Established: OCTOBER 1989 MAY 2025
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!
EUROPEAN ANTIQUES
AT LISTENS TO BUSINESSES
We have all been screaming at Auckland Transport to listen to businesses and when they finally do – they get crucified for it. I refer to Simon Wilson’s opinion piece in the Herald and transport bloggers ‘Great Auckland’.
First and foremost, Cross Street is a service lane. This street allows for pallet deliveries – unloading and loading by forklift or pallet jack. Businesses have been operating in this manner for decades.
When the initial plans were released, they did not take this into consideration. And after meeting with businesses and property owners on Cross Street, AT did what was sensible and changed the plans accordingly so businesses could continue to operate.
Roads are not only for cars, they are also for trucks to deliver and pick up goods. When does reducing road space for an extra footpath take precedence over everything else? When does an extra footpath trump 'FOR LEASE' signs, because businesses can no longer operate? What is the point of an extra footpath if there is nothing for shoppers to come to?
AT listened and changed the plans accordingly. They should be commended.
In regards to East Street, when CRL construction began, we were advised that the two way traffic would be temporarily reduced to uphill only. CRL cited safety concerns because of the sheer volume of trucks exiting the site with earth excavated from the tunnels. At the time, we were not told that:
1) Bike lanes would be installed on East Street.
2) Mercury Lane be closed to traffic from Karangahape Road.
The uphill direction of Mercury Lane was opposed with over 125 signatures from K' Rd businesses and managers in a petition presented to Auckland Transport. As this meant anyone travelling south from Upper Queen Street would essentially be leaving the precinct in order to gain access to the parking building on Cross Street. AT met with the KBA and came to a solution: to reinstate East Street to two way traffic, as CRL had promised.
The interaction with AT and listening to concerns of businesses that actually work in the area, finding solutions to meet those concerns, should be commended. This is a process that is sensible and should not be undermined.
Muy Chhour, Business owner and property owner on Karangahape Road, Chair of K' Rd Business Association 2020 - 2024
CITY VISION SELECTS ENERGETIC AND COMPETENT TEAMS TO STAND FOR AUCKLAND LOCAL BOARDS
City Vision is ready to take on election year with a great line-up of Auckland Council local board candidates joining Governing Body candidates Julie Fairey, Jon Turner and Patrick Reynolds.
"City Vision is proud to put forward great candidates for the Waitematā, Puketāpapa and Albert-Eden Local Boards with a diverse mix of skills, backgrounds and experience to represent and serve our community," says City Vision co-chair Bobby Shen.
For the Waitematā Local Board, incumbents Anahera Rāwiri (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Paoa) and Alexandra Bonham are joined by newcomers Peter Elliott, Kara Kennedy, Theo van de Klundert, Connor Sharp and Caitlin Wilson.
Richard Northey, who was chair of the Waitematā Local Board from 2019 to 2022, has chosen not to seek re-election, retiring at the close of this term after a 46-year political career since first being elected to the Auckland City Council in 1979.
"I thought long and hard about my retirement as I needed to be sure my successors as City Vision board members would be principled, hardworking and clearly capable of continuing the good work of the board. I am pleased to see such an energetic and competent team selected to stand, leaving the board in good hands," says Richard.
"This is a fantastic team – the perfect balance of experience and dynamic new talent. I’m so pleased to have such a strong group of City Vision candidates to work alongside me in this critical part of our great city," says Waitematā and Gulf councillor candidate Patrick Reynolds.
For the Albert-Eden Local Board, incumbents Margi Watson and Christina Robertson are joined by Emma McInnes and Jacqui Tay in the Ōwairaka subdivision, and by Jonty Carroll, Paul Chalmers, Mark Graham and Michelle Thorp in the Maungawhau subdivision.
"I’ve been involved in Auckland’s local boards since 2010, and this is an impressive line-up which has the skills and imagination to harness the power of local boards to really deliver and represent locally," says Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa councillor Julie Fairey.
City Vision thanks Julia Maskill (local board member 2019–2025) and Liv Roe (local board member 2022–2025), who are pursuing new opportunities outside politics, for their service on the local board.
For the Puketāpapa Local Board, incumbent Jon Turner will stand for the local board as well as making a bid for election to the Governing Body in the Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward. He is joined by new candidates Rowan Cant, Daniel Cliffords, Soraiya Daud, Miriam Hartmann and Raphaela Rose.
Bobby Shen, a local board member since 2019 is not seeking re-election in order to further his career in the sustainable buildings sector. "Taking up the position of City Vision co-chair is one way I am giving back to the City Vision kaupapa that has supported me in the past six years and to help foster the next cohort of local board candidates. From my own experience on the Puketāpapa Local Board, I know how important it is to have competent and energetic leadership from local board members. I’m really excited about the group of candidates who have stepped up to represent their communities," says Bobby.
"City Vision members have fought hard for our communities this term. With Auckland Transport and other Council Controlled Organisations coming in-house and local boards making more of those decisions, we need great people on local boards to continue progress on the investments our communities need. I’m thrilled to be campaigning alongside so many capable and energetic candidates,” says Jon Turner.
For more information contact: Bobby Shen, City Vision co-chair info@cityvision.org.nz cityvision.org.nz
Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.
Ponsonby Market Day is back on Saturday 10 May to celebrate Mother’s Day!
Every Mother’s Day I remember my own mother. She was such a character with a quirky sense of humour. I long to see her again in the afterlife as I do want to tell her how much I loved and appreciated her.
Mother’s Day Market Days are popular in the hood and we enjoy seeing our community choosing gifts for the special people in their lives. Please get involved and start planning for the upcoming one on Saturday 10 May.
We all know gardening is seasonal and with each season comes a fresh set of joys as well as jobs in your ever-changing home or market garden.
Even though the gardens themselves have slowed down a lot from their summer highs, May at Kelmarna Community Farm is still a busy time with a load of different jobs and activities.
In her column this month Gael Baldock, talks about Auckland Transport’s priority turnaround. The Surrey Crescent cycleway has been ‘canned' and Cross Street reverts to a service lane usable by service vehicles. Read more on page 17.
Last week’s Anzac Day was another wonderful day out for both young and old and a time to remember those who didn’t return to Aoateroa. Hundreds of people packed into Grey Lynn RSC to remember our heroes – like so many others we all have our own memories.
Jay Platt & Martin Leach
My grandfather Cyril Bradbury served in the NZ Expeditionary Forces in Egypt during WW1. He returned to NZ with only one lung as he was gassed in the trenches. Like most soldiers he didn’t want to talk about what he’d seen. During WW2, my own father also served in the Navy in UK and in Korea. The ship he was on got torpedoed in the Atlantic ocean and the blast blew my dad into the freezing cold water! He survived. Lest we forget.
(MARTIN & JAY PLATT) PN
SAT 10 MAY
Let’s show mums we love them to the moon and back! Join us for market day fun, bands and DJs.
Creative & innovative market stalls opposite Prego.
Photography:
Cover Photography: Babiche Marten
NEWS is published monthly, excluding January by: ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED, P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144, T: 09 378 8553, www.ponsonbynews.co.nz
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IT’S A TEAM EFFORT...
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS
CHLÖE SWARBRICK
Chlöe Swarbrick is the MP for and the biggest fan of Auckland Central - she is Co-Leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa NZ.
CONNOR CRAWFORD
I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.
DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM
For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for over three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.
DESLEY SIMPSON
I am a dedicated and approachable Deputy Mayor of Auckland, with a handson approach and genuine commitment to improving local communities and solving issues in Auckland.
GAEL BALDOCK
We each follow our moral compass shaped by training. Mine is sculpting, architecture, sociology, anthropology and betterment of our shared world by community advocacy… and saving trees.
HELENE RAVLICH
A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job.
KEN RING
My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.
LISA PRAGER
A life long advocate for community issues, I am passionate about protecting and enhancing our natural environment and built heritage.
MELISSA LEE
I have been a National List MP based in Mt Albert for the past 16 years. I am dedicated to listening and understanding the needs of our community, working hard to deliver outcomes and drive positive change.
MIKE LEE
I am the councillor for Waitematā & Gulf. A former seafarer, former chair of the ARC, conservationist, PT advocate, and author. I have represented the Ponsonby area since 1992.
PHIL PARKER
Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.
PUNEET DHALL
I am an Aucklander of Indian origin, Punjabi and Sikh. I have a keen interest in food, wine and politics.
ROSS THORBY - QSM
I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.
SARITA SOLVIG BLANKENBURG
I am a passionate Ayurveda practitioner based in Ponsonby for the last 15 years. Inspiring others to live a healthy and fulfilled life is my higher purpose.
SARISA NASINPROM
Born in Thailand. Aotearoa is now my home. I believe we have but one body, one being, and a duty to care for it and to help others to care for theirs.
SARAH TROTMAN, ONZM
She has been rated the most effective Governor on the Waitematā Local Board. However, we rate her as the most effective community advocate, who led the C&R team from her sole voice on the Board to the majority at the last election, until...
DIRECTORS, ARE YOU LIABLE?
People often think that a company always means having limited liability when things go wrong.
However, directors can face personal liability when a company fails to meet its obligations, including persons not registered as directors but who exercise control. A director may be responsible for the acts/omissions of other directors.
1. Duty to the Company
In 2023, the Supreme Court in Yan v Mainzeal emphasised that directors must not allow business to be operated where it would create a substantial risk of serious loss. Even if a director has little involvement or knowledge of the company’s daily operations, every director must actively ensure that the company is not trading recklessly (e.g. trading while insolvent/entering into obligations it is not capable of meeting).
In 2024, the High Court in Boaden v Mahoney reiterated that directors must undertake a sober assessment of the company's financial position. Failure to do so can result in personal liability. The focus is not on a director’s belief. It is the manner in which a company’s business is carried on and whether it creates substantial risk of serious loss:
A person who accepts the office of director of a particular company undertakes the responsibility of ensuring that he or she understands the nature of the duty a director is called upon to perform.
2. Duty to Creditors
Directors must not agree to the company incurring financial or contractual obligations it is unable to meet. This cannot be based on a ‘hope’ or merely attempting to improve the company’s financial position. The belief must be based on reasonable grounds and directors are expected to take professional advice if necessary.
Directors may be personally liable for the company’s employment law breaches.
· Directors should have an ongoing and monitored risk management plan for continued trading showing a reasonable basis for concluding the company can continue to meet its obligations.
· In its 2024 decision of NZ LJ Food Express v Zeng, the High Court found that the director had breached duties by failing to prepare financial statements, improve revenue streams, engage with tax authorities or seek external advice. The director was held liable for $342,632 for reckless trading.
3. De facto Directors
It is not necessar y to be named or registered as a ‘director’ in order to have obligations. The meaning of director under the Companies Act includes a person “who controls or who is entitled to control the exercise of powers”.
