PONSONBY NEWS - JULY '18

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PUBLISHED FRIDAY, 6 JULY 2018

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 28 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

JULY 2018 ponsonbynews.co.nz

GOOD LIVING - P39 Winter: Fitness, Health + Beauty

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN - P81 Locals Kate Rogan & Eva Nash run their own architectural firm Rogan Nash and bring a wealth of international experience from office design in London as well as high-end houses in our neighbourhood

Page 2 brought to you by Matt O’Brien.

Ponsonby and Grey Lynn’s #2 real estate agent#

Another day, another close call for Matt O’Brien, adding

#2 in combined sales for Ponsonby and Grey Lynn over

a #2 ranking for number of combined sales in Ponsonby

a 24-month period measured on homes.co.nz. Agents

and Grey Lynn on Homes.co.nz to my #2 status for Barfoot

from over 80 real estate brands use homes.co.nz

and Thompson’s Auckland Central suburbs result. I can’t pretend it’s not frustrating, but it’s also highly motivating.

#2 Individual Sales Person at Barfoot & Thompson for Auckland Central Suburbs year ending March 31st 2018

Number 2’s work harder, which means a better price for your home. List your property with me today... before I become #1 and get all lazy and complacent.

#1 in sales for Grey Lynn over a 24-month period measured on homes.co.nz.

To be part of my best year yet, call me on 021 687 866 OR look me up on Facebook: Matt O’Brien Residential Sales

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P40: A group of passionate locals and businesses are moving Grey Lynn and West Lynn Village towards being plastic bag-free, starting this July; P82: Tysen Kay of SO Renovate, a design and build company providing an end to end process for home owners looking to undertake a renovation or new build.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW RICHARD NORTHEY: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS U3A PONSONBY HELEN WHITE: LABOUR AUCKLAND NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

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GOOD LIVING HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL BEAUTY VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL EAT DRINK & BE MERRY PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDI LIVING, THINKING & BEING JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY PETS PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

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

MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; M: 027 938 4111; E: melissapaynter@me.com GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT; M: 021 134 4101; E: finn.huia@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ponsonbynews JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News JESSIE KOLLEN and DEIRDRE THURSTON www.instagram.com/PonsonbyNews ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz

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.

PRINTED BY WEBSTAR, AUCKLAND. ISSN 1177-3987

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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.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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Bayleys Real Estate Limited, Ponsonby, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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LETTERS + EMAILS TRAMS TO AUCKLAND AIRPORT I just read Mike Lee's published opinion in the June Ponsonby News on the Auckland tram line and felt incensed enough that I wanted him to know I couldn't agree with him more on what he has written.

I have been back in New Zealand now for close to four years after being away for 22, having lived in Hong Kong, Japan and Dubai during which time part of my mandate was to cover the Asia/Pacific region and thus spent time in Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, Korea and India. I also regularly visited the cities of New York and London as part of my regular business trips. Part of living and spending time in these cities, meant that I used the public transportation systems on a daily basis and, based on that experience, what Lee has said about the tram system to the airport is spot on.

In my experience a city to airport and vice versa transport system needs essentially four things: quick, reliable, safe, and affordable. If you look at the Hong Kong airport express, it takes just 23 minutes from Central (Hong Kong's down town) to Chek Lap Kok Airport. Every 12 minutes there is a train and, since its inception in 2005, it probably has had two stoppages at most (I personally can't recall any as it would've made the front page news of the South China Morning Post). The same applies to Japan's Narita Express (Narita to Tokyo) and Rapito (Osaka Kansai Airport to Namba). On top of being quick and reliable, these airport express systems are extremely safe, which is a plus for tourists and locals alike. They are also affordable and cheaper than taking a taxi from each city's down town equivalent centre.

Without being privy to the AT meetings and notes, I am not sure the proposed tram system will meet the first three criteria above) and possibly may struggle for the fourth. With a tram system running along the same routes as general transport, cars, buses, etc, and then a proposed 18 stops, how long are they wanting to make the ride take? One hour? One and a half hours? At the moment by private car it takes me approx 25 minutes from Ponsonby to the airport. I doubt whether I will want to take a tram if its going to take longer and on top of that I also do not have to deal with going to Britomart, wheeling my luggage to the tram and then having to lift it up three steps to get onto the tram (I have yet to see a tram system with a lifting luggage capability). The other thing is that if they are going to mix general commuting with a supposed airport express, how "express" will it ever possibly be? Hence, that is why all the cities I have mentioned above have dedicated train services for the airport. As for reliability, it is blindingly obvious - one bus or car crash on the tram lines and then what do you do? Safety is another issue. Today our trains are really only busy at peak times. What about the times when the trams are not so busy and there is only a single female tourist with some street kids on board (because they can board during one of the 18 commuter stops)? How do we manage that?

ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN I thank Heidi Padain for her articles and photos of birds - her page gives me so much pleasure. Janice Humby, Westmere MAKING HEADWAY WITH BRAIN INJURIES In 1981, Dr Dorothy Gronwell wrote a letter to the Accident Compensation Corporation, (ACC) asking for more support and education for people who had suffered major head and brain injuries.

As a result of that letter, an organisation called the Headway House was born, and on 23 March celebrated 'Blackout for Brain Injury' day.

It was a day filled with fun, games and a lot of laughter but behind the frivolity was a message of tolarance and respect.

As I mixed and mingled with the staff and the other guests, it dawned on me how much I take my health for granted, and how easily I could lose it.

One of the last great prejudices in our society is that we still catagorise people as either normal or disabled. The stark reality is that any one of us could be cut down with a lifechanging injury sometime in our lives.

Almost all of the people I spoke to at Headway were just regular people who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when disaster struck. While some people may have lost hope, the people I met were positive, friendly and determined not to let their injuires dictate how they lived.

If there is one message that I took away from my time at Headway, it’s that there will always be obstacles in our lives, but the important thing is not let them get in the way of the things we want to achieve in life.

As the day drew to a close and I said goodbye to my new friends, I came away with a new understanding of what brain injury meant, and a new respect for the people and their familes that lived with them. Kerry Lee, Auckland

As for the Super Fund getting involved, you are on the money. Having dealt with a number SWF (sovereign wealth funds) they will do what is best for the fund even if that means Auckland Joe Public getting nailed. Phil Twyford mentioned their name to the newspapers only to give this project a level of legitimacy to the eyes of the public and hopefully get their buy-in that if the Super Fund is going to invest in, it it's a good idea.

There is a lot more I could say. However, I will end with this final comment that I find it interesting that the seemingly two primary drivers of this project - Phil Goff and Phil Twyford have never actually lived overseas (if I am not mistaken), so how do they practically know what works and what doesn't when it comes to mass transport such as this? Thanks and best of luck! Ken Wong, Ponsonby IN SUPPORT OF REAL TIME'S SALON TABLE As a regular but occasional visitor to New Zealand (every few years or so since 2005) and, specifically, to Ponsonby and, even more specifically, hanging out on Ponsonby Road, I am writing to support the presence of the salon table! I have walked by Real Time, perused its interior and been in awe of its dinner parties many, many times. We have bid each other good night on many an occasion. The Real Time shop and table are not only fixtures of the neighborhood, they perform the idea of neighborhood and New Zealand (as seen through the eyes of an American). Where else would quirky and inclusive involve setting a table on the street? We need more, not less.

Rita Denny, PhD, Netherlands

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

69,000 readers per month (Nielsen Media), 17,350 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

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR OVER QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND WE RECEIVED SAD NEWS THAT JESS, A WELL known and loved local border collie, died after eating rat poison. Her owners, the McArthur family, can’t be sure where she ate it, but they are regular walkers in Western Park. Auckland Council has confirmed they have no active bait stations in Western Park at present. They have assured us that they always use tamper-proof cages and signpost the area. We offer our sympathy to the McArthur family and urge the council to ensure that all predator traps are cat and dog proof.

There was shocking news in the heart of our community last month with a mother and her adult son being stabbed in Grey Lynn during an unprovoked, violent, attempted armed robbery of the Hylite Dairy on Great North Road. Perhaps we need to promote a fundraising campaign to look at protecting our dairies (and their owners) with, dare I say, bullet proof and shatter proof glass enclosures which could offer some protection.

Following its appearance on last month’s cover, John Elliott and I went and met James Calver, the co-founder of Ecoware. We were impressed with his business philosophy, “If you have a vision and work hard at it, you will succeed.” - P16.

We have had some comments on our usage of flow-wrap on our magazine. Many of our readers have thanked us for delivering a dry, pristine magazine, especially in the winter.

I would like to remind readers that we are using eco-friendly degradable plastic on our hand-delivered copies. There is much controversy regarding different grades of plastic and their compostibility, so we will monitor this issue regularly because we, too, are environmentally conscious.

After two meetings with Sian Buley, the pest control coordinator at Auckland Zoo, one of which included representatives of predator-free groups around West Auckland, we are convinced that an urban sanctuary could become a reality. This would fit in very well with the New Zealand Predator Free 2050 campaign - P18.

Perhaps our constant campaigning against the carcinogenic glyphosate may be close to success, as we understand and are pleased that the Waitemata Local Board is committed to completely eliminating glyphosate use. Our question is just this: When? Meanwhile readers can call council on 09 301 0101 to make their berms spray free - P21.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Jess, a well known and loved border collie died after eating rat poison. We offer our condolences to the McArthur family.

In this issue we have covered the proposal by Auckland Council to mitigate stormwater and sewage disposal in the St Marys and Herne Bay areas. Like the residents, we are concerned that the proposal will still allow raw sewage to be pumped into the harbour.

Better solutions can surely be found - P34.

During the winter we need to take extra care of ourselves. In this issue we have some suggestions in our Good Living section - P39.

Our cover stars this issue are Kate Rogan and Eva Nash, who run their own architectural firm Rogan Nash. These two locals bring a wealth of international experience to their practice. They’ve worked on office design in London as well as high-end houses here in Auckland - P83.

We are always pleased to receive letters complimenting the work of Ponsonby News. This month we got praise for Heidi Padain’s column on birds which gave a local Westmere PN resident much pleasure - P19. (MARTIN LEACH) F

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Michele Burnside loves Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Herne Bay, which have all played a big part in her life.

What are your childhood memories of Ponsonby?

Family is what I think of when I think of Ponsonby as a child. So many cousins lived here and I would come and visit. I was fascinated by the beautiful houses and the steep hills. To me this was magical as I couldn’t fathom the architecture and building that kept the houses there.

What was your childhood like?

My childhood was wondrous. I travelled the world as a youngster in a time when this was not the norm. That meant that places like the Cameo Theatre became places that meant you were home, you were safe and all was well in the world.

Where would your dream holiday be?

Tasting and testing through France of course.

Most treasured passion?

Talking to people and getting them to sort their life out or handle the problem they are caught up in.

Most Kiwi thing about you?

Well, it’s not my accent but I am very homely and want people to feel they can talk to me about anything.

Your coffee shop in Herne Bay is called Daisy - is that your nickname?

It is fast becoming it! I have so many people call me Daisy now!

I figure it is because of my amazing likeness to Daisy Duke!

What job would you do, other than your own?

Being a Personal Consultant. I am passionate about helping people find their purpose and getting them on the road to reaching that purpose. Hang around the cafe long enough and we will start talking about it.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

You know, I have a freckle on my little toe... ha ha. Oh, the greys and the wrinkles that have started.

What do you love most about your age?

Having the knowledge I now have!

If you life was an ice cream, what would it be called?

Cheeky peachy honeycomb with raspberries as needed.

What are you insecure about?

I love feeding people and always worry that they will not come back to the shop.

Tell us something very few people know about you?

I have run a trust that educates people on the dangers of drug use and what it does to your mind and body.

Your greatest fear?

That marijuana is legalised in our beautiful country. I am amazed that in one week the Government discussed the banning of tobacco due to its harms and the legalisation of marijuana.

What cliché do you most hate?

“It will be what it will be.” Actually, it will be whatever you make it.

What gizmo can you simply not live without?

That big oven at Daisy's. I have quite come to love that oven.

A handshake or a hug kind of person?

Depends on the situation, but normally a hug.

Something that you really disapprove of?

People making fun of other people or talking about things as though they know everything when they haven’t done any research.

What’s your comfort food?

Anything Chinese, especially dumplings or wontons.

Your biggest disappointment?

Getting 18 points on my bursary physics exam, that ruled out engineering!

Do you read movie or TV reviews?

If I read a movie review and it is bad, I almost always know I will enjoy the movie.

Favourite movie?

It's a toss up between Casablanca, because it's a classic and perfect, and Star Wars. It was the first blockbuster I remember and it made me realise that there is more to living than just doing the usual. The force has always been strong in my life.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Walking the beach somewhere that is warm.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

I would tell myself to just be quiet for a minute and listen; maybe there is more to be learnt than everything I think I know.

Change one law in New Zealand, what would it be?

I would take away as many taxes as possible for businesses but it would have to be structured in such a way as to create jobs and apprenticeships. Then we would have people able to contribute to society instead of being on benefits. People want to contribute and help, they just need the chance. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F PN

How do you chill out?

Watching people would have to be my favourite way to chill, with a great coffee and a bit of sunshine.

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Travel light or heavy?

Light - one backpack and I am off.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LETTERS CONTINUED WEST LYNN VILLAGE There has been a lot of discussion around the West Lynn village regarding the stopping of the construction of the unsafe cycleway and its redesign by Boffa Miskell. Auckland Transport has released to the public New Letter #7 and "Waitemata Safe Routes Technical Review Engagement Report May 2018” (these can be found on AT's website).

MONTEREY PINES BEHIND THE ZOO ARE THERE TO STABILISE THE "FILLED/WEAK GROUND" Again it is left to concerned residents to draw attention to the fact that the Monterey pines behind the zoo are there to stabilise the "filled/weak ground."

This is clearly outlined in the council's own plans and documents.

"The feedback from this first round of engagement was used to develop initial concept options for discussion with the AT project team and the Richmond Road and Surrey Crescent CLGs [Community Liaison Groups]. Specific engagement may occur related to location of bus stops. Following refinements, the preliminary design for both routes will be presented to key stakeholders and the wider community for consultation later in 2018."

While Pippa Coom and the Local Board try to spin the benefits of clear felling these iconic pines in favour of native saplings, she fails to reveal the fact that there is already a large stand of 25-year-old native bush regenerating under these pines at the stadium end of the ridge.

So the decision has been made to move the bus stop from outside the liquor store on Richmond Road. This is why there are the 'victory' signs on the bus stop. The decision still has to be made as to its new location. Moving the bus stop outside the Medical Centre and over residents' driveways will block ambulance access and disability parking.

Moving the bus stop up a block, to where it used to be, outside the blank wall of CFYs, Oranga Tamariki, makes sense. This will take away some parking from the Community Centre. As there is already a dedicated car park, the impact will be less than the other option. Please let AT know your preference.

Other interesting design goals in the report include: • direct walking routes (instead of the "slalom"); • lights at Richmond/Surrey; • zebra crossing from island at Old Mill/Garnet; • lights from the greenway to include the Parawai Cres intersection; • repairing all drainage problems; • moving the bus stop outside the dairy to outside Baby on the Move; • making all pedestrian crossings in the Village into standard zebra crossings; • returning short-term parking outside convenience stores and dairies.

This bush is alive with native insects, lizards and birds. Clear felling destroys habitat, slowing the process of regeneration.

Look for yourself at the opposite end of the ridge, see the mess created by Treescape Ltd under contract to the council. Weeds overrun the tiny native trees struggling to grow under the lost canopy.

Why is it so hard for everyone at council to understand how eco-systems work, that human intervention is the problem and that nature, left alone, will work out the best solution.

Only when the local community in partnership with iwi, Forest & Bird and the council come together, will our open spaces be properly managed. Until then, leave the trees alone and allow nature to regenerate herself.

Lisa Prager, Occupy Garnet Road

Some other aspects are still in debate including parking outside Harvest and whether or not the cycleways are on-road or dedicated/separated cycleways. The Report says "West Lynn deserves different treatment. A slowed zone through the village (eg, 30km ph), with gateway treatment indicating the extent of the village, could enable cyclists and motorists to share the road and avoid the need for separated cycleways through the village. This has been raised by several different stakeholders and there are numerous ways this could be achieved."

More information and discussion can be found here: www.facebook.com/367290873719100/posts/444469126001274/ Gael Baldock, Westmere PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OR NOTIFIED RESOURCE CONSENT LUC60321424 AT 859 GREAT NORTH ROAD On 14 June 2018 Waitemata Local Board applied for Notified Resource Consent LUC60321424 at 859 Great North Road for: "Earthworks and excavation, vegetation alteration to facilitate removal of pine trees from the northern part of Western Springs Lakeside Park”. Here is the link for publicly notified applications on the Auckland Council website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say/have-your-saynotified-resource-consent/notified-resource-consent-applications-opensubmissions/Pages/default.aspx.

Copies of the consent will be available at the Grey Lynn Community Library as well.

With regards to the response period, the submission period is 20 working days.

If anyone has any questions please call Auckland City Council Planner, Ashwita Murphy on M: 021 731 572. Gael Baldock, Westmere

HELP MAKE AUCKLAND SPRAY FREE The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Regenerating bush behind zoo

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weeds on or near your property, simply ask the council to make your address spray free.

Please call

09 301 0101 and ask Auckland Council to add your property to the NO SPRAY list DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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RICHARD NORTHEY: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT Waitemata Local Board chair Pippa Coom and deputy chair Shale Chambers are out of the country, so it falls to me to write this month’s column.

The board has just formally adopted its 2018/19 Local Board Agreement, and for someone elected only 20 months ago, I find it an inspirational document.

While continuing to advocate to Government to subsidise footpaths on the same basis it does roads, the board is working with Auckland Transport to provide separated and safe paths for cyclists and pedestrians in Ponsonby, Karangahape Road and the city centre, and a greenway through Cox’s Bay Reserve from West End Road to Jervois Road.

We have succeeded in persuading the governing body to steadily phaseout agrichemical spray in parks. To meet public concern, this year we will eliminate it in Albert, Myers and hopefully Western Parks, and will seek to extend that to other parks where there is public concern.

Both the board and residents have strongly supported speeding up the cleansing of our waterways and harbour, and we are now working with neighbouring local boards on the streams that flow to it.

Our Housing First Policy supports agencies housing homeless people. We will also act on homelessness by making our facilities more available to them to help get on top of issues and find jobs and homes.

The Ponsonby community came up with an exciting plan to develop a public space at 254 Ponsonby Road and that was our top priority for council funding. With many competing demands, the governing body delayed a decision, asking for a business case, which we will work with the community to develop.

Because we believe in the value of our libraries for educational and community purposes, the board is going to fund the Central Library opening an extra hour until 5pm at weekends.

With our area known for its visual and performing arts, the board and community successfully lobbied for more money for the Auckland Art Gallery. We support the Basement Theatre, will do so for the operations of TAPAC in Western Springs and are looking at the case for enhancing 3 Ponsonby Road as a base for artists, adding value to next door’s Studio One Toi Tu facility.

City fringe areas like Ponsonby, offer unique experiences.

Marketing them more widely on the back of Auckland events is part of a plan agreed with business associations.

This year we worked with our local business associations to develop an Economic Development Action Plan for the city fringe - the area immediately outside the city centre. It was formally launched on 14 June at Studio One Toi Tu. Working with the business associations, we workshopped and identified three priorities. The first is making sure the lessons learned from Auckland Transport failing to work closely with communities and businesses in Ponsonby Road and West Lynn are applied in areas to come, like Karangahape Road. That will keep the impact of disruption during construction to a minimum.

The second is to market the distinctive identities and heritage of the separate retail, hospitality and business town centres. We intend to do that jointly in the digital space, and by physically sign posting heritage walks.

And third, to reap benefits from major events like the next America’s Cup, we will leverage them to bring visitors to the attractions the city fringe businesses offer. (RICHARD NORTHEY) F PN www.facebook.com/waitemata

Board members were on hand when a new Western Park playground opened and now we hope to see agrichemical sprays soon end in the park, as in Albert and Myers Parks.

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Secret reports and Auckland Council’s winter of discontent It’s certainly proving to be a winter of discontent within the Auckland Council.

It’s this discontent that was behind the recent letter expressing "strong dissatisfaction" with the "secretive and non-inclusive" leadership style of Mayor Phil Goff, signed by nine councillors including myself, (the so-called ‘Albert Street Nine’). The letter can be traced back to a report commissioned by the mayor on a ‘downtown national football stadium’, and kept secret from the councillors for nearly a year.

It didn’t help either that the report cost nearly $1 million. Nor that Goff only made it available to councillors when its existence was disclosed by Radio NZ and under pressure from the Ombudsman - and then in a form so heavily censored that it was quite unreadable.

I have been in local government for 26 years and I’ve never seen ‘redacting’ on this scale. Whole pages were simply blacked out.

Several weeks on, Goff has finally agreed to release the report uncensored, on request - but the damage has been done.

At a meeting called to discuss the affair, I had the opportunity to question the Mayor face-to-face. Mr Goff confirmed that he requested the report early in 2017, via the CCO Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA). The report by PWC was completed in June 2017 but according to Goff, while he was briefed on its contents, he never asked for a copy. However, at this briefing he asked for further information and so a second report was commissioned, again by PWC, and completed in September. Same story.

Goff was briefed but, according to him, he never asked for, nor was he given a copy. Nor did he ask for, or was told the price. Goff claimed he only received the report(s) and became aware of the cost in April this year. We have to take his word for all this but for someone who obviously has a bit of an obsession with a new football stadium, not reading the reports he commissioned is certainly strange behaviour.

And, certainly given the secretiveness, unacceptable behaviour.

Goff’s fixation with a ‘downtown’ stadium can be traced back to late 2006 when the then Labour Government led by Minister of Sport Trevor Mallard came up with the idea of a ‘waterfront’ stadium located in the harbour, for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Goff has been putting it about that the government pledged to build the stadium for free. This is simply not true. Fortunately, as I was the chairman of the Auckland Regional Council at the time, I’ve kept a file. While there were certainly hints of government largesse, Mr Mallard was careful to avoid making commitments. Talk of government support melted

away as the estimates for this very challenging project (in terms of engineering and deadline), climbed towards $1 billion.

After two weeks of intensive briefings from a range of experts, including Mallard himself, in November 2006 the ARC unanimously voted against it. It was my job to tell Prime Minister Helen Clark that, having carefully studied the proposal, it was our best judgement that Eden Park was a more sensible and affordable option for the Rugby World Cup. It was a sound decision and was backed by a clear majority of Aucklanders - but clearly not by Mr Goff.

Back to the present, where it appears that despite all the other pressing problems and costs Auckland faces, a new football stadium appears to be still very much the Mayor’s ambition. The final catalyst for the nine councillors was to be called to an ‘urgent briefing’ late on 7 June to be told discussions were underway about moving Speedway from Western Springs where it has been for 90 years, to a venue in South Auckland.

Despite assurances that this was no ‘done deal’ and had no implications for cricket, the NZ Herald the next morning announced a memorandum of understanding was to be signed that day by the mayor, RFA and Speedway promoters committing to the move and that Western Springs indeed was intended for cricket. Speedway has long complained of pressure to get out, but now to assist the move support amounting to $14 million including up to $300,000 for a council -paid project manager is part of the deal. That RFA and Goff want to move cricket from Eden Park to Western Springs is no secret - and hotly opposed by Auckland Cricket.

The game plan seems to be to undermine Eden Park (which completed a major upgrade in 2011) and thereby make a ‘downtown’ stadium (now estimated to cost nearly $2 billion) to be somehow justifiable. It’s this sort of behaviour that’s causing councillors from across the political spectrum to question Mr Goff’s leadership style and judgement. And now we have learned of the existence of another report - this one on light rail, commissioned by Goff from Auckland Transport. Given the importance of this project, the mayor’s convoluted explanation for keeping it from councillors for eight months is unconvincing. This is why this council is not a happy ship. It PN looks like it’s going to be a long winter. (MIKE LEE) F

Mike Lee is the Auckland Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf Ward, www.mikelee.co.nz

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Persistance beats resistance - Ecoware’s success Co-founder of Ecoware, James Calver, spoke to Ponsonby News about their beginnings, launching their compostable food packaging brand in 2011.

“It was a bit of an uphill slog,” James told us. “Words like sustainability and the circular economy were concepts that hadn’t quite made it into the mainstream vernacular, but times have changed in 2018.”

The environmental damage done by plastic is now well known. There will soon be more plastic in the sea than fish if change isn’t made and James Calver and his company, Ecoware, is making a huge difference.

However, words like degradable, biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, bio-plastic, bio-based are not every day, well-known and understood words.

Many people and organisations are trying to do the right thing by the environment, but as Calver says “We need to realise sustainablitiy is a journey, not a destination.

James tells us, “Now, it’s the triple bottom line - environmental, social and commercial - so times are changing.”

“The bigger guys have been slower to move because they’re profit driven - airlines, stadiums, hospitals - but I think after being in the industry for a decade, 2018 has been the most exciting and promising in terms of momentum and direction as a country.”

Today, Ecoware has in excess of 2500 customers, including Fisher & Paykel, Farro and Sky City. In the past year, they have replaced over 500,000kg of oil-based packaging with plant-based packaging.

But Calver says it’s important to note that while there have been huge strides forward in New Zealand’s compostable waste industry, it is still very much in a transitional phase.

“The problem with New Zealand is it’s so cheap to dump in landfill compared to organics. We don’t have any levies, tax or implications to make people think, 'Where else could I send it?'” he says.

People are now more aware of what they are throwing away and that services like those of Ecoware are available.

Business partners James Calver and Alex Magaraggia have been friends since their days together at Milford Primary School. They have made a nonsense of the oft-quoted saying ‘going into business with friends is a recipe for disaster’.

These two young men are only just old enough, early thirties, to avoid the ‘millentials’ tag, but they work well together and have a common goal to spread their passion and desire to see sustainable business practice worldwide, with Ecoware leading the charge. In 2014 they gained carboNZero certification, New Zealand’s first packaging company to achieve this specific certification.

Despite his protestations, no one builds a business like Ecoware without exceptional talent, drive and vision, and that is so obvious when talking to James Calver. He is a very impressive young man who has grabbed this industry by the scruff of the neck and is modelling it along modern, sustainable lines. A personable ‘anything is possible’ person. “If you think you can change the world, you can change the world,” he says.

James feels the tide is turning. People now ‘get it’. We clean up our act and save the planet now, or the human race will slide into oblivion.

Two far-seeing young entrepreneurs can’t save the planet on their own, but Calver and Magaraggia are giving it their best shot. By partnering with other like-minded individuals, losing life on our planet becomes a little less likely.

Ponsonby News is right behind you, Ecoware. You are an inspiration to everyone in our community, and we wish you well in the years PN ahead. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F www.ecoware.co.nz

James and Alex feel the responsibility they shoulder, but are proud of their staff; they’ve all become friends, they trust people to do their jobs and allow them the flexibility they need.

One exciting contract Ecoware has is to supply compostable Ecoware to the Cafe at Middle Earth, Hobbitland. It now supplies the Shire’s Rest Cafe with 80,000 takeaway coffee cups a year.

Ecoware is much more than just a packaging company. It strives to lead the way when it comes to sustainability. Ecoware monitors and manages the entire company’s operation with a plan to constantly improve the company’s footprint. It offsets all the carbon emissions associated with its activities by investing in renewable energy and native forest rejuvenation projects both nationally and internationally.

All oil-based products have been replaced by renewable resources such as plant-starch and bamboo fibre.

New Zealand’s coffee roasting businesses are among Ecoware’s early adopters - now supplying over 60 New Zealand coffee roasters with its plantmade EcoCups.

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Auckland Zoo - pest control I have been fortunate to have had two recent meetings with the charming Siân Buley, Auckland Zoo’s Pest Control Co-ordinator.

Buley is an English-trained biologist who has worked at Jersey Zoo and, since coming to New Zealand, in animal and pest management.

The Auckland Zoo job combines her field experience and zoo work.

Auckland is known to be one of the most progressive zoos, and one of the few with a full-time pest management role. The team also recently employed a second staff member to enable their expertise to have an impact outside the fence, as part of their upcoming ‘Urban Ark’ project.

On my first zoo visit, I attended an evening meeting with local representatives of pest/ predator-free groups. I met Friends of Oakley Creek founder Wendy John, whose long-running project serves as an inspirational example of what can be achieved in urban restoration by passionate volunteers. Also present was Paul Whitfield who aspires to establish a pest-free Pt Chevalier. Rachel Fanshawe, coordinator of the newly established Kingsland Eco-neighbourhood, part-funded by the Albert Eden Local Board, and Forest & Bird’s Central Auckland branch committee member, Natasha Hamilton, who has keen volunteers wanting to help with native plantings and weeding in the area.

The Kingsland group recently began focussing their efforts on humane backyard rat trapping, and when Rachel described her fear of the large DOC 200 traps, more experienced members of the group had suggestions to assist her. Regular trapping workshops are to be a prominent feature of the zoo’s support to community pest control efforts.

This meeting was an eye opener for me, and confirmed that my floating the idea of developing an urban sanctuary was not as silly as some might think. It partly becomes a question of linking already existing groups together, and working together using each other's strengths.

As I’ve said before, if Wellington can get co-ordination between local groups, providing safe corridors for native birds, and planting for protection and development of more sustainable ecosystems, so can we.

On my next visit, Siân took me around the Te Wao Nui precinct, dedicated to native species, and pointed out the hillside behind - about 6ha of native bush. While we often visited the zoo as a family when my two boys were young, and then later with my two granddaughters, I had not visited for some years.

We do have an amazing zoo right at our back door, with dedicated staff who work hard to create realistic habitats for its animals and protect native wildlife. The zoo’s pest management programme concentrates quite intensively on rats. They need to be controlled to very low levels due to predation, disease risk and competition for animal food. Plus, no visitors or locals want to visit their zoo and see rats running around.

However, there are challenges. The zoo is very attractive to rats, as there is plentiful food and shelter to be found, and constant incursions occur via the creek flowing through the grounds, the area’s honeycombed volcanic rock, and from surrounding parks and properties.

Paramount to the zoo’s pest control is avoiding risks to zoo animals, and ensuring methods are best practice, humane and discrete.

