PONSONBY NEWS - DECEMBER'16

+ PUBLISHED FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER 2016

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 27 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

ponsonbynews.co.nz

DECEMBER 2016

WARREN FENNING & SALLY RIDGE New to Bayleys Ponsonby bringing equal parts humour, confidence & cool

PONSONBY Auckland’s Hippest Strip

CHRISTMAS MARKET DAY DECEMBER 3RD 2016

THE BEST WAY TO GET YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SORTED

Market Day starts 11am onwards. Father Christmas arrives 12 noon CAROL SINGERS + BANDS + FOOD + CHRISTMAS BARGAINS + ENTERTAINMENT + MARKET STALLS Get your pic with Father Christmas at the fun Xmas photobooth set up at the top of Franklin Rd, outside World

http://www.iloveponsonby.co.nz

DAW S O N & C O .

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photography: George Shiers

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

153

P16: Waitemata Local Board members L-R: Vernon Tava, Rob Thomas, Pippa Coom, Mark Davey, Shale Chambers, Richard Northey and Adriana Avendano Christie; P153: Ponsy Kids Preschool had their opening of its new playground space @ the Ponsonby Community Centre on Monday 14 November.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS U3A PONSONBY NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND LANDMARK BUILDINGS

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COVER STORY - SALLY RIDGE & WARREN FENNING EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION LOVE LIVING, THINKING & BEING

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY PONSONBY PETS PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS MILLY NOLAN - DESIGNER GIFTS WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT - JAY PLATT HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE

JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH FUTURE GENERATION FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Holly Sarah Burgess, Wolf & Wolf Salon

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED LIM POSTAL: P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. www.ponsonbynews.co.nz T: 09 378 8553 or 09 361 3356 Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher & Ad Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Sales Operations Manager Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing Music Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

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

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4 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

124% increase

on last year’s leasing transactions.

A huge THANK YOU to our friends and clients for making 2016 such a great success. The team at Wilson Hurst would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and are looking forward to working with you again in 2017 and beyond.

Safe travels.

Sales, Leasing, Consultancy, Property Management. www.wilsonhurst.co.nz

“Sales people now need to be far more connected to, and totally in tune with, the local real estate coalface to have any significant influence over the sales process and eventual price outcome for the client.”

SOLD

28 Wanganui Avenue, Herne Bay

6 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

New Street Record

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

In times of change, who do you talk to?

The local real estate landscape is definitely changing.

Some people have said that the period between 2009 and 2016 has largely been an ‘order-taking’ environment for sales people.

If that was indeed the case, we can tell you that those days are officially over.

There is no doubt that sales people now need to be far more connected to, and totally in tune with, the local real estate coalface to have any significant influence over the sales process and eventual price outcome for the client.

Why is this important?

Because it guarantees that they are talking to today’s buyers and sellers on a weekly basis, and can direct the hottest qualified buyers to the next suitable property they list.

Systems, knowledge, negotiation skills and work ethic are absolute prerequisites now.

John and Nic have a deep track record of delivering incredible results in all cycles of the market and they have the support team and drive to continue to do that into 2017 and beyond.

With over $150,000,000 in total sales over the last 2 years alone, John Wills and Nic Blackie have established themselves as highly consistent, elite-level performers on the Western City Fringe.

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They bring vast experience and a totally proactive approach to the table for every client they work for, at precisely the time that people need it.

JOHN & NIC

John Wills & Nic Blackie 021 333 053 021 505 964

This is exactly why a John & Nic listing hits the ground running and gathers instant momentum and energy from day one on the market.

Local market share absolutely matters, and John and Nic have expanded their market share three-fold over the last two years.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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8 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Operation Evening Wind Down at Sentinel Beach. Kids, towels and blanket, check. Picnic dinner, check. First swim of the season, check.

The Office? Fully checked out. Share our discoveries – keithandsandy.co.nz

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9

LETTERS + EMAILS

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the authors’ and not those of Alchemy Media.

Cyclists still breaking records I'm sorry, did I read that correctly?

Attn: Ponsonby News. I challenge you to publish this letter and use the full number of $200,000,000.00 as noted above and not the abbreviated $200m!

"Auckland Transport is working... with partners NZ Transport agency on a $200,000,000.00 (say it slowly and then count the number of zeros!) programme of cycle improvements from 2015-2018." (Ponsonby News November 2016, p37).

Bashford Antiques private property and parking Ponsonby News is always a good read. However, in response to the letter published in the November 2016 issue from Tony O'Brien.

Auckland Towing does not loan wheelclamps to others.

Auckland Towing does not use wheelclamps.

Auckland Towing does not condone the use of wheelclamps in carparks.

Auckland Towing does not even own any wheelclamps.

Auckland Towing does not receive any money from Bashford Antiques.

Auckland Towing thinks Tony O'Brien needs a bib.

Antony Ashford, Auckland Towing Co Ltd, Grey Lynn

How absolutely ridiculous! Two hundred million dollars on cycle ways that less that 1% of Aucklands population will ever use. Auckland Transport have clearly lost the plot.

Auckland is not Amsterdam, nor is it Christchurch. It is an isthmus, it has hills and half the year it has inclement weather. It also has major traffic congestion, and it is getting worse by the week.

No matter how Auckland Transport's dreamy eyed, wishful thinking, self assured (read 'obsessed') planners hope that it might happen, there is just no way enough Auckland commuters (or day trippers) will ever use these obscenely expensive cycle ways to justify the expenditure of $200,000,000.00 of ratepayers' and tax payers' money. What on earth are they thinking?

Phil Goff, here is the first task for you. Re-direct this outrageous amount of the public's money into the redundancy budget and get rid of 50% of Auckland Transport staff.

Thanks for supporting the campaign to unmask palm oil I’m lucky enough to work as a volunteer guide at Auckland Zoo and just want to thank Ponsonby News for the indepth coverage in the October issue of the Ask for Choice campaign requesting mandatory labelling of vegetable oils including palm oil (see www.unmaskpalmoil.com). The deforestation it causes is an issue for many beautiful animals and it’s heartening to see so much interest and support when we discuss it with zoo visitors. Clear labelling of vegetable oils will make it easy to identify palm oil that is not certified sustainable and help us make the best product choices.

Auckland Transport very clearly has far too much money, far too many under-utilised staff and far too much time on their hands if they honestly think that spending $200,000,000.00 of rate and tax payers' hard-earned money on cycle ways is even close to justifiable.

I’ve recently made the big move from Grey Lynn across the motorway to Kingsland but will be making sure I always pick up a copy of your wonderful publication.

Nicola Beauchamp, Kingsland

$200,000,000.00 spent just on cycle ways is obscene and cannot, under any circumstances, be financially or logically justified. I wonder how many cyclist commuters will use these outrageously expensive cycle routes mid-winter, during a howling southerly and pouring rain?

A local car that promotes Donald Trump with a sticker on it I have been living in Ponsonby for a year now having moved from London. I like the way your website describes Ponsonby as being so edgy! So it's with sadness that I see that on my street there is a car that promotes Donald Trump with a sticker on it.

It is time to put the brakes on (literally), and rethink the allocation of the vast majority of this $200,000,000 into projects that will speed up traffic, not slow it down. Auckland's traffic is rapidly grinding to a halt, and AT build cycleways.

Everyone is entitled to their views but New Zealand cannot be complacent and must face that there is support for nationalism and populism here too. It strikes me that whilst there are clear racist and other non-accepting undertones in places that voted Brexit and Trump, the one thing that these countries may have in common with New Zealand is a poverty gap. Perhaps New Zealand needs to tackle this issue of income divide and a housing crisis before things become worse.

Melanie Sharma-Barrow, Ponsonby

An example of a just plain dumb cycle way is Nelson Street. Sorry AT, you are just wrong and it is time for a major rethink.

Roger Hawkins, Ponsonby

69,000 READERS PER MONTH

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

(Nielsen Media)

PONSONBY NEWS+ is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001. Our hand-delivered copies are flow wrapped in eco-friendly, degradable plastic.

17,987 COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN... ARCH HILL, PONSONBY, COX’S BAY, FREEMANS BAY, HERNE BAY, GREY LYNN, ST MARY’S BAY, WEST LYNN AND WESTMERE PLUS SELECTED BUSINESSES IN BRITOMART, HIGH STREET, CBD, KINGSLAND, MT EDEN, NEWMARKET, NEWTON + PARNELL PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR

photography: Helene Ravlich

ALTHOUGH REAL ESTATE RECORDS ARE STILL BEING BROKEN in the Ponsonby News catchment area, there are signs of a slow down with not all auctions resulting in a sale. Local identity Sally Ridge and her partner Warren Fenning are new entrants into the world of real estate joining Bayleys’ Ponsonby office. Before I took over Ponsonby News, my colleague Jo and I sold property in this area, and we both know how it feels to be a rookie in the industry. However, we are certain Sally and Warren will adapt quickly. They have vast experience buying, selling and renovating in the area and we wish them well.

While welcoming these two new entrants we were sad to hear of the passing of Terry Doherty, whose real estate career goes back to the 1960s. We offer our condolences to his family and friends.

Ponsy Kids Pre-school are fortunate to have a brand new playground space which opened last month in the grounds of Ponsonby Community Centre.

Pippa Coom, an inaugural member of the Waitemata Local Board has been rewarded for topping the poll at the last two elections by being elected chair for the next three years.

She and former chair Shale Chambers now form a formidable pair, leading the board. Pippa and Shale lead a team, which includes returning members Vernon Tava and Rob Thomas and newcomers Richard Northey, Adriana Christie and the sole Auckland Future representative Mark Davey.

While there has been criticism of the emphasis and the amount of money being spent by AT on cycling improvements locally, it is clearly healthy for individuals and healthy for the environment and an attempt to get cars off the road. However, AT must

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Jan Hewitt, Martin Leach, Jo Barrett, Jay Platt and Gwynne Davenport

be mindful of the need for car parking outside retail shops right around our community.

to former restaurateurs Russell and Jan Hughes it has been named The Alhambra Room.

With Christmas on its way, we give a shout out to our local MP Nikki Kaye. We hear she is feeling a bit better and we are pleased that with the support of her colleagues, her office on College Hill continues to assist local residents with their issues. On the note of Christmas we hope all our readers and advertisers have a great summer.

In this issue Helene Ravlich has highlighted again the need for sunscreen over summer. We could easily think, after a wet and windy spring, that summer may never return but it will with a vengeance and Helene’s advice will be critical.

We are delighted to hear of the exciting refit at Sidart restaurant in Three Lamps. A second dining area with an intimate bar has been created and with a kindly nod

DIARY DATE: Saturday 25 February - The Auckland Pride Parade, Ponsonby. So two things to remember buy yourself a new 2017 diary and make a note of Pride Parade as your first entry.

PN (MARTIN LEACH) F

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Peter Urlich is one of the few New Zealand musicians who has performed both rock and dance music.

At school in the early 1970s he was in a band called Chillum playing local parties, tennis clubs, rugby clubs and school dances. When Chillum folded in 1975, he and Dobbyn formed Th' Dudes with Ian Morris. After Th' Dudes split in 1980, Urlich headed off to the United Kingdom where he was fascinated by the rise of club culture. Returning to New Zealand in 1981.

Tell us about your dream home?

It’s on a farm that runs down to a small east coast bay in the far north with its own little jetty. There’s my horse and dog. A stone fireplace and a great collection of wine.

Did you come from a musical background?

I had a happy childhood with a wonderful mother and there was music in our DNA.

What are you insecure about?

My hair.

Complete the sentence: I will die happy if...

The Warriors win a premiership.

Tell us something very few people know about you?

That I was an altar boy.

Who do you think is the most annoying celebrity today?

Most of them.

What is your greatest fear?

Dying alone.

Which TV series would you never miss and why?

The Beverly Hillbillies. Because of Jed, Granny, Jethro and Elly-May.

Who is your favourite hero of fiction and why?

James Bond. The original king of style.

Where would your dream holiday internationally be?

The South of France with lots of francs.

What superpower do you wish you had?

To slow down time.

What’s on your bucket list?

Get a new bucket.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To play the piano like Nat King Cole.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Healthy and in love.

What cliché do you most hate?

The word ‘awesome’.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a someone who’s good to be around.

What gizmo can you not live without?

I could not live without my big TV.

What do you love most about your age?

Experience and appreciation of what has gone before us.

Your greatest weakness?

Eating (all the bad stuff).

Something that you really disapprove of?

Bad manners.

Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person?

I do both if I’m really happy to see them. Don’t mind a good hongi either.

Describe one of your biggest disappointments?

Not having followed through with most of my ideas! Seriously, back in 1978 I had this amazing...

What is your comfort food?

OMG! Where would I start?

If you won a million dollars what is the first thing you would do?

Throw a fabulous party then buy a boat. (A million’s not much these days, David).

Your dream guest list for a dinner party and why?

Mick Jagger, Sophia Loren, Peter Sellers, Kate Moss, Einstein - wit, beauty, humour and intelligence.

What motivates you?

The opportunity to have fun.

Do you travel light or heavy?

Definitely light.

What do you think happens when we die?

We come back as butterflies (if you’ve been good) or goldfish (not so good).

Your all-time favourite movie?

The Magnificent Seven (the 1961 original). Great cast and I love westerns.

What's the best movie you've ever seen and why?

A Hard Day’s Night because it was the first rock’n’roll movie.

If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?

Stop our policing of marijuana and concentrate on P.

Have you ever seen a ghost?

When I told my mother I wanted to quit my job to be in a rock band.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

That one starts to worry about signs of ageing damn it.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

Boy, life is short. Don’t miss a thing!

What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

With my family on a beautiful day at Butterfly Bay.

How do you chill out?

I like a hammock and a book.

What job would you do other than your own?

I’d love to be a furniture designer. Creating beautiful pieces, ‘wood' be rewarding (geddit?)

Which item of clothing can't you live without?

A great pair of trousers.

If they were to make a movie about your life who would you like to play you?

Meryl Streep.

Favourite time of the day?

9-11am. Anything’s possible.

Which singer had an influence on your career and why?

So many but Presley was big and Nat ‘King’ Cole.

(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F PN

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

since 1899

CHRISTMAS SALE

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PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT

Update from the Waitemata Local Board A judicial recount of the 20,200 votes returned for the Waitemata Local Board confirmed in early November that Vernon Tava retained his seat by 10 votes. Every vote certainly matters!

The Waitemata Local Board 2016-19 is now officially in business with all seven elected members proud to be serving the city centre and central suburbs of Auckland.

One of the people who played a significant role achieving results for Waitemata over the last six years has been inaugural chair of the board, Shale Chambers. Shale has done an outstanding job setting a strong foundation for the board. It is a huge privilege to be elected chair at the board’s inaugural meeting and to be able to continue working as a leadership team with Shale as deputy chair.

There are several projects started last term coming to fruition. The upgraded Western Park playground with the longest tunnel slide in Auckland opened in November. The playground rounds off significant upgrades in the park, which include new lighting and footpaths, making the park a far more welcoming place.

L-R: Vernon Tava, Rob Thomas, Pippa Coom, Mark Davey, Shale Chambers, Richard Northey and Adriana Avendano Christie

The Weona-Westmere walkway is opening in mid-December, providing new access to the coast and native bush. This project is part of a long-term goal to complete a coastal walkway from Meola Reef to Hobson Bay. The upgraded playground in Grey Lynn park is also opening shortly and next year will be accessible on a new greenways route connected to Cox’s Bay. Looking ahead we have much to do over the next three years. There are community and recreational facilities to improve and services to maintain, including at our precious libraries, further playgrounds to upgrade, and commitments to meet reaching the goals of a smoke free and zero waste Auckland. Projects to look forward to include a community-led resource recovery centre in conjunction with the Puketapapa and Albert-Eden Local Boards at Western Springs opening next year and Skypath, the walking and cycling connection over the harbour bridge, getting underway now resource consent has been confirmed.

As chair I wish to serve by providing leadership that achieves the aspirations of the community. I’m committed to celebrating and embracing diversity and providing space for creative innovation and design thinking. This also requires building trust and confidence in council so all the people of Waitemata feel that local government matters and that they wish to participate. I look forward to putting this into action with an impressive team of board members as we start on the term ahead.

Western Park Playground

PN I wish you all a safe and enjoyable festive season. (PIPPA COOM) F

Public board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 2pm at the local board office, 52 Swanson Street (except January).

Follow the Waitemata board on www.facebook.com/Waitemata.

Contact Pippa Coom, Chair of Waitamata Local Board on: pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Meola Reef walkway

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Thanks to our many clients and customers for their trusted support, it's been a great year at Barfoot & Thompson Ponsonby.

We wish you a relaxing and safe holiday season with family and friends and we look forward to seeing you in 2017.

09 376 3039 • ponsonby@barfoot.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Public oversight of Auckland Transport - is less really more?

Mayor Goff’s announcement that Councillor Chris Fletcher and myself were to be removed from the board of Auckland Transport and not replaced by any other councillors came as a surprise to a lot of people - us included.

That’s understandable given the statements Goff made before his election about getting better accountability out of council controlled organisations, (CCOs), Auckland Transport (AT) in particular. One would have assumed that given AT is wholly owned

by Auckland Council, a democratic body, better accountability would have included democratic oversight - but apparently not.

Transport, public transport in particular, has always been the core business of local government - ‘roads, rates, rubbish’ as they old saying goes. This was the situation in Auckland until 1 November 2010 and it is still the situation in the rest of New Zealand.

Moreover, the directors of Auckland Transport are more than just a CCO board. They also form Auckland’s Regional Land Transport Committee - legally, in terms of transport, a regional council, the legal successor to the Auckland Regional Council - but now a completely undemocratic one.

The arguments for and against democratic governance of the Auckland Transport CCO - overwhelmingly for - were heard early in 2010, by parliament’s Auckland Governance Legislation Select Committee when the ‘Super City’ was being formed.

The Select Committee’s recommendations in the Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Act (2010) included the option of two of Auckland Transport’s directors being councillors.

This was a concession from the Government to provide some reassurance to the ratepayers of Auckland that there would be continuance of at least some democratic representation on the new transport CCO; representation, as in the age-old principle - ‘No taxation without representation’. Still, even this was considered insufficient by most of the 786 submitters - including the parliamentary Labour Party. Labour was so concerned about the ‘Super City’ bill it lodged its own ‘minority report’ which stated "... this bill corporatises much of Auckland local government with no democratic mandate."

As for Auckland Transport, Labour reported: ‘We have particular concerns regarding the Auckland Transport CCO. It will be larger than any existing transport body in Auckland (and larger than the one contemplated by the Royal Commission), with the power to make bylaws, and an annual budget of $1 billion soaking up 54% of rates. However, there is no evidence that running Auckland Transport as a CCO would be more efficient than running it in-house. No other council in New Zealand has this arrangement. "...it lacks transparency and accountability to the ratepayers." The report was signed-off by the leader of the Labour Party at that time - Hon Phil Goff.

The Green Party expressed similar concerns: "We strongly oppose the bulk of the council’s work and assets being put into the hands of appointed rather than elected

representatives, given the near certainty that the organisations will claim that commercial imperatives can override the public’s right to know how their assets are being managed."

Six years on, the Super City and its CCOs are still very much experimental - and still very much peculiar to Auckland. Whenever given the opportunity to vote on ‘Super City’ -style amalgamation, (which Aucklanders were never given) other regions of New Zealand have always voted against. Recently, the Government had to withdraw its Local Government Act Amendment Bill that sought to impose Auckland Transport-type CCOs nationwide, after a furious backlash from regional and local councils across New Zealand. The rest of the country is not impressed with what they have seen of the Auckland model. In fact they don’t want a bar of it. Aucklanders themselves are not that impressed either - if the council’s own opinion polling of earlier this year is anything to go by. Only 15% of Aucklanders were reportedly satisfied with Auckland Council and only 17% had confidence in council decisions. Candidate Goff shrewdly capitalised on that dissatisfaction when he targeted CCOs and Auckland Transport especially, during his mayoral campaign.

Now, rather than providing increased oversight and accountability, Mayor Goff has done the opposite. Much attention has been given to his counter-intuitive arguments that removing councillor oversight from the AT board will somehow improve accountability.

But there has been no media scrutiny of Goff’s removal of another accountability mechanism (arguably as least as important as democratic representation on the board); that is the specialised council transport or infrastructure committee that AT was required to report to. This is something that the Royal Commission into Auckland Governance recommended as essential in its report of 2009. Still, despite the impression given in the media, the question of councillor representation on AT is not yet over.

Something councillors need to bear in mind: Nothing is more critical in shaping the city than transport. As my colleague Wellington Regional Councillor and former Green MP Sue Kedgley reminds us: "More than anything else transport shapes a city... So if councillors are unable to make key transport decisions, their influence on how a city is shaped is incredibly limited." What kind of job can we as elected representatives of the people of Auckland do if we abrogate our remaining transport responsibilities?

On that note I will wish Ponsonby News readers a Happy Christmas and holiday and all PN the very best for the New Year. (MIKE LEE) F Mike Lee is the Auckland Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf ward, www.mikelee.co.nz

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18 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Don we now our gay apparel.

Merry Xmas Ponsonby... whoever you are kissing under the mistletoe!

He’s making a listing, he’s checking it twice, he’s gonna find you the very best price A sample of Matt’s sales for October and November SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

2D Webber St, Westmere

41 Raymond Tce,Northcote

2H/220 Victoria St West, Freeman’s Bay

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

17 Westminster St,New Windsor

4 & 4A Ethel St,Sandringham

265 Pt Chevalier Rd,Pt Chevalier

Look me up on Facebook:

Matt O’Brien Residential Sales If you're thinking about listing your home, make mine the first number you call

Matt O’Brien 021 687 866 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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19

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Cycling now costing ratepayers record dollars I am on record for praising Auckland Transport for its consultation on future cycling paths in the Ponsonby News catchment. Kathryn King, Auckland Transport’s cycling, walking and road safety manager, is a local who lives in Pt Chevalier, and is a cyclist.

Kathryn and her team at AT, especially media man Scott Winton, have been very happy to talk to me about their plans, and to make sure the public are consulted at every turn.

Several Ponsonby News readers contacted me to discuss the press release from AT printed on page 37 of the November Ponsonby News.

Two aspects of the press release caused an adverse reaction. Both concerned the last sentence of the AT statement.

The first was horror at the figure of $200,000,000 for cycle improvements from 2015 to 2018. One reader described this as ‘absolutely ridiculous'.

that a consultative publication would be out next week (21-25 November), and they urged residents to respond and let AT know what they support or oppose. It will not include Jervois Road.

It is clear that no matter how earnestly AT attempts to inform the public, and how much they seek feedback on proposals, misunderstandings and downright wrong conclusions are sometimes reached by residents.

AT had this to say to Ponsonby News in answer to the questions raised by our readers regarding, particularly, costs and Jervois Road car parking.

There are no plans for a cycle way on Jervois Road.

The second objection was to the statement ‘AT is working with project partners Auckland Council...’ This reader said he thought Auckland Council owned AT, and that it was disgraceful to call them ‘partners’.

Another gripe has been AT’s supposed decision to remove a certain amount of car parking outside shops in Herne Bay, to facilitate cycling lanes. This, and other cycling plans for the Herne Bay precinct, were discussed at the AGM of the Herne Bay Residents’ Society last week.

The most important point to come out of the Herne Bay meeting was that AT has no plans yet concerning Jervois Road cycle ways. AT emphasised to Herne Bay residents

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

AT is delivering the proposed programme with its own funding and funding from Auckland Council and the Government through the Urban Cycleways Programme. They reminded Ponsonby News that AT is a council controlled organisation. This surprises some of Ponsonby News readers who doubt the council has any control over AT decisions and spending.

Consultation is critical - AT agree - but let’s hope when the replies come in AT will listen.

They are our servants not our masters. They are there to do our bidding, not tell us how we should live. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Thinking Real Estate?

Think Chris Batchelor.

SO LD

SO LD

SO LD

32 Herne Bay Road, Herne Bay

1 Sentinel Road, Herne Bay

SO LD

Larchwood Avenue, 21D52 Farrar Street, Grey Lynn

16 London Street, Herne Bay

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28 Picton Street, Freemans Bay

AU CT

IO N

With an extraordinary reputation built on his commitment to getting the job done, Chris has long been a trusted name in Real Estate.

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533 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn

Chris Batchelor Phone. +64 21 217 7026 Email. chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz For all my details, and to see my listings, TXT Chris to 215.

Thank you for your support over 2016.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

RACHAEL TE AOTONGA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS

The Great Summer Read Auckland Libraries invites you to heat up your reading this summer by taking part in our 15 fun reading challenges.

Every challenge you complete gets you an entry into one of our weekly prize draws; five different challenges get you into the bonus draw. Win books, book vouchers, passes to Auckland attractions and shows, including a double pass to Auckland City Limits Music Festival, or a Kobo Aura Edition 2 eReader.

Even if you’ve just got time to read one book this summer, you could be a winner!

When: 1 Dec 2016 to 30 January 2017 Who can take part: all Auckland Libraries members aged 14 and over Cost: Free How: You can do as many challenges as you like, and in any order. You’ll be entered into our prize draw automatically every time you complete a challenge and report it online on our website. Bonus draws for completing five different challenges and a super bonus draw if you complete all 15.

Visit www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz or come and see us at Leys Institute Library during December and January.

Going on holiday? If you won’t be near one of our libraries, download some of our free eBooks onto your eReader or mobile device.

Children’s Summer Reading Programme: Dare to Explore - Kia Maia Te Whai Don’t let your tamariki lose the skills they’ve learned at school this year! Keep their brains fired up with ‘Kia Maia Te Whai - Dare to Explore’, Auckland Libraries fun, FREE summer reading programme for ages 5-13.

Last year we supported 12,000+ young readers Auckland-wide to keep reading for enjoyment over their six-week break. This year we aim to provide for an even wider audience, because we can. And it’s free. With 54 libraries in our network, we want to bring the magic to your children.

Research continues to show that the programme’s focus on fun and exploration has positive impacts on literacy outcomes for children, particularly those with the lowest reading confidence.

Kia Maia Te Whai - Dare to Explore is designed to help children: • Maintain or improve their reading over the summer break • Increase their love of books and reading • Become confident library users • Have fun and enjoy an adventurous summer holiday along with their families Sign up online from Monday 12 December, and pick up your English & Te Reo Maori challenge pack at your local library. Come along to free events through the holidays to meet other explorers and learn something new!

PN Visit www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz for more details. (RACHAEL TE AOTONGA) F

LEYS INSTITUTE, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 374 1315, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The Pulse - a Reclad Success Story The Pulse is a 65-unit apartment complex on Richmond Road, Grey Lynn.

Readers will have noticed it shrouded in shrink wrap for the last two years. It has been undergoing a complete reclad as a result of leaks and other defects - a scourge that has plagued many buildings constructed in the period from the mid-1990s to 2004 and sadly continues. The cost in emotional and economic terms of this tragedy of poor regulation has afflicted thousands of homeowners all over the country but The Pulse is an example of a body corporate which has survived the trauma to rise again better than new.

Eight years ago, leaks developed through its butynol roof, which turned out to have been poorly constructed. Very quickly the body corporate committee began putting together a remediation plan. As the construction company and the independent company that had certified the building had liquidated, there was no one left to sue. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment came to the party with the Government’s share of the Financial Assistance Package, a scheme designed to compensate owners’ costs, with 25% contribution from Government along with 25% from the local territorial authority if it was the certifier. In the Pulse’s case, only the Government’s 25% contribution applied, but the ministry ended up contributing to a wider range of work than originally expected.

Still a massive financial drain on owners, the management of this project was to be the key to its successful completion. Under the Unit Titles Act a Body Corporate appoints a chairperson and elects a committee to act for owners in operational and constitutional matters. They are vital to the successful running of complexes like The Pulse. A strong and well-informed committee is a decided asset when things go wrong, and continuity is vital as these big building projects inevitably require long term planning and often run over schedule testing both owner finances and emotions.

The Pulse has been lucky to have in Peter Dawson, a chairman who in retirement had the time to bring together an active committee and project specialists into a team to see the rebuild through to completion. This included new BC chairman for 2016-17, Neil Inns, himself a committee member for several years.

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

The body corporate wisely took a long term view to the project, determined to restore value even if it cost a little more. They hired a range of appropriate and well-qualified advisers, including Maynard Marks as remedial specialists and architects, HOBANZ, who helped navigate the remedial project through the morass of council requirements, and other specific consultants who provided expert support to the volunteer committee.

Working together they were able to secure a contract with one of New Zealand’s premier construction companies and owners vacated the complex hopeful that they would be back within 10 months or so.

The Auckland Council now takes a comprehensive approach to inspecting work in progress on these reclad sites, and it soon became obvious that there were other building defects unrelated to leaks that were the result of shoddy construction and shortcuts being taken at the time of construction. To make the building compliant again all the defects needed to be addressed adding a significant cost and time to the project.

Inevitably this extended out to a building empty for 20 months and a costly extension of time penalties.

As a result, virtually the entire building has been renewed, not just the outside cladding and the roof, and it will soon have a new Code Compliance Certificate. The Pulse committee took the opportunity to install a fire sprinkler system to upgrade to the latest fire compliance regulations. The Pulse now looks better than it ever was. Value has been restored and units in this apartment block are in high demand as they come on the market.

This is an example of a sad and sorry saga which has ended well, due to the breadth of skills from the full BC committee who forged a great team of experienced advisors, selected a reliable contractor, and had good support from the Government agency MBIE. PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY U3A: NOVEMBER 2016 Since moving to bigger premises at the Herne Bay Petanque Club, Ponsonby U3A has been able to welcome new members from its waiting list.

President Collene Roche formally welcomed 12 members at the November meeting. New faces have been appearing at special interest groups and people are enjoying getting to know each other, said Collene. Ponsonby U3A was established in 1994 and many original members still attend. The intention is to keep a cap on membership to retain the special character and size of the group.

A few years ago Ponsonby U3A member Monika de Man walked the 780km ancient pilgrim trail El Camino de Santiago - the Way of St James - to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compestela in Galacia, Spain, where it is said the remains of the aspostle St James are buried. She gave a compelling talk to U3A about her journey, explaining that she had been inspired to undertake the walk after reading the book 'I’m Off Then' written by a young German comedian who had done so. Monika decided that she would mark a significant birthday and be “off then” on the same pilgrimage.

When she talked about it to U3A member Alan Calderwood pricked up his ears. Inspired

by Monika he, too, was soon “off then” on his own pilgrimage, with a friend - in his case to mark his 65th birthday. Alan was the 10 minute speaker at the November meeting. His illustrated talk included the history of the trail, sights along the way and personal reflections.

Over 200,000 people every year start the walk, some only 100km from the end - the distance required to qualify for an indulgence of free entry to heaven, according to pilgrims in earlier centuries. “The longest day we walked was 36km over 9.5 hours, the longest distance was 75km Alan Calderwood and Brian Plummer over two major mountains - we were shattered. The hottest day was over 38 degrees. Cafes along the way provided pilgrims’ menus and the food and drink were great.”

Guest speaker Adrian Littlewood, CEO of Auckland Airport, covered the airport’s 50-year history, today’s challenges and opportunities, and what the airport is doing to prepare itself for tomorrow. Since taking over as CEO he said the role has evolved from an engineering focus to consumer and customer focussed.

“Auckland Airport is one of the largest tourism companies in New Zealand and given our market share we think about the whole of New Zealand,” he said.

Adrian Littlewood

He highlighted the huge changes that have been made with the development of bigger planes and the enormous growth in travel that had not been foreseen. “New generation planes are at least 20% more efficient, oil is much cheaper and the economics of flying into New Zealand have changed. We work carefully with airlines - each wide-bodied plane brings us a huge amount each year. The land holding of Auckland Airport is 1500 hectares, much bigger than the Auckland CBD and allows for a future runway. “Thanks to the foresight of the original planners we have room to grow compared to many other major airports around the world.”

Ponsonby U3A meets on the second Friday morning of the month. There will be no guest speaker at the December meeting, which is the final meeting of the year. The first PN meeting for 2017 will be on Friday 10 February at 10am. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F NEXT MEETING:

9.45am, Friday 9 December @ Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Street Reserve, Herne Bay

ENQUIRIES:

Collene Roche, President, Ponsonby U3A T: 09 373 3277 www.u3aponsonby.co.nz

PONSONBY PARK - COME AND PLAY! We are so excited we could almost burst. We have just concluded our second round of public input for the design brief of Ponsonby Park and now we’re about to approach designers to create the final options for you to choose from.

In November, we exhibited work done by Auckland University School of Architecture students. They had chosen our site at 254 Ponsonby Road, as a real world example for their architectural studies. Their work was informed by the design premise of 'premature gratification' where part of the site is developed without initially removing any of the existing buildings. We worked with them on the project as a way to stimulate people's imaginations of what may, or may not be, desirable for the site. A public exhibition of the work, held at ‘Boy and Bird’ restaurant followed, as well as an online survey.

So put on your ‘design hat’ and get busy over the summer holidays, and we’ll look forward to seeing your creations early next year. Until then, have a happy and safe summer.

With thanks and love from your community-led design (volunteer) team. Arohanui. www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz

The huge amount of community feedback this generated is now being analysed and will be incorporated into the evolving ‘design brief’ for the site. This brief will be provided to the selected designers we approach to develop the community’s vision, into a design for the park. The catch is we will need to ask them to work pro bono!

And as we are a community-led design process, everyone is invited to contribute a design if they so choose. Designers, landscapers, artists, children, poets - you’re all invited and can contact us at: info@254ponsonbyrd.org.nz for more information.

Then in February 2017, the resulting designs will be taken to the community to make a final choice. This will be a major event with plenty of fanfare surrounding it. So stay tuned.

The chosen design, and costing of the work, will then be presented to the Waitemata Local Board to advocate for the funds in the next round of council budgeting.

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

2016 shows significant progress for Auckland Central With the end of 2016 rapidly approaching, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the many local projects delivered or underway this year.

2016 has been a big year in terms of education and investment in Auckland Central schools. The Hon Hekia Parata and I announced $882 million in Budget 2016 for school infrastructure across New Zealand. At the start of the year I had the privilege of opening the newly redeveloped Mulberry Grove School, an important educational and community hub on Great Barrier Island. Throughout this year I have been right across New Zealand announcing new projects including a $153 million investment into more classrooms, new schools and expansions for Auckland. I am very proud to be part of delivering more than $100 million for Auckland Central school developments.

Construction has now started at Western Springs College, Freemans Bay School and is imminent at Richmond Road School.

Looking forward, more than $40 million will be invested into rebuilding and upgrading Waiheke High School and Te Huruhi School. Another $5 million has just been announced to provide 10 new classrooms to three other Auckland schools. While this is just a snapshot of what is being done, these redevelopments, new schools and other projects will create more than 17,000 new places in Auckland schools by 2019.

Last month the Government announced $304 million for emergency accommodation which will fund up to an extra 1400 places around the country. As the local MP for Auckland Central, I know homelessness is an important issue for many of my constituents.

Earlier this year the Hon Paula Bennett announced an additional $9 million to ensure community organisations - working alongside central and local government - would be able to tackle the causes of homelessness. Supporting organisations such as the Auckland City Mission and Lifewise is important in ensuring that this funding reaches some of our most vulnerable Aucklanders.

Housing New Zealand is going through a period of significant growth delivering many more houses in Auckland. They are expecting to deliver 600 additional places to Auckland and a further 800 places in areas of high-demand around the country. Homelessness is

a complex issue and people have many different situations.

Providing emergency accommodation is an important step, but we must continue to address all the causes which range from employment and education through to health factors like addiction and mental health. This latest investment in our most vulnerable Kiwis is critical for their quality of life both in terms of their health and chances of getting a job.

