Thank goodness Waitematā voters are lucky enough to have Mike Lee standing for our local area.
In this latest three-year electoral term, Mike has yet again proven why he is such a valuable, indeed essential, personality in our locale.
A voice for common sense and reason, both capable and willing to speak the truth to power, and an ‘influencer’ for all that is good.
Some of the simply dumbest council decisions of recent years have been carried through by this left leaning council (and that is saying something given we barely survived the ‘Goff tax and waste years’).
The result — a hollowed-out CBD, deliberately congested roads, no more cyclists than were ever going to cycle and hundreds of millions of dollars wasted.
Just look at K’ Road, Great North Road, Meola Road and Pt Chevalier Road – all ruined at huge expense to the permanently financially abused ratepayer!
Mike always gets it right for his ward – how? It’s simple really — Mike listens to those who elected him. A lesson here for those who ‘crossed the floor’ at the last election.
Objecting to the sale of the Auckland family silver (read: Auckland International Airport Shares), attempting to stop the madness that is the decision to destroy the only viable downtown car park (with its access to Waiheke Islanders, tourists and shoppers) and trying, but ultimately failing to control the bizarre bureaucracy that is Auckland Transport and its unsettlingly stupid, ideologically driven ‘managers’.
These same managers had in Mike Lee an AT board member who called them to task for their ubiquitous poor vision, planning, unrestrained spending and their determined (but ultimately successful) ‘war on the CBD’.
The latter efforts by Mike resulted in the simply wrong decision by the Mayor to remove him from the Board of AT and replace Mike with the most ardent ideolog but least well-informed cyclist – Councillor Darby (thank goodness that virulent plague has been shown the door!).
The destruction of our roads, parking and the CBD can be assigned to both that poor decision and the continued appointment (on $600,000 plus per annum) of Dean Kimpton – a ‘manager’ who cannot control his own organisation, their spending and uncontrolled and always excessive overengineered ‘solutions’. As a leader he provides little if any value to Auckland.
Having the needs and desires of his constituents always at the forefront of his actions and plans is why I changed my views of Mike (formed originally in the days of the ARC) into one of quiet admiration and now open support. We need Mike elected again in 2025 – go to it Waitematā ward electors. Mike is always there for us. Vote accordingly.
Roger Hawkins, Herne Bay
HOUSING UNAFFORDABILITY
The reason that housing in Auckland is so unaffordable, especially for young working people as my article points out, is demonstrably NOT a lack of zoned land but due to factors that our society is presently in almost complete denial about.
These include:
1. Low average wages (25% lower than in the early 1980s).
2. Land-banking by land developers and speculators.
3. The cost of building materials which due to monopolistic practice means the costs of building per square metre in Auckland are some of the highest in the world.
4. The Government’s failure to build state (Kainga Ora) houses.
5. The removal of the once standard financial assistance to first home buyers such as state-backed, low interest mortgages and the ability of young families to cash in family benefits.
I believe improved housing affordability and a reduction in the costs of associated civic and transport infrastructure could be achieved by the following policies:
2. Increasing the availability of building materials and breaking the long-standing monopoly stranglehold on these.
3. Building state houses on the zoned undeveloped land across Auckland (and New Zealand) that Kaianga Ora is presently sitting on.
4. Diverting more of the accommodation supplement away from subsidising rents (and therefore private landlords) to provide long-term, low interest loans to first home buyers.
5. House the street homeless. Many of the destitute homeless have serious physical and mental health issues – they therefore not only need a home but essential specialised wrap-around medical care. The present wilful neglect of these people left to sleep on our streets through the coldest of winters is an indictment of our current political system.
6. Finally — re-establishing a contemporary version of the Ministry of Works, employing the best technical and commercial minds to review and reform presently wasteful and incompetent council and central government procurement regimes to ensure rigorous value for money and timely completion of infrastructure projects.
Most of the above were once standard policies, many of which were pioneered in this country. These gave post-war New Zealand one of the highest standards of living in the world. To achieve them would mean our politicians breaking with the 30-year neo-liberal consensus which currently has them in a stranglehold. A new approach is desperately needed to turn around a country in decline. Affordable housing is absolutely fundamental to this.
Mike Lee, Councillor for Waitematā & Gulf
We are fortunate to have so many creatives in our neighbourhood. First person (Hard Boiled) is an installation by Simon Endres...
A flood-damaged house in Ponsonby becomes the site for First Person (Hard-Boiled), a new installation by artist Simon Endres. Once part of a stream that flowed into Cox’s Bay, the house carries its own memory and damage. Inside, visitors encounter a cast of life- sized sculptural figures, objects, architectural alterations and sound. Each one is a kind of costumed witness: fragile, absurd, and sharply present. The installation is both haunted and humorous, and filled with contradictions.
The collection of figures becomes a menagerie of anxious misfits. They form an exploded self-portrait and a proxy for our collective state of mind, shaped by cultural, social, political, economic and environmental upheaval. These figures reference fashion, fitness culture, street style, status, race, and figurative art traditions playfully woven together through material curiosity, body adornment, dress codes, and ritual.
The house itself becomes a character, exposed and listening. As Ben Leonard writes in the exhibition publication, “The house is part of the stream that used to run through this valley. It had a name. No doubt more stories. Ka aroha ki a koe e te wai - I’m sorry we forgot about you.”
Endres is an artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. A graduate of Elam School of Fine Arts, his work has featured in solo and group exhibitions across Aotearoa since the early 90s. After 21 years in New York working in design and branding, he returned in 2020 to re-establish his practice here. His objects draw on identity politics, masculinity, social stratification and race, with playful material approaches across photography, drawing, installation and sculpture.
Additional events and programmes will accompany the installation. A printed publication will also be released
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To the Minister of Transport
Chris.Bishop@parliament.govt.nz
Private Bag 18888, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160
I am writing to you on behalf of the shopkeepers of Grey Lynn, Auckland who have gathered this morning Thursday 22 August 2025 to once again express their total opposition to the removal of car parks outside their businesses by Auckland Transport.
This issue was debated long and hard in 2018 when locals, customers and users of this historic shopping strip launched a petition collecting over 3400 signatures objecting to the intrusive, disruptive and pointless road reconstruction from Great North Road to the bottom of Garnet Road including Surrey Crescent, Old Mill Road.
Auckland Transport has engaged in ‘fake & flawed consultations’ in order to be able to proceed with their unpopular and unnecessary works. We call upon you the Minister to engage with the Mayor Wayne Brown & CEO of Auckland Transport Dean Kimpton to STOP these works.
This is the fifth public meeting called by the Grey Lynn shopkeepers after learning of Auckland Transport’s intentions to yet again ram through their unsupported and unpopular plan to essentially reduce Grey Lynn to a bus terminal.
alongside the show. More information will be shared closer to the event.
Don’t forget to cast your vote in the important local elections. Voting is by postal vote. Voting papers will be delivered to your postal address from 9 September. The pack you will get from the Electoral Office will tell you how to complete your vote and where to deliver it by 12 noon on 11 October. We encourage you, your family and friends to get out and exercise your democratic right to vote and help Auckland to thrive.
(JAY PLATT & MARTIN LEACH) PN
Please intervene and call a halt to this massive waste of public money on a project that will destroy the livelihood of many.
Lisa Prager, Westmere
Photography: Connor Crawford
Jay Platt & Martin Leach
PHOTOGRAPHY:
P5 - We are fortunate to have so many creatives in our neighbourhood. First person (Hard Boiled) is an installation by Simon Endres.
Editor/Publisher: MARTIN LEACH M: 021 771 147 martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz
Distribution Manager: JAY PLATT M: 021 771 146 jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz
Designer: ARNA MARTIN M: 021 354 984 arna@cocodesign.co.nz
The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwisewithout the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies and manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.
I’ve decided it’s time to get inside ‘the machine’ of Auckland Council at ‘entry level’, Waitematā Local Board.
In reality it’s more like a living organism made up of elected officials (elected every three years) headed by the Mayor and the CEO responsible for staff (maybe they should also be elected every three years).
Council‘s core services are supposed to be maintaining roads and keeping the traffic flowing, and collecting rubbish weekly, by managing your rates sensibly, not frivolous, unnecessary projects by staff making up unnecessary projects to fill their time (busywork) and justify their salaries, nor filling the roads with obstacles, and certainly not fixing what isn’t broken. Only positive change should be occurring.
I started attending WLB meetings and presenting to advocate on matters I was passionate about seven years ago. I know those views were shared by you from talking to friends and strangers. Then three years ago, I started observing and occasionally presenting at Auckland Council Governing Body, Planning and Transport mega-committees, and the AT Board. As a familiar face and often the only one there, Mayor Brown calls me “the audience”. I have gained a deep insight into council machinations, therefore learning the ropes and short cutting the big learning curve required to become an effective board member.
Within the WLB, I will use that knowledge I have gained for better results than has been the case with the current board. Last election I recommended not letting one political party control the board. You listened and voted for a change. Instead of six ‘red team’ and one other, you elected three ‘red team’ and four ‘blue team’. But that’s not what you got. A ‘blue team’ member saw an opportunity to be paid over $100K by defecting and has voted with them and against you for three years. Community advocacy from the ‘outside’ has had wins and losses. Most losses have been from red team ‘woke’ doctrine, not supported by you, and it’s your money that’s been wasted.
My reaction is to offer my service to the community with passion standing for WLB. I have set out my pledges on my billboards, as a measure of my integrity. Constituents should hold elected officials accountable. I will listen to you, voting
issue by issue based on merit. That is why I chose to be an independent, operating from my moral compass, not follow party politics.
My campaign for transparency started with a presentation to the first governing body meeting three years ago. It has already brought out-of-control CCOs back under council oversight and helped open once-secret council workshops. The CEO even sent me a text message when this was tabled for a vote. By inviting councillor Ken Turner and members of two other local boards to speak at the WLB, it resulted in their workshops being opened to the public as well.
At that first governing body meeting, I also presented my first design for an extension of car parking from 10 to 50 parks for Meola Road dog walkers. This was totally endorsed by the Mayor, who had costed the project using his civil engineering skills. He sent it to the Auckland Transport Board to be implemented. Instead, AT constructed an additional footpath. Since then AT has commissioned a sculpture in the location of the second design, so I have created a third design.
Mayor Brown is divesting Auckland Transport’s power and control by giving local boards decision-making on their roads. My design background makes me uniquely qualified to ensure better traffic flow solutions starting with removing Auckland Transport’s impeding road obstacles. They are worse than the plague of orange cones and must go.
WLB Chair and City Vision members just voted to extend the cycleway from Surrey Crescent along Old Mill Road to the island that the community occupied in 2018 to stop this craziness with a petition of nearly 3400 signatures, instead of waiting for the incoming board to make this decision,
The latest ‘busy-work’ project by employees with nothing better to do than waste your rates, is pedestrianising High Street, a service lane that needs vehicle access for $27.8m. That follows bollarding off Mercury Lane, voted for by the four controlling the WLB vote, stopping access to the Council carpark building and George Courts’ Building residents’ parking and service vehicles returning south. I asked 128 business owners and managers on K’ Rd and 125 signed a petition to stop it, without needing to be convinced because it was a ‘no-brainer’. It’s what I do best — ask the directly affected people. Listen to the community, talking to strangers. I have been doing this unpaid advocacy because local government politics is the ‘mud on your doorstep’.
I will cut wasteful ‘busywork’ and stop projects that benefit consultants, not communities.
GAEL BALDOCK — passionate, authentic advocate for Auckland. GaelB@xtra.co.nz
Read more in part 2 in October Ponsonby News.
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COMMUNITIES AND RESIDENTS –WAITEMATĀ LOCAL BOARD TEAM
Incumbents Sarah Trotman, ONZM, Greg Moyle and Allan Matson have been re-selected to represent C&R and they’re joined by new candidates Nick Nielson, Leo Grachev, Muy Chhour and Anne Batley Burton.