4. Practical Steps
Regularly review the company's financial position and operations;
Seek professional advice for the company when necessary;
Actively par ticipate in board meetings and ensure that key decisions are documented;
· Conduct thorough due diligence before agreeing to any significant transactions or obligations;
Consider personal asset protection and relationship property implications;
Consider insurance cover including Directors and Officers.
Whether as a creditor or as a director, we suggest you obtain timely legal and business advice before agreeing to any significant obligations or signing any documents.
(DAVE HOSKIN) Director, E: david.hoskin@swlegal.co.nz
STEINDLE WILLIAMS LEGAL, Level 2, Suite 2.1, 18 Sale Street, T: 09 361 5563, www.swlegal.co.nz
David Hoskin
WARM UP & WIN
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Winter Warmth Offers
Running throughout May and June, the campaign features exclusive offers on some of Lahood’s most effective thermal products, helping homeowners insulate their spaces without compromising on style.
20% off Lahood’s Protection Plus thermal curtain linings – offering varying levels of insulation and light control. When paired with curtains or Roman blinds, they create an elegant, effective thermal barrier.
20% off Luxaflex® Duette® Shades – the ultimate thermal blind, with renowned insulating features thanks to their innovative honeycomb structure that traps air. The offer includes motorisation.
15% off Luxaflex® Roller Blinds – a sleek, space-saving option for rooms needing both warmth and privacy. Motorisation also included in the offer.
Each product is designed not only to retain heat during the colder months, but also to keep interiors cooler by blocking harsh sunlight in summer, making them a smart, year-round investment.
Get Your Heating Bills Paid
As part of the campaign, Lahood is also offering customers the chance to win up to $1000 in heating bill reimbursement. For every $2000 spent on Winter Warmth products, customers receive one entry into the prize draw, with an additional entry for every $500 spent beyond that.
Lahood’s Warm Up & Win campaign is a practical way to reward smart spending while helping families create a more stylish, comfortable and energy-efficient home environment.
To learn more or book a complementary consultation, visit lahood.co.nz or call 0800 LAHOOD.
Luxaflex Duette Shades
Luxaflex Roller Blinds
Image: Thomas Seear-Budd
JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES: MAXIMISING THE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS: WHAT EVERY OWNER SHOULD KNOW
As a business owner, achieving success isn’t just about sustaining operations – it's about growing the value of your enterprise.
Whether you plan to sell, attract investors, or simply strengthen your company’s position in the market, maximising its value is an essential goal. The value of a business is typically calculated based on a multiple of earnings. But there is a lot more to value than a simple A x B = C calculation. Here are key insights and strategies every owner should know.
Keep Your Financials Clean and Consistent
Clean financial records aren’t just about organisation; they build trust and credibility with potential buyers or investors. If your business shows steady or growing profits over several years, with well-organised financial records, it instantly becomes more attractive. Up-to-date, accurate accounting makes it easy for someone else to understand and trust your numbers.
Building Recurring and Reliable Income
The stability of recurring revenue streams makes a business less risky and more appealing. A business that brings in income through regular contracts, subscriptions, or ongoing customer relationships is more valuable than one that starts from scratch every month. A business overly reliant on a single customer or product faces heightened risk, which can lower its perceived value.
Creating Systems That Run Without You
Businesses that can function independently are far more valuable. Documented processes, trained staff and smart use of technology mean the business can continue smoothly –even if you step back.
Developing a Strong Team
A competent and motivated team adds stability and credibility to your business. A team who understands their roles and are likely to stay after a sale, add real value. A good team makes the business more stable and less risky for any future buyer or partner.
Building a Recognisable Brand and Good Reputation
A strong brand and positive reputation in the community, and an active online presence increase perceived value.
Each of these strategies are designed to make your business not only financially appealing but also operationally efficient and desirable to potential buyers or investors.
Maximising business value isn’t just about adding to its strengths; it’s also about minimising weaknesses that can safe guard your business’s value and set it up for a long term success.
You don’t need to be intending to sell right now to benefit from these tips. Building value in your business is about making it stronger, more profitable and more resilient – after all, every improvement you make today is an investment in tomorrow’s success.
How can we help?
At Johnson Associates, we understand that running your business professionally and profitably for the benefit of the current shareholders is an all-consuming priority for owners and their management teams.
Value maximising strategies result from businesses that are established and run with a focus on long term success.
We can assist by helping you to establish the systems and processes that optimise business performance and mitigate risks to help you maximise value of your business.
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, Level 1, One Jervois Road, Ponsonby, T: 09 361 6701, www.johnstonassociates.co.nz
QUALITY GOVERNANCE MATTERS –EVEN FOR THE PROJECTS WE LOVE
One of the greatest privileges of serving our community as a Member of the Waitematā Local Board, is being able to support projects that enrich our lives and our environment.
But support must be accompanied by good governance. At our recent business meeting we discussed a proposal to grant a community organisation a lease for 10 years with a 10-year right of renewal – a significant commitment for 1.7 hectares of public land. What should have been a transparent, wellevidenced recommendation turned into a case study in why local governors must apply a commercial lens, even when dealing with community assets.
Confusion in the Town Hall
Our last Agenda was over 1000 pages, yet we were given only one full working day to digest complex information before we had to make important decisions. I doubt there is a private sector governor across the country who would find that acceptable. One could be forgiven for wondering if we are elected to box tick, rather than govern.
On the community lease item, the council recommendation started with a five-year lease with no right of renewal. But later in the Agenda there was a recommendation for to 10 + 10 years, apparently changed after a board workshop. The result? Confusion.
Constituents who had read the agenda could have believed the direction of travel was a five-year lease. We owe the public better communication and better reporting. If we want our community’s trust, we must act in a way that earns it.
Ownership Unclear,
Accountability Lacking
A key rationale staff gave for a long lease of 10x10, was that the Trust (name withheld) owns the 40-year-old sheds on council’s land. Yet the Chair of the Trust agrees that the ownership is unclear. Further, there is no record of the buildings on the Trust’s balance sheet. No proper due diligence appears to have been done to verify ownership, a key factor in the staff’s recommendation.
Council staff should be thorough in their reporting before recommending the granting of a non-contested lease of 1.7h of public land for two decades. That is what commercial leaseholders would expect it is what ratepayers expect.
Financial Nous
This is not just a question of process – it’s also one of financial prudence. When assessing long-term community leases, council staff, and ideally eight board members, should be able to read a set of accounts to determine if expenses are outpacing income. They need the ability to assess the strength of an organisation from its balance sheet.
Board Member Greg Moyle made an important point: “If this was my business, I wouldn’t sign this lease.” His view, like mine, is that we want community organisations to thrive. But thriving means having a strong foundation and a solid plan. Council needs to take some responsibility in ensuring support of community organisations on council land to ensure the best outcome for the community we serve.
Let’s Plan for Long-Term Success
Member Allan Matson wisely suggested a Letter of Comfort, alongside my suggestion we continue the current month-by-
month lease, giving the Trust four months to co-develop a strategic plan with key stakeholders. This would clarify their long-term vision and sustainability, ensuring it is fully aligned with our Local Board Plan and include metrics to measure community benefit. This isn’t a radical idea. Commercial people deliver strategic plans out in the real world all the time it’s not rocket science. We have a responsibility to steward land wisely for future generations.
The Chair and City Vision Team Seem Incapable of Quality Governance
We can love a project and still ask hard questions, The Chair and the City Vision team seem incapable of grasping this. It's our job as governors to ensure community assets are wellmanaged and impactful. Without clear performance measures, confidence in financials, certainty on asset ownership, confidence in the advice we are given, or strategic clarity, we risk a lack of confidence in council and the local board. How is it that only Members Greg Moyle, Allan Matson and I seem to realise this?
The Waitematā Local Board needs to back community organisations, but we must do so smartly. Let’s give them the support they need to become more resilient. Let's also make sure we communicate clearly and honestly with the people we serve, give them full information and the confidence in their elected officials. (SARAH TROTMAN) PN
To contact Sarah Trotman in her capacity as a C&R Member, email her at sarahtrotman@outlook.com
To contact her in her capacity as an Elected Member of Auckland Council’s Waitematā Local Board, email her at sarah.trotman@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or you can give her a call on M: 021 487 583.
SUPPORTING GROWTH FROM CLASSROOMS TO COMMUNITIES
As Term 2 begins and students settle back into their learning, our Government is stepping up to deliver real support for hardworking Kiwis by investing in education and skills training that will benefit families and communities across the country.
One of the most important investments we can make in our future is education. Teachers are at the heart of lifting achievement, closing the equity gap and ensuring every Kiwi child can thrive. From 1 July, they will no longer have to pay registration or practicing certificate fees, saving up to $550 each. Around 40,000 school and early learning teachers will benefit in the first year alone, and approximately 115,000 teachers over three years.
We are also investing $67 million over four years to strengthen the teaching of literacy and numeracy, ensuring students gain the strong foundations they need to succeed. A refreshed curriculum will provide greater clarity about what students must learn and when, improving consistency across schools.
Since coming into office, the Government has doubled the number of paid School Onsite Training Programme places to 1200, helped 352 teachers return to the classroom by covering practicing certificate fees, welcomed 1400 overseas-trained teachers through the Green List Straight to Residence pathway, funded relocation packages for 891 qualified teachers and awarded more than 400 scholarships to support teacher training.
Beyond the classroom, trades and apprenticeships are also being backed to help grow our economy. Skilled tradespeople remain the backbone of New Zealand’s communities and industries. Reforms to work-based learning will give industries greater control over training, ensuring apprentices gain the real-world skills needed to build a stronger future. Apprenticeship Boost will continue from 2025, providing financial support to help first-year apprentices make a strong start in their careers.
Together, these initiatives show that growth is not just a slogan – it is being put into action through meaningful, practical support for our people. By backing both our teachers and our tradies, we are laying strong foundations for a brighter, more prosperous New Zealand.
I am proud to champion initiatives that deliver real change and create opportunities for New Zealanders to thrive. There is a genuine sense of momentum across our communities, and
I will keep working hard alongside you to build a stronger New Zealand for everyone.
(HON MELISSA LEE) PN
National List MP based in Mt Albert
Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington MPLee@parliament.govt.nz
If you require any assistance I and my office are always happy and ready to provide advice and support.
Please get in touch on 09 520 0538 or at MPLee@parliament.govt.nz to make an appointment
Melissa Lee
National List MP based in Auckland
MPLee@parliament.govt.nz melissalee.co.nz mpmelissalee
HON MELISSA LEE, NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN MT ALBERT:
Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
APARTMENTO FOR STYLE AND QUALITY
At Apartmento, we design and build spaces that are made to last in both style and quality.