The basic control comprises a network of 140 DOC 200 traps, 40 strategically placed A24 traps and targeted use of bait and Victor Pro snap-traps. Many different tools, alongside teamwork and good communication is vital to the integrated and holistic approach of the programme, and new technology and protocols are always incorporated where possible. Careful records are kept, and some 400 rats are killed annually with the help of staff and volunteers.

Some locals have told me it would be impossible to create an urban sanctuary anywhere near the zoo, because predator control would be so difficult. However, the fact that the zoo maintains low numbers of rats on site, and is already starting to help coordinate and support the work of some other groups in the central city, means that actually it has a keyrole to play in helping to achieve such an aspirational goal.

I maintain we can help considerably towards Predator-free NZ 2050, and while I readily acknowledge that urban sanctuaries are much more challenging than the Tiritiri Matangi one with which I am familiar, much can be done.

When, or if, the final decision is made to remove the Monterey pines next to the zoo and replant a native forest, I hope a group of volunteers (I will be one), will take up the challenge and completely clear animal predators from the Western Springs area. Natives grow more quickly than many people realise. It would not take too many years to return a tummy tingling dawn chorus to our inner city environment.

As our new Prime Minister has said “Let’s do this.”

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

Siân Buley, Pest Management Coordinator, Auckland Zoo

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Meola monarchs - a butterfly sanctuary Local community activist, campaigner and butterfly queen, Gael Baldock, has an exciting new project on the go.

She took me to Meola Road near the back of Motat, where there is a lot of overgrown land adjacent to Meola Road and inside the Motat fence.

Gael rescued about 1000 caterpillars over the following three days. She asked for helpers on Facebook. Many caterpillars survived as a result of Gael Baldock’s persistence.

Dozens of swan plants grow along the strip.

Many are overgrown, some have fallen over.

She then conceived the idea of creating a butterfly sanctuary along Meola Road on the street side of Motat’s fence and Motat want to extend it onto their land. In fact all the land is council owned.

Baldock has a plan to create a fantasy butterfly world, especially for children.

She tries her patter out on me and I am convinced. “I tell children that growing butterflies is a whole fantasy world,” Gael says. “The seed pods are swans and their seeds are fairies. Caterpillars turn into chrysalises and then butterflies emerge.

Aphids are milked by ladybugs whose babies are nymphs.”

For many years Baldock has used the swan plants at Meola Road as a back-up source of food, a place to take her monarch caterpillars when her plants get too munched.

Gael Baldock’s story continues, “On Christmas Day, a walk after lunch revealed caterpillars in a park that had run out of food so I took them to Meola Road where I found those swan plants so thick with caterpillars that it was obvious they had insufficient food to pupate.

“Then further up the road where the giant swan plants formed a forest, by the back entrance to Motat, they were stripped so bare that the caterpillars were running blindly across the road in search of food.

Many had been squashed by bikes, cars and pedestrians.”

Gael has discussed her idea with the Waitemata Local Board and received encouraging support. Rob Thomas has offered to help source finance. She has, too, support from Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust. Gael has spoken to the bee pollinators about this being another ‘wing’ of their organisation.

A major cleanup of the area is the first priority - weeding, no spraying, some new fencing, some trimming of past planting, and of course encouraging young swan plants which self-seed all over the area.

She has a vision, too, of lots of flowering plants, providing nectar for butterflies and other pollinators like bees. Gael described stepping stones and interesting play places for kids.

“It will be important,” Gael told us, “to protect the mature trees along the Motat side of Meola Road, which may be threatened by AT’s planned cycleway along Meola Road. Meola Road is already a very busy and dangerous road, and cycleways on both sides of the road would be a recipe for disaster.”

The thickened black spot on the wing tells us that this monarch butterfly is male Gael has supporters, too. Jacqui Knight from the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust and members of the Horticultural Society are enthusiastic.

There have been offers of donated plants from JM Landscape and a macrocarpa seat from artist Peter Brierley-Millman.

I think it’s close to the proverbial no-brainer.

If finance can be arranged (it shouldn’t cost too much, and volunteers can be recruited, I’m sure), and enough volunteers come on board, there is no reason why Gael Baldock’s vision cannot become a reality.

It would be a lovely relaxing community facility. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Gael on Meola Monarchs via Facebook. Good luck Gael. (JOHN ELLIOTT)

Home gardens in July - not always pretty If you’re looking out at hearting cauliflowers as I am, or healthy potato plants, as I am, your garden is pretty good for July.

If your garden looks crap, as mine often does in July, just wait for spring. Prepare the ground for August crops. I suggest cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and some greens.

One more thing. Thinking ahead, I intend this spring to fight pests with companion plants. So check these out and try some in the spring.

A friend was looking at my potatoes the other day and said he’d never thought it worthwhile to plant them in a home garden.

I told him I used to think that too, but have changed my mind in recent years. I get good crops out of a pretty small patch and most importantly they are spray free. I reckon you can taste the difference.

Commercial crops are sprayed to hell.

Orange nasturtiums - these can be planted around vegetable borders and will deter aphids and other pests. Good with cabbage, cauli, potatoes, Brussel sprouts, zucchini.

We can’t eat lots of cabbages or cauliflowers, so just grow a few.

I often get a mixed punnet - say two cauli, two cabbage, two broccoli.

Then do the same several months later. Try from seed if you have a suitable place to germinate them - I don’t. However, I wish my caulis were ready now - they’re a month away - because I love cauliflower and cheese soup.

I personally love seeing healthy vegetables getting ready to pick, but some people bemoan the lack of colour in home veggie patches, so try a few colourful flowers.

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

Marigolds - a very pretty border flower - deter pests from lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes.

Shortest day over - days can only get longer and hopefully warmer.

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The latest on the glyphosate spraying saga It’s possible that within a year or perhaps two, we may be able to claim quite a victory in the Waitemata Ward. We could be glyphosate free.

Everything will depend on how quickly the Waitemata Board moves to eliminate its use. That partly depends on money - the cost of replacement methods of weed control.

Hana Blackmore of Weed Free Streets, who has been campaigning against ‘Roundup with Glyphosate’, use for years, told Ponsonby News she is delighted that Auckland Transport is relinquishing all weed and vegetation control operations to council.

Blackmore told us, “at last, after eight long years, all weed and vegetation control operations in the city will revert to one contract under council’s community facilities.” She confirmed that all berm mowing and weed management across the full road corridor (including the kerb and channel) will return to council.

Our local board chair, Pippa Coom, confirmed this.

The Waitemata Local Board is committed to eliminating glyphosate as soon as finances allow. They will begin with spray-free parks, Albert Park, Myers Park and Western Park - a good start. We must push the board to eliminate glyphosate in all Waitemata parks and reserves.

If citizens in large numbers call the council and ask for the berms outside their homes to be spray free, this will surely hasten the demise of glyphosate, and Pippa Coom admits that will aid their cause.

The agreement council has with contractor Ventia is critical to reduction and ultimately elimination of glyphosate use. They have established base lines, and are committed to reductions from those baselines. The board is confident they are on track. The 17 June final budget set aside $80,000 for spray-free parks. Mechanical edging is going ahead. That means digging out weeds instead of spraying them.

Hana Blackmore told us that “cutting out the AT middlemen and the savings we will get from integrated services and economies of scale, means at last we have the opportunity to reduce and finally eliminate all chemicals in our public spaces.”

Ponsonby News urges all readers to ask the council to record their street berms as spray free, and to continue to urge council to ban glyphosate in all Waitemata Ward parks, reserves and sports fields.

How exciting if Waitemata could be first, with elimination following throughout Auckland and New Zealand.

Remember, Roundup with its poisonous ingredient, glyphosate, has been declared a ‘probable carcinogen’, by scientists from the World Health Organisation. We all used to use it (well I confess that I did, anyway), but now Monsanto’s billions of dollars should not be allowed to sway countries and courts around the world seeking to ban it in opposition to the world’s most eminent scientists.

PN Ban glyphosate NOW. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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LOCAL NEWS BANNED BOOKS THE TOPIC OF BOOK NIGHT EVENT The air was a bit blue on Book Night at The Open Book second -hand bookshop in Ponsonby but not from inclement weather.

Award-winning authors Ted Dawe and Graeme Lay headlined an event called ‘An evening of banned books’, where they and other speakers talked about the theme of censorship in New Zealand.

"When I'm writing, my final arbiter, my most important thing is doing justice to the narrative. That's my main thing. If it involves using [expletives], that's what it involves," said a straight-shooting Dawe on the night.

Dawe has first-hand experience of censorship: his young adult book Into the River was temporarily banned two years after it won a New Zealand Post Children's Book Award in 2013.

About 30 people attended the cosy Book Night event, which was a collaboration between the shop and nationwide book-group organisation Book Discussion Scheme (BDS). The scheme introduced the annual all-age reading event three years ago. It’s loosely based on a similar event in the UK. Auckland journalist and BDS book-group member Megan Nicol Reed acted as MC for the evening, which also featured AUT Librarian and social media expert Kim Tairi, law honours graduate Melanie Brebner and shop owner Hayden Glass. Brebner’s 2017 honours dissertation focussed on Into the River and book censorship in New Zealand.

Banned books proved an absorbing topic for those who attended a Book Night event at Ponsonby’s The Open Book shop

"Librarians aren't neutral and libraries are not neutral places,” said Tairi, who discussed the role of libraries in a democratic and open society. She expressed the view that libraries can provide safe and supportive settings for younger readers to tackle books that have challenging content.

Poet and short story writer Anna Livesey, who coordinated the evening’s speakers, summed up the event with: “A great crowd, everyone spoke wonderfully, and lots of questions!"

Selfies and comments from people who joined in Book Night can be viewed on the interactive map at bds.org.nz/booknight

THE OPEN BOOKSOP, 201 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 1741, www.theopenbook.co.nz

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

photography: Anna Livesey

Book Discussion Scheme is a non-profit organisation and New Zealand’s only nationwide book group specialist. It lends book sets and discussion notes to about 12,000 readers across the country and caters to adults, high school/continued school and tertiary students, ESOL readers and prison-based groups. The scheme has been operating for 45 years and is based in the Christchurch suburb of Sydenham, where it houses more than 50,000 fiction and non-fiction books. F PN Auckland journalist and MC of ‘An evening of banned books’ Megan Nicol Reed listens to once-banned local author Ted Dawe

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LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby Park update The results from the Long Term Plan consultation have provided yet another strong show of support for the whole of the site, civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road (Ponsonby Park).

The civic space will provide not only a social and community hub, a vibrant and dynamic space for events and attractions to enhance ‘The Strip’ but it will also contribute tangible solutions to concerns about stormwater runoff and the subsequent degradation of our harbours. Therefore it is no surprise that this project has received sustained, consistent and active support again.

The need for this amenity has been apparent since 2000 when the initial Boffa Miskell report was done. In the 18 years since then, with the ongoing intensification and continued population growth, this need has increased exponentially.

The Community-led Design team requested the raw consultation data from council for analysis. It showed that Waitemata Local Board residents had a very high level of participation in the process. It was in the top three for the total number of submissions received relating to Local Board “One Local Initiative” (OLI) advocacy projects. The whole of the site, civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road (Ponsonby Park) is the Waitemata Local Board’s OLI.

So what happens next?

Council’s Finance and Performance Committee met on 31 May and set in place a plan for 'where to from here' for each Local Board’s ‘One Local Initiative’ advocacy project. The minutes from the Finance and Performance Committee meeting state that for our Waitemata Local Board initiative, an “Options paper for the Governing Body to reconsider the retention or sale of the rear portion of the site” will be prepared.

WHAT? So, the Community-led Design process continues. We have written to the Mayor to ensure the Community-Led Design group is part of the Options paper creation team.

We have also received a resolution in support of this from the Waitemata Local Board at their 19 June meeting.

We are seeking clarity on; • who from council will be involved in writing the Options paper?

Additionally, the 10-year Budget 2018-2028 and Auckland Plan 2050 consultation feedback report for the Waitemata Local Board states; “Sixty per cent of submissions that identified Waitemata as their home local board support a full site civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road.”

• what criteria will be used to inform the Options paper? and

This reiterates the considerable and sustained public feedback we have received during our three years of Community-led Design work.

The feedback has consistently been to retain and develop the whole site at 254 Ponsonby Road as a civic green space.

The clear majority (60%) of submitters to the latest consultation are in full support of the whole of site, civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road. We will continue to ensure the community’s position is clearly and well represented and the needs, wants and desires of the local, business and wider Auckland community are met. (JENNIFER WARD)

• in what way the specific needs of the community, as discovered by the Community-Led Design process will be a cornerstone of the Options paper?

You can follow us on Facebook at Ponsonby Park or on our website www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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Frances Mannion, Airsorted City Manager, and her growing team are based in the old Victoria Park Building in Central Auckland.

But the company draws on success in over 15 cities worldwide, including Melbourne, Paris, Sydney, Toronto and Cape Town. This global popularity with Airbnb hosts largely comes down to two factors that their competitors find hard to rival: a smart team and world-class technology.

Airsorted has over 140 employees world-wide, attracting talent from tech giants such as Uber, Google, Deliveroo and Transferwise. The processes and technology that are in place are a direct reflection of this, including a custom-built dashboard for all hosts which allows them to keep track of bookings, block out their calendar and review their performance.

“We wouldn’t have wanted to use Airbnb without the service that Airsorted provides. It has been a pleasure to work with them and they have made the whole process easy, without any of the worries we would have had otherwise,” Ponsonby locals, Malcolm and Melanie Rands.

Airsorted has seen a growing interest from property owners in Ponsonby and surroundings suburbs, suiting those who want to give Airbnb a try but don’t have the time or expertise to manage it

themselves. A two-bedroom house in Ponsonby has the potential to bring in over $5000 a month.

“As we near retirement and plan more travel, we needed a company we could rely upon to look after our heritage villa in Auckland. With adult children and grandchildren living overseas, we can’t always be available to look after guests - Airsorted provides an excellent service that both keeps our property secure and in good condition and gives our guests the excellent local service on which we pride ourselves.” - Robyne Bell, property owner and Airsorted client.

If you are thinking of using Airbnb, now is a great time to get started.

The quieter winter period provides a great opportunity to get fully setup and start generating positive guest reviews, that way when summer arrives you can take full advantage of the increase in demand in Auckland.

“Short-term letting is becoming more and more popular as a welcome additional income for Aucklanders. A two-bedroom house in Ponsonby, for example, has the potential to bring in over $5000 a month. Most of our customers are homeowners who want to benefit from extra income while they are away on holiday but don’t want the hassle of being a host. We are very committed to ensuring our customers get the most out of Airbnb and I am thrilled with how quickly Aucklanders are recognising the advantages we offer them.

We are very excited about our future here in New Zealand,” says Airsorted Auckland Manager, Frances Mannion.

Get in touch with Airsorted if you would like to discuss how your home might perform on Airbnb, and how they can make this not only easier but also more successful.

Visit the Airsorted website to discover the value of your property on Airbnb or give them a call on T: 09 887 9228 to speak with an expert. www.airsorted.com/auckland

Newly renovated, heritage villa in Freemans Bay, managed by Airsorted www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/24333901

Stunning three-bedroom home in Freemans Bay, with Harbour Bridge views, managed by Airsorted www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/25550361

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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PONSONBY U3A: JUNE 2018 Radio New Zealand media commentator Dr Gavin Ellis, was the guest speaker at the June meeting of Ponsonby U3A. He threw light on the topic of ‘fake news’ - an expression that features often in President Trump’s tweets and that we could be forgiven for thinking was a new phenomenon - which, of course, it isn’t.

He elegantly stepped us through a history of ‘fake news’ back to Julius Caesar and beyond.

Explaining its importance today, he said is the Oxford Dictionary’s 2016 word of the year - post-truth - “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” In other words, letting our emotions decide which is truth.

He gave numerous examples of fake news originating from figures of history such as Julius Caesar, beliefs about Mark Anthony and Cleopatra, Napoleon, Hitler. He gave an example of a popular edition of an anti-Semitic newspaper in the late 1930s falsely saying that Jews performed ritual slaughter of children.

He discussed alternative facts and the use of statistics and manipulation as an easy way to produce fake news. Also, the use of social media, giving false information to attract a lot of attention to make money. Trump calls it fake news in his tweets when he doesn’t like what the news is saying.

Dr Ellis is a former editor-in-chief of the New Zealand Herald and is a senior lecturer in journalism and communications at Auckland University. He has published two books and is writing a book on propaganda.

The ten-minute speaker U3A member Bevin Fitzsimons entitled his talk “Serendipity and the International Ecumenical Church Fund.”

In 1968 he and his then wife travelled to Geneva. They visited the World Council of Churches with introductions from the New Zealand National Council of Churches and their own St Mary’s church, where they had been choir members.

It transpired that only the day before, the ECLOF board, which runs national loan schemes in over 20 countries, had decided to retire their CEO and find a new director to lead the fund into making loans, not just for churches and hospitals, but also to help grow local economic and community development. He had walked through the door with the required background for the position, which was never advertised, and for the next six years he ran the fund and travelled the entire world except, for South America, forming and guiding local ECLOF committees.

He outlined the criteria for making loans and gave examples of projects in a number of countries. He commented on Tanzanian people “who laugh a lot and do everything differently. Yet they succeed!” He showed an historic stick given him by Tanzanians, which he may one day return.

Ponsonby U3A meets on the second Friday morning of each month at the Herne Bay Petanque Club in Salisbury St, Herne Bay. As well as monthly speakers there are over 20 special interest groups where members follow their interests or leisure activities.

Visitors are welcome to attend a meeting, but are asked to first contact Collene Roche, T: 09 373 3277.

Guest speaker for the July meeting will be former New Zealand Woman’s Weekly photographer, Michael Willison, whose topic will be 'The History of Photography'.

(PHILIPPA TAIT) F PN NEXT MEETING:

10am, Friday 13 July at Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury St Reserve.

ENQUIRIES:

Collene Roche, President, Ponsonby U3A T: 09 373 3277, www.ponsonby.u3a.nz

THE BIG BIKE TRIP - ONE MONTH LEFT The Grey Lynn boys have made it to Europe and raised over $15,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ. Though we'd flirted with the Indian winter, it wasn't until Georgia that we experienced true hardship as a result of the weather. Sicknesses lingered and our departure from Tbilisi was delayed, with the day of reckoning conveniently being the coldest day in Georgia for the year. As we rode into the thick blanket of fog, our sweat began to freeze, Sean's back began to spasm and snow began to fall. On day four we were forced to turn back, having ignored warnings from locals that the road was impassable. They were right. After pushing our 50kg bikes a kilometre through ankle deep snow, the remaining 9km to the summit 500m above seemed implausible.

It was during moments like these that we dreamed of the European summer. Being midMarch at that point, it didn't seem all too far, but the weather proved otherwise. Our ride through Turkey exposed us to some of the most amazing hospitality we've experienced at the end of long days charging into a relentlessly powerful headwind. Our morale would be sapped, only to be revitalised by a random act of kindness or a friendly local opening their home for us to spend the night.

We have since arrived in Europe, having crossed the Bosphorus Bridge that connects Europe to Asia, and find ourselves with just one month left before our arrival in London on 28 July. The European summer has been all we ever dreamed of on those cold dark days in Georgia and Turkey, but it's trying moments like those that help build resilience, and allow us to wholly appreciate the moment.

We have ridden 20,000km to date, and raised over $15,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ, but would love to fulfil our $1 per kilometre target that we set ourselves before we left in May 2017. So please follow the link below, to make a donation and help us achieve our goal.

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

Donate http://my.leukaemia.net.nz/thebigbiketrip Blog https://thebigbiketripnz.wixsite.com/thebigbiketripnz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HELEN WHITE: REPRESENTING LABOUR FOR AUCKLAND CENTRAL New Zealand’s prison population has just reached 10,000 for the first time and is forecast to grow to over 12,000 if things don’t change.

When Sir Bill English described our prisons as a moral and fiscal failure there were 1803 people in prison on remand - people who hadn’t yet been convicted of a crime. That’s risen to 2951.

Labour has a target to reduce imprisonment by 30% by 2032.

Achieving this would give us a rate of imprisonment between that of Australia and England.

There are lots of good reasons to reduce the prison population. The one I’m most concerned about is that, particularly for young people, prison is proven to create hardened offenders. This is what Sir Bill referred to as people going to prison with School C in crime and coming out with a PhD. I am concerned about the reality of young offenders joining gangs in prison and re-entering the community with a very dangerous set of values, where crimes like rape and violent offending are not only tolerated, they are a rite of passage and drugs like P are habitually used.

One reason for reducing the numbers that doesn’t get talked about enough is the cost, because we lose the use of tax revenue for other areas such as health and education. It might make us feel safer to send people to prison but if it doesn’t achieve better safety and it means we have no money for things that will make our lives better, do we need to think again?

So, what is the cost? The media often say the cost of sending someone to prison is $100,000 per annum, but this is just the cost of running the prison. It doesn’t take into account court costs, police costs, social welfare, lost taxes or the impact on communities (both positive and negative). The actual cost to society for each person in prison has been estimated to be more likely to be between $400,000 to $1 million per annum, even when including any savings from imprisonment. This means that the current level of imprisonment costs taxpayers up to $10 billion per annum.

has been one month’s imprisonment is not covered by the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 but it sticks with someone for life. No matter how angelic they have been, if they went to prison at 20 years old it will still impact on them at 40 years old. This means we’re making it hard for them to find and keep a job, and earn a living legally.

We also need to address the connection between drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness and crime. Around 80% of people in prison were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the offence.

All New Zealanders struggling with addiction must get the help they need; for all our sakes but if it has got to the point they are committing crimes then we fail to help them at our own peril. Providing drug and alcohol treatment in prisons is not only more expensive but has proven less effective for a variety of reasons. Since we know this, we need to make sure it is provided in the community. A community sentence can hold people to account at the same time as allowing supervision so that drug use or other problems can be dealt with. It is more likely to work than a short stint in prison and then a release onto our streets with no supervision, no home, no job.

That is why the Ardern Government is working hard to find ways to reduce the prison population. It recognises that doing this right will make our communities safer and doing so will mean there is more money to spend on the things we value like health, education.

Finally, I would like to thank Ben Brooks for supplying much of the detail here. I have relied on a presentation he made at a policy branch meeting where members debated these issues. This branch is a very good one to join if you are interested. (HELEN WHITE) F PN Helen White representing Labour for Auckland Central. www.labour.org.nz/helenwhite

Another interesting little-known fact is that our rate of imprisonment has skyrocketed at a time when crime rates have been slowly but steadily declining for decades. If New Zealand’s prison population mirrored changes in our crime rate from 1995 until now, the prison population would be around 2400 and declining, rather than over 10,000 and growing. That’s quite a dramatic change in the type of people we are imprisoning.

If we look at the actual cost of the current approach and we consider the possibility of going back to a rate of imprisonment we worked with in earlier decades, then there could be a saving to taxpayers of as much as $7.6b every year. That’s enough for a 50% increase in health or education funding.

So what could be done? No one is suggesting we free dangerous criminals but the reality is currently a third of people in prison are serving sentences of less than six months. We need to think seriously how sensible it is to imprison such offenders. If they had a job when imprisoned, by the time they come out they won’t anymore. They will end up receiving welfare rather than paying taxes. It is proven they are more likely to commit another offence.

Imprisonment alienates the offenders from the rest of the community.

There are alternatives that would do more good. We could have more emphasis on community sentences, contributing through community work or making reparations.

There also needs to be real opportunity to re-integrate low-level offenders back into our communities so they don’t turn into career criminals. In employment law I have seen the impact of a criminal history on employment prospects. A criminal history where there

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Interested in getting involved with Labour in the Auckland Central electorate?

Get in touch! aklcentrallabour@gmail.com Authorised by Andrew Kirton, 160 Willis St, Wellington

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LOCAL NEWS

PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS The Ponsonby Community Centre has something for everyone! Here is a quick round-up of the classes and activities for kids offered at

Ponsonby Community Centre and the Leys Institute Gym - please contact the specific group below if you wish to attend a class.

The Ponsonby Community Centre - 20 Ponsonby Terrace Ballerina School - Saturdays. www.ballerinaschool.blogspot.com Head Held High - Speech and Drama - classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school. www.headheldhigh.co.nz Rudd School of Rock - music lessons. Arranged one-on-one. www.ruddschoolofrock.co.nz Flash Bang Science Club - Wednesday after school. www.flashbangscienceclub.co.nz Jumping beans - Wednesday mornings. www.jumpingbeans.net

Ponsonby Playgroup - Tuesday mornings. www.facebook.com/ponsonbyplaygroup French Classes - Thursdays after school. karinelohner@hotmail.com Sooji Choi Tae Kwon Do - Fridays after school. ponsonbytkd@gmail.com Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall - 20 St Marys Road (next to library) Gym Kids - most days. www.gymkids.co.nz Baby Sensory - Thursday mornings. www.babysensory.co.nz Our licensed preschool, Ponsy Kids, has sessions available in the afternoons, Monday - Friday. We take ages 2-5 years. For more details T: 09 376 0896. F PN www.ponsykids.org.nz www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

Looking for a a space to hold regular meetings workshops or seminars?

Ponsonby Community Centre has updated meeting URRPV DYDLODEOH ZLWK ZLÀ D ZKLWHERDUG SURMHFWRU DQG VFUHHQ D 6PDUW 79 ZLWK $SSOH DGG RQV DQG FRIIHH DQG WHD PDNLQJ IDFLOLWLHV :H DUH RQO\ D WZR PLQXWH ZDON IURP DOO RI 3RQVRQE\·V EHVW FDIH·V VR FDWHULQJ \RXU HYHQW ZLOO EH D EUHH]H &RQWDFW XV RU LQIR#SRQVRQE\FRPPXQLW\ RUJ Q]

www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz/venue-hire

HELP MAKE AUCKLAND SPRAY FREE 30 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weeds on or near your property, simply ask the council to make your address spray free.

Please call 09 301 0101 and ask Auckland Council to add your property to the NO SPRAY list Also ask your councillor, Mike Lee or a local board member to ban the use of glyphosate in the Waitemata Local Board area.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Economy hurting from low business confidence, extra taxes and uncertainty It’s not in my nature to be pessimistic. I am privileged to represent a diverse range of businesses in Auckland Central.

The recently reported significant drop in business confidence is a real concern because it means businesses are overall more pessimistic about their prospects.

Most people understand that if businesses lack confidence and certainty then they are less likely to grow and hire more people. I get lots of comments from people worried about the cost of living and what the impact of new taxes and an uncertain environment will mean for jobs and our economy.

The Government inherited a strong economy, with annual GDP growth averaging around 4%, accompanied with high levels of business confidence and around 10,000 new jobs being created each month.

This was a huge improvement from the decade of deficits we were facing nine years ago.

Under this government, GDP per capita growth has fallen to just 0.1% in the previous quarter. In my view these early signs of economic slowdown reflect a combination of low business confidence and uncertainty about the Government’s policy agenda.

I have received feedback from a variety of local and national businesses that they are worried about additional costs like fuel taxes, about Labour’s draconian industrial law changes, sharp rises in the minimum wage and uncertainty around foreign investment and immigration.

It is impossible to simply legislate for higher wages and expect the economy to absorb the extra costs with no impact. While in government, National continued to raise the minimum wage over time from $12/hour in 2008 to $15.75 in 2016/17. In the last 12 months New Zealand’s full-time average wage has increased 3.8%. Labour plans to remove the starting wage, which provides unqualified young people an entry point into work. We all want to raise low incomes, but the pace at which we do that can make employing an extra person no longer viable.

Tax revenues are already going up because of the strong New Zealand economy. Three years ago the government collected $66.6 billion in tax, it is forecast to be $78.2 billion this year and $93 billion by 2021. Adding new taxes or new ways to collect money doesn’t make sense given the projected Government revenue.

When it comes to foreign investment there needs to be a balance. We want to ensure we retain our sovereignty as a small nation. We also need to recognise that in a small nation it can be difficult to raise large amounts of investment to grow industries or build the tens of thousands of houses that we need. If there is a massive reduction in foreign investment then jobs will be lost and it is highly likely we will not be able to build as many new houses.

A strong economy will create jobs and lift people’s wages while enabling us to invest more in public services. National is working hard to try and get the Government to shelve some of its workplace relations policies and scrap the additional taxes. We are also trying to get the Government to provide much greater certainty on foreign investment and immigration policies. This would get us back on the PN right track. (NIKKI KAYE) F If you have any local or national issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on 09 378 2088 or send me an email on mp.aucklandcentral@parlaiment.govt.nz.

Authorised by Hon Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, 48c College Hill, Freemans Bay.

Hon Nikki Kaye

I have been spending hours listening to people submit on the Government’s workplace relations package. People are saying that some of the changes are worse than policies from the 1970s. The scrapping of the 90-day trial period for businesses with over 20 employees will see fewer jobs for young New Zealanders. A large percentage of young people get their first jobs at large businesses using the 90-day trial provision, which has been a tangible mechanism for businesses to take a risk on people with little or no experience.

The Bill also includes imposing statutory times for staff meal and rest breaks and clauses around reinstatement.

MP for Auckland Central

Industries are concerned about a blanket legislative approach that doesn’t enable flexibility and that in their view will reduce productivity.

It was significant to hear the Minister of Workplace Relations accepting that some businesses would not be able to operate under this Government’s plans.

Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay July 13th 2:00pm

I regularly work on local issues and meet with constituents.

Please contact my office if you would like to meet with me.

The Government has also set up the Tax Working Group to make recommendations on the tax system. Consultation is now closed and the working group is currently reviewing submissions. There is much uncertainty about what taxes may be proposed by this group.

National has concerns about the stated aim of the Tax Working Group proposals being revenue neutral. Within the discussion document there are no specific proposals to reduce tax income in other areas.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Funded by the Parliamentary Service.

Authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland.

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DEIRDRE THURSTON: ON MY MIND

Tolerations We all tolerate things in our everyday lives, whether we realise it or not. Those tiresome little niggles that colour our days, not in pretty rainbows but in dull, morose grey.

In mid conversation a few days ago with a close friend, I realised how much of what she was saying was negative. She tolerated much more than she enjoyed in her life. It set me thinking to what I tolerate rather than enjoy, or simply discard. I tolerate her negativity and it affects our relationship. Tolerations have a spinoff effect.

things on a daily basis that disempower us. Seems we can tolerate a great deal. It’s an undercurrent that works against what we say we want. In coaching sessions, I ask clients to write down a list of tolerations in their lives. Often, they are gobsmacked by how often they are working against themselves daily.