The C&R team are capable hard-working community advocates with a depth of governance experience, area knowledge and subject matter expertise needed on a Local Board. They bring experience ranging across business, social services, heritage preservation, environmental protection and animal welfare and they are committed to ensuring that local concerns are heard and represented effectively.
The C&R Waitematā Local Board team recognises the significant issues facing the Local Board area – from transport, intensification and crime, to the future of Auckland’s City Centre, the Hauraki Gulf and our city parks.
Since Auckland Council was formed in 2010, there have been endless projects disrupting the city and surrounding suburbs – all with the laudable aim of improving the public realm, but many of which appear unnecessarily expensive and some unnecessary altogether. Local Board members are provided with little in the way of cost-benefit analysis of those projects and consultation with the public leaves much to be desired. C&R decries wasteful spending and will seek robust justification of projects as a basic part of its oversight of expenditure under the Local Board’s control.
C&R recognises there are worthy projects, of course, and they will support those affordable evidence-based ones that make the city and town centres safer, cleaner and more welcoming places for all – visitors, residents, shoppers and business owners. Businesses in particular need to survive in order for those areas to thrive, but many of them have been severely challenged by construction going on and on around the Local Board area. C&R sympathises with local businesses and will continue advocating for them as a matter of priority, particularly about minimising the effects of infrastructure projects and disruptive transport initiatives.
Auckland currently has around 550,000 dwellings for 1.7 million people. In 2016 after considerable research and expert analysis, the Independent Hearings Panel enabled 900,000 dwellings – a robust 30-year supply target. That Unitary Plan took years to create with input from those who know Auckland best, and that plan is already supporting intensification. Central government’s recent imposition of two million dwellings, however, would result in a city of over six million people – bigger than Sydney, and that’s likely to come at a considerable cost if done at the pace envisaged.
The C&R team supports enabling future development around train stations and along major transport corridors, and they welcome Minister Bishop’s decision to remove the blanket MDRS zoning that would enable ‘3x3' development as a permitted activity across virtually any residential neighbourhood in Auckland. They also understand the notion of good planning. It's all very well enabling a city the size of Sydney, but without the necessary infrastructure it’s an ill-conceived idea. Infrastructure needs to be properly funded and sequenced to meet the needs of intensification, and if Auckland is to achieve quality outcomes with greater financial certainty, the C&R team believes sound planning is needed first.
They acknowledge the concerns of residents across the Local Board area about upzoning that could see large intensive developments just plonked within character areas from Herne Bay, St Marys Bay, Freemans Bay and Ponsonby in the west to Grafton and Parnell in the east. While most Aucklanders accept the need for intensification done well, and done in suitable places, they’re also opposed to an overdose of central government planning that would see the unnecessary loss of special character areas, random high-rise development and poor urban design outcomes.
Pictured: Allan Matson, Muy Chhour, Nick Nielson, Sarah Trotman, Leo Grachev, Anne Batley Burton and Greg Moyle
The people of Auckland have inherited a beautiful environment with wonderful amenities, and because the C&R team believes in intergenerational sustainability, they will advocate to protect both our built heritage comprising our unique shopping precincts and historic residential areas, as well as our parks and natural environment.
The C&R team want to push back, not only against central government’s imposition of excessive housing targets, but also against its erosion of local governance. They agree with Councillor Christine Fletcher that the Government’s growth targets “position our unique isthmus to be obliterated, our maunga surrounded by towers and cookie-cutter urban landscapes.”
Like Councillor Fletcher, the C&R team believes that Auckland’s growth should be properly planned, not by central government in Wellington, but by Auckland councillors and local boards – local government representatives with firsthand knowledge of their city. They will insist on quality comprehensive information for prudent decision making and, most importantly, they are committed to meaningful public consultation on matters that affect the community.
Allan Matson: A current member of the Waitematā Local Board, Allan has a background in banking and architecture. He’s most concerned about the significant challenges facing Auckland and particularly the Waitematā Local Board area due to the city’s accelerating intensification. These challenges include the pressure of development on the character and heritage of our built and natural environment, both of which he feels need stronger protection. He sees the role of the board as representing the interests of all communities and residents, with decision-making that is properly informed, well reasoned and financially prudent.
Anne Batley Burton: Anne is a passionate animal welfarist and the founder of the New Zealand Cat Foundation, working to reduce the stray cat population and protect animals from cruelty. She describes herself as a doer, not a talker; a giver, not a taker. She was the first female director of a publicly listed company in New Zealand and, as such, she understands well the need for support for businesses in the city centre to enable them to thrive. She believes in sticking to the basics and would like the Local Board to address issues of traffic congestion, crime and quality of life, particularly in the city centre.
Greg Moyle: A financial adviser, former police officer and former university lecturer, Greg grew up in Grey Lynn and now resides in Herne Bay. He has served on the Western Bays Community Board, Auckland Council and the Waitematā Local Board, currently as the latter’s Deputy Chair and representative on the Heart of the City Board. He holds qualifications in accounting and law. Greg has been actively involved in numerous local organisations and he supports further investment in our cultural and sporting organisations, community facilities and parks.
Leo Grachev: Leo believes Local Board members have a responsibility to deliver better value for ratepayers and residents. He is no stranger to putting in the hard yards to get things done, from his day-to-day work supporting small business owners, to his work in the community. Listening to and addressing the needs of the community is his top priority. He would also like to address transport gridlock, save our parking, ensure safer and cleaner streets, protect our character and parks and support local businesses.
Muy Chhour: Involved in business most of her life, from serving customers at the family dairy, to managing 11 Asian supermarkets across Auckland, Muy brings deep business experience and advocacy to the team, along with a balanced common-sense approach to resolving issues. For five years, she was Chairperson of the Karangahape Business Association. She is passionate about making Auckland safer and more liveable for all who travel in it, whether by car, public transport, bike or foot.
Nick Nielson: With deep lasting roots in Waitematā, including 10 years as a small-business owner and active community member, Nick has a passion for the area and has contributed to the community’s energy while seeing clearly the need for focused leadership. His board experience involves five years on the Ponsonby Business Association, including its Safety and Security Committee, leading initiatives to enhance and protect our community’s wellbeing while promoting thriving businesses. He also has seven years with a national charity for burn survivor victims – five years as its president and trustee.
Sarah Trotman, ONZM: Sarah has served on the Waitematā Local Board over the last two terms and sees this role as an important responsibility. She is an experienced business leader who has a track record of insisting on quality information before decision making, and she recognises the importance of listening to the community. One of the many successes she is proud of during her recent term on the Local Board is initiating the opening of the board’s weekly workshops, thus enabling transparency for communities and residents. She was also very effective in motivating the community in support of the lease extension for the long-term and successful current operators of the Olympic Pool in Newmarket.
Voting is by postal vote. Voting papers will be delivered to your postal address from 9 September. The pack you will get from the Electoral Office will tell you how to complete your vote and where to deliver it by 12 noon on 11 October. C&R encourages you, your family and friends to get out and exercise your democratic right to vote and help Auckland to thrive.
NORMAN STANHOPE –MAN OF AND FOR THE COMMUNITY
The Ponsonby and Herne Bay community recently lost a pillar of strength and service with the sudden passing of Norman Stanhope — a man defined by his integrity, calm leadership and enduring commitment to others.
Norman died doing what he loved — gardening at his home on Cowan Street, a quiet, thoughtful act that reflected so much of who he was.
Norman arrived in New Zealand at age 15 and began work as a farm cadet. After time in Australia and a return visit to the UK, he followed a friend’s advice and joined the New Zealand Police. From his early days as a constable in West Auckland, he rose to become District Commander for Auckland, serving during some of the nation’s most turbulent events.
His leadership was marked by calm and integrity through defining moments like the Bastion Point occupation (1978), the Mount Erebus disaster (1979), the Springbok Tour (1981), the Queen Street riots (1984) and the Rainbow Warrior bombing (1985). Throughout it all, he remained composed and principled, deeply committed to the rule of law and respectful of people’s rights to express their views — even in protest.
Maybe one small exception was placing orange cones to ‘close' part of Cowan Street for their street Christmas party. At age 60, and much to his disappointment, Norman was required to retire as 60 was the mandated age for retirement from the police.
Another of Norman’s passions was heritage and community. He was an early member of the Ponsonby Herne Bay Community Committee. When the Hydra Bacon Factory was closed in 1990 and the site fell into disrepair, Norman was part of the Community Committee working with the council and the ASB Bank to ensure the new bank building was in keeping with the heritage of the area.
After retirement, Norman joined the Herne Bay Petanque Club where he played inter club and served as President
twice and on the committee for some time. From a member: “I'd like to acknowledge the massive contribution Norman made giving selflessly in service to our club. Norman was on our committee for 14 years where our members and facility benefited much from his efforts. Norman was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and his presence will be missed.”
He also served on the committee of U3A for some years and taking the President's chair when based at the Leys Institute. He convened the Ramblers and Armchair Travellers' groups which covered other passions – learning and travelling.
Norman would accumulate his leave and he and his partner, Winifred, would travel to the UK to see family and combine that trip with other countries. In later years, cruising became popular and last year it was a cruise to Antarctica. Plans for a visit to family in Dubai were under way.
Friends, neighbours and colleagues alike describe Norman as thoroughly decent – a man who believed in doing things properly, who led by example and who treated everyone with respect. He was proud of his service, proud of his community and proud to live a good life.
His final weekend was spent in the best of company –enjoying lunch with his old police friends and visiting Muriwai where he once played golf – another of his great passions.
A man of grace, discipline and kindness – Norman Stanhope left a legacy that will long be remembered by the many lives he touched.
Many thanks to those who shared memories with me, especially Tim and Nick Stanhope, Winifred Lamb and Judith Tizard.
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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...
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THE LITTLE LADY WEARING THE FLOWERS
While I was observing at the last Auckland Council business meeting, I heard someone comment that Gael Baldock was one formidable lady!
It’s true that she doesn’t sit back when there’s something going on that needs to be righted. And, certainly, those following undemocratic paths will have experienced the pointy end of her disdain. I’m sure they would have preferred to rubber stamp their dubious policies in peace.
Over the last few years, I have watched Gael taking a deep interest in central Auckland’s affairs. She has intently followed Waitematā Local Board (WLB) business and pushed for a better outcome whenever she could. This term she is standing as a candidate for the WLB. Let's help her.
Over the last term, Community and Residents (C&R) have been valiantly doing their best on the Waitematā Local Board, with the constant nuisance of polarised voting in an ideology dominated environment. All strength to them in the next election.
Hopefully, Waitematā voters will recognise what has gone down on that board over the last three years and make sure this time that sensible and practicable policies will have a chance to breathe.
While I’m at it… let’s make sure Mike Lee is re-elected as Auckland Councillor for the Waitematā, Hauraki and Gulf Ward too!
Kathryn Avenell
STILL GROUNDHOG DAY IN THE WAITEMATĀ LOCAL BOARD
Sitting in the gallery observing the Waitematā Local Board in action at their monthly public meeting on 19 August was just like 'Groundhog Day', a situation in which a series of tedious events appear to be recurring in exactly the same way as they have done over time – in this case over the last three years!
Unfortunately, the board has not been united in its representation for many election cycles. The Labour/Greens backed party, City Vision, whose ‘vision’ is ideological rather than practical, holds the advantage of four members against the three of opposing party, Community and Residents. Genevieve Sage, who ran as a candidate for Community and Residents made a back-room deal with the party she was publicly running against in order to secure the position of Chair of the Board (and control of the Chair's casting vote), which should have been forbidden. As a result, for three years now, City Vision has had control of the vote.
The four City Vision pals all vote in unison for every ideological high-dollar project. Communities and Residents (C&R) members Alan, Greg and Sarah do their best to point out the views of the rate paying public who support them, but the vote is usually a foregone 4-3 almost every time! Hardly a balanced representation of voters' interests.