On a broader scale, the New Zealand economy is growing at well over 3%. This has seen an additional 144,000 people in work over the last year, giving us the second highest employment rate in the OECD. We now have a great platform allowing us to work with employers and other stakeholders to lift employment to levels we haven’t seen before.

Using this platform, the Government has increased its focus on helping young people develop the skills they need to move into work. We have just announced a new target of 50,000 people training in apprenticeships by 2020, up from the 42,000 in training now.

I am pleased to report that this has been a productive year for the Auckland Central Electorate with many projects reaching completion and others making good headway.

This year saw the City Rail Link (CRL) make significant progress with the Crown agreement to fund 50% of the project. This is a strong commitment from the Government to Auckland that will equate to more than a billion dollars being invested.

I have supported the CRL since 2009 and I know this is an important step towards reducing traffic congestion, travel times and for the future growth of Auckland Central.

Other transport initiatives also bore fruit as the Quay Street cycleway reached a milestone of 50,000 trips since it opened in July. It is great to see so many people embracing alternative transport under the benefit of improved safety. Phase two of the Nelson Street Cycleway is due for construction next year which will complete the city centre cycle loop. The ASB Waterfront Theatre is another project important to me that has now been completed. The opening of this state-of-the-art facility is a real cultural boost for the waterfront and a tremendous asset for the community. Visitors and residents to our city now have another high-profile, world-class destination of theatre and entertainment.

I am proud to have been able to make significant progress on local issues and projects for you this year. My electorate office continues to be busier than ever and I invite you to get in touch should you need any help or assistance. You can visit my website or contact me to find out more about the local initiatives I have planned for 2017.

As we move towards Christmas and the holiday season, it is important that we remember those that have been affected by the Kaikoura Earthquake. My thoughts especially go out to the families of those who lost a loved one or who were injured during the earthquake. Many people have also been impacted through damages to their property and livelihoods. While it has been a very tough time for our country we have also seen the best of New Zealand with people volunteering and helping their neighbours. Despite these recent events we can be grateful that we are a strong and resilient small nation with a lot to be proud of. My office and I have been proud to serve you throughout this year.

My very best wishes to you and your family for the holiday and festive season.

PN (NIKKI KAYE) F Hon Nikki Kaye is the MP for Auckland Central, www.nikkikaye.co.nz (PS thanks again to the many people who have continued to write to me wishing me well for my treatment. Some of you have also asked about Lily and Charlie, I hope you like this photo).

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Long time local real estate identity passes away Many Ponsonby people knew Terry Doherty. He had been a real estate agent in our area for over 40 years.

L.J. Hooker agent Rick Bush had known Terry since school days at Auckland Grammar. Rick started at Grammar in 1958. Terry followed a year later and they became friends. They had sport in common.

Both were talented rugby players. Terry excelled at tennis, cricket and later had a two handicap at golf.

After he left school Terry joined Christopher Bede Photography, his father’s business, selling photos door to door, but he soon entered real estate - first of all at Barfoots in Epsom.

In 1975, Terry joined Rick Bush at Ponsonby Real Estate, and quickly became Rick’s top salesman.

Initially on the corner of Ponsonby Terrace, they moved to a College Hill site and then back to Ponsonby Road on the corner of Douglas Street.

By this time Terry Doherty had bought the company from Rick Bush, but Rick continued on with Terry at Ponsonby Real Estate.

A further change saw Andy Davies (of Ponsonby Central fame) brought in to run the company. That was in the late 1980s.

Eventually they moved in to the premises where L.J. Hooker now are, where Andy stayed for a few more years and Steven Glucina operated on Terry Doherty’s licence. Then L.J. Hooker approached

Steven and he opened the L.J. Hooker office. Terry bought Bay Realty and operated out of their offices in St Marys Road.

Ponsonby Real Estate became the very first real estate company to advertise in the forerunner of Ponsonby News, The Ponsonby Community Newsletter.

Then one day in 1991, Terry asked me if I knew of anyone who might have a job for his daughter Melissa.

Melissa promptly left the 7th form at Baradene College and joined Bayfield Services.

Melissa has gone on to be the proud mum of three children, living out Franklin way. We ran in to Melissa a few years ago at a tennis tournament where Melissa’s son Ethan played my son Theo in the first round. A small world, certainly.

Many locals used to see Terry, smoking furiously, sitting outside Mutiara Cafe on Ponsonby Road in recent times. It was the smoking that eventually brought him undone. His health deteriorated, but as his wife Fetu reported, he just failed to wake up one morning. A fine way to go, if a little prematurely - at just 70.

We at Ponsonby News celebrate the life of a loyal local, and offer our sincere condolences to his wife Fetu and his extended family. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

OUT + ABOUT

Trudi and Mark Nelson

Katy Merrett, Sonya Cotter and Rachel Louie

Mateo Camesasco and Owen Holbourn

Celia Visser and Natalie Du Bois

TURET KNUEFERMANN - MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER @ MANTELLS ON THE WATER Local designer Turet Knuefermann showed her collection as part of a Jones Family Business’ ASKO event.

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND November 2016 will be one of those months that will stay in people’s minds for a long time to come.

In fact, all of 2016 will be.

There were the losses of so many icons (David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen) the dramatic election in the United States and, finally, our own natural disasters.

So often in the face of big or tragic events, we look immediately for lessons. For something, anything, that can be taken from otherwise devastating moments. The November earthquakes reminded us of our vulnerability, and that there are very few places in our country that will ever stand completely still. That doesn’t make it any easier.

I wasn’t in the big one, but sat in Wellington in the days that followed while the earth continued to move every few hours, wondering how everyone’s nerves were holding up, and being reminded once again just how resilient the people of Canterbury are. But since then we have started to have the conversations we need. Are we each prepared?

Are our warning systems adequate? Have we got the implementation of our earthquake standards right?

On some of these questions, we have come up short. For a while now I have heard folks with an interest in civil defence advocating for personal notifications of tsunami warnings for instance. This would at least mean we could contact additional groups like tourists in vulnerable areas in a time of need. I hadn’t seen anything like that in operation till a trip to New York state.

A storm rolled in with masses of thunder and torrential rain. Now, a Kiwi who is used to changeable seasons wouldn’t usually bat an eyelid at quickly changing weather patterns like that, so it wasn’t until my phone buzzed with a tornado warning that we had any idea we needed to get off the road - and quickly. Using modern technology like this to our advantage is surely a no brainer.

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS Ponsy Kids Community Preschool • 20 ECE funded hours.

• New session times developed to meet the needs of our community.

2016 has been very busy here at Ponsy Kids. The highlight of our year has been the redevelopment of our playground which has now been completed. We recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a party for the children. The builders from Alpha1, our architects Natasha Markham and Andrew from Maud, graphic artist Greg Straight who designed our mural and representatives from Auckland City Council and also board members from our Ponsonby Community Centre Board attended our celebration. The children love the new space and especially the grass hill for sliding down. They have invented their own snowboards with our curve boards with some children even managing to stand up as they slide down. The cut out windows are very popular and the children love to watch the skateboarders in the skate bowl in Tole Street Park and also the dogs having a run in the park.

During the year we were visited by The Education Review Office and we were very happy with the outstanding report we received. Comments from the report included, “The programme is highly responsive and flexible, enabling children to engage in a range of interesting learning opportunities. Teachers work skillfully alongside children, consistently supporting them with their play choices. They encourage children to explore a variety of resources, listen to their ideas and foster oral language development through very good questioning and discussion. Literacy, numeracy and science experiences are prioritized and integrated will into the context of children’s play.

The children’s independence, emotional and social competence are very well promoted.

Children with special educational needs are very well supported.”

We are all looking forward to our family picnic dinner to celebrate the end of the year.

'Fairy Clare' will be there to perform her show, 'Fairy Clare's Fabulous Christmas Present'. Happy and safe holidays to everyone.

But every disaster we have faced in recent times has reminded us all of something else - we have something more than resilience in our reserves, we have kindness. There is something about the way New Zealander’s react at times like this that truly defines who we are. Neighbours check in with one another, maraes open their doors, students build armies of helpers, complete strangers who lose everything find themselves surrounded by support.

Contact details are: E: julie@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz T: 09 376 0896

It’s all of these traits that I know we can equally channel to tackle some of the other challenges we face today, and going into next year. The need to house people, make sure our kids get the best start in life, support some of the lonely and isolated elderly in our community, or look after those who have taken refuge on New Zealand shores. All of these are challenges that I know we have the humanity, and pragmatism, to take on in our own unique way.

We invite booking applications for 2017 from individuals / community and private groups for term classes. If you would like to start a new activity / class in the new year, please feel free to contact us for assistance, we welcome applications from all sectors of our community.

But in the meantime, I want to wrap my final column for the year by wishing you all some wonderful time with family and friends over the holiday season. May the sun shine and PN the earth be still wherever you are! (JACINDA ARDERN) F JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central, www.jacinda.co.nz

Ponsonby Community Centre & Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall This year has been a busy time for us all at Ponsonby Community Centre. We are thankful to our board for their input and contribution, and also Waitemata Local Board for their continued support.

Gym Kids Gymnastics will be running its holiday programme on Monday 16 January to Thursday 19 January and following week Monday 23 January to Thursday 26 January from 9am to 4pm at Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall. To register your child, please visit their website: www.gymkids.co.nz F PN For more information on Ponsonby Community Centre, T: 09 378 1752; M: 021 244 0904, E: info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz; www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz; Facebook: Ponsonby Community Centre

L-R: Jude, Hunter, Hannah Horsfield, Anna Black, Hannah Tipoai, Hannah Lee, Julie Ferguson, Natalie Ferguson, Sarah Tolley and Alva Ward, Carlo and Neve Merry Christmas from Ponsy Kids Community Preschool.

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

RELIEFAID - A LOCAL CHARITY WITH GLOBAL REACH A charity based in Grey Lynn has not been immune to the violence in Syria, having experienced the destruction of its Aleppo City office and killing of staff by snipers.

Mike Seawright founded ReliefAid in 2014 with a vision of saving lives and alleviating the suffering of people affected by armed conflict and natural disasters through independent and impartial humanitarian action.

“In response to the unprecedented crisis in Syria, ReliefAid has been providing humanitarian assistance to communities affected by more than five years of civil war,” says Mike.

Mike Seawright “Despite the challenges associated with delivering war zone aid, this year alone we have been able to provide life-saving shelter assistance to 39,000 men, women and children inside Syria.”

Work includes accessing conflict affected areas where few aid agencies are able or willing to operate, providing life-saving relief such as food or shelter items to families in war zones who wouldn’t otherwise receive assistance and working directly on the ground in places where relief is most needed and least accessible.

Mike has had over a decade of experience in conflict affected areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria and, frustrated by the inability of many aid organisations to get staff and resources into conflict zones, founded ReliefAid. ReliefAid has partnered up with Shelter Box, a United Kingdom-based charity, which means for every $1 given to ReliefAid, $10 of supplies can be distributed.

For the past five years Aleppo City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has quickly become one of the most heavily damaged cities in the world since the Second World War, thanks to daily airstrikes and attacks on the ground.

The city is divided into two halves: soldiers who support the Syrian president, and a group of fighters who want him out of power. The United States, European Union and majority of the Arab League have called for President Assad’s resignation, and the United Nations found evidence to implicate him in war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The war started when the Syrian government violently hit back at protests calling for President Bashar al-Assad’s removal and naming all protestors as terrorists. Protests followed after 15 schoolchildren were arrested and tortured for writing anti-government graffiti on a wall. The protests were peaceful but the government responded by opening fire and killing four people. Another person was killed the following day when they shot at mourners at the victims’ funerals.

LOCAL NEWS A VERY SKATEBOARD CHRISTMAS Boardertown in College Hill is working on a community initiative called A Very Skateboard Christmas, where they collect old skateboards and skateboard parts, repair and reinvent them and give them to less fortunate children for Christmas presents.

The initiative was started three years ago when Boardertown teamed up with a group called the Lost Boys Collective and is all about giving underprivileged kids the chance to experience skateboarding and all the fun and challenges it has to offer. It was inspired by the idea of doing something to make a difference, something beyond liking a post on social media.

“We felt that it would be great as a collective skateboard community to work together to give back,” says Tim Guy, owner of the Boardertown, College Hill store.

“By working with our customers, suppliers, friends and the wider community I think that this is a really positive way to bring people together and for people donating, the items will normally end up in the rubbish or under the house.”

Last year they collected and repaired over 50 skateboards, which were given to Barnados, a New Zealand-based child and family service organisation, to distribute.

Both new and used boards and parts will be accepted up until mid-December, at which time they will be built into complete boards to give to as many children as possible for Christmas.

“We chose skateboarding as it’s something we’d all grown up doing and still do,” says Mike Lawrence of the Lost Boys Collective. “With skating you don’t need much, just a board and you’re good to go.

“We have always felt that skateboarding has given us so much and we wanted to find a way to pass this forward. We decided we would try to get as many skateboards together as we could and get them to kids who might go without at Christmas.”

Even if you don’t have any skateboards or parts to give you can still contribute by donating to the Lost Boys initiative. One hundred precent of all money donated will be used to purchase skateboard parts to boost the final numbers.

Already 2016 is looking to be the biggest year for the initiative. With even more support from the skateboarding community and building on previous years, they are going to be able to set a new high for the number of children they can reach. (GEORGE SHIERS) F PN Boards and parts are collected at the following locations: BOARDERTOWN, 3 College Hill, T: 09 973 0575 DEF, 82 Pitt Street

At the start of the war, all protestors wanted was democracy and greater freedom, as the President ran unopposed in elections. However, the government’s violent response made protestors angry and they retaliated.

In January 2012 it was reported that the Syrian government and army had killed over 5000 civilians and protestors, whereas 'terrorist armed forces' had killed far less - 1100.

Syria’s economy is also ruined, and it is estimated it will take nearly 30 years to get back PN to where it stood in 2010. (GEORGE SHIERS) F A $20 donation to ReliefAid enables 11 people in war-torn areas to receive critical lifesaving support. You can donate through the website at: www.reliefaid.org.nz Or make out a cheque payable to: RELIEFAID, 38 Dryden Street, Grey Lynn. ReliefAid also accepts electronic bank payments to their account: 06-0193-0654659-01 (an alternative suffix may be '001' depending on the banking system used).

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DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

The Blue Hour We'd spent a delightful day meandering through the little villages of the Madonie Mountains visiting churches, castles, bric-a-brac shops (heavily stocked with religious pieces which I adore and transport me back to childhood) and sampling chunks of soft, holey panettone slathered in hazelnut butter.

And we ate the best ravioli I've ever tasted - stuffed with porcini, flecked with sautĂŠed pancetta and swimming in summer squash and white wine sauce. All ingredients sourced from the mountain rising behind the family-owned restaurant.

Later, we sat in our local Piazza del d'Uomo sipping Apero spritzers - along with half the village. Gleaming glasses of this burnished orange aperitif sat on most tables amongst small bowls of peanuts, pretzels, giant, green Sicilian olives and, of course, packets of cigarettes. Sicilians love smoking as much as they love aperitif hour.

Three stylishly dressed young boys careened through the piazza and cigarette smoke on scooters, whooping and hollering as parents, somewhere, sipped and puffed away before ordering another drink. As on every evening, gaggles of old guys sat in lines on shining, wooden benches polished over the years by countless, drill-trousered bottoms.

Morning and evening, these old men sit and shoot the breeze, wave their hand-carved sticks in the air to push home a point, and watch the girls walk by.

The women, their wives, are at home usually seated outside their doorways smoking, pinny on, thinking about setting the water to boil for the night's pasta. Or in a loud conversation with another old girl three balconies above. And sweeping. These women sweep the cobbles outside their doorways with hard-bristled brooms constantly - fag still in mouth.

They dress plainly in cheap, floral, cotton shifts overlaid with pinnies printed with designs I can only imagine were created around rough tables in sparse, dim rooms somewhere in Latvia 50 years ago. Towelling, slip-on slippers (usually pink) complete the look.

One thing a number of these strong, hard-working women do wear that draws me away from Latvia, are pretty earrings made from semi-precious stones - often garnets. Ensa, our neighbour and house cleaner, broom in one hand, ciggie in the other, tells me when I mention how pretty her earrings are: "Mama's. Morte." She leans her worn broom against her cracked wall, coughs and raises her eyes to heaven. I commiserate: "Mi Mama morte anche.�

We both well up and I almost asked her for a puff on her fag or at least a lend of her broom. Ensa tells me she has no money. She is often seen rubbing her first finger and thumb together while complaining about "mio marito" who has no job and sits around smoking all day with his shirt off. Initially, I sided with Ensa in her disdain for her lazy spouse. After he climbed, several times, the 52 steeper than steep, marble and tile stairs at 9pm with fuse wire and light bulbs to save us from sitting in the blackness of no

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

electricity in our crow's nest, I have re-thought my position on him. He was so sweet and dying to help. Thankfully he had worn a shirt.

We had a marvellous conversation during which I understood only about three words of his thick, Sicilian dialect. We ended with a warm handshake in the pitch black - none of his bulbs worked - and I listened to him disappear down the stairs shouting at Ensa who gave as good as she got right back. I worry about their wheezing.

No electricity, high up, about an arm's length below the black night sky, with only the sound of waves crashing on jagged rocks below and the occasional fizz and spark of an electrical outlet plus the smell of smoke, had me a touch phased. Not one bar on my phone and 17% left on my iPad. Only sensible thing to do was feel around for a corkscrew and open a bottle of wine and recall the 'Blue Hour' experienced several hours earlier when I was gently bathed in d'Uomo-reflected lamplight in the piazza and the warm glow of Apero.

I hadn't known about the 'Blue Hour'. Apparently, it follows the 'Golden Hour' of sunset.

Makes sense. Looking up at the sky I had said to my friend: "Feels like I'm in the Civic Theatre. Look up."

"It's the Blue Hour," I was informed.

The sky had turned a deep lapis lazuli blue with ever-so-slightly lighter lapis lazuli blue clouds painted over it. These striking, breathtaking colours were highlighted by the golden, antique yellow glow of the imposing, Norman d'Uomo. Emerald green, slender date palms towered in front adding an air of mystery and spice. If a couple of camels had cantered around the corners spilling spices from their side saddles, I wouldn't have blinked twice.

I imagined back home in the 'hood' sitting outside Andiamo, Paris Butter (hopefully they stock Apero) or any bar along the strip at 'Blue Hour'. Yes, our skies are stunning expanses of beauty but the 'Blue Hour' belongs to the Mediterranean with those painterly, sapphire skies hinting at Sciroccan winds sweeping across Italy and its islands.

Sicily. 'Blue Hour'. Magical memory.

On awakening the next day, I was told Trump was president. It's enough to put you off PN your tall, dark, Sicilian stranger. (DEIRDRE THURSTON) F

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DEIRDRE ROELANTS: LANDMARK BUILDINGS

Pitt Street Church This church building was entered as a Category 2 listing by the Historic Places Trust in June 2005.

It occupies a sloping site on a ridge the eastern side of Pitt Street descending southwest to northeast. The building lies within Auckland City Council's Karangahape Road precinct and there are a number of heritage buildings in its immediate vicinity.

The church is a large building, uniting nonconformist chapel design with Gothic Revival style. It encompasses an original structure of five bays, a rear addition of three bays and a smaller front vestibule. The original structure's walls are of red brick with white stone dressings concealed under plaster and paint that are underpinned by basalt walls. This part of the building has a basement storey, originally used as a classroom.

Two buttresses run the full height off the Pitt Street facade and are surmounted by ornamental masonry towers.

Another four buttresses are set diagonally at the corners of the original building and on the main facade, which has a large traversed window plus carved stone images including two heads believed to represent John and Charles Wesley who were founders of the Methodist faith. The basement room beneath the interior's large room is used by the Korean Methodist community while the main body of the church has a large gallery, original pews and a barrel-vaulted timber ceiling supported by stone corbels carved with depictions of New Zealand foliage. On the walls there are memorial plaques of a number of early missionaries, memorial windows and other tablets of historical value.

A two-storied rear addition of similar style was constructed down the slope and contained a number of rooms for Sunday School and committee use.

The sculptural figures and details were by Anton Teutenberg, the first European sculptor to come to New Zealand. He was born in Germany and was encouraged by Gustavus von Tempsky to leave Europe for the South Pacific. He arrived in Auckland on the Rob Roy in 1866. Soon after his arrival Teutenberg received a commission to carve heads for the Supreme Court. Among other buildings in Auckland for which he received commissions was the Pitt Street Wesleyan Church, originally opened in 1866, for which

he executed about 20 woodcarvings. He was a talented carver, stonemason and jeweller but the greater proportion of Teutenberg's surviving work is as a medallist. He died in 1993 aged 90. Information about his work is covered in an article by J.B. Duncan, first published in Volume 2 of The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand.

The very impressive Pitt Street Church building was designed by Philip Herapath who was born in the village of Pilton, Barn Staple, Devon in 1823 and arrived in Auckland in 1857. He soon became a Fellow of the Institute of Architects and designed several public buildings notably the Auckland Hospital, the new west wing of the Avondale Asylum, the early Auckland Museum on Princess Street plus many other structures of historical importance. He took a active role in the temperance cause and at one time was a member of the licensing committee. He was also a prominent member of the Baptist denomination which worshipped at the Wellesley Street Church where he held the office of secretary. Later he threw in his lot with the new Free Union Church and eventually was elected the second president of the Auckland Institute of Architects. He passed quietly away in the early hours of the morning on 29 June at his residence, Pilton View on Karangahape Road, aged 70. The next morning his remains were interred in the Purewa Cemetery. At his request no mourning was to be worn. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F PN

ROYAL CHRISTMAS TREAT: Mercy Hospice Auckland Fundraising Database Administrator Lesley Cranston and Communications Assistant Rebecca Hill aim to sell 2000 of New Zealand’s Christmas Cake Company cakes this Christmas to help raise funds for patients and their families.

A Christmas cake fit for Buckingham Palace can now be savoured in your home this festive season thanks to Mercy Hospice Auckland.

As part of their Christmas appeal Mercy Hospice, located on College Hill in Ponsonby, has a range of New Zealand’s Christmas Cake Company’s hand-crafted baked goodies for sale.

Proceeds will go towards the $3 million Mercy Hospice must fundraise each year to provide its service free of charge to support and care for patients dealing with life -limiting illnesses and their families who live in the Auckland District Health Board area.

“Our cakes have been delivered all around the world,” New Zealand’s Christmas Cake Company owner and sales manager Hannah Hutton says. “Both Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and our troops in Afghanistan have received them. In 2013 we also had a special request from Government House for one of our Christmas cakes while Prince Charles and Lady Camilla were visiting.”

The Cake Company follows a generations-old recipe using fruits, port, butter and fresh eggs. “After slow baking, our cakes are then matured for months in advance to ensure they are rich and moist. We are very proud of our products and extremely fussy about what goes into them, so you can be confident that you are getting New Zealand’s finest Christmas cake,” Ms Hutton says.

This is the 19th year the Cake Company has partnered with Mercy Hospice. “We love supporting Mercy Hospice because it provides such a fantastic service supporting families who are facing their toughest times.”

Mercy Hospice Events Manager Lesley Dawson says some of the hospice’s greatest support comes from corporates looking for gifts for their staff, suppliers and customers.

“We also sell a lot of cakes individually as Christmas presents.

“The support we get from businesses and individuals purchasing Christmas cakes makes such a difference each Christmas to our patients and their families,” she says. F PN Orders should be placed by the end of this month. For more information go to www.mercyhospice.org.nz or call Lesley Cranston on T: 09 361 5966 Ext. 741. www.mercyhospice.org.nz

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Is compulsory voting the answer?

This year’s local body elections attracted only 38% of eligible voters to the polls in Auckland.

At the last national elections in 2014 only 78% turned out, 16% lower than the 94% who voted in 1984.

The proposed new global brand was worked on by 115 council staff over two years. Dick Quax rightly called it “outrageous raping of the ratepayer,” while Chris Fletcher said it was “a complete waste of money”.

It is compulsory to enrol in New Zealand, but not compulsory to vote.

The Association of Former Members of the Parliament of New Zealand is calling for voting to be made compulsory at both local and national elections. They quote compulsory voting in Australia as being very successful.

When councillors don’t know what is happening, and what money is being spent, it’s time for major change. I don’t think simply making voting compulsory is the answer. The culture of the super city must change, and staff and CCOs made accountable to Auckland ratepayers.

I was recently in Australia, and voters there are again being subjected to internecine war within the governing Liberal Party, hardly five minutes after the unseemly behaviour of the Labour pair, Rudd and Gillard. Queensland has had a revolving door democracy for several terms, Labour left with only seven seats two elections ago, and then returned next election ousting Newman’s Liberals.

Then we need an education programme to explain democracy to the young, to immigrants and anyone else who feels ignorant about our democratic system. This should start in the schools. Don’t force them to vote, until they have more knowledge about the importance of voting, and how to decide who to vote for. Talk to them about rates, and what they should and shouldn’t pay for.

Compulsory voting doesn’t seem to be helping provide good democratic government in Australia.

And most importantly, make sure council understands the fundamental question of consultation with all citizens. Far too much so-called consultation is token and ignored.

We have to put an end to decisions being made behind closed doors, because those decisions are, according to council officers, “good for us”. This is top down imposition.

We must have bottom up meaningful consultation, and people might then feel like voting, or participating in discussions about cycle tracks, parking and public transport, if they think they may be listened to, rather than ignored.

Meantime, whatever you think of John Key and National, New Zealand is envied by many Australians who wish their governments were more stable. We also have MMP which is a distinct improvement on FPP. The percentage voting in 1984 probably had more to do with a desire to get rid of an unpopular Muldoon than anything else. In 2014 there was not the same disillusionment with Key. Auckland’s dismal local election turnout is certainly a worry. I am not against compulsory voting, but I think it should be the last move in a re-education of New Zealanders about democracy and its importance.

There are a number of reasons why people don’t vote. One of the commonest, and most alarming, is “politicians take no notice of voters, make promises which they break, so it’s pointless my having a say.”

But there is another problem in Auckland - the Super City. It is such a huge monolithic bureaucracy, much of it run by secret societies called, clearly falsely, ‘council controlled organisations’. These CCO’s include Auckland Transport, Watercare and Ateed.

We learned last week that Ateed has been secretly preparing a new slogan for Auckland, at a cost so far of half a million dollars. It seems that elected councillors knew nothing about it.

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

I don’t agree, either, with the Former MPs who say more party or collective tickets are desirable in local body politics. Many local issues are neither left nor right, in the old political sense, and we must somehow ensure that independent candidates who have expertise or interest in specific issues, (heritage protection for example), are given a fair chance of being elected. Readers may recall I wrote about independent candidates in a pre-election issue of Ponsonby News.

In New Zealand we must register to vote. Until citizens are better informed about our democracy, I think that’s enough incentive without making voting compulsory. My own son professed no interest in voting in 2014, yet when told he must enrol he went to a polling station, enrolled in the week before the election, and then voted. “I had enrolled, so I thought I might as well vote,” he told us. He actually phoned from the polling station asking questions about several candidates before he voted.

I agree with the former MP's statement: “For a democracy to be healthy and strong, citizens need to engage in the political process.” But I advocate education, not PN compulsion. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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LOCAL NEWS PARADE PRODUCERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2017 AUCKLAND PRIDE PARADE The Auckland Pride Festival Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Eventimento to produce the 2017 Auckland Pride Parade.

Eventimento produced the inaugural Auckland Pride Parade in 2013, and is led by Jonathan Smith together with Shaughan Woodcock.

The 2017 Auckland Pride Parade will take place on Saturday 25 February along Ponsonby Road, and is the crowning event of the Auckland Pride Festival that runs from 10-26 February 2017.

“We are delighted to have Eventimento back with Auckland Pride,” says Board Co-Chair Kirsten Sibbit.

“Jonathan has already experienced the delivery of a successful parade back in 2013, so he knows the challenges of the role and what to expect. Both Shaughan Woodcock Jonathan and Shaughan have a huge amount of passion for this event and for our communities. Their strong vision for the event, combined with demonstrable event production skills, gives the board a great deal of confidence and excitement for the parade this coming year.”

communities to showcase our talents, culture and passion to the wider community. Shaughan and I are keen to make the parade inclusive and edgy, celebrating the great progress that our communities have made, whilst supporting the progress that’s yet to come!”

Applications to join the 2017 Auckland Pride Parade are now open on the Auckland Pride Festival website.

The Parade Producers encourage anyone with an interest in participating on the day - either on a float, or as a volunteer - to get in contact.

Jonathan Smith

Auckland Pride Festival Contacts Keep watching the Auckland Pride Festival website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates as the 2017 Auckland Pride Festival takes shape!

Eventimento is a widely respected event production company, having produced events throughout New Zealand, including the Big Gay Out, World AIDS Day National Appeal, DOC NZ Film Festival Awards, Tremains Art Deco Festival, as well as the communitybased theatrical extravaganza, Queen of the Whole Universe, which ran for 10 years in Auckland and Wellington.

To participate or volunteer for the 2017 Auckland Pride Parade, please contact Parade Producers Jonathan Smith or Shaughan Woodcock: parade@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz.

“We are very excited and humbled to be once again involved in the production of the Auckland Pride Parade,” says Smith. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Rainbow

For all other queries, please contact Auckland Pride Festival Co-Chair Kirsten Sibbit: chair@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz F PN

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

To get involved or register an event within the 2017 Auckland Pride Festival, please contact Festival Director Julian Cook: festival@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY ROAD REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY A high-profile property on Ponsonby Road, which has been owned by the New Zealand Fire Service since the early 1920s is up for sale offering a wide range of possibilities for its next owner.

The property is now surplus to Fire Service requirements as a result of the station’s relocation to nearby Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn in May. Bayleys Real Estate has been appointed to market the 1400 sq m site at 182 Ponsonby Road, on the corner with Lincoln Street, along with the approximately 820 sq m two-level building located on it.

The property is up for sale with vacant possession by tender closing on 8 December 2016 through Cameron Melhuish and Mike Adams.

“The site is located on one of the busiest parts of Ponsonby Road just south of where it intersects with Franklin Road in a rapidly developing part of Ponsonby,” says Melhuish.

“It represents an outstanding opportunity for either a developer, add value investor or owner occupier to make their mark in this thriving commercial precinct.

“It is one of the last remaining development sites of this size in this tightly held location with is array of upmarket cafes, bars, restaurants and boutique retail outlets. Its two street frontages add to its development potential which could include a mix of high -profile ground floor retail or food and beverage premises with luxury apartments or premium offices above. It also presents an opportunity for an owner occupier to utilise the existing building to create bespoke premises to strongly brand their business.”

Adams says the current building which has a high level of exposure to Ponsonby Road was completed in 1980. It has three fire engine bays with ancillary office, service and training areas on the ground level. Upstairs are former firemen’s quarters, bathroom and shower facilities, kitchen and eating areas and further common areas.

“Behind the building, and accessed off Lincoln Street, a large sealed area, previously used for the Fire Service’s training and parking requirements, could be developed further.

“There is also potential to use land at the front of the premises off Ponsonby Road for outdoor seating for a restaurant or cafe or for off-street parking. It might also be possible to add a third-floor level across the site which is zoned Business - Town Centre under the new unitary plan. It’s a very versatile property offering a heap of options.”

The Town Centre zoning applies to 41 suburban centres throughout Auckland, typically located on main arterial roads which have good public transport access. It permits a wide range of activities including commercial, leisure, residential, tourist, cultural, community and civic facilities. Adams says a height limit of 13m has been set for this area to ensure that any new development is in keeping with the height of other buildings along Ponsonby Road.

The Fire Service will be ending more than 90 years of occupation of its Ponsonby Road site when it sells the property. Its first building on the land, opened in 1924, was a fourbay, brick building complete with living accommodation for firefighters and their families.

It was replaced by the present station in 1980.

From to 1899 to 1923, the fire station was located on the corner of Williamson Avenue and Rose Road, now a heritage building occupied by a restaurant. F PN www.bayleys.co.nz

“The ‘bones’ of the existing building could be incorporated into a redevelopment of the site,” says Adams.

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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LOCAL NEWS LIFE THROUGH A LENS Raising a family and keeping afloat amidst the public eye is a challenge for even the most seasoned hurdler.

Now, emerging brighter and better with an experienced business attitude, Sally Ridge and her partner Warren Fenning chat to Ponsonby News about their exciting new foray into real estate.

It’s refreshing to meet the Sally Ridge I have heard so much about - bright-eyed and vibrant she is eager to tackle her new role as a salesperson with Bayleys Ponsonby, working in the community she adores so much.

“I am so passionate about our lifestyle in Ponsonby, the proximity to world-class restaurants, art galleries and some of New Zealand’s premier designers peppered amongst beautiful villas and free spaces means there is never a dull moment,” Sally remarks.

Working together with partner Warren Fenning, it’s astonishing the pair haven’t walked the road to real estate before. Equal parts humour, confidence and cool - their combined credentials seem to tick off each of the important characteristics possessed by those at the top of the real estate game.

A shy girl in her youth, Sally’s mother Sue says that she was happiest when creating - from painting to sculpting and drawing, she always displayed a flair for artistry. Carefully nurtured and thankfully never lost, Sally completed a degree in graphic design after high school. And while business, family and life have sometimes taken front-and-centre, her art collection has remained a constant source of pleasure and refuge.

The dynamic between Sally and partner Warren is amusing to say the least, while easy-going Warren moves seamlessly from serious business intellect to light-hearted banter, Sally stays more reserved, confident in her position as the duo’s head of creative and marketing.

Having known each other for many years prior, the pair fortuitously met again at Herne Bay local Five Loaves Eatery - a place they visit ritualistically each morning for what they say is the best brew in town.

Bringing business acumen, and straight-talking confidence to the table, Warren has a breadth of experience as a business owner, managing director, small-scale developer, and receptionist - yes, managing your own business means you’ve got to tackle all the tasks.

A proud dad to his two children Jordan and Finn, as well as Sally’s beautiful brood Jamie, Boston, Astin and Mclean, Warren isn’t all legalities and numbers - having shown a key eye for detail in his endeavours in property development which see him well versed in the challenges faced funding and managing the construction of five townhouses.

Together the couple have spent 12 weeks studying and working toward securing their certificate in real estate. Twelve weeks staying up past midnight studying whilst renovating the home they share in Herne Bay and juggling the busy schedules of a blended family.

Excited and raring to go, the pair got to work the day the ink on their certificates was dry, and have secured their first listing which is scheduled for auction mid-December.

Looking forward to making a difference to the real estate landscape in the Auckland City Harbour suburbs, both Warren and Sally are excited by plans for tasteful development in the area.

“The aesthetic of Ponsonby is changing, the restaurants and bars have such original décor with fabulous al fresco dining spaces. New shop fronts and commercial spaces are taking shape standing out as works of art amongst those still touched by the Victorian era.

“We feel so fortunate to be part of such a burgeoning industry that still values its heritage. The Mackelvie Street shops for instance (pictured on the front cover), placed as a finalist in the 2013 World Architecture Festival Awards - the architecture throughout the community really mirrors the culture and vibrancy you feel when you are here,” Sally explains.

The career change for both Sally and Warren signifies an exciting new beginning of sorts, one that seems perfectly suited to play to their strengths. Whilst both personable and easy going, they bring a breadth of skill across the board, with personal experience buying, selling, renovating and designing all playing a vital role to their success in the real estate industry.

Enamoured with the life and character of the Ponsonby/Herne Bay area, Sally has lived, worked and played here for more than 15 years, whilst Warren - a relatively new recruit - has shed his former life in the eastern bays in trade of the proximity, life and attitude of the Auckland City Harbour suburbs.