I tolerate the dings in my car done by dishonest souls in supermarket car parks. Every time I see my car, the dents drive me crazy and I think: Right, call insurance company and fill in form. Then I think about dealing with the form and all its ghastliness and ridiculous questions that I practically need Ancestry.com and a blood test for; the cost of the three excesses for the three different dents I will have to pay, and I push it to one side. This has been happening for a year now. My diary is full of 'phone insurance co re car' reminders that are then ignored.

We tolerate a great deal not only in ourselves but in relationships - siblings, friends, parents - that person who is always late, who refuses to take shoes off at the door even though you have asked nicely and there is a sign. We operate over the top of all these irritations. What would our lives look like if we didn’t tolerate things? Some people say it isn’t possible. How freeing would it be to have nothing to complain about? Not be mad at ourselves because, yet again, we didn’t deal with something important, something to clear our mind clutter of eye-rolling tolerations - things easily changed and dealt with.

We waste so much energy in useless negativity we aren’t even aware of in a ratty state over a wonky door handle or tripping on the curled mat corner you still haven’t stuck down. Or an insurance form.

I also tolerate my excess kilos. Summer ‘story’: walk every day and stretch and eat regularly and healthily. No dairy, no meat and no wheat (my rules). Actual real life: I walk a couple of weeks then I’m too tired or it’s too hot or I need new shoes, or I’m too busy... excuses, excuses. I tolerate not taking action. And it annoys the hell out of me.

Many of us ‘do’ busy and tolerate it all the way to the grave. The reasons underlying busy are complex.

The Bluetooth in my car has been playing up for seven months and each time my phone chirrups while I’m driving, I curse Bluetooth, or rather the lack of it and swear I will call into the car dealership and get them to fix it.

I tolerate the nail holes in my kitchen wall that need filling and painting. My toilet roll holder in the wrong place, so nine times out of 10 the roll falls off onto the floor.

Vodafone and Chorus not getting back to me. Ever. Even though they promise to.

Promise!

All that useless energy stifles creativity and happy thoughts.

My negative friend and I have just had an ‘up with the birds’ talk about how we are both doing the 'I’m tired' convo in the morning and literally making each other more tired.

We are both tolerating being tired instead of changing habits. And tolerating listening to it. From today, our conversation will change which, in turn, will help change the tired habit. Earlier to bed, wine-free nights and a darn good read instead of Netflix or TV. While I’m feeling so energised about nixing the ‘tired’ toleration, I’m also going to phone a masseur and finally get my shoulder sorted - the chronic pain of which I have tolerated for weeks now even though it has affected sleep (adding to ‘tired’ toleration).

Once we have identified our tolerations - and I’m not talking about compromises - we can choose whether we continue the behaviour or drop it. It’s a choice. A simple choice. And if we say it is not, then we are tolerating not choosing.

Allowing a couple of people to take me for granted. I know, my fault. I tolerate that.

We are disempowered by what we tolerate. It’s totally ridiculous to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. But we humans are all doing it by accepting

Today, I take on the insurance company. I can already feel the surge of relief at not having to diary it ever again. Freedom. (DEIRDRE THURSTON) F PN

LUCIA MATAIA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS Kia ora koutou, if you are feeling the cold, we have some winter warmers in the library.

Check out our ‘Hibernating Hygge’ display of all things Scandinavian, including Scandi fiction, handcrafts and all things cosy. For tamariki we have our twilight tales at 6.30pm on Friday 29 June. And for everyone, our own cosmic guru Dr David Gunn has an evening of stargazing. Our school holiday programme is on the library website and also on our Facebook page.

Matariki - twilight tales for tamariki Tales by Twilight series starts with a Matariki story time, Friday 29 June, at 6.30pm.

Tamariki can wear their PJs, bring a torch if you have one and snuggle up in the library for stories and music. The evening will be rounded off with milk and cookies. Free event.

Star gazing The Matariki Star cluster (aka The Pleiades) is only visible in the early morning at this time of year, but why not join us anyway for a bit of evening stargazing at the library.

If the sky is clear, our own cosmic guru, Dr David Gunn, will say a few words about the heavenly bodies before we head outside to observe some of them through his fancy reflecting telescope and giant binoculars!

Wednesday 18 July, 6:15pm. Reading Room, Leys Institute Library. Free event.

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

Book Chats recommendations The last time Book Chats met, a lot of the talk centred on the recent Auckland Writers Festival. For many of us, seeing neurologist David Eagleman at the festival has sparked an interest in the brain, hence the following recommendations. First up, of course, David Eagleman’s books including: The Runaway Species; How Human Creativity Remakes the World. Also worth a look is Trouble in Mind by New Zealand neurologist Jenni Ogden. Leonie Howie and Adele Robertson’s account of life on Great Barrier was another popular event; consequently, many of our group are looking forward to reading their book Island Nurses. Our last recommendation isn’t related to the festival; Chanel Cleeton’s fiction book Next Year in Havana is a romance which also provides a great overview of Cuban history.

Craft at Leys Just a reminder our craft group meets every first and third Monday of the month, at 10 till 11.30am, in our cosy Reading Room. Bring your knitting, crochet, tapestry or another crafting project you are working on, all levels welcome. (LUCIA MATAIA) F PN Open hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS FIND MY CAR Local resident and business owner Nigel Pile has had a flying start to the launch of Find My Car, a consultancy business that uses his 15 years’ experience on car yards to take the hassle out of the car buying process.

Nigel has been pleasantly surprised at the diversity of the customers he has been helping. “I’ve enjoyed meeting a wide range of people and being able to provide them with an enjoyable search process and ultimately a quick and cost saving purchase. I’ve met busy business people who are juggling the demands of work and young families as well as first time car buyers, who have limited budgets, but a clear idea of what they want. So many people know what kind of car they want, but the very idea of researching imports, ownership history, safety features and market price is overwhelming and that’s even before they start visiting car yards. Cars have been my life for so long and I’m glad the knowledge I have can benefit others on their journey to get on the road.”

Whether it’s the newest model on the road or a preloved car, Nigel uses his connections and know-how to make sure that his customers get the best car for them and the best deal.

“Car yards often use people’s lack of knowledge to their benefit. I like to use my knowledge to make sure they go in to a deal with their eyes wide open. I’ve been so happy to hear positive feedback from customers mostly on the time saving aspect, but also on the end deal - it makes my job so much more satisfying.”

Give Nigel a call for a no obligation chat now! F PN FIND MY CAR, Nigel Pile, E: nigel@findmycar.nz T: 027 606 3821, www.findmycar.nz

Looking for the Ultimate Result?

“Extensive knowledge & passion for property since 1987”

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St Mary’s Bay 10 Yarborough St

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Suzie Paine 021 976 008 | suzie.paine@bayleys.co.nz

www.findmycar.nz nigel@findmycar.nz 027 606 3821

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REAA 2008

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Opposition to sewage disposal in harbour St Marys Bay and Herne Bay Residents Associations are up in arms about a planned $44 million project which will see diluted raw sewage pumped into the harbour under the Harbour Bridge.

The residents are complaining about a lack of consultation with Auckland Council, and have called for a halt to the project until proper consultation has taken place and all other options have been examined.

St Marys Bay and Herne Bay are two of the remaining Auckland suburbs where substantial separation of stormwater and wastewater has not taken place. A number of renovated homes in the area have been separated, but according to veteran activist and community stalwart, John Hill, Healthy Waters does not appear to have any inventory of the properties with separated pipes to the street.

The plan presented to owners entails a 1.8m diameter underground pipe from London Street to Masefield Beach/Point Erin.

This pipe is to collect wastewater/sewage/stormwater from the combined sewer system in St Marys Bay and eastern Herne Bay.

sewage/wastewater pipe separation, but since amalgamation there had been a shift in policy and the council should now be asked to justify the reasons for this. Dirk Hudig referred to a US Environmental Protection Agency report on the desirability of separated pipes.

Another resident, John Bower, commented that the council had required that he separate his stormwater and wastewater to the road, yet had done nothing to carry out that separation in the street.

Councillor Mike Lee said it made no sense in the 21st Century to be dumping sewage and contaminated wastewater/stormwater into the harbour. He believes that the two council bodies, Healthy Waters and Watercare disagree on the need for separation but the Healthy Waters' view that separation is not necessary has prevailed. Why spend $44 million on this stop-gap project when long term the need is to separate pipes, Lee asked the meeting.

When the pipe becomes full, it will overflow into the Waitemata Harbour in the main tidal channel near the Harbour Bridge.

The current proposal would be a complex and technical engineering feat, and it needs all the care and input from experts in a number of fields. There are clifftop home owners who are very concerned at the probable instability that might result under their houses.

A number of locals presented significant arguments why the proposal needs further investigation.

Overflows already occur regularly, but council says this $44 million proposal will reduce overflows in the area from about 50 annually to 20, but here is no guarantee the cost can be held to $44 million.

I recently sat in on a meeting between David Abbott, St Marys Bay Association chairman and Herne Bay Resident’s Association cochairman Dirk Hudig, with local board member Vernon Tava.

The resident groups maintain that separation of stormwater and wastewater could take place for about the same or even less, money, but is a better long-term option.

The St Marys Bay/Herne Bay argument was cogently, politely and clearly put and received.

The pipe will connect to a pumping station sited in Pt Erin Reserve, and then pump back into the combined sewer system.

Watercare has a long-term plan to produce a $1.5 billion Central Interceptor to run from Grey Lynn via Western Springs and Mt Albert to Mangere, carrying the mixed wastewater/sewage/stormwater to the treatment plant. This giant 4.5m pipe is at least eight years away.

Moreover, it will be needed eventually for wastewater alone, and, in the meantime, simply relocates the problem stormwater.

A public meeting of around 120 St Marys Bay and Herne Bay residents recently unanimously opposed the development without further consultation. The meeting also called for a peer review of the project by independent overseas experts to assess its necessity value and integration into the Western Isthmus Water Quality Improvement Plan.

At the public meeting David Abbott observed that before the amalgamated ‘super city’ was formed, Auckland City had budgeted for

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

It is clear that there are a number of intelligent, experienced residents in these suburbs who will not tolerate the council’s lack of genuine consultation. David Abbott and Dirk Hudig are two of those residents.

They are not standing protesting in front of bulldozers in the street.

They say they have been given information selectively and that they are politely requesting a more detailed and comprehensive review of the proposal.

If council can persuade these residents that their proposal is the best going forward, and their arguments hold up, that further consultation will not have been in vain.

At the moment, it looks like another example of top down imposition which angers people most - telling residents what is best for them, not asking for genuine input which may result in a better outcome for PN all. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE FROM THE GREY LYNN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION By the time this commentary on Grey Lynn matters is published next month we will be looking forward to spring and a time for rejuvenation.

Winter is always a challenging time for most as we look out the window at another day of showers and south westerly winds peppering the skyline. But for the Grey Lynn community, there’s a buzz just starting to go on. Many of our key businesses celebrate milestone birthdays as does Grey Lynn 2030 who, in late September, turn 30.

'villages' (Richmond Road shops/Richmond Valley, West Lynn and Grey Lynn) “are all distinctly different in feel and proposition; however, share similar values in wanting to achieve balanced socio-economic outcomes that prioritise the community and sustainability. This social mandate is strong and will be a cornerstone pillar in the strategy.”

Grey Lynn 2030 founded the Grey Lynn Business Association some 10 years ago now and has been on this journey of sustainability long before the term became fashionable. They quickly articulated what Grey Lynn stood for - a multi cultural, diverse community on the edge of Auckland city aspiring to capture the essence of an area dominated by local community values. These values pulsate through the veins of businesses, locally owned, committed to natural quality products and delivering services which urban families see as key to their future.

The level of stakeholder engagement with the project this far has been excellent. From Council's Design Office, through to landlords and business owners the energy and collaborative approach by stakeholders demonstrates enthusiasm and capability for shared strategy. This will help the areas further develop their own unique flavours, while unifying in destination value, commercial success, social and environmental outcomes.

Disruption in the form of cycle way and safe road redesign came in force mid last year. Even though there were some from the city in the form of AT hard of hearing, the hodge podge of mess which ensued galvanised many into action. The street signs which were once negative are being replaced with a new found belief that AT is now deserving of some kind words. Yes, we know that there will be disruption again but our hope is that bus stops will be located at points that don’t impact on the number of car parks, and pedestrians and cyclists can both have a safer journey along our roads.

In anticipation of potential disruption again businesses belonging to the GLBA are firmly of the view that we will not be dealt to again.

Instead we are determined to not sit on the side lines - rather we are intent on crafting and owning our own future. How are we going to do this?

There are two external groups key to this equation. The first is working with global retail consultancy group First Retail. As Chris Wilkinson said in a recent briefing to our members, “We are working through the discovery phase which has involved conversations with business owners, consumers, property owners and council. We're keen to ensure this is as broad as possible so we achieve balance and perspective.”

A key part of the discovery phases is “understanding the unique dynamics of each of the villages (or hamlets, as they are locally regarded), common themes and potential that is sympathetic with stakeholder goals.” Thus far we have observed that each of the

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

But we want more businesses to engage and participate. We want the very best ideas to surface and drive the plan going forward. For business it’s about us inventing our futures, driving prosperity into our service and retail sectors and increasing the diversity of those who live, work and enjoy Grey Lynn. You can do this by contacting us on info@glba.co.nz. As remarked last week, that while the association is driven by volunteers the level of commitment to seeing a successful outcome to this project is extremely high.

Which brings us to the second leg of the double and that is the Waitemata Urban Fringe Economic Action Plan launched last week.

From the association’s perspective it’s great to see the resources and horse power of the board and the various Auckland Council groups recognising that we do need a leg up when it comes to developing the Urban Centre strategy. We, the association, will own the plan being developed with the help of the First Retail Group but to be able to really make a difference and get the plan buzzing we need resources. These resources don’t need to come in the form of us doing it for ourselves. The really pleasing thing to see was the desire of the established and professionally staffed business associations to develop city fringe collaboration on such things as brand identity, events and promotion. We really look forward to working with some of the best in the business and positioning the urban fringe as an exciting place for guests and visitors alike.

Watch out for our next networking drinks to gain further insight on PN the plan. (IRENE KING) F www.glba.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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LOCAL NEWS DO WE KNOW WHY THE WESTERN SPRINGS PINE FOREST WAS FIRST PLANTED IN 1923?

The hill area on which the Monterey pines are planted has a soil warning of “filled/weak ground”.

We believe that the fill came from the excavations of the Western Springs Lake - some 20,000 bullock cart loads. It’s likely that the Monterey pine forest was planted to stabilise the resulting fill.

So what could happen to the “filled/weak ground” if the Western Springs pines are clear-felled as proposed?

According to a pine industry expert on clear-felled slopes, the roots of pinus radiata hold the soil for the first year after harvest, but then quickly rot. Between year two and year six the resulting slopes are highly vulnerable. Foresters typically replant a new crop of radiata seedlings within a year of harvest, but these do nothing to hold the soil for the first couple of years. By year three to four, their roots are getting established, and by year five to six, they are doing a pretty good job.

However, clear-felling has a second effect on the soil. While a canopy of mature forest intercepts about a third of rainfall rather than reaching the ground, clear-felling removes that protection. Result: the soil is wetter and more prone to slips in heavy rain, this triggers a process that, through time, makes the slope more vulnerable if a severe storm comes along.

On flatter land, such risks are minimal. However, Western Springs is on steep land, what Crown research institute Scion calls “erodible steep land terrain”. That is, Western Springs forest is on land which, once cleared, is liable to shed mud and debris flows during storms.

Council’s proposal for the Western Springs forest is to plant slow -growing natives. So the window of vulnerability will be much greater than six years.

The Chair of the Waitemata Local Board has made an unsubstantiated claim that if the Western Springs forest is not clear-felled, the forest path would be unsafe to use for 50 years.

In a well-managed forest, trees progress through their life cycles and sometimes fail - that is natural and normal. In the last Category two storm there were a large number of very large and extremely valuable park trees in Western Springs Park which fell over. Yet no one is suggesting that we need to clear-fell the rest of the park trees in Western Springs Park in case they fall down.

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

Some of the trees in the forest that are predisposed to failure will fail during high wind events. It's the wind that will cause these failures.

The trees are extremely unlikely to fail when it's not extremely windy.

They are normally safe and sound. Otherwise they would fail on a normal day. And that doesn't tend to happen.

To condemn them all will not only be unnecessary, it will destablise the steep slope, destroy soil structure and cause harmful run-off into Motions Creek. Clear felling will also destroy up to 70% of the currently regenerating native bush which contains maturing pururi, rimu, totara, kanuka and many species and significant specimens of mature ferns.

The solution is clear. Each tree with a recognised predisposition to failure that can fall or fail onto a target (track or house), can be managed: felled, pruned or strengthened - or the target moved. The track can be made safe and leave the rest of the trees to live out their lives - that could be many more years.

The money that would be spent on this 'large' clear-felling project could instead be used to appoint a skilled forester to manage the forest over a period of years to see out the pines and caretake the conversion of the forest to a native forest - a vision that we all share.

At present, council is moving ahead with obtaining consent for their clear-felling plan without 'consultation'. Residents have been shut out of the process, having to rely on 2016 documents that have been superseded by a 400-page report that is not being circulated to all stakeholders.

Residents will have 10-20 days to make a submission, but only if they can find out when the resource consent is lodged. Residents understand they are not entitled to be informed by council when the application is lodged.

Why the secrecy? Why this refusal to cooperate with residents? We all share the vision of a mixed podocarp forest in our ‘hood’. We want to work with council to achieve this. We call on Waitemata Local Board and council to trust in, and work with its ratepayer residents!

PN (WENDY GRAY) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY RESIDENT JOHN GORDON, NO. 6 BARISTA IN THE WORLD Kiwis’ love of coffee has been affirmed with one of our baristas being named one of the best in the world.

To confirm his place with the best in the world, Gordon had to compete against the best baristas from 56 countries across the world. After competing in the playoffs against 56 competitors, he was one of 16 semi-finalists and then one of only six baristas to make the finals on Saturday in Amsterdam.

John’s routine was inspired by a trip to Ethiopia to meet growers.

Difficulty securing resources, the lack of reliable power, limited knowledge and technology in Ethiopia were the motivations behind his World Barista Championship theme of ecological sustainability.

His coffee was sourced from just outside Mesina in Ethiopia’s Sidamo area and he roasted a small experimental 6kg batch for the competition himself. His espresso extracted flavours of passionfruit and Kiwifruit acidity with a smooth, velvety texture and long lingering finish. He used a purifier to distil his espresso shots for his signature beverage. This process eliminated odour, bacteria and impurities from his espresso, creating a drink that had lime aromatics and

sherbert acidity. His milk-based beverage created flavours of melted milk chocolate and pink strawberry marshmallows.

John believes that competing encourages personal growth and knowledge. He recommends baristas "should put your heart into the competition to show people what you're passionate about."

This is the fourth time Gordon has competed at the World Barista Championship and it's the second time he has placed sixth in the world. Before moving to Auckland and establishing Gorilla Gear in 2014, John Gordon represented the UK in the World Barista Championship three times: in 2010 he placed 14th, in 2013 he placed 10th and he placed sixth for the first time in 2011.

Gordon wasn’t the only Kiwi in Amsterdam, New Zealand provided five judges for the World Barista Championships: Stu Hargie, Chris White, David Huang and Richard Corney with international judges led by New Zealand’s World Coffee Events representative Emma Markland Webster. www.gorillagear.coffee

LETTERS CONTINUED CYCLING & CYCLEWAYS Roger Hawkins of Herne Bay does appear to be distressed by cycle ways, having written at length to Ponsonby News about them in May and now again in June. This time, he is agitated at the thought of Auckland Transport spending $635 million over 10 years on them because they “will remain unused by the vast majority of Aucklanders.”

You can detumesce, Mr Hawkins. Auckland’s active transport budget, confirmed in the Regional Land Transport Plan in May, is a shade under $500 million. The majority of the $16.5 billion RLTP goes to roads. A quick glance at Auckland Council’s 2017 Cycling Account, available online, will show that, far from being unused, our nascent cycle way network is being used by a rapidly growing number of

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

Aucklanders. Thirty-eight percent of Aucklanders now cycle at least occasionally. The total number of riders grew by 52,000 over the last year. And 14% of people entering the city via Upper Queen Street during the morning peak are now doing so on - you guessed it - bicycles.

Here’s the good news: a lane of roadway can carry 2000 cars an hour, or 14,000 people on bikes. When we build cycle ways we invest in a supremely efficient mode of transport, to the benefit of cyclists and non-cyclists alike. So, yes, after 60 years of building roads and motorways, it’s time for Auckland to fund a really comprehensive cycle network. Let’s get on with it.

Ross Inglis, Parnell PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GOOD LIVING SERVILLES' CALEB ALEX IS BACK Caleb Alex, Platinum Stylist at Servilles Takapuna, is returning to the area to work Tuesdays at the Servilles Ponsonby salon.

Caleb has worked in the area before, so he is excited to be back in action in this beautiful part of town.

Accolades and achievements: • NZ L’Oreal Supreme Hairdresser of the Year 2009 • Finalist for the L’Oreal Au Debut Award 2008/2007 • Worked on all three makeover episodes, on all three seasons of New Zealand’s Next Top Model • Member of the L’Oreal Creative Team 2011/2012 Hair trends you’re loving?

I am loving the long, unstructured, soft, loose bob at the moment.

Favourite designers?

Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford (internationally), Jarrad Godman (locally).

The shop where your wallet always gets a work out?

My daughter has me shopping anywhere that sells anything pink.

After hours I can be found...

Having a sneaky wine or two at The Commons after work, otherwise I am with my daughter.

If I wasn’t a hairdresser, I’d be...

A male model of course, haha! (joking).

Track/artist you’re listening to at the moment?

Goodbye feat. Lyse by Feder.

SUSTAINABLE SALONS MOVEMENT Servilles Ponsonby is both excited and proud to announce that it is one of the first New Zealand salons to be part of the revolutionary movement Sustainable Salons, alongside sister salons Servilles Newmarket and Servilles Takapuna.

Sustainable Salons’ passion and hard work in their efforts to reduce our ecological footprint is something the company is in awe of. Projects include safely disposing of salon waste and recycling product packaging and salon tools.

“We’re very excited at Servilles Ponsonby to be leading the way in reducing our ecological footprint within the salon industry. Our clients and the people of Ponsonby take great pride in being eco friendly,” says Matt Borsos, Salon Manager at Servilles Ponsonby.

In addition to its environmental efforts, the organisation also supports charitable groups by donating food to KiwiHarvest and hair to help combat oil spillage, through The Hair Boom Project.

Ponytails which are donated by clients are also given to organisations that create wigs for alopecia and cancer patients. This is a chance for the hairdressing salons to start leading the way with recycling and sustainability in New Zealand.

To find out more about Servilles', involvement, follow them on Instagram @Servilleshair or Servilles on Facebook. F PN

To book in with Caleb, call Servilles Ponsonby on 09 378 9799 or find them at 348 Ponsonby Road.

SERVILLES PONSONBY, T: 09 378 9799, www.servilles.com/salon/ponsonby

Lover of unstructured, loose bobs and a master of style, Servilles Platinum Stylist, Caleb Alex, is a NZ L’Oreal Supreme Hairdresser of the Year winner with limited availability.

Contact Servilles Ponsonby on 09 378 9799, or book online to secure an appointment.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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GOOD LIVING LAUNCH OF WEST LYNN AND GREY LYNN GOING PLASTIC BAG FREE ON WORLDWIDE PLASTIC BAG FREE DAY, 1 JULY A group of passionate locals and businesses are moving Grey Lynn and West Lynn Village towards being plastic bag free, starting this July.

There is great community and business support but to make a long -term change we need everyone's support and participation.

3. Many retailers already use boxes/paper bags and sell or giveaway their own reusable bags.

Why are we doing this?

New Zealanders use around 1.6 billion single-use plastic bags every year, which are used for an average of 20 minutes each, but last for hundreds of years. They end up in landfills, as litter, or even worse - in our oceans. They can choke and strangle marine animals, and as they break down, enter our food chain where fish swallow them.

It is hard to recycle plastic bags. Recycling may hold off some of the problem, but it does not eradicate it. Recent developments are encouraging with Richmond Road Countdown having gone plastic bag free on 21 May, and other big retailers following closely. By making Grey Lynn plastic bag free we will be joining a growing number of communities around New Zealand (and the world!) who don't want to be part of this global pollution epidemic.

4. We encourage customers to "Bring Your Own Bag" (byo bag).

When will this happen?

The launch was held on Sunday 1 July. And from then on, many retailers are signing up to keep the village plastic bag free.

What will happen on launch day?

On 1 July we will be holding an event at the Grey Lynn Community Centre to launch and support Plastic Bag Free Grey Lynn. There will be activities like making Origami paper bin liners, and information for people to find out what's happening, branded reusable bags for sale, and some VIP guests. You can take part in awesome raffles and some spot prizes. The plastic bag free Grey Lynn Farmers Market will have its delicious food available and some live music.

What would we use instead of plastic bags?

We're working hard to provide several alternatives: 1. Branded Plastic Bag Free Grey Lynn reusable bags will be available around the village. Retailers can sell them for a small profit. Let us know if you're interested in retailing them in-store.

2. A huge number of fabric bags will be available to borrow (and then return) if people have forgotten to bring a reusable bag. We are working out where in the village these will be - let us know if you want some to be available in your premises.

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

What you and businesses can do to help?

1. Go plastic bag free.

2. If you're not quite ready to remove plastic bags long-term yet, you can still be involved after launch day. You could charge for plastic bags, only give out a plastic bag if it's requested, or only provide one for a certain number of items. We can provide a poster for your window stating your plastic bag policy, and a smaller version for your tills. We can also provide bags for you to sell, and fabric reusable bags for people to borrow and bring back.

Who do I contact about this?

If you have any questions or ideas, please email Brigitte Sistig GL2030 on greylynn2030@gmail.com or email Jacob Faull GLBA at jacob@naturebaby.com. F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GOOD LIVING NATURE BABY - HOME OF ORGANIC ESSENTIALS FOR BABIES Nature Baby has been the home of organic essentials for babies since 1998, here in Grey Lynn.

After the birth of their first baby, Georgia and Jacob were inspired to find natural and organic alternatives for their own children, rather than having to use synthetic products that they had begun to see having a detrimental effect on their health and the environment. Over the past 20 years, the brand has gone on to have three Auckland stores and a cult following around the world, providing organic cotton and pure merino wool clothing, bedding, a botanical skincare range and natural toys.

From the beginning, Nature Baby has been committed to ethical, organic and environmentally friendly production, based on the idea that you reap what you sow. Certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), their pure organic cotton is grown and made in India. The cotton farmers had seen the damage that conventional farming had done to their land and community, so reverted to traditional methods of organic farming, consuming far less water and ensuring no nasty pesticides, chemical fertilisers or GMO seeds are used so as not to pollute the environment, people or end up on babies' clothes. The GOTS certification also ensure all workers are treated fairly, supporting them, their families and their development.

This includes becoming self-sufficient in food, energy and education, being paid above average wage, with equality between male and female workers, and no child labour is permitted (instead they have set up education funds to help children receive an education).

wonderful work Kelmarna do, Nature Baby believes in supporting communities of growers and makers like Adrian and the team at Kelmarna to make the world a better place. Their latest collection, The Little Gardener, is all about celebrating organic produce, gardening, community and supporting a beautiful world for our children to grow up in.

Make sure to visit Kelmarna Gardens in 12 Hukanui Crescent with your children and delight in this inner city garden wonderland to learn about organic gardening and where our food comes from in the best possible way. F PN www.naturebaby.com

Nature Baby's passion for organic growing and making is also represented in our own community of Grey Lynn, where over the last couple of years Nature Baby has worked to support the amazing local community garden, Kelmarna. With a community event, working bees, and 10% of sales from capsule collections donated to the

for a better world E V E RY DAY P U R E ORGANIC ESSENTIALS

GREY LYNN 433 RICHMOND ROAD NEWMARKET 118 CARLTON GORE ROAD TAKAPUNA 10 NORTHCROFT STREET

www.naturebaby.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

41

GOOD LIVING STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER WITH TRUE PILATES Keeping fit and healthy always seems more difficult during the winter months.

Outdoor activities are often off the menu due to blustery weather and how often are you tempted to stay at home with a glass of wine after work instead of making the effort to exercise? Exercise is an all-year-round necessity and the good news is that True Pilates makes it as comfortable as possible with their central Herne Bay location and inviting premises.

The studio also has a new team member. Founder and Director Helen Leahy says: “We’re delighted to welcome our new instructor, Rose Castillo, who is from the vibrant country of Chile. Like the rest of our team, Rose is fully certified and is excited to pass on her knowledge and experience in authentic Pilates' techniques to our valued clients.”

If you needed further convincing, True Pilates is now offering a special price for new clients - enjoy your first session for just $55 - a generous $30 discount.

The team at True Pilates invites you to pop in and see for yourself at 155 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, or call us on 09 376 7203 to enquire about its range of private, duet and group classes. F PN TRUE PILATES, M: 021 027 75198, or email: helen@truepilatesnz.co.nz www.truepilatesnz.co.nz

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER...

New clients to the studio...

.. _hk Z ikboZm^ Û klm e^llhg (normally $85) July 2018 only

Contact Helen to book

helen@truepilatesnz.co.nz | 021 027 75198

@ ECOSTORE 1. New - Hand and Body Wash Lemongrass Fragrance Available in three sizes from ecostore Freemans Bay. 250ml $5.99 - 500ml $7.99 - 5lt $61.95 2. Rose and Geranium Body Wash with hydrated harakeke extract Voted ‘NZ Best in Beauty Award 2018’ for best body wash. Available in two sizes from ecostore Freemans Bay: 400ml $7.99 - 5lt $84.95

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ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz

42 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TINA PLUNKETT: PONSONBY CENTRAL

MID-WINTER MARKETS

FREE KIDS' YOGA CLASSES In addition to our popular adult classes, Ponsonby Central is adding a free kids yoga session to the Monday line up.

Kicking off first Monday of Term 3 and we can’t wait!

Taken by one of our fave locals and certified Iyengar yogi, Francesca Hopkins from www.projectpractice.co.nz, this class is the perfect start to a kid's week, putting their mind, body and heart in a calm place to learn and grow.