Our work covers bespoke furniture and full services for kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes and more. Every piece we create and every space we fit reflects our belief in craftsmanship, durability and timeless design.
We do not follow trends or cut corners. We focus on how people actually live, creating solutions that feel natural, reliable and genuinely personal. Whether it is a custom wardrobe for a challenging space or a full kitchen where every cabinet and surface is carefully considered, our approach is about getting the details right.
Our furniture is designed for individuals, not for mass production. Every piece is made to suit the specific needs and style of the person it is for. The same care goes into our kitchens, bathrooms and storage solutions, all built using quality materials and made to stand the test of time.
Apartmento is not about chasing ideas or selling a lifestyle. It is about creating spaces and pieces that feel grounded, enduring and truly yours.
apartmento.co.nz
NEWS FROM KELMARNA COMMUNITY FARM
We all know gardening is seasonal and with each season comes a fresh set of joys as well as jobs in your ever-changing home or market garden.
Even though the gardens themselves have slowed down a lot from their summer highs, May at Kelmarna Community Farm is still a busy time with a load of different jobs and activities.
Market garden manager Sarah Lilly Moss-Baker says they are harvesting, sowing, planting, cover cropping, making compost, reviewing and learning. “Basically, we are preparing for the ‘hunker down’ season," she says.
Harvested crops in May include the last of the beans, courgettes, brassicas, salad crops, spring onions and herbs plus root veggies such as Jerusalem artichokes, kumara, beets, radish and turnips.
Staff and volunteers are busy tray-sowing salad crops and short-lived brassicas such as kohlrabi and direct-sowing coriander, calendula, mizuna, miner’s lettuce, corn salad and beets.
Crops to be planted in May will include strawberries, spring onions, onions, chicory, lettuce, endive, beets, silverbeets and spinach, brassicas, beets and broad beans.
"We also spend a bit of time in autumn on maintaining tools, planning ahead and reviewing what happened over the summer," says Sarah. "If we see a bed that hasn't been performing well, for example, or needs attention we will cover crop it for the autumn and winter months."
Cover crops add life to the soil and Sarah favours using a mix of Kings Green Manure with other seeds, lupin and sometimes phacelia. "We also use expired seeds that might still germinate to add diversity to the blend."
The healthier the soil, the healthier the plants. "Cover crops are bred to increase the soil’s organic matter and pump sugar into
the soil which will feed the biome, and healthy soil microbes mean healthy plants,” says Sarah.
Cover crops are also great for suppressing weeds and keeping the soil covered in winter which keeps it alive, instead of eroding away with the elements such as wind, sun and rain.
Along with the year-round job of making compost, they are spreading out compost made earlier for the winter crops. "They’ll appreciate a bit of a feed as the days get shorter,“ says Sarah.
Sarah says other nice things to be doing in May are clearing beds of the last of the summer or transitional crops, as well as indulging in some root division. "This will be with plants like garlic chives, comfrey and sorrel that reproduce laterally. Now is a good time to dig them up and divide them so you can have more of them in your garden.
“Even as things slow down, there’s something satisfying about autumn gardening – you’re tidying up, tucking things in and quietly getting ready for what comes next.”
As well as working out what went well last year, autumn into winter is a great time for up-skilling or even learning new skills. Kelmarna has workshops running on-site throughout the year.
The next one, ‘Practical Preserving at Home: Kimchi’, is on Tuesday 6 May. This two-hour workshop includes theoretical and practical instruction in making kimchi, access to ingredients, equipment and tastings as well as some finished kimchi to take home. Check out the website for more information as well as a look at other workshops happening later in the year. kelmarna.co.nz/workshops For more information visit: www.kelmarna.co.nz
Friends of Kelmarna is one of the most powerful ways to be part of our mission to create a better food future and more connected communities.
Our memberships start at $8 per month and there are special benefits for all regular donors, including discounts at local stores + automatic entry to all Kelmarna raffles! Woohoo!
GAEL BALDOCK: AUCKLAND TRANSPORT’S PRIORITY TURNAROUND
The Surrey Crescent cycleway has been ‘canned' and Cross Street reverts to a service lane usable by service vehicles.
“Auckland Transport plays a pivotal role in the region’s success. We are accountable to the people of Auckland and Auckland Council with central government a significant funder. What we do matters and is both visible and political.” Chair Richard Leggat announced in ‘Auckland Transport Statement of Intent 2024 to 2027: Building Public Confidence’. [SoI]
Central government funding has “a very different flavour to the year prior.” Whilst the public would probably make ‘value for money’ the top priority, AT has set this fifth in the SoI ‘performance expectations’.
AT's spending on some local money projects has been wasteful:
Great North Road cycleway
Whether it was just an unexpected wave of common sense or my presentation to the AT Board explaining steep side roads intersection with the ridge at Great North Road where drivers were already slowed to do ‘hill starts’, don’t need raised crossings, the AT Board decided not to include ‘raised tables’ in the construction contract. Surprisingly, ineffective 75mm (3”) high raised crossings were constructed in expensive reinforced concrete rather than cheaper standard bitumen humps. This amounts to throwing away the ratepayers' money.
Mercury Lane, Cross Street and East Street off Karangahape Road
After consultation, AT revised the design of the top of Mercury Lane to a shared space rather than pedestrianisation. However, the direction change of the section of Mercury Lane to uphill was never consulted. This required reconfiguration of other streets. Upper Queen Street ‘no right turn was removed’ and direction change of Cross Street. AT designed an additional footpath, speed humps and a narrowing of the exit into Mercury Lane, without taking into account that this is a service lane where space is required to unload trucks by forklifts to service the supermarket, food court and other businesses.
On 18 December 2024, owner of the Lim Chhour Building, Muy Chhour presented to the AT Board. AT has since agreed to remove all of those elements. Gael Baldock pointed out to the board the waste of money designing without consultation with the key stakeholders, the very businesses that keep K' Rd alive.
As consultation is not required to change the direction of a road and AT has not considered the impact on users, it is not all resolved. The right turn from Cross Street to Mercury Lane is dangerous for George Courts residents entering parking in their building. To get traffic down hill to Canada Street, AT
has decided to remove the unconsulted East Street cycleway to return the road to two-way for traffic. This is just putting expensive bandages on the situation instead of returning Mercury Lane to downhill which would solve all of these problems.
Gael Baldock and Muy Chhour door-knocked a private petition against the top section of Mercury Lane changing direction to uphill. The petition with signatures of 125 business owners and managers was presented to the AT Board.
These decisions are all based on the unrealistic figures set for the CRL of 25,000 passengers per hour landing in Karangahape Road. I’m taking bets that there will be less than 25 getting off at the bottom of the hill every hour because there’s only a carpark building.
The sensible and most cost effective solution is to reinstate Mercury Lane as a downhill road.
Surrey Crescent and Old Mill Road, Grey Lynn The cycleway along the ‘Waitematā Safe Routes’ has been rejected by locals multiple times. The latest cycleway design that was being pushed through by City Vision members of the Waitematā Local Board and cycle lobbyists, under the guise of road sealing, has now been canned to align with the new priorities of SoI.
The only part necessary to upgrade is the area outside Grey Lynn Primary School where the four-year trial of 119 hit sticks, road graffiti, concrete planter boxes and ‘cushions’ (humps) will be removed.
The replacement could be a set of lights as per the Great North Road cycleway design for St Joesph’s School and Grey Lynn Library. The other sensible choice would be a simple zebra crossing with students operating lollipops as per neighbouring Westmere Primary School in Garnet Road and a zebra crossing for tiny tots and parents crossing Surrey Crescent to the daycare centre just past Richmond Road. Locals await with baited breath to see the new design.
Auckland Transport Board Chair also acknowledged that AT has a long way to go in “rebuilding the trust and confidence of Aucklanders.” They need a complete mindset change to achieve this goal.
at.govt.nz/media/5sacgkoj/auckland-transportstatement-of-intent-2024-to-2027-november-update.pdf GAEL BALDOCK, community advocate, GaelB@xtra.co.nz
DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH TRENT PITMAN
Trent Pitman owns UrbanNest Property Management.
It is fresh, modern and dedicated to giving landlords and tenants a better rental experience. Think boutique service, no hidden fees and someone who actually answers your calls.
Best thing about where you live?
I live in Grey Lynn where the coffee is strong, the dogs are trendier than me and you can’t walk five metres without bumping into someone you know.
What do you like about Ponsonby?
The mix of old-school charm and overpriced avocado toast. Also, the people – everyone has a story and a small dog.
What was your childhood like?
A perfect mix of climbing trees, running around barefoot and being told to be home before the street lights came on.
Complete the sentence: I will die happy if?
I manage to never have to call my internet provider’s customer service again.
Your bucket list?
Skydiving, learning how to salsa dance properly and finally remembering to water my plants before they die.
Most Kiwi thing about you?
My ability to wear jandals in questionable weather conditions.
See yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, sipping coffee in my office, still loving what I do and having a team that makes UrbanNest a household name in property management.
What job would you do other than your own?
Professional travel blogger – because getting paid to sip cocktails on a beach seems like a solid life choice.
If they were to make a movie about your life, who would you like to play you?
Ryan Reynolds – because if I’m going to be on-screen, I at least want to be witty.
What was the last thing you bought and regretted?
An online 'DIY haircut kit’. Some things are best left to the professionals.
If you were reincarnated, what would you be?
A well-fed house cat sleeping 16 hours a day and knocking things off tables for fun.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My inability to grow a proper beard. Some of us just weren’t meant to look rugged.
What is a project you are looking forward to?
Expanding UrbanNest and helping more landlords get the service they actually deserve.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who made life easier for others, whether through work or just a well-timed joke.
What do you love most about your age?
That I no longer feel the need to keep up with TikTok trends.
Which item do you wish would come back into fashion?
Flip phones. Dramatically hanging up on people just isn’t the same with a Smartphone.
Something that you really disapprove of?
Pineapple on pizza. Some things should never be combined.
Describe one of your biggest disappointments?
Finding out that 'growing up' doesn’t mean life suddenly makes sense.
If you won a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do?
Buy a house that doesn’t require a mortgage the size of a small country's GDP.
What motivates you?
The idea that every day is an opportunity to do better and grow.
What’s inspired you recently?
People who turn their ideas into reality – big or small, it’s always inspiring.
Give your teenage self some advice?
That haircut isn’t as cool as you think it is. Also, start saving.
How do you chill out?
A good book, some great food and ignoring emails for an hour.
Which item of clothing can't you live without?
Hoodies – practical, comfortable and stylish (at least that’s what I tell myself).
A movie that inspired you?
Good Will Hunting, because it’s never too late to chase your potential.
Your most treasured possession?
A watch my grandfather gave me. It reminds me of family and the value of time.
www.urbannestpropertymanagement.com (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) PN
DESLEY SIMPSON: DEPUTY MAYOR OF AUCKLAND
Restoring Auckland's Timeless Landmark: Inside the Town Hall Clock Tower Conservation.