Emerging resilient from a life lived in the public eye, the couple have an infectious enthusiasm which will doubtless prove one of their biggest assets in business. While projects, relationships and life are always exciting challenges, it’s uplifting to see two people driven to succeed in their new careers. F PN To contact Sally, please call M: 021 612 424; E: sally.ridge@bayleys.co.nz For Warren, call 021 274 1336; E: warren.fenning@bayleys.co.nz

PLEASE LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews 44 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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LOCAL NEWS QUEUES A THING OF THE PAST It’s fair to predict that e-wallets will soon become the norm; services such as Apple Pay are already become increasingly popular.

Now local businesses in Ponsonby are catching onto the trend, with bars such as Grand Central and the Cork Bar already using a new app called Orderella.

Oderella launched in the United Kingdom three years ago but was brought to New Zealand by Mason Ngawhika and Jason Alexander, who had the idea in a bar. It is a free app developed for cafes, bars and resuarants and allows customers to order and pay by smartphone. It turns a phone into a personalised mobile waiter and enables a customer to get service when and how they want it.

“Like a look of good ideas, the concept of Orderella began in a bar when Jason and I were watching the All Blacks at a sports bar,” says director Mason Ngawhika. “There was a large crowd and buying a drink meant missing parts of the game. When half time arrived the line swelled to a chaotic horde so the second half we watched as sober non-paying squatters.

“Through this experience and ongoing conversations, Jason and I decided to come up with a plan to avoid the queue and began developing a mobile app. We even got it to a working prototype but we were unable to afford the time required. We almost gave up on the idea. Yet unwilling to relinquish the dream, I contacted companies around the globe who had similar platforms and Orderella NZ was born.”

Dan from Grand Central on Ponsonby Road says they are pleased to team up with Orderella and are working on other services for customers. “We are developing some promotions that will allow us to market particular brands within the industry and products to app users exclusively which will be huge for businesses within the industry as a way to keep in touch with emerging trends but also to develop and bench test new ideas,” he says.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Grand Central are pleased to team up with Orderella “At this point the app is used from 4pm til 10pm as we are adjusting to the change in workflow and continuity. However, the ideal outcome is that we will have the app available to use throughout service so those who don’t like to wait can order from their phone and jump the queue completely.”

Orderella will soon be expanding from the bars on Ponsonby Road to launching in Shaky Isles cafes all around Auckland, The White Rabbit on the Park by Victoria Park and two PN of the Deep Creek venues in North Auckland. (GEORGE SHIERS) F www.orderella.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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LOCAL NEWS ALIEN INVADERS Santa will have been and gone but the Alien Space Ships will be returning to Ponsonby.

Once again the recycled brass, copper and glass science fiction -inspired electric lamp Space Ships of Andrew Palace are making landfall in Ponsonby Central.

From Jules Verne Steampunk to Star Wars, Flash Gordon, Lost in Space, Lex, Dr Who, Alien and many more inspirations, Andrew will have upward of 30 Alien Spacecraft in this eclectic display.

The Lamps made from discarded engineering parts scrapmetal and glass are fabricated into unique Sci-Fi artforms and lit with LEDs making for quite amazing lighting effects.

The Alien Fleet will be on display at Ponsonby Central Room 4 at the the very front beside Blue Breeze Inn from 27 December through till 15 January (closed New Year's Day) and will be open from 9-30 am till 10-30 pm daily. The Aliens look forward to your presence. F PN www.facebook.com/andrew palace metal as anything

BECOME A FRIEND OF K ELMARNA GARDENS KELMARNA G A R D E NS FOR AS FOR AS LITTLE LITTLE AS AS $$55 A M MONTH ONT H Your regular donation will help connect more school children with nature, empower people all over Auckland with sustainable living choices and develop and maintain a therapeutic garden. Join now at: www.kelmarnagardens.nz/donate

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS FNZC’S PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT HAVANA HOUSE MOVES COMES TO FREEMANS BAY TO HIGH STREET First New Zealand Capital, recently rebranded as FNZC, has just opened a boutique office in Freemans Bay. Established over 50 years ago as RA Jarden & Co, FNZC is one of the country’s pre -eminent sharebroking and investment advisory firms.

The new FNZC branch consists of a group of four highly qualified advisors with over 60 years’ experience between them. They provide a range of investment advisory services with the main focus being on Discretionary Investment Management Services (DIMS), where they will manage your investment portfolio under an agreed mandate.

Managed by long term Herne Bay resident Brian Moss, the team includes Chris White, Andrew Horton and Kristan Mines (who until recently lived for many years in Herne Bay).

The emphasis will be on customised services within a personal and friendly environment.

“We want to create unique experiences for our clients, away from the construction zone of the CBD and the traditional office tower,” says Brian Moss. “We are very much focused on a team approach and in providing an outstanding advisory service, based on our award-winning research and our vast individual experience.”

The new FNZC branch is based in a handsomely designed, new office build at the Union Street end of Victoria Park, and has been beautifully fitted out with extensive use of native timbers and exposed brick. Client parking is available at the door.

Brian and the team would welcome readers to contact them on 09 307 5702 to arrange a visit and discover the wide range of services they offer. F PN

As specialists in hand-made Cuban products and gifts for men, Havana House carrys a wide and vibrant range of Habanos, lighters, cutters, ashtrays, leather carry cases and fine single malt whiskeys.

Trading since 2004, the new shop located on High Street in the heart of Auckland’s CBD specialising in Cuban hand-made Habanos is part of Pacific Cigar Company, the exclusive distributor for Habanos S.A. throughout the Asia Pacific Region.

As part of such a well-regarded company, Havana House also offers the 100% Cuban Guarantee on their hand-made Cuban products. While the guarantee doesn’t extend to the urban myth of cigars being rolled on the thigh of a virgin, the Cuban products are kept inside a purpose-built Humidor under the optimum conditions of 70% humidity and 18 degrees centigrade mimicking the Cuban climate and ensuring a perfect Habanos experience.

Havana House also offers duty free for international travellers via The Collection Point at Auckland International Airport. The selection of Cuban goods ranges from packs that sit within the 50g duty-free tobacco allowance limit for New Zealand inbound or Australian outbound travellers, but also full-size boxes on selected lines for other international destinations.

Whether you are an aficionado of fine Habanos or just a beginner, the team at Havana House is very knowledgeable and available to help you make a selection. They would love to welcome you on your next visit to Auckland CBD. HAVANA HOUSE, 59-67 High Street, T: 09 357 0037, www.havanahouse.co.nz

FNZC, Unit 55A, 95 Union Street, Freemans Bay, T: 0800 805 584 www.fnzc.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

An A–Z of cheese and wine matching What wine with your cheeseboard this Christmas Day? You’ll find the answer here in an A-Z of cheese and wine matching.

Amarelo da Beira Baixa: A delighful Portuguese cheese.

Portugal is not a country that springs to top of mind with cheese and will surprise; sadly, you’ll need to board a plane to try it.

Wine match: pinot noir or light bodied, fruity red wines - Portuguese would be perfect.

Brie: Brie changes in character and flavours as it ages, so it’s difficult to make a generic suggestion for matching.

Wine match: Champagne with mature brie, chardonnay with younger brie.

Italian Mozzarella di Bufala Campana: The real deal mozzarella that is not a stringy, yellow ball of rubber.

Wine match: Alone, quark would match with riesling or pinot gris.

Wine match: Mozzarella is a very light cheese, lovely served with tomatoes and basil; try serving a chilled Prosecco alongside.

Roquefort: One of the greatest blue cheeses in the world.

Just now - ready for eating: Affinage is the practice of aging and looking after cheese to present it at its best.

Stilton: Like Roquefort, Stilton has been traditionally served with port, mostly due to history rather than taste.

Karikaas: Karikaas is a very smart New Zealand cheesemonger; I particularly love their aged gouda.

Wine match: Try it with a fruity white wine or a light, fruity port.

Wine match: Try this with a riesling that has a little age on it.

Chèvre: Chèvre is a goat cheese that originates from the Loire Valley; the wines of the region are a perfect match, as is, of course, a Marlborough version.

Labneh: Labneh is a yoghurt cheese; it’s quick and easy to make at home, simply add a little lemon juice to some yoghurt and strain it.

Wine match: I love Roquefort matched with riesling.

Taleggio: One of my favourite Italian cheeses, taleggio is a washed rind cheese.

Wine match: Perfect with a young nebbiolo or a New Zealand pinot noir.

Wine match: Labneh has delightful lemon freshness about it - try it with riesling or sparkling wine.

Unpasteurized: There is a large range of unpasteurized cheese now on sale in New Zealand; I do love munster from Alsace.

Délice d’Argental: A rich, creamy cheese from Burgundy, Délice d’Argental is made richer when crème fraiche is added to the curds.

Manchego: The most famous of Spanish cheeses, manchego changes characters as it ages.

Wine match: Munster matches very well with the wines from the same region - pinot gris, riesling, gewürztraminer and muscat.

Wine match: Chardonnay - lighter New Zealand styles or a chablis from the Burgundy region in France.

Wine match: Try a young manchego with Champagne and a three or six month with a Spanish red wine.

Valdeón: Not as intense as Cabrales (the strongest blue cheese from Spain) but still pretty strong.

Emmentaler: Emmentaler is a firm cheese from Switzerland, famous the world over for its distinctive holes.

New Zealand-made: Crescent Dairy Goats try the Dirty Devil, a strong washed rind cheese.

Wine match: Red wine is perfect, ideally something with a little spice and power.

Wine match: Try this with a gamay-based wine - something like the George Duboeuf beaujolais.

Wine match: It’s very pungent and will need something suitable to match, like a spicy gewürztraminer or a strong red wine.

Washed rind: A category of cheese that offers huge variety.

Wine match: Sauvignon blanc from Marlborough or Sancerre (sauvignon blanc) from the Loire Valley.

Fourme d’Ambert: A rich, creamy blue cheese from France; as a whole round, this comes in a distinctive cylinder.

Wine match: Young fruity port, or try it with riesling for something different.

Gorgonzola: It depends whether it’s sweet or piccante.

Gorgonzola is the famous blue cheese of Italy.

Wine match: Try the dulce with riesling or pinot gris and the piccante with a merlot.

Hoch Ybrig: Very similar to gruyère, it’s a Swiss cheese that melts very well.

Wine match: riesling.

Over The Moon Triple Cream Brie: New Zealand-made, with cream added, it’s rich and delicious.

Wine match: Riesling is the perfect match with this; also try a crisp chardonnay.

Parmigiano-Reggiano: An extraordinary cheese. Don’t just think of it as a grating / pizza cheese, it’s great on a cheese board.

Wine match: There are many wines that match with this great cheese - a particular favourite around here is the Pol Roger Champagne NV. Quark: A very fresh, young cheese, quark is usually used in dishes rather than served alone.

Wine match: Due to the pungency of most of these cheeses they go well with a crisp, fresh riesling.

Xmas: It’s not too far away now - start exploring the perfect cheese and wine match for Christmas.

Wine match: Stilton - try it with riesling, you’ll be amazed.

Young: When a cheese is young, it often has quite chalky, lemon characters.

Wine match: These characters match well with the chardonnay from Chablis and also riesling - matching like with like.

Zamorano: A hard cheese, very similar to Manchego.

Wine match: As for manchego, try zamorano with Champagne or a Spanish red wine. (LIZ WHEADON) F PN

www.glengarry.co.nz

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

ADAM ARNOLD - WHERE SHARING IS CARING! Traditional restaurant dining can be stifling and restrictive - not to mention stressful when it comes to ordering your main dish.

It’s easy to experience diner’s remorse, looking wistfully at everyone else’s meals while you're stuck with what you ordered, you’ll be lucky to get a bite of anyone else’s dish!

Here at Adam Arnold, we want to make dining out easy. We’re not only restaurant owners - we’re frequent (and we mean frequent) customers as well. We designed our dining experience based on what we like to do when we go out to eat. For us, this often involves ordering two mains and then sharing them over a bottle of wine. A more personalised, if unorthodox, method of restaurant dining. We’re passionate about letting our customers build their own personalised dining experience.

Our menu is a mix of reasonably priced small and large plates; simple crowd-pleasers with bold flavours are what we do best. Sharing plates make for a fun and sociable experience, both in choosing the dishes and eating them.

Tobias (Adam) Ward and Brad (Arnold) Roebuck look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to what we hope will be a Ponsonby institution. Bookings welcomed. F PN ADAM ARNOLD, 171 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 1619, info@AdamArnold.co.nz, www.AdamArnold.co.nz

We believe dining out should be a social spectacular therefore, follow a very simple philosophy

‘Sharing is Caring’ Our menu is designed to share, to banish food envy and allow you to create your own dining experience.

Our food is locally sourced, delivered fresh daily and cooked fresh to order and never frozen or reheated.

We love to eat good, clean food and with nothing deep fried on the menu we think it’s guilt free dining.

Try Our Express Lunch Menu

$20.00pp Includes a glass of bubbles, Wine, Beer or Non-alcoholic bm|;7 r;- -m7 =;|- 0u v1_; Grilled Halloumi -m1; - )u-rr;7 u- mv Pan Seared Scallops Citrus Cured Salmon Carpaccio Pulled Beef Sandwich

171c Ponsonby Road, Auckland / 093611619 / www.adamarnold.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY YOUR NEW LOCAL...

Huckleberry is proud to announce its new residence on Jervois Road.

Nestled into the heart of Herne Bay, this new addition to the Huckleberry family of organic produce stores offers a range of organic goodness to locals.

Serving up organic coffee from 7am weekdays as a convenience pre-work stop off, and closing at 8pm daily to ensure you are sorted for dinner. Make sure to stop by.

Along with this new location, Harvest Wholefoods has also undertaken a revamp to refresh this cherished 30 year old store. To celebrate the re-opening of the new look ‘Harvest by Huckleberry’ in Grey Lynn they will be hosting a weekend of festivities from 3 - 4 December.

This family day out will include free face-painting for the kids, giveaways, and the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of your favourite organic brands. The weekend events will run from 9am - 5pm both days.

Huckleberry is open 7am-8pm weekdays, 8am-8pm weekends. Harvest by Huckleberry is open 8.30am -7pm weekdays, 8.30am-5pm Saturday and 9am-5pm Sundays. F PN HUCKLEBERRY, 170a Jervois Road, HARVEST BY HUCKLEBERRY, 405 Richmond Road, www.huckleberry.co.nz

All Good Banana’s Smoothie Bike

THE ‘CHAMPAGNE LADY’ Real Housewives of Auckland, Anne Batley Burton isn't known as ‘Champagne Lady’ just because she drinks a lot of it.

Anne has been importing her brand Champagne Jacquart for approximately 20 years.

Selling from her website, Anne offers quality award-winning Champagnes direct to her clients at excellent prices. The Jacquart Mosaique Brut NV was recently awarded the coup de Coeur by Guide Hachette 2016 having been chosen as the top Brut NV Champagne. It sells for the very affordable price of $55 per bottle. As a Christmas special Anne is also selling magnums of Champagne at $99 per bottle while stocks last.

Apart from Champagne Jacquart, Anne also imports a good range of affordable, quality French wines, and is a supplier to the New Zealand wine industry, selling oak barrels, adjuncts and capsules.

In 2007 at the Palais de Tau in Reims, Anne was made a Dame de l’orde des Coteaux du Champagne (Dame of Champagne). Being the only New Zealander to receive this prestigious title gives Anne the right to issue instructions on Champagne etiquette - a subject very dear to her heart.

Anne also hosts Champagne Lady Tastings providing people the opportunity to learn about Champagne in a fun and entertaining atmosphere - perfect for private or corporate occasions.

Her other passion in life is looking after community cats or ‘The Stray Pussies’ as she affectionately names them. Her registered charity, The NZ Cat Foundation aims to de-sex and care for our community/stray cats whilst educating children and the community with regard to taking responsibility for cats.

It's time to party and to give presents so visit the website www.champagnelady.co.nz or call The Champagne Lady for personal assistance. F PN THE CHAMPAGNE LADY, T: 021 929 999, www.champagnelady.co.nz

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FESTIVE TREATS AT SABATO Celebrate the silly season with a decadent range of panettone, panforte and nougat from Sabato.

Available just in time for Christmas try these festive treats for yourself or spoil a loved one.

From Flamingi and Fiasconaro we have artisan panettone - the lighter Italian version of Christmas cake. These cakes are soft and buttery with a light, melt - in - your - mouth texture.

There is a huge difference between handmade panettone and the commercial varieties - these versions are incredibly moist and flavoursome. Try a traditional panettone studded with raisins and candied orange or try a modern panettone with chocolate drops.

Panforte is a traditional Italian fruit and nut cake originating in Siena, Tuscany. It is particularly popular at Christmas time served alongside coffee or sweet wine. Our panforte is hand made by Bonelli Masoni who operates just outside of Siena. This year we have five flavours of panforte to choose from - Margherita with an abundance of candied fruit, nuts and spices, dark chocolate smothered almonds and candied fruit, sweet fig and creamy walnuts, luscious pear and apricot and Panpepato, a darker, spicier version of panforte with freshly ground cinnamon.

Once again this year we have beautiful nougat from Flamingi which combines the highest quality European ingredients. Each nougat, is crafted by a group of artisans employed each year for their nougat making expertise. Flamingi make their nougat once a year after the almond season. However, their flavours also include pistachios, hazelnuts, candied citrus peel, honey and chocolate. Delicately wrapped, Flamingi presents its nougat in a glistening box - adding another charming element to an already stunning confectionary.

New to the Sabato confectionary range is Maglio. The Maglio family have been making quality Italian confectionary in Maglie, southern Italy since 1875. Maglio only use the best raw ingredients to carefully craft traditional Italian jellies and biscuits whilst their chocolate is made with only the highest quality sustainably grown cocoa. This new range PN is sure to please anyone this Christmas - they will make the perfect stocking filler! F Visit our Mt Eden store for more festive treats or shop online at www.sabato.co.nz SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, T: 09 630 8751, www.sabato.co.nz

PROVENCE ROSÉ The season has come for a wine style we should just shut up and drink, but we can’t help talking about how good it is. Of course, we are referring to rosé.

The world offers many styles of rosé - from the strawberries-and-cream sweeties we always saw in New Zealand to the dry and elegant wines now sweeping onto our shelves.

The drier rosés are coming from everywhere nowadays, including right here at home.

But these are largely inspired by old traditions of Europe - and one in particular.

Looking at wine history through rosé-tinted glasses, we first of all see one of the most ancient wine regions - a stretch of France’s southern coast known as Provence. Here the charming variations on a famous Rosé-style were born, all of them relatively lightcoloured and dry.

Whether the label says ‘Cotes de Provence’ or ‘Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence’ or ‘Bandol’, the rosé inside was designed, partly, to complement the local Provence cuisine of olive oil, garlic and seafood - and partly to mitigate the well-known and simply lamentable effects of having to live in a climate of constant sunshine and moderate heat. To be precise, these wines provide outstanding refreshment. With a pale colour and very little sweetness - barely a whiff of red fruit floating across a light and zingy acidity - the rosés of Provence really are the perfect summer wine.

Superb with afternoon canapes, or tapas, they are also perfect served very chilled in the presence of nothing at all but a book - and maybe a hammock. Where a white might be a bit harsh by itself, a Provence rosé is all softness and delicate pleasure.

Where a red would be too structured and heavy under the sun, a rosé is all thirstquenching lightness.

Caro’s Wines has recently landed a fresh delivery of these delicious, pink beauties so you can try them for yourself. The 2015 Hecht & Bannier Cotes de Provence Rosé is a terrific example, crisp and delicate. Or try the stylish 2015 AIX, all strawberries and floral scents in an equally light and dry wine. For a truly great example of the style, the Lafran-Veyrolles Bandol Rosé was recently voted second best in the world by Decanter magazine. We could go on, there are so many delicious options.

So next time you see a pale coloured Provence rosé in a tall bottle (like a bordeaux bottle, but slimmer), spare a thought for those poor Provencal winemakers and their terrible lifestyle. And spare a thought for yourself as well. As an old adage might one day PN say: ‘the travails of life are best faced by a glass of Provence the previous Saturday’. F CAROS WINES, 14 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 377 9974, wine@caros.co.nz www.caros.co.nz

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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The Belongs to the Dissatisfied 14World MACKELVIE STREET,

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SIDART RESTAURANT REINVENTED Multi-award winning chef Sid Sahrawat’s pursuit of perfection doesn’t only apply to his cooking.

To ensure the entire dining experience is as flawless as the food he creates, Sid’s Auckland restaurant Sidart has been reinvented - but with the same innovative menu and inspirational art on a plate. With some of the best views of the Auckland skyline, the fine dining restaurant has undergone a lavish refurbishment and extension by interior design group Orb Design.

As part of the exciting refit, Sidart has increased the size of the restaurant creating a second dining area with an intimate bar. This has been named the Alhambra room after the beloved restaurant that occupied the premises until 2006.

The restaurant will service an additional 20-plus diners with both dining rooms (original and Alhambra) available for private functions. And by popular demand from international visitors to Auckland, Sidart can now also cater to solo diners for the first time since opening in 2009.

The newly installed marble bar has enabled Sidart to increase its beverage offering. In addition to the existing wine list described as “a compact representation of the wine world” curated by sommelier and manager Stefano Baldin, a full beverage offer includes spirits, sake, cider and tap and bottled beer. New to the team, bar tender Caellan Sparkes (MASU / The Jefferson) has created an impressive array of seasonal cocktails - developed to complement the menu.

With its marble-top chefs' working area which sits proudly in the original dining room, stunning marble bar with reflective tiles and Peter Collis hanging pendant lights, the refurbishment aims to be as inspirational as the meals the team create.

Other features include textured walls and hex tiled flooring, while hex shaped screens provide a division of spaces without blocking out the light. Thick, bare, oak tables replace the restaurant’s former white linen tablecloths; a separate area for storage and coats is added which has the dual benefit of creating dedicated restrooms. And

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

while the aesthetics may have changed, Sid’s cutting-edge flavour combinations, textural contrasts and inspired visual composition remain the same. So, too, does the popular menu format, which includes the crowd-pleasing Tuesday Test Kitchen - an idea that enables Sid and his team to test new concepts, dishes and flavours each week.

A seven course Discovery Menu is also available Wednesday - Saturday, in which the Sidart team showcases new techniques and the finest locally sourced seasonal produce New Zealand has on offer.

Guests who want to witness the talented chefs creating their masterpieces also have the option of booking the chef’s table for two - six guests. And to ensure those who like to celebrate the end of the working week, Sidart is open for lunch on Fridays. Sid is widely regarded as one of New Zealand's most talented and innovative chefs and has been consistently recognised since opening the fine-dining restaurant seven years ago.

Currently rated the 792nd best restaurant in the world by La Liste - France's algorithmbased version of The World's 1000 Best Restaurants - Sidart has been celebrated in all the major restaurant awards, including the Cuisine Magazine and Metro Magazine awards.

Passionate in his kitchen to the point of obsession, Sid has worked hard to make the Sidart experience truly special and says the recent refurbishment is part of that.

“I like to take diners on a culinary journey of taste and flavour. From the oven to the table, our motto is 'inspirational dining'. While I endeavour to achieve perfection on the plate, the interior design, atmosphere and ambience also need to be perfect as they are just as important to the overall dining experience.”

It’s this attention to detail and faultless knowledge of fine dining, combined with a personal touch that is uniquely Sidart. F PN SIDART RESTAURANT, 283 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2122, www.sidart.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL The year has flown by and it's time to think about organising those pre-Christmas parties and catch ups.

It's also time to think about shopping for gifts, what to cook and keeping the kids entertained, don’t worry we have it all covered for you.

Eat, drink and shop for pressies!

We're holding two Christmas markets on site so you can get all your shopping done right here, and meet up with your mates and entertain the kids at the same time. We are collaborating with General Collective to bring two Christmas Markets to Ponsonby Central in the run up to Christmas. For two consecutive Sundays The Sapphire Room, upstairs above the Lane, will be full to bursting with beautiful homeware, jewellery, kids stuff,

clothing, art and other nice things! All vendors have been hand-picked for their design and quality with an emphasis on Kiwi made. There will be stuff to keep the kids busy while you shop! 4 December (kids focused) and 11 December 10am - 2pm.

The Christmas Bash - 4 December General Collective Markets - 11 December We’ve got late night markets every Thursday leading up to Christmas, 8, 15 and 22 December. And of course you can order your hams, hampers, cakes, mince pies and all your Champagne here too. Sorted.

For mince pies, Stollen, gingerbread... plus you can pre order your fresh croissants, loaves and rolls for the festive season.

Get your festive wine in by the case, and definitely order that Champagne! Rosé is still the wine of choice for summer.

And don't forget our Ponsonby Central vouchers make the perfect gift for friends, family, or work colleagues!

You can purchase online at www.ponsonbycentral.co.nz/vouchers.html Give Zak at Neat Meat a call to order the perfect Christmas ham, bird or summer barbecue feast.

For decadently glazed hams, cheese hampers, gingerbread sleighs and Christmas cakes contact Tara at The Dairy.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR TRADING HOURS: CLOSED: Christmas Day and Boxing Day, OPEN: Tuesday 27 December, CLOSED: New Years Day and 2 January, OPEN: Tuesday 3 January

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

55

GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Poor cows A story about discretionary compassion.

It’s an image we saw a hundred or maybe a thousand times as it was endlessly regurgitated through social media pages and on news media channels right around the world in the aftermath of the recent seismic events near Kaikoura: two cows and one calf stuck on a clump of grass thrust high during the quake, leaving them stranded.

The picture was striking, but a sunset is also striking. This had something different. It was as if the whole world was thinking, “Poor cows! Is anybody going to rescue them?”

There was an emotional connection to the stranded bovines.

Of course, there was a feel-good ending to the story. Turns out the farmer, good bloke that he undoubtedly is, did a bit of excavating, which freed the happy threesome to wander freely, munching on grasses new.

And yet, there’s something a bit troubling about it all. Why would anyone give a hoot about two cows and a calf when they probably ate half a calf last week, along with the milk the cow produced especially for the slaughtered calf? It’s discretionary compassion.

American animal rights organisation PETA was soon on the case, wanting to know what was going to happen to the cows, and demanding that, in honour of their horrific experience, they be granted a permanent stay of execution and a forever home on the fields of dreams.

Predictably, the farmer made PETA’s demands sound ridiculous. Of course they’re safe from the chopping block. That’s not how we do things down here at the bottom of the world; we look after our animals.

I wanted to know more. So, that good bloke farmer was saying that he doesn’t send bobby calves off to the works? If so, where did the bobby calves go, and how was he able to get enough milk from his cows to satisfy and nourish both humans and calves?

Was he promising that he would extract every possible pint of milk from his cows before they were sent off to the pet meat factory?

But news media didn’t ask these questions, and didn’t seem particularly interested. The information that the famous cows were the only survivors of many that had perished in the earthquake seemed like an afterthought. Are we that inured to animal suffering that we can’t imagine them feeling the pain of losing loved ones?

News media was similarly fatuous in its reporting of the likely decimation of a seal colony at Kaikoura, failing to address the implications, whether the seals could be helped in any way, just how extensive the seal loss had been, or if there were any seal injuries.

It seems we can only see animals through our eyes, through eyes distorted by most of the world religions, religious doctrine that demands we see animals as property.

Which is why that little blip of discretionary compassion is important. I’m holding onto it as a beacon of hope. It shows that when presented with the image of a trapped or suffering animal, many people do instinctively want to help.

Right now, there’s a mechanism in place that stops people from caring about the industrial slaughter and the institutionalised cruelty to animals that exists on such a huge scale that it’s almost impossible to comprehend, but as long as it’s possible for our compassion to be pricked in a more intimate way, there’s also the possibility that one PN day, that compassion will extend to all creatures. (GARY STEEL) F Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FRESH CHANGES @ VIET FLAMES Viet Flames in Victoria Park Market has a new owner, Linda Vu. Linda is very pleased to bring the old, traditional shared dishes concept to the restaurant.

Whilst the restaurant retains important elements of old-school Vietnamese culture with lantern lights and many wooden cups and bowls, the venue has had a complete makeover with modern décor with crisp white tablecloths.

Located in the centre of the restaurant is the large bar with high chairs. It offers an excellent range of local wines and amazing fusion Vietnamese cocktails. The courtyard has been revamped with an Asian herb garden that makes an aesthetically pleasing environment, yet functional addition to the restaurant.

Linda is excited to have discovered a waitress whose knowledge of Vietnamese food is first-class. She will talk through the menu with you, which showcases some of the best dishes from Old-Kingdom Hue, traditional Hanoi to modern Saigon.

Start with the Crispy Saigon Rolls. The rice papers are imported and are very thin but crispy and perfect when dipped in ‘nuoc-cham’. The Viet Flames Pork Bun is a must try!

The pork belly is slow cooked for eight hours then crumbed for crispiness and combined with pickles in a steamed hot bun.

Indulge yourself in the main ‘Bun-Cha’. This is typical Hanoi street food. Fresh herbs from Linda's garden are used, the grilled pork cake and belly is soaked in a dressing for extreme flavour! No meal is complete without checking out the desserts! It is very hard to choose between Pandal Coconut Tapioca and Spicy Ginger Panna Cotta so why not order both and share - you won’t be disappointed!

Linda is ecstatic about the opening: "I wanted to create a place where people sit back after a hectic day, enjoy their time with some very tasty food... and yes the menu is tasty but it is also a menu designed to be ‘out in flash’. Some of our corporate customers only have half an hour for lunch, so we would love to make it work for them too.”

Viet Flames is the perfect place to have your Christmas function - bookings are essential.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 9.30pm. Closed Monday.

VIET FLAMES VICTORIA PARK MARKET, 210 Victoria Street West, T: 09 379 4033, E: manager@vietflames.co.nz, www.vietflames.co.nz

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PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Festive fizz - bubbles for the holiday season Another year rolls by, and here we are heading for Christmas and New Year - with holidays for most of us, and a chance to celebrate with friends and family.

Here’s to sand between the toes, the smell of sunscreen and cricket on the radio. And it is always good to have some special wines to share with your nearest and dearest - something out of the ordinary. Perhaps some of those special occasion wines to haul out of your dusty subterranean cellar. Or (more likely) grab one from the local liquor outlet in a mad rush before all the shops shut.

By all means have a stock of good, affordable quaffers and beer for the drop-in visitors, but a little extra effort is worth it for family dinners and special friends. Happy holidays.

Soljans Estate Marlborough Legacy Methode 2012 - $29.99 Extremely good, bottle-fermented Champagne style from a small family owned winery in Kumeu. Has picked up many medals overseas and in New Zealand. Creamy crisp texture, fine beads of bubbles, toasty and mouth filling. A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, grown in Marlborough. Available from Soljans winery www.soljans.co.nz

Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV - $69.25 From a renowned Champagne house. Aromas of nougat and soda water. Fine, persistent, beaded bubbles in the glass. Very elegant with yeasty flavours of brioche, plus raw almond and a hint of citrus mandarin. A clean and bone-dry mineral finish.

Available from Fine Wine Delivery Company, Caro's and First Glass.

(PHIL PARKER) F PN Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland. See: www.finewinetours.co.nz Phil’s new cellar door book ‘NZ Wine Regions - A Visitor’s Guide’ is now available on Amazon Kindle.

Pares Balta Cava Catalonia Spain - $22.79 Produced from three indigenous Spanish grapes - parellada, macabeu and xarel-lo.

(Just don’t ask me to pronounce them.) This is a bone dry, crisp sparkler. Mineral, yeasty aromas lead on to a clean and crisp palate of brioche and soda water with a hint of Granny Smith apple and citrus. Available from Richmond Road Liquor.

‘French Cancan’ Brut Blanc de Blancs NV (by Cattier) - $19.95 Easy drinking and affordable French sparkler with a delicate mousse, fruity, refreshing and silky. Pale golden colour with aromas of white peach and citrus fruits. Delicate palate of stone fruit and nougat. Ideal as an aperitif, but can also be enjoyed with food.

Available from Fine Wine Delivery Company.

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM We moved from Mt Eden about 12 years ago.

Strangely enough I couldn’t wait to kick off the high heels and swap them for gumboots. Nice choice! No stockings, no ladders. There are bonuses to city living though and one of them is, you don’t really have to contend with neighbour’s fires - well the odd one maybe.

A few weeks back, I was sitting at the kitchen table typing a post for my blog. Glancing out the window I was surprised to see that the backyard had filled with clouds of smoke.

It seems one of our neighbours had lit a substantial fire trying to eradicate gorse (imagine that in Mt Eden). Interesting, did I tell you it was very windy? Of course being concerned and a tad nosy, it wasn’t long before I was clambering over several fences to get to a viewpoint, swaying uncontrollably on loose wires and wondering what damages I was going to be heading home with. A face plant at one stage looked imminent.

But no, yours truly was certainly not going to give up, especially when I saw my neighbour Vicki sprinting up the hill, her hair cascading in the wind.

Well the good news is, I manoeuvred all the fences, chatted with Vicki about people’s lack of common sense, all the while watching smoke billowing and burnt bits floating skyward.

I got home unscathed smelling much like barbecue ribs, but just in time to hear the reassuring sound of fire trucks. New neighbours, red faces - the joys of country living.

Spring usually means growth in the garden and as we have had plenty of rain, we have had plenty of growth. You can expect more, too, when you feed plants with seaweed fertiliser or homemade comfrey tea. Do you have a ‘to do’ list? Mine has grown noticeably since I fed the chickens this morning and walked back via the veggie garden.

To do list: • The broad beans have fallen onto the walking onions and garlic flattening them.

Staking is in order.

• Time to get super-serious and get weeding. Preferably not in your dressing gown Julie.

• Start harvesting broad beans and lettuce (the odd leaf poked into a sandwich straight from the garden is divine).

• Plant up new wine barrels - these make great pots.

• Stop staring dumbfounded at the garlic - yes they have rust.

• Throw about more homemade fertiliser - the garden loves it.

• Pop the 50L tank in the back of the ATV and liberally spray the orchard with seaweed brew - perfect place to sing at the top of my voice, no one will hear me.

• Think about ways to keep those wild turkeys out of the orchard.

• I didn’t prune my apples, pears and quince trees, we have some interesting growth in the orchard.

• Wear gloves!

• De-lateral tomatoes.

• Haul out the rest of the winter brassica garden (I left it for the bees, they adore the blossom) and get planting more salad stuff.

• Chit spuds - these are going in once the garlic is hauled from the ground (I should video this).

So as you have gathered there is much to do at Frog Pond Farm. There always is. I adore the fact I can whizz out to the garden on the other side of the hedge and grab herbs, salad leaves or beetroot and kale for morning juices. Heaven! We have had the sheep shorn again too. They have had their annual haircut and are sporting their summer dos, complete with pedicure.

The chickens are laying and enjoying a variety of food tastes; did you know they love carbs? Seems we have something in common. We have visitors of the thieving, feathered kind. Wild ducks stand around in the long grass in the paddock next door waiting impatiently for me to leave so they can partake of our chooks' breakfast -shameful! And yes, there are ducklings in the ponds; it won’t be long before Mrs Duck brings them up PN for some cafe tucker. (JULIE BONNER) F Wishing you and your family a fabulous Christmas! I know exactly where I’m going to be.

Thanks for reading my garden ramblings and don’t forget you can follow me on my blog www.frogpondfarm.co.nz

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY TWISTED TOMATO - A BUSTLING CAFE JUST BEYOND PONSONBY Chef Nick Koch has been running a popular little eatery in the beachside suburb of Point Chevalier since May 2015.

