GAEL BALDOCK: PEDESTRIANS VS VEHICLES

LOCAL NEWS GAEL BALDOCK: PEDESTRIANS VS VEHICLES - A POSITIVE WAY FORWARD

There is change in the air. The new broom is sweeping clean the ‘out of control’ CCO Auckland Transport and reigning in the ludicrous thinking.

Mayor Wayne Brown has appointed hard-working, experienced councillors who have that ‘old school’ attitude of ‘service’ to ratepayers into lead roles in Auckland Transport.

A new ‘Transport and Infrastructure Committee’ has been created with Chair John Watson from Albany Ward and Deputy Chair Christine Fletcher from Albert-Eden, and will be reinforced by Councillors Mike Lee from Central Auckland and Andrew Baker from Franklin. Appointees are spread from North to South across our diverse City.

Watson has been very vocal about the danger of the concrete separators at the edge of a cycleway on Upper Harbour Drive known as “Tim-tams”. These are dangerous for both cyclists and vehicles, as evident by the number of accidents. All over Auckland, cycleway separators have reduced once wide, two lane arterial routes to tight, congestion-causing, single lane roads. These, along with potholes in unmaintained roads, and reduced speeds, achieve the opposite of the ‘Road to Zero’ plans for road safety.

Lee has extensive transport experience and is a champion for heavy rail to the airport in the rail corridor adjacent to the Southern Motorway. In his ‘maiden speech’ in the 2022 term Lee noted, “I recall Fulton Hogan was number two in the list of the top 20 corporates which were the beneficiaries of that $10b. During the first 10 years of the Super City, Fulton Hogan earned $1.5b. One can be sure it’s quite a bit more than that now.” The amount of roadworks for this infrastructure, rather than discouraging car use, is instead just filling the pockets of the contractors with ratepayer funds as these preferred contractors pave their bank accounts, often twice over when these ill conceived designs are ripped out and ‘made good’.

My wishes in this redirection of Auckland Transport:

1. A law change has opened an opportunity to bring public transport in-house to AT, to be publicly owned and operated and instead of the goal being profit, it can be service. Bus drivers can be paid a ‘living wage’ and be given essential bathroom breaks. This will attract more people into the job, which will result in less cancellations, making for a reliable bus service.

2. The reconfiguration of ‘walking and cycling’ into two separate categories, ‘walking and mobility impaired’ and ‘cycling and micro-mobility vehicles’. With 25% of the population having mobility impairment we should be designing for this sector ramp slopes and access widths. Fixing damaged footpaths would be one of the first priorities.

3. Designing with behavioural experts who are culturally sensitive to ‘Kiwi culture’. We all know that to Kiwis, ‘rules’ are a guideline. Don’t set up paths, like they did in West

Lynn, that wander in a slalom course rather than taking a direct route, because we’ll generally walk across the shrubbery to take the direct route. The Swedish ‘vision zero’ road safety strategy with speed cameras on open highways that puts names of offenders on a ‘shame list’, is more likely to be seen as a ‘badge of honour’ amongst peers of bogan petrol-heads in New Zealand and be as unsuccessful as ‘Police Ten Seven’ at reducing crime.

4. More frequent road and footpath repair, maintenance and clearing of rubbish and debris.

NZTA have admitted on RNZ, that they are intentionally slowing traffic to cause congestion, knowing this cause more emissions. AT and NZTA have used slower speeds, dangerous humps and bumps, narrowing of arterial roads, closing off roads, removing free turns and restricted numbers of vehicles through each light change to achieve this. It’s all part of the ludicrous Ludo Campbell Reid plan to anger people out of their cars. Now it has to be reversed. Instead, we should be encouraging traffic flow while the public transport options are improved as an alternative to private vehicles. The ‘carrot’ not the ‘stick’ will bring the people along with the plan to reduce emissions for our commitment to our ‘climate change emergency’.

Let’s take back the ‘City of Sails’ from the city of orange road cones. (GAEL BALDOCK, community advocate)  PN

LOCAL NEWS WILLIAM GREIG: “WE DON’T KNOW HOW LUCKY WE ARE.”

