office 12 April – Jubilee Hall Parnell 10 May – Grey Lynn Community Centre 14 June – Waitemata LB Office 12 July – Jubilee Hall Parnell 9 August – Grey Lynn Community Centre 13 September – Waitemata LB Office 11 October – Jubilee Hall Parnell 8 November – Grey Lynn Community Centre 13 December – Waitemata LB Office PN If you would like to place an item on our agenda, please contact the Council on T: 09 301 0101 or send me an email rob@robthomas.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS WHO IS FATHER RABBIT? Father Rabbit Limited is a brand new online store offering everyday product for your home; simple items, with a no fuss aesthetic, a muted colour palette and the philosophy of Father Rabbit is behind every selection.

He irons his pillowcases, prefers the cold side of the pillow, suggests if you are going to do it, do it properly or not at all, is practical, prefers you finish what you started, likes his crème brulee unadulterated, tucks his sheets in with hospital corners, prefers fresh and smelling of lavender, is meticulous in the laundry, is disciplined and discerning, is unfussy but not necessary plain and he uses a top sheet.

Father Rabbit is pedantic, particular, stern and slightly narrow-minded. His life is clockwork and perfection. Some people might call him neurotic.

Father Rabbit Limited selects, curates, and recommends to customers aspiring to do things just right, and right the first time. Father Rabbit gives his approval, his stamp on everyday product suitable for the kitchen, the bottom drawer, the bathroom, the linen cupboard to the laundry, the bedroom, the wardrobe, the study, the garden to the shed and even product for the little baby rabbits in your life.

Working from their Grey Lynn villa, Claudia Zinzan and Nick Hutchinson run around after Father Rabbit and their life is a constant battle to keep the house clean and the garden maintained. Father Rabbit Limited represents what they aspire to achieve in their everyday lives.

Visit the website www.fatherrabbit.com for your household essentials, gifts and storage solutions. Or to make an appointment call T: 09 360 2573 PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS LEADING HOSPITALITY HOT-SPOTS SUPPORT CHARITY AUCTION FOR GUIDE DOG SERVICES Two of our community’s leading hospitality hot-spots – Sale St and Chapel Bar & Bistro – have thrown their support behind what is shaping up to be one of the biggest and cutest on-line charity auctions ever seen in New Zealand.

The two high profile eating and drinking destinations have generously donated highlyprized auction items to the Every Dog Has Its Day online auction - raising money for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s Guide Dog Services.

The online auction launches later this month on 22 February – with some 2000 items up for sale in an ambitious bid to raise $500,000, and has been organised by leading real estate agency Bayleys. Bayleys is the principal sponsor of the RNZFB’s Guide Dog Services.

The massive auction goes live through the on-line auction website sella.co.nz on 22 February, and aims to challenge the previous record for such a fundraising activity – the Team New Zealand America’s Cup fundraiser hosted by Trade Me in 2002.

That auction was also organised by Bayleys.

Among the thousands of items being posted on the Every Dog Has Its Day auction are sensational food and beverage entertainment packages at both Sale St and Chapel Bar & Bistro – a $250 voucher for food and beverage from Chapel Bar & Bistro, AND a five-course degustation dinner for four people at Dallow’s restaurant in Sale St, including wine matched to each course…valued at $600.

The sensational Sale St and Chapel Bar and Bistro hospitality packages will feature alongside auction items such as domestic holiday and leisure packages, sporting goods and memorabilia, electrical and household appliances, artworks, fashion clothing and apparel, and entertainment attraction passes – all sourced from throughout New Zealand.

LUKE DALLOW outside CHAPEL BAR

Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind chief executive Sandra Budd says the auction will be a wonderful opportunity to raise essential funds for the Guide Dog Services programme through the expected tens of thousands of bids.

“Thanks to the incredible work of Bayleys staff and the generosity of individuals, businesses and organisations throughout the country for donating items, the auction is shaping up to be an exciting event – with many great bargains and sought after items on offer,” says Ms Budd.

Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley said Bayleys staff had been working tirelessly on the ambitious fundraising campaign for the past four months – motivated by the desire to support Guide Dog Services and simultaneously be part of the biggest and cutest on-line auction ever coordinated in New Zealand. “We founded the execution of this project on the adage that if a job’s worth doing then it’s worth doing well… in all respects,” Mike Bayley said.

“And with such an outstanding cause to benefit from the proceeds, it was easy to motivate not only our staff, but also to persuade hundreds of small businesses and individuals throughout New Zealand to contribute a huge array of auction items.”

Charismatic Sale St and Chapel owner Luke Dallow said he was proud to be supporting such a worthwhile charity, and hoped the thousands of Ponsonby locals and bar regulars would get into the spirit of bidding on the Every Dog Has Its Day online auction.

“The recession last year made fundraising tough for a number of charities, who continued delivering outstanding commitment to their members,” Luke said.

“With Sale St and Chapel offering these food and beverage packages on the Every Dog Has Its Day online auction, I’m confident that not only will these items raise funds for an incredibly worthwhile and instantly recognisable charity, but they will also allow the successful bidders to relax and enjoy some much deserved hospitality. “It’s the least we can do,” he added. PN

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DENISE CLEVERLEY

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

ORGANIC BUG BUSTING It’s about this time of year the garden comes alive with exploding populations of creepy-crawlies, sucking and chewing on our most cherished plants. Aphids and passion vine hoppers are two of the worst in the vege patch. And if you delve beneath the top layers of foliage amongst your ornamentals, inspecting the stems and leaf sheaths of some plants, you’re bound to find scale insect and mealy bug. Mites and thrips also become apparent about now.

Finely mottled yellowing foliage is a tell-tale sign of mites and silvering foliage with tiny black dots on the back indicates the presence of thrips.

TO SPRAY OR NOT TO SPRAY? Spraying doesn’t have to include toxic chemicals. Yates ‘Nature’s Way’ range and Kiwi Care’s organic range are good organic solutions. Tui Eco-Pest controls several of the worst pests and will not harm beneficial insects. Homemade organic pesticides can be made from chilli, garlic or rhubarb, but must be used with caution (chilli can burn your skin and rhubarb leaves are toxic to humans as well as insects). Spraying oil is an excellent organic remedy for scale insect, mealy bug and thrips, but don’t spray it on palms. Target only those plants with bad infestations to avoid killing off beneficial insects, which help us by gobbling up insect pests. Spray in the evening when bees and other beneficial insects are less active. And don’t waste your coffee grounds! Spread them around plants that slugs and snails like to devour to repel these ravenous critters.

STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY Just like humans, if plants are kept fit and healthy, they will be less susceptible to attack by disease (and in the case of plants, insects as well). Composting a couple of times a year not only fortifies the soil and improves soil structure, but eventually breaks down to provide nutrient for plants. Chemical fertilisers are shunned by organic gardeners in favour of animal manures. However sheep pellets might be a better solution for small city gardens! Regular liquid feeding over summer with seaweed or fish fertiliser will also help maintain plant health. If you have a really precious plant that is looking worse for wear, try Nature’s Curator – apparently it works wonders. Lastly, keep the garden well watered. Water stress will quickly see the demise of a plant followed by attack on all fronts from pests and disease.

FEATHERED FRIENDS Birds make for good entertainment in the garden are great allies in the fight against insect pests. Encourage them with a bird bath filled with fresh water daily, small wild areas to scratch about in, plenty of safe shelter and nesting spots, plus nectar and berry plants for food.

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MARIGOLDS and ALYSSUM are excellent companion plants COMPANION PLANTING Most organic gardeners swear by companion planting and history tells us that it does actually work – in most cases for reasons yet to be discovered. Here’re a few examples: strong smelling parsley masks the smell of carrots, thus repelling carrot rust fly; nasturtiums are used as a ‘trap crop’ to draw pests away from desirable plants (plant with beans to attract black aphids or apple trees to attract woolly aphids); and plant cottage garden flowers to attract beneficial insects, which feed on pests. One companion planting method that is scientifically proven is that of marigolds. They release the chemical thiopene, which is an excellent nematode repellent – now you know why you see them in organic vege patches! (DENISE CLEVERLEY) PN www.tullyandgardener.co.nz

FIVE GARDEN CHORES FOR FEBRUARY: 1. Fertilise roses, azaleas and camellias 2. Trim wayward growth on climbers 3. Check the entire garden for insect pests and disease 4. Sow primulas for winter colour 5. Kids: sow mesclun mix for your sandwiches

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THE BOYS’ BOOK CLUB WHAT WE’RE READING Books us blokes on the Ponsonby News team are reading, or have recently enjoyed. We LOVE reading in the bath, or in bed.

A real stress buster!

MARTIN LEACH ‘THE ZEROES: MY MISADVENTURES IN THE DECADE WALL STREET WENT INSANE’

by Randall Lane (Scribe – Penguin) Back in the UK in the 90s, I published a business magazine ‘Enterprise’, its strapline ‘For Entrepreneurs’ attracted the great and the good. As well as publishing 12 issues per year, we also ran Masterclasses with well known successful entrepreneurs talking to aspiring youngsters about what they’d done right... and often what they’d done wrong.

After several years we also started to produce the UK’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs list. Its publication offered my business the opportunity to run an annual dinner to celebrate all these high profile business leaders had achieved.