Parents and guardians are able to join in with their tamariki or go for a wander around Ponsonby Central, do their shopping or catch up with a fellow parent for a glass of wine (also restorative) but we will be asking that you do not leave the premises. There will be a sign in and sign out book for all whanau.

General Collective began a beautiful friendship with Ponsonby Central in 2015 and has since been offering a boutique market experience in the heart of Ponsonby.

The Sapphire Room comes alive with a beautiful showcase of New Zealand designed homewares, fashion, toys, jewellery, skincare and more!

The little ones can enjoy time at the activity station or get their faces painted while you get a break to shop the boutique market. This year, the market will extend down to The Laneway and Produce Market where there will be food and wine to tempt your taste buds.

Bring your friends and make a day of it, start with brunch, stay for lunch or relax in the afternoon (sun) with beers and hot chips. Mark it in the diary - the mid-winter Ponsonby Central/General Collective market is on Sunday 15 July, 10am - 3pm.

Salute to the Sun When: Mondays at 4.45pm, starting July 23rd Where: The Sapphire Room, upstairs from Ceres Fresh Market at Ponsonby Central How: Turn up, BYO mat (or towel) & water, enjoy!

Who: Kids, Year 3 upwards Cost: Free!

RE S TAUR AN T MON T H - C O MING S O ON

eatponsonby.com The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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GOOD LIVING BEST-KEPT BEAUTY SECRETS AND FAVOURITE CAFES Ponsonby News asked some of the team members from Prescription Skin Care in Ponsonby for their best-kept beauty secrets - we also asked them for their favourite local cafes.

Angela Frazer RN, Clinical Co-ordinator - Angela is a registered comprehensive nurse with a background in dermatology from St Thomas' Hospital, London and in Plastic Surgical nursing from the Burns Unit at Middlemore Hospital. Until recently, Angela served on the board of directors of the American Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists, the only international member to do so.

Her beauty secret is EltaMD sun screen, which she uses everyday for anti-aging, to protect against sun damage and to combat UV A and UV B rays.

Angela has been with Prescription Skin Care for over 20 years and helps run the medical team with Plastic Surgeon Stephen Gilbert. Patients see her for advanced injectable treatments and skincare advice. Her best beauty secret is vitamin A for cell renewal and combating pigmentation and ageing.

Joy Ling Long, RN - Joy is a registered nurse with an extensive background in plastic surgery nursing. Joy is a New Zealander who speaks Mandarin fluently as well as English.

Joy was trained by plastic surgeon Stephen Gilbert and in San Fransisco for CoolSculpting the face and body. She sees patients for preventative wrinkle treatments with Botox, facial shaping with Botox and filler, and anti-ageing Botox treatments. Joy gives skincare advice and also carries out peels and medical grade dermal needling for collagen stimulation.

"My days at the Ponsonby clinic are usually quite busy days so I don’t get out to the cafes as often as I would like. However I love Cake & Co as it is so handy to us and it has a selection of gorgeous little cup cakes that you get to pick one (free) with your coffee purchase. I always think I don’t need one but can never resist. They are gorgeous! I also love a visit to Little Bird in Summer Street."

Asia Chylek, RN - Asia is a registered nurse with plastic surgical nursing experience from the New Zealand Institute of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery and was trained in CoolSculpting in San Francisco.

CoolSculpting is the original fat-freezing treatment that reduces fat by 20 to 30% without having to have surgery. Her blend of surgical and non-surgical knowledge ensures patients receive a thorough and well-informed consultation.

Her favourite cafe is Foxtrot Parlour in Ponsonby Central. They do the best coconut brioche I have ever tasted. Worth every calorie it contains.

Her best beauty secret is Botox to reduce the size of the jaw and attain an oval face shape.

Her favourite cafe is Dear Jervois for their deliciously healthy food and friendly staff.

We also asked the friendly reception team to tell us their favourite local cafes: Sarah-Jane - Mary’s, opposite the Ley’s institute. The building is lovely, they have friendly attentive staff, make consistently good coffee and the goat cheese soufflé is deliciously satisfying!

Connor - Foxtrot Parlour in Ponsonby Central does insanely good coconut brioche!

At Prescription Skin Care, Asia sees patients for fat reduction under the chin and on Quite a funky little cafe. the body. She treats young to older lips with filler, and administers Botox treatments to Rachel - Cake & Co - Great coffee and delicious cupcakes! The owner is a really lovely lady prevent or diminish wrinkles. Asia helps younger skin stay looking youthful for longer, with too, she works so hard and it would be a bonus if she got a little plug in Ponsonby News. preventative-ageing treatments such as medical-grade peels, and gives advice in gentle yet effective skincare products.

PRESCRIPTION SKIN CARE, 197 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0400, www.prescriptionskincare.co.nz

Angela Frazer

Asia Chylek

Joy Ling Long

Sarah-Jane, Connor & Rachel

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Great on natural and filled lips, over lipstick or on it’s own.

Lip Enhancer – Clear • Increases the size of the lips • Adds a tint of Clear color to lips • Plump lips in minutes with results that last for hours • Formulated with a vaso dilator to increase blood flow • Peptides stimulates collagen & hyaluronic acid production • Long-term lip plumping with continued use • Use as a booster to enhance the results of lip injections

Lip Filler and Lip Plump Gloss $625 Gorgeous naturally plumped up lips for only $625 (usually this package costs $825) At the Ponsonby Clinic only for July 2018

Treatment is at the Ponsonby clinic only, with any of the nurses – Angela Frazer, Asia Chylek and Joy Ling Long and only while stocks last.

Email ponsonby@prescriptionskincare.co.nz to book

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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T: 09 360 0400

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97 Ponsonby Road

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www.prescriptionskincare.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GOOD LIVING @ BOLT OF CLOTH

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Kaalimetsa Cushion Cover 50cm in white, green, violet Pieni Siirtolapuutarha Tote in green, black, white Bamboo Toothbrush in black or white Mini Unikko Metal Clasp Purse in off white, dark grey, green Ankle Socks - Plants Get Me Sol Glass Bottle in seaside slate 850ml LOQI Foldable Shopping Bags, various designs in-store, exclusive Joco Takeaway Cup in sandstone

BOLT OF CLOTH, 2 Osborne Street, Newmarket, T: 09 520 5660, www.boltofcloth.com The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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GOOD LIVING AUCKLAND HYPNOTHERAPY Richard Kellow is a qualified hypnotherapist living and working in Auckland.

He is originally from the UK and discovered first hand how the power of hypnosis brought such a positive and dramatic change coping with the pressures of London life that he decided to retrain as a hypnotherapist.

Richard is committed to working with you to establish the issue, set goals and make positive changes. He is also trained as a Certified Virtual Gastric Band Practitioner. A procedure pioneered as an alternative to surgery to help you lose weight.

How many sessions will I need?

While some issues can be dealt with in one session, in my experience a minimum of three to five sessions produce the best results.

What happens during the session?

I’ll get you to fill out a client registration form, take a detailed history and then we will talk about the issue you are experiencing. We will discuss what you would like to achieve from the sessions including setting any goals. I’ll answer any questions before we begin. The first session usually lasts for around 90 minutes with subsequent sessions around 60 minutes.

Will I lose control?

No, you remain in control at all times and are free to come out of hypnosis at any point.

Is this confidential?

Everything we discuss within the consulting room is totally confidential and no information will be shared with a third party without your consent.

Hypnosis is neither magic nor a truth pill and hypnotherapy is not like stage hypnosis. It is a gentle, safe, respectful process.

What can hypnotherapy treat?

Some of the common reasons people visit include help with stopping smoking, building self-esteem and confidence, reducing stress, and helping to get rid of phobias.

What does it feel like?

There is not really any such thing as a hypnotised feeling, although most people will say that it is a very relaxing experience. Once people have entered it a few times, they become more aware of how it feels for them. When you ‘wake’, all normal sensation will be returned to your body and all parts of you will be back in the present.

Richard also offers a set of hypnosis services dedicated to helping men overcome many of the challenges they may face in aspects of their life, through the power of the mind Weight loss is also very common and The Virtual Gastric Band produces amazing results.

For some people, they find hypnotherapy is a great tool to just relax, reset and recharge. The only limit is your mind.

Richard’s guarantee: I will treat you with respect, compassion, empathy and with confidence at all times. “I have deep experience in helping clients break through the blocks holding them back from success,� says Richard. “Once these are cleared and someone has a focused vision of what they want, nearly anything is possible.� F PN

AUCKLAND HYPNOTHERAPY, Suite 6, 283 Ponsonby Road, M: 022 070 5363, E: hello@auckland-hypnotherapy.co.nz, www.auckland-hypnotherapy.com

Helping with...

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Richard Kellow Dip. Clin. Hyp|HNZDCH

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Motivation & Changing Habits

15% DISCOUNT – mention Ponsonby News when booking

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Lose Weight - The Virtual Gastric Band

Suite 6, 283 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby | 022 070 5363 | hello@auckland-hypnotherapy.co.nz | www.auckland-hypnotherapy.com

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GOOD LIVING KEITH NELSON DENTAL It’s ironic that parliament placed the education of dentists under the control of the University of New Zealand the same year the premises that Keith Nelson dental surgery ‘the dental family for your family’ was built at 103 Franklin Road.

A coincidence? Or maybe a sign of things to come!

Oh, how things have changed through the years. No longer is the dental surgery considered the place to go only when we have to...

‘The murder house’ - associated with anxiety and pain. Where in order to get that perfect smile, teeth are extracted and pearly white dentures placed. Today, a much more holistic and conservative approach is taken... dentistry has evolved.

How is this acheived at Keith Nelson Dental? We like to educate our patients on flossing, brushing, which products to use, encourage regular hygienist visits and regular dental check-ups.

We seek those ‘pearly whites’ at Keith Nelson through crowns, veneers, white fillings, implants, braces and with specialised teeth bleaching. All achievable with no pain using the latest techniques and materials.

Keith Nelson (aka Dr 2TH) always strived to do his best and put 100% into anything he did whether it be rugby, family, or into his dental profession. Keith started his dental career in 1962. Always innovative, he was the first dentist in New Zealand to do dental implants, to bring laughing gas into the dental surgery to reduce anxiety, to have the a panorex x-ray machine. Auckland hospital used to send patients to Keith Nelson’s practice to get patient’s x-rayed.

Technology and innovation have always been important to Keith; the desire to have the best products, services and the latest technology, in order to give the best and latest to our patients continues today.

As is the commitment to environmental sustainability through the treatments and products we use...

• Zoom 3 whitening for the whitest non-abrasive smile possible • Intraoral 3D wireless trios scanning - no need for impressions • Personalised orthodontic brackets for fast/safe straightening of teeth • Clear aligners - perfect for correcting crocked teeth unobtrusively in adults Keith will retire from his role as senior consulting dentist at 103 Franklin Road in August but, have no fear, both daughters (Dr Deanna and Dr Vikki), along with associates Dr Stella, Dr Sophia and Dr Priya Read will continue to provide the best and latest dental treatments available.

So Dr 2TH’s dental legacy will continue for many years to come. F PN

KEITH NELSON & ASSOCIATES, 103 Franklin Road, Freemans Bay, T: 378 0877, www.keithnelson.co.nz

ONLINE S G N I K O O B 24/7 VISIT OUR WEBSITE

KEITHNELSON.CO.NZ THE DENTAL FAMILY FOR YOUR FAMILY The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

CONTACT US 09 378 0877 103 FRANKLIN ROAD FREEMANS BAY DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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GOOD LIVING NEW AMPLIFY KOMBUCHA: BREWED WITH TASTE IN MIND, EVERY TIME Kiwis can now enjoy a consistently tasty, sparkling drink alternative thanks to the launch of Amplify kombucha, a refreshing and uplifting organic fermented tea.

Amplify kombucha (pronounced kom-boo-cha) is a new offering from Frucor Suntory. Batch brewed at a purpose-built craft brewery in Sydney, the Amplify recipe follows a traditional fermentation process that originated in ancient China.

Brewed using all natural ingredients including water, organic sweetened tea and a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), Amplify kombucha is fermented for approximately four weeks, before it is flavoured with all natural and organic flavour extracts.

The result is a delicious, sparkling, live cultured drink, that is naturally low in sugar - less than one quarter teaspoon per bottle. Ben Walkley, Amplify’s Kiwi brew master, explains why Amplify is different to other kombucha brands.

“When it comes to choosing a kombucha, we believe people shouldn’t have to compromise on taste. While we appreciate the acquired tangy, vinegary taste of many kombucha brews, we wanted everyone to fall in love with kombucha’s gut-loving goodness and spent two years perfecting our brew. The result is Amplify’s smooth, clean, rounded finish and no bitter after taste.”

Walkley says because Amplify kombucha is traditionally fermented, uses all natural and organic ingredients and is low in sugar, it is a great drink choice for those seeking to develop healthier habits.

It’s also a refreshing option for those looking for an alternative to an alcoholic drink in the evening - an ideal choice for those thinking about signing up for Dry July.

“Amplify kombucha is brewed using a traditional method of fermentation where the SCOBY uses sugar as a ‘food source’. This means sugar in the sweetened tea is consumed during the brewing process, leaving a naturally fizzy drink that is very low in sugar.”

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

Amplify kombucha is available in three tantalising flavours. Raspberry Lime combines sweet and flavourful with sharp and tangy to leave people feeling refreshed and ready for action. Ginger Lemon is the perfect balance between fiery and sour - brilliant for quenching a thirst by the pool or settling a stomach. Amplify Original is kombucha in its most natural form and the distinct taste of this fizzy fermented tea can only be described as truly original.

Amplify kombucha is organic, gluten free, vegan, dairy free, paleo friendly, and contains no artificial flavour, colours or sweeteners.

Available now in supermarkets, service stations and select cafes PN nationwide. F www.amplifybeverages.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

GOOD LIVING LONGROOM’S REFRESHING NEW LOOK...

Opening its doors in 2009, Longroom has risen in popularity to a cast of thousands frequenting the iconic restaurant and bar over nearly nine years in business.

Whether calling in for a Monday morning espresso at sister cafe Longshot or super-sizing that caffeine hit to an espresso martini Saturday night, this ever-popular Ponsonby Road location has become every Ponsonby local's go-to. Eight and a bit seems a little early for a facelift, however, Longroom has undertaken a very noticeable refreshment of their bar and restaurant area.

Ange Dye from ‘The Untrained Eye’ added her creative flair and finishing touches to enhance and complete the project, and both Longroom directors are nothing short of praise for all involved.

Longroom has plenty going on during the winter months, so don’t miss out on any of the action, if you haven’t seen the new space/s don’t be shy! Bookings now available online. F PN

The brief was to bring the outdoors in, and designer Paul Izzard (who also created sister cafe Longshot) worked his magic on the bar and restaurant interiors, transforming the expanse into a moody, chic space for customers to drink and dine to their heart's content.

Elegant new booth seating creates an air of intimacy for those enjoying a quiet meal. The addition of new, slightly lower leaners and stools was a considerate and comfortable touch for casual diners.

Further exemplifying Longroom’s sophisticated new aesthetic, the bar’s makeover is something to behold. The front of the bar has been de-cluttered and is now dotted with stools, allowing guests to sit up at the bar, chat and enjoy their favourite tipple.

Longroom’s premium spirit offering is beautifully showcased on the back bar, and behind the bar working spaces have been redesigned for better efficiency, meaning you get your libation of choice faster.

LONGROOM, 114 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 8803, www.longroom.co.nz

www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

Retail, restaurants and recreation all on your doorstep ™ ™ ™ ™ ™

-BSHF TFMG DPOUBJOFE SPPNT BOE BQBSUNFOUT 4FMFDUJPO PG NFFUJOH SPPNT )PNF PG UIF 4VSSFZ 1VC 'SFF DPBDI BOE DBS QBSLJOH )BQQZ )PVS QN QN The Surrey Hotel 465 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand Phone + 64 9 378 9059 Fax + 64 9 378 1464 Email reservations@thesurreyhotel.co.nz www.thesurreyhotel.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

49

GOOD LIVING

@ SABATO

FACES AT THE MARKET - PUK’ECO

The Salvagno family is one of our favourite as well as longest -serving suppliers.

Early childhood teacher, Sarah D'Almeida, can be found at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market selling her natural body care products on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.

When you visit the beautiful part of Italy in which they live, it is immediately obvious why their extra virgin olive oil, olives, both in brine or pitted in that same oil, and their excellent olive paste are so good.

They are a mere 10 minutes from elegant Verona, the town where you can imagine Romeo and Juliet being played out. Along with the other cultural attractions, it is a must for young people to go to Juliet’s house and leave a stick-it love-note on her wall and perhaps be photographed with her.

Salvagno are in the countryside and very well known in the area. When we walked through Piazza Erbe in Verona with Gianni, the patriarch, it took some time to get to the restaurant as he was greeted by so many friends along the way. Gianni is an innovator in the world of olives as he invented a modern version of the traditional stone wheel, feeling that his town’s olives were too delicate for modern methods.

Certainly, his oil has always been quite delicately almond but also quite rich in mouth texture and delicious on the palate. It is naturally organic and the fly they spray for normally does not exist in this climate. Or perhaps the prayers of the nuns in the cloistered nunnery on the top of the hill protect them.

The olive paste tastes as though it is a fully flavoured tapenade complete with anchovies and capers, but is in fact just olives and salt. Gluten free and vegan as well as very moreish. One witty food writer once described it as ‘yuppie’ Vegemite (a term anyone under 35 probably doesn’t know!). Their pitted olives in extra virgin olive oil are just sensational. They are rich and meaty, but mild served as is or stirred through pasta, risotto and many forms of grain or vegetable salads - or gain extra texture and crunch when roasted with meat, fish or vegetables. This brand is the ideal quality pantry staple.

To go in the draw to win a Salvagno kit worth $85, email admin@sabato.co.nz with ‘Salvagno’ in the subject line and your name, email and phone number to go on our database. Entries close Friday 13 July, 2018. Winner will be notified Monday 16 July PN via email. F For recipe ideas and ingredients visit us in-store or on our website www.sabato.co.nz SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751

Where did the PUK’eco idea come from?

PUK’eco is a very old idea. I first started by designing an educational game. A friend of mine was living in a women’s community in India where they make things to order. They made a beautiful prototype but I lost my only contact with the group when, tragically, my friend died in a road accident.

It’s very different from deodorant, how did that happen?

The thread is everything natural that you can grow and make yourself. It is a simpler way of life. I don’t think we need as many synthetic chemicals in our life when there so many great natural choices.

So PUK’eco is a plant-based idea?

I love the power of herbs and plants. My grandmother and mother have always been keen gardeners and made herbal remedies - I seem to have inherited their passion.

I love thinking about new products, discovering the wonderful properties of plants, and trying out new concoctions. I started selling them at the market in 2016 and PUK’eco got a new life.

How does the Grey Lynn Farmers Market help?

There is a lovely atmosphere at this market. I love all the other stallholders who I meet there, and I love using their products as ingredients - Lynn’s local beeswax, Leon and Anita Narbey’s olive oil, Rob and Murray’s organic seedlings. I can’t afford organic certification, but I use as many organic ingredients as I can. Where I can’t, I source ingredients from suppliers who I know and trust. The market is great for making those connections.

What has been your biggest surprise?

An American girl visiting the market told me that she is allergic to baking soda and she challenged me to develop a baking soda-free deodorant. It was so much fun. It was the first stick deodorant that I made. I had to clean out a glue stick to create a container for it. Now, I make them in beautiful cardboard containers.

Your accent isn’t a Kiwi accent - where did you grow up?

I grew up in the wild north of New Caledonia, so my first language is French. My family has been there for five generations - they were African slaves on Réunion Island who went to New Caledonia to start a new life when slavery was abolished.

I came to New Zealand 10 years ago to learn English and, at first, I actively avoided mixing with French speakers to force myself to be immersed in English.

Why are you only at the market two Sundays a month?

That’s to give me time to fit in some of my other interests. I’ve been doing a lot of script writing. I’ve been working on a short film, a ghost story. And I’ve worked on some feature films that are currently in post-production.

That’s a lot to juggle...

And I’m an actor. I’m in a TV commercial that will air soon. Let’s see who spots me in it first. www.pukeco.co.nz, www.glfm.co.nz

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

5 Fort Lane, CBD T: 09 379 9702 cassiarestaurant.co.nz

SIDART, Level 1, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road T: 360 2122 www.sidart.co.nz

Modern Japanese Main Beach Takapuna Beach Bookings essential Ph 09 390 7188 www.tokyobay.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Japanese Izakaya Dining Bar Ponsonby Central No bookings required Ph 09 376 8016 www.tokyoclub.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

51

HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

Conscious haircare When I first started writing about beauty, finding natural products was near impossible, especially at a time when online shopping for green goodies wasn’t that easy and New Zealand was woefully under resourced.

Since then, the genre has grown in leaps and bounds, and that includes conscious, eco friendly products for your hair.

One of the first brands that I fell in love with both for its philosophy and its effectiveness, was Sans [ceuticals], which was founded by stylist and eco mama Lucy Vincent and is still made in New Zealand today. In French, sans means without, and all Sans [ceuticals] ingredients are pure and sustainable, with no harmful additives.

Made fresh in small batches, their entire collection is 100% naturally derived, using 100% biodegradable ingredients that come in 100% recyclable packaging. They even use vegetable ink for all of their print materials, and on a purely aesthetic level, their goodies look luscious in your bathroom. Sans [ceuticals] products are also a holy grail for minimalists in that they are largely multi use, meaning fewer items in your bathroom that are used more frequently. This reduces clutter and softens their environmental footprint, while also being kinder on the wallet. My favourites from their haircare offering are the beautiful Balancing Hair Wash and locks loving Nourishing Hair Hydratant Ultra +, a conditioner that really cares.

A name from farther afield that is above reproach when it comes to caring for the planet and its humans is Italian beauty brand, Davines. The environmentally conscious house offers a fantastic colour service in the form of A New Colour, which utilises the likes of melanin, carotenoids, Vitamin C, quartz powder and vegetable vaseline to provide velvety, intense, multifaceted results. Add to that, maximum comfort for customers and full respect for the hair's structure and you have a seriously inspired product, and unlike many organic and natural colour systems in the past it can deliver some dramatic results.

Lately I’ve been using their range of foolproof scalp and hair masks known as The Circle Chronicles. Each mask is unique and dedicated to a specific hair and/or scalp issue and you can even use them to 'multi mask' according to where your hair is at on any given day.

Formulated with a high percentage of natural ingredients such as clays, charcoal and seed oils, they are created using 100% renewable energy sources and feel and smell incredible. Vegan, silicone free and without parabens, they also contain no artificial colours - it is the natural-origin active ingredients that give each mask its own unique hue. They come in cute little packets that are single use and highly portable, and the packaging is CO2 neutral, fighting climate change by offsetting 100% of their carbon

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

emissions through reforestation. My favourite is The Spotlight Circle, which delivers serious shine and is perfect if you’re preparing for a party or important event.

At Stephen Marr salon on Ponsonby Road, they offer another, strong, conscious haircare brand in the form of Original + Mineral.

The Australian founded, but globally respected name created CØR. colour, which took their original ammonia-free colour offering and dialled things up. Way up. Designed for salons “dedicated to giving their clients and stylists the cleanest, healthiest colour experience,” it is gluten and soy free so more people can safely experience a hair colour session without the itching and tingling, and has no animal -derived ingredients. Free of PPD and Resorcinol, CØR.colour is kind on people and also on the drains that its excess is washed down, which is a win-win for us - and the planet. The brand’s home care and styling products are also incredible, with my favourite being Surf Bomb Sea Salt Texture Spray, which delivers that effortlessly sexy, tousled look without drying out your hair.

Last up, I’d like to talk about Kindred Human + Earth, a salon with lots of soul that appeared gently on the local landscape earlier this year in the space originally known as Good One at 42 Douglas Street.

Owner Cat Frost told me that when she first began thinking about the salon - the location of which took three years to find - she set out to create a 'new salon model', one that would nurture the soul and reduce the chemical load on clients and the environment. One of its main product offerings is the aforementioned Davines, a brand that Cat trusts implicitly. “You know they take the nurturing aspect very seriously,” she says, “and their products are leeching nothing from the earth.”

Alongside salon services, Kindred also has a brow taming offering and beauty therapy, and is soon to begin yoga and meditation sessions developed with Auckland yoga identity, Yogamani Saraswati.

Cat is passionate about caring for the whole human as opposed to just their hair, and key to this is her commitment to what she likes to call the “green glamour movement” that is driving consumers to question brands about their integrity. By the time this comes out, Cat will be almost ready to open a cafe space adjacent to the salon, which will be called Next of Kin. Serving Allpress coffee and vegan treats, it is set to be a neighourhood favourite - much like the salon itself.

PN (HELENE RAVLICH) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

KINDRED HUMAN AND EARTH Kin, tribe, kinfolk - the inspiration behind the brand which veteran stylist Cat Frost has developed and introduced to Ponsonby in her stunning transformation of the iconic industrial space at 42 Douglas Street.

Cat says she strives to provide an alternative viewpoint of the hair studio experience. It’s a brand about nurturing both humans and the earth. Cat's vision is to make a positive impact on the planet and its people. The single mum of three says the studio offers a premium cut and colour with a conscience and with emphasis on premium service.

Kindred Human and Earth couples sustainable cruelty free products and practices with inhouse systems developed to ensure your visits to the hair salon have minimal effect on the environment.

Kindred strives to keep 90% of waste out of landfill. Hair is used to soak up ocean spills, ponytails collected to make wigs for Kiwi children with cancer, and chemical waste is used as grey water in industry.

Detail is important at Kindred - even the toilet paper is tree-free bamboo and the Bio Towels used are a compostable bamboo towel.

Cat believes in an holistic approach to the service and the environment - the appreciation of time and space for the client to be nurtured and relax, away from over stimulation of senses from noise, light and other sensory overload.

Kindred provides natural light, high-gabled spacious surrounds and indoor plantings for air quality. It has a boho resort-style feel which instantly soothes.

Kindred provides full hairdressing services, punctuated with beauty offerings from brands vegan Lash Lab and Teipsum Beauty. Yoga sessions will begin on Mondays in the coming months with Yogamani.

Next of Kin a coffee bunker serving Allpress espresso and vegan treats will open its tropical doors on the side of Kindred studios in the coming weeks.

It’s the new Ponsonby treasure. F PN

KINDRED HUMAN AND EARTH, 42 Douglas Street, Ponsonby, T: 09-378 8840, Facebook: Kindred Human + Earth, Instagram: Kindred_humanearth, www.kitomba.com/bookings/kindred

42 Douglas Street Ponsonby ph 09 378 8840 for booking please visit kindredhumans

Hair + Skin + Well-Being + Earth

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

When vegan isn’t vegan It turns out that some ‘fake’ meat might be more real than we thought.

Meat has been found in several different, supposedly vegan products sold in UK supermarkets, including trace amounts of pork and turkey.

In one case, meat was found in ‘vegan meatballs’ that even carried a Vegetarian Society sticker of approval on the package.

Britain’s Food Standards Agency is specifically investigating two products: Sainsbury’s meat-free meatballs and Tesco’s vegan barbecue butternut macaroni meal.

The suggestion is that the contamination occurred during manufacture on equipment that is also used for meat products, but Tesco’s reckon its facility is used only for vegan products, which indicates that the meaty addition happened at source.

Testing of the products revealed whole-animal DNA, which means that meat or animal skin is the likely culprit, although gelatine or contaminated oil could also be responsible. As far as I know, no one’s tested locally made, fake meat products for meat DNA. The irony here is that as vegan products get closer and closer to mimicking the taste and texture of meat, we’re less able to tell the difference, and could easily have the wool pulled over our eyes.

Perhaps we’ve been a little too trusting of the companies making big cash from the phenomenal growth in the vegan food market; companies that are reacting to market forces, not ethical concerns.

It’s easy to understand the huge demand for fake meat products especially as so many new vegans transition to a plant-based lifestyle - but it’s also jurisprudent to remember that fresh is best.

Whatever food you grow up with is the food that will inevitably be in your comfort zone, and, sadly, it’s something we’re stuck with. That’s why I find the proliferation of sausage sizzles at schools and sports events so offensive: give the kids a chance to eat healthier and find a ‘comfort’ food that isn’t a proven carcinogen or trans-fat criminal, for goodness sake!

But dedicated vegans might benefit from restricting their intake of these fake meats, which are created in labs, highly processed and just like junk food, designed to be eaten occasionally, not as an everyday food.

It’s also worth thinking about the time, wastage and packaging involved in these products. Not exactly environmentally friendly, I would wager.

Maybe it’s time to revisit the old-fashioned notion that if we don’t recognise the ingredients then it’s not food? A chickpea is a chickpea is a chickpea: it’s genuinely protein packed and can be prepared in a surprising number of ways. The same is true of many raw ingredients.

Maybe it’s time, too, to be more mindful of the way our notionally processed foods are prepared. The industrial machine will always pretend to be there to serve us, but ultimately, we’re serving them, and paying the price. It may be the difference between choosing a tofu made from organic, non-GM soybeans and a cheaper product that comes directly from the belly of the agri-beast.

It makes sense for those of us who have decided to eat vegan for the right reasons to take the next step and make the right choice about what we put in our mouths. Meanwhile, producers of vegan ‘meat’ need to get their act together and prove they’re worthy of us.

(GARY STEEL) F PN

Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz.

He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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49A Sharp Road Matakana 09 422 7915

1335 Leigh Road, Matakana 09 423 0390

Cellar door Plume Restaurant 09 422 7915

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

Understanding Bordeaux Bordeaux is a region that I’ve certainly fallen in love with. I returned there in April of this year to taste the 2017 vintage from barrel, and whilst there looked at a number of vintages with the intention of extending our range further.

With these new stocks arriving in our stores early July, I thought it best to write a guide to Bordeaux for this month’s column.

Bordeaux is a region that triumphs with its blended wines. There are six main varieties: three red (merlot, cabernet, cabernet franc) and three white (semillon, sauvignon and muscadelle) that are used for making Bordeaux wines. There are also ancillary varieties that make up a very small part of the total plantings, though often play a vital role in the assemblage of the wines.

Bordeaux is neatly divided into two groupings of appellations - those on the left bank of the Gironde and those on the right with the Dordogne running through them. In general terms, the left bank is home to cabernet-driven wines and the right bank merlot dominant expressions. The appellations on the left bank include: Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe. The appellations on the right bank include: Fronsac, Lalande-de-Pomerol and the two great appellations of Saint Émilion and Pomerol.