John Clarke aka Fred Dagg (1948-2017).

Overheard at an inner-city gym the other day:

“I hadn’t been back in New Zealand for nine years; I’d been living in Australia but worked all over the world, including a stint in Afghanistan. Everything seemed so peaceful here - too peaceful - and I thought, ‘something’s wrong’. Then I realised, that was New Zealand – a peaceful country.”

Days prior to my eavesdropping, John Clarke’s world-famousin-New Zealand-anthem had been lying semi-dormant in my subconscious and although I’d been more or less ignoring it, never wanting to be overcome by a sense of home-grown smugness, overhearing that conversation in the gym sent that well-known song right back into my consciousness. And there it remains, moving up and down my top ten since I’m having difficulty deciding just how well the title of the song reflects life in this country today compared to the 1970s when the Fred Dagg hit conquered the airwaves.

It's probably fair to say, that, relatively speaking, with some exceptions, we in Ponsonby and surrounds are ‘doing okay’ thank you. But ‘relatively’ has always been a handy adverb.

There’s no denying that this city and this country has its share of extremists; xenophobes, Islamophobes, homophobes, sexists, racists. And sure, the cost of the groceries at the supermarket is increasing. Sure, mortgage rates are rising. Sure, rents are becoming too high for many and some of us are struggling. Sure, effects of Covid-19 still remain. Sure, our collective mental health has taken a dip. Sure, our waterways need further cleaning up. And more.

However, a reset might just be in order here; are we crammed, dehydrating, inside a rubber raft floating in The Mediterranean hoping to land on a better shore? Are we walking a long journey on blistered feet through Central America and Mexico heading in desperation for the US border? Are we fighting, running from, or dying in, an unjust war? Are we, or our animals, dying of starvation because of failing crops and drought? The answers are obvious. Nor are we suffering under the misguided beliefs of a dictatorial lunatic. Our children are not condemned to work as child labourers in punishing conditions. We will not be thrown in jail, or worse, if we criticise the government. Our media remains free. We do have safety nets for the vulnerable. The unemployment rate is low. Our energy usage comes increasingly from renewable sources. The list is again clearly not exhaustive.

A friend recently reminded me that it’s so much easier to be negative, to criticise, than it is to be positive. Any hint of local smugness is of course an unattractive trait, and ongoing issues and problems must be recognised and dealt with, some with more urgency than others. We all understand that nowhere is perfect.

Hey, summer’s here! Time to visit the (public not private) beaches and a swim in the sea - if that’s your thing of course. We may have to check the Auckland Council’s Safeswim website before choosing which beach to head to, especially after a heavy rainfall, but remember - to be fair - the massive Central Interceptor project is in progress, which when completed, will result in cleaner beaches and waterways. Better is on its way.

I almost forgot; it's ‘the season to be jolly’. ‘Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays’. Let’s salute Fred Dagg, a cultural icon, for putting life here in some kind of perspective way back then. And if I had to take a stand, it would be that Mr Dagg’s lyrical contribution still remains - to a large degree - quite relevant these days. Relatively speaking, of course. (WILLIAM GREIG)  PN

Check these out on Youtube:

We Don’t Know How Lucky We Are – John Clarke (1975) youtu.be/EwgHGeGxlus

Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative – Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers (1945) youtu.be/f3jdbFOidds

LOCAL NEWS BOUTIQUE FOR SPCA – FASHION EVENT NIGHT

Last month the SPCA hosted a fashion event celebrating the store’s six month anniversary in the lead-up to the busy Christmas shopping/gifting period. This was in place of a ‘grand opening’ delayed from April, due to the store opening during Covid-19 restrictive times.

The team told Ponsonby News, “the event went really well, with a great turnout. Our goal was to bring the local community and SPCA supporters together to enjoy shopping and raise awareness of the newly branded store.”

A reminder this store isn’t a standard op shop, but a new concept store that focuses on bringing second-hand designer and label brands together in one spot for customers to browse.