After donning the chef’s jacket in 2008, the chance to run his own cafe last year proved enticing and rewarding for this ambitious chef.

It afforded him the opportunity to express his culinary flair and explore flavour combinations dreamt up in moments of inspiration. Over the past year, Nick has transformed the Twisted Tomato from an Italian restaurant into a bustling cafe serving up beautifully plated food with plenty of bold flavours.

The cafe itself oozes charm. Its rustic interior - think exposed brick and funky wooden furniture - has a casual ambiance about it. The Twisted Tomato Chef Nick Koch vibe is friendly, and you can tell this has fast become a favourite with the locals who, until recently, were deprived of a reputable cafe that served good coffee. And browsing through their menu, you soon figure out that cooking is a labour of love for Nick. He enjoys food that isn’t too fancy or fussy. Simple food made well is his style.

And like all good chefs, the emphasis is on quality ingredients. He only uses free range - that’s for the eggs, chicken, bacon and pork, and invests in the best quality breads, teas and produce. Discerning foodies will fall in love with Nick’s well thought out plates of food, and it’s no surprise that Twisted Tomato features regularly on lists of must visit cafes in Auckland.

When asked what’s good on the menu, Nick says “People always rave about our pea and halloumi fritters - it’s become one of our signature dishes. And if you’re a fan of pork, the crispy pork belly salad with its rich Asian glaze is the one to try.” Don’t forget to look past the menu in front of you, their cabinet encases a delectable selection of baked goodies too.

So if you find yourself in Point Chevalier, or in search of somewhere beyond Ponsonby, keep this eatery in mind. You’ll find a good coffee and beautifully presented food with great flavours, served with a genuine smile. F PN

PLEASE LIKE US! www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews

TWISTED TOMATO, 149 Point Chevalier Road, Facebook and Instagram @twistedtomatonz

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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OUT + ABOUT

RICHMOND ROAD SCHOOL FESTIVAL This year’s Richmond Road School Festival took place on Saturday 19 November, and proved to be a busy and fun day for everyone.

With everything from a jumble sale to an impressive Lego exhibition, nobody was bored. There were also plenty of fun activities for the kids including go karts, an inflatable obstacle course and the chance to sit in a fire engine. Next year's festival can’t come soon enough. (GEORGE SHIERS) F PN

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

A SURF SHOP WITH DIFFERENCE Local New Zealand Business - Located in Newton Road, Coastlines New Zealand is just a quick car trip or phone call away.

Experience - Started by the golden sands of Ahipara, Coastlines has been designing and producing surfboards and gear for over 30 years. Tested in more than 36 countries, their boards and products are used and loved all around the globe.

Direct to market business model - It designs and manufactures all its products which means it has full control of the quality and products. Call in with any improvements or new things you might want to see in store and they may be able to bring it to life.

Wholesale pricing - Another great benefit of its direct model is it allows the cutting out of all middlemen and gives you industry breaking prices for great products. This means most of the products retail at least 40% below industry pricing.

Customer service - You are welcome to pop in at any time if you need a hand.

Fast shipping - Typically your order will arrive within two to five days from the order being placed. Everything is shipped insured, so you never have to worry about your new surfboard being damaged. Surfboard Trade Up - buy a board today and use it to trade in for your next board!

Warranty - With a year fix or replacement warranty on any manufacture faults, you can feel safe when buying any of Coastline's products.

Coastlines New Zealand is proud to be a local New Zealand business: “The bottom line is that we make amazing products and get them to you at the best prices. Feel free to PN pop in at any time to find the perfect board or suit for you.� F COASTLINES New Zealand, 90 Newton Road, T: 09 360 0094, www.coastlines.co.nz

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PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER I know Colombia gets a bad rap. It’s had a sleazy reputation ever since that little matter of Pablo Escobar and his fine white powder, but from what we saw on our call to Cartagena, corruption and the drug lords are slowly being consigned to the country’s history. The new Colombia is quite different to the old.

I know... you are sick of me spouting superlatives about the various places that we visited on the 2016 World Cruise, but Colombia deserves all the expansive and exotic adjectives that you can think of; lively, vibrant, colourful, and it’s all unapologetically, very South American. Laid back enough to be going backwards and yet moving forwards in a bullish go-getter sense that shows the self-assurance of someone who knows they are fabulous. It’s just time the rest of the world discovered it too - and they are.

The old city of Cartagena is encompassed by a thick, aged, fortified wall, built to protect its riches from various invaders: the French, the English, the Haitians and now, cruise tourists but, unlike the previous invaders, these new benign invaders are helping to finance the revitalisation of the city.

The old Moorish villas and haciendas within the perimeter of the barricade, sport colourful and antique-tiled foyers animated with the music of tinkling fountains. The residences’ protecting walls cascading with ancient bougainvillea and other scented creepers, safeguard the narrow cobble-stoned streets full of market stalls, cafes and bars. Positioned to enjoy their sun-dappled locations amongst the quaint village squares, they luxuriate in perfumed air that is scented from exotic flowers, fresh papaya and roasting coffee beans.

Local woman sashay around the squares in brightly coloured sarongs carrying silver bowls full of fruit on their heads like modern-day Carmen Mirandas. Sitting around the tables in the squares are their sun-baked husbands, smoking cigars and drinking thick, syrupy coffee. Busking guitarists compete for the tourist dollar and meander in and out of the scene whilst we gazed up in awe at the great cathedrals and churches built centuries before out of local coral and limestone.

Our call finally signalled my much awaited 'Segway' day. Hired from a local supplier by a small group of us 'Segway virgins', we met our guide and 'wheel mentor' at his office for a lesson. We were soon zipping along behind him through the narrow streets like two-wheeled Scott Dixons, stopping for various photo opportunities and history lessons

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

around the area. We were amazed that we could park on the side of the road and wander off to climb up and down various portions of the city walls and peer inside the refurbished churches and monuments then return back to find that our unlocked transport was still there waiting for us, surrounded only by a crowd of interested locals.

“Won't they get nicked?” I asked. “Nooooooo!" said our illustrious guide, Cesar. "Of course not, they are safe here, why would someone steal them?” Why indeed. We might be in a reasonably undeveloped country here, but there is no way I would leave one of these things unlocked and unguarded in my own city; although here? Here the Segways, whose price tag and trade-in value on the black market alone, should be tempting enough, and despite what their compatriots, shady past indicate, the city’s modern-day residents appear to have an honesty that is lacking in more developed environs.

Sometimes I think we have much to learn.

Everyone smiled, they waved, cars gave way. Well, to be honest, they didn't seem to take any notice of the traffic rules either; but they still gave way to us and the other distracted tourists. In Cartagena it appears that 'pedestrian is king'.

Colombia still has a relatively infant tourist industry especially when it is compared to Europe and the Mediterranean, but it is becoming a popular stop for cruise ships about to transit the Panama Canal and for those doing the Caribbean circuit from Miami. Granted UNESCO heritage status in 1984, its buildings and architecture belie a fascinating history that reflects the European influence of its founders. With palazzos, grand mansions, baroque and Moorish public buildings, it appears to offer much to satisfy the body and spirit. And if you like Colombian cigars - all the better.

Hopefully, it won't lose its charm to a host of generic hamburger restaurants and pizza companies. Until then it is definitely a destination worth more than a passing visit.

PN Cartagena - I would definitely like to return. (ROSS THORBY) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

Your kind of Christmas?

As we set about celebrating Christmas at the beginning of summer, swapping the roast for the barbecue, and fir trees for pinus radiata, it’s good to know we’re not alone in creating our own unique version of this traditional event.

Even in colder climes there are unique aspects that are worth celebrating. Consider Greenland, which claims to be the actual home of Santa Claus, or at least where he spends his summer holidays. Inuit villagers get together to eat and drink, and exchange presents such as sealskin mitts or polished walrus tusks. How does ‘mattak’ sound - whale skin wrapped around a strip of blubber? Apparently, it tastes like coconut.

For a real blend of Pagan and Christian traditions try Latvia. On the evening of 21 December people drag a yule log across the Old Town gathering up the town’s failures. After a ceremonial burning of the log, the town is able to have a fresh start to the year! An interesting tradition coming from the country claiming to have the first recorded evergreen Christmas tree, as early as 1510.

Fireworks play a part in the Christmas celebrations in many countries, such as in Bolivia, where they’re set off on Christmas Eve after midnight mass. For many Bolivians, Christmas is bonus time, as by law they must receive two or three times their normal salary in December.

Candles are a big part of Christmas in Croatia, with their traditional Advent wreath made of straw and four candles. A fifth candle is often added in the centre, and lit on Christmas Day. On St Nicholas's Eve (5 December), children leave their freshly cleaned (we hope) boots in the window, in the hope that St Nicholas will fill them with goodies. If children

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have been naughty, Krampus (a half-goat, half devil monster with horns) leaves them twigs to remind them to behave.

Brazilians bring their diverse traditions and cultures to the table. They celebrate with Italian panettone in São Paulo, African-style foods in the north east, and Portuguese salted cod in Rio de Janeiro. Taking part in 'amigo secreto' (secret friend), sees the giving of gifts throughout December using a pretend name. On Christmas Day, all is revealed and secret friends are found out.

Ethiopia still uses the ancient Julian calendar, so Christmas (called Ganna) is celebrated on January 7th. People fast the day before Ganna then attend mass the next morning at 4am. Dressed in a traditional white ‘shamma’ the day is celebrated with ululation, chiming church bells, dazzling umbrellas and lighted candles. After the mass service, everybody goes home to break the fast with Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew.

And lastly, spare a thought for the Kazakhs! While Kazakhstan was part of the USSR all religions were banned, so the focus was all on New Year’s Eve. While there weren’t Christmas trees, Santa Claus or presents, they improvised with a New Year tree, a ‘Snow Father’, and New Year presents, and New Years is still the biggest celebration, 20 years on!

However you celebrate Christmas, it really is a celebration of life in this wonderfully PN diverse world. (CAROLINE CLEGG, WORLD JOURNEYS) F

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. Pictured are former Ponsonby Intermediate dux Jessica Cordes, and her dad, Scott. They are photographed at the iconic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in PERU and at the top of San Cristobal Hill in the heart of Santiago, CHILE. 2. Zane Furtado sent in this photo telling us, "The Ponsonby News made it to sunny Copacabana in RIO. I'm a programmatic director at Acquire Online, Ponsonby (www.acquireonline.co.nz) - and the magazine keeps me updated on new trends and interesting places to eat in the city I love - Auckland."

3. St Marys Bay residents Gary and Roseanne Williams took their copy of Ponsonby News to the FALKLAND ISLANDS. This destination is a first for PN.

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

68 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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4-5. Stewart Morgan sent us a couple of holiday snaps with the Ponsonby News in NEW YORK. "I was there on holiday but also visiting our head offices for Sotheby’s International Realty and The Sotheby’s Auction house - amazing!"

6. Katherine Heatley emailed us this brilliant photo telling us, "A friend from Herne Bay brought us an issue of the Ponsonby News for the opening of our new resort in

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Sayulita, MEXICO. As you can probably guess our friend is in the 'Wet Hot Beauties' so suggested we do this! Check out our resort www.villavalentin.net.”

7. Timothy Boyle sent us this shot, "I recently MC'd a wedding in BALI and took the opportunity to get a team shot with the PN! Hopefully you can squeeze it in?"

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FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

Swimwear We bet that, like the Ponsonby News team, despite your enthusiasm for the festive season, your mind yearns to drift beyond the last work days of the year. Beyond the Christmas shopping and organising and into blue skies and cool water. Here are some gorgeous styles in which to do so. You'll just need to swim between the flags and wear sunscreen.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE 12

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Where to Buy in Greater Ponsonby 1. Moochi swimsuit $239.99 www.moochi.co.nz 2. Heidi Klum Swim halter $155 and string bikini $135 www.bendonlingerie.com 3. Moochi bikini top $119.99 and midi brief $89.99 www.moochi.co.nz 4. Stella McCartney wrap top $179 and tie side bikini $109 www.bendonlingerie.com 5. Stella McCartney swimsuit $289 www.bendonlingerie.com 6. Lonely swim www.lonelylabel.com 7. Lonely swim bikini $115 and brief $110 www.lonelylabel.com 8. Heidi Klum halter $125 and bikini $99 www.bendonlingerie.com 9. Lonely swimsuit $215 www.lonelylabel.com 10. Lonely swim (as 7) - back www.lonelylabel.com 11. Kate Sylvester swimsuit $269 www.katesylvester.com 12. Lonely bikini $120 and brief $99 www.lonelylabel.com 13. Kate Sylvester swimsuit $199 www.katesylvester.com 14. Moochi bikini top $119.99 www.moochi.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE EARTHWISE INTRODUCE THEIR PERSONAL CARE RANGE

TREAT YO’ SELF

Trusted New Zealand Company Earthwise has developed a range you can rely on every time - and is thrilled to introduce its Earthwise Nourish personal care range - sitting alongside their household and baby care ranges.

Dedicated to women and housed in a beautiful space of crisp white, raw ply and lush greenery. STIRLINGWOMEN deliver all your sports luxe and active wear needs to help you achieve the perfect fusion of chic and active.

As a brand, Earthwise is always thinking about its impact on the environment, and use only sustainable ingredients. Earthwise is proud to make products that are gentler on the planet and help reduce chemical loading.

Earthwise products are never tested on animals.

Going natural with your skincare, not to mention other household products, is an easy way to lighten your footprint on the earth, and it’s great to be able to give customers a choice when it comes to their shopping decisions. In keeping with the modern spaces of today’s contemporary bathrooms and kitchens, Earthwise Nourish packaging is simple, clean and minimalist and, of course, 100% recyclable.

New girls on the block STIRLINGWOMEN bring you the latest sports luxe pieces to treat yo’self this summer.

Fresh drops of the hottest sports-inspired brands including First Base, Calvin Klein, Lorna Jane and Jaggad join your favourite well-known brands including Adidas Originals, Nike, Puma, Adidas, 2XU and more.

Head into the STIRLINGWOMEN store in the month of December to treat yo’ self and in turn treat your favourite people with exciting opportunities to get added goodies leading into Christmas.

Launching at the start of the month with bespoke tea mocktails from Storm & India and raw treats to enjoy whilst visiting the store, then continuing with more gifts including the opportunity to win a pamper package for you and your chosen person!

Visit instore and follow @stirlingwomen to stay up to date. F PN STIRLINGWOMEN, 161 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 6990, www.stirlingwomen.co.nz

Earthwise Nourish cares for your skin, hair and body with a firm focus on the environment, using only Mother Nature’s ingredients as the building blocks for beautiful products.

By harnessing the benefits of natural and sustainable ingredients, Earthwise creates gentler and more effective plant-based products. In addition, Earthwise products rapidly break down, making them kinder to the earth.

The Earthwise Nourish range is paraben, phosphate, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) free. SLS and SLES can irritate those with sensitive skin, and parabens can be an irritant for those with skin allergies such as dermatitis or rosacea. Phosphates work their way into our water systems and are unable to be filtered out, which encourages the growth of algae and impacts the purity of our water.

The Earthwise Nourish range includes hand and body washes, soaps and an extensive hair care range suitable for all types of hair.

Earthwise products are available at all leading supermarkets.

EARTHWISE, T: 0800 327 849, www.earthwise.co.nz

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

75

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

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 5 DECEMBER 1925

Dear Alice,

Have you thought about what you’re going to treat yourself to this Christmas? I have to say, my dear, that I really have indulged myself this Christmas...

I feel almost too guilty to tell even you about it! But I must as it really is the most sublime hat! As you, know my friends the McCabe sisters on Karangahape Road[iii] have possibly the most divine millinery salon in all of Auckland. Knowing that I adore unusual and extravagant hats they brought back from Paris, especially with me in mind, a very chic Spanish style hat called a 'Canotier'. It’s made of fine, black straw with a tall, straight crown and flat brim. The crown is higher than the brim is wide. It has a wide emerald green, silk ribbon shot with black around the base of the crown, and a handsome flower of the same ribbon set under the brim, which appears as if tucked above my right ear when I wear it.

I’m feeling so very Chrismassy that I’ve just poured myself a generous tumbler of brandy instead of my usual afternoon cup of tea. Isn’t that naughty! It’s apparently a very special (and certainly very delicious) French brandy that one of my regulars gave me last Christmas. I’ve been a bit decadent and used some in the Christmas cake mix and also the pudding mix. Both smelt very good after they were cooked, and especially good after I poured more brandy over them! They’re now wrapped up tight to imbue over the next three weeks.

I’m hoping to ‘flame’ the pudding with the same brandy at Christmas dinner which is at Mother’s this year. I’ve been invited to join George and his parents for lunch on Boxing Day. Uh oh, my brandy seems to have evaporated! Back again with a refill. Must not be so enthusiastic with my sipping! My, this late afternoon sun feels so divine on my skin. I’ve just discarded my blouse to enable a little modest sunbathing - don’t worry - no one can see me through the coloured glass and I’m not expecting any visitors. Sunbathing is quite the thing at the moment. I could certainly do with some colour on my arms, especially with all the sleeveless dresses I’ve got in my wardrobe. And it must be good for the well -being as I feel absolutely marvellous.

Oh Alice... wouldn’t it be wonderful if you came up and we went to a jazz club together. We could put on our best dance frocks and have a right old time! Have you got time to pop up before Christmas? We do have three more weeks to go. You could finish your Christmas shopping and you could see my new hat! The weather here is so lovely now. We could take the ferry to Takapuna and do some sunbathing or even better, just walk down to Point Erin. Oh please do think about it!

I’m not so busy now which is why I’m pottering around with cushions and other little Christmas projects. This is not the brandy talking... well perhaps it’s helping a little... but I truly would love you to come and stay.

Do send me a postcard with the good news about your arrival date. I’ll even shout you a taxicab from the tram station at Three Lamps - there’s a stand there.[iv] Or even from the railway station if you don’t feel like catching a tram to Ponsonby.

I never thought I would own such a decadent and divine creature as this, and can’t wait to debut it. My sketch doesn’t do it justice but will give you a fair idea of the shape. My dearest, you’ll just have to come and visit me if you want to see it!

What else... Well I’ve decided to make Mother some cushions for Christmas.

She’s recently purchased a fine-looking new wicker suite for her verandah which would look even cosier with the addition of some plump feather cushions. I suspect Mother only purchased the suite as an excuse to give me her old one as I had, only a week earlier, mentioned that mine had finally collapsed from old age. Isn’t she a sweetie! I guess that’s what mothers do.

I daresay I will do the same when I have children.

Where was I... Oh yes, the cushions. I have so far completed two and am very pleased with the result so I shall carry on in the same manner. They are large and circular with a two-inch wide strip forming the sides. I’m making them in a pretty flowery chintz with a design of trailing wisteria in rosy pinks and fresh leafy greens. I’ve ruched the side panels and have also lightly gathered the uppers into the sides. Then I pulled the centres together with a strong linen thread and applied a rosy pink, cord work button over the stitches. If I have enough fabric left, I’ll make a couple for myself.

+ December + NEWS 76 PONSONBY PONSONBY PARISH NEWS2016

With hopeful thoughts of imminent happy times with one of my dearest friends, Your most fondest of friends,

Maudie xx PS Forgive the ‘sploshes’... I’m a little wobbly at the moment!

The Fuller Brush Company, a popular New Zealand door-to-door sales business, was founded in the USA by Alfred C. Fuller in 1906 [ii] Advertisement for Fuller gift sets (with images) Ladies’ Mirror 1 December 1926, p.iii [iii] The Misses McCabe, Millinery Specialists, Cnr Karangahape Road & Queen Street (1925) [iv] The Checker Taxicab Company Limited had a stand at Three Lamps, Ponsonby (1925) [i]

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: Michael McClintock

Are you getting excited or anxious with Christmas only three weeks away?

I’m a little of both. I’ve just finished my last big order and have only a few bits and pieces to make - just a frock or two and then I’m on holiday. But I haven’t done any Christmas shopping yet! Oh I forgot... Yes I have! I had a visit from the “Fuller Man”[i] last week - or should I say I didn’t see him coming soon enough to hide! As you know, I’m no pushover but somehow, I haven’t really worked out how (or I would use the tactics myself !) I managed to purchase three gift sets. A ‘toilet set’ for George at 10/6, a ‘kitchen set’ for my niece Lizzie who is setting up her first flat (14/-), and for myself... drumroll please ... a Fuller Friction Shower![ii] If, like me, you have absolutely no idea what a Fuller Friction Shower is, let me enlighten you. It’s a hose that you fit to the bath tap to which is attached a jolly great big hard-bristled brush! I’m told in the accompanying brochure that it will liven up my shower time and provide exhilaration for my entire body! I’d say more likely all over chafing! And it came in a jolly Christmassy box! I suppose I could give it to someone, but I’m not really certain how such a gift would be received!

FASHION + STYLE RETAIL SUPERSTAR Julie Meynell - Augustine

How did you come to be a retail salesperson?

Retail has always been my passion and I started my career in retail as a salesperson, then as an owner/operator of my own boutique business and now I am proud to be associated with Augustine - a brand loved by so many women.

What brought you to Augustine?

One of my first shopping experiences once I moved to Auckland was at Augustine. I fell in love with the brand and was attracted to the beautiful garments at the Newmarket store. It was an easy decision from there - I decided to apply to work for Augustine where I now manage the Ponsonby store!

What do you love about your store?

Mostly our garments and the warm and friendly customers I have the honour of serving every day. I take great pleasure in seeing them dressed in our gorgeous, colourful Augustine range.

What makes a standout retail salesperson?

For me, a standout retail salesperson is one who is welcoming to our customers, displays superior customer service and has the personality to engage with our customers in a positive way. It is critical to love retail and the brand you’re representing.

Tell us about a memorable sale you've made this year...

A customer who had never shopped at Augustine decided to visit our Ponsonby store, and it gave me great pleasure to assist her and dress her from head to toe. She left feeling satisfied and looked a million dollars in her new Augustine outfit, one of three different outfits she purchased on the day needed for a formal event she was attending overseas.

If you could wave your wand and have anyone in Greater Ponsonby walk into your store right now, who would it be?

It would be great to see Yvonne Bennetti in our store - love her designs.

If you could wave your wand and have anyone in the world walk into your store right now, who would it be?

It would be amazing to have Kate Middleton visit our store.

Where do you enjoy shopping?

I love to visit the great homeware stores in Ponsonby especially Un Deux Trois and Chambers.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Name someone you think is a great, greater Ponsonby brand/store/ retail salesperson...

The Manager at Servilles is amazing! She always remembers your name and has personal customer service down to a fine art.

AUGUSTINE, 324 Ponsonby Road T: 09 378 0991, www.augustine.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION LOVE

Superette’s Rickie Dee Mum of three - and clearly one heck of a superwoman - Rickie Dee is the co-owner of the Superette chain of fashion and lifestyle stores, and one of the neighbourhood’s most preternaturally stylish women.

She founded the Superette brand an amazing 14 years ago with friend James Rigden, and now they have stores the length and breadth of New Zealand and an online store that is reportedly amongst the most successful in the country (if not farther afield).

Their very first store, operating out of an industrial warehouse in Freemans Bay, was built upon the philosophy of creating an inspired retail space of sought after and unique products that go beyond clothes hanging on racks. This original ethos hasn’t changed much at all, and now there is a carefully curated range of beautiful homewares, kids' clothes and lifestyle items also on offer to tempt the credit card and fill the home.

She tells me that when the savvy pair first opened their Freemans Bay store almost fifteen years ago they never had a long term plan, and the fact that the brand will be turning fifteen next April is absolutely mind-blowing to both. “We were 21 when we opened the store,” explains Rickie, “and probably if we’d been presented with the concept today we never would have given it a go. We didn’t have anything to lose and it was a pretty crazy idea that we just made happen.” It was also at a time when the online shopping phenomenon hadn’t really hit New Zealand shores, and Superette became the only place where you could pick up some of the world’s most coveted fashion brands.

“I love the fact that some of those brands are still in our stores today,” she says, adding with a laugh, “whilst others I look back at and think ‘what on earth where we thinking?’”

The Superette name is also known for its collaborations over the years, which have resulted in everything from collectible tees to seriously covetable footwear created in partnership with the likes of popular shoe label Beau Coops.

One of the latest collaborations that Rickie and her team has taken part in is a Superette x Magnum design partnership that has resulted in something really quite fabulous - and a fast seller from the get go.

In celebration of the launch of the decadent ice cream brand’s ‘Magnum Doubles’, Superette designed a limited edition range of their Boyfriend Pocket Shirts inspired by each of the Magnum Doubles flavours. Made up of three designs inspired by the animals aligned with each Magnum Doubles flavour - ie, Caramel - Tiger; Chocolate - Leopard and Strawberry - Panther - there are only 100 of each available and thus far, they are being fast snapped up. “Animal prints feature throughout my wardrobe,” says Rickie, “so we were really excited about the collaboration with Magnum and to be designing these shirts for our customers. They are perfect for when you want to give your classic outfit to a subtle edge with a nod to your wild side.” She agrees with me when I say that the pairing of ice cream and fashion can seem a little random at first, “But at Superette we like random! We’d never done our Boyfriend shirt in any prints before so that was exciting, and there was the added challenge of bringing Magnum ice creams ‘to life’ as such.”

Have they ever been approached by a brand or another label to collaborate and straight out just said “no”? “Oh, of course,” says Rickie, “as we never want to feel like we’re forcing anything. If we get naturally excited by something then we know it will be good for our brand and fun to work on.” She adds that the last thing she and her team want “is for our customers to turn around and go, ‘well that’s a bit odd...’”

Speaking of her customers, she says that the Ponsonby location - which is the biggest Superette store - is where people love to spend time, whereas shoppers in the Newmarket branch are all about heading in, finding what they want quickly and then they’re out the door. “Ponsonby is a bit more spacious and relaxed,” she says of the store that is a hive of activity even on a Tuesday morning, “and then the weekend hits and it’s like a dance party!” Part of its success she credits with the fact that it offers something for both men and women, kids and the home, “which, makes it a great onestop shop when you’re looking for something to buy.”

The store’s in house label is also one of the most customer-savvy around, filling gaps that the Superette team and its clientele see in the current offering. “Just this week the Wellington store called and said ‘we need wide leg pants!’” laughs Rickie. “And yep, we’re PN on it.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F www.superette.co.nz

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE COPENHAGEN COOL HAS LANDED IN PONSONBY Located in the ‘head-turning’ white buildings on Mackelvie Street is the new DYRBERG/KERN concept store.

Make sure during this month’s craziness you take some time to chill in this slick new space and see the latest in Danish designer jewellery and watches for women and men.

The Compliments range of rings is exclusive to the Ponsonby store. Twist and change the ring and topper or stack the single rings to create your own look - a perfect gift.

DYRBERG/KERN is giving away this stunning bracelet duo which retails for $459, just go check out the new store from December 1 - 15, sign up to the DYRBERG/KERN CLUB in store and you are in the draw. Winner will be notified on 16 December.

65 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby, T: 09 376 9989, auckland@dyrbergkern.co.nz

WIN

THE LORBEL BANGLE DUO VALUED AT $459

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

79

FASHION + STYLE LOVE MESSAGES IN TIME At Walker and Hall, they’re passionate about respecting the past - the artistry of our earlier craftspeople, the timeless elegance and glamour of the pieces they created - refreshed as wonderful declarations of love for today and becoming heirlooms of tomorrow.

They’re delighted to introduce their Heritage Collection, which brilliantly combines the old with the new. Big, bold and intrinsically glamorous, hand-cut, antique, vintage-cut diamonds renowned for enchanting flashes of fire are showcased in high palladium 18ct white gold settings that ensure a brilliance that lasts. This Collection imparts old world style into signature pieces that reflect the unique nature of love.

You can also escape into yesteryear with Walker and Hall’s vintage collection. The collection spans many decades and is hand-picked by their experts.

You’ll love the wide selection of unique, stunning pieces from Victorian gold fob chains and cameos to Art Deco diamond rings, brooches and pendants. There are on-trend gold sovereign rings as well as precious, coloured stone and seed pearl rings. A truly romantic gift of jewellery that’s like a love message through time.

Established over 100 years ago, Walker and Hall is a New Zealand-owned, family business that has proudly celebrated with Kiwis and visitors to our land for generations. They’ve delighted in sharing the big occasions as well as the small; the milestones and the spontaneous. Walker and Hall’s rich heritage and great reputation literally shine through in their love of providing the highest-quality jewellery and fine gifts to all. F PN www.walkerandhall.co.nz

SWIMWEAR Former naval tailors Gubb & Mackie offer three gloriously off-duty swim shorts, drawing their inspiration from the founding era of the brand: post-war 1950s and 1960s.

RRP $175. www.gubbandmackie.com

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY

Top of the (sun) blocks Finally we’re seeing a little sun of late, which for me is a reminder that summer is (maybe? I hope?) on its way and new sunscreen needs to go on the shopping list.

Whenever I’ve asked beauty experts - be they dermatologists, makeup artists or cosmetic surgeons - for their pick when it comes to anti-ageing skincare, they all agree that the most important thing you can do to keep your skin looking good well into old age is to wear a sunscreen. Daily. No arguments, no forgetting on a cloudy day, no saying, “my olive complexion is a sunblock in itself!” Most sunscreens last 12 months max after being opened too, so if you’re still got some sitting around in your beach bag or glove box from this time last year then chuck it.

One formula I have fallen for lately is Cosmedix Reflect, which combines a high-performance sunblock with skin-loving ingredients. A physical, oil-free, spray-dispensed sunscreen that won’t clog pores and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive and oil-prone skin types, it provides broad-spectrum UV protection that absorbs quickly leaving a matte finish. Whilst it’s protecting your skin, a combination of science and botanical ingredients help firm things and smooth lines, and free radicalfighting antioxidants defend skin from environmental stress that can cause inflammation and damage to collagen and elastin.

Pretty impressive stuff! It is also formulated free of petroleumbased oils so it nourishes without clogging pores, and for those with severe gluten sensitivities or dermatitis herpetiformis, rest assured Reflect is gluten free. Oh and one thing, don’t spray this directly onto your face but rather into your hands first, and keep well away from eyes. For stockists, phone 0800 238 754.

Next up is my regular COOLA rave, one of the suncare brands that I definitely recommend for the whole family. A beautifully packaged collection of organic sun essentials produced out of Southern California, the COOLA range includes a plethora of yummy products that are high-performance yet delicate and kind on the environment. It is produced in limited quantity batches, meaning that the range can be reformulated often, taking advantage of new developments in sun science and labelling regulations almost as they happen.

The COOLA range has two distinct organic sunscreen collections to choose from: Mineral and Classic, each based on different active ingredients. The Classic Sunscreens use organic active ingredients (commonly referred to as 'chemicals'), while the Mineral Sunscreens use mineral ('physical') active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to scatter and reflect UVA/UVB rays. The mineral sunscreens are effective right after application, making them perfect for the whole family. I cannot rave enough about the brand’s beautifully scented, high-performance Guava Mango Sunscreen Spray SPF 50. It doesn’t get much easier than spritzing your sunscreen on the go, and this clear, continuous spray in an all-natural guava mango scent is one of the most effective

products I have ever used. Offering broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, the deluxe, eco -sized 'Farm to Face' sourced spray nourishes and hydrates the skin with more than 70% certified organic ingredients such as cucumber, algae and strawberry extracts.

I was mainly testing it whilst lying prone in a lounger, cocktail in hand, but it’s actually formulated for the rigorous demands of sport and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.

This means you really can have your fun in the sun and then some! I love that it contains no nano-sized particles and comes in a deluxe size, which for $59 will definitely go a long way. For stockists, visit www.beautycare.co.nz.

Next up, we all love easy - and when it comes to remembering to put on sunblock, the easier the better. Sunscreen, as we know it, can be a hassle to incorporate into your everyday routine, especially if you are only spending short periods of time in the sun. This is where Brush On Block comes in, a rather conveniently packaged and compact on-the -go mineral SPF 30 sunscreen. It is basically a translucent powder that can be worn under or on top of makeup (that won’t leave skin greasy or with a white residue) that comes in an easy to use, all-in-one dispensing brush. While it is suitable for areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and hands, it is also perfect for application to the hairline, part lines and for those with thinning hair to provide protection from the sun without the greasiness of a traditional sunscreen. It is great for days at the beach, as it is sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes and perfect for teenagers who play outdoor sports - so quick and easy to apply. When you are running out the door in a hurry this is a lifesaver, and it is paraben, phthalate and PABA-free, vegan and gentle enough for children and those with sensitive skin. For stockist details, phone 0800 204 526.

Last up, one for parents who know the sandy kids scenario well - Garnier Ambre Solaire Easy Peasy Kids Anti-Sand Spray. It is the first advanced SPF 50+ kids sun protection from the European suncare brand with a sand-repelling action - absolute magic! Waiting for little bodies to dry is also now a thing of the past, thanks to their Easy Peasy Kids Wet Skin Lotion, which provides direct application to wet skin without sacrificing sun protection. Both hypoallergenic and water-resistant formulas have been tested under paediatric control and contain no perfume and no colourants, so these are a great choice for sensitive types at any age too.

PN (HELENE RAVLICH) F

Clothing Alterations

Alter Ego Roong T: 09 376 8689

M: 021 032 9128

182-4a Jervois Road, Herne Bay E: ra_cha29@yahoo.com “I get all my bits & pieces done by the smiling helpful Roong... and she’s got Eftpos = sorted...” MARTIN LEACH

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVIING, THINKING + BEING The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

83

CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING He sat crouched on his bed in the darkness, his huge body emanating fear and contained power from every pore, like a Picasso Minotaur stripped of its canvas.

“How are you feeling right now sir?”

“Fine!”

“Have your bowels…”

“Yes!” Constipatedly.

“Can I...”

“No!” His eyes glittered as he gathered up his body even tighter, his great arms wrapping round him like an impenetrable shield.

The bed seemed too small to carry his weight.

Then the curtains were pulled and he disappeared from sight.

For me, the only joy to be found when in hospital is people watching. Intimate details of our bodily functions, our illnesses and our ability to cope with it all are broadcast around the rooms at top volume. With only curtains between each bed, your modesty is left at the front entrance and collected as you leave.

But these endless transient encounters can be very heart-warming as complete strangers empathise and give comfort to one another over a shared illness or painful situation. Some are open to this and some are not.

The only other consolation around spending time in hospital is it forces you to take time out from your responsibilities thus freeing the mind for more meaningful reflection. Once the horror and tumescence of your pain and symptoms are under control and you’re not still in survival mode, the mind can wander into all kinds of reveries (no doubt aided and abetted by the morphine but we won’t go there!). The big existential questions begin to crowd in: Why are we? Where have we come from? Where are we going? Our lives get so busy, we deny ourselves contemplation of such eternal questions. It shouldn’t take illness to propel us into these arenas.

Now my digestion is (almost) back under control, I am convalescing at home and looking forward to a new year of challenges, achievements and much contemplation!

To all Ponsonby News readers, their friends and families, a very Merry Christmas to you all and may 2017 bring you closer to fulfilling your dreams, whatever they may be.

(CLARE CALDWELL) F PN Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small, private practice from home. She now runs a voluntary art and art therapy programme at Auckland City Mission. She is also a freelance artist.

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

I was in North Shore Hospital for over a week, so I had a lot of time to observe those around me. As I improved, I was able to walk around the ward, dragging my stand with various IV’s attached to it and to me.

One day I encountered a crisp little man with a broken ankle who crashed and thumped his way ferociously round the ward several times a day when he wasn’t on his bed impatiently rustling his newspaper. He avoided any eye contact when we passed each other and seemed angry he’d broken his ankle as if it was somehow a behavioural imperfection and humiliation to him.