The city of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of this unique region.

In 1855, being lovers of red tape, the French ‘authorities’ created what became known as ‘The Classified Growths of the Médoc’. At the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris, Emperor Napoleon III asked each wine region to establish a classification. Thus, a five-class classification of 61 of the leading Médoc Châteaux (as well as two from Graves) was created. This formalised lists that were already in place, based on each châteaux relative quality as expressed by the prices of each individual estate.

These growths, or ‘crus’ range from first (premier) through to fifth (cinquièmes). Over the years that have since passed, there

IC GLENGARRY EP

TA S T I N G 2 0 1 8 SATURDAY 4TH AUGUST | 1:00PM | $50.00 BOOK ONLINE: GLENGARRYWINES.CO.NZ/TASTINGS PH: 0800 733 505 | OR POP INSTORE

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

has been very little change to the 1855 Classification other than Château Mouton Rothschild moving from second growth to first in 1973 - Baron Philippe de Rothschild reportedly saying - "Mouton I am, Second I am not." Château Cantemerle was added as a fifth growth in 1856 and Château Dubignon, a third growth, was absorbed into Château Malescot St Exupéry.

Whilst much of the classification system holds true today, the inherent problem with a system is that some of the châteaux have improved out of sight since it was first introduced, while others are considered to have rested on their laurels, smug in the knowledge that their wines will always fetch high prices, as this was what the classification was based on in the first place. Like anything, it is a good guide as long as one keeps in mind the fact that some of the wines outside its boundaries can still be superb.

The top producers make outstanding wines, year in year out, thanks to expertise and the ability to carefully select, whatever the cost. In great vintages they require a good part of your lifetime in the cellar whilst the tougher vintages are usually earlier drinking. The 2015 vintage of the top wines has just landed in New Zealand. This is a great vintage, the most lauded since the exceptional pair of 2009 and 2010. Also in store, the 2012 vintage; a vintage that we have identified as being very good value with many of the wines ready to drink now. This vintage has a lush soft nature to it.

In great vintages, like 2015, quality is generally more consistent from Petit Château to Grand Vin. With that in mind, it’s a great vintage to explore at all prices points, which is certainly why we’ve searched out new wines at all price levels. These land in New Zealand and into our stores in July; shipped to New Zealand in temperature controlled containers to ensure quality. (LIZ WHEADON) F PN www.glengarrywines.co.nz

It’s that time of the year, when our temperature controlled shipping containers arrive from France. We’ve been importing direct from Bordeaux since the famed 1982 vintage, and this year we have three of them packed to the roof with some of the finest red wines in the world.

Walk around at your own pace and explore some of the great regions of Bordeaux. This will be an epic tasting event, with over 50 different Bordeaux to try.

Bordeaux to enjoy now as well as ones to put aside for retirement! Our staff will be there to talk you through the bottles and help with your Bordeaux education, this will be a stunning tasting not to be missed!

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The fire’s on, the bar is stocked and the Chorizo is back on the menu.

There’s a new wine list that showcases our extensive range of wines from around the world. Our new Head Chef hails from Chile, Spanish speaking, she’s preparing to make her mark on our Tapa’s, we can’t wait for you to see them.

Open from midday, we have a new lunch offering.

Hot soup and bread by the fire? Warm Jamon and Manchego sandwich, a side of Truffle fries with that?

Open 7 days a week, from midday to late.

Where it all started. This is our original site, where the Glengarry story began, this site held one of the first two licenses to retail wine in New Zealand and started the story of New Zealand’s oldest Fine Wine retailer. We continue to be family owned and mighty proud of it.

There are regular instore tastings and regularly we open our cellar doors to run wine clubs and events. We’d love to see you instore during July – it’s all about France this month.

Open 7 days a week Monday – Friday from 9am – late Sunday from 11am - late

Our brand new Café has opened. @54 specializes in great coffee and takeaway home cooked food.

Samiuela Tonga has been with us for 11 years and continues to make the best salads in town; as for his famous caramel slice, the recipe is a closely guarded secret. Out front, you’ll find Jai, who started at the same time as Samiuela, Jai is a whizz on the coffee machine and is delighted to be @54.

Open Monday – Saturday from 7am – 3pm, come and check it out.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY IFTAR MEAL FEAST CELEBRATES THE END OF RAMADAN FASTING Last month, Hassan and Deriya, owners of Coffee & Durum invited the Ponsonby News team, along with other local residents, to enjoy an Iftar meal feast to celebrate the end of the fasting Ramadan day.

As local resident Mattie Wall told us, "Last year Hassan and Deriya did this and we were blown away by their hospitality as they generously provided a meal free to any of their local customers who wanted to attend.

"They said it was a way of keeping alive their Turkish tradition of sharing food at the end of the fasting day with others outside the family. They were so delighted and Deriya was alive with excitement at having locals come to them for this event. We thought it was a wonderful expression of religious diversity in our neighbourhood."

This year, they asked guests to make a $20 donation as Hassan and Deriya wanted to donate to the Auckland Women’s Refuge based in Grey Lynn. Charitable donations are also part of the Ramadan tradition in Turkey.

As Hassan told us, "We would like to thank you, the locals, for the great contribution to our fundraising Iftar dinners. Ramadan is now over and it was a great chance to meet all the lovely people around us and have a chat.

"We have hosted 56 guests over six nights of dinners and we raised $1185 for the Auckland Women’s Refuge." F PN COFFEE & DURUM, 2a Hakanoa Street, M: 021 232 7579, www.coffeedurum.com

WIN A BOTTLE OF ACCOLADE 2017 MADAM SASS CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR Ponsonby News is pleased to offer two bottles of Accolade 2017 Madam Sass Central Otago Pinot Noir to several lucky readers.

You need to be aged over 18 to apply.

Please send us your name and address and mention Madam Sass in the subject line.

The cut off is Friday 13 July 2018. Email info@ponsonbynews.co.nz

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

PARKEDUP BEER GARDEN AND VENUE More than just a beer garden, ParkedUp is a haven for relaxing with family, friends and work colleagues.

Decked out with fairy lights and flowers, giant pohutukawas and 100 -year-old London plane trees, this hidden little spot in the heart of Auckland’s Victoria Park and Wynyard Quarter precinct is fast becoming a prized destination for a casual catch up or great events.

The beverage list consists of some New Zealand pinot noirs and French Cote du Rhone’s, some local pinot gris, and some Garage Project varieties accompanied by their own ParkedUp pilsner for the not so crafty beer drinkers.

Situated on the corner of Victoria Park, ParkedUp Beer Garden and Venue is the perfect location for after work drinks, custom events or intimate group dinners. With a myriad of spaces to suit an equally wide range of uses, ParkedUp is becoming the hidden little gem for parties of all varieties.

Presently ParkedUp is running a winter hour’s programme as they gear up for the summer.

The menu is simple yet sophisticated with great food, drinks and outdoor games. Meet a friend for a platter and prosecco in the garden after work or a ParkedUp pilsner with those famous beer -battered fries.

Barbecue platters and buffets are the order of the day with skewers and fine cuts to suit many occasions but not limited to...

• Grilled scallops with burnt butter • Barbecue calamari with aioli • Chilli beef and red pepper • Porchetta with sage and raisin • Beer can chicken on the barbecue

WINTER HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday 4pm - 8pm Friday 12noon - 8pm Saturday 4pm - late with live All Black games Closed from 10 - 24 July for refurbishments Express lunch will be opening in spring with some great New Zealand sandwiches for the local businesses.

Whether you are an event coordinator, promoter, social club member, or a private individual looking for that perfect spot for that special day, ParkedUp Beer Garden and Venue is worth a look.

Just like being at home... only better.

PARKEDUP, email Nick on Nick@parkedup.co.nz, www.facebook.com/NZParkedUp/, www.parkedup.co.nz

People talk about our authentic clean Vietnamese cuisine...

Fully licensed – fantastic range of Vietnamese and local craft beers, beautiful wine selection ) New

Vegan Menu

Sit indoor or outdoor, Open Tuesday-Sunday 5.30pm-late, Bookings essential

Café Viet | 2 Surrey Crescent | Grey Lynn | T: 378 8738 If you can’t get enough of Café Viet, you can get us at…

District5 28 Shortland Street, Monday-Friday 10.30am-3.30pm The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Wines for cool weather Okay folks, here we go again... it’s our usual pretendy Auckland winter. Not really frosty, yet almost cool enough for us to back off from the rosé and pinot gris.

Meanwhile, folks in the Central Plateau, Marlborough and Central Otago are freezing their tatas off.

Anyway, here’s a selection of exceptional wines for winter. Remember to serve white wines at about 15C. Reds can do with about 10 minutes in a basin of hot water to take the edge off - especially if your home is a draughty old villa - or anything built before 1990.

Loveblock Marlborough Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2017 - $22 (Glengarry) From Kim and Erica Crawford’s Marlborough-based label, an unusual and memorable Awatere sauv. Smells like elderflower, green capsicum and gooseberry. In the mouth, it has crisp acidity and flavours of fresh lime juice, capsicum and a hint of florals and tropical lychee.

Great with seafood.

Bogle California Chardonnay 2015 - $19 (Herne Bay Cellars) If you’re a fan of buttery, toasty fruit-led chardonnay (as I am), then this one’s for you. Aromas of pineapple, toasty vanilla oak and hint of herbs. In the mouth, it’s a fruit bomb of ripe stone fruit and spice, toast, creamy yeast and a crisp finish. Nice with creamy pasta and chicken dishes.

Grant Burge Barossa Sparkling NV Shiraz / Cabernet Sauvignon - $33 (Glengarry) A fizzy red. Okay - get over it. Dark garnet red in the glass. 14%

alcohol and off-dry slightly sweet, with lots of ripe black cherry and surprisingly creamy palate. Surprisingly light and very fruity. A good match with the mid-winter Christmas turkey or duck.

Brookfield’s Hawkes Bay ‘Sun-dried’ Hawkes Bay Malbec 2016 - $23-$26 (Glengarry, Vino Fino) Grapes have been dried in the sun (as in Amarone wine from Italy) in order to concentrate sugars and flavours. Smells like spice and Christmas cake. In the mouth, it’s all cherry, cedar oak and plums in an approachable medium style. Great with rich tomato-based pasta sauces dishes.

Vidal Hawkes Bay Reserve Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 - $18 (Glengarry, Vino Fino) A nice big and chunky Hawkes Bay red at a great price. Full bodied.

Flavours of ripe plum, liquorice and black cherry with medium to firm tannins that indicate good cellaring potential. A good match with slow -cooked beef casserole or a ratatouille.

Outback Jack South Eastern Australia Shiraz/Merlot 2017 - $8 (Vineonline) Yes. That’s eight bucks. Not a typo. Absolute bargain, dark fruit, pot pourri and cigar box aromas. Soft and juicy flavours of black currant, plum and black cherry with a soft, spicy finish. (I bought two dozen.)

Absolute ripper with tomato-based pasta or pizza.

(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.

FINE WINE & FOOD TOURS “No. 4 Auckland Food & Drink” – TripAdvisor Your host, Phil Parker wine writer.

Boutique tours for small and large groups.

E: Phil@finewinetours.co.nz

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

www.finewinetours.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

CASTLES IN AFRICA - UNFORGETTABLE ETHIOPIA Ethiopia is where it all began. Literally. It was in these lands that the very first humans roamed - evident in the 3.5-million-year-old remains of 'Lucy', now resting in the National Museum of Addis Ababa.

Adding to the wonder, Ethiopia is the only country in Africa that has never been colonised, allowing a view of an original Africa like nowhere else.

Travelling around Ethiopia by road is an experience in itself, through farms and villages, witnessing daily life and sharing the roads with cows and goats! One of the most memorable meals was at a roadside restaurant run by four sisters who fed us local delicacies and of course the world's best coffee, roasted right in front of us.

What are the best things to do in Ethiopia? Start with the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon but to my mind far more dramatic. A highlight was spending time with the endemic Gelada monkeys, but the park is also home to the ibex and Ethiopian wolf. Our lodge was perched on the edge of an escarpment with breath-taking views and truly wonderful Ethiopian hospitality!

The castles of Gondar were a revelation, dating back to 1630.

The Royal Enclosure features a steam room, a concert hall and a weekend house complete with a swimming pool. Who would have thought - castles in Africa?

Axum is one of the oldest, continually inhabited settlements in the world. Home town of the Queen of Sheba, who travelled to Israel to meet King Solomon, resulting in the birth of Menelik. When Menelik

returned to Israel he was given the Ark of the Covenant which is said to reside in a church in Axum. We visited the church and its fascinating museum, Queen Sheba's Palace and the huge stelaes, built over burial tombs from a single piece of granite.

Lalibela was an absolute highlight. Capital of Ethiopia in the 12th Century, King Lalibela built a series of 11 churches here, each carved out of a single solid rock. Starting with what would eventually be the roof, they carved down and then inside. Incredibly, these churches are still in daily use, and life continues fairly much as it did 900 years ago.

As always, it was the people who greatly enriched the experience.

Our guide, Kibrom, was a gem, as was our driver who claimed to not understand English but giggled during our many debates on world politics. Kibrom was a graduate of the country's first university degree course in tourism and was deeply knowledgeable and passionate about his country. Happy to discuss any aspect of Ethiopia, we learned about its unique languages, an alphabet of 231 characters its 13-month calendar, and the daily clock which starts at sunrise (6am), so our 10am is their 4am!

Hand on heart, exploring Ethiopia was one of the best experiences of my travelling life, and, not to boast, but that’s saying a lot.

PN (BRETT BARCLAY, DIRECTOR, WORLD JOURNEYS) F

A SMALL GROUP HOSTED JOURNEY Stopover in Zanzibar and safari in Kenya before arriving in the breathtaking landscapes of Ethiopia. From the rugged Simien Mountains, to the colourful festival of Meskel, ancient history lives on in the castles of Gondar, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and biblical Axum.

24 DAY TOUR departing 10 SEP 2019

UNFORGETTABLE ETHIOPIA The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

T 09 360 7311 www.worldjourneys.co.nz /worldjourneys

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER

‘Her death was surrounded by scandal and rumour’ Doris Duke 22 November 1912 - 28 October 1993. Heiress, collector, journalist, philanthropist, traveller and museum host.

Doris was heir to a tobacco and hydro-electric fortune established and nurtured during the 'Gilded Age' - a time of vast wealth for some in America. At the age of 12, she had inherited her family’s $100 million fortune - when she died some 69 years later, her net worth was $5.3 billion.

She was known as the 'Richest Woman in the World' - a title she hated. She feared that people were only interested in her money so spent her life shunning the spotlight, determined not to be defined by her wealth. Unfortunately her death was surrounded by scandal and rumour when her family was thoroughly disinherited from a will on which the ink was still wet. Her flamboyant butler, who was later accused of hastening her death, received a substantial share of her estate. He died a few years later, an alcoholic and drug addict who had spent millions between her untimely death and his own.

Fortunately, her remaining fortune survives in the form of various foundations and 'Shangri-La', a 25,000sq ft home open to the public and nestled on the slopes of Hawaii’s Diamond Head. It is one of the jewels in Honolulu's crown.

It all began at the end of a year-long honeymoon in 1935 when Doris and her then husband visited Hawaii and where she began a lifelong affair with its people and culture. Purchasing five acres of prime real estate at Diamond Head, she began the building of a home that would consume her for the rest of her life.

Designed around her love of Islamic Art, it’s a simple low-lying concrete structure with clean lines, built around a central courtyard.

All of the external walls in the main house contain large glass windows that either look out over her extensive 'Mughal' garden or to the crashing surf of the sea.

As the building work progressed, she travelled the world, purchasing and collecting for her dream home, which later even boasted a pair of live camels in the garden.

Doris was not accustomed to being told “no.” If she wanted something, she got it.

During her travels she acquired art and building materials that today, would never be allowed to leave their country of origin. A 15th

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Century Moroccan ceiling, Moorish tiles dating from the 14 Century, marble Jalis from Indian palaces and one of the home’s prize pieces, a huge Iranian 'Mihrab', (prayer niche) whose tiles were fired in 1265. This piece alone is priceless and one of the most beautiful in the residence. It stands at the end of a vast living room with walls that disappear into the floor at the touch of a button. Highly technical stuff for the 1930s.

So concerned about her most valuable prayer niche, during the world events in 1941, she telephoned Shangri-La from the mainland and ordered the prayer niche to be chipped off its walls and stored safely in the basement.

A few days later Pearl Harbour was attacked by the Japanese.

After visiting and falling in love with the Taj Mahal, Doris commissioned Indian craftsmen to copy and install two rooms in her home. An inlay of jade and semi-precious stones created a floral motif around the walls of a white Carrera marble bathroom, the sunken bath and playful fountain evocative of the very building it copied.

Mother of pearl bureaus from Syria and vast mirrored walls reflect the colour of semi-precious stones inlaid onto every surface and invoke a sense of serenity and style that only vast wealth can create.

Her bedroom in this suite of rooms is surrounded by marble screens and walls of glass that can slide back into cavities to create a breezeway and bring her garden into the house. The windows, covered in a lacework of marble, take you back to the days of the Raj and Moguls.

Doris was building her own monument and in later years began alterations and additions with today’s visitors in mind. Her sense of philanthropy was to share her love of her collection with the wider public after her death. The guides point out that you are now viewing what was built or renovated with you in mind and that she is welcoming you as her personal guest.

If you are bored with tourist Hawaii these days, it is a perfect respite to explore the mind and taste of someone from the Gilded Age and PN what true wealth can create. (ROSS THORBY) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. Sarasa Shimura, owner and hostess of Tokyo Club in Ponsonby Central joins in at the Sanja Festival in Asakusa TOKYO, but still finds time to catch up on Ponsonby News!

2-3. Local resident Marilyn McElwee took the Ponsonby News to read on the Orient Express en route to Arth Goldau in SWITZERLAND. She is also pictured in ITALY sharing Ponsonby News and lobster linguini with friends in Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre.

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4. Until recently Carol McAllum was a Ponsonby resident and she wrote to tell us she was visiting her mother Etta Melville (just had her 87th birthday) in far north QUEENSLAND - and took a trip to the Daintree, crocodile country. As Carol says, “Mum is reading the one and only Ponsonby News - what better thing to do when you’re in the Daintree? She was also caught reading it while waiting outside the ladies’ in Daintree Village - note the cute lady crocodile indicating ‘ladies’.”

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.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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FASHION + STYLE SPRING 18, AVAILABLE @ ZEBRANO

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1. Chocolat-Meyer Tuck Dress - $347 2. Moyuru-Expression Coat - $507 3. Moyuru-unrestrained Dress - $403 4. Obi-Starburst Shimmy Dress - $279 5. Rundholz Black-Scatter My Scribbles Dress - $393 6. Obi-Wishing Tee - $243, Obi-Emperor Drape Skirt - $429

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ZEBRANO, 10 Kingdon Street, Newmarket, T: 09 523 2500, www.zebrano.co.nz

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE @ CARATS

A selection of Carats Jewellery's beautiful creations from past and present.

CARATS, 25 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD, T: 09 309 5145, www.caratsjewellery.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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FASHION + STYLE @ DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND Diamonds On Richmond Men's Wedding Ring Collection These are a small selection from Diamonds On Richmond’s men's wedding ring range. All rings are completely customisable in any metal combination.

Mens wedding rings start from $500 and price depends on finger size, precious metal, width and thickness of the band.

Visit Diamonds On Richmond to view the complete range of plain, two tone and diamond set men's wedding rings.

DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND, 98 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 376 9045, www.dor.co.nz

@ MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING 1. Maud Dainty Lace Jacket and Megan Salmon Satin Wide Leg Pant 2. Maud Dainty Lost and Found Dress 3. Maud Dainty Playground Mossy Dress

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MAGAZINE DESIGNER CLOTHING, 4 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, T: 09 488 0406, 937 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 630 5354, www.magazineclothing.co.nz Sizes 10-26 available.

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE GEORGE HARRISON - THE HOUSE OF VERSACE MENSWEAR IN AUCKLAND A name known for the brands and the collections it carries, George Harrison continues to deliver unmistakable distinction with the renowned labels it offers.

The store on Elliott Street has attained recognition that brings in a contemporary Italian-look, fusing fashion, creativity, art and designer wear. Not merely Versace, George Harrison offers an assortment of international brands sought from Italy, England, Germany, Netherlands and more; still keeping the clothing coherent in terms of European taste, origins and the highest standards that represent the pinnacle of men’s fashion.

No one does opulent Italian fashion quite like Versace, and George Harrison proudly brings the best from Versace Collection and Versace Jeans to New Zealand.

The collection showcases the Versace legacy through their signature Caviar embellishments, Grecian tiles, Baroque patterns and colourful Warhol designs. Every garment’s aesthetic emits a clear message: 'We will not apologise for daring to stand out'. This season is all about the Barocco update, every piece is ‘Versacified’ with the 'Barocco Instante' Prints in fresh colour palettes, a tribute to Gianni Versace’s favourite style.

While we speak of opulence, we must not forget Diesel, the only casual-wear company rooted in denim mastery that ever became a luxury brand. Diesel possesses an explicit individuality and gives people the freedom of selfexpression by just being the brand that it is.

Next on the list is - Karl Lagerfeld, the man who combines classic wardrobe essentials with an urban, masculine attitude. Karl expresses elitism and mordant with his highly structured style and mood-of-themoment clothing. He fascinates people with his ability to interpret tomorrow’s trends with an aesthetic that is simultaneously youthful yet sophisticated.

Adding to the mix some British humour and premium adroitness is Ted Baker, an amalgam of classic meets contemporary with a mischievous, unapologetic twist.

Ted’s quirky personality is a proof of the brand’s ability to have fun with fashion. Another English label, famous for its rough yet refined masculine collection is Pearly King.

A good collection that fuses in some colour and vibrancy is Au Noir’s premium dress shirt collection. A brand that is designed, developed and stylised in Montreal, in the Canadian province of Quebec. But don’t let us tell you any more about this one 'cause seeing is believing.

Lastly, two brands that deserve all the attention Reporter & Ingram - made in Italy is their pledge, but mainly a source of their pride. Both spring from a company with its roots in the Tuscan Tiber valley, a territory where the know-how is a treasure passed down through generations of highly skilled workers.

The named brands are only a fraction of what George Harrison stocks. Its designer portfolio also includes PN Gaudi, No Excess, Gibson, and a lot more. F

GEORGE HARRISON: Flagship Store: 25 Elliott Street, Auckland Central, T: 09 366 7788; Outlet Store: Level 3, Atrium on Elliott, Auckland Central, www.georgeharrison.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 15 JULY 1925

Dear Agnes, So much has happened since I last wrote to you! Probably the most exciting thing is the house auction that I went to last Tuesday with Mother.[i] Her neighbour Mrs Watts is an acquaintance of the man - Mr Hector Gray - whose most beautiful Remuera bungalow went up for auction later that day. Of course Mother was keen to have a look around and as I am house hunting at the moment (and also very nosey), I jumped at the chance to accompany mother to the viewing on the day before the auction. Mr Gray, who is now quite elderly, is returning to England to spend his latter days with his children.

Oh my word Agnes, if I’d had the money I would now be writing to you from 'Arrowsmith'. But first of all, I’d change the name. It is most unsuited to the charming and artistic character of what is the most gorgeous bungalow I’ve ever seen. And the views! When no one was looking I flopped into one of the huge Lloyd loom lounging chairs on the deep verandah and imagined myself sipping lemonade on a hot summer’s day watching the sailing boats on the harbour. The view was completely unobstructed. From the verandah the lawns swept down to a beautiful garden with meandering paths amongst beds of roses. It must be heaven in summer and I imagine that the scent of so many roses would surely waft up to the house.

Of course, if I’d bought the house I would have also purchased the contents... except for the huge stag’s head in the drawing room and perhaps the grand pianoforte. I suppose though that the latter might be useful for intimate soirees to which I could invite handsome visiting continental musicians to entertain my best friends (of course that includes you)!

The auction itself was very interesting and at times quite exciting. It seems that there were at least two people interested in buying the house who were competing fiercely with each other for particular pieces of furniture, especially the larger pieces that suited the rooms so well. The dining suite alone went for 210 pounds! Mind you, it was rather magnificent - nine pieces and beautifully carved out of oak... a family heirloom imported from England I heard someone say.

The person who bought that also bought several of the oak bedroom suites and a Chesterfield lounge that Mother was rather keen on. Mother didn’t even get to express an interest in the Chesterfield on which bidding started at 50 pounds! (It went for 75 pounds). Oh, it was so beautiful. Large and yet cosy, with plump down-filled cushions and all covered with a gorgeous heavy linen with a design of full-blown roses and pretty birds. Mother did manage to buy a Royal Doulton jardinière for her conservatory.

There were three of them in the sale and she got the one she wanted. The bowl is rather lovely, with a naturalistic pattern which looks as if it was made by pressing real leaves into the clay. After the initial shock of her success, Mother was most pleased with herself. I must say that it is terribly stressful in the minutes leading up to that time when one hoists one’s hand into the air to make the bid. I think I was actually shaking as I bid on a lamp that I liked. I didn’t actually notice it the day before but when I saw it lit up at the auction I fell in love with it.

After several calls by the auctioneer and no one bidding, something made me put up my hand and the next moment I am the new owner of the exquisite thing! Mother thinks I’m mad to have bought it, but I am in love with it. And it only cost me five pounds! It’s a Czech lamp in the shape of a casket of flowers. The lower part is bronze-coloured metal while the top is made up of scores of wired glass flowers in many different colours that come to life when the power is turned on. I might

+ July 2018 68 NEWSPARISH 68PONSONBY PONSONBY NEWS+

put it on the hall table and keep it on as a night light rather than turning on the main light.

So that was last week. Going to the house auction has really spurred me in my hunt for another house and this week I must start looking again. And I feel as if I need to really get a move on if I’m to buy something here at a reasonable price. Only last week a section in Jervois Road, quite near the Three Lamps, sold at auction for 2811 pounds. That’s more than 41 pounds per foot!

That was just for the land - there’s no house to speak of, just a very old derelict wooden shop with a room attached. I wonder what will be built there.[ii] Although I’m not sure if I want to buy a shop, there are two, with dwellings attached, that are coming onto the market soon in Ponsonby Road. One is a former confectionary shop (which I might have been known to frequent)! It has a nice big window and an entrance to one side. I haven’t seen the attached living quarters and probably won’t pursue as it’s only for lease and I want to buy. The other is a shoe store that has recently closed down. I love the shop frontage.

The entrance (which is very prettily tiled) is centred between two very elegant bay windows that have coloured glass panels above.

I can easily picture my frocks in the windows. There are no shop fittings left to speak of so I would have to get some cabinets made for my bits and pieces, and a low plinth or two for mannequin displays. One corner could be filled with a dainty sofa, two armchairs and a low table on which I could have my fashion journals. I haven’t been in to see the attached dwelling yet and wonder if I should bother as apparently there is no garden and very little yard and I need both, especially a good-sized yard for my Tiger to tear around in.

I think that I will have much better luck if I simply look for a house on a big section, which was my original intention. All I want is a much larger version of what I already have in Vermont Street, preferably with a harbour view!

Well, my dear, I’d better get on and finish my jobs for the day.

Since the cold snap I have had three orders for coats, two in alpaca and one in tweed. Another hour on the tweed and it’ll be finished, ready for the fitting tomorrow morning. Then a brisk walk with Tiger to the shops for the makings of my dinner and a couple of hours reading and letter writing before bed. Can’t wait to put my feet up.

Please do write soon with all your news,

Much love,

Maudie xxx

The following based on an advertisement in the NZ Herald, 14 January 1922, p. 4

[i]

Ponsonby Property Sale, New Zealand Herald, 31 May 1924, p.10

[ii]

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

ANTHONY BAYER HAIR WINS INDUSTRY HAIRDRESSING AWARD Anthony Bayer Hair, finalist at Hairdresser of the Year 2018, has just celebrated its two year anniversary.

In that time a lot of exciting and creative things have happened.

Anthony is a creative guest artist in New Zealand, which has him travelling around the country teaching all the latest tends and techniques. Competitions are a great passion for Anthony and supported by the salon team. This helps his business grow as his education and experience is used in the salon and by his team.

Over the past six years, Anthony has been a finalist in the Wella Trendvision Awards with bronze and silver awards. Winning the Judges’ Choice Award in Sydney for Australia and New Zealand last year for the Keune Art Series Trophy was an honour. Anthony also was placed third in the national PHB Lust hair colour Awards. One of the

most exciting wins was last month's at the Industry NZ Hairdressing Awards where his business won Salon Team of The Year!

The salon is a boutique European-style salon with many of the best products such as Keune Haircosmetics - a brand from the Netherlands that doesn't test on animals. It has a variety of products to choose from, the So Pure Natural Balance range is ammonia, paraben and sulphate free and from the Tinta Colour range which is PPD free.

Open Tuesday though to Saturday. Late night Tuesday and Thursday with free parking available on request. F PN

ANTHONY BAYER HAIR, 16 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 3577, www.anthonybayerhair.co.nz

Anthony Bayer

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

69

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

How good is your digestion?

Issues relating to digestion and ‘gut’ health send more people scurrying off to see the doctor than just about anything else. Hippocrates the ‘father’ of medicine said, ‘all disease begins in the gut’ and he wasn’t wrong.

When our digestive system is in trouble, we can experience many symptoms: simple indigestion, allergies and intolerances, reflux, heartburn, ulcers, irritable bowel or autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s. Reflux and heartburn are probably the most common and standard treatments include simple antacids and the heavy ‘hitting’ drugs such as Losec. The question is do you have too much stomach acid or too little? Here’s a simple way to find out more about your stomach acid status. Next time you have stomach pain try swallowing a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. If the pain goes away, you may have too little stomach acid. If the pain worsens, you may have too much stomach acid or an ulcer, Either way I would be consulting a nutritionally aware doctor.

As we age, we produce a lot fewer enzymes than we need for optimal digestion. A 70-year-old produces half the amount that a 20-year-old does. Amylases are enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteases break down proteins and lipases break down fats. Enzymes can help minimise indigestion, acid reflux, bloating and gas. They also help with the production of stomach acid. Low enzyme levels can accelerate ageing, cause weight gain and they are linked to several chronic illnesses. I take an enzyme supplement daily with each meal. It’s a simple fix for a number of digestive issues.