“The shop was busy with a steady flow all night, which peaked around 5:30-6pm when the shop was packed. Special guest and SPCA Ambassador Karen Walker showed up with her dog Laika around 5:30pm. Karen also donated some brand new clothing to the store, exclusively for the event.”

There were great sales results for the night, all contributing back into SPCA to help animals in need. The event was possible thanks to the kind sponsors, listed below:

The catering was sponsored by their next door neighbour, Thirtyone Bar and Eatery, Prizes were sponsored by previous SPCA supporters, Pickle’s Pawtraits (custom digital pet and owner portraits), and local Ponsonby business, V Studio (hair & makeup).

BOUTIQUE FOR SPCA, 27 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 869 2936, www.spca.nz

Photography: Sam, SABI Collective

Photography: JD Coulter. Interior Design: Natalia Glucina of Kanat Studio

WELCOME TO THE STYLISH NEW ORSINI ATELIER

Since opening its doors in 2008, Orsini Fine Jewellery has been the pre-eminent destination for those seeking beautiful pieces from the best Italian jewellery designers and bespoke pieces inspired by superlative Italian style.

Now the elegant space has expanded exponentially, with the official opening of a new space adjacent known as the Orsini Atelier.

Unabashedly informed by Italian architecture and design, the atelier is the home of director Sarah Hutchings’ custom collections and bespoke creations, which have been a part of the Orsini offering for many years but only now awarded their own space to shine. In fact, Sarah has been designing and creating custom jewellery and engagement rings since 2008, but many of her clients at Orsini were unaware of this service until recently. It was something that happened in the background while designs from top Italian jewellery brands took pride of place in her boutique. “I wanted to make it more obvious for clients when they come in that, actually, I can do that service,” says the designer, whose personal offering draws upon her many trips to Italy, and the finesse, intricacy, and effortless elegance that Italian jewellery is known for.

By sharing Italian design principles with the jewellery on display, the new atelier space helps to highlight what makes Orsini’s jewellery unique. Interior designer, Natalia Glucina says, “With tradition, history, quality, and lasting beauty being the key principles of Orsini jewellery, we were able to echo this throughout the new space. Generous dado rails, archways and white creamy walls are reminiscent of the iconic Villa San Michele in Anacapri, while the light palette and minimal decoration allows the space to become a gallery in which jewellery is showcased on plinths.” Elements like soft curves and a high gloss finish are a surprise in the otherwise pared back space, with these elements subtly mimicking the craftsmanship of Venetian boatbuilders. Sarah’s workroom sits on the other side of the twin arches, easily accessed by clients and offering a private window into the creative process that brings her designs to life.

Embrace the opportunity to see the artist at work and a chance to explore the wonders of Italian style; start planning a visit to the Orsini Fine Jewellery Atelier today.

ORSINI FINE JEWELLERY, 241 Parnell Road, T: 09 354 3115, www.orsini.co.nz

LOCAL NEWS CHELSEA MITCHELL: WHY EQUAL PAY FOR NURSES IS GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY

Working with families as a Whānau Āwhina Plunket nurse in the wider Auckland community, I have witnessed increasing levels of mental distress, drug and alcohol abuse and family violence.

The repercussions of job losses and higher cost of living means many of the families I visit are living in severe poverty.

I can honestly say the past two years have been the hardest for this country’s tamariki.

Ironically, most of my nursing colleagues are also struggling to pay the bills on their current wage. Many are forced to move into hospital-based jobs with Te Whatu Ora where they can earn significantly more. This movement is causing huge problems for the community because when employers can’t find new nurses to replace the ones who have left, they are forced to cut services or delay appointments.

This is the knock-on effect of the government’s limited funding to primary health care providers. We nurses are not the only ones who pay the price. Our clients suffer dearly because services are running on shoestring budgets with skeleton staffing and their health needs are not able to be met.