Seasoned observers could also speculate that not all four voting members of City Vision (including the Chair) are fully aware of the aims of the ideology they serve. Good intentions are therefore lost in ignorance. The buzz-words in their ideology are 'Potemkin facades'. ‘Safety' is an alluring word, but words have been manipulated by marketeers for centuries and that process has become a veritable Trojan
Horse for covert change recently more than any period before. ‘Safety' in political speak translates to ‘restriction'. Actions based on ‘sustainability' have so far led to the inverse result. ‘Sustainable' power generation has led to ever higher electricity bills, in total contradiction to the rapid advancement of technology. ‘Sustainable' farming and food production has resulted in rocketing food prices, and the disappearance of some products and food shortages. In political speak, ‘sustainable' translates as ‘inefficient'.
How can your family ‘sustain' the increasing costs of your everyday life resulting from these ideologies? How have the decisions of City Vision on the Waitematā Local Board impacted your household budget, your commute to work and the area you live in?
Shouldn’t you be voting for practicality rather than ideology? Re-balance the decision making this election and give Communities and Residents a better chance to represent the practical needs of the community.
Rock The Vote NZ (Reporting from the Council Chamber)
BRYAN VEREY – CARVER IDENTIFIED
Last month, I wrote about using ChatGPT to locate Bryan Verey, the carver of the intricate Māori carvings on the red piano and the carved wooden black lacquered lilies and roses that sat on top of a matching grand piano with a paua inlay, both designed and directed by artist Michael Parekōwhai. I was unable to find an image of Bryan on the internet.
Then, as luck would have it, I met the Business Development and Event Manager of Auckland Botanic Gardens & Auckland Domain Wintergardens, Amy Pollard. She kindly looked through their archives and found this photograph of Bryan Verey taken by Chester Nicholls at the opening of the bi-yearly sculptural event with his artwork – a painted wooden carving of a magpie in 2015. ‘Magpie’ sold for $1300 from the indoor exhibition. His outdoor artwork ‘Over the Farm Gate’ of a beady eyed magpie sitting atop a rustic farm gate inscribed with their sound, quoting New Zealand poet Denis Glover, “and ‘Quardle Oodle Ardle Wardle Doodle’ the magpies said.”
As an artist myself, I believe it is important to acknowledge the artisans who work with the artists to realise their visions.
Gael Baldock
Bryan Verey
photography: Chester Nicholls
MY WORD IS MY BOND – WHEN A PROMISE BECOMES LEGALLY BINDING
We’ve all heard someone say, “Don’t worry, I’ll sort it out for you,” or “Leave it with me, I promise.”
But what happens if that promise is broken, especially when there’s no formal contract?
The law recognises that some promises shouldn’t be broken, even without a formal agreement. This principle, known as estoppel, prevents a person from going back on their word when someone else has reasonably relied on that promise and would suffer harm if it were withdrawn.
When does a promise become enforceable?
In a 2024 decision the Court of Appeal confirmed that four key elements must be proven:
Words or conduct: Has a belief or expectation been created or encouraged by the “Promisor” to the “Promisee”? This promise can be either explicitly given or implied through conduct.
· Clearly expressed: To the extent a representation is relied upon, has it been clearly and indisputably expressed? “I’ll consider assisting financially” isn’t the same as “I will pay you $2,000.00”.
Detrimental reliance: Did the other party reasonably rely on the representation to their detriment? This detriment may be financial loss, missed opportunity or another disadvantage.
Unconscionability: Would it be unconscionable for the Promisor to renege on their promise after the Promisee has relied on it to their detriment?
If the person claiming the promise acted in a way that doesn’t match their belief that the promise would be fulfilled, they’re unlikely to succeed with an estoppel claim.
Sword or Shield
Historically, the principle of estoppel was used primarily as a “shield” – that being to assist someone in defending a claim made against them. Estoppel can now be used as a “sword” – ie, a cause of action — a promise can be enforced against parties outside of an existing legal relationship. As long as the above elements are present, a claim or defence/set-off can be maintained.
Why this matters
There are legal principles that serve as safeguards against unfairness. These include situations where one party has relied on a promise to their detriment. This ensures that promises made and accepted in good faith are honoured, even in the absence of a formal contract, upholding fairness and integrity in both contractual and pre-contractual dealings.
Although estoppel does not depend on formal documentation, it is still wise to record any assurances you rely on — an email, text message, or written note can be invaluable in proving what was said. Retain clear records of any representations made and any harm suffered as a result, so you have solid evidence to support any such claim.
If you are unsure about your rights or entitlements, seek legal advice early. Timely guidance can help you identify, protect, and if necessary enforce any rights you may have.
STEINDLE WILLIAMS LEGAL, Level 2, Suite 2.1, 18 Sale Street, T: 09 361 5563, www.swlegal.co.nz
Chloe Wilson
LISA PRAGER: BEST BETS
Come along people, place your bets, the Local Body Electoral Sweepstake is about to begin.
The prestigious tri-annual race can be a dirty affair: politicos jockeying for position, back room bribes and waka jumping. But at least we the punters still get a chance to vote and affect how we are governed.
Political parties and their media trainers have been working hard promoting candidates, hoping to catch your eye and win your vote, even though you don’t have the faintest idea who they are, what they stand for or how on earth they got there. The shanty town of flimsy corflute signs clutters every corner paddock and motorway on-ramp, advertising a new batch of amateurs and a few old nags.
So before anyone breaks down my door wanting the best bets and hot tips for who to vote for this time round, let me give you the track record of the best and worst inshow.
It’s been three long years since the last scandalous local body race. Where vote fixing and sly doping were alleged. Bucking tradition, Ms G. Sage ran under the Citizens and Ratepayers (C&R) colours. Winning a place on the Waitamata Local Board she was expected to support her team, but instead she went feral and galloped over to the opposition City Vision (CV). Winning a wage of approximately $104,000 as chairperson, to many of us it looked more like a bribe than a wage. In my opinion CV and Sage should be sanctioned for their abuse of our democratic system. Voting them out of the game in October is one way to stop future match fixing.
So, who to vote for and why? I’d put money on Mike Lee for Auckland City Councillor for Waitematā. He has plenty of experience, puts up a brave fight, always runs with integrity and has a long pedigree of wins. Not the fastest out of the gate but has lots of staying power and a mind of his own. Good odds, he gets my vote.
Sarah Trotman is a winner. She is in form and race ready, her larger than life personality is obvious when parading pre race. A big heart and enthusiastic, she tops the odds in winning the community board stakes. Already recognised by the late Queen, this horse is bound to please and already has my vote.
Another worthy competitor is Gael Baldock, running as an independent for a place on the community board. She is a committed, hardworking and intelligent show pony, her political nouse and community advocacy are ribbon winning. Underrated, she has good odds and deserves your vote.
Muy Chhour is a newcomer to the field. She ran well in the K’ Rd Cup and rode hard against the Auckland Transport hacks. A good nose for business, down to earth and trains hard, she gets my vote for starters.
The well-known mare Anne Batley Burton is a favourite of the elite punters – Champagne anyone? Known for her form and charisma she is expected to be good over the distance, a tick from me.
The other stable mates in C&R are Nick Nielson, a new contender with a deep interest in saving Ponsonby Road from the two wheelers. Keen on preserving heritage, he gets my tick.
Leo Grachev is the young colt in the field, passionate about politics, a strong supporter of protecting Owairaka, he has a big future and gets my stamp of approval.
Greg Moyle and Allan Matson are the veterans of this event, they provide a steady pace and can be expected to help bring home the superfecta.
Meanwhile CV stands out as a stable in decline with a lacklustre team for this competition. However, owner Coom and trainer Chambers are experienced at manipulating the system and despite losing the race last time they managed to skew the outcome. Expect more dirty tricks from this team in the up and coming mad dash for power.
Alex Bonham, the ageing entrant for CV, is a mouthy mare, an evangelical acolyte for the bike brigade. Not a good bet.
Anahera Rawiri was born and raised on the rich pastures of Tamaki Makaurau and has some local support but is really just a pace maker and seat warmer who lacks focus on the end game. Not expected to place.
Peter Elliot is the dark horse who could be a good bet if he ignores his jockey’s instructions and makes a break for the finishing line. A talented galloper with a number of wins in his class. This horse is the best bet out of the CV stable.
The rest are just there to make up the numbers in their maiden race. Of course, Wayne Brown, aka Brownie, is the front runner, a controversial entrant in the Mayoral stakes. Clearly a shoe in. Take my advice, vote! Don’t let apathy get in the way. Go for gold, hit the jackpot and let’s win Auckland back.
Lisa Prager, Political Spectator
SARAH TROTMAN, ONZM: VOTE! MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT
Every three years, you are given the opportunity to shape the future of your city.
The upcoming local elections will run from Tuesday, 9 September 2025, through to 12 noon on Saturday, 11 October 2025, and are conducted via postal vote.
Locally, you will help choose your Ward Councillor, currently Cr. Mike Lee, and seven Waitemata Local Board Members who will represent you.
Local Democracy Is Where Real Impact Happens
No level of government is more directly involved in your daily life than your local council. The mayor, councillors, and local board members make decisions on essential matters like:
· Protecting our heritage and character
· Retaining weekly rubbish collections
· Stopping wasteful spending
· Reliable public transport
· Ensuring a safe and clean city
· Care for our environment and parks
· Support for local businesses and so much more.
By casting your vote, you help guide how rates are used, what development occurs, and how well services meet the needs of your community. Local voices are heard when people vote.
Voting Shapes Your Future — Don’t Leave It to Others
Auckland is a city undergoing rapid change. Projects like the City Rail Link and major stormwater upgrades are reshaping how people live, move and work.
If you care about how your neighbourhood looks, how affordable your city is, or whether it remains sustainable and connected, voting is your most effective tool.
Be sure to make your voice count. If only a narrow slice of the population votes, then council decisions could reflect those narrow interests. By voting, you help make the council more reflective of the communities it serves.
Your Vote Holds Elected Officials Accountable
Local democracy ensures voters can hold elected officials accountable. By paying attention to candidate policies and track records, and by casting your vote, you’re sending a clear message: the community is watching, and decisions matter.
Candidates who know they are being held accountable are more likely to act transparently, engage with the community, and honour their campaign promises.
Voting Is Simple, Accessible and Empowering
Voting in Auckland’s local elections is easy. Ballot papers are sent to your home between 9-22 September. You can
complete your vote in your own time and drop it into a voting box or send it back via post.
You don’t need to be an expert on every issue. Candidate information is mailed out and available online, so you can learn about who’s standing in your area and what they stand for. A small amount of time spent reviewing candidate profiles can lead to informed, confident voting.
Voting is empowering. It’s how you show up for your community and take part in shaping its direction. You don’t need to wait for change — voting is your opportunity to create it.
Post your vote or Drop off your vote
You should post your completed vote using any New Zealand Post box by Tuesday 7 October 2025 so it can reach us before 12 noon on election day, Saturday 11 October 2025. There will be a number of locations throughout the Auckland where you can drop off your completed voting paper. This includes some libraries, supermarkets and transport stations.
Voting in the upcoming Auckland Council elections is more than a civic responsibility — it’s a way to shape the future of yourcity.I’mstandingtobeelectedontheC&Rticket;wehave a proven track record of quality governance and listening to the people. For more information on our team visit www.c-r.nz/wards/waitemata-and-gulf
Email Sarah Trotman 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 021 487 583.
Sarah Trotman, ONZM
MEET THE NEW QUEEN OF PONSONBY
Ponsonby has a new queen and her name is Nataly.
The new owner of The Cosmetic Clinic Ponsonby's story is one of resilience, sacrifice and determination.
Nataly grew up in the favelas of Brazil where daily life was about survival. She never imagined she would travel the world until a cousin who had migrated to New Zealand offered to pay her airfare so she could try building a better life. Knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, she grabbed it with both hands.
Her new beginning came with heartbreak. On the day she arrived in Auckland, her mother passed away unexpectedly. Faced with an impossible decision – return home to grieve with family or stay and honour the opportunity – Nataly chose to stay. That choice, made through unimaginable grief, continues to fuel her work ethic and determination to succeed.