Climbed what felt like hundreds of steps up Auckland Town Hall's iconic 40 metre clock tower, where critical conservation work by Lime Works is currently underway. This behind-thescenes tour, guided by key restoration specialists, revealed not just the technical challenges of preserving a centuryold landmark, but also the deep historical significance this structure holds for Auckland.
Completed in 1911, the Auckland Town Hall stands as a magnificent example of Edwardian architecture with its modified Italian Renaissance design. The building was conceived by Melbourne-based architects J.J. & E.J. Clark, who created a distinctive civic centerpiece on an unusual triangular site. The clock tower itself represents a fascinating study in materials, its faces supported by elegant Oamaru limestone atop a foundation of sturdy Melbourne Bluestone.
The contrasting materials present unique preservation challenges. While beautiful and ideal for intricate carving, the Oamaru stone is significantly more porous than the Bluestone base.
This porosity has left the tower vulnerable to Auckland's weather patterns. Over decades, rain, wind, and the city's marine environment have slowly eroded the limestone. Adding to the conservation challenge, the tower's decorative ledges have attracted birds whose presence has further accelerated deterioration in certain areas.
The clock itself, featuring faces on all four sides of the tower, holds its own historical significance. Donated by Sir Arthur Myers, former Mayor and Member of Parliament (after whom Myers Park is named), the timepiece has served as a reliable guardian of Auckland's hours for generations.
Standing at various levels within the tower provided breathtaking views of both the structure's architectural details and the sprawling city beyond. The dome (cupola) crowning the tower reveals particularly elegant design elements that remain largely unseen from street level. The craftsmanship visible in these less accessible areas speaks to the comprehensive vision of the original architects and builders.
The current restoration project, funded through council’s Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's Capital Delivery Programme, represents
the most significant work undertaken on the tower since the 1990s. Modern technology has been seamlessly integrated into the conservation process, with digital 3D modelling developed from drone footage providing preservationists unprecedented precision in their work.
Observing the conservators carefully working on sections of eroded stone, the meticulous nature of heritage preservation became evident. Each intervention is deliberate, respecting the building's historical integrity while ensuring its structural stability for future generations.
From its distinctive triangular site at the junction of Queen Street and Grey's Avenue, the Auckland Town Hall and its clock tower continue to serve as symbols of civic pride. The current conservation efforts ensure this landmark will maintain its place in Auckland's architectural heritage and cultural identity for decades to come. As will the wonderful conservation works completed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki and other buildings across the city.
For Aucklanders who pass beneath the tower daily, perhaps glancing up to check the time, this hidden work represents an important investment in preserving not just a functional timepiece, but a tangible connection to the city's past and future.
DESLEY SIMPSON, Deputy Mayor of Auckland www.desleysimpson.co.nz
WAYNE BROWN: MAYOR OF AUCKLAND
Building greater connections and enabling growth, while not forgetting the importance of heritage that is very much part of our Ponsonby community, is a focus for me.
We have much to celebrate with new developments underway across Ponsonby including the Pompallier on Ponsonby mixed-use retail and apartment development in Three Lamps that will offer shops, office space and apartments.
It’s also great to see progress made at Te Rimutahi, the new civic space on Ponsonby Road which is due for completion soon. This project was prioritised by the Waitematā Local Board and co-designed with the community.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the progress and completion of these fantastic projects, both projects will add a muchneeded revitalisation to this end of the strip.
With growth front and centre not just for local councils but the Government, we know that creating smart developments, in the right places, will support Auckland’s growth. It’s crucial for the city’s future.
To fully realise growth opportunities and the wider benefits they can bring to the economy, we need a strong foundation with clear policy scaffolding. Council has been progressing its approach alongside Government, gearing up for the significant growth-related reform signalled.
While the recent decision by independent commissioners to halt a development opportunity on Karangahape Road was very disappointing, I acknowledge they were making decisions based on the current Unitary Plan environment, implementing Heritage rules that seek to protect the early settler character of Karangahape Road. Finding room for
new opportunities along Auckland's old tram line districts like K' Rd stretch, without detracting from its unique charm, is something we need to confront.
With the Government embarking on significant RMA reforms, the work the council is doing will enable the necessary changes to the Unitary Plan that will allow for greater intensification development with a mix of uses such as retail, offices and residential accommodation – in the right place.
We’ve also invested billions in the City Rail Link (CRL) and want to make the most of this significant investment when Karanga-a-Hape Station opens next year.
These are all key ingredients for a thriving economy. In addition, it will deliver on the Government’s direction to supercharge growth, removing unnecessary barriers to opportunity and improve productivity.
I will be working to find a solution that supports development in the right places, and this will mean taking a closer look at locations where intensification should be encouraged, but competing values are in play. I’m excited about the work that is happening and look forward to seeing the completion of these projects and the difference they’ll make for our local Ponsonby community. (WAYNE BROWN) PN
www.facebook.com/WayneBrownAuckland Mayor.Wayne.Brown@Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
ARE YOU A SENIOR LEADER IN YOUR ORGANISATION, OR ASPIRING TO BE ONE?
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If you want to hone your leadership skills and tap into your aspirations, join our nationwide readers who turn to our digital publications for ideas and global perspectives that may change the way you think and the way you lead.
Visit www.management.co.nz to discover more, or scan the QR code to subscribe to our digital issue for free.
ANZAC DAY
Last week’s Anzac Day was another wonderful day out for both young and old, and a time to remember those who didn’t return. Hundreds of people packed into Grey Lynn RSC to remember our heroes – lest we forget.
David Parker and Mike Lee
Grey Lynn Anzac Parade
ST DAVIDS CHURCH: Muy Chhour, Sarah Trotman and Anne Batley-Burton
Greg Moyle, Leo Grachev, Sarah Trotman and Allan Matson at the ANZAC service in Grey Lynn
Sarah Trotman’s speech at Grey Lynn RSC
NEWS FROM LEYS LITTLE LIBRARY
The month of May is New Zealand Music Month.
Kia ora,
May is New Zealand Music Month. There are many different ways you can celebrate this month: listening to Kiwi music, playing an instrument, or learning about national musicians and bands through books and documentaries. Auckland Libraries has numerous resources to help you do these things.
We also have an extensive collection of recorded music on CD and vinyl. David, who runs our popular film club, has a vinyl recommendation for you. David’s favourite music genres are classical and heavy metal – apparent opposites.
He recommends Michael Houstoun’s first recital on LP from 1978: Bartók Piano Music. David says, "Béla Bartók is, in his more aggressive pieces, as metal as it gets in classical music, with the composer famous for exploring the percussive essence of the piano. A great first album from Houstoun; amazing it was never released on CD." David adds that Houstoun’s LP was his introduction to 20th Century classical music. Just a little side note – you can borrow vinyl recordings from our collection, but you have to listen to them at the Auckland Central Library.
Auckland Libraries also has a collection of sheet music for different instruments and genres. Ai, the manager of the Leys Institute Little Library, plays harp and likes sheet music because "it is a great way to learn a song, after which you can add your own personal spin.” Some of the sheet music dates way back. For instance, 24 Top Country Hits of the
90’s and The Top Pop Hits of the 90's. Volume 3. Much of this older music is hard to track down, so if you want make things easy, borrow from us.
And of course, we carry many nonfiction books on music –you can read up on music theory, learn a new instrument or check out a biography about your favourite musician. Have you read Shayne Carter’s Dead People I Have Known?
Carter has had a long career, from his teenage band that was part of the 1980s ‘Dunedin Sound’ to bands like Straitjacket Fits and Dimmer, and his later work as a solo musician. Dead People won the NZ Ockham Best Non-Fiction award for 2020. The judges commented, "A fascinating look at what it means and how it feels to be a creative obsessive – pushing towards perfection despite and because of addiction, oblivion and isolation. It is rock-star writing: entertaining, revealing and incredibly heartfelt."
Another area of our collections to explore is the streaming platform Beamafilm. Here you will find a large selection of good movies and documentaries, including an extensive music section, where you access documentaries on Kiwi music. To use Beamafilm, you only need your library card.
We hope you enjoy Music Month.
Hours Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday Closed LEYS INSTITUTE LITTLE LIBRARY, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz
CHLÖE SWARBRICK: CO-LEADER OF THE GREEN PARTY AND MP FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL
Back in May last year, Auckland Council had predicted homelessness would increase as a result of five key factors related to Government policy.
At the time, I asked the Prime Minister in Parliament if he could guarantee no one would be made homeless by his policies. As we’re unfortunately becoming accustomed to, he did not answer the question.
In March of this year, Auckland Council reported a 53% rise in rough sleeping in just four months. This answered the question.
The Government has consistently been clearly advised and warned that its choices would result in making more people homeless. More people are homeless. And they know it.
In December of last year, Minister Potaka received a Homelessness Insights briefing. It told him that providers in Hamilton had recorded a doubling of homelessness in the past year as his Government’s policies rolled out. Auckland’s officially counted outreach engagements with the visibly homeless population had increased by nearly two and a half times. In Wellington, they had recorded a near 30% increase in rough sleeping.
That means that he and the Prime Minister knew that their policies had made more people homeless when they stood in front of television cameras a month later, in January this year, and asked the country to celebrate a 75% reduction in emergency housing. If all you need to do to reach your goals is to stop supporting people, it’s easy if you don’t care where they end up.
Anyone with their eyes open can see more people are ending up on our streets.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Other cities and countries, like Finland, have invested meaningfully in housing first and the wrap-around support necessary to keep people in homes with resounding success.
Even from a right-wing economic perspective, this saves all of us more in the long run. People unhoused and unsupported people will understandably do whatever they need to survive, which can mean ending up on the wrong side of the law and deeper in the throes of challenges which come with substantial personal and social cost.
While we continue to fight to get the necessary preventative investment at the Parliamentary level, in the meantime, in Auckland Central, we’re going to do everything we can locally to try and stem the tide of inequality, poverty and homelessness created by Luxon’s Government policy.
That looks like mucking in to do whatever we can right now.
By the time you’re reading this, we will have officially launched the ‘Pink Hoods,’ a collaboration between our Auckland Central electorate office and Kick Back’s The Front Door.
The Front Door opened on Karangahape Road in July of last year with the sole purpose of preventing rangatahi homelessness. They are currently actively monitoring 120 children and young people to support them into stable homes. The youngest is 11.
The ‘Pink Hoods’ are a professionally trained, volunteer network of the willing in our community to connect with and support those who would otherwise be walked past and neglected – until there’s a problem. We are rolling out to prevent problems by identifying immediate solutions and ensuring progress isn’t stymied by a nonsense, bureaucratic ‘computer says no'.
