PONSONBY NEWS - JUNE'19

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Established: OCTOBER 1989

CELEBRATING 29 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY

JUNE 2019

SUSTAINABLE LIVING Zambesi, the art of less being more - P40

WINTER WELLNESS Taking a holistic approach that covers everything - P80

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INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P48: Sustainable Living - how and what we eat can have significant effects on our personal carbon footprint; P80: Winter Wellness - when the temperature drops, it’s a good idea to bring out the big guns when it comes to staying well. Pictured above Kcore Pilates’ Kate Benefield

FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW PIPPA COOM: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD JOHN ELLIOTT: PONSONBY'S HEART & SOUL MIKE LEE, COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF PREDICT WEATHER.COM U3A PONSONBY NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

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HELENE RAVLICH: WINTER WELLNESS

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HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: MARISSA FINDLAY

COVER STORY - ZAMBESI SUSTAINABLE LIVING EAT DRINK & BE MERRY VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL TRAVEL BREAKS FASHION & STYLE

JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH FUTURE GENERATION PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS PONSONBY PETS HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 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 Distribution Manager Ad Sales & Contributing Editor Advertising Sales/Ad Designer Operations Manager Contributing Music Editor Contributing Editor Proof Reader Designer

MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz ANDREA KAHUKIWA; M: 021 689 688; E: andrea@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 JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott38@outlook.com DEIRDRE THURSTON ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz

@ponsonbynews @Ponsonby_News @ponsonbynews

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

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

4 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CHRIS BATCHELOR SOLD

SOLD

NEW LISTING

Freemans Bay 28 Picton Street

Ponsonby 44 Pompallier Terrace - Apr 2019 SOLD

SOLD

Herne Bay 22 Wharf Road - Mar 2019 SOLD

Herne Bay 4/151 Jervois Road - Feb 2019 SOLD

SOLD

Grey Lynn 85 Richmond Road - Mar 2019

Grey Lynn 4 Baildon Road - Feb 2019

SOLD

SOLD

Westmere 42 Dorset Street - Dec 2018 SOLD

Grey Lynn 64 Mackelvie Street - Nov 2018

Freemans Bay 13 Picton Street - Mar 2019

SOLD

Herne Bay 16 Sentinel Road - Nov 2018

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

ALTOGETHER BETTER

Westmere 40 Warwick Avenue - Dec 2018

St Marys Bay 62 Hackett Street - Oct 2018

Chris Batchelor 021 217 7026 | chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Res ide ntia l / Comme rc i al / Rural / Prope rt y Se rvi ce s

LETTERS & EMAILS

THE CONDITION OF WESTERN SPRINGS LAKESIDE PARK I have just read Pippa Coom’s column in Ponsonby News on the condition of Western Springs park.

As a local neighbour and avid morning walker of the park some five to six mornings a week, I think I am more than qualified to advise that your information is totally misinformed.

SPIKEY’S RESCUE A message from Spikey after my scary adventure... to the children from Ponsonby Primary who named me after being rescued by kind neighbours when I got my leg caught in a garden fence in Tweed Street. I’m doing well, after a meal of minced chicken, a drink of water and then off I went for more adventures. So here I am.

The park’s track between the Stadium Road entrance and the path to the toilet block are the messiest of the areas. I can tell you categorically that there has been no water blasting of any sort within the the last month if not longer. It had been my intention to raise this issue and your article has certainly saved me time finding out who to address these issues with.

May I suggest you physically inspect the path/park yourself as I for one am embarrassed to think that the many families and tour groups that regularly attend the park think this is normal and leave never to return.

It is disgusting, to say the least, that daily I am forced to wash the ingrained poop from my walking shoes. It’s not the birds’ fault, it’s their home. We as guardians need to be far more vigilant and attend to their surroundings and instill our pride of such an amenity to the people who use this city-fringe sanctuary. I am almost thankful of the winter’s rain that is upon us to break down the amount of poop on the walkways.

The fresh-painted hand rails are a direct result of the storm a year back, which took months to rectify. A number of the bins have been removed and a number of the picnic tables have never been replaced. The sediment on the surface of the water is foul and the water’s edge contains a large quantity of rubbish (plastic bottles, bags, etc).

Prior to the new company contracted by council, I saw most mornings the council crew cleaning, leaf blowing and tending the park. Many of the faces became familiar and a cheery good morning was met with a smile.

I have yet to see any of the ‘new contractors’ doing anything other than change the rubbish-bin bags.

I hope this sends an early warning that our rates are not being spent on good use, and certainly not as you seem to be told is happening.

I am very happy to stand toe to toe with whomever you refer to as auditor as I doubt they have any idea on what they are talking about.

Steve Hay, Western Springs FROM PIPPA COOM I have visited the park and followed up with Mr Hay to confirm that what I reported in my Ponsonby News update is correct. I agree that we want Western Springs Lakeside Park to be well maintained but the huge amount of geese poo is an ongoing issue.

Here is a summary from council’s Senior Maintenance Delivery Coordinator about the action being taken: Cleaning of the pathway is being completed a minimum of five times a week. The contractor has been instructed to check the path every day and if cleaning is required it is to be completed that day. The contractor has been using a combination of a sweeping vehicle and water blasting to clear the path.

Recently, Community Facilities has also been trialling some methods to keep the geese from congregating on the path. The most recent trial involves a low-level temporary fence. It has been successful at keeping the geese off a portion but unfortunately the geese just move on to another area of the path and cause the same issues. Council’s long term solution to reduce the number of geese will greatly improve the situation and at this stage we are aiming to begin control in late June.

The water quality and sediment issues that Mr Hay referred to have been forwarded on to council’s Healthy Waters department. The rubbish floating at the water’s edge should be removed by the contractors as loose litter. A recent inspection has confirmed that the bins that should be in place are in place. There are still park benches that require replacement following last year’s storm.

PONSONBY POST OFFICE CLOCK Can someone fix our lovely clock? I miss not hearing it chime in the night. I’m sure the people of Ponsonby miss it too. Helen Hanlen, by email

8 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

LOST ENGAGEMENT RING My prospective daughter-in-law, Amy, lost her engagement ring in the Ponsonby Road/ Western Park vicinity on Good Friday. It was on a necklace which broke without her noticing immediately. She has had quite a run of bad luck and she was devastated to lose her ring. It is an emerald surrounded by diamonds.

If in the unlikely chance that someone notifies you of finding it, would you please contact me? Thankyou. Karen Tongatama, M: 021 258 0906.

LOST BURMESE KITTEN I’m a long-time Ponsonby resident and I’ve had a dreadful time of late with a missing Burmese kitten. She is plastered all over Ponsonby and I just cannot believe that she has not turned up. I honestly believe someone has stolen her and I’m desperate to get her back.

Would I please be able to write something in Ponsonby News about her, somebody must know something about this and I’m just so sad without her. Please let me know what I can do. Thanks ever so much. Zoe Alden, E: zoe.alden@tracknz.com AT HELPING TO CREATE SAFER ENVIRONMENT AROUND LOCAL SCHOOLS While Auckland Transport does appear to have made some questionable decisions, eg, the work undertaken around the West Lynn shops, I do have to commend it for the works undertaken around several schools in the local area.

To be more precise, AT has installed an island on the corner of Wharf Road and Jervois Road which has made it substantially safer for pedestrians, many of them children en route to Bayfield School. Similarly, the work undertaken outside Marist School in Kelmarna Avenue has surely helped to create a safer environment.

I live locally and have found the direct communication from Auckland Transport to be excellent. We have been kept fully informed, have been provided with detailed information outlining the proposed works, complete with photographic images, dates and details for contact should there be any questions. So they are getting some things right...

Lousie Marsh, by email CITY VISION IS A JOKE For the last three years, locals have called for an urgent, independent enquiry into the actions of all Auckland Council CCO’s (Council Controlled Organisations). However, the City Vision members of the Waitemata Local Board, Pippa Coom, Shale Chambers and Richard Northey, have all been spectacularly quiet on this point!

Instead, they unanimously supported Auckland Transport’s unpopular road redevelopment plans including the failed West Lynn cycleway debacle. They refused to meet members of Occupy Garnet Road, who proved that cycleways in Westmere were unsafe, overpriced and badly designed.

These City Vision members supported Auckland Facilities’ plans to clear fell the Monterey pines at the back of Western Springs, which would have decimated the regenerating native forest, totally destroying the habitat of indigenous birds, insects, lizards and possibly endangered bats. The call by locals to flush the Western Springs Lake as part of a proper maintenance programme were ignored, while the Local Board proposed a total makeover at the ratepayers’ expense. Finally, City Vision members mooted the idea of culling huge numbers of geese and swans in order to remove bird poo from paths. I suggest people don’t vote for City Vision, unless you want more of the same.

Lisa Prager, Westmere LETTERS CONTINUED ON P17

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR

Photography: Connor Crawford

The Ponsonby News team L to R: Andrea Kahukiwa, Jay Platt, Martin Leach, Melissa Paynter and Gwynne Davenport

We were sad to hear of the passing of Audrey Evans, a longtime resident of Ponsonby Terrace and, for many years, a political activist.

Audrey received a Good Citizen’s Award for her service to her community in 2004.

Just this past month, the Waitemata Local Board has awarded Good Citizenship certificates to two other worthy recipients – John Hill and Gerry Hill.

emergency, plastic waste in our oceans and pollution in our once pristine ‘clean green’ waterways.

There can’t be many locals who are not aware of the need for our city to be one of the more sustainable in the world. We have, however, got some way to go. For example, half of the new cars sold in Norway last year were electric. We could claim only about 5%. The Government could assist with subsidies for electric vehicles which could use the bus lanes.

The previous government did little to help sustainability by taking protection of trees out of The Resource Management Act, resulting in the desecration that we see in Argyle Street.

By the time this issue is published, our happy, healthy living feature will have been complemented by a fantastic wellbeing budget.

Our cover this month is of Liz Findlay, co-owner of Zambesi with husband Neville.

As they approach their 40th anniversary, they stand out for promoting sustainable working practices.

The Government is taking climate change seriously with the introduction of the ZeroCarbon Act, which should ensure that we go even further than the Government promised to do in the Paris Climate Agreement. News headlines lately reflect issues like the climate

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

This edition includes part two of the review of local churches. We still have some more to review which will be included in our July issue.

This month there are several points of view in letters and editorials about the future development of Western Springs. Readers should note that the Resource Consent has been granted to the council to remove the 200 pine trees in the Western Springs Forest.

We will be monitoring very closely the replanting with native trees, as promised as a condition of the granting of the Resource Consent.

Ponsonby News also wishes to congratulate Taylor Boutique that has recently celebrated 20 years in business in its other business, The Shelter. (MARTIN LEACH) F PN

PONSONBY NEWS+ June

9

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

It’s a team effort... we couldn’t do it without our contributors DAVID HARTNELL

JOHN ELLIOTT

DEIRDRE THURSTON

KEN RING

Writer/researcher/coach. Writing and the sea are my happy places. I bow down to natural medicine and animals. My philosophy: love and kindness.

My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.

FINN ELLIOTT

KERRY LEE

I work as a booker, promoter and festival programmer. Active in all areas of the music community, folk music is my specialty.

I’ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people I’ve meet along the way. #best job.

GARY STEEL

NIKKI KAYE

I am a veteran writer and editor and run two websites – Witchdoctor and Doctor Feelgood – focusing on my interests in music, technology, and the wellbeing of the planet and its denizens.

I’m the local Member of Parliament for Auckland Central including Waiheke and Great Barrier Island. National Party spokesperson for Education and Sport and Recreation.

HEIDI PADAIN

PHIL PARKER

More than a nature photographer, I am a storyteller, a visual narrator and environmentalist who seeks out bird stories begging to be told.

Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.

HELENE RAVLICH

PIPPA COOM

A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job.

I am the Chair of Waitemata Local Board. I am standing as City Vision’s Waitemata and Gulf Ward Councillor candidate in the Auckland Council elections 2019.

JOHN APPLETON

ROSS THORBY

At my age I now have one golden rule, and it’s this: In the morning I open my eyes, if I don’t smell scented candles and flowers – I get up and start my day.

I have a keen interest in nutritional medicine and how it may be used to support people with chronic illnesses.

I am the founder of Ponsonby News and write for the magazine. My career has included politics, education and publishing. My interests include the environment, the economy and social justice.

I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.

HUNGRY & FEELING THIRSTY? We are spoilt for choice!

THERE ARE NOW 254 PLACES IN THE WESTERN BAYS, WHERE YOU CAN EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY.

They are all listed in the Ponsonby Little Black Book... ponsonbynews.co.nz/ponsonby-little-black-book

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Real world experience meets real energy.

My surname translates from ancient Gaelic to ‘son of a carpenter’ so building is in my blood.

Whether its been building businesses, building teams or building community I’ve always been willing to roll my sleeves up and get to work.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Cheers P.M.

Patrick McAteer: Real Estate Agent M 021 664 859

Find me at: barfoot.co.nz

LOCAL NEWS

David Hartnell - One Minute Interview: Georgia McGillivray Georgia McGillivray is the CEO and co-founder of The Social Club creating powerful, results driven, influencer marketing campaigns.

What’s the best thing about where you live?

Freemans Bay is a great location for early morning walks around the marina, so close to awesome restaurants, cafes, bars and shops in Ponsonby and, best of all, no need for the stress of commuting in Auckland traffic (our office is a seven-minute walk from home).

Tell me about the business you co-founded in 2015?

We help consumers fall in love with your brands. We help you connect with the most influential content creators from our community of over 9000-plus influencers across New Zealand and Australia, to grow your brand, connect with audiences in an authentic way and increase your brand’s reach.

What was your childhood like?

I was lucky enough to grow up by the beach in Sumner, Christchurch with a lot of good friends and extended family, and I’m the eldest and have three energetic brothers. My parents’ mantra was always ‘up and out’ which meant wake up and head straight to either the surf or the tennis courts. In winter on our days off we hit the ski slopes or headed somewhere warm to a surf beach.

What drives you?

I’m from an entrepreneurial family and have always been taught to have confidence in yourself in whatever you do in life. I believe that obstacles are opportunities for growth and are a good reference to look back on and improve on.

Dream holiday?

I’m in my most happy place in Hawaii or Bali with family, friends, good surf, great food, and a book. Mexico is a close third. Even though I have already been a couple of times, I loved everything about it and can’t wait to explore more.

Most Kiwi thing about you?

Having a can-do attitude in everything I do and making the most of our beautiful country whether it’s hitting the slopes for a ski or the beach for a surf.

Aisle or window seat on a plane?

Definitely window, I’m often catching up on work on board so not keen to be jumping up and down all the time to let people past.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope I am successful enough to have time for hobbies. I would like to run a volunteer beach camp for teenagers who have never been to the beach or experienced the surf, and watch them enjoy their new skills and freedom in the sun.

A movie about your life, who would play you?

Emma Stone because she is hilarious, or Alana Blanchard as she would make me look like an epic surfer.

What do you love most about your age?

The opportunities that come my way at this stage of my life are awesome and I’m keen to make the most of them every single day.

Something you disapprove of?

Negativity. Having a positive attitude has always been important to me and I have learned how much this can impact on others.

Biggest disappointment?

When I applied to go on exchange to university in the US, I wasn’t initially accepted. I took a long, hard look at the application process and kept trying until I was finally accepted.

What would you do if you won a million dollars?

I would definitely buy a house on the beach with a big garden. I could walk with my board to and from my house to the water and also have a golden retriever puppy.

What happens when we die?

I am hoping we will be recycled.

Favourite movie?

I recently re-watched Chasing Mavericks and think it’s a really underrated movie. It has lots of good life lessons as well as determination, and awesome waves.

Something you can’t live without?

Jandals – 100%.

Greatest fear?

I have a ridiculous fear of mice.

Something you dislike about your appearance?

My feet are small in proportion to my height which is fine except it does make it very difficult to borrow shoes.

Favourite hero of fiction?

Hermione Granger from Harry Potter because she knows everything.

Like to be remembered how?

As a fun-loving person who focuses on a good balance in life, leading a team at work to achieve great results and giving everything to be the best girlfriend, friend, sister, daughter that I can possibly be.

Dream guest list for a dinner party?

All of my best friends and family, because you hardly ever get to have all of your favourite people in one room. If Kelly Slater was there, too, I wouldn’t be too upset. (DAVID HARTNELL) F PN

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

AUCKLAND LIVE’S CABARET SEASON 2019 Auckland’s grand dame of cabaret and musical theatre, The Civic, plays host to a stellar line-up of international cabaret stars and top Kiwi performers this June, when the red carpet is rolled out for the fifth Auckland Live Cabaret Season.

With the Civic celebrating its 90th birthday this year, the season’s eclectic programme is the perfect party starter, starring nine sumptuous shows featuring cabaret, musical theatre and immersive experiences celebrating inclusivity, gender fluidity, dance and the best in entertainment after dark.

This year’s Cabaret Season will see international cabaret superstar Reuben Kay holding court across the week in various guises before taking to the main stage with his full-length show. Reuben promises an explosion of high energy, high camp, big notes and filthy humour – the perfect cabaret combo.

Delicious Oblivion is a brand-new work starring Jennifer Ward-Lealand and directed by Shane Bosher in which the pair explore the biting musical experience of subversive cabaret wunderkind Kurt Weill and his contemporaries.

Pasifika gender-fluid creatives Fine Fatale unveil The Heels are Alive, a fierce night of diva songs and vogue-stomping dance that will titillate the soul and excite the spirit with its contemporary embodiment of Pasifika pride.

As well as a lot of high-voltage performances, the perennially popular popup Piano Bar will be back – a speakeasy of uncommon delight, tucked away somewhere secret, where after hours performers, audiences, artists and their entourages are encouraged to let loose and indulge in the sexy, scintillating and scandalous world of cabaret. F PN Book now at www.AucklandLive.co.nz

REUBEN KAYE

as part of AUCKLAND LIVE

CABARET SEASON “The evil love child of Liza Minnelli and Jim Carrey” - British Theatre Guide

14 & 16 JUNE | WINTERGARDEN, THE CIVIC Book now at aucklandlive.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

PONSONBY NEWS+ June

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021 544 555 blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nzŏ bayleys.co.nz/blair-haddow BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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Residen t ial / Co mmerci al / Rural / P ro pert y Ser v ices

LETTERS & EMAILS

CONTINUED FROM P8 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Number 73 Argyle Street, probably one of the last road-to-sea sections, was recently sold.

Last month, I noticed the large trees being trimmed. I walked past and talked to the arborists and asked what they were doing. They said they were cutting all the trees down. I was pretty sure that there was a protected-scheduled tree on the property. I did a search and, sure enough, there was.

By this time it was Saturday and the chainsaws started very early.

I called the council and they said they would look into it. By Saturday afternoon the largest tree was gone. I had a call on Monday to say they were going to investigate. Yes the tree was on the protected-schedule and they would be passing the case onto a council inspector.

Unbelievable that people can still get away with this. Wonder what, if anything, the council will do now?

I was asked to move when taking photos last month. I live locally, but would like to remain anonymous.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR I have in written about this in the past but unfortunately the situation seems to be getting worse. Why are the dog owners who walk their dogs along Jervois Road allowing their dogs to defecate in the street and then NOT PICK IT UP and dispose of it?

I am so sick of having to dodge your animals’ filth every time without fail that we walk along Jervois Road which is almost every day of the week. An example of what we encountered this morning is attached.

It is filthy, disgusting, irresponsible and downright lazy! Pick up your (dog’s) act – you know who you are. Margaret Beuth, by eMail

Global day-of-action against plastic New Zealand led more than 50 countries partaking in a global day-of-action against plastic last month.

The global campaign called for groups to show support by writing ‘Clean Planet’ (in the local language) in iconic parts of their country and share the photos on a global scale.

Plastics campaign group The Kiwi Bottle Drive, were the first group to share their images with the world, launching at 9am, showing photos from Piha beach, where campaigners spelt ‘Clean Papt-u-anuku’ on the sand.

The Kiwi Bottle Drive is calling for the introduction of a bottle deposit scheme, which, the group says, would significantly boost New Zealand’s recycling rates as well as decreasing litter and providing funding for community groups.

Plastics campaigner Holly Dove says, “We cannot afford to landfill and litter any more plastic bottles and cans – the world is at its limit. If we had a bottle deposit system here in New Zealand we’d triple our recycling rates, clean up our beaches and communities and provide much-needed fundraising for local community groups. Bottle deposits are a win/win for planet and people and we need a system here in New Zealand now.” F PN www.kiwibottledrive.nz

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JERVOIS ROAD H E R N E B AY

A considered acknowledgement of context has driven an intriguing architectural response for a boutique development of eight apartments in Herne Bay. Facing north on the ridgeline of Auckland’s most prestigious suburb, the design by Monk Mackenzie provides unobstructed harbour views.

The building’s undulating façade references the bay windows of the area, while animating light play and affording privacy to Jervois Road.

The generously proportioned threebedroom apartments are superbly located to access the best of Auckland’s urban environment. The interior design

by Amelia Holmes is an expression of understated luxury, with custom details to assure individuality and enduring elegance.

jervoisapartments.co.nz

A development by Artifact Property

ENQUIRE

SHOW SUITE NOW OPEN

Patrick McCarthy patrick@uprealestate.co.nz +64 (0)272 333 988 +64 (0)9 280 1852 uprealestate.co.nz/UPH11496

Up Real Estate 162 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011 Mon — Fri: 12.30pm — 2.00pm Sun: 10.30am — 12.00pm

LICENSED AGENT RE A A 2008

LOCAL NEWS

Pippa Coom – Waitemata Local Board Report: Good Citizens of Waitemata recognised at awards ceremony At a ceremony for the Waitemata Local Board Good Citizens’ Awards 2019 held at the Auckland Town Hall in May, we recognised the valuable voluntary contribution of individuals and groups.

It was a fantastic evening of celebration and community with performances by the Auckland Street Choir and the Freemans Bay School Whanau Ata Kapa Haka ropu.

Every second year the local board seeks nominations for awards in the categories of children and young people, individuals and community groups. This year we also gave special awards for long service to the community. A well-known local, Gerry Hill, was one of the recipients. Affectionately called the Mayor of Ponsonby, Gerry has made a significant contribution to the Ponsonby community over the last 20 years. Gerry is a true Ponsonby personality. His passion for local history has seen him deliver booked-out talks and walks as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival. As a heritage campaigner, he has fought many battles to protect our built heritage, from pre-1940 heritage homes to Martha’s Corner. He has also been a vocal supporter of returning trams to Ponsonby Road and, more recently, a passionate advocate for improved accessibility and public amenities.

Gerry has further contributed to the community in the roles of Chairman of the Ponsonby Community Centre, Treasurer of Western Bays Community Group and as Treasurer of the Ponsonby Business Association.

He has also helped fundraise for Lifewise by participating in the Big Sleepout, spending the night sleeping on a piece of cardboard in the heart of winter to raise awareness about the plight of rough sleepers in our community. Despite a diagnosis with motor neurone disease, Gerry is not letting this slow him down because he’s a fighter and his passion for life and his community is too great.

Councillor Mike Lee joined local board members in the honour of presenting Gerry with his special award for long service to the

Award recipient Gerry Hill with Deputy Chair Shale Chambers, Chair Pippa Coom, Cr Mike Lee & board member Richard Northey community. Full details of the awards are on the local board facebook page. (PIPPA COOM) F PN Contact Pippa Coom, Chair of Waitamata Local Board, pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, www.facebook.com/waitemata

Waitemata Local Board Good Citizen Award recipients with local board members

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY’S HEART & SOUL

Church Leaders in Greater Ponsonby – Part Two This month we continue our series on churches and church leaders in our readership area and, in a couple of cases, just beyond.

I knew very few of Ponsonby’s clerics before I started these articles, but have been very impressed by the welcome I have received at each church, the warmth of the church leaders, and the depth of their commitment to their community.

It has been an enjoyable exercise. This month we feature a diverse but very interesting group, including a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, a Greek Orthodox Church priest, and a minister of the Spiritualist Church.

Ponsonby is well served by its churches, all of which welcome visitors at any time. Not all have diminishing congregation number.

All the church leaders I spoke to were shocked by the Christchurch mosque massacre. Many have communicated directly with Christchurch Muslims. Although there have been warning signs of right wing extremism for some time, this heinous act was often described to me as ‘the end of innocence’. We have thought of ourselves as safe, down in the corner of the wide Pacific. In a sad way, we have become reluctant joiners in a sometimes cruel world.

Love, compassion and a strong sense of community is what our churches are working towards, and there is hope aplenty out there.

All church leaders have been impressed with the response, care and love expressed by our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. In fact the whole world has been impressed.

But the outpouring from ordinary New Zealanders who do not go to church has been noted by some churches as evidence of the spirituality and caring attitude of many non church-going Kiwis.

PN johnelliott38@outlook.com (JOHN ELLIOTT) F Rabbi Natti Friedler – Auckland Hebrew Congregation I spent an enjoyable hour talking with the Senior Rabbi, Natti Friedler, at the Auckland Synagogue and Kadimah School in Greys Avenue.