On my third day of walking, I again encountered the Crasher as he, a cleaner bristling with mops and myself all converged in the middle of the corridor. “Rush hour!” I said cheerily as we all negotiated round each other. The cleaner tittered and I detected a faint twitch from under the Crasher’s impeccably clipped moustache before he surged onwards.

WAR, 'NOT SOMETHING TO BE CELEBRATED' Peaceful protests planned against the Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations turned violent in November, with police threatening to pepper spray and even taser those blocking the event.

No arrests were made despite hundreds of people being involved in the fracas between police and protesters.

Security guards started pushing, shoving and grabbing protesters, with at least one thrown to the ground and another separated from her children. The protest escalated when a blue fence bordering the event centre was pulled down.

Police formed a large wall. However, protesters managed to break through and staged a sit-down at the centre’s main entrance, blocking the way in.

In the days prior to the protest, non-violent direct action training sessions had been held in order to ensure protests did not turn violent, and activists said it was up to the police what they did on their side.

The protest was just one of a number of events planned throughout the week, including a flotilla in the harbour when the naval ships arrived and a talk from Dr Helen Caldicott at AUT University, who spoke about bringing an end to armed conflict.

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

Another event at the end of the week was a march down Queen Street, organised by People for Peace. The march was an opportunity for the public to show their disdain for warfare and their desire to live in a peaceful world.

“New Zealand has long since signed and ratified the UN Charter and has worked to be accepted on the Security Council,” says Lisa Er, a spokesperson for the group. “It is then the rule of law that our country keeps the peace.”

“However, the weapons expo that happened in Auckland did not seem to be encouraging peaceful diplomatic solutions to the crises that the world faces.”

The event took place at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre in mid-November and over 15 warships from all over the world, including ones from the United States, Japan and Australia, visited the Auckland Harbour. However, some ships were redirected to Kaikoura to help stranded tourists and locals and assist in earthquake relief following the 7.8 magnitude quake that shook the region earlier that week. (GEORGE SHIERS) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Low dose naltrexone - a miracle drug for immune challenges This is the title of an article I read back in 2012. It was written by Julian Whitaker MD, a high-profile doctor based in California.

Although there has been much said about low dose naltrexone (LDN) since the 1980s, a recently released book 'The LDN Book' is likely to bring this potentially life-changing medication to the attention of many. Low dose naltrexone is an 'off-label' use of the FDA -approved drug naltrexone, which was developed for treating narcotic addicts. It works by blocking the body’s opioid/narcotic receptors.

For narcotic addiction naltrexone has been prescribed at doses of 50mg to 300mg daily.

However, a surprise discovery by Dr Bernard Bihari in the mid 1980s showed that at very low doses of 4.5mg, naltrexone very significantly increases production of endorphins (chemicals which are the body’s natural opioids). One in particular known as opioid growth factor (OGF) has been shown to be a major normaliser/up-regulator of the immune system.

Dr Bihari first used LDN to treat HIV/AIDS but in his practice he found that people with a variety of cancers and autoimmune diseases appeared to do very well with LDN. Autoimmune disease is a massive problem worldwide and if there were an effective treatment it could be very big news. Dr David Gluck MD, also in the United States, who has used LDN for many years notes that published studies have demonstrated that autoimmune disorders are marked by weak, dysfunctional immune systems.

This is contrary to the common belief that they are too strong. He says that the first commandment of the immune system is “Thou shall not attack self”. Only a dysfunctional immune system attacks itself.

Problems can arise with our immune response when two subsets of T-helper cells, Th1 and Th2, remain out of balance. T-helper cells coordinate the activity of the immune response to any threat. Conditions commonly associated with Th1 dominance are Type1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Crohn’s disease.

Conditions commonly associated with Th2 dominance are ulcerative colitis, asthma, allergies and cancer. LDN has a key role in maintaining balance.

Dr Julian Whitaker tells the story of a patient (Howard) with MS. Howard had undergone every MS treatment his neurologists ordered, including steroids, interferon, narcotics for pain and many other drugs. Howard had numerous setbacks including several hospitalisations, temporary vision loss and time in a wheelchair. He had read about LDN and was disappointed when his doctors refused to prescribe it. Finally, after a year of visiting one physician after another, Howard’s neurologist agreed to prescribe it for him.

What a difference it made. Howard completed his Master’s degree, he says he has a new lease on life and no longer uses a cane. He says, “if I didn’t know I have MS I wouldn’t believe it.”

There are many success stories to be found on the internet. Not everyone achieves the same results as Howard but many people with rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, other autoimmune diseases and many cancers report that they have done very well. Dr Gluck says that “the reason why many people with MS seem to benefit is that LDN is the antithesis of the spectrum of MS medications.”

The question that many may ask is, if it’s that good, why isn’t it headline news? The reason for this is that naltrexone has been a generic drug for many years and there is no money to be made with low dose naltrexone. There seem to be only two significant contraindications to LDN’s use. LDN will block the effect of narcotic pain relief drugs and immunosuppressant medications will counter the potential benefits of LDN. In February this year, the LDN Research Trust held an international conference covering many topics from autoimmune disease to autism and cancer. They have a very interesting website www.ldnresearchtrust.org/www.idn2016.com. For more helpful information and patient stories, check out this website www.ldnscience.org.

(JOHN APPLETON) F PN

APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362, john@johnappleton.co.nz, www.johnappleton.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING LILY TAYLOR - 100% NATURAL Chrissie Taylor, founder of the Lily Taylor New Zealand brand had an interest in fragrant scents from a very young age.

While studying for a naturopathy diploma in the early 1980s, Chrissie learnt about aromatherapy and from there, the idea of making her own body oil came to light.

She began experimenting and mixing her own brews, testing and playing with different essential oils and fragrances. The results were so wonderful that Chrissie began giving her body oils as gifts. People loved them and kept on asking for more. She knew she was onto something and Lily Taylor New Zealand was born.

Lily Taylor New Zealand is a 100% natural skincare and luxury body oil.

Lily Taylor believes in the unique power of aroma to banish stress, enhance wellness and make you feel sensual and beautiful. Lily Taylor also believes in the ancient art of the bathing ritual, taking time each day to care for the body whilst allowing the mind precious time out from the frenzy of modern living.

The Lily Taylor New Zealand brand of beautifully scented products are made from the best-sourced ingredients that will not only moisturise your skin, but wonderfully polish the skin leaving it glistening all day. Using Lily Taylor is like slipping into your favourite little black dress - it makes you look and feel your feminine best.

Lily Taylor New Zealand introduces its luxury body oils: Nourishing Body Oil, Revitalising Body and Face Day Oil and Rejuvenating Body and Face Night Oil. Lily Taylor New Zealand does not test on animals. F PN Available from: THE WORKS HAIR SALON, 142 Williamson Avenue, T: 09 376 3630, M: 021 655 616, info@lilytaylor.co.nz, www.lilytaylor.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Lily Taylor New Zealand introduces their luxury Body Oils; Nourishing Body Oil, Revitalising Body and Face Day Oil and Rejuvenating Body and Face Night Oil.

Available from: The Works Hair Salon 142 Williamson Avenue Grey Lynn Auckland 376 3630 M: 021 655 616 E: info@lilytaylor.co.nz www.lilytaylor.co.nz The World Belongs to T: the 09 Dissatisfied DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING NEWS FROM AROHA HEALING “The female pelvis is a powerhouse of energy transformation” - Dr Rosita Arvigo.

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® is fast becoming one of the most asked for treatments at Aroha, Grey Lynn/Ponsonby. The Arvigo techniques encompass a holistic approach to health and wellness that integrates abdominal (reproductive and digestive systems) massage, pelvic steam baths, nutrition, herbal support and spiritual healing.

By repositioning and massaging abdominal organs, Arvigo practitioners are able to address a number of common conditions for women and men involving reproductive, digestive and musculoskeletal problems, as well as positively affecting general wellness.

When the organs are in place, life force flows without restraint, generating efficient organ function and permitting balanced hormonal secretions and assimilation, as well as proper elimination of toxins. By realigning organs that have become congested, skilled practitioners are able to gently restore the homeostasis (balance) and hemodynamics (good blood-flow) to improve organ function.

Rosanna Marks is Aroha’s licensed Arvigo practitioner and is often able to bring about relief from common health issues for which clients have unsuccessfully sought help from mainstream sources. These conditions range from digestive disorders such as heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation and fertility challenges, as well as reproductive system disorders. Please visit the Aroha Love website to read more about the Arvigo therapies at Aroha.

It's Christmas gifting time at Aroha! Aroha gift vouchers are available for specific Aroha treatments: Arvigo Abdominal Therapy®, healing Aroha massage, Hawaiian Kahuna massage, Reiki or a natural Aroha facial experience and much more - check out the Aroha Love website.

The Aroha Candle collection this year includes the very popular Aroha black candle and our limited-edition Meri Kirihimete (Merry Christmas) Pohutukawa Candle. A beautiful, floral scent with a hint of citrus, pear and spice. Stunning crystals, pure fabric Aroha cushions, Mantrabands, Tailor skincare and Eye of Horus natural makeup are a few of the gift ideas available at Aroha.

the wonderful team at Ponsonby News. We wish all a safe, relaxing and peaceful festive season. Arohanui. (ROSANNA MARKS) F PN

The Aroha team would like to express appreciation to its wonderful clients, students and retail partners. We have so much appreciation for the amazing support received from

AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street, M: 0273 866 587 or T: 0800 MINDBODY, E: info@arohahealing.co.nz, www.arohahealing.co.nz

BLUNT™ DICK FRIZZELL UMBRELLA FOR OXFAM NZ Two New Zealand icons have collaborated to help change the impact of weather on developing communities, one umbrella at a time.

BLUNT™ Umbrellas’ newest creative collaboration is with celebrated New Zealand artist Dick Frizzell to help Oxfam New Zealand’s climate change initiatives.

in New Zealand to pre-order for Christmas delivery.

Oxfam New Zealand works to mitigate climate change by helping communities in emerging countries reduce their vulnerability. Blunt’s mission is to create 'for life' products and reduce disposability that adversely affects the environment. Oxfam and Blunt decided to do something together to raise funds to make a difference to our Pacific neighbours.

The 'weather bomb' will be available in XS Metro (RRP $99), from which $40 from every umbrella sold will be donated to Oxfam New Zealand to support initiatives that help Pacific neighbours cope with climate impact, particularly in island communities such as Vanuatu and Kiribati.

Dick Frizzell is one of New Zealand’s most-loved artists, best known for his iconic piece Mickey to Tiki, which sold for a record $110,000 in 2013 and has sold over 30,000 prints in total.

Frizzell was inspired by weather catch-cries and has created a classic Frizzell sign-style print celebrating slogans, popular sayings, famous weather reports and song lyrics.

“The guys at Blunt asked me, 'Could a Frizzell brolly help Oxfam help people hit by terrible weather bombs?'" says Dick Frizzell. “I got together with my mate Tamati Coffey, who knew all the weather sayings under the sun and drew up the ‘weather bomb’.”

For this special project, Dick hand-drew all the slogans individually, using ink and gouache.

Initially only 1000 of the limited edition 'weather bomb' BLUNT™ by Frizzell will be available

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Scott Kington, Blunt Umbrellas co-founder, says, “New Zealanders have a wonderful relationship with weather but there are families close to our country devastated by the effects of climate change, such as flooding, high tides and storms. We are happy to create a product to raise awareness around this problem and funds to help who is doing respectful work for these communities.” F PN www.bluntumbrellas.com PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING BRACES? ALIGNERS? PLATES? WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD? With over a hundred different braces systems and numerous treatment options, it sometimes gets tricky deciding on your child’s course of treatment.

Seeing an orthodontist early will provide peace of mind for you and your family. You will be provided with advice relating to any bite or teeth alignment issues, if they are present. It is also important to remember that not every child needs treatment. Trust a specialist!

Braces are a highly effective and efficient way of moving teeth, as they allow for a predictable and controlled way of moving teeth into a desired position. There are three main types of braces, metal, clear (ceramic) or hidden braces (placed on the inside of the teeth).

Clear removable aligners are the new way of straightening teeth using multiple trays that move teeth gently. This technology uses highly accurate computer aided design and manufacturing to straighten the teeth and correct a large number of bite problems. The biggest advantages of aligners include: being clear, removable and practically invisible.

Plates work fantastically well on children. They correct early bite and teeth alignment issues and, in some situations, they can lessen the severity and may possibly avoid the need for braces later. This treatment modality is advised for children between the ages of 6-12.

A specialist orthodontist has extensive training and experience in a variety of techniques. They can select and use any combination of these treatments to achieve the very best possible outcome for your child.

Thinking teeth straightening? Think Shakespeare Orthodontics. F PN SHAKESPEARE ORTHODONTICS, 147 Shakespeare Road, Milford, T:09 216 6888, www.mybraces.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING ART OF NAILS COMES TO PONSONBY Clients of their spacious boutique Sylvia Park and Albany salons are already fans of the high-end nail studio's unhurried, enlivening manicure, pedicure or nail art experiences and indulgent treatments delivered by professional and friendly technicians.

So it is great news for those seeking of a touch of luxury that the Art of Nails has opened in Ponsonby!

The boutique parlour exclusively uses OPI premium lacquers and ORLY products. For those after quality service in a rush the super-speedy Quickie treatment is the perfect pit stop, or sink into one of their oversized, lush leather chaises for the seriously relaxing exclusive Ponsonby spa treatment, which includes soaking in a fresh mint and lemon aromatherapy bath, hot towel wrap, hydrating treatment, skin smoother with natural botanical extracts and a relaxing massage.

Nail enhancement options include nail tipping, sculptured nails, nail wrapping, acrylic-gel overlays and rebalancing (backfill). Or their talented nail artist will decorate your digits to create a stunning freehand design. Find inspiration on their extensive Instagram gallery - it’s like a menu of high quality and unique designs.

OUT + ABOUT

They can even tailor-make pampering sessions for groups or special occasions and, perfect for Christmas, gift vouchers are available for any amount and service; individually named and wrapped with ribbon.

Can’t make the 9-5 then they are open until 6pm every day and 8pm late night Wednesday and Thursday. All this and more will quickly place this newcomer amongst your favourite city beautifiers. Email or call to make a booking before word gets out! F PN THE ART OF NAILS, 1-3 Cowan Street, T: 09 378 9585, E: hello@artofnails-ponsonby.co.nz, www.artofnails-ponsonby.co.nz Sukin ladies

Kerre McIvor and Lee Plummer

Tamsin Marshall

SUKIN LADIES LUNCH @ MR TOMS, PONSONBY FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

NO HOT DOGS IN HOT CARS THIS SUMMER With a warm weekend heralding a warm season ahead, Auckland Council’s Animal Management team is calling on owners to take extra care when travelling in cars with their pets this summer.

It takes only minutes for a pet left in a vehicle on a warm day to succumb to heatstroke and suffocation. On a day when it’s 20°C outside, the temperature in a car parked in the shade with the windows down can reach over 39°C within 10 minutes and can rise to a deadly 49°C in less than half an hour. With summer on the way, owners need to be mindful of the added dangers, says Tracey Moore, Manager of Auckland Council Animal Management.

“The risks for animals - most commonly dogs - in hot vehicles should not be under -estimated. Our canine friends don’t sweat like humans, instead they pant to dissipate heat and cool themselves,” she says.

Councillor Cathy Casey, a registered responsible dog owner and chair of the council’s Community Development and Safety Committee, says she would be “devastated” if a few moments’ carelessness on her part were to cause distress or even death to either of her much-loved family companions.

“My two dogs travel with me in the car on weekends. I make sure I always have water on hand and take Mitzi and Pat with me whenever I leave the vehicle,” she says.

Animals that have only overheated air to breathe inside hot cars can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heatstroke. Just 15 minutes can be enough for an

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animal's body temperature to climb from a normal 38.5°C to a dangerous level, causing irreversible organ damage.

Signs of heat exhaustion include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness or lack of coordination.

To lower body temperature gradually, give the animal water to drink, place a cold towel or ice pack on the head, neck and chest, or immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water.

You should then call a veterinarian. F PN

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CARING PROFESSIONAL Lou James - cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist Lou James is passionate about helping people live as fully and actively as possible after a cancer diagnosis.

As a cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist, she has seen first-hand the physical and emotional effects cancer treatments and the disease itself can have on the lives of people affected and those close to them.

How did you come to be a cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist?

I started my own physiotherapy and pilates studio in Ponsonby, called re:ab when I was 25.

In 2005, I was prompted to establish a programme for post-operative patients, as well as those undergoing and recovering from cancer treatment, after seeing a number of people coming through my clinic that needed support. I couldn’t believe the contrast between the rehabilitation support our athletes were receiving and people affected by cancer.

I developed the Pinc Programme: an individualised rehabilitation and exercise programme, previously known as Pink Pilates, which focuses on the physical and mental wellbeing of female cancer survivors. Its male equivalent, The Steel programme, was subsequently introduced.

In 2008, the programmes were so successful that I sold my physiotherapy practice and started training other physiotherapists across Australasia in cancer rehabilitation to deliver these programmes. They are now the largest cancer rehabilitation programmes in New Zealand and Austraila and we have extended into eight other countries.

What do you love about your job?

Cancer rehabilitation and exercise can reduce side effects of the disease and debilitating cancer treatments, and can improve functional ability, quality of life and ultimately, survival.

However, if people don’t get rehabilitated after cancer, it can affect their ability to work, their families, their physical, emotional and social wellbeing and their long term health.

Our network of certified Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapists have helped thousands of people through every stage of their cancer treatment and recovery. The feedback I receive from people who believe their physiotherapists have made a huge difference to their lives at a very difficult and uncertain time is so rewarding.

What do you find challenging?

There is no ACC or government support to help someone recovering from cancer treatment so I established the Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Trust in 2006 to help ensure that every person in New Zealand could have access to cancer rehabilitation. The number of people surviving cancer is growing and therefore there are a growing number of people needing cancer rehabilitation and exercise support. Our trust is small and doesn’t have the marketing budgets that other larger charities have. Therefore, raising awareness of the importance of rehabilitation and the service our Physiotherapists provide and fundraising is a huge undertaking.

How do you differ from other physiotherapists?

Cancer rehabilitation is not taught at undergraduate level within a physiotherapy degree. Our certified Pinc & Steel Cancer Re -habilitation Physiotherapists have all taken post -graduate training in cancer rehabilitation. Cancer is the single most complex disease ever researched.

There are more than 200 kinds and every single diagnosis manifests differently in each individual.

Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapists are trained to assess the physical and functional affects of cancer treatments on each individual and to help them maximise their recovery.

Many people don’t understand how physiotherapy can help with side affects of cancer treatment and just accept that a functional problem or symptom is just their new normal.

One guy I meet at a conference had been treated for head and neck cancer. He had major surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The effects of the treatment made it very difficult to turn his neck enough to check his blind spot or reverse his car. His family did not want him to drive anymore. I advised him to see a Steel cancer rehab physio and within five sessions he had increased the movement in his neck enough to drive safely again. This had a huge impact on his quality of life!!

What do you do to care for yourself?

I am an active relaxer! I love being active outdoors for my physical and mental health.

My favourite activities are mountain biking, paddle boarding and trail running or playing sport with my two sons.

What's your advice to people seeking cancer rehabilitation physiotherapy?

Taking the best possible care of yourself while undergoing cancer treatment can help you cope and feel better during each stage of treatment, and once the treatments are complete. I advise anyone diagnosed with cancer to see a rehabilitation physio to help teach you what you can do to maximise your recovery and to prepare yourself for upcoming treatment.

We have 80 certified Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapists throughout New Zealand from Kerikeri to Invercargill and the Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Trust can help with funding sessions for people who need financial support. F PN www.pincandsteel.com

SLEEP - THE FOUNDATION OF GOOD HEALTH Is there a missing link in your health strategy?

You think you are being super-healthy by eating paleo, CrossFitting, meditating, drinking smoothies, limiting your alcohol and sugar intake but... all of that is wasted if you aren’t prioritising your sleep.

Sleep is absolutely the foundation for good health and wellbeing. Not getting enough sleep each night has been shown to alter the expression of over 700 genes in the body including what foods you crave, how you metabolise your food and why you sometimes can’t remember your neighbour’s name. Studies show links between lack of sleep and a vast array of health conditions including premature ageing, memory loss, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and weight gain.

So how can you improve your sleep?

• Set a reminder one hour before you want to go to bed. Start your wind-down routine and turn off your devices so the blue light doesn’t keep you awake.

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• Manage your stress. Stress is a huge contributor to sleeping troubles, so if stress is an issue for you, avoiding stimulants (like caffeine and sugar) and sticking to a regular exercise routine is essential.

• Take sleep support supplements every night. Go with a brand that has specialised exclusively in sleep to get the best outcome.

Quality sleep supports, optimal healing and repair of your body prepares you for the daily challenges of life, and ensures you’ve got the energy and resilience to enjoy life and get the most out of your day. (KIRSTEN TAYLOR - naturopathic sleep specialist and PN www.SleepDrops.co.nz Managing Director of SleepDropsNZ) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Haven’t tried NZ’s #1* Sleep Range yet? dŽĚĂLJ ŝƐ LJŽƵƌ ůƵĐŬLJ ĚĂLJ͊ dŚŝƐ ŽīĞƌ ŝƐ ĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ƚŽ ^ůĞĞƉ ƌŽƉƐ͘​͘​͘

EŝŐŚƚ ƟŵĞ ^ƚĂƌƚĞƌ Pack KƵƌ ƐƚĂ KƵƌ ƐƚĂƌƚĞƌ ƉĂĐŬ ŽīĞƌƐ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĨŽƌ͗ ͻ WƌŽŵŽƟŶŐ ƌĞůĂdžĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐǁŝƚĐŚŝŶŐ Žī Ă ďƵƐLJ ŵŝŶĚ ͻ 'ŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƐůĞĞƉ ĨĂƐƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƐƚĂLJŝŶŐ ĂƐůĞĞƉ ůŽŶŐĞƌ ͻ ĚĞĞƉ͕ ƌĞƐƞƵů ƐůĞĞƉ ͻ ^ŽŽƚŚŝŶŐ ŵŝůĚ ĂŶdžŝĞƚLJ ĂŶĚ ƐƚƌĞƐƐ

As featured on 60 MINUTES

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Sleep Smarter. Live Better.

SARAH-JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING

It’s summer - finally!

We are all locked and loaded ready for beach holidays and fun with family and friends. With this comes a natural surge of movement as you indulge in outdoor pursuits.

Whether you are building up for a tennis tournament or jumping on your surprise Christmas present, that flashy new Avanti bike - the team here at Living Osteopathy Clinic have a ‘golden rule’, stretch to warm up and cool down for you to stay safe and avoid injury. Prevention is the best cure - at the clinic we are very busy over the holidays with people limping in suffering many preventable injuries.

Our beloved Silver Ferns, All Blacks and people of all levels of fitness, do dynamic stretches. Below I recommend a couple of one-minute stretches I personally do everyday. If you’re on a hike, stretch every two hours. You will feel de-stressed, limber and flexible - poised to enjoy the good life!

I recommend you watch me demonstrate these one minute exercises on our Youtube Channel - just tap the link on the front page of livingosteopathy.co.nz.

Quads (front of thigh): standing with the wall beside you for balance if you need it, and bend your knee, bringing your heel towards your bottom and hold your ankle. You should feel a stretch into the front of the thigh of the bent leg.

Hamstrings (back of thigh): standing upright, place a straight leg up onto the seat of the bench and slowly fold forward over the raised straight leg. You will feel a stretch into the back of the straight leg. To make it more challenging, flex your heel and bring your toes towards you.

Shoulder rotations: folding your arms at the elbows and placing your fingertips onto your shoulder tips, drop, relax your shoulders and draw your elbows forward, drawing a circle with your elbows. Moving your elbows clockwise and then anticlockwise.

There should never be any pain - if there is, stop immediately. Take a mental note of any pain: where is it exactly, is it pins and needles or a sharp or a dull ache, how would you rate it on a scale of 1 to 10? Gently re-enter the stretch to a lesser degree. If pain persists, it’s time to seek a professional such as an osteopath to diagnose and resolve.

I hope that you found my Ponsonby News November article on ‘Text Neck’ interesting.

On that note, we are welcoming Senior Osteopath James Hutchinson MOst, MPhil, BAppSc (Human Bio) MONZ. James completed a five-year Masters thesis on Comparative Neck Treatments; he will head our Neck and Back Health Care and Pain Relief Clinic to assess and resolve your posture issues and achieve pain-free time in general and at your computer and workstation.

NOTE - We will be one of the few practices in Auckland open over the festive season, please look on our website, book online or give us a ring. (SARAH-JANE ATTIAS) F PN Wishing you all a happy and safe festive season and blessings from our team: Sarah-Jane, Bo, James, Tanah and Rachel.

Be mindful - it’s easy to underestimate an activity like beach walking or gardening is a good example where you could easy spend three-four hours bending, twisting, weeding, trimming, planting, dragging, lifting - all big exercise moves - but do you stretch out before and after to minimise injury?

De-stress and thank-you Christmas gifts we sell at Living Osteopathy, Grey Lynn: Living Osteopathy Voucher - beautiful, personalised printed or digital to a value of your choice. Whatever the receiver wishes for treatments or products. Perhaps a treatment at our Mother and Child Clinic or Wellness De Stress treatment for your body?

(It’s not uncommon to find a patient so relaxed they drift off to sleep!)

Spikey Balls - fantastic deep-muscle tissue treatment; affordable, compact, rubber self-massage ball. All you need is a wall to lean into. I throw ‘Spikey’ in my handbag and always have a spare in the car glove box. Great for feet, hand, hip, back and shoulders.

The work-out increases blood flow to most muscle groups. Spikey are in funky, bright colours and look cute, so having one laying around your work desk people often think it’s an objet d’art.

Holiday ‘first aid’ Kit - all therapeutic-grade essential oils, New Zealand made, 100% organic.

• Absolute Essential Body Repair Cream - muscle and anti-inflamatory liniment; use a combination of icing and rubbing in (excellent when you are away and cannot seek treatment) to improve and speed up healing.

• Lavender True - bruises, calming, antiseptic.

• Stress Less - dot on pulse point and surfaces such as your pillowcase to calm the nerves of all family members, especially on long drives.

• Lemon Eucalyptus - to ward off the mozzies, World Health Organisation approved as powerful anti-bug rub on skin and clothing.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING HERNE BAY PHARMACY OPENS A CHRISTMAS GIFT GROTTO Are you sorted for Christmas? Santa’s helpers at Herne Bay Pharmacy are here to assist.

With the Herne Bay Pharmacy’s brand new Christmas gift grotto in store, they are uniquely placed to help you find the perfect gifts for your family and friends.

All their gifts have been personally selected and the team thinks the gifts are something special.

Take a look into their Christmas world and discover for yourself.

You’ll find a selection of musical and Christmas -themed snow globes, beautiful wreaths with matching candle holders and large Santa models, all uniquely dressed. They’ve got beautiful Crabtree & Evelyn products from the United Kingdom - including festive biscuits, tea and fudge.

There is a great selection of Kiwi-made gifts too, including distressed rimu cheeseboards from Nelson, retro handmade decorations, clocks, coasters and wooden novelties from Riverton. As well as Professor Puzzle puzzles and 3D models of landmarks such as the Sky Tower, Otago University, Big Ben and even the White House. If you know someone with a sweet tooth, there's got a great selection of Seriously Good Chocolate and Artisan Vinegar Lemon Curd and Lime Curd.

Join the Herne Bay Pharmacy team 6 December from 6-8pm for their Christmas Evening and share a glass of bubbly with them. There will be spot prizes up for grabs and it’s a great chance to have a look at the Christmas gift grotto and get your Christmas shopping sorted. F PN HERNE BAY PHARMACY, 210 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 3339, hello@hernebaypharmacy.co.nz

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING AN ARCH HILL TAIL Almost a year ago, a little brown bird with no tail feathers started to follow us around our small garden.

Every time we picked and dug and plucked he was there, checking out the possibility of a worm or slug.

After a few days, and lured by some strategically placed snails, we enticed the now aptly named Shorty ever closer, and soon every morning he was on the deck, waiting expectantly for a free feed.

The harvesting and feeding of snails gave way to the much more convenient raisins. Now he came and plucked them off the palm or knee, and a quiet demeanour and measured movement ensured he wasn’t all that fussy about the donor.

This little brown bird was now being shadowed by another who happened to be his dad; a decidedly scruffy male blackbird going through a moult who we named Ratty. Ratty wouldn’t come near but observed the human interaction from a distance.

We became immersed in the world of the blackbird, learning to differentiate between song and call. Conversely, Shorty quickly learned the importance of silence. Anticipating discovery in alien territory, he could sit for 15 minutes without even batting an eyelid but on discovery was chased away by Ratty, after hopefully having had his fill.

Early 2016 saw the arrival of a female friend and feeding patterns changed. Shorty would consume three or four raisins then later return, but this time line up the same number in his beak and deliver them back to his spouse and brood. Shortly after, Shorty arrived with a couple of recently fledged infants, one of which, within days, was not only robbing his dad of his loot but brazenly having his own fill from us. Shorty’s intolerance for this gluttonous behaviour increased as did Ratty’s of another family feeding in his patch.

This ultimately required a family move across the road to Jon and Shelley’s. A quick call of Shorty’s name and presentation of the favoured snack saw the birds soon feeding from the resident small boys, who now had ready-made pets living busy bird lives just outside their kitchen window.

The Potatau Street footpath left-side down was the boundary between Ratty and Shorty’s patches. Cock fights were a regular part of ongoing territory wars but then the two combatants could be seen sitting together on an apparently neutral fence outside number 22.

Three weeks ago Shorty appeared at the front door with both feet tangled with fine thread. While he managed to break the piece between his feet, over the ensuing weeks he showed considerable discomfort and was obviously distressed. We often discussed options for his capture; even contacting Bird Rescue who could offer no more advice than that what we already knew.

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Box traps with string never lasted longer than the attention-spans of the young boys.

Bird netting was on-hand but we were always just not quick enough, and Shorty was starting to get wary.

Last Wednesday, coming home from town, a black shape swooped along the block to meet me, and then followed up the front steps, hopping up one by one. As soon as I was inside, and while reaching for the raisins, a cunning plan presented itself. Having the front door half closed, I enticed him in, and then closed the door. It worked, and while a little confused, Shorty just flew up on top of the hall dresser and checked out the surroundings.

During the "Jon, get over here quick, I have got him!" phone-call and, in hindsight, predictably, Shorty flew into the kitchen and bang, straight into the window. He stood, head slightly cocked, staring at it in a bemused sort of way. Jon arrived and after two attempts we managed to catch him and gently wrapped in a towel, surgery began.

The poor boy, it took 20 minutes of delicate cutting and unwinding, amid struggles and squawks of pain as thread was gently pulled from swollen flesh.

Surgery over, Jon went home to get some antiseptic cream and I realised after a couple of moments, the rapidly beating heart was no more. The poor mite had died in my hands. "You little bastard" I kept repeating, "why did you die!" Surely just a few more minutes, time for some rest and recovery, repeating, sadly and everything would have been okay.

After half an hour, I took his little body in the black towel outside and placed it on the table. The second I went back inside, Ratty, who never came close, flew down onto the deck directly under Shorty’s body, stood for a few moments, then flew off.

Later, and having regained some semblance of composure, I laid Shorty out, wrapped in a piece of cloth in a smart little white box rescued from the recycling, with a couple of raisins to help him on his way.

On the following Monday evening, and after a few days in a zip-lock bag in the fridge, Shorty was buried in Jon and Shelley’s garden directly under his first nest with the help of the boys and a bottle or two of Champagne.

Ms Shorty has stayed around, is happy to be fed, but territories are already changing and other male birds have made forays into Shorty’s patch.

We would like to think that another little brown fellow will come along, turn into the jaunty, daring, cheeky blackbird our Shorty had become, and bring as much joy into our lives as he managed to do in the short time he was with us. (DAVID BATTEN, ARCH HILL) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION PHOTO PROJECT AT RICHMOND ROAD SCHOOL A French woman brought up on Reunion, a tiny island in the Indian Ocean, has been conducting a cultural diversity study at Richmond Road School.

Charlotte Piot selected two children from each bilingual unit (Maori, Pakeha, Samoan, and French) to conduct a photo project entitled 'Aotearoa Cultural Diversity Shown Through a Lens'. The eight children aged between five and six were each given a digital camera and asked to take five photographs: a self portrait, a family photo, a photo of their favourite meal, a favourite toy, and a photo of their choice.

This project was supported by Auckland Creative Communities NZ scheme. Charlotte was very grateful for their support. The photos were on display at the Grey Lynn Community Centre during November.

Charlotte, a Masters graduate from England and South African universities in English and Sociology, loved living in the remote, diverse, yet harmonious Reunion Island. As she lived in different parts of the world, Charlotte began to notice how little people knew about each other’s culture. This was the inspiration behind the photo project.

Charlotte Piot knew how unselfconscious five year olds are, so she deliberately chose that age group. By eight or so, that naivety has dissipated somewhat, she says. She observed that in New Zealand people weren’t mixing a lot with people of other ethnicities or cultures compared to her experience on Reunion Island. She had lived in Perth Australia for four years where she learned how racist Australians could be. Her boss in an education facility told her she could talk about anything at all except the ‘stolen generation, and aborigines’. She was gobsmacked.

Charlotte Piot had been amazed to learn how few New Zealanders could speak Te Reo Maori and how few had ever been on a marae. Creole language has a similar history to Maori - students were caned for speaking it at school in previous generations.

Charlotte was pleased with the photographs the eight children took, and the next phase will be to ask the children to explain their photographs and tell her why they chose them.

This will be followed by another exhibition.

What I found interesting about Charlotte was that on the one hand she was critical, or at least very surprised to find so much ignorance among pakeha New Zealanders about Maori, yet her own parents refused to learn Creole on Reunion, and insisted Charlotte spoke French at home and back in France with relatives. When challenged about Creole, her parents would say “Why should I speak the dialect? I’m French. The Island is French.

I don’t need to speak Creole.”

Perhaps too many New Zealanders think the same way and see much more importance in earning money, buying a new car, or a beach house, living the affluent lifestyle, consuming, consuming, consuming. Richmond Road School’s bi-lingual units provide a valuable contribution to New Zealand’s cultural diversity and are to be applauded.

Charlotte Piot’s attempt to get inside the head of eight young students at Richmond Road, should add to that knowledge and the growth of cultural and ethnic understandings.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

Cassidy Scoones lets his dancing speak for itself “Dance is the hidden language of the soul,” said American dance legend Martha Graham.

If that’s the case, then Cassidy Scoones is not only demonstrating it most articulately, but he can do so in a number of different dialects.

At just eight years old, the versatile Cassidy already has an impressive resume, and at the time of writing is performing in Billy Elliot The Musical at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.

It’s a different kind of role for Cassidy but the Bayfield student is nailing it. He is Small Boy, and though he is, as the name implies, the smallest person on the stage, he gets some of the biggest laughs.

As he explains: “My job is to be cheeky and a bit rude. I’m in the first half of the show (Cassidy actually leaves at half time, and is tucked up in bed by the time the show ends), running around with his on-stage mother and friends in the build up to the miners’ strike.

"I suck on a real lollipop, do push-ups, fake box, and try to copy Billy by shadowing him.

I make the audience laugh by saying things kids don’t usually say, like swearing at an adult.”

Acting the fool? Sucking a lollipop? Swearing at an adult without getting in trouble?