Over the years we had people like James Dyson, Richard Branson, Terence Conran and Anita Roddick join us for the night. The one thing that struck me about most of them was how modest and understated they were. Unlike their peers in North America!

Randall Lane was never a Wall Street power broker. But during those 10 years the Zeroes, he started a small magazine business that put him in the middle of the biggest boom in history. Almost by accident, a man who drove a beat-up Subaru and lived in a rented, no lift apartment became the go-to guy for big shots with nine-figure incomes.

Like my magazine Enterprise, Lane’s saga began with a simple idea: a glossy magazine exclusively for and about traders, which would treat them like rock stars and entice them to splurge on luxury goods. Trader Monthly was an instant hit around the world. Wall Streeters loved the spotlight, and advertisers like Gulfstream, Maybach, and Bulgari loved the marketing opportunity.

To accelerate the buzz, Lane’s staff threw parties featuring celebrities, premium steaks, cigars, and top-shelf vodka. Nothing was too expensive or too outrageous.

Private jets in Napa Valley. Casino nights in London. And $1,000-a- seat boxing matches in New York, where traders from Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns pounded each other in front of tuxedoed throngs.

When the crash of 2008 hit, Lane’s company and life savings were destroyed along with the high-flying traders and dealmakers his magazines exalted. But Lane walked away with something more lasting: an incredible true story, told by a skilled writer and reporter who sat squarely in the middle of one of the critical periods in modern financial and cultural history.

People will turn to The Zeroes for many years to come, to find out what the era was really like.

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‘THE NETWORK’ by Jason Elliot (Tantor Media) This intriguing first novel takes another look at the world of espionage in Afghanistan. A travel writer with firsthand knowledge of the area, Elliot effectively combines action and landscape in a thriller set prior to 9/11. Anthony Taverner, a recent recruit to MI6, the British Secret Service, is sent to Afghanistan to destroy several Stinger missiles before alQaeda can get its hands on them. With the help of a veteran and friend, Taverner undergoes extensive training to prepare himself for the deadly mission and the forbidding terrain. He quickly learns that the success of the mission will depend on cunning as well as conditioning: secrets abound in the spy world, and nothing is what it seems. The Afghan setting is vividly rendered, but the slow pace of the story will make it a hard sell for readers expecting something in the Vince Flynn or Brad Thor vein. For those wanting a realistic look behind the news, however, Elliot delivers the goods.

JAY PLATT ‘MARY ANN IN AUTUMN’ by Armistead Maupin (Transworld - Random House) This book at first was a gentle reminder of when I first read the ‘Tales of The City’ series. Which for me was in the 80’s and the characters were interesting and exciting and the stories described in vivid detail a chunk of San Francisco that I wanted to be part of. I eventually got the chance to live in San Francisco but it didn’t live up to the expectations that I had built up.

The book features many familiar characters from the series. However, they do feel different, almost sadder in a way. Unhappy with the way the world has changed and they have not, as well as a few new ones and it does go a long way at resolving some of the story lines that remained open-ended or incomplete from before. If you are familiar with the books then you will enjoy this, if not then I suggest you read the whole series right from the beginning.

‘BORN BRILLIANT; THE LIFE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS’ The Authorised Biography by Christopher Stevens (John Murray Publishers and Hatchette UK) A dear friend who knows that I am a huge Kenneth Williams fan searched high and low for this book when he first heard of its release in New Zealand. And I am truly grateful for my copy. ‘Born Brilliant’ is a remarkable history lesson of one of our finest comedy talents. Kenneth Williams was a troubled soul who took his craft very seriously indeed, however he was typecast for most of his life and this book chronicles every inch of his astonishing life. Probably most remembered for his various roles in 26 of the ‘Carry on’ films as well as hundreds of television and radio appearances in the UK in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Christopher Stevens has managed to get complete access to archives from close friends of Kenneth’s that have never been seen before.

Letters to friends and colleagues that portray a man deeply troubled and divided within himself. Kenneth was a brilliant man but he was also his own worst enemy.

An excellent book and I thoroughly recommend it.

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REAL ESTATE EXPERT

ASK JOHN.WILLS@CUSTOMRESIDENTIAL.CO.NZ Each month John Wills answers readers’ real estate related issues.

Q: A:

I’ve been keeping an eye on the newspapers and following the property market as best I can. I want to move but am very reluctant to put my house on the market, I’m not too sure if the timing is right or not.

Any advice?

That’s a very good question and statistical information on sales volume (from 2010) would suggest that you are not the only one thinking along these lines and acting with caution.

Listing and Sales numbers were incredibly low last year and nobody really knows if this will free up in 2011. In a lot of ways, if you are a seller, you don’t really want listings to free up because if the shortage of supply to the market continues, there will be more focus on your property when it enters the market. Last year, supply and demand was heavily in favour of the seller, and thus, quite frustrating for the buyers who generally had to push hard for a set of keys in our area.

Your next question would be: “Are buyers still around?” and the answer is an emphatic YES. Our team has been reporting serious buyer enquiry from mid January onwards and our first open homes on the 22 to 23 January had a huge response (despite the weather bomb which hit on the Sunday). I can assure you that there is still monumental interest in this prime city fringe location and while listings are light, big opportunities exist for vendors to maximise price. Buyers still buy for ‘life’ reasons. They need somewhere to live that suits their changing needs.

MY FAVOURITE ROOM - TONY MILICH, SABATINI Tony Milich is Managing Director of New Zealand fashion brand Sabatini, which he started in 1991. He and his parents immigrated from Croatia to New Zealand in 1953, and some three years later they started Sabatini’s parent company, Sonny Elegant Knitwear.

Tony has lived in and out of the greater Ponsonby area most of his life and is now settled in Herne Bay.

As an overview, yes, signals are that any global recovery will be slow but within that, people are still getting on with it. At the end of the day, the most important timing is your timing. When is the right time for you. If that time happens to be in the first quarter of this year, early indications are that listing levels will be low and your property (without knowing its specific details) will enjoy very solid demand if it’s situated in the wider Ponsonby area.

Thank you for your question and all the best with your sales process. PN www.customresidential.co.nz

“I have been a long term resident of the Ponsonby area. My first home was in Sarsfield Street, I then lived in Hamilton Road, and am presently in Clifton Road, Herne Bay, with my wife Sheryl and dog Gracie.

“My favourite room in my house is the lounge, which extends into the atrium. I use this room so often, for so many things! Reading, listening to music, entertaining friends, and eating, as it also includes the dining room.

“The lounge is my favourite room because it is a very creative room. There are a lot of things in it that are very special to me. Some of my favourites are a walking stick which belonged to my great- great-grandfather, an art deco marble lamp, shells from our favourite beach in Pakiri, books, art, music, my favourite wines, the fireplace in winter, all the things that make life worthwhile.

“The lounge also has a great view out to the pool and garden area where I spend most of my summer days, it is a very central part of the house!” PN

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KYM AIKIN AND TRISH LAFFERTY

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Damerell Earwaker Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2088) TRICIA LAFFERTY AND KYM AIKIN have worked as partners in Real Estate for several years now, and 2011 finds them delightedly ensconced at Ray White Ponsonby. Trish and Kym say the diversity of their personalities works well for buyers and sellers, and add “we are extremely passionate about everything we do in life and we believe this makes an enormous difference to the results we achieve for our clients. Our success in real estate has been a combination of sheer determination, working hard for our clients by building trust, and making the process fun.”

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? (Kym) Freemans Bay (Trish) Westmere

WHERE DO YOU SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS? (Kym) In the South Island in winter for skiing (my preferred time of year)...

(Trish) Anywhere near the water, I am a water sign so I feel most at home when I am close to it.

YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU...

(Kym) I am kind and generous. That she is inspired and proud of what I have achieved in life by meeting challenges head on with determination, and that she loves me.

(Trish) I was hugely loving and at times too sensitive for my own good.

YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU...

(Trish) I rang my best friend Deirdre who has known me for 20 years and she said I was kind, generous, witty, and wise.

VIRTUES? (Kym) I am determined, witty, trustworthy, kind and very up front.

(Trish) I am honest, extremely loyal, and believe in respect on all levels.

VICES? (Kym) I’m an indulgent Taurean – shopping, gorgeous food and wine.

(Trish) Working long hours and not always having enough balance.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET PASSION? (Trish) My classic cars are my passion. I have had my MGB63 for twenty years, he is my boy.

WHAT’S YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? (Kym) Identifying music and the artist. Cooking. I am told that a social calendar is cleared if I invite someone to a dinner party…

(Trish) Dancing. People only get to see it outside of open homes!

HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT? (Kym) By pounding the streets of Ponsonby, a membership at Les Mills which these days seems to be more of a donation, and yoga.

WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? (Kym) A musician and singer.

(Trish) I wanted to be an actor.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A REAL ESTATE AGENT? (Kym) Having had a wonderfully exciting career in the rag trade I decided it was time for a change and a very dear friend suggested I would be great at Real Estate. It felt like a natural progression as many of the skills I had acquired in other roles were the perfect fit. To have control over my destiny was very appealing, and I knew I had the drive and desire to make an impact in the industry.

(Trish) I woke up one day and realised I was not passionate about my career anymore.

Someone asked me what I liked doing and what were my hobbies, I replied “going to open homes”. I guess the rest is history. I can honestly say that after 13 years in real estate I am as passionate as the day I started.