One of the Auckland Hebrew congregation’s credos is, ‘a commitment to society at large where every individual is valued and invited to participate and contribute towards our community’.

Rabbi Friedler is young, personable and friendly. We quickly struck up a good rapport.

I asked Natti Friedler for his personal, and his congregation’s reactions to the Christchurch massacre.

“I was heartbroken for my brothers,” he said. “Completely.”

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The police closed the Synagogue down and prohibited services.

Two police were stationed outside on Greys Avenue until the day I visited, a month later. “We had a small service at my home,” Rabbi Natti told me. “The attack on a mosque was like an attack on the synagogue.”

Rabbi Friedler and the Senior Rabbi from Wellington, Rabbi Ariel Tal, went to Christchurch a few days after the attack to pay their respects, and later sent letters of condolence.

“New Zealand has changed,” Rabbi Natti said. “We must be super careful how we rebuild relationships. We must speak well of each other. Speaking badly is destructive.”

The Greys Avenue Synagogue has about 600 members. They are modern orthodox, and respect difference. They preach inclusiveness.

Judaism says every change starts with our own.

The importance of community is huge. “The more good we speak of others the better,” says Friedler. “But we must also be humble. We are not experts on every issue.”

One paragraph of the Rabbi’s letter to Christchurch resonated with me.

“Instead of entering this place of worship in respect and reverence, a godless, evil man took the lives of 51 innocent people. Our sages teach us that the person who saves one life is considered as if he had saved the entire world. By contrast, a person who takes one life is considered as if he has destroyed the whole world. So many worlds were destroyed on Friday. Our hearts cry out and we mourn with your families.”

Absolute solidarity – all New Zealanders must think like this as we go forward, our innocence shattered, but our faith still intact. www.ahc.org.nz Sacred Heart Catholic Church Vermont Street The Ponsonby Mosque considers itself fortunate to have the Sacred Heart Catholic Church next door in Vermont Street.

Mosque secretary, Firoz Patel, told me that Father Rory Morrissey has been a wonderful and supportive neighbour, especially since their Christchurch tragedy.

After meeting and talking to Father Rory, I can understand what Firoz means. Father Rory is a charming man with a warmth and wit that radiates around a room. I thoroughly enjoyed an hour with him to discuss the Christchurch massacre and the Catholic Church in Ponsonby.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY’S HEART & SOUL Father Rory, third from left, with Ponsonby Mosque members, outside the Vermont Street Sacred Heart Catholic Church Father Rory has been around Herne Bay for 20 years, and priest at Sacred Heart for the last four years.

The Parish of Ponsonby celebrated one hundred years in 1986. It all began in 1850 when Bishop Pompallier moved the headquarters of the diocese from Russell to Auckland.

On 20 March 1966, a dream going back to the turn of the century was realised when Archbishop Liston blessed and opened the new church in Vermont Street. Ponsonby has always been a multiracial church and Bishop Pompallier, who welcomed French, - in his day, would feel at home in today’s Irish, English and Maori multi-cultural Ponsonby.

Father Rory was keen to emphasise inter-faith dialogue with Muslims and others. He told me that use of the church car park on Fridays was sometimes fraught – no room for weddings or funerals – but it was only a joke. The Catholics and the Muslims work in together splendidly.

Another fine community-minded Christian man, Father Rory Morrissey is a great representative of his church and a decided asset to our Ponsonby News readership area.

Ponsonby News thanks Father Rory for the love and compassion he and his parishioners have heaped on Ponsonby Mosque Muslims on behalf of all of us, and for the good work they do in our community. www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz

The Sisters of Mercy, founded in Ireland in 1831, have been a supporting presence in the Ponsonby area since early times, and continue to do excellent work from their base on College Hill.

I asked Father Rory about his, and his parishioners, reaction to the Christchurch massacre, and his on-going thoughts a couple of months down the track since the terror attack.

He explained that he inherited a good relationship with the Ponsonby Mosque when he arrived in Vermont Street and he has sought to maintain it. “I was dumbfounded by the massacre. It was a horrendous event,” Father Rory told me. Many of the Ponsonby Muslims are closely associated with the Christchurch congregation.

Father Rory believes our basic goodness, despite original sin, kicked in and most New Zealanders have responded positively towards the Muslim community, and helped where they can. “Friendship is the best we can offer,” suggests Father Rory. “We had over 800 people to our combined service after the tragedy.” Father told us up to 450500 regularly attend Sunday masses.

There has been a steady drop-off in church attendance in the last 50 years. 6% of the population are practising Catholics, 15-20% of baptised Catholics attend church.

“It all started with French philosopher, Descartes,” Father Rory says, “with an emphasis on subjective values rather than objective virtues.”

The 60s began with which are black and white, but ended with values, a kind of 50 shades of grey.

We talked about chastity, celibacy and the contraceptive pill, all topics Father Rory has strong opinions about. The introduction of the contraceptive pill started the fall off in church attendance, said Rory.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PONSONBY’S HEART & SOUL

continued from p21 Church of the Golden Light One of the lesser well-known churches in the Ponsonby News readership area is the Spiritualist Church.

I spoke with Glenys Lindsay, Minister of the Golden Light Spiritualist Church in New North Road. Glenys is only the sixth minister in the 88 years of the Golden Light church, which opened in 1931. She was ordained in 2007.

The spiritualists meet every Sunday for a 2pm service, and have a regular congregation of 20 to 35 worshippers. They meet again during the week for Development Circles, which put parishioners on the path to mediumship. Glenys Lindsay was introduced to spiritualism after years following orthodox and unorthodox religions, and immediately embraced a religion of spirit with no dogma.

As the presiding minister, she is responsible for administration, overseeing the day to day activities of the church and also manages the maintenance of the church.

Glenys is also a registered marriage celebrant and performs weddings when required. She regularly conducts ceremonies in the church including naming, renewal of vows, and ceremonies recognising special events in New Zealand.

We asked Glenys what spiritualism is. How is it defined?

Glenys replies, “Our love of our fellow man is foremost, and we endeavour to spread the truths of survival after death, of spirit communion and healing by the power of the Holy Spirit.

“We regard Jesus as an exemplar, not a saviour, as man has no saviour but himself.”

The Church of the Golden Light practises the Seven Principles of Spiritualism and these are: 1. The fatherhood of God. 2. The brotherhood of man.

3. The communion of spirits and the ministry of angels.

4. The continued existence of the human soul.

5. Personal responsibility.

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

Glenys Lindsay

6. Compensation and retribution hereafter for all good and evil deeds done on earth.

7. Eternal progress is open to every human soul.

Spiritualism has no creeds or dogmas and they accept that they are known as the ‘Seven Principles’.

The primary objective of spiritualism is to prove the survival of the human personality after death.

Spiritualists believe that when we die our earthly bodies return to the earth and the spiritual body becomes the vehicle of our spirit.

The character and individuality we have moulded in our earthly life determines our position hereafter. We can’t cheat. We can’t pretend.

We must make restitution for wrongs we have committed, and only when we have made retribution can a true balance be struck.

The Spiritualist Church embraces mediumship, and trains members in its practice. This is the link or connection between spirits of the dead and living human beings. Clairvoyance is the ability of these mediums to see the form of the spirit and describe features, form and clothing.

Minister Glenys Lindsay told us, “All are very welcome to join with us at our service 2pm on Sundays at 25 New North Road, Eden Terrace.” www.goldenlight.org.nz

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PONSONBY NEWS+ June

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LOCAL NEWS

City Rail Link billion dollar blowout: Twyford and Goff asleep at the switch The announcement of a billion dollar cost blowout for the City Rail Link (CRL), three years after start of construction, is deeply troubling.

At $3.4b, that is $1b per km, the CRL was already going to be one of the most expensive rail tunnels in the world. Now the price has shot up to $4.4b ($2.2b from ratepayers) with completion pushed back to 2024. Troubling also, given Auckland Council’s level of debt which is approaching $8.5b, close to the borrowing limits recommended by the international credit agencies.

Furthermore, $4.4b is an estimate – there is no guarantee that the price will not go even higher. One insider suggested to me the final cost could, as he put it “have five or six” in front of it. He was talking billions of dollars of course.

Council bureaucrats have responded to the increase by recommending the sale of city car parking buildings (parking earned Auckland Transport $50m last year). As most Aucklanders know, selling income-earning assets to plug a hole in the budget is a foolish strategy. Apart from the likelihood of monopoly control of city parking, it should also be borne in mind that the CRL won’t be cheap to operate. If Auckland Council sells its income-earning assets, as it did last year with the ARC Diversified Investment Asset portfolio, which earned ratepayers on average $23m per annum, where will the extra money come from to pay the operating costs?

In 2016, the Key National Government after agreeing to back the City Rail Link had its assessors review it. They recommended that the CRL build should be taken off Auckland Transport and that the two parties funding the project, that is the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council, should directly oversee it. A sensible idea in principle. A Crown entity was duly set up, CRL Ltd, under the chairmanship of Wellington-based Brian Roche (now Sir Brian), former PwC partner and most recently CEO of NZ Post, along with a board of largely anonymous directors.

On the face of it, this should have enabled transparency and clear accountability lines back to the funders. That was the plan, but with the departure of CRL champion Mayor Len Brown and his replacement by Phil Goff, the CRL went off the political radar. Newly elected Goff had his own trophy project to push, light rail to the airport. But then with the election of the Labour-New Zealand First Government, no doubt to Goff’s relief, responsibility for this poorly conceived scheme (three years on and still no business case) was famously adopted by his former colleague, Transport Minister Phil

Twyford – who, for good measure, added another light rail to Kumeu, which together Twyford boasts will be “the biggest transport project in New Zealand’s history.”

Call it what you like, ‘eyes off the ball’, ‘asleep at the switch’, the CRL project from that time on has drawn virtually zero political interest from those at the top.

Whatever the talents and experience of Sir Brian and his directors in building rail tunnels, what has been missing here has been the active oversight of the shareholders, the Government and the council, meaning the people who represent the public who are paying for it. I have only seen Sir Brian twice at the council since his appointment in 2016 before he appeared again last month to ask for another half a billion dollars from Auckland ratepayers.

Meanwhile the CRL first stage ‘cut and cover’ making its painfully slow way up the first 400 metres of Albert Street, is still not finished, to the consternation of Albert Street retailers, the Stamford Plaza Hotel and commuters in that part of the city. Despite this, a few weeks ago Minister Twyford announced that the NZ Superannuation Fund as part of his ‘City Centre to Mangere Light Rail’ scheme was investigating a parallel tram tunnel up Queen Street just 150m away.

I am not making this up. In Mr Twyford we clearly have a transport minister who doesn’t understand or care much for rail, given his obstinate refusal to even consider a 7km rail extension to Auckland Airport, and his opposition to the extension of train services on the existing line to Kumeu.

Because of the totally deficient amount of financial information given to councillors, I declined to vote for the extra half billion dollars.

Instead I won support for an amendment calling on the Government as the lead agency to increase its contribution.

Let me be clear, from my time as Chairman of the ARC, I have been a leading proponent of the CRL which I believe to be vital strategic infrastructure for Auckland. However, its construction should not be seen as an opportunity for the ratepayers and taxpayers to be ripped off by the usual suspects. Well behind schedule, and well over budget, the City Rail Link project is symptomatic of what is wrong with Auckland – poor leadership at the top. Auckland deserves better than PN this. (MIKE LEE - Councillor for Waitemata & Gulf) F

SPECIAL AWARD FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY Ponsonby Community Centre’s former Chair John Hill, received a special award month at the Waitemata Good Citizen Awards – Long Service to the Community.

Congratulations, John – very well deserved recognition and thank you for all you do for the Community Centre!

Check out our website and Facebook pages for news and what’s on each month. We have a page for the Community Centre - @ponsycommunity, Ponsonby Playgroup - @PonsonbyPlaygroup and Ponsy Kids Community Preschool - @ponsykids.

For more information on Ponsonby Community Centre, our activities and venue hire, please visit www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

2019 Local Elections update No new candidates for mayor, council or the Waitemata Local Board have emerged this month, but there has been action on the political front.

Mayor Phil Goff has belatedly come out calling for a ‘review’ of Auckland Transport CCO. Am I cynical to suggest this is just an election ploy, after first taking two councillors off the AT Board, Mike Lee and Christine Fletcher, and then not uttering a single squeak about AT actions this last three years during his reign as Mayor. Too little, too late Phil.

Tamihere, too, has had a crack at Goff’s tardy comments. Tamihere announced on 8 May that an immediate priority, if elected mayor, will be to “sack the Auckland Transport Board and replace it with directors who understand their obligation is to the people of Auckland, rather than to the ideological bullies who have gained control of Auckland’s Transport policy under Phil Goff’s weak leadership.

“Under Goff’s mayoralty,” Tamihere continues, “ideologues within the council have deliberately set out to narrow roads, reduce speed limits, take away parking spaces, take away free left hand turns, change traffic light patterns to favour ‘people not the car’, and destroy communities like St Heliers.” He could have added Mt Albert and West Lynn.

Just this week, David Parker, Environment Minister, has declared the Government’s opposition to further harbour encroachment.

This is in opposition to Mayor Phil Goff who supports the proposed further encroachment.

Tamihere has also called on Phil Goff to make no more appointments to public bodies in election year. He does not want bodies loaded with Goff appointees, hoping he (Tamihere) will be in a position to appoint people who will represent the ratepayers of Auckland.

It is certainly time for a major review of the structure and operation of the Auckland Super City. It is sad local resident Emeritus Professor Ian Shirley, did not live long enough to contribute his valuable input to such a review. An expert on local governmet, Professor Shirley had serious criticisms of Auckland’s governance which he believed needed addressing.

We will report on new candidates as they announce they are standing.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

Tamihere has also announced a policy on the sale of the Auckland Port Company, with a lease back of the land, owned by Auckland Council, proposed. Mike Lee has declared this privatisation, and opposes it. So, too, does Goff.

No new candidates have emerged so far in Waitemata Ward, but they probably will, both for council and for the local board. There is a rumour that a prominent local man will declare soon for Waitemata Ward’s council seat, as an independent.

We still await an announcement from Mike Lee. He is unlikely to have a tilt at the mayoralty, but may decide to stand again for the Waitemata Council ward seat – the one he currently holds.

Apart from a serious shake-up of the Auckland Council’s governing roles, an issue sure to be on the agenda this election is a proposal for further encroachment of city wharves into the harbour – this time to accommodate larger cruise ships. When will this madness finally be put to bed?

Adriana Avendaño Christie, current Waitemata local board member seeks re-election for the chair position

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The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

PONSONBY NEWS+ June

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LOCAL NEWS

We must stop being used

by Auckland Transport This time it’s very close to home.

I was called by a Ponsonby News reader who lives in my street. He is irate at the latest Auckland Transport (AT) debacle in Kelmarna Avenue outside St Mary’s School.

I have been equally angry about this over-the-top road work which I pass most days, so I visited it with Roger Hawkins to hear his concerns. Roger has lived in Wanganui Avenue for 30 years so surely must qualify to being called a local.

Hawkins was not opposed to a pedestrian crossing on Kelmarna Avenue to keep students of St Mary’s safer crossing the road before or after school. What concerned him was what he described as “totally over-the-top, expensive and unnecessary traffic hazards.”

His complaint says, “the design is ridiculous, totally overdone, outrageously expensive, and will achieve absolutely nothing that a simple pedestrian crossing across the full width of the road would have done – for a fraction of the cost.”

I agree with Roger Hawkins’ conclusions. There was no need to build the footpath right out to the new crossing, with just enough space for two cars to cross. Just around the 90 degree corner from Hukanui Crescent into Kelmarna Avenue is a new speed hump. You couldn’t speed around that corner even if you were Chris Dixon. Then there is a chicane on the Herne Bay side of Kelmarna Avenue which has slowed traffic for years to my certain knowledge.

I think the new expensive configuration will cause accidents, not prevent them. And then when you get through this new maze and into Parawai Crescent, you hit another idiotic AT invention. Just around the corner on Richmond Road is a set of traffic lights. I’m told they cost $60,000 to install. They are for pedestrians to cross Richmond Road. There was already a pedestrian crossing about 50m up Richmond Road above Countdown supermarket. If two or three cars are stopped at the new crossing cars can’t get out of Parawai Crescent to turn right up Richmond Road.

Now add traffic coming and going from the new Housing NZ development on the corner and you have certain mayhem.

AT will just say, “Get out of your cars and walk or cycle.” Auckland’s so-called ‘Design Champion’, Ludo Campbell-Reid, supposedly said in a speech in Singapore in 2017, “The most important thing for me was attacking the car dominance of the city.”

AT clearly has a strategy way ahead of the ratepayers who pay their wages. Don’t try to socially engineer Aucklanders. Consult at grass roots level, and take note of what the people want. Explain latest methods getting people around the world’s best cities, explain why we need to walk more, use public transport and avoid using our cars when we can, but don’t dictate from above exactly how you think we should live.

I will not support any candidate for office in October who allows AT to continue its arrogant behaviour.

Aucklanders from Grey Lynn to St Heliers and beyond have had PN enough. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

Ponsonby loses fine woman I was sad to see the passing of a lovely Ponsonby woman, Audrey Evans, recently.

I had known Audrey for some years, lived in the same street for a time, and shared the stage with her when we were both honoured by the Waitemata Local Board for our contributions to local life with a Good Citizen Award.

Audrey was born in London way back in 1926, and was nearly 93 when she passed away. She was always fully immersed in community events and issues. Audrey fervently believed in people. She had a keen sense of responsibility for the underdog, and was a member of the Tenants’ Protection Society, the Alliance political party, Aged Concern, and enjoyed the U3A. Audrey Evans was an intelligent woman, who in more recent times would probably have been an academic, somewhat like my own mother who left school to work in an office and then bring up a family.

She moved from Rotorua to Ponsonby when her husband died, and immediately became closely involved with local community political and social events.

Five years ago, Audrey left her villa in Ponsonby Terrace and went to Matakana to live with her daughter Mary, but as Mary told Ponsonby News, her heart was always in Ponsonby.

Audrey Evans always had a twinkle in her eyes, and a great sense of humour. Before moving to Matakana, Mary and her husband David had lived in Ring Terrace (they remember Flora McKenzie), Dunedin Street, and O’Neill Street – true Ponsonby locals. Mary taught at Freemans Bay School and at Auckland Girls’ Grammar.

I remember Audrey exactly as her daughter Mary describes her, “Shining integrity, mental and physical courage, wisdom, balanced judgement, compassionate kindness and a wonderful sense of humour. All these qualities were combined in her frail but valiant body. In her gentle, yet determined way she lost no opportunity of ‘spreading the word’. She was ready to help at every turn at whatever task came to hand, regarding it as a privilege to do so.”

Audrey will be remembered with love, gratitude and pride in her friendship. Her family are justly proud of their wonderful mother – a very fine human being.

Let’s hope we have all absorbed something of Audrey’s qualities which will stand us in good stead in the tough times ahead.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Mayor welcomes confirmation on Auckland Harbour Bridge walk and cycleway Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has welcomed confirmation by the New Zealand Transport Agency that construction of the walk and cycle path across the Auckland Harbour Bridge will start next year.

“Being able to walk and bike between the North Shore and the city centre for the first time will be exciting and transformative for the city.

“It allows choice of travel for commuters, recreational users and tourists and will take pressure off the congested road way.

“I also welcome NZTA’s assurance that the pathway will be wide enough to allow cyclists and walkers to share it and be safe, and that there will be no restrictions on the number of people using it.

“The best news, however, is that we now have a time frame with the announcement that construction will start next year. Like most Aucklanders, I want to see this happen as soon as possible,” Phil Goff said.

North Shore Ward Councillors Chris Darby and Richard Hills said they were pleased to see renewed progress.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

“It’s been 12 long years for me, steering this project towards fruition, so I’m relieved to see genuine progress being made. The walking and cycle way over the harbour bridge will be a beacon for biking, a call to Aucklanders to get active and get connected. It will be a ‘what took you so long’ success story,” said Chris Darby.

Richard Hills said, “It’s exciting to have action on this crucial project for our community, it will open up walking and cycling opportunities for our North Shore residents that we have been requesting for decades.

“Whether it’s to and from work during the week or for families to enjoy access over the weekend, it will change the way we get around our community. We look forward to hearing more about the new design and how it connects with Northcote Point and Seapath, but if it aims to enable more space and safety for users, that’s PN a good start.” F

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LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby Park – bring it on Auckland Council enlivens democracy through real community engagement.

Public participation is the foundation of democracy. When community participation programmes work, council processes are enhanced and the outcomes are always improved.

and needed. This give and take has enabled everyone involved to embrace the patience, perseverance and motivation required to continue on until the project is fully realised.

They enable council to understand and be responsive to the needs of Auckland’s communities. Community engagement has the ability to build networks, grow leaders, and bring about a more collaborative style of governance which encourages participation in the democratic process. However, if poorly managed, community engagement programmes can lead to disillusionment, increased apathy and the creation of roadblocks for future consultation.

Community engagement needs a collaborative approach, balanced by setting clear guidelines, goals and outcomes for the community.

Our Community-led Design process for the development of 254 Ponsonby Road, aka ‘Ponsonby Park’ (implemented by the Waitemata Local Board in conjunction with Auckland Council) offered people the opportunity to actively engage in the development of their neighbourhood and community.

In order for this to happen, we needed to make becoming involved and informed, easy and accessible. So one of the first things we did was to create a comprehensive communications strategy. This enabled us to reach and update people, and receive feedback on a routine basis.

The strategy included: email, social media, letterbox drops, creating in-person events, and hosting information sessions. It also included the ongoing and sustained support of local media such as the fabulous Ponsonby News! (Thank you Martin).

It has taken a great deal of time, energy and commitment by the volunteer members of the Community-led Design group to gain unanimous council approval for the whole site civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road. And we were in turn empowered and enthused by the community, who provided a clear vision of what was wanted

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

The Community-led Design process for ‘Ponsonby Park’ has not only developed and met such requirements, but it has exceeded expectation of what it was hoped the process would achieve. It engaged the local community and many of the local businesses who offered tangible, sustained and ongoing support.

It has also had involvement by both local and international visitors to Ponsonby and the wider-Auckland region.

The LandLAB Park+ design has won the prestigious international ‘World Architecture News – Future Civic category’ award. And was also shortlisted in the ‘World Architecture Festival’, ‘Future Civic’ category. Not bad for a community-led project!

We all now look forward to the commencement of Stage One of the whole site civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road, aka ‘Ponsonby Park’. This has been a true community-led engagement process that everyone, including Auckland Council, the Waitemata Local Board, the local residents, businesses and visitors, can all deservedly be proud to have collaborated on together. (JENNIFER WARD) F PN For more information or to contact us, see our webpage: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz Or our Facebook page: Ponsonby Park. * The LandLAB design for Ponsonby Park won the international ‘World Architecture News – Future Civic Category’ award in November 2018.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Auckland weather diary, June 2019 – by the moon June is a month of two halves, unsettled and wet for the first 15 days, then patches of clear weather with occasional showers during the second half. Heaviest rainfall may be in the second week, and a further dump around 22nd. There are more days with cloud than with sun.

The wind direction average is from the south-east. The windiest day may be 6th.

For Auckland, the average for maximums may be 17-19°C and for minimums 10-12°C. The warmest day may be around 2nd with about 18-20°C max, and the coolest night may be around 15th with 3°C. Average humidity is around 85%.

Overall, the barometer may average 1015mbs. The highest air pressure reading may be near 1030mbs on 16th and 23rd, and the lowest is expected to be about 1000mbs at or near 5th.

The best interval in June for outside activities should be the 23rd-26th.

Highest tides are on 4th and 17th and neaps on 12th and 26th.

For fishermen, the best fishing bite-times (in the east) are at dusk 2nd-4th and 16th-19th and in the west at around lunchtime on those days. Chances are secondarily better in the east for 12 noon of 9th11th and 24th-27th, and in the west around dusk of those days.

South-easterlies are between 8th and 24th.

For gardeners, the best sowing interval is 7th-16th, when the waxing moon is ascending. The best pruning periods are 1st-2nd and 20th-30th, when the waning moon is descending. If harvesting for preservation and longer shelf-life, choose the lower water-table days of 12th and 26th.

Allow 24-hour error for all forecasting. (KEN RING) F PN For future weather for any date, see www.predictweather.com

WHITE-GLOVED WAITERS AND SILVER CANDLESTICKS Orsini’s restaurant opened its doors on Cuba Street, Wellington in 1958 with silver candlesticks and white-gloved waiters.

In Ponsonby their fine dining tradition continued with a landmark restaurant in the historic Allendale House building. Preserved for decades the antiques, tableware an art from these fine establishments are now on show and for sale at Orsini’s on Jervois, a bespoke antique store recently opened by Robyn Rose Littlejohn.

