PONSONBY NEWS - MARCH'13

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MARCH 2013 |

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16,987 COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN… ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COXS BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES IN HIGH STREET, READERS PER MONTH DEADLINENEWMARKET, – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+ The WorldMedia) Belongs to the Dissatisfied CHANCERY, CBD, KINGSLAND, MT EDEN, NEWTON AND PARNELL (Nielsen

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH 128

022 Above left: GRACE WYATT’S autograph book from 1911 - P22; Above right: It was a stunning day for the AUCKLAND PRIDE PARADE - Saturday 15 February - P128

006 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 007 FROM THE EDITOR 008 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

010 SHALE CHAMBERS:

WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD

012 PIPPA COOM: GREY LYNN 2030 013 K’ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 018 NIKKI KAYE, AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP 024 JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

028 JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAPBOX

031 VIVA ITALIA 040 JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 044 EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY 046 LAURAINE JACOBS 052 FASHION + STYLE 060 ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE 062 PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

065 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 068 LANI LOPEZ – HEALTHY LIVING 075 HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

080 FUTURE GENERATION 087 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 090 STREET NAMES 098 FIONA HILL: THE PONSONBY GARDENER 110 SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY 118 PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS 120 ARTS + CULTURE 128 AUCKLAND PRIDE PARADE 130 PONSONBY PINK PAGES COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael McClintock

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED, 11/386 RICHMOND ROAD, GREY LYNN POSTAL: P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. www.ponsonbynews.co.nz T: 09 378 8553 or 09 361 3356 Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher & Ad Manager Deputy Editor Operations Manager Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing 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 GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: ponsonbynews@xtra.co.nz JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz DEIRDRE TOHILL; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir@xtra.co.nz PROUDLY PRINTED JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz

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

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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 and 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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LETTERS + EMAILS

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

PRAISE FOR GREY LYNN BUTCHERS I just wanted to congratulate you on a great February issue. I was very pleased to see an article on our Grey Lynn Butchers. I have been using them for the past 18 months and have found them excellent to deal with and even though the Westmere Butcher is virtually over the road from me they do not compare with the quality and service that Lucia and Eddie provide. It just goes to show what a well run business can achieve.

I would rather get in the car and drive (albeit five minutes) to Grey Lynn, than walk over the road, to get a smile and good produce. GARY EVANS, Westmere WEST LYNN STREET PARTY I’ve just been told that the Grey Lynn Business Association has made a late decision last month to announce the West Lynn street party to acknowledge Neighbours’ Day (23-24 March). It’s to be held on Thursday 21 March (4pm - 8pm) and features live music, street food and local art and craft. The shops in this part of Richmond Road will also be open late. It should be fun all round. MAUREEN JENKINS, Grey Lynn RECYCLING PONSONBY NEWS Every month when I finish reading my Ponsonby News, it breaks my heart to have to put it in the recycle bin! I can’t bring myself to throw this beautiful magazine away, so I take it to my gym or the doctor’s surgery up the road – just in case they don’t have a copy.

Is there anywhere else that I (and other environmentally conscious Ponsonberians) can take their Ponsonby News so it can be read by others? I heard you often run out of copies each month and it’s such a shame to have others miss out! Keep up the good work. KAREN MORTON, Herne Bay FROM THE EDITOR We appreciate your concerns. Why not drop your copy off in one of our stands at Barfoot & Thomson, in either Ponsonby Road or Great North Road? PN

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Views in Ponsonby News reflect the author’s, and not those of Alchemy Media.

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THE RETURN OF BHANA BROTHERS’ BEAUTIFUL WINDOW Anyone who lives or works in Ponsonby – or has EVER lived or worked in Ponsonby - knows the legendary Bhana Brothers on Ponsonby Road. It’s been a fixture since 1940, and is still family-run with Arvind and Pravin Bhana at the helm.

I’ve stopped in there for everything from beautiful organic and conventionally grown produce to free range eggs, fresh herbs and hard-to-find spices, as well as to quite literally luxuriate in the 15 to 20 varieties of flowers that are for sale there every day along with greenery and imported tropical flowers and ferns.

To say Bhana Brothers is an essential part of your average Ponsonby shopping outing would be a vast understatement, as the store has become a serious part of the strip’s heritage.

With that in mind, it was wonderful to see the return recently of the iconic ‘Bhana Bros’ stained glass window to the front of the store after it was removed for restoration. It has come back more vibrant than ever and is a real reminder for me to shop local – it’s been there for over 70 years, so let’s make sure it’s still there for the next generation of Ponsonby shoppers to enjoy.

(HELENE RAVLICH) PN

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FROM THE EDITOR

LAST YEAR WAS A TERRIBLE YEAR FOR HEALTH FOR ME AND, HAVING NEVER been ill before, it was a bit of a wakeup call. My new plan is to reduce stress in my life and to further improve my diet. This is one of the reasons for my regular visits to the Grey Lynn Farmers Market, which is held every Sunday at the Community Centre on Richmond Road. When the monthly Craftbomb fair is on, the Market relocates for that Sunday, across the road and is held between the Wine Vault and Nature Baby.

I’VE GOTTEN TO KNOW MANY OF THE REGULARS AT THE MARKET. A GOOD way to start the day is with a fresh vege or fruit juice, freshly prepared by Annie and her husband at Urban Fuel. I try to spread “the love” and also buy organic fruit juice from Lothlorien Winery. They are a small whanau based company, producing a range of sparkling feijoa wines and liqueurs along with two fruit juices. Certified organic (OFNZ), they have been growing organically since 1971 in the Ahuroa valley, 45 minutes drive north of Auckland.

Another supplier I like to support is Tony Hudson, who offers biodynamic produce.

Everything is always fresh and “homegrown with care and a loving heart,” he says.

When I’ve finished my shopping, I usually treat myself to some delicious Indian vegetarian treats, freshly prepared by Indira Vallabh. (Tip: buy their tamarind chutney).

THERE IS NOW A NEW SUNDAY FARMERS MARKET IN THE CAR PARK AT Ponsonby Central, but I haven’t checked it out yet. photography: Michael McClintock

THIS ISSUE INCLUDES OUR FEATURE ON VIVA ITALIA. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY reading about some of our local Italian or Italian inspired business heroes.

I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED LAST MONTH’S AUCKLAND PRIDE PARADE ON Saturday 16 February. We wandered down the strip but found it very hard to move from outside SPQR. Miss K, complete with roving microphone, gave a hilarious commentary on the floats and the people who moved past us. Bring on the next one, but can we please have a much later start? Drag queens look so much better in more sympathetic lighting!

WE HAVE PRODUCED THIS ISSUE IN RECORD TIME AND WITH A MUCH earlier deadline than normal. February is a very short month, so we hope you enjoy all the team has enthusiastically produced. (MARTIN LEACH) PN

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Martin, pictured at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market, wearing a black Strauss t-shirt designed by Deborah Kelland. Available at the Object Room, Mackelvie Street. www.theobjectroom.co.nz www.strauss.org.nz

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH GEORGE HENARE Local Grey Lynn resident GEORGE HENARE CNZM, OBE is an acclaimed New Zealand actor with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades.

WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS WHEN YOU WERE AWARDED COMPANION (CNZM)? Surprise, gratitude and delight for the recognition of theatre practitioners.

DO YOU COME FROM AN ACTING BACKGROUND? No, instead a very musical family. Mother played for silent movies, dad, the violin, brothers had a dance band.

PERSONALLY I HAVE NEVER SEEN YOU IN A BAD ROLE. IS THERE A ROLE YOU WISH TO FORGET? Chorus in a Greek tragedy – semi naked in chook feathers, kneeling in scoria for 2.5 hours – ‘oh the pain!’

IF YOU HADN’T BEEN AN ACTOR WHAT OTHER CAREER WOULD YOU HAVE PURSUED? Teacher or priest – anything with an audience.

WHOSE GREATEST HITS WOULD YOU TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND? Vic Damone and Mozart and Trio Los Panchos.

FOUR DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS? Mitt Romney, Obama, Sarah Palin and Charlie Sheen – should be very entertaining.

THE LAST TIME YOU TURNED OFF YOUR CELL PHONE? Always turning it off and tend to forget to turn it back on.

SOMETHING THAT YOU REALLY DISAPPROVE OF? Litter and cars parked across footpaths.

IF YOU WON A MILLION DOLLARS WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD DO? Have a nice holiday somewhere.

WHAT’S YOUR COMFORT FOOD? Cheesecake in any form and kina. I’m addicted.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Promises of new discoveries in life’s rich pageant.

WHICH PERFORMERS DO YOU ADMIRE, AND WHY? Committed, honest and slightly wacky performers who can bring me to my feet.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE? Back into “The Mix” I hope.

YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK? Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now” answered a lot of questions.

FAVOURITE TIME OF THE DAY? Early morning – bird song, freshness and brekkie.

WHAT ARE YOU INSECURE ABOUT? Driving. Tried it – didn’t like it.

TELL US SOMETHING VERY FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? Smothered our matron’s wooden toilet seat with golden syrup at boarding school in Gisborne, with the desired effect – what a hoot!

PERFECT HAPPINESS? Achieving a perfect performance – sigh!! One lives in hope.

GREATEST FEAR? An onset of amnesia during a performance – been close a couple of times.

GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE? Extravagances for a theatre actor? Hah! Gotta watch the pennies.

YOUR FAVOURITE HERO OF FICTION? Shaun the sheep – innovative, astute, entertaining and very, very funny.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE? To regain lost testosterone which advancing years has robbed me of.

WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE? To be able to sing like Vic Damone, and to eat what I like without weight gain.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED? As someone who lived his life to the full, and hopefully made an impression on audiences.

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE MOTTO? Life’s a game – it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, it’s the journey that counts.

WHO WAS YOUR MENTOR WHEN IT CAME TO ACTING? Inia Te Wiata, in my salad days and then realised every living being had become my mentor.

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WHAT CLICHÉ DO YOU MOST ABHOR? The word “like” and its overuse seems to me to fall into this category. Hate it, hate it, hate it.

THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW? Still working in this once vagabond profession and loving every moment.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS/INDULGENCE? Clothes I think, interesting tops and food of course.

WHICH WEBSITE DO YOU READ THE MOST? No computer, no desire to have one, so game, set and match.

ARE YOU A HANDSHAKE, HUG OR CHEEK-KISS KIND OF PERSON? All three and you can add hongi to that.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS? Only the live ones who have lost all interest in life.

YOUR FAVOURITE SEASON? Spring – not too hot, not too cold, promise of things to come.

IF YOU WON LOTTO WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING YOU’D DO? Get my bung knees fixed first and foremost so I can get back to jogging – hate incapacitation.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECURRING DREAMS? Anxiety dreams as opening night approaches. Don’t know the lines, naked, can’t find the stage etc.

DO YOU HAVE A PARTY TRICK? My rap version of Modern Major General by Gilbert & Sullivan much to the surprise of the young things who think they invented rap.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST PET? Black lab / Alsatian cross – big, lovable, stupid and a big coward.

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE? Latte, thank you very much.

DO YOU TRAVEL OVERSEAS LIGHT OR HEAVY? Travel as light as possible.

WHAT CAN’T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT? A taonga of some sort – very comforting to have a piece of greenstone on one’s person. (DAVID HARTNELL) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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CHAIR’S WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT: SHALE CHAMBERS WASN’T IT WONDERFUL TO HAVE THE PRIDE FESTIVAL PARADE BACK IN Ponsonby Road! Yes, there was a little bit of ‘blast from the past’ about it, without the night time atmosphere. It has after all been 12 years since the Hero Parade. All those who have kept the dream of its return alive, and were there to make it happen, are to be congratulated.

Auckland weather has outdone itself this summer. So I want to thank all those people who turned out mid-summer to the inside meetings in Grey Lynn, Parnell and the City Centre to discuss the draft Waitemata Local Board Plan for 2013/4.

We have proposed changes to our former plan to bring to fruition all those projects that you asked to be funded. We have prioritised some key projects and are asking for your feedback to make sure we have captured those changes correctly. Some of the initiatives planned and budgeted for are: to begin to develop a village square in Ponsonby, restore Symonds Street cemetery, develop greenways to connect our parks and open spaces, renew the Pioneer Women’s Hall to meet community needs, undertake heritage planning, develop the Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway, install a sports field sandcarpet at Auckland Domain and continue to develop and support events that are locally specific and environmentally responsible through a contestable fund.

We are also advocating for the delivery of initiatives by Auckland Transport that improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, slow traffic in residential areas and by schools, increase cycle infrastructure including on-road greenways, improve parking management in residential streets and deliver on footpath renewals. I will update you on the outcome, once we hear your submissions this month.

The draft Unitary Plan is being launched 15 March for informal consultation and I hope that many of the well thought out suggestions from our meetings with community groups, about how the rulebook that will shape the way our region is planned and will grow for the next 30 years, will have found their way into the document. Please attend meetings that will be advertised in local media shortly to get more information.

Keeping the myriad of entwined council controlled organisations, and government entities, focused on improving Waitemata communities is often challenging. The new

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Waiatarau Plaza at the bottom of Franklin Road is a case in point. We all thought that the work on the NZTA tunnel project had finally finished last year when the Birdcage was wheeled back into place and the tunnel was officially opened with much fanfare.

As a board we welcomed the new open public space plaza that looked, felt and acted like a public open space. Locals and vistors alike flocked to the turning on the Franklin Road Christmas lights there. Another urban park delivered!

However in January a significant portion of the plaza was fenced off. The emails and calls from residents began, as no reason was apparent. Then large concrete planters started appearing and it went from bad to worse. After investigations I learnt it had not been handed back by NZTA to council and that NZTA and Auckland Transport were making commercially driven decisions about the ‘asset’ they ‘owned’ without consultation with either our board or local residents! Apparently it is an ‘unstopped road’, so road encroachment rules apply.

Yes we will make every effort to make the ‘hand back’ to council that never occurred, happen. Then we will oversee the plaza transferring from an ‘unstopped road’ under Auckland Transport to a public open space plaza. Just to be clear, whilst we genuinely wish the operator of the Birdcage every success, we as a board do not support any permanent fixtures in the plaza and will want to see a small footprint of any temporary items with full access available to the public.

The Auckland Arts Festival is in full swing with many international and local acts and I hope you can get to them. There are a good range of free performances to enjoy.

Pacifica will be throbbing to the beat of Pacific drums, with loads of arts items and eating delights in Western Springs 15 and 16 March.

The Music in Parks programme is nearing its end but thanks to your local board, Grey Lynn Park on 24 March will once again be host to an event; this time hearing Sherpa, supporter by Urban Tramper and The Leers. A short season of local Movies in Parks also returns in March, also thanks to the efforts of your local board in bringing back this much loved free family entertainment. Enjoy Auckland!

(SHALE CHAMBERS) PN Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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PIPPA COOM GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS

GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Wonderful news at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market: manager Charlotte Gordon has had her first child, a baby boy! Gabriel David Gordon Watts weighed in at nine pounds and has already been seen shopping at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market with his proud parents.

Sarah James has taken over as market manager while Charlotte is on maternity leave. Originally from the States, Sarah’s background in holistic nutrition, whole foods cooking, and gardening means that she is very knowledgeable about fresh and healthy food. She is passionate about supporting small local food producers in New Zealand and bringing great locally grown food to the community. In addition to managing the Grey Lynn Farmers Market from The Kitchen in Ponsonby during the week and at the market on Sundays, Sarah also volunteers with the Garden to Table programme in local schools.

The Grey Lynn Farmers Market is buzzing with a great community atmosphere this year. With several excellent fruit and vegetable stalls, local honey, artisan breads and pastries, cheese, jams, free range eggs, beverages, prepared foods, and organic seedlings more and more people are coming to the market for their weekly supply of fresh, great value, local groceries.

Unlike the supermarket, the Grey Lynn Farmers Market is a lovely place to sit down and enjoy a chat with friends over coffee and a snack, listen to music, and enjoy everything the market has to offer. Young children can even enjoy a fantastic story time with Phineas Phrog at 10am every week that the market is on at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, sponsored in partnership with local business Nature Baby. Kids also love visiting the market for the playground at the centre.

A great thing about the Grey Lynn Farmers Market is the opportunity to talk to the growers and producers themselves. Many of our growers use spray-free, organic, or biodynamic principles (although most are not yet certified organic), and genuinely care about protecting the environment as well as contributing to the health of their customers. At the market, you can talk to producers about how their produce is grown or food is prepared, the best ways to prepare certain vegetables, and when produce was picked. Most produce at the market was harvested within 24 hours of coming to the market and the flavour and freshness is unbeatable.

CHARLOTTE, BEN and baby GABRIEL at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market

Enthusiastic backyard growers round out the fruit and vegetable mix at the market with their surplus home grown produce at the community trading table. The table is free to use for Friends of the Market. Friends, who pay a subscription of $30 per year, are also treated to a range of specials each week.

9am-12.30pm, Saturday 9 March 2013, Freemans Bay Community Hall, 52 Hepburn Street.

The Grey Lynn Farmers Market is 100% community owned, run by a dedicated committee of volunteers. We’ve also got a fantastic group of people who, as Friends of the Market, are incredible supporters of the Grey Lynn Farmers Market and keeping local food in our community. The Grey Lynn Farmers Market is also very grateful to sponsors Ripe Deli and the Grey Lynn Business Association and to Ponsonby News for promoting the “shop local” message. PN Every Sunday 9am – 12.30pm (PIPPA COOM) www.glfm.co.nz www.greylynn2030.co.nz

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FABRIC-A-BRAC Back by popular demand for its second Auckland outing. Fabric-A-Brac, a free entry event, brings fabric from the people to the people. Fabric-A-Brac is a place where sewing enthusiasts can pick up fabulous vintage, unusual and modern fabric at bargain prices and help someone else clear out their sewing cupboard.

Vintage and modern fabric, patterns, upholstery, buttons, sewing accessories, hot cuppas and sweet treats are all available for sale.

Proceeds from the Mercy Hospice stall and from cuppa and sweet treat refreshments will go towards the charity’s work providing cost-free care to patients living with life-limiting illness as well as their families. PN For event information visit www.fabricabrac.co.nz.

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9 LOCAL NEWS FROM FREEMANS BAY TO DOCTOR ZHIVAGO ON THE CORNER OF ENGLAND AND COSTLEY STREETS, CLOSE TO THE POINT where College Hill does its sudden dog-leg, is a converted corner store, an old grocery painted so emerald green it makes you smile. It’s the former home of one of Freemans Bay’s most gifted and notorious alumni. And his ghost is about to tread the boards at the Maidment Theatre. Paddy Costello was born on 31 January, 1912.

He would later be described by the Auckland University Department of Classics and Ancient History as, “probably the most brilliant linguist ever in the department.” And

by Prime Minister Robert Muldoon as, “Almost certainly a Russian spy.” His parents, Christopher and Mary Costello, were Irish immigrants. Christopher was a grocer, Mary trained as a teacher.

At first they lived in Eden Terrace but then took over the England Street grocery in Freemans Bay. It’s a tiny place, single storey, sloped tin roof. The section drops away from street level and is built into, with accommodation under the grocery.

He went to Ponsonby Primary in Curran Street but would seem to have been educated more at the Leys Institute. James McNeish’s biography of Costello notes, “There were 60 children to a class in the Curran Street primary school Costello attended but nearby - a godsend for a bookworm - was a handsome building containing a public library, the Leys Institute…” At eight or nine, McNeish records, “he discovered for himself Lempriere’s Classical Dictionary in the library and soon devoured it, page by page.”

He’d acquired a love of books from his mother, from whom he’d also acquired a love of singing. She was known for the operatic arias performed from behind the grocery counter and he would later match her in renown with perfect-pitch ballads delivered at booze-ups.

ON 2 CANVAS GOES ‘POP-UP’ On2canvas have recently taken a pop-up shop on Ponsonby Road and they will be there for the next three months. It is here that you can bring your photographs (new and old) and they will help you turn them into canvas art for the walls of your home, bach or office. Lindy has been making custom made canvases for the past eight years. She uses only quality materials; 100% cotton archival canvas, solid wood bevelled frames and finishes the canvas with two coats of a clearcoat matt varnish.

Scholarships took him to Auckland Grammar School, Auckland University College (aged 16) and Cambridge University. He was a brilliant linguist, fluent in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian and with a certain amount of Irish, Yiddish and Farsi.

Whether it’s a meaningful photograph from decades ago that you want to preserve and enlarge or an Andy Warhol type artwork you want to create using your photos, she has the skills and experience to create something unique. Makes a great gift for that special birthday, anniversary or wedding. Pop in and be inspired. PN

It was his language abilities that saw him picked out from the Western Desert during the war for Freyberg’s staff, and then given a position in New Zealand’s first ever diplomatic post in Moscow, in the 1940s.

ON2CANVAS, 188 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 8065 or M: 021 465 465 www.on2canvas.co.nz

And it is here that we meet him in the Auckland Theatre Company’s new play, Midnight In Moscow, opening at the Maidment Theatre at the beginning of April.

“Hugh Toomey”, the play’s surrogate Paddy Costello, is meeting up with Nobel Prize -winning Russian poet and Soviet dissident Boris Pasternak.

Pasternak is in the middle of his great novel Doctor Zhivago and is thinking of having Toomey do the authorised English translation. But Toomey dislikes the book - just like Paddy Costello.

When he was stationed in Moscow, Paddy Costello edited a volume of 20th century Russian poetry published by the Oxford University Press. He regularly met up with Boris Pasternak and Pasternak eventually asked him to do the English translation of Zhivago.

It wasn’t to be. Costello felt Pasternak’s great book was a failure as a novel. “The characters exist simply to talk and listen to Doctor Zhivago,” he wrote later. But what irked Costello even more was Pasternak’s (and his alter ego Zhivago’s) lack of enthusiasm for the Soviet state.

Paddy Costello had joined the British Communist Party in 1935. When it was suggested that such a background might caution against a diplomatic posting to the Soviet Union, Prime Minister Peter Fraser was said to have observed, “Well, what’s another red in Moscow?” Eventually British MI5 became suspicious of him and he was dismissed while on the staff of the New Zealand diplomatic post in Paris in the 1950s. Ever since then he has been whispered about as New Zealand’s Kim Philby.

When The Mitrokhin Archive - a cache of documents smuggled out of Russia by a senior officer of the Soviet Foreign Intelligence service - was published in 1999, it revealed that a list of the Paris KGB’s “particularly valuable agents” in 1953 included an agent at the New Zealand consulate.

Was he a spy? Who knows. But his brilliance and fame certainly deserves a stage play - and surely deserves a commemorative plaque on the walls of the Leys Institute.

MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW, Maidment Theatre 11 April – 4 May Directed by Colin McColl.

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LOCAL NEWS 9

RINGO STARR IN HARVEST WHOLEFOODS HARVEST WHOLEFOODS in Richmond Road were gobsmacked when RINGO STARR popped in to get some organic nibbles before his Auckland concert last month. He spoke with Duty Manager Somboon Khansuk, who said he was very down to earth and so nice to everyone in the store. Staff members KIRI MCKENNA and MARIA BELLO were quick to snap a picture with the musical icon. PN

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE TOHILL 9

STORIES OF A MUSEUM CURATOR “The thing that teases the mind over and over for years, and at last gets itself put down rightly on paper - whether little or great, it belongs to literature.”

Wise words from Sarah Orne Jewett who wrote the enchanting ‘Country of the Pointed Firs’. When I worked in the Canterbury Library so many years ago a big man in rough working clothes marched in and slammed the small volume down on the returns desk exclaiming, “This is a little gem of a book!” The same words describe Brian Gill’s ‘The Owl that fell from the Sky‘.

Brian has been Auckland Museum’s curator of land vertebrates for 30 years, looking after a collection of 14,000 bird specimens, 3,000 amphibians and reptiles and 1,500 land mammals. Over this long period he has researched the history of specimens, or as he refers to them, objects, and has written and coauthored many books on his subject, including ‘New Zealand’s Extinct Birds, ‘New Zealand Frogs and Reptiles’ and ‘New Zealand’s Unique Birds’. These are all scholarly natural history reference works but his latest book is quite different.

It definitely ‘belongs to Literature’.

‘The owl that fell from the sky’ was a labour of love that he worked on in the evenings and weekends, and which took him three years to complete. He was nervous about how it would turn out because the writing had to be different from his previous books which were about the ‘objects’, not his engagement with them. During his years of extensive research it came to him that by weaving a story around an object he could create an awareness of the collections and their place in history. There are 15 stories focussing on 15 objects and a long introduction which explains what goes on in natural history museums, why they are important, what they are used for, and the role of curators.

When Brian first joined the museum he was faced with thousands of little bird specimens, many from overseas with names handwritten on little labels that initially didn’t mean anything significant to him till one in particular kept popping up. He only had initials to go on but recently he was able to follow up one or two leads about the identity of C. F. Adams. The story unfolded that he was a young American taxidermist who came to Auckland in 1885 and worked at the museum for two years when it was in Princes Street. One of Brian’s stories in the book is about an orang-utan that Charles Adams stuffed during his time there. When Charles returned home he died suddenly from ‘congestion of the brain’ he was only 36 but had achieved much during his short life.

Most of the stories are about birds but other species get a look in as well. Turning Rajah the bad tempered elephant into a mounted exhibit was a challenge to say the least! An Aussie intruder, the banjo frog had to be summarily dealt with, but Brian preserved some of the tadpoles as reference samples for comparison with like suspicious intruders. A tortoise, supposedly presented to the King of Tonga

by Captain Cook, died at the great old age of 200 or thereabouts. It was sent to Auckland Museum to be stuffed and now resides in not much splendour in a display case at the Tongan National Centre.

MACKELVIE STREET PRECINCT Well Richard Naish has done it again! When Ironbank captured second place at the World Architecture Festival it was praised for “Its sophisticated attitude to the messy urbanity of south-central Auckland.” The same could be said about the Samson Corporation building that he’s designed for the former messy Ace Towing site on Mackelvie Street. Instead of a solid, featureless monolith the building is divided into four blocks that reflect the scale of shops on Ponsonby Road, so it’s a modern interpretation of those traditional structures. A huge amount of research must have gone into applying the decorative, perforated cladding that makes the building so distinctive. Shapes have been cut out of high density fibre cement board to form what’s called a rain screen which has been hung separately in front of a secondary layer of weatherproof cladding. This allows light to spill through at night from the upper level which illuminates the street and adds a magical glow to the exterior.

Beautiful buildings, of which this is one, add grace to the environment but they become doubly important when they serve a larger purpose, and the Mackelvie Street development does just that big time. It’s the first stage of a larger scheme which is still in the planning. There will be an office building down the back at the far end and a pedestrian route which will run all the way through to Pollen Street. The precinct includes the retail strip on Ponsonby Road and the non-heritage concrete lean-tos at the rear will be removed, allowing access to the small and large courtyard spaces within the block. The courtyards are all shared spaces with several lanes connecting them to Ponsonby Road and Mackelvie Street. Restaurants and cafés will be able to set up tables and chairs there for outdoor dining, so it will be similar to the Ponsonby Central concept with multiple tenancies using the same area.

Up till now there hasn’t been much of commercial note happening down the side streets off Ponsonby Road’s sprawling ridge line, but there’s a change afoot. The new and entirely separate mixed use development on the former Mini Showroom site will have a pedestrian route running from Richmond Road, forming a link between Ponsonby Central, right through to the Mackelvie Street development. Queen Street has Elliot Street and High Street and it’s high time our suburb followed suit with linkages running behind the single spine of Ponsonby Road which will enable a whole layer of secondary pedestrian movement.

Richard’s building is fabulous and he admits he has pushed boundaries a bit but people’s positive reaction to it is heartening. This denotes a maturity in our attitude towards innovative and bold commercial architecture. Even more importantly the concept of this development indicates that Samson Corporation is open to the idea of developing people friendly urban spaces and has a wider vision of community connection. What’s most exciting about Richard’s city buildings is that they achieve this ideal. He already has a pocketful of awards and there’s no doubt another bunch will arrive for this latest achievement. What about a title for this development, Richard?

Mackelvie Street Precinct is much too mundane a moniker for such a sculptural masterpiece! (DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

Who would have thought that geckos come in so many different guises? The ‘house’ gecko likes to dwell indoors, as does the ‘fox’ and ‘stump-toed’ gecko.

The ‘oceanic’ gecko will live happily both indoors and outdoors and the same goes for the ‘sad’ or ‘mourning’ gecko. This is all very fascinating stuff written in everyman’s language and in manageable chunks. It’s a book to be savoured and dipped into from time to time.

Brian chose to send a sample to AWA Press because it specialises in science writing. He had an enthusiastic response, and the publishing house have done a wonderful production job. The book nestles nicely in the hand and would make an ideal gift. There was a launch at Unity Books mid 2012 and AWA have sold about half its print run already.

This captivating book has received rave reviews and can be bought at Unity Books, the museum shop, as well as the AWA Press and the museum website.

(DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP TAKING ACTION ON ALCOHOL LATE LAST YEAR OUR GOVERNMENT PASSED new legislation overhauling New Zealand’s out-dated alcohol laws. This is the first time in more than two decades Parliament has restricted, rather than relaxed, our drinking laws. We have delivered a wide range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in our families and communities.

We’ve also been conscious to take a balanced approach that doesn’t unfairly penalise responsible and moderate drinkers. Our reforms will bring lasting change to New Zealand’s drinking culture.

Our new laws provide tools to help central and local government, communities, and parents, to make that happen.

We also recognise that legislation alone cannot create social change. We are all responsible for changing our drinking culture, in our homes, and in our communities.

Our new laws give local communities a say on alcohol outlets in their area, such as setting maximum trading hours, and limiting the location of licensed premises near facilities such as schools. And new liquor licensing criteria will make licences harder to get and easier to lose.

We are introducing stronger rules on the types of stores eligible to sell alcohol, and restricting supermarkets and grocery stores to displaying alcohol in a single area.

There will be stronger controls on alcohol advertising and promotion, such as making it an offence to promote alcohol in a way that has special appeal to minors, for example free gifts with purchase.

To support parents, we are requiring express consent from parents or guardians before supplying alcohol to a minor. This will mean the good parenting of responsible adults cannot be so easily undone by the irresponsible actions of some other adults. It will also be a fineable offence of $2,000 to supply alcohol to a minor without express parental consent.

The new laws will come into force in stages, and will be fully implemented within a year of royal assent, which is expected before Christmas. This time is needed to develop regulations implementing the new laws, and give territorial authorities, licensing bodies, and licensees time to prepare for the changes. We know that legislation alone will not turn around our binge-drinking problem. But we remain committed to addressing New Zealand’s binge-drinking culture, and reducing alcohol-related harm.

PRIDE PARADE A SUCCESS Two years ago when I called for the return of an LGBT parade to Auckland I never imagined that we would see the tens of thousands of people that turned up for its initial return. The reason it was so successful was the hard work of the community, organisers, volunteers and the Pride Festival Trust. It was superb to see Ponsonby businesses humming and a positive celebration of the LGBT community in Auckland.

Walking down Ponsonby Road I had the opportunity to talk to lots of locals and other Aucklanders who were united in their view that it was a positive celebration for our city. I was also recently with the Prime Minister at Big Gay Out where we had the opportunity to talk about marriage equality, our support for the bill and that we both believe it will pass. May Auckland Pride continue for a long time to come. PN (NIKKI KAYE, AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP) www.nikkikaye.co.nz

THE AOTEA YOUTH SYMPHONY - NOT YOUR ORDINARY COMMUNITY SYMPHONY NOT MANY SMALL COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF travelling on international tours. The Aotea Youth Symphony (AYS) is not your ordinary community symphony, and it prepares to travel on its second overseas tour in two years.

Sporting a touring history that includes Germany, the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, and, the most recent in 2011, China, the AYS is well travelled. In April 2013 the orchestra will be taking on Tahiti for a 10 day tour that will include a performance on ANZAC day.

The AYS celebrated its 25th anniversary last year with a splendid concert and reunion in the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, and has been conducted and led by Paul Harrop ONZM since its inauguration. With an ever changing cast of musicians ranging from 13 to early 20’s, Mr Harrop has the task of moulding the many players into a wonderful and successful symphony. At present the Aotea Youth Symphony is over 60 strong, featuring musicians from all around the Auckland region. There are numerous players who live in the Ponsonby area, including students from Auckland Girls Grammar, St Mary’s College and Western Springs College and new players are always welcome. The AYS allows musicians to begin making connections in the wider Auckland orchestral community and has led to many professional music careers.

The set lists for concerts feature a wide variety of musical pieces from different genres.

The orchestra performs traditional symphonies from Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart, as well as supporting numerous soloists from within the orchestra and from without. The orchestra has performed on Waiheke with jazz pianist David Paquette and has performed other jazz numbers, including Summertime from Porgy and Bess, with vocalists. A near permanent staple in most sets is an arrangement of Pirates of the Caribbean, which is loved by players and listeners alike.

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The symphony regularly performs a rendition of The Last Night of the Proms, and all the celebrations, face painting and shenanigans that go along with that. An annual schools concert is arranged, sometimes in Mt Albert, and sometimes further afield, with the aim of encouraging primary school aged children to pick up an orchestral instrument. These concerts involve direct interaction between players and the audience, guest conductors being pulled from among the students and examples of each different instrument, as well as crowd favourite songs like Y.M.C.A and the Pink Panther.

Tahiti is looming, and excitement is building for what will be the first tour for some players. For the orchestra it will be the first trip to the Pacific and a chance to perform music from a variety of cultures. There will be traditional Maori songs, as well as a couple of Tahitian tunes that the orchestra will be joined by locals to perform. A few British tunes will come out of the bag, most likely including Elgar’s Variations, as a nod back to our colonial history and no doubt another crowd favourite, Lord of the Dance, will be heard.

On 17 February the AYS started their concert programme for the year with the very successful and enjoyable Musique dans le Jardin at Brookgreen Park in Coatesville.

The symphony will be performing on Sunday 10 March at Alberton House in Mt Albert to begin celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Alberton. This concert will also be a fundraiser to support the orchestra in travelling to Tahiti in April. The AYS would not survive without effective fundraising and support from the local community and tours, like the upcoming to Tahiti, would not be able to happen. Information about this concert and other ways you can help support the AYS can be found at www.aotea.org.nz.

(FINN ELLIOTT) PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS 9 MAKE A STATEMENT WITH STYLISH DESIGN CLASSICS FROM BROMHEAD DESIGN “When you travel beyond the streets of Ponsonby and venture into Parnell, make sure you check out Bromhead Design’s new showroom on Gladstone Road (next door to Rosehip Café).