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IF YOU WEREN’T A REAL ESTATE AGENT YOU’D BE? (Kym) A travel scout.

(Trish) A film director.

FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? (Kym) There are many great cafes to choose from but I love Bambina for their dedication to great service and good food, plus Zus & Zo - a breath of fresh air.

FAVORITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? (Trish) Prego, Ponsonby Bistro and SPQR. FAVOURITE PONSONBY STORE? (Kym)...I am mad about art and design and frequent Askew.

FAVORITE PONSONBY FASHION LABELS? (Kym) Workshop and Zambesi.

YOUR BEST KEPT PONSONBY SECRET? (Kym) Nagin Rupa Ayurvedic Health to keep me balanced and well.

(Trish) There are no secrets in Ponsonby, it’s a small village.

WHAT’S INSPIRED YOU RECENTLY? (Kym) Robin Sharma - Leadership Wisdom.

YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISTRACTIONS: (Trish) Snorkling. The beauty and silence of the sea.

WHAT WEBSITES DO YOU BOOKMARK? (Kym) Trademe, Google, arts and travel sites, wotif.com, Runaway now, Tablet hotels, channel4.com/food, strawberry.net.

ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE IS? (Kym) Never give up. Do everything with passion and make the most of every day.

Use sunscreen!

YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME SELLERS? (Trish) Choose an agent you trust and like with a proven track record. Research them by going to their open homes and ask people you know about their experiences with agents they have worked with. Interview them and ensure they have the ability to close and get the best possible result for you.

YOUR ADVICE TO PONSONBY HOME BUYERS? (Kym) Align yourself with an agent you trust and get on their preferential database to be updated with properties before they come to the market. Provide a concise list of your buying needs and budget as this will save a lot of time and stress. Keep close to your favorite agent then when you find the home you love – buy it. PN

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS TOP PERFORMING REALTOR JOINS LJ HOOKER PONSONBY Bryan Richardson has been recently appointed as Business Development Manager at Ponsonby Estate Agents (trading as LJ Hooker, Ponsonby) Bryan has over 30 years experience in the industry. He first entered real estate with Belton’s (now Ray White) in 1979 in their Newmarket office. He specialised in selling top end residential real estate around Remuera, where $200,000 bought you a mansion in Victoria Avenue. At the time, Ponsonby villas and cottages were being snapped up for $10,000, or even less.

Bryan was appointed Belton’s Regional Manager, with responsibilities for 12 offices in 1982 and in 1987 he was appointed Manager of Belton’s Auction Division, which was established by Ross Foreman, the founder of Auctions in the country after he went to Australia to learn from the experts. In 1987, as the share market crashed, Bryan oversaw the running of over 3,500 auctions within five years. This success really put the auction business on the map in this country.

It also led to Bryan being appointed Residential Sales Manager with Bayleys Real Estate in 1992 and he quickly took on the role of building up their Project Marketing Department throughout Auckland. Selling apartments ‘off the plan’ was becoming big business back then. The launch of the Quay West Apartment block for example saw $74million worth of sales within 72 hours! That was $1million an hour and they were the talk of the town. It was not unusual to have 40 sales done on the sales board after a busy weekend. Times have certainly changed since then.

In 1998 Bryan purchased the Bayleys Newmarket office and three years later opened Bayleys Mt Eden with a lifetime friend and fellow successful agent/auctioneer, Ross Foreman. Both these two offices were considered to be the market leaders in the top end real estate in Auckland. In 2005 Bayleys bought the two offices back and they stepped down from the day to day business and became industry consultants.

“Bryan’s vast industry knowledge and experience will be a huge benefit to our Ponsonby office,” says Franchise owner Steven Glucina. “Bryan’s new role is to focus on growing and developing the sales team from the top performers of the market and to train new people who are looking to come into the industry. Hookers offer the best training systems, especially for agents wanting to learn the correct systems and procedures. It is regarded as a top performing brand, especially in Australia. The L J Hooker in Double Bay, Sydney, is Australia’s most successful real estate business.

They recently achieved Australia’s highest price ever paid for a home on Sydney’s harbour at AUD$70 million.”

LJ Hooker is an international company with over 700 offices in eight countries. It was purchased back, just over 12 months ago by the founder’s grandson, L. Janusz (known as LJ) Hooker, from the Insurance giant Suncorp Insurance. It is currently the fastest growing real estate business in Australasia. It also recently acquired the Harvey’s Franchise Group and has now got almost 100 offices within New Zealand making it the third largest group in the country. It’s a truly family run business which believes selling property is not always about houses ...it’s about people. PN L J HOOKER, 190 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 7530 www.ljhooker.com/emag/1658

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

Before and after – one of the many projects successfully completed by PROSPECS Building and Renovating Specialists

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BUILDER? When asked, the Managing Director of Prospecs (Building) Ltd, Graham Coppock recommends that “when choosing a builder, you need to be able to trust your builder implicitly and know that he has your best interests at heart. This is normally your largest asset, not to mention your home; you need to be completely comfortable with whoever you choose.”

Some recommended considerations when choosing your main contractor.

TRUST: You need to be able to trust your builder, at Prospecs they understand that they have an integral role to play in your life while you renovate your home, their work is 100% guaranteed therefore complete client satisfaction is considered paramount.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: You need to be confident that your project is being managed efficiently and that the work is carried out on time, is within budget and to the required standards. Communication is crucial when managing any project and at Prospecs they are committed to providing an all round exceptional service.

REFERENCES: You need to make sure that the builder has a good reputation and communicates well with their clients; ask for and check references from recent jobs.

CONTRACT: A comprehensive contract is essential; most importantly this provides clarity of expectation for both parties, it also provides peace of mind that the work will be carried out to the required building standard by qualified, experienced tradesmen both on time and within the budget agreed to. PN PROSPECS (Building) LTD, PROPERTY ENHANCEMENT SPECIALISTS, T: 09 950 3813, M. 021 895 099 www.prospecs.co.nz

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to take better care of “ my health. My Mum’s not been well and it has reminded me how important it is take care of your self for the long term.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is at this time “ of year I love the casualness of the cafes and less traffic to contend with. But as regards Ponsonby all year round – I love the way it has become even more of a community - like a village, and it’s great to be a part of it.

BRYCE EARWAKER – RAY WHITE PONSONBY

”

“

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to schedule time out rather than just letting it happen. The focus is to prepare the time out in advance so that I can make the most of it. My Retreat of choice is Waiheke Island.

“

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is that despite all the ‘trendy places to be seen’ there are ‘little green spots’ you can go to be on your own. It’s the little parks like Tole Reserve and Wellpark Reserve that provide this quiet space.

I also love the mix of heritage with the modern twist.

KEITH DOWDLE - CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL

”

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS NEW APPOINTMENT AT RAY WHITE PONSONBY

HOT PROPERTY RENTALS

Gower Buchanan has joined Ray White Ponsonby as the new Growth and Development Manager. Gower has relocated from Christchurch where he sold real estate for four years, completed a law degree, attained the status of licensed agent and associate membership of the real estate institute of New Zealand (AREINZ) and sat on a number of service and commercial advisory boards in the city.

WESTMERE $2,000 pw – On the water, stunning sea-views from every room, spacious living area, designer kitchen with walk in pantry. Three double bedrooms, two bathrooms.

Gas fire and heat-pump. Huge north facing decks. Double garage with internal access.

Viewing by appointment. Phone Cath Williams M: 027 272 2136

In his newly created position, Gower will be working with current and new Ray White Ponsonby salespeople, in assisting more Greater Ponsonby buyers and sellers than ever before to move into the next chapter of their lives.

Having settled into the job in late November, Gower has especially enjoyed the warmer climes, the lack of major/minor earth movements, Landreth & Co’s coffee, and becoming acquainted with the exceptional Ray White Ponsonby team. In particular he identifies with the strong community values the team is known for. He looks forward to becoming a ‘local’ and working to ensure that Ray White Ponsonby continues to provide the highest in professional real estate services across Greater Ponsonby. PN

PONSONBY APARTMENT $750 pw – Spacious modern apartment above shop on Ponsonby Road. Very sunny with stunning city views. Three double bedrooms, master with walk in wardrobe, ensuite and deck. One car park in secure garage beneath.

Phone Phillipa Gordon M: 027 474 6507 PONSONBY – 150 sqm apartment that is zoned commercial so could use as office space or live and work from. One off street car park. Phone Phillipa Gordon M: 027 474 6507 GREY LYNN $520 pw – Refurbished terraced townhouse. Two double bedrooms, one bathroom. Spacious, sunny open plan living, dining area with balcony on two sides. New carpet, paint and bathroom. Richmond Road. Phone Phillipa Gordon M: 027 474 6507

RAY WHITE PONSONBY, 259 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 2186 www.rwponsonby.co.nz

“

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS... are to spend some more time surfing and to update my first aid kit and knowledge. (I had to reset my own nose on Great Barrier at Christmas).

“

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is that it is such a vibrant community and whilst it is always changing it still retains a sense of being a village somehow with the community spirit that entails.

TANYA CARLSON - CARLSON

”

108 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

GET YOUR ARTWORK OR PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE PONSONBY NEWS FRONT COVER! This September marks the start of the Rugby World Cup and we are offering any creative reader the opportunity to submit their design as a digital file for our use. Your cover design for our September issue must include Rugby and Ponsonby as its theme.