“Tradition at Orsini’s meant that the front door was always locked. Valerie said. The locked door gave us the opportunity to prepare for the regular police raids, some nights they visited two or three times to enforce the no drinking law but we always made sure our customers were protected by hiding the bottles under the long, draping table cloths.”

Orsini’s, owned by Valerie and Phillip Littlejohn, were the benchmark for fine dining from the late 1950’s. They were at the forefront of a push to get liquor laws changed so restaurants could serve wine with meals.

Orsini’s on Jervois is full of special treasures from this bygone era of dining. Nostalgic stories and a wonderful range of furniture, art and antiques from the restaurants are complimented with carefully curated range of French and Italian antiques. F PN ORSINIS, 30 Jervios Road, M: 021 574 478

Antiques & Eclectic Interiors Shop hours: Tues-Fri 10-4pm – Sat 10-2pm / 30 Jervois Road

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby U3A – June 2019 Maori engagement with writing in the years before the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi proved a fascinating topic from guest speaker Professor Alison Jones at the May meeting of Ponsonby U3A. She is a professor at the Auckland University School of Maori Studies where she has been teaching for 40 years.

Since 1769 when Maori first encountered their language in written form they have been enthusiastic writers. Professor Jones discussed the writing down of the language and the linked events that led to the first Pakeha settlement in New Zealand and the opening of the first school in 1816.

Most U3A members were unaware that the beginning of schooling in New Zealand was as far back as 1816 when the first school was opened at the Bay of Islands. Professor Jones said that the establishment of the school is a Maori story. Maori wanted schooling for their own purposes and they went to Australia seeking a teacher to come to these shores before any Pakeha were here. The school was established at the north end of the Bay of Islands, in a handy spot with a hospitable harbour.

The school teacher, an Englishman named Thomas Kendall, had been taught the Maori language in Australia by a young Maori man from the Bay of Islands. Following this he wrote a school book which was published in 1815.

Professor Jones has had a life-long interest in Maori-Pakeha relations. She has written two award-winning books (with colleague Kuni Kaa Jenkins) about Maori-Pakeha relations prior to the Treaty of Waitangi. Their latest book, Tuai: A Traveller in Two Worlds, won a 2018 Ockham Award. One of her ancestors, Charles Robertson, was at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and wrote an account of that event for the Sydney Morning Herald.

The 10-minute speaker, U3A member Judy Rae, talked about the exciting time in her life when she and her late husband produced olive oil from north-facing land they had purchased on Waiheke Island.

Knowing little about the oil industry, they joined the NZ Olive Association where they learned a lot. In 1995 they planted eight varieties of

olives, four of which proved to be unsuitable for the conditions.

There were many factors to be taken into account when establishing an olive grove, such as ph levels, soil deficiencies and drainage, etc. It was five years until the first harvest and in about 10 years they were harvesting between 30 and 50kg a year, with every second crop being a larger one. If picked too soon, the oil isn’t such a complex mixture.

Judy explained that olive oil is best fresh and that imported oil can be rancid by the time it reaches New Zealand from the other side of the world. It requires storing in dark bottles and to be kept away from heat and light.

Ponsonby U3A is part of the international U3A movement. It is for people in their ‘third age’, offering opportunities for informal study and new learning experiences. U3A started in France in 1973 and has spread throughout the world. There are over 80 U3A groups in New Zealand, 25 in Auckland, with a total membership of over 3000.

Ponsonby U3A was established in 1994 and will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary. The lifeblood of U3A Ponsonby is in the special interest groups which offer learning, leisure and friendship experiences. There is also a monthly meeting with two speakers on the second Friday morning of the month.

Guests are welcome to attend a Ponsonby U3A meeting, but are asked to first telephone Christine Hart, T: 027 289 5514. Guest speaker for the June meeting will be Wayne Brittenden.

PN (PHILIPPA TAIT) F NEXT MEETING: 10am, Friday 14 June at Herne Bay Petanque Club, Salisbury Street Reserve, Herne Bay. ENQUIRIES:

Christine Hart, President, Ponsonby U3A, M: 027 289 5514, www.u3a.nz

Lucia Mataia – Leys Institute Library News: Kia ora koutou Winter is an ideal time for collecting a pile of books and magazines to enjoy.

Or, if you are fortunate to be heading off to warmer climes and don’t want a heavy bag of books, why not download a few E-books to take on holiday. If you need help downloading the library app come and see us.

Matariki - name for a group of stars known as the Pleiades Matariki is the Maori or The Seven Sisters. This cluster of seven stars can be seen clearly - the stars with the naked eye at this time of the year. For many Maori, - New Year. Traditionally, it was a time signal the start of the Maori for remembering ancestors and celebrating new life, harvesting and preparing for the cold weather ahead. Look out for our Matariki events in early July.

Book Chat This month we are sticking with fiction. First up, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. This is the story of a man ordered to spend the rest of his life in a luxury hotel. “Towles writes superbly,” one of our group commented, and added, “this was an easy read and a joy to read.” A Gentleman in Moscow has been a hit with Book Chat, the

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wider Auckland Libraries community, and critics. For instance, the NY Times said “Towles is a craftsman.”

The next book we would like to recommend is Boy Swallows the Universe, by first-time novelist Trent Dalton. Set in Brisbane in 1983, the cast of characters includes a lost boy whose mum is in jail, a heroin dealer stepdad and a notorious criminal babysitter. Semi -autobiographical, the author described his book as a 50/50 mix of fact and fantasy. This book has also had great critical and commercial success. It has sold over 100,000 copies and won numerous awards including Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Awards.

Storytime with a Queen Come along and celebrate the diversity of our community with Ivanna Dr’nk. We promise a colourful morning of stories, songs and rhymes about being who you are. Tuesday 11 June at 10.30am. (LUCIA MATAIA) 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

Nikki Kaye – Auckland Central MP: Update on the Central Rail Link As the local MP, I recently held several meetings with a group of businesses impacted by the central rail link (CRL) on Albert Street.

I have supported the project over a number of years because it is my view that there are huge benefits in the long term for the connectivity of our rail network and moving people in and out of central Auckland.

When National announced funding for the project in 2015, there was support across the political spectrum.

However, I am deeply concerned about the budget blowout and lack of clarity about the timelines for the delivery of this project. In Auckland Central there are many road and infrastructure projects.

However, the CRL is more than just some minor roadworks – it involves years of construction.

There will be long term benefits for some businesses as a result of the project but it is clear there is real hardship occurring currently for some businesses due to the ongoing disruption caused by construction delays and a lack of certainty on the delivery of the project.

I wrote to the Mayor and Minister of Transport about a month ago to ask for clear timelines, greater support for disrupted businesses and a meeting with central and local government representatives involved in the project.

It’s really important for political accountability and the issue of disruption costs that we get a clear timeline of construction work so businesses can have greater confidence in the project’s management. Unfortunately, I have not received adequate answers on a number of questions.

In terms of the costs of the project, I am working to get greater transparency of the $4.4 billion project. It is clear that some of the additional costs are due to construction cost increases and expansion of the scope by this Government.

However, this does not explain the scale of the cost blowout. I think it is hugely important to get greater transparency about what has gone on to ensure the public can have confidence in the delivery of major infrastructure projects in the future. As your representative I will continue to fight for this.

Supporting progress on climate change National has been working with political parties across Parliament to try and get some cross-party consensus on climate change.

We recently voted to support the Climate Change Response Act Amendment Bill through its first reading. We support many elements of the Bill including establishment of an independent Climate Change Commission, a framework for reducing New Zealand’s emissions and a framework for climate change adaptation.

However, we do have real concerns around the proposed methane target. It is important at Select Committee to have a genuine and robust debate about realistic targets and plans around reducing emissions. The proposed 24 - 47% reduction in methane does not reflect scientific advice and is too fast.

A range of scientific reports have suggested agriculture would contribute no further warming with a 10 - 22% reduction, which would be a more reasonable target.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

In total, $300 billion is forecast to be shaved off the New Zealand economy between now and 2050. New Zealand’s economy will be 9% smaller under this target compared with the existing 50% reduction target set by National. We have said we need to reduce emissions and support global efforts to avoid climate change, but we also need to be open and honest about the potential costs of doing so.

National is aware that we are talking about the future standard of living for us all, so we’re calling on the Environment Select Committee, who will now take the Bill forward, to consult with New Zealand’s science community and focus its attention on understanding an appropriate target level for New Zealand. I am keen to hear your personal views about the Bill but also the changes that we can make as a country to reduce emissions.

As someone who is passionate about the importance of environment, I know it is very important that we work hard to significantly reduce emissions. This legislation is an important step in achieving this.

I also understand the importance of ensuring that we get an enduring political consensus on this issue for the future of our country.

Thank you for sending me your views on the above topics.

PN (NIKKI KAYE) F If you have any local or national issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on T: 09 378 2088 or send me an email at mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central I regularly work on local issues and meet with constituents.

Please contact my office if you would like to discuss anything with me Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay Friday 14 June, 3pm

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: Bats on the balcony I’ve been in Australia. Between Brizzy (I slipped scarily easily into the local vernacular) and the Gold Coast for a week staying with a close friend.

Friends since we were 17-years-old, we have shared many of life’s ups and downs. Cried and laughed together, saved each other’s lives.

Which is why I go to see her in a country I personally don’t really enjoy. I mean... mega-sized spiders, snakes, screeching, jet-black crows, and bull sharks out the front of the house in the muddy river.

And the accent. A few locals I met were quite miffed that our Kiwi accent had recently been voted the sexiest in the world. I’m not miffed but, like them, I don’t get it.

Each of the seven days I was there dawned sunny and bright with vast blue skies and a tickle of a breeze. A perfect 25 degrees with no humidity. Admittedly, the weather at this time of year is divine but that’s where it ends for me. I don’t get Australia. I have lived in Sydney and Melbourne in the distant past and always thought New Zealand superior. Softer – people and place, more beautiful, safer.

However, I have to admit that Australia does have its own beauty.

Being driven back to my friend’s place one late afternoon after a long, lazy lunch, I was totally in awe of day’s end. In New Zealand, we have a reasonably long twilight. In Queensland, the day ends abruptly. The sun drops rapidly towards the horizon. This particular day, a sliver of white moon lay suspended, motionless in a dove breast-grey sky, that mere moments before had brushed a 1000 rose-gold strokes over grateful, nodding, fluffy melinis minutiflora. And the very last of the sun whispered warmly into the silvered bark of tall, slender gum trees, blushing them golden yellow. The horizon streaked mustard over darkening blue-black hills. Breathtaking.

All this ‘un-NZ’ beauty was almost ruined by a two-hour traffic jam on the ironically named Freeway.

Home and showered and slipped into something more comfortable (my friend and I have always shared a habit of changing as soon as we get in the front door), we opened a bottle of bubbles, ate cheese, sour pickles, crackers and giant, fresh prawns – everything here is on steroids – while we lazed on her balcony chatting, laughing, always laughing. Great belly laughs. Ones where you just can’t stop and have to clutch your stomach and try to draw breath. Then collapse into laughter again. Best medicine, ever. We watched the lights twinkle on the other side of the river. You can hear someone’s kettle boil on the other side of the water, so I’m amazed the noise police weren’t sent to gag us each night as we put the world to rights and cackled until the early hours.

I’m an early riser. No matter when I go to bed I always get up early.

Here, on the river, boats glide quietly by at dawn, a pair of ducks wander out from the undergrowth and swim in perfect circles together.

I worry about their little feet paddling furiously underneath the murky water what with the bull sharks. Giant crows screech and caw in the trees or strut along the pontoons looking like gothic revivalists.

I used to dislike the crows; this trip, I’m loving them. Secretly, I feed them seeds each morning before anyone else is up and about. My friend would kill me if she knew because she detests them. “Evil” she calls them. Another bird flits about singing a soft, long note from low to high. I asked what the bird was: “Don’t know, sounds like a New Zealand bird here on holiday” was the reply. It did. Aussie birds do tend to sound louder, harsher. I’ve named it the ribbon bird. Its song reminds me of a ribbon floating airborne, upwards.

Of an early morning, I have a trusty companion who sits with me on the balcony watching the river come to life. Scruffy. The sweetest wee mate a girl could wish for. He sits on my feet or in my lap, little black eyes staring at me: “Belly rub would be good. Or behind the

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ears.” He trots after me as I head for the kitchen to refill my green tea and back again. We discuss the crows. He isn’t a fan. The ribbon bird? Meh. Bull sharks in the river? He quivers, snuggling deeper into my lap. Apparently there was a near miss one day when he fell off the pontoon. Scruffy also has a ridiculously expensive bed. A giant, designer beanbag which he burrows into at nights while listening to the chatter and popping corks. Such a cutie. He slides off the beanbag and tries to slip into my bedroom when I head for bed. As much as I adore him, I need to be able to breathe. Scruff-puff insists on laying over my head and so it’s the beanbag for him.

My last night, I wandered into the kitchen to gather glasses and wine to take onto the balcony, settled myself into a chair as the night came in, when suddenly a great whoosh of wings appeared in front of me, then another. I saw a flash of silvery grey and then to my right, two large bats settled on a great bunch of ladyfinger bananas hanging from a banana palm over the balcony. The bats screamed as they attacked the fruit. Were they telling each other to buzz off or were they asking: “How was your day, Dear?”

I sat motionless, fascinated and a little nervous. I love bats but aren’t they a bit rabid? Do the attack humans? These weren’t tiny pippins, they were large. And hungry. Luckily, I didn’t resemble a banana in any way at all.

I yelled out to my friend: “There are bats on the balcony.”

“Yeah, right. We don’t have bats near the house.”

“I’m telling you, there are bats on your balcony.”

She ambled out, phone in hand, dropped phone, screamed. The bats screamed. I screamed. Scruffy screamed and the bananas, what remained of them, fell to the floor as the bats flew off, wings flapping, like bats out of hell. Literally.

Back home, sitting on my sunny, batless verandah, I think about how lucky we are to live in this gorgeous country of ours. She can come here next time. (DEIRDRE THURSTON) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Five minutes with Peter Feeney I recently got a chance to meet the actor, screenwriter and teacher, Peter Feeney, who spoke to me about his early years as an actor, and his thoughts on the acting profession moving forward.

Could you start by telling us a little about yourself?

I came to acting late. I think that I was 27 when I first started training. I’d always wanted to be an actor, but I put it off due to a lack of confidence.

I came from an academic background; I had been studying politics and history in Melbourne and Moscow. I think from the beginning I always wanted to not only just be an actor but understand what it took to be a great actor.

You’ve also been a casting director, screenwriter and a teacher. Which do you like best?

Michael Hurst put it really well when he said that “its all the same dance.” I think he’s right because the thing that interests me as an actor is being able to tell other people’s stories.

Actors are just storytellers, their job is to help communicate the ideas of the writers. For me, it comes down to the fact that all of us are involved in that process in some way regardless of whether you’re an actor, a screenwriter or just part of the crew.

What made you come up with the idea for a teens’ workshop?

There are huge opportunities out there for teenagers, and young adults, but if you put yourself through drama school for three years, there’s no certainty that you’re going to find work when you graduate.

Whereas, if you’re here at our workshop you’re working with industry professionals, you’re deciding if it’s right for you, and you’re going out there and doing auditions and possibly getting work.

So it can be a bit of a fluke sometimes?

I think you’ve got to acknowledge that it can definitely be a fluke. You can be talented, well trained and do all the right things and still never have a successful career.

Is it easier to spot talent in a teenager?

It’s a tricky question because talent can be really well hidden and it’s not always obvious. I guess I could say some people are very

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

impressive when they walk in the door, and other people I’ll look at and think ‘this talent will come to fruition at some other time’.

You mentioned a revolution, what’s that about?

There’s been a lot of different undercurrents where actors have started to take more control. In the early 80s, Kenneth Branagh opened a theatre company where the actors were directing all the plays. That was unheard of and they were ridiculed for that, but all the productions were brilliant because the actors turned out to be really good directors.

There’s always been this patronising belief that actors can only act, and that’s utter rubbish.

So you’re saying do away with the directors?

No, what I mean is we need directors that are technically capable but are also able to understand where good performances come from.

They’ve got to be more performance focused, and there’s no reason why actors can’t do more directing.

You described the old teaching model as out of date.

Does this directly link to your idea of revolution?

There used to be an idea that to have a career as an actor you had to be very versatile. Now, the global market place doesn’t really work like that. Instead, it will find whatever’s unique or quirky about you and will cast you in exactly that role.

So I guess now, in terms of the revolution, what I’m interested in is enabling people to bring out their full personality in their work rather then trying to put a rubber stamp on them and saying, “you’re this type of actor,” or “you’re that type of actor.”

Now it’s more like asking the question of “who are you,” or “what’s the unique contribution you’re making” and how can you be more relaxed in your own skin? (KERRY LEE) F PN For more information on the Actors Lab Studio, please visit www.pfeeney.com/actors-lab

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Julianne Taylor – World Classic Powerlifting Championships In the world of powerlifting, Julianne Taylor is something of a phenomenon. At 59 years of age, she’ll be competing in the World Classic Powerlifting Championships held in Sweden next month.

I had the chance to speak to Julianne about how she got into powerlifting, and what it takes to compete at an international level.

programme in powerlifting. After completing that, I just kept going because I really enjoyed it and really liked getting stronger.

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m 59-years-old, a mum, a nutritionist, and a registered nurse.

Did you face any biases due to your age?

I haven’t faced any prejudices; the powerlifting community is incredibly supportive. Outside of powerlifting, I’ve had nothing but admiration and people telling me that it’s inspirational.

How long have you been powerlifting?

I’ve been powerlifting for three years but, prior to that, I was going to the gym on a regular basis.

You’re representing New Zealand in the power weight lifting competition in Sweden. How did that come about?

I started powerlifting for a couple of years and noticed that I was getting stronger. Eventually, my personal trainer suggested that I start competing.

So I engaged the use of coach, Carli Dillen, who also represents New Zealand as a powerlifter. She got me ready for my first provincial competition, which was in April of last year.

My goal was to get a good enough result to get into the national competitions, which were held last August. Afterwards, my coach suggested that I apply to represent New Zealand.

And how do you prepare for this, what’s your training regimen like?

I train four or five times a week. I practise the standard lifts, which include bench presses, squats and deadlifts.

Besides age, are there any special concerns that older athletes should consider?

I think recovery is probably more important for older athletes because your body needs more time to recover from heavy weight sessions. If you do get niggling injuries, be prepared to get physio and get them sorted out quickly.

I think building up slowly is vital to avoid injuries. A really good gym/ workout programme is also important so that you don’t take on too much too soon.

How did you get into it, what drew you to this sport?

I started going to a gym that advertised an eight-week training

As a nutritionist, what are the benefits of a woman lifting weights?

There are huge benefits, especially for an older woman, because you can get osteoporosis, where your bones get weaker, and you lose a lot of muscle mass. That process accelerates after the age of 50, so keeping your bones and muscles strong is really important.

It also means you’ll look better and feel a lot more confident about yourself as a result.

Do you feel as if women are under represented?

Yeah, I’d love to see more women in powerlifting, and strength training. At the moment, I’m pretty much the only one in my category.

Having some competition would be really good.

What steps would someone who’s interested have to take?

Anyone can do it. I’d say having a good coach is really important.

I also think that the first thing to consider is the technique. The technique’s vital so that you don’t end up hurting yourself.

If you do want to compete in competitions, then there are certain technical things you’ll have to do, otherwise your lift will be discounted.

So a good coach and good technique are important.

Would you recommend it for everyone?

Only if they enjoy it. I think that everyone should do some sort of weight lifting to keep themselves strong. If they start doing powerlifting and they love it, then they should definitely keep going.

Any advice for people who think they’re too old to try something different?

I would say that if you’re mentally or physically capable, then you’re not too old to do anything. (KERRY LEE) F PN

For more information on the upcoming powerlifting competition in Sweden, please visit www.powerliftingwp.co.za/event/world-classic-powerlifting-championships-2

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Grey Lynn Business Association Update The Grey Lynn Business Association (GLBA) is working on further developing our already strong and functional urban fringe neighbourhood.

A recent study of Grey Lynn described it as the ‘Green Fringe’ of the city. It is the high level of social integration between the businesses of Grey Lynn and its community which really distinguish us from many of the other retail centres and villages throughout New Zealand.

We are not a traditional business association in that we have strong community roots which grew from, and we continue to work with, the long-established Grey Lynn 2030 – a community group which is a leader in environmental thinking and change.

Another product of the GL2030 initiative, the Grey Lynn Farmers Market, is another local example that illustrates the ‘Green Fringe’ in action – it has been leading the charge on promoting environmental sustainability, ethically sourced products and integration with community values.

GLBA has an extremely exciting vision that builds on the existing community spirit, but we do need wider engagement with the local 3000-plus businesses to turn our vision into a reality. We can all benefit from tapping into each other’s diverse skills and experiences.

At the moment, GLBA is working on five key projects: • Unique billboards to promote events in Grey Lynn. The billboards will be designed by a local artist and be displayed throughout Grey Lynn. In keeping with the local ethos, all artists will be paid for their work and we hope the billboards will become part of the rich tapestry of Grey Lynn’s vibrant culture.

Brigitte Sistig, Leanne Moore, Carol Gunn & Tracy McKeown

• Engagement of a communications expert to ensure our messages reflect the spirit, desire and values of the district.

• Working collaboratively to expand the awareness, attraction and ambiance of the amazing artists, designers and food enterprises in Grey Lynn. This includes participating in and expanding the existing Art Week (mid-October).

• Greening Grey Lynn village with a view to increasing its appeal as a place where people feel welcome and choose to spend their time. Our team working on this project has a focus on getting the community involved in the plan’s design and implementation.

• Garnering wide-ranging support and engagement with our community to ensure change is managed for the benefit of all. In this respect it was very interesting to read the recent developments regarding the proposals to build a new St Helier’s village centre – very clearly a ‘listening’ community is developing which, in our view, is the essence of bringing about high-quality infrastructure developments in village centres.

Over the last two years we have learnt that it is essential for the business and the community to speak as one to optimise their contributions to change.

We look forward to you joining us on the journey as we work to further advance Grey Lynn as a progressive urban community. F PN Get in touch with us if you would like to be involved in any of our projects, or if you want more information - www.glba.co.nz

Co Chairs Paul Stephenson and Irene King & Martin Steel

Rayan Fu, Jan McNamara, Patrick Herman, Haydon Mattson & Mark Saunders

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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Local author Joanna Grochowicz tells us about her new book ‘Amundsen’s Way’ tells the story of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who became the first man to reach the South Pole.

I recently had a chance to sit down with author Joanna Grochowicz to tell us more about her new book, and where she gets her inspiration.

Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a writer based in New Zealand, and my focus is on the historical accounts of polar exploration. I’ve always been particularly interested in the heroic age of the Antarctic.

I understand that you have a background in foreign languages and literature.

I went to school in France, and when I came back to New Zealand I started a degree in the French language. I also learned Russian at Rangitoto College and I carried that through to a Master’s Degree in Russian Language and Literature.

Do you have a background in writing non-fiction?

I had been working as a writer for many years before I started writing my first books. I was working for various organisations on a wide range of topics, including encryption, and white papers for think-tanks.

At the same time, I was working on my own creative fiction. I did a Master’s Degree of Creative Writing at Auckland University, and that really kick-started everything.

Your last book ‘Into The White’ centred on Robert Scott’s Terra Nova expedition. How does Scott contrast with Amundsen?

Scott had a very ambitious scientific programme and the South Pole was just one aspect of that. When he found out that Amundsen was planning to race him, he didn’t abandon his scientific work, instead, he carried on as planned.

Amundsen, on the other hand, had only one goal in mind which was to get to the South Pole first. He had absolutely no interest in any scientific inquiry along the way. He was a very determined, a very driven man and he was hellbent on getting to the pole as quickly as possible.

They were also vastly different in character. For example, Scott had extremely high moral standards while Amundsen believed that the ends justified the means. There were also aspects of his expedition that were ethically questionable.

For example, Amundsen didn’t tell his men that they were headed for the South Pole, instead they thought they were heading to the Antarctic. They only found out their real destination when they made their first and only port of call in Madeira.

You could say that ‘Amundsen’s Way’ is part two of ‘Into The White’ but from a different perspective. Was that the plan all along?

Yes, that was my plan, but I don’t see it as a sequel. Rather, I see it has two parts of the same coin.

It’s not just his story though is it, but the crew’s as well? Is it hard to balance non-fiction with some of the more fictional elements?

I’m very meticulous and feel a great responsibility not only to just my readers but to the people that I’m writing about. I spent a great deal of time researching the expedition diaries that the crew wrote after they returned home.

Those accounts contained a lot of detail about their daily lives and the interpersonal relationships between various members of the team.

The only parts of the book where I really had to apply my imagination is when I didn’t have documented evidence, such as the word for word conversations they had.

Where do you get inspiration?

I get inspiration from the expedition narratives written by the crew.

They’d write about their incredible journeys which would then be published, and sold to members of the public. These books were engaging and entertaining accounts of what had happened not just in the Arctic but in Antarctica as well.