She started at the bottom, working as a cleaner and slowly building a life in her new country learning English, studying and taking on every challenge that came her way. Six years later, she is proud to call New Zealand home and even prouder to have realised one of her life goals: owning her own cosmetic clinic.
At The Cosmetic Clinic Ponsonby, Nataly’s focus is on providing safe, trusted and affordable treatments that deliver world-class results. With a highly trained team and the latest medical-grade technology, the clinic offers:
· Injectables such as anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers to soften lines and enhance natural features.
· Advanced skin treatments tailored to concerns like pigmentation, redness, acne and scarring.
· Laser treatments for both hair removal and skin rejuvenation, using industry-leading devices.
Nataly’s vision is clear: a clinic where clients feel confident and cared for (right down to coffee, homemade cakes and Brazilian delights), and where treatments enhance rather than change who they are.
With her inspiring journey and dedication to excellence, she’s bringing new energy to Ponsonby’s cosmetic scene and she’s only just getting started.
CHLÖE SWARBRICK: CO-LEADER OF THE GREEN PARTY AND MP FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL
Luxon’s Government has intentionally increased homelessness.
I’m not sure what else you are supposed to call it when the Government is warned by their own officials, experts and service providers that their intended decisions will increase homelessness, they go ahead with it anyway, and we then see the clearly predicted consequences of their decisions with an increase in homelessness.
These are political decisions, and different decisions can be made. As a result of public pressure, including through the organising we’ve been doing on the ground in Auckland Central and a thousands-strong Green petition (which you can sign via our website), in Parliament this past month the Prime Minister responded to my questions by noting the Government may backtrack. We’re asking not only that they change their callous emergency housing changes, but increase wrap-around support (which, notably, they had also cut many Government contracts for..) to ensure we end the revolving door of pain that deteriorates wellbeing and safety – for those experiencing homelessness, and society as a whole.
Not only is this the most compassionate thing to do; not only is it just the evidence-based way to actually solve the problem (the problem being homelessness). It’s also, perhaps ironically given the Government’s common rhetoric, the most cost-effective, social-investment type of approach you could possibly take – to intervene early, curtail escalation into the criminal justice system (where we spend ~$200,000 per prisoner per year for worse and worse outcomes) and broader social harm - and mitigate intergenerational patterns.
The benefit is clear when we make these kinds of investments to ensure everyone gets their basic needs met. This past month, we celebrated the opening of Auckland City Mission’s free dental service thanks to the years of work from many, many hands. Clinical lead Dr Hugh Trengrove was straight up when he said that this service will save lives. Not only can untreated dental issues cause pain and escalate to turning up in the Emergency Department (costing far more financially and in unnecessary human suffering), they can hurt employment and self-esteem in a nasty feedback loop.
This is why I’m proud to co-lead a party which has unapologetically put free dental care on the agenda. With around half of all New Zealanders reporting that they do not go to the dentist because of the insurmountable cost barrier, the level of need in our communities is startlingly obvious. We
can either choose to ignore this and let it get worse or decide as a country that we want to work together to tackle the problem through our collective resources. It would cost less than Christopher Luxon’s decisions to hand out $2.9billion in tax cuts to landlords to provide free dental to everyone in this country. As always, this is about political priorities.
In closing, it would be remiss of me not to express gratitude to the many from our electorate (and beyond) who reached out off the back of the bizarre decision from the Speaker of the House to eject me following a debate on Palestinian statehood in August. The words that he seemed to take offence to were, “If we find six of 68 government MPs with a spine, we can stand on the right side of history.” I was talking about our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill, which needs the support of just 6 of 68 Government Members to get onto the floor of the House, which would enable sanctions the equivalent to our Parliament’s sanctions of Russia for its unlawful invasion into and occupation of Ukraine.
I had not intended to be offensive and have heard far worse language used in the House with far less severe consequences. That said, I think we should all be far more offended by our Government’s refusal to act under the Genocide convention – to stop a genocide with every power we have (such as sanctions). We don’t get to pick and choose when we uphold international law – we can and must be consistent, principled, and act in line with our long-held values as a country.
DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH JOHN SCHIPPER
John Schipper is a funeral director at Natural Funerals. I asked him to tell me about his business.
We take care of the dead and look after their families, helping them to say goodbye in a way that reflects the deceased’s unique personality. Natural Funerals are based on the preference of no chemical embalming and being as ecologically friendly as possible, including caskets/coffins. However, we do embalm when it’s necessary, and we also offer traditional and contemporary funerals. Ponsonby was the birthplace of The Natural Funeral Company.
Have funerals changed over the years?
I started in 1981. It was still very Dickens’ style – funeral directors wearing tails, and smiling wasn’t permitted. Most funerals were either in a church or a chapel, and most funerals were attended by the clergy. Today we can resemble an event manager arranging venues, celebrants, catering, photo tributes, flowers, playlists and, n recent years, live streaming (this was particularly so during those Covid days). Funerals have become more relaxed and people oriented, with mourners wearing bright colours and more casual attire. We still mourn a death but tend to focus on celebrating a life’s achievements.
Funerals are a solemn time, have there been any happy or humorous times during a service?
One in particular comes to mind. I was approached to assist another funeral home for a part of a funeral they didn’t necessarily want to be a part of. The deceased was to be carried up Parnell Rise to the Cathedral from Stanley Street. About 100 of the deceased's friends and family gathered at the back of the hearse, a Dixieland jazz band was playing, everyone took turns at carrying the casket, we went into all the bars and shops he had rebuilt. It was an absolute fun morning, a happy celebratory mood.
What was your childhood like?
Brilliant, 60s and 70s in New Zealand were so laid back, neighbours knew each other, all the kids played outside from sun up to sundown, and your parents knew where you were. There would be a big heap of bikes on someone’s front lawn. Bit different from today.
Which TV series would you never miss?
There were a few. Black Adder – I love the quick wit and humour that the English have. Sopranos – I’m intrigued with the mob. Currently, it’s Mobland.
Your dream holiday?
Croatia – my wife’s family are from Podgora on the Dalmatian coastline. We try to get there when we can; it’s simply stunning.
If you were reincarnated, what would you be?
A cat, I look at ours every day and think you’re a lucky little sod!
Something you dislike about your appearance?
Wearing glasses, have been since I was five. Yup was rocking the Joe 90 look back then, much to my brother’s delight.
Which item do you wish would come back into fashion?
The 80s power dressing! Come on, we all watched Miami Vice… linen suits, big shoulder pads and even bigger hair! Everything was to excess.
Something that you disapprove of?
Disliking a sloppy handshake. It says a lot about the person. Parents at their kids’ sports matches. When I was refereeing, I saw a lot of ugly behaviour from the grown-ups.
What's the best movie you've ever seen?
Saturday Night Fever… first time to the pictures with the age restriction and snuck in slightly underage.
Ever seen a ghost?
Haven’t seen a ghost but had a strange experience back in the mid 80s. We used to transfer bodies back to the funeral home, place them in the mortuary. We did this without turning the lights on. One night, I walked between the embalming tables and I was smacked on the backside by something. I quickly turned the light on and discovered a gentleman’s hand had slipped down while I was walking past. My initial thought was that there are four of us in here and three of those are deceased….
Give your teenage self some advice?
Listen to the older heads in the room; they have a wealth of knowledge to share with you.
Tell us something very few people know about you?
Love making Lego Technics. I get lost in it.
Your greatest fear?
Heights. Not sure why you’d throw yourself off a building or aircraft if they are in perfect working order.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Always wished I could sing.
What cliché do you most hate?
Living the life. It's thrashed.
What gizmo can you simply not live without?
The cellphone. It has given Funeral Directors so much more freedom. In the early days, when on call, you had to be at home or work; we can be anywhere now.
Your greatest weakness/indulgence?
A good single malt whiskey – definitely an indulgence.
(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) PN
DESLEY SIMPSON
I’ve been to prison twice this year and thought I should tell you why.
I was keen to see what opportunities those residing at the South Auckland Corrections Facility could do to assist our city and communities through their Prison Industries Division.
One option we came up with was fixing up our broken or damaged rubbish bins.
Developing skills for those spending time at South Auckland Corrections Facility (a prison in Wiri) is a key priority for their management team. Metal work is one of a number of jobready skills learned through hands-on training at the facility.
A trial having the men repair different damaged rubbish bins we use in our parks and reserves has been completed and along with staff from our Procurement Team we went down to have a look. I’m pleased to say they did an amazing job.
We will now give them a number of our bins to fix saving us many thousands of dollars, not to mention reducing waste. It’s also affirming to know that these training and work opportunities support the men on their rehabilitation and reintegration journey.
But wait there is more….
Whilst visiting earlier this week, together we thought of other opportunities for collaboration, and these are being developed as a result.
This is a win-win.
Good for the prison – teaching a skill to those there which has a tangible outcome as well as long-term benefit.
Good for Auckland Council too. The cost associated with these repairs is very favourable by refurbishing existing resources. I look forward to sharing other success stories with you once they are finalised. PN
DESLEY SIMPSON, Deputy Mayor of Auckland www.desleysimpson.co.nz
PONSONBY NEWS ONLINE...
In case you missed the news you will be aware that we are now going fully online. I love print and have been in the magazine business since 1990, I will miss those days. Thank you to all the locals who supported our Give a Little campaign. Sadly, we didn’t quite reach our target. It’s been a tough old year and going fully online will bring us more readers, which in turn gives our loyal advertisers more bang for their buck. You can also comment on the newsfeed stories. And remember we love letters to the editor. (MARTIN LEACH)
100,000 VISITOR MILESTONE FOR BIKE HUBS SHOWS AUCKLANDERS REALLY WANT TO RIDE
An Auckland charity that started its first Bike Hub in a humble container eight years ago has just clocked up 100,000 visitors across the nine hubs it now operates.
The most popular hub is in Grey Lynn.
It’s largely thanks to Aucklanders showing up week after week to buy or donate second-hand bikes, or to learn how to maintain the bikes they already have, says EcoMatters Environment Trust’s Bike Manager Brent Bielby.
It’s also been made possible with the backing of a wide range of funders who saw the potential in EcoMatters’ original concept, plus the incredible commitment and passion of staff and volunteers – many of whom have been assisting Aucklanders since day one.
“We’re blown away by the support we’ve had from Tāmaki Makaurau, which truly shows Aucklanders want access to this type of community service in their lives. It’s all about making it easy for people to get on a bike,” adds Bielby.
In the 2024-2025 financial year alone, EcoMatters’ nine hubs have seen over 35,000 visitors; fixed 12,267 bikes with those visitors and sold 2158 bikes that were donated for refurbishment and resale. In Grey Lynn park and only in its second year of operation, this central Auckland hub topped the other eight by a healthy margin – it saw 5776 visitors; fixed 1703 bikes and sold 242 donated and refurbished bikes.
EcoMatters CEO Carla Gee adds that reaching this overall milestone shows the demand is there, not just for individuals, but for the whole family.
“I’m particularly proud that this is a space for the whole whānau to enjoy. Making cycling accessible and affordable for more people of all ages is good for our environment, our community and our health. It’s good for the health of the environment, which of course is the basis on which EcoMatters operates.”
Gee explains that one of their key focuses is making cycling accessible for short journeys that people often default to driving for: “…we know that carbon emissions can be significantly reduced by taking this ‘everyday’ approach to using a bike.”
Reaching the 100,000 mark adds weight to cycling statistics such as Auckland Transport’s monthly cycling monitor tool, showing a 4.5% YOY increase in cycling movements around the region. But Bielby believes the influence of the hubs far exceeds 100,000, because those newly empowered visitors who visit them go back home and share their skills with whānau and friends.
“Cycling counters and other tools are great, but our hubs give us a much broader, deeper picture of cycling in Tāmaki Makaurau. Our figures indicate that there are more people interested in cycling than is reported in a range of media, and this is so encouraging.” PN
Mavis!