Bromhead Design is led by the eminent designer and cartoonist Peter Bromhead, and he and his team know their design classics. For those who are unacquainted with Bromhead Design, they are the exclusive New Zealand dealer for Knoll International and USM Modular Furniture.

Bromhead is the one-stop shop for genuine design classic’s, including the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona, Eero Saarinen Tulip, Warren Platner and Harry Bertoia collections. If it is USM storage you require, come in and chat to Carolyn or Erika about how they can assist in designing a USM Modular Furniture home entertainment unit, bedside cabinets, credenza or wall storage unit. The possibilities are endless! If you ever fancied the option of owning a stylish European classic in your own home, then Bromhead is the place to find it. Bromhead Design caters to all your home and office furniture and lighting.

Make the most of their monthly promotions through Facebook ‘USM by Bromhead Design’, their website www.bromheaddesign.com or sign up to their e-newsletter.

Above left: CAROLYN BROMHEAD sitting on the Knoll Large Diamond chair; Above right: ERIKA RODRIGUEZ sitting on the Knoll Platner Side chair

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BROMHEAD DESIGN, 76 Gladstone Road Parnell T: 09 366 7322

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE TOHILL 9

JUST LIKE A ROLLING STONE MARK LYON and MARK SANDMAN

AN IMPORTANT BIRTHDAY PARTY THE PONSONBY COMMUNITY TOY LIBRARY CELEBRATED ITS 20 YEARS OF serving the local community with parties on two consecutive Saturdays last month, the 9th and 16th. And what revelry there was with face painting, balloon twisting, roller coaster rides, colouring in competitions with prizes, and of course, lollies in abundance!

Both days were blessed with perfect weather and lots of families went along to enjoy the activities. Two parties were held because members tend to go to the library on a fortnightly basis as toys are loaned for a two week period. Local real estate agency, Custom Residential prepared all the promotional material for this significant milestone and sponsored the colouring-in competition.They also donated all the new party tables and chairs that any local resident can hire for a very reasonable fee, as well as six spanking new MGP trick scooters which have been on the five+ year olds wish list.

New World Victoria Park donated all the lollies and Charlies the fruit juice pouches so community spirit flourished at the event.

The toy library concept had beginnings back in the days of the great depression when one was opened in Los Angeles in 1935. New Zealand’s first didn’t happen till 1972 when Miss Gillian Gorick, a physiotherapist from Hamilton proposed one be set up with the Crippled Children’s Society. In 1974 Hamilton became the first of our centres to have a toy library and since then others took up the challenge till now there are over 220 spread throughout the country. There are only about 28 in Greater Auckland, which, given the size of the city, is not that many. Parents in our area are very lucky to have the services of such a well endowed toy library at 2 Dedwood Terrace.

The library’s founding members were Rosemary Hutchinson, Alison Purdie, Sarah Kember, and Kim Williams who formed a committee of four and got it up and running and there was an official opening in February 1993. Now the committee membership has swelled to 14 and all give their time on a voluntary basis. Children’s author, Trish Gribben is the patron. Eventually the membership increased to such an extent that the committee decided to hire someone to run the library rather than doing it themselves.

Cara Warner, who had served on the committee was offered the job so she stepped down and 15 years later is still dispensing toys to eager borrowers and loving it. Cara has an online business as well, www.directtoys.co.nz which is a provider of toys to the library at no profit.

Children are fickle creatures who have no loyalty when it comes to toys. What they covet today quickly becomes ‘been there, now I want something else’. The toy library solves that problem and is the answer to a parent’s prayer as well as keeping expenses down. Membership cost is minimal. Only $110 a year with the proviso the borrower is willing to help out three times a year for two and a half hours each time, otherwise it’s $215. For this small outlay children can have the excitement of choosing new toys every fortnight. The library is constantly adding to the stock and has an evolving range of over 1700 indoor and outdoor toys for babies aged six months to seven year olds.

Artist Mark Sandman has been a well-known face around our community for decades. He is best known for his works of iconic buildings/places like the Ponsonby Post Office, Prego, SPQR and many others. He recalls his inspiration for one of his works.

“Around 20 years ago, I was in my studio in Grey Lynn when a Rolling Stones song came on the radio. It was either ‘Tumbling Dice’ or ‘Miss You’. I had a piece of canvas next to me, so by the time the song had finished, I had completed my painting of my image of the Stones. Anyway, I never thought anyone would buy it, it was just too radical for the mainly conservative art-buying public.

“Little did I know, that several years later, there was one person out there, who was anything but conservative. And to this day, I consider had a better eye for art than anyone I have known. It was Mark Lyon. We got to know each other in the late 90s, when I was in Vulcan Lane doing some paintings and his office was nearby. He turned out to be one of my best patrons, purchasing several of my artworks. And one of them was the Rolling Stones.

Anyway, he rang me up one day and said he wanted me to fix the painting. I asked him what was wrong with it. He said it had been thrown out the window from a high rise building in the city and had ended up on the roof of another building.

“It reminded me of the stories of bands in the 60s and 70s, who used to throw television sets out of the windows of hotels. Well, I fixed it up but unfortunately I changed the painting from how it originally looked. I think I did it because the original painting was even too radical for me.

“I suppose the painting evolved just like the Rolling Stones. I saw the band live in 1962, when Brian Jones was in the band and believe me they were radical then.

Like nothing you have ever seen. I’m not sure what happened to the painting.

Only Mark Lyon knows.

“But how it originally looked (which is at its best) can still be seen in the Rolling Stones room at Ponsonby Pool Hall. Elias Hanlon, the owner told me that when the Stones were in Auckland to play at Western Springs, they played on the exact snooker table.”

Elias Hanlon told Ponsonby News that the Rolling Stones have played not once, but twice on his full sized snooker table, which was taken out to Western Springs for them. PN PONSONBY POOL HALL, 106 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 2356 www.ponsonbypoolhall.co.nz

There’s a choice of equipment for hire as well. Exer Saucers, party tables and chairs, specially moulded cake tins for birthday cakes, fancy dress costumes are all available at very reasonable prices. The library also offers temporary membership which is ideal for grandparents or those here for a short stay. For more information just visit Cara at the library, 2 Dedwood Terrace, or email nadia.assaf@live.com Opening hours are Tuesday and Friday from 9.30am till 11.45am and Saturdays 9am till 12 noon. At the beginning of the year spaces tend to be up for grabs so it’s wise to get in early before the membership reaches maximum numbers.

The hard working committee is trying to enlist the support of local businesses for this organisation that serves our community so well. If any feel disposed to help please get in touch with the treasurer, Andrew O’Regan. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN E: andrew_oregan@bnz.co.nz

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Narrow Neck Beach - GLADYS WALMSLEY, CAROLINE WYATT and GRACE WYATT. Gladys Walmsley’s risqué verse entered in Grace Wyatt’s autograph book

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: A PONSONBY TALE

POPULATION INTENSIFICATION - THE ARGUMENT CONTINUES

Sometime in 1911 Grace Wyatt acquired an autograph book (possibly a gift on her 16th birthday that year). That autograph book, now a treasured possession of Grace’s daughter Heather of Papatoetoe, contains some real gems - poems and cartoons, many by some of Ponsonby’s early residents.

As I have indicated in a previous article, it is not so much a question of whether intensification is desirable, but where that intensification should take place.

In 1913 Grace lived with her widowed mother and four siblings at 1 Arnold Street, Grey Lynn. She was born at Omaha in 1895.

Grace, her sister Caroline (known as Car), close friend Gladys (pictured on Narrow Neck Beach), and the other siblings, Gwen, Jane and Harold, roamed all over Auckland as teenagers. They had all attended Newton East School.

A constant presence in their leisure time was Alexander McRae Forbes who came from Birkenhead, but spent a great deal of time in the Central City where he had begun work as an apprentice at Leighton Printers at 14 years old. More of Alex later, but it was he who took the photo of the three girls on Narrow Neck beach, and it was he who was dating Grace. By the time of the beach photo, Grace was working for Arthur Yates in Hobson Street.

I have already cited Grey Lynn as a problematic suburb for greater population density, partly because of the need to give heritage areas protection, and partly because the yuppies who own million dollar homes don’t want “affordable” (read low cost) housing right next to them.

Another problem in Grey Lynn and elsewhere, is the mess the residential zoning is in. For example, some streets, particularly around Grey Lynn Park, have half the street Res 1 and half Res 5 or 6a for no apparent reason. To overcome the anomalies this could create, with demolition and intensification on the agenda, the Waitemata Local Board has proposed to the draft unitary plan, that no house built pre 1944 should be allowed to be removed without a council consent.

The land where Bethany House was removed has no zoning permission for terrace housing or apartments, so the developer will build five luxury stand alone houses, much to the satisfaction of adjoining home owners who don’t want low cost housing in their neighbourhood.

Their romance is recorded for posterity by F.C. Jackson, of 35 Franklin Road in the fascinating illustrated autograph of 1915. The two characters drawn by Fred are Grace Wyatt and Alexander McRae Forbes, by that time romantically linked. Can’t you just imagine them holding hands in the back row of the Windsor Picture Theatre* on Ponsonby Road. Fred was to marry Sylvia Bruford of 22 Church Street, Ponsonby, Grace’s very good friend. Now known as Cowan Street, Church Street was renamed in 1939 having originally been called Prospect Terrace from 1874 to 1883. Fred’s brother Walter joined the Wyatt clan when he married Grace’s sister Jane.

Great North Road remains a prime spot for intensive multi storey apartments, but current zoning has a height restriction. (No higher than the apartment building on the corner of Bond Street and Great North Road.) If real progress is to be made with population intensification, Great North Road must surely be a prime contender for eight to 10 storey, or even higher, apartments.

World War One intervened in the lives of so many from 1914. Alex McRae Forbes left his girlfriend Grace Wyatt behind and they vowed to wed on his return. Grace stayed loyal, even rejecting advances from an infatuated Yates’ family son. Poor Car who had been struck by cancer, and had to have a leg amputated at 10 years old, tragically died of cancer at 39, never having married.

And so, it is critical that residents read the draft unitary plan when it is released in March and make submissions on it. I’m told submissions will be accepted for about two months. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

Gladys Walmsley, Grace’s closest girlfriend, brought up at 66 Hepburn Street, never married. Perhaps she came on too strong to the boys of the day! See her risqué verse (pictured above).

And so, did Grace and Alex’s relationship survive the war? Who was the Waitemata Pirate, and what was his connection to Ponsonby? Who was Fred Phipps of 10 Arnold Street, and what was his connection to the Wyatt family? These and other stories will feature in the second episode of One Hundred Years Ago in Ponsonby. *The Windsor Picture Theatre opened in Three Lamps, Ponsonby, in 1910. The name was changed to Brittania Theatre in 1922. In 1913, proprietors, the Brooks Bros, were prosecuted for paying the musicians in their orchestra less than the award rate of three pounds a week. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

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Much of this will be thrashed out and implemented in the unitary plan (see the box below outlining the hierarchy of plans).

Auckland spatial plan – 30 years The Mayor’s vision Long term plans – 10 years Unitary plan The long term plan sets out Auckland Council’s proposed services, projects and expenditure over the next 10 years. The unitary plan is the new combined district and regional plan (replacing plans for the old councils before amalgamation).

This will set out the regulatory framework for Auckland under the Resource Management Act. It will set out policies and rules, including zoning and heritage.

Watch for dates and details for submissions on this unitary plan in March.

(JOHN ELLIOTT) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JACINDA ARDERN

LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

IT’S ABOUT OUR HERITAGE When I was a kid, I thought the oldest building I would ever see was the house my grandparents lived in. It sat on the border of the Domain in Te Aroha, and seemed to be the oldest villa in town.

It was virtually untouched. It had wallpaper with scrim backing that would breathe with the house, an old coal range to heat the water, and a copper in one of three out-houses. I was old enough to remember when my nana finally had a toilet installed inside, as well as an electric oven, which she never liked using. That villa has become one of my last memories of my grandparents. When my grandfather passed away I remember feeling a slight panic. What would happen to the house? Because after all that time it wasn’t just a house, it was the centre of all my memories.

If the campaign we see bubbling around heritage in central Auckland seems sometimes heated, I would hazard a guess that this is why - even when we don’t physically own a space, they become an intrinsic part of who we are. They shape the places in which we live, and give us and our visitors and tourists (the economic side of heritage) a sense of our past and where we’ve come from. They leave us feeling robbed when they disappear from the landscape.

I have always been a deep believer in the importance of preserving our heritage buildings, and that’s why it’s time for a national conversation about how we will collectively bear the burden that this belief brings. Be it the campaign to save the St James Theatre or in Ponsonby where the case of St Stephen’s Church reminds us that with a beautiful structures such as these, there comes a cost.

Earthquake proofing has many heritage owners facing significant bills that are forcing them to reconsider whether they can continue to hold onto some of our collective treasures. And that’s before you look at rising insurance costs. One owner I spoke to has had their insurance bill almost double in recent years.

This isn’t just an issue in our city either. The burden for heritage owners in small provincial towns where the returns on leasing buildings are being outstripped by rising costs could lead to not only empty uncared for spaces, but that dreaded phrase - demolition by neglect. All of this is even before we get into the issue of heritage protections generally.

I don’t have all the answers, but I know we need to talk, and that’s what I intend to do this year. If you have thoughts on the heritage debate, please do contact me jacinda@jacinda.co.nz In the meantime, I will be meeting with groups who all share a passion for heritage, and even those who perhaps don’t but need to be part of the solution.

Collectively, we need to act if we are to preserve some of those precious memory centres, while we all develop a few new ones too. PN JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central www.jacinda.co.nz

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MOVIES IN PARKS PLAYING AGAIN! CUDDLING UP ON A RUG OUTDOORS TO WATCH A MOVIE HAS BECOME a favourite summer activity for Aucklanders. However as most of you probably know, Movies in Parks was axed under last year’s council budget. I for one was gutted to see this summer tradition disappear from our local scene. Movies in Parks were one of the most community-minded activities run in our city. Hundreds if not thousands of Aucklanders looked forward to sharing these movies with friends and family in their favourite local park.

Under the old Auckland City Council, the events budget was managed by a locally focused team. But in the transition to the Super City, responsibility was transferred to the CCO Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED). As part of this process, ATEED decided to change the format of Movies in Parks. They were designated a ‘regional event’ so as to provide better value by scheduling larger events incorporating music but with less frequency. This new format eliminated any localised focus and effectively removed the community orientation that made the original Movies in Parks format so popular. This new style event was trialled during an awful summer. Predictably, the results weren’t favourable.

The council’s response was to cancel them altogether. On my website, I voiced my opposition to this. My views were endorsed by Lindsay Waugh, Chairperson of the Kaipatiki Local Board and he posted a comment saying, “I share your views regarding the demise of the very popular Movies in Parks. These events were fabulous and generated a real sense of local community”.

TIME FOR A CHANGE Chairperson Shale Chambers and I now share the event portfolio. With the board’s help, we now support more local projects by establishing an events fund.

This has allowed us to fund occasions like Art in the Dark, the Grey Lynn Festival, Parnell’s Festival of Roses and Music in Parks. By using a tendering process, we’ve been able to reduce the cost of these programmes, creating better ‘bang for your buck’. It’s taken loads of co-ordination and some audacity, but now I’m delighted to tell you that Movies in Parks returns to Grey Lynn this March.

Besides being family community entertainment, Movies in Parks celebrates New Zealand’s film industry. And despite what Wellington claims, I see Grey Lynn as the beating heart of our country’s television and film industry. So I’ll enjoy seeing you there at these first two screenings!

A BIT ABOUT ROB: My name is Rob Thomas. For those of you that haven’t met me on my door-knocking safaris (I visited 9,000 homes in 2010), I began my community service 14 years ago as chairperson of the Auckland City Youth Council. I have stayed working in local government ever since and love every challenge that arises. Now as the only independent on the Waitemata Local Board, I’m very excited to run for council.

My goal is to bring a new voice and refreshing, approachable style to our community. What I don’t know, I intend to learn honestly and quickly. Most importantly, I want to hear from you so I can fairly represent your views. PN I’m very grateful to the Ponsonby News for offering to publish my monthly column.

I can’t think of a better way to kick this off than with the news that Movies in Parks is returning! (ROB THOMAS) www.robthomas.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS MODERN ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MINI GARAGE SITE THE NEW DEVELOPMENT ON THE MINI GARAGE SITE, KNOWN AS LOT 3, IS the latest Ponsonby development proposal to attract criticism from heritage lovers.

With just a couple of concept drawings to look at, there are criticisms about size, site coverage, building materials, and appropriateness in amongst heritage buildings.

I am a great lover of our Victorian heritage - our 1900s villas - and our blocks of Victorian commercial spaces, including the red brick former Open Late Cafe building, owned now by Stephen Marr, on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Richmond Road, adjoining the new proposed development. I like what I’ve seen and heard so far, and believe the new development will be a classy addition to Ponsonby’s building stock.

It’s never easy from concept drawings to get a real feel for what it will look like on the ground, but I spoke with Stephen Marr, who is anxious to see a synergy between his old building and the new one. Stephen pointed out that good modern architecture, “always provokes a reaction, and there is always tension in creating something good.”

Stephen Marr thinks we have a record of doing density badly. He wants the new building to have a timelessness and a bit of real quality. But another thing Marr emphasises is the importance of what he calls, “the attitude and the activity going on in the complex, rather than the building itself,” featuring a combination of hospitality and commercial.

Jasmax are the architects for the project, and their brochure is very classy, with lots of impressive concept drawings. As I’ve already said, it’s hard to say how they will all look in reality.

residential that we can, and four storeys, with nearly 100% land coverage seems sensible to me.

I agree that modern buildings should not detract from our Victorian heritage, and new developments should be “ sympathetic” to nearby 1900s buildings. The big argument is how to judge “sympathetic”.

There are those who hate the modern addition to the ASB trust iconic building on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Crummer Road. Others can’t stand the modern, rusting addition alongside the old Rob Roy Hotel. There is considerable heat developing about the proposed building on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Pember Reeves Street (two commercial units and three residential apartments.) I would have thought that that development embodies the council principle of population intensification reasonably well, but tell that to the neighbours, and the heritage non-compromisers.

The responsibility statement by Toot Group in their brochure says this: The opportunity to be involved in the evolution of a site as important as Lot 3 arises only once in a lifetime. With this privilege comes a responsibility; to the people of Ponsonby and the wider community. This is a feeling shared by all involved-from the project team to the Valabh Family Trust that owns the land. Having resided in the neighbourhood for over four generations, both the family and Stephen Marr – who owns the historic brick building at 134 Ponsonby Road and first commenced business here over two decades ago – are committed to the long-term future of Ponsonby.

I’m becoming increasingly concerned that there are some people who want nothing less than replica 1900s buildings, with site coverage of 35% or so, and limited in height to about three storeys, at the highest point of a peak roof.

Self praise is no recommendation, and Jasmax goes on to say: Featuring an innovative mix of bespoke retail, hospitality, office spaces and studios-intersected by laneways and spilling into sun drenched public spaces – Lot 3 is integrated urban design and architecture at its finest. If only some of those highflown sentiments are realised, Lot 3 may well become an architectural and retail attraction par excellance.

We are facing huge problems trying to intensify population growth in the city fringe area, to put into practice the edict of the Auckland Council that 70% of Auckland’s growth in the next 40 years must be inside current city boundaries. I support that policy, but dealing with the not-in-my-back-yard attitudes of local residents will not be easy. However, we must make the best use of space for both commercial and

Preserve the best of our heritage - there are rampant developers out there who would throw their grandmother out of her villa if they had a chance to make a quid - but don’t miss the opportunity to use the best of modern architecture to make new and exciting buildings which will be treasured in a hundred years just as the best of 1900 are treasured now. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

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STEVE HILSON OF JERRY CLAYTON BMW SAYS...

With 2013 now well under way, we are pleased to be enjoying a continuation of the high sales volumes which we experienced throughout 2012. I would like to thank all our customers for their support in helping us achieve significant growth over the past 12 months.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS WITH EDITION 30 Hot on the heels of becoming the number one premium car brand in New Zealand, BMW has announced the launch of two special limited edition models to celebrate the 30th anniversary of BMW in New Zealand.

“These Edition 30 models have received significant upgrades encapsulating premium value, cutting-edge technology and sheer driving pleasure”, says Steve Hilson, Dealer Principal of Jerry Clayton BMW. Driveaway pricing for the Edition 30 BMW 1 Series and 3 Series starts at $49,900 and $75,900 respectively, and includes approximately $12,000 worth of additional specification over the base models for a fraction of the price.

0% FINANCE ACROSS THE X RANGE ough to Now is the perfect time to get some X in your life. From the versatile X1 through the “2012 SUV of the Year” X5, BMW has a wide range of performance SUVs to eading suit any active Kiwi lifestyle. Combining BMW’s cutting edge styling, class leading eered diesel engines and xDrive technology, it’s no wonder these perfectly engineered vehicles are New Zealand’s best-selling premium SUVs. For a limited time, take nge advantage of our unbeatable 0% finance offer* across the entire BMW X Range - starting from just $65,600 drive away.

EVENTS dy Two major BMW-sponsored events have been enjoyed in Auckland already is this year, with the men’s Heineken and women’s ASB international tennis is tournaments held in January, as well as the BMW NZ Polo in February. This o. is the fourth year BMW has been the naming-rights sponsor at the NZ Polo.

Growing each year in fun activities, the Polo is always a day to experience thee al high-class world of this professional game with top players and international Fashion Brands.

JERRY CLAYTON BMW SPECIAL PARTNERSHIPS Jerry Clayton has formed a number of partnerships with brands and people that complement the dealership as a premium destination.

WORKSHOP The partnership with the iconic NZ fashion brand Workshop includes their two collections; Workshop Denim and Helen Cherry. Workshop stores also carry international designer brands; Isabel Marant, Alexander Wang, Vanessa Bruno, See by Chloe and Marc by Marc Jacobs. “BMW is all about design from the ground up and so are we. It’s not only about aesthetics, but function, quality construction and intrinsic good design,” says Workshop founder Chris Cherry.

KAGI JEWELLERY Driven by style and motivated by a passion for beautiful things, Kat Gee is the gorgeo designer and face behind luxury jewellery line Kagi. Stocked in over gorgeous o 250 outlets Australasia-wide, Kagi is renowned for its versatile gemstone and pearl jewellery. Just this year Kat was named in the Deloitte’s Fast 50 and also nam as a finalist in Entrepreneur of the Year. “The team at Jerry Clayton has named bee great to work with and we are thrilled with our new gold and silver X1’s been – compact and classy with a touch of sophistication – they are the perfect m match for Kagi’s style,” Kat said.

TA TAITTINGER CHAMPAGNE Ta Taittinger is one of the few champagne houses of world renown to remain ow owned and actively managed by the family named on the label. Taittinger’s h headquarters are situated above the 4th century Roman cellars that once b belonged to the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of St Nicaise and which p provide the perfect location for the slow ageing process required for great ch champagne. *terms and conditions apply.

MY TEAM LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU! New vehicles – Craig Pryor T: 09 488 2008; craig.pryor@jcbmw.co.nz Used Vehicles – Paul Govind T: 09 488 2021; paul.govind@jcbmw.co.nz Our Excellent Service Dept - Grant McKain T: 09 488 2005; grant.mckain@jcbmw.co.nz Parts Dept – Evan Lorenzon T: 09 443 8873; evan.lorenzon@jcbmw.co.nz STEVE HILSON - Dealer Principal, Jerry Clayton BMW

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JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX GEOFF HOUTMAN - LEADING HERITAGE WATCHDOG Geoff Houtman heads the new Western Bays Community Group, an innocuous name for a feisty heritage protection group.

The committee, formed at a meeting last year has been going now for 12 months.

I SOUGHT OUT GEOFF TO CHECK ON PROGRESS. I ASKED HIM IF HE THOUGHT they had been successful and had made progress on their intended agenda to be more proactive in preventing unnecessary demolition, and inappropriate development, and if they had the council onside.

Geoff shook his head and hesitated. “It’s hard to tell,” he said. “Most of what we give the council goes into a black hole and we get no feedback at all. So are we being effective?

I hope so, but it’s very hard to tell. The council is still very developer friendly,” Geoff tells us. He compared the Auckland Council’s top-down approach to the Vancouver “polar opposite” approach which sought community input first, rather than setting a whole lot of priorities, and telling Aucklanders that some of those were non-negotiable.

There is certainly a feeling in Auckland that making a submission is a waste of time. The council will listen politely, but still do what they want to do.

While Geoff Houtman agrees there is a strong interference in local politics from central government (eg the city rail link), there is a small group of bureaucrats and politicians in Queen Street who are just as obstructive.

Houtman is concerned there is still no commitment from council to stop demolition and unsuitable development in character parts of Auckland until zoning changes can be made. “We just shouldn’t be attempting intensification in heritage areas,” says Houtman. “Not enough is coming from the grass roots,” he complains. And it’s not just a right wing philosophy, à la Rodney Hide, that worries Geoff. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s right wing or left wing,” he believes. “It’s still imposition from the top.”

I suggested to Geoff Houtman that we can’t just keep replicating old 1900s buildings.

Many are unsuited as modern business premises, some are cold, some leaky, and many don’t use the land space efficiently. Geoff’s answer, “keep the facades - do what you like inside.” It reminds me a bit of those old Western movie sets in Hollywood – nothing behind the facades. It seems a bit like cheating to me.

The proposal at 221 Ponsonby Road is another hot topic with Geoff. “A greedy developer wants 100% site coverage,” he says, “when 35% is the Res 7a limit.” That site is planned for two retail shops and three apartments. Shouldn’t you make the most of that site for the planned retail and apartments, I asked him? “There should be facades on Ponsonby Road and Pember Reeves,” says Geoff, “they are to provide an attractive addition to the streetscape. The beauty of the strip is the trees and church spires that define the skyline.”

Geoff Houtman does have some good ideas about population intensification. He says there are lots of unconsented granny flats or sleep-outs on the back of sections, especially around Westmere and Pt Chevalier, which should be encouraged by council.

These spaces are ideal for teenagers or grandparents, but the council regulations stipulate no kitchens. “Very silly,” thinks Geoff.

Likewise large villas could be divided up into units, down the middle for example.

“Change the rules,” is Geoff’s cry, “and greater density can be achieved.”

It seems to me, that while Labour may have been thrown out partly because they were trying to tell us what to eat for breakfast, National will go too if they try to bully Aucklanders against their will. There is a basic standoff on transport - Labour and the Auckland Council quite rightly wants rail, National is obsessed with roads.

Grey Lynn heights residents may not agree with Geoff Houtman that Great North Road is a prime spot for large scale population intensification “Eight, 10 storey apartments, great idea, on a bus route. Isn’t Greenlane meant to be the boulevard of cars - not Great North Road”. When I point out to Geoff that many residents near the top of Northland, Grosvenor, Elgin, Ariki, etc, won’t relish the thought of highrisers looking into their private back yards, he makes a good point. “ Those apartments will be on the south side, and won’t affect sun or light at all.”

Geoff Houtman is hot on some of our new buildings and very sceptical about the merits of several proposed developments. “How do they get through?” he complains. “As soon as you read ‘sympathetic with its neighbours’ most should be thrown straight out.”

I suggested that Geoff’s group won’t win them all – they should pick their fights, but what Geoff Houtman really wants is genuine dialogue with council, and real community consultation, not just top-down dictatorship.

Houtman likes what he calls “the lamington building”, on Mackelvie Street. “Cool, big windows, open, not overly high.” But he bemoans the fact it won’t be seen, when it becomes hidden behind the “monstrosity with fins,” which will go on the Mini Garage site. (You will read elsewhere in this issue my comments on that development).

Geoff Houtman and his group are doing an admirable job - some of our ancestors who built some of those lovely Victorian villas will be cheering down from above, pleased they have not been forgotton, and thrilled that what they created will never be lost if the Western Bays Community Group has its way. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN

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9 LOCAL NEWS ATICO.COCINA - THE NAME SAYS IT ALL! Situated toward the city end of Drake Street in a character brick building, Atico feels for all intents and purposes, as if it was uploaded straight out of Cartagena. The laid-back rustic ambiance seeps in the longer you sit at the rough hewn wooden tables enjoying the warmth and friendliness of the staff putting their guests at ease.

Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean Islands and South America the menu offers the best in seafood as well as quality beef, pork and chicken. Simple, but so good!

Menu items with names like ‘Fire Ice Ceviche’ (Fresh market fish, avocado, mango, jalapeno, gazpacho sorbet), ‘Lomo de AtunMulato’ (Seared Carpaccio style tuna, mulato chilli, black eye pea salsa, chipotle aioli), ‘Jamaican Chicken Jerk’ (Chicken breast, smothered okra, black eye pea, coconut rice, corn salsa, plantain crips), and ‘Dulce de Leche’ (caramel flavoured fruit pie served with lashings of Colombian coffee cream) make the mouth water, and the soul hunger for this veritable feast of flavours.

Atico.Cocina is not just about fine foods it is about enjoying a whole experience.

The bar counter is central to the room and the outdoor area is wonderful for lazy summer lunches or dinners. Friday evenings are a riot – with free salsa lessons and a DJ all night.

So if you are one of those, rather bored with the ‘same-old’ suburban eatery, why not head down to Atico.Cocina, right next door to Victoria Park Market, and soak up a generous helping of their equatorial splendour and eat some really good food.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 11.45am to late. For special events check their website or Facebook page. PN ATICO.COCINA, 19 Drake Street T: 09 354 4030 www.atico.co.nz

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GIVE YOUR BUSINESS SOME SaaS You’re not alone if incorporating technology into your business is a puzzling time as it can be hard to validate what’s worth investigating. New Zealand tech companies are developing world class services and platforms that are readily available to local businesses at affordable rates. Examples are not hard to find with local bar & bistro Longroom taking advantage of platforms that help with loyalty, social media and mobile apps. ‘Using modern technology to promote our events and specials has helped us engage our customers more often’ Rich Bagnell, Longroom.

The movement known as SaaS (software as a service), where a client usually pays a marginal set up and monthly fee is growing in popularity as developers continue to innovate. Small businesses can get a quick return on investment by responding to market trends. With built-in analytics measuring effectiveness is an added bonus.

‘The tools available have made it easier to promote our weekly rituals and engage the regulars with timely deals’ Sarah-Jane Chamberlin, Barworks.

Xero and Vend are New Zealand success stories in SaaS but recently other local entities have been building up their offering. App La Carte (affordable iPhone/Android apps), Eftplus (loyalty), Easy Social Media and Eveve (online bookings) are a few companies making things easier. “New Zealand restaurants will receive over 500,000 bookings via online and mobile this year.” Richard Small, Eveve.

Smartphones enable customers to promote to their own networks with relative ease. What’s important to remember is that these technologies are not limited to big brands or budgets and getting started is relatively stress free. PN Andrew Malcolm, MD, App La Carte. andrew@applacarte.com

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VIVA ITALIA DELICIOUS DANTE’S PIZZA

photography: Michael McClintock

WE WERE EXCITED TO HEAR THAT DANTE’S Pizza was moving from Huapai to Ponsonby Central. They are Auckland’s only V.P.N certified Pizzeria (with only three in the Southern Hemisphere), and bring a real slice of Italy to our community.

But why the big move? Many customers visiting Dante’s were coming from Auckland, and a majority of those were from Ponsonby.

Yet Dante’s, in its previous location, provided the perfect excuse to get out of the city for an afternoon picnic, blending fresh ingredients imported straight from Italy to create award -winning pizza. The award-winning pizzas haven’t changed, just the location.

and its ingredients have travelled half the globe, yet the pizzas only take about 90 seconds to cook in the oven. This is fast food, but fresh!

The art of pizza is a protected specialisation, and Dante’s owner Kevin Morris is very much in it for the love of his craft and promoting fresh food. Morris’s trainer from Naples has a calming effect on the business, which has only been open for three months in its new Ponsonby location. The dishwasher, like Morris, is from Essex, and after some Essex banter I am rightfully confused about the origins of his Italian affiliation.

Kevin Morris’s grandfather, and Dante’s namesake, ran a Napoli Pizzeria in Genoa (in the north of Italy), so despite, “looking like an extra from a Guy Ritchie film”, pizza is in Morris’s blood. Morris’s Italian blood can sometimes work against him, “I’m like Gordon Ramsay; sometimes I get a bit angry.” But this passion for pizza and obsession with tradition means that Ponsonby is the new home of one of the best pizzerias in New Zealand. (BRIDIE WITTON) PN DANTE’S PIZZA, Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 4443 www.dantespizza.co.nz

Ponsonby Central on a grey and drizzly late Wednesday morning – not the ideal setting to devour some authentic Italian pizza, but we’re not complaining. The Pizza Margherita, named after a picky French queen, has the colours of the Italian flag in the topping. It is juicy and dripping with debauchery. One bite into it and I realise that for me, pizza will never be the same. You eat this pizza folded over, like a New Yorker, portafoglio, which is Italian for ‘wallet’. There will be sauce dripping down your face, but it is part of the experience.

Dante’s Pizza’s are made with 100% passion and love. The ingredients are imported from Italy, ‘Denominazione di Origine Controllata’, authentic, from the correct region and certified by the Italian government. The Pizza Margherita is a protected food, like champagne. Its simplicity belies its delicious-ness.

The sour dough takes four days to prepare, is hand stretched and is made to order.

This means that the gluten in the dough has time to settle, and will not upset those with Celiac’s disease or gluten intolerance. The buffalo cheese is airfreighted from Italy.

This is wholesome, fresh food made well. Dante’s Pizza’s are crafted with precision,

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VIVA ITALIA AN ITALIAN HUB IN THE HEART OF PONSONBY The Dante Alighieri of Auckland is a society for everyone who is interested in all things Italian. As a registered charity, based in Freemans Bay Community Centre, the Dante runs a number of activities and language classes. There is a playgroup (one to five year olds) ideal for those who like to introduce their toddlers and preschoolers to the delights of Italian songs and lifestyle, and there are classes for school children and teenagers, with the choice of Italian as a second language or at a bilingual level.

Adult classes are run both during daytime and in the evening, catering to all levels and with new beginner classes starting each term. The society also promotes Italian culture in Auckland by organising regular social and cultural events, like film screenings, concerts, amateur theatrical productions, cooking classes, and the annual Italian Festival.