I think that this is an area that I’ll continue to write about until my dying day because I find it so endlessly fascinating It’s not just about a physical journey, these men were expressing their humanity, and their own motivations as well.

“It’s a great snapshot of the 19th and the early 20th Centuries.”

PN (KERRY LEE) F

For more information about ‘Amundsen’s Way’ from Joanna Grochowicz please visit www.allenandunwin.co.nz/browse/books/childrens/Amundsens-Way-Joanna-Grochowicz-9781760637668

BECOME A FRIEND OF KELMARNA GARDENS FOR AS LITTLE AS $5 A MONTH Your regular donation will help connect more school children with nature, empower people all over Auckland with sustainable living choices and develop and maintain a therapeutic garden.

Join now at www.kelmarnagardens.nz/donate

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

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LOCAL NEWS

Western Springs update Resource Consent has been granted to council to clearfell the 200 Monterey pines.

While we were awaiting the decision, we had not been sitting idly by.

Here is a round-up on work done to ensure our precious natural resources are properly managed.

Submitters have kept Waitemata Local Board informed on what we learned while working on the consent process. We highlighted historical reports on Western Springs Lakeside Park omitted from board deliberations when it made its decision to take the flawed Community Facilities clear-felling proposal to notified resource consent.

We have met council to discuss the new WLB Western Springs Lakeside Plan that seriously fails to recognise fully that the park is a Significant Ecological Area and a Biodiversity Focus Area. Instead, the plan prioritises recreation and events. WLB also ignores the importance of how all parts of the park function as one system. Some members of the WLB still refuse to support the urgent need to reset the priorities towards our environment.

This flies in the face of commissioners’ directions. It is also unacceptable given the Environment Aotearoa 2019 Government stock-take report showing that New Zealand’s environment and biodiversity is in very serious trouble. And it’s a particular problem in Auckland because of the damage done to our city’s environment by the failings of the Super City.

We also met with council about the overall bigger vision of creating an ‘Open Space Corridor’ or ‘Green Corridor Link’ to join up with the north-west Wild Link across the Auckland region. This had been proposed by the zoo in January 1992. It is an obviously desirable expansion of the north-west Wild Link. This makes a corridor link

for biodiversity that traverses Auckland from the Hauraki Gulf to the north and the south of Auckland.

We have also been working with Save Chamberlain Park on the bigger vision there to manage the golf course as a wildlife park and to join up the two parks with a green bridge.

The resource consent process has resulted in a modified plan and methodology but it is deeply flawed and inadequate. We just don’t know what Community Facilities intends to do now. It has ignored direction from the commissioners and were disrespectful of council’s own processes.

We don’t trust Community Facilities to guard the values of our SEA Forest nor to comply with conditions the commissioners may set. We have, furthermore, explained to council that the full public liability risks for long-term damage to the brick houses at the top of the hill have never been assessed by council.

Residents had formed an incorporated society in preparation for the decision. Residents and submitters are now in a position to take the matter further to the Environment Court now the consent has been granted. (WENDY GRAY) F PN

Business Grey Lynn Business Grey Lynn was created in response to the June 2018 violent attack of the Hylite Dairy’s shopkeeper and her son.

The local businesses and community rallied to support the family and to make our customers feel safe about their continuing patronage of our shops.

4. BGL recently arranged for St Columba Church to be given a new dishwasher to assist them with their on-going care and service to the homeless in our area.

NZ Police and the Community Constable have been very supportive and increased their presence. They’ve provided a monthly opportunity for the local community to meet with their constable at the ‘Coffee with a Cop’.

5. On 23 September 2018, BGL supported Occupy Garnet Road Group, and held a very successful public meeting at Grey Lynn RSC, where more than 80 residents and local retailers came to discuss the ongoing battle with AT over the West Lynn Village shopping centre, roads and cycleways debacle.

BGL is the only independent business association in Auckland with no political agenda. Therefore, we are free from outside pressures and influence. BGL is business serving the community, providing a voice for local retailers and a strong advocate for businesses in West Lynn, Grey Lynn, Westmere and Arch Hill.

What we have achieved to date: 1. AT has now repaired and repainted the street furniture in the Grey Lynn shopping centre at our request.

2. The dying tree at the Williamson Avenue/Great North Road intersection has been removed, and will be replaced very soon.

3. BGL was instrumental in halting Auckland Council reassessing the proposed boundary changes. This would have disrupted, rather than preserved land standing communities.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

6. We are working alongside AT to designate drop-off areas for Lime and Wave Scooters, so they are not littering footpaths and causing a safety hazard for pedestrians.

These are a few of the items which have resulted in a positive outcome for our local community, and there are other issues which are currently under discussion by our committee.

BGL is proud to be associated with St Joseph’s Catholic School, St Columba Church, Grey Lynn School and other local community groups, to offer as much support as possible through the membership contributions. Business supporting our community – we welcome more members to join our association to help us to PN achieve these goals. F Further information: businessgreylynn@gmail.com Chairpersons – Soala Wilson, Darryl Ojala PONSONBY NEWS+ June

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PUBLISHED FRIDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2018

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 29 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

OCTOBER 2018

THE MEKONG BABY DIFFERENCE: GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT TIMES - P14

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PONSONBY NEWS CELEBRATING

years

The team here at Ponsonby News is looking forward to our 30th birthday issue, coming up in October.

Established in October 1989, 30 years is a long time and we’ve seen so much change in our neighbourhood. There have been many local businesses celebrating anniversaries recently. The truly good things endure. Our founder, 80-year old John Elliott, continues to write articles each month and the magazine continues to innovate and develop.

We’ve survived these 30 years even when icons like the Gluepot have long gone.

We are strong believers in helping to enhance our sense of community and encourage our readers to shop local, when ever possible. There has never been a better time to reach customers through print advertising. Print marketing and advertising is currently enjoying a resurgence as people turn to more tangible less cluttered sources of content. Being part of the Ponsonby News in the coming months is a sure way to reach your customers. www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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Book now to be part of our special 30th birthday advertising plans.

@Ponsonby_News

Reaching

74,000+ readers each month The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

PONSONBY NEWS+ June

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Zambesi, the art of less being more Picasso is credited with saying that, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

It’s an idea that suggests the value of art is not only in its creative beauty but also in how it heals and nurtures our inner most being. To some degree it’s an idea that provides insight into why Zambesi is one of our most enduring fashion labels. It’s not about the physical function of the clothing but the sense of inspiration and creativity that comes with wearing a piece of art that you can interpret in your own way as you go about your day.

Photo by Marissa Findlay; Hair: Elisabeth’s hair Sean from ‘Colleen Hair Salon’; Make up: Kiekie Stanners from M.A.C.; Model’s hair by Kelly Manu

Not being a mass-marketed product, in one season and out the next, Zambesi isn’t a brand that contributes to land fill in the way some fast-fashion labels could be accused of. Instead, it has been at the forefront of fashion innovation and a hero of the local industry, producing clothes that transcend seasons and fashion fads.

It’s an approach that isn’t about being ‘on trend’ but one that has always been true to its own design ethos. It is sustainability, not merely in the popular buzz sense of the word but also in the sense that the founders, Elisabeth and Neville Findlay, have always cared about the people, the environment and the economics of what they do.

“My mother always works extremely hard and she always stays true to herself. She’s an artist. Zambesi is just the form her art takes. I think it’s because she’s such a purist that Zambesi has lasted,” says Marissa Findlay. Marissa, a fine art and fashion photographer, shoots Zambesi’s seasonal collections, curates shows for Fashion Week and looks after the brand’s media relations. She has grown up with the label and, like her sister Sophie, is involved in the ongoing business of the iconic label.

“It’s never been about creating huge production lines of clothes to sell to the masses,” explains Marissa. So much work and effort goes into each piece, that we only ever make limited quantities.” Zambesi clothes may cost a bit more than most but, according to Marissa, they are designed to last and be worn season after season and there is value in that. By today’s definition, the design, carefully sourced fabrics and manufacturing by a local team of crafts people all adds up to a mindful and ethical business model.

But was this a conscious decision or was it just intuitive? “In retrospect, it was intuitive for me to work this way. I grew up in a time when things were made to last … where less was more. Zambesi’s sustainability was born from these values and our desire to maintain quality and oversee the process. We are proud of the fact that the garments retain their relevance and continue to find a place in a contemporary wardrobe,” answers Elisabeth Findlay.

Anne Marie at 62 Management

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Zambesi clothes are designed to be kept and worn forever. Each new collection is connected in some way to ones before and loyal customers can confidently add new pieces each season knowing they will still feel current and fresh the following season. There is almost an heirloom quality to Zambesi clothing. “Our clothes aren’t designed to be worn just one way by one type of person,” says Marissa. “There are so many different customers from a diverse range of backgrounds that buy and wear Zambesi and everyone wears it differently.”

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So, does Elisabeth Findlay design clothes knowing there is no Zambesi type? “I am not a conceptual designer… my muse is the fabric and I am continually inspired by those with whom I work and our Zambesi clientele. I love the fact that the brand lends itself to individual interpretation,” says Elisabeth.

“We regularly have customers tell us about pieces they purchased 10 to 15 years ago that they still wear and feel great in,” says Marissa. “One lady still wears a piece she bought almost 40 years ago and it still looks amazing.” In an era when consumers are demanding more ethical practices from their favourite global brands, the fashion industry has come increasingly under the spotlight, but for Zambesi this hasn’t meant sweeping changes to their processes. It’s meant being more aware of where and how things can be improved. “Sometimes it’s little things like packaging,” explains Marissa.

Like every business Zambesi is mindful of it’s carbon footprint and is always looking for ways to improve. What are Zambesi’s goals for sustainability in the future? “As we make our clothes in New Zealand we now wish to express transparency around fabric sourcing as well as manufacturing ethics. To this end, we have committed to working with Mindful Fashion New Zealand (MFNZ) where we will do what ever we can to be the best we can be,” says Neville Findlay.

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Back Row: Denver Gray, Clyne Models; Ria Bhogal at Unique Model Management; Dayne Johnston Zambesi, Menswear Designer; Front Row: Tau Subritzky; + June Amber Carroll; Elisabeth Findlay; Shaki Wasasala aka Half QueenNEWS N Models PONSONBY

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Paris Georgia, Duster Coat

Yu Mei 2/6 Rebecca Bag | Sand

Ciate Glitter Storm Eyeshadow

Juliette Hogan, Evelyn Pleated Skirt

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

SUSTAINABLY FASHIONABLE New Zealand designers are amongst the most innovative, exciting and creative in the world.

Their designs are informed by a rich history and a social fabric that allows personal expression to flourish. It’s an environment where rules are redefined rather than slavishly adhered to. However, the ecosystem within which our local fashion industry exists is increasingly under pressure. Not only is our local production infrastructure being decimated by cheaper, skillful off-shore options but the flood of global brands offering fast fashion at low prices puts further pressure on local designers. Is it becoming harder to avoid global sameness and reflect a personal local identity with what we wear?

Paris Georgia, Soraya Dress

One way we, as consumers can offset the pressure of the trends from global chains is to buy less, even if it sometimes means spending more on local options. Not only are local fashion labels continually innovating and providing a uniquely local lens for our fashion fix they are also, for the most part mindful of the environmental impact and the ethical implications of their production workflows.

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The TearFund Ethical Fashion Report shines a spotlight on every aspect of the design and production process, encouraging the industry to improve. Tearfund cites the significant effects the fashion industry has globally on the environment as well as the well being of workers and communities. “The production of clothing involves large quantities of harmful chemicals, a high volume of water and wastewater, as well as high emissions and general waste,” explains Tearfund’s Education and Advocacy Manager, Claire Hart.

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING

While many large global brands have the resources to respond to the findings in the Tearfund Reports, some New Zealand labels find this more challenging. Those that have made sustainability an integral part of who they are from the outset have done better in the comprehensive Tearfund Reports.

Zambesi, Equestrian fitted jacket

Local ethical heroes include: Nature Baby, Kowtow, IceBreaker and Katmandu but not all New Zealand designers are included in the report and some of those that are included do not have the resources to independently audit, trace and track every aspect of their offshore material supply or production facilities. Local blogger and eco fashion champion @ethicallyKate has questioned the Tearfund Report as there are examples of large multinational companies who are able to sell items for under $10 yet still score more favourably than our smaller local labels.

To address this challenge, a collective of local labels have launched the Mindful Fashion New Zealand. A homegrown solution to ensuring sustainable and ethical practices amongst a group of New Zealand fashion designers. This creative solution is commended by Tearfund who sees the initiative as being in keeping with international trends in the fashion industry.

Sarah also recommends the 2/6 Rebecca bag by Yu Mei, a Wellington leather goods label that hand makes every bag locally in the European leather making tradition. A must to watch for those who really care about the production process is the very cool Super-8 video on the Yu Mei website that tells the story of how a Yu Mei bag is made. Just like Yu Mei’s ethos that ‘simplicity is complexity resolved’, this stepby-step black and white film reveals the beauty and craftsmanship of handmade products.

Another local, Wyn Hamlyn uses locally sourced merino to create playful yet elegantly restrained women’s wear and has knitwear pieces that are perfect for winter.

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Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumising Lip Gloss

These brands are a greatt place to start if you are looking to add a few timeless pieces to your wardrobe. Stylist Sarah Murphy shares some suggestions for sustainable pieces that will endure the test of time. “The Soraya dress locally designed and made by Paris Georgia is timeless. Throw on the Paris Georgia Duster coat if you’re heading out for a drink and planning to have an espresso martini or nit. put it over a fine long sleeved turtleneck or knit.

The Soraya dress is one wardrobe staple that will withstand the fickle test of fashion time and isn’t ageist! The Duster coat is ‘yes’ and more ‘yes’ in ivory. It’s a tailored coat that can be paired with just about anything and it comes in black for those who lack the bravery for lighter tones.”

Wixii, Ann Dewey Bell Mohair Merino Cardigan

Wixii, Love Token Cashmere Polo

ealand includes: The Mindful Fashion New Zealand Ingrid Starnes Juliette Hogan Kate Sylvester Kowtow Liam Maggie Marilyn Nature baby Nom*d Paris Georgia Ruby Tanya Carlson Wynn Hamlyn Zambesi

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Some local designers like Juliette Hogan make the majority of their collection in New Zealand with select specialty pieces by global production companies they work closely with.

Sarah says, “Juliette Hogan’s Evelyn pleated skirt is versatile. Wear it with a chunky turtleneck tucked into the waistband with sneakers or boots. Pair it with a tee and denim, or with a bodysuit and heeled boot for some sass. Whichever way you wear it, it’s the perfect trans -seasonal piece.”

Celebrating 40 years of business is Ponsonby icon Zambesi, a label that believes in creating pieces that endure, with collections that effortlessly evolve into the next. The epitome of buy less and spend

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

Standard Issue, Long Rib Sweater in cayenne Zambesi Slacks, tangerine

Standard Issue, Long Rib Sweater, emerald

Above: Too Faced Natural Lust Bronzer, from Mecca Too Faced Natural Lust Eyeshadow Palette, from Mecca

Wyn Hamlyn, YIN & YANG Jumper in navy

Zambesi, Slalom, oversized puffer in turmeric

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Sarah says, “I love the Yin & Yang knit. It encompasses the concept of yin yang by being a timeless knit but with a twist. With the emblem boldly placed center stage it says so much without saying a thing — clever. I equally love the Peace Jumper in blue. I love these hues together, and they’re amazing with camel and earthy tones too.”

more, Zambesi customers can sustainably build a classic wardrobe over time.

Sarah says, “Zambesi never fails to create timeless pieces. Everyone should have at least one classic blazer either fitted or oversized and Zambesi’s equestrian blazer is one that can be worn with so much in so many ways.”

Handmade in New Zealand feels intuitively sustainable and for Wixii this is completely the case. The Wixii brand is a family run business that focuses on creating clothing in beautiful natural fabrics and combines this with a selection of curated vintage pieces. Wixii’s combination of new and vintage is very forward thinking helping customers on their mindful fashion journey.

Sarah says, “The Wixii Bell cardigan in ash is handmade love. Those sleeves! The Love Token cashmere polo is amazing hanging solo or as a layering piece with its fine weight it’s light, warm and subtly sexy.

Also try the Wixii Maverick linen trousers, they’re a style that gives

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Standard Issue, Cotton Tulle Skivvy

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

most people a waist and the Marlena linen pant is perfect as an easy fit wide leg pant.”

Of course new isn’t the only way to go for sustainable fashion.

Both classic and boundary pushing ensembles can be created with pieces from a range of great vintage and recycle boutiques around Auckland. Stylist Sarah Murphy says, “Whether you’re an op shopper from way back, happy to rummage anywhere, or a newbie that gets overwhelmed by the thought of it, there is something for everyone in the realm of the recycled fashion world. I think there has been a positive surge of interest in sustainable fashion, op shopping, second hand, vintage, or whatever you’d like to call it, has become an intriguing option for a wider demographic. With people showing more concern for our environment.”

Encore and Sempre on Ponsonby Road have a great range of labels, with quality in-season fashion in a good variety of sizes. “These guys have done all the work for you and each have created a hub of designer ggoodness at a portion of the usual retail price. I particularly love Tatty Tatty’s newish larger space with a beautifully curated range design and second-hand items. You’ll often find pieces still of designer in seas season from people’s ‘impulse’ cast offs. I could spend hours there, there,” says Sarah.

Wyn Hamlyn, Peace Jumper in blue

Wixii also have a few racks of carefully selected, incredible vinta vintage pieces sourced from overseas. “A few of my favourite silk sshirts have come from there,” says Sarah.

Wyn Hamlyn, Research Shirt Dress, lilac

“Karangahape Road has a plethora of op shops, a little less curated than what you’ll find in Ponsonby. I personally love shopping in these spots, as it’s the thrill of finding a bargain, or that special gem.

Quite a few have come and gone but the likes of Paper Bag Princess, which has been around nearly a decade, and The White Elephant are long-term stayers almost gaining the tag of ‘institutions’ on our beloved Karangahape Road.

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“If vintage is what you’re after, Retro City collectables has a small but great selection. Vixen has the hottest array of cowboy boots which have made a comeback in the last couple of seasons, although this time round worn more with midi skirts and dresses or shift dresses rather than the denim skirt as narrow as some belts that Pamela Anderson donned in the early 90s... or was that Ugg boots? Either way – eek.

“An all-time fave of mine is Go-Jos. Jo has created a small hub of vintage and second-hand delight with treasures she finds. It’s a wee gem nestled in New Lynn, which makes it a less painful rummage for the inexperienced op shopper. With Jo’s knowledge and welcoming chats, it makes it a worthwhile visit.”

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING

SUSTAINABILITY @ DOR Diamonds On Richmond has been conscious of the environmental impacts of its business since the beginning.

With the rise in awareness of this and the importance of our planet’s wellbeing, DOR continues to implement new and improved sustainable practices.

Some other sustainable practices within DOR’s workplace include KeepCups for staff and reusable water bottles. The offices also have an abundant amount of indoor plants.

The main sustainable and ethical customs in the business would be – conflict-free diamonds. By ensuring all of its diamonds are purchased through the Kimberly Process and are conflict-free, DOR hopes to put people at ease when choosing their diamond.

By using cloud apps and electronic invoices, the business is dramatically decreasing the use of paper. And using Method Recycling NZ for its waste system, allows DOR staff to effectively recycle paper, plastic and dispose of landfill and organic waste, all into the right bins.

The local boutique jewellery store is proud that its clients tend to make ethically conscious decisions when it comes to purchasing engagement rings and other bespoke jewellery. Director and owner Michelle explains, “We feel grateful to work with such lovely clients that share our ethos around sustainability and being kinder to our environment.”

Additionally, Diamonds On Richmond is excited to soon be introducing its new ‘completely recyclable bags’. Produced from sustainably sourced fibres, they are printed with non-toxic, water-based inks.

Keep an eye out for its new bags. F PN

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1. Morganite and Diamond Ring (14ct rose gold) $1950 2. Diamond Tennis Bracelet (9ct white gold, 0.50ct TDW) $1950 (also available in yellow gold) 3. Diamond Pendant and Chain (9ct white gold) $1650 4. Six Stone Diamond Ring (9ct white gold) $3900 (also available in yellow gold) 5. Diamond Ring (9ct white gold) $1950

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6. Diamond Earrings (9ct white gold) $600

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

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING & HEALTHY LIFESTYLES It can be the small things which can help make the difference – turn on the light using an eco-friendly bulb, take a shower, not a bath. Boil the jug with just enough water you need and no more.

Catch public transport when you can and walk to work if that is possible.

Visit our website for...

Latest news, recent issues advertising, Ponsonby Little Black Book, Ponsonby News Readers are everywhere and much more...

www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

SUSTAINABILITY IS NOT A FLASH IN THE PAN How and what we eat can have significant effects on our personal carbon footprint.

Becoming more informed about both the nutritional value of our food and its environmental impact can be the first step to living more sustainably. Many local cafes, restaurants and produce suppliers are increasingly more mindful about the way they source and deliver their food product and some are committed to setting new standards for the future.

There are a number of fun calculators online that provide a generalised idea of the carbon footprint and environmental impact of various foods. Of course actual results are likely to vary depending on the exact source and production process of a particular food, but the calculators do provide a guide that allows us to compare one food type with another.

K-okako coffee

The BBC’s climate change food calculator allows consumers to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions of various different foods. Beef (75g) twice a week is calculated over a year to produce 604kg of greenhouse gases or driving your petrol car 2482km. The land required to produce that amount of beef is equivalent to six tennis courts.

Drinking wine once or twice a week, by comparison, only contributes to 24kg of greenhouse gases which is the same as driving from Ponsonby to Huntly. A coffee a day contributes about 155kg of greenhouse gases meaning the average keep-cup from your favourite cafe isn’t the worst choice you could make for the environment. However, not all coffee beans are grown the same and those that originate from deforested areas are relatively high in greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing a local coffee brand with awards for sustainability, like Kokako, can be one way to ensure your morning coffee is less harmful to the environment.

Kokako coffee is certified 100% carbon neutral, and its commitment to sustainability and the production of high-quality coffee underpins its business model. “Essentially what this means is that when you purchase a Kokako coffee you can be sure that the carbon produced in the coffee component of that particular beverage has already been offset before it reaches the cafe or retailer,” says Mike Murphy, managing director of Kokako.

The company’s bi-annual sustainability report (available on their website) is a captivating read detailing how extensive the environmental and social impacts of food production can be. It shows how businesses can make a real difference by making sustainability

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING

an integral part of the way they operate. A monthly subscription of carbon-neutral organic coffee delivered to your door could be just the way to wake up your environmentally aware senses. Kokako comprehensively measures itself and sets ambitious goals that it shares publicly both as a way to hold itself accountable but also to help others become more mindful of the effects food production has on climate change.

Researchers at Oxford University and the Swiss agricultural research institute, Agroscope, found, as part of global study of over 40,000 farms, and 1600 processors, packaging types, and retailers that a quarter of all global greenhouse gas emissions come from food.

They also found significant differences in the C02 emissions in the same foods. Depending on how and where food is produced, the C02 emissions and environmental impact vary significantly. In the case of beef, some producers are generating 50 times more CO2 emissions than others. Their study calls for the labelling of foods so that consumers know exactly what the environmental impacts are for the foods that they eat so that they can make informed decisions.

Being more mindful about how and what we eat can make a real difference to the environment, but in most cases people aren’t aware of the varying environmental impacts of their food. Sustainability and reducing the carbon emissions associated with food production is a passion for Josh Barlow, executive chef of SKYCITY’s The Sugar Club.

SKYCITY is currently pioneering initiatives aimed at helping the food industry become more mindful about food-related carbon emissions and environmental impacts. “It’s something Peter Gordon instilled from the outset at The Sugar Club, and we are now building on it,” explains Josh.

The first part of this new initiative was launched on 5 June at The Sugar Club, as part of a World Environment Day dinner, highlighting a specially designed, low carbon menu with the announcement of a collaboration between SKYCITY, Enviro-Mark Solutions and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Together with Enviro-Mark Solutions, SKYCITY plans to develop a low-carbon icon that will let diners identify a lowcarbon meal. The aim is to help people become more aware of their contribution to climate change and show them how choosing where they dine can make a difference.

The low-carbon menu is a showcase of dishes that are low on greenhouse gas emissions without compromising on flavour or innovation. “The complexities of flavour and texture that can be achieved with in-season or foraged produce are extensive and these foods offer lower-carbon footprints compared to some animal-based proteins. Seasonal produce is the first thing I consider when I’m creating a menu and vegetables often end up being the heroes of a dish,” says Josh who credits a passionate network of local suppliers with helping him achieve his low-carbon menu goals.

When it comes to foods from animal proteins with higher greenhouse gas emissions, Josh believes there are always ways to create dishes that have less impact on the environment. “It might be that a beef

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Josh Barlow, Executive Chef, Sugar Club, Sky City dish is balanced with other ingredients that offset its higher carbon footprint. New Zealand beef for instance has a lower carbon footprint than other countries. Our beef is sourced from a small farm in the Waikato. I know the way it operates is mindful of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and I can let our diners know this.”