Life doesn’t get much better than that! Especially for the families involved in the miners’ strike and that’s why Cassidy’s role, though short on minutes, is long on meaning.

Cassidy’s mother Carol Brown explains: “I guess the thing about his role as Small Boy is that it encourages empathy and a sense of how we are shaped by those who inspire us,” she says.

“The show is inter-generational. Cassidy plays the youngest character but the oldest is the grandma, played by the renowned actress, Rima Te Wiata, who sings a ‘grandma song’ full of longing and loss amongst other memorable scenes. Cassidy’s role is relatively minor but it is important in the overall structure of the play. I think his role is to trigger associations with hope and potential for the future at a time that is fairly bleak (Thatcher’s Britain and a protracted miners’ strike). When the Small Boy imitates Billy Elliott, he is also encouraging the audience to see how movement is learned through relationships and that it transports us. We learn to move through moving with others. In the boxing scene, he is a gutsy fighter who draws applause from the audience because he is so small and determined, doing push-ups until he collapses.”

The memories of Billy Elliot will stay with Cassidy a long time, as will the faux-pas that occurred when a miner’s light smashed on the floor making the stage unsafe. The crew were trying to work out how to get the shattered glass offstage safely. In the ensuring emergency, the stage manager didn’t cue Cassidy for his entrance. Cassidy decided to go on stage anyway as he was afraid to miss his cue. But when he went on stage the action had moved on and his parting line, ‘yer fat bastard!’ was out of sync.

All part of life in the world of acting and unsurprisingly it didn’t leave Cassidy unduly scarred as dancing is embedded too deeply in his DNA to be harmed by a solitary ****sup (well, if Small Boy can swear, why can’t I?). His mother is an associate professor in dance studies at the University of Auckland and a choreographer, and his father Russell Scoones is a composer/sound designer/musician/music therapist. Cassidy’s love of music was obvious from the time he could move, and he’s been dancing since he was three with Clare Battersby at TAPAC, The Auckland Performing Arts Centre. Recently he’s been part of a boys’ dance project, creating works for outdoor environments. And last month, the boy’s dance project (aka The Bark Brothers) performed Te Hononga at Glen Innes, drawing attention to the polluted Omaru River.

photography: Michael Smith

Last year Cassidy performed in Auckland Theatre Co’s production of The Dolls House, and rewinding further, he’s performed in several other professional dance works including 1000 Lovers and FLOOD, directed by his parents.

That’s a lot of experience for a kid. Anyone who knows their stuff will see that Cassidy’s strengths are his explosiveness, jumping, balancing, quick movements and expressive gestures of the hands and face. He’s also good at remembering movement and, crucially, he likes performing.

What does he need to work on? “I need to learn how to flip,” he says.

He'll probably tick that box when he returns to London, his birthplace, on his mother’s sabbatical early next year (the family moved back to New Zealand when he and his big brother Rafe were younger to be nearer the boys’ grandparents) where he plans to

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

take some ballet and circus classes. Add to that his desire to dance like his heroes, hip hoppers The Bradas and the Cesan Brothers, and his longer term goal of acting in movies, and it becomes fairly obvious that we haven't heard the last word from Cassidy Scoones. (BILLY HARRIS) F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Women don’t like cricket... or do they?

When you have someone as inspiring and dominant in the game of cricket as Suzie Bates at the helm of our national women’s cricket side, the White Ferns, it’s hard to fathom that a recent report into the state of the game would suggest female cricketers are a “species on the verge of extinction’’.

However, former Auckland player and strategic governance advisor Sarah Beaman’s findings aren’t just a catchy marketing phrase or a scare tactic to get more women interested in cricket, instead she spelled the game's worries out in black and white, and it’s now up to all of us to do something about it.

Returning a commissioned report to New Zealand Cricket last month, Beaman outlined a string of recommendations to reverse the alarming decline in women playing the game, which has seen the total number drop from 38 to 14% in the past 25 years.

The document pointed the finger squarely at the lack of women in leadership roles within the game in New Zealand “What I discovered was women having virtually no voice in governance or leadership of cricket, (there is also) few women coaching or umpiring,’’ further highlighting the lack or role models for young girls to aspire to.

Beaman also said she found the decision to amalgamate the New Zealand Women’s Cricket Council with New Zealand Cricket in 1992, a move that was considered trailblazing at the time, a way to break down barriers and perhaps a model for the rest of the world as ironic and has in actual fact seen the opposite effect to the desired outcome; that

“buzz soon faded, women’s cricket which had been run by women for 58 years was soon run by mostly men.”

The report showed a clear lack of pathways for women to continue in the sport, showing only 10% of those playing the game are female, and of that 90% are primary school aged.

It also revealed an unwanted feeling from women who are playing the game that they believe their contributions are overlooked, undervalued, and that they’re viewed as an obligation and a cost to cricket. They believe women’s cricket is regarded as an afterthought.

The thing I found most alarming in this report is the majority of the contributing factors of the decline are not lack of time, extra responsibilities at home or work, the cost of playing, uptake in other sports, but simply factors in the management of the game. Simple issues of either neglect or conscious mismanagement, a simple lack of leadership in small but important parts of the game, simple issues that now require major influence, major investment, both in time and money, to reverse the trend. Or else a sport important to the fabric of New Zealand will become extinct. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

NEW PRINCIPAL FOR ACG SENIOR COLLEGE After a national and international search, ACG Senior College in Central Auckland has appointed Tracey Dykstra as its new principal.

Mrs Dykstra joins the school from St Kentigern, where she has held the position of Head of Teaching and Learning since 2010. Prior to that, she was Deputy Principal of Baradene College.

Those two sentences introduced Tracey Dykstra to the Auckland Media. The media release went on to explain something of Mrs Dykstra’s vast and varied experience in education here and abroad.

However, the press release did nothing to prepare me for the real strength of personality, charm, and acute intelligence of ACG Senior College’s new principal.

By the time I had spent an hour in her presence, I understood why, at age 16, she left a Catholic girl’s school in Year 12 and took herself off to university to do a psychology degree.

Tracey Dykstra was clearly an exceptional young woman, even if she was unsure at that point where her future lay. She had no desire to return to school to Year 13 - gloves, hat, and all that.

Her first foreign language experience after school came when she studied language in Japan, She taught for three years on the island of Hokkaido. After learning to speak Japanese, Dykstra studied written Japanese with a lovely old lady who spoke not a word of English.

Back in New Zealand Dykstra got teacher qualified, teaching at Penrose High and Rangitoto College. Since then, apart from a two-year stint with her husband teaching in China, Mrs Dykstra has filled a number of interesting posts in New Zealand education.

For a couple of years she worked for Team Solutions, who had a Ministry of Education contract to support teachers in schools. She believes in taking opportunities and having different experiences. She believes she will be a good fit for Senior College, and I’m sure she will be. “Come back in two years and I’ll tell you how I’m enjoying being a principal of a pre-university college,” she challenged me.

Her enthusiastic and bubbly exposition of her educational and life experience, wide and varied indeed, made Tracey Dykstra seem much younger than the three decades long teacher that she is. Her infectious positivity must have endeared her to students and The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

fellow teacher colleagues for many years.

Tracey Dykstra is a strong -minded and articulate advocate for the ACG Senior College system which she has just joined, including the international Baccalaureate and Cambridge exam systems that the school's offer. Yet she also has vast experience with NCEA: while she was head of languages at Manurewa High School, a low decile school, she set up the first language assessments for NCEA. Tracey Dykstra It’s not about any one system being right and others wrong. It’s about choice, Tracey Dykstra will tell you. She is a strong advocate for strengthening the New Zealand education system and feels privileged to have had a range of experiences.

A huge fan of working collaboratively, she will continue to mix with state school colleagues in her leadership role with the University of Auckland, where she is also completing a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

I agree with Director of ACG schools, Clarence van der Wel who said, “We are thrilled to have appointed someone of Tracey’s calibre.”

Tracey Dykstra invites local students to come and have a look at ACG Senior College, be a student for a day, and see if it would be a good fit for them. ACG Senior College begins a unique programme in 2017 for Year 11 students, which combines the best of the PN Cambridge and International Baccalaureate curriculums. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

For club and country Italy’s Stadio Olympico is about as far away from Ponsonby’s Western Springs as you can get.

The language, the location, the intimidating size and atmosphere of the Colosseum -styled stadium are so far removed from Auckland’s wee club tucked in at the bottom of the hill.

About the only similarity is that those who set foot in to the Italian national stadium do so with a real passion for rugby.

On the other hand, it seems Ponsonby’s latest All Black Rieko Ioane is equally at home on any rugby field anywhere in the world, just as he is comfortable re-writing the record books.

Having already been included in the All Blacks squad earlier in the year, almost everything the youngest of the Ioane brothers did suggested he would himself be an All Black sooner rather than later, although it wasn’t until his debut off the bench in Rome that he actually became Ponsonby’s 45th All Black (one behind starting lock Patrick Tuipulotu) and or Auckland Grammar's 52nd, a record for both club and school.

He also becomes the ninth youngest All Black in the history of the game.

Whilst there’s a little debate over the validity, of the true Ponsonby status of one or two of the Ponies' All Blacks, there’s no denying Ioanes strong links to the club. Whilst applying his services in other teams in 2016 like the Blues, the All Blacks Sevens and the Auckland Mitre 10 Cup side, most weeks when Ioane junior was in Auckland, he was spotted at the club, often side-line, showing his support.

The Ponsonby Club is a place where you’ll find the rest of the Ioane family too. His dad Eddie, a former Manu Samoa forward (who is also obviously quick on his feet given he was seen running up and down the street shouting for joy when Rieko was named in the All Blacks end of year squad) is never too far away on game days and nor is his mother Sandra who is now the club manager.

One of the 19-year-old's tour jerseys will no doubt be given pride of place upon his return at the historic club, hanging beside other legends of the game like Joe Stanley and Va’aiga Tuigamala, Bryan Williams and many more.

And speaking of records, Ioane's performances for Auckland in this year's Mitre 10 Cup saw him stand head and shoulders above the competition in defenders beaten, metres run and clean breaks as well as scoring a competition best 10 tries.

PN (GEORGE BERRY) F

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

MEET THE TEACHER Ivan Davis Ivan Davis is the incoming Principal of Western Springs College -Nga Puna o Waiorea.

He says, “It is a real honour to be appointed principal at a time of huge change for the college. I am fortunate to be able to follow in the footsteps of an inspirational leader, Ken Havill and his legacy of care and compassion.”

How did you come to be a teacher?

I always say to students that the reason I became a teacher is that I loved school and was pretty successful at it, and wanted to share that with others.

Where did you train?

Waikato University, where I completed a Masters degree with honours in Social Sciences majoring in geography. Then I went to Auckland Teachers College for teacher training.

What brought you to your current school?

A real interest in what this school was doing in breaking down traditional notions of secondary school in New Zealand. I have always spoken of Springs as being a 'teachers’ school'. It attracts and keeps the best teachers because the ethos here is about education not control.

How would the chair of the board describe you?

Enthusiastic, supportive of staff and students. Energetic. Passionate about the new build and opportunities it will bring to create a truly great school and community facility.

How would other teachers describe you?

Easy to approach, talkative, caring, supportive of the challenging work that they do.

Compassionate.

What are your favourite things about being a teacher/principal?

During my career I have done so many amazing things that I wouldn’t necessarily have been able to do in other fields. Day-to-day classroom experiences are always different, and I have been able to participate in fieldtrips within New Zealand and overseas - things that will remain with me for life.

How would your students describe you?

Fun, approachable, interested in them. Fair and reasonable. One who listens to them.

Highlight of your teaching career?

Being appointed Principal of Western Springs College last month. The degree of staff and staff support for me has been humbling.

Five tips for mums and dads of high school kids/for parents who want their children to achieve at high school.

1. Talk to your children about what they are doing at school.

2. Get involved. Sport, clubs, etc.

3. Take time to spend with them. The best thing you can spend with kids is time.

4. Establish contacts with key people at school who are involved with your child.

5. Listen, listen, listen.

Low point of your teaching career?

Action required to secure decent pay for teachers always irks me. We see it now with young doctors too. Why does it have to be like this?

If you could wave a magic wand in your school?

The rebuild would be finished tomorrow.

GREAT HOLIDAY READING FOR THE KIDS A Child of Books

by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston (Walker Books, hardback $29.99) From bestselling author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers and typographical artist Sam Winston comes an exceptional new picture book. I am a Child of Books. I come from a world of stories, and upon my imagination, I float. In this inspiring, lyrical tale about the rewards of reading and sharing stories, a little girl sails her raft "across a sea of words" to arrive at the house of a small boy. There she invites him to come away with her on an adventure. Guided by his new friend, the boy unlocks his imagination and a lifetime of magic lies ahead of him... But who will be next?

Elegant illustrations by Oliver Jeffers are accompanied by Sam Winston's astonishing typographical landscapes, beautifully shaped from excerpts of children's classics including Treasure Island, Little Women and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, creating a gorgeous gift book perfect for readers of all ages, and this year's must have Christmas gift.

drops, campfires to swimming, every page brings a new delight. The book is beautifully illustrated by the talented Cat Chapman (Yak and Gnu is one of her recent books). The perfect summertime book for kids.

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

When We Go Camping by Sally Sutton, illustrated by Cat Chapman (Walker Books, hardback $29.99) When we go camping, we bang in the pegs, bang in the pegs, bang in the pegs. Guy ropes are tricky; they trip up our legs! Smacketty tappetty bopp-io. Written by the award -winning and best-selling Sally Sutton - author of Roadworks, Demolition and Construction - this wonderful new rhyming book captures the excitement of camping. From flies to long

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

101

LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

New to Auckland Zoo - Australia’s lace monitor

Explore the zoo’s new strangely beautiful Australia A Merry (sustainable) Christmas!

Opening on 17 December at Auckland Zoo is ‘strangely beautiful Australia’, a stunning new $3.8 million development that will be home to more than 20 of our Trans-Tasman neighbours’ weirdest and most wonderful wildlife species.

We’re talking giant, fork-tongued monitor lizards, Australia’s heaviest stick insect, snake-neck turtles, huntsman and red-back spiders, water dragons, frogs, more than a thousand fish, and a diversity of vibrant (and some very noisy!) Australian birds.

The concentrated mix of species makes ‘strangely beautiful Australia’ the most speciesrich area of Auckland Zoo and one that the zoo’s Aussie-born director and Westmere local Jonathan Wilcken says visitors will love.

“We’re giving people a chance to see the odd, the eclectic, gorgeous, brash and gaudy in ways that you might not expect - from life in the inland rivers to what Australians might come across in their gardens.

“As a kid, I vividly remember leaning on a bush veranda watching a 2m lace monitor patrol our garden. This exhibit is dedicated to those sorts of odd and casual wildlife encounters that help make the Australian natural environment the strange and beautiful place it is,” says Jonathan.

Ectotherms team leader, Don McFarlane, along with his team, will look after all the reptiles, insects, spiders, amphibians and fish, is hugely excited by the animals which visitors will get to experience and the quality of environments that have been created for them.

“The home for our lace monitor males Bruce, Alf and Ned and female Shelia is absolutely world-class and will offer visitors fantastic viewing. It’s a perfect sun-trap area, the exhibit has a special retractable roof to allow UV light in, which is important for these monitors’ bone development and our sprinkler system provides a mimic of the rain (down to the droplet size!) they’d get in the wild on Australia’s east coast,” says Don. One of Don’s many ‘favourite’ animals is the stunning bright green and pink goliath stick insect - the heaviest of all Australia’s stick insects.

“One of the many bizarre behaviours of this species is to flick their rather large pink wings when alarmed. Pink (and red) translates as ‘I’m poisonous’ in nature - luckily in this case it’s a bluff!”

A female goliath stick insect, Australia’s heaviest stick insect

Fresh bamboo, kiwifruit and grapes will be the favourite foods Auckland Zoo’s young male Nepalese red panda Ramesh (pictured) will be enjoying on Christmas Day. Whatever’s on your Christmas menu, the Auckland Zoo and Ponsonby News families encourage you try and ensure any processed supermarket foods you’ll be shopping for are palm oil-free or contain sustainable (deforestation-free) palm oil.

We appreciate that current labelling laws in New Zealand (that only require palm oil to be labelled generically as vegetable oil) can make that a pretty tall order to achieve!

While there are a few companies that voluntarily label that their products are palm oil -free or sustainable, the majority don’t.

For now, the following will help you to decipher the many crazy and confusing names you’ll find on packaging: Palm oil can be listed as: Palm oil kernel Anything containing the words “palmitate” or “palmate” Elaeis Gunieensis (scientific name for oil palm plant) Hydrated palm glycerides Hexadecanoic or palmitic acid Likely to be palm oil: Vegetable oil Anything containing the words “stearate, stearyl” Anything containing the words “cetyl, cetearyl” Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) Sodium laureth sulphate Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS or NaDS) Sodium stearoyl lactylate Calcium stearoyl lactylate Steareth-2 and steareth-20 Emulsifier 422, 430-436, 465-467,470-478,481-483,493-495,570 You can also find this information (as part of a downloadable wallet card) and more about palm oil and labelling at: aucklandzoo.co.nz/palmoil

Along with ‘strangely beautiful Australia’ (based loosely on the Murray-Darling region in Southeast Australia), the Zoo’s Australian experience also includes its Tasmanian devil exhibit and Aussie Walkabout area, both of which connect to the new development.

Find out more about strangely beautiful Australia at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ANGELA BEER: PETS & PATS FOUNDER

PETS AND PATS LUXURY DOG DAYCARE AND FARMSTAYS Welcome to Dog Disneyland, a 20-acre farm, 18 minutes from Ponsonby, where your dog can do as much or as little as they like, all in the safety of their own private, gated, secure, country estate. We pick up and drop off to your home/office.

Pricing from $40. Free $195 complimentary voucher for you to use for a no-obligation trial.

Daycare: We look after a small, discerning number of local families. We are like the private school of dog daycare. We have the largest and best facility in the country with the smallest numbers of dogs, the largest indoor and outdoor spaces and lots of one-on-one individual attention with our highly skilled staff. Kids can swim, play, unwind in our play paddocks, bushwalks, tennis courts, pool and cinema lounge.

Farmstays: We only have eight VIP guests staying per night and they sleep inside our luxury farmhouse with all the creature comforts they enjoy at home. When looking for care for your beloved pet, here are some questions I encourage parents to ask when interviewing potential places/services.

1. Ask how many dogs are in your facility/care?

2. Ask what is the staff to dog ratio and what qualifications do your staff have? So you can ensure your dog is getting quality one-on-one attention.

3. Ask what does my dog do in your care? Find out how much time is spent in cages or inside vs how much time exercising/playing, etc.

4. Ask what onsite care is available when my dog is with you. It’s not uncommon for some places when dogs are put to bed from 4pm to not have anyone living on site during the night. You should also ask how close is the nearest vet.

5. If using a dog walking service, ask where do you walk my dog, is it safe, how many dogs do you take out at a time, how long is my dog travelling in a vehicle for, what happens if there is an accident? Do you have insurance should anything happen to my dog or my home?

At Pets and Pats, we understand dogs are our best friends and cherished members of our family, they deserve nothing but the best. If you’d like to try the Pets and Pats experience, please call for your $195 free complimentary voucher. We look forward to welcoming you.

Dog HQ: Herne Bay; Country Estate: Dairy Flat. M: 021 539 699, angela@petsandpats.com facebook.com/petsandpats

@ SPCA - THESE WEE BEAUTIES NEED LOVING HOMES

Walter

Vincent

Elsa

Silver

Rosie

Joey

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

Rex Armstrong, Robson and Gladys

2017 SPCA CALENDAR ON SALE NOW

Rex Armstrong and his partner Jennifer Buckley have owned OrexArt Gallery - aka Oedipus Rex Gallery - for 25 years.

The winners have been chosen, the calendars have been printed, and now our fantastic calendar is flying off the shelves.

They moved the gallery from Kitchener Street in the city to Putiki Street in Grey Lynn about three years ago. Long term residents of Grey Lynn, Rex and Jennifer can regularly be seen walking Robson and Gladys in Grey Lynn park.

Both dogs go to the gallery most days and have learnt a lot about art over the years.

‘Park’ and ‘Art’ sound the same to them, so they know they’re going one place or other every day, and usually both.

OrexArt Gallery shows some of New Zealand’s most enduring artists such as Richard McWhannell, John Madden, Richard Adams, Paul Jackson, Glen Wolfgramm, Kathy Barber, Peter James Smith and Wallace Award winners, Sio Siasau (2015 Supreme Winner) and Matthew Browne (2016 Runner-up). Art collecting has been the forefront of Armstrong/ Buckley household for many years so living and working surrounded by art has given them a unique perspective into the art they show. "Great collections come from great enthusiasms," says Rex. Allied to a great enthusiasm for art is a great enthusiasm for Scotties: "They are the heart of our home, our garden and our gallery."

From cover to cover it is jam-packed with fabulous photos of the much-loved pets of SPCA supporters. Dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, and more all submitted to our Calendar Competition by proud owners.

All proceeds from calendar sales go directly towards caring for Auckland’s animals in need. At SPCA Auckland we help thousands upon thousands of injured, abused, neglected and abandoned animals each year. Without the support of the animal lovers purchasing our merchandise, donating valuable funds and volunteering their time we simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

The SPCA Auckland calendar is a wonderful way for pets that already have loving families and safe homes to help raise funds for animals less fortunate than themselves. Their gorgeous photographs make our calendar a hit with people from all walks of life who love animals and like to know that the money they pay is going directly to animals in need.

Gift a calendar to your friends, family, co-workers, and teachers this Christmas and they will have the joy of adorable animal photographs all year round. It really is a gift that keeps on giving. Check out our cover images and purchase a copy (or two) at our online shop: shop.spca.org.nz/gifts Alternatively, pop into the Animal Village at 50 Westney Road, Mangere any day between 10am and 4pm. F PN

How old are the dogs?

Robson is seven, Gladys is three. On the dog-to-human years calculator Robson is 44 and Gladys is 28. Don’t tell me how that’s worked out because they’re both like crazy kids on sugar diets.

What breed are they?

Scotties (part dog, part dictator).

How long have you had the dogs?

We’ve had Scotties for over 20 years. They come, they go, the memories never leave.

How did you come to chose Robson and Gladys?

Scotties choose you. They send messages out like arrows, straight to the heart.

How did the dogs get their names?

Robson is ‘Bob’, though there is nothing diminutive about him. Gladys is diminutive by comparison, her name came with a note tied to a rock, tied to an arrow. She was making sure it hit, then stuck.

What is your favourite thing to do together?

I make them dinner, they eat it. It’s a habit I can’t break them of. They watch Family Guy on TV, Brian ‘talks’ to them, it’s not healthy.

Do Robson and Gladys have any friends?

Their food bowl. My food bowl. My bed. My pillow. My shoes, socks, anything lying around.

I tell Jennifer to get up, they lie on top of her. Apparently that’s healthy.

What do the dogs like to eat?

Really? What doesn’t a Scottie like to eat? Sometimes when they lick my face, I don’t think it’s a ‘how do you do’ as much as a ‘how do you taste’. F PN OREXART GALLERY, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill T: 09 378 0588, www.orexgallery.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

FUREVER CAPTURING THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE Furever photography is a new portrait studio in Ponsonby with a difference.

It is the only studio in New Zealand dedicated exclusively to photographing pets in a studio environment. The results are simply stunning, designed as art for your wall.

Furever photography was created by Lisa Harrington, a business owner with a passion for photography that creates lasting memories of loved ones.

Lisa has a very strong emotional connection with animals and created Furever Photography for others who also wanted to honour their pets. For many, the companionship of a pet is more important than any other relationship they have. Animals provide us with joy and happiness as well as company and support. They seem to love us unconditionally.

Unfortunately the life span of a pet is shorter than ours, and so often we’ve left missing them deeply. Furever Photography is about capturing the love and creating beautiful, breathtaking wall art. In order to provide truly stunning wall art and collections, Lisa has researched internationally and has imported exclusive collections of modern crystal displays, well as traditional canvases and framing.

Creating each piece is also about understanding each pet’s characteristics. The team at Furever Photography, comprising of two pet photographers, talk extensively with each customer to find out what’s unique about their pet; the expressions, the personality, the moods. Also important is an understanding of home furnishings and finishes so the photographer can custom design the session with different coloured backgrounds to suit any décor. This complete service helps create art that is truly meaningful.

To find our more contact: FUREVER PHOTOGRAPHY, 320 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1669, love@fureverphotography.co.nz, www.fureverphotography.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I am looking at buying a section up north to eventually build a bach on. I have looked through the documents the agent has sent through to me and the agreement says that the developer will be registering a land covenant against the title before settlement, should I be concerned about this?

A:

It is quite common for there to be restrictive covenants on new subdivisions but you need to understand the effect of the covenants and how they affect what you want to do with the property.

It is often a condition of the resource consent for a subdivision from the local authority that there are covenants put on the land. There are often provisions that restrict the number of dwellings and set out certain standards, colours and even costs of construction. This may prevent you from chucking a caravan on the site and using it as a campsite until you can afford to build. There is often a requirement that you build new so you may not be able to relocate a villa onto the property.

While these covenants restrict what you can do, they also ensure that all of the owners in the subdivision have to meet the same standards, so it does help protect the value of your land in that if you have to build new, then everyone has to build new.

You should ask the agent for the proposed covenants and, if possible, a copy of the resource consent and read through all of the terms. By seeing what the council has required in any resource consent, you can see what further terms have been inserted by the developer.

You want to ensure that you know when you are going to see a final version of the covenants and have the opportunity to approve them. Sometimes there is a very limited time between the issue of title and the time for settlement, which might mean you don’t have much time to review the covenants so you are better to deal with this issue up front. You may want to include some terms around this issue or make sure that you communicate about this issue early so that you don’t have any surprises.

Some covenants may be a condition of the consent and not negotiable but others may have been put there specifically for the benefit of the developer. These could include fencing agreements that the developer does not have to contribute to the costs of fencing for neighbouring properties or may even restrict objections to further development PN activities. Obviously it is important to get timely advice. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F Disclaimer - this article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

METRO LAW, Level 1, 169A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

BECOME A FRIEND OF KELMARNA GARDENS FOR AS LITTLE AS $5 A MONTH Your regular donation will help connect more school children with nature, empower people all over Auckland with sustainable living choices and develop and maintain a therapeutic garden.

Join now at www.kelmarnagardens.nz/donate

106 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

Working in the real estate industry

Tax compliance issues by Kelvin Scoble, the taxation specialist in our Nelson office Inland Revenue Department has released a factsheet which provides an overview of real estate agents' tax obligations. Some of the essential points discussed were: 1. Real estate agents are subject to withholding tax (schedular tax deductions at 20% of commissions and retainer received) on the GST-exclusive amount of commissions paid to them. Their principals will be required to withhold tax unless the agent has a valid Certificate of Exemption from Inland Revenue.

Important to note that agents do not have to leave the deduction amount at 20%, you can for instance lift it to 25% or more if you don’t want to have to larger terminal tax bills if you have large commission revenue. Remember that the top personal tax rate is 33%, so a 20% withholding figure will only get you so far after expense deductions against the revenue. We have also noted an increase in Inland Revenue prosecutions and/or taking legal actions against real estate agents not filing their Taxation Returns. If you are behind in your annual tax filing, then contact your accountant and make an arrangement to have the taxation returns filed, or alternatively give our office a call on 09 361 6701 and we will try our best to be of assistance.

2. Goods and services tax (GST) appears to be an area of particular concern to Inland Revenue: • Agents should be registered for GST because they are providing services on behalf of a GST-registered principal (ie, their real estate agency).

• Apart from the agent-principal dimension, if your turnover for 12 months is over or likely to be over $60,000 threshold, you are required to be registered for GST. You will also need to register if you are using buyer-created tax invoices.

3. Deductible expenditures are determined on precisely the same basis as any other person in business. That means home office, advertising, entertainment, motor vehicle, marketing and promotional expenses are fair game. As are professional development costs (provided that there is a very clear nexus with the essential income-earning activity).

4. Contrary to popular belief, however, clothing is not deductible unless it is part of a uniform, is branded or is protective wear for health and safety reasons (anything outside these parameters is considered private and therefore wholly non-deductible).

5. Lastly, grooming and manicuring costs are not deductible. (LOGAN GRANGER) Disclaimer - While all care has been take, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL AGENCIES

Vaughn Davis, The Goat Farm Many years ago I got a job in an advertising agency after returning to New Zealand from a wayward year in Mexico, finding out pretty quickly that reception work was not really my cup of tea.

One of the key creatives at the agency was a certain Vaughn Davis, who, after casting aspersions on my envelope stuffing skills, asked me what I really wanted to be doing with my life. “Writing” was my reply, which at the time seemed easier said than done. However, within less than a week Vaughn had scored me not one but two freelance assignments, and for that I will eternally owe him big time.

These days he is the founder and Creative Director of a nimble local agency called The Goat Farm, as well as the host of a weekly social media show on Radio Live and resident tech head on The Paul Henry Show.

In 2012 he was named one of the 25 most influential people in New Zealand business by Unlimited Magazine, and his unique approach - and awesome personality - has made The Goat Farm a swift success.

One of the agency’s clear points of difference - to put it mildly - is the four-seater 'company plane', which is piloted by Davis himself. In a previous life he spent 12 years as a C130 Hercules captain in the RNZAF, holding the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Having an agency plane was a dream that became a reality, and the clients are reaping the rewards. “I figure you can take clients to Prego for lunch, or fly them to Great Barrier Island for a coffee and bowl of chowder,” says Vaughn, “and I’ve never had one say no to a flight yet.” He adds that he means “no offence to Prego - Ponsonby restaurants are great - but when we’re working hard doing something great for a client it’s like the cherry on the top.”

But the agency is so much more than what they like to call their 'high level meetings', and now in their fifth year, they are most definitely hitting their straps and then some.

When we met over coffee at Longshot, I realised that although I have known Vaughn for around 20 years, I actually didn’t know how the moniker “The Goat Farm” actually originated. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue in true slick, ad agency style... “Well to be honest, the name came before anything,” says Vaughn, explaining that he was freelancing for a few people after leaving big agency land, “and spending quite a bit of time at my actual goat farm, which is just north of Auckland. I was out there one day and (advertising journalist) David Gapes gave me a call to ask where I was and what I was doing.” Without thinking, Vaughn replied quite honestly that he was “just hanging

108 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

out at the goat farm”, which turned into an industry piece that read: “Creative Vaughn Davis has moved to a new agency called The Goat Farm, we will update you as more details come to hand...” The phone immediately started ringing and with zero effort on his part, a new venture had formed and had a name. “I panicked briefly and then reverse engineered a business plan around the name, and now here we are!”

One of the agency’s greatest successes - in my humble opinion anyway - has been their work with Invivo Wines and Graham Norton. The New Zealand wine brand already had a relationship with the British TV phenomenon, but The Goat Farm swooped in and really took that to the next level for both parties. Invivo knew that Norton was a fan of New Zealand wine so started to send him some, which he can be seen drinking during every episode of the Graham Norton Show.

“Invivo wanted to make more of the relationship with Graham himself though, so we suggested naming a wine after him and came up with the branding and the label and whatnot,” explains Vaughn. It was the second step that took things to the next level however, when some grapes were flown to Norton to squish with his feet and then returned to New Zealand to be added to the wine vats. Next thing he became involved in the blending process himself, which has elicited some actually quite amazing results.

As it turns out, Norton’s vast wine consumption over the last 20-something years has resulted in quite the palate! After he created a 'recipe' using samples from the Invivo vats, the blend went on to win awards. “Key to the project’s success was the brand invention,” says Vaughn, “and the last thing we did for them was a few smaller ads for TV3, which were almost an afterthought. The wine is now available across New Zealand and Australia and in parts of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and it feels good to have been a part of that success.”

And the successes of many other clients going forward, one imagines, especially with those 'high level meetings' and a totally unique approach continuing to pay off.

(HELENE RAVLICH) F PN www.tgf.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JAY PLATT: WE CAN CCAN’T AN T LIVE WITHOUT...

Ted Baker Shoe Shine Kit $89.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

Aesop ‘Jet Set’ Travel kit $50 @ Simon James Concept Store www.simonjamesdesign.com

Ring pop moulds $36 $36.50 50 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Alessi coffee maker red or black handle 3 cup (shown) $164 and 6 cup $195 @ Bob & Friends www.bobandfriends.co.nz Merry Christmas dog $9.90 @ ikoiko www.ikoiko.co.nz

Alessi Parmesan grater $120 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz Frozen fruit ice-cream maker $49.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz 60/70s West German Lava Pottery vases from $110 to $250 each @ Bob & Friends www.bobandfriends.co.nz

Soft doll ‘Lilli’ $99.90 @ bebabo www.bebabo.co.nz House tea light holder $16.90 and Rooftop tea light holder $7.90 @ ikoiko www.ikoiko.co.nz

110 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

Sunnylife Beach Ball $45 @ Republic www.republichome.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GIFT IDEAS

‘Nest’ and Woodpecker’ 100% bone china plates by Donna Wilson $50 each @ Bob & Friends www.bobandfriends.co.nz

Love Letters To the Landscape

by Paul Little $54.99 @ All good bookstores www.paullittlebooks.co.nz

Burnished Twig salad servers $49.95 a pair @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz Pair of cactus ice cube trays $33.95 @ Republic www.republichome.com Red Christmas Santa sack $40 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

Ceramic Balloon Bank ‘Monkey, Rabbit and Elephant’ money boxes $185 each @ Design55 www.design55.co.nz Marcato cookie press (20 shapes) $129.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Moomin Troll Moneybox $22.90 @ ikoiko www.ikoiko.co.nz

Set of Star Wars AT-AT bookends $139 @ Republic www.republichome.com

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Star Wars BB-8 light/alarm clock $89.90 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

Men’s and Women’s Christmas socks $22.90 and $29.90 a pair @ ikoiko www.ikoiko.co.nz

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

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

CHRISTMAS

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Jillian Bashford-Evers, Bashford Antiques Limited Bashford Antiques has been importing antiques and decorative objet d’art for 30 years from France, Spain, United Kingdom and in recent years Rajasthan.

This is integrated with contemporary art, with an emphasis on two Pacific artists Fatu Feu’u and Joshua Bashford.

Jillian tells, “I draw upon my years of experience from organising ARTEX Art & Interiors Expo and the first professional Antique Expo in 1987 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch prior to the days of the internet - how business has changed with websites and social media."

Do you have any children?

One son, married - no grandchildren at present.

Do you have any pets?

Mr Beaumont, my constant companion and four-legged personal trainer.

How do you keep fit?

Walking in our beautiful local parks: Western Park, Grey Lynn Park and St Marys Bay waterfront.

Your best friend would say of you...

Friendly, generous, an excellent cook with an extremely good eye for antiques, art, design and trends, combined with endless health tips and worldly advice.

How did you come to be an antiques specialist?

Collecting antiques from an early age and living with fine things as a child. Opening an antique shop enabled me to live with beautiful items every day and sell fine pieces to enhance other people’s lives.

From an early age I realised that there is only one job in the world and that is selling.

If you weren’t an antiques specialist you’d be..?

An auctioneer - the ultimate selling career.

What’s your favourite Ponsonby cafe?

Il Forno. Superb bread, brilliant coffee and wholesome food.

Favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

S.P.Q.R. Consistently fabulous.

Your mother would say of you...

Willful, obstinate, determined, artistic and capable. She constantly reminded me of the family motto ‘Lente sed Attente’ -‘Slow but Sure’.

Favourite Ponsonby store?

Chambers Linen & Gifts. Timeless, gorgeous linen and gifts.