It is a slap in the face when inflation is used as a reason to not fund primary health adequately. Do government ministers not understand inflation affects us too? A pay offer that doesn’t come close to touching inflation is not a pay offer, it is a pay cut. My weekly wage only covers day care costs and filling up my car. I rely on my husband to pay for everything else for our whānau because I chose a career whose main reward is the feel-good factor through helping others. That lovely feeling, however, does not help pay my mortgage. I cannot begin to imagine being a sole parent on a nursing income in this country, I would be on the first plane across the ditch!

Many primary health care employers say they want to pay their staff the same rates as Te Whatu Ora nurses, but they can’t do so without increased capitation funding from the government. The simple answer to this problem is legislated pay parity where all nurses with the same skills qualifications and experience are paid the same. The government must increase the funding per patient it provides to primary health care employers so they can offer the same pay as Te Whatu Ora and that will drastically reduce the number of nurses leaving their work in the community. I have some urgent questions for the government:

· We are always told nurses are valued and respected but what are you actually doing to show that is true?

· Where is the pay parity that will show we are equally valued?

· Where are the recruitment drives that will help fill our depleted workforce?

· Why are nurses not on the green list to residency?

I believe fair pay for primary health care nurses is about creating a culture and a society where ALL nurses are equally valued. We need a salary that reflects our level of experience, skill level and education. Stop thanking us for our hard mahi and start paying us fairly for it instead. (CHELSEA MITCHELL)

Chelsea Mitchell has been a registered nurse in Aotearoa for more than 13 years. She started her career in paediatric oncology and palliative care but found her calling as a Plunket nurse working with whānau in the community as a Wellchild Tamariki Ora nurse for Whānau Āwhina Plunket in Auckland Central.

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HOW BUSINESS OWNERS CAN RETAIN STAFF BY SUPPORTING HEALTH AND WELLBEING

It’s important to keep the conversations about wellbeing and mental health flowing, but what can we actually do? How can we make positive changes for ourselves and for the people we work with?

We’re experiencing an extremely tight labour market and there are still concerns about further post-Covid impacts on the economy, so it’s essential we look after our staff to keep business afloat. Here are a few ideas for you to build on.

Put people before profits You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating – your people really are your most valuable asset. Look for ways to make work more accessible and enjoyable for your staff – even if it means you need to change some of the rules or spend a bit of money. How you do this will depend on your workplace and what your team members need and value.

Here are some ideas to brainstorm for creating a positive environment for your staff – some big, some small, depending on what your budget allows.

· do those much needed office renos you’ve been thinking about · introduce wellness programs and/or offer counselling (see below) · create new opportunities for staff input/feedback (a new meeting agenda item) · hire an external expert to help with any internal morale or personnel issues · build in a chill-out zone or creativity space where people aren’t chained to their desk · introduce pet-friendly Fridays · allow employee volunteer leave days · replace/upgrade the coffee machine · install a water filter or water cooler · stock the workplace with healthy snacks · create fun team videos for social media · schedule staff meetings off-site (take it to the local park for some fresh air) · put on team lunches or “micro” events where everyone comes together socially and build relationships that don’t always centre around work

Showing people that you care about them doesn’t need to involve grand gestures. But it does involve asking them what they need and then listening carefully. This is about them, remember, not the company. What’s best for the company, after all, is looking after the people who turn its engine.

Invest in wellbeing resources If your budget allows for it, look into wellbeing resources and programs that are right for your team members (and do some research into what funding grants or subsidies might be available). Start by asking your staff what areas of support they’d be interested in. Don’t roll out any new programs before gathering feedback from the people who will use them. This may include onsite wellness classes, subsidies to a gym or websites like www.myeverydaywellbeing.com.

Encouraging and enabling people to incorporate more movement into their daily routine or eating healthy goes a long way towards improved mental health, stress reduction, positive morale and company loyalty.

Also look at ways to offer counselling to your team members. Studies show that people are less likely to participate in counselling if they have to do the research and sourcing themselves. If they’re offered a free or funded program that has already been vetted and arranged, it’s much easier to say yes.

There are a number of valuable services offered in New Zealand through EAP Services. Their employee assistance programmes include mental health counselling and support through an easy to use and confidential platform. This is a great place to start.