Another great example are the fish and other seafood dishes Josh creates for The Sugar Club. “I source my fish from an incredible guy called Nate Smith of Gravity Fishing. Nate takes sustainability to the next level,” says Josh. Gravity Fishing, based in Bluff, operates one boat and has a refined system that ensures that only certain species are fished at certain times from certain locations. “I get a text from Nate at the start of each week detailing what species he is fishing and how much will be available. I can even tell people the exact GPS location the fish they are eating were caught,” says Josh. “Everything that Nate does is about being as sustainable as possible. There’s no polystyrene or plastic in the packaging. The fish is packaged in this specially developed wool that keeps it fresh and cold – like I said, it’s next level.”

While The Sugar Club and SKYCITY are leading the charge, they point out there are many local restaurants who have great sustainability practices and are already making the kinds of changes that will make a difference. What Josh and the SKYCITY team hope is that their efforts will help a wider range of people make small changes in their food choices and that will cumulatively make a significant difference.

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PONSONBY NEWS+ June Sustainable fine dining at the Sugar Club, Sky City

ENERGYANDREAS AND ELECTRIC TRANSPORT FEATURE - 6 PAGES In New Zealand, we enjoy some of the cleanest energy in the world with renewable resources like hydro, wind and solar contributing significantly to our national electricity grid.

2 PAGES TRANSPORT

Yet despite a rich sustainable energy supply, our targets to electrify the nation’s car fleet appear to lag behind others in the OECD. “Shifting to electric vehicles is critical to achieving our local and national climate goals. It’ll undoubtedly help us become more energy independent, improve air quality and reduce the costs of operating a car. But it’s no silver bullet,” says John Mauro, chief sustainability office for Auckland Council. So far we have little in the way of incentives to encourage the 160,000 people who buy new cars each year to choose electric, and while e scooters are increasingly becoming a popular choice for low emission urban travel, they won’t be enough to offset the C02 emissions of our steadily increasing combustion engine fleet.

Associate Minister of Transport, Hon Julie Anne Genter is looking to make changes. “We have to make fuel efficient cars and electric vehicles more affordable to reduce pollution and protect future generations the climate crisis. New Zealand is one of only three developed countries not to regulate the fuel efficiency of vehicles entering the market. As a result, the cars imported into New Zealand pollute more and cost more to fill up,” says the minister.

The Government’s renewable energy goals seem practical. In 2017, 82% of New Zealand’s electricity was generated by renewable resources. The aim by 2025 is 90%. Ecotricity, a locally owned energy company, uses hydro, wind and solar to generate 100% certified carbon zero electricity for households and businesses around the country. Other major energy suppliers vary from 100% renewable energy (Mercury Energy) to 80% renewable energy (Contact Energy).

As the country’s only provider of 100% renewable, carbon zero certified electricity, Ecotricity sees itself as being well placed to be the company who will electrify New Zealand’s slowly growing electric car fleet. So far it supplies its carbon zero electricity to one of the country’s leading electric car charging networks, Charge Net, and actively encourage New Zealanders to go electric.

The Government has identified electric cars as a key component to helping New Zealand reach sustainability goals.

We’re investigating a range of regulations and incentives to make it easier for Kiwis to buy more fuel efficient and electric vehicles.

“The Government needs to lead by example and we’ll have more to say soon about how we’re going to clean up the government vehicle fleet,” say Hon Julie Anne Genter. The minister expects to take options to cabinet shortly to address this.

Some time during 2018 the New Zealand electric car fleet exceeded 10,000 vehicles. Even against a modest target of only 64,000 electric cars by 2025, this level is low. The target of 64,000 seems even smaller when we consider that the latest figures show significant growth in the number of petrol and diesel cars. Currently there are over 3.6 million cars on our roads with approximately 160,000 new ones being added annually. This means that if we meet the current targets, less than 2% of all light vehicles will be electric in 2025. Percentage-wise this puts New Zealand behind other OECD countries who have more ambitious targets in place.

Hyundai Kona Electric

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

According to the Motor Industry Association (MIA) of New Zealand figures, there have been 2513 new electric or hybrid electric vehicles registered so far in 2019. The MIA breaks electric and hybrid vehicles into six categories: Electric, Electric-Petrol Extended, Hybrid Petrol, Plug-In Petrol Hybrid and Diesel Hybrid and Plug-In Diesel Hybrid. So far the top-selling vehicle in 2019 is the new Toyota Corolla petrol hybrid. 414 of these vehicles have sold already in 2019 contributing to Toyota being the top-selling brand for electric and Plug-In-Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (PHEV) in New Zealand. Other brands and models of note include the Mitsubishi Outlander which is the highest-selling petrol hybrid so far in 2019 and the Hyundai Kona which is the top-selling all electric with 126 sold so far in 2019. Hyundai also has the second highest-selling car in this category – the Hyundai Ioniq.

“The choices for new electric and hybrid second-hand vehicles are growing slowly, and, at the rate they are going, it is dubious whether New Zealand will meet the target of 64,000 electric or hybrid electric vehicles by 2025. Not everyone can afford an electric car, for one, and taking a car-only approach is short-sighted. There are huge gains from electrifying buses, bikes, trucks, even ferries. There might be even bigger gains from designing out cars from some places so they’re safer, greener and more walkable,” says John Mauro.

So where does this leave the environmentally conscious urban traveller in the meantime? John Marau says, “We can’t sit idle and wait for change to happen.” He believes it’s important to work closely with central government to improve fuel economy and like the Associate Minister of Transport he believes we must make cleaner, more efficient cars more affordable. “It’s about thinking ahead and future-proofing the charging infrastructure, trialling and testing new technologies,” says John. One new technology that is becoming a viable low investment option are e scooters.

With a safer 15km per hour maximum speed limit, local choices will include Wave, Lime scooters and newcomer, Flamingo. Each can get you just about anywhere in and around Ponsonby and the surrounding suburbs. It’s a low carbon way to travel around the inner city. But what is scooter etiquette? And what should an environmentally responsible scooter traveller wear along Ponsonby Road? We asked stylist Sarah Murphy for her thoughts.

Sarah says…

Although we’d all like to be a vision of full silk moving fluidly on a scooter, our sensual fabrics flowing behind us (as we were in a local remake of Sex and the City), the reality is this is not functional or practical. For those who’ve tried, tested and succeeded, respect – I salute you. I have seen some embracing the #yolo ethos as they glide through Auckland streets and I often wonder if they’re running ridiculously late and had no choice but to jump on a scooter without considering the risk of flashing their underwear or ruining those amazing white trousers.

However, in terms of what you ‘should and shouldn’t’ wear, I probably tend to be in the middle of the long, silk dress wearers and the ones who wear helmets, sensible shoes and high vis vests. Of course it’s a personal choice or a personality thing as much as a style thing but I think flat shoes, with a medium sole grip, pants or jeans is the way to go. If it has to be a dress, chose a heavy fabric maxi and definitely ensure you have your best Lonely underwear on – just in case.

In keeping with a commitment to environmentally friendly choices, I recommend the Kowtow Tokyo Jumpsuit or, for a bit of flowing silk vision, Salasai’s Modernist Dress in Dreamers print.

Mitsubishi Outlander petrol hybrid

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Indicative Tiramarama Way townhouse courtyard living at 30 Madden

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE – INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION IN WYNYARD QUARTER As the new heart of Auckland, Wynyard Quarter has established itself as an eco-precinct with sustainability at its core.

Those involved in the evolution of Wynyard Quarter consistently work to promote environmentally and socially sustainable development strategies. Walking, cycling and accessible public transport encourage those who visit or reside in the area to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

The Wynyard Quarter ‘Smart Precinct’ initiative strives to create a modern and future-proofed urban community. Efforts to maximise harbour and precinct air quality, and to minimize waste during construction and operation, are just some of the considerations.

As the city’s urban regeneration agency, Panuku Development Auckland is leading the rejuvenation of Auckland’s newest waterfront neighbourhood. Willis Bond & Co is proud to work in partnership with Panuku to create a new standard in waterfront apartment living.

“Aucklanders said they wanted their waterfront to be blue-green, so sustainability is built into Panuku’s development agreements,” says Miranda James, Panuku’s Head of Corporate Responsibility.

“Willis Bond has taken this value to heart, and is delivering some of Auckland’s most efficient and resilient new homes.”

Indicative Madden Street townhouse exterior

A defining feature of the Quarter, sustainability has played a key role in the design of 30 Madden. Located in the centre of the precinct, 30 Madden comprises 149 residences across two apartment buildings, and six townhouses.

Willis Bond & Co’s newest addition to the precinct will showcase a multi-level courtyard for all 30 Madden residents to enjoy. Native planting, terraced seating and a water feature come together to create a sanctuary only moments from the CBD, as well as a beautiful outlook for those within the apartments.

Designed by award-winning Studio Pacific Architecture, and constructed by LT McGuinness, all 30 Madden residences are targeting a minimum 7-star Homestar rating. This comprehensive, independent rating measures the health, warmth and efficiency of New Zealand homes. Double glazing throughout and additional thermal properties provide for warm and comfortable residences, no matter the season.

Passive design principles are employed to reduce the demand for active building service systems. The resulting thermal insulation performance enhances thermal comfort and reduces the cost of heating and cooling. Furthermore, 30 Madden implements strategies such as stormwater management, ‘Smart Precinct’ initiatives, support of the native ecology, all within close proximity to key sustainable transport routes.

Silo Park Markets Across the road from 30 Madden lies the Daldy Street Linear Park, extending from Madden Street to Pakenham Street West, providing a green outlook for east-facing residences and a leafy feel on Daldy Street. Underneath the Wynyard Central apartments, Williams Eatery serves up local organic ingredients, and Studio Pilates is set to open its doors later this year. Whether you desire feasting on fresh produce, a calming exercise activity or simply a peaceful green space to explore, you will never be short of well-being options at Wynyard Quarter.

30 MADDEN, George Damiris M: 021 956 111, g.damiris@barfoot.co.nz, www.30madden.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

For those with a taste for high-end leisure, not willing to compromise on location, now is the ďŹ nal opportunity to purchase within 30 Madden. Close to Westhaven Marina, the newly released Beaumont Apartments have a layout to suit your lifestyle with a range of distinguished apartments, maisonettes and penthouses available.

As the new heart of Auckland city, Wynyard Quarter is where you will ďŹ nd what it is you have been looking for. Gourmet experiences, live entertainment and all the recreational trimmings lie within this waterfront community. Your every need will be met at 30 Madden.

Visit the 30 Madden display suite on the corner of Madden and Daldy Street.

George Damiris 021 956 111 g.damiris@barfoot.co.nz

Open Thursday 5 - 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 2 - 4pm

Gabrielle Hoffmann 021 021 66611 g.hoffmann@barfoot.co.nz

30madden.co.nz

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Local artist unveils award-winning mural in Grey Lynn Auckland artist Sara Fernandez has unveiled her award-winning mural on the Youthline building in Grey Lynn.

Sara was one of 10 winners from across the country who took out the top prize in Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s (KNZB) Nature Murals competition 2019.

The mural, titled ‘Grow’, highlights Sara’s passion to create a better environment for the community and youth.

In her submission, Sara said: “I strongly believe that beauty can inspire people to feel loved and to grow. And, interestingly, growing then creates the opportunity for more beauty. I feel like Youthline inspires people to grow and become the best version of themselves.”

Sara was quick to complete her mural, choosing to do it on a long weekend when the Grey Lynn street was quiet.

On completion of the mural, Sara said: “I was very excited and scared at the same time, of painting this huge mural. I had to deal with weather and height and I wanted the result to look perfect. Now I feel very proud and happy because everybody at Youthline loves it.”

The Nature Murals competition, which is part of the Paint New Zealand Beautiful programme and sponsored by Resene, ran from February - April 2019, with artists encouraged to submit mural designs which included an environmental message.

Artists from around the country sent in their designs, with the top 10 murals selected based on their environmental message, enhancement

of the community, and originality/creativity. Winning designs receive a $1000 grant, along with a $750 Resene paint voucher and other materials to paint the murals.

KNZB CEO, Heather Saunderson, said: “KNZB is proud to partner with Resene again this year to deter vandalism and Paint New Zealand Beautiful. Numerous studies have shown the great impact murals have on their surrounding communities – from increasing civic pride, to a reduction in anti-social behaviour such as littering and graffiti.

Together with Resene, we’re excited to see Sara’s mural come to life and to help Auckland beautify their corner of New Zealand.” F PN www.youthline.co.nz

@ ECOSTORE NEW

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2. Baby Oil 125ml - $9.95 Promotional value $8.46 – save 15% between 17 and 30 June 2019.

3. Eco Baby Gift Set - $59.90 Promotional value $50.91 – save 15% between 17 and 30 June 2019. A great range of ecostore baby products all packed in a handstamped brown paper bag and tied with twine. The perfect gift for baby showers or new parents.

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15% off ecostore oral care and baby care ranges To celebrate our NEW ecostore oral care kids and baby 2 in 1 foaming body wash and shampoo, we’re offering 15% off the entire ecostore Oral Care and Baby care ranges. Come in to our flagship store to try the products yourselves and meet our friendly staff.

Special applies only between 17 June – 30 June 2019.

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

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Shop Hours

Visit us in store

Mon–Fri 10am-6pm Sat–Sun 10am-5pm Public Holidays: hours may vary

1 Scotland Street Freemans Bay Auckland

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

@ ROSE & HEATHER “Recently, I turned on our television and was met with a screen that told us I could no longer watch Apple TV because the HDMI 4000 something was incapable of broadcast.

“Our television of eight years was out of date, great picture and all that, but old technology.

I’m all for new technology and the part that it plays in our lives, but what is the financial and environmental cost of replacing something that has what we used to endearingly refer to as ‘builtin obsolescence’ and we get rid of?” says Martin Bell, company design director of Rose & Heather.

“At what point do we hop off the chain of replacing the perfectly functional with the latest model out of fashion or new model envy as opposed to necessity?

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“What does sustainability mean for our company that produces product for people to buy?

Simply, make the pieces once, ever conscious of the timber as a precious resource. Follow a classic design approach that transcends fashion and, finally, give those who have invested in us by having bought previously, the opportunity to refurbish and update their original pieces ensuring continued use.

“As individuals, it’s been about taking a reusable bag to the local supermarket for groceries or Kelmarna Gardens for your salad, saying no to the plastic lid on your takeaway coffee. These were the first few steps brought about by personal or legislative decision. For many of us, sustainability is a conscious decision process which we hope will move and become second nature.

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“What if this were so when we make all the big considered decisions when purchasing your new home, car or household goods?

“I am sure we all want to create and live in a vibrant, healthy environment with a sense of balance that allows our loved ones to prosper and flourish. The first steps are always the hardest,” says Martin. F PN ROSE & HEATHER, 406 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

1. Bespoke 15-drawer tallboy - made to size and colour 2. Newport 2-drawer hall table with 45,000-year-old swamp kauri top and drawer faces $1890

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timber with a history.. f u r n i t u r e f o r a l i f e t i m e.

w w w. r o s e a n d h e a t h e r. c o. n z 406 Great North Rd | GreyLynn t: 09 3762895

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING

THE ANSWERS WITHIN The solution to the climate emergency and other pressing challenges has already started right here in New Zealand. Are you in?

News headlines lately reflect issues like the climate emergency, plastic waste in our oceans, and pollution in our once pristine ‘clean green’ waterways. Answering the call, an ever-growing number of New Zealanders are committed to changing the state of our world, and seeking the outlets to do so. Research by Colmar Brunton puts this number as roughly two in five Kiwis presently engaged in seeking out more sustainable ways of living.

Interestingly, too, this push for change comes at a time when greater numbers of people also are feeling loneliness and social isolation.

Belonging and support is a big need for many here in Aotearoa. It is great to be a part of something bigger than oneself, with one’s talents enjoyed and embraced by the community.

How can we turn the tide with big challenges and rediscover our sense of togetherness? The good news is that people are coalescing around global causes like these. They are becoming engaged with meaningful challenges, empowered to change and influence, and meeting other like-minded people in the community by doing so.

The Transitions Towns Movement has been alive and well in New Zealand for some time, with one of its oldest communities known as Grey Lynn 2030 in operation for over a decade now. This inclusive group works on a number of critical issues in the community. These range from climate and energy, to building the local economy, to finding waste solutions, and constructively engaging local

policy makers on a number of matters. It is open to people from all walks of life.

One recent event organised by Grey Lynn 2030 was Trash to Trade.

This was a successful upcycling event showcasing how everyday materials can be used to make useful objects, and in the process eliminate waste and needless consumption. By upcycling, people can harness their creative spirit, make better use of precious resources, and reduce their carbon footprint.

This event drew many people from the neighbourhood as well as several city council leaders. But there is much more going on as well. Grey Lynn 2030 serves as an organisation to connect people with resources and catalyses new initiatives, while finding support and resilience in your community. People from all walks of life and backgrounds are able to join, putting their talents to many existing activity streams, or even start new ones to tackle issues they find important.

You may have lived in the area for some time already, but rediscover your community. Take part in some of the many activities going on with Grey Lynn 2030 and move the needle on important global issues. Our climate crisis won’t be easily solved unless we are all involved. The good news is that it is now easier than ever to be a part of making things better for the world, for yourself and for your PN community. (BRIGITTE SISTIG) F

For more information on Grey Lynn 2030 activities, please visit www.greylynn2030.co.nz or reach out to infogreylynn2030@gmail.com.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PLAN AHEAD TODAY, FOR PEACE OF MIND TOMORROW Planning your funeral in advance can make a difficult time easier for your family.

Thinking about your own funeral plans may seem odd to some but, by planning ahead, you can help ensure that your family will not experience extra distress at an already difficult time, knowing your wishes are being fulfilled.

Keeping a record of what you’d like when it comes to the service and burial or cremation, can take a lot of pressure off family members at a time when they’re likely to be very stressed. Grief can affect our ability to make considered decisions and it can be overwhelming to think of all the things that need to be done. Even though talking about death is a difficult thing to do, planning ahead is such a helpful thing to do.

“It can make things much easier for the family after someone has died, but can also offer you peace of mind to think you have done this for your family,” says Kaye Shannon, the manager of Sibuns Funeral Directors & Advisors.

Kaye says funeral directors are happy to meet with people to talk them through what they’d like, so there is no uncertainty after they’ve passed away. It’s a particularly good idea if you’d like some especially personal touches as part of your funeral, or if there are certain things you definitely don’t want.

Sibuns Funeral Directors can supply you with a free pre-planning pack which enables you to record your information as required by

the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, as well as including details of who needs to be notified of your passing and also your preferences for your funeral.

“People do find it is a useful thing to do. Straight away you can see that it’s like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. Similar to writing a will, there is satisfaction in knowing that everything is taken care of.”

This recorded information is also greatly appreciated by families. “We have a lot of people saying it gives them peace of mind and a sense of direction in the planning of a funeral because the person who has died was able to have their input into the music or the readings or the casket. It is gratifying to see that their wishes are then carried out,” Kaye says.

The other thing you can talk to a funeral director about in advance is the cost. This can help to avoid a financial burden on your family, who may otherwise have to pay for the funeral themselves. The FDANZ Funeral Trust allows people to pay for part, or all of their funeral.

The money is paid into the trust and released to the funeral director at the relevant time.

While a major life change like going into a rest home or being diagnosed with a serious illness may prompt you to begin planning your funeral, it’s never too soon to start thinking about what you may want. F PN

SIBUNS FUNERAL DIRECTORS & ADVISORS, 582 Remuera Road, Remuera, T: 09 520 3119, www.sibuns.co.nz

582 Remuera Rd, Remuera Auckland 09 520 3119 | staff@sibuns.co.nz www.sibuns.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

CHEMICALS IN THE FOOD CHAIN Think of the food chain as a system of givers and takers.

It all starts with the givers – plants and algae called primary producers that take water and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, add a little sunshine in a process called photosynthesis, and turn it into solid organic matter. These guys are right at the bottom of the food chain, and even though they can be anything between a single cell algae that is only visible through the microscope to a giant tree, reaching over 100m in height, it is their common ability to turn air and water into organic matter that is the basis of all life on the planet.

Everyone else in the food chain, including us, are consumers.

Consumers can be split into categories – you’ll know which one you are. First up are primary consumers, herbivores that eat only plants. Next come secondary consumers, who are carnivorous and eat the herbivores. They are followed by tertiary consumers, who eat other carnivores. We can’t forget omnivores, who eat both animals and plants. Humans are naturally omnivorous, but some

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of us tend towards the carnivorous side of the menu while others prefer the herbivore road. The tertiary consumers sit at the top of the food chain, and while this might look a pretty safe place to be, when it comes to the problem of chemicals in food they suffer the consequences of all the chemicals taken in by everything they eat, that their food eats, and that their food’s food eats – you get the idea? You can see where this is going...

Chemicals and toxins increase with every step of the food chain, because they bio-accumulate. The consumers nearer the top of the pyramid are exposed to everything their food has already absorbed and stored in their tissue.

Evolution is slower than revolution – since the Green Revolution our biology hasn’t been able to keep pace with the threats that are presented to our body every day. But it’s not too late to do something about it. One of the best and easiest things you can do things you can do is to eat organic food. It contains no harmful chemicals, and because it has been grown or farmed in a traditional way with nourished soil, it’s packed with nutrients.

Organics benefit both your body and your world, reducing the amount of toxins you’re ingesting while supporting the farmers, growers, makers and bakers that follow organic principles and work in a sustainable way.

Organics are important no matter where in the food chain you sit and moving to organic food and products is one small step that can have huge benefits to everyone and everything, right down to the smallest living things, your microbiome. (ISABEL PASCH) F PN Isabel Pasch is the owner of Bread & Butter Bakery & Cafe and author of the blog breadpolitics.com.

Find her bakery at www.breadandbutter.nz and read more about the health effects, nutrition, benefits, and politics of food on www.breadpolitics.com.

Bread and Butter Cafe – 34 Westmoreland Street, West Grey Lynn Little Bread & Butter – Ponsonby Central / www.breadandbutter.nz

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

You can also find out more on facebook and instagram. Search for @breadandbutterbakeryandcafe and @breadpolitics.com_NZ PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Experience the magic of Matakana, base yourself at one of our luxurious new Plume Villas and enjoy the superb food and wine at Plume Restaurant. Country life starts here.

Plume Restaurant is an oasis for gourmet travellers, recognised for superb cuisine and as the cellar door for Runner Duck Estate 9LQH\DUG·V À QH ZLQHV 3OXPH 5HVWDXUDQW LV QRZ complemented by Plume Villas, DQ HQFODYH RI QHZ OX[XU\ EHGURRP YLOODV VHW ZLWKLQ ODQGVFDSHG JURXQGV 7KHVH YLOODV VKDUH D VZLPPLQJ SRRO DQG DUH D UHOD[HG VWUROO IURP WKH UHVWDXUDQW 3HUIHFW IRU D ZHHNHQG JHWDZD\ IRU WZR DV ZHOO DV D ZRQGHUIXO YHQXH IRU ZHGGLQJV FRQIHUHQFHV PHHWLQJV DQG SULYDWH HYHQWV For all enquiries telephone 09 422 7915 SCL/PLU2018/30

www.theplumecollection.co.nz

photography: Anna Kidman

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

@ JERVOIS STEAK HOUSE Jervois Steak House is an authentic and premium steak house, and makes no apologies for unashamedly celebrating a love of meat.

The menu showcases a veritable who’s who of meats in all forms, sourced from the very best beef and lamb producers. Quality beef is carefully selected from the highest pedigree and defined by breed and feed. It’s not just the menu that delivers style and authenticity, exposed distressed PN timber and brick leave you cocooned in an earthy warmth that screams hearty food and rewarding, big flavours. F JERVOIS STEAK HOUSE, 70 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2049, www.jervoissteakhouse.co.nz

HOMESICK FOR PONSONBY? If you, your friends or family are missing Ponsonby, why not subscribe to New Zealand’s best read community magazine?

An annual subscription is only $49 and can be posted anywhere in New Zealand.

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Visit ponsonbynews.co.nz or email jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz for more information.

NEWS + LOCAL POLITICS + FASHION + STYLE + CELEBRITY + EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY + TRAVEL + LIVING, THINKING + BEING + PETS + FUTURE GENERATION + SPORTS + HOME + REAL ESTATE + ARTS + CULTURE

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

LOCATION, LOCATION, ROTATION – FOOD WITH A VIEW – SKY HIGH HOSPITALITY The iconic Sky Tower nestled in the bustling CBD is a beacon for Aucklanders and tourists alike.

It’s a destination for hundreds of thousands of guests every year, who travel from far and wide to experience the best views in the country, as well as some of the best cuisine. But it’s not just tourists that should make the most of this experience.

We Aucklanders often take for granted our very own backyard, with many of us yet to experience the best our city has to offer.