For ulcers, which are often diagnosed with gastroscopy, my go-to option is fresh cabbage juice made from whole organic cabbages. It tastes awful but it’s incredibly soothing and it’s amazingly effective. There have been studies done in prisons using cabbage juice for people with ulcers and the results were surprising. Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL) is also excellent; best in a chewable form. Mastic gum and slippery elm are also very helpful.

Candida (yeast overgrowth) is a major problem in the western world. Candida can disrupt the balance of the gut flora which can totally upset the digestive system. To test

for candida at home have a glass of water by your bedside overnight. First thing in the morning, rinse your mouth out with some of the water and swallow. Gather some saliva in your mouth and spit into the glass of water.

Keep an eye on the water for 30 minutes, paying particular attention in the first few minutes. If you have candida overgrowth you may see ‘strings’ hanging down from the saliva, cloudy specks suspended in the water or heavy-looking saliva at the bottom of the glass. Getting rid of candida involves a very strict diet and some key supplements such as berberine, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract and probiotics. With commitment it can be done.

Another challenge for the digestive system is SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth).

This can happen when pathogenic bacteria travel back from the colon into the small intestine. SIBO can cause many unpleasant symptoms including abdominal bloating or distension, gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Diagnosis involves a breath test which is analysed in Australia. The test can be ordered online at www.sibotest.com. As with candida, a strict diet must be followed together with some supplements and a special antibiotic may be necessary.

For autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s, have a chat with the doctor about the use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as soon as possible after diagnosis.

There is a lot about LDN on the internet. A good place to start is www.ldnscience.org There is also a lot one can do with diet, visit www.theboydclinic.co.nz.

FOOD MATTERS is the best documentary ever made about nutrition. Email me and I will PN send you a copy on DVD. (JOHN APPLETON) F APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362, appletonassoc@xtra.co.nz, www.johnappleton.co.nz

HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS WHAT YOUR STARS HOLD FOR JULY

♊

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June You know you can accomplish what you want, when you want. Why not share what you know and make any information you have available to whoever wants to listen.

♋

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July There is nothing stopping you from accomplishing whatever you want in life. You have the ability and the knowhow. So what’s holding you back?

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You can communicate with anyone you like but unfortunately things can often get lost in translation. You’re much clearer in your goals than you used to be. You just have to bring others along for the ride, too.

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

You can be passionate about a lot of things but it might be time to settle on the direction you want to be in. Also with your adventurous personality being highly contagious, you’ll find the road littered with interesting finds.

♎

Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October You have all the time you need to get whatever done that is necessary - or that’s what you have been led to believe. Just don’t get bullied into rushing about like a headless chicken performing tasks that have no meaning.

♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November The heavens are looking favourably in your direction this month and whatever you put your hand to will come to fruition. You don’t have to wait for others to catch up this time.

You have the capacity to just get on with things.

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

♐

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December You would love to just walk away from device that is designed to grab your attention in some way. The reality is that nowadays you’re meant to be 'on' at all times. Find a way to de-stress or it could be your undoing.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

You’re a smooth operator with your ability to weave in and out of any situation. Now is the time for you to put your money where your mouth is and show them all what your really made of.

♒ Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February

Whatever you do and wherever you are, you seem to be always thinking about what you’ve achieved so far. You don’t need to worry yourself about any of that because you still have a lifetime to bring about success.

♓ Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

You’ve never been one to follow the pack and there really is no need to start doing it right now. However, there are still guidelines to follow and you really have to stick with them otherwise you’ll be labelled obstructive.

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

Sometimes you have to give a little to receive as the saying goes. Well, in your case you may have received a bit more than you really need. You can always share the good feeling that comes with a windfall. Just don’t take anything for granted.

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

You have doubts but you never really share them. Instead you’re more than likely to keep anything to yourself until the last moment. Learn from the past and be as open and authentic as you can. It will be marvellous for relations.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION GYMNASTICS HISTORY CONTINUES IN PONSONBY William Leys was Chairman of the Ponsonby School Committee in the late 1800s. Leys was concerned about the education of the boys he saw loitering on local street corners.

After his death in 1899, funds provided from his bequest and by his brother, Thomson Leys, made possible the building of the Leys Institute Library in 1905. In 1906, a gymnasium was added to the complex, built from a donation made by local resident, William Mason.

In the early 1900s the complex was a vibrant community centre, with an active library, gym and halls used by various clubs. In addition to gifting the library to Auckland in 1964, the family bequeathed trusts that still help to maintain it to this day.

The tradition of providing quality physical education is proudly continued by Gym Kids. Started in 2011 as a mobile gymnastics company, Gym Kids has grown dramatically under the guidance of Directors Tania and Pablo Donnianni. Pablo has a Bachelor in Physical Education and Sport and has over 20 years of gymnastics experience as a gymnast and a coach. He owned a gymnasium along with his personal trainer business in Argentina before emmigrating to New Zealand across the central and west Auckland region.

Gym Kids has a team of experienced, enthusiastic and qualified coaches, that are trained to bring out the best in your child. With backgrounds in physical education and gymnastics, they have the skills to deliver a fun and safe class that keeps children engaged.

Aiming to encourage a child’s natural adventurous spirit, Gym Kids delivers quality classes within a safe and fun environment; children are challenged continuously while learning new skills, embracing the idea of 'I can do it'. Gym Kids’ classes develop their potential,

encouraging them to also challenge themselves to achieve things which at first they thought were beyond their ability.

The Leys Institute in Ponsonby and the Gym Kids' new purpose-built centre, Gym Zone in Hobsonville, operate seven days a week with gymnastics, tumbling and parkour classes for kids from 2-15 years.

Along with all the great term classes, they offer comprehensive holiday programmes and fun birthday parties in both locations, plus casual free play sessions in Hobsonville.

GYM KIDS, Leys Institute, 20 St Marys Road, T: 09 951 0355, E: admin@gymkids.co.nz, www.gymkids.co.nz

THE HOME OF • Gymnastics

• Holiday Programmes

• Parkour

• School Programmes

• Free-Play

• Birthday Parties

• Tumbling & Trampoline

LOCATIONS

Ponsonby • Pt Chevalier • Hobsonville Waimauku • Te Atatu Peninsula

Central AKL PH 951 0355 • West AKL PH 416 0003 email: admin@gymkids.co.nz

gymzone.co The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

.nz

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71

MEET THE TEACHER Angela Lane Angela Lane is an English teacher who has recently been appointed as a Within School Teacher at Ponsonby Intermediate.

Aren’t all teachers 'within school teachers'?

Haha - yes. But this is a specific role as part of the Community of Learning. My role will be to focus on promoting best teaching practice within my school, focusing on literacy.

I’ll also work directly with other teachers including those who come from other schools - Ako to help identify and respond to challenges in practice and support all in the Kahui our local schools’ objectives.

How long have you been teaching?

I’ve been a teacher for over 29 years. I’ve taught in a variety of schools with students with multi-cultural and diverse backgrounds and experiences, and taught for many years at Mt Roskill Intermediate. I also taught at Pt Chevalier, Westmere, Gladstone and Pasadena Intermediate when my children were younger.

I hear that you are a student as well as a teacher.

Yes. I’m a great believer in professional development and ongoing learning. I completed my Bachelor of Education in my late 30s and subsequently my Honours in Education in my mid 40s. I’d encourage others to continue their professional development whenever possible. In fact, my son was in his first year of his degree when I was completing my post grad. Two students in the house was very interesting! We ended up sharing notes and ideas, which was great.

What do you do in your free time?

I’m an avid walker and love getting out and about in my local neighbourhood and enjoyed walking the Waitakere Ranges before kauri die-back hit. On my bucket list is to trek all the Great Walks of New Zealand. I’ve managed five of the nine, so I’m getting there and walking poles make it easier!

So you are committed to the environment?

I’m big on being an eco warrior. If something can be recycled, repurposed or reused, I’m finding a use for it. My family roll their eyes when bags of clothes, books, shoes and knick-knacks collected from friends come home with me. But I know there’s another home for them so I’ll keep on collecting. I live near a beach so don’t mind picking up rubbish.

Do you live locally?

Yes, I’ve lived in Pt Chevalier for 30 years and our children have been schooled locally at Pt Chevalier Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate and Western Springs College. Both are now adults, graduated from Auckland University and work in central Auckland. My husband is a senior station officer with Fire and Emergency and works locally too. My family have been very supportive of my teaching career and have spent many a weekend setting up classrooms, stapling posters to walls, and helping out on school trips and camps.

Did you grow up here?

I’m a first-generation New Zealander. My Tongan mother and English father emigrated here and made New Zealand their home in the 60s. So with my brother and sisters, we had an awesome childhood typical of a Kiwi family with a twist! We definitely spent most of our childhood outside exploring and making friends.

Have you lived anywhere else?

I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled and lived overseas in Canada with my family, getting a different view of education when my children attended school there. From that perspective, I know I’m grateful for our New Zealand system, which is far more innovative and exciting. F PN www.ponsonbyintermediate.school.nz

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION GAVIN MORGAN IS A MAN ENSCONCED IN A WORLD OF WOMEN In a year where much has been heard about the journeys of women in the domain of men, Gavin Morgan is a man ensconced in a world of women. And he’s celebrating every moment of it.

Morgan works with women, answers to women and teaches young women who he hopes will be among New Zealand’s next leaders.

He’s also the first man in the 130-year history of one of the country’s oldest girls’ schools to make it all the way up the ladder to deputy principal. Gavin Morgan is the man behind the women at Auckland Girls Grammar School.

The recently appointed Deputy Principal didn’t realise he was breaking a glass ceiling when he was named in his new role. But he’ll happily take the milestone.

Says Morgan: “I had no idea there was even a glass ceiling to break!

And it is ironic because normally it’s the inverse. Normally it’s the woman trying to challenge assumptions about leadership and ways of organising society.

“Where I work, women are in the leadership roles, taking risks.

Women who’re in charge of their own lives and their own learning and I get to stand behind them and watch them flourish.”

Morgan joined AGGS in 2007 as a long-term reliever. He calls himself a bit of an over-stayer because he’s been there ever since, climbing his way through the ranks.

His appointment as Deputy Principal comes as the school gets ready to shake up its approach to the future.

“Eighteen months ago Ngaire Ashmore took over as Principal,” explains Morgan. “And in that time there’s been a real shift in owning the fact that every girl at this school has the opportunity to be who she wants to be. We have this unapologetic commitment to realising the potential of our girls, whether it’s academic, on the sports field or culturally.”

And the new regime is not just talking the talk.

“We’ve seen an unbelievable move in achievement since Ngaire’s taken over" says Morgan. Our level one pass rates have gone from 78 per cent to 90, our level two from 84 to 94 per cent and our level three went from 68 to 80 per cent. Our girls are now performing at the highest level of academic achievement.”

Management now hopes these results will help bring local girls back to AGGS. Or at least encourage local parents to check the school out.

“I think people locally have no idea of the hidden gem that’s sitting at the bottom of Ponsonby. They see a lot of girls coming from out of

HELP MAKE AUCKLAND SPRAY FREE The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

the area, but if you are in Ponsonby I really urge you to think about coming to our school because not only is your daughter going to capitalise academically, she’ll have a number of sporting and cultural opportunities.

“But I’d suggest the one point of difference we really offer is an absolute commitment to recognising the untapped potential of our girls.”

Morgan, who’s originally from Hamilton, is now a true Auckland convert and he’s massively excited about what lies ahead in his new management role.

“I’ve worked in single-sex boys' schools and co-ed schools and now I find myself working at a school where shattering the glass ceiling is essentially who we are. We are unashamed that we are overtly feminist. We are challenging normative assumptions that silence our girls in co-ed classrooms and then, sadly, in society.”

Morgan concludes: “Katherine Mansfield once said that she wanted to be all she was capable of being and at AGGS that sentiment is who we now are. It’s immensely satisfying to be a teacher and now a leader of a school that is committed to making sure you’re the very PN best version of yourself.” F www.aggs.school.nz

If you are unhappy with Auckland Council contractors spraying weeds on or near your property, simply ask the council to make your address spray free.

Please call

09 301 0101 and ask Auckland Council to add your property to the NO SPRAY list DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

73

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: M i s t y W h i t e

name: G i z m o T a i a

breed: B o r d e r C o l l i e x H u n t e r w a y

breed: P o m e r a n i a n x C h i h u a h u a

age:

5 years

age:

class: l Woodbury Park

8 years

class: l Colehill Cottage

Overall Behaviour

Overall Behaviour

best achievement

Working hard on their excitement levels in reception.

best achievement

Showing patience with his more boisterous classmates.

needs some work

Recognising the importance of not shouting at their classmates and

needs some work

Sharing their favourite Aunty or Uncle with the rest of the class.

teachers.

core subjects

physical education

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A-

ball & tug

A

gregarious / outgoing

B+

manners

A+

ball & tug

C+

gregarious / outgoing

A+

attentiveness

A-

chase & wrestle

B

amiable / charming

A+

attentiveness

A

chase & wrestle

B

amiable / charming

A+

attitude

B+

interactive games

B

reliable / thoughtful

A-

attitude

A+

interactive games

A-

reliable / thoughtful

A

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Puku Imlach,Spencer Jackson,Denver Todd,Finn

That delicious face!

Sean Pouhila,Toby Donnelly,Daisy

His superstar manners and

Walker,Poppie Steele,Britney

adorable face.

Quinn,Milly Deal,Holly Brunton,Bart Blank,Misty White,Denver Todd,Finn Quinn,Holly Brunton,Milly Deal,Puku Imlach,Spencer Jackson,Misty White,Winston Fetitoa,Finn Lazelle,Lulu Meiran,Daisy Fekitoa,Bella Cleland,Asha Morphew,Rosie Wilson,Winston Fekitoa,Dukes Woods,Bix Turner,Brenin Weaver

Kerr,Maya Noblejas,Bailey Batten,Lenny Cocker

overall comments

overall comments

Gorgeous Misty has had another great year, a real teacher’s pet

Gizmo has had an awesome year, growing more and more confident

who just loves her snuggles and is always first in line for a

with the more boisterous dogs in class. With the best manners

treat. While she finds it difficult at times not to shout at her

and the most lovable loyalty Gizmo is the pawfect student!

classmates, she is learning that listening to the teacher does pay off. With the best manners and the most lovable loyalty, she is the pawfect student.

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

report card 2 0 1 7

report card 2 0 1 7

name: L u c y V a n N i e k i r k

name: R u s t y L a n g d o n

breed: M i n i a t u r e P i n s c h e r

breed: B o x e r x B o r d e r C o l l i e

age:

9 years

age:

class: l Colehill Cottage

7 years

class: l Budleigh Gardens

Overall Behaviour

Overall Behaviour

best achievement

Developing confidence around the more boisterous students.

best achievement

Showing patience with their more boisterous classmates.

needs some work

Making an effort to express their excitement in a less verbal manner.

needs some work

Working towards more active participation in class activities.

core subjects

physical education

social studies

core subjects

physical education

social studies

manners

A+

ball & tug

B

gregarious / outgoing

B

manners

A-

ball & tug

B

gregarious / outgoing

B

attentiveness

A

chase & wrestle

B

amiable / charming

A+

attentiveness

B+

chase & wrestle

B-

amiable / charming

A+

attitude

A+

interactive games

B

reliable / thoughtful

A+

attitude

A

interactive games

B-

reliable / thoughtful

A+

best friends

best known f for or

best friends

best known f for or

Iggy Gantley,Mollie Johnston,Iggy

That delicious face!

Zoe Marinkovich,Benny

Always having a huge smile on

Gallagher,Nala Apanui,Matilda

their face.

Gantley,Mollie Johnston,Molly Prentice,Darcy Smale,Leo Magasiva,Pumba Morton,Fuzzy Pop Wada,Louie Van Niekerk

Nevezie,Jack Duff Dobson,Gypsy Cheyne

overall comments

overall comments

A real staff favourite, Lucy knows how to charm us all with

A real staff favourite, Rusty knows how to charm us all with

her infectious personality and cheeky grin. While she loves a

his infectious personality and cheeky grin. While he enjoys a game

cuddle or silly game with the teachers, she is encouraged to

with his close friends, he is learning to be more tolerant of his

build confidence even further by joining in on group games and

more energetic classmates. We are so proud of how far he has

activities. A real cheeky monkey, her antics sure do keep us on

come this year.

our toes!

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

BARKLE Y MANOR 2 0 1 7 - 1 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E RS A RY

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PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

75

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

DEATH AND LOVE IN PONSONBY - A FISHY TALE

CALLING ALL HOME BAKERS AND CUPCAKE CONNOISSEURS

I didn’t intend to become involved with fish, despite a photo of the four-year-old me proudly holding my first snapper catch at Kawhia, but this house came with an outdoor pond.

Do you want an opportunity to show off your skills and creativity?

On Monday 6 August you’re invited to join the SPCA for the sweetest event of the year.

To combat the mosquitoes, I stocked the pond with 10 tiny goldfish. Later, my neighbour donated six black fish, but these were small, nonvisible and eventually disappeared. Over the years the goldfish grew. They came rushing to the surface from every direction when I fed them each day. Visiting small children like to help with this task. The fish love to hide out among the yellow water irises and oxygen weed. I have tried, quite unsuccessfully, to cultivate water lilies.

Two fish, alas, were eaten by birds or neighbouring cats (never my cats). Two small fish appeared and grew. I put two of the original group into a separate, large, pottery bowl.

They sulked and refused to eat, so, in despair, I returned them to the L-shaped, brick, black-plastic lined pool. Five more disappeared, but the others grew and grew, reaching more than 22cm. There were no more babies - do I have only male or only females? Next spring I will check to see if some, all, or none have the black spots marker of gender.

Recently one of them floated to the surface - they are over 20 years - old in fish terms.

I buried him/her in the veggie garden. Another fish appeared sunburnt - it had white patches all over and seemed asthmatic, frequently coming to the surface, gasping for air. For quite a while this one had been ostracised by the others, so I fed it separately, but it too died, and was buried. Three remain, usually swimming close together. One is quite barrel-shaped - obese, even. One has white patches: Dr Google suggests that they need more sunlight, so I have pruned the nearby guava tree. The good doctor also suggested adding frozen green peas to their diet. I now have floating, blanched green peas in the pond.

I bought two new baby goldfish from Animates in Richmond Road. The assistant scooped them out randomly from their indoor aquarium into a plastic bag of water. They had a cooling off period in the bag, in the pond, before I let them loose. For four days they avoided the other fish by staying at different ends of the pool. The pair swam in parallel, about 3cm apart. Slowly, slowly they are swimming with the big fish and can now even be on their own for a short time before joining the bigger group. Sharing the love!

Unexpectedly, I have become fond of the fish. I still, however, have mosquitoes in the garden. (PAM TARULEVICZ) F PN

Join us and make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of animals in need by signing up here: www.spcacupcakeday.co.nz If you are looking for some inspiration for the day, check out this delicious recipe to make Honey Bunny Cupcakes which are sure to go down a treat.

Mallow Kitty Cupcakes - makes 1 dozen cupcakes ½ cup unsalted butter ¾ cup of sugar 2 SPCA Blue Tick eggs 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ½ cup buttermilk ¼ cup honey 1 tsp vanilla Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. In medium bowl, mix together dry ingredients and set aside.

3. In small bowl, mix together wet ingredients: buttermilk, honey and vanilla, set aside.

4. Cream butter and sugar in a separate large mixing bowl.

5. Add SPCA Blue Tick eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

6. Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients and mix until combined.

7. Spoon mixture into cupcake liners until about two thirds full.

8. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

9. Let cupcakes cool in pans for five minutes, then place on wire rack to finish cooling.

10. Once cupcakes are completely cool, add your choice of icing and a drizzle of honey on each. www.facebook.com/pg/SPCACupcakeDayNZ/

Bake a difference for animals!

Change lives on 6 August. Register at spcacupcakeday.co.nz

@ SPCA – PLEASE CAN I COME HOME WITH YOU? Many beautiful animals are looking for a loving and forever home.

Adopt an SPCA animal and in return you will be rewarded with a lifetime of unconditional love. www.spcaauckland.org.nz/adopt

Chitter Chatter

Josie

Iris

Rolo

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

BALI - FAR FROM AN ISLAND PARADISE FOR CAPTIVE WILD ANIMALS All wildlife Balinese tourism entertainment venues with captive elephants, tigers, dolphins or civet cats fail to meet the basic needs of wild animals in captivity, according to a new investigation undertaken by World Animal Protection.

The ‘Wildlife Abusement Parks’ report presents the results of an investigation into 26 wildlife tourism venues in Bali, Lombok and Gili Trawangan, housing 1500 wild animals including elephants, dolphins and orangutans. Bali is a popular travel destination, with more than 86,000 New Zealand tourists visiting the island last year (2017). But far from being an island paradise, the report paints a bleak picture of the conditions the wild animals kept captive to entertain tourists endure.

Elephant rides, dolphin swims, orangutan selfies and other attractions such as circus -style shows are increasingly popular tourist activities for many travellers to the island.

Some of the most disturbing findings of the animal welfare assessment conducted in November 2017 include: • All dolphins were kept in severely inadequate conditions - one pool estimated to be 10 x 20m and 3m deep housed four bottlenose dolphins.

• Dolphins at one venue have had their teeth filed down or removed entirely to ensure they are unable to injure swimmers.

• All the elephant venues offered elephant rides, which involve cruel training and expose the animals to stressful situations.

• Nearly 15% of elephants displayed stereotypes - abnormal repetitive behaviours including swaying and foot shuffling. Such behaviours indicate distress and suffering.

• All venues with orangutans offered selfie experiences, which put both humans and wild animals at risk.

Elaine McNee, Campaign Manager, World Animal Protection says, “The growing demand for harmful wildlife shows, encounters and selfies is a serious animal welfare issue in Bali and surrounding islands.

“Behind the scenes wild animals are being taken from their mothers as babies or bred in captivity to be kept in filthy, cramped conditions or repeatedly forced to interact with tourist for hours on end.

“World Animal Protection is urging New Zealand tourists to avoid these venues and boycott the travel companies that promote, sell and support them. If you can ride, hug or have a selfie with a wild animal, the chances are that animal has been subjected to cruelty.”

While wildlife tourism investigations in other regions were able to find non-exploitative venues with good welfare standards, the same can’t be said for the study of Bali, Lombok and Gili Trawangan.

“Individual tourists can be part of the solution by making ethical travel choices by avoiding these cruel venues and travel companies that promote, sell and support these venues. We are calling on all travel companies in New Zealand to audit their Bali offerings and ensure they are not supporting the venues mentioned in this report,” Elaine McNee continues.

To protect wild animals, World Animal Protection has worked with nearly 200 travel companies around the world to stop offering elephant rides and shows in travel packages. Among these are New Zealand operated YOU Travel and House of Travel.

“World Animal Protection applauds First Travel Group (YOU Travel) and House of Travel for signing up to help stop the use of wild animals used for tourist entertainment. As industry leaders, it sends a clear signal to other New Zealand travel operators that they can no longer ignore this wildlife in tourism issue; selling such cruelty can no longer be hidden. We therefore need more New Zealand travel groups and companies to come forward and be part of the solution or suffer increasing reputational risk,” says Elaine. www.worldanimalprotection.org.nz

Behind the magic, it’s really tragic.

Behind every ride, there’s pain inside.

She moves to the beat with chains on her feet.

Why are wild animals put to such use?

There’s no excuse, it’s abuse.

worldanimalprotection.org.nz/stopabuse

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW Got a legal question? Ask michael@metrolaw.co.nz

Q:

A client of mine is selling a property and has discovered the flats plan was never updated to show an addition which was done before he bought it. His own solicitor missed this detail during due diligence and now some of the banks will not lend on the property until the matter is rectified. Should this be specifically mentioned in the Sales and Purchase Agreement or is it up to the buyer to do their own due diligence and research the Title and LIM? I’m curious.

A:

Good question. In the standard REINZ/ADLS Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate the purchaser has 10 working days to raise and objections or requisitions to the vendor regarding the title. If no objections or requisitions are notified in this time period then the purchaser is deemed to have accepted the vendor’s title. This is an area of 'buyer beware' as it is the purchaser that has to identify and raise these objections.

Cross leases are a common source of such issues, as the titles have additional complexity from the cross-lease arrangements. The standard form has further paragraph 6.3 dealing with cross-lease and unit titles specifically. An aspect of this is that alterations to the external dimensions of any leased structure only includes alterations that are attached to the leased structure and enclosed. I always understood that this limitation was to limit the amount of requisitions for cross-lease structures.

It is not always immediately obvious that there are defects to the cross lease documents as you often need to compare the documents with the physical buildings to identify issues. Your client’s lawyer should have had them compare the flats plan with the building to ensure that the footprint was the same. If it is not the same then not only does this indicate a problem with the title but may also show unpermitted building works that may require further investigation.

Under the cross-lease arrangement, the owner should have got consent from the other cross-lease owners to do the work and their consent would be required to fix the title. The more cross-lease owners there are, the more difficult (and expensive) this process can be. Your client should ask the person (or their lawyer, who may be easier to find) who sold the property to them if they had those consents.

In selling the property, your client’s safest course would be to disclose the issue and exclude liability for it. This obviously may have an effect on the price or ease of sale. Some people might take the risk of selling the property by auction or a tender process where title is deemed accepted, but this is still risky if the issue comes to light.

Finally, it’s worth getting an estimate to fix the problem as it might be less expensive than you think and would improve the value of the property. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F PN 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

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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PONSONBY PONSONBYPROFESSIONALS: PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN LOGANGRANGER GRANGER

Families Package changes - Working For Families From 1 July 2018, there will be changes introduced to the financial support packages for New Zealand families. This includes the introduction of the Best Start tax credits and changes to Paid Parental Leave.

Best Start Tax Credits The Best Start tax credit is a weekly payment of $60 per child (maximum of $3,120 per year), for babies born on or after 1 July 2018.

Families eligible will receive this tax credit until the child turns one, regardless of their total household income.

However, families with household income less than $79,000 will continue to receive the tax credit until their child turns three. Families earning above $79,000 may continue to receive payments at a reduced amount.

The upper threshold is $93,858 (for one child) when payments stop. To be eligible for Best Start, you must meet the following criteria: • Be the principal caregiver - if you share care of your child, your payments will be reduced according to the number of days your children are in your care.

• Be a New Zealand tax resident.

• Be a New Zealand citizen or resident - and have been in New Zealand for continuous period of 12 months.

• Have an IRD number for your child.

• Your child must be a New Zealand resident and present in New Zealand.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Please note that you can’t receive Best Start tax credits if you are still receiving Paid Parental Leave. Best Start tax credits will start once your Paid Parental Leave has ended.

• If you resign or cease self-employment instead of taking leave, or while you’re on PPL, your entitlement won't be affected.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL) Paid Parental Leave is for your loss of income when you take parental leave or have to stop working for a newborn baby or a child under the age of six who comes into your care.

As an employee: • PPL payments equal your normal pay up to a current maximum of $538.55 a week before tax. You'll receive the average of your highest 26 of the last 52 weeks of earnings up to the date the child arrives in your care.

The payments are treated as income, like your normal salary and wages where you receive the payment directly in your bank account each fortnight. This also means that tax, student loan, KiwiSaver and other deductions will be taken out where required.

Paid parental leave is extending from 18 weeks to 22 weeks from 1 July 2018 for babies born or expected to be born on or after 1 July 2018. Working Situations to qualify for paid parental leave: • You have worked for at least an average of 10 hours per week for at least any 26 of the 52 weeks up to your due date or date the child comes into your care. This can be for one employer or a combination of employers even if there were periods where you did not work.

• You have been self-employed for at least an average of 10 hours per week for at least any 26 of the 52 weeks up to your due date or date the child comes into your care.

If you are self-employed: • PPL payments equal your average weekly earnings up to a current maximum of $538.55 a week before tax. The minimum payment is $157.50 each week before tax. If you earn less than this, or make a loss, this is what you'll receive. It's equivalent to 10 hours each week at the current minimum wage rate.

There may be other factors involved with determining whether you are eligible for Best Start and Paid Parental Leave. To work out if you are eligible, please visit www.ird.govt.co.nz or contact our agency.

PN (LOGAN GRANGER) F 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

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS GETTING HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION “When you have an addiction problem or other mental health issue, it does seem to help to get the help you need,” says Margaret Antunovich.

“Although people with mental health issues come from all parts of our society, there is a stigma around mental health and this can be a barrier to seeking help. Once they have made the important decision to seek help, they might then have difficulty in actually getting it. This might be because the appropriate service isn’t available where they live, or they end up needing to see different providers for different issues without any one provider having oversight of all of those issues. Or it may be that just navigating the process for getting the help is an obstacle.

“You can come to the CAB just to talk things over. If you want, we can help you find out about mental health services that are available and what’s needed to access those services. If you have other issues to contend with as well, such as having no or low-income or lacking social support, we do our best to help you with that too.

“For example, a woman came to us with a list of issues that were causing her some anxiety - she saw an intruder in her backyard and the behaviour of her neighbours and colleagues at work was upsetting.

She felt she had no one to help her. We discussed some options for home security, dealing with her workplace environment and found a counselling service to help with her feeling of being overwhelmed.”

Margaret Antunovich says, “Whether you need help for yourself, or want to help someone else with a mental health or addiction problem, you can contact us to talk about what’s on your mind, and to get independent information and advice to help you. It’s all completely private, confidential and free.

Pippa Coom of Waitemata Local Board, Prime Minister Jacinda Adern, Cheryll Martin of Volunteering Auckland with Margaret Antunovich of Citizens Advice Bureau at a Mt Albert Electorate morning tea to thank agencies in the community for their work.

“You can pop into Citizens Advice Burueau Grey Lynn/Ponsonby at 510 Richmond Road, call T: 09 376 0392 or send us an email at ponsonby@cab.org.nz. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm and Saturdays 10.30am-12.30pm. We also have information about this topic on our website www.cab.org.nz” F PN

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80 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

ROGAN NASH ARCHITECTS Auckland abounds with construction and design and Ponsonby is at the heart of the architectural scene.

An exciting new addition to the neighbourhood is Rogan Nash Architects, who have recently taken residence is one of Ponsonby’s newest precincts, Vinegar Lane.