Members can also enjoy an Italian library, free coffee mornings on the last Saturday of each month, and a number of other activities.

Coming up this month is The Italian Quiz Night on 15 March at Freemans Bay Community Centre; this is a chance to test your knowledge of Italy while eating and drinking ’like an Italian’. For April the society is planning a special Italian movie screening during the school holidays, plus Anzac celebrations (coincidentally 25 April is also Italian Liberation Day). PN For more information visit the Dante website www.dante.org.nz Or find us on Facebook/Societa Dante Alighieri Auckland Group

FOR THE LOVE OF PEOPLE, FOOD, FOOTBALL AND EVERYTHING ITALIAN! THIS YEAR, GINA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS. “40 years, that’s a crazy amount of time in this business. Honestly, you have to be a bit nutty to run a restaurant, especially an Italian one,” says current owner Alessandro Fantoni. “And you must have - not a good - but a great sense of humour.

And you have to care about food naturally, but mostly about people. Then when you bring those two together, ah now that is where the alchemist works.”

At Gina’s Italian Kitchen, they have the “X” factor by the bucketload. Someone recently described their Gina’s experience as “being taken out of my reality and into Gina’s reality.” Another said they felt like they’d been on an Italian adventure.

Lucky them!

Alessandro believes that having something of an X-factor is not a thing that you learn rather it’s something you’re born with. Which is one of the reasons Gina’s has been a success story for almost half a century. They represent Italian hospitality in its rawest form. Alessandro reckons “it’s better to share a plate of bread seasoned with salt and olive oil than to eat a steak seasoned with anger.”

The previous owners Gina and Bodo, were spirited and generous folk. They did after all open the first Italian Trattoria in Auckland and incredibly, after 40 years, some present day regulars at Gina’s are the children and grandchildren of Gina and Bodo’s regulars from those wonderful early days.

For the love of people, food, football and everything Italian - you’ll find it all there at Gina’s Italian Kitchen. Auguri e Forza Azzurri! PN GINA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN, 161 Symonds Street T: 09 302 2061 www.ginas.co.nz

IN SEARCH OF CAFÉ STYLE COFFEE AT HOME Great quality espresso coffee relies on what the Italians refer to as the 4 M’s (Miscela, Macinazione, Mano, and Macchina). Expertly roasted and blended coffee beans, ground correctly, prepared by a skilled operator, using a great quality espresso machine. That’s why more and more people are choosing to invest in a premium quality Italian espresso machine to enjoy that café quality espresso coffee in their home and workplace.

Espresso Machine Company specialises in the sale and service of premium quality Italian espresso coffee machines. The proper manual and semi-automatic espresso machines that work just like the one in your favourite café. Why Italian? Because they are widely regarded as being the best! The most prestigious Italian manufacturers have over 100 years experience in the design and manufacture of espresso machines; this experience is reflected in the quality of coffee in your cup.

Espresso Machine Company has a wide range of machines available for demonstration at their showroom. Machines range from entry level under $1000 up to over $3000 for an e61 commercial style machine with dual boiler; but some customers are choosing to go even further installing 1 and 2 group commercial machines in their home or office to enjoy the complete café experience.

Not only do they sell machines, but they back it up with a first rate ‘and extremely busy’ service operation specialising in service and repair of a wide range of Italian espresso coffee machines including e61 Rocket, La Pavoni, Rancilio Silvia, and Vibiemme.

They also offer one the best ranges of premium imported Italian and locally roasted coffee beans. Check them out online or drop by for a demonstration. PN ESPRESSO MACHINE COMPANY, 740 Great South Road, Penrose T: 09 950 1951 sales@espresso.co.nz www.espresso.co.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH | VIVA ITALIA

VIVA LA BELLEZZA! ITALIAN BEAUTY BRANDS I LOVE Many things that come out of Italy are insanely romantic, a little bit wild and unashamedly sexy: the fragrances, the language, the makeup, the movies and the skin and hair care. Fresh Italian ingredients such as virgin olive oil, grapefruit, and neroli are often used in beauty products, especially in fragrances. Italians once believed that aside from a wonderful smell, colognes also helped protect you from disease and harm, so it’s no wonder that so many of the famous Italian fashion houses (Bulgari, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana) all have their own fragrances that are lauded around the world.

In the spirit of Ponsonby News’ Viva Italia issue I spent some time looking around the neighbourhood in search of some unforgettable Italian beauty brands. The first I’d like to give a shout out to is Davines, a family owned, internationally loved hair care company that are one half luxury and the other sustainability.

The WORLD beauty store is another hotbed of Italian beauty brands for both men and women. Omega Shaving Cream for Men – or “crema da barba” – is a true Italian original, whilst Marvis toothpaste takes your twice daily brushing to whole new heights of aromatic goodness with its unusual scents.

Founded in Parma, Italy in 1983 by the Bollati Family, Davines Group started as a research laboratory, producing high-end hair care products for renowned cosmetic companies worldwide. After a decade of honing their expertise they began creating their own brand of hair care products exclusively for salons, and in 1996 also founded (comfort zone) skincare for spas.

Lastly, a discussion of great – and unique – Italian beauty brands wouldn’t be complete without a tipping of the hat to the incredible range of Nasomatto fragrances. Created by Alessandro Gualtieri (who has created scents for Valentino, Versace and Helmut Lang, to name a few) and available at WORLDbeauty, Nasomatto is a very Italian brand.

Their products are a total sensorial overload - they feel and smell incredible – and yes, they really work. Davines Love Smooth Conditioner is a beautiful example of what they do, a creamy, rich treatment specifically formulated for harsh and frizzy hair. It makes difficult hair easy to comb and glossy, and the tub looks pretty in your bathroom too!

Davines is available in Ponsonby at D&M and in Grey Lynn at re:ab on Selbourne’s new salon, Hair Organics.

On the shelves of Mecca Cosmetica you’ll find a range of beautiful, addictive essentials from all over the globe, with Italy well represented by the gorgeous Tocca candle range. The company that began with beautiful to own cashmere and womenswear collections expanded into bath and body products in the late 90s, and their candles followed not long after. In Italian, Tocca means ‘touch’ and that was in fact the name of their very first scent, but today they have numerous offerings like the Tocca Graciella and always-popular Stella.

Not purveyors of bog standard florals, their approach is insanely creative and very unique – think a range of strong perfumes with crazy ideas and a lot of references to forbidden “pleasures”. There is also no olfactory description of any of the perfumes, which are usually very strong, opulent and almost brutal in their beauty.

Alessandro believes the senses are our primary instruments that guide our reactions and the Nasomatto project is about sharing his personal passion for perfumes. There are the likes of Duro for enhancing male strength, Narcotic Venus for the addictive intensity of female sexuality, Absinth to stimulate irresponsible behaviour (love that!), Silver Musk to “evoke superhuman magnetism”, and Hindu Grass is about universal peace and love.

Their newest release Pardon Extrait de Parfum. aims to “evoke the persuasion of utmost masculine elegance and charm”, and it doesn’t get much more Italian than that.

(HELENE RAVLICH) PN

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VIVA ITALIA SPREADING THE IL BUCO LOVE When I get a phone call from my editor at any time before 11am, chances are he’ll find me at Il Buco on Ponsonby Road, sipping on a long black sweetened with manuka honey and chatting about all manner of things with the wonderful Jonny Rudduck.

photography: Michael McClintock

For those of you that don’t know him, Jonny serves up pizza, perfect pollo, sweet treats and Supreme coffee at Il Buco, seven days a week. Their pizza is traditional Roman Pizza al Taglio (pizza by the slice), made using the freshest, most delicious ingredients combined in traditional and totally unique ways. They serve around 30 different varieties of pizza too, so you can definitely keep coming back for more and not eat the same slice twice for quite some time!

The pizza is partially cooked and displayed for you to select your slices. You can choose for them to finish cooking them in their oven, which only takes about five or so minutes, or you can take them home and finish them in your own oven when you’re ready to eat.

The month of February saw the official return of Il Buco’s ‘Book a Bird’ service, whereby you call up with two hours notice and become the proud owner of a perfectly cooked rotisserie chook to take home and enjoy. All of Jonny’s chickens are Size 18 Sunset Farms free-range birds and come with either a traditional sage and onion stuffing or with a lemon popped inside, and are delicately basted in duck fat throughout the cooking process for maximum tenderness and just a little taste of decadence. When we’ve had them in the past they have lasted our on-the-small-side three person family well into the next day for sandwiches and salad, and he’s also going to have a couple available at 5.30pm every day from now on for the less organised amongst us!

Also unusual – and much loved – in the Il Buco line up is their selection of vegan pizza varieties, many of which I have tried and loved despite being a dedicated meat eater.

They range from Ortolana to Funghi, Patate and Margarita, as well as a Spinach and Vegan Gorgonzola and Spinach and Vegan Mozzarella. Amazingly, Jonny also serves

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up a Vegan Chorizo straight from Germany, “as even German vegans must have their daily sausage!” which many a former carnivore will definitely enjoy.

There are at least three guaranteed vegan options available during Il Buco’s peak hours, as well as their beautiful chilled Gazpacho soup during the hot months and some heartier versions when the temperature cools. He also has plenty of dairy free and even gluten free options if you’re so inclined, with zero compromise on flavour.

All of the above are always served up with a smile, and often a hefty serving of local knowledge too. If you’re new to the neighbourhood or just keen to get an updated lay of the land then the always affable, preternaturally charming Jonny is definitely the man for the job! (HELENE RAVLICH) PN IL BUCO, 113 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 4414 www.ilbuco.co.nz

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WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO

THE SOURCE OF SUPERB ITALIAN INGREDIENTS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS… A CELEBRATION OF ITALIAN CULTURE SEEMS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT FOOD. For Italians, cooking and eating is about bringing people together – these are daily rituals which are just as much about pleasure as they are nourishment.

We share this Italian passion for food, and it is reflected in our philosophy. With this in mind, it seems fitting to talk about how Sabato came to be – it’s hard to believe that this year we’ll celebrate our 20th year of business.

You wouldn’t believe it now, but it hasn’t always been possible to find artisan quality ingredients in New Zealand.

Every time we travelled, our suitcases would come home bursting with Italian ingredients – aged balsamic, bronze-extruded pasta, estate olive oils…

Our excess baggage fees were getting out of hand! Something had to be done – so we did it.

Instead of lugging back these fabulous foods for ourselves and friends, we set up Sabato, to share our discoveries and to introduce a range of ingredients to Kiwi palettes.

Even though our range has grown considerably (and now includes French, Spanish and local products), we still get excited when we stumble across a unique new ingredient, and it constantly inspires us to see how you are using our finds.

Thank you for supporting us over the past 20 years, and for sharing our passion.

Buon Appetito! Jacqui, Phil and the Sabato team. PN SABATO, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

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VIVA ITALIA A BUSY MONTH AT MARCELLO’S CAFFÈ It was a busy month at Marcello’s with Valentine’s Day and Pride Week and they have made excellent progress on the expansion next door with the work nearing completion.

They are ideally looking at a ‘grand opening’ this month so if you’re visiting the cafe and want to be added to their mailing list so you’re kept up to date, make sure to leave your details in Marcello’s little red book.

Their kitchen is looking great, they’re using the latest in ultraviolet odourless technology on the extraction system, a very important feature when they cohabitate with 80 other residents. The booth seating around the new walls is about to be installed and they’re introducing a new colour scheme for the opening.

The temporary graffiti wall, covering the opening to next door, is full of interesting notes and it seems a shame not to do something with the wall when it comes down, although they don’t think they’ll be putting it up on Trademe.

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Other changes happening include a new manager, Mark, who will be joining the team this month to support the longer hours with the introduction of their dinner service.

The outside dining has been glorious with the best of the summer weather and all through the winter, they’ll have the sun in the courtyard area.

At Marcello’s they have free wireless courtesy of wireless nation, and the latest in tap (your phone) to pay options available. They’re looking into a phone order app and news on that will be available soon. PN MARCELLO’S CAFFE, 28 College Hill T: 09 361 2600 www.facebook.com

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

ITALY IS A VAST COUNTRY WITH MANY HUNDREDS OF DIFFERENT GRAPE varieties grown and a plethora of wine styles. Navigating your way through Italian wine can be tricky, so as Ponsonby News celebrates everything in Ponsonby that’s Italian, here is a snapshot of the main regions and styles that will make you an Italian wine lover in no time at all.

Piedmont - Italy’s most northern wine region is located just outside Turin and not too far from famous Lake Como. To sum up the region in a few styles does not do justice to this food and wine Mecca, however it’s necessary to get this all onto one page.

Piedmont is home to the villages of Barolo and Barbaresco; both make red wines from the Italian variety Nebbiolo. The white wine from this region is Arneis - a fragrant aromatic wine that is great as an aperitif.

Moving a little south and to the right of Italy, the wine region of Veneto is based around the picturesque town of Verona. Here you will find many of the classic great value Italian reds that are the mainstay of Italian restaurant wine lists. The grape variety at home here is Corvina; the lighter style wines - Valpolicella and Bardolino, the richer and more structured - Amarone. The white wine of Veneto is Soave, an excellent value crisp white wine that is wonderful with a platter of cured meat.

Continuing south, you next come to picture postcard Tuscany. Located in the rolling hills north of Sienna, Tuscany is home to the flax basket wrapped Chianti. The red wines in this region are made from the Sangiovese grape variety. Chianti comes in a variety of quality levels from light and fruity through to more structured wines that benefit from cellaring.

Even further south, there’s a myriad of wine growing regions, including Abruzzo which is located just across from Rome; this is now one of Italy’s top wine producing regions and home to Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Historically a region better known for bulk wines, the wines coming from this region are now starting to turn heads with their spicy rich characters.

Sparkling wine is produced in various spots around Italy; whilst the most well known are Prosecco, Asti and Lambrusco, there are now some exceptionally good sparkling wines made through the traditional method coming out of Italy, most are being consumed within Italy and considering Italy is the third biggest market for champagne, these are worth keeping an eye on. We have a fantastic one at Glengarry called Ca’del Bosco – brilliant wine – super smart packaging also helps. (LIZ WHEADON) PN www.glengarry.co.nz

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JAY PLATT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Cherrywood oil pourer $267.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz; ‘Ferrari’ vintage red sunglasses $450 @ Occhiali Optical www.occhiali.co.nz; Lurisia Gazzosa Lemon flavoured drink $3.90 @ Didas www.didas.co.nz; Alessi Bird & Cage ‘Tea strainer’ $265 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Smilzo Cilindro & Smilzo Bombetta Vases (limited edition of 99 worldwide) $3950 each @ Design55 www.design55.co.nz; ‘Missoni’ beach towels $385 each @ Tessuti www.tessuti.co.nz; Truffle Slicer $59.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

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WE CAN CAN’TT LIVE WITHOUT

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ‘Daphne’ vase by Giuseppe Chigiotti $650 @ Indice www.indice.co.nz; Kartel ‘Take k Lamp’ L ’ $204 @ Askew A k www.askew.co.nz; k Acqua A di Palma P l ‘Colonia’ $289 @ World Beauty www.worldbrand.co.nz; Giusti Red Label balsamic vinegar $19.99 @ Didas www.didas.co.nz; Grana Padano “Parmesan Cheese’ $7.50 per 100g @ Didas www.didas.co.nz; Alessi ‘Lula’ dog bowl $195 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; Alessi ‘Mio’ cat bowl $175 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz PN

STYLING: Jay Platt PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santana

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TAKE US TO KINGSLAND THINGS ‘THE LOCALS’ LOVE ABOUT KINGSLAND LESLEY HAWES: K Kiwi culture still alive here I Ideal for all ages N Neat eats from every culture G Glengarry’s – such a cool new shop with awesome service S Splendid retro shops and markets L Lattes/flat whites/long blacks – so many choices A Amazing gifts from Mixt & The Cat and Fiddle N New and old bars – something for everyone D Divine Kingsland community DOUGLAS CHANDLER: Kingsland has a mix of real estate – lovely old villas, bungalows, solid 70s and 80s as well as stunning modern homes – add all day sun and a fantastic location and you have the best suburb in Auckland CHRIS HAWES: Kingsland is lucky to have such a fantastic neighbour, Western Springs - the big sections, wide spaced streets, the parks and green spaces and easy access to all the motorways, and of course it still has the Speedway!

EMMA KIPPENBERGER: Kingsland combines the best of both worlds – its close proximity to the city centre makes everything easy, but it maintains a relaxed and laid-back vibe, vibrant café and restaurant culture, and a sense of community with the ‘Crafternoon Tea’ held at the local markets and of course all the businesses…

Kingsland rocks!

LORRAINE HASLAM: I simply love working with the people in the area, amazing homes, the location is fabulous, just a different world!

STASYA ZATYLNIKOVA: My favorite thing about Kingsland is the amazing variety of cafes and restaurants. I especially like Mekong Neua where you can always find something yummy to eat. There are so many stylish bars to relax in, have a drink and even listen to live music. Kingsland is central and has everything you need!

TUI THORN: Kingsland has such a rich history that blends seamlessly with people’s modern lifestyles - it really is one of my favourite places to be. There are many historic buildings like the original A.W. Pages Grain and Forage Store where the fantastic bar The Kingslander can be found. The community culture and the neighbourly feel you get from just walking around the streets is awesome.

TIM HAWES: I love so many things about Kingsland, from the low key, friendly and relaxed nature of the people in the area to the nuts and bolts of being close to the motorway, trains and bus routes. We are also lucky to have such a range of things to do from the nearby parks to the shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with the most fantastic Mexican food around at Toro to enjoy. I really appreciate how easy it is to do all the things I want to within a couple of minutes from home.

RUTH HAWES: I love being able to jump on the train and be in the city or Newmarket in just a few minutes – no parking hassles, traffic jams or big taxi bills! Kingsland has so many wonderful places to eat and Taiko Japanese Restaurant has long been one of my favourites; the food is great and the team at Taiko are always so friendly and welcoming. PN RAY WHITE KINGSLAND, 437 New North Road T: 09 815 9008 www.thelocals.co.nz

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KEEPING IT LOCAL As Kingsland’s one and only real estate agency, The Locals of Ray White are so proud to call this fabulous neighbourhood home. When dealing with this family owned and operated business, you can be sure of receiving the very best of service and of course, the best results.

Firmly established as the ‘go to’ people for all things real estate, their office in the heart of the village is a one stop shop; selling, buying, renting, investing or needing lending advice – there’s a friendly and experienced professional just waiting to help you.

Their outstanding reputation has been built on delivering outstanding results across the city fringe property market week after week, month after month, year after year. You won’t drive far into the streets of Kingsland or Western Springs without spotting a ubiquitous Ray White ‘For Sale’ sign – or without spotting one of the yellow minis!

Long time residents of the area, and committed community members, it is easy to see why The Locals brand has captured the market – they are the real deal and absolutely the best at what they do.

When it comes to real estate in Kingsland it’s a simple decision – Keep It Local!!

Come in and see them anytime or call to make an appointment. PN RAY WHITE KINGSLAND, 437 New North Road T: 09 815 9008 www.rwkingsland.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY PONSONBY CENTRAL’S TORU CAFE: NEW CHEF AT TOKYO CLUB SERVING UP BRUNCH WITH A TWIST Chef, Mr Hideharu Shimura has arrived in New Zealand as THE SISTER CAFE OF THE AWARD WINNING ESTABLISHMENTS TEED Street Larder and Wai Kitchen, Toru is part of the still-feels-like-new Ponsonby Central dining and shopping precinct, and one of its busiest spots at that. This is mainly due to the quality of its fare - which serves up some of the most unique brunch and lunch options on the Ponsonby strip – and its spaciousness, meaning that a fight for a seat isn’t usually an issue no matter the size of your group.

I popped in with my family for brunch one Sunday early in February and it was business as usual – the place was buzzing with locals and visitors grabbing coffee and clutching the weekend papers, sunglasses often still in place after the kind of Saturday night revelry that I can only dream of! We usually sit up the back towards the Ponsonby Central hub, but this time chose a table next to the open front doors as it was a classic Auckland muggy summer’s day and the breeze passing through was the perfect solution. This turned out to be a mistake as we were pretty much ignored for well over 10 minutes – a marked contrast to the always-fabulous service we’ve always received ‘up the back’.

Executive Chef of Tokyo Club, Ponsonby Central.

Mr Shimura has finished his role as Executive Chef at the Michelin-star rated property Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo, to join the family run business located at Ponsonby Central.

Mr Shimura brings to Auckland a long and successful career working at the best restaurants in Tokyo and throughout Japan. He will be one of the most experienced Asian chef’s in the country.

Tokyo Club is a casual Isakaya style dining bar, open seven days, serving cuisine and beverages from the streets of Tokyo. No bookings required. PN www.tokyoclub.co.nz

After a bit of embarrassed prompting things were soon on track however, and the amazing fare placed in front of us was so good that it almost cancelled out our earlier feeling of utter abandonment! A plate of ricotta pancakes was large and fluffy and served very simply, which was a bonus in my husband’s books and left ample room for his side of crispy bacon. I went for another traditional dish in the form of a vegetarian eggs Benedict, which came with the rich but utterly addictive addition of goats curd and perfectly wilted spinach.

The real hit for our four year old – AKA His Lordship, and well tolerated by the staff at Toru on a more than regular basis – was the banana, chocolate and peanut butter smoothie, which was just sweet enough to be kid friendly but a stellar pick for those over the age of 10 too. I’m aiming to head back to try the peach & vanilla version, which sounds like a little slice of summer in a glass if ever there was one.

For the more adventurous brunch diner (and there seemed to be a lot of them out there on this particular Sunday) they offer the likes of the fresh berries with buffalo yoghurt, baby basil and raw honeycomb, Waikanae crab omelette with sambal, and the colcannon (a traditional Irish dish mainly consisting of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage) with corned beef, sauerkraut, crème fraiche and poached eggs. The menu changes often too, so chances are a return visit will unleash a whole set of new options to explore, usually with a seasonal bent.

If you’re just popping in for something small they have a counter selection that includes donuts, delicate macarons and heartier scones, and the always -excellent coffee served up at Toru comes from local roasters Three Beans. There is also quite a selection of fine TWG teas from Singapore for those that shun the long black and the flat white, and juices both freshly made and in a bottle.

This place really is an asset to the Ponsonby café scene and a brand new local for more than a few of us out there, so get your nose stuck in a menu ASAP. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN TORU, Ponsonby Central, 136-138 Ponsonby Road T: 09 555 1229

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LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE

DO NOT MISS THE FRENCH CAFÉ EXPERIENCE I THINK I’M PRETTY GOOD AT MAKING WHITEBAIT fritters. Mine are simple; puffy little pads chock-full of delicate whitebait bound together with free-range egg, with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. Everybody loves them, but they fade into insignificance beside the amazing pre-dinner nibble we were offered at The French Café recently; little round toasted sandwiches filled with whitebait. Those managed to be buttery, crunchy and very whitebaitey at once, almost stealing the show from everything that followed for our dinner.

But that’s to be expected at The French Café, where the menu is filled with deliciousness and you want to try absolutely everything on offer.

The restaurant has become a flagship dining destination for discerning Aucklanders and it seems like it’s always been there. Under the ownership of Simon Wright and his wife Creghan for more than 14 years, it’s been kept at the indisputable top of New Zealand’s dining scene, through continual attention and re-invigoration of the business by this talented pair.

It’s a well known fact that the very best restaurants are like this, places that continually work at reinventing themselves. Not changing direction nor completely modifying every single detail of menu and décor.

Rather, a canny restaurateur knows how to refresh, tweak and invigorate constantly while retaining the things that loyal customers love best and return again and again for. Just like Simon Wright and Creghan Molloy Wright do at The French Café.

Their latest initiative has been to take over the interior courtyard, together with the building across that space on the far side, creating a lush kitchen garden and their brand new room, The French Kitchen. The garden is filled with fresh-for-the-plucking herbs, vegetable plants and fruit, dictating the direction of the menu rather than ordering in whatever takes the chef’s fancy. And the new state-of-the-art airy separate kitchen has space for dining, cooking demos, parties and events for anything from 10 to 30 people.

delight that had flavours of mandarin, milk toffee, hazelnuts, malt and, of course, lots of chocolate.

The wine list is extensive and perfectly pitched to the audience. Some guests save up for a once-a -year splurge night out or a special celebration, there are regulars who turn up once or twice a week, and there are those who are willing to travel to the end of the earth for the finest food and wines.

So the list offers wines to meet any budget and every single one of them, whether it’s a sauvignon blanc at $58 or a burgundy at $800 is well chosen.

There are also great choices by the glass and every varietal I could think of was there, on the list, from pinot blanc to gruner veltliner.

Service at the French Café has always been both friendly and attentive. And now it’s combined with the theatre of the French Kitchen. It’s a real treat to watch the intensity of Simon Wright and his chef, with their complete focus and concentration on cooking and plating the food, only metres from the tables.

Like so many of the alterations, additions and finetuning they’ve brought to the restaurant over the years, this new project should catapult them even higher on New Zealand’s restaurant scene. Do not miss The French Café experience. PN (LAURAINE JACOBS MNZM) www.laurainejacobs.co.nz THE FRENCH CAFÉ, 210 Symonds Street T: 09 377 1911 www.thefrenchcafe.co.nz

There are white walls, big glass doors, a great Electrolux modern kitchen, a fantastic pale wooden floor (made from floorboards in the old Orange Coronation Hall where my mother used to dance with Bill Sevesi in the 40s), and some well chosen art from Gow Langsford.

Simon Wright will cook exclusively for parties who book this space and there will be wine dinners, special events and more. What there won’t be is distraction from the regular business of the French Café where diners are pampered and looked after with some of the most professional service and deliciously thought out food offered in Auckland.

The restaurant does have an á la carte menu option, but to order from that would be a travesty as diners really need to experience the breadth and depth of Wright’s cooking.

For his kitchen team work quietly and confidently to send out food that’s expertly crafted, gently cooked and arranged on the plate so every dish is picture-perfect. There’s a tasting menu of about eight superb courses at $140, a set menu at $100 which offers choices for a three course dinner, the á la carte where you can pick and choose, and an eight course vegetarian menu at $140.

The vegetarian menu will certainly make the editor of the Ponsonby News a happy and satisfied soul! (It’s an interesting comment on the position of Auckland restaurants to note that our very best chefs, Sid Sahrawat of Sidart, Ben Bayley at The Grove, Michael Meredith, Des Harris at Clooney and Simon Wright are all offering superb vegetarian tasting menus. There’s something going on here!)

Many of the dishes appear on all the menus, and those I particularly loved were the kingfish ceviche with crème fraîche, caviar and garden greens, an heirloom tomato, melon and lobster salad with ricotta and a ball of gazpacho granite, and an inspired perfect egg yolk confit on smoked potato with peas and parmesan. Duck has always been my number one choice at The French Café and I positively swooned over a perfect seared duck breast garnished with spiced fresh cherries, parsnip and red wine. It’s lovely food that shows exceedingly complex work behind the scenes and yet when it arrives it is simple to savour and devour.

Desserts, and there are two included in the tasting menus, included a frothy sweet concoction of strawberries, meringue, cream, raspberries and mint, and a chocoholic’s

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY EXCITEMENT’S BREWING ON PONSONBY ROAD A quick catch up with our favourite crafty bugger “Generic.” Is there any more depressing word in the whole English language? And don’t say Hamilton, you naughty Jafa! But this is possibly the word that best sums up today’s international keg-to-pump beer market – an uninspiring choice of crisp, dry 5% sameness. Sure it all gets you to the same destination on a Saturday night, but it doesn’t really allow you to enjoy the journey – metaphorically speaking taking you repeatedly via Hamilton rather than Honolulu.

So thank God for the New Zealand craft brewer – those merry-making magicians, combining science, nature and the old fashioned can-do Kiwi spirit to provide an altogether more inspiring treat for our tastebuds. And don’t be fooled by the stereotype – not all of these modern day Merlins reside in the caves of Dunedin or the foothills of West Auckland, and those that are bearded generally sport one for fashion not food storage. In fact we have one living amongst us on Ponsonby Road, and we’re all rather fond of him…

Luke Dallow – Owner, Chapel Bar & Bistro and new hospitality spot Tin Soldier, hospitality guru and all round bon viveur for those of you who don’t know him - has converted the space behind Chapel Bar & Bistro into Ponsonby’s first and only craft brewery – Dedwood Brewery Co. Hallelujah.

While Luke describes himself as just being “one Kiwi bloke, in his shed, sticking two fingers up to the corporate beer monster”, the operation is a little more sophisticated than he makes it sound, and he has been creating mini masterpieces for the last year.

But the motivation is very real.

“Great venues are defined by their service, atmosphere and products. I’ve always been able to add my personal touch in most areas, but brewing and serving my own beer has always been the one missing link, so it seemed to me to be high time I took up the challenge.”

Luke concentrates on producing small batches with big personalities. Following in the footsteps of the “anarchic” IPA, the Vienna Lager (“a seductive twenty-first century Fraulein”), and Californian Pale Ale (“chopped, tuned and ready to roll”), now come the Ponsonby Road lagers and pilsners. Both are currently pouring at Tin Soldier and at Red Hummingbird in the city.

“Don’t be fooled by the simple descriptors,” says Luke, “these beers are bursting with flavour and will bring a smile to your face and put a spring in your step. Taste the hops, and live the dream!”

Always up for a challenge, Luke is looking for new recipe ideas, so if there’s a certain kind of beer you think might be worth a try, email him at luke.dallow@xtra.co.nz and see what magic he can weave. And don’t forget to pop in to Tin Soldier for a pint of the current batch… you may even get served by the master brewer himself. PN

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY WHAT’S GOING ON AT VINNIES? The bluffies are coming to town… This March we’ll be serving the greatest delicacy ever to come out of Bluff – the world famously divine Tiostrea chilensis, the flat dredge oyster found in the cold clean waters of Foveaux Strait. We will be serving them four ways and why not try washing them down with Champagne Pol Roger, a crisp citrusy Sav from Marlborough or a cleansing chilled craft beer from one of our favourite micro breweries.

Speaking of Kiwi delicacies, my kids and I hit the hills for a little foraging the other day. Imagine their delight at discovering things we could actually eat, out there in the wild! We’re giving you a chance to taste some too.

Our native edible kawakawa leaves go extremely well with most seafood. We’ve put it into a fresh celery juice sauce, warmed it a little and served it with pan roasted John Dory with a salad of purslane and tender young glasswort shoots (another native edible also known as Samphire).

We take pride in sourcing the best quality produce we can. Our eye fillet of beef is First Light Wagyu out of the Hawkes Bay. This is the only Wagyu beef in the world which is 100% grass fed and we’re serving this with the flavours of an exquisite, classic Kiwi burger.

If you’re meeting for lunch on Friday then remember our speedy two course menu and hey, if it’s been a great week - why not take the afternoon off and treat your staff or yourselves to our brand new summer a la carte menu and your favourite tipple.

Seven original paintings by Auckland artist Ross Jones are currently on display. We really enjoy being able to work in a beautiful space thanks to our fantastic refurbishment and surrounded by great artwork, and it makes for a stunning dining experience too.

Our Ross Jones, artist dinner sold out within days – an incredible night was had. Check out the website for upcoming events. If you’re planning a celebration or small get together, why not book out our beautiful private room, perfect for up to 14 guests. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you for Bluff oysters and Wagyu soon. (GEOFF SCOTT)

VINNIES by Geoff Scott, 166 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland T: 09 376-5597

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY OH!SO CAFES, COCONUT & CHILLI FISH TACOS I LOVE MAKING THIS DISH ON A WARM SUMMER’S DAY. IT’S SO QUICK AND simple and the fresh fragrant flavours evoke tropical memories. Wash it down with an ice cold glass of feijoa cider or a nice crisp Riesling. If you’re not a fish lover, substitute it with sliced chicken breast or even courgette as a vegetarian option.

COCONUT & CHILLI CRUMBED FISH TACOS WITH MANGO, GINGER & CORIANDER SALSA Makes 4 FOR THE CRUMB: 2 x cups breadcrumbs ½ x cup thread coconut ¼ x cup dried chilli flakes FOR THE FILLING: 150g x white fish or chicken breast or courgette (each) Shredded crunchy lettuce Mayonnaise 2 x soft taco shells each FOR THE SALSA: 1 x small mango 1 x finger sized piece of fresh ginger (peeled) 20g x fresh coriander 1 x red chilli 1 x green chilli 1 x spring onion 1 x tomato 1 x 2cm slice of cucumber Remove the seeds from the tomato and cucumber and roughly chop. Put this in a bowl and add chopped fresh mango, finely diced ginger, sliced chilies (seeds and all) and sliced spring onion. Drizzle with a good amount of salad oil to coat and sprinkle in the fresh picked coriander leaves, a pinch of salt and a good grind of black pepper.

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Mix together and refrigerate. If you’re really lazy like me, just throw it all into a food processor and pulse a few times until you get the consistency you like.

Place your bread (or breadcrumbs), coconut and dried chilli into a food processor and whizz until fine or not so fine if you like the coating really crunchy.

Beat two eggs together with a splash of milk. Lightly dust the fish, chicken or courgette in plain flour then dip into the egg mixture and coat in the breadcrumbs. Deep fry at 180c for a few minutes until they float and the crumb has become golden brown and crunchy. Place on a paper towel.

Shred the lettuce into a bowl and add a spoonful of mayonnaise. Toss together then place inside the slightly heated tacos. Place the warm ingredients on top of the lettuce and spoon over a generous amount of the mango salsa. These tacos are great when entertaining. Place the fillings, lettuce, taco shells and salsa in separate bowls and let your guests make their own. (BRIAN SEWELL) PN OH!SO CAFÉ, 29 Crummer Road, T: 09 360 0700 www.ohso.co.nz

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

PITY THE WINE WRITER I have always enjoyed writing, and over 30 years have had a rollercoaster ride in freelance journalism, including a winery travel guide book, The Mad Keen Wine Buff’s Road Trip (Random House2008) and two regular wine columns along with the odd feature article in daily papers. Problem is – most wine writers are regarded as total tossers by the general public.

And not without good reason. There is a tendency for us to wax poetical about the aromatic and metaphoric virtues of wines in a way which alienates the average drinker – i.e. somebody with a neck and a thirst. And to be totally honest, after three glasses of anything, subjectivity goes out the window because, well, wine contains alcohol.