The views from the Sky Tower are second-to-none, but the food is also ‘next level’, with two world-class restaurants that set the perfect scene for an unforgettable experience. There’s always something new on the menu; as seasons change, new ingredients become available and the chefs get creative in the kitchen.

MUST EAT: The Sugar Club’s new dish – Cambridge Duck

The Sugar Club is the jewel in the crown. The highest dining experience in the country 192m above Auckland City. Peter Gordon continues his worldwide culinary success with Executive Chef Josh Barlow. Awarded Two Hats in the 2018 Cuisine Good Food Awards, experience a chef’s menu that champions seasonality, combining the best in local sustainably sourced produce with the boldest flavours from around the world. Not only is it the must-visit destination for dinner, The Sugar Club also boasts one of the city’s hidden gems – a unique bar area that is the perfect spot for creative cocktails, and has a well-curated wine list, in a relaxed and chic atmosphere.

Chef’s Tasting Menu $159. Cocktails from $18.

Soaring high above Auckland, you’ll discover Orbit 360° Dining, a truly iconic New Zealand brasserie offering diners sensational views and food to match. The dining room rotates once every hour, providing a truly unique experience with amazing 360 degree panoramas of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and beyond. It’s New Zealand’s only rotating restaurant, so an unforgettable experience that never ceases to delight. Orbit offers a modern dining experience in a relaxed, open atmosphere with a delicious Kiwiinspired à la carte menu that features the best local and seasonal produce. Three courses $85.

TOP TIP: Discover The Sugar Club’s new Native cocktails

Your experience doesn’t just stop at either of these restaurants. Enjoy complementary Sky Tower admission before and/or after dining.

TOP TIP: Come up early and relax in The Sugar Club’s bar area with the finest cocktails, take in the views of the city on level 53, before popping down to level 52 and spinning into dinner. The best of both worlds.

Head to fedst.co.nz for more information, menus and to book.

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MUST EAT: Orbit’s brand new dish! Riverland’s Beef Eye Fillet with fondant potato, creamed spinach and porcini and truffle jus PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 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

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

FACES AT THE MARKET On Sunday mornings, Angela Flitta can be found at Grey Lynn Farmers Market selling Happy BeeKeeping Honey.

Why are the bees so happy?

It is our ethical, bee-aware and bee-friendly approach. We always make sure that the bees are left with plenty of honey. Honey is harvested gently by hand to make sure that the bees are not harmed when removing the honey.

How did the business start?

The bee business came into being when design engineer Dr Isaac Flitta was asked to design a better beehive and had to study bees to do that. As Isaac always says: “These little fellas stole his heart.”

Isaac gave up his day job to become a beekeeper.

What is your role?

Co-founder and sales – I had a very successful sales career back in the UK. I sold silver around the world. It was a fun job and I was good at it.

How does the market fit into that?

I love meeting up with the nice group of stallholders every weekend.

But it is the customers that keep me coming back. Nothing makes me happier than hearing that a daily teaspoon of honey has made a positive difference to someone’s health, be it for sleep (taken with Himalayan rock salt), boosting the immune system or giving energy.

What do customers say to you?

A couple of weeks ago, a woman came in with her partner. Her partner was buying his regular honey and she told me that she hated honey.

So I was surprised and delighted to get the following text: “I’m the lady that came last weekend to the Grey Lynn market with the lovely T, and hated honey – I’m now having your 250+ by the spoonful every day and I love it (tastes wonderful) and I’m feeling great.”

What did she mean by 250+?

MGO (methylgloxal – the naturally occurring compound that makes

manuka honey so special) is an indication of the antimicrobial strength. All raw honey has some antimicrobial property. Our honey ranges from 25+ MGO to 800 MGO. Anything over 200 MGO is a medicinal strength. High-grade medicinal honey actually increases in potency over time.

Is all your honey raw?

Yes, it tastes wonderful and doesn’t go off; it lasts forever if stored in a cold dark place, but not the fridge. Heating honey to 40° Celsius destroys its benefits and causes a chemical change that makes it taste bitter. That is why you should never pour boiling water on honey – that also destroys the beneficial properties and flavour.

Were you always interested in bees?

Not at all. Looking back on the day I arrived in Auckland – it feels like it was prophetic. It was the day of Sir Edmund Hilary’s funeral.

I would never have imagined that in a few years I would become as passionate about bees as Sir Ed. F PN www.glfm.co.nz

@ JERVOIS RD WINE BAR + KITCHEN From time to time I call in for a drink at our local watering holes in Herne Bay. New arrivals at a well-established Jervois Rd Wine Bar + Kitchen are sommelier Anthony Rodgers and chef Rahul David-John who, along with proprietor Benjamin McManus, look forward to maintaining and growing Jervois Rd as a go-to bar and bistro.

Benjamin has set it out nicely and can cater for 40 people seated, or up to 70 for a cocktail function. He has been there nearly three years. Benjamin is a young man, but is vastly experienced in the hospitality business.

He grew up in Whenuapai. His first hospitality gigs were at his parents’ Furneaux Lodge in the Marlborough Sounds during school and, later, university holidays. Benjamin did a Bachelors in Fine Arts at Elam, working at Andiamo’s back in the day, Jervois Steakhouse, Ponsonby Road Bistro, and after a year abroad travelling Asia, he joined the Langham Hotel as their resident Tea Sommelier. Benjamin travelled extensively and frequented Sri Lanka’s School of Tea in Colombo, participating in international tea competitions hosted by the Dilmah family themselves.

I walked past Jervois Bar last night and great music was spilling out onto the footpath. Benjamin has several local musicians who play at the bar including Leza Corban, Petra Rijnbeek and The Ashby Boys.

Every Sunday there’s a band on in the afternoon and once a month on Friday and Saturday night.

Too many local eateries and drinkeries have been run by wellintentioned owners who have not got the experience in food, wine and hospitality to maximise the potential of their enterprises.

Benjamin McManus is not one of those. For a young man he is vastly experienced in serving food and wine of the highest calibre.

He deserves to do well, and he has made a good start. Benjamin is personable, too, with a cheeky smile and a friendly manner.

Looking to the future, Benjamin told me that population intensification, including new Jervois Road apartments across the road, should produce new customers. He’s in it for the long haul.

Benjamin McManus still pinches himself to believe it’s true that he found an established restaurant set up, just ready for a takeover, allowing him to follow his dream.

Call in and say hello. Maybe have a glass of wine or a beer. You’ll be very welcome. Benjamin is a ‘host with the most’.

Ponsonby News wishes him well. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

JERVOIS RD BAR + KITCHEN, 170 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5367, www.jervoisrd.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

@ PONSONBY CENTRAL

VOUCHER MONTH Andy, the chief tea lady at Ponsonby Central, is feeling like making winter a wee bit more magical. To thank the community for continuing to support us while we are making Ponsonby Central a whole lot bigger and better, he’s giving away a whole bunch of vouchers.

So everyday for the month of June we are giving them away , morning, noon or night, wherever you may be eating, drinking or shopping in Ponsonby Central.

In July and August Ponsonby Central is hosting a fantastic lineup of events in the Sapphire Room as part of the Eat Drink Love Ponsonby festival. A month of demos, masterclasses, workshops, tastings and makings.

For some evenings it’s a night to sit back, with a glass of wine in hand and learn from the experts, or if you prefer a hands on approach, book a workshop where you are the apprentice.

Get taught by passionate foodies in their specialist area of expertise, be it how to master the art of pasta, host a dinner party or learn the Japanese art of kintsugi.

Come look, learn, taste and create. Keep the lookout on our website for more info on events, dates & prices, coming soon!

You just simply have to be here. You can either tag Ponsonby Central on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll let you know that you’re the lucky recipient, or we might just hand an envelope when you’re eating your burger or drinking your morning coffee.

There will be multiple vouchers given every day, inside the envelope is between $10 $200 in vouchers to spend on whatever you like at Ponsonby Central. It could be $200 worth so you can splash out on dinner and drinks or $10 or $20 that you could use for a couple of coffees or lunch. Come try one of our newbies or go to the old favourites, it could be your lucky day.

We are looking forward to returning some of the kindness and understanding you have shown us and all our wonderful shops and restaurants. See you here!

BOSS’S SHOUT!

E A T. D R I N K .

W O R K S H O P.

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Matawhero Irwin Chardonnay 2017 just released Matawhero is one of New Zealand’s older wineries. It was established in 1968 by Bill Irwin, a visionary who defied the conventional thinking of the time – describing him as colourful would be an understatement.

His legacy is long remembered, particularly for his gewürztraminer.

Gisborne as a region has continued its fascination with varieties that are not the mainstream (although, yes, they grow sauvignon blanc, and very well I must say). One of the reasons behind this is the access to new varietals and clones, as Gisborne is home to New Zealand’s pre-eminent nursery Riversun. The new generation heading up Matawhero has made good use of this knowledge and experience through its diverse range.

Matawhero was purchased in 2008 by Richard and Kirsten Searle, today’s custodians of Matawhero. With a background in the wine industry, when the opportunity came up to re-establish Matawhero, the Searle family jumped at the opportunity.

The story behind Matawhero has many layers (as do their wines). To produce great wines, you of course need access to exceptional fruit.

Enter two of the most iconic growers in Gisborne – the Briant family and Paul Tietjen. The former, three generations of Briants farming land in Gisborne. For those with good memories, you’ll remember the exceptional single vineyard Briant chardonnays we’ve seen in the past under other labels. Paul Tietjen has been growing chardonnay since he planted it in Gisborne in 1983. Chardonnay off the Tietjen block is somewhat legendary, winning too many gold medals to keep count.

The excellent fruit off these sites is then nurtured through the winery to produce the consistently good wines we’ve come to expect from Matawhero. The winemaking at Matawhero is under the guidance of Kim Crawford, a legend in the New Zealand wine industry and a chardonnay master for sure. No surprise then that Matawhero Gisborne chardonnay has quickly become a ‘go to’ Gisborne chardonnay – consistent in style and quality, year in, year out. On the red side, it is the Gisborne merlot that sees customers coming back for a second bottle. My favourite, however, is the Church House Chenin Blanc. I must confess, I am a big fan of chenin blanc. There are not too many produced in New Zealand anymore. For those with good memories, you may recall the days of Collards Chenin Blanc.

Gisborne is home to the two best chenin blanc producers – James Millton of course, with his super range, and the Matawhero Church House Chenin Blanc.

Denis Irwin

Kirsten Searle, Denis Irwin & Richard Searle

June, though, is all about chardonnay from Matawhero as it signals the release of Matawhero’s Irwin Chardonnay from the 2017 vintage.

Made only in exceptional vintages, this is a tribute to the late Bill Irwin and son Denis, the founders of Matawhero Wines. A barrelfermented chardonnay, this has quickly become an iconic New Zealand chardonnay. You’ll find Matawhero Irwin Chardonnay in stock at all Glengarry stores and by the glass at Dida’s Wine Lounge.

PN (LIZ WHEADON) F

NEW RELEASE IRWIN CHARDONNAY M ATA W H E R O I R W I N C H A R D O N N AY 2 0 1 7 M ATA W H E R O C H U R C H H O U S E C H A R D O N N AY 2 0 1 7 M ATA W H E R O S I N G L E V I N E YA R D C H A R D O N N AY 2 0 1 8 FINE WINE DELIVERED SINCE 1945 | WWW.GLENGARRY.CO.NZ | P: 0800 733 505

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY Sid Sahrawat & Manish Mehrotra, Indian Accent

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Masters of modern Indian cuisine from India team up at Sidart.

Fans of Sidart are in for a very special treat this July thanks to a chef collaboration which will see India’s most acclaimed and awarded top Chef Manish Mehrotra of Indian Accent Restaurants visiting Auckland to join forces with award-winning chef and restaurateur Sid Sahrawat.

With more than 20 years of culinary experience, Chef Manish is widely regarded as the most exciting modern Indian chef in the world today.

He is set to join Sahrawat in the kitchen for two nights only on July 17-18.

This once in a lifetime chef collaboration is part of the Elemental AKL presented by Auckland Tourism and Economic Development and is also a feature of Ponsonby’s Eat Drink Love Ponsonby. Elemental AKL is a new region-wide festival illuminating Tamaki Makaurau during winter from 1-31 July 2019.

Hailed as one of the top chefs in India – and globally – Manish Mehrotra and Indian Accent have helped put modern Indian food on the gastronomic map, showcasing inventive Indian cuisine by complementing the flavours and traditions of India with global ingredients and techniques.

Opening in 2009 in New Delhi to significant acclaim for its groundbreaking approach to contemporary Indian food, Indian Accent New Delhi has won several awards and global recognition, including being the only restaurant from India on the World’s 100 Best list since 2015. It has been awarded the Best Restaurant in India by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019), every year since 2015 and is one of Time Magazine’s, 100 Great Destinations in the World.

Sahrawat says it is an honour to have Manish and his team agree to come to Auckland to collaborate with the Sidart crew.

“Our dinner at Indian Accent in December was by far the standout experience for us during our two-week trip in India and I’m really looking forward to working in the kitchen with a chef who I have huge admiration for. It’s going to be a dining experience like no other.

“Chand and I are so proud of Auckland and we can’t wait to show Manish around our stunning city and introduce him to the many incredible food offerings we have here in Tamaki Makaurau that make us such a diverse culinary destination.”

Chef Manish describes his cooking style as “inventive Indian cuisine” and says he can’t wait to create Indian food with an international accent in Auckland.

Chef Manish Mehrotra of Indian Accent says, “We are excited to present Indian Accent food for the first time in New Zealand and are looking forward to working with Sid and Chand during the pop-up at Sidart. I hope diners will enjoy the food and the experience.”

Manish adds, “I am also looking forward to trying local cuisine, exploring the ingredients and learning something from it all.”

The chef collaboration takes place over two nights, on July 17-18.

It comprises of six canapés and a six-course tasting menu for $250 per person, with a glass of Louis Roederer or a non-alcoholic Seedlip cocktail on arrival. Wine matching is available for an additional $100 per person.

Indian Accent subsequently opened in New York in 2016 and in London in 2017 to critical and popular acclaim.

Sid and Manish will each be responsible for three canapés and three main dishes. Some dietary requirements will be catered for – diners need to contact the restaurant to check before booking.

Sid Sahrawat and wife Chand met Manish and dined at Indian Accent in New Delhi when they were in India last December. It was after this meeting that the couple decided to invite Manish to Auckland and offer Sidart diners a first-hand opportunity to sample his culinary creations.

First sitting is at 6pm each night. Bookings are limited and can be made online here or by emailing reservations@sidart.co.nz or calling 09-360 2122. Pre-payment for the dinner is required at the time of booking. For more information, see www.sidart.co.nz or www.indianaccent.com.

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@ SABATO As winter rolls in, it’s easy to become nostalgic about late evenings basking in the warm sunshine while enjoying a glass or two of rosé alongside summer dishes. But the arrival of cooler nights gives way to endless options in the kitchen and, here at Sabato, we couldn’t be more excited!

Start by stocking your cupboards with grains, pulses, pasta and lentils which are all essential for hearty winter cooking. Try making a flavoursome, healthy pearl barley and farro risotto finished with Pons black truffle oil. This is an incredibly nourishing and nutritious dish for those cooler evenings and a great way to add texture to your winter dish (you’ll find the recipe on our website sabato.co.nz/recipes).

Our Girolomoni farro integrale penne or spaghetti is another versatile ingredient for a nutritious and delicious dinner. This highly digestible pasta is produced using only carefully selected triticum dicoccum spelt with strictly organic methods.

Spelt is an ancient grain which is high in fibre and protein and naturally low in gluten. Partner it with one of our pestos and lashings of grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

Pressed for time? Pick up one of our ready-to-go freezer meals! We have two new options just in time for winter – Spanish cottage pie and pancetta and egg pie. Our Spanish cottage pie is a hearty, pastryless and gluten-free

meal loaded with flavour from serrano ham and smoked paprika with fluffy, creamy mashed potato on top, finished with La Chinata smoked paprika flakes. Tasty simply on its own or serve alongside your favourite vegetables and a glass of our Clos Pons Jan Petit red.

For a Sabato twist on a Kiwi classic, try our pancetta and egg pie. Made with pancetta, Romulo capers and free-range eggs, it’s delicious served either hot or cold.

Perfect for lunch or for those nights you just want something easy for dinner. Simply bake from frozen for 60 minutes in a preheated 180˚C oven and, for an even crisper finish, cook a further 10 minutes at 200˚C. Visit our retail store to taste our new products and chat to our knowledgeable staff. For more winter recipe ideas visit the PN Sabato website. F

SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751, www.sabato.co.nz

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PONSONBY NEWS

It no longer matters if you're in Paris, Prague, Perth or Palmerston North, if you're 'homesick' for PONSONBY, read your monthly dose of Ponsonby News online.

Visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz to view our e-mag...

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

AUCKLAND WINE WEEK Winemakers from Waiheke Island, West Auckland and Matakana are pulling out all the stops to showcase the region’s exciting winemaking scene at the first ever Auckland Wine Week being held 13-23 June.

With many of Auckland’s best wineries and vineyards taking part, escape to Waiheke Island for a unique, all-inclusive, wine-lovers adventure on Sunday 16 June; head north for an afternoon of rare and hard-to-find gems in Matakana on Saturday 22 June or journey west to Auckland’s oldest wine region and let your wine tasting passport take you through a day of premium and reserve tastings on Sunday 23 June.

Make the most of Auckland-centric tastings and specials at Glengarry Wines, and dinners and tastings at restaurants and bars including Gusto, Augustus Bistro and Britomart’s Seafarers Club. The country’s biggest wine tasting event, Winetopia, presented by Singapore Airlines, is also taking place on the city’s waterfront on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 June.

“There’s a whole world of wine to be discovered on Auckland’s doorstep,” says organiser Rob Eliott. “From Waiheke Island with its stunning syrah, world-class chardonnay, intense cabernet blends and fine aromatics, to internationally recognised, elegant chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon in the West, and excellent pinot gris, syrah, cabernet blends and emerging red varieties in the North.”

All within easy reach of the central city, Auckland Wine Week is an opportunity to explore and share in these wonderful local wineries.

With a full line-up of vinous adventures taking place around the region from vineyards to some of the city’s best restaurants, Auckland Wine Week is a chance to connect with the city in a different way, celebrating the people and places that make these incredible wines.

AUCKLAND WINE WEEK, 13-23 June, www.aucklandwineweek.co.nz

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Gary Steel - Veg Friendly: Climate mange Jacinda’s big flaw. Film director James Cameron gave an informative and provocative speech at the Government’s recent Just Transition ‘low carbon’ summit but, sadly, we didn’t get to hear much of the details of his radical proposition.

Instead, the mainstream media’s coverage of the event sniggered at his idea that New Zealand farmers convert to horticulture and away from meat production and, worryingly, our feted prime minister chose to mock the idea as well.

“I’m from the Waikato, I don’t know if I’d be allowed to go home if I became vegan, and I love cheese,” scoffed our PM. Maybe the click-bait mad minions of the tabloid ‘news’ organisations would have found space to discuss and debate Cameron’s ideas had Jacinda Ardern had the goodwill to give them some credence.

Instead, she sided with the laggards: the reactionary redneck farmers who want to keep the status quo and won’t recognise the enormous environmental price that dairy and meat farming makes us all pay.

It’s not surprising that Ardern’s response didn’t advocate for Cameron’s position, but to fly in the face of hard science with such a cynical response to the one thing that could help to create an environmental utopia in New Zealand begs belief.

Cameron, who directed several global film smashes including Terminator II, The Titanic and Avatar, bought a dairy-based farm in the Wairarapa and converted it to horticulture. The Hollywood icon is an ardent vegan and it’s disappointing that his Just Transition speech wasn’t subsequently analysed, discussed and debated – until the cows come home.

Instead, the New Zealand Herald reacted with an irresponsibly erroneous editorial framing veganism as a freak show full of cult-type misfits and dairy and meat being central to New Zealand’s way of life from now to eternity. Its pitch was that vegan food was largely highly processed and therefore polluting, but it didn’t feel the need to back up this horribly wrong assumption.

Ardern and the mainstream media are not only misinformed but way behind the times when it comes to their assessment of plant-

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based foods and attitudes around them, and that’s not just tragic but potentially dangerous. They don’t seem to have realised just how popular plant-based eating has become. Haven’t they encountered all the vegan options in supermarkets or come across the many plantbased cafes in Auckland and now spreading throughout the land?

More worrying still, is the fact that Ardern and the media are both simply ignoring the science.

While there’s still debate about the veracity of climate change, the vast majority of scientists accept that it’s real, and it would take a flatearther to go against the evidence that we’re quickly destroying the planet. Why, then, do both our media organisations and Government heads lack the conviction to look at the incontrovertible evidence that meat and dairy production are two of the worst offenders when it comes to the earth’s pollution?

And why do they continue to ignore the tide of scientific evidence that promotes the idea that we need to revolutionise our eating habits towards a plant-based future?

James Cameron said that if we continue to go down the animal agriculture road, climate change will effectively end civilization. “The chaos and the human suffering will be unfathomable and the political outcome will be intolerable. It will be a ruthless future. It will be the end of democracy. It will be the end of peace and I can’t bear to think that we’re not doing everything we can do to not leave that world to our children or grandchildren.”

Jacinda, this is not fringe thinking. Even fairly conservative ecologists like David Attenborough have come to the same conclusion. Politics may well be a popularity contest, but sometimes you have to stand up and do what’s right. You did it with the Christchurch shootings. Now do it for the future of humanity. (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

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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THE R O C K E T S TO R E 2 0 8 P O N S O N BY R D

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

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Champagne and that Okay. Bubbles. Fizz. Popping the cork for celebration! Nothing wrong with that. Enjoy. Wine, like food, humour and company, is for sharing.

Grapes traditionally used in making true branded French Champagne are chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. All three are usually blended in the familiar mass-produced French fizz we see in New Zealand as Moët, Veuve Cliquot, Bollinger, Lanson, Pol Roger, etc.

And I do mean mass production. We are talking millions upon millions of bottles per year pumped out by French Champagne houses to satisfy the thirsty masses. There are variations on the theme: Blanc de Noir (pinot noir and/or pinot meunier), and Blanc De Blanc (100% chardonnay). And then, there are rosé style ‘pink Champagne’ sparklers, where sometimes the pinot noir has been left on the skins a short while to ferment and extract a blush of pink colour.

And the characteristic fine-beaded frothy bubbles are the result of a secondary fermentation in the bottle after the wine has been sealed with added yeast and sugar. And... it’s the CO2 bubbles in the wine which make the alcohol absorb more quickly into the bloodstream and the brain. It may make you feel a little bit dizzy, totally fabulous, funny... and also may make you fancy complete strangers. (So I have been told.)

‘NV’ on a bottle means non-vintage, ie, the Champagne is made from a blend of various years’ base wines. Vintage Champagne is made solely from the grapes of a particularly good year, and that year is determined by the region’s producers. It is these vintage wines which can last 10 years or more. NV sparklers are designed to be consumed on release and won’t benefit from extended cellaring.

Here are some fantastic, small-production, local New Zealand champenoise styles that, in my opinion, totally rival some of the best pretentious French labels. And at about half the price. Drink local.

Drink fabulous. Enjoy.

Mudbrick Vineyard Methode Traditionelle (NV) - $30 Wow. 24 carat gold colour. Aromas of beeswax, brioche and clover honey. In the mouth, it’s a complex and lush palate of preserved peach, ripe apricot, toffee and hint of toasty oak with a slow, golden sunset finish. I’m in love.

Peacock Sky Reserve Waiheke Blanc de Noirs 2014 - $45 Black grapes – 59% merlot and 41% cabernet sauvignon. Pale rosegold pink with fine-beaded bubbles. Smells like almond nougat and brioche with a good whiff of CO2. Lovely rich, ripe and generous palate of sour cherry, almond and summer fruit compote.

West Brook Waimauku Methode Traditionelle 2012 - $39.90 Blanc de Noir style from Waimauku pinot noir. Very subtle and mineral French style that is best served just lightly chilled. Gold hues. Aromas of almond croissant. On the palate, it’s crisp, dry and restrained with hints of apple, almond nougat and mandarin.

Soljans Brut Methode Traditionelle 2012 - $33 Award-winning Kumeu sparkler from third generation family winemakers.

Traditional pinot noir/chardonnay blend. Yellow gold colour. Aromas of yeasty baked bread. Rich, complex and integrated palate of mandarin, peach crumble and rock melon with a dry, crisp finish.

Soljans Brut Methode Traditionelle 2013 - $33 A drier style than the 2102. Yellow gold. Smells like Packham pear, apricots and hazelnut nougat. Frothy bubbles on the palate with flavours of frangipani tart, yeasty croissant and canned peach – with PN a crisp, dry finish. (PHIL PARKER) F

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

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www.finewinetours.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 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

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

5 Fort Lane, CBD T: 09 379 9702 cassiarestaurant.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ June

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. When local resident Carol Gunn, manager of the Grey Lynn Farmers Market, visited Guilin (CHINA) recently, she took a moment to stop and browse the latest Ponsonby News.