If you want to get involved or learn more (or have anything else at all we can help with, as always), flick me an email at mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz (CHLÖE SWARBRICK) PN
CHLÖE SWARBRICK, T: 09 378 4810, E: chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz www.greens.org.nz/chloe_swarbrick
Chlöe and Aaron Hendry at the launch of 'Pink Hoodz'
PONSONBY U3A: APRIL 2025
Stronger Environmental Law, Better Future
Raewyn Peart, Policy Director of the Environment Defence Society (EDS), and litigation defence lawyer, gave Ponsonby U3A members a compelling view of the environmental situation in New Zealand.
Raewyn, a scholar, an author, a sailor and an environmental defender, has a B.Soc.Sc., an LLB, a B.Com., and an M.Com. Awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to environmental and conservation policy, she is a member of a policy think tank. She has written major books on coastal development, dolphin protection, fisheries management and the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
Raewyn, in her succinct and colourful, story-telling manner, took members through past events, especially the history of environmental defence; what the Coalition Government is doing currently; and, on a hopeful note, what can be done in the future.
Established in 1971, EDS, operating from a legal base provides a voice for the environment, develops policy and raises awareness. Acting at the other end to Greenpeace, the focus is on trying to change the system from within to influence government policy. Much needs to be done, especially when a government prioritises the economy over the environment.
Raewyn chronicled the history of governments’ relationships with environmental defence from the 1970s when the economy was paramount and there was heavy regulation, conservative judges and shoddy environmental practices. Foreshadowing today, the main debate was how to generate electricity at a time when a more affluent society was buying appliances. Shrouded in secrecy, the then government was looking at nuclear power and scoping nuclear power station sites until EDS forced a public enquiry.
In the era of think big, with nuclear power off the table, the government changed its focus. EDS advocated against several initiatives including the development of gas extraction off the Taranaki coast, the establishment of an aluminium smelter in Aramoana, the flooding of orchards around the Clyde Dam, and hydroelectricity on the Motu River. Additionally, EDS employed delaying tactics to prevent open-cast mining for gold on the Coromandel Peninsula. Other EDS successes followed.
The EDS sometimes lost cases but won the war because they got publicity and a gradual shift in the law.
Currently, there is an unprecedented attack on nature. Fast Track legislation will diminish environmental protection, legislation to improve waterways has been amended, biodiversity protection has been stymied, and schemes for reducing agricultural emissions have been disestablished. As well, funding cuts and redundancy of DOC staff work against protecting nature and affording legal defence.
Raewyn asserts people must be aware this avalanche of adverse policies comes from National’s coalition partners.
The EDS aims to enable nuanced decisions, offer constructive ideas, think long term and collaborate with willing iwi Māori and landowners. Above all, people must help defend the environment because the stronger the law, the better the future for nature.
Ponsonby U3A ten-minute speaker of the day was Craig Jenson. Craig gave an impassioned account of his 50-year love affair with opera.
During his schooldays he engaged in performing and won a scholarship. He discovered Joan Sutherland and his uncle, an art critic, gave him tickets for Rigoletto and Carmen. From then on, he was hooked. Craig went on to describe many of the performers he discovered at various world-famous venues. As his taste expanded, he experienced Wagner’s famous ring cycle, all fifteen hours of it.
While Craig frequents cinemas and local productions to hear opera, he is looking forward to further trips abroad.
Ponsonby U3A holds monthly general meetings which feature a principal speaker, experts from disciplines such as science, medicine, the arts, corporates, sport and journalism, to name a few. During the meeting, a member gives a short presentation on a topic of choice.
Visitors are welcome but please call President Bronwen Hughes first on M: 021 549 093. (CHRISTINE HART) PN
NEXT MEETING: 10am, Friday 9 May 2025
SPEAKER: Ty Kin-Wall, Artistic Director, Royal New Zealand Ballet
ENQUIRIES: Bronwen Hughes, President, Ponsonby U3A. M: 021 549 093, www.u3a.nz
Raewyn Peart
MIKE LEE:
WAR – HUMANITY HANGING FROM A CROSS OF IRON
This year was the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings which ANZAC Day was founded to commemorate. From that time onwards thousands of communities, in towns and cities across New Zealand and Australia, have faithfully honoured it.
The Great War lasted more than four years, killing 16 million, including an estimated 6 million civilians, with a further 20 million wounded and maimed. Over 102,000 New Zealanders served in that war – with distinction, often heroically – some 10% of the population. More than 18,500 lost their lives. Many more were wounded or gassed, returning as amputees, blind and/or suffering psychological disorders. Heartbreak and sorrow were visited onto thousands of New Zealand homes.
Nearly all of New Zealand’s dead were buried overseas and more than five thousand of them have no known grave. That is why, after the Great War, New Zealand became a land of war memorials.
The historian Michael King wrote: In cities, towns and country villages the war memorials went up. Scarcely a surname was not represented in the names engraved; some represented a family’s entire crop of young manhood. As one writer has commented, “The next generation did not need to be told that the angel of death had passed over the land: they heard the beating of its wings."
One wonders what long-term damage was done losing so many of our best and bravest from such a small population – so much potential talent – in that war and the Second World War that followed. Four generations on, one wonders whether this loss weakened the fabric of our nation?
During the period of the centenary of the Great War, from 2014 to 2018, there was much reflection and debate by historians and academics about its causes. Numerous books were published attempting to explain what drove all the great powers of Europe into this disaster. In the end, there was no agreement.
In the midst of this debate, I recalled someone wrote a letter to a newspaper. I didn’t keep a copy unfortunately. The letter said in so many words, ‘if you really want to know why all these countries went to war, just read what their newspapers had been telling their readers about their enemies'.
When one thinks about it, there could be more than a kernel of truth in that.
And if the newspapers of the time were able to whip up a war psychosis among their populations to demonise the enemy, today we have the corporate media, much more powerful, much more sophisticated – in print, on line, with talkback radio and the 24-hour television news cycle – and, of course, Hollywood.
The ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ lie sold to the public in 2003 to justify the invasion of Iraq which killed over 600,000 people and left countless numbers wounded maimed and dying of cancer from depleted uranium, is just one example.
Could constant media conditioning be the reason why the international peace movement, once very active across the world, has, at this particularly dangerous time for humanity, seemingly melted away? Could it be a reason why today many liberal-minded people have become convinced that this war or that is worth supporting?
It is important to remember that the civilisational disaster that came to be called the First World War was in reality a European war which dragged the rest of the world into it. Sadly, it seems little has been learned. The old hatreds and ethnic quarrels of Europe persist, so much so that they threaten again to drag us into another World War – a nuclear war. While attempts are being made to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, we are told the reason for this is to better focus on military confrontation in the Pacific. Meanwhile, the unspeakably cruel violence inflicted on the people of Gaza continues unabated despite the pleas of many, including the late Pope Francis. And no-one seems willing or able to stop it.
Last year we are told global spending on defence and armaments soared to 2.46 trillion US dollars, with no end in sight. This desperate situation is surely as US President Eisenhower described it: ‘Under the threat of War; humanity hanging from a cross of iron'. If humanity is to survive on this planet, surely we must turn away from war and towards peace. Would this not be the greatest way to honour the fallen? (MIKE LEE) PN
www.mikelee.co.nz
NZ troops bury their dead comrade
THINK GLOBAL. SUPPORT LOCAL. ACT LOCAL. LOVE LOCAL.
We are humans working hard… and we all need help right now…
We are Builders, Carpenters, Plumbers, Painters, Tradespeople, Fashion Designers, Architects, Artists, Therapists, Retailers, Dentists, Reiki Masters, Interior Designers, Watch Makers, Jewellers, Candle Makers, Stay @ homers, Consultants, Truckies, Taxi Drivers, Bakers, Restauranteurs, Waiters, Wine Makers, Musicians, Yoga Aficionados, Healers, Crystal Collectors, Clairvoyants, Acupuncturists, Animal Lovers, Airline Pilots, Cabin Crew, Firefighters, Doctors, Nurses, Consultants, Beauty Therapists, Facialists, Hairdressers, Barbers, Farmers, Gardeners, Landscapers, Bee Keepers, Bankers, Brokers, Chimney Sweeps, Builders, Painters, Architects, Singers, Musicians, Tarot Readers, Actors, Directors, Producers, Dancers, Footballers, Rugby Players, Coaches, Funeral Directors, Antique Dealers, Astrologers, Weather, Forecasters, Newsreaders, Couriers, Electricians, Novelists, Lawyers, Sales Reps, Computer Programmers, Software Designers, Journalists, Baristas, Web Masters, Celebrities, Vets and Swimming Instructors.
WHY WE NEED TO BUILD MORE HOMES IN OUR CITIES
I don’t usually start columns with a book review, but for anyone thinking about moving forward to a better future, I would highly recommend reading Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson.
It starts with an imagined future America that is far from utopian because it is absolutely possible. It is a future with housing for all, cheap, reliable and fast public transport and a focus on innovation where it matters, including a cure for cancer and environmental solutions in a world that desperately needs some. Not everything good for America is good for New Zealand, and not everything that Klein and Thompson say applies here. However, I want to take just one subject discussed in this book and apply it to our wonderful Auckland.
Auckland has a homelessness problem, whether the current Government will admit it or not. Just taking people off the emergency house waiting list or delaying their placement cannot be the answer. Abundance explains that in America, the level of homelessness is directly correlated with housing supply. The high price of housing in Auckland resulting in part from our housing supply is untenable if we want it to be a healthy and inclusive city. One of the greatest achievements of the last Labour Government was turning the tap on to building more houses. Many have argued that, before this, we had stopped knowing how to build in this country. It took a long time to be able to turn that tap on because we had closed it. Labour incentivised investment in new housing developments and built the most public homes of any government since the second Labour Government in the 1950s. We want to do this again.
In Mt Albert, I am disturbed to see properties that were set aside for building state homes now being sold. Labour had also set aside significant funding for infrastructure, without which houses simply couldn’t be built. We see this in the new Carrington development and in Wesley. The new Carrington development will see at least 4000 homes built, and in Wesley, state housing subdivisions will be re-organised so that another 3000 houses are built.
Abundance argues that the same people who talk about inclusion and taking care of the homeless are equally capable of stopping enough homes from being built to house the very same people. I live in a street in Sandringham which was once considered a place for those on moderate incomes but now locks out most young families unless they come with a big cheque from their parents or are on very high incomes. I worry about the inequity in our society where inheritance becomes such an important factor in allowing access to our communities.
If we want to live in multigenerational neighbourhoods with people from all walks of life, we need to build more affordable housing.