This very fact is sadly overlooked by nearly all wine writers, who would rather say, “Subtle oak nuances flirt with the nose, while crème brulée and tropical fruit flavours predominate, and a symphony of citrus notes play on the mid-palate before a sunset of honeyed vanilla,” than “This is a Chardonnay which will get you totally rat-arsed after two bottles.”

But then, most of your mates could say that, if they were intelligible – and it would neither be terribly interesting, amusing nor informative. So as a writer you are rather stuck with having to say something descriptive about the wine. But there is a standard vocabulary based on the Aroma Wheel (see: Google) developed at the University of California at Davis by professor emeritus Ann C. Noble.

The good professor has obviously spent many an hour drinking good wine and analysing the aromas and flavours thereof. This is extremely helpful when you try to describe in print how you interpret a particular wine and distinguish it from others.

Each grape has its own flavours and characteristics just as a Granny Smith differs from a Braeburn apple, or a raspberry tastes different to a boysenberry.

Writers do have to try to convey something in print which evokes the very subjective experience of a glass of wine (or two). I always think it’s akin to writing about music trying to nail the ethereal in a pithy phrase.

Which means this article can now segue effortlessly into some comments about a few great wines I have tasted lately.

MATAWHERO GRÜNER GISBORNE VELTLINER 2012 $27.00 Grüner Veltliner originates in Austria and is still a pretty experimental variety in New Zealand. Kumeu’s Cooper’s Creek winery were the first to produce one back on 2008.

This is a complex wine, just off-dry with some tropical fruit aromas, with a slightly herbal and citrus mouth-filling palate.

SUTHAROS THAI RESTAURANT: FRESH, SIMPLE THAI One of our family’s guilty secrets is that every Friday – without fail – we grab takeaways and a bottle of wine, no matter what may be happening farther on in the evening.

It’s a ritual that has seen us obsess about favourites (Burger Fuel, Satya), go outside our comfort zone and our area with mixed results (not naming names) and discover some great simple staples that don’t venture too far outside of the box but are delicious all the same.

A recent trip to Sutharos on Jervois Road most definitely falls into the latter, and Thai is a cuisine that is so plentiful in Auckland but so many establishments fail to get right. We couldn’t locate a menu of any kind online for the still relatively new establishment (it opened in 2012 in the space formerly occupied by the restaurant Pure at 186 Jervois Road), which is a bit problematic for your average punter looking to try something new and meant we had to rely on a phone call to see what they recommended.

We enquired after a vegetarian green curry option with tofu (my favourite) and a Massaman curry, which is a Southern Thai dish that is Muslim in origin. It’s a slow cook that results in meat that quite literally falls apart in the mouth, so I was a bit surprised when they offered the option of chicken, beef or lamb – all ready in ten minutes! It didn’t spell a true Massaman at all and it most definitely wasn’t, but if a tasty, simple curry is what you were after then you’d be happy with the end product, and most definitely impressed at the speed at which it is prepared!

My vegetarian green curry was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of spice to keep me on my toes, and there was a real variety of vegetables in there that were all still happily crunchy. Both came with steamed rice as per the majority of Thai takeaways, and we also ordered two entrees in the form of curry puffs and vegetarian spring rolls.

Both were just lightly fried - which is a huge difference from the majority of Thai fare out there that is often soaked in oil – and were bursting with flavour, so feeling guilty about snacking on more than a few of the tasty treats just wasn’t an option!

I’ve heard that the yellow duck with crispy pork curry and the duck curry at Sutharos both come highly recommended as well, so if you’re a fan of the fare then I definitely recommend that you grab some healthy Thai to go from Sutharos next time you’re in the Jervois Road area. It may not blow your mind or your tastebuds in any new and exciting way, but it’s simple, fresh and tasty, as well as incredibly easy on the wallet. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN SUTHAROS, 186 Jervois Road T: 09 360 0714

DRY RIVER MARTINBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2011 $73.00 Delicious and drinking really well right now. Golden in colour. Aromas of pineapple and apple juice, a medium sweet palate of poached pear and honey with crisp citrus finish.

WAIMEA ESTATES NELSON DOLCETTO 2011 $25.00 Another fairly rare grape variety – this one hails from northern Italy.

Dark and opaque, this is a full-bodied red style with black berry fruit and plum flavours.

Spicy and earthy, it has firm tannins indicating it would cellar well for three to four years.

HERON’S FLIGHT MATAKANA SANGIOVESE ‘UNPLUGGED’ 2011 $25.00 Boutique north Auckland producer Heron’s Flight grow just two grapes – Dolcetto (as above) and the famous Tuscan red Sangiovese. ‘Unplugged’ refers the fact that this wine spent just two weeks in oak – letting the ripe fruit speak for itself. Lovely ripe black cherry flavours, floral aromas and ripe tannins make this a soft, too-easy to drink medium bodied red. (PHIL PARKER) PN Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland. www.insidertouring.co.nz

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51

FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON

SHOE OF THE SEASON Boots! It’s all you have to say to get many a fashion lover’s attention. Autumn/Winter 2013 shoes and boots are already hitting Greater Ponsonby stores. While you probably love that there is more choice, at a broader range of price points, than ever before, it can make selection pretty hard. Ponsonby News asked some of our favourite fashion aficionados, to share their picks: each have named one must-have shoe for the new season.

TURET KNEUFERMANN - TK STORE “I could go on and on about this shoe, it’s like my sneaker! Not a day goes by that I don’t sport these with love - they make any outfit look cool.

Camille is a perfect, classic pump, shaped in a contemporary, clean way that complements TK clothing. The clean, elegant lines of this shoe are the perfect way to balance a laid-back look while remaining feminine and polished.

Really, Camille just screams good taste and is an absolute must-have addition to the wardrobe.” P.S: Camille is coming soon in olive, apricot suede, and gold. “Be sure to put your name down for these if you’re keen, because these beauties get snapped up in no time” says Turet.

Rodebjer Camille - $596 VICKI TAYLOR - TAYLOR BOUTIQUE “We have chosen this shoe from our fabulous English shoe designer, Tracey Neuls, as she gives us amazing leather, European manufacture, and fabulous, comfortable. “wear me everywhere” heel height.

This shoe looks amazing with dresses and ankle-grazing pants. The white heel adds the design element in a timeless way while still being so easy to maintain. For anyone who hasn’t purchased Tracey’s shoes before… their comfort and style is unrivalled, and many years later you are still wearing her shoes and getting comments on them.”

TN_29 by Tracey Neuls - Madg Ankle boot - $657

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KERRY GLADMAN - HEAVENLY SOLES “Our shoe of the season, the MANAS Event Legno boot, has arrived in-store all the way from Italy to Heavenly Soles!

This exquisite warm chestnut-coloured suede beauty is sure to stun.

A mid-calf boot with a rubber heel, these are the perfect boots for everyday wear.

They’ve a beautiful buckle and studded rivet detailing, paired with supreme comfort and support.

These stylish boots are fresh off the runway, and definitely our autumn/winter 2013 must-have.”

MANAS Event Legno boot, $449 DAN AHWA - FASHION EDITOR - CANVAS MAGAZINE (New Zealand Herald) “While styling a shoot, I’ve come across these classic black suede pumps by Dianne Von Furstenberg.

They work well with tailored pants or pencil skirts so they’re appropriate for workwear and special occasions, tapping into that current preference for a classic mid height heel with a pointed toe.”

Dianne Von Furstenberg Anette $420 MEGAN ROBINSON - THREAD.CO.NZ “Whilst high heels are great, I’m loving the ease of a flat and this loafer from Mi Piaci ticks all the trend boxes of masculine/feminine, monochrome and ‘classic minimalism’ in one.

It comes in all black, but who can resist a two tone for that 1920s vibe?”

Mi Piaci Casis - $290 …continued P54

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON …continued from P52 “For myself, I’m feeling nostalgic for a pair of suede vintage Nike Blazer sneakers, the kind I used to wear in intermediate. I’m on my feet most of the time and I remember these being comfortable.

NAOMI WARREN, WORKSHOP PONSONBY STORE MANAGER The Johanna sandal epitomises Alexander Wang’s sleek and modern aesthetic. Open toe, stiletto heel, calf skin leather, fastened with two buckles at the ankle cuff.

The colours that have been re -issued - navy, burgundy and green - work well for this season.”

Nike Blazer, $136 on ASOS.com

An elegant pairing with key looks from the Helen Cherry Winter collection and a luxe addition to any wardrobe.

SANDY COOPER - MINNIE COOPER “My shoe of the season is ‘Edna’ in grey ostrich print - another classic shape tweaked into something special in this funky grey ostrich print leather.

Johanna is just one of a selection of Alexander Wang shoe and boot styles arriving at Workshop for Winter 2013.

Alexander Wang Johanna Sandal - $749 CATRIONA STEWART, MARKETING MANAGER - BRIARWOOD “I love the retro look of this perfectly balanced ‘Chelsea boot.’

These are going to look equally cool with a dress, skinny jeans or wide leg pants. It’s an unusual leather that will match up with a lot of different looks this winter.

It’s pictured in tan but it comes in black, too. The tooled leather detail reminds me of beautiful Italian brogues and adds to the vintage flair.

I just love a simple shape in a beautiful leather, a great shoe doesn’t need any more!

Edna is also available in black lizard print, blue lizard print and brown lizard print.”

Minnie Cooper ‘Edna’ - $399

The covered platform makes them super comfortable to walk in, giving extra height without the pain. Style!

Briarwood Marnie Boot - $399

STOCKIST INFORMATION: www.briarwood.co.nz | www.mipiaci.co.nz | www.minniecooper.co.nz | www.nikebritomart.com | www.runwayshoes.co.nz (Dianne Von Furstenberg) | www.tk.net.nz (Rodebjer Camille) | www.taylorboutique.co.nz (TN_29) | www.workshop.co.nz T: 09 360 0225 (Heavenly Soles/MANAS Event)

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2013

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON

PONSONBY’S PROUDEST FASHIONISTAS As the balloons float away and the tinsel is swept aside in the wake of February 16th’s Pride Parade, it seems only appropriate that Ponsonby News ask some local style leaders to share their experience of being fashionably LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) in Ponsonby in 2013.

AMANDA BETTS is a mum, partner, dog owner and co-owner of Red11 Models.

GRAYSON COUTTS is a freelance makeup artist.

On fashion: To me, fashion is obviously an outward expression of what is the essence of your personality, what’s going on inside.

When I choose to wear something it’s indicative of the kind of person that I am and my personality. I have an eclectic style - I go from dressy to super-casual to all black if I’m on a job.

On fashion: Your style tells a story about you, so you may as well make your story count.

Fashion is changeable and it can be anything you want it to be. You should be able to wear anything you want and not be afraid of other people’s expectations.

Fashion is such an integral part of my role as well, because my days are filled motivating and mentoring predominantly young people in their modelling careers. I need to appear like I have the right to be guiding them.

Ponsonby is my favourite place in Auckland, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s so vibrant and fresh and alive with energy and there is so much going on and everything is within reach. There are so many great shops and restaurants - it’s like it’s a little city almost.

At the same time, I’m working closely with families and clients too, so getting my style just right for a broad audience without compromise to my personality is the trick.

I think part of the reason I love being in Ponsonby is the people. There is a real sense of community and I have never felt like an outcast or like I didn’t belong. It’s never been something that’s at the forefront of my mind being gay or being different - when you are in Ponsonby you are just one of the people. There are a lot of different personalities around, it’s a great social melting pot.

One of the many things I love about Ponsonby is that it’s commonplace for people to actually tell you how much they like what you’re wearing, or the way you’ve put your outfit together. I also love the sense that Ponsonby is a haven - always a great little destination in your day no matter what you’re after.

Being gay and in the fashion industry in Ponsonby is actually not a big deal. Well, for me anyway. You are merely a part of the community that is Ponsonby, and that easy acceptance of who and what you are is hard to beat!

AYCH MCARDLE works at AUT as a researcher and is doing a Masters in Fashion in textiles: specifically, how we use clothing to talk about our gender.

TALOSIA HAULANGI is a fashion designer.

On fashion: Fashion is about expression and empowering your inner self. Every designer like me creates a unique look and gives the word ‘fashion’ a meaning...

Fashion is made to be enjoyable and show your own unique personality. My saying is, wear a brand as if you own it!

Ponsonby is a trendsetter and always has been, from fashion to being one of the best places to live in Auckland. It’s a place where you can set a trend - no matter what you choose to wear you will fit Ponsonby.

As an LGBT designer that lives in Ponsonby with my partner (James Laverty), I think it’s about being proud and being free to express what you feel. Some say it in words and some say it in clothing. At the end of the day it’s all style in the eye of a designer.

“I’m really interested in how fashion reflects what’s going on in the community” she says.

Aych also has her own blog and is on the board of Rainbow Youth.

RYLAND WOOD is sales and marketing manager for Boutique Brands, who supply high end hair product to the pro industry.

On fashion: “I love how fashion is almost an armour to face the crazy world we live in.

Clothes change how you feel about the day - there’s nothing like wearing your favourite shoes to give you that little bit of extra sparkle.

On fashion: “It’s fun dressing up each day, and it helps you express who you are and your individuality. You’ve got to wear clothes, so you may as well look amazing!

I love, love, love 4pm on a Saturday afternoon wandering along Ponsonby Road - it’s the best people watching spot in Auckland.

Fresh flowers, bars spilling open, well dressed people laughing and being together I love walking past what you know is a certain group of friends’ local - tying togetheri fashon and the community.

“For a long time Ponsonby has been the fashion hub of Auckland. There are so many great boutiques and places to find fashion and it’s also the best place in Auckland to rock out in whatever you want to wear.”

On being part of the Ponsonby LGBT community: Ponsonby is fabulously queer and it definitely feels like the safest place in Auckland for the young people that we work with in Rainbow Youth. There’s nothing like having a geographic location that you feel is your own, to instil a sense of pride - somewhere you can walk down the street holding your lover’s hand.

On being a fashionable gay man in Ponsonby: “There’s no option! Ponsonby is one of the gayest areas around. It’s amazing to have seen the transition of gay becoming mainstream everywhere else - but Ponsonby has always been that way. (JULIE ROULSTON) PN

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2013

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FASHION + STYLE MOOCHI OPEN IN PONSONBY AT LAST THE ‘COMING SOON’ SIGNS ARE OFF THE NEW MOOCHI STORE, IN the old Mei Mei site, between Adorno and Superette on Ponsonby Road. “For all sorts of reasons the opening has been delayed, but we are all go now!” moochi is a great local fashion business still making most of their products right here in Auckland. Their head office is located off College Hill and many of the team live in the area. Creative Director and co owner Kellie Taylor says she has been waiting years for a local store. “It will be so nice to be on the Ponsonby Strip and in such a great block, we are really pleased.”

The feel of the store will take the ‘conservatory’ feel the building already has, with the rafters, overhanging glass and so on and add a touch of modern luxury. Chris Taylor, co owner and founder is also responsible for all the fit outs he and his wife Kellie create.

This is the smallest store moochi has ever had and it has meant making a few changes to how they normally do things. The new store ‘moochi conservatory’ will have a very boutique feel, with only one of each style on display. The store team will work with you to build outfits from the styles you are attracted to and then pop your size in the change room. moochi has been in business for almost 13 years and seems to go from strength to strength, having just had their best year ever. Maybe they have captured the essence of the question, “what do women want to wear?” Pop in and see! Open 7 days. PN MOOCHI, 282 Ponsonby Road www.moochi.co.nz

MARVELLOUS MARVEL’S LAST DAY IS SATURDAY 16 MARCH It is with sadness we learned that after 20 wonderful and interesting years on Ponsonby Road, Marvel Menswear is closing its doors.

Linz and Sam, co-owners, told Ponsonby News, “We have had a blast, so many great times, laughs with the best customers EVER! It has been a joy to meet and dress some of the most interesting people in New Zealand.

“We have watched Ponsonby change and evolve in the last two decades; it has been a fascinating and engaging place to work. Some observations before we go: Men wear a lot less glitter than they did in the 90s; this is probably a good thing overall as some of those outfits were truly terrible and mostly made by us!

“Having said that it is time to take a few more risks again on the fashion front, come on guys break out, but in a good way. There are more cafes, pushchairs and small dogs than there used to be. Cars have got bigger on Ponsonby Road but drive slower. There were no tables and chairs on the sidewalk in the 90s, now it’s de rigueur.

“Great things on Ponsonby Road that stay great: Our dairy next door, Jonny at IL Buco, Bhana Brothers, SPQR, having an A&E just down the road, Masons, World.

Real Time, Minnie Cooper, Masterworks gallery, having a Glengarry’s two doors away, The Women’s bookshop in the same block and a host of talented folks around that make beautiful things to eat, wear and drink; there are too many to mention them all, but you know who you are.

“There are also some fantastic new businesses appearing on Ponsonby Road - we say support them. Speaking from experience, you take a huge leap of faith when you open your own store as an independent retailer. We must nurture these folks! You don’t want your only interaction to be with a courier driver do you?

“We have loved being in Ponsonby, having the workroom upstairs, The Hero’s, the Long Lunches, the bad fashions, the good fashions, the incredible staff that we have had over the years, really our cup runneth over and so it is bittersweet to bid you all adieu.” Our fondest regards Linz and Sam. PN MARVEL, 143 Ponsonby Road T: 09 376 4204 www.marvelmenswear.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE

JULIE ROULSTON

NZFM FAN CLUB: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE AUCKLAND MUSEUM Fans of the New Zealand Fashion Museum took an exclusive look into the fashion and textile storage vaults under the Auckland Museum, with Associate Curator of Applied Arts & Design, Finn McCahon Jones, on Tuesday 12 February. Finn focussed on the 1970s - also the theme of NZFM’s upcoming September 2013 exhibition.

Displaying and storing fashion and textiles is challenging. The Auckland Museum has an obligation to preserve its assets ‘forever,’ and ideally garments should not be displayed for more than six months at a time. Sunlight, gravity and handling all cause them to deteriorate. Silverfish and the like adore edible oils used in many eco-friendly laundry products, so Finn recommends that if you intend to store a garment, wash it with the most ‘toxic’ product you can find!

A group of ‘Friday Ladies,’ as volunteers, have catalogued every textile box in the museum. Finn takes several calls each day from members of the public who feel they may have a historic garment that deserves a safe place. He must differentiate between something of personal value and something with wider social value that needs to be preserved.

Wearable Arts designer Susan Holmes was a focus of the first part of the tour. Her “Night Moth’ work was unwrapped in the preparation area, so that NZFM Fan Club members could admire its breathtaking handiwork.

The next piece to be unwrapped was the ‘Magic Feathers’ Dress - block-printed and hand-painted and Highly Commended in the 1995 Silk Section of the Wearable Arts Awards. This dress requires its skirt to be opened out in order to fully appreciate it - another challenge for Finn, who is looking at using magnets for this purpose when he installs it in the Encounters Gallery to complement the upcoming OFF THE WALL Wearable Arts exhibition at the Museum.

Several floors down in the Textile Room, the fans looked at more garments by Susan Holmes, as well as Heather Robinson (daughter of Sir Dove Meyer Robinson), Emma Knuckey, Frank Carpay (ex Crown Lynn), Lorraine Flowers (ex Petrouchka) and Annie Bonza. These were lovingly unrolled from acid-free tissue and showcased potato prints, chainstitched hand-sewn bra keepers, a transfer print, and dip dying.

Textiles included viyella, suede, a lurex knit and silk. In order to create original designs in the 1970s, designers often started with undyed silk. Many pieces were dyed before they were cut, because - as Susan Holmes herself said - “you don’t want your choicest dye to end up in the armpit!”

Place names like Browns Mill (the 1970s market in Durham Lane, now demolished), Centrepoint (North Auckland commune) and even Wah Lee (for undyed silk) were remembered. Gary Langsford (Gow Langsford Gallery) sold antiques at Browns Mill and was considered super cool “even then”.

ONE-STOP DESTINATION FOR FASHION AND FOOD Atrium on Elliott offers the best in ambience and facilities.

Located between Albert and Elliott Streets, the cobbled shared space on Elliott Street creates a relaxed welcome where you can amble through the extensive range of boutique shops for fashion, sports clothing, shoes, jewellery, hair salons, gifts and services.

This is a vibrant one-stop destination for fashion, food and fun. Along with numerous boutique shops and a foodcourt offering an extensive range of exotic cuisine, and there are big name stores, Rebel Sports and No 1 Shoe Warehouse.

Atrium on Elliott houses fashionable and funky clothes that shout style and sophistication without the ridiculously high price tag. There is a fashion fix for every taste, style and size. Take a break from retail therapy and enjoy a revitalising juice or coffee-n-cake ‘fix’ before indulging in a massage or Japanese Stone Spa at Bliss Reflexology.

Practical services such as key cutting, shoe repairs, clothing alterations, florist and copy services are all conveniently located on one level.

For a true celebration of the taste-buds, wander down to the foodcourt. A Mecca for ‘foodies’, it is a great favourite with city dwellers. Brisk service and well-priced dishes complete the picture.

Spend a minimum of $5.00 at any outlet at Atrium on Elliott and receive your first hour of parking free, Monday - Friday until 6pm, or first two-hours free on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays until 6pm at Atrium car park. Enter via Crowne Plaza Hotel on Albert Street. PN ATRIUM ON ELLIOTT, 21 Elliot Street Auckland CBD www.atriumonelliott.co.nz

The tour was a huge privilege and a fascinating insight into how garments are conserved and stored as well as the preparation that goes into a public exhibition.

The next New Zealand Fashion Museum Fan Club tour, OFF THE WALL – a Personal Tour of the World of Wearable Art exhibition - is scheduled for 19 March.

If you want to join the fan club and support the work of the New Zealand Fashion Museum Charitable Trust yourself a $100 annual donation ensures you are kept up to date with all movements and activities, are invited to exhibition launches and have the pleasure of mixing and mingling with like minded souls at all exclusive fan club events.

Ponsonby News recommends!

The OFF THE WALL: THE WORLD OF WEARABLE ART UP CLOSE exhibition runs daily until 22 March in the Auckland Museum’s Special Exhibition Hall, and entry is free. (JULIE ROULSTON) PN NEW ZEALAND FASHION MUSEUM www.nzfashionmuseum.org.nz

NZFM Fan Club Members (from left): Heather Clarke, Gwen Shaw, Doris de Pont, Kim Hughes, Rosemary Hambling, Dianne Ludwig, Briar McKeown, Linda Evans

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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 15 MARCH 1925

Dearest Hilda, As I’ve probably mentioned in previous letters, the Ponsonby Road traffic has become so bad that I don’t dare ride my bicycle in the main street any more.

Not that the side streets don’t have their own perils! It was only last week that I swerved to avoid a large stone on Wallace Street when I hit another hidden in grass beside the gutter and became horribly unbalanced and fell off ! As luck would have it, I twisted my ankle rather badly (as I later found out) and hobbled to the closest house for assistance.

gift? They were so generous with their time and even insisted on paying the taxi fare.

I’m hoping that George will take me dancing once I have my ankle back. My friend Sybil boasts that she has attended at least two “wonderful” dances at our local Casino De Danse[iii]. Last evening she won a casket of chocolates as a spot prize, which the darling brought over yesterday to help cheer me up!

I shall be using the pretty box for keepsakes once the contents are disposed of (which won’t be very much longer!). Perhaps I’ll offer one to George! Oh my, what have I done!!!

When I’m better, I think I will suggest to George that we spend an afternoon at Luna Park before it closes in May for the winter. Do you think this is appropriate considering we have only just met?

I think early April will be a good time to go as my ankle should be better and the weather is still fairly warm and settled.

I haven’t been for a couple of years and I remember it was such fun. I think it would be a suitable way to get to know George a little better. Do you agree?

There I was at first aided by a perfectly lovely elderly gent, a Mr. Andrews, who called his son George to carry me into the house.

George carried out his task in the most chivalrous manner! I was of course embarrassed to the core, a fact that revealed itself clearly on my cheeks.

Mrs. Andrews fetched ice from the box, which she wrapped in a soft towel and applied to my swelling limb while Mr. Andrews made me a lovely cup of tea. George fetched some cushions and made sure I was comfortable.

I think it must have been then, while he was very sweetly fussing about me, that I suspected that fate had placed that rock most cunningly right outside his house!

That I went out at all that day was only a matter of chance. I find Tuesdays most trying after the anticipation of Mondays when I generally wake up full of enthusiasm for the week ahead. I find that my most novel designs occur to me on a Monday. By Tuesday however, I am usually most unenthused and struggle to find inspiration. To assist in dispensing with the hours as swiftly as possible I reserve Tuesdays for the time consuming but not unpleasant tasks of hemming, beading and embroidery. It was while beading a black crepe evening jacket that I decided to extend the design (intended for the front panels only) to include the back panels. The additional work demanded more beads than I had on hand which necessitated a visit to Shanleys[i] (and of course a cup of tea and slice of Danish apple cake at Gavin’s tearooms[ii])!

Do I seem a little obsessed with George? I suspect I am because I do believe that I am not imagining that he likes me too. He plays cricket for Ponsonby you know. You will approve of that!

To change the subject (and to try and settle the fluttering butterflies), I don’t think I’ve told you that I have joined the Lyceum Club.[iv] One of my many New Year resolutions was to try and meet more people (have I mentioned George?) and I think this will go a long way to fulfilling it. My first meeting is next week when a lady journalist from London will address us. The club has a number of special interest groups too including an Arts & Crafts Circle, which I believe is the one for me. I can have lunch in the club’s tearoom and, when tired of taking in the shops, can use the club’s lounge and library.

I’m permitted to bring a guest now and again and intend to take you to tea when next you are in Auckland.

Oh dear, it’s almost two! I really should bid you farewell and whip the cream for the sponge roll and fix my hair! Perhaps a little sherry first though, to settle the nerves.

Feeling revived, I decided to cycle at whim through the streets of Herne Bay when my accident befell me. In all I spent three very pleasant hours with the Andrews family who not only had George accompany me in a taxi to my doctor, but also asked him to see me safely home.

Please do write soon Hilda and tell me all about the wedding plans!

George is to return my bicycle this afternoon at three. I perhaps too readily invited him to join me for afternoon tea and as I relate this to you I am growing ever anxious at my temerity! It’s too late now though! I have made us a chocolate cream sponge roll and wrapped a box of my best fudge for him to take home as a small gesture of thanks. I hope he likes chocolate! I’m still not sure how to thank George’s parents…do you have any ideas for an appropriate

[i] Shanleys Ltd, Drapers, Ponsonby Buildings, 4 Ponsonby Road [ii] Ellen Gavin operated a florist shop and tea rooms from18 Jervois Road, Ponsonby in 1925 [iii] Short-lived 1920s dance venue located at 160 Ponsonby Road [iv] Women’s club located on the upper floor of Smith & Caughey department store

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With love and kisses,

Maudie xx

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: Michael McClintock

Thank you for your letter. I was especially happy to learn of your engagement!

I suspect that I was not alone in imagining that William might propose on your birthday. If I may, I have had a little excitement of late myself !

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GEORGIA ALICE @ BLACKBOX GREY LYNN Wednesday 13 February Westpac Young Designer 2011 winner Georgia Currie launched her first collection, ‘Imperial’ (Autumn/Winter 2013), under her new label ‘Georgia Alice,’ at Black Box Boutique.

1. Jimmy Mac; 2. Bella Lau, Anna Caselberg and designer Georgia Currie; 3. Oscar Emberg, Juliet Carpenter and Zack Steiner-Fox; 4. Michelle Weir, Nikki Harmsen, Evelyn Ebrey and Anya Brighouse; 5. Kate Underwood. PN The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE 1

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DINE-OUT AT BOLLIWOOD ON FASHION DESIGNER’S PASSION FOR EXOTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCES NEW ZEALAND FASHION DESIGNER, JANE DANIELS, IS NO STRANGER TO many of the exotic destinations in the world. “I find countries with amazing character, colourful cultural practices, magnificent architecture and a rich history completely compelling”, says Jane. “There is nothing more exciting than to read or hear about another place and time in the world and then to stand in that place yourself and feast your eyes, as the vast and interesting history comes alive!”

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Jane describes her recent journey to Rajasthan as a living theatre of vibrant colours, music, dance and festivals, with an exotic past and enchanting cities built up around sumptuous palaces. The glittering white marble of the Taj Mahal, the lace-like stone carved Havelis of Jaisalmer and the blue Brahmin houses are all unforgettable must -see sights according to Jane. On her most recent trip to Morocco, the sight of daily life continuing as it has done for centuries in souks, markets and squares awash with a colourful array of locally produced goods, adds yet another dimension to Jane’s own design business. Design ideas flow from viewing the spectacular properties and architectural highlights of the many places she visits, together with the various objects created by skilled local craftsmen. The rich colours of the landscapes and village vistas also provide enormous inspiration.

On Thursday 21 March, in true show-time style, Jane will share the pictorial highlights of her journey in Rajasthan and Morocco as you savour the delicious flavours and culinary delights at Bolliwood Restaurant in Ponsonby, followed by a mini fashion show of Jane’s newly released winter designs. An evening full of colour, flavour and entertainment is guaranteed. PN To ensure your space at a table contact Harvey World Travel Ponsonby now on T: 09 360 0443 or E: ponsonby@harveyworld.co.nz 1. Oxford shire resident LIAM S A TREMAYNE-REICHSBURG and Londoner, HUW THOMAS eagerly awaited the opening of The Shard, Europe’s second tallest building (it’s 309 square metres, the Sky Tower here in Auckland is 328 metres by comparison). Built in LONDON’S Southwark, the lads each took a copy of Ponsonby News to read up there!

2. Local builder MIKE RIPPIN sent us this shot of himself and Bryce Earwacker of Ray White Ponsonby at Cardo’s Seafood Restaurant on Denarau Island, FIJI. 3. Freemans Bay resident ED JENNER, was very excited to see his favourite local mag was available at New World Supermarket, VICTORIA PARK last month. “I’m going to have a quick read right now!” he told us.

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE DEAR READERS Please keep sending us your holiday snaps reading your favourite magazine, we love getting them! Photos need to be in high resolution (300dpi), so please email them to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz without reducing the size.

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M TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC

by Kate Gohar, Director, World Journeys I have the best job in the world. Most of the time I take someone’s travel dream and turn it into reality. The rest of the time I travel, a lot.

The question everyone at World Journeys is asked most frequently would have to be, ‘What is your favourite destination?’ This is an impossible one to answer but I will try.

The charm of Barcelona is endless. The soaring spires of La Sagrada Familia pierce the skyline, the banter of the artists and ‘con artists’ on Las Ramblas endlessly amuse and the mountains of colour and fragrance in La Bouqueria Food Market always leave me salivating. Add this to the quirky delights of Park Guell where Gaudi was let loose with rampant and enchanting energy, the old Gothic Quarter with its array of wonderful shops and buildings, opportunities to enjoy Catalan cuisine, sangria, the engaging spirit of the locals and you have a pretty special destination.

Dubrovnik is the epitome of ‘Old Town Europe’. The staunch façade of the city wall encircles baroque buildings, a gleaming pedestrian thoroughfare bursting with churches, cafes, museums and shops, a delightful small harbour at one end giving you a tantalising peak at the glistening Adriatic with the promise of lush landscapes and crystal beaches just beyond.

What is there not to love about the Cinque Terre? These five charming villages cling to cliffsides backed by hills so steep that a coastal road was impossible. The villages are connected by train, a good option on a hot day when walking is not for the faint hearted, but my favourite way is by ferry, permitting spectacular views of the coastline and its chaotic sprawl of villages.

And Venice, oh Venice. I have lost count of how many times I have visited but I can’t help wandering around Venice Island with a silly grin on my face. It starts during the water taxi ride from the airport and doesn’t leave my face for days afterwards. Picture -perfect scenes of ancient bridges, tiny balconies jutting out from centuries old palaces,

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battered and peeling houses jostling against each other beside the lesser canals and a lively pulse in the city all collide to make this special place so mesmerising.

Florence is a masterpiece, inside and out. The Gothic style Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) took 140 years to complete; its ‘Brunelleschi’ dome is an architectural miracle and even today it remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. Ponte Vecchio, spanning the Arno, is the oldest bridge in Florence dating back to the 1300’s. It has glittered with all things gold since the 16th century when the Medici family ordered the original butchers of the area to leave due to the appalling smell! It is also the only Florentine bridge saved from destruction by the Germans in 1944 – a real treasure.

So, you asked about my favourite destination? Today, maybe it’s Italy, but perhaps you should ask me again tomorrow. PN

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DEIRDRE TOHILL: LIVING, THINKING & BEING

THE ALL-SEEING EYE Those with the ‘sight’ have been reported throughout the history of most cultures. Well recognised clairvoyant, Sheena is such a one who became aware of her gift when she was only six years old.

She observed an aura surrounding a cat and her aunt, who was also a clairvoyant, confirmed she had second sight and started teaching her how to read palms and tarot cards. This skill has been passed down from her father’s side. Her great grandmother was quite famous as a fortune teller and Sheena also inherited these powers through her mother, who was Irish and everyone is aware the people of the Emerald Isle have more than their fair share of feyness. Sheena was actually conceived in Ireland but her parents happened to be travelling through Liverpool at the time of her birth.

Sheena’s family eventually sailed for Australia, settling in Paddington, NSW and Sheena, while still a teenager started fortune telling in little festivals and fairs, including the famous Paddington Church Fair. She then ventured further afield to Melbourne and read tarot cards and palms in the Queen Victoria Market. It wasn’t long before the wider world beckoned and she travelled to the British Isles where she continued to do readings all over the UK. In London she did the Portabello Market doing readings in an antique shop and a bookshop and filled in briefly for another psychic at Covent Garden.

Wales was on the itinerary as well and she would hop on the ferry and go backwards and forwards from there to Ireland. Her favourite place was an ancient and charming market in Dublin close to St Stephens Green. All the other well known markets were her playing field where she would hang out with international buskers and musicians.

Sheena finally arrived in New Zealand with her lovely Irish husband but still travels extensively abroad. She also fancies herself as a poet and a writer and has written a book on astrology. She loves her craft and feels it a privilege to take care of her clients. Her new arrangement with Ponsonby Central is ideal and she has words of high praise for the market and the entrepreneurial vision of popular owner, Andy Davies. The management have built a permanent booth for her use that’s beautifully decorated and painted with a gypsy theme. It’s a bonus for her to have a permanent place where everything is set up so both she and her clients can relax.