Nick Cave: 20,000
OUR SOILS ARE IN TROUBLE
Decades of over-tilling and chemical-heavy farming have stripped them of life, leaving behind fragile ground that struggles to nourish crops or hold water.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, if current rates of degradation continue, we may have only 60 harvests left globally — and in many regions, even fewer. This crisis is as serious and urgent as climate change itself.
But there is hope — and it starts with your food scraps.
Composting restores fertility, strengthens soil structure and helps plants draw carbon from the atmosphere. By composting locally — and collecting by bike — Soil Factory also cuts emissions and keeps methane-producing waste out of landfills.
If you have food scraps piling up at the office, we’ve got you covered — and your leftovers too.
We have a weekly collection service for your office food scraps, turning them into living compost to grow more food at Kelmarna. You can help convert a 'waste' problem into a valuable resource that has significant benefits for food security, soil health and mitigating climate change.
How it works:
Soil Factory brings you a food scraps bin.
You fill it with your food scraps.
Soil Factory collects your scraps once a week on Tuesday or Thursday on an e-bike, or you drop them off.
The finished compost is returned to the soil at Kelmarna, adding fertility and structure to the vegetable beds and helping to grow more local, organic food.
It’s a simple shift with lasting impact, with minimal cost: 20L bucket: $40 + GST/month. 60L bin: $52.80 + GST/month. drop off: $30 + GST/month + $10 per extra bucket.
Reach out to us with any questions, or head to the link below for more info and to register.
And if you have a little compost envy, pop in and see us — we’ve got compost ready to give your home or work garden a little extra love. Our compost will also be available at our Seedling Sale – so mark Saturday, 18 October in your calendar.
We can't wait to welcome you to bike-powered community composting and grow something great together!
www.kelmarna.co.nz/soil-factory
HON MELISSA LEE, NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN MT ALBERT:
BACK TO BASICS: NURTURING
THE NEXT GENERATION
Earlier in August, my Youth MP, Oscar, wrapped up his time in the Youth Parliament programme before heading to the United States on a university football scholarship.
Watching him grow through the programme and speak up for his generation was inspiring. His journey is a reminder that when we invest in young people, they are capable of extraordinary things.
Here in Mt Albert, I often hear from parents and teachers who share the same message: we need to get “back to basics.” Families want their children to be confident in reading, writing and maths, and to leave school with strong foundations they can rely on for life.
That’s why the Government is focused on lifting achievement and updating how we assess success. NCEA was designed to prepare young people for life, but right now it isn’t doing that well enough. Parents are ambitious for their kids and so are we.
The proposal is to replace NCEA with a new national qualification that ensures students have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. At Year 11, a new Foundational Skills Award will make English and Maths compulsory, with a literacy and numeracy test. In Years 12 and 13, two new certificates will replace NCEA Levels 2 and 3, with clearer A–E grades so progress is easier to understand. Students will take at least five subjects, with pathways better linked to future careers.
The goal is simple: qualifications that give every child strong foundations, clear direction and confidence in their future.
At the same time, we know many parents are worried that young people are falling behind in the basics. That is why schools will now dedicate an hour each day to reading, writing and maths, with teachers supported by new resources and extra help for students who need it. Every child deserves the strongest possible start and the confidence to thrive.
These changes are about giving young people the skills and opportunities to succeed, whether they go on to university, a trade or the workforce.
This month I also joined several ethnic community events, where families came together to celebrate their heritage and help younger generations connect with their roots. In many ways, that is what education is about too: giving our young people both identity and skills to step confidently into the future. (HON MELISSA LEE) PN
National List MP based in Mt Albert Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington MPLee@parliament.govt.nz
LEYS LITTLE LIBRARY NEWS
Kia ora,
This year Māori language week is from 14 to 20 September. Here at Leys, we have decided to take this one step further and stretch out the celebration to a month, Mahura Māori. We are going to do our best to encourage you to learn a little bit more te reo by making it fun, relaxed and easy. So, we have a special edition of our free library zine with a te reo crossword, puzzles and Leys/Ponsonby-focused Te Reo dictionary. September 17 we also have a Māori Word Games session, drop in any time between 2pm-4pm.
Our book recommendation for Mahura Māori is one from our Bestie collection — Whānau. Reo Māori Phrases to Share with the People You Love by Donovan Te Ahunui Farnham and Rehua Wilson. In the introduction, the authors define ‘whānau’ as the ‘people closest to you’. And this little book is a collection of phrases to use with the important people in your life. It’s also a great way to build your Māori vocabulary by gently increasing your familiarity to new words.
The other thing happening over September at Leys is our school holiday programme. Our theme is ‘Games’, and we have everything from old fashioned board games and word games, through to digital games. We look forward to tamariki challenging their siblings and caregivers, but most of all we hope everyone enjoys themselves. Here is our programme:
Māori Word Games
Monday 22 September Drop in any time between 10:00am-12:00pm
Chess
Two dates: 24 September Wednesday and 1 October Wednesday.
Both dates at the same time: 10:00am-11:00am Please book as we have a limited number of places. leysinstitutelibraryponsonby@aklc.govt.nz
Board Games
Two dates: Friday 26 and Friday 3 October Both Drop in 2:00pm-5:00pm
Join us to play:
Bananagrams · Dominoes
· Boogle
Makey Makey
Monday 29 September 10:00-11:00am
Again, please book as we have a limited number of places. leysinstitutelibraryponsonby@aklc.govt.nz
If you are wondering — Makey Makey is a STEM educational toy. It is kit designed to connect everyday objects, which can be anything — bananas, lollies or toys to computer keys. If possible, please bring along your laptop.
It seems apt to close this newsletter with a Māori proverb that feels fitting for a library:
Whaowhia te kete mātauranga Fill the basket of knowledge
LEYS INSTITUTE LITTLE LIBRARY, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz leysinstitutelibraryponsonby@aklc.govt.nz
WAYNE BROWN:
MAYOR OF AUCKLAND
The good news is spring is finally here and it couldn’t come soon enough.
We’re overdue for calm weather following a winter not quite of discontent but nonetheless one where our communities are facing tough economic times.
RATES
Setting rates is one of the major responsibilities of council and follows months of workshops, consideration of ways to boost non rate income and deal with cost pressures in an effort to avoid large increases, particularly at a time when the economy is soft.
Following this work, council then has to consult the public, listen to feedback and finally come up with the overall rate which this year resulted in a 5.8% increase for the average value residential property.
This is the global figure applied to the council’s budget and was the lowest metropolitan rate in NZ of which council was justly proud.
How that global sum is then individually applied uses the property’s value which is determined by independent valuation service providers (Opteon and QV) and must be audited and certified by the Government’s Valuer-General. Councils have no control over this process.
This year, the Valuer-General did not certify the rating valuations until 6 June and councillors had no contact or advice about the changes in valuations although most councillors expected a drop in property valuations given the state of our economy.
No councillor was aware of the dramatic differences before certification by the Valuer-General on 6 June nor were
they aware until then of its impact on rural properties which generally either didn’t drop in value or rose slightly. Some residential areas had their values slashed severely which then accentuated the difference from their rural neighbours.
So having worked hard to keep rate rises to a minimum, councillors found that somehow they had upset rural landowners simply because these people had been adjudged to be better off than urban counterparts whose land values had crashed.
Calls for a rates’ cap simply won’t help as even if there was no rate rise the change in valuation would have transferred the burden to those whose values hadn’t fallen. A cap on the change in values, which the Government Valuer-General could certify, would be way better.
Rural and all ratepayers should understand that if the Port hadn’t been forced to be profitable and if the airport shares hadn’t been put into a Future Fund, those rate rises would have been even worse. Some councillors voted against those savings, so be careful who you criticise.
Urban dwellers had sudden value increases over recent years and shouldered more of the rates’ burden which has suddenly moved to the countryside
Be assured council is limiting rate rises but even next year the average value residential rates rise will be around 7.9% simply to pay for the City Rail Link which was commissioned years ago. A zero-rate rise would mean the $6 billion spent on this significant piece of infrastructure would have been a complete waste if we weren’t able to pay to run the trains through it. (WAYNE
BROWN)
PN
mayorofaucklandmedia@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
MIKE LEE: COUNCIL’S HIGH RISE TOWERS’ PLAN
WILL NOT HELP AFFORDABILITY BUT WILL WRECK HERITAGE NEIGHBOURHOODS
The latest intensification policies to be imposed on Auckland by the Government and Auckland Council have dismayed and angered local residents – many of whom voted at the last election in protest at similar policies of the previous government. Now they are finding it’s a case of ‘new boss same as old boss’.
The Minister leading this, Chris Bishop, has just amended the Resource Management Act which he blames (incorrectly) for the housing affordability crisis, rather than 30 years of neo-liberal policies, to give himself unprecedented directive powers over residential planning in Auckland.
On the face of it, this is for a worthy purpose, to make housing more affordable, or so the minister claims. But, of course, he does not intend tackling housing affordability as New Zealand governments once did – and very successfully – by building affordable homes and associated facilities and infrastructure and then financially assisting mainly young buyers into them. Instead, the cocksure Bishop, being a standard beltway politician, is relying on a market solution – the supply side –deregulating and massively ramping up of the number of sites zoned for potential dwellings. However, the demand side, impacted by the decades-long decline in the average income of working people (25% below that of the early 1980s) and their ability to buy a house, he studiously avoids.
We need here to go back to the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) of 2016. Driven by the Key Government (and the NZ Property Council) the AUP added c1 million new potential residential units in Auckland to the 506,000 existing consented dwellings. Then the Ardern Government’s NPS-UD, and its MDRS (Medium Density Residential Standards) of 2022 imposed 3 units of 3 storeys over wide swathes of single house zones across Auckland. This was encompassed in the council’s shambolically processed Plan Change 78. These together added another 2 million potential dwellings to those of the AUP. However, as the result of the property sector’s lobbyists who have free access to the Beehive, pushing for a more ‘targeted’ and therefore more profitable approach, Bishop has allowed the council to withdraw PC 78 with its unpopular 3 x 3 units. But, subject to his directive that any change ‘must enable the same or more capacity for development as PC78’. So we can safely assume the numbers will be at least as much as currently proposed — probably more.
So with at least 3.5 million dwellings real and potential, at, according to census figures, 2.5 persons per dwelling, this means Auckland’s population under central government dictate, and without any consultation with Aucklanders, is expected to increase from the current 1.656 million to a potential almost 9 million people! And this despite a multibillion infrastructure deficit! Madness!
Bishop’s reasoning is profoundly flawed. As the Character Coalition’s John Burns points out, an oversupply approach would work in the banana market but not the property market – as land, unlike ripening bananas, can be and is held back from the market. The extraordinary increase in potential dwellings enabled first by the Unitary Plan in 2013 and then PC 78 and MDRS in 2022 has not made any discernible dent in the affordability of houses.
Unlike Christchurch City Councillors who in 2022 effectively told the government to ‘bugger off’, Auckland Council continues to actively facilitate this. Moreover, its planners are now manipulating the public transport device of ‘walkable catchments’, extended by 50% from the recommended ‘800m on flat ground’ to 1200m, eg, up College Hill. This to enable developers to reach into the desirable northern slopes of St Marys and Herne Bays. The objective to replace a unique historic townscape of beautiful historic villas with walls of 15 storey, 50m high apartment towers, with 6 storey blocks almost everywhere else. Yet council has no plans to complete separation of sewage from stormwater here for 15 years. Thankfully Ponsonby and Grey Lynn are still largely spared — so far (the latter as a result of an AUP intensification exchange which I won with the support of then Mayor Len Brown in 2013).