There is plenty of land in our inner city if we are smart about how we build. Intensification can be beautiful and sustainable if we use our creativity and learn from examples overseas –it has to be done well. It is not enough to just cut red tape without thought, because a leaky building is a complete disaster for an owner who has just managed to afford a
house or apartment. We need to distinguish between making rules that make sense (by giving us more security, like flood protection rules and building standards) and rules that are simply holding up building because those of us who are lucky enough to have a house and a nice suburb feel we might lose something. The reality is we will gain more than we lose if we reinforce our values and build affordable homes that include people from every walk of life. (HELEN WHITE) PN
helen.white@parliament.govt.nz www.labour.org.nz/HelenWhite
Today I visited several ANZAC commemorations across the Mt Albert electorate. It’s was a moving and memorable day and an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. Lest we forget.
TE RIMUTAHI - MAY 2025 UPDATE
By the time of publication, Te Rimutahi will have had a ‘soft opening’ with the construction fences taken down, enabling the community to finally access and enjoy our new civic space.
BRAVO!
The formal opening, hosted by the Waitematā Local Board, is scheduled for Saturday, 17 May, 10am - 12 noon.
EVERYONE is invited, so please come along to help celebrate!
Te Rimutahi has been a long time in the making and is tangible evidence of what a group of determined community advocates can achieve.
Council purchased the site at 254 Ponsonby Road in 2006 for an open space development. The Ponsonby Road Masterplan submission process in 2014 showed diverse views on the desired outcome for the site. Subsequently, it was uncoupled from the Masterplan, and a separate submission process was conducted. This resulted in 77% of submissions being in support of a whole-of-site development.
The Waitematā Local Board then initiated a CommunityLed Design (CLD) process. CLD refers to projects led by a community group or organisation. This process effectively involved local people in the decision-making process, from envisioning to implementation and, importantly, did so in an ongoing capacity throughout the entire project.
The CLD process connected the community by:
Creating a collective vision of what could be.
Developing a design brief informed by local knowledge.
· Holding that vision on behalf of the community to ensure it was always front-of-mind for the project team.
Maintaining a communication pathway bet ween the project team and you, our stakeholders.
This produced multiple community benefits, including:
Put ting local people at the heart of the changes made to their neighbourhood.
Improving civic participation, ensuring a more democratic outcome.
Creating a strong sense of community by strengthening people’s attachment to their neighbourhood.
And it’s GREAT to finally be here, knowing that Te Rimutahi has truly been informed by the community through the years of sustained and ongoing support and engagement:
1243 people signed the petition to retain the whole site for the new civic space.
698 people responding to the Waitematā Local Board’s 254 Ponsonby Road consultation.
190 people responding to the 1st CLDG consultation.
115 people responding to the 2nd CLDG consultation.
1208 people responding to the 3rd CLDG consultation.
BRAVO!
Our volunteer CLD Group would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE who has been part of this undertaking. To the many iterations of the Waitematā Local Board for their advocacy and support for this long-awaited and muchneeded community asset. And to you, our community, for
consistently and continuously engaging with us throughout the CLD process. For supporting us through this long, long journey, we THANK YOU.
We couldn’t have done it without you!
Te Rimutahi, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road, is a place of diversity and inclusion, where everyone is welcome. It is an urban oasis that is good for the people, good for the environment and good for Tāmaki Makaurau. This beautiful civic space is now available for all the residents, visitors and local businesses to access, enjoy and delight in.
We couldn’t be happier!
See you at Te Rimutahi on Saturday 17 May, 10am - 12 noon – if not before. BRAVO! (JENNIFER WARD)
For more information or to contact the Community-Led Design Group, please see our website: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or our Facebook pages: Ponsonby Park or 254 Ponsonby Road.
KEN
BY THE MOON AUCKLAND WEATHER DIARY, JUNE 2025
June sees less than half the rain average, but may be cloudier than the norm, with average sunshine and temperatures. The second week sees the sunshine hours and highest pressures, and the third week the most rain and lowest pressures, while the fourth week may be the cloudiest. The last week may be the driest. The weekend of the 7th-8th should be the best for outdoor activities. The barometer may average around 1018mbs for the month.
For fishermen, the highest tide is on the 26th. The best fishing bite times in the east may be around dusk of 10th-11th, and 24th-26th. Bite chances are also good around lunchtimes of the 2nd-4th, and 18th-20th.
For gardeners, planting is best from 1st-10th and 27th-30th (waxing moon ascending), and pruning is best during 13th24th (waning moon descending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, harvest crops or flowers around the neap tides of the 8th and 20th.
Allow 24-hour error for all forecasting. (KEN RING) PN
For future weather for any date, and the 2025 NZ Weather Almanacs, see www.predictweather.com
Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.
MOTHER’S DAY MARKET ON THE PONSONBY STRIP…
Mother’s Day Market Days are popular in the hood and we enjoy seeing our community choosing gifts for the special people in their lives.
Please get involved and start planning the upcoming one on Saturday 10 May.
As Sarah Wickenden, Marketing Manager at Ponsonby Central says, "We love Market Day at Ponsonby Central – it lights up the street, brings creativity and creates the buzz of community spirit. It's all about fresh finds, local legends and the spirit that makes Ponsonby so vibrant."
The General Collective Market at Ponsonby Market Day "The ‘General Collective’ independent market is a popular addition to Market Days and their presence encourages visitors to come along to our event,” says Viv from the Ponsonby Business Association, "They have a very large loyal following.
"They will set up again along the street between Pember Reeves and Franklin Road where there is no retail activity."
Erin Santos, from Chambers Linen store tells us, "Market Day for us is about community support. We love seeing the streets of our locals coming out and supporting both retail and hospitality.
"We love it when our fabulous strip is a hive of activity whether it’s nabbing a bargain, listening to some music or just indulging in some great food. It reminds us of how local community shopping used to be."
Make sure to diary date this great community event. www.iloveponsonby.co.nz
ROSS THORBY: SRI
LANKA
You could buy anything for the typical household that you would need — vegetables, linen, clothing, shoes and guns.
And in direct contrast to yesterday's ‘monks experience’, today's adventure started off with an early lunch at the ‘Galle Face Hotel’.
The hotel reclines in elegant repose on the waterfront in Colombo, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, previously known to the world as ‘Ceylon’.
Situated alongside a large park called The Galle, it had originally lain here on its own, a low, white, stark edifice contrasting against the Ceylonese sun and the deep blue Laccadive Sea. A last vestige from the days of the Raj, it opened in 1864 duplicating the elegance of ‘Raffles Singapore’, but on steroids. Once it had stood alone at the edge of the Galle, today it is surrounded by the louche new stars of hospitality, brash in their presentation and servility; the Intercontinental Hotel, the Shangri-La and others too numerous to count — but there will always only be one Galle Face Hotel.
Access to the hotel is via its long colonnaded terraces cooled by ceiling fans sucking in the ocean air and circulating it through the marbled rooms and breezeways to drift aimlessly over relaxed residents reclining on comfortable couches within the arches.
White-gloved and uniformed staff move seamlessly amongst the diners and residents. I had last dined at the hotel in 2016 and had told everyone on board that if there was one thing that they must do on this exotic island, it was to have lunch here.
We enjoyed a top-class lunch and service against the backdrop of excellence, Sri Lankan beers, Coca-cola and mineral water and a magnificent buffet. The cost for five star luxury? $US19.
Priceless.
I tried to convince my travelling companions Gabbie and Jutta into a Tuk Tuk for the afternoon. Those little buzzy bee transporters that seem to thrive in third world countries, but they would not budge and no amount of my begging or conniving could convince them otherwise. Their Germanic arguments of concerns for safety opposing my Kiwi taste for adventure was too strong and, so, reluctantly, I was beaten into submission.
Our driver Piu Mall and his rather large powerful Mercedes, picked us up for an after lunch city tour of exotic temples, set on dark green lakes and luscious lawns overlooking the new architecture of the city.
Afterwards, I insisted that we travel into the city so that I could show the girls the real Colombo, not the tourist one with its flash hotels and its Louis Vuitton stores, but the old market and the everyday stores that the locals use. We pulled up at the railway station to find the Riot Police, the Army and the Navy all lined up in formation behind a phalanx of vehicles and guns, a large crowd of monks in their orange robes standing in a group staring back at them looking very angry.
On seeing this, the girls refused to get out of our chariot, but I was opening the door and sending the driver off before their retreating protests had even reached my ears.
This is life! This is an adventure!
“Farewell Girls! I'll see you back at the ship.” (Hopefully.)
As they disappeared in a cloud of exhaust and frantic tooting, their two concerned faces peered back at me through the glass. I did, however, take the precaution of asking one of the official looking officers if I, as a tourist, was safe. "Of course,” he said, "they are Buddhists, there will be no violence.”
When further questioned, it turned out that the security forces were there in case the monks themselves were the targets. Here a flashpoint can pop up with the slightest provocation and you never know. As for the monks? They were protesting poverty. What else would you expect a monk to do?
I wandered around quite happily thinking of what the girls were missing. The market was untouristy, it was full of locals in saris and sarongs, you could buy anything for the typical household that you would need — vegetables, linen, clothing, shoes and guns...wait...guns? Luckily they were toys supposedly but, I have to say, pretty realistic. I wouldn’t like to risk taking one back through our security. I’ve already seen the brig on board and it isn’t that luxurious.
I was leaning over the balcony with Gabbie and Jutta enjoying a cocktail whilst watching our ship being prepared for departure, when an ambulance pulled up and two passengers emerged looking shaken and very stirred. Both of them had arms in slings.
Apparently the results of an errant trip in a Tuk Tuk.
The girls can be smug when they are right. (ROSS THORBY) PN
With any new season purchases made in the Parnell store, PONSONBY NEWS readers are being offered a complimentary Blunt umbrella, just tell the team you saw this offer.
Valid for the month of May or until stocks run out.
PONSONBY NEWS READER
THE SHELTER IS EXCITED TO SHARE A NEW CONSIGNMENT OFFERING:
THE SHELTER SECOND CIRCLE
A curated consignment event presenting clients and collectors a unique opportunity to breathe new life into designer items.
Held once a year, this pop-up brings together pre-loved designer pieces, rare finds and sought-after styles handpicked from within our discerning community and beyond. From New Zealand brands to International designers, brands aren’t restricted to the ones stocked under The Shelter’s roof.
Key Dates:
Consignment Open: 10 April - 11 May
Second Circle Event: 16 - 18 May at The Shelter Ponsonby
They welcome consignors across New Zealand and Australia to drop their pieces off at their nearest The Shelter or taylor store, or courier them to their HQ for assessment. Those who consign will have the option to receive 50% of the final sale price as credit to be used on any items under The Shelter or taylor umbrella, or 40% cashback.
THE SHELTER, 78 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 376 6544, www.theshelteronline.com
FACES AT GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET
On the second and fourth Sundays of each month, you can find Eunice Choi selling her traditional Korean kimchi at Grey Lynn Farmers Market, with her sparky husband Daniel lending a hand.