The services on offer are tarot card readings, crystal ball consultations, palmistry, aura readings, problem solving, clairvoyant counselling, healing - guided meditations, lucky numbers, love charms, and good luck charms. Charges are kept down to a market friendly price. She is also available for home fortune telling group bookings. Unlike poor Carmen of Bizet’s opera there will never be a warning of impending death or misfortune. This is against the law in most countries.

Leah La Hood, Ponsonby Central’s manager says Sheena is a great asset to the market and now there is more reason to celebrate having Ponsonby Central’s presence in our locality. Its Outdoor Artisan Market was launched on 17 February with an exciting mix of art, craft, wellness, clothing, homeware, kids and babyware, buskers and cooking demos.

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Sam La Hood and Chris Huriwai, the current World Champion Street Unicyclists hosted a free unicycle workshop for kids, both advanced and beginners. Ponsonby Intermediate kids did cooking demos in the Fisher and Paykel kitchen and the schools’s unicycle team also put on a performance.

The Outdoor Market will not be doing much food except Neat Meat’s barbecue, the Picnic Box, the Hungarian Twister, South American Sweets, and Amy’s Secret Kitchen.

Ponsonby Central already has eight eateries and too many produce stalls would be overkill. All in all there will be 28 individual market stalls available and every Sunday from 8am to 3pm visitors will be entertained by buskers and live performers. All this will contribute to a vibrant atmosphere on the day with people enjoying a friendly market experience as well as creating a meeting hub for the people of Ponsonby.

I envisage it will be a drawing card for those living outside our area as well, which would be no bad thing either. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN For readings: T: 09 376 2799

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DEIRDRE TOHILL: LIVING, THINKING & BEING

WHAT’S NEW AT SERVILLES PONSONBY IT’S BEEN A LONG SUMMER AND YOUR HAIR MAY WELL BE SHOWING THE effects. Libby Whaley and her team at Servilles Ponsonby are really excited about the standard of treatments that are currently available at the salon, from the likes of Wella and Kérastase. “The technology is amazing! The treatments don’t add any extra time to your service, but they make your hair look and feel beautiful.”

Time is often of the essence for Servilles Ponsonby clients, and to that end Libby has introduced the Blow Dry Bar. “We are going to be doing lots of quick hairdos for people on the run, who have 20 mins and want to pay $25-$40 and look a million bucks. We’ve had our Style Express service for about three years, where clients just come in for an ironing, but people wanted more without undergoing a full hair-up.”

AN AGE OLD DISCIPLINE EVERY MONDAY AND THURSDAY EVENING MICHAEL FARLEY TURNS UP AT the Saint Columba Church hall in Grey Lynn to train children and adults in the ancient practice of Shaolin Kung Fu. The official name of his class is the Nam Pai Chuan Kung Fu School which is a national organisation with headquarters in Palmerston North.

The school is run by New Zealand and Australia founder, Gary O’Sullivan who is also a professor at the Palmerston North Teachers College. Gary was born in London of Irish immigrants and when a schoolboy, didn’t take kindly to discipline, so much so that his mother took him to a martial arts class at the age of seven. His behaviour improved and he began a lifelong study of martial arts, including Tae Kwon Do, Wu Shu Kwan and Judo, finally training with Master Lai Khee Choong who runs a Shaolin School in London. When Gary and his family emigrated to New Zealand he was given permission to teach the art in the Asia-Pacific.

Michael has also been in and out of martial arts since he was a young child, and like Gary he tried a number of systems before finding what he believes is the best school of all. The history of Shaolin Kung Fu dates back to about 520 AD and is shrouded in tradition and myth but it’s generally accepted it is the progenitor of popular arts such as Karate, Judo and Taekwondo. It uses a mixture of different techniques using feet and hands in self defence. This involves kicking, punching, locking, throwing and some ground work. Instead of meeting force with force, kung fu practitioners deflect an attack while aiming their retaliation at an opponent’s weak points. This allows a smaller defendant to defeat a larger attacker.

Michael, or Gow Lian which means Instructor, is very passionate about his art and is particularly keen to invest time into passing on his skills to children. With this in mind, he set up his school three years ago and because of the amount of bullying and abductions that occur he believes it’s important they learn how to protect themselves.

Developing self discipline is just as important and when his time is up they will be the ones who’ll continue the good work. Nam Pai Chuan Kung Fu schools are located throughout New Zealand and all of the instructors have day jobs. Any money they make goes back into the clubs to pay for daily running costs such as hall hire, training equipment and general administration. It’s a true not for profit organisation and the Gow Lian’s give their time freely due to a fervent belief in the benefits of Kung Fu and its philosophy.

Servilles Ponsonby also boasts three new stylists this year. James Bong moves to the salon from Servilles Takapuna and comes very highly recommended. Lance Ainofo has come back from Australia and Katie Hook is back from the UK. Libby says Lance and Katie are very creative. “They are for the market who want to look fantastic as well as have changes to their hair, each time.”

As far as product goes, Libby and her team are loving the O&M range from Australia. Libby tells Ponsonby News that O&M was invented by a hairdresser who was developing allergies, and hence it’s sulphate, paraben, propylene glycol, MIT and triclosan chemical-free. “It’s really good for the eco-minded, and it smells so good you could eat it,” she says.

On the artistic front, Servilles Ponsonby has just done a photoshoot that will be going up in their windows (you can see the looks in their Ponsonby News ad), and has some more shoots coming up for the L’Oréal Colour Trophy competition in July. When asked about her collaborators Libby says “we are loving working with Smashbox Cosmetics - we only use them and all the artists are incredibly talented.

Our photographer Heather Keats is divine to work with - she really sees beauty in everything. Jackie from our front desk did all the styling using fashion from the shops around us - a skill I didn’t even know she had until now!

All in all, Servilles Ponsonby are enjoying a strong beginning to a busy year - they are already seeing growth two months into 2013 (JULIE ROULSTON) PN SERVILLES PONSONBY, corner Jervois and Ponsonby Roads, T: 09 378 9799 www.servilles.com/salon/salons/ponsonby

Libby Whaley of Servilles Ponsonby

Michel says the head organisation has a community ethos and as an instructor he feels part of a large family, which is a reward in itself. Presently he is training 15 children and a combined adult class of 20. He hasn’t been actively promoting the club except by word of mouth but the time has come to cast the net wider. Normally it takes about five years for a club to ground itself and he and his team often fund raise to purchase the best training equipment for the students, subsidise training related costs for some, and most importantly create awareness in order to recruit new trainees. This year they performed demonstrations at the Chinese New Year extravaganza.

The classes are held on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 7pm for children and 7 to 8pm for adults. Michael prefers that children start from age six onwards. This gives them time to settle in at school before being thrust into something else. Fees are minimal - for children only $5.00 a lesson and adults $10.00. The aim is to provide the best martial arts training in an enjoyable atmosphere where students, adults and children will improve their fitness, make new friends and learn the best self defence techniques. When looking for a martial art the number of choices can be a bit daunting so to make an informed choice do a lot of reading and visit a few classes, preferably those held at Grey Lynn! (DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

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LANI LOPEZ: HEALTHY LIVING THE COLDS AND FLU SEASON ARE COMING… What a wonderful summer of wellness boosting warmth and sunshine.

Fight off The Flu The colds and flu season is coming! Plan ahead, fortify yourself and ready your immune system for the fight ahead. With a few simple tweaks to your lifestyle you can fight off the flu-season.

Sleep Eat Fight The northern hemisphere has survived a torrid flu-season, so we’re facing a tough fight ahead. Think of it like training for a fight and learn a lot from the training, commitment and focus of professional fighters. Ponsonby’s own Richie Hardcore, is a Muay Thai fighter, and fan of training camps. I asked Richie what he does there, “I sleep, I eat and I fight.” he said. Which is the perfect plan for boosting your immunity, try it!

Sleep The disruption of daily rhythms, especially sleep, harms immunity. We need six to eight hours of quality sleep. Prioritise it, no distractions in the bedroom, it is for rest and loving good times only, no TV or net. Set a bed-time, start to wind-down with a pre -sleep routine and stick to it, this sends messages to the body to ready for rest.

Wake with the sun, get in plenty of daylight sun and if you can, Siesta! Can’t fit that into your busy life or workplace? Take 15 minutes to rest and re-set the body away from computers, mobiles and people.

Eat Immunity loves fresh fruit and veges, develop a love for leafy green vegetables. Green juicing is great!

Not all bacteria are bad, we need healthy gut flora; bacteria (and other bugs) in our intestines. Alterations in our gut-flora have a strong association with our susceptibility to viruses and more chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, allergy, and other disorders restore gut-flora eating pro-biotic-rich yoghurt or pro-biotic supplements regularly.

Similarly parts of our body in contact with air, skin, respiratory tract, mouth and ears carry virus battling bacteria, so steer clear of anti-bacterial soap and bodywash.

Fight Quit worrying about feeling sick. Anxiety itself hurts immunity causing a dramatic drop (22%) in our infection fighting T-Cell while stress hormone cortisol increases (between 11 and 22%) compromise immunity.

In the acute-phase of the immune response the body gambles on hurting bacteria more than it harms us using fever to stop bacterial growth and kill infected cells. Also causing loss of appetite, energy and mild anemia. Don’t be anxious, this is immunity in action and the bugs are sweating far more than you are.

So to stay well, take that course in meditation you’ve always wondered about. These simple tweaks to your lifestyle will have you hitting cold and flu season fighting fit and able to keep your summer health. (Lani Lopez BHSc, Adv.Dip. Nat.) PN Lani Lopez BHSc, Adv.Dip.Nat, our favourite naturopath, is a clinical nutritionist, author of ‘A to Z of Natural Health a NZ Guide’, specialist formulator of Naturopathic Supplements and the founder of Lanilopez.com. Email comments or health questions to naturopath@lanilopez.com or find her on facebook/lanilopez.com

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

TURNER LIM MOVE TO NEW STATE OF THE ART LOCATION Turner Lim Orthodontists are pleased to announce that they will be opening their new state of the art specialist orthodontic practice at Totara Health in New Lynn on 2 April.

Of the two buildings recently built right beside the new train and bus station the concrete building with the external triangles is TOTARA HEALTH which will be housing a whole raft of health professionals including a pharmacy on the ground level and an all important coffee shop for those longer appointments!

The whole aim of Turner Lim’s move is so their experienced and friendly team can deliver even more exceptional and efficient service making your visit as convenient as possible. “We will be delighted to welcome you to our new facility.” PN TURNER LIM ORTHODONTIST, TOTARA HEALTH, Building A – Level 2/32 Totara Avenue, New Lynn T: 09 827 1478 www.turnerlim.co.nz

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EXPERIENCE TANTRIC BELLY DANCE What on earth is tantric belly dance?

Well, the mind conjures up such interesting connotations whenever the word tantra is mentioned – just think back to that notorious ‘Sex and the City’ episode, and know that it was definitely not about authentic tantra!

Belly dance and tantra are both spiritual practices that teach women about accepting themselves.

They also learn how to enjoy living a sensual and full tantric lifestyle. The belly dance/tantra teachings are designed to allow women to tap ROSANNA MARKS into their own energy sources. Women become intimacy coaches in their relationships and move their bodies in a way that encourages them to discover their individuality and appreciate and love the body they have right now - whatever form that may be.

Tantric belly dance classes have been developed and are taught by the founder Rosanna Marks. Rosanna combines two sacred modalities that both date back over 5000 years, and shares the ancient secrets and wisdom with women who wish to learn.

Women who attend these classes or have private sessions with Rosanna, will learn all aspects of tantra; chakras, breath work, movement, tantric ritual and meditations.

The belly dance aspect fuses perfectly allowing you to feel your energy centres and pelvic floor muscles. Women will feel more confident, balanced, sexy and empowered.

Classes are held at the Aroha Healing premises in Maidstone Street, on the border of Grey Lynn and Ponsonby. Aroha Healing is an inspirational urban, inner city healing, massage and workshop facility, and place of inner reflection. PN AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street T: 0800 mindbody (0800 646 326) www.arohahealing.co.nz

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9 RETAIL SUPERSTAR OF THE MONTH JULIE REID BRINGS A NEW HEALING EXPERIENCE TO PONSONBY Julie Reid is an intuitive healer, teacher and results coach specialising in Reiki and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).

She is also trained in quantum touch, EFTs and Erickson Hypnosis. Her unique combination of gifts and therapies results in a healing experience unlike any other.

Julie believes deep relaxation through energy healing and positive changes made at the unconscious level is the key to perfect health and true happiness. NLP focuses on releasing belief systems, emotions and undesirable behaviour patterns that hold people back from reaching their goals, both personally and professionally.

Trisha Martin, Pathfinder Books, Jervois Road HOW DID YOU BECOME A RETAIL SALESPERSON? By default ... the position came with the business. I really had no idea what I was getting into. But it’s been great blending passions; business, spirituality AND people.

She believes for complete healing and permanent change to occur, a true holistic approach needs to include both energy and mind work dealing at the unconscious and conscious levels as well as the physical. Julie has witnessed some truly amazing results in a very quick timeframe when using her own unique combination of Reiki and Time-line (NLP technique).

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO PATHFINDER? I’ve been a Pathfinder customer since the mid ’80s, and have always been interested in other dimensions and alternative therapies. In 2010 I was looking for a new challenge and the shop was looking for a new owner.

Client, Shel says, “Julie is truly amazing, a professional, she helped me physically and mentally. I always felt at ease and at peace in her company. When medical help isn’t working, 10,000% I recommend Julie!”

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE STORE? Pathfinder has always been about providing books and resources for people trying to find and or improve their path in life. People come to find books to inspire, motivate, enlighten, and empower, and to understand this world and the worlds beyond the physical. Back in the ’80s Pathfinder Bookshop was seen as an “alternative” store, but what was once alternative has become mainstream as our consciousness expands and each of us begin to remember who we truly are...

Julie teaches both Tibetan and Usi forms of Reiki and a course of ‘Mind-Matters’ which provides tools that work on the unconscious mind to create change in a positive empowering manner. Having recently moved to Ponsonby, Julie’s aim is to work with people who want to make positive change in all areas of their life.

She offers individual and group packages tailored to suit. PN TRUE HOLISTIC APPROACH, 2/223 Ponsonby Road T: 09 948 9696 or M: 029 948 9696, trueholisticapproach@gmail.com

WHAT MAKES A STANDOUT RETAIL SALESPERSON? Knowledge about the subject matter and a genuine love of serving and helping customers find what they’re looking for.

TELL US ABOUT A MEMORABLE SALE YOU’VE MADE THIS YEAR. Often a customer will be so inspired by a book they’ve purchased that they just have to buy copies for all their loved ones. This month it’s been “Green For Life” by Victoria Boutenko, and the recently released “Proof of Heaven” by Eben Alexander.

I love that they’ve gained so much from the book and the enthusiastic energy that comes from sharing.

IF YOU COULD WAVE YOUR WAND AND HAVE ANYONE IN THE WORLD WALK INTO YOUR STORE RIGHT NOW, WHO WOULD IT BE? Louise Hay. One of the founders of the self-help movement, her first book “Heal Your Body” was published in 1976 long before it was fashionable to discuss the connection between the mind and body. Since then she’s touched millions of lives with her books whilst building a successful publishing company. I can’t decide whether I’d drill her on her brilliant marketing skills or the latest Hay House release.

IF YOU COULD WAVE YOUR WAND AND HAVE ANYONE IN GREATER PONSONBY WALK INTO YOUR STORE RIGHT NOW, WHO WOULD IT BE? Our local numerologist, Michelle Buchanan. An awesome, beautiful person, it’s always great catching up with Michelle, and I can’t wait until her Numerology Guidance Oracle Cards and book are released and on my shelves.

WHERE DO YOU ENJOY SHOPPING? Moa on Richmond Road has always been a favourite. I love their styles, especially the Juna range, and the girls always make sure shopping there is a fun experience.

NAME SOMEONE YOU THINK IS AN EXCELLENT GREATER PONSONBY RETAIL SALESPERSON. Trent Rule at Momentum Gallery. A super friendly guy who is always in sales mode, enjoys going the extra mile for his customers and brings us icecream on super hot days. We call him the ‘milk man.’ PN PATHFINDER BOOKSHOP, Herne Bay Plaza, 182 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 6269 www.pathfinder.co.nz

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INNER DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING – TRISHA MARTIN INFINITE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES TESLA, COLD FUSION, ANTIGRAVITY, AND THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY

SIR PAUL HOLMES NO ‘POSTER BOY’ FOR PROSTATE CANCER

Finley Eversole, Ph.D. Inner Traditions $44.00

Sir Paul Holmes was instrumental in helping to launch the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand’s fundraising campaign, Blue September.

As the global need for clean, renewable energy grows and the shortage of viable large-scale solutions continues, it is time to look to the geniuses of our past and the visionaries of our future for answers.

Taking inspiration from Albert Einstein’s statement that “Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them”, Finley explains that the key to a pollution and poverty free future of infinite energy lies in investigating all the possibilities and in uniting as a world in creative pursuit of global transformation.

PATHFINDER BOOKSHOP, 182 Jervois Road T: 09 378 6269 www.pathfinder.co.nz

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

photography: Martin Leach

This book gathers together the research of five geniuses: John Worrell Keely, Nikola Tesla, Viktor Schauberger, Royal Raymond Rife, and T. Townsend Brown, all who made revolutionary discoveries about free energy, electricity, water vortex motion, electric ray technology, and antigravity. These suppressed scientists developed technologies that worked with nature’s laws and if fully implemented, could establish clean sustainable energy systems. (TRISHA MARTIN) PN

Sir Paul spoke passionately at the launch in 2008 talking at length about the fact that he didn’t want to be a ‘poster boy’ for prostate cancer, however he wanted to do something to spur on men’s cancer awareness and support.

Taken at the Food Show 2009, SIR PAUL was very proud of the extra virgin olive oil produced at his Mana Lodge Estate in Hawkes Bay.

“I used to roll my eyes sometimes at the amount of publicity that breast cancer got…and then I thought to myself, well hang on – women are doing it for themselves, men have got to bloody well do it for prostate cancer as well.”

Sir Paul also wrote an opinion piece for the NZ Herald about his health scare - at the time he believed they had caught the cancer in time before it had escaped from the prostate: “As my oncologist told me years ago as he sat on my bed at home, “If it had gone to the bone, I would be making you comfortable”. I will never forget those words.”

Sadly, his prostate cancer returned last year.

The President of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, Mark von Dadelszen, noted Sir Paul’s support for the Foundation had been very much appreciated because he was so well known to all New Zealanders. The Foundation has offered its condolences to Lady Holmes and Sir Paul’s wider family.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand men and around 1 in 10 New Zealand men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime with about 2,500 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed each year.

Since Blue September’s inaugural launch in New Zealand in 2008 the campaign has successfully expanded to four other countries including Australia, U.S, UK and Ireland.

PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION OF NEW ZEALAND www.prostate.org.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY ALL ABOUT: LLOYD SHAW AND VIBRA-TRAIN I’VE DRIVEN AND WALKED PAST THE VIBRA-TRAIN STUDIO ON VICTORIA Street West numerous times since it opened back in 2004 and was always intrigued as to what happened in there, how it works and whether or not all the claims that its creator, Lloyd Shaw made were true. I was interested in how exactly it impacted on the body, so was grateful to be given the opportunity to have a one-on-one chat with Lloyd about Vibra-Train one grey February afternoon.

A practising mortician (my first surprise of the afternoon!) by trade, Lloyd specialises in embalming the morbidly obese and got to thinking one day in 2001 after having a conversation with one of the doctors at Auckland Hospital. “They said that once you got to a certain weight it was dangerous to exercise anymore,” he tells me, “which is basically saying to an obese person that they may as well just go home, sit down and live with their condition. Traditional advice clearly didn’t work for these people so the challenge for me was to create a different form of exercise that someone with a weight condition and an injury could do safely.”

He looked into the history of Vibration Therapy machines, which have actually been in use since around 1870 when Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (of Kellog’s Cornflakes fame) first publicised them. “They could only take a very light weight though,” explains Lloyd, “so I decided to design one that could take up to 300kg and lose no performance. I wanted something that every human alive could use no matter what condition their body was in.” The machine he designed is purpose built for any scenario, “you can even sit in front of it if you’re in a wheelchair”, and he also designed a model for athletes and the already fit to boost their existing fitness regimes. Not long after the world’s first Vibra -Train studio opened its doors, and they can now be found throughout New Zealand and Australia and also Malaysia and the UK. When I ask Lloyd exactly how they work on your body he likens it to some of the first movements we learn to do. “The first thing we learn to do as a child, on the way to learning what you think of as ‘exercise’ now, is just simply not falling over while trying to sit up. This is a learned response that is achieved by your brain communicating with your muscles and other senses like eyesight and the inner ear.” Every time you fall over, your body learns to correct itself with very fast muscle movements that occur naturally, and this is called “accidental exercise”. Over a period of time as a child you utilise these involuntary contractions in ever increasing intensity to allow you to balance, swing, play on jungle gyms, jump off a chair and land on the ground - “all fun stuff you didn’t think of as exercise and would do for hours until your parents made you stop.”

All this stimulation contributes to healthy bones and joints, healthy muscles, increased circulation and burning energy, and after a short while you became quite fit and strong.

“Over the years you might run or start weight training but your body has forgotten how to use these fast reactions, which are of such great value,” explains Lloyd. “Our machines replicate those movements – it’s not cardio vascular or flexibility, just pure strength and conditioning.”

When you come to Vibra-Train you will be shown exactly what to do every step of the way and Lloyd recommends using the machines twice or three times per week. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and you can buy a $100 concession card for 11 sessions on the spot with no membership fees in sight.

“It’s definitely the type of exercise that you either love or you hate,” he says in conclusion, “and we’re here for those that love it. It really can change your life.” (HELENE RAVLICH) VIBRA-TRAIN, 192 Victoria Street T: 09 309 6874 www.vibra-train.com

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CLARE CALDWELL THE ART OF LIVING EARTH, MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO, A PLANET OF DENSE VEGETATION. Suddenly out of this vegetation emerges something delicate and ethereal – a simple flower. Fast forward to early humans encountering such plants and again to today’s complex Homo Sapiens and the question must be asked: When did humans first gaze upon these transient botanical wonders and find their sheer beauty and aroma gave them a sense of joy? It could be argued that this transcendental experience of joy rather than just the rudimentary grunts of survival was a threshhold in the evolution of human consciousness and spirituality.

Many creatures on our planet also engender this sense of joy on encountering them – dolphins of course and for me, butterflies. Seeing a butterfly drifting gracefully through my garden brings me a feeling of absolute joy (I’m talking monarchs here not the white variety that ferret and munch their way through our brassicas!) The sight of them always delights me. Why? Apart from their obvious beauty maybe this connection to feelings of joy they engender equates with the same elevated consciousness we experience when we feel love.

Monarchs also seem quite trusting and unafraid of us. Once I found one with its leg caught. Managing to free it I watched it fly away, then to my delight it came back, fluttering around me twice as if to say “Thankyou”, before flying off into the distance.

Maybe they too have a part to play in the evolution of our consciousness just by their very being. Are butterflies the embodiment of enlightenment in the insect world? It’s no coincidence that the life-cycles of butterflies have captured the imaginations and mythologies of humans for millennia. The metaphor of metamorphosis and new life they encapsulate appears frequently in art work I do with hospice patients – sometimes this is expressed consciously and sometimes it’s an expression of a deeper pre-cognitive “knowing” that change and transcendence of three dimensional form are not far away. Whatever their role, I just love them and my aim is to cultivate a garden full of them!

(CLARE CALDWELL) PN 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.

Enquiries: T: 09 836 3618; M: 021 293 3171; E: clare.e.caldwell@gmail.com

IS STRESS MAKING YOU FAT? Ok, now that I have your attention let me explain how this works.

When we are “stressed” our body kicks in to what we call the sympathetic nervous system: This is an instinctual throw back to the old days when mankind had to hunt for its food - often in very dangerous, life-threatening situations. You may also hear this referred to as the “fight or flight” response. This side of the nervous system is a wonderful tool when facing life-threatening situations, as it causes blood to be quickly directed to your muscles (at the expense of circulation to the organs affecting metabolism). This is so that you can stay put and perform super human feats OR (as most of us would do) run for your life!

Now the problem with the sympathetic nervous system is that when you are stressed your body also releases stress hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands such as cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine. When these hormone levels are high, the body actually resists weight loss. Your body thinks times are hard and you might starve, so it hoards the fat you eat or have present on your body. Cortisol tends to take fat from healthier areas, like your butt and hips, and move it to your abdomen which has more cortisol receptors. HELLO beer guts and muffin tops!

It also turns once-healthy peripheral fat into unhealthy visceral fat (the fat in your abdomen that surrounds your organs). This increases inflammation and insulin resistance in the body, so not only do you end up with a pot belly - but your risk of developing life threatening conditions also increases.

On a more positive note, the opposite side of the nervous system is referred to as the parasympathetic nervous system: We use this side of the nervous system when we are relaxed. The parasympathetic nervous system maintains balance in the body and helps to reverse all the negative side effects of the sympathetic nervous system by creating optimal conditions for metabolism, immunity and healing.

In an ideal world we would only spend about 25% of our waking time in sympathetic nervous system activity. The other 75% would be spent in the relative relaxation and balance of the parasympathetic nervous system.

The problem with our modern day, busy lifestyles is that chronic stress (even if relatively mild) has lead our bodies to believe that we are facing life-threatening, “fight-or-flight” situations ALL THE TIME. This means that most of us are actually reversing that ideal and spending up to 75% of our waking time in sympathetic stimulation, and only 25% in the balanced state of the parasympathetic nervous system. This causes a toxic build up from metabolic stagnation and can also lead to reduced immunity and increased risk of disease.

Exercise is one of the best ways to counter the negative effects of stress and restore balance in your body. Look to include at least 30 minutes of cardio and resistance exercise into every day. PN DEBBIE MCCALLUM is a personal trainer at The Exercise Room in Parnell www.theexerciseroom.co.nz

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PONSONBY U3A: FEBRUARY 2013 Ponsonby U3A’s first meeting for 2013 got the year away to a lively start with two entertaining and informative speakers - acclaimed animal psychologist and author Jeffrey Masson and U3A member Kathy Walker.

Kathy gave a fascinating account of living in Greece for three years in the 1980s. In Athens she taught English. The summers were reserved for the beautiful island of Paros, one of the Cyclades island group. “Easy to fall in love with Paros,” she told us.

“It’s as the brochures depict – an azure sky, a dancing sea, bougainvilleas tumbling over white walls and not a cloud in the sky, until one day in September you look up and gosh, yes, a cloud.” On Paros Kathy helped run a bar, which she described as a cross between Fawlty Towers and Shirley Valentine.

Jeffrey Masson, author of the million-selling book Dogs Never Lie About Love, talked about his new book, What Animals Can Teach Us About the Origins of Good and Evil, to be published in the US in October. In it he questions what has happened to humans as a species compared to every other species.

Humans are different from all other apex predators - we kill our own. In the 20th century alone we killed approximately 200 million other humans. As well we kill other creatures for no reason. He gave the example of the next greatest predator after humans, the orca. Orcas do not kill each other and have never killed humans (except in acquaria where they are enslaved for our entertainment). There are no recorded orca deaths by other orcas. 1400 orcas are killed every year.

Even crocodiles, with no great brainpower, kill only about 100 humans a year, and then only because we do something stupid, but we kill approximately one million crocodiles a year, farming them for their skin. Jeffrey Masson asks why it is okay for us to do that? “Imagine if there was a higher species than us and that higher species farmed humans.”

So what made us the creature that kills for no reason? Jeffrey Masson believes he has come up with a credible explanation. He said that American scientist and author Jared Diamond believes the worst mistake in the history of the human race was the development of agriculture, giving rise to greed, hierarchy (servants) and differences

between men and women, where there had been none before as each carried out the same tasks.

But Jeffrey Masson suggests that even worse than agriculture has been the domestication of animals. Domesticated animals couldn’t run away from us (except dogs and cats which became companions). They were farmed to be eaten – pigs, cattle, sheep, etc. and having captured these animals we don’t give respect or belief for their intelligence, we harbour prejudices that come from having overpowered another species. If we can’t get people to see there is no distinction, then how do you get them to understand?

Highlights from the special interest groups include the annual members’ garden party and in April a day trip to Gibbs Farm. There’s something for everyone in the wide range of special interest groups - art history, classical studies, current affairs, gallery visits, gourmet group, green fingers, armchair travellers, New Zealand history, scrabble, ramblers (trips of interest around Auckland and sometimes further afield) and petanque at the Herne Bay Petanque Club.

Guest speaker for the March meeting will be television writer and newspaper columnist James Griffin. We enjoy his column Final Words in the Herald’s Canvas magazine, and currently we are caught up in The Blue Rose investigative drama on TV3, that he created with Rachel Lang. He has entitled his talk, “Turning Dreams into Drama – the creative process from idea to screen.”

We’ll also hear about Doug and Janet Williamson’s trip to England last year to attend the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial by Queen Elizabeth II in Green Park, Piccadilly.

Visitors and new members are welcome at U3A meetings, held on the second Friday of the month. PN NEXT MEETING: 9.45am Friday 8 March. First Floor, LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Bay Road.

Enquiries: Norman Stanhope T: 09 376 6406. (PHILIPPA TAIT)

DISCOVER YOUR TRUE STRENGTH AT TRUE PILATES Pilates is a full body exercise programme developed over 80 years ago by legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates. It is a series of more than 500 controlled movements engaging the mind and body and is performed on mats and specifically designed exercise apparatus developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s.

At True Pilates, they are dedicated to continuing the teachings of Joseph H. Pilates. Time has proven the system works, through changing exercise fads and attitudes about body shape and fitness. Joseph’s method has proven to be reliable, safe and effective.

If you have not done Pilates before, they recommend The Starter Pack for Beginners.

This is a great way to get a really good feel and understanding of the exercises in a personal one-on-one session, tailored for you by our certified instructors. True Pilates focus on quality, not quantity; so you are always getting the benefit.

Think of your workouts and lessons as servicing your mind and body. When you keep the body moving and exercising, it ‘oils the joints’ and helps with everyday activities.

Now that summer is well under way, its time to put those New Year resolutions into practice! Start by giving yourself the gift of wellbeing, strength and achievement.

It doesn’t matter what your age, fitness level or body shape, you have the opportunity to be trained in a one-on-one lesson customised to your needs in a private, relaxed atmosphere. PN For more information contact Helen at TRUE PILATES NZ, 2/5 Seymour Street, St Marys Bay T: 09 376 7203 www.truepilatesnz.co.nz

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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 I’m afraid I over indulged over Christmas and am now feeling the results.

I feel tired, sluggish and bloated most of the time. I’d like to know if you can help. S. MCMAHON, Ponsonby

the body’s intelligence. In the past, people wanting this treatment would have to travel to India but I am pleased to advise that my clinic in Newmarket is one of the few places outside India where you can receive this profound and healing programme.

I think the symptoms you are experiencing are not unique. Many people feel this way every day but most of us just accept it as part of our busy and stressful lives. Even if we feel there might be an underlying problem, we often don’t have time to deal with it and so will take a multi-vitamin or two and keep going. But according to Ayurveda, these symptoms are key indicators that our bodily intelligence is affected and it means some serious problems are on the way!

In the past 16 years of my clinical work here in Auckland, I have guided hundreds of people through this de-toxification programme so I know that its effects are profound.

I would encourage you to experience a Panchkarma treatment in the belief that you would find many of the symptoms you are experiencing would disappear.

Q: A:

Ayurveda tells us that each individual has a unique bodily intelligence and as long as that intelligence is in a balanced state it has the ability to flush out the toxins that accumulate in the body on a daily basis. These toxins are just waste products, the result of normal cellular metabolism that the body normally excretes. 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 de-toxification.

This is why Ayurveda recommends a number of daily and even seasonal cleansing routines. However, if the toxins have been allowed to accumulate in the body for a long time, a specific de-toxification programme is required.

Ayurveda has a unique de-toxification and rejuvenation programme. Called Panchkarma, it is one of the most profound and systematic cleansing and rejuvenating programmes available to complementary medicine. In this procedure the body is prepared with daily massage and herbalised steam so the toxins can be safely dislodged from the tissues. These toxins collect at various sites in the digestive system, where, through a number of treatments, they are collected and eliminated from the body. Finally and most importantly, changes to your lifestyle and diet are recommended to prevent the buildup of more toxins in the future.

Ayurveda recommends that everyone should have a seven to 10 day Panchkarma treatment at least once a year as it helps to eliminate the build up of toxins and rejuvenate

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Of course, many of us don’t have the time to commit to such a programme. Thankfully, Ayurveda can offer a number of cleansing 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 one 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).

• Eat only warm, cooked foods.

• Eat a handful or raisins and five to 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 and soya sauce, carbonated drinks, tinned foods, coffee and alcohol.

• Take Ayurvedic herbal supplements such as Stress Guard and Livgood, both available at Planet Ayurveda.

I know that we all try to live healthy lives. We all try to eat organic food and go to the gym regularly but we still experience problems such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and arthritis so we feel more stressed than before. From an Ayurvedic perspective, it is the build up of toxins in the body that are the root cause of most of these problems.

Thankfully, Ayurveda provides a programme that can eliminate this toxic build up and return the body and mind to balance and health. (DR AJIT) PN If readers have any health concerns they are welcome to contact me at my clinic, PLANET AYURVEDA WELLNESS CENTRE, 41 Gillies Avenue T: 09 522 5390 or email info@ planetayurveda.co.nz

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BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY JETT GANNAWAY IS DRAWING HIS OWN CONCLUSION Talent comes in all shapes and sizes. In the case of St Peter’s College student Jett Gannaway, his talent IS shapes and sizes.

Jett is a budding architect, and students and parents at Jett’s old school Marist Herne Bay get a close up of Jett’s handiwork every day. As they walk down the drive into the school, they go past the senior playground that Jett helped design when he was eight.

It’s Jett’s first completed commission to date. He suggested to principal Robyn Pivac that the senior students have their own playground, so she suggested he come up with a plan, which he did in collaboration with Marist mother, and architect, Cecelia Edmond.

A large fundraising was then organised to find the $20,000 needed to transform Jett’s vision into reality, and when it was completed the Bishop of Auckland, Patrick Dunn, came and blessed the playground.