Create an environment where people want to work Long ago, offices were designed around cubicles where people adhered to the same rules during the same hours. Fast forward to today and we’re seeing the impact that physical surroundings have on our creativity, productivity and overall enjoyment of work.

We’ve discovered that it’s no longer necessary to have all our staff working in the same building during the same hours. Lockdown proved for many organisations that remote working and flexi hours can actually increase productivity and improve staff morale, leading to greater staff retention and other positive impacts on your business's bottomline.

Business owners and managers who support health and wellbeing initiatives generally do reap the benefits of engaged, healthier and more loyal employees.

Author: Tristan Marris is the owner of Auckland coworking spaces The Workshop – Ponsonby and Colony – Avondale. www.theworkshopauckland.co.nz. You can contact him on tristan@theworkshopauckland.co.nz or 09 217 9264.

Leave the house, not the neighbourhood.

Coworking, hot desks, meeting room & office hire. Join us. We’re in your hood.

Andy Martin pictured at Piha beach with his dog Boston

ANDY MARTIN – AN AGENT WITH GREAT HISTORY AND WORLD EXPERIENCE

Andy Martin was born in Fort Langley, an hour east of Vancouver, Canada. He and his family moved to New Zealand when he was very young and he grew up in Sumner Beach, Christchurch. (Where he began surfing at the age of eight).

As Andy told Ponsonby News, “I left Sumner just before my 17th birthday to chase my dream of being a TV cameraman in Auckland. I have one younger brother Chris, who lives in Melbourne with his wife. My partner's name is Katie, my sons Noah (15) and Louis (13).

“My parents renovated and built properties as their side hustle as we were growing up in Sumner Beach so I have always been exposed to real estate.

Through this education and working with my Mum and Dad as a teenager, I always had the goal and drive to own my own property, so by the age of 26 I was fortunate enough to not only become a homeowner but also a landlord. Because I grew up around property with parents who bought, developed and sold more times than I can remember, I gained an extensive knowledge and love for the many facets of real estate.

“As a creative with over 20 successful years’ experience in the television industry, both locally and internationally, I have developed an ability to listen and connect with people from all walks of life, an asset which I believe is serving me well in my real estate career.”

Memorable moments in your film career? “I was based in London for three years. This experience led me to meet some amazing people such as Yasser Arafat, Tony Blair, and George Bush inside Number 10 Downing St - that place is a Tardis, absolutely huge. I have also enjoyed hanging out with David Beckham and touring the globe from Tahiti to Rio filming the ASP world surf tour where I got to spend time with my surf heroes Mark (Occy) Occhilupo, Andy Irons and Mick Fanning.”

What is important to you in your real estate career? “Gaining the trust of your vendor is not to be taken lightly. More often than not, they are putting their most valuable asset in my hands. Regular communication, including honest feedback, is paramount in making sure they are at ease with the process and understand everything that is happening along the way. I back myself as a strong listener and communicator, which I wholeheartedly believe is crucial to a successful relationship.

“My branch manager at Barfoot & Thompson in Grey Lynn, Andrew Cosgrave, is my mentor. He's had my back from day one and including our weekly catch up meetings has always encouraged and praised my detailed market knowledge of our local area. We have an amazing team, and during my years in this branch I have sold in Grey Lynn, Westmere, Point Chev, Freemans Bay, Mt Eden and Epsom - even as far away as Laingholm.”

How are you involved in the local community? “I've recently been fortunate enough to become involved with supporting Grey Lynn Primary which is an epic school encouraging so many creative opportunities for the kids. We recently had “Aloha Night” at the school where the Grey Lynn team, including myself, were on the sausage sizzle for the evening; we had a blast - the queue never stopped!”

Best café? “Josy on Williamson Avenue - Their chicken pho is ridiculously good.”

How do you unwind? “I unwind by going surfing - best medicine ever and we are fortunate enough to have a place in Piha where I can indulge in this.”

To talk to Andy call him on 021 770 014, E: a.martin@barfoot.co.nz