Where did you grow up?
In a city 20 minutes from Seoul in South Korea. I have always enjoyed traditional Korean food and my major at university was traditional Korean food, even when it wasn’t popular.
Korean food wasn’t popular in Korea?
For a long time it was underrated – Japanese and Chinese foods were more fashionable. Of course, that has changed now with the rise of K-drama and K-pop, Korean food is now more valued and Koreans are now proud of their own cuisine.
Why did you leave Korea?
I wanted adventures and cooking was my key to travelling and living in different places and trying different foods.
Where did those adventures take you?
First stop was an internship in New Orleans, making bread and pastries. I loved the Creole food because it is spicy like Korean food. Gumbo is delicious and I have a soft spot for beignets which are a sweet French doughnut.
And that was just the start of your travels?
Yes. I spent a year in Canada to improve my English. In Australia I did a two-year hospitality degree. I went to Kuwait to help set up a Korean restaurant. And finally, I came to New Zealand.
Were you planning to stay this long?
Not really. I came on a one-year visa but four days after I arrived flights started getting cancelled because of Covid and I wondered what I had got myself into. I love wine so I had been planning to work in Nelson but I was quickly offered work in Auckland. Café work suited me well – I love working mornings.
Did you ever get to work with wine?
Yes. I was working in a wine bar when I met Daniel. I loved the wine part of the job, but I realised that I’m not good at working nights. Wine will just have to remain a hobby.
How did you get into running your own business?
When Daniel and I got a place together, there was room to run cooking classes as I had done in Korea in between my travels. I made a lot of kimchi during those lessons, so I started selling my kimchi on the local community page. When I realised how popular it was, I expanded to the market.
What is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a traditional side dish of fermented vegetables – it’s tasty and very healthy. In Korea, the taste of kimchi varies
from family to family and region to region. The kimchi I make today is deeply inspired by my mum and grandmother. They are both amazing cooks and I feel like I’ve inherited some of their touch.
You sell a seasonal range of kimchi?
Absolutely. I make lots of different types of kimchi depending on which vegetables are in season. Last week was the end of our cucumber kimchi for the season. I posted that on my Instagram page, and someone made a special trip to the market from South Auckland to get the last jar of my last batch of cucumber kimchi.
How are your customers eating kimchi?
I love hearing how my customers are eating kimchi. They come up with ideas that I hadn’t thought about, so I try them out. Some people put it on toast or pizza – I tried that and was surprised how good it is. And it’s always popular as a side dish or as a soup base.
Any new plans?
I love to bake and bring a few surprises to the market. Lately, I’m enjoying experimenting with mochi (chapssal-tteok in Korea), a chewy rice cake, that makes a fun cookie filling.
And how are you using those weekends away from the market?
I’m pacing myself at the market, coming twice a month so that we can get out of Auckland and explore different areas. We love trying new foods and new wines.
www.instagram.com/euniceworkshop_nz www.greylynnfarmersmarket.co.nz
PONSONBURGER RETURNS!
30+ VENUES, TWO WEEKS, 26 MAY - 8 JUNE
PonsonBurger, Ponsonby’s popular burger festival, is back for a second year, returning this May by popular demand.
Timed to coincide with International Burger Day on Wednesday, 28 May, this year's festival runs for two weeks, from Monday, May 26, to Sunday, June 8 and is designed to encourage burger lovers to Ponsonby to support their favourite eateries and try new ones – many with limitededition burgers, an homage to International Burger Day.
More than 30 Ponsonby hotspots are getting involved, offering something for every palate from classic to cuttingedge, savoury to sweet. Whether it’s burgers, bundles or popups showcasing their signature style, expect a PonsonBurger bonanza with mouth-watering options to satisfy every craving, at any time of the day.
Venues participating this year include: Azabu, Bambina Café, Barker’s Food Store & Eatery, Bedford Soda & Liquor, Better Burger, Café 39 feat. Kane’s Burger Club, Chapel Bar, Crack Chicken, Daphnes, Eat Drink Laugh, Edie’s Wine Bar, Farina, Fatima’s, Gaja, Hoppers Garden Bar, INCA, Jacuzzi, Kesia, Khu Khu, Longroom, Miann, Movenpick, Mumbaiwala, Olas Arepas, Parade, Pastrami & Rye, Ponsonby Social Club feat.
Brazilian Cafe & Bistro, San Ray, Sidart, The Blue Breeze Inn, The Broken Lantern and Tobi.
Ponsonby Business Association General Manager Viv Rosenberg says she’s thrilled with how the street has embraced PonsonBurger, with half of the participating venues not typically known for slinging burgers.
“Last year we tested the market to see if there was an appetite for a burger festival, and we were blown away by the response. We had members and locals asking for it to run longer – we listened, and this year we’ve more than doubled the number of venues, with 32 eateries on board and we’re running PonsonBurger for two weeks,” says Rosenberg.
“I have no doubt this will add another layer to Ponsonby’s vibrant food scene. We can’t wait for May 26 when it all comes to life.”
Mark your diary and bookmark your burger spots – the full line-up is now live at ponsonburger.nz including burger info, pricing and any special terms and conditions.
PonsonBurger 2025 - Barker's Foodstore, Barker's Cola Rib Brisket Burger
Photography: Babiche
Martens
All Photography:
Babiche
Martens
PonsonBurger 2025 - Khu Khu Eatery, Bao-Down Burger
PonsonBurger 2025 - Jacuzzi, Wagyu Surf N' Turf Burger with French Fries
PonsonBurger 2025 - Sidart, Wagyu Beef Burger
PonsonBurger 2025 - Mumbaiwala, Burgerwala
PHIL PARKER:
MORE AUTUMN SIPPERS
Who says cooler weather is all about red wines? Here’s a selection of totally fab white wines for the cooler weather with food match suggestions. Cheers and bon appetit!
5 Stars. Seifried Special Selection Nelson Gewürztraminer 2023 - $20
Nudging off-dry. Soft acids and tangy yeast. Floral honeysuckle, jasmine and rosewater. Grapefruit marmalade citrus and a lengthy finish.
FOOD MATCH: Thai, Malaysian, Vietnamese cuisine. Available: Limited for the 2023, but the 2024 vintage is widely available. vineonline.co.nz vinofino.co.nz
5 Stars. Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Riesling 2024$30
Elegant, crisp and just off-dry style, with beeswax on the nose. Herbal sweet basil, with floral honeysuckle and jasmine. Ripe, canned peach stone fruit and a crisp mandarin citrus lengthy finish. Fruit had a portion of ‘noble rot’ influence. Fab!
FOOD MATCH: Spicy pork dishes. Also, Thai and Japanese cuisine. Available: pegasusbay.com
5 Stars. Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2024 - $28
Clean and crisp, light bodied and elegant. Not the OTT typical acidic style. Fresh black currant and passionfruit pulp, with hints of herbal thyme. Has a small portion of barrel-aged semillon to add extra texture and richness. 13.5% ABV, lengthy finish.
FOOD MATCH: Seafood, especially fresh oysters or mussels. Available: pegasusbay.com
Bourillon Dorléans Vouvray La Bourdonnerie Loire
Valley France Demi-sec 2022 - $30
Chenin Blanc is one of my favourite obscure white varieties, and Vouvray always delivers a complex, mouth-filling experience. This is a demi-sec, ie, off-dry to medium sweet style that smells like clover honey and pineapple juice with a whiff of funky yeast. On the palate it’s a cocktail of flavours – from fresh cut pineapple, to toffee, ginger, mandarin and a hint of fennel. The finish isn’t overly sweet but lingering and slightly mineral.
FOOD MATCH: Slow-cooked pork winter casserole. Aperitif with cheese board, or Vietnamese cuisine. Available: Glengarry
5 Stars. Pegasus Bay North Canterbury ‘Aria’ Late Picked Riesling 2024 - $45
And to finish… medium sweet and citrusy. Orange marmalade and Roses lime juice, with floral jasmine and honeysuckle. Lime sherbet crispness and a tiny bit of spritzy CO2.
FOOD MATCH: Cheese board, fruit platter. Available: Caros, pegasusbay.com (PHIL PARKER) PN www.finewinetours.co.nz, phil.parker@xtra.co.nz
Photography: Babiche Martens
photography: Alex McVinnie
THE ART OF LIVING WELL
Ayurvedic Wisdom for Weight Management: A Natural Path to Health
Weight management is a commonly discussed topic during consultations at our Ayurveda clinic. From crash diets to highintensity fitness regimens, people often find themselves caught in a frustrating cycle of losing weight quickly only to gain it back again. What many don’t realise is that sustainable weight management begins with balance – not deprivation.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of natural healing, offers a completely different perspective on weight loss. Rather than focusing purely on calories or scales, it takes a holistic approach – one that centres on balancing the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Weight gain is often associated with an imbalance in the Kapha dosha, which is governed by the elements earth and water. Kapha gives structure and stability, but when out of balance through lack of exercise, improper diet or lifestyle habits, it can lead to sluggish digestion, water retention and weight gain.
Modern sedentary lifestyles, especially long hours sitting at a desk, constant snacking and stress, can all aggravate Kapha. Furthermore, underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism or type 2 diabetes often go undiagnosed and can complicate weight loss efforts.
An Ayurvedic consultation begins with a comprehensive health assessment, exploring your current diet, lifestyle, exercise habits and medical history. Unique diagnostic tools like pulse reading and tongue analysis allow us to determine the state of your Agni (digestive fire) and the presence of Ama (toxins) in your body. Based on these insights, we create a customised treatment plan tailored to your body type, doshic imbalances and underlying causes of weight gain.
This plan typically includes a personalised diet, lifestyle recommendations and herbal supplements. Ayurvedic herbal formulas such as Triphala, Kanchanara Guggulu and Trikatu can increase metabolism, improve digestion and aid detoxification. Equally important are lifestyle changes that align with your dosha, such as mindful eating, physical activity and stress reduction techniques.
At our Ayurveda NZ clinic, we also offer Garshana, a traditional Ayurvedic dry massage that uses raw silk gloves to exfoliate the skin, stimulate lymphatic flow, and mobilise toxins lodged in fat tissues. This is followed by an Abhyanga massage using warm, medicated Kapha oil that helps further break down toxins and support weight loss. A session in our infrared sauna enhances the detoxification process.
For deeper, more long-term results, we recommend Panchakarma, Ayurveda’s signature detox and rejuvenation therapy. Panchakarma removes toxins not just from the digestive system but from deep within the tissues, including adipose cells where Ama tends to accumulate. Once these toxins are eliminated, natural weight reduction and renewed vitality often follow.
If you're looking for a sustainable, natural and deeply personalised approach to weight management, consider booking an Ayurvedic consultation with us. Let’s work together to restore balance and help you feel your best inside and out.