Jett acknowledges that compared to most children, for whom Playstation or a bouncy ball hold most fascination, architecture is an unusual interest, but it’s something that he was born with. ”I’ve always been interested in architecture,” he says, “because when you’re an architect you have control over how a building is designed.” Consequently much of the 10 year old’s spare time at home is spent designing buildings, both by hand and using Google SketchUp. He’s built up an impressive collection of books on architecture, which he constantly refers to, and he particularly admires structures by Gaudi and Norman Foster.

So although it’s hard to predict with most children whether their hobby – passion might be a better word in this instance – will last, it seems clear that Jett’s fascination with architecture is not just a passing fad. He’s already started mapping out a career in the industry, having done a day’s work experience with Pete Bossley at his practice, and visiting other architects too.

It’s not all about drawing though. Two years ago, Jett persuaded Auckland City Council to make the signs advising people not to feed the birds in the water at Western Springs Park bigger. As part of a homework project, he’s investigated why some of the birds had damaged wings, and learned it was because they were being poisoned by the wet bread. He took his case to Mayor Len Brown, who said he thought Jett was the youngest attendee at a “Mayor in the Chair” session. Mr Brown hadn’t been aware of the problem until Jett pointed it out, so he took it up with the local board, and the signs were redesigned. Despite his lobbying abilities, though, Jett hasn’t been sidetracked from his goals.

The grand plan includes going to Auckland University after high school and completing his architecture degree, then working for Pete Bossley, and eventually establishing his own practice, specialising in small, eco-friendly buildings, reasoning that “if you’re going to build a house, you might as well do it properly, and that means making sure it’s built in a sustainable manner.”

He’s mainly keen on designing residential buildings, with no desire to build typical commercial buildings, which he believes are big and ugly. He says the first one he builds will be for himself, but after that he intends to make his skills available to others.

So if you think you might be wanting a house built in 10 or 15 years, best you get in touch with Jett now. There might be quite a queue later on. (BILLY HARRIS) PN Do you know of a kid in the community we should write about? He or she might be doing something interesting in academia, the arts, sports or anything else. Drop me a line at billyharris2000@hotmail.com

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CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW Maisy’s Farm by Lucy Cousins. Walker, $35.99 It’s more fun with Maisy! Maisy has been popular with pre-schoolers for at least a decade. There is certainly something about Lucy Cousin’s character that resonates with little ones. Maisy’s Farm follows the popular Maisy’s House format and opens up into a sturdy 3D scene and includes pull-tabs and press out pieces. Drive the tractor, feed the pigs: there’s so much to do on Maisy’s farm – it provides hours of imaginative play for little farmers. PN DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION FICINO SCHOOL RENAISSANCE TRIP The Ficino School Renaissance Trip to Italy and the UK for the senior students from Years 7 and 8 has become a popular biennial event. Last year a group of 25 enthusiastic students, three teachers and five parents set off at the end of term three to visit London, Rome and Florence, the birth place of the school’s namesake, Masilio Ficino.

The students observed a wealth of historically important artworks, theatre and architecture and even managed to improve their ability to speak a little Italian.

Renaissance means ‘rebirth’ or ‘new beginning’ and this title is relevant for two reasons.

Not only were the children inspired by the great cathedrals and art of the Renaissance period, but also they experienced a ‘new beginning’ in themselves.

Mr Hudson, a senior school teacher at Ficino School says, “The journey is not only a discovery of the Renaissance but also a discovery of self for the students.” This intermediate age between a primary student and the secondary years is one of great openness and impressionability.

The Principal Mr Peter Crompton says, “It was a delight to see these open hearts and minds being awed and impressed with some of the greatest and most glorious achievements of mankind; Rome with all its history, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and David, Botticelli’s paintings and Shakespeare to name a few.”

The behaviour and engagement of the children was excellent and they all arrived back standing taller than when they left. PN FICINO SCHOOL, 27 Esplanade Road, Mt Eden T: 09 623 3385 www.ficino.school.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION MAYOR LEN BROWN GIVES PLUNKET A HUG! Everyone loves a good hug and Plunket is no exception!

4 – 10 March is Plunket’s Bear Hug Appeal and Naomi Layzell, community services leader, is encouraging people to give Plunket a hug by donating money, time or sharing their skills and experience.

Naomi Layzell says, “Plunket is a Kiwi icon, as much a part of our culture as hokey pokey and pavlova! Nine out of 10 New Zealanders are ‘Plunket babies’.

“We’ve been welcomed into the homes of New Zealand families for over 100 years – giving New Zealand parents the support they need to nurture healthy, happy Kiwi babies. We want to be around for another 100 years but to do that we need community support.

“We’re heavily reliant on the funds raised during our appeal. While Plunket’s free home and clinic visits are government funded, some of the other services we provide are delivered by volunteers from funds raised in local communities. All money collected locally is used for local Plunket services such as parent support groups, playgroups, car seat services and parenting education programmes.

“Plunket’s volunteers work in cooperation with Plunket staff to provide these services to ensure every family in the community has access to the Plunket services they need.

“A hug is a sign of love and appreciation so we’re hoping that Kiwi’s will help us to continue to provide support to local families when they need it by supporting our March Bear Hug Appeal.”

You can give Plunket a hug by giving a donation through visiting www.plunket.org.nz your local Plunket or any BNZ store. PN

ST MARYS’ COLLEGE TO HAVE NEW $7.0 MILLION FACILITIES ADDED Local St Marys College, a Mercy Girls College, in New Street, is to have major facilities added under a new development programme announced by the board of St Marys College Limited recently.

The new facilities will include a new gymnasium of international basketball standard and six new classrooms.

Mr P Keane chairman of St Marys College Limited, Board, said that the company had undertaken considerable work at the college over the past eight years and the new facilities were in keeping with that predefined development programme. “The college over the past 10 years has gone from strength to strength with an increased roll and a standard of education which competes favourably with any other college in New Zealand” he said. The new facilities would provide a state of the art sports gymnasium and new classrooms to cater for the continued college roll growth he said.

Mr Keane said that the strength of the college management team and the Catholic Mercy culture were the key ingredients for the success of the college. Construction was planned to start on the 3rd of December 2012 with a completion date of November 2013. “It is planned to have the facilities ready for the start of the new 2014 college year”, said Mr Keane.

The architect and project manager for the project is RCG Limited and the construction contract has been awarded to Cunningham Construction. PN

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MEET THE TEACHER

NAME: Laela Carmichael SCHOOL: Richmond Road School CURRENTLY TEACHING: New Entrants Year 0-1 HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER? I always had a strong interest in children from being the tuakana to my cousins to then working in Kohanga Reo. Primary school teaching seemed like the next step to take.

WHERE DID YOU TRAIN? The University of Auckland, Huarahi Măori Specialisation at Te Puna Wănanga WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO RICHMOND ROAD PRIMARY? My daughters both attended Mataaga Aoga Amata in Grey Lynn and Richmond Road was the next step in their Samoan language learning.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT BEING A TEACHER? Seeing the ‘sparks’ when the students figure things out. Working alongside professionals and sharing knowledge. Being able to work and be a mother (all my children attend Richmond Road Primary!)

HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TEACHING CAREER? It’s early days yet but being a part of the growth of the tamariki.

LOW POINT OF YOUR TEACHING CAREER? Never any lows.

HOW WOULD YOUR PRINCIPAL DESCRIBE YOU? Happy, smiley, go getter, can do attitude...

HOW WOULD OTHER TEACHERS DESCRIBE YOU? Pretty much the same...class clown?

HOW WOULD YOUR STUDENTS DESCRIBE YOU? I’m the ‘nice’ teacher. My class is always where the tamariki are in the mornings or after school.

IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND IN YOUR CLASSROOM..?

I would have interactive desks with iPads for every student, all the resources I could ever want and extra storage.

GO UP, UP AND AWAY AT MOTAT! Aviation fanatics, kids and adults alike who head to MOTAT on Easter Weekend will be taken to the next level of excitement thanks to MOTAT’s marvellous model airshow featuring tips, tricks and turns of up to 50 impressive model aircraft.

Held on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 March from 11am-3pm, spectators will stare in awe at a series of performing aerial displays as well as fantastic static displays of aircraft and equipment belonging to the New Zealand Park Flyers Club.

Set amongst MOTAT’s multi award-winning Aviation Display Hall, visitors will also be able to check out MOTAT’s existing aircraft collection and learn of the remarkable stories of Kiwi aviation legends like Jean Batten and Cliff Tait.

The magnificent model airshow will conclude a month-long celebration of New Zealand’s aviation history at MOTAT. Each weekend throughout March a myriad of fun and exciting activities will take place including live engineering workshops for kids and guided tours of the current aviation restoration projects in the Blister Hangar.

So come down to MOTAT and get ready to take-off into the wonderful world of aviation!

DATES: MOTAT Model Air Show – Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 March 2013, from 11am-3pm Aviation Month – Every Saturday and Sunday in March, from 10am-5pm LOCATION: MOTAT, Great North Road and Meola Road, Western Springs.

COSTS: MOTAT entry fees – ‘MOTAT Model Air Show’ and ‘Aviation Month’ activities are included in normal MOTAT admission fees $14 adults $8 students/children 5-16 $7 seniors Free for children under 5 $35 family pass (2 adults, 4 children) $65 MOTAT Mates Annual Family Pass (2 adults, 4 children) PN

LAELA’S FIVE TIPS FOR MUMS AND DADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL KIDS 1 Build a relationship with the teacher....they’re not as scary as you think.

2 Routine, routine, routine. The tamariki need it!

3 Responsibility: teach this and it will become a part of the routine.

4 Talk: ask your tamariki what they learnt that day...be involved.

5 Communicate: we are here for your child. If you need to ask or know anything, ask the school, teacher or other parents. Don’t be shy.

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FUTURE GENERATION TOP STUDENT PAINTERS NURTURED

BY TALENTED TEACHER ACG Senior College have prided themselves on the quality of their arts programme, both performing and fine arts for many years.

This year’s Cambridge International Examination results reinforce the approach of talented art teacher Andrew Strachan. Remarkably every student in his IGCSE class scored an incredible A*, which is 90 per cent or above.

“I’m very proud of all of my students across the three levels of the Cambridge International Examinations who have all been graded between B to A*. I notice once the student’s become passionate about the success of their work the results are there in the painting,” says Andrew Strachan.

Students in the IGCSE class scoring A*s were Courtney Dixon, local Ponsonby resident Alex Dunlop, William Goh, Hannah Kwon, Lois Mercer Firth, Michelle Lee, Eden Wilson (Top in New Zealand), Vivian Xu, Sophie Foster, Sunny He, Nicola Thornton, Jaeseo Park and Katie Perratt.

Principal, Kathy Parker says, “Andrew is a phenomenal teacher who in a quiet, supportive, knowledgeable way somehow manages a miracle every year and has a number of students studying overseas, including at Parsons in New York.

Since Andrew has been teaching at ACG Senior College nine students have achieved Top in the World CIE awards and one student has achieved a Top in New Zealand CIE award.”

ACG Senior College is Auckland’s only independent school offering education from Year 11 – 13. As part of the ACG group they offer Cambridge International Examinations in place of NCEA. “The CIE system offers us a global qualification which is flexible providing breadth and depth. The courses are extremely rigorous and they provide the students with international benchmarking. We’re finding these elements are increasingly important with more and more students heading overseas to university,” says Kathy. PN ACG SENIOR COLLEGE www.acgedu.com

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CRISTINE TEE - MY FAVOURITE ROOM

CRISTINE TEE IS OF COOK ISLAND AND KIWI DESCENT. SHE GREW UP in Auckland, and attended school there as well as in Rarotonga, and boarding school in Masterton. Cristine spent several years travelling, and returned to live in Rarotonga before moving back to Auckland in 1990. She and her husband Stephen purchased their home in Westmere in 1992, and they renovated it in 1999.

Cristine’s favourite room is her lounge. The island influence is obvious. The room is sunny and open, and connected to the kitchen and family room, which all connect to a tropical outdoor dining area. The lounge is the centre point for regular extended family gatherings which typically involve strumming of guitars and ukuleles, and singing.

The couple have three teenage children: two boys who attend Western Springs College, and a daughter who is at St Marys College.

Cristine loves this room for its warmth and light. It feels spacious and is a natural place for her family to relax in. It is also a great space for yoga!

Cristine has an enduring passion for yoga, initially practising Iyengar, and then for the last eight years, Bikram. Yoga provided a perfect way to balance the demands of raising a young family while working with her husband in his legal practice.

A print by a friend Tracey Williams, of Cristine’s mother, as a young girl, hula dancing in Rarotonga, is Cristine’s favourite piece in the room. She says it is a constant reminder of her strong heritage and formed the inspiration for the Tropical Yoga logo. PN

In 2012 Cristine founded Tropical Yoga Holidays, taking yoga tours to Rarotonga as a way of combining two passions - yoga and her Cook Island heritage.

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TROPICAL YOGA HOLIDAYS www.tropicalyoga.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS EVERYBODY NEEDS GOOD NEIGHBOURS Turning strangers into neighbours and streets into neighbourhoods, Neighbours Day Aotearoa is back for the third year as a national celebration of neighbourliness.

Neighbours Day Aotearoa (NDA) on 23-24 March will give all Kiwis a great opportunity to connect with others in their immediate neighbourhood. This year organisers predict it will be bigger than ever.

Over the weekend, thousands of neighbours all around the country will gather together to get to know each other, and forge connections and support systems that will continue to enrich their lives long after the weekend has ended.

“Fostering neighbourliness creates communities that are stronger and more resilient,” says Mental Health Foundation chief executive Judi Clements. “Connecting is one of the ways that we can all enhance our own mental health and wellbeing.”

A shining example of neighbourly spirit inspired by NDA is Victoria Dawson-Wheeler, a 32 year-old from Arch Hill, won the Neighbours Day Aotearoa story competition in 2012. Victoria organised a big breakfast for her entire neighbourhood, asking local businesses to participate by donating enough coffee, muffins, and bacon for everyone who came along. She also created a dynamic gift-swap exercise called ‘Love thy neighbour’ where each participant interacted with at least two other households in the neighbourhood. It was a roaring success.

“I was blown away by the generosity and thoughtfulness of everyone involved,” she says. “It’s so hard to meet people, nobody wants to be the first to say ‘hi,’ but once you’re past that it’s great!”

Since Neighbours Day, Arch Hill has become known for its community-mindedness.

When babies are born, people drop by with food and clothes for the new parents.

When a neighbour is in trouble, people are now much more likely to lend a hand.

“These small but significant changes in neighbourhoods are what Neighbours Day Aotearoa is all about. More and more of this happening right around the country will mean neighbourliness is increasing in every community. We’re already starting to see this movement grow,” says John McCarthy, General Manager of Lifewise.

With better connected streets, apartment dwellings, neighbourhoods, and more everyday neighbourliness, New Zealand communities will be stronger and more able to tackle many of the social concerns that exist in Aotearoa.

Many local councils are on board, and NDA activities between neighbours are being organised all around the country.

The Neighbours Day website features NDA success stories to help inspire New Zealanders to participate in Neighbours Day. Participants who sign up through the website will be sent a resource pack with lots of great ideas to organise an NDA celebration that works for their neighbourhood. The campaign will also use Facebook to connect with Kiwis and share NDA messages, ideas, and inspiration.

Neighbours Day Aotearoa is a joint initiative of Lifewise, The Mental Health Foundation, Inspiring Communities, and Neighbourhood Support. PN www.neighboursday.org.nz www.facebook.com/neighboursday

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MILLY NOLAN

WELL PLATED These days, plates don’t just serve the purpose of having something to eat from, they also serve the purpose of looking good as well as providing a talking point. Instead of serving your culinary delights on the usual pristine white, get creative by introducing bold colour or patterns to the dinner table. If you want to go all out, mix-and-match different sets or at the very least use interesting salad or bread and butter plates. Alternatively, hang them on the wall as a unique piece of art that is far from ordinary.

BAROQUE CHARGER

By Jasper Conran for Wedgwood, $199 This baroque charger plate by British design guru, Jasper Conran, adds a vibrant twist to the classic china tableware. Whether it is hung on the wall, used as a platter or layered with other plates or bowls, it will create a lasting impression. 33cm.

WHITE SNOW KINGYO SIDE PLATE

By Driade Kosmo, $90 Part of the The White Snow series, created by Antonia Astori for Driade Kosmo in 1996, this Kingyo plate is a tribute to traditional Japanese goldfish artwork. Almost too stunning to use, this is definitely a plate best left on display. 20cm.

WHITE SNOW ‘ELIZABETH’ SERVING PLATE

By Driade Kosmo, $380 A twist on the old fashioned ‘English roses’ and playing with the old tradition of bourgeois dinner services in white and blue, this serving plate by designers Laudani & Romanelli for Driade Kosmo is a more modern rendition. While fabulous on its own, it looks even better as part of the five-piece set which makes up the entire dinner service.

32cm. (MILLY NOLAN) PN All products are available at www.mildredandco.com

ROME MAP PLATE

By Seletti, $60 To hang on the wall or to eat from, this plate is as much a piece of art as it is practical.

Embellished with a gold map of downtown Rome, this plate makes the perfect gift for those that have lived in or are fond of the city. Great as a set, also available are plates of Paris, Tokyo, Rio de Janerio, Shanghai and Venice. 27cm.

ANCHOR PLATE

By Odd One Out, $60 With its cult-classic anchor image, this vintage plate has had new life breathed into it by artist Niki Gribble. Each of Gribble’s designs are hand-painted on vintage plates for a customised touch. Fabulous as a piece of wall art or displayed on a shelf amongst other treasures.

CHINOISERIE GREEN SALAD PLATE

By Jasper Conran For Wedgwood, $110 Decorated with a green design motif of graceful birds and delicate flora and fauna, this salad plate by Jasper Conran for Wedgwood is both exotic and beautiful. Combine with white dinner plates or the complete Chinoiserie Green set for a vibrant effect. 23cm.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

DEALING WITH THE RENOVATION DILEMMA

exteriors offer the chance to marry traditional and contemporary elements. “Invariably it’s about creating more light, aspect and space, and a connection to the outside.”

WHEN PLANNING A RENOVATION IN A HERITAGE STREET IT’S EASY TO FEEL constrained by the burden of honouring history and complying with planning controls, says architect Guy Tarrant. But there are plenty of opportunities to reinvent history while remaining respectful of the original villa or bungalow form without simply replicating it.

The clever devices Guy has employed in local renovations are banks of glass louvres to bridge old and new, double-height extensions to address tricky level changes between street-front villas and sloping rear sites, and dramatic light-filled spaces that contrast with the conventional villa or bungalow layout.

Guy’s practice Guy Tarrant Architects Ltd is responsible for a number of award-winning homes across Auckland. His response to a renovation is to create a clear demarcation between old and new, while subtly referencing the original house’s character in the proportions and materials of the new design.

Having lived in three of his own designs, Guy says he has learnt from personal experience what works long term. “It’s only when you live in a space or with a certain material over a period of years that you really test its capabilities,” he says.

“You can intensify the experience of the old house and create an exciting new addition appropriate to its context by addressing issues of proportion, scale and texture,” Guy says. Timber joinery and flooring, tongue and groove paneling, and weatherboard

“I always put that firsthand experience to use with my clients because ultimately I want them to feel good everyday they live in their home for a long time.” PN GUY TARRANT ARCHITECTS, M: 021 673 924 www.guytarrant.co.nz

ARE YOU SELLING? ‘you can’t sell a secret... good marketing makes a difference every time’ www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

STREET NAMES: AMIRIA STREET ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A MERCER STREET IN St Marys Bay then in 1978 the City Council changed its name to Amiria Street and in doing so gave honour to a remarkable woman, Amiria Stirling. Distinguished anthropologist, Dame Anne Salmond formed a close relationship with Amiria and her husband, Eruera Stirling who were both revered elders of Te Whãnau-ã-Apanui and Ngati Porou.

Dame Anne’s collaboration with the Stirlings led to three books about Maori life. One of them, “Amiria:The Life Story of a Maori Woman” won a Wattie Book of the Year Award in 1977 which probably prompted the City Council to initiate the name change of the street where Amiria lived for many years.

The book is unique in that it’s an account of Amiria’s life narrated by herself over two years on a series of tapes which were transcribed with, in Dame Anne’s words ‘no anthropological tinkering’. It’s a fascinating read and imparts an understanding of Maori culture and beliefs and also the impact European settlement visited on the indigenous people’s taonga.

Some time in the late 1890‘s Ani Kahutawhiti and Harry O’Hara married without his pakeha family’s approval. He took fatally ill not long after their daughter Amiria was born and made Ani promise that Amiria would marry a pakeha and hopefully be accepted by his family. When Ani re-married her mother, Mereana, took her pakeha mokopuna back to the Taumata-o-mihi marae where the child had a traditional Maori upbringing. The Williams family also settled in Ruatoria and inevitably the small society became increasingly dominated by their values, resulting in Amiria being exposed to a mixture of Maori and European customs and culture.

All through her early childhood and young girlhood everything was pretty much ka pai.

Amiria’s father had willed money for her education and at the age of 18 she was sent to a girls college in Wellington. While there she enjoyed a romance with a pakeha boy, George Nelson that the elders back at home got wind of so her mother was ordered to bring her back to Ruatoria.

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About this time a young boy named Eruera from a separate region on the East Coast was plucked out of Te Aute College where he was excelling and did not want to leave. A taumata marriage for the two teenagers was arranged. The two iwi periodically improved their relations through arranged marriages which promoted peace and allowed a sharing of resources.

Both young people resisted the marriage. Amiria tried to run away and her mother, faithful to the promise she made to her husband did not agree to the taumata. She aided and abetted a move to Auckland, but the planned escape failed and the two young people, Amiria and Eruera, were locked in a room together and told “that’s it, you’re married”.

The whole business was traumatising for them both. Meanwhile George had left Wellington to join the forces overseas and Amiria wrote to his mother, ‘I’m sorry to tell you this but I’m getting married.

It’s not my wish, it’s my peoples’ wish and I have to do what they want’. George was killed so Amiria never saw him again.

The actual wedding for Amiria and Eruera took place in May 1918 at a huge church ceremony with Archdeacon Williams officiating. There was much inter-iwi scrapping over the bridal dress, the wedding cake, the seating placements and Amiria’s mother publicly cursed the wedding. In spite of all this the marriage was a successful one.

The couple eventually settled in Opotiki where they raised seven children. When war broke out Eruera was appointed recruiting officer for the district and when the 28 Maori Battalion left for overseas both Eruera and Amiria were very involved in raising money for the boys. Their eldest son, George was still at school and went on to train at Massey where he won the Agricultural Cup. When his life ended tragically in a motorbike accident Amiria fell into a depression and Eruera insisted she receive treatment in Auckland. For the next 30 years they resided in a house at number one Mercer Street, now Amiria Street and it became a focal point, not only for their own East Coast people, but also for many other Maori groups in the city. Both Eruera and Amiria died in 1983. (DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: MEREDITH LEE Meredith Lee has been running European Antiques & Furnishings for the past eight years. She operates her business out of her villa in Grey Lynn and a showroom in Scanlan Street, and also stocks her antiques in the five WORLD Beauty stores in partnership with Francis Hooper and Benny Castles of WORLD. Meredith buys her stock predominantly from France, the UK, Belgium and Sweden, and looks after both public and interior design clients. Meredith enjoys her work - and collaborating with her clients on all manner of projects both residential and commercial - immensely. “I’m constantly amazed that I get to work in my area of passion every day and I love working with my clients to help them create their dream spaces.”

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Grey Lynn.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? A wee stray cat called Mitzie, who looked rather bedraggled and sick when she found me, but she is well now and much loved.

HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT? After my initial giggling fit, I would say walking everywhere as I don’t drive... I know, I know...

YOUR BEST FRIEND WOULD SAY OF YOU? I make her laugh and she can rely on me.

YOUR MOTHER WOULD SAY OF YOU? I play a mean game of upwords (a Sunday ritual together). She is still nine games ahead of me..but hey, who’s counting!

WHAT ARE YOUR VICES? Interior design magazines and books...lots of them! And antiques of course...one for the container, one for me, one for the container...

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET PASSION? I’m a Pinterest addict! It’s such a visual social medium being photo-based, and I’m proud to say I have over 10,000 followers. Check out euroantiques and the ‘Antique with Modern’ and ‘Antique Bucket List’ community boards on the Pinterest site on my website.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PONSONBY CAFE? My local Oh!So Cafe offers great food and coffee and super-friendly service by Sena and the team.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PONSONBY RESTAURANT? Andiamo and MooChowChow.

AND YOUR FAVOURITE PONSONBY STORE? Wunderkammer – I bought some of my favourite jewellery here from Sy, and visiting the store is such a visual treat!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE ANTIQUE WORLD? After surviving meningitis I knew I was extremely fortunate and the move back to New Zealand from the UK gave me the fresh start and confidence I needed to follow my antique dream. In the UK I spent virtually every weekend at the antique fairs and markets to fuel my passion.

YOUR MESSAGE TO PONSONBY NEWS READERS? Follow your dream! PN EUROPEAN ANTIQUES & FURNISHINGS, 21 Ariki Street, Grey Lynn.

Viewing by appointment. T: 09 360 9858 or M: 027 414 0081 www.europeanantiques.co.nz

SHARE YOUR BEST-KEPT PONSONBY SECRET...

My twin sister Charlotte’s social media business...MARKETING ROOMS. I wouldn’t be able to do all the social media and web side of my business without her and it’s great fun working together.

WHAT ARE YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISTRACTIONS? Definitely a good book...something with mystery and drama. I’m reading the last Bryce Courtenay book as we speak.

ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE IS? You get out of it what you put into it.

WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A window dresser – even at 16 I knew I loved the art of display.

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS SOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL PIECES AT ESSENZE Peter Collis Velvet vessels from $99

and Essenze Whare cushions from $119 (originally $159).

ESSENZE, 223 Parnell Road T: 09 354 4520 www.essenze.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS THE RENOVATION OF 76 JOHN STREET, PONSONBY When first viewing the property in 2011, it was not your usual type of do-up in Ponsonby, as it was out of character with the area and seemed more mock art deco than villa. I suspected it was previously a villa, as it had all the characteristics of one, under its stucco skin.

When I received the heritage report, this confirmed that my suspicions were correct.

Upon closer inspection, we found that some time in the 1930s the house was transformed from a villa and into a mock art deco style.

We set about rebuilding the existing house as close as possible to its original form back in the late 1800s, whilst bringing it up to standard for today's modern world which hints to the past in volume, but with a contemporary interior and courtyard style extension at the back.

We tried to save as much of the existing house framing as possible, but had to replace it all. It was in such a bad state due to the previous remodelling when building materials were scarce (we discovered that the existing roof was removed and the same timber together with the interior wall sarking was used to form the base of the flat roof). The existing timber framing of the house had been covered by stucco for so many years which caused most of the damage to the exterior timber walls.

The completed home now stands proud and has reclaimed its place on a great elevated site on John Street. It is fully insulated and double glazed with four bedrooms, double internal access garaging, including an office which is great for a home business, or an extra room for the kids.

The rear of the house has a courtyard extension which includes two living areas and contemporary kitchen. The floors are all solid American Oak and painted cedar timber joinery. Layered subtropical landscaping with mowing strips and vitex decking including a 10-metre heated lap pool complete the look.

It's such a priviledge for myself and my team to be able to work in such a vibrant and progressive area as Ponsonby. We get huge pleasure out of creating great homes to live in with contemporary architecture, fit for the future. (TYRONE LE ROUX)

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Property Developer TYRONE LE ROUX with son JONTY 76 John Street is now for sale and being marketed by Heather Lanting and Marty Hall of RAY WHITE PONSONBY. M: 0274 500 168 and M: 0274 394 124. PN www.urbanspace.co.nz

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ASK AN ARCHITECT: PAUL LEUSCHKE Each month Grey Lynn resident and architect Paul Leuschke of Leuschke Kahn answers readers’ property related questions.

Email yours to jane@leuschkekahn.co.nz

Q: A:

How much does it really cost to build as I keep getting conflicting costings?

I have the same problem when a client tells me their friend just built a new house or an alteration, for two thousand dollars a square metre, which seems unreasonably cheap! When I ask what that square metre rate includes, the answer I usually get is “I don’t know”.

Does the square metre rate include GST, council fees, services to site, a new kitchen, landscaping, swimming pool or carpets and drapes? The square metre rate doesn’t help if you don’t know what is included in it and will give you a false comparison. While square metre rates are specific to each project, there are three components to cost. These are size, complexity and quality.

Your house size affects the cost. The bigger the house, the more it costs as you use more materials and labour. However, a big house can have a lower square metre rate than a smaller house as cost is not dependent on house size alone. Different areas of the house cost more than others. Bedrooms are cheaper per square metre because they are empty spaces. Bathrooms and kitchens are the cost of bedrooms plus the plumbing, drainage, cabinetry, white ware and bath ware. They cost more per square metre.

The complexity of your house affects the cost. A standard square box with a simple pitched roof costs less than a house with a complicated plan and multi-level floors and roofs. However a square glass box is expensive as it needs lots of hidden structural steel to hold it up and heavy duty aluminum and thick big sheet glazing. Earthworks are expensive as they require excavation and water proofed structural retaining walls.

The level of quality you chose affects cost. Quality is in the materials and finishes. Zinc cladding versus plywood. Plastered block versus weather boards. Natural stone floors versus carpet. Wooden joinery is much more expensive than aluminum. Alterations are even harder to cost as the scope of work often creeps to repainting, re-carpeting or rewiring the whole house.

Many people say houses are expensive but we now have bigger rooms, higher ceiling heights, more lights and power points, double glazing and higher levels of insulation.

We just have more stuff in our houses. Most people don’t associate the architect with anything other than the aesthetics of a house, but construction methods and material finishes have cost implications and a good architect will manipulate these according to the budget.

So my advice is to ask exactly what they got for that square metre rate or more importantly what wasn’t included and always include a contingency in the project budget.

(PAUL LEUSCHKE) www.leuschkekahn.co.nz PN

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A PLACE OF SPECIAL MEMORIES Karekare; horse racing on the beach, picnics in the pohutukawa groves, swimming under waterfalls - the current owners whose family have come here for 70 years have many special memories of time spent at their beautiful Karekare home.

With black sand beaches, crashing waves and blue skies, the wild and untamed beauty of Karekare is a place to enjoy life and nurture your spirit.

In the summer, there are long hot days and spectacular west coast sunsets; in the winter it is somewhere to enjoy walks on the beach and find peace and solitude.

Flanked by the protected sub-tropical forest of the Waitakere Ranges, the unique character of Karekare brings out the creative in all of us. Sitting in splendid isolation, this dramatic coastline has been the setting of several New Zealand films.

Karekare is a coastal settlement less than an hour from the CBD, which still features some of the original ‘Kiwiana’ baches. There is a small permanent population that swells in the summer months.

Just a few minute’s drive away, at Piha, there is a library, an art gallery that displays work by local and international artists, two surf clubs, a bowling club, tennis club and a café to while away those lazy Sunday mornings. Moody, misty and mysterious, dramatic, warm and welcoming - Karekare is a land of beauty and contrasts. www.bayleys.co.nz

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FIONNA HILL

THE PONSONBY GARDENER

Above left: Ponsonby herb bunches; Above right: Some of the farmer’s market selling team for GREY LYNN COMMUNITY GARDENS TWO EMPTY RAINWATER TANKS ARE BAD NEWS FOR OUR GARDENS; AS a result we’ve lost lots of plants or had very poor results. We were offered a mains tap to temporarily connect to and that has saved us. A fundraiser at Grey Lynn Farmers Market in February raised some funds to maybe buy a tanker of water.

Siberian tomatoes that I bought at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market in late winter have been prolific and devoured. The seedlings were sturdy and straight and so were the growing plants. I didn’t research them until they were happily established in the garden. It’s a Russian heirloom variety that can set fruit in cool weather – it’s apparently popular to grow in Alaska. Crazy choice for a Ponsonby garden but I couldn’t resist them! They are apparently good for growing in pots too as they are a determinate height. A Dunedin friend has asked for some seed and I’ll be growing them again up here in our non-Alaskan climate.

Our tomatoes are not vine ripened; we’ve been picking them as soon as they have a blush of pink on them as birds are pecking huge holes out of the unripe fruit. The companion for tomatoes in the soil and on the plate is basil. This year I’ve grown Franchi seeds of Basil (Basilico) Bolloso Napoletano - ‘blistered leaf from Naples.

They describe it as “Famous Neapolitan large leafed basil with intense aromatics and flavour. Has many uses. In Italy it is sometimes used for wrapping mozzarella balls.”

Our dwarf bush beans are starting to climb and I’ve noted a tip from Yates to say that this is triggered by certain weather - i.e. usually excessive cloudy days – although Ponsonby hasn’t had many of these! Trim off the long tendrils and the beans will bush up again Yates advise. I left it too late; the tendrils have flowers on them so I can’t bear to chop them off.

Our lambs quarters has stunning magenta shoots and some are as high as the door top. Food activist, Michael Pollan calls lambs quarters ‘one of the most nutritious plants in the world’; but it’s a weed and not grown by many folks here. Some of the healthiest traditional diets, like the Mediterranean, make frequent use of wild greens

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but I don’t think that many Ponsonby diets do? Lebanese cucumbers growing in a pot on my balcony are ready almost all at the same time – some have grown bigger than Texas!

We’re on to about our fourth organic attempt to deter whitefly – it has ruined all our kale. Yellow plastic cards smeared with Vaseline are hanging around the garden and marigolds will go in next to our new cavolo nero seedlings to hopefully keep the little critters away from the outset.

So the Aussies think their beetroot is better than ours! We’ll see about that. I’ve planted seed and will be monitoring it closely.

It’s amazing how good our produce for the fundraiser looked considering that we thought we hardly had any. Salad packs looked enticing; some good lettuces which had had more than their share of water since January were popped whole into a newspaper bag with a few sprigs of rocket, sorrel, mizuna, mustard streaks, garlic chives, mizuna and edible flowers. Bunches of healthy ‘stir fry’ ingredients had me reaching for the soy and sesame oil.

We grew seedlings from seed in the greenhouse for weeks or we transplanted some prolific swan plants, borage, nasturtium and marjoram from our plots into small pots and nurtured them. Neapolitan blistered basil with giant leaves was the favourite.

Our saved seeds had all been packed by 11-year-old Liam who also made our labels, grew microgreens, picked and packed and turned up on the day dressed to kill and man the till. His six year old sister Jenna decorated all our labels for bottles of ‘Rocket Fuel’ comfrey tea. Calling it “tea” proved to be something we must reconsider. One customer in a hurry, paid, grabbed a bottle and shot off across the market opening the lid and taking a swig. Luckily she didn’t swallow any; we gave her a refund and a complimentary bottle of delicious homemade lemon cordial ‘for human consumption’.