Rogan Nash Architects are well known for their award-winning architecture and interior design and were recently finalists in the hard-fought ‘Interior Of the Year’ award in the kitchen, indoor outdoor space and livingroom categories. They also have a commitment to their clients which is reflected in their ‘Best of Houzz Service’ award.

Founding Directors Kate Rogan and Eva Nash (who are both locals), bring a wealth of experience to the practice. Kate has a variety of architectural experience, from focusing on office design (whilst working in London) to dealing with high-end houses in New Zealand.

Eva has a love for residential architecture that has taken her around the globe, working on apartment buildings from Dubai to New York.

She and Kate are joined by a creative team who together deliver innovative design solutions supporting sustainability wherever possible. F PN www.RoganNash.com

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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81

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

RENOVATING OR BUILDING? SO RENOVATE MAKE IT SO EASY SO Renovate is a design and build company providing an end-to-end process for homeowners looking to undertake a renovation or new build.

SO is a one stop shop for people who are not sure where to start their renovation or new build, or would like a company who can take them through the process from start to finish.

SO’s renovation process includes the initial design concept through to final design, quantity survey pricing of the final design, obtaining council building and resource consents and then project managing the build using one of SO’s building teams.

For Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Westmere and surrounds, the process would start with an initial consultation on-site with Tysen Kay, one of SO’s consultants. Tysen has been with SO for over seven years, having started with the company as an LBP builder and part of the building team. Through his experience, Tysen is able to provide ideas and input to assist homeowners to maximise the benefits of their project. He prides himself on being able to give an initial ballpark price estimate based on the proposed project scope.

The total cost of the SO design and pricing process ranges from between $4000 - $7000 (depending on the project size and scope), SO offers this free, on the proviso clients proceed to use SO to project manage and undertake the actual renovation build.

If after the initial consultation, a homeowner wishing to proceed with SO through the design and pricing process, would confirm by signing a concept proposal agreement. SO then engages one of the number of designers they work with to meet the client on site and then produce a draft design concept.

Typically, up to two design amendments are sufficient before the final concept plan is completed to the client's satisfaction. SO then arranges a scoping meeting with the client on site with one of SO’s quantity surveyors to discuss in detail all aspects of the proposed scope. Based on this information and the concept plan, the SO QS team puts together a detailed price estimate for the project along with a detailed action plan, setting out the details of the proposed project.

For larger renovations, SO recommends clients engage the designer (at the client cost) to provide developed design drawings, which provide far more detail and allow the SO QS team to obtain quotes from suppliers and subcontractors leading to more accurate pricing.

If the project price is within the client's budget expectations and they are happy to proceed, they sign a cost and margin contract with SO. At the client's cost, the designer will prepare full working drawings for submission to council to obtain the required building and

resource consents. Once the consents have been obtained, SO will undertake the build process which will be overseen by one of SO’s project managers.

SO also works with clients who have engaged an architect and are happy to quote for renovations or new-builds using developed design, full working drawings or consented full working drawings. In these cases, the SO QS team will obtain quotes from all third party suppliers and contractors with a view to be able to provide the best possible and most accurate quote, in some cases (new builds) a fixed price can be provided.

All projects are managed by one of SO’s project managers who will arrange regular weekly update meetings with the homeowner to keep them fully informed in regard to progress and discuss any issues as they arise. SO provides transparent invoicing whereby copies of all relevant third party suppliers and contractors used in the invoice period are given to the home owner in support of the SO invoice for that period.

Over the past 10 years, SO has built a strong reputation for high quality work with the aim of ensuring every project is delivered on time and on budget.

If you would like to arrange an initial consultation with Tysen to discuss your renovation or new build, then please contact him on 021 076 2068, email tysen@sogroup.co.nz www.sorenovate.co.nz

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR MODERN AND HERITAGE BUILDINGS Salmond Reed Architects is an award-winning architecture practice offering sophisticated design solutions tailored to specific project requirements.

Any number of design approaches can be taken when altering heritage buildings. Whether it is a contemporary or traditional design solution depends on a client’s needs and the building context.

Salmond Reed Architects provides a ‘one stop shop’ service for you, including feasibility studies, all design stages, consent documents and observing or administering contracts.

“To be successful, we believe a contemporary approach requires a strong and clear concept design. We have extensive design and construction knowledge of both modern and heritage buildings. This, together with great conceptual design and thoughtful and well-crafted detailing, results in great buildings; exceptional homes.”

“Drop us a line or call us - we’re happy to discuss your next project with you.”

SALMOND REED, T: 09 445 4045, www.salmondreed.co.nz

A contemporary addition to a villa The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN MAL CORBOY ON COLLEGE HILL There's a new kid on the block, but he's no newcomer to design. Award-winning designer Mal Corboy has moved into Ponsonby, setting up his new studio at 60 College Hill.

When we went to call on Mal, he was still planning his own studio layout, which should be a piece of cake for a designer who has achieved international creditation for his work and a string of awards in New Zealand and Australia.

You may have heard of Mal for his shocking hot-pink kitchen or the LED kitchen on Waiheke Island that can be any colour the owner wants. But controversial one-offs aren't really his day-to-day work.

"Every kitchen is bespoke, however," he says. "It's all about what the owner wants, not what I want. And yes, we often have a lot of fun when a client wants to step outside the norm."

Mal has already worked on many kitchens and bathrooms in the Ponsonby, Herne Bay and Grey Lynn areas, for both new and renovated homes. And he says old villas are the perfect backdrop for both contemporary and more transitional designs.

"I have just completed a transitional kitchen in a villa (pictured) that's a cross between the modern and a more traditional country style," he says. "It's one of my all-time favourites. It's well suited to the home, but it has the most modern materials and functionality."

Mal has some good advice for homeowners: "Many people wait till they're thinking of selling to redo the kitchen. But I say, do it now; do it for the way you want to live now. The kitchen is the heart of the home and it's always an investment."

That kitchen features a massive 7m-long island, which balances the proportions of the long room. There are two sinks on the stunning Venaro White Corian benchtop and plenty of room for several people to work at the same time.

And Mal would be the first to say you can never beat experience, despite what TV reality shows may like to suggest. "Good design gets dumbed down by TV shows. It's not true that anyone can design a kitchen or a bathroom for that matter.

Mal's association with Corian remains one of his greatest achievements - he is a member of the Corian 50, which puts him right alongside top international designers, including Patricia Urquiola, Daniel Liebskind, the late Zaha Hadid, Rosita and Luc Missoni, Jean Nouvel and Marc Newson.

"It's also not true that you have to spend a fortune. Good design doesn't have to be expensive - everyone works to a budget."

The designer has also won a prestigious SBID International Design Award in the UK, but he shrugs off his international success. He's just doing what makes him happy - working with people. And that's his point of difference. When you approach Mal to design a kitchen, you get Mal. You are not passed on to anyone else.

"I love to be very hands-on with every project, be it a kitchen, bathroom or interior design," he says. "I have a fantastic relationship with my suppliers and I work with just a few dedicated kitchen manufacturers. And those things are just as important as the design.

For the same reason, I am always on hand for the installation to make sure everything goes smoothly.

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

Having recently returned from the Eurocucina kitchen fair in Milan, Mal says it's clear Kiwi designers are right up with the latest trends.

"Our top designers are just as good as any imported kitchen," he says.

As an NKBA member, former president and Kitchen Designer of the Year, Mal gives plenty back to the industry. He is an ambassador for Schweigen appliances, and for the past few years, he has been on the judging panel for the annual NKBA awards.

"It's great to be on the other side of the bench, as it were," he says.

But you just know, it's the pull of design that really gets him excited.

You can view Mal Corboy Design projects online. F PN MAL CORBOY DESIGN, 60 College Hill, T: 09 521 7167, www.malcorboy.com

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

25 YEARS OF AWARD WINNING DESIGN

Offer

As Schwiegen Brand Ambassador and our introduction to the area, we are offering the first five clients to sign up in July the option of a Gas or Induction cooktop.

Valued at over $2000

Mal Corboy Design Kitchens, Bathrooms & Interior Design 021 322 599

60 College Hill Freemans Bay

www.malcorboy.com

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN 59 FRANCE - EXCEPTIONAL LIVING SPACES Urban Collective is a team of proficient, multi award-winning developers who have made a philosophical choice to focus on building freehold, high-end and boutique residential developments.

They are renowned for bringing individual style, design and personality to the residential market. 59 France represents a culmination of Urban Collective’s expertise in crafting exceptional living spaces and city communities. It delivers a unique habitat for creativity, thinking, dreaming and enjoyment. F PN www.urbancollective.co.nz

@ STEPHEN CASHMORE DESIGN STUDIO 1. ‘Bush Stream’ Oil on canvas painted on location

by Debbie Lambert - $1050 2. Olive chair - $1225 3. One of a pair of Qianlong period Chinese vases - $2450 (pair) 1

3

Furniture ૛ Interiors ૛ Objects ૛ Art ૛ Consultancy 30 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay, Auckland ૛ 021 265 8113 Mon-Fri 10-6 ૛ Sat 10-4 stephencashmoredesignstudio.nz

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

2

STEPHEN CASHMORE DESIGN STUDIO, 30 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, T: 09 524 8553, www.stephencashmore.co.nz, www.stephencashmoredesignstudio.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CREATIVE LIVING Premium apartments from the multi, award-winning combination of local developer, Urban Collective and Paul Brown Architects.

Located in the heart of Eden Terrace for chic city

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Unique edgy designs, featuring the finest fixtures, fittings and finishes.

1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Prices from $565k to $2.6m Selling now, off the plans Call 0800 217 838 Email steve@urbancollective.co.nz Showroom at 28 Norwich Street Check website for times urbancollective.co.nz

FOR MORE INFO VISIT

59FRANCE.CO.NZ

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN LIFESTYLE, LOCATION AND LUXURY There is magic to be found behind the traditional façade of this multi award-winning villa.

Elevated and north-facing in the heart of Ponsonby, the home offers a unique lifestyle that is second to none. Here is what architect Jonathan Smith, his wife Melody and five-year-old son Nic had to say about their home.

What are your favourite parts of the house?

J: The new extension, the media space and the garage. I love the indoor/outdoor area - the rainscreen, the living space, the pool - it's an amazing space to be in year round. I enjoy the separation of space throughout the house, every room has a purpose, so you find yourself using the spaces in their intended ways and it makes the house feel larger than it is. I find the media space such a calming, luxurious room.

N: The whole thing, because it just is the whole thing.

M: I’ve been asked this before and was slightly mortified that it made it to print, but I really do love the laundry. I guess what I was saying is that it is obvious how amazing the rest of the house is, but the subtle elements don’t become clear until you are living here. At the end of the day, you can have the most beautiful house to live in but if it's not designed with your actual activities of daily living in mind, then it can be a nightmare.

Back to the laundry... it's very spacious, it has loads of storage, but importantly, it was treated with the same care as the other rooms. So, it's light, it's got a beautiful marble bench and you don't feel like you're locked away in the dungeon while you are folding your washing.

What are you most proud of?

J: Keeping my sanity (I think).

N: Everything.

M: Jon of course! Any build is challenging and places a huge amount of stress in budgets, timelines, just the daily mechanics of a project of this scale. Jon never gave up on his vision, even though there were many times where this wasn't easy.

What will you miss most when your home is sold?

J: Waking up in the master bedroom amongst the trees and looking up through the skylight; the way the light works throughout the house, the living area, probably most things...

N: Everything.

M: There's loads of elements that are unique to the house that I'll miss. Popping across to Ponsonby Central for a coffee, curling up on the bench seat, looking out into the trees and reading the paper.

Nic having dance parties in the media room. Sitting by the outdoor fireplace and talking through the day over a wine - that fireplace is amazing! Going for a run then jumping straight into the pool - the most refreshing swims ever. I'll really miss the location - being right in the heart of everything and being able to get around so easily. F PN TRICIA LAFFERTY, M: 021 611 205 KYM AIKIN, M: 021 596 222 www.rwponsonby.co.nz/PON25580

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN A YOUNG TALENT TO WATCH After only a few years in the design industry, Sean Monk is already turning out kitchens that are the envy of designers many years his senior.

Kitchens By Design has long had a reputation for discovering and nurturing young designers and its latest talent, Sean Monk, has already proven himself to have a flare and passion for design. He says that growing up in Europe certainly contributed to his design aesthetic and has helped give his kitchens a point of difference.

In what way is European design different to ours?

“They have a lot less space available for their kitchens in comparison to us. Therefore, they need to be a lot smarter with their space planning, and that’s very evident when look at some of their design concepts. I find there are lots of great ideas over there that can be scaled to work in our kitchens here in New Zealand.”

When did you know you wanted to be a designer?

“I drew a lot as a kid and I vaguely remember shifting furniture around the house with my mother and sketching the rooms. My grandmother has excellent taste in furniture and clothes, so some of that must rubbed off on me.”

Why kitchens?

“I gravitated towards kitchens whilst I was studying interior design.

Every time I was asked to draw up a full interior, I found myself spending all my time on the kitchen - I was just drawn to them.

I guess it’s because I spent a lot of time in kitchens when I was a kid.

Growing up, food was always a big in both my mum and dad’s family.

I remember all these family gatherings, everyone crowded around the table digging into huge platters of food that my grandmothers had spent the day preparing. I’ve never felt more content than in those times, helping around the kitchen and seeing everyone so happy.”

What do you enjoy most being a kitchen designer?

“In part, it’s about getting to know people and seeing a snapshot of who they are and how they live their lives - and kitchens are a huge part of that, because we spend so much of our time in the kitchen.

The spatial planning part of designing kitchens is probably the most interesting for me, but, as a client, it’s only when you begin to look at colours and materials that you really start getting excited about it.

I love the feeling you get of introducing something new to clients and

watching their faces light up. The kitchen is such a big part of the home, it’s a real privilege to help craft a space that people will love to live in and can share with their friends and family.”

Have you got any advice for young, would-be kitchen designers?

“It’s hard work, really hard work, but if you love what you do, stick with it. Kitchens are a delicate balance between the practical and the aesthetic, and you need to ensure you get the basics right before you even start to look at the materials and finishes.

“The NKBA (National Kitchen & Bathroom Association) is an invaluable place to start. I didn’t know about the NKBA when I started out, but I wish I had because it would’ve made life a lot easier. The people are just lovely and will always help where they can - they also know what’s going on in the industry and if there are any jobs going for trainee designers.” F PN

KITCHEN BY DESIGN’S showrooms can be found at 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket, T: 09 379 3084, and 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, T: 09 488 7201.

The showrooms are open Monday-Friday 10am-4.30pm, Saturday 10am-2.30pm, or by appointment. www.kitchenbydesign.co.nz

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

If you are thinking about a new kitchen, you will not want to miss out on this event.

Join the talented team of designers at New Zealand’s most awarded kitchen design studio for a day filled with ideas and innovation.

This event will be held concurrently at Kitchens By Design’s two stunning Auckland showrooms – in Newmarket and Takapuna.

As well as a number of informative talks from the design team at Kitchens By Design will be a series of presentations by leading industry experts, including colour choices (Resene), the latest in appliances (Kitchen Things), smart drawer and cupboard technologies (Häfele), and your best options for benchtop materials (Cosentino).

This promises to be a truly unique event that will give invaluable insights into the latest trends in kitchen design, as well as practical advice to anyone installing a new kitchen.

NEWMARKET: 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket TAKAPUNA: 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna kitchensbydesign.co.nz

Free entry, but numbers will be limited, so register early to secure your place.

FOR FULL DETAILS & FREE REGISTRATION VISIT EVENTBRITE.CO.NZ

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN @ CITTA DESIGN Gather around the dining table and indulge in the ultimate winter cheese platter.

Turn inside on cold winter nights and embrace the warmth of family and friends by hosting a casual dinner occasion. Mix-and-match platters by layering wooden and marble serving boards with ceramic serving plates. This layering effect will create different heights and visual interest.

Consider pairing your cheeses with a diversity of flavours and textures - salty cheese with a sweet chutney or soft cheese with crunchy nuts.

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Once you have positioned your cheeses, think more-is-more by filling in the gaps in your platter with an abundance of crackers, seasonal fruits and baby vegetables as crudités. Position tactile, hand-forged cheese knifes and chutney spoons around your platter so it can be approached from every angle. Add texture and colour by knotting soft linen napkins and finish with sparkling glassware. F PN Shop kitchenware and platter essentials at www.cittadesign.com

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1. Apex Chopping Boards from $99.90; 2. Hand Forged Cutlery in brass from $12.90; 3. Hand Woven Linen Blend Tea Towel in jungle $29.90; 4. Talo Dip Bowl $14.90; 5. Marble Round Serving Board from $39.90; 6. Vintage Glassware s/2 from $54.90; 7. Talo Serving Plate in cameo $99.90.

PONSONBY NEWS+ AUGUST FEATURES Motoring & Transport CARS / VANS / BIKES / SCOOTERS / PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Apartment Living - the modern lifestyle Latest apartment developments - and the perfect apartment furniture, décor and art

Jewellery and Eyewear That’s the kind of eyewear and jewellery I want! What’s hot right now?

Copy deadline: Friday 20 July Published: Friday 3 August

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN BLAIR HADDOW SAYS...

I have been a greater Ponsonby resident since the age of 18 and lived in my very first flat on Herne Bay Road.

I have owned my share of villas around the area. My first Ponsonby Villa at 16 Sheehan Street set a Ponsonby record price in February 2003. I have also bought and renovated villas in Freemans Bay and Grey Lynn.

I purchased my existing home from a colleague five years ago. This is a warehouse conversion in the heart of Ponsonby/Grey Lynn that in a former life was factory manufacturing toys. I have refitted this throughout and created more of a New York loft style-town home that has great spaces and unobstructed views over Grey Lynn towards the Waitakeres. I am currently searching for my next project in the area. I love both character and very contemporary homes.

When I am not selling real estate, you will find me at Les Mills four mornings a week at 5.30am with my amazing personal trainer. I have recently discovered the joy of hiking the Great New Zealand Walks with one of my oldest friends who lives in Sydney but is originally from Auckland. We are currently ticking off these great walks the week before Christmas each year.

I also have a passion for contemporary New Zealand Art having formed an art group with nine others, building up a great collection.

Ponsonby has some great dealers like Tim Melville at Tim Melville Art and the wonderful Mary-Louise at Two Rooms. Favourite pieces of mine are by Noel Ivanhoff, Max Gimblett, Andrew Bylth and Conor Clarke. I also share a passion for collecting red Bordeaux wine and deal with the amazing team at Maison Vauron.

I love the Ponsonby area for its great variety of architecture, shops, boutiques and amazing choice of outstanding cafes and restaurants.

I have been frequenting SPQR for over 25 years and it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner any day of the week, with consistently good service and food. Salta in Three Lamps is a few doors down from my office at 305 Ponsonby Road, and I am there most week days for coffee and client meetings. Most people wouldn’t know it has an amazing sun-drenched courtyard out the back. As consumers we are absolutely spoilt for choice in the area when it comes to dining out, but you can’t go past Azabu, Ponsonby Road Bistro, SPQR, Go-Go Daddy, Saan and Miss Istanbul. F PN

BLAIR HADDOW, M: 021 544 555, T: 09 375 8411, blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz

ARCHITECTURALLY DESIGNED LUXURY TOWNHOUSES The Springs is a boutique development of 10 luxury townhouses on a prominent corner site in Grey Lynn.

Located across the road from the beautiful Western Springs Park, your new home will be at the epicentre of everything you enjoy.

internal garages are accessed via a shared driveway from Great North Road.

Three-bed luxury townhouses from $1,595,000 192m2 internal.

Four-bed luxury townhouses from $1,749,000 199-240m2 internal.

Yellowfox has crafted beautiful bespoke interiors with a modern edge to fit the stunning exterior.

With architecture by Gel Architects and interiors by Yellowfox, these stunning townhouses are as cool as the trendy suburbs surrounding them. Featuring large, modern interiors, quality materials and fittings, and unobstructed park views, this development is your opportunity to purchase the perfect home in the perfect location.

All the units have spacious layouts with timber floors running throughout the kitchen and living. The master bedrooms have ensuite and walk-in wardrobe and feature large picture windows looking out to the park with louvres for privacy. The type A units include multipurpose rooms that can function as bedroom, media room, den or gym.

Gel Architects has delivered a dynamic design for this townhouse development. The modern form is marked by contrasting light and dark cladding with a feature gold paint. Each unit is clearly defined by the change in roofline, a play of horizontal and vertical louvres in the façade, and a subtle stepping in floor plan and elevation.

The design makes the most of the long site with large open-plan living areas opening out to west-facing balconies with views of the park. The entries are located off Bullock Track, whereas the double

The generous modern kitchens feature stone benchtops and European appliances. The full-height cabinetry, minimal handles, and under-bench feature lighting create a slick, contemporary look to complement the functional design. In every way, these are executive homes made for modern luxury living.

Richard White & Julie Davies of Harcourts invite you to attend the PN display suite at 1 Bullock Track, daily from 12 noon -1pm. F Visit, www.springsgreylynn.co.nz to register your interest today.

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

1508 HEREFORD RESIDENCES: THE PERFECT PACKAGE Hereford Residences sits majestically above the surrounding developments on the corner of Hereford and Hopetoun Streets.

From the 15th floor the views stretch high above Western Park, across Ponsonby out to Herne Bay and the water, and westerly along Great North Road to Mt Albert and the Waitakere Ranges.

The piece de resistance is that Ponsonby, Auckland’s most dynamic and vibrant suburb with the best cafes, bars, restaurants and shopping, is just around the corner.

Hereford Residences are close in proximity to the newly gentrified K’Road which now has five restaurants listed in the Metro Top 50, and the soon to be opened ‘Tesla’ car showroom next door. Western Park, Auckland’s oldest park, is literally at the bottom of the street and great for the morning walk or jog!

Hereford Residences comes with a well-equipped in-house gymnasium, theatre and games room with a new 20m outdoor pool planned for Christmas. F PN

HEREFORD RESIDENCES, 8 Hereford Street, Freemans Bay, www.apartmint.co.nz

APT 1508 HEREFORD RESIDENCES 8 HEREFORD STREET | FREEMANS BAY | AUCKLAND Asking Price: $1,695,000

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OVER $75m OF SALES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS

Apartment 1508 has 115m2 of internal space and a 16m2 balcony. It feels like a big apartment and comes with plenty of options for dining and entertainment, an oversized master bedroom with ensuite, a good size 2nd DGFTQQO CPF DCVJTQQO CU YGNN CU C UGRCTCVG QHÆ‚EG URCEG The 2 secure basement car parks sit side by side next to a big storage cage. Body Corp is only $4566.81 p/annum.

Westerly aspect ensuring afternoon and evening sun as well as some enthralling sunsets, perfect timing for the after work vino on the deck.

NIGEL KING Licensed (REAA 2008)

Ponsonby’s Apartment Specialist

M: 021 055 2355 E: nigel@mintre.co.nz

Contact me now for more information.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

VALUE MEETS LOCATION IN EDEN TERRACE Proxima Residences is set to be the latest, most exclusive address to grace the Eden Terrace skyline.

Designed by award-winning Construkt Architects, this exciting new development will incorporate 70 apartments over nine levels. This unique residence will offer commanding views towards the Auckland Harbour, the Auckland CBD and Mount Eden.

Proxima Residences is now offering the opportunity to secure 1-bedroom, 2-room flexi, 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom apartments.

With a graciousness and quality usually reserved for luxury homes, the apartments will feature large, open-plan living spaces, European designer Matisse kitchens, Miele appliances and covered terraces that run the width of the apartment, offering a great place to entertain al fresco whilst enjoying indulgent views.

The building will also be pet-friendly, meaning your much-loved family members can enjoy your new apartment with you.

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

The development is situated in Eden Terrace, one of Auckland’s most up and coming suburbs. The Auckland Council has already implemented the Newton-Eden Terrace Plan, making this a prime area for investment. With a vast array of trendy cafes, some of Auckland’s best fine dining, boutique shops and easy public transport, this really is urban living at its finest.

Construction is planned to start in the second half of 2018 with completion expected in a 16-18 month period. Starting from only $633,000, a 10% deposit will secure your apartment (25% for non -NZ residents) with nothing else to pay until settlement. Enquire now to book in a time to view Proxima in virtual reality. F PN AARON COOK - M: 021 612 642; or HOLLY HUANG - M: 021 190 8088.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Luxury 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Freehold Apartments Proxima Residences is set to be the most exclusive address to grace the Eden Terrace skyline. Located just 600m walk from Ponsonby and around the corner from the City Centre, this apartment development sits at the apex of the city’s most exclusive suburbs, giving you proximity to the very best of Auckland. With a graciousness and quality usually reserved for luxury homes, Proxima Residences features large open plan living, european designer kitchens and terraces that run the width of the apartments.

Enquire now to secure your new home

Artist’s Impression

Aaron Cook 021 612 642 a.cook@barfoot.co.nz

Holly Huang 021 190 8088 h.huang@barfoot.co.nz

proximaresidences.co.nz

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

CONFIDENCE AND LIFE RETURNS TO AUCKLAND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET The Auckland residential property market leapt into life in May with monthly sales numbers at 1027, lifting by more than 40% on those for the previous month and, for only the third time in 20 months, sales numbers in a month exceeded 1000.

“The handbrake that was holding back buyers eased in May and it led to high sales volumes across all price bands,” said Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson.

“New listings for the month were excellent at 1455 and up by 7.1% on those for April.

“It is the second consecutive month that sales numbers have exceeded their equivalents in 2017 and a further sign that the market is coming out of its 12-month hibernation.

“The high sales led to a fall in available properties at month end, with the number falling to 4568, down 2.4% on those for the previous month but still far ahead of those during the peak price period experienced between 2013 and 2016.

“The prices paid in May eased, with the average price at $918,465 falling to its lowest level in five months, although this price was less than 1% lower than the average price for the previous three months.

“Sales in the under $500,000 price band were particularly strong in May, with the 157 sales representing 15.5% of all May sales and was more than double the number sold in April.

“The median price at $820,000 was at its lowest for three months, and down 2% on the average for the previous three months.

“Sales in the top $2 million-plus and $1 million-plus price bands were also strong, with the sales for these properties accounting for a third of all sales.

“At current levels buyers are demonstrating confidence that prices have likely bottomed and vendors are recognising the market is not going to rebound to levels higher than those of 12 to 18 months ago.

“As we head into the winter months, prices are now on a par with what they were this time 12 months ago and we can expect price stability for the remaining winter months.

20% off selected premium range blinds and shutters + free measure and quote.

31a Normanby Rd, Mount Eden artisancollective.co.nz

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

“In the rural and lifestyle category, high-end properties continued to be in demand to the north and south of Auckland, with sales at auction, or by negotiation shortly after the auction, remaining the most effective sales method.

“Properties close to Albany and Pukekohe attracted strong buyer interest in April and this continued into May. Rural sales numbers for May were the second highest for 2018.” F PN

ARTISAN, 31a Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 302 2499 www.artisancollective.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Ryman Peace of Mind Not all retirement villages are the same...

Full continuum of care - keeping care at the heart of everything we do

Fixed weekly fee* - providing certainty about your living costs

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Logan Campbell Retirement Village now open!

Final independent apartment plans released!

*Terms and conditions apply plyy

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Deferred management fee is capped at 20%

For more information phone Taryn or Lucy on 636 3883 187 Campbell Road, Greenlane

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ RUGS DIRECT

Over-dyed rugs available in all sizes and colours

Natural wool rugs available 160 x 230cm from $499 Hand-loomed bamboo silk rug available in all sizes 330 x 240cm $1799

Chunky loop balls rug 290 x 200cm $1499

Bamboo silk look rug size 160 x 230cm $799

Flokati shaggy rugs available in all sizes and four colours. Starting from $149

A massive variety of Persian rugs all sizes and designs

A selection of designer rugs is available RUGS DIRECT, 108 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket; 6D Link Drive, Wairau Park; 238 Thorndon Quay, Wellington, T: 0800 557 373, www.rugsdirect.co.nz

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

LUXURY APARTMENTS FOR SALE - AND DOUBLE GRAMMAR ZONED Safari Group (NZ) Ltd is pleased to present another unique property development - Ramada Hotel and Suites Newmarket.

Enquire quickly to ensure your chance to own one of these limited, stylish lock and leave apartments as most have sold. Ramada Hotel and Suites Newmarket branded and franchised by the world's largest hotel group, Wyndham Hotel Group, offers chic, up-market living suitable for owner occupiers and/or investors wanting to add a gem to their property portfolio.

Ramada Hotel and Suites Newmarket comprises 63 serviced apartment suites (sold out) and 63 residential 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments. The apartments are double grammar-zoned with a 10-minute walk to Auckland Grammar and approximately eight minutes to Epsom Girls Grammar. You could enjoy stunning views of The Auckland City Sky Tower and expansive views of Newmarket, Mt Hobson and Rangitoto.

Ramada Hotel and Suites Newmarket presents superbly appointed apartments offering the highest level of quality, service and surroundings, which only a few discerning investors will have the privilege of owning. To ensure maximum returns to investors and flexibility for the operator to drive revenue, some of the units are designed to provide dual key options. These high quality, freehold apartments start from $598,000.

Contact Martin, Brodie or Daniel for your opportunity to own today!

Martin, M: 021 981 471, Martin.honey@raywhite.com Daniel, M: 027 585 5887, Daniel.wolff@raywhite.com Brodie, M: 021 104 7244, Brodie.pritchard@raywhite.com Paul Wang: (Chinese) M: 021 681 023 paul.wang@raywhite.com

Ramada Newmarket

Pure Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

1, 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments available For more information contact: Daniel Wolff 027 585 5887 Brodie Pritchard 021 104 7244 Paul Wang 021 681 023 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ DAWSON & CO 1. Lazy chair by Timothy Outlon - $4419 Staying in your comfort zone never felt so good. Wrap yourself in the super-sized, super-comfortable Lazy chair, mixing elements of an English Chesterfield with modern, relaxed living.

Covered in destroyed black leather, the casual feel of the weathered oak frame is juxtaposed with the classically sophisticated roll arm and pintucked seat cushion. A fresh and contemporary take on relaxed elegance, brought to life in epic proportion.