Our Judges (Martin Leach, Deborah White and Viv Rosenberg) will decide whose work will be published. There is a $500 cach prize and some fashion, beauty, hotel, spa, cafe/restaurant vouchers as additional prizes for highly commended work.

Entries close 13 August 2011. The winner will be notified by email by 20 August.

NB: Any other files other than PDF submitted will be disqualified. The judges decision is final and no correspondance will be entered into. info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH February 2011 PONSONBY NEWS+

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KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND INTERIOR DESIGN ASK ROB@BUILDSPACE.CO.NZ

Q: A:

We’re planning to renovate our bathroom, can you advise us on products or fittings we should use to help save power and water?

There are a number of simple, practical ways to reduce water and power or gas consumption. Keeping showers short, insulating your hot water cylinder and pipes and ensuring the thermostat on your hot water cylinder is set to the right temperature will all help conserve water and reduce hot water energy costs. When choosing fittings for your bathroom, the New Zealand Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) lets you compare the water efficiency of different products using a star rating scheme. The WELS label shows a star rating indicating relative water efficiency, and a water consumption or water flow figure which shows litres per minute (for showers and taps), litres per wash (for washing machines and dishwashers) and litres per flush (for toilets) which provides a simple way to compare the efficiency of products. The most important element to consider in terms of water and energy conservation in your bathroom is your choice of shower. By using a more water-efficient product you can make significant savings on water and energy costs and help the environment, without sacrificing the quality of your shower.

Results will vary based on the water flow rate to your property and whether you have a mains pressure or low pressure hot water system and it’s easy to change or remove the flow restrictors on Methven showerheads so you can adjust the flow rate to your liking.

Methven’s Satinjet technology is available in a range of fittings from multi head shower systems to wall mounted showers and slide showers. It‘s easy to upgrade your bathroom with a Satinjet shower even if you’re not renovating because the fittings on most of the showerheads are universal which means you can replace your existing showerhead without the need for a plumber. If you have a low pressure hot water system, installing a Satinjet showerhead can improve the quality of your shower experience and Satinjet showerheads will work best with Methven’s Fastflow shower mixers which offer the best possible shower experience with a low pressure hot water system. For more information visit www.methven.com or contact us to discuss options for your home. PN BUILDSPACE KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS – Design Build Install T: 0800 455 556 info@buildspace.co.nz www.buildspace.co.nz

Methven’s award winning Satinjet showerheads use a special jet design to create a unique shower spray which lets you enjoy an invigorating shower while using significantly less water. Unlike a conventional showerhead which sprays single, narrow jets of water, Methven’s Satinjet showerheads use twin jets of water which are angled to converge on each other creating a unique spray pattern which is gentle on the skin while still offering a refreshing shower experience. Methven’s Satinjet technology allows you to shower at a lower water flow rate without compromising on quality so you’ll enjoy a great shower safe in the knowledge you’re conserving water and saving on your hot water bill.

A conventional shower head with a mains pressure hot water system will run at around 20 litres per minute, so a family of five each taking a 10 minute shower each day is using up to 1000 litres of water per day. Installing a Methven Satinjet showerhead with a 14 litre per minute flow restrictor could reduce water consumption by up to 30%, which means a saving of up to 27% on your hot water energy costs. Better still, by fitting a 9 litre per minute flow restrictor you could reduce water consumption by up to 55%, with a saving of up to 49% on the cost of hot water used in your shower.

110 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is get fit and to always “ remember to be kind.

“

I LOVE PONSONBY... because I’ve worked here for over 20 years (in the same block for more than 15 of them).

I love the community spirit here and everyone looks after each other - particularly those in the same strip. And it never gets boring.

JO PEARSON - MEI MEI

”

WANT TO ADVERTISE HERE? CALL JO BARRETT: T: 09 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

112 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS FIND YOUR OWN SLICE OF HEAVEN AT ZOO MUSIC THE 2011 WILD BEAN CAFE ZOO MUSIC SERIES WILL KICK OFF WITH DAVE Dobbyn’s return to the Auckland Zoo Band Rotunda on Friday, 21 January from 6pm.

“I love playing at the Zoo, there’s an extra dimension to performing knowing there’s a man-eating cat nearby. I find it reassuring – in a faux gung-ho way,” says Mr Dobbyn.

2011 marks the Zoo’s eighth ‘concerts for conservation’ series, which showcases the best Kiwi musical talent on offer at one of Auckland’s most unique venues.

A great day and night out – a Zoo Music ticket is also entry to the Zoo on concert day, so music lovers can come early and re-connect with the Zoo at their leisure.

National treasure Dave Dobbyn is well-known for his catchy singles that have helped to define New Zealand’s popular culture over the decades, and he will be bringing all of his memorable songs to Auckland Zoo.

Wild Bean Cafe Zoo Music 2011 is supported by The Radio Network, Juice TV, iSite Media, Brancott Estate, DB Breweries and The Quadrant Hotel Auckland. Tickets are available from Ticketek. PN

Dobbyn will be joined by the Artisan Guns’ distinctive folk sound; and the mix of heartfelt acoustic, country, rock and folk music that is familiar to fans of Lindon Puffin.

Visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz for full Wild Bean Cafe Zoo Music details.

Revenue from the series will go back into supporting the Zoo’s conservation work, both here in New Zealand and overseas, says Auckland Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken.

“Summer is an especially busy time of year for our NZ Fauna team at the Zoo, as it’s our breed-for-release season for a number of native species, including the Northern tuatara.

“We are part of Headstart – a Department of Conservation programme, where we breed and rear tuatara on-site before releasing them back into the wild off the Coromandel peninsula when they are big enough to survive on their own.

“And the Zoo also provides support further afield for conservation programmes including Cheetah Outreach, which helps to find ways to reduce human-animal conflict between cheetah and farmers.

“As well as giving music lovers five great evenings of entertainment, these Zoo Music concerts play an important role in supporting the Zoo in its day-to-day work, advocating, caring for, and conserving wildlife,” says Mr Wilcken.

Dave Dobbyn is thrilled to be making his return to Zoo Music for the third time.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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GOT A LEGAL QUESTION?

ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ Email michael@metrolaw.co.nz with your question, and put ‘Ponsonby News’ in the subject line. Michael, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I understand that the government is changing the LAQC structure. What are these changes and how will this affect the distribution of company losses to personal tax, and/or the eventual distribution of dividends.

What new legal structures are being proposed and what financial and legal changes needs to be considered before March this year?

A:

There are a number of changes and a lot of information for property investors to absorb before they can make a decision on the best way forward. The key characteristics of LAQCs (Loss Attributing Qualifying Companies) that made them attractive to property investors were: • they allowed capital gains to flow to shareholders tax free by way of dividend; and • losses could be attributed to shareholders on the basis of their shareholding which could be offset against other income often resulting in a tax refund.

The key change is that from 1 April 2011 LAQCs will no longer be able to attribute losses to shareholders, they will become plain QCs. However, there is also a review planned for the dividend rules of closely held companies which could affect the ability to distribute capital gains. It is unfortunate that this has not been clarified in time for people to choose the best way forward.

A new tax entity has been created; the look-through company (LTC). This allows losses to be passed on to shareholders like a loss attributing company. However, the removal of depreciation on buildings means that the losses from rental property investment will be reduced. This is particularly significant as depreciation often created a paper loss when the rental property investment was more balanced from a cashflow perspective.

The transitional provisions of the new legislation allow a number of different options and give some tax relief for changes made within the transitional period. In summary the options are: 1. Do nothing. The LAQC will just become a QC without the ability to attribute losses.

2. Elect for the LAQC to become a LTC. 3. Elect for the LAQC to transition to a sole trader, partnership or limited partnership structure.

4. Revoke LAQC status and operate as an ordinary company.

114 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2011

TOBIAS COLE (Xerxes) and TIFFANY SPEIGHT (Romilda) decked out in their TRELISE COOPER costumes In the transitional period from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2013 the elective changes can be made with some tax relief. However, the election must be notified to the IRD within six months from the beginning of that tax year. Property investors should seek early advice from their accountants and their solicitors to ensure that they make the right decisions at the right time. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) METROLAW, Level 2, 36 Williamson Avenue T: 09 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz Disclaimer - This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PLAYING AT THE EDGE - CIVIC THEATRE XERXES Wednesday, 2, Friday, 18, Saturday, 19 March Operatic opulence – from Trelise Cooper costumes to authentic period orchestra Prada, Armani, Lacroix, Gaultier, Versace, Dior, Chanel – many of the world’s leading designers have put their creativity to work on costumes for opera, ballet and theatre. So it was only a matter of time before New Zealand designer Trelise Cooper did likewise.

In March, The NBR New Zealand Opera’s production of Handel’s Xerxes sees Trelise Cooper move from the catwalk to the opera stage. Trelise, who openly admits to loving the theatre of fashion, has also always loved opera, so designing opera costumes was a natural progression. “Xerxes has all the drama, romance, intrigue, intense love and yearning passion that makes great opera, so designing the costumes has been heaven for me,” she says. After it was decided to home in on the baroque period in which Xerxes was written, rather than the ancient times (400BC) of the titular king, Trelise was given unlimited freedom to go either modern or period.