(FIONNA HILL) PN

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES ST MARYS BAY, HERNE BAY PRICES UP 24 PERCENT ON 2010 DON’T WE ALL WISH WE’D BOUGHT A HOUSE IN HERNE BAY OR ST MARYS Bay a few years ago? With average sale prices up nearly 24 percent on 2010, those who took that leap can now put their house to market, safe in the knowledge they are set to get a nice return on their investment.

A recent report published by Bayleys Research recognised there is a current shortage of properties on the market in both Herne Bay and St Marys Bay – and this is one of the key reasons prices are pushed to the levels we are seeing today.

transform, others want a nice place that they can make subtle improvements on in order to further increase the capital gains, when it comes to sell down the track.

If you would like to know more about what this research could mean for you, feel free to get in touch to arrange a time to discuss your property M: 027 273 8220 or karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz. My advice comes obligation-free. (KAREN SPIRES) Karen Spires is a Bayleys Real Estate ‘Top Achiever’ – placing her sales data among the top five percent of salespeople within the company.

The latest figures revealed Herne Bay homes are now selling for an average of $1.732 million ($1.581 million in 2010). In St Marys Bay, that figure is $1.082 million (just $878,000 in 2010). Buyers are competing fiercely to secure property at the moment and I’m seeing quality homes sell in excess of this every week. I recently sold two four-bedroom villas for $3.35 million and $2.25 million, and I expect these family homes will continue to sell for beyond the average area price until the market quietens down over winter.

The demand is also evident in the speed with which houses are being sold. The official ‘days on the market’ average is now 64 for St Marys Bay and 46 for Herne Bay. Increasingly, prospective buyers are taking matters into their own hand and submitting bold offers well before auction day – as was the case with 26 Sentinel Road, which I sold in excess of $3 million, six days before auction.

The researchers also recognised a severe shortage of high-value properties ($4 million plus) on the market for sale. In 2012, four properties in the area sold in excess of $4 million (one of those, in Herne Bay, sold for in excess of $7 million).

Although this turnover is higher than 2011, it is relatively low considering the total number of high-value homes in the area. It is a niche market and getting the best possible price requires targeted marketing in New Zealand and overseas, as well as direct communication with high-value individuals that have flagged their interests with me.

Saying that, the greatest demand is for properties in the area that present an opportunity to ‘add value’. Some buyers are eager to get a ‘do up’ that they can

INDUSTRIAL IS HERE TO STAY… It is typical for New Zealand like many small countries to follow design trends sometimes years after they have debuted or emerged overseas. The industrial furniture trend has been around overseas, particularly in France, for decades. And on a recent trip to Paris, the style is still overly evident on all fronts.

In the 80s an increasing amount of the industrial factories, workshops, warehouses and factory buildings in France were converted to loft style apartments, studios and living accommodation. Characteristic for these buildings were rooms with high windows, exposed supporting beams, and concrete floors.

The original industrial lamps stayed in use to keep the atmosphere intact. This ‘loft-style’, industrial look left such an impression on people that many years later new houses and projects are designed this way.

“This is the style we try to impart, a contemporary, burly, unpolished collection of industrial flavour that gives a feeling of permanence,” says Koko Classics Manager, Shelley King. “We think the style is here to stay.”

Their new store on Williamson Ave opened in December and they have been astounded with the positive feedback from the Ponsonby community. Do pop in to view their collections – they have new stock arriving most weeks and what they don’t have, their friendly staff will be sure help with!!

They are currently stocking Eiffel bookcases, crank table bar leaner’s, chesterfield sofas, mirrors, a taxidermy moose mount and a large range of reclaimed elm tables, chests, consoles and coffee tables. You will be surprised by the reasonable pricing throughout the store. Open 7 Days. PN KOKO CLASSICS, 2 Williamson Avenue T: 09 378 6451 www.kokoclassics.com

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS OBJECTSPACE - BEST IN SHOW 2013 This annual exhibition is now in its ninth year showcasing a selection of outstanding work in the fields of Applied Arts and Design by recent graduates. This year Jaqui Knowles and Ioana Gordon-Smith curated the exhibition which ran from 2 February till 2 March. They visited a number of exhibitions at the end of 2012 in order to make their selection from five Auckland Institutions. They were Unitec, Hungry Creek Art and Craft School, Massey University, Auckland University of Technology, and Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design. They looked for innovation, command of a medium or process and strong visual impact.

The selection for 2013 featured the work of 21 students and represented the fields of ceramics, fashion, graphic design, jewellery, product design, and textiles. The exhibition provides a platform for students to launch their careers by giving them the opportunity to connect with patrons and be on the road towards earning a living.

LIGHTSPACE by JADE DOEL IMMATERIAL by DONNA CLEVELAND

Objectspace is delighted that a significant number of previous Best in Show exhibitors have received opportunities both nationally and internationally. The high level of craftsmanship and sophistication depicted at this year’s show is bound to result in similar success for the selected graduates.

Judging by the number of attendees at the exhibition, there’s no lack of interest in the way Objectspace is raising the profiles of local craft makers. The crowd spilled out onto the pavement and the atmosphere was abuzz with appreciation of the works on display. Board member, Linda Tyler spoke in place of Phillip Clarke, the Director of Objectspace who sent his apologies for being unable to attend the event. She called upon the students to take the floor, and have their work identified.

One of the students, Melanie Tan who has been studying jewellery at Hungry Creek Art and Craft School has already had success in being offered a residency in Mexico.

“I experimented by playing with light and paper-cut stencils, and photographing the results. My work focusses on the play of light and depth; I wanted to create an illusion of space.

Such was the press of the crowd it was difficult to engage with the students but the following morning at 11am there was an opportunity to listen to some of the students discuss their work. The examples below demonstrate the diversity of what was on show.

Donna Cleveland’s ‘Immaterial’ is inspired by her personal experiences of New Zealand and the ubiquitous use of wool. She uses a range of techniques such as felting, threading, weaving and hand-spinning. Joshua Fache’s ‘Wildenstein’ is an intricate neckpiece constructed from laser-cut leather ‘sequins’ each attached by hand. The design demonstrates his interest in haute couture and the importance of craftsmanship in fashion. Hyunjin Yun’s intricate ‘Illuminating Textile Sculptures’ combine modern materials with electronics to make flexible fabric sculptures that glow and change colour when approached.

WILDENSTEIN by JOSHUA FACHE

Matt Purcell’s ‘Disruptive Behaviour’ offers a model for alternative packaging solutions - a proposal of what could be. Jade Doel drew inspiration from the way traditional dining rooms have become open-plan and his ‘LightSpace’ is a fixture that allows for different lighting options in a single space.

Alex Styants has taken a revolutionary approach to the problem of transferring a wheelchair bound person in and out of a vehicle with his ‘Easy Link Wheelchair Transference System’.

Mark Wu believes design has a social agenda and his ‘First Breath’ is a low-cost neonatal resuscitator to assist newborns to take their first breath. Dean Immers rural background comes to the fore with his E3F (Efficient, Ergonomic, Electric Fence) which is a self retractable reel that allows for easy transport and use.

This exhibition was a delight to behold and Objectspace is to be admired for its dedication to raising the profiles of young craft makers and provoking fresh evaluation of works and practices in the fields of applied arts and design. (DEIRDRE TOHILL)

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS EMMA WILKINSON, LOVER OF PRETTY, LITTLE THINGS A rather addictive, new online design store, www.prettylittlethings.co.nz launched last month, showcasing beautiful, hand -selected products across five categories – art, homeware, jewellery, stationery and accessories. They are varied in aesthetic and price, but have one vital element in common – they are well and truly loved by founder and owner, Emma Wilkinson.

After having a browse around the site I contacted Williamson Avenue resident Emma to find out more about what makes her tick, and we met for coffee at Revel café on Karangahape Road, opposite the boutique advertising agency where she spends her days as a senior account director.

Her journey towards Pretty Little Things began several years ago when she began blogging about her discoveries and amassing quite the following on Pinterest due to her enthusiasm and super keen eye. Friends noticed her passion for design and asked her what she could do with that were money no object. The reply?

“To own my own design store stocked with beautiful jewellery and stationery,” she says with a smile, “but in real life that just wasn’t an option.” Her father suggested she have a try in the online world however, and the idea of Pretty Little Things was officially born.

A few chance meetings followed with local, creatively minded people and now as they say, the rest is history.

The site launched with a combination of local items by New Zealand artists and designers, along with small quantities of products selected from Australia, Europe and the United States, all carefully chosen over months of research. Emma says she has just one simple rule she sticks to.

“Everything I choose to sell on the site must be something that I would buy as a gift or have in my house. It’s a good selfcheck and keeps me on the right track.” Aside from some of the artwork by local creatives all items are limited, which ensures they are totally unique. New products are also added every few weeks so the site stays fresh, meaning you never know what might catch your eye at the most opportune moment.

She tells me that from the beginning the goal was not only to sell a range of pretty products, but to make them accessible. “I try and keep most items at an affordable price, so women can treat themselves to something pretty more frequently,” she says.

“I have a lot of friends who are having children and going down to one income for a time and that shouldn’t stop them from being able to have something new and exciting every once in a while,” she adds, and I couldn’t agree more. One of my top picks after just a few minutes on the site was a light cotton leopard print scarf with a blue or pink trim that would be a perfect “pick me up” purchase at any time of year and a total steal at just $29.95. I also love the “Mr. and Mrs.” pillowcase set, which would make a great wedding gift.

The one frustration with only having an online store is that the photography often doesn’t do the products justice, so last month Emma took part in a collaborative pop-up-store with friends in Herne Bay to give customers the opportunity to see her beautiful selection up close. The Jervois Collection Pop Up store was open for just two weeks but there are definitely plans in place to repeat the experience, perhaps with another collaborator in Karangahape Road. Either way, Emma’s personal collection of utter gorgeousness is online 24 hours a day and seven days a week, so pay her a visit – you never know what you might leave with! (HELENE RAVLICH) PN www.prettylittlethings.co.nz

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A RECENTLY COMPLETED WESTMERE RENOVATION

BY DORRINGTON ARCHITECTS www.dorringtonarchitects.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

photography: Emma-Jane Hetherington

Emma, who has been an online shopper for years, sees the growth of online shopping in New Zealand quickly following that of our neighbours in Australia. “People are busy and often don’t have time to go out and look for presents for friends, especially when they don’t know exactly what they’re really looking for,’ she says. ‘The idea of the website is not only to address the fact that you can buy something for yourself without the guilt of blowing your credit card, but it also takes the hassle out of shopping for others.”

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS DONATE YOUR DESKTOP FOR THE AUCKLAND CITY MISSION The Auckland City Mission has embarked on an exciting partnership with an innovative fundraising initiative, Donate Your Desktop.

Donate Your Desktop is a simple way for any New Zealander to give to charity at no cost to themselves. By joining the initiative a user can generate a donation for a charity like the Auckland City Mission every day, all they have to give up is the picture on the desktop background of their computer.

The concept is simple. A user downloads the free application and installs it on a computer (Windows and Mac). Each day their desktop background is refreshed with a new designer wallpaper, sponsored by an advertiser and in return for receiving this wallpaper, each advertiser makes a donation on the user’s behalf.

The selected charity receives 75% of all the fees charged to advertise on that desktop. The more users that sign up in aid of a charity, the more money that charity will receive.

A GRAND PONSONBY LANDMARK Bright, baroque and beautiful, the Ponsonby Post Office is up for sale for the first time in nearly a decade. The century-old building at the top of College Hill will be tendered by Bruce Whillans and Henry Thompson of Ray White Commercial.

If a single building can be said to symbolise Ponsonby it’s probably this one. Built in 1912, it was the locals’ long-time mail hub. In 1920 it was even the scene of an infamous crime. After the postmaster was murdered and money stolen, the police matched fingerprints on cash boxes to those of the main suspect. He was later hanged. It was the first time in the British Empire that fingerprint evidence was mainly responsible for a conviction in a capital crime.

This building has been much cherished. Its tower was originally part-funded by donations from locals who wanted a clock instead of the original dome and cupola.

Twice threatened with demolition, the tower was saved by New Zealand Post in the 1970s after lobbying by council and residents. The building is now rated Category 1 by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and to this day, the chiming clock is re-wound weekly by Auckland Council.

Auckland City Missioner Diane Robertson is very excited by the new partnership, she says “The Mission is always on the lookout for new methods of fundraising.

We believe Donate Your Desktop is a truly innovative approach to raising money for charities and we are delighted to help build the concept at such an early stage.”

Major refurbishment in 2004 earned the property a fully compliant earthquake rating and it’s currently leased by the Belgium Beer Cafe on the ground floor with the Skin Institute above.

Donate Your Desktop director, David Hillier said, “We’re very proud to welcome the Mission as a partner charity and look forward to some good growth through the Mission’s loyal supporters.”

It is being marketed by tender, closing 4pm on Thursday 4 April 2013.

To find out more about Donate Your Desktop and to register your computer visit www.donateyourdesktop.co.nz. PN AUCKLAND CITY MISSION, www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz

For more information or to register your interest contact: Bruce Whillans, M: 021 985 619, T: 09 304 1453 bruce.whillans@rwcauckland.co.nz or Henry Thompson, M: 021 337 443, T: 09 304 1453 henry.thompson@rwcauckland.co.nz PN www.rwcauckland.com

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

SHOWCASING LOCALLY DESIGNED FURNITURE AND SCULPTURAL WORKS Functional Interior Arts is a unique furniture and art pop up gallery recently opened in Ponsonby and their key focus is on promoting local designers and artists. They specifically showcase New Zealand made furniture and art that has a Kiwi twist, is functional, exclusive and unique.

The gallery is currently showing furniture by local designer Damon Howard-Smith.

After several years designing and manufacturing for the hospitality industry, Damon decided to show his creative side by designing furniture for the residential market.

now a Grey Lynn local who is a sculptor specialising in bronze and glass with a passion for the human form and Miro’s wife Felicity Pyne who is also a fantastic artist working with glass and bronze. She creates her works in a unique and very spiritual manner.

He specialises in tables with unique metal and wood-turned legs, as well as funky sideboards in several styles, sizes and colour combinations. Exclusive one off chairs will also be available, and over time there will be a range of new creations arriving from Damon.

Functional Interior Arts aim to give local designers and artists the opportunity to show their creations and to give the Ponsonby locals the chance to purchase unique and exclusive Kiwi made products. Exhibitions and more permanent installations by several more artists and designers will happen on a monthly basis. PN

Functional Interior Arts also represents other local artists. Included is well known sculptor and painter Pamela Howard-Smith, Miro Batistic originally from Croatia but

FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR ARTS, 65 Mackelvie Street T: 022 308 9534 www.facebook.com/FunctionalInteriorArts

CANCER SOCIETY OVER THE MOON – PLAIN PACKS AT LAST! THE CANCER SOCIETY IS OVER THE MOON WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S announcement to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products. “The announcement is long-awaited by all tobacco control groups and something the Cancer Society has been campaigning for, for a long time,” said Skye Kimura,Tobacco Control Advisor for the Society.

“This is a major step. No longer will tobacco products be decorated with desirable colours and prominent branding – future plain packaging, with large graphic warnings, will depict the reality instead.

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“Our major aim in tobacco control is to protect our children. Tobacco companies will no longer be able to advertise on their products and build brand loyalty in future generations. This is another milestone in the journey to New Zealand being smokefree by 2025. It shows the government’s commitment.”

New Zealand is set to become the second country to introduce plain packaging for tobacco after Australia introduced the measure late last year. PN CANCER SOCIETY, www.cancernz.org.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

QUEEN STREET MILE LURES QUALITY If you don’t get there early enough on 1 April you might be consigned to watching the stragglers, with two more world class athletes confirming their entry into Auckland’s Queen Street Golden Mile on Easter Monday.

Local hopeful Lucy van Dalen, who’s better known for her longer distance running, headlines the Sir John Walker organised event, but won’t be gifted line honours and will now have her work cut out to pin her name to the title.

Australian Olympian Zoe Buckman and Dutch athlete Susan Kuijken have added their names to the start list, spicing up the contest which until now looked as though it would be all one way traffic for van Dalen. The trio are also busy keeping each other honest training for the event in Melbourne.

Buckman, who reached the semi-finals of the 1500m at the London 2012 games, holds the bragging rights as the fastest of the three over 1600 meters, albeit on a track, but is a healthy one second quicker than van Dalen at her best.

Although don’t write off Kuijken, the 26 year old is the most experienced on tarmac, finishing 5th in the Fifth Avenue New York Mile in 2011.

Returning to Auckland for the first time since 1983, the days racing and entertainment promises to have something for everyone, not just the elite athletes. 16 races in total, including under 16, under 19, over 20 and men’s and women’s veterans, a citizens mile for non-registered athletes, a corporate teams event and a Clash of the Code race.

And living by Walker’s all inclusive philosophy – Find your Field of Dreams, a race for wheelchair competitors.

If playing a supporting role is more your style, you can line the footpaths of Queen Street from the corner of Mayoral Drive right down to Queens Wharf. Four hours of runners galloping down Queen Street sounds to me like an event not to be missed.

(GEORGE BERRY) PN

ZOE BUCKMAN – the Australian who’s signed up to compete in the Queen Street Mile

HERNE BAY PETANQUE CLUB IS THERE A NEED TO BE CONCERNED? I’M PLEASED TO SEE THE WARRIORS WERE NOT IMPLICATED IN THE Australian Crime Commission’s report into drugs and corruption, but for people like Warriors Coach Matt Elliott to be upset by the lack of information supplied to them, or the fact that neither individuals or teams were named by the ACC is laughable.

The fact is pressure has been applied to all clubs in equal proportion in an attempt to see who buckles first. Maybe it’s because Elliott’s new, but if he believes his side has nothing to worry about then do just that, don’t worry. Everyone knows he has enough on his plate this year trying to turn the Auckland club back into title contenders without worrying if his players are taking performance enhancing drugs. If the Warriors performances last year were anything to go by you’d be forgiven for thinking they might have been on depressants, but definitely not anything performance enhancing.

Maybe given the Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers – two clubs he’s been involved with in recent times have been implicated in the report is what’s really worrying Elliott.

IT WAS SMILES ALL ROUND WHEN HERNE BAY PETANQUE CLUB members Francoise Case and Paul Bickelmann, pictured with club treasurer Chris Beams, received the Auckland regional seniors’ doubles trophy. Herne Bay players have featured strongly in local competitions, as well as nationally, over the past years. While the club is proud of its winning members, Chris Beams stresses that petanque is not all about competition. “It’s a game for everyone and is enjoyed by all age groups. It’s also a wonderfully social sport where you can talk while you play,” he says. “And it’s not expensive either with membership being only $55 a year.”

Every Thursday morning from 9.15am around 30 members of the seniors’ group play at the terrains in Salisbury Park in Salisbury Street, off Jervois Road. The group is a mixture of top players, newcomers to the game and those who just love the game and the companionship and have been coming along for years. New members and learners are welcome at this group and the club will supply equipment while people are learning. Chris says that the invitation is there for people to come along and try and see if they enjoy the game. The club also plays late Friday afternoons for the after work and more skilled crowd, as well as some Sunday afternoons from 2pm.

For further information please telephone Chris Beams on M: 021 067 6422, or Norman Stanhope on T: 09 376 6406.

It doesn’t really matter what sport it is, there’s always going to be someone who chooses to push the boundaries. Sport doesn’t select athletes from just one section of society, so there’s no reason to be surprised that this sort of thing is taking place. Sport is a reflection of society, not the other way around. And given the levels of money being spent in all sports, it’s a pretty easy place for the underworld to target to make some serious cash.

photography: Sandy Austin

I think the way the ACC have released their report has been spot on, if they can employ a strategy to stamp this sort of thing out then they deserve all the applause and cooperation they can get from those who also share their beliefs.

Drugs will always be around in sport, it’s up to those of us involved to make sure those who decide to cheat won’t be able to get away with it for long. If the Lance Armstrong situation is anything to go by, it’s just not something you can get away with. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY GRAFTON CRICKET CLUB STANDING TALL Forget the England cricket tour of New Zealand, if you’re after some real history combined with your entertainment make sure you’re not too far from Victoria Park and the Grafton United Cricket club on Sunday 10 March.

MARK BURGESS skippered New Zealand to their first ever Test victory over England

As the history books have it, cricket was started by a group of shepherds in the United Kingdom in the 17th century. Primarily as a form of something to do in the evenings as their flocks slept, it was soon taken and transformed into the game we know today by some land owners who wanted a sport to bet on. A way of showing one’s team of shepherds was better than someone else’s.

It took a while for the game to make its way to New Zealand’s shores, but when it did it was quickly adopted by one of the oldest clubs in New Zealand, Grafton.

No longer just Grafton or even housed at its initial grounds of Thomas Dilworth’s in Newmarket, Grafton United will celebrate its 150th anniversary from 8 to 10 March with many of the weekends elements at its home, since shifting there in the 1950s, Victoria Park. The weekend culminates with what promises to be a celebration of epic proportions, a T-20 match between Grafton Greats XI and a New Zealand Legends XI. Former Blackcaps Dion Nash, Dipak Patel, Murphy Sua, Richard Jones, Paul Hitchcock and Kerry Walmsley will challenge some of Grafton’s finest like other former Blackcaps Lou Vincent and Andre Adams along with Matt Horne and his brother Phil in a shortened form of willow on wood. The admission won’t cost you a penny and the Victoria Park gates will open at 3pm. Pack a rug, get a few mates together and take your catching hands with you, there’s bound to be plenty of opportunities on offer.

If you’ve ever been inside the clubrooms you would have seen the walls littered with some of the club’s rich history, glimpses back into a forgotten day. That’s probably the reason author Richard Irving has put pen to paper in the hopes of bringing some of that forgotten history back to life and out for all to see.

Kicking off the weekend of celebrations on 8 March, Irving will launch his book, ‘United we Stand.’ Just like those walls, Irving highlights the heroics of former club members Mark Burges and the more than 100 men and women who’ve gone on to represent Auckland and the 21 h have worn the silver fern of New Zealand.

Whilst names like Vincent and Adams are easy remembered, Irving takes a more in-depth look at how the club has been shaped by many others. Behind the scenes or skippering New Zealand to its first ever test win over England, Grafton United is a club rich in memorable moments and achievements worth celebrating.

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a chance for other club members to come together and tell stories of their own. On the Saturday night at the Viaduct Events Centre former Blackcap captain and selector Dion Nash will headline the Gala Dinner.

Not a Grafton Club member during his playing days, Nash quickly entrenched himself as a GC regular in retirement from playing nationally and I’m sure he will have a yarn or two to tell that will resonate with cricket lovers from all over.

(GEORGE BERRY) PN www.graftoncricket.co.nz

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LOU VINCENT, a Grafton cricketer playing for the Blackcaps.

WEST END ROWING GETS INTERNATIONAL GUIDANCE Given how well our national rowing squad performs in a global sense it’s hard to think there would be much need for international coaches at club level in New Zealand.

But at West End Rowing club they don’t come more international that the senior women’s coach Joey Steele.

Having lived and competed in Honolulu, Chicago, New York, Stockholm, Sydney, Athens and now Auckland the Swedish-American describes herself as a “Person of the World” and has now been trusted to impart some of that international experience to a group of 19 -24 year old Auckland women.

When Steele arrived in New Zealand in August last year her initial desire was to simply find a club, join a crew and fit in. But that wish for simplicity quickly turned to one of responsibility. Steele and her girls train 9-11 times per week, six days a week throughout the season and are on a quest to become the national champions.

A team made up of student and full time workers the commitment from both sides is combined with a keen dose of respect.

Although Steele assures me the early morning wakeups and the long hours on the water or at the gym are made that much easier when you see the sun beginning to appear with the Harbour Bridge in the background and the Super City starting to rise, a feeling she strongly recommends everyone should experience.

Just like world renowned Dick Tonks, who’s not so secret recipe is miles, miles and more miles, Steele’s a big fan of repetition and adds to that a defined psychological approach, choosing to break down challenges one small bit at a time.

She often links lessons in life to rowing, and Steele believes she has a plan to help athletes of all ages achieve their goals.

As Steele talks about her day, both on and off the water it’s hard to fathom she’d have time for anything but rowing, but empowering women to become leaders in their chosen field is something she just can’t stay away from.

Steele says “the math for both rowing and empowering women is similar and both quite predictable and simple. A coordinated effort of a motivated group of capable people, produces what we are looking for; authenticity, excellence, leadership capacity, and high productivity.”

I suspect that under the watchful eye of Steele the West End Senior Women’s rowing squad are in pretty good shape and will be a squad to take notice of at this year’s National Champs. (GEORGE BERRY) PN

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LAURA CAYGILL: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS AUTUMN IS MY FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR. EVEN THOUGH IT CAN BE HARD to say goodbye to those long summer evenings there is something so nice and cosy about autumn. Even more so in the library; there is nothing quite like curling up with a good book when the weather starts to turn (or at any time of year for me!) and our displays and events this month are all about celebrating that. After all, it is New Zealand Book Month.

In honour of the special occasion (although when are we not excited about New Zealand books?) we are thrilled to have author Sue Orr coming along to our book club meeting on Wednesday 27 March, 10-11am. Sue’s second collection of short stories, From Under the Overcoat, was a finalist in the 2011 NZ Post Book Awards and Etiquette for a Dinner Party, published in 2008, received high praise from readers and critics alike. Short Stories are something I don’t read too often, but I have really enjoyed dipping into Orr’s collections and seeing the different lives of the characters for the brief moments the stories allow. Refreshments will be provided on the day and we will be sure to have copies of Sue’s books for you to borrow, as well as our usual selection of top New Zealand fiction. We hope to see you there.

As you are well aware, March is also the month in which the 2013 census takes place.

Many of you will have filled out your census forms online already, but if you haven’t

got round to it yet pop in and see us on Census Day (Tuesday 5 March) when we will have a computer set aside for you to use to submit your form. You are, of course, more than welcome to come in and use our public computers at any time to do this up until Wednesday, 10 April, the last day to submit online census forms.

Other events at Leys in March are: Storytimes on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30am and Wriggle & Rhyme on Thursdays at 10.30am. These run throughout the year during school terms (stay tuned about the fun events we have planned for the school holidays in April). Our Teen Book Club will meet on Friday 22 March at 4pm – new members are always welcome.

Make sure to ‘like’ our Facebook page (Leys Institute Library Ponsonby) if you haven’t already. It is a new medium for us and we have been having a lot of fun connecting with patrons through it. It is proving a great way to keep in touch with people and offer some recommendations and interesting reads. If you have been following us you’ll know some of the exciting things we have in store over the next few months, especially for children and families. Head online for a sneak peak of our evening storytime series Tales by Twilight and more upcoming events. (LAURA CAYGILL) PN LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Marys Road T: 09 374 1315

NEWS FROM RADIO PONSONBY THERE HAVE BEEN SOME EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS OVER the summer period with everybody’s favourite community radio station. Most noticeably, the station has relocated into the heart of the hip ‘n happening Ponsonby Central complex. It’s hard to miss the new studio with its prominent corner location, TV screens, friendly DJs and music piped around the venue. We’ve hosted free music in parks events on public holidays, taken music to the streets during the Pride Parade and plenty more.

There have also been developments with the local transmission on 107.7FM. Knowledgable blokes with beards and white coats have been tinkering, tweaking and tuning away behind the scenes; the end result of which is the broadcast is now stronger and clearer than ever. If you’ve had trouble tuning in previously, give it another go – you may have better luck now.

Speaking of tuning in and better luck, there have been some top-notch additions recently to the Radio Ponsonby on-air lineup.

As well as Sweetpants continuing to hold down the fort on breakfast daily from 7.30 -10am, Nyntee has joined the team for lunch weekdays - “In the Pocket” from 12-2pm, and, we’re also very excited to be involved in the resurrection of the legendary ‘Cryptid Factor’ radio show, hosted by Rhys Darby, David Farrier and the ever tolerant ‘Buttons’ - stand by for this to kick off on Thursday evenings from 4 April.

These boys join a cracker lineup consisting of local legends like Darrell Aaardvark, Bruce Hopkins and DJ Philippa, alongside the youthful enthusiasm of some of the finest young talent our neighbourhood has to offer. We’ve even lined up arts writer Josie McNaught for a Saturday morning arts hour from 9am called ‘Smart Arts’ – sounds great over breakfast next door at Toru.

You should definitely pop by our Ponsonby Central studio and grab a sticker, or at least have another crack at tuning in on 107.7FM – and for those of you who are smartphone savvy – download our iPhone app or check us out on the ‘TuneIn Radio’ app under ‘local radio’ – or check out www.radioponsonby.co.nz for complete listening options.

REAL ESTATE TIP OF THE MONTH - LEILA MORRIS BE A TEAM! ONCE YOU HAVE DECIDED TO SELL AND YOU HAVE CHOSEN YOUR preferred real estate agent be a team and work “together” to achieve the best outcome.

The more information he/she gets about your property the better. Try to describe what you found appealing about your house and what triggered you to buy it. This way the estate agent can get a better understanding of what to present as the highlights of your home. The agent will also have their own view on what stands out in your home but the more the better! Maybe share the historical background of your property or the forms of public transportation that customers can take to get to town or schools around the area. Take interest in the market feedback… is there anything you, as the owner, can

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do to present your house and garden in the best possible way? The real estate agent should be upfront, asking the right questions and informing you of what could be done to enhance the saleability of your home.

Request weekly meetings and marketing reports to be informed of every step. Every real estate agent is happy to go through the process with you and will encourage your input. Here again… assist as much as you can, be a team… the agent works not only for you but also with you to achieve the best possible result. Work with your chosen real estate agent – not against! (LEILA MORRIS) PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS LOGAN GRANGER

FINANCIAL YEAR END REQUIREMENTS The financial year end for entities with a 31 March balance date is quickly approaching and individuals and other trading entities in business will be required to file a tax return. Each individual or entity (company, trust, partnerships, etc) which has taxable income will need to produce certain financial documents for the IRD. THESE INCLUDE: • Income Statement • Tax Return EACH YEAR BEFORE 31 MARCH THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE DONE: • Asset Purchases: Consider the purchase of needed low value assets prior to 31 March. All assets costing under $500 (excluding GST) may be claimed as an expense in the year of purchase.

• Bad Debts: Review your debtor’s ledger. In order to claim a deduction for bad debts (debts you believe will not be collected), the defaulting accounts must be written off in your debtors ledger.

• Repairs and Maintenance: Consider undertaking any necessary repairs and maintenance on key assets prior to the end of the financial year. You should talk to an accountant to determine if a full deduction for taxation is applicable.

EACH YEAR ON 31 MARCH, YOU SHOULD DO THE FOLLOWING • Stocktake: Your stock (including work in progress) must be counted, recorded and valued as at 31 March if it is worth more than $10,000. You must value it at the lower of cost or market selling (allowing for obsolescence). Exclude GST from your calculations and prepare a written record of your stocktake.

AFTER 31 MARCH YOU SHOULD DO THE FOLLOWING • Year End Bank Reconciliations: If you have a computerised cashbook, when you receive your bank statement for 31 March, ensure all transactions are entered for

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

the year and perform a bank reconciliation to this date being 31 March and print a hard copy for your records.

• Provisional Tax: If your business has achieved growth resulting in an increased profit compared to the previous year, then it may be wise to make a voluntary payment in tax in order to reduce use of money interest.

• PAYE Payments: If you intend to pay out director’s fees or additional salaries to your employees or shareholder employees, you will need to pay the IRD the PAYE content of these payments by 5 or 20 April (depending on the size of your payroll).

Most small businesses engage a professional accountant to handle their financial matters. It is important to choose your professional advisors carefully; someone who understands your business goals and can provide you with the best possible tax advice.

Just make sure you don’t just hand your financial matters to your accountant to sort out as ultimately you are responsible for your tax affairs. You must always have recent financial knowledge of your business’s performance to make effective decisions.

Also, if you intend to purchase/sell a business or property in the coming year, it would be beneficial to discuss these plans with your financial advisor. It is also useful to check that you still have the most suitable structures in place.

If you have any further questions, would like to discuss this matter or you are looking for an accountant to sort out your financial woes please do not hesitate to contact Logan Granger. PN Disclaimer – While all care has been taken, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road T: 09 361 6701 www.jacal.co.nz

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GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line.

Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm will answer one topical question each month.

on your business. If business is not going well you still need to pay the mortgage and in many ways it may be greater than a lease commitment.

I have found a commercial property that I want to buy, what sorts of things should I be looking into before signing the agreement?

When completing the purchase it is a good idea to put some thought into who should buy the property. You may wish to buy it in your personal name, the name of a company, your trading company or in the name of a trust. This decision depends on the plan that you have for the property. You should discuss this both with your lawyer and your accountant. Even if you sign the agreement personally you should include the words “and/or nominee(s)” in the description of the purchaser so you can leave it open as to which person or entity will complete the purchase.

(MICHAEL HEMPHILL) PN

Q: A:

Buying a commercial property will have similarities to buying a residential property however there are extra issues to bear in mind before committing to an agreement. Because of the added complexity it is imperative to have a lawyer involved before signing the agreement.

What do you intend to do with the property? Are you moving your business into the property or is it an investment property?

If it is an investment property then you will need to consider any tenancies that are in place, how profitable they are, and review all the terms of their tenancy arrangement.

Although you do not need to do this before signing the agreement, you will need to have a clause in place that makes the agreement conditional on your investigations.

A general “due diligence” clause would be best.

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.

METROLAW, Level 2, 36 Williamson Avenue T: 09 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz

If you plan on using the property for your own business you need to look at the suitability of the premises for your current and future business plans. What is the property being used for currently? Is your business use the same? If there is a change of use then you need to check whether there are any consequences in terms of planning requirements.

Whenever you are buying a property you should obtain a LIM report from the council.

These can inform you of any outstanding issues that exist at the property. A lawyer should be able to help you through the contents of the LIM. You may also require the assistance of a planner.

Some business uses require further amenities such as car parks or disabled access. If these are not in place at the time they can be expensive or even impossible to remedy.