Rather than solving the problem of housing affordability, the replacement of one bad plan with an arguably even worse plan, is all about maximising the developer sector profits, while wrecking the amenity, stealing the views and often the sun of existing residents. When will the Mayor and council stop kowtowing to out of touch and out of depth ministers in Wellington and the special interest lobbyists, and stand up for Auckland and its long-suffering ratepayers? (MIKE LEE) PN
www.mikelee.co.nz
A MASSIVE FUNDRAISING DINNER
By celebrity chef Peter Gordon in support of Massive Theatre Company.
World-renowned New Zealand chef Peter Gordon ONZM will prepare a whānau style three-course fundraising dinner to support one of the longest-running theatre companies in Aotearoa, Massive Theatre Company.
This unforgettable evening of celebration will feature entertainment by award-winning comedian Kura Forrester, an arts and culture quiz and fabulous auction items up for grabs – with all proceeds going towards supporting Massive’s ongoing mahi in the arts community, which includes dozens of free annual workshops for young people and countless hours of professional development for emerging and professional artists.
Expect laughs and captured moments of what Massive means to the performing arts community, in the company of Massive’s current members, which include Beulah Koale (Tinā, Hawaii Five-0), Dominic Ona-Ariki (One Lane Bridge), Bubbah (Tina from Turners) and Scotty Cotter (Dead Ahead). As well as many more.
"This is more than a fundraiser — it’s a chance to celebrate the massive impact this company has had on so many lives. We're a whānau opening our doors to share food, stories and what Massive means to people. After 34 years of our
company, we’re inviting you to celebrate the past and look forward to the future with our first ever fundraising event.”
– Sam Scott MNZM, Founder/Artistic Director.
About Massive Theatre Company
Massive Theatre Company is a multigenerational, professional physical ensemble theatre company based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Since its establishment in 1991, Massive has been creating new theatre with emerging and professional actors, directors and writers. Work that comes from real stories, reflecting the rich diversity of Aotearoa.
Massive is also a leading company in developing artists. Through access to free workshops and ongoing mentoring/ training, emerging artists are able to become a part of the company from age 14 and stay with Massive throughout their professional career. Massive is a pathway, a whānau and a way to create excellent theatre.
The Covert Theatre in Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby is NZ’s homeofimprovisedcomedy. With workshops and shows every night of the week there is something for everyone.
Be sure to check out www.coverttheatre.com
KEN RING: WEATHER BY THE MOON AUCKLAND WEATHER DIARY, OCTOBER 2025
For October, expect average rain, with slightly above average sun. Temperatures may be slightly cooler because the wind may average southerly. The first week may be the cloudiest, while the second and third weeks may bring the highest pressures and most settled weather. The fourth week may be the wettest with the lowest air pressures. The barometric average may be around 1013mbs. The best weekend for outdoor activities may be the 18th/19th.
For fishermen, the highest tide is on the 9th, which is the fifth highest for the year. The best fishing bite times in the east may be around dusk of 6th-8th, and 21st-23rd. Bite chances are also good around lunchtimes of 1st, 13th-16th, and 29th-31th.
For gardeners, planting is best from 23rd – 26th, (waxing moon ascending), and pruning from 8th-12th (waning moon descending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, harvest crops or flowers around the neap tides of the 1st, 16th and 30th. Allow 24-hour error for all forecasting.
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.
PONSONBY NEWS ONLINE...
In case you missed the news you will be aware that we are now going fully online. I love print and have been in the magazine business since 1990, I will miss those days. Thank you to all the locals who supported our Give a Little campaign. Sadly, we didn’t quite reach our target. It’s been a tough old year and going fully online will bring us more readers, which in turn gives our loyal advertisers more bang for their buck. You can also comment on the newsfeed stories. And remember we love letters to the editor. (MARTIN LEACH)
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TE RIMUTAHI
SEPTEMBER 2025 UPDATE
By the time of publication, Te Rimutahi will have been officially opened for four months. BRAVO!
The ‘soft opening’ (when the construction fences were taken down, enabling the community to finally access and enjoy the new civic space), happened in early May this year, following a dawn blessing by mana whenua. The formal opening, hosted by the Waitematā Local Board, took place on Saturday, 17 May — a fortuitously beautiful, sunny day after the early morning fog had lifted.
Te Rimutahi was a long time in the making, and is tangible evidence of what a group of determined community advocates can achieve. In 2015, the Waitematā Local Board initiated the Community-Led Design (CLD) process, with CLD referring 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, 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 between the project team and you, our stakeholders.
This produced multiple community benefits, including:
- Putting local people at the heart of changes made to their neighbourhood.
- Improving civic participation to ensure a more democratic outcome.
- Creating a strong sense of community by strengthening people’s attachment to their neighbourhood.
Informed by the community through the years of sustained, ongoing support and engagement in the CLD process, it’s heartwarming now that Te Rimutahi has opened, that the community has responded to this wonderful civic amenity with such exuberance!
We had pop-up dancing with Michael Parmenter MNZM, on the very first evening Te Rimutahi opened. Since then, the Lindy-hoppers and Kizomba have held numerous pop-up dance events under the canopy on the wooden floor. And it’s such a delight to discover the dancing when strolling through Te Rimutahi of an evening.
Through the wet winter months, the space has been full of life with children exploring, friends meeting up, lunchers lunching, people investigating, dogs sniffing and much, much more.
Te Rimutahi, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road, was always envisioned as a place of diversity and inclusion, where everyone would be welcome, to be an urban oasis that is good for the people, good for the environment and good for Tāmaki Makaurau. The beautiful civic space that is Te Rimutahi is all this and more, and is available for all the residents, visitors and local businesses to access, enjoy and delight in.
BRAVO! The CLDG couldn’t be happier with the result!
See you at Te Rimutahi soon and don’t forget to VOTE in the Local Body elections.
For more information or to contact the Community-Led Design Group, please see our Instagram page _te_rimutahi our website: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or our Facebook pages: Te Rimutahi, or 254 Ponsonby Road.
www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz
photography: Sam Gould
HELEN WHITE, MP FOR MT ALBERT: UNEMPLOYMENT RISING UNDER OUT-OF-
TOUCH NATIONAL
When Nicola Willis was questioned about the alarmingly high unemployment rate under her and Christopher Luxon’s watch (now 5.2%), she said that people needed to take it less ‘personally'.
This is a tone-deaf and inhumane mindset that makes me worried about people in our community being further undermined.
I spent 25 years as an employment lawyer because good employment is so valuable to people. Making sure that there are secure, well-paying jobs should be a top priority for any government. Losing a job is one of the most soul-destroying, disempowering things that can happen to a person. Its ramifications ripple out to the whānau beyond that person too. It destabilises families, particularly those with the least capital. The money people have saved up to pay the rent or the mortgage quickly runs out. As the MP for Mt Albert, I get to see the very real and personal price people are paying for this.
I also see this damage in my portfolios as Labour’s spokesperson for the Community and Voluntary Sector and the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence. I recently met with a drug rehabilitation centre and visited our domestic violence and drug courts. A secure job, a stable home and decent healthcare are integrally linked to getting people out of violent relationships and avoiding or recovering from drug addiction.
Nicola Willis is not the only member of the National Government making out-of-touch comments on the value of a well-paid job. In recent weeks, I’ve also heard a similar speech from the Prime Minister given to audiences of both the Indian and Pakistani communities. I’ve heard variations of this speech to many different audiences of ethnic communities over his term in government; Luxon congratulates the audience on coming to New Zealand and bringing their work ethic, often working two or more jobs to get ahead. This disturbs me because I want New Zealand to be a place where people can get ahead with one well-paid job, not scraping by and having to work two or more. I want to see migrants offered this opportunity as our country grows.
There is a disdain for the rest of the population implicit in Luxon’s framing, which I think is patronising and utterly outof-touch. Many in the audience have been living in New Zealand all their lives; others have come here with valuable and cutting-edge qualifications. Where would we be without, for example, workers in healthcare and IT, who have chosen to come and help New Zealand grow?
How did the Prime Minister and a senior minister in a new Government become so out-of-touch so fast? The PM has an electorate and plenty of opportunity to connect with people. It is one of the pleasures of the job of an MP: people open their homes and communities to you. The nature of the representative role means Government MPs should be seeing the devastation they are causing by not building a job-rich economy. Not prioritising growing well paid jobs and staying in employment is harming the community I represent, and I get to see it every day. Don’t they?
Under Labour, we had record-low unemployment. Since then, unemployment has steadily been rising, even more
dramatically for some groups. If your teenager tells you that it’s hard to find a job, they are not just making an excuse. Youth unemployment is 20.7 percent for 15 to 19-year-olds and 8 percent for 20 to 24-year-olds. The unemployment rate in the Auckland region increased 1.5 percent in the last year, from 4.6 percent in June 2024 to 6.1 percent in June 2025. The underutilisation rate (the underemployed) has risen 3.5 percentage points in the same period (Stats NZ).
People warned me that being in opposition was tough because I have a front-row seat to watch the damage being done in the wake of decisions based on a hugely different value set. Leaders have got to be focused and grounded in the experience of the day-to-day struggle of ordinary New Zealanders.(HELEN WHITE) PN
If you’ve ever watched HBO’s ‘Succession', you’ll know what happens when there’s no clear plan for who takes over a business. Cue power struggles, drama and, potentially, chaos. While your business might not be a multi-billion-dollar media empire, the same principle applies – without a solid succession plan, things can start to unravel.
What is succession planning?
Succession planning is the process of deciding who will take over the leadership, ownership or both when you step back or out of the business – this may be in the context of retirement, a sale, illness or a well-earned break. It’s not just for big corporations, even small and medium-sized businesses need a plan to ensure continuity.
Why start now?
Many business owners put succession planning off, assuming it’s years away. But life doesn’t always follow your timetable. A plan made under pressure often leads to poor decisions, unnecessary stress and unexpected tax bills.
Three key reasons to start early:
1. Preserve business value: A planned transition or exit keeps the business stable and attractive to buyers or future leaders. A rushed handover can disrupt operations, reduce profitability and scare off customers or suppliers.
2. Protect relationships: Whether transferring control to family, staff or an external buyer, a clear plan and effective communication can help align expectations and avoid misunderstandings and resentment.
3. Manage tax implications: Transferring shares, selling assets or restructuring ownership can trigger tax consequences. With time on your side, you can work with your accountant to plan a tax efficient exit and protect the wealth you’ve built.
What does a good succession plan cover?
1. Clear goals: Do you want to sell, hand over to family or transition to management?
2. Leadership development: Lining up the next generation of leaders and ensuring they have the skills and experience required takes time.
3. Valuation and sale strategy: Understand what your business is worth and how you intend to structure the deal.
4. Ownership transfer details: How shares, assets or control will be passed on.
5. Contingency planning: Build in some flexibility and options, expect the unexpected.
Family Matters
Family businesses bring extra complexity. Emotions, expectations and differing visions for the future can frustrate even the best intentions. It’s worth having open conversations and engaging with your trusted advisor early. That way, decisions can be made that seek to align both business and family goals.
Your next steps
You don’t need to map out every detail immediately. Start with clarifying your goals and building a realistic timeline. Take control and make sure you decide what happens next. PN
Disclaimer – While all care has been taken, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.
ARE YOU A SENIOR LEADER IN YOUR ORGANISATION, OR ASPIRING TO BE ONE?
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YOUTUBE SUPERSTAR’S MRBEAST BURGER LAUNCHES IN NEW ZEALAND
ON 29 AUGUST
The wait is over, New Zealand! The world’s most viral burger brand, MrBeast Burger, created by YouTube megastar Jimmy Donaldson (aka MrBeast), is officially opened last month and it’s bringing the flavour, the hype and the freebies.
The menu includes fan favourites like the Beast Style Burger, Chandler Style Burger, Nashville Chicken and Crinkle Fries, all available through UberEats and DoorDash, or swing by the takeaway-only store in Auckland for a taste of internetfamous goodness.
To kick things off in true MrBeast style, burger lovers will score a free MrBeast Burger shoe charm with their order – because your shoes deserve swag too. And all launch weekend long, every order came with a free can of Pepsi which kept the good vibes (and taste buds) flowing.