“I chose to combine the two,” she says, “so there’s a contemporary feel to the garments even though their style is 18th century. What I love most about this collection is that I’ve been able to do embellishment full-on and combine that with beautiful clear colours in garments that have a bold and playful sense of theatre about them.”

General Director of The NBR New Zealand Opera, Aidan Lang, concurs: “There’s a real theatricality to Trelise’s fashion collections,” he says. “In a sense, her style and the way she uses fabric and colour is ‘operatic’, and this has definitely shone through in her Xerxes costumes. She’s created a multi-coloured opulence that contrasts perfectly with the light palette of designer John Verryt’s beautiful set.”

The richness of this production doesn’t end with the costumes and set. Lang says that Handel was one of the truly great opera composers of all time. “The music of Xerxes is full of gorgeous melodies, including one of opera’s most beautiful and recognisable arias, the famous Largo,” he says.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

“This is sublime music, with an exciting, clean, early music sound, and we’re thrilled that Wolfgang Katschner and his superb period orchestra, the Lautten Compagney, are coming to New Zealand from Berlin especially to accompany Xerxes. What you’ll hear is exactly what Handel intended when he wrote the opera 300 years ago.”

Lang adds: “We also have a world-class director in Australian Roger Hodgman.

Roger has pulled everything together seamlessly to create a production that, as the first professional, fully staged Handel opera that has ever been presented to New Zealand audiences, will be long remembered. Roger brings out the best in singers and we’ve secured some of the best for this opera.” In the core principal roles Australians Tobias Cole (counter tenor) and Tiffany Speight (soprano) sing Xerxes and Romilda. English counter tenor William Purefoy takes the role of Arsamene, and Australian soprano Amy Wilkinson is Atalanta. Returning from overseas are New Zealanders Kristen Darragh (mezzo soprano) and Martin Snell (bass) to sing Amastre and Ariodate respectively, and Australian bass Stephen Bennett is Elviro.

Xerxes is a co-production between The NBR New Zealand Opera and Victorian Opera in Melbourne, in association with Auckland Arts Festival. It is sung in Italian with English surtitles and opens at The Civic in Auckland on Wednesday 2 March and at the St James in Wellington on Tuesday 15 March.

“Xerxes is witty comedy combined with deliciously beautiful music performed in the most sumptuous costumes. This production is one of the best ads for opera that I know.” – Tobias Cole, who sings the role of Xerxes Tickets: $49.50 to $187.50. Concessions available for benefactors, senior citizens, students and group bookings. Service fees apply.

Bookings: The NBR NZ Opera Box Office, Tel (09) 379 4068 or (04) 499 8343, or The Edge, Tel 0800 BUYTICKETS (0800 289 842) or www.the-edge.co.nz PN Further information: www.nzopera.com

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

ANIMALOSOPHY: DR MEGAN ALDERSON We all suffer end-of-year burn out and Sydney and I were no exception. Exhausted after a huge inaugural year, it was time to recharge our leaky batteries, pack up the car and head south. Approaching our final destination we sucked in the sweet perfume of burnt pine on lupin and finally relaxed back into the leash-free Labrador country of Central Otago’s mountains, lakes and rivers.

Every year Kiwi’s head ‘home’ to recapture the energy of good times past. Like the birds, bees and salmon we are lured back to a place of familiarity and comfort to reverse the ravages a busy year leaves on our depleted body and minds. Could this poorly understood homing instinct be considered an evolutionary necessity for the continued survival of the time-poor money-hungry human race?

How do the animals we live among mysteriously find their way home without the aid of road maps or GPS? For birds and bees, navigating by the sun, stars, or moon appears to be the way to go. For salmon the smell of their home waters is definitely the key attraction. The legendary homing pigeon is thought to have olfactory navigation allowing them to follow an ‘atmospheric odour map’ or, alternatively, use a ‘map and compass’ method based on the location of the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field in order to find their way to comfy home loft.

That infuriating cat that keeps walking back to your old place is thought to have magnetoception equipment located in their brain. This acts like a tiny compass guiding them back to previously conquered territory. After all the time and effort spent securing their range, negotiating access and spraying rights with neighbours and generally getting on top of all things feline they simply cannot understand the reason behind changing location on a human whim.

Do we share our fellow felines amazing direction-finding abilities? Researchers aren’t so sure. So far, studies haven’t turned up any magnetized cells in our brains but this doesn’t stop us navigating the way to our ‘happy place’ for soul replenishment as often as we can. For more on the complexities of our fur and feather covered friends listen to RadioLive’s Pet Show on Wednesday 3-4pm-we love talking about all things animal. (DR MEGAN ALDERSON) PN THE STRAND VETERINARIAN, 114 The Strand T: 09 377 6667 www.thestrandvet.co.nz

YOUR DOG MAY BE DYING FROM THE HEAT Summer means jandal weather, holiday weather, barbeque weather, beach weather and park weather. Unfortunately, summer also means hot dog weather for the SPCA. Every year, too many dogs suffer needlessly in hot cars while their owners stop in at the shops. On a hot day the inside of a car heats up very quickly, a potentially life-threatening situation for any dog inside. Even with the windows slightly open, a car parked in the shade on a 30°C day will heat up to 39°C in 10 minutes. In 30 minutes, the temperature will hit 49°C, and on hotter days it will go even higher.

Locked in a hot car, a dog can only withstand temperatures of over 40°C for a very short amount of time before suffering irreparable brain damage – or even death. A dog cannot sweat like humans can, and is only able to cool itself down by panting. Dogs also need access to plenty of water and cool, fresh air in order to fully moderate their body temperature.

Already this summer, a number of dogs have died or suffered severe and debilitating heat stress through being left in hot cars. The SPCA is hopeful that by highlighting the danger of hot cars, this number does not continue to increase over the remaining summer months. “Our summer temperatures can be merciless, and overheating causes appalling suffering and can lead to an equally appalling death,” says Royal New Zealand SPCA National Chief Inspector, Charles Cadwallader.

“There are many reasons why you might take your dog in the car with you – you may think that you’re doing him a favour, giving him company. But the moment you step out of that car, leaving your pet at the mercy of the elements, you risk losing more than just your best mate. In such cases the SPCA will prosecute where appropriate and this may lead to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to a fine not exceeding $75,000, or to both. Our message is clear – leave him at home, or take him with you when you get out, but don’t leave him shut in the car, even on a cloudy day and with the windows open.”

If you see a dog in distress locked in a hot car, please call your local SPCA immediately, or dial 111. First aid for a dog suffering from heat exhaustion is to immerse it in cold water until its body temperature is lowered. PN For details of your local SPCA, please visit www.rnzspca.org.nz.

DON’T MISS OUR NEXT PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE… PUBLISHED: Friday, 4 March | COPY DEADLINE: Sunday, 20 February (PLEASE BE ON TIME, AS ANY COPY RECEIVED AFTER DEADLINE WILL INCUR A 20% PENALTY)

SPECIAL FEATURES:

VIVA ITALIA + KINGSLAND + FASHION: SHOES + SOCIAL MEDIA IN GREATER PONSONBY

ADVERTISERS:

FOR ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Jo Barrett on T: 361 3356 M: 021 324 510 E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz W: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

GUARANTEED OR REQUESTED POSITIONS IN PONSONBY NEWS CARRY A 20% OF RATE CARD PREMIUM

BINOO – A FASHIONABLE LOCAL! OUR BEAUTY EDITOR HELENE RAVLICH was so excited to have a new addition to her family. His name is Binoo, named after the French cartoon “Toopy et Binoo” – and he’s her son Wolf’s new best friend.

“Binoo is a malamute/sharpei/staffy cross... so your guess is good as mine what on earth he’s going to look like when he’s fully grown!” she told us.

“He’s been with us since the New Year and is already doing well at Puppy PreSchool, as well as being quite tolerant of his Magnum PI-style Hawaiian shirt bought for him by his uncle, World menswear designer Benny Castles.” PN

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX

LONELY GIRL SEEKING HER PURRFECT MATCH ARE YOU READY TO FEEL LOVED UP THIS VALENTINE’S WEEKEND? THE Auckland SPCA would love to introduce you to a couple of lonely souls falling over themselves to nuzzle their way into your heart.

The SPCA and Hill’s Pet Nutrition will be celebrating their annual Second Chance for Love adopt-a-thon on the 12th and 13th February in SPCA centres nationwide. Hill’s Pet Nutrition is the exclusive feeding sponsor to the SPCA, providing premium nutrition for every animal in every SPCA centre as they await their special someone.

Second Chance for Love is a great community day out, and a fantastic opportunity to meet the hardworking Cupids at your local SPCA and learn more about the amazing job they do. You can spend time getting to know the animals in the centre, until you find your soul mate – or they find you! Visit your local SPCA during the Second Chance for Love adopt-a-thon and be in to win spot prizes and giveaways of Hill’s pet food. If you’re lucky enough to fall in love and adopt your new family member, enter the draw to win a year’s supply of Hill’s Science Diet™ pet food by visiting the website at www.secondchanceforlove.co.nz and sharing your adoption story.

The annual adopt-a-thon has been a success in previous years, with the 2010 event seeing nearly 30 SPCA centres participating, and over 500 lucky animals finding their forever homes. This year, 34 SPCA’s will play match-maker, with the aim of finding loving homes for even more animals.