While buying a building for your business may be attractive because you are no longer paying rent and give you certainty of tenure it does mean that you are “doubling down”

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOOK ... WHO IS IN THE ZOO! RED PANDA CUB REASON TO CELEBRATE The discovery of a rare Nepalese red panda cub on 24 December was the ultimate Christmas present for Auckland Zoo’s carnivore keepers, who were hoping their predictions of a birth before the New Year would come true!

Now two-and-a-half months old, this little one, whose sex will be confirmed at an upcoming vet check, is thriving.

Our keepers have taken a hands-off approach and three-year-old first-time mum Bo is proving to be an exceptional parent.

It’s a role that takes a lot of energy though. While feeding her cub Bo is also devouring large amounts of her favourite foods – bamboo, grapes and pears.

BREAKFAST WITH OUR TIGERS! AUCKLAND ZOO IS OFFERING LOCALS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY breakfast at its tiger exhibit on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April – events that will be raising funds to help Sumatran tigers in the wild.

As this issue of Ponsonby News goes to print, the cub (which keepers are pretty sure is a girl) now weighs around 800grams (it was just over 100grams at birth). It’s moving about a little more, but is still tucked up in its nest box out of public view. Red pandas develop slowly. They’re not fully independent until eight months, and cubs don’t generally venture out of the nest until three months.

The 8am – 10am Tiger Breakfast running both days, includes a continental breakfast at Tiger Territory where guests can view the tigers who’ll also be breakfasting.

EASTER CELEBRATION You and the family can look forward to seeing Bo and her cub out in their enclosure at Easter (29 March – 1 April) - which is when the Zoo is having a special long weekend of red panda celebrations and fun activities for kids.

A tiger keeper will give a talk about these critically endangered big cats. Then following breakfast, there’ll be the opportunity to bid on some one-of-a-kind auction items before being treated to a behind-the-scenes tour to see some Zoo animals up close.

Dad is 12-year-old Sagar. He’s a very genetically valuable male who came to us from Darjeeling Zoo in India in 2010. In return we sent one of our females, Khosuva, who has been paired up with a male at Darjeeling Zoo, as part of Project Red Panda, and whose offspring will be released into the wild in Nepal.

Both breakfasts are limited to 40 guests. Tickets are $95 per person (or 2 tickets for $180). All proceeds to Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund to support 21st Century Tiger. To book, T: 09 360 3805. PN Further details at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

This latest Auckland Zoo baby is an extremely valuable addition to the international breeding programme for red panda as it’s helping grow zoo efforts worldwide to preserve a genetically representative insurance population.

Red panda live in the mountains of Nepal, India, China, Bhutan and northern Myanmar.

It’s estimated there could be as few as 2,500 left in the wild because of deforestation of their habitat and illegal hunting.

Auckland Zoo is helping red panda conservation efforts in the wild through our support of Red Panda Network in Nepal. Visit www.redpandanetwork.org Besides Bo and her baby, we have two other red pandas – 16-year-old Maya and her 12-year-old daughter Amber. Be sure to visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz and Auckland Zoo’s facebook page for cub updates.

DID YOU KNOW? • The red panda is arboreal, which means it spends almost its entire life in the trees – sleeping, eating and travelling • Red pandas have long bushy tails which help them to balance on trees.

They also use their tails to cover themselves during the cold winter months – like a cosy blanket! PN

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS CATS AND KITTENS SEEK HEARTS TO WARM ACCORDING TO SPCA AUCKLAND, CATS MAKE GREAT COMPANIONS AND CAN be good for your health. There are lots of beautiful cats and kittens at the SPCA waiting to warm your heart and become a permanent member of your family.

Studies have shown that cats can reduce your stress levels. Simply by being there and seeking affection a cat can improve your mood and sense of well being. It’s hard to remain in a bad mood when you’ve got a cat smooching against your legs and meowing for your attention and affection. They’re also great fun to be around, creating their own entertainment (and yours) around the house.

Cats offer you unconditional love and companionship. They make the best listeners, you can pour out all your inner secrets to a cat knowing your secret is safe with them and they’ll never disagree. If you are thinking of getting a cat, then there are many good reasons to choose the option of adopting from the SPCA. Most importantly you’ll be saving a life - rescuing a cat in need and providing them with the home for life they desperately need.

AN INTERESTING CASE OF: DOG VS. COW They often see the results of dog vs. cat at the Animal Emergency Centre. Dog vs. automobile and big dog vs. little dog are also commonplace. “Given that our Mt Albert hospital is in an urban area, cases of dog vs. cow are rare, but nothing surprises us. We expect the unexpected.”

While sitting on her mum’s knee, Ninks became frustrated watching the farm dogs rounding up cattle, and escaped to join the fun. In the midst of the confusion and excitement, Ninks failed to see a cow cavorting behind her. Her tiny 5kg frame was crushed beneath a misplaced hoof, causing damage to her lungs and filling her chest cavity with air.

The SPCA will provide expert advice and guidance allowing you to choose a cat which fits with you and your lifestyle. The SPCA animal attendants are seeking the perfect home for the cat which means they talk to you about your lifestyle and the type of cat you’re looking for. They then work hard to match cats and owners. SPCA animal attendants offer expert advice on settling your new cat in your home, providing care and treatment advice and answer any questions or concerns you may have. They will take the time to explain everything in detail making sure you are well informed before taking your new friend home.

With the air compressing her lungs, she began having terrible trouble breathing.

Her distressed owners initially sought help from their vet in Pukekohe, and from there Ninks was transferred to the Animal Emergency Centre for stabilisation.

A drain was inserted which allowed for the intermittent removal of air until the lung injury healed. A few further days in intensive care with the Veterinary Specialist Group team, and Ninks went home to recuperate.

When you adopt from the SPCA, you will get a cat that has had all its health needs taken care of. The cat will have been vet-checked, de-sexed, micro-chipped, dewormed and de-flead and all initial vaccinations. This means when you get your cat home all initial expenses have been taken care of.

Ninks will be disgusted when she realises security measures at home have been strengthened to prevent a repeat of her recent escapade. She, like many small dogs, believes she is an enormous creature with superpowers!

Despite their overinflated view of their size, small dog vs. big thing (whether it be sentient being or inanimate object) does not often favour the small dog!

Adult cats currently available for adoption can be viewed at www.spca.org.nz or call T: 09 256 7300. SPCA AUCKLAND has many kittens available these are not listed on the website as they get adopted quickly with new kittens available daily. PN www.spca.org.nz

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ANIMAL EMERGENCY CENTRE, 97 Carrington Road, Mt Albert, T: 09 849 2121 www.animalemergency.co.nz PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ASK ALEX Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. email yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz We bring our furry little family members to you, living just down the road in Ponsonby but we also have a lifestyle block out west and often ride our horses out at Bethells Beach. I saw you were working with horses out there yourself last week on a film shoot and thought I’d test you out with an equine question. I was riding “Zeke” out in the water, which we both love and although I didn’t notice any problems at the time he is now slightly lame on his off fore. The fetlock is swollen. This is the second horse we’ve had this happen to. What has probably caused it and what can we do? Kind regards, STEVE.

Q:

It’s a stunning spot out there for riding. I think what you are describing is a pretty common soft tissue strain, easily caused when riding in soft sand and shallow sea water with a bit of speed on i.e. hopefully just a mild flexor tendon strain. As Zeke plants his hoof it’s easy to overextend the fetlock and strain the flexor tendon where it inserts at the rear top edge of the joint. Instead of his hoof landing flat the rear of the hoof has sunken into the sand more deeply, or dropped into a divot unsighted through the water. This extra stretching will cause small tears in the tendon and the tendon sheath around it. This usually exhibits, after the horse has cooled down, as heat and swelling around the rear of the joint, and running up the thickened base of the tendon. Sometimes the swollen area will feel lumpy and crackly.

A: HOLISTIC TREATMENTS FOR PETS A growing number of practitioners have discovered that animals benefit from acupuncture similarly to the way humans benefit from this treatment. Ponsonby News asked Elaine Bennett of Peace Clinic to tell us more.

HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP MY PET? Besides relieving pain and muscle spasms in animals, it stimulates their nerves and defense system, and provides numerous other health benefits.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER PET AILMENTS THAT MIGHT BE TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE? Back pain, joint injuries, nervous disorders, including traumatic nerve injury, muscular injuries, respiratory problems, chronic nasal discharges, coughing and heaving colic and other gastrointestinal disturbances, inflammatory bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease rehabilitation; post surgery, post fracture or following acute injuries.

Treatment involves short courses of anti-inflammatories e.g. Butazone paste, walking or standing in cold water, applying cooling gel boots, light massage and rest for a couple of weeks. Reoccurrence in the same joint may indicate underlying arthritic change and weakness from prior injuries. I hope Zeke bounces back quickly as most horses do with these slight strains. (Dr Alex Melrose, BVSC MRCVS) PN VETCARE GREY LYNN, 408 Great North Road T: 09 361 3500 www.vetcare.net.nz

HOW MANY SESSIONS SHOULD I EXPECT AND HOW LONG DO THEY LAST? The visit consists of extensive history taking and often, but only with your permission, we will have spoken with your pet’s vet prior to the visit. This enables us to gain the most information available on past treatments, test results, x-rays etc and check that there are no contra indications to acupuncture, laser or osteopathic treatments.

Treatments may last up to 30 minutes depending upon the condition treated and method employed. Your first visit may be a little longer so we can get to know your pet and ensure they are relaxed and settled. Patients are often treated once a week, or acute cases up to three times a week. A positive response is often noticed within the first three to six treatments, sometimes earlier, depending upon the condition treated. PN PEACE CLINIC, 10 Maidstone Street T: 09 376 6924 www.peaceclinic.co.nz

NO MATTER IF YOU’RE RED OR WHITE It was a big day for Louie the red toy poodle puppy, travelling all the way from Wanganui through the notoriously winding Parapara hills and on to Auckland. But the new member of the Carleton family was happy to have a loving home to go to.

Peter Carleton, General Manager of Lexus in Great North Road remembers that day well, wondering how their 14-year-old poodle Andre would take to this bundle of youthfulness! Well Andre, despite being partially blind and deaf has taken on a new lease on life with this addition to the family. And some days Andre thinks he too is a bundle of youthfulness!

Louie is now two-years-old, the Carleton kids simply love him as do the folk at Barkley Manor where Louie spends two days a week. He comes home from daycare absolutely exhausted after having such fun with his big dog friends! Louie has a sharp ear too.

He can tell the sound of a Lexus coming up the driveway and gets excited knowing it’s his daddy coming home at the end of a busy day.

Peter says, “Dogs are such wonderful companions, regardless of size and no matter if they’re black, tan, white or red like Louie, they bring something special into the lives of those around them.” PN

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ARTS + CULTURE WHITE NIGHT 2013 Saturday 16 March 6pm – Midnight Auckland Arts Festival’s brilliant night of nights White Night is back again after a hugely successful inaugural event in 2011. This year, over 60 of Auckland’s galleries, museums and arts spaces will be open. Art projects and performances will spill into public spaces, with free buses scheduled to help people squeeze in as much activity as possible.

Galleries and arts spaces right across Auckland - from Devonport to Pakuranga, Western Springs to Mangere as well as the central city and arts-rich surrounding suburbs, will stay open long after the sun goes down. First-time gallery-goers and arts connoisseurs alike will have the opportunity to experience a rich variety of curated exhibitions and installations, live music, artist talks, new media and interactive works, and specially programmed performances.

FINGER KNITTING IN CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY: Learn the creative potential of finger knitting in a workshop with Auckland jeweller Sinead Jury. Two sessions will be held between 6 - 8.30pm and 9 - 11pm at Masterworks Gallery.

Auckland Arts Festival Artistic Director, Carla van Zon says, “White Night is a unique opportunity for people to experience art in a new light, and explore a city brought to life by art. It’s a time when doors are opened, barriers are broken down, and art is available to everyone. Bring your friends and family and discover Auckland afresh, or take a solo journey through the city and its secrets.”

TURRET TOURS: Take a tour of the usually out-of-bounds Pah Homestead at regular intervals between 7.30 and 11.30pm.

Of the 100+ individual exhibitions and events by more than 200 artists, some of Auckland Arts Festival 2013’s White Night highlights include:

KINGDOM – NZTRIO: The innovative NZTrio perform the original composition by David Downes – Kingdom – an animated film with live music and black humour.

Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tămaki, 8pm and 9pm.

THE BEST OF ART IN THE DARK: The monumentally successful Art in the Dark lights up selected White Night venues with creative projects from some of New Zealand’s most innovative artists, including Tiffany Singh’s mesmerising wind chimes at the Auckland Museum.

Parnell goes all out with street-based interactive arts projects from emerging and established artists spread throughout the village and its courtyards.

Elam at the Central City Library: THAT’S FUNNY: Anti-loitering tactics, a mini-golf course, live sound acts and digital haikus overrun the Library when Elam School of Fine Arts students take the creative reins. Central City Library – Tămaki Pătaka Kărero, 6pm – midnight.

1000 LOVERS: An extraordinary performance work choreographed by Carol Brown tracing Auckland’s waterfront from the sea to the city with mythical men and women.

Pick up headphones on the night or download the soundtrack in advance. Starts at Silo Park at 6.30pm and 8pm.

GLOW IN THE DARK UNDERWATER WORLD: Illuminated seaside family activities including storytelling, photography and night-time sailings. Voyager Maritime Museum, 4.30pm – midnight.

POI SPECTACULAR: Acclaimed kapa haka groups from around Tămaki Makaurau join forces in this hauntingly-lit mass poi performance, choreographed and directed by Kura Te Ua. Festival Garden, Aotea Square, 10.30pm (it follows the performance of Everything is Ka Pai).

MOANA/CULTURE CLASH/THE LIVE ROOM AND PRAYAS THEATRE INDIAN BAND: Pacific dance, African beats, hip-hop and circus – TAPAC arrives on White Night with a night of music, dance and theatre for the whole family – bring your picnic rug and some dancing feet! TAPAC, Western Springs, 6pm - midnight

PARLOUR COMPLAINTS CHOIR: This delightful choir, specially formed for White Night, have turned real complaints from the public into original and hilariously entertaining compositions. These will be performed in random pop-up performances across Auckland and on the free White Night buses with a final performance in the Festival Garden, Aotea Square, 11.45pm.

POT LUCK in Devonport and the EXPERIMENTAL BAKERY in Remuera: Two neighbourhoods new to White Night strike a culinary pose blending art and food in unexpected ways.

THE COLOUR OF OUR COMMUNITY: Add the finishing touches to the largest mural in the South Pacific, wrapped around the Ponsonby’s Vinegar Lane development, until recently an abandoned development site. Crummer Road, Ponsonby, 6 - 8pm.

FREE hop-on-hop-off buses will run throughout White Night, running on Central City, Eastern, Western and Southern routes. For details about these routes and their stop -off points, and a full list of events, activities and participating venues, pick up a copy of the White Night brochure at any participating White Night venue, or visit www.aaf.co.nz/events/white-night.aspx

BRICK BAY SCULPTURE TRAIL LAUREN LYSAGHT – SUMMER HOLIDAY Until 30 April Lauren Lysaght has brought her ‘Summer Holiday’ to life at Brick Bay Sculpture Trail as the Summer Artist Project for 2013. Lysaght recreates the joy, colour and ‘laidback-ness’ of her childhood summer holidays in this whimsical campsite featuring giant buttercups, a tent, campfire, hammock, clothesline and charming wee bluebirds.

“As a child at school, whenever we returned from the break our first task was always to write an essay titled, ‘What I Did on My Summer Holiday’”, the artist says. Here, Lauren begins her essay, “On my Summer Holiday I went camping in the bush. When I returned home I left the bush exactly how I found it…”

A sensitive site-responsive piece, Lysaght photographed the landscape and printed these images onto outdoor fabric. As a result each element gently sits in its surroundings, a campsite which complements and enlivens the land it temporarily inhabits. As the seasons change the artist hopes her work will remain in the viewer’s memory to sustain them through winter and beyond.

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Each summer season a temporary work is installed to enrich the trail, offering visitors something a little out of the ordinary, and an artist the opportunity to create a work more ephemeral in nature. The Artist Project serves to broaden an understanding of sculpture in addition to the diverse abundance of work by leading New Zealand artists available for sale at Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. PN BRICK BAY SCULPTURE TRAIL, Arabella Lane, Warkworth T: 09 425 4690.

Open daily 10am - 5pm, last trail entry at 4pm. E: sculpture@brickbay.co.nz www.brickbaysculpture.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE ART IS OUR COMMUNITY ART IS A COMMUNITY, AND OUR COMMUNITY HAS THE HIGHEST concentration of galleries in New Zealand! There’s the brand new project space Silver that opened last month right next to Whitespace, in Crummer Road. This month, OREXART, formerly of the CBD, opens in Putiki Street, Arch Hill, right next door to Hopkinson Cundy and across from Two Rooms. Further down Great North Road, Michael Lett represents the western boundary of the Grey Lynn gallery circuit (with Ferari nearby), while on K’Road Artspace, Ivan Anthony, RM and Starkwhite mark the eastern extent. Black Asterisk recently celebrated a year on Ponsonby Road, next to Object Space and directly opposite Artstation.

The staff at Studio Art Supplies keep a careful track of where their art materials go, attending every art opening they can. Over just two evenings last month, they managed six openings, from Melanie Roger and Sanderson in Jervois Road to Tim Melville and Fox Jensen in Newmarket! Their alter-ego Will Paynt documents these events, along with much other arty info, on Will’s Facebook page.

The Studio Art Supplies/Will Paynt crew are looking forward to some great shows in the neighbourhood this month. Renowned painter Michael Shepherd at Whitespace, the grand opening of OREXART on White Night (part of the Arts Festival), Robin White with Ruha Fifita at Two Rooms, Australian sculptor Hany Armanious at Michael Lett, Richard Parker’s ceramics at Object Space, Gavin Hurley at Melanie Roger, and they’ll certainly go east for Elliot Collins at Tim Melville.

The best entertainment in town? You bet! You get to experience the latest work from adept artists for free (go on, buy a painting though – you’ll love it forever!), talk to strangers about it, and have a glass of wine while you let the work take you somewhere you’ve never been before. PN STUDIO ARTS SUPPLIES, 35 Crummer Road T: 09 360 1238 www.studioart.co.nz

A COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE PERFORMANCE Ticking Time Bomb is an original piece of theatre that had its first outing at the Basement Theatre in September last year.

Nik Smythe of Theatreview gave it a more than favourable write-up likening the show to the improvised performances of classic Commedia dell’Arte or “comedy of craft”, which began in Italy in the 16th century.

Those earlier performers wore masks whereas in this two-woman comedy the actors rely solely on wigs, accessories and a few props to play the 15 different characters in the play. Loren Mason and Caroline Muller are members of Trish Phelan’s Sneaky Giraffe Theatre troupe, a collaboration that started when the three of them studied at UNITEC. Loren and Caroline did some devised theatre with a whole bunch of crazy abstract characters as part of their study, which was the genesis of this show.

Loren comes from Palmerston North where her watchmaker father has an old fashioned shop which is frequented by some very interesting customers. For instance there was a man who talked to aliens, and another who yelled at the clocks because he thought they were talking back. Observing such eccentrics presented an opportunity too good to miss so she wrote the original script, then used a series of improvisations with Caroline to create the story. Next, they linked up with Trish who took on the role of director, spent 12 months working on the show and had a five night session at the Basement Theatre which was very well received.

The protagonist in the plot is Gerald, an old fashioned watchmaker who hasn’t come to terms with the analogue age. He is also Eastport’s most eligible bachelor who is about to turn 30. He is a bit of a recluse but there’s a plan afoot to find him a lady friend because in small towns that’s the way life is. As the entire community tries to organise his life he becomes a little bit on edge; in fact a ticking time bomb.

Loren and Caroline have to make the transformations on stage which is quite a drawcard because it’s fascinating to watch actors changing characters in full view of their audience. There’s also physical changes in body movement as they move from one character to another that have to be spot on in order to tell the story properly. This takes a lot of practice as does changing voices from male to female.

All in all they put so much time and energy into creating a show that turned out to be such a success they decided five nights in The Basement didn’t seem enough exposure for a year’s work and that it would be a shame not to give it more life. This is why Ticking Time Bomb is having a second outing at the Whammy Bar as part of the 2013 Auckland Fringe Festival. They also have the luxury of including many scenes and parts that are very funny but weren’t aired the first time round.

The girls will push their physicality more and are intent on going deeper into the characters. All three have full time employment, Trish with Greenstone Television, Loren as a gym instructor and Caroline is a physiotherapist. They don’t break free for rehearsals till between 7.30 and 8.00pm - true dedication indeed.

Fulltime acting jobs in New Zealand are practically non-existent unless an aspiring hopeful manages to get a part on Shortland Street. Anyway Trish says actors can explore a lot more in theatre than is possible on television and this can be achieved on very low budgets. For instance in Ticking Time Bomb they don’t wear costumes but are just in black clothing and use their body movements and voices to distinguish the various characters, which is enough to create and tell the story. A few wigs and accessories are employed but they don’t distract the audience from the performance.

Ticking Time Bomb plays at Whammy Bar, St Kevin’s Arcade at 8.00pm on 6, 7, and 8 March. Tickets: Adults $15.00, concessions $10.00. Bookings can be made at www.iticket.co.nz PN

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT DESIGN CRAFT STUDIO ARCH HILL ART SALE 15 – 17 March 9am - 9pm Some of you may remember the art exhibition organised by Don Bailey and Steve Wallis held a few years ago at the bottom of College Hill. Well they are organising another exhibition called ARCH HILL ART SALE and this time it will be held in their spacious Grey Lynn studio.

Don and Steve have invited a select group of at least 10 artists to show their works totalling around 50 pieces of art. This collection of works will include paintings, sculpture, neon and photography; it promises to offer something to suit many tastes.

The last show was a great success with many people visiting the studio to view and purchase. So if you are looking to buy some new art for your walls at home or work then the show will be open for free public viewing over three days.

For more information go to www.facebook.com/archhillartsale and for a reminder closer to the event send an email to Don and Steve at designcraftstudio@xtra.co.nz

DRIVING MISS DAISY COMES TO AUCKLAND AUCKLAND AUDIENCES ARE IN FOR a treat in May, when the classic Pulitzer prize winning play “Driving Miss Daisy” is performed at the historic PumpHouse Theatre on the shores of Lake Pupuke in Takapuna from 9 May. This production has been sponsored

by GPK Ponsonby.

GEORGE HENARE and ANNIE WHITTLE begin rehearsing at the PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna

Alfred Uhry’s timeless script will be performed by two of New Zealand’s most iconic actors – George Henare and Annie Whittle.

They follow legendary pairings who have showcased this play on stage and screen, such as Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman and, most recently, Angela Lansbury with James Earl Jones. The Auckland show will be directed by well-known theatre and TV personality Louise Wallace. PN

Bookings are now open. T: 09 489 8360 www.pumphouse.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE OREXART - RELOCATING TO ARCH HILL OREXART, a staple of the downtown art scene since 1990, is relocating to spacious new premises on Putiki Street in Arch Hill – an area that’s shaping up to be Auckland’s new art precinct.

The gallery re-launches on Saturday 16 March in celebration of White Night with ReGenerate, an exhibition of fresh work by new and long standing gallery artists.

The city fringe offers a change of scene for Directors Rex Armstrong and Jennifer Buckley who ran the gallery in Kitchener Street for 18 years, but as long-standing Grey Lynn residents, they’re not new to the neighbourhood.

“We’ve been thinking about making the move for quite a while. We wanted to work closer to where we live – and where our artists, friends and clients live too,” says Jennifer.

“Our original plan was to buy a commercial property and redevelop it but, when we saw the space at Putiki Street, our plan changed. It’s a great space in an area that’s really on the move.”

Putiki Street is already home to two other galleries - Two Rooms at number 16 and Hopkinson Cundy next door at number 19. Also in the hood is Michael Lett further along Great North Road and Whitespace just a short stroll down the hill on Crummer Road.

Putiki Street runs parallel to Great North Road just west of Ponsonby Road. If you are travelling west, you turn at Burns Street (at McDonalds) and Putiki is the first on the right. There are two onsite car parks and casual parking in surrounding streets.

McWhannell - every breath i take

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For more info visit www.orexart.co.nz or contact: rex@orexart.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE

MOMENTUM GALLERY STEVE MOASE - artist of the month Momentums featured artist this month is Steve Moase. Steve grew up in the bush in Titirangi West Auckland. He found out from a very early age that what he loved to do best was draw pictures or play music.

Roaming the dense bush, exploring the West Coast beaches of Karekare, Piha, and the rest of the Waitakere Ranges started his journey. He always wanted to be an artist and has now made a living from art for over 40 years.

Steve says “The aim of my art is not only to portray the beauty that surrounds us, but also to draw strong attention to the fragility of our natural heritage. I am passionate about the environment and am grateful to be able to use my art to help with a variety of causes.

“As you will see in my work, I love trees and try to portray them as the wonderful living treasures that they are. I am forever amazed at the beauty I see around me. This is the main influence on my art, my music, and my life.” www.moaseart.com PN MOMENTUM GALLERY, 1/182 Jervois Road T: 09 376 4749 www.momentumgallery.co.nz

SHOWING AT WAIHEKE COMMUNITY ART GALLERY CARLINA GOFFE - FROM HERE TO THERE AND BACK AGAIN 28 March – 29 April Open 7 days 10am - 4pm From Here to There And Back Again is an exhibition of works by Carlina Goffe made in New Zealand and in countries around the world during a six month journey in 2012.

Helped by the generosity of her hosts, Carlina made jewellery, silver and precious objects influenced by the places she visited. She took with her hand tools and some materials, and sourced additional local materials en route. Carlina brought back the finished pieces to form part of an exhibition.

“The workspaces I used during my travels varied hugely and included Jamaica, a disused desk on a covered verandah; Minneapolis, a shared painters’ studio; Mexico, a Silver school with casual benches and a traditional London silver-smithing workshop.

These spaces and the surrounding environs greatly shaped the designs,” says Carlina.

“Sometimes creativity made up for lack of tools, also good equipment allowed me to extend my range, it shows in the work. My ‘New Zealand’ collection includes latest pieces made at friend Heather Jean’s workbench, on a converted bus in Waipu.”

Her journey ends here in Grey Lynn where it started. Here, all the influences from her world wide experience blend with those from her home and its rich natural environment to form the last few works on this project. PN WAIHEKE COMMUNITY ART GALLERY, 2 Korora Road, Oneroa www.waihekeartgallery.org.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE WHANGAREI HEADS EASTER ARTS TRAIL 2013 30 - 31 March - 10am to 5pm Following the success and acclaim of last year’s event the Whangarei Heads Arts Trail will be held again this year over the coming Easter weekend.

With over 30 outstanding painters, potters, jewellers, printmakers, glass artists and sculptors opening up their studios this event is a celebration of the artistic talent that is so strong on the Whangarei Heads peninsula. This year’s event will be even larger than last with the addition of a food artisans section located at the historic Whangarei Heads School together with classic cars display by the Northern Classic and Sports Car club.

The event is an opportunity for visitors to explore the stunning Whangarei Heads peninsula with its many bays and coves and spectacular scenery while taking in the artistic talent that thrives in the area. Food and refreshments will be available at over eight locations along the trail including the local tavern, cafes, clubs and a number of specialty sites. Many out of town visitors will make the Arts Trail their Easter weekend break and stay with one of the over 30 accommodation providers on the peninsula.

Admission to the event is free. The Arts Trail Handbook which includes location maps, artist profiles and local information will be available from the Whangarei isites, local information points and some Whangarei Heads businesses at a cost of $5. The purchase of the handbook includes a raffle entry, with a stunning Keith Mahy glass artwork piece as the prize. Visitor information points will be set up at the start of the trail just past Onerahi and at the Whangarei Heads School. PN Further information is available at www.discoverwhangareiheads.co.nz

‘Portrait of Traction and Transmission’ by sculptor David McCracken, which sold at auction for a top price of $75,000 at this year’s “Sculpture on the Gulf” trail on Waiheke Island. As the event drew to a close, more than 30,000 people had completed the celebrated biennial event’s walk, up on 20,000 in 2011.

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LOCAL NEWS: DEIRDRE TOHILL 9

FUNERALS AND FECAL MATTER Jayran Misouri is from an Iranian family who expected her to study medicine, law or engineering. This young woman obviously has a mind of her own because she decided to eschew those career choices and become a comedian instead.

To say her parents were dismayed at the prospect would be an understatement.

In fact they were quite distraught. Eventually they overcame their horror, and as far as they are concerned maybe not all is lost. After all, Jayran is still at university doing a BA in history and philosophy.

When she attended St Mary’s College professional comedians came to the school on a mission to recruit pupils for comedic work. The sixth formers all put on acts and Jayran was the one picked to do a course with Ben Hurley who has performed as part of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival 10 years in a row. Jayran put on a show with him at the end of the 2009 Comedy Festival.

Jayran was firmly launched on her career and is now performing on a regular basis at the Classic Comedy Bar in Downtown and the Snatch Bar on Ponsonby Road.

Over the years she has written and accumulated a wealth of material, usually poking fun at herself.

Up till now her acts have been about 10 minutes in duration but in February she performed her first hour long show as part of the Auckland Fringe Festival. It explores her early life experiences from a comedic perspective such as struggling against her parents’ expectations, not getting invited to parties, and suffering romantic rejection.

She looks at things that have an absurd side to them and if it doesn’t exist she just makes one up!

Comedy is an intricate part of theatre because the field is limited and in life few things are really funny. Jayran says it’s important to group jokes that are more effective together. For instance a string of what might be viewed as offensive jokes doesn’t work. They have to be interspersed with more innocent jokes. She gets really nervous before a performance but her audiences usually laugh which is a good result. If an act flops she tries changing the delivery in order to get the message across.

Sometimes it’s easy for her to come up with good material and other times the creative juices don’t flow but she still has plenty to work with. Once she has written a joke that’s not the end of it. She has to practice the delivery several times and occasionally will test it on Facebook to get a reaction. She also watches comedy on YouTube and takes note of what people respond to.

Funerals and Fecal matter had something for everyone to laugh at. Why are cooking shows so popular? She just doesn’t get what’s so exciting about an inherently boring occupation. Why are there so many of them and so few about fascism? What did Moses eat while wandering through the desert? What’s the fine line between following Jesus and stalking him? One joke links abortion, rape and garden flamingos in a convergence of humour.

Erectile dysfunction encased in a constipation joke and what’s the best poem to read at a loved one’s funeral might sound offensive but there’s no doubt they were funny.

Jayran is bound to collect more followers as a result of this performance.

(DEIRDRE TOHILL) PN

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT WHITESPACE ACRYLIC ON BOARD, 2011, 350X600MM

SHOWING AT BLACK ASTERISK TONY LANE - ‘WE MUST INHABIT THIS PLACE’ Preview: 7 March 6.30pm, Exhibition: 8 – 27 March, Artist’ Talk: 9 March 1pm Landscape painting, in its diverse forms, has held a prominent place in the New Zealand canon. Artists such as Rita Angus extracted a regional essence in the forms of the landscape, while Colin McCahon sought to reveal a spiritual truth.

Tony Lane, on the other hand, while incorporating such searching of both regional and spiritual identities, combines contemporary and medieval European influence to create powerful imagery that lingers in the mind. Always expanding on a unique visual language developed over a 30-year career, Tony Lane’s contribution is altogether new.

Black Asterisk, in association with Mark Hutchins Gallery, presents a selection of Lane’s latest oil paintings. Landscape is reduced to its essential form, the earth stripped of vegetation to reveal a barren moon-like surface dotted with volcanic forms - a distinctive feature of our geographically young country. Iconography adapted from the visual language of early Christianity features prominently in Lane’s work.

Here, turquoise oval disks float over the volcanic shapes, suggesting a meeting of heaven and earth, the colour of these disks intensified through the contrast with the monochromatic tones of the earth.

There is a reverent weight and physicality to Lane’s paintings, heightened by the use of metallic schlagmetal and gold leaf, again reminiscent of the medieval period, where paintings were in direct contact with spiritual forces. PN BLACK ASTERISK GALLERY, 10 Ponsonby Road M: 021 040 1168 www.blackasterisk.co.nz

MICHAEL SHEPHERD - ANATHOTH Until 16 March Michael Shepherd is an exceptionally talented New Zealand painter, he was awarded a NZ Order of Merit for services to the arts in 2008 and has exhibited extensively throughout New Zealand since the 1980s. This new series of paintings looks at Michael’s unique view of the landscape in New Zealand, not always the bright clean blue skies we have come to expect. The exhibition is accompanied by an excellent essay by Elizabeth Rankin.

MARY MCINTYRE 19 March - 6 April Our very own octogenarian Mary McIntyre loves to draw - in this new show, she presents a series of 11 books of exquisite drawings, demonstrating her playful approach to everything from dogs to death.

SAM FOLEY - INTO THE DEEP 19 March - 6 April Sam Foley exhibits a series of studies from the fernglen in Auckland’s beautiful Domain at Whitespace this month. His virtuosity consists of the convincing way he paints the patterns of trunks and dense foliage of trees and the luminous, dappled light on paths that curve between them. He is not painting the bush but the kind of woodland that characterises city parklands.

The paths are obviously well-trodden, but there are no people. Nevertheless, there is a presence in the woods – not the Wordsworthian sublime, but a modern surreal hint of unease. The apparent realism and their size give the paintings an immediate impact but their actual feeling is elusive. They perform a remarkable juggling trick of being filled not only with light, growth and energy but an element of disquiet. Sam has a BFA from Dunedin University and work in significant collections locally and internationally.

WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz

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MAYOR LEN BROWN CUTS THE RIBBON

DR MCWAINE AND US AMBASSADOR DAVID HUEBNER

QUEEN FOR A DAY

QUEERLESQUE PERFORMING

photography: Michael McClintock

RAINBOW AUCKLAND CHURCHES

28 BLACK

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NEW ZEALAND CAMPAIGN FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

FIRST SCENE PROP & COSTUME HIRE

LUCIEN OLLIVIER, MR BEAR NEW ZEALAND – URGE BAR

FIRST SCENE PROP & COSTUME HIRE

photography: Michael McClintock

BODY POSITIVE 1

THE BEARS!

AUCKLAND PRIDE PARADE, PONSONBY – OUT + ABOUT The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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OUT + ABOUT – AUCKLAND PRIDE PARADE, PONSONBY DOTS AND FAMILY BAR

SALON MIKA PERFORMING

photography: Michael McClintock

DOTS AND FAMILY BAR

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PARNELL

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

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