“MrBeast Burger has taken the world by storm but for us it’s not just about the hype, it’s about making tasty burgers,” says VBNZ Co-founder and MrBeast Burger NZ operator Dec Penfold.
“We’re bringing an iconic American burger brand and giving it a Kiwi twist. From the pickles to the patties, nearly every ingredient is sourced from local New Zealand producers. It’s all about quality, consistency and flavour.”
MrBeast Burger NZ will operate as a delivery-first model, partnering with high-performance commercial kitchens. The Auckland store will offer takeaway only, with more locations launching across New Zealand very soon.
Keep an eye on MrBeast Burger NZ’s social media (@mrbestburgernz) for exclusive giveaways and prizes.
KOL RESTAURANT GOES ‘PAY AS YOU FEEL’
FOR THURSDAYS IN SEPTEMBER
Ponsonby’s KOL Restaurant is adding some fun to its offering this September, giving diners the chance to eat well, pay what they feel, and support a charity – all at the same time.
Run by Ruchi and Sapan Parikh (pictured right) – the duo behind successful Auckland eateries The Spice Rack in Albany and The Red Fort in Greenhithe – KOL is introducing a Pay As You Feel set menu every Thursday evening in September (bookings only), with 20% of revenue being split between four charities close to their hearts: KiwiHarvest, Starship Foundation, Auckland City Mission, and Make-A-Wish NZ.
There will be three sessions every Thursday in September: 12 noon - 1.30pm, 5pm - 6.30pm and 7pm - 8.30pm and bookings will be essential due to seating capacity limits. “We are so excited to be doing this,” says Ruchi. “It’s a win-win for everyone, our chefs get to create something different for a night, our customers can enjoy an amazing dining experience and pay what they feel it’s worth, and we get to support causes we care deeply about. We hope to see a mix of diners – those who want to support their favourite charity while having a nice meal out, and those who have been curious to try KOL for the first time.
The Parikhs are especially passionate about organisations supporting children, whether they are living with illness or struggling through the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. “We would love to meet some new faces in our local community and beyond, especially those who love the same charities we do.”
To reserve a table for 'Pay As You Feel' Thursdays this September, visit www.kolauckland.co.nz/reservations
FACES AT GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET
Gus Crawford is a recent addition to Grey Lynn Farmers Market, selling oysters and seafood.
Where did you grow up?
In rural Southland. I was lucky to spend my holidays on Stewart Island and enjoy delicious regional specialties –lamb, crayfish, scallops, blue cod, oysters and mutton bird.
Did you continue an agriculture path after school?
Yes — I went to Lincoln University where I crammed a oneyear agriculture diploma into two years. My first job was as a livestock agent in Huntly, and my OE was in South Africa where I managed a cattle feedlot. When I came back home, I had roles as Ops manager, and later as GM, setting up a cattle feedlot and processing plants, supplying beef, salami and beef jerky to Japan and producing beef patties for McDonalds. Those markets demanded extremely high standards of quality, hygiene and presentation.
When did you switch from agriculture to aquaculture?
I took on a GM role for an oyster company in Warkworth with farms in the Bay of Islands, the Kaipara Harbour and the Mahurangi Harbour. Then, 10 years ago I took an opportunity to buy into some abandoned oyster farms in the Kaipara Harbour.
What is it like working in the ocean?
Fascinating — every day in the harbour is different. Seals, rays, an abundance of juvenile shrimp, mullet and kahawai can all be spotted. It is reassuring seeing millions of inanga (glass eels) returning home from the Pacific islands — a good indication of the health of the harbour.
Best work story?
One day, the team spotted a pod of stranded orca and wanted to know whether to get on with the harvest or help the whales. It was an easy choice — those whales were lucky that the barge had a pump to spray them with saltwater until the tide came in and they refloated. When the pumps started spraying, the adult whales made a distinctive call that calmed the babies and stopped their distressing cries.
So, you look after the harbour?
Yes — our oysters need a healthy harbour to thrive, and we have a responsibility to ensure that the environment is maintained for future generations. We regularly use the barge to collect rubbish from the top of the harbour – it was horrifying to see the amount of plastic that turned up after cyclone Gabrielle. The one thing we do daily is feed the eels — they get quite aggressive if we don’t give them an oyster or two.
Tell me about the oysters.
Oysters are amazing creatures. Each oyster can filter in excess of100 litres of water a day – it needs to be great water if we want great oysters. That’s why we close the farm for five days after heavy rainfall events. And I’m always amazed that oysters happily sit out of the water in the heat of the day during summer low tides.
What has Grey Lynn Farmers Market been like for you?
We already have loyal customers who come back each week. And I’ve been delighted by the range of conversations I have had with people at the market. It isn’t just about selling fresh oysters. People are sharing stories about their lives and things happening in the neighbourhood. It’s uplifting being part of such a positive, friendly environment.
What are you selling?
Oysters, of course. Oysters in their shells for the full experience, and pottles for a convenient option. I also sell kaimoana from our Warkworth shop – fish pies, smoked fish, smoked mussels, mutton birds and frozen fish fillets. Hopefully, we’ll also have some fresh fish from Leigh fisheries soon.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Spending time with my kids and my granddaughters is lovely. I also like to tinker and make arty things when I have some spare time. You might notice that I sometimes bring quirky walking sticks that I have made. And I like to draw old buildings in pen and ink – maybe I should have ignored my high school careers advisor who cautioned against being an architect –but then again, I may not have had the opportunity to work out on the Kaipara. PN
CASCADE COFFEE IS A NEW BRAND LAUNCHED BY REUBEN SOMERFORD
We asked him to tell us his story.
Are you crazy about coffee?
Absolutely! For me, it’s more than just a drink, it’s a daily ritual and a connection point for people. I’m constantly fascinated by how different origins have such unique flavour profiles and how much care goes into the roasting process. Part of my drive with Cascade is helping others discover that depth and variety and showing that great coffee doesn’t have to come from a big supermarket brand.
After finishing university and working my way through a series of accounting jobs, things just weren’t clicking. Work just felt like work and I knew something had to change.
The one part of each day I consistently looked forward to was making my morning coffee at the office machine. I’d practise latte art, trying to make it better than the last, and on my days off I found myself wondering about all the processes that led to that daily cup.
One day, I decided to order myself some green (unroasted) coffee beans and experiment in the flat kitchen at roasting my own coffee. It was chaotic, smoke alarms went off, flatmates panicked, but it was fun, and I thought, maybe there’s something in this.
I put my dormant creativity to work, sketching out Cascade’s first packaging designs with a former colleague. After a supportive conversation with a close friend, I decided to go all in. Cascade Coffee Co. was incorporated in July 2024, the website followed soon after, and by February 2025 we launched our first product: the Brazil Peaberry.
There are so many players in this market, how does Cascade fit in?
Cascade focuses on being local, transparent and personal. We specialise in single-origin coffee and locally roasted and encapsulated pods, which give people a sustainable, high-quality alternative to mass-produced supermarket pods. Because I’m small and community based, I can connect directly with customers at Grey Lynn Farmers market or through subscriptions, and tailor what I do to what people actually want. It’s a more personal experience compared to the larger players.
Do you deliver to homes or just to businesses?
Both! We deliver nationwide to households through our website, and we also supply to local businesses who want good coffee for their staff or customers. A big part of our growth has been through online orders, where people love
Reuben Somerford
the convenience of having specialty coffee shipped directly to their door.
What challenges have you faced?
Like many small businesses, balancing time and resources has been the biggest challenge. I’ve had to learn everything from building a website to packing orders to managing inventory. At the same time, competing in a crowded market against large, established brands has meant I’ve had to focus on telling my story, being adaptive and staying true to my values. It’s been a learning curve and a rewarding one.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Cascade started as a personal experiment but has quickly grown into something bigger. My focus now is on making specialty coffee simple and convenient, bringing café-quality beans, grinds and pods directly into people’s homes. At the same time, Cascade is a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come from chasing curiosity and having the courage to take the leap.
And, here we are at our last port on this year's World Cruise.
The last time that I’ll get to hang over the side of the ship from my balcony and watch the pilot boats drop off the harbour pilot, watch the crew battle with distance lasers and springer lines and the last time that I’ll have the Captain personally warn me as I disembark not to be late back to the ship… again. Honestly, he’s a bit presumptive, I’ve only been late a couple of times.
Our last port rises 20,000 feet from the floor of the North Atlantic Ocean on the edge of the African Tectonic plate and is a ‘shield’ volcano. Its exposed flanks support the thriving city of Funchai, the capital of Madeira. Born out of fire and sculpted by time, the island is deeply Portuguese in culture with a style heavily influenced by wider Europe.
On approach, you can see the volcano's slopes covered in colourful houses with iconic tiled roofs, poking out of great swathes of colourful bougainvillea — it’s truly a jewel in the Portuguese tourism crown.
Evolved over the last 600 years, Madeira’s narrow laneways and byways hold a multitude of bars and restaurants that spill out from the plastered buildings onto streets paved with cobblestones. The detritus filling the narrow paths with colour and the smells of home cooking.
A Mediterranean climate blesses the island, although Funchal in summer can be stifling hot and in the past the wealthy residents tended to retire to their mountain retreats to escape the heat; but now many of those same palacio’s have been converted into luxurious hotels surrounded by centuries old exotic gardens, cooling water features and beautifully decorated churches.
The streets of the old town are paved in coloured mosaics, patterned in two toned volcanic basalt typical of other volcanic islands. In the days before street lamps the luminescent white stones reflected different patterns. Either suffering from a little too much to drink or the failing light, it created a reflective patterned map in order for you to find your way to your destination.
Known as ‘Calcada Portugese’, the stones are a dying art but they create an atmospheric streetscape that highlights our own dull grey asphalts.
One of the island’s famous tourist pastimes, is sitting in cane baskets and being sent sliding down the mountain’s roads to the city below. In previous times, it was a way of getting the vegetables down to the markets. Now, it is just an extreme tourist excursion. Few of its patrons realise that a number of tourists die each year doing the horrendously scary descent, but that little piece of information is quietly hidden from earshot.
I did it years ago. Once was enough and, funnily enough, you wouldn't catch a local doing it either.
I felt that today I didn't have the need to race off to do the typical tourist excursions because Funchal just begs for a relaxing day of just walking and taking in the beautiful scenery. So we, the usual suspects, hopped on the shuttle bus towards the centre of town making our way to the local market and its famous bar on the roof where the menu was too tempting to decline and one drink led to another and another…
The day progressed and we sat watching the sun arc above us and then sink slowly over the yard arm.
A guitarist entertained us with ‘Fado’, the local blues folksongs of lost sailors, broken hearts and inconsolable love while, in the background, the mournful cry of a ship's horn accompanied the music along with the tempo.
What? A ship's horn? What time is it? Who adjusted their watch to match island time? What time were we due back at the ship?
In a panic we bolted for the nearest exit, leaving our half finished cocktails and a generous tip on the checkered tablecloth and hailed the nearest cab. “To the Port and don’t spare the horses,” we exclaimed.
The narrow alleyways, the treelined paths and the curving roads we navigated in record time on just about two wheels the whole way as we careered around the narrow streets, making it up the gangway just in time.
I’m pretty sure I even saw the Captain on the flybridge waggle his finger to me as we disappeared into the depths of the ship. Whew! At least it’s the last port, I won’t have to worry about missing the ship again, at least until next year and hopefully, by that time the Captain will have forgotten.
(ROSS THORBY) PN
PONSONBY CENTRAL CELEBRATES THREE MAJOR OPENINGS IN ONE WEEK
Ponsonby Central is buzzing after a landmark week of openings that brought even more flavour, energy and excitement to the heart of Ponsonby.
The highly anticipated LSKD flagship store drew massive crowds, with queues snaking around the block from as early as 3am on opening day. The opening marked LSKD’s most successful launch in New Zealand to date and stands as a cornerstone in the direction Ponsonby Central is moving –building a precinct that combines world-class retail, dining and experiences all in one place.