If you aren’t bitten by the love-bug this time around, you can still visit the website to make a donation, and vote for your favourite SPCA – the centre with the most votes will win a $1,000 donation from Hill’s.

Join in the fun at your local SPCA this Valentine’s Weekend; you may just meet the love of your life. PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. e-mail yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz

Q: A:

Sadly, two of my lovely guinea pigs have died recently. Both of them had large amounts of hair loss and scratching, they had skin sores and were losing weight, and now my other two guinea pigs are showing the same symptoms. Is there anything I can do? Jane, Pt Chevalier By far the most likely cause is a mange mite infection, Trixacarus cavioptes caviae. While it’s unusual for death to occur from mites, it can certainly happen once these little guys get really stressed about their deteriorating, raw skin.

Healthy guinea pigs can carry low numbers of these microscopic burrowing parasites with no clinical signs until other stressors kick in and drop their immune system down and the mites start to multiply. For this reason it’s important to try to identify and reduce other stressors.

The mites do not live in the environment (unlike some avian mites) so treating all the guinea pigs simultaneously will wipe them out. The most effective treatment is actually off-label use of Ivomec Oral Sheep Drench, carefully dispensed from your vet.

This is repeated in 10 days, three to four times, to ensure all juvenile stages are wiped out. This drench can knock the guinea pigs around (not surprisingly) so we often try products like Revolution or Advocate first (also off label but much milder and safer), at similar 10 day intervals and reach for the Ivomec if we are not getting good results.

Once they are treated and feeling less sore, your guinea pigs should start to put on weight again. (DR ALEX MELROSE, BVSC MRCVS) PN VETCARE GREY LYNN, 408 Great North Road T: 09 361 3500 www.vetcare.net.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE REACH FOR THE STARS “Catch a Falling Star and put it in your Pocket” - no “Catch a Shining Star” and send it on its way to gainful employment.

Elizabeth Skeen’s Talent agency in Ponsonby, IBrand has all the hallmarks of success.

An actor herself, one who has had major roles in Shortland Street, Whale Rider, Xena,Street Legal,The Adventures of Johnny Lingo and other theatre projects over the years, she has plenty of insight as to how the industry works. She dropped out of the limelight because of family commitments but now has popped up behind the scenes with her own agency.

How come this change of direction? Well a couple of aspiring actor friends came to her for advice on what avenues they should go down to get auditioned. She helped them then ping, a light bulb went on in her head and she decided to set up in business.

That was in October 2009 and a year later she has about 260 hopefuls on her books.

Elizabeth believes the reason her venture has grown so fast is because even though a commercial enterprise is completely out of the norm for her and was a huge risk, she’s an actor and she knows how to walk the talk.

Now she is involved again in the industry she loves with people like herself, and helping them get jobs is such fun. The word ‘clients’ doesn’t apply; they’ve become a family.

She feels their pain when they miss out and when they do succeed she is overjoyed.

At the beginning of her new venture she had a business mentor because, she needed help to become au fait with finances, taxes, GST and so on but now has an accountant to look after the admin because the business has grown so rapidly. She also employs a senior to handle bookings and is looking at employing a junior as well.

Elizabeth doesn’t think the term ‘agent’ is applicable to the way she works. She sees herself as a mentor or even a manager. To start with most of her clients were actors, then there are people who have done background work and want to progress further.

The third group are people who want to be actors but haven’t made it as yet and need guidance. She never turns them away but directs them towards the right sort of training courses. Some untried actors may have natural talent and others will do better at auditions as a result of training.

Elizabeth herself enjoyed a golden ride to success as an actor. At sixteen Maisie Bestall-Cohen discovered her and by happenstance Shortland Street needed a Polynesian actor. She was one of the first brown faces on TV and even made the cover of Womans Day. Now she’s having success placing people, several on television commercials already.

“I can’t go out and buy a yacht yet but I see the potential after breaking into a very competitive market quite quickly”. It seems Elizabeth already has that shining star in her pocket but I don’t think she’ll be needing it for a rainy day.

IBRAND MANAGEMENT, 12 McKelvie Street T: 09 360 0854 or M: 021 840 040 E: liz@ibrandpeople.co.nz (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

“

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is I resolved not to make one because I never keep them.

“

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is the eclectic mix.

I love the way it looks - the architecture and the leafy streets and the character. I love the rich diversity of the people –different ethnicities/philosophies/modes of dressing - such a mixture! A rich soup!

SUSAN DUCKWORTH - VANILLA INK

”

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT MASTERWORKS GALLERY 10 February – 2 March Preview: Wednesday 9 February from 5.30pm STEPHEN BRADBOURNE - COALESCE

SHOWING AT MONTEREY ART GALLERY TOM FOLWELL 10 February – 3 March Opening: 10 February, 6pm.

Monterey Art Gallery is proud to present an exclusive exhibition of Tom Folwell’s most recent, highly sought after works.

Sydney born, Tom Folwell has lived and worked in Australia, New Zealand and France across the span of his professional career. Folwell’s exceptional talent earned him acceptance into Elam School of Fine Art at the age of 15 – at the time the youngest artist ever accepted. His mentors during his studies here included Garth Tapper and Louise Henderson.

Tom’s unique style has been in development for 50 years. He states, “I like to draw a viewer into the painting initially with obviously the subject choice, but also through light and shade that create atmosphere – using the finest detail as a bonus to explore at closer observation.”

T.J. Mc Namara, NZ Herald Art Critic commented on Folwell’s ‘virtuoso skill’ in rendering meticulous detail, giving real interest to many facets of life. PN MONTEREY ART GALLERY, 5 Cook Street, Howick T: 09 532 9022 www.montereyartgallery.co.nz

Auckland glass artist Stephen Bradbourne pushes the parameters of his practice.

For this new series, Stephen uses Incalmo and Murrine blown glass techniques in exceptionally detailed sculptural and vessel work. Expect to see a uniquely fresh approach to these traditional Italian techniques.

THINKSPACE - THINKTANK, A EUROPEAN INITIATIVE FOR THE APPLIED ARTS Once every year, the town of Gmuden, Austria, becomes a meeting place for ten of Europe’s’ highly regarded Applied Arts Academics and Curators. Their brief is to respond to the need to “encourage engaged discourse of the rapidly changing identity of the applied arts”.

Each year has a different theme, to which each member brings along a written essay and two curated works. New Zealand writer and curator Moyra Elliott was invited to sit in on these gatherings in 2010. The THINKspace will document Moyra’s Thinktank experience and launch the Thinktank publications in New Zealand. PN MASTERWORKS GALLERY, 77 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 1256 www.masterworksgallery.com

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARTS + CULTURE FRIENDS OF THE ART GALLERY The Friends is one of the oldest cultural support organisations in Auckland and is incorporated to assist and promote understanding of art and an appreciation of our Gallery.

Since 1954 it has gifted over ninety works of art to the Gallery including works by Frances Hodgkins, Rita Angus, Peter Siddell, Colin McCahon, Tony Fomison, Bill Hammond and many others too numerous to list in this writeup. Donations received go towards an acquisition fund used to buy works and nowadays it’s the Director of the Gallery who chooses them. The Friends also encourage the involvement of young people in the arts, particularly through the annual Pat Hanly awards for secondary school students in the Auckland region.

In preparation for the opening of the renovated Gallery the Friends hope to expand membership which will raise additional funds and further increase support for the Gallery. Twelve very hard-working committee members facilitate a range of activities.

The programme includes visits to galleries, curator talks, curatorial tours, opportunities to meet artists, and exclusive showings of exhibitions and private collections. For example they organised a recent coach trip to Terry Stringer’s place near Warkworth and have arranged a private viewing for members at a forthcoming Te Papa exhibition of German Impressionists. Members may also choose to contribute practical assistance by helping in the library, the members lounge, with catering, hosting events, or secretarial work, in fact there’s all sorts of things to get involved in.

New president, Lois Calvert is intent on attracting a younger group to join because the old guard have been on the committee for some time and fresh blood is needed.

Not necessarily to be on the committee but to also broaden the demographic of The Friends. She views Ponsonby as the ideal area to canvass because it’s close to the Gallery and maybe has people with young families who don’t work full-time and might become motivated to join and enjoy the events The Friends have to offer. The Friends also intend to arrange evening lectures for those who work to attend.

Currently The Friends membership numbers are about 750 but the Gallery would like it to be thousands which is an indication their work is much valued. The annual subscription is a mere $40 and with it goes a small concession on purchases from the Gallery shop.

SHOWING AT WHITESPACE SAM FOLEY - MORETON BAY FIG AUCKLAND DOMAIN 15 February - 15 March Sam Foley’s stunning landscapes celebrate nature but also encourage us to consider feelings of solitude, discovery and nostalgia in our urban environment.

This new series of paintings are studies of the Auckland Domain and are on display at Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz PN

Lois lived in the country before re-locating to Auckland where she didn’t know a soul.

Now she has a large social network simply by becoming involved with The Friends.