What are your virtues?

Perceptive, kind, focused, creative and visionary.

Favourite Ponsonby fashion label?

Miss Crabb. Cutting edge, feminine with a classic twist.

What are your vices?

French Champagne.

Your best-kept Ponsonby secret?

Gary Francis at the $5 Deli at Ponsonby Central. A must for that impromptu party.

Who's your ultimate rock icon?

Elvis Presley, followed by David Bowie.

What’s your secret passion?

If I told you it would not be a secret - but I do love jewellery.

What's your secret talent?

Problem solving and singing.

Where do you live?

In an industrial building purchased 16 years ago which houses my store and ‘living showroom’ with my apartment upstairs.

Where do you spend your holidays?

Holidays are usually tacked onto the end of a buying trip sourcing wonderful and unique items for my store.

What's your perfect Sunday?

Good company, excellent food, wine and music to dance to.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

Artist and interior designer.

What's inspired you recently?

The American Election. New Zealand is number three on the list for Americans wanting to emigrate.

What would be your desert island distractions?

Antiques Road Show, Escape to the Country, World of Interiors, great operas and an endless list of art and antique books.

The house is on fire and your family is safe, what do you save?

Mr Beaumont, Princess the pigeon and my iPad if I can find it!

“I'd be lost without my...”

Family, loyal friends, amazing cuisine, good health, National Radio and Mr Beaumont.

One thing you have learned about life is..?

Be kind to others, be disciplined, keep creating on a daily basis, focus and revel in the journey.

My son Israel posted a great quote by William A. Ward the other day: "The Pessimist complains about the wind;

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The Optimist expects it to change; The Realist adjusts the sails." Nothing could be more true in this global market.

Your advice to Ponsonby antique shoppers?

Buy the best quality you can afford - whether it be furniture, art or objects and, most importantly, you must love it.

Young collectors should aim to purchase one or two exceptional items per year - something that will stand the test of time and be handed on to the next generation: after all we are only the caretakers of fine and rare pieces to be loved for a lifetime.

Make an ecological decision and buy exceptional ‘recycled’ fine art and antiques.

Your advice to young Ponsonby people aspiring to work in the antiques industry?

Be passionate about beautiful objects of art and antiques on a daily basis. Appreciate history, be in love with recycling and preservation of the past. Immense joy is experienced from ‘saving lives’ of extraordinary objects that can be restored and last another 150 years or more. Research and learn.

Buying and selling is not for the faint-hearted - feel the fear and do it anyway and more importantly, enjoy the journey. F PN BASHFORD ANTIQUES, 24 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, T: 09 361 5142, www.bashford.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS AUCKLAND HOUSE PRICES RISE WHILE LOCAL DESIGNER HITS SALES NUMBERS SHOW STEEP DECLINE PONSONBY STORES Buyers in the Auckland property market have become more selective, but for the right property they are prepared to meet the auction reserve or asking price.

“In October the rare situation developed where the average sales price set yet another record while sales numbers fell to their lowest in an October for five years and available property for sale reached its highest number at month-end in three years,” said Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson.

“It is a combination of factors that hasn’t come together for many years. The last time sales numbers fell this low in an October was in 2011 when the market was still not fully recovered from the 2007 Global Financial Crisis. It is yet another sign the Auckland market is losing its forward momentum.

“In October high-end buyers were not put off by prices if the property represented value for money, and 39.2% of the homes sold were for in excess of $1 million.

“This is the first time this year properties selling for more than $1 million have represented close to 40% of sales. Normally the number is in the mid-30s.

“This high-end activity lifted the average sales price to $943,801, an increase of 2.6% on that for September, and 12.3% on that for October last year.

“Sales numbers in the month fell to 778, more than a quarter lower than those in September and also a quarter lower than the average for the past three months.

“Where buyer resistance to prices has been felt most is in the under $1 million price category. Greater choice has created an environment where buyers feel less pressure to pay the asking price.

“This is reflected in the median sales price for the month which increased by 1.8% in the month to $865,000. This compares with the average price increase for the month of 2.6%.

“The average median price increase over the past 12 months now stands at 10.9%, compared with 17.4% for the 2015 calendar year and 11.1% for 2014.

“The new LVRs investors must meet has had a significant impact on sales in the under $500,000 price category. In spite of there being a reasonable selection of properties available only 40 homes, or 5.1% of all properties, sold for under $500,000.

“With the normal spring lift in sales activity failing to arrive this year, the relationship between buyers and sellers has moved into a more balanced position.

Local art and design graduate Susan Christie has launched her very own brand called Formantics.

Based mostly online, Formantics is beginning to spread into Ponsonby stores, with Endemic World on Ponsonby Road being one of its very first stockists. The line creates trendy modern prints, ceramics, shelves, cushions and more, providing quality products at affordable prices - bridging the gap between design and cost.

“I am excited about providing New Zealanders with a new way to purchase art, and new and imaginative ways to style their artwork,” says Susan. “Our circular floating shelf is an important styling element which enables our customers to curate interesting wall installations with plants, art objects and prints.”

Susan gave up her career as a psychologist and officer in the Navy four years ago to complete a Visual Arts degree at AUT University in Auckland. In just her first year she won the painting award and in her final year she was asked to exhibit at the prestigious Gus Fisher Gallery for the Eden Art School Awards.

“I absolutely loved every minute of art school,” she said. “Particularly the opportunity to question and push boundaries between art, fashion, design and popular culture.

Susan started painting 10 years ago when she took painting classes with Matthew Browne at Ponsonby Art Station (now called Studio One), and now her works are held in collections both in New Zealand and overseas.

“I am very interested in how art and design come together to create a sense of space,” she says. “My artwork is concerned with the emotional connection we all have to colour and I would describe it as vibrant, bold and optimistic.

“Rather than beginning with a fixed idea, I will choose a shape and a colour, make the first mark and then build the image or object intuitively from there. Each artwork results from a balance between improvisation, chance and order. I am very proud of Formantics’ round floating shelf which was designed out of a need to display my ever-increasing range of plants and art objects.”

Formantics opened its online store on 21 September 2016, and already many of her limited-edition products have sold out.

“The whole range of products is sold on my website,” says Susan. “My prints are also sold at Endemic World, Ponsonby and my ceramics are available at the Poi Room in Ponsonby and Newmarket. Next year I plan to expand into a small number of select retail stores in New Zealand and Australia." (GEORGE SHIERS) F PN www.formantics.co.nz

“At month end we had 3711 properties listed, 21.3% higher than at the end of PN September.” F

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ FORMA 1. Costa - Viro high-end synthetic fibre weave with Sunbrella outdoor fabric and quick-dry foam. Viro outdoor wicker is specifically designed and engineered for outdoor use and is UV resistant. Resistant to chlorine, salt, suntan creams and oils.

Colourfast and will not fade. Viro weave is the product of choice for all luxury hotels throughout the world. $4985 2. Oxacana Chair - Viro high-end synthetic fibre weave with galvansied steel powdercoated frame. Viro outdoor wicker is specifically designed and engineered for outdoor use and is UV resistant. Resistant to chlorine, salt, suntan creams and oils.

Colourfast and will not fade. $625 3. Bliss Chair - Viro high-end synthetic fibre weave withteak frame. Viro outdoor wicker is specifically designed and engineered for outdoor use and is UV resistant.

Resistant to chlorine, salt, suntan creams and oils. Colourfast and will not fade. $1530

2

1

3

FORMA, 51-53 The Strand Parnell, T: 09 368 7694, www.forma.co.nz, ww.facebook.com/formafurniturenz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

STUNNING NEW ZEALAND BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS Selected by Carole Beu from The Women’s Bookshop.

Billy Bird This delightful novel from Dunedin poet Emma Neale will break your heart then mend it again. A poignant, funny, joyful exploration of parenting a gorgeous boy who believes he’s a bird. $38 The Wish Child This extraordinary new novel from Catherine Chidgey brilliantly explores the life of ordinary German families caught up in the ‘Nazi dream’; bold, beautifully written, utterly compelling. $30 Good Dog! New Zealand Writers on Dogs Edited by esteemed local Grey Lynn author Stephanie Johnson, this is a touching, insightful, funny collection from some of New Zealand’s most famous writers - all Ponsonby News pet owners will be charmed! $35

City House Country House Another gorgeous big book featuring contemporary New Zealand homes from the brilliant team of John Walsh and Patrick Reynolds (photographer); from urban to rural, innovative and outstanding residential projects. $85 THE WOMEN’S BOOKSHOP, 105 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4399, www.womensbookshop.co.nz

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

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

DEAR READER - A FAMILY AFFAIR What motivated you to buy Dear Reader?

David had been checking out small businesses and our daughter Mary suggested that they set up a shop together on her return from Europe! When David heard that Dear Reader was for sale it felt heaven sent. How often does an independent bookshop come up for sale in your own community? Over two weeks of madness we met the owners and convinced them that we, in particular David, were the ones to take over their baby.

We took ownership in late September.

How do you determine what to stock?

Well, this was one of the daunting things, being completely new to the book trade business. Fortunately the previous owners had a great selection of books and they were both helpful and reassuring, as are the book reps. It really makes a difference that we are a family of avid readers as are our extended family and friends. We have had various discussions about what makes a good read. Along with that, there are fabulous book reviews on National radio and we try to keep up-to-date with reviews in The Listener, The Guardian and other sources.

What do you love about your community?

It all started in Grey Lynn where we met in the early 1980s. We have lived here since 1989 and our daughters were born in Grey Lynn. They went to local schools so, as a family, this is where we made our friends. Grey Lynn Park is fantastic and so is the community. The bookshop feels like a social gathering at times. West Lynn has a vibrant atmosphere and the shops are really interesting and quirky. One thing that has really touched us is the overwhelming support we have received, not just from family and friends, but from the community as a whole. We have also been given great encouragement from other independent bookshop owners. We feel privileged.

What makes your team special?

Rachel, who has worked in the shop for years, is a mine of information and has

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

David Peirse, Mary Peirse-O'Byrne, Rachel Edilson and Deirdra O'Byrne extraordinary energy. It's a bit of a family affair. David is the main mover and shaker.

His first love was reading. He wrote to C.S. Lewis when he was eight years old; he still has the letter Lewis sent back to him. Our daughter Mary is working in the shop and she has great ideas about books for her generation. She has also set up a Facebook page. I teach and play the piano so plan to become more involved in the shop in the school holidays. Our other daughter Kate lives in Wellington and she has introduced us to writers such as Miranda July.

What does reading offer?

In the past few weeks we have witnessed a shocking and divisive election result in the United States, earthquakes in Kaikoura and Wellington, and the passing of much -loved artists. Reading is a fantastic comfort. Books can be an insight into a world of experiences otherwise unknown to us. Books can give us knowledge, challenge us, affirm us and make us cry or laugh out loud. An international survey found that reading was the number one form of relaxation regardless of your cultural background. We have been thrilled to see so many parents come in with their kids - that's where it begins.

DEAR READER, 436 Richmond Road, T: 09 360 0383, www.dearreader.co.nz

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MILLY NOLAN: DESIGNER GIFTS

Get summer-ready It’s been a long time coming and when it’s here, you won’t want it to end. Make the most of the summer ahead with our favourite sunnyday necessities that will carry you through the day at the beach or pool, as well as into the balmy evenings.

1. Rains Travel Bag - $140 Go on holiday in style with this classic water-resistant travel bag. Not only is it stylish, the adjustable shoulder strap will ensure that you get to your destination comfortably.

2. Citta Design Lanai Hammock - $85 Chill out all summer long in this Bohemian-style hammock the perfect lazy addition to any outdoor space.

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3. Izola Paddle Ball Set - $65 A trip to the beach isn’t the same without a little harmless competition! With its playful design, this paddle ball set offers hours of fun.

4. Citta Design Sunshine Beach Towel - $70 Make a statement with this sunny-hued beach towel - the perfect vibrant accessory for the beach or poolside.

5. Ponsonby Pony Club Swan Pool Float - $129 Made of super-durable plastic fit for New Zealand summers, this giant swan float is an elegant pool toy that just about anyone will love. Sit back, relax and float the day away.

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6. Triumph & Disaster Summer Tool KIt - $110 Filled with sunscreen, soap and moisturiser, this summer tool kit is pure genius, ensuring that Kiwi dads, boyfriends and brothers are well prepared for the hot days ahead.

7. Kubb Brothers Kubb Set - $220 Handcrafted in Hawke's Bay using only the best elm, this Kubb Set will guarantee you and your friends endless hours of backyard competition this summer.

8. Tivoli Audio GLO Portable Radio with Bluetooth - $499 The ultimate addition to any campfire, rooftop get-together, or romantic evening on the beach, this clever Bluetooth radio functions as both a lantern and a speaker.

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9. The Beach People Avalon Roundie Towel - $140 Big enough for two people and made from super soft 100% cotton, the Roundie Towel is everyone’s best friend and is especially handy at a picnic.

PN (MILLY NOLAN) F All products available at www.mildredandco.com

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GARDENING WITH GRAHAM SHIEFF

Fragrant summer delights Rose - 'Blackberry Nip' Sought after for its exceptionally powerful fragrance this deep purple-flowered rose is a fantastic choice for rose enthusiasts. Blackberry Nip has the hybrid T shape prior to opening out flat with a quartered appearance. This little beauty usually reaches 1-2m in height and can be grown as a standard.

It’s easy to understand why this evergreen’s blooms are a favourite in bridal bouquets, corsages and decorations. Your Stephanotis should be grown in a container to encourage its roots to become 'rootbound' over time. Having a root system that is overcrowded will stimulate flower production. Propagation is by cutting or seed. Seeds are produced in a pod resembling a mango.

Caring for blackberry nip is mostly straightforward although it is susceptible to powdery mildew within the Auckland region. It was bred from Deep Secret and Old Port, two outstanding roses in their own right. Be sure to check out this lovely rose at your local garden centre. Otherwise it’s worth the short trip across town to the Parnell Rose Gardens where you can enjoy hundreds of flowering roses in their grandeur.

Chocolate Cosmos Native to Mexico this herbaceous perennial grows to 60cm tall and produces highly scented dark maroon blooms during the summer season. The flowers’ fragrance which intensifies as the summer day wears on is similar to that of chocolate. Chocolate Cosmos is not selffertile so no viable seeds are produced. The plant is propagated by division of its tubers and tissue culture. Keep an eye out for this summer stunner at your local garden centre.

Gardenia radicans I’m sure you’re familiar with gardenias, small evergreen shrubs that produce delightful, sweet perfumed blooms from spring to late autumn. Gardenia radicans is rather special as it grows to only 25cm tall and spreads to 1m. I recommend you plant this groundcover in a semi shaded position. It’s an ideal subject for under planting. For best results add organic compost or peat moss to the soil when planting and the addition of Epsom salts - magnesium sulphate - will ensure the plant receives sufficient nutrition while establishing. When in flower Gardenia radicans provides a gorgeous fragrance.

You can successfully grow Gardenia radicans in a glazed pot or timber container, which are practical options if you live in an apartment and have limited space to grow your favourite plants. Be sure to keep your containerised plants moist during the summer to avoid failure.

Stephanotis floribunda - 'Madagascar Jasmine' Although Stephanotis otherwise known as the 'Madagascar Jasmine' or 'Hawaiian Wedding Flower' prefers a tropical climate it can be successfully grown within the Auckland region in a conservatory or glasshouse where the air temperature is consistently 25°C or higher.

This evergreen has a climbing growth habit and when mature can spread up to 6m.

Summer is when Stephanotis flourishes. For optimum results, ensure the plant receives full sun, plenty of water, high humidity and a balanced fertiliser such as Osmocote slow release.

As the climber develops, it will require adequate support such as that offered by trellis.

Flowers are white, waxy, star-shaped and highly fragrant, and are initiated on new growth so pruning should be kept to a minimum especially during the growth period.

After several days of being open, flowers fade to yellow and their intense fragrance turns sour.

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Yellow leaves on gardenias is a sign of a nitrogen or magnesium deficiency in the soil which can be remedied by adding a general purpose fertiliser or magnesium sulphate.

Repeat the addition of fertiliser quarterly.

Cherry Pie - Heliotropium arborescens What a magical subject for the home garden!

Eye-catching fragrant purple flowers in clusters smother this low-growing evergreen throughout summer. It’s easy to grow in a sunny position in the garden or in a container. When planting in a container, use quality potting mix and add slow release fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and prolific flowering.

Cherry Pie attracts bees so is a beneficial choice. Happy gardening!

(GRAHAM SHIEFF) F PN M: 021 997 743, www.gardenhelp.co.nz

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K KARIN MCIVER

LOOK TO KARIN FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

After looking after her clients and working closely with them for over 10 years in fashion on Jervois Road, Karin knows what it takes to look after the people of Herne Bay and St Mary’s Bay. Let’s talk Real Estate!

Phone me on 029 382 4122 and let’s tailor make your real estate requirements.

karinmciver.com or follow me on facebook/karinmciverrealestate 89 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Wishing you all

Bringing to light what you need to know in Property Management Leaving town for more than 21 days? Then you are legally required to appoint a property manager.

There is a rise in reported cases of the use of meth in rental properties throughout the area. You need to know to look for the signs of unusual apparatus or unusual chemical smells. Regular users of the drug can potentially do as much damage as manufacturing it.

The new smoke alarm standards require a minimum of one working alarm in a hall within 3 metres of each bedroom door and one on every level.

Rental values in the wider Ponsonby area have held & tenants are looking to lock in now so it is vital to have professional photos and ensure you are getting the premium rate and premium tenant.

If you want further information on the above or require a rental appraisal we are on call throughout the Christmas season ensuring our managements are well looked after.

Joanne Rae p: 027 4905 053 or e: joanne.rae@harcourts.co.nz or Jacqui Hale p: 021 482 338 or e: jacqui.hale@harcourts.co.nz

the best for the festive season!

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

ICONIC NEW ZEALAND FURNITURE BRAND APARTMENTO IS BACK After selling their brand Meluka in early 2015 the owners of Apartmento, Stuart and Melissa Bowman, decided to take a well -earned break from retail to recharge the batteries.

@ CORSO DE’ FIORI 1. Kidney bean-shaped marble coffee table with elegantly proportioned legs covered in gold leaf. $739 2. Lothantique Les Secrets D`Antoine hand cream, perfumed with citrus and spices. $27.90

During 2015, the brand continued to be sold online and via its network of designers and specifiers. However, according to Melissa it was becoming apparent that re-creating a showroom was necessary, “while there was certainly a lot more flexibility in our lives without the retail showroom we also missed the interaction with our customers.

So when the opportunity arose to share a cool space in Newmarket with new kids on the block Consignment, we jumped at it.”

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Consignment is a re-seller of high quality pre-loved furniture and furnishings. It’s a very successful business model in other parts of the world but certainly unique to Auckland.

The shared showroom in Railway Street, Newmarket highlights the much-loved quality and unique style of Apartmento with the timelessness and luxury of pre-loved designer pieces from Consignment. Melissa says “While there is demarcation in the showroom between the two brands, there is also an implied acknowledgement that often it’s this eclectic mix of furnishings that can turn a house into a home.”

The new showroom has also meant new products for Apartmento. While the Apartmento classic range will always be the cornerstone of the brand furniture, designer Stuart has been relishing the chance to bring some ‘new classics’ into the Apartmento story. This PN has been further supplemented by opening a brand new factory to supply the store. F APARTMENTO, 2A Railway Street, Newmarket, T: 09 524 3672, www.apartmento.co.nz

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CORSO DE’ FIORI, The Foundation, 8 George Street, Newmarket, T: 09 307 9166, www.corso.co.nz

@ DAWSON & CO Tribu is one of the world’s leading brands of exclusive outdoor furniture.

For many years the company has shown a new approach to the garden and terrace furniture and their pieces are easily recognised for the high-end quality and precision in craftsmanship. The airy design of the Mood outdoor sofa and its warm combination of teak and handwoven, earthbrown Tricord yarn will immediately create an intimate and natural atmosphere on your patio.

The collection includes a spacious daybed, a sofa, a club chair, low coffee table, and armchairs - all with exceptional quality. In the production, materials of best quality are used as the credo of the company is to make things that can stand the test of time.

Available exclusively from DAWSON & CO, T: 09 476 1121, www.dawsonandco.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CURATE YOUR WORLD Zuperzozial tableware ‘Black’ collection.

Contemporary, earthy aesthetic with sleek, simple lines.

Durable, environmentally conscious design – made from biodegradable bamboo and corn. Dishwasher proof. $13.90 – $44.90

Sempre Kubu Egg chair $929

Sempre Milva glass on foot $55.90

Tivoli Music System BT Bluetooth wireless, FM/AM radio, CD player, remote control $1,699

Baobab Eden Trilogy Forest candles 10cm $129.90 16cm $189

Izola shoe brush $55

Kartell Dice candle $149

Canvas travel bag $74.90

Moulin Roty baking set for kids $149.50

Astier de Villatte Bulldog soup plate $179.90

Rondo copper wine cooler $290

THE FOUNDATION | 8 GEORGE ST, NEWMARKET | AUCKLAND | TEL 09 307 9166 | CORSO.CO.NZ

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KARIN MCIVER - AN EYE FOR LIFESTYLE AND LUXURY Karin McIver heads Herne Bay’s answer to Los Angeles’ real estate reality TV show Million Dollar Listing - specialising in selling premium real estate properties with high-end price tags.

Karin heads Harcourts Charlton Realty’s Luxury Property Selection, or LPS. “I lived in Los Angeles for eight years, living in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica and, amongst other jobs, sold houses. I’ve had an insight into the world of Million Dollar Listing and can vouch that it is what can, and does, go on,” Karin says.

Harcourts offers clients the chance to market their very special properties through LPS, allowing more people with a specific interest in premium properties to see their listing utilising luxury-specific marketing tools that enable more targeted exposure in 13 countries.

“At LPS we understand what prestige buyers desire: lifestyle and luxury, so my job is to showcase your property to the right people and get that right fit,” she says.

You could say Karin was tailor-made for this real estate role. It was her style and the way she dealt with customers that caught the eye of Harcourts Charlton Realty’s Charlotte Marshall when Karin was working for Kiwi fashion designer Yvonne Bennetti.

“With Karin’s background, style and eye our LPS role fits her like a glove. She has experience dealing with discerning clients at the top end and knows and understands their requirements. The LPS channel to market homes in the Herne Bay area is a point of difference that no other brand can offer and that makes Karin our Herne Bay specialist,” says Charlotte.

“In many ways Yvonne Bennetti and LPS share the same philosophy, both celebrating quality, design and detail,” Karin adds.

It’s the interaction with clients that is her biggest strength, and also her fuels her passion and drive.

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“I get a big kick from connecting and meeting with people, learning from them. I love building these great relationships, working together in order to achieve a goal,” she says.

It was a no-brainer for Karin to jump at the chance to head the LPS team because it was an extension of all her previous experience - it truly does feel that all paths have led to this role.

Born in Masterton, Karin has done stints working at an advertising agency as well, which enhanced her skills in building brands, creating strategy within brands, marketing and being creative. As a graduate of Los Angeles’ premier Otis College of Art & Design, in her down-time she loves to indulge in her passion for art and photography.

Her personal mission statement is simple: “just be yourself” and would-be clients can expect integrity, confidentiality and reliability when dealing with her.

Karin matches luxury purchasers with premium sellers through a collaboration that runs deep and broad. “Challenges are opportunities and for me it’s about understanding PN what luxury truly means to you.” F HARCOURTS CHARLTON REALTY, KARIN MCIVER, 89 Ponsonby Road, M: 029 382 4122, www.facebook.com/Karin-mciver-real-estate

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MAKE CHRISTMAS EASY @ THE VAULT! Free, gorgeous gift wrapping and a great range of quirky gifts, New Zealand art prints and contemporary jewellery.

THE VAULT, 95 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 377 7665 NEW STORE! 9 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna Online with free freight www.thevaultnz.com

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS BORA GERMAN DOWNDRAFT SYSTEMS - WHERE FUNCTIONALITY MEETS DESIGN Avant Garde presents the Bora Basic cook top/extractor unit which is on display in their new showroom on Symonds Street.

Also available as a Classic or Professional system for gas cooking, induction cooking and teppanyaki, with Bora a wide range of advantages add up to a completely new dimension in kitchen design.

The Bora system consists of a cook top with a cook top extractor. It is characterised by high product efficiency and assures maximum design flexibility, which has revolutionised kitchen use and architecture.

The Bora cook top extractor draws vapours and odours downwards exactly where they arise - right at the cook top. This means no more vapours and grease in your environment and you no longer have to worry about banging your head on oversized extractor hoods.

The Bora principle is as simple as it is effective! All Bora systems achieve a clean rate of 100%. The low-noise PN motors are mounted in the sub cabinet or remotely. F

AVANT GARDE, 127 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, T: 09 379 4800, www.avantgardedesign.co.nz

ZIMBA DESIGNS - THE BIG SALE IS HERE AGAIN Wholesaler Zimba Designs is opening its doors to the public again for a limited Christmas release of homeware at wholesale prices.

This is the first time in three years and owner Carla Romeril says, “We still get emails all the time asking us when are we are going to have another Rhubarb sale.�

Zimba sell lots of their clearance, over-stocked end of season lines at super crazy prices. Most items are at minimum 50% off retail but the majority sit between 65-75% off retail.

Zimba Designs have a big selection of innovative kitchenware and cookware from Cuisipro and Fusionbrands, Rhubarb fine bone china, Nel Lusso vases, platters, Christmas decorations, furniture, mirrors and the list goes on. Most of these items have not been in sales previously, so there are so many products to choose from. Carla says they may not do this for another three years as it is not their core business, but they love to play shops occasionally too!

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Zimba Designs are opening Tuesday 6 December, 9.30am - 5.30pm in Centre Street, behind Victoria Park Market, right until Christmas Eve. There is parking in the new hotel car park or on surrounding streets or, if you are on foot, they can courier items to you for $5 locally or free when you spend $125 or more!

For commuters working in the area, you can come in, pick your items, pay for them and they will be sent to your home the following day. Alternatively, on the weekend there is plenty of parking right outside.

PN Open, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 3.30pm. F

ZIMBA DESIGNS, 18 Centre Street, right behind Victoria Park Market.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN This is you in maybe four to six weeks time: you managed to survive the Christmas madness and it's time to relax.

There you are outside, reading your copy of Ponsonby News with a grape placed firmly between your toes. Along comes one of your feathered friends to feast on the grape. Life is blissfully entertaining in your garden.

Unless you have been paying attention to my column for the past two years and you're as nuts about birds as I am, this probably won't happen. However, the following is quite a likely scenario, so let me help you in advance.

A bird lies down close by and appears to mimic your relaxed state. It's performing a starfish arrangement. Wings spread wide, eyes slightly glazed over with the head tilted to one side.

Do not panic! Do nothing. The bird isn't having a seizure. Birds love their moment in the sun just as you do. This is peak breeding season. If they're not sitting on a mite infested nest, they're foraging in the undergrowth. They use the sun to kill off the mites. This is where you come in. They need to bathe. Have you provided water?

I know you're sick of your kitchen, having survived Christmas, but just get in there, find a suitable flat water carrying vessel and while you're at it, make a fruit cocktail, not just for you, share it with the local fluff balls. There are baby birds everywhere right now.

Time to reflect... In the November issue of Ponsonby News, I mentioned the fact that I was stomping around the perimeters of my property hissing at cats. Well, it was probably worth it. Check out my image of the fantail parent feeding its young. Now visualise me doing a victory dance. Then, there's the cute waxeyes. Seriously I can't get enough of these little minions. Final words for 2016: step away from the digital world and just breathe. Nature provides. See you on the other side. (HEIDI PADAIN) F PN To see some of Heidi’s other photographic work, go to www.flickr.com and type Heidi Padain into the search box, or, you can contact Heidi by email hidihi@xtra.co.nz To get to know Heidi better and see what she's working on next, look her up on Facebook Heidi Padain Photography.

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Luke Crockford Real Estate outside the square.

It’s not just about putting up a signboard.

I’ll still be casting all summer to hook the right buyer for your property.

Photo Mark Kitteridge - NZ Fishing

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Licensed REAA 2008

PONSONBY p: 021 277 8565 w: lukecrockford.harcourts.co.nz - 20TH OF THE MONTH a. 89 PonsonbyDEADLINE Road, Ponsonby

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

TOP 5 LIVING GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS The year has once again flown by at an alarming rate.

We’re now just weeks away from old Nicholas breaking into our homes laden with presents, the prospect of celebrating Christmas with our loved ones, gorgeous weather and delicious food. And what better way to help your family and friends grow closer together than with a living gift.

1. Poinsettia: Originating from Mexico and named after a United States Ambassador, these delightful plants with their bright leaves practically scream Christmas - great for adding a dash of festive colour to your home.

2. Dwarf pohutukawa: Perfect for a quintessentially New Zealand Christmas, this gorgeous pohutukawa only grows 1m high. They are easy to grow, both in a pot or in the ground, and produce a stunning abundance of delightful red flowers.

3. Kokedama: Created by wrapping soil and moss around the roots of a plant and then tightly binding them to create a ball, roughly translated from Japanese, kokedama means moss balls, though this

name really fails to catch their elegance.

Lots of different plants can be grown this way, including moth orchids, herbs and a huge array of houseplants. Get them ready made, or make your own. To learn how to make these stylish balls visit www.kings.co.nz/garden-news/ kokedama-guide.

4. Terrarium: An ecosystem that readily fits onto a table or shelf! Terrariums are essentially a miniature ecosystem encased in a bowl, jar or sealed glass container.

Creating them is a lot of fun, and the end results are a stylish expression of creativity, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Learn more about creating and caring for terrariums at www.kings.co.nz/garden-news/ trendy-terrariums.

5. Bonsai: Bonsai is the fascinating Japanese art of growing miniaturising trees and manipulating their growth to create a stylish, living work of art. And when done well they can last for years, in Japan there are even bonsais that are over 1000 years old! F PN

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KINGS PLANT BARN, 118 Asquith Avenue, St Lukes, T: 0800 752 687 PLANTS, www.kings.co.nz

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS @ YOYO

YOYO, 24a Williamson Avenue, T: 09 376 4884, www.yoyo.co.nz

1. Wall Chart Mini; wicked watercolours for your wall. $39 2. Everlasting Christmas Tree; lightweight, yet stable, assemble within seconds. Packs flat, so you'll have no trouble stashing away for next year. From $99 3. Wishbone Flip; It's a rocker. It's a push-along. It's a ride -on. Flip evolves with your child. $159

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4. Nightstand; become a navigator of neatness. $69 5. Stealthware Board + Chopsticks; exhibit your nibbles in full effect with the juxtaposed severity of Stealthware. From $25

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM Kathryn Wilson Shoe designer Kathryn Wilson lives in Herne Bay with her husband Liam and daughter Lola Belle, along with two Cornish Rex cats.

She’s a longtime greater Ponsonby resident and has lived in Ponsonby, Herne Bay and Newton (with a detour to Parnell) over the past 15 years.

Kathryn’s favourite room is her daughter’s bedroom with Lola’s shoes, Teddies, toys and treats. “It's a happy, playful space filled with all of Lola’s favourite things,” she says.

The designer’s favourite things in her little girl’s room? Lola’s shoe collection, the handwritten cards and drawings on her noticeboard, animal masks and a felted swan above her bed. F PN KATHRYN WILSON, 236a Jervois Road, Herne Bay T: 09 361 6100, www.kathrynwilson.com

THE GENIDIA CHAIR - A GREAT GIFT FOR DISCERNING EXECUTIVES! The Genidia is a new concept office chair that formulates humanity, ergonomics and technology at a touch. It has cutting-edge outline design, breakthrough bonding and interactive sitting posture care. Priced in leather, RRP $1599 now $1275 +GST; Mesh, RRP $1259 now $999 + GST. Features: • Black Mesh or Leather finish • Multi Function headrest (optional) • Single lever control • Adjustable seat depth • Adjustable back and lumbar support • Height adjustable arms • Sitting posture warning device (optional) • Polished aluminium base

SYSTEMS COMMERCIAL, 118-122 Nelson Street, T: 09 369 1880, www.systemscommercial.com

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

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THE CHANGING MARKET? There is no doubt that the big question on everyone’s lips over the past two months has been “What is going on with the local real estate market?”

Nobody has that elusive crystal ball, and we may well be proven wrong, but from where we stand, and from what we are currently experiencing from weekend to weekend, the sky is definitely not falling on the western city fringe of Auckland. Clearly, our perspective is from a one-office operation and we are focused purely on the Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Westmere and wider Ponsonby markets, so please read the following with that in mind.

The big picture is that the fundamentals of the local market remain very strong: low supply, low interest rates, huge tourism numbers, high net migration, increasing construction costs and solid demand. We are also seeing many properties still selling on auction day (albeit proportionally fewer than we are all accustomed to). Open home numbers continue to be very strong for most properties, and post-auction offers are being made on most properties that pass in on the day.

General market sentiment from the bracket of buyers we tend to work with continues to be very much on the positive side of the ledger, although we do encounter buyers who are content to sit and wait for potential bargains in weeks and months ahead.

In our experience from running auction campaigns and making numerous follow up calls to buyers, two features really stand out as significant recent changes to the local landscape.

The key ‘behind the scenes’ factor is that many of these properties still sell for very good money in a negotiation process that often includes multiple offers on the home. These results don’t often go ‘up in lights’ or get repeatedly talked about because they are more low-key, negotiated sales - but we can tell you that a lot of these results still bring a big smile to vendors’ faces.

Nic Blackie and John Wills

1. Banks have tightened up their lending processes and lines of credit.

2. The average days on market statistic is extending.

The key take-away message is that selling your home in 18 to 20 days in a competitive auction situation is definitely still happening. However, the process (even for very good properties) can be more like 18 to 35 days at present, and the outcome may well be as favourable as for a sale under the hammer. F PN

Clearly, these two factors are linked. There are fewer buyers who can bid unconditionally on auction day, so more properties are passing in.

CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL - Real Estate Sales and Property Management, John Wills, M: 021 333 053 and Nic Blackie M: 021 505 964.

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Stay cool and out of the sun with our Kingston Cantilever Umbrella, it tilts and rotates 360° and opens and closes with ease. Always compare quality and components when purchasing umbrellas.

2. The A-Grade Teak Ibiza Collection offers fixed and sectional pieces so that you can customise to fit your space.

The quality and design is impeccable. Sunbrella® Cushions with quick-dry foam are free with all deep seating as shown at Design Warehouse. Compare before you purchase. In-store now for immediate delivery.

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3. The Republic Dining Chairs and Round A-Grade Teak Dining Table are perfect for summer outdoor dining.

Mix and match any dining chair with any dining table at Design Warehouse to get the look you want. All fully assembled and available for immediate delivery.

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4. Relax in style and comfort on the very modern Summer Sun Lounger, made with Batyline® mesh, 316 marine-grade stainless steel and A-grade teak finishes. Available in two colours. Only purchase products with 316 Stainless Steel for outdoor settings.

DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

@ FREEDOM 1. Freedom Furniture Feather Wreath 47cm white, RRP $54.95. Pin the whimsical Feather Wreath to your front door to greet guests with elegance and signal the arrival of the festive season.

2. Freedom Furniture Concrete Star large grey, RRP $32.95.

The Concrete Star lends an understated, urban vibe to the Christmas table - dress it up with fairy lights or let it shine on its own.

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3. Freedom Furniture Bon Apetit Apron black/white, RRP $34.95. The Bon Apetit apron is the perfect gift for the gastronomic genius to wear while whipping up this year’s Christmas feast.