Adding to the momentum, Pie Rolla’s has officially opened its doors, bringing bold new energy (and pies) to the precinct.
“We love the energy and diversity of Ponsonby Central and when the opportunity arose to open Pie Rolla’s there, we jumped at the chance. The dynamic and fun atmosphere of Ponsonby Central fits perfectly with the Pie Rolla’s brand. Our commitment to deliver THE best pies, baked fresh daily with
only the finest ingredients in our own neighbourhood is also very cool!” said the team at Pie Rolla’s.
Alongside this, The Treatory has returned to Ponsonby Central with a refreshed kiosk space. Formerly known as The Vegan Treatory, the much-loved spot is back with their signature cookies and an updated brand identity, ready to reconnect with loyal fans and welcome new ones.
Together, these three openings reflect the next chapter for Ponsonby Central – one that continues to embrace authenticity, diversity and the precinct’s unique laneway culture, while drawing in some of the most exciting local and international names.
PHIL
PARKER:
FEAR OF PEOPLE AND NUMBERS
Okay. Not your typical wine column intro.
Anyway… I just turned 69 years old this August. And, after almost 70 years on planet Earth, I’m finally fairly comfortable in my albeit slightly wrinkly skin. For whatever reason, like so many other folks, I have discovered that I am neurodivergent. And, in my case, it is also layered with depression and social anxiety and a tad of OCD. I got the Warehouse boom box pack of mental fireworks at birth. Thanks a lot Universe.
Anyway, I am blessed with loving friends, family and whanau and a whole bunch of dear colleagues in wine and the hospo businesses who engage with me regularly. One Prozac a day has also helped heaps over the last 30 years.
I am trying to raise awareness of my neurodivergent trait of dyscalculia. It’s the arithmetic version of dyslexia – a complex suite of inability relating to mental arithmetic, rote learning, pattern recognition and a whole bunch more. It affects around 4% of the population and is largely off the radar for learning disorders. Many kids slip through the gaps. I would love that they had the support and recognition that could make their lives so much better.
This year, I spoke at the SPELD NZ national conference about this disorder. And here we go – wine!
Main Divide North Canterbury Riesling 2024 - $27
Epic riesling from Pegasus Bay’s second tier label. So good. No, really. Buy now. Elegant and light bodied, yet a fruit bomb of flavour. A hint of spritzy CO2. Bursting with crisp ripe Braeburn apple, raisins, sultanas, jasmine, honeysuckle and mandarin citrus.
Available: pegasusbay.com
Food match: Slow-cooked pork winter casserole. Aperitif with cheese board or Vietnamese cuisine.
Main Divide North Canterbury Chardonnay 2024 - $22
Excellent value. A hint of flinty minerality. Yet full bodied and creamy with soft acids, buttery yeasty brioche, canned peach, toasty vanilla oak and ripe mandarin citrus. 13.% ABV
Available: pegasusbay.com
Food Match: A rich, creamy chowder or seafood pasta.
Babich Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2024$37
I have been searching for a buttery NZ chardonnay for months, and this one ticks all the boxes. Soft acids, creamy and integrated flavours of spicy oak, a hint of manuka honey, canned peach and cashew nut. 14% ABV. My current favourite.
I just ordered a dozen.
Available: thegoodwine.co.nz
Food Match: As above.
Main Divide North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2023 - $27
Again, great value. Bold and assertive, with 13% ABV. Spiced plums, black cherry, smoky bacon and umami soy. A lengthy dry finish.
Available: pegasusbay.com
Food match: Pasta with truffle and mushroom sauce.
Main Divide North Canterbury Merlot Cabernet 2023 - $22
Merlot dominant. But with that typical dusty cabernet trait. Plums and baking spice, with vegetal earthy beetroot, plus black olive, black liquorice, cassis and a hint of tawny port.
Available: pegasusbay.com
Food match: BBQ steak or a rich tomato-based pasta dish.
(PHIL PARKER) PN
www.finewinetours.co.nz, phil.parker@xtra.co.nz
host, Phil Parker, wine writer · Boutique tours to Waiheke Island & Kumeu · Bespoke Fun Wine quizzes by arrangement
- Gusto Italiano -
Photography: Babiche Martens
photography: Alex McVinnie
SARITA SOLVIG BLANKENBURG: AYURVEDA – THE ART OF LIVING WELL
Digestive Health: Reset Your Microbiome with Ayurveda
Spring is on our doorstep, a natural revival after months of cold, wet weather that slowed routines and encouraged heavier eating. If winter has left you reaching for comfort food, moving less and feeling a bit heavier, you’re not alone. The season’s cold, wet rhythm often brings lethargy, brain fog, pale, congested skin and a sluggish digestive system.
In Ayurveda, Agni (digestive fire) stands at the centre, transforming food into nourishment and supporting clear elimination. When Agni is strong, energy is steady and skin glows. When Agni is out of balance, everything feels stuck.
Ayurveda describes four different states of Agni. Sama Agni is balanced, with a clear mind, regular appetite and easy elimination. Vishama Agni, linked to Vata dosha, is unpredictable, often associated with gas and bloating. Tikshna Agni, linked to Pitta dosha, can be fiery and hot which may lead to hyperacidity and heartburn. Manda Agni, linked to Kapha dosha, is slow, presenting as heaviness, fluid retention and weight gain. In an Ayurvedic consultation we assess your current state of Agni, dosha imbalances and look at the root cause of any health issues. Your customised treatment plan includes diet and lifestyle recommendations, herbal medicine and treatments and help to regain your health and wellbeing.
To reset the state of an imbalanced digestive system, Ayurveda uses a variety of herbal formulas. For Vishama Agni, Hingvashtaka Churna is a classic calming blend that eases cramping, releases trapped wind and steadies appetite. If constipation is part of the digestive issue, Triphala tones the bowel and supports regularity while gently cleansing without creating dependency. For Tikshna Agni with hyperacidity and heartburn, Avipattikara cools and soothes, reducing burning and sourness while maintaining healthy downward flow. For Manda Agni, Trikatu (‘three pungents’) kindles a slow metabolism, mobilises Kapha and helps your system handle heavier foods with greater ease.
Our microbiome, the ecosystem of beneficial bacteria in our gut, works hand in hand with Agni. A diverse, well-fed microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids that nourish
the gut lining, regulate inflammation and stabilise mood and energy. In practical terms: favour warm, freshly cooked meals, eat at regular times, enjoy fibre-rich vegetables, legumes and whole grains, and season generously with digestive spices that suit your state of Agni and doshic constitution. When the microbiome thrives, Sama Agni, a balanced digestive system, follows.
For a deeper seasonal reset, Ayurveda offers Panchakarma, a structured purification therapy that combines cleansing meals, internal oleation, therapeutic treatments and individually selected detoxifying procedures. Its purpose is to loosen and clear Ama (metabolic waste), rekindle digestive fire and rebalance the microbiome from the inside out. Spring is the ideal season to lighten up and start your detox.
At Ayurveda New Zealand, we offer a customised two-week Panchakarma programme, along with the digestive aids and dosha-specific spice mixes above through our Sattva Botanicals product range.
Ready to trade winter heaviness for clarity and spring glow?
Visit our website or book your Ayurvedic consultation and let’s bring your digestion and your energy back to balance.
St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is proud to present –from Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāariki Kaiputahi, Katherine Winitana, whose diverse musical journey spans contemporary music, jazz and opera. Katherine initially launched into the creative industry as a jazz singer before pursuing a Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey University, where she graduated in 2018 and was honoured as the inaugural recipient of the Vodafone New Zealand Music Award. Her passion for classical singing was sparked after participating in the Project Prima Volta programme, which marked the beginning of her transition to, and rapid immersion into, opera and classical music.
She was accepted into the NZ Opera School and completing with First Class Honours in Classical Voice, followed by two years as a Dame Malvina Major Studio Artist with NZ Opera. Katherine has recently completed her Master’s Degree at the University of Waikato and is excited to share her passion for music and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of New Zealand opera.
Conductor Luka Venter (they/them) is an award-winning composer and conductor from Te Whanganui-a-Tara l Wellington. Currently a 2024 Conducting Fellow with the NZSO, Luka is mentored by James Judd and Hamish McKeich including extensive workshops with the NZSO and the NZSO National Youth Orchestra, masterclasses with Gemma New and Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and assisting Gemma New and Holly Mathieson in works by Shostakovich and Berlioz, alongside works by Dorothy Kerr, Toru Takemitsu.
Venter’s music has been variously workshopped, performed and recorded. July 2023 saw the world première of a new chamber opera Lanternfish at London's Barbican Centre, commissioned by the Guildhall School, as well as the world première of Ulysses, a dramatic scene for solo baritone.
St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished orchestra performing a wide repertoire of music specifically providing performance opportunities for NZ 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 and Hobson Streets. www.smco.org.nz
Sun 14 Sept at 2.30pm
Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis Barber Knoxville: Summer of 1915 Op 24 Rousel Le Festin de l’araignée, Symphonic Fragments Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte Haydn Symphony No 64 in A ‘Tempora mutantur’
soloist Katherine Winitana conductor Luka Venter
st matthew-in-the-city
Cnr of Wellesley & Hobson Street, Auckland City programme
Gilbert & George were interviewed by Evan Woodruffe for our August 2022 Issue
Check our Ponsonby News website, and social media pages for the latest information to find out about local businesses and issues. Scan the QR code and sign up via our website to get a reminder when the new issue is published online.
PEARL
Aquarius (the Water Carrier)
21 January - 19 February
You have always been able to work well with others and you find that you can make any collaboration work well for you. Instead of rushing to the finish line on your own, you will get points if you all cross together.
Pisces (the Fishes)
20 February - 20 March
Working hard is second nature to you but you have found that you have become obsessed with getting to the end result. You could talk or share any concern you have with your co workers and you’ll find they are all on board.
Aries (the Ram)
21 March - 20 April
You are ok with the idea that you have no leisure time left and you have to get back to some sort of normality but you hate knowing that you can’t be as impulsive anymore. Try and relax back into your routine and everything will fall into place.
Taurus (the Bull)
21 April - 21 May
You are definitely at home this month in your own skin as your confidence rises allowing you to accomplish those tasks that you have been putting aside lately. Nothing is beyond your reach as you easily balance both sides of your life for once.
Gemini (the Twins)
22 May - 21 June
You’re fighting against something that you may never win and for once you are not able to meet any of your obligations. You may have to prioritise a few things in your life but the outcome will be a big surprise.
Cancer (the Crab)
22 June - 22 July
Sometimes you have to do the things that aren’t important just to maintain a life that gives you all the freedom that you need. Just keep your eye on now rather than what is going to come – you can still alter any outcome.
Leo (the Lion)
23 July - 21 August
You have been at a crossroads for quite some time now and you are still unsure of which way to go. Don’t fight any obstacles or come up with any excuses, just let yourself be guided and you will discover you’re at a place that is comfortable to you.
Virgo (the Virgin)
22 August - 23 September
Whatever you seem to be doing this month is coming across as new and exciting but in reality you’ve been here before. Relax and just plough full steam ahead with the knowledge that you know exactly what you are doing.
Libra (the Scales)
24 September - 23 October
There is no need to keep juggling your life the way you’ve been leading it recently. Now is the time to unravel work-related commitments with personal ones and completely separate the two.
Scorpio (the Scorpion)
24 October - 22 November
You really have this tougher than thou attitude and it’s getting on the nerves of those you shouldn’t really be aggravating. Don’t second guess what’s needed, just go along for the ride for once.
Sagittarius (the Archer)
23 November - 22 December
When you realise there is no way you can avoid what’s coming, you will begin to relax and accept the inevitable. Putting the pieces together as you form this puzzle will become clearer in time.
Capricorn (the Goat)
23 December - 20 January
You have a goal in mind this month and there isn’t anything that will stop you from reaching it. You won’t have to do much to achieve the outcome you desire as you’re firing on all cylinders.
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