Any new members will be welcomed cordially and someone on the committee team will make a point of introducing them to others and make sure their first visit is an enjoyable experience. Should this spiel spark your interest, the Friends brochure can be picked up at your local library or at the Gallery. Just fill in the joining details and post it off or email galleryfriends@aucklandcity.govt.nz Yours truly has joined after my stimulating meeting with Lois Calvert and graphic designer Marion Bawdon and wow, if I introduce two new members I’m entitled to one year’s free subscription. Should I be successful in this endeavour I’d waive the generous concession because who on earth would be so miserly as to claim it? You never know! There’s a lot of cash strapped people out there in the present recession climate and joining The Friends is no big deal financially and the rewards of involvement are far, far greater than the tiny investment. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) PN

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ARTS + CULTURE NAME A PIECE OF ART COMPETITION THE GREY LYNN COMMUNITY LIBRARY IS RUNNING A COMPETITION LATER THIS month from 7 February to 1 March to name a piece of art that has been created by the Youthtown Art Programme for display at the Library.

The winner will be announced at the official naming launch event on Friday, 11 March at the Grey Lynn Community Library which will feature entertainment by local children and musicians.

The prize is one term of art classes run by the Youthtown Art Programme, along with a $25 voucher from Studio Art Supplies and a $25 book voucher from the Grey Lynn Community Library. Entry forms will be available from 7 February at the Grey Lynn Community Library, Auckland Youthtown offices and online at www.youthtown.org.nz and www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz.

The competition is open to school-aged children, between five and 18 years of age.

Youthtown is a not-for-profit organisation designed to provide young people with opportunities for great physical, social and creative experiences.

To learn more about Youthtown and its programmes visit www.youthtown.org.nz.

EARTH MOVES FOR PONSONBY WRITER The earth literally moved for Ponsonby writer Caroline Lark, when her play about multiple sexual relationships, Eros, was interrupted by the Christchurch earthquake.

Caroline’s play was having its world premier run at the Court theatre, when the earthquake threatened to bring the house down. The ceiling collapsed in the props room and the walls cracked in places. ‘We missed a couple of performances,’ said Caroline, ‘but the show must go on!’

Caroline, a winner of the Quote Unquote Fiction Award, is teaching an Introduction to Creative Writing course at the Creative Hub, Auckland’s new waterfront writing centre on Princes Wharf.

SHOWING AT EL FRAMO LINESCAPE – PAUL MCKENNA Until 31 March LINESCAPE FEATURES NEW WORK BY IRISH ARTIST PAUL MCKENNA, WHO IS exhibiting in New Zealand for the first time. Paul studied at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London, and has been a practicing artist and printmaker for the last decade. He has exhibited in both the UK and Ireland.

The course begins on February 17 at 6pm, runs for eight weeks and covers the basic techniques professional writers use to get their work to publishable standard, such as plot, dialogue, character, point of view, and scene structure.

It also covers poetry.

Debuting in New Zealand, this exhibition shows some paintings, and a series of Giclee prints which are presented in a series of fluid and exciting line drawings. The prints are box mounted. Paul draws his inspiration from his everyday surroundings. He has lived locally for the past twelve months, and works in a range of media, but is lately concentrating on painting.

It is designed for people who have never taken a creative writing course and would like to explore their voice. It is co-taught by John Cranna, director of the Creative Hub, and a winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best First book, and New Zealand Book Award for Fiction.

El Framo is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, and Saturdays 10am to 2pm and welcomes all Ponsonby News readers back to work with this new exhibition and some great new products. PN

Also beginning this summer is a 30-week Advanced Fiction course beginning 2 March, which features workshops from leading writers such as Tessa Duder, Roger Hall, Sarah Laing, Tina Shaw and Judith White. Students also get to work with top fiction publishers and book publicists, and have their work played on JAM radio, Auckland’s leading arts web-station.

EL FRAMO 16 Pollen Street, T: 09 378 6774 www.elframo.co.nz

Beginning 23 March, is an innovative Story Telling at the Digital Frontier course, which runs for ten weeks, and is taught by former Shortland Street screen-writer Edwin McRae. This course covers short film writing, TV commercials, webisodes and other digital story forms.

‘Since we launched the Creative Hub a year ago,’ said John Cranna, ‘we have been delighted by the diversity and range of people who have taken our courses. Our students are from every walk of life. We have a hands on, down to earth approach, where students read out their work in a supportive atmosphere, and we employ Auckland’s top novelists to teach our courses.’

Those interested can visit www.thecreativehub.net.nz and book online. PN

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ARTS + CULTURE STUDIO CONNECTIONS - WAIHEKE ART EXPERIENCES Last December Martin Leach and I took the ferry across to Waiheke to join the HALF DAY Waiheke ART Experience with Anna Mayne, owner and operator of Studio Connections; the recently opened art venue on Oneroa’s main road.

We met and viewed the works of four high calibre local artists in their home studios.

SATELLITE GALLERY TAKES ON A NEW LIFE In 2011 Satellite Gallery has become home to the Vernacular Lounge, an intimate living room where the influences that shape New Zealand’s distinctive cultural identity as defined by its art, architecture, literature, film and other cultural forms, are discussed, debated, explored and celebrated.

The ‘lounge’, while not peculiar to New Zealand, is traditionally and typically the social hub of the New Zealand home and it is in this spirit and form that the Vernacular Lounge will host and initiate presentations, exhibitions, happenings, recitals, screenings, concerts and performances that explore and develop our cultural vernacular. It is a living community space in which to also acknowledge and celebrate those Cultural Icons who have significantly contributed to and who enliven and enrich this vernacular.

THE VERNACULAR LOUNGE HAS A GROWING PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FOR 2011 THE FIRST OF WHICH IS: ROBYN GIBSON RESIDENCY 5 January – 15 February RESIDENCY OPEN DAYS AND EXHIBITED WORKS 11am - 4pm Wednesdays and Thursdays or by appointment

Abstract painter, Gabriella Lewenz, works from her large studio overlooking stunning coastal views. She explained that these views are her inspiration. Her works are strong and vibrant, reminiscent of the primal forces of earth, sea and sky.

Jeweller Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler, creates pieces that are personally handmade, no two pieces are the same. She acquires all the metals in their raw form and using traditional tools, Christine crafts each piece with acute attention to detail.

Artist and figurative bronze sculptor Olivier Duhamel, draws the human form using graphite on paper and makes amazingly realistic custom life castings; his foremost inspiration is the female nude. Oliver casts his bronze himself from his Waiheke studio.

When you step into kauri and Oamaru stone sculptor, John Freeman’s studio you sense the spirit and presence of ancient kauri from which he sculpts elegant yet powerful works of art. John’s deep respect for nature is reflected in every one of his works.

The Waiheke ART Experiences options also include the FULL DAY Waiheke ART Experience encapsulating the four local artists and O’Connell Sculpture Park and the THREE HOUR Stone Carving Experience where people can make their own sculpture using Oamaru Stone. (JO BARRETT) For further information please visit: www.studioconnections.co.nz and for bookings call Anna on M: 027 752 1021.

Evening viewing 5.30pm, 15 February ESTABLISHED VISUAL ARTIST ROBYN GIBSON HAS ACCEPTED A SIX WEEK residency at The Vernacular Lounge. During the residency the public are invited to visit Robyn to discuss and view her work.

With the opportunity presented by this residency Robyn’s aim is to produce three soft sculpture works consisting mainly of second-hand materials such as fabric and newspaper. These works are representational play things on a life size scale, they can be manipulated and pushed to indicate a game but also have a more sombre definition.

Other works will utilise the space using objects, air and expanding plastic.

Robyn will also be working on drawings and paintings. PN www.satellitegallery.co.nz

GET YOUR ARTWORK OR PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE PONSONBY NEWS FRONT COVER!

Abstract painter, GABRIELLA LEWENZ in her home studio with the stunning coastal views (below)

This September marks the start of the Rugby World Cup and we are offering any creative reader the opportunity to submit their design as a digital file for our use. Your cover design for our September issue must include Rugby and Ponsonby as its theme.

Our Judges (Martin Leach, Deborah White and Viv Rosenberg) will decide whose work will be published. There is a $500 cach prize and some fashion, beauty, hotel, spa, cafe/restaurant vouchers as additional prizes for highly commended work.

Entries close 13 August 2011. The winner will be notified by email by 20 August.

NB: Any other files other than PDF submitted will be disqualified. The judges decision is final and no correspondance will be entered into. info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to keep my stomach “ and eating under control and not allow it to rule my life, trusting my gut feeling to know what is best for me.

WHAT I DON’T LOVE ABOUT SOME PARTS OF “ PONSONBY... is the litter that people seem to just throw in the street. What I do love about Ponsonby though is the friendliness and character, you can be anybody you want to be and people around here are so accepting. I also love the green spaces nestled amongst the villas, like Tole Reserve and others.

JAY PLATT – DEPUTY EDITOR PONSONBY NEWS

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Jeweller CHRISTINE HAFERMALZ-WHEELER

HEADLAND SCULPTURE ON THE GULF 2011 COMES ALIVE ON WAIHEKE ISLAND headland Sculpture on the Gulf Waiheke Island 2011, New Zealand’s leading outdoor sculpture event goes from 28 January to 20 February 2011 with artist talks held on Sundays during that time.

Located along 2.5 kilometres of coastal walkway on Waiheke Island, the exhibition of large scale contemporary sculpture has a backdrop of the spectacular views over the gulf and islands, sea and sky.

International artists have been selected to exhibit for the first time. Look for artworks by Marcus Tatton from Tasmania and Marcel Grosse from Germany and selected New Zealand artists include Virginia King, Phil Price and Gregor Kregar.