(SARITA SOLVIG
BLANKENBURG) PN
Use discount code PONSONBYNEWS to get 15% OFF your Garshana treatment, an Ayurvedic consultation or a gift voucher for either of those. Valid till end of May 2025.
AYURVEDA NZ, 386 Richmond Road, M: 021 144 5768, www.ayurvedanz.co.nz @ayurvedanz
WHY CHOOSE A GIRLS’ SCHOOL?
Empowering girls to achieve their best.
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. For families considering a girls’ school, the advantages are compelling. Research consistently shows that single-sex schools deliver stronger academic outcomes, offering an environment where girls excel academically, socially and personally.
At Diocesan School for Girls, our students consistently surpass national averages in NCEA results, achieving at levels higher than their co-educated peers in decile 10 schools. These results reflect the unique advantages of a girlsonly education, where the absence of gender stereotypes enables students to thrive.
Principal Heather McRae highlights that single-sex education is a powerful contributor to these achievements. “In a supportive single-sex setting, girls build confidence, assertiveness and a passion for academic challenges,” she explains. “This environment encourages them to explore STEM subjects, engage in physical education and, ultimately, pursue leadership roles and fulfilling careers in maledominated fields.”
Statistics show that girls in single-sex schools are significantly more likely to take advanced mathematics, physics and chemistry, compared to their peers in co-educational environments. Freed from societal stereotypes, they embrace
challenges, knowing they are supported by a culture that believes in their potential.
Academic results are just part of the picture. At girls’ schools, leadership opportunities abound. Girls fill every leadership role across all activities and year levels, from Head Prefect to sports team captains. They also dominate creative spaces, playing all instruments in orchestras, stage bands and jazz ensembles. This unparalleled freedom encourages girls to take risks, try new activities and lead with confidence.
In the classroom, girls participate more openly in discussions, free from the distractions and dynamics of co-ed settings. Teachers can focus entirely on tailoring lessons to their needs, fostering an environment where girls feel empowered to push boundaries and explore their interests fully.
At Diocesan, we don’t just prepare girls for exams – we prepare them for life. Our students leave school not only with exceptional results but with the confidence and ambition to thrive in their chosen paths.
Choosing a girls’ school is choosing an environment where girls are celebrated, challenged and supported to achieve their full potential. Discover how Dio can empower your daughter to succeed at www.diocesan.school.nz
Ryna Future Sustainability Architect
BE MORE THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED
How will your daughter make her mark?
The world is changing, and the role of women is changing even faster. Meet the people and explore the place that will encourage, challenge, and inspire your daughter to be more than she ever imagined.
Join us at our Open Day and experience the world-class opportunities awaiting your daughter at Dio.
Thursday 22 May, 9am – 11am
Register at diocesan.school.nz
ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA LIVE
Soloist: Diedre Irons
Conductor Michael Joel – Ludwig & Diedre
Sunday 18 May 2.30pm
St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra presents to you one of New Zealand’s most distinguished performing musicians. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Diedre Irons made her debut with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at the age of 12, playing the Schumann Piano Concerto. She graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and was subsequently invited by her teacher, Rudolf Serkin, to join the faculty of that prestigious Conservatory where she taught for the next seven years. During those years, she toured Canada and the USA as a soloist and as a chamber music player.
Since moving to New Zealand in 1977, Irons has performed regularly with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia and the Christchurch Symphony, toured many times under the auspices of Chamber Music New Zealand and recorded extensively for radio New Zealand. With the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and conductor Mark Tadei, she has recorded the complete Beethoven piano concerti on the trust label.
Irons has travelled internationally and presented concerts in 25 countries. She was awarded both an MBE and an ONZM, and received the degree Doctor of Music from Brandon University and Manitoba Canada.
Having taught at the University of Canterbury, then as the Head of Classical Performance at the New Zealand School of Music, in 2011 left to focus fully on her own career as a concert pianist.
St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished orchestra performing a wide repertoire of music specifically providing performance opportunities for New Zealand musicians, composers and conductors.
TICKETS Eventfinda or Door sales. EFTPOS or Cash.
Adults $35 Concessions $30 children under 12 free. Student Rush on the day $15.
ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY corner Wellesley & Hobson Streets, www.smco.org.nz
Sun 18 May at 2.30pm
programme
Michael Joel is the Music Director and Conductor of St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra. NZ born, he studied at Otago University and also with conductors Heinz Walburg, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and Jac van Steen at the Darlington International Summer School. At home with orchestral, operatic and choral repertoire, he has conducted many orchestras and companies in NZ and in the UK and has worked on the music staff of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The Covert Theatre in Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby is NZ’s homeofimprovisedcomedy.
CPE Bach Symphony W183 No 1 in D Beethoven Piano Concerto No 4 Op 58 in G Haydn Symphony No 99 in E flat
soloist Diedre Irons
conductor Michael Joel
st matthew-in-the-city Cnr of Wellesley & Hobson Street, Auckland City
Diedre Irons
CANTORUM CHAMBER CHOIR AT ALL SAINTS CHURCH, PONSONBY
Cantorum Chamber Choir invites you to a concert of English Sacred Choral Music on 3 May at 5pm in All Saints Church, Ponsonby.
The programme focuses on Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices which was written during the reign of Elizabeth I in 1592 or shortly thereafter. This deeply personal setting of the Catholic mass was one or three composed by Byrd during the time of the English Reformation and would have been used in secret at the private homes of his Catholic patrons.
We also sing some later anthems from the Victorian, Edwardian and Elizabethan II eras, accompanied by organist Michael Bell.
We look forward to seeing you there. Tom Chignell, 2nd Bass
What: Cantorum Concer t 1 2025
Where: All Saints Church Ponsonby
When: 5pm, Saturday 3 May 2025
Tickets: $35 at the door, $30 prepaid (via choir members or humantix (card fees apply)
$10 student
www.allsaintsponsonby.org.nz
RIA HALL AND THE AUCKLAND PHIL COMBINE FOR MAGICAL MATARIKI EVENING
Experience a soul-stirring evening of music fusion at Auckland Phil’s Matariki with Ria Hall concert, presented by The Trusts Community Foundation, in the Auckland Town Hall on 19 June.
Bringing together the striking vocals of Ria Hall with the powerful sound of Auckland’s professional orchestra, this will be an unforgettable performance.
At this Matariki celebration, Hall’s compelling songs will be re-created with an epic orchestral soundscape, including such revered anthems as ‘They Come Marching’ and ‘Black Light’. Her song ‘Te Ahi Ka Po’ won the APRA Silver Scroll in 2021 and seeing her perform this masterpiece live with the Auckland Phil will be a beautiful experience that’s not to be missed.
This concert also features the first performance of Tom Rainy’s orchestration of Hall’s moving ballad, ‘Chant’, which is sure to be a highlight of the evening.
Hall's excited to perform with Auckland Phil's full orchestra for the first time.
“I can't wait join the people of Tāmaki Makaurau to celebrate Matariki through music. Performing alongside 70 professional musicians from the Auckland Phil will be such a special experience, and the energy as these diverse musical genres join forces is sure to be electric. Join us to celebrate Matariki 2025 together,” she says.
A powerful live performer and speaker, Hall found her calling as a vocalist through kapa haka, becoming a singer dedicated to the preservation and recognition of te reo Māori. Winning critical acclaim for her self-titled EP released in 2011, her sound fused furious hip hop beats and richly layered vocals in English and te reo Māori. Her subsequent albums Rules of Engagement and Manawa Wera established Hall as one of the most thoughtful voices in New Zealand music.
Start your Matariki public holiday with this night of exceptional music. Auckland Phil’s Matariki concerts have become one of the ‘go-to’ events of the season, selling out every year.
Get your tickets now for Matariki with Ria Hall from aucklandphil.nz/matariki25 or Ticketmaster.
AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA'S MATARIKI WITH RIA HALL
Presented by The Trusts Community Foundation, in association with Kapiti Ice Cream and Auckland Live. 7.30pm, Thursday 19 June, Auckland Town Hall
Further event info/tickets: aucklandphil.nz/matariki25
7.30pm Thursday 19 June
THE TRUSTS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESENTS
Matarıkı Rıa Hall
wıth
Auckland
Town
Join us to honour te tau hou Māori with an unforgettable night of music. Featuring anthems such as ‘They Come Marching’, ‘Te Ahi Kai Pō’, and ‘Black Light’.
HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS – what your stars hold for May
Aquarius (the Water Carrier)
21 January - 19 February
Whatever good news that you overhear, it would be a good idea to share it. You can be an adult and still have fun with those around you.
Taurus (the Bull)
21 April - 21 May
You know you can sometimes be a bit emotional but wearing your heart on your sleeve isn’t so bad. Be secure in who you are and watch how you grow in the real world. The more you express your inner self the more respect you’ll receive.
Pisces (the Fishes)
20 February - 20 March
Your family history is long and complicated as you found out recently. But knowing someone close to you has more to share about themselves means that you have such a great bond that you feel part of their lives.
Aries (the Ram)
21 March - 20 April
You know you’ve been heard when people start repeating your thoughts and what you have to say. Opening up yourself is a good way to reveal who you really are. Like-minded individuals will reveal themselves and you can share your thoughts and ideas that you have.
Leo (the Lion)
23 July - 21 August
You really know how to turn acquaintances into friends. It's only a shame that you don’t have the time to socialise anymore. Making more time for you will give you such a boost.
Gemini (the Twins)
22 May - 21 June
Honesty is the best policy this month. Whatever you end up doing with your life, it's best to start as you mean to go along. That being said, a little white lie every now and then can do you the world of good.
Virgo (the Virgin)
22 August - 23 September
You’ve always been able to plan ahead and this month is no different. Just keep to the path you’re on and don’t give in to too many temptations.
Cancer (the Crab)
22 June - 22 July
You might find an opportunity that comes in your direction too good to refuse a better look. Whatever you find, it will be a distraction and maybe something good for the future.
Scorpio (the Scorpion)
24 October - 22 November
You don’t need the support you think you do but it’s always there if you need it. You always put more in than is required from you because you enjoy what you do.
Sagittarius (the Archer)
23 November - 22 December
Not everyone gets where you’re coming from, don’t be afraid to be who you are. As you get through this month, be ready for the odd comment or two.
Libra (the Scales)
24 September - 23 October
Having some stability in your life has done you lots of good and up until now you like having responsibility and routine. Try not to spoil it by going out of character; you don’t like it when things go wrong.
Capricorn (the Goat)
23 December - 20 January
It’s about time you looked at who you are as a person. You could be better equipped to handle life as it’s thrown at you. Don’t sabotage yourself, move forward with a new outlook and be prepared to be amazed.
Gilbert & George were interviewed by Evan Woodruffe for our August 2022 Issue
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