4. Freedom Furniture Myra Tree 80cm in Champagne gold, RRP $74.95. The simple yet stunning Myra Tree will create a minimalistic chic statement this Christmas and its petite size means more room for gifts.

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www.freedomfurniture.co.nz

136 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

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HAPPY LANDLORD - HAPPY TENANT Village Rentals & Property Management has been in the business of property management and letting for the past 13 years and has a good solid base of rentals that they manage from Northcote to Massey through the central city suburbs out as far as Weymouth in the south.

Village Rentals has a ‘zero tolerance’ when it comes to rent arrears, and in saying that they do like to work alongside their tenants to ensure that both landlord and tenant are happy.

They have the legal support ‘on tap’ from Scotney Williams who is a lawyer that specialises in the Residential Tenancies Act. As a landlord, you will know that there have been significant changes in the Act and that by now all rental properties must have smoke alarms within three metres of all bedrooms and that all rental properties must have insulation by 1 July 2019.

Village Rentals has landlords who are now P testing their properties as tenants vacate and attaching those results to the new tenancy agreement. This ensures that tenants are on notice that their landlord will be doing P testing from time to time.

Village Rentals believes having this in the tenancy agreement will assist in deterring tenants involved in this substance from renting their properties. F PN VILLAGE RENTALS, 68A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 639 0080, M: 021 417 993, www.villagerentals.co.nz

ARE YOU SELLING YOUR BIGGEST ASSET? ‘you can’t sell a secret... good property marketing makes a difference every time’ Rates start at $235 + GST www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

SPRING SIZZLER

$6,000+ Marketing Package FREE when you list your home for sale with us!*

Marketing package includes Listing on Trademe, realestate.co.nz, Juwai.com, Hougarden.com, mikepero.com + Professional Photography, Photo Sign, TV Commercial, Flyers, Facebook boosts + “allagencies” co-ordination + a Property Press 1/2 Page Feature!* *Terms & Conditions apply, see one of the team for more details.

Offer only extends to Mike Pero Birkenhead office.

Ponsonby Herne Bay St Mary’s Bay Karina Anderson 022 093 7512

Jacquiline Barlow 021 087 60694

Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES With red, green and all the sparkles of the festive season starting to adorn shop windows, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas is just around the corner.

Traditionally a down-time in the property market, there has been nothing traditional about life this year, and between Brexit, Trump and Ireland’s recent history-making match against the All Blacks - we’re making sure that we are prepared for just about anything.

top-tier property has gained momentum - as a greater frequency of high-value sales have resulted in higher median sale prices across the board.

In another example of going against the grain, this month we have observed an interesting off-shoot of the tightened loan-to-value restrictions implemented by most of the major lending institutions back in July.

This phenomenon has suited Ponsonby and her surrounds just fine, and as the Auckland City Harbour suburbs (Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Westmere, Freemans Bay, St Marys Bay and Herne Bay) boast some of Auckland’s premier real estate, it has created a favourable climate for those in the market for a pre-Christmas sale.

Designed to reign in simmering investor activity, the regulations have taken several months to show quantifiable effects, and while activity in the immediate time following announcements did little to quell concerns, this month we have observed a significant plateau of sales activity for properties under $600,000.

It’s no secret that I am passionate about our patch and, having lived, worked and played in the community for more than 16 years, I feel well-equipped to boast about the benefits of living here. Recently I found myself reviewing the history of the Auckland City Harbour suburbs and I was struck by both the prestige and culture their young lives had amassed.

While investors and first-home buyers seem to be hitting the pause button as they rethink their buying strategy for the new year, demand for property at the top of the market has increased, with a higher number of sales attributed to more expensive, owner-occupied stock.

From the colourful, working class histories of Freemans Bay, Ponsonby and Grey Lynn, to the esteemed stature and an exclusivity that has never waned for St Marys Bay and Herne Bay, the culture of the Auckland City Harbour suburbs has evolved with its residents making the roots of our community both inclusive and interesting.

Coming off the back of data recently released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), which reported pleasing sales growth in the regions, six of the 12 sections of our country achieved new record median sale prices including Northland, Auckland and the Waikato/Bay of Plenty.

As the new movement in development influences the wider Auckland City, it is reassuring that beloved character homes, historic buildings, coastal walkways and native trees that have made the Ponsonby/Herne Bay area unique and desirable for many years, will be protected for the coming generations. I only hope that as time goes on, the perfect balance of culture, luxury and artistry created by the blend of our collective areas continues well into the future.

Although possible to conclude that tighter mortgage criteria has forced buyers out of Auckland and into the regions in search of more property for their dollar. The more likely conclusion, drawn from our observations at auctions, open homes and conversations with those in the market is that while the bottom-end of the market pauses for a breath,

Here’s wishing you all safe and very happy holidays. (KAREN SPIRES) F PN

Karen Spires is a Bayleys Real Estate ‘Top Achiever’ - placing her sales data among the top 5% of salespeople within the company.

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

Hannah and Tyson Walker founders of Proppy

BUYING AND SELLING ONLINE New to the real estate industry is Proppy, New Zealand’s first online licensed real estate agency.

Without the bricks and mortar of the traditional real estate model, Proppy can offer commissions of just 1.5% + GST, saving vendors up to $21,000.

Properties are marketed through the traditional online real estate channels and the company already has a global database of people wanting to buy.

Launched in September, Proppy has sold two properties online, one reaching 90% above CV and the other 40% above CV. Founder Tyson Walker gave up the finance world, and, with his wife Hannah, spent two years working on the online portal which he says is the way of the future.

“We knew there was a better way and research showed that many people were getting frustrated and disillusioned by the current process,” says Tyson. “We conducted focus groups throughout the country and the majority seemed to have a bad real estate story.

They were all looking for the best price for their house and many people said they didn’t trust the current model.”

One recent vendor said it was a no brainer. “We decided that if we did not take a chance by trying this new concept then we would be stuck in the same rut with real estate agents continuing to charge high commissions. Proppy achieved a sale price 90% above CV.” From the comfort of your own home you can buy and sell property by auction, negotiation, tender or buy me now. Digital signing of legal documents and the ability to complete a property transaction all online mean you can literally buy and sell from the deck chair.

VAUNT NZ LTD, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008), www.proppy.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS SGT LEO AIAVA: KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHING, PONSONBY NEWS ASKED COMMUNITY Sergeant for Ponsonby, Sergeant Leo Aiava for advice on how to keep homes safe. Home owners are reminded to regularly check on their properties. Burglars are opportunistic so take responsibility for securing your home. Taking a few simple precautions will help to deter all but the most determined burglar.

Lock doors and windows - even if away for a short time. Do not ‘hide’ keys outside.

Deadlocks make it more difficult for burglars. Keep valuables such as phones, bags, luggage, coats, etc, out of sight from your windows. Don’t open the door to strangers.

Install a peephole in your door. If you don’t know someone, keep the door closed. Never tell someone that you are alone in the house. Have a phone by your bed.

When on holiday: Make your home look occupied when you are away. For example, ask neighbours to hang washing on your line and to use your driveway. Ask someone to clear the mail and take a look around the outside of your home each day. Consider a security system, alarm or CCTV. Cancel your newspaper.

Engrave your belongings where appropriate with your driver licence number, car registration number or phone number. This can be particularly helpful for your tools and equipment at home. If anything is stolen, this makes it easier for Police to reunite stolen goods with their rightful owners. Burglars are unlikely to steal items that are permanently marked because they’re hard to sell.

The SNAP website ( www.snap.org.nz) allows you to enter and maintain details of all of your important possessions or assets. If your items are stolen, you can instantly retrieve the details, and forward these on to the Police and your insurance company.

Get to know your neighbours and look out for each other - if everyone in your community feels a sense of belonging it will be a safer place. Report crime or information about vulnerable people or suspicious behaviour to police straight away it will make your community safer. For more information: www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/protect-property-vehicles

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When to sell? When to buy?

Bayleys Big Call Auctions are back in February 2017!

Free marketing packages, hugely discounted publication rates and inclusion in New Zealand’s most exciting nationwide residential property auction event*.

What are you waiting for?

List your property today!

Call Bayleys Ponsonby 09 375 8650 305 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby. ponsonby@bayleys.co.nz *Terms and conditions apply.

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STREET NAMES: THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

Brisbane Street Named after Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane who was born 1773 at Brisbane House near Largs, Ayrshire.

His family were of ancient Scottish lineage and he was first educated by tutors, then attended the University of Edinburgh and the English Academy in Kensington. In 1789 he was commissioned an ensign in the 38th Regiment in Ireland, then rose through the ranks to finally command the 69th Regiment in Jamaica where he earned high praise from the Governor. When the 69th was ordered to India, he went back to Scotland on half pay because of health problems. This enabled him to indulge his interest in astronomy, which was sparked after almost being shipwrecked in 1795. He took this opportunity to build the second observatory in Scotland at Brisbane House.

In 1812, at Duke Wellington's request he was promoted brigadier-general and commanded a brigade that was heavily engaged in the Peninsular War battles while continuing to practise his astronomy. When he returned to England in 1818, he married Anna Maria, daughter and heiress of Sir Henry Makdougall whose surname was added to his own. In 1815 he had applied for appointment as Governor of New South Wales before the post was vacant. He finally arrived in the colony in 1821 after Wellington advised he replace Lachlan Macquarie. At that time NSW was beset with problems. Promised land grants hadn't been located, lands were occupied and transferred without legal title, and boundary disputes seemed never ending. Brisbane's policies were sensible answers to pressing troubles. Though he was on good terms with Macquarie he condemned his 'system' and told Earl Bathurst that he had changed New South Wales in so many ways that if the latter ever returned 'he would not have recognised the place'.

He appointed additional surveyors to reduce arrears in the surveying and granting of land, but Brisbane promised tickets-of-occupation only when applicants had obtained sufficient stock. He granted lands to sons of established settlers only if their fathers' properties had been considerably improved, and to newly arrived immigrants in proportion to their capital. He was anti granting land to newly appointed officials, which subjected him 'to a most unpleasant feeling'. He also insisted that grantees should maintain one convict labourer for every 100 acres they were given and insisted on this rule in spite of criticism from the Colonial Office that feared it would hamper settlement.

He also ordered convict mechanics be hired instead of being assigned, opposed excessive corporal punishment and reprieved many prisoners sentenced to death.

Brisbane was broad minded when it came to religious matters and was prepared to support any sect that did not threaten the state. He encouraged Wesleyan societies, advocated and gave financial aid to Roman Catholics, but opposed the Presbyterians' extravagant demands, considering them wealthy enough to build their own churches.

He believed that clergy, like government officials, should not indulge in private trade, but his policy towards Aboriginals was ambivalent. On one occasion he ordered some to be shot; on another he imposed martial law beyond the Blue Mountains because of "the aggressions of the Native Blacks". Nevertheless he favoured compensating them for lost land and in 1825 granted the London Missionary Society 10,000 acres for an Aboriginal reserve.

With all that was going on, a governor could no longer attend to everything. As the colony expanded, Macquarie had ruined his health and peace of mind with every administrative detail and all the petty squabbles so Brisbane did not concern himself with trivia.

Unfriendly contemporaries regarded him as amiable, impartial but weak and his enemies accused him of lack of interest in the colony, both claims being untrue, but which prompted Wellington's comment "there are many brave men not fit to be governors of colonies". His interest in astronomy continued in Australia and was probably the reason he sought the appointment. He built an observatory at Parramatta and made the first observations of stars in the Southern Hemisphere since Lacaille's in 1751. When he was recalled from the governorship, he left his astronomical instruments and 349 volumes of his scientific library to the colony.

Once back in Scotland he built another observatory at Makerstoun and later, when president of the Edinburgh Astronomical Institution, did much to make the Royal Observatory highly efficient. In 1832 he succeeded Sir Walter Scott as president of the of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and four years later was created a baronet. Much of his later life was occupied in paternal works at Largs. He improved its drainage, endowed a parish school and the Largs Brisbane Academy. He died aged 87 loved and PN respected by the local community. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

BIRD OF THE MONTH

Alae - emerging new duo

The Huia

Bringing together influences from slow jazz and soulful pop, alae are one of the hottest emerging acts of 2016.

Alex Farrell-Davey and Allister Meffan, two high school mates, are alae. For them, it was a natural fit and the jams felt right, and when you put two talented musicians into a room together who knows where it could go.

Alae have found the place to plant their flag, and their self-titled EP, released at the end of November, shows this. It is heartfelt, and highlights picture-perfect vocals. The EP is slow to move, which does mean you want to sit with a glass in hand and let the music wash over you. Slow drum beats and rich, colourful piano sits beneath harmonies and tasteful guitar work on ‘The Kindest Love’.

Allister has spent his musical life bouncing between pop, jazz and classical piano.

Studying jazz performance piano at Victoria University, he’s also got trumpet and French horn under his belt, having played in big bands and orchestras. Alex sings lead vocals, he discovered guitar at age 13 and has travelled looking for inspiration for songs, listening and living a life revolving around drama, music and anything in the arts.

We see the jazz background from the duo in ‘Poor Oliver’, as they bring soulful vocals and a deeper sound, accompanied by touches of trumpet - a perfect embellishment to the song. I almost feel like a few more moments of brass or strings could have really highlighted some of the bolder tunes, and allowed the simple and stripped-back ballads to speak for themselves.

The closer, ‘Sometime’, really leaves listeners touched as they are drawn into understated harmonies while softly strummed and picked acoustic guitar drives the tune. This constant shifting from piano to guitar, and the band instrumentation variance from song to song, really keeps the attention through the six songs.

Perhaps you might recognise ‘All Gived Up’, their debut single that catapulted to number one on the singer/songwriter chart in March. Carried by some haunting harmonica and a belting chorus that immediately makes me think of Matt Corby, it’s a song that’s launched them into a year of performances and had the word alae flying around music contacts. That belting chorus and the moments of eruption from Alex and Allister hint at something to come, as there is more behind the vocals than we hear in this EP. The year has been busy, they’ve performed everywhere they can, including a couple of high-profile support slots on national tours for Anna Coddington and Hollie Smith.

They’re booked to play at Gisborne’s Rhythm & Vines on 31 December, kick-starting a summer of shows and touring for the duo. Their presence has been noted and they’ve been very lucky to have some talented musicians help them on their EP, Marika Hodgson, who plays bass with Hollie Smith and many other Kiwi artists, and Autozamm drummer Richard Orr, among others.

Launching the EP at Golden Dawn at the end of last month, they also shared six new videos to go along with the songs. These can all be found at their website, and the selftitled EP can be found at all the usual music outlets online.

PN (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F www.alae.band

I’ve had a soft spot for the huia since I was young.

I was determined to rediscover it and made plans to do so multiple times. Of course, the romantic ideals of rediscovering a bird are far outweighed by the realistic and difficult facts of tramping through the middle of nowhere looking for a ghost. The huia was the largest of our five wattlebirds. It was bold, striking and beautiful - almost entirely black with tail feathers dipped in white. The most unique feature of the huia was the difference in bill shapes between female and male. It had the most pronounced sexual dimorphism of any single bird species in the world. The male had a short stocky beak like that of a crow or blackbird, and the female had a long curving thin beak.

All our wattlebirds feature the namesake wattle at the base of the bill, and the huia was no different, with an orange wattle. They are from the family, endemic to New Zealand, Callaeidae, which is made up of the kokako and saddleback. They are all poor fliers, and prefer to spend most of their time bounding, hopping and jumping on the forest floor or in low-lying branches. Despite the huia being one of the most well-known of New Zealand extinct birds, due to the bill difference and the tail feathers being popular among early settlers and in England, not much is known about their biology. There was little study carried out before they were sadly declared extinct.

The last accepted sighting was in December, 1907, although there were some unconfirmed and potential sightings until the 1920s and some in Te Urewera in the 1960s. With no sightings in over 50 years it has become pretty likely that we have seen the last of this beautiful species. The huia appeared to have been common through the North Island, at least according to pre-human bone remains. They were absent from the South Island, and became significantly less common everywhere after European arrival.

Similar to many of our other endangered and extinct species, the list of things that caused its decline is familiar. Introduced mammals would have found huia an easy target as they were poor fliers. The removal of large areas of native forest for logging or to create farmland was also a major contributor to huia extinction. The forests that were removed in the late 1800s and early 1900s would have been ancient and ecologically complex - what is known as primary forest. The secondary forests and regenerating forests that replaced these were not suitable habitats for huia. This is similar to kokako, as they have struggled with regenerating forests, however, it has been posited that the success of kokako on Tiritiri Matangi in secondary and planted forests would suggest kokako can survive in this environment. So perhaps the huia would have enjoyed these forests if it hadn’t been for other factors.

One of the other factors was human hunting. The tail feathers of huia were worn as a mark of status by Maori. Upon the return to Britain of the Duke of York, a photograph was circulated of him wearing one visiting New Zealand in 1901, and this created a large interest in the tail feathers.

The protection measures that had been put in place in the 1890s were poorly enforced and managed, and despite the continued decline in huia numbers, thousands of huia were sent overseas to be stuffed or for fashion accessories. There were initial plans to translocate birds to Kapiti and Little Barrier Island reserves, but these never happened.

photography: Bas van Est

It is hard to comprehend how this extreme culling of birds and destruction of environments could have gone on. It was a different time, but it is because of some of these sad stories, like the huia and the laughing owl, that we must take so much care of what we have left. The huia was unique in its attributes, and never again will we see a male huia hammer at the hard wood of a tree to open it for his mate to probe and extract a large grub. Look after the land this summer, take care when you are holidaying to be aware of your surroundings and notice the birds.

PN (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

A return to One2one!

By now the whispers should have reached you that Chris Priestley is returning to his proper place on Ponsonby Road, behind the bar at One2one.

A very excited Chris let me know that he’d struck up a partnership with musical collaborator Claire Robertson.

“We take over on 28 November and will probably be shut for a week or so. We’re going to move the bar back a little bit, rebuild the kitchen, redo the ceiling, there’s plenty of things to do," Chris tells me over a coffee at, where else? One2one.

Claire and he are most excited to get back into the cafe and restore that feeling and place that has always been associated with Chris, from way back with Java Jive through to the early incarnations of Atomic Cafe. With their family supporting them, it’s going to become a very friendly, welcoming and inclusive place, “It’s going to be that sort of place, we’ll look after everybody and then everybody looks after us type of thing.”

Claire has just completed a diploma in small business, “My initial plan was to start my own espresso bar and I was thinking of going mobile and doing markets, but Chris and I were at a practice one night and he mentioned the One2one idea.” The lights came on and the two of them made things happen. “It was just the perfect time for everyone.”

Music has been going strong since Chris left seven years ago, and has still been present on Thursdays and Fridays even since Chris left again last year to take up a full time job at Corelli’s Cafe in Devonport. But Claire and Chris are looking forward to using their combined musical contacts to revitalise and return the music evenings to their former glory.

“The Thursday nights are still rocking, and we’re going to look after the musicians a bit better. I can get in touch with some of the really good ones that have come in the past and start inviting them in, and maybe the first couple of hours could be a bit more organized and then maybe more of a jam at the end and a bit of a sit round the table at the beginning. We both have a huge array of friends to call on. Get it back to what it used to be,” Chris says.

“We want to change it up a bit, and have something a bit different each week,” Claire says. She plays harp and has been a regular performer in the folk scene for many years.

Her family play a big part in organising the Auckland Folk Festival every year and have great relationships with Celtic, Irish and Scottish music worldwide.

Friday jazz nights feature Peter Wood and whoever turns up, and a once a month reading and poetry night with Anita is still going strong, plus the Young Musicians Club is thriving.

Chris isn’t sure where to fit an open mic into the programme, as they can be hard to run and make work. “I like the sessions in Nashville, where they get four or five songwriters sitting around a table, and they’ll each have a turn and the others harmonise with them.”

One of the big talking points for Claire is creating a venue that is inclusive to all ages, “I find a lot of the music venues are restricted age group, which means a lot of the younger people can’t come anyway. It will be very nice to create something that is more inclusive, it will certainly be a different environment to the Irish pubs that I have frequented.”

There are many cafes in town, and many bars, but not that many have the musical connections or the history in the folk scene that Claire and Chris do. With support from their families, and many of the stalwarts of the old Atomic Cafe and One2one days, there’s little doubt that One2one will take off again and that music nights will become the place to be.

Chris will be back upstairs as the caretaker, lighting the fires at the early hours of the morning. With a new menu, a new bar and selection of drinks the cafe will be undertaking a small but exciting facelift before the reopen. Claire and Chris will be taking turns running the front of house, open seven days and four nights at least a week. Back open in time for the Christmas lights, there will definitely be a reopening party, with music of course.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN One2one’s reopening party is scheduled for Saturday 10 December from 3pm till close.

Check back with the cafe in the early days of December for more details!

Chris and Claire @ One2one Finn McLennan-Elliott has a Bachelor of Science Honours degree specialising in human geography at Auckland University. In his spare time, Finn plays clarinet and guitar in an orchestra and a folk music group. He is hosting ‘Folk at the Old Folks’ on the first Sunday of every month at the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall, an intimate afternoon concert of folk music.

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ WHITESPACE

Emma Louise Pratt - paintings - until 24 December Emma is known for her landscape-based work where she explores specific landscapes that convey significance to her either for their historical or personal importance serving, as they always have, as a personal travel map.

Emma views herself as part of "the wandering folk". Descendant of migrants, and a migrant herself, she always finds herself in the position of the visitor, the outsider, the other. She explores in her work the multifaceted tensions and shifting borders of what identity is in a global present.

This reflection is also informed by her training in museology and love of history, both geological and human. She is fascinated by her own children's identity as both children of a foreign mother and local father, living, as they presently do, where their ancestors have lived for thousands of years, a state of belonging that she admits to wishing for herself.

With this knowledge and quiet observation of everyday life around her, she interweaves her stories and stories of the land where she presently lives. Her children often collaborate in the making of the images she finally arrives at. Echoes of their drawing and mark making, either free of directed, can be seen in her work.

Emma has exhibited through Whitespace in Auckland, New Zealand since 2005. She began exhibiting her work in TJFA in Palmerston North in 2001. Her 2005 work 'The Stations of the Cross' can be found in Saint Andrews in the City, in her home town of Palmerston North, New Zealand. Emma Louise Pratt studied at Ilam School of Fine Art, Canterbury University. F PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

NEW TO THE FRAME WORKSHOP GALLERY - GUY NEEDHAM Guy is a freelance travel writer and photographer whose images have graced the pages of National Geographic Creative and Lonely Planet.

His focus of late has been on cultures from around the world, drawing on themes of identity and the individual narrative but just recently he has stepped into the world of limited-edition art.

Guy has put together a beautiful series of poppies he has called ‘Colour Nature’. In his words, they are a “Curated homage to what is found naturally on this planet.”

Beautifully printed by Digital Darkroom on 308gsm archival rag stock, these images have a depth of colour only nature can provide (as no digital manipulation has been used.)

With only seven images in the series and a small edition of only five each, these images will be a popular addition to any collection, so come into the gallery to see for yourself just how good these are. F PN THE FRAME WORKSHOP & GALLERY, 1/182 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4749, www.frameworkshop.co.nz

Heart in the fig tree, Graphite acrylic china ink on 90cm x 90cm linen

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ARTS + CULTURE ROALD DAHL’S GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE Bruce Mason Centre 17-22 December

The deliciously wacky and explosively funny tale from the world’s number one storyteller, Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine is coming to Auckland! See Dahl’s much -loved book adapted for the stage at the Bruce Mason Centre this December, in this, the 100th year since the birth of the great writer.

George can’t stand his Grandma. She complains all the time, she’s mean and she smells funny. On one particular day, Grandma is much more annoying than usual and George has had enough. To cure her nastiness, George concocts a spell and it actually works... in more ways than one.

Dahl has led many on extraordinary adventures, introduced readers to some of their favourite characters (who genuinely felt like friends), and above all else, encouraged playfulness and imagination.

George’s Marvellous Medicine is a Roald Dahl favourite of many children, and for many adults it remains one of their most cherished childhood books. This smash hit stage version is a rollicking and hilarious ride featuring a handful of Australia’s finest physical and comedic performers. This theatrical feat is an outrageous and magical adventure for young and old alike, through the curious mind of the 20th Century’s most beloved children’s author. Families, and indeed, everyone aged from six to 106 are invited to share in the festive excitement of this cherished tale - after all, laughter is the best medicine.

Don’t miss this classic tale brought life, and as a special Christmas treat from Auckland Live, we invite you to bring your Granny for free to select performances - if she’s brave enough. Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine is set to bring the house down with laughter! For more information visit www.aucklandlive.co.nz

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT MOTAT Until Saturday 24 December Times: 8-11pm, $2 per person

Twinkling fairy lights festoon trams and historic buildings, carollers are warming up and Santa is on his way - the iconic Christmas Lights at MOTAT is almost here again. There will be a myriad of things to see and do with live entertainment, traditional Christmas treats for sale, an interactive Winter Wonderland and horse-drawn carriage rides. Night rides

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on MOTAT’s heritage trams offer a special view of our brand new Christmas tree. Children will delight to discover Santa in his grotto while his elves roam the grounds keeping everyone entertained. Catch a festive outdoor movie from 9pm each night (weather permitting). For more than a decade the museum has raised funds through this fun-filled event to buy Christmas gifts for those less fortunate. Supported charities are Auckland Women’s Refuge and Auckland City Mission. So come along and celebrate the gift of giving at MOTAT this festive season.

For more information: Phone 0800 MOTATNZ (0800 668 286) or visit www.motat.org.nz MOTAT: 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ LAKE HOUSE ARTS New Graduates Show - INITIATE[s] 1-26 February

Recent graduates from tertiary art and design schools present works from their graduating portfolios in the INITIATE[s] exhibition series.

Lake House Arts is now seeking proposals for the 2017 show from new graduates nationwide.

Entries are open to 2015/2016 graduates from tertiary institution.

Please forward a CV with any exhibition history, some images of your graduating portfolio and a statement about the works you would like to show to manager@ lakehousearts.org.nz All mediums welcome.

Celine Saye

Lake House Arts will be closed over the Christmas break from 21 December - 9 January. See you in the New Year! F PN

For more information please check our website www.lakehousearts.org.nz LAKE HOUSE ARTS, 37 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, open 7 days Margaret Johnson, Connectivity Initiates 2015

Louise Craig

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@ TOI ORA GALLERY Toi Ora Artist Collective Market Day 4 December, 3-5pm Exhibition ‘Creative Life’ Showing until 16 December

TOI ORA GALLERY, 6 Putiki Street, T: 09 360 4171, info@toiora.org.nz, www.toiora.org.nz

Richard McWhannell - That Summer in the New Land Until 10 December Richard McWhannell was born in Akaroa in 1952 into an Anglican farming family.

After moving to Christchurch, he attended Christ’s College.

Later turning to the uncertain vocation of art, he studied at Canterbury School of Art under Rudi Gopas, Doris Lusk, Bill Sutton and Don Peebles.

The Toi Ora Artist Collective Market Day sale opens with bargains galore for Christmas. Original hand crafted cards, prints, the Andrew Blythe 2017 calendar and t-shirts for sale.

Please bring the family there will be a fun, children’s printmaking corner set up, so parents can relax, browse the market place and enjoy the exhibition ‘Creative Life’ in the Toi Ora Gallery, showing until 16 December.

Their stock room art delights are available for your perusal. F PN

ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT OREXART

Lance Glozier, New Life 2016 Clay Work

It was his friendship with Toss Woollaston, outside art school and much against Gopas’ wishes, that instilled in him a strong faith in becoming an artist. In this period, he explored the subject of the Canterbury terrain with painterly emphasis, alongside a growing interest in portraiture.

The year he graduated, McWhannell painted the ruggedly constructed Homage to Woollaston (1972, Waikato Museum). It foreshadows a career-long preoccupation with self-portraiture, performance and costume.

McWhannell admits that there is much happening in his current work. His notional brief for his work involves his family as colonisers on Banks Peninsula and pastoral landscapes of childhood memory. He summarises by calling his new work, "...contemporary takes on art historical ways of working." F PN Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details.

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

Victoria White, Whangapoua Woodcut print 2016

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ARTS + CULTURE PARTY @ GARNET STATION! Rocky Horror Christmas Party 17 December, 6-10pm, $25 Welcome one and all to the Tiny Theatre. Let’s celebrate the festive season in classic Time Warp style.

The original Rocky Horror Show screens all night, back-to-back. Prizes for the best dressed. $25 includes arrival drink and delicious pizza on the slab. There will be a cash cocktail bar. Book early for Antici-pation!

Earth Magic Workshops From 13 January 2017, 2-4pm, $25 Understand and harness your woman’s power over eight consecutive Sundays, led by Sandi Hall - tarot reader, student of women’s spirituality and lesbian feminist writer.

To enroll, email Sandi, aylwynn44@gmail.com with Earth Magic in the subject line. For more information go to www.garnetstation.com For all bookings email: garnetstation@gmail.com or call T: 09 360 3397.

GARNET STATION TINY THEATRE, 85 Garnet Road, Westmere.

@ THE DEPOT ARTSPACE

Rembrandt Remastered 19 December - 19 February Daily at 10.30am - 4pm (closed 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January) Depot Artspace in Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore is excited to announce it is hosting the internationally celebrated travelling exhibition, Rembrandt Remastered, which provides a unique insight into the life and oeuvre of the great painter.

The exhibition comprises 50 digital reproductions of paintings by the 17th Century Dutch master, including one of his most famous works, the fiveby-four-metre masterpiece, ‘The Nightwatch’.

Based on photographs, each Rembrandt remastered life-sized reproduction has ‘The Storm on the sea of Galilee’ been ‘remastered’, to reflect what the painting looked like at the time it was completed in Rembrandt's studio 400 years ago.

Rembrandt remastered ‘The Mill’ Erin Griffey, head of art history at Auckland University and the foremost specialist on Rembrandt in Australasia, says visitors to the exhibition will have access to paintings held in galleries or museums across the world, as well as works from private collections including ‘Judas Repentant Returning the Pieces of Silver’.

Other paintings on display are 'remastered' reproductions of Rembrandt originals which are no longer available because they have been lost, stolen, damaged or altered from the original. This includes The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, which will be hanging at the Navy Museum in Torpedo Bay for the duration of the Depot Artspace exhibition.

Entry cost: adults - $10 and child 12 and under - $5 to cover exhibition costs. F PN

THE DEPOT ARTSPACE, 28 Clarence Street, Devonport, T: 09 963 2331, www.depotartspace.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE TRAVEL SKETCHING MAKING ITS MARK IN PONSONBY Travel Sketching's first foray into Ponsonby with Tony McNeight is making its mark.

With the first term almost finished, students are seeing some great results as they morph from beginners into confident sketchers. One of the common misconceptions with beginning students is that they can’t ‘draw’ and often present with a certain amount of trepidation. Within the first hour, students soon discover a spark of creativity that has always been there but perhaps untapped.

From pen to coloured pencils to watercolour, the course is designed to gradually expose students to a variety of subjects and themes which are part of the everyday Ponsonby.

These are skills that can easily take students from this local environment to anywhere they might travel. One of the wonderful aspects of joining is the friendships that develop as sketchers grow their confidence and sketching skills together. F PN TRAVEL SKETCHING, Tony McNeight, M: 021 925 031, www.erinhillsketching.co.nz

Travel Sketching beginners class students sketching in Ponsonby

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ARTS + CULTURE

Harri Cuthers, AUT 2016

UPTOWN ART SCENE Our city is home to excellent art schools, and their end of year grad shows present us with a multitude of new artists crossing an important threshold.

Once they’ve completed study at Elam (University of Auckland), AUT, Whitecliffe, Unitec, MIT, or Hungry Creek Art School (now located in Glenfield), these artists are equipped to enrich our community in many ways. Although just one in five graduates will still be making work five years out from art school, the skills and aesthetics learned contribute to the wider arts industry and to the growth of a curious and diverse society.

The Visual Arts department at AUT started with the incorporation of the Auckland Society of Arts back in the mid-1990s, when the ASA occupied a number of buildings in Blake Street, including studios and a gallery. Many of the present-day tutors came through from the ASA, bringing a strong collegial philosophy to the department. This is evident in the continued collaboration of their students post-graduation, with AUT alumna working together at artist-run spaces like Glovebox and RM. There is also a strong painting streak that runs through AUT, championed this year by Theresa Waugh,

Arlette Farland and Fiona Hayvice

Jillian Bashford-Evers and Alison Steiner

Caitlyn Manning, AUT 2016

Sinead Marsh, AUT 2016

Sinead Marsh (recipient of the Studio Art Supplies Post-Grad Award), Ruth Ige (Studio Art Supplies/Artists Alliance membership), Caitlyn Manning, and Vivienne Jung (Wallace Arts Trust awardee). We look forward to seeing their work continue as they step out from art school, bringing new approaches to the wider world.

(WILL PAYNT, STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F PN

Fiona and Todd Hayvice aka Mrs and Mr YOYO

Fiona Hayvice aka Mrs YOYO

Todd Hayvice and Alex Buckman

YOYO 2016 END OF YEAR WIND-UP - THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER

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photography: George Shiers

PONSY KIDS PRESCHOOL - MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER @ THE PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE Ponsy Kids Preschool had their opening on Monday 14 November of its new playground space @ the Ponsonby Community Centre.

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

What your stars hold for December ♐ Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December

♊

Everything about this month lends itself to being a positive one for you. You’re going to be quite ruthless in what you get up to, remember to be as open to suggestion as much as possible instead of cutting yourself off completely.

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June You’re undecided about what you really want from the relationship you’re in at the moment and you seem to want to escape from making a decision, letting things hang though will bring you stress and heartache and what you need is resolution.

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

♋ Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July

It seems you’re able to accomplish a lot without really doing much and it’s getting noticed by a few disgruntled observers. Don’t worry about resentment, you can’t please everyone all of the time.

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

Someone has been upsetting you lately even though you have been cutting them loads of slack. You know what’s going on but are just seeing how far someone will go to get what they want.

♌

You can be razor sharp when you want to but occasionally it takes a while for your lights to switch on, sometimes the pause between what you want and what you end up with can be bit too long.

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August Consider all options before you make any decisions this month as you know in the past rushing in hasn’t always been the best policy. Getting excited about your future is great but get advice as well.

♓

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March Now could be about the right time on your part to take on a little bit more than you think you can handle, your confidence is buzzing so why not show people what your made of?

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

Have you got the determination, strength or resources to get through the battle that could be heading your way if you don’t take some precautions? Being confident will be your best strength.

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

You’ve realised by now that when your routine gets changed it doesn’t always mean that your life becomes chaotic. You’re confident enough to know that whatever happens, you always get the job done.

You are always able to overlook the petty squabbles that usually go with life, after all its not like you are just starting out. But occasionally something crosses your boundaries that drives you insane and that’s something you are going to have to watch.

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

You’re getting distracted quite easily this month. Even if you do think that things are going fine, you might need to speak up and cause a few waves rather than remain silent.

♏ Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November

Doing something new is probably not the right thing now, especially as you suspect you are being tricked into doing something that you’re not comfortable with! You must do what you want, even if it isolates you.

PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

NEWMARKET

Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park

Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

GREY LYNN Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Atomic, 420c New North Road

Askew, 2b Jervois Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Countdown, 7 Williamson Avenue Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Paper Plus, 332 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Servilles, Corner Jervois & Ponsonby Road Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road

MT EDEN

WESTMERE

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

HERNE BAY Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND

154 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016

Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

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'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, everyone was on their phone.

Happy holidays to you all and a happy 2017

Call me your Property Expert www.karenspires.bayleys.co.nz

Karen Spires

AREINZ

027 273 8220 | karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz Bayleys Real Estate Limited. Licensed under the REA Act 2008