2. Cabana chair (Yeti) by Timothy Oulton - $4319 Inspired by relaxed outdoor lounging, the generously proportioned Cabana chair is clad in a choice of premium finishes, offset by rustic weathered oak legs. Choose from the fresh feel of linen, the vintage look of hand-distressed leather or luxuriously thick long-haired New Zealand sheepskin, carefully selected for its shaggy, rugged look and soft hand-feel.

3. Wildcat chair by Timothy Oulton - $3759 The award-winning Aviator Tomcat chair takes a walk into more wild terrain with the Wildcat chair, swapping its industrial persona for a more natural and relaxed temperament. Rustic weathered oak arms give a warm, earthy feel, while the sumptuously soft leather has been quilted instead of ribbed, reminiscent of English country jackets and gentrified rural living. Modern meets casual, with a rugged edge.

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DAWSON & CO, 115 The Strand, Parnell and 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, T: 09 476 1121, www.dawsonandco.nz

ENTRUST KICKS OFF 2018 DIVIDEND PROCESS Important information for dividend recipients.

The four-month process to organise New Zealand’s largest dividend payout gets underway this month, as Entrust mails payment preference forms to more than 327,000 Auckland homes and businesses.

The annual dividend, paid in late September, has a number of payment options and those living in the Entrust district get to choose the one that suits them best, says Entrust Chairman, William Cairns.

“Now’s the time we ask our dividend beneficiaries to update their payment preferences, choosing from cheque, direct credit to a bank account or a credit to their electricity bill. It’s all about making things easy for later in the year.

“Forms will start to appear in letterboxes this week. The good news is that most people won’t have to do anything.

• Check the name on the Entrust form is exactly the same as your bank account. If it’s not, get your electricity retailer to update your power account name to match.

• If you need to change the payment method update the Entrust form and return it by Monday 6 August.

William Cairns says that there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make things runs smoothly.

“Entrust wants to make sure that people are all set to receive the dividend later this year. People tell us the dividend makes a real difference, so we encourage everyone living in the district to take a few moments now to check their details.”

“At this stage, we want to hear from people who want to choose or change their payment method.

The dividend is paid in September to homes and businesses in the Entrust district (encompassing Auckland, Manukau, northern parts of Papakura and eastern Franklin) that are connected to Vector’s electricity network.

“The fastest and most convenient way to get the dividend is via direct credit. The money goes straight in, there’s no waiting for the postie or a trip to the bank.”

Last year the dividend was $350 - a significant amount for most households and a boost to Auckland’s economy of more than PN $110 million. F

To make the payment process smooth, regardless of payment method, there’s two important things to get right:

Update forms will be appearing in mailboxes from today.

For more information visit www.entrustnz.co.nz or www.facebook.com/entrustnz

102 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

RELAX IN LUXURY

with a minimum 20% off sofas for 2 weeks only, deal ends July 12th

Madden 2.5 seater + Chaise now $7999, was $9999

Roberts 3 seater now $3199, was $4319

Peak modular sofa (left, right & armless) now $8939, was $11,177

Scott 2.5 seater now $2799, was $3589

Sterling 3 seater now $2999, was $4239

Heaven 2.5 seater now $2999, was $3969

Elementz 3 seater & ottoman now $6999, was $8799

Fly (SC3) sofa now $7799, was $9959

DeďŹ ne corner sofa now $5699, was $7158

Ph. 09 476 1121 info@dawsonandco.nz www.dawsonandco.nz

North Shore Showroom 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, Auckland

Parnell Showroom 115 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland

DAW S O N & C O .

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

TOO BUSY FOR HOUSEKEEPING? As You Like It cleaning services offers housekeeping and cleaning services for busy people and will carry out the job exactly as you like it - every time.

Most people who work full-time will know it can be tricky balancing careers, seeing to children’s needs and keeping on top of the housework.

As You Like It owner Carmel Kolovos says, “In my case, before my daughter Milly was born, I followed my passion for languages and loved my job teaching at university level. Fast forward five years as a full-time mother, I took a learning assistant job at my daughter’s school, St Cuthbert’s College. But before I knew it, Milly was a teenager and had out grown after-school care. I realised I needed to be home for her in the after -school hours.”

Carmel says a chance remark from a friend and fellow mother led her to cleaning the homes of other mothers whose lives were packed with all manner of obligations and, being totally career-focused, were prepared to outsource household cleaning and chores. The difficulty many of these women had was finding reliable, capable and, above all, trustworthy people. After all, opening your home and allowing access to your private sanctuary requires trust.

“I’d barely had time to take a breath before I was fully committed and needed to take on my first assistant. It was at this point that my friend, Sarah Paykel, who I believe is the most supportive advocate of other women, said to me, 'Now you need to turn it into a business!'"

Carmel gradually sourced her wonderful team of Brazilian women, all of whom are accomplished women, qualified in their own areas of expertise. By and large they are here with partners employed in IT jobs and want to keep busy during the day and are usually studying English in the evenings.

Sarah says, “I couldn’t wish for a more diligent, capable, intelligent team of women to work with. They seem to have an eye for cleanliness and order, and they do their work with care and a happy disposition.

“Until now all the cleaning jobs have come by word of mouth and the majority of our clients' main concern is discretion and security. Mostly, my clients know me or know of me because of my time at St Cuthbert’s and my reputation for trustworthiness. Trust, discretion and attention to detail are some of our key strengths, distinguishing our company from the average cleaning or housekeeping companies.

As You Like It Cleaning Services owner Carmel Kolovos and her team “As You Like It, encapsulates our desire to listen to every client’s individual preferences and requirements. No two clients are the same and we don’t offer a one size fits all approach. We take care of your housekeeping needs with respect and care every time.

“What I love most is when my client arrives home and immediately feels their home has been taken care of with the intention of making their busy life a little lighter.” F PN

Contact Carmel directly M: 021 970 948 or email carmel@asyoulikeitcleaning.com, www.asyoulikeitcleaning.com

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

Successfully Selling Brilliant Homes In Your Neighbourhood SOLD 5/29 Hamilton Road, Herne Bay

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“Felicity Scott is the best and that is why I have had her act for all three of my successful house sales. Efficient, reliable, personable and a great communicator with buyers. Felicity pulls out all the stops to achieve the best possible results for her clients”. - Sally Parker

SOLD 39 Georgina Street, Freemans Bay

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“I can happily say that Felicity handled the whole sale process extremely well. I felt I was in competent hands and was fully informed right throughout the marketing campaign which was fantastic as I live in Christchurch. Her standout quality that made it all work so well was the great way she related to all the different people involved, from all the prospective buyers, to the tenants in the house, and with me as well. She worked with integrity, was realistic with me about the price and handled a somewhat complicated auction process on the day to achieve the final sale. I have no hesitation in highly recommending her skills as a trustworthy real estate agent.”

- Margaret Sage

SOLD 9/35 Turakina Street, Grey Lynn

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“Felicity was fast, efficient, attentive and good at explaining things to us - I ask a lot of questions. And most importantly she was honest with us. We got a fair price in a flat market and went away happy. No problems at all! She put a lot of energy and effort into making the sale go as well as possible.” - Ann & Duncan

SOLD 32 Tirotai Crescent, Westmere

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The off market sale of this great property is proof that the strength of the Barfoot and Thompson network makes a difference.

Felicity Scott BBS | Residential Sales M 0274 522 241 B 09 376 3039 E f.scott@barfoot.co.nz | barfoot.co.nz/f.scott

buy 3 michelin tyres get the 4th tyre free

27 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland Email: info@greylynntyreworx.co.nz Ph: 09 376 0051

*Terms and conditions apply. Michelin passenger tyres only.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN I have had a large number of the silvereye/ waxeye birds visiting of late.

They're entertaining to watch, but if I'm busy and not paying attention, I can still hear them. When there are a large number of these birds the sound is incredible.

I can hear them calling out to one another or protesting when they don't get their turn at the piece of fruit I have put out on the deck. Mostly it sounds as though they are squealing in delight. It's like living close to a children's playground.

I recently noticed a kingfisher that was regularly visiting.

This bird has a couple of favourite hunting spots. A power line at the front of our property and a specific branch on our manuka tree that is right alongside the deck. The kingfisher arrives around the same time a couple of times a day, usually just after sunrise or at dusk. What I hadn't realised, was that the kingfisher was attracted to the sound of the waxeyes. I always assumed that the kingfisher was busily hunting skinks, large insects and mice. Imagine my surprise when the kingfisher swooped down, grabbed a waxeye bird and took off with it.

I'm rather fond of birds so I felt a mixture of horror and fascination having observed this. I was torn; kingfishers are beautiful too. I was aware that our native owl the morepork/ruru hunted small birds, but I had no idea that the kingfisher did this as well.

On a happier note, these two spotted doves seemed to have made themselves right at home on our deck. They are here throughout the day. They’re always together, snuggled up and smooching. They’re ridiculously romantic and certainly help to brighten up these winter days.

At this time of the year, given how short the days are, we're unlikely to spend as much time observing bird life.

That said, it is certainly worth taking a peek outside to see what’s going on during the twilight hours. You never know what you might discover. (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, or look her up on Facebook... Heidi Padain Photography.

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meluka.co.nz Furniture. Simply.

106 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

DESI GNED AND M ADE I N NZ

TH R E E KIN G S 9 8 3 M T E DE N R D N O RTH SH O R E 13A L IN K DR AL BAN Y 2 6 0 OT E H A VAL L E Y R D BOTAN Y D O W N S 5 0 1 T I R AK AU DR

TAUR AN G A 4/6 8 3 C AM E R O N R D H ASTIN G S 8 10 H E R E TAU N GA ST PAL M E R STO N N O RTH 6 9 9 M AIN ST LO W E R H UTT 2 8 R U T H E R FO R D ST

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Holly Concrete Dining Table and the Sydney Wicker Dining Chairs This modern and chic outdoor dining set features the Holly Concrete Dining Table and the Sydney Wicker Dining Chairs. The mix of modern and classic cafe dining furniture is the perfect balance of old and new. Create any dining set you like at Design Warehouse.

2. Amalfi Club Chair Relax on the Amalfi A-Grade Teak Club Chair, it’s extra roomy for two people. The SunbrellaŽ cushions are included as shown on the website. Design Warehouse has over 50 styles of deep seating furniture collections to choose from.

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3. Heatsail Floor Lamp Enjoy your outdoor space during these cooler days with the warmth of the HeatsailÂŽ Floor Lamp! This luxury line is exclusive to Design Warehouse. It provides the perfect amount of heat and ambience to any outdoor space.

4. Zaha High Back Woven Relaxing Chair Have fun with the style of your outdoor space with our Zaha High Back Woven Relaxing Chair. The contemporary and stylish design is also extremely comfortable. It looks fantastic next to our Block Concrete Round Side Table.

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DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

A very approachable property expert with over 26 years in Auckland Real Estate

2017 TOP Salesperson Barfoot & Thompson, Grey Lynn branch Year ending 31 March 2017

Over 26 years selling Auckland real estate has awarded Repeka a substantial knowledge base and 26 years of shining testimony

027 499 0855 I r.lelaulu@barfoot.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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@ ROSE & HEATHER

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1. Astrid small chest - $3880 2. Astrid side table with drawer 3. Newport 7-drawer available in all finishes - $4280 4. Bespoke Newport Longboy with Bedsides in dark/wash finish 5. Newport 3-door sideboard in American oak - $7780 6. Trenail Simple 5-drawer chest available in all finishes - $4880 7. Trenail Simple Bed in whitewash available in all sizes from - $5180 7

ROSE & HEATHER, 406 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

@ APARTMENTO 1. Teddy armchair 2. Meta sofa shelf 3. Oona sideboard 4. Teddy 3-seater sofa

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APARTMENTO, 8 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 9963, www.apartmento.co.nz

CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL TURNS 10 Time certainly flies and this month local real estate start-up Custom Residential celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

Custom Residential opened its doors at a particularly risky time amidst the 2008 recession when both real estate and financial markets where in terrible shape. And since then, the local start-up brand has certainly found its feet in the greater Ponsonby area. The company has taken a quality-over-quantity approach and has never been interested in running the business based purely on monthly sales volumes.

buyers and sellers of this marketplace, and we can’t see ourselves changing tack any time soon. Small is definitely good and it’s a true privilege to be chosen to represent and market the high-calibre homes of this area.” F PN

This company tends to focus its energies and expertise on local character homes in the $1,000,000 to $3,500,000 price range. It is now rapidly approaching its 1000th sale which is a significant feat for a small one-office operation in one of the most competitive and fast-paced markets in the country. Custom also runs a niche property management business incorporating the same values and approach that it brings to property sales.

Directors John Wills and Keith and Sandy Dowdle would like to say a huge thank you to their wonderful group of workmates at Custom, and the loyal band of locals who have been very supportive of the company from the outset and continue to be to this day.

Founder John Wills says, “As with most small businesses, it certainly hasn’t always been plain sailing over the last 10 years, but the team at Custom feels very grateful to be able to work in such a vibrant and high-demand area. We are very lucky to be able to work with the CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL, 39/332 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 360 4860, www.customresidential.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 8 Ponsonby Road 09 376 9963 apartmento.co.nz

Check out our new accessories range available for purchase online and in-store

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES I am thrilled to announce that Bayleys Realty Group was named Best Real Estate Agency in New Zealand at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2018 held in Bangkok recently.

Bayleys will now represent the Asia Pacific region at the prestigious International Property Awards in London in December where the agency will be vying for the Best International Real Estate Agency prize.

The International Property Awards are open to residential and commercial property professionals from around the globe and are judged by an independent panel of more than 80 of the world’s leading property experts.

The awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industries including architecture, interior design, marketing and property development, and are a world-renowned mark of excellence.

The award is testament to the hard work and professionalism everyone has put into Bayleys Realty Group over the years, taking pride in our full-service offering, our innovative marketing campaigns and our exceptionally high standard of customer service.

Here at the Bayleys Ponsonby office, our team constantly strives to deliver a premium service to our customers and to deliver maximum results.

Bayleys Ponsonby sales manager Bernadette Morrison said, “We are very proud to be part of a company that is synonymous with premium property, service and sales results. This award is a reflection of the continued excellence shown by agents and staff throughout the country.”

Bayleys Realty Group general manager Greg Hornblow was in Bangkok to receive the award. “Our whole Bayleys team should be very proud that their commitment to their clients has been recognised by the international panel of judges,” he said.

Hornblow believes the family values instilled by the Bayleys’ founders play a large part in the company’s success.

“We are one big family at Bayleys and as the most connected real estate company in New Zealand, we’re able to provide a superior level of service to our clients. This is what sets us apart,” he said.

While property values in Auckland’s housing market are expected to remain flat over the winter months, confidence in the market has bounced back strongly after the post-election slump.

Bayleys general manager Greg Hornblow with the prestigious ‘Best Real Estate Agency New Zealand’ award According to the latest ASB Housing Confidence Survey house price expectations in Auckland are now at their highest in 12 months, with 19% of respondents thinking Auckland house prices would rise.

The latest Quotable Value House Price Index has shown house prices in Auckland had a marginal increase compared with a year ago, at 1%, with a 0.1% increase over the past three months. The figures showed a 2.7% increase in property values in Central Auckland.

Stability will continue to be the key word for Auckland’s residential property market at this time and, with the relative stability in prices, demand, sales volume, as well as a stable government and economy, it is expected that very little will change over the winter months.

In this current market, it is more important than ever that a property has a wide-reaching and effective marketing campaign behind it to reach the greatest number of potential buyers as possible.

PN Thanks for reading. (KAREN SPIRES) F

Karen Spires AREINZ, M 027 273 8220, E karen.spires@bayleys.co.nz, www.karenspires.bayleys.co.nz

Because we all deserve freedom T: 378 9560 M: 0274 746 507 E: Phillipa@hotpropertyrentals.co.nz 1/1 Franklin Road, Ponsonby www.hotpropertyrentals.co.nz

“TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF BEING A LANDLORD – CALL US”

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The Easy Leaves The Easy Leaves is one of California’s hottest country bands and are coming down to play Café One2one on Ponsonby Road on 25 July.

They’re supporting Australian country legend Kasey Chambers across the outback over the Tasman before playing their first-ever tour of New Zealand. They’ve got five shows lined up in the North Island, and they kick it off in Auckland. The duo answered a few questions about themselves for the Ponsonby News.

How did you come to play music when you were younger?

Kevin: My family wasn't musical, but I remember always being the one who would take charge of the radio on family road trips and force everyone else to listen to the jazz or oldie stations we could find. I asked my parents if I could take up violin in the grade-school orchestra but that didn't really stick. I switched over to guitar and the upright bass came way later.

Sage: My dad was in a surf band called the Astronauts, in the 60s, before I was born. My mom often sang around the house and played her violin. We always had guitars and dulcimers around from my parents' Hare Krishna days as well. I finally learned some guitar chords when I was about 15 and began writing songs and recording them on a four-track recorder my dad helped me find.

How did you two meet and form the band?

Kevin: We kept running into each other at open mics and eventually decided we should try working out a few tunes together to perform at a show I had set up.

Did the band naturally align where it has fallen musically?

Sage: We started out doing more of a string band thing, with Kevin playing banjo, but it sort of morphed into more country over time, as our tastes and writing output shifted a bit.

Kevin: Funny how once I put down the banjo and picked up bass everything kind of fell into place musically.

What drew you to country and Americana music?

Kevin: I remember walking through the dirt parking lot [at a roadhouse called the Northgate Inn] that first night and heard a chorus of banjos, guitars, fiddles, and one dobro blaring through the screen door. It was a rough looking biker bar so I was nervous to go in, but it sounded so good!

Sage: I kind of fell in love with Hank Williams first, at some point, and then Gillian Welche's stuff. But also, I feel like traditional country music

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

influences are all over classic rock, which is also a huge influence for me. CCR for sure. Little Feet. The Band. Bob Dylan's extensive catalogue of course.

Do you tour and play music full time? What does this look like in the States? It's hard to do in New Zealand so a lot of Kiwi musicians have to supplement with day jobs.

Is that similar in the US? Kevin: It's a long row to hoe, but we've been lucky to be in place where there's plenty of fertile ground to work. I think we've been full -timing it more or less for the past five years. Festivals are huge over there, and an important piece of the puzzle every spring, summer, and into fall.

What does a day of writing look like for you guys?

Do you sit down together and write, do the ideas come on the road?

Sage: We write separately for the most part. I spend a lot of time working at it. Mostly I fail. I'm pretty superstitious about it actually, and I don't think of myself a religious. What I'm always looking for are wide open spaces where I can really dig in.

Six weeks in Australia! Crazy long tour when you add in your week here; have you been down to Australia before?

Kevin: Crazy indeed! But when Kasey Chambers reached out with the invite to open a chunk of her album release tour it seemed like a no brainer! We've done a handful of shows with her in the States and had a blast. Her and her fam and band, they're such a fun group.

We've been here a week and I can't imagine a better introduction to the country. So far so good!

Is this your first visit to New Zealand?

What are you expecting?

Kevin: First time! I saw a show about NZ cop dogs the other day, so I guess I'm expecting to definitely have my bags thoroughly sniffed at the customs checkpoint. Other than that, all the folks I know from New Zealand are great so I'm hoping to meet a few more great people and maybe an actual kiwi bird or two... that would be so cool.

Can't wait to get acquainted with New Zealand!

On Wednesday 25 July you will find The Easy Leaves at Café One2one.

Tickets can be purchased from www.eventfinda.co.nz or pop in to the cafe and enquire. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

Zoe Stenhouse Burgess Zoe Stenhouse Burgess has just completed her Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland. She studies flute, learning under Professor Uwe Grodd and is an ex student of Western Springs College.

At 20 years old, she’s already finishing her undergraduate degree, having made the most of an opportunity at school to get a head start. “I did a paper while I was at high school, so I finished my undergrad in two and a half years.”

In July, Zoe heads to the UK and Europe to explore universities, schools and take part in two-week-long workshops for flute performance.

This time next year she will have completed her honours degree in performance and is eager to get away to Europe to do her masters.

“I want to do my masters overseas, and for many of those you need to have done a four-year degree. Uwe will be my teacher and that’s the reason I’m doing my honours at Auckland.

“I’m going over the UK in July for a month. The aim while I’m there is to get lessons from teachers, look at some schools. I’ve never been over there, and I say I want to go there, but I don’t know what it’s like yet! Uwe is from Germany, and he’s influenced that quite a lot, helping me set up lessons in Germany. I fly in to London and can check out the Royal Academy and the Royal School.”

I went along to her final recital at the School of Music, the end of her performance paper, and saw her perform alongside pianist Rosemary Barnes. Zoe performed all three movements of the quintessential and very well-known Mozart Flute Concerto in D Major. She also performed a piece by Luciano Berio and Sonata for Flute and Piano

by Liebermann.

“I really wanted to do the Mozart, Uwe didn’t want me to. It’s really hard to use as an exam piece, because it’s so well known and everyone has their own particular way that they want it to be played.

But it’s an exceptionally important part of our repertoire, so I really want to do this piece and learn it properly. And it’s been awesome working on it. Uwe suggested some modern pieces for me to do, he really likes us to do them. They’re integrated into so much of our repertoire these days, orchestras are playing all the modern works.”

Zoe performs with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra occasionally but finds the time commitment of being in a symphony full time a bit difficult when balancing university and teaching.

“When I do my masters over in Europe, Uwe told me that there is something like 3000 orchestras just in Germany. Classical music is just so much bigger over there and there’s so many more opportunities

than here in New Zealand. As much as I’d love a job here, there’s not many,” Being a flautist, there’s only two or possibly three seats in each orchestra in New Zealand and they’re hotly contested.

In July, Zoe has been invited to attend a week-long summer school with William Bennett. The 33rd International Flute Summer School, held in Surrey in the United Kingdom is a week of classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons - and Zoe successfully auditioned to attend.

She’s also taking part in the Scottish International Flute Summer School in St Andrews, Scotland, in August, featuring top flautists, Ian Clarke, Lorna McGhee, Michael Cox and Wissam Boustany.

These classes, and opportunities to meet some of the top flautists in Europe will stand Zoe in good stead to make her way back there next year to take her place in a masters programme.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN

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114 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

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ARTS + CULTURE @ OREXART

@WHITESPACE

Signs & Symbols 3 - 28 July Opening: 4 July

John Pusateri: 22 July - 10 August

In 1948, Vladimir Nabokov wrote Signs and Symbols, a short story about an elderly couple taking a present to their incarcerated and frequently suicidal son. The last time he had tried, his method had been, in the doctor’s words, a masterpiece of inventiveness. He didn’t succeed because an envious fellow patient thought he was learning to fly and stopped him just in time. Nabokov ends the paragraph this way: ‘But what he had really wanted to do was tear a hole in his world and escape’.

John Pusateri’s vivid, hyper-real portraits of birds comment on the complex history of animal preservation, speciation and extinction. He highlights the irony of living things destroyed in order that they are better known, catalogued and preserved.

His work not only engages in creative image making, but also adds to our knowledge of local ecology; all the while raising issues around biodiversity and conservation, and more universal comments about loss and death.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pusateri lives in Auckland and works in a variety of mediums from photography, digital media and drawing to printmaking and painting.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University, and has a Master of Fine Arts (honours) from the University of Auckland.

Through the story, the reader learns many details of the unnamed couple's life.

Everything is a cipher, and of everything the son is the theme. Nabokov pulls the reader between the physical, tangible world and the shadowy, shaped, invented world.

Pusateri is the founder/director of Auckland Print Studio and a lecturer in Architecture at Unitec Institute of Technology. He has exhibited in the US, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Costa Rica, England, Japan, Taiwan and New Zealand. His work has won awards and is represented in numerous private and public collections.

The artists in this show, Signs and Symbols, employ script, text, numbers, abstractions, skulls, titles, gestures and crosses to articulate their concerns and visions, to pull us between the physical world and the shadowy invented one... all maybe, as Nabokov says, in wanting to '...tear a hole in his world and escape.’ F PN

In February this year, John won the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award. With the win, Pusateri receives $20,000 from the Phillip Vela Family Trust, one of the largest art cash prizes in the country. F PN

Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details.

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

WHITESPACE, 20 Monmouth Street, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

John Pusateri - Past Visitant

Simon Allison - Portrait

1–20 JULY,2018 3 - 28 July 2018

MASTERS

OVER 200 YEARS OF STUDIO PRACTICE

PHILIP TRUSTTUM ROSS RITCHIE GREER TWISS MARY McINTYRE

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whitespace 20 monmouth st grey lynn +64 9 361 6331 whitespace.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE WINTER EXCITEMENT Virtuoso violinist, Andrew Beer, performs Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Jazzy Piazzolla’s Four Seasons in Buenos Aires with St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, 29 July - 2.30pm.

St Matthew’s Chamber orchestra is very excited to have Andrew Beer from Auckland’s APO perform both Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons in Buenos Aires in one concert. Violinist Andrew Beer has been described as a “virtuoso soloist” by the San Francisco Classical Voice, as possessing a “glorious string tone” by Strad Magazine, as a performer displaying “accuracy and subtle charisma” by the Boston Globe, and as a “musical gift” by the New York Times.

Andrew has performed extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia, and his performances have been broadcast on NHK Japan, Vietnamese television, CBC RadioCanada, Minnesota Public Radio, Vermont Public Radio and WQXR New York.

As a soloist, he has performed with leading orchestras in Vancouver, Montreal, New York, Boston and Catania (Sicily). As a chamber musician, he has performed at the Banff, Orford, Domaine Forget, Tanglewood, Aspen, Music@Menlo and Prussia Cove festivals and has appeared in concert with Midori and members of the Emerson String Quartet.

Contemporary music has played a large role in Beer’s musical life, and he has worked closely with some of the leading composers of our time on their solo and chamber works, including Pierre Boulez, Mario Davidovsky, György Kurtág and Steve Reich.

Andrew Beer was the grand prize winner of concerto competitions at the New England Conservatory of Music and Stony Brook University. He was a prize-winning laureate at the Monte Carlo 'Violin Masters' international competition in Monaco, and the 'Dr. Luis Sigall' competition in Chile. Humanitarian and outreach concerts have also played an important role in Beer’s musical output, and through such endeavours he was awarded a US Congressional Commendation in 2006.

Born in Vancouver in 1982, Andrew Beer commenced his studies on violin at the age of five. He holds a BA magna cum laude from Stony Brook University, as well as an MM and GD from the New England Conservatory of Music. In 2014 he was appointed the concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Andrew performs on a J.B. Vuillaume violin from 1845, and a J.J. Martin bow from 1880.

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished orchestra. Gillian Ansell (NZ String Quartet) says, "I always look forward to working with St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra.

- their choice of repertoire and the players" high-quality music-making brings them and PN their audiences much joy.” F TICKETS: Eventfinda or door sales cash only. Adults $30, concessions $25 and children under 12 free.

ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets, www.smco.org.nz

@ ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY First Tuesday Concert 7 August - 12.10pm

As part of the First Tuesday series, St Matthew's is delighted to host the award winning, hard-working, and soon to be travelling Chapel Choir from Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland.

Chapel Choir is the premium junior school choir at Diocesan School for Girls in Auckland.

It is the youngest auditioned choir at Diocesan School, made up of 52 members aged 9-11 years. The choir has long-standing history and girls in years 5 and 6 strive to get into this choir at the beginning of each academic year. The Chapel Choir leads the school at their Junior School Chapel services every week.

The Chapel Choir has been awarded a gold award in the annual Kids Sing Competition for the past six years and has been recognised as one of Auckland’s best primary school choirs.

The choir is invited to perform at special events in the community and at school and take pride in entertaining a variety of audiences throughout the year. This year the choir has been invited to participate in the Chengdu International Chorus Week in China. This will be the first time that a Diocesan junior music group has toured overseas, and it is looking forward to sharing its music and the stage with choirs from around the world.

Miss Mehernaz Pardiwalla leads the performing arts programme in the junior school and conducts Chapel Choir. She is widely recognised for her talent and passion in music.

In her time in this role she has significantly grown the visibility and talent across the performing arts and led her choirs to their achievements. F PN www.stmatthews.nz

ST MATTHEW’S

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERT: SUNDAY 29 JULY | 2:30pm VENUE: ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH CONDUCTOR: Michael Joel SOLOIST: Violinist Andrew Beer PROGRAMME:

Vivaldi Piazzolla

Four Seasons Four Seasons of Buenos Aires

116 PONSONBY NEWS+ July 2018

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE After 16 years sitting atop Crummer Road, Whitespace Contemporary Art has opened its new premises at 20 Monmouth Street, Grey Lynn.

Just one street down from the gallery-loaded Putiki Street, Whitespace joins several other creative businesses on Monmouth Street, including Monmouth Glass Studio. With plenty of parking outside and a dazzling white interior, the gallery is helping spread the arts precinct over the south side of Great North Road. And this spread is not just geographic: Whitespace hosts the office of Artweek Auckland, which coordinates and promotes nine days of free art events right across the Auckland region (this year from 6 - 14 October).

Whitespace opened its new premises with Pacific Notion, 20 Years On, an exhibition of Pasifika artists, several of whom had been introduced to the commercial art world by gallerist Deborah White at the 1998 Melbourne Art Fair. It was heartening to see the change in appreciation of Pasifika practices after 20 years, from the almost non-existent representation of the 90s through to prominence in our largest awards, such as the Walters and Wallace Art awards, and strong voices in curation and art criticism.

Whitespace certainly embodies a large part of New Zealand art history. For July, the gallery shows us Masters. “You have to be very old to get into this exhibition,” jokes Deborah. “Mary McIntyre turns 90, while Ross Ritchie is the youngest at 76!” We look forward to seeing what new works these old masters have created for us.

(WILL PAYNT, STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F PN

Lianne Edward, Sea Kraits in Pacific Notion

Explore colour Expert service & New Zealand’s most exciting selection of Artists’ Materials.

Niki Hastings-McFall, grubby little cherub, in Pacific Notions The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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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

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

Rugs Direct, 108 Carlton Gore Road

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

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 Atomic, 420c New North Road

MT EDEN

NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

PARNELL

Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY 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

WESTMERE Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

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Thinking Real Estate?

Think Chris Batchelor.

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

AUCTION

ENQUIRE

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22 Norfolk Street Ponsonby

23 Wanganui Avenue Herne Bay

61 Wanganui Avenue Herne Bay

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17 Ardmore Road Herne Bay

93 Islington Street Ponsonby

76 Albany Road Herne Bay

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Chris Batchelor Phone. +64 21 217 7026 Email. chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz

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