2. Local resident Penny Greig sent us this hilarious photo showing her cat devouring the latest PN. She tells us, “His name is Quinton or Mr Q. He is a young cat. I didn’t stage it at all. He just spontaneously launched in for the attack!”

3. Ron Craig, from Ponsonby legal firm ChambersCraigJarvis, pictured with fellow Scottish Country Dancing enthusiast Fred Margetts enjoying a quick read of PN whilst enjoying a pre-dinner drink in the lounge at the CHATEAU TONGARIRO during a recent excursion. Wives and others celebrated the recent Mothers’ Day and enjoyed a wee pre-dinner dram as well.

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

Because we all deserve freedom SAFE helping animals out Help us fight cages

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TRAVEL BREAKS

THE PEOPLE OF THE CRATER The charm always lies in the story of a destination and every place has a story to tell!

Five minutes from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater – one of the world’s most amazing natural environments and wildlife habitats – lies the Maasai village of Irkeepusi.

The village sits atop the ancient caldera and enjoys undeniably one of the most spectacular views in the world.

For thousands of years, various cattle-herding people have passed through this region of Tanzania, then the Maasai people settled here about 200 years ago, living peacefully carving out an existence with their goats and cows, and still following most of their ancient beliefs and customs. It is believed that the Maasai cows with their tinkling bells gave the crater its name – the sound of the ‘ngong ngong’ of the bells echoing all around the crater became Ngorongoro Crater.

This is a traditional village that works closely with local NGOs and safari camps, allowing visits from travellers interested in the culture.

A great opportunity for interaction, visitors can buy handmade crafts and even visit the local school. This is the new way of working, creating a sustainable tourism activity that benefits both the travellers and the village directly.

The welcome begins when you arrive with a fabulous greeting song. You just cannot help getting swept up in the rhythm and soon end up joining in – it is just infectious! After a visit to one of the tiny clay-clad homes, we end with a visit

to the school. The children are over excited as we arrive armed with gifts of pre-loved clothing, school supplies and more. This experience is both heart warming and humbling, witnessing their sheer joy. My heart was won over by a little girl who loved her new green dress so much she hid it under her beanie for safekeeping!

Of course, the prime reason for visiting the Ngorongoro Crater is the wildlife inhabiting the 600m-deep crater floor, and we head off at the crack of dawn to enjoy several hours there. It is just magical, and particularly good when there are fewer vehicles around us, so we really make the most of it. There is a plethora of wildlife living at this World Heritage site, with over 25,000 mammals inhabiting the greater area. During migration time you can see over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle moving through as well. One of my favourite sightings of the day is the lioness on her recent buffalo kill enjoying her morning feast, and the hordes of wildlife in the background – a veritable all-you-can-eat buffet.

Nearby is the Olduvai Gorge which is largely regarded as the cradle of mankind. Remains of the world’s first humans were discovered here in 1959. Hence, the very apt Man and Biosphere Reserve title that the Ngorongoro Crater and its greater area received, the place where people and wildlife have co-existed since the beginning of time. (ANGE PIRIE) F PN www.worldjourneys.co.nz

TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL Experience the best of Kenya and Tanzania on this oncein-a-lifetime journey! Flying between luxury camps, visit the wildlife hotspots of Serengeti National Park, the Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater.

8 DAYS from $9,615pp (share twin)

FLY AROUND EAST AFRICA The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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

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Chaos ensued, threats were made, lines were abandoned...

Surrounded by a desolate landscape, the monotony of the coastline of Argentine Patagonia is breached only occasionally by the stark white buildings of the country’s numerous weather and maritime research stations.

Providing a lonely and solitary life on this landscape, the sight of our passing ship brought out more than a few inhabitants of these stations to wave to us as we sailed past.

The long and colourless cliffs were a complete dichotomy after leaving cosmopolitan and lively Buenos Aries a few days ago. Where only recently we had been entertained by tango dancing and ‘bon vivant’, here the only other sign of regular life were the accompanying pods of black and white dolphins providing comic relief as they frolicked in our wake.

Eventually we turned into the harbour entrance for Puerto Madryn, one of the continent’s best places to view wildlife – orca, penguins, whales and elephant seals.

Arms loaded up with camera equipment and great expectations, we were itching to get off and start some exploring.

We, the usual suspects, were booked for El Arenal Beach where hundreds of elephant seals give birth and rear their young before commencing their journey to the Falkland Islands. The beach is infamous for gratuitous youtube videos of orca sliding up the beach to snatch baby seals from their nests.

Hey, I’m from New Zealand where the most vicious our wildlife gets is a seagull stealing your chips – this was our chance of a David Attenborough moment.

Unfortunately, as we approached the dock, it was announced that we may not, in fact, be allowed to berth after all due to a sudden ‘industrial dispute’.

Furious negotiations were taking place even as we hovered off the wharf with the ship’s deck crew ready to throw over our lines and the stevedores on the wharf looking fierce and staunch, refusing to lift a finger to help us dock.

Finally, compromise must have been reached as it was announced that we would dock for a short time to let off various officials and take on the Cape Horn pilot who we needed in a few days’ time.

Passengers would be allowed to get off the ship but it would be departing in two hours and wouldn’t be waiting for any tardy cruisers.

There was a mad rush for the only gangplank.

Conveniently, and not without some nefarious effort on my part, I found myself at the front of the line and fortuitously beside the hull door accompanied by my table-mates, Bryce and Elizabeth – also keen on seeing the seals. We stood there for an hour as further negotiation took place and then, like the parting of the Red Sea, the doors opened.

The town and seals beckoned and the waiting crowd surged forward.

Chaos ensued, threats were made, lines were abandoned and a huge mass of humanity surrounded the poor and overwhelmed officers manning the exit. Confusion and tensions reigned. Doors slammed, alarms rang and sirens sounded.

Grabbing Elizabeth’s arm, I managed to sidle between an arguing German and a deck officer, then we slipped passed the clogged exit just as they put up barriers to try to control the mob. As we passed through the exit scanner, the machine, overloaded and in a fit of petulance, failed. We were the last passengers to depart before the hull doors were again slammed shut and further permission to leave denied.

Grateful for our chance of escape, we jumped on to the nearest shuttle and were dropped unceremoniously in town opposite a windswept beach, a string of shops and a big stuffed penguin with a hole in its face crying out for attention. There was little time left to enjoy the delights of the area, let alone any planned excursions to the cape and its wildlife. So we turned and rejoined the back of the line for the bus back to the ship, lamenting our lack of wildlife sightings.

Back onboard, we were leaning over the railing waiting for departure as a local family of sea lions took up position under the wooden pier to watch us depart. As our lines were withdrawn and we drifted off, our last view of the locals was the numerous young pups playing in and around the piers and their proud parents nervously watching, one eye on us and one on the predatory orca spotted off our stern.

Sadly this was as close as we would get to the cape’s famous wildlife but at least I didn’t have to explain away photographs of bloodthirsty orca feasting among the seal pups to my mother. (ROSS THORBY) F PN

Puerto Madryn - seals on the pier

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FASHION + STYLE

WHAT IS HAIRFIT ABOUT?

@ LARSMART

Kelly Melvin is the owner of Hairfit which is a boutique hair salon that specialises in beautiful and healthy hair.

As she tells Ponsonby News, “I am an expert in the latest colouring and cutting techniques. On your first visit to Hairfit, I will do a ‘Hair Fitness Assessment’ where I look at the current condition of your hair, face shape and colours and how much time you have to style your hair.

“This enables me to then give you the confidence and knowledge to look after your hair and re-create the styles at home so you continue to look great and feel amazing – beautiful hair for life!

“Originally from the UK, I have been in New Zealand for 15 years. I taught as a personal trainer teaching Les Mills classes, then decided to change my career to become a hair stylist. It was an affirmed career choice as I won apprentice of the year in the first and the last years of my training. I am very passionate about helping women feel and look good and now Hairfit helps women get fitter and have amazing, beautiful hair for life.

“My clients say they get so much more than a hair cut because of the tips and expert advice I give them. They love the relaxed environment, good conversation and the wonderful head massages. With bookable parking, visits to Hairfit are made easy!”

‘LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER’ EVENT – 5km walk/run Auckland Sunday 30 June Event fundraising for women facing cancer – to assist improving self-esteem and quality of life for people undergoing treatment for cancer. The Hairfit Challenge is currently helping women in the community to get bodyfit. This involves an eight week training programme for women, empowering them to not only feel fit but look amazing for the PN ‘Look Good Feel Better’ event. F LARSMART, 543 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay, T: 0800 5277 6278, www.larsmart.co.nz

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HAPPY HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Aleph Beauty founder Emma Peters

Winter Wellness When the temperature drops, it’s a good idea to bring out the big guns when it comes to staying well.

Taking a holistic approach that covers everything from good food to exercise and better beauty choices is a great place to start, and now is most definitely the time to do so.

Winter is as harsh as summer on the skin, but in a very different way. The cooler temperatures and lack of humidity mean drier skin, and it’s a good idea to change-up your skincare accordingly. I love adding more oils into my regime. Sans (ceuticals) Activator 7 Body Oil has long been a favourite of mine.

A beautiful formulation that hydrates and heals, it helps keep dryness at bay as well as leaving not a trace of grease or residue on the skin post-shower. Local facialist Caroline Hunt’s Hunt Skincare The Daily Face Oil is my current go-to for a day and night oil, and is a beautifully light yet nourishing formula that absorbs like a dream.

The term ‘clean beauty’ has been bandied about a lot lately, but it’s a step in the right direction if you’re looking to be kinder on yourself and the planet. The Clean Beauty Collective webstore (cleanbeautycollective.co.nz) offers a range of amazing brands from around the world that meet the strictest ‘clean’ criteria. One of its top sellers is the Everything Serum from the brand non gender specific. A silky smooth formula that absorbs instantly, it brightens, reduces pore size and firms using a blend of over 17 vegan and cruelty-free ingredients.

Makeup artist Emma Peters is the founder of the locally created Aleph Beauty brand, and has great tips when it comes to taking your beauty in a cleaner direction. One of her must dos for winter is exfoliation, “which will stop any dry skin from sitting on the surface of your skin and causing your makeup to grab.” She also says to stay hydrated, and “choosing a nourishing moisturiser or serum designed to hydrate and prevent moisture loss will go a long way to keeping a glow to the skin.” Her Aleph Concealer/Foundation is my daily go to at the moment, for a number of reasons. Protecting and nourishing, it contains ingredients to help cellular metabolism while protecting from environmental stressors and increasing firmness, elasticity and hydration. It cares for your skin and looks and feels natural and glowy. Aleph’s Crush Cheek/Lip Tint is also a great option for this time

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of year, “as berry shades look so fantastic in winter,” says Emma.

Lastly, her Radiance pots in Sun and Moon are great alone or mixed with the concealer/foundation. “Sun acts as a little bit of sunshine in your hand bag,” says Emma, “and can be easily mixed with the concealer/foundation to give your skin a summer glow, or used on eyelids, cheeks and lips.”

When it comes to lipstick – a winter essential – organic makeup brand RMS Beauty is my top pick. Known best for its little pots of foundation, cheek and lip colour, it took a big step by launching traditional lipsticks a couple of years ago. Called the Wild With Desire collection and available at Mecca Cosmetica, it features impeccably clean formulas, moisturising castor oil and rich pigments. All shades in the collection are full-coverage, and the finish is an impressively long-lasting, satin matte.

Winter is a time for slowing down but keeping active, and that is where a great alternative to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) comes in. Called LIIS – slow-intensity, steady-state cardio – it allows you to burn calories and get cardiovascular benefits but without the physical strain of high-impact workouts, and is associated with the likes of walking, yoga and Pilates. Because LIIS workouts are gentler, it’s easier to remember to workout regularly, and you can do LIIS on PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HAPPY HEALTHY LIFESTYLES consecutive days without the risk of injury. In an age when many people sit for the majority of their working hours, it’s an ideal way to get moving.

Kcore Pilates’ Kate Benefield

Yogi Nikki Ralston from Brown Street’s Urban Ashram studio says that keeping regular movement in your day throughout winter is crucial for overall wellness, firstly because movement is the only way to keep your lymphatic system doing the work it should.

“Keeping moving will change your experience of winter for sure,” she says, “and not just because moving keeps you warm! Our lymphatic system is the way that things move around our body and it helps us stay well, so stimulating it is essential to keeping healthy.”

She changes her classes seasonally, with a slightly slower start and then an ever-changing pace to keep clients feeling invigorated.

“Inversions are also important in winter,” she explains, “and that doesn’t mean you have to suddenly start doing handstands.

Downward Dog will take your head below your heart, making your cardiovascular system and diaphragm work a little extra and keeping your system moving as it should. The only time to avoid inversions is when you’re suffering from any kind of congestion, although still move... if your teacher knows what they are doing they can adapt poses to work for you.”

Kate Benefield is the founder of Kcore Pilates in Freemans Bay, where they offer results-based workouts in 45 minutes that seriously make a difference. “We like to think of Kcore’s style of reformer Pilates as ‘pre-habilitation’,” she says. “They focus on both large and stabilising muscles so our clients are less likely to suffer injuries.” Their key point of difference is that they offer dynamic reformer Pilates ,“which means a high-intensity fun workout rather than a rehab-based class. One thing we hear often from new clients is that they are surprised how hard it is!

They walk out feeling energised with an all over body ‘burn’.”

Urban Ashram’s Nikki Ralston

Chef and yogi Angus McLean is the founder of Barefoot Retreats, and was responsible for the delicious menu at The Butcher’s Son. He knows his way around a meal that tastes amazing and delivers on the wellness front and stresses, “as winter creeps up on us, it’s important to eat healthily to fight off ills and chills. I start to crave porridge topped with stewed fruits and nuts on chilly mornings, and soups crammed with veggies, spices and garlic at night.”

The slow cooker also comes out “and I go hard on bone broths. They boost immunity, soothe colds, fight inflammation and heal our guts – good stuff!”

Angus adds that if he succumbs to a cold or sore throat “I go straight for my full-on germ basher tea! I boil up loads of chopped ginger, fresh turmeric, kawa kawa leaves, fresh rosemary, cayenne pepper, black pepper, lemon juice and a spoon of honey and PN keep drinking it all day. Works every time!” (HELENE RAVLICH) F The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

The Barefoot Chef, Angus McLean Butternut, lime, coconut & chilli soup PONSONBY NEWS+ June

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Horoscopes: Miss Pearl Neclis – what your stars hold for June

Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February You may have to put your creativity on the back burner this month although you’re positively fizzing at the edges. Just communicate slowly and logically what you have in mind. Whatever ideas you have, as long as they are sound, what can go wrong?

Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March You don’t have to apologise to anyone about who you are. The style you have is definitely all your own. When you allow yourself to drift, all sorts of interesting ideas formalise in your head that can be beneficial to both your professional life and personal one.

Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April The big strides you take this month will have an impact on your life whichever way you go.

Make sure you’re fully equipped, as the last thing you want is to go into battle unarmed.

Being part of a team will certainly make things easier for you.

Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May You feel like you are in a bit of a rush this month or you’re being made to feel like you are. Whatever’s going on around you that might be contributing will have a lasting effect unless you take action now. Find a rhythm that matches your pace and stick to it.

Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June If you decide to give one of your dreams a chance, you need to find a way to integrate them into your real life. There is nothing for you to lose as long as you know the difference between fact and reality.

Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July Sometimes you have to do what makes you feel good again. If you feel contained emotionally then at some point you are going to blow. Do whatever it takes to make you happy. You’re so important.

Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August You need to pay careful attention this month otherwise you could find yourself spending all your time in other people’s dramas. If you’re able to overlook, but not ignore, the buzzing conversations going on around you, you’ll realise you don’t need to be involved.

Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September You have never had to defend yourself about who you are and you are not about to start now. Nip any gossip in the bud by being transparent and not hiding anything.

You don’t realise you already stand apart from the crowd in a good way.

Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October Just occasionally you have to be flexible and if it means doing something differently from what you have been doing for years, that can be a good thing. You have to be open to change throughout your life otherwise without knowing it you can become stale.

Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November Sometimes you have to put a lot of hats on to see which one fits. And if that means being disappointed a few times then that’s what it will take. Move forward; don’t look back with any regret, and come from a different angle.

Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December If you can try and be a bit more flexible this month you might succeed at something that you have been trying to do for a long time.

If your choice of words has had the wrong impact, then rephrase them with an apology if you have to.

Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January You can have a great time this month catching up with people who have been out your life for a while now. Balancing your current life and catching up with your past can be tricky. Just keep everyone that needs to know informed of your movements.

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HAPPY HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

LES MILLS IS EVOLVING At Les Mills Auckland City, the club where the Les Mills story began 50 years ago, three new state -of-the-art workout studios have recently opened.

They include a new Immersive Cycle Studio, the largest studio of its kind in the world, where riders can experience Les Mills’ ground-breaking workouts, a new Functional Studio and a new Boxing Studio.

The building refit is designed by Monk Mackenzie (the team behind Auckland’s stylish Cycle Path), and leading interior designers Rufus Knight Associates, known for their sophisticated retail store designs for brands such as Lonely and Aesop. Both firms worked in partnership with award-winning design studio Alt Group who designed the branding and the main palette of black, white, grey and gold, bronze and silver – an appropriate nod to the gym owner’s past athletic glories.

The building exterior and interiors are a refined black, which creates a dramatic theatrical backdrop for The Trip, a 45-minute immersive cycle experience combining a multi-peak cardio workout with a journey through digitally created worlds. Every workout has a unique narrative and riders are absorbed into the full sensory experience, travelling through surreal landscapes, switching up gears to climb steep hills and then switching down again to swoop down dramatic slopes. The Cycle Studio features a sloping theatre design, with nearly 100 gleaming bikes lined in tiers, facing a large curved screen, fed by five giant projectors.

Les Mills is known internationally for its exercise programmes, which are used by millions of global gym users each week and the innovation continues with the design of two new workouts, Ceremony and Conquer.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Ceremony is a 45-minute functional training workout using a wide range of exercises and pieces of equipment. The focus is on whole body, strength, cardio and conditioning within a shared community experience. Combined with use of equipment such as Ski Ergs, rowers, agility ladders, sleds and kettlebells, the workouts also include explosive exercises, balance and coordination drills, and whole body, flow-based movements like dynamic bear crawls.

Conquer is a 45-minute complete boxing conditioning workout that uses a trio of treadmill running, aquabag punching and resistance-based cardio exercises like ball slams and skipping. It is the combination of these components that gives you an experience unmatched by any boxing offering or full-service gym. The workout is structured like a boxing match: three minutes of work, with one minute to recover and transition to your next station.

If you’re wanting to experience any of these classes, grab a free pass from their website and head to Les Mills Auckland City.

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Green Gold What is wealth? I think that it is having food, health and shelter. When you have those sorted, you can spend time with your family and friends.

So, why is Mother Nature’s most abundant provider of top quality food, health, shelter, fuel, plastic, paint and pleasure prohibited? Why do ‘free democratic’ governments limit public access to this natural source of food, fibre and medicine?

Kiwi-farmed hemp was re-legalised in 2006, but MoH and MPI have largely disabled the industry ever since, apart from the recent legalising of hemp seed in November 2018, (12 years later). Hemp’s like a dirty secret. It can’t be planted within 5km of a school, or anywhere it can be seen from the road. It can’t be fed to animals (a recent change under a National-appointed pharma veteran), or used for medicine despite being both safe, beneficial and having ‘no risk of abuse’ according to the World Health Organisation.

The traditional home of ‘drug hemp’ (or Cannabis Indica) is India, a proudly independent state since throwing off the tyrannical shackles of Empire. India’s ambassador reportedly refused to agree to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotics, saying “600 million Indians will die laughing, if I say that hemp is a dangerous drug.” Pakistan and Bangladesh also exempted themselves.

Despite these (then) 1.5 billion people having legal access to cannabis since 1961, there has been no discernable social harm.

That figure is now closer to 2.5 billion people, with around 600 million eligible to be extorted by the ‘medicinal cannabis’ racket now fixing up world markets. This racket is of epic proportions, obscene ethics and gargantuan profits. It is an utter betrayal of the public trust by politicians and regulators for private profit. But we all know ‘that’s just politics’.

For example, Cannabis Sativa (industrial hemp) enjoyed 1000 years in Britain’s herbal Pharmacopoeia ‘as medicine’. Cannabis Indica was reported by Professor O’Shaughnessy in 1843 and, by the 1890s, Great Britain was importing 100 tons of Cannabis Indica resin a year

84 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

‘as medicine’. Cannabis was only removed from the Pharmacopoeia in the 1970s.

Yet today Britain prohibits public access on the grounds that it has no therapeutic value and a high risk of abuse, despite being the world’s biggest exporter of cannabis medicine (at $1000 a bottle/$33,000 USD per year).

Interestingly, that medicine is made by Brtitain’s own GW Pharmaceuticals. It’s biggest shareholder is the $1.4 Tn Capital Group, and Philip May (husband to PM Theresa May) is a senior exec there. Co-incidentally, the husband (Paul Kenward) of UK Drugs Minister VIctoria Atkin, is the MD of British Sugar, and grows 23 football pitches of cannabis for Theresa’s husband’s company. Funnily enough, half that crop is ‘Skunk #1’, a legendary winner of many Cannabis Cups. You couldn’t make this stuff up.

It’s so wrong.

So who exactly does cannabis threaten? It’s doesn’t threaten people.

Cultures across the globe have revered this strategic resource for millennia. It’s been the backbone of empires, like the British, Roman and Chinese, to name just three. Because it offers people food, health, shelter, pleasure and more. But it does threaten some major markets, and a few destructive monopolies like pharmaceuticals and petro chemicals – the industries that are bleeding our wallets and taxes, while poisoning our health and environment.

Would you believe it used to be a crime not to grow cannabis in both Great Britain and the USA? True fact. It’s the world’s most useful and valuable crop. It’s green gold, and it’s “safe even in immense doses” according to Pfizer subsidiary Parke-Davis.

Thank goodness the coalition’s referendum legislation looks good.

Please make sure you and all whanau vote ‘Yes’ in 2020.

(TADHG STOPFORD) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HAPPY HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

RESTORE YOUR SMILE As one of Auckland’s leading dental practices, Accent Your Dentists focuses on bringing you the best in patient care and comfort – whether you just need a check up or a full set of implants.

Leading dentist Dr. Matt Sumner and his team of experts use stateof- the-art technology and cutting-edge techniques, and are known for their high level of personal care and support. Dr. Matt is also a founding member of the Dental Implant Network group and the NZ Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, so you know you’re in good hands.

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant could help get you smiling again Natural looking and long lasting, dental implants feel and function just like your original teeth and can last up to 30 years. They don’t rely on your other teeth for support and can actually promote bone growth in your jaw. This means your dental implant won’t weaken your other teeth. If you have good oral and general health, you’re probably a good candidate.

Dental implants for more than one missing tooth For more than one missing tooth, implant-supported bridges are a longer-lasting alternative; the bridge is supported by an implant, rather than by your other teeth. This avoids having to grind down your natural teeth, which can weaken them and cause problems in the long run.

Caring for your dental implant Dental implants are a lot like your regular teeth – they need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Brushing and flossing are crucial, as well as having regular check ups.

Cost of tooth implants The price of each new tooth is a significant investment for you, and depends on whether bone grafting is required or not for the creation of your new bionic tooth root and crown. Accent Your Dentists use the best lab in Auckland, the best Auckland implant specialist, and pride ourselves on superb craftsmanship along with a natural aesthetic. F PN Book your appointment online now at bit.ly/bookapptonline

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Entertainment in your garden It’s not every day that I find myself driving across Auckland with a lost racing pigeon. It all began with a wooden breadboard.

When the sun is shining, I like to place my washed, wooden breadboard outside to dry. I recently did this, and then went out for the day. That night, I went outside to retrieve it. I had placed it up high on one of the rafters around our deck. As I reached up to grab the breadboard, I was amazed to see a puffed up, sleeping pigeon sitting next to it.

I went back inside and told my husband, Martin. I said to him, “If it hangs around, I’ll name it Vogel.” Martin laughed. Martin is Dutch.

The word vogel translated literally means ‘bird’.

The following morning, I found the pigeon wandering around on the floor of the deck. I noticed an orange band on one of its legs. It became apparent that this was either someone’s pet or a racing pigeon. I didn’t wish to handle the bird, so I took quite a few photographs of the orange band so that I could note the reference number.

My online research led me to the website of Pigeon Racing New Zealand. There, I found everything I needed to know about how to care for the pigeon, and I was able to send a message to them with the details on the leg band.

Vogel was very hungry and thirsty. I fed Vogel uncooked rice and barley from the palm of my hand. The pigeon seemed weary because it only attempted short flights around my deck and spent most of the time sitting on the rafters, or the roof edge.