Artist and figurative bronze sculptor OLIVIER DUHAMEL

The artists work in iconic materials such as Jeff Thomson’s corrugated iron and other artists will reveal unique kiwi themes. headland 2011 includes a unique interplay with the sea and coast and several works are actually installed in the water.

“The selected works are critiqued by the headland 2011 selector’s panel of three.

Set in a beautiful location the artist engages with a dynamic site, visitors and the forces of nature. We focus on artistic excellence and works that engage with the site and contemporary practice in exciting and rigorous ways,” says James McCarthy, selector, headland 2011.

The walk starts at Matiatia. A shuttle hop-on and hop-off bus connects from the finish to nearby vineyards, the Waiheke Community Art Gallery in Oneroa and the ferry terminal. Walk the sculpture walkway then explore Waiheke Island’s galleries, seaside cafes and villages. PN For more information and maps go to www.sculptureonthegulf.co.nz

Kauri and Oamaru stone sculptor, JOHN FREEMAN

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SCREENING AT RIALTO ONE-OFF NZSO CONCERT A SYMPHONIC ODYSSEY FILM FANS, SCI-FI FREAKS AND CLASSICAL MUSIC BUFFS WILL BE QUEUING around the block for the one-off NZSO concert A Symphonic Odyssey – an orchestral homage to Stanley Kubrick’s cult movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. Experience the soundtrack brought to life when NZSO performs the thrilling masterpieces you’ll recognise from the film, including signature works by Ligeti, Johann and Richard Strauss.

Meanwhile the NZSO combines with the singers of the V8 vocal ensemble for a stunning finale, performing Luciano Berio’s outrageous Sinfonia – one of the most important avant-garde works of the 20th century, featuring sung, spoken and shouted words by Gustav Mahler, Samuel Beckett and Martin Luther King.

Led by well-loved NZSO Music Director Emeritus James Judd, A Symphonic Odyssey will push the audience across a new artistic frontier! PN Don’t miss this one-night-only concert at 8pm on Saturday 12 March at the Auckland Town Hall, presented in association with the Auckland Arts Festival. Tickets from THE EDGE on 0800 289 842 or www.buytickets.co.nz

LOVE BIRDS STARRING: Rhys Darby, Sally Hawkins, Emily Barclay, Craig Hall SEASON STARTS: 24 February DIRECTOR: Paul Murphy LOVE BIRDS, STARRING ACCLAIMED GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD-WINING BRITISH actress Sally Hawkins and internationally popular comedian, broadcaster and actor Rhys Darby - is a charming, bitter-sweet romantic comedy about what it is to have friends and find true love.

The happy and predictable life of Doug (Darby) - a road working ‘every-man’ and massive fan of the legendary band Queen - falls to pieces when his long-term girlfriend suddenly dumps him. He’s gutted. But when an injured Paradise Shelduck crashlands on his roof, Doug is compelled to nurse the duck back to health. He meets Holly (Hawkins) - a sassy animal specialist - and so begins his journey on the rocky road to love... PN RIALTO CINEMAS, 167 – 169 Broadway T: 09 369 2417 www.rialto.co.nz

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to be more energised, “ and more productive again. Re-instilling 6am and mid-week walks, that sort of thing.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is there is always “ something to do, eat or buy, whether I am broke or flush.

Broke - go to the Grey Lynn toddler’s pool, browse the hospice shop, eat at our home in its beautiful leafy street or split a sensational curry from Navas. Flush - shop the boutiques, get a massage, nails done, salon blow dry, eat at SPQR or Sidart, have a drink at Golden Dawn (apparently it’s the new haute spot!)

JULIE ROULSTON – FASHION EDITOR PONSONBY NEWS

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THE TELECOM TREE ‘SWITCH-ON’ PARTY, LONGROOM, PONSONBY SATURDAY, 27 NOVEMBER

1. Alan Gourdie and Jessica Moloney; 2. Viv and Brian Rosenberg; 3. Simon Coley and Jodi Redden; 4. Nikki Kaye and Jan Klee; 5. Michael Horton, Louise Mason and Rosie Horton.

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PONSONBY MARKET DAY SATURDAY, 4 DECEMBER

6. St Mary’s College Junior Chamber Orchestra and Junior Brass Group; 8. DJ, Richard Crafter; 10. DJ Murray Sweatpants; 11. African Drummers Zoh Zoh; 12. Darryl Menzies, Karen Munroe and Luella Menzies; 13. Fairy Sunshine and Santa; 14. Merete Molving – Shellshock; 15. Rick and Shavvah – Texas Radio; 16. Dianne Lawson and Caroline Everitt - Devonport Chocolates; 17. Lucy Mc Cammon, Victoria Hollings and Fran Gowar; 18. Monica and Ainsleigh Dunford from Allpress; 19. Ute Bohlert and Lucia Rindermann

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PONSONBY MARKET DAY SATURDAY, 4 DECEMBER

20. Tess Berry, Carol Green and Jarod Barrington; 21. Miho Maeda, Mayuko Ishikura and Joe Unhimine – Pure Massage; 22. The Greater Auckland Chorus; 23. Benny Castles and Tim Morris – WORLD.

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OUT + ABOUT DOCUMENTARY EDGE FESTIVAL 2011 – NEW ZEALAND DOCUMENTARIES Each year, the calibre of New Zealand Documentaries has become stronger and stronger. From once almost minnows to the international selection the festival presented, the boom of the Kiwidoco is well and truly underway, as Documentary Edge 2011 brings some of the best Aotearoa has to offer, and well and truly on par with the rest of the world.

Festival favourite Justin Pemberton (The Nuclear Comeback) returns this year with the intricate coming-of-age tale Is She or Isn’t He? Another piece of work guaranteed to elicit debate after its screening; the film follows someone on the run from his identity and discusses how New Zealanders define their sex and sexuality… and how they deal with people seeking transgender operations.

Donated to Science follows the lives (or more accurately after-lives) of those who have donated their bodies to Otago Medical School for aspiring medical students to dissect. One of the highest rated documentaries screened on New Zealand television, directors were allowed full access to follow the donors and students through the entire process – with an incredibly emotional pay off at the end.

A tragic yet ultimately inspiring movie, The Jade Bell Story follows Jade, a blind, mute and immobile young man who survived a near-lethal injection of heroin and cocaine.

Today, Jade will do anything to get his old life back and by fighting his own war against drug addiction among youth, he believes it just might happen.

48hour film veteran Luke Wheeler teams up with co-director Peter Simpson to premiere their piece as a continuation from the Spotlight: Humour programme in 2009.

Stand Up explores the world and the business of being a stand up comedian in New Zealand – even more poignant given how New Zealand comedy has become one of the countries newest important exports.

I Am the River explores the fallout from a rare insight into 19th century NZ history. A chance discovery provided a link between Maori in the present with tupuna (ancestors) in the past, which then provoked a storm of public protest and continues to raise questions of ownership that divide our cultures.

Dan Salmon takes us on a “trip” back to 1970’s New Zealand with the fascinating and funny Dirty Bloody Hippies – showing us the colourful and exciting times in the epicentres of Kiwi hippy culture; the Coromandel Peninsula and the Golden Bay. The New Zealand selection also includes three shorts: Cameron Betts’ acclaimed Hiding Behind the Green Screen, following four men trying to break their addiction to marijuana through their love of music, Lest We Forget featuring New Zealander’s telling their Holocaust stories and Landscapes at the Worlds Ends, a non-verbal visual journey to the polar regions of our planet through a triptych montage of photography and video.

For more on the films on show at next year’s festival, visit www.documentaryedge.org.nz

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to take time out to go “ away for a weekend every two to three months, get out of the city and reconnect with my spiritual and creative side.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT PONSONBY... is the diversity of “ our community. It has an energy about it that you don’t find anywhere else in Auckland. I love it that people here dare to be different. There’s barely a day goes by when you don’t run into someone you know on the footpath along Ponsonby Road - we do take the time to chat.

JO BARRETT – ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER PONSONBY NEWS

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PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS PONSONBY NEWS is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January. Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets. The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

GREY LYNN:

NEWTON:

FREEMANS BAY:

Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Sliced, 104 Richmond Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

Benediction Café, 30 St Benedicts Street Design 55, 55 Upper Queen Street

Glengarry, Cnr Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 1 Cascade Street New World, Victoria Park Rhubarb Outlet Store 11 Drake Street Sale St, 7 Sale Street

HERNE BAY: Five Loaves & 2 Fish, 206 Jervois Road Helen Talbot, 2A Kelmarna Avenue Icing on the Cake 188 Jervois Road

WESTMERE: Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

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PONSONBY: Artstation, 1 Ponsonby Road Barfoot & Thompson, 184 Ponsonby Road Chapel Bar, 147 Ponsonby Road Fitness Trainer, 36 Jervois Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Spa Ayurda, 213 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road World, 97 Ponsonby Road

PARNELL: Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Cresent Essenze, 285 Parnell Road Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

MT EDEN: Planet Ayurveda, 578 Mt Eden Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road

KINGSLAND:

NEWMARKET:

Atomic, 420c New North Road Native Agent, 507 New North Road Tabou, 462 New North Road

Studio Italia, 96 Carlton Gore Road Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

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LOCAL SERVICES

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