Pigeon Racing New Zealand managed to track down the owner, John from Beach Haven. We began exchanging emails. John recognised his bird from the photos I sent him. He advised that Vogel was a female and just four months old. I found it remarkable that she had flown all the way to the Waitakere Ranges. John told me that when pigeons are very young, they stray from their loft at times and can get lost.

Sometimes what happens is, they stay around to eat and drink food and then once they have regained their strength, the pigeon will make its journey back to where they were born, because they have that built-in homing instinct.

A few days had passed. Vogel had taken up sleeping in a nearby pine tree. It seemed to me that she wasn’t happy and finding her way home from here might be too much of a challenge. John and I agreed that it would be best if I caught her. I managed to get her into a box and drove her to Beach Haven the following day.

It was an absolute pleasure meeting John. He has been racing and breeding pigeons for almost 50 years. John doesn’t usually name his birds but has agreed to make an exception. This pigeon will always be PN known as Vogel. (HEIDI PADAIN) F 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.

PONSONBY NEWS+JULY FEATURE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN + WINTER EVENTS COPY DEADLINE: Thursday 20 JUNE PUBLISHED: FRIDAY 5 JULY CALL 09 378 8553 TO BOOK OR EMAIL martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HAPPY HEALTHY LIFESTYLES L to R: Physiotherapists Sunny Murugan, Lisa Cliffe and Evelyn Kelly, and Acupuncturists Emily Feng, and Johnny Lu

HANDS-ON CARE Physio360 NZ was formed with a single vision to provide accessible, quality care to anyone that requires it.

The team of experienced clinicians assembled to make this a reality has really come through on that vision, and is gaining a reputation for being a one-stop service. “We are one of very few clinics offering physiotherapy and acupuncture services seven days a week and are available until 8pm on most weekdays. Appointments are easy to obtain through both the phone and an easy to navigate online booking system.�

K-Taping, one of the treatment modalities used to treat a sprained ankle

“We cater to all ages and walks of life, with our youngest client being 4 years old and most senior being 97. We are able to assess and treat a variety of conditions and pathologies, from the common crook neck caused by a misbehaving pillow, to long-term, lower back or neck pain caused by poor posture or prolonged sitting at desk jobs, to post-surgical rehabilitation following joint replacements, or spinal surgeries,� says Sunny Murugan, director and lead physiotherapist.

Physio360 NZ is also involved with New Zealand sports teams.

Sunny has been providing physiotherapy care since 2018 for the New Zealand men’s ice hockey team (NZ Ice Blacks) and the Botany Swarm Ice Hockey team.

He added the New Zealand women’s ice hockey team (NZ Ice Fernz) to his repertoire in 2019, and was given the opportunity by the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation to fly around the world in March and April 2019 to attend the World Ice Hockey Championships for both the teams consecutively.

Physio360 NZ Physiotherapist Sunny in Brasov, Romania, during the 2019 Women’s Div 2B World Ice Hockey Championships

CONTACT US reception@physio360.co.nz %X 4L]WMS SYV WOMPPIH XIEQ WIIOW XS TVSZMHI you with a one-stop solution to wellness.

202 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby 3J½ GI

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HAPPY HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Dementia/Alzheimer’s – diet, heavy metals and HSV1 Every three seconds around the world, someone is diagnosed with dementia. In Auckland alone, 10,000 people are suffering with it and this number is expected to double over the next 20 years.

Dale E. Bredesen, MD, is a professor of neurology at the Easton Laboratories for Neurodegenerative Disease Research at UCLA Los Angeles. With Alzheimer’s often being referred to as diabetes 3, it’s not surprising that in Dr Bredesen’s book ‘The End of Alzheimer’s’ that he has a lot to say about why we need to change our way of eating in order to limit the potential for cognitive decline. Researchers at Brown University in the US say that people who develop diabetes 2 before the age of 65 are more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as those without the disease and the higher a person’s carbohydrate intake, the greater the chance of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.

A key plank of Dr Bredesen’s ‘Recode’ protocol is the ‘Ketoflex’ diet that is based on the Ketogenic diet which is often used very effectively for treating epilepsy. New Zealand cardiologist Dr Gerald Lewis has written a superb book (The Ketogenic Lifestyle) for anyone interested in learning about this remarkable approach to regaining health. It’s available on his website www.drgeraldlewis.com There is another significant risk factor for cognitive impairment and that is the accumulation of heavy metals in the brain, particularly mercury. It’s interesting to contemplate that many ‘baby boomers’ have had a mouth full of mercury amalgams since the early days of primary school.

Dental amalgams are comprised of 50% elemental mercury. This form of mercury evaporates from the surface of the amalgam and is inhaled, absorbed into the blood, and then converted to inorganic mercury, the most toxic form of mercury to cells.

Inorganic mercury builds up far more in your organs of elimination.

It’s 100 times as high in your kidneys and liver than in your brain.

But when it does make its way into your brain, it’s far more damaging than any other form. Mercury is lipophilic meaning that it concentrates

in fatty tissues. Type ‘smoking teeth’ into Google to watch a scary YouTube video.

Dr Mark Hyman is an American doctor with a keen interest in heavy metal detoxification. He has a series of excellent YouTube talks about this. Some of us are very good at detoxifying mercury and other toxins, while some of us store toxins like a toxic waste dump. Genetic variations (called polymorphisms) make some people more prone to metal toxicity.

One of these APOE4 is known as the ‘Alzheimer’s gene’. People with this APOE4 variant, struggle to get rid of mercury from their brains, contributing to its toxic effects on this organ. As I see it, testing for APOE variants should be routine and funded by the health system.

While there are many other potential risk factors for Alzheimer’s, there is some interesting research that links Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (think ‘cold sores’). Ruth Itzhaki, a professor of Molecular Neurobiology at Manchester University, says, “In 1997 we showed that HSV1 confers a strong risk of Alzheimer’s disease when present in the brain of people who have a specific gene known as APOE4. The virus can become active in the brain, perhaps repeatedly, and this probably causes cumulative damage.”

Prof Itzhaki says, ‘The likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease is 12 times greater for APOE4 carriers who have HSV1 in the brain.”

Apparently successful prevention of Alzheimer’s disease by use of specific anti-herpes agents has now been demonstrated in a largescale population study in Taiwan.

Nutritional supplementation is also something that shouldn’t be overlooked. My A list is coconut oil, curcumin, boswellia, high potency omega 3, B vitamins, glutathione, R-Lipoic acid and an exciting new form of magnesium known as Magnesium L- Threonate.

PN (JOHN APPLETON) F

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

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88 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

SWIM SCHOOL PARENT AND BABY LESSONS One of the most rewarding ways that parents can bond with their baby while helping them develop essential life skills, is to spend quality time together in the water.

Encouraging your child to embrace being in the water at a young age has a variety of benefits beyond the essential life skill of being able to swim. A study led by Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, discovered that children who are encouraged to swim from an early age are more likely to develop more advanced cognitive and physical skills than children who aren’t exposed to swimming.

The St Cuthbert’s Swim School Parent and Baby lessons are specifically designed for children aged three months to three-years -old to focus on getting your baby comfortable in the water. These 30-minute lessons, which are taught by qualified swim instructors, introduce your baby to a variety of basic co-ordination exercises and early water survival skills through singing, splashing and, most importantly, having fun.

Once your child develops a love for being in the water, they will be in a great position to start learning to swim with confidence.

water means reduced chlorine levels in the water, and less irritants for young, sensitive skin and eyes.”

St Cuthbert’s Swim School Manager, Ben Danieli, says that it’s the award-winning school’s attention to the needs of small children that really sets it apart from other providers. “One of the biggest barriers to getting small children into the pool can be an aversion to getting wet or being too cold,” says Danieli.

Better yet, Danieli says that the one-on-one time that parents spend splashing and playing in a safe, supportive swimming environment gives both parent and baby a unique bonding experience.

“That’s why we ensure that our Learners’ Pool is set to a higher temperature than our other pool. In addition, our pool’s UV-treated

“No matter what progress your child makes in the pool each week, these lessons will provide them with a rewarding experience where they can improve their swimming skills and self-confidence.” F PN

St Cuthbert’s Swim School, 122 Market Road, Epsom, (inside St Cuthbert’s College grounds) T:09 520 8272, www.stcuthbertsswimschool.co.nz

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MEET THE TEACHER Rachel Maitland-Smith is the Guidance Coordinator at Ponsonby Intermediate.

Tell me about your role I have the best job in the world! I work with 11-13-year-old students – this is a great age group. I have a diverse role, no day is the same.

I counsel, teach and support our priority learners. I work with whanau, plan great events for our kids and much more.

How long have you been counselling and teaching?

I started as an intermediate teacher and wanted to help students who struggle with areas in their life and their well-being. So I trained as a counsellor and have worked in this area privately, and in schools, for the past five years. I am a strong advocate for counsellors in primary and intermediate schools and advocating to see a change in this area.

You’re involved in the Kahui Ako, what’s that about?

I’m working with a group of passionate people who are focussing on areas of children’s well-being – an area very close to my heart.

We are exploring what this looks like, how we can make it better and implement new and creative ways of promoting positive well-being across our community of schools.

How do you look after your own well-being?

Cheesy as it sounds, I practice yoga and mindfulness to keep myself balanced with my busy life. I also travel when I get the chance – often at the last minute. My husband and I regularly travel to actively relax and enjoy a different pace of life. This photo was taken in

Copenhagen, we cycled around the city. Our next big adventure is to LA at the end of the year to visit friends and do a road trip.

I’m an avid renovator and often have a DIY project on the go. I have completed three-and-a-half house renovations in the last 10 years and I’m hooked.

How lucky are you are to work in Ponsonby?

I have a long-standing connection to Ponsonby, living in Richmond Road for many years as a young teacher. I enjoy popping up to Well + Good on Ponsonby Road during my lunch break. They do some amazing smoothies and juices. I often catch up with friends on Ponsonby Road for coffees and dinners, it’s so central we can meet from all corners of the city here. We especially love The Blue Breeze Inn, who does amazing dumplings! F PN

Junior Manapori - New director of sport at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School Junior Manapori’s a milestone man. And he’s hoping to bring a few (milestones, that is) the way of Auckland Girls’ Grammar School.

Manapori’s the new AGGS Director of Sport, into his second term at the school. He’s also a former Davis Cup tennis player, a former basketballer, touch rugby player and part of the current New Zealand men’s netball team which will face the Silver Ferns and Fiji in June.

It’s a busy life. But busy doesn’t faze Manapori, who’s focus at AGGS is – literally – to get things moving.

“Sport is very important to our young women,” he explains. “There is a strategy set up by the Government in terms of building and increasing participation for our young women in sport and that’s dropped in the last couple of years. So one of my roles is to ensure that we increase the participation in sport for young women.

“And how do we do that? Through more activities at school, lunchtime sports, have-a-go days – where the girls can get out and actually try a sport. Then they might actually want to join a team.”

But it’s not just about participation. As an international athlete, Manapori’s also focused on improving AGGS’ results at the elite level.

“I’ve given myself a three-year plan. We have a vision and a vision statement around what we can do to build that elite side of things,” Manapori says.

“We want to set up sports academies in our major codes first and foremost. Athletics, netball, basketball, rugby – and bringing in specialist coaches, strength and conditioning coaches and trainers to prepare our young women. They haven’t had that here at AGGS – it’s something new – and we’ve already started it with netball where we’re beginning to see the benefits already.”

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Of course, on a personal level, Manapori’s got his own netball focus. Next month’s international invitational series against the Silver Ferns is a first and he’s humbled to be a part of the New Zealand Men’s team.

“The June series is momentus for men’s netball. It’s the first time we’ve been invited to take part in a series with our top netball women in New Zealand,” says Manapori.

“I feel very privileged because this has a lot of significance and is something we’ve been working towards for 20 years. Twenty-five years, even. So it’s been a long time and this opportunity to play with our women Silver Ferns is awesome. We have a brand of netball – men’s netball – and this will be the coming together of two netball worlds.”

No doubt Manapori’s students at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School will be watching with pride – their new Director of Sport leading by example.

Manapori smiles: “I know what sport has taught me and I just want to help pass those lessons on to the girls at AGGS. I think sport teaches any young person discipline, commitment and the ability to focus and PN concentrate on something they’re passionate about.” F www.aggs.school.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

@ FICINO SCHOOL Most people intuitively know that too much screen time is damaging for young minds, but only now is the extent of the problem being realised.

Unfortunately, this realisation comes as electronic devices are in widespread use in primary school classrooms across New Zealand with little or no evidence of the benefits, let alone the drawbacks.

There is mounting concern among health professionals from all sectors that the effect of overuse of devices, particularly amongst young children, is far more serious than imagined. The term ‘digital cocaine’ was coined back in 2016, and it is also interesting to note that the children of many Silicon Valley moguls go to schools where there is no use of digital technology in the classroom. What do they know?

Studies from employers highlight that social and emotional intelligence is sadly lacking in today’s graduates into the workforce. Ficino School firmly believes that nothing enhances the development of a child’s love of learning more than their relationship and engagement with their teacher and their interaction with their peers.

The structured classroom settings and clear school values help establish important foundations in a student’s formative years. Core attributes such as teamwork, decision making and problem solving are encouraged.

While Ficino School made a conscious decision to provide its students with a technology-free education in their early years, it is also aware that digital technologies are an important part of our modern world.

Ficino School sees many important outcomes in their students through being encouraged to be inquisitive learners and competent communicators; they are also equipped with a strong moral compass.

Technology is introduced into classroom learning from Year 5, ensuring children are on par with their peers by the time they reach high school.

This enriches rather than replaces Ficino’s teacher-led learning. F PN

FICINO SCHOOL, 27 Esplanade Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 623 3385, www.ficino.school.nz

Young Minds Matter Imagine a school where your child loves to learn. Where children acquire self-knowledge, self-confidence and self-discipline. Where they receive a holistic, mindful education in a thriving academic environment.

At Ficino School your child learns the truth about their own unique potential; opening their minds to the unlimited possibilities around them and within themselves.

Because this is more than an education, it is the Greatest Gift you can give your child.

See for yourself.

BOOK A SCHOOL TOUR TODAY

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Changes to secondary tax Workers who are paying too much tax because of incorrect secondary tax codes are in line for relief with the recent passage of legislation through Parliament.

The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2018-19, Modernising Tax Administration, and Remedial Matters) Bill passed its third reading and came into effect on 1 April 2019.

The changes have been made in order to eliminate unnecessary secondary tax for workers with more than one job. The Inland Revenue will more closely monitor the tax paid by wage and salary earners throughout the year. If it appears the worker is being over taxed, Inland Revenue will suggest a more suitable PAYE tax code tailored to that worker.

Till now the tax on the second job has often seemed too high. These changes ensure wage and salary earners are only paying the tax they should as just under 600,000 secondary tax codes are used every year. Inland Revenue will also make it easier for individuals to apply for tailored tax codes that suit their earning circumstances, and provide an online process to apply for the codes.

Automatic tax refunds for wage and salary earners The change in legislation also enables automatic tax refunds to be introduced for about 750,000 New Zealanders every year.

In the past it hasn’t been mandatory for wage and salary earners to fill out an IR personal tax summary (PTS) but if they had and it had indicated a refund, they could have filed a return and received that refund. In the new system all wage and salary earners’ tax will be calculated and refunds sent automatically. About 110,000 more earners, who also haven’t been filing, will have an amount to pay – in which they will be notified automatically.

Ferguson also states “Getting a refund, if you’re entitled to one, will be a whole lot simpler because it will be done for you. The only reason for contacting IR now will be to tell us about any additional income information that we need to know.”

Put simply, IR will now look at the information they have concerning an individual and if they are confident they have all their information, the IRD will calculate and finalise their tax position for the year and generate an automatic refund – so there’s no need for a PTS, making it a very simple process for wage and salary earners. A big change from what so many people have become used to.

Therefore, it will be very important that earners make sure their details the IRD hold about them – bank account number, contact details and so on – are fully up to date so the new system works well PN for them. (LOGAN GRANGER) F

The simplified tax rules remove the need for people who only earn employment or investment income to file a personal tax summary (PTS) to get a tax refund. Till now, the only way to get a refund was to file a PTS. However, 750,000 people failed to do so and missed Disclaimer – While all care has been take, Johnston Associates Chartered out on their money as a result. Inland Revenue Commissioner Naomi Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always Ferguson suggests that this would be the biggest change to individual see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about. tax in nearly 20 years.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

SACK YOUR BOSS, BUY A BUSINESS, WORK FOR YOURSELF I’ve been business broking now for more than 25 years. In that time I have sold more than 500 businesses and probably looked at and appraised more than 1000 businesses of almost every imaginable kind.

We deal in the ‘SME’ (small to medium sized enterprise) range, valued between $100,000 and $10,000,000. Sometimes a bit less, and sometimes more. According to Statistics NZ, there are around half a million registered businesses in New Zealand. A small number will be outside of our SME range, many are one-man-bands and many are holding companies not trading on a day to day basis. That leaves in excess of 300,000 actively trading businesses for a population of five million. That’s a lot and why so many? Napoleon Bonaparte said “England is a nation of shopkeepers.” I wonder what he would have said about New Zealand?

Why are we so keen to own a business? In my experience there are 10 basic reasons. Some of these overlap.

1. Independence, social status, personal pride, respect and fulfilment.

2. Flexibility. Mould your business, occupation and hours to suit your personal situation.

3. Establish your own goals and priorities. Cater to your own interests.

4. Determine the culture, the location and the environment that suits you.

5. Recruit your own team and choose your own workmates.

6. Financial independence and better disposable income.

7. Create an asset, a nest-egg for retirement and a legacy for your children and grandchildren.

8. Choose an occupation you enjoy. Your interest or hobby may become your business or v/v.

9. Generate your own opportunities, assess the risk and reap the rewards yourself.

10. Back your own judgement, make your own decisions without having to argue the case with someone else.

Of course, there are other reasons, but these I see as the main ones.

To achieve the best result, you will need the ongoing help, advice and assistance of three qualified and experienced professionals, namely a solicitor, an accountant and a banker. They can mentor and guide you through the minefield of finance, compliance issues, taxation, budgeting, etc. (DAVID WELLS) F PN

DAVID WELLS, T: 09 486 9279, E.david.wells@naiharcourts, www.naiharcourts.co.nz/People/11894/David-Wells-AREINZ

Free BUSINESS BUYERS SEMINAR If you ever considered buying your own business, but don’t know where or how to begin, we have assembled a panel of professionals to explain the whole process and the pitfalls.

Carole Pedder

David Wells

Megan Williams

Alan Robertson

Accountant Withers Tsang

Business Broker NAI Harcourts

Lawyer Steindle Williams

Commercial Financing Consultant Strata Funding

Our speakers will share their role in the process, taking you through the complete journey, from finding the business which is right for you, to settlement, possession and beyond.

We’ll show you what to look for (or avoid), valuing the business, arranging finance, drafting an offer (terms and conditions), negotiating the price, the due diligence process, should you be a sole trader, partnership or a company, restraint of trade, accounting structure, compliance issues, taxation, leases, employment contracts, franchises, agency and supply agreements, leases, employment contracts etc.

DATE: Tuesday, 9th July 2019 / TIME: 6.30pm to 8.00pm VENUE: Meeting Room 5, Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road, Auckland Places are limited so please reserve you seat by email to: david.wells@naiharcourts.co.nz or Phone 09 486 9279

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Metrolaw: Got a legal question? Ask michael@metrolaw.co.nz Q: My partner Amy has suddenly passed away without a will. Does this mean I will get her share in our family home?

We are both the registered owners, but my sons are saying they should get a share. Can you help? Thanks, Tom A: This will depend on how the property was owned. When it comes to owning property, two or more people can either own it as Tenants in Common or as Joint Tenants. The main difference is whether the ‘survivorship rule’ affects who the property is transferred to on the death of an owner.

If a property is owned as Tenants in Common, each person will have a defined and not necessarily equal share. For example, two owners could have a ½ share of the property each. Or if there were three owners, one could have a ½ share and the others have a ¼ share each.

Each owner’s share can be transferred or mortgaged without the knowledge or consent of the others. On death of an owner, their share will be transferred directly into their estate. The other Tenants in Common will not receive the deceased individual’s entire share. If your property is owned as tenants in common, then the title will read “Amy ½ share and Tom ½ share” as registered proprietors.

If a property is owned as Joint Tenants, the title will read “Amy and Tom” as registered proprietors. The whole property cannot be transferred or mortgaged without the consent of the other owner. On

death of an owner, their share will pass directly to the survivor. This is known as the ‘survivorship rule’.

While most couples own property as joint tenants, to confirm this we would need to do a title search of your property. If the property was registered as Tenants in Common, then unfortunately you will need to apply to the court for Letters of Administration as your partner did not have a will.

This will then change who is entitled to the deceased partner’s ½ share of the property. Under the Administration Act 1969 if one partner dies intestate (without leaving a will) then the survivor is entitled to the first $155,000.00 out of the deceased partner’s estate plus 1/3 of the balance.

The remaining 2/3 will be divided equally among any children of the deceased. If this applies in your case, the best way forward would be to seek legal advice around how to achieve the best possible outcome from all family members.

It’s extremely important that you have a will and consider how your property is registered. Joint Tenants or not, it’s always advisable to have a will. These are the sorts of issue that an online ‘will kit’ cannot help with and why you need to make an appointment to seek advice from your lawyer.

Hope this helps Tom, feel free to call me if you would like my PN assistance. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PETS

@ SPCA – PLEASE CAN I COME HOME WITH YOU? Adopt an SPCA animal today and in return you will be rewarded with a lifetime of unconditional love. www.spcaauckland.org.nz/adopt

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PONSONBY PETS

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PETS The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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FURF – SERIOUS PET GEAR Bringing style and sophistication into the pet-friendly home, pet loving fanatics, Makeshi-Thappen have launched Furf Pets, a high end, design focused, pet accessories brand.

The team behind Furf Pets is no stranger to quality design.

Pulled together by Blunt Umbrella’s co-founder Scott Kington, the team consists of internationally acclaimed Kiwi designer David Haythornthwaite, Kiwi Josh Page and Aussie Joel Schuberg, Blunt’s former Global Brand Manager and Australian Distributor respectively.

The design brief for Furf Pets was simple – create a pet bowl that looks as good on the dining room table as it does on the kitchen floor.

Not content on just looking good, the Furf bowl presents some impressive function and safety features. It’s spill resistant and anti-

slip, ensuring no unwanted messes are made with two of the safest materials for animals, food-grade silicone rubber and stainless steel.

Furf Pets products have been created with your pet’s safety in mind and an all-encompassing sustainability ethos throughout production, meaning long-lasting quality while keeping their brand ethos at heart.

Every aspect of Furf meets and exceeds the exacting standards they’ve set for themselves – paving the way for a better future for our planet and a healthier, happier life for you and your family pet.

FURF PETS, instagram/furfpets, facebook/furfpets, www.furfpets.co.nz

JOIN THE SPCA AUCKLAND MARATHON AND RAISE FUNDS SPCA is calling for animal-loving volunteers across Auckland to join Team SPCA and raise much needed funds for animals at the 2019 Auckland Marathon.

Will you be my Guardian?

Whether you’re a runner or a walker, there’s a distance for everyone. You can choose to take up the challenge of the full marathon, half marathon (21.1km), 12km or 5km fun run and walk. Whatever you choose, you’ll be saving lives with every step! All races (except the 5km) give you the chance to run over the Auckland Harbour Bridge – an experience to remember for sure!

Our aim is to raise $40,000 for animals that desperately need our help throughout New Zealand. SPCA fundraisers are a valued part of Team SPCA and receive on-going support from our dedicated fundraising team throughout their journey. If you are up to the challenge, no matter what fitness level, and want to make a difference for animals who need your help, then join us. How it works: Step 1 - Head to www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz to register for the Auckland Marathon.

Step 2 - Create an Everyday Hero fundraising page here: www.spca.nz/aklmarathonfundraising and ask your friends and family to donate.

Step 3 - Get running! Donations help SPCA inspectors rescue animals, give them love, care, provide a warm bed at SPCA shelters, give them critical medicine and veterinary support, and help them find new homes with their loving forever families.

Join us at the Auckland Marathon on 20 October, and tick running a marathon off your bucket list as well as doing something charitable. F PN

Your regular donation will help SPCA care for animals all year round.

Do something amazing today: www.spca.nz/SPCAGuardian

www.spca.nz

98 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

PONSONBY... FIRST TIME ON THE MARKET IN NEARLY 40 YEARS 3 Hukanui Crescent – affordable entry.

With an unassuming air, this cosy, well-built, solid 1940s brick and tile home features two bedrooms, spacious light and sunny separate lounge and roomy kitchen/dining area.

Nestled on an elevated 495m2 site with mature trees and garden and boasting garaging and plenty of off-street parking. Being situated only a short walk to the vibrancy of the West Lynn cafes, boutiques and speciality shops, Kelmarna Gardens across the road and with the

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tranquillity of the leafy walkways and vast green fields of the Coxs Bay Reserve nearby, the picture is complete.

Explore the possibilities of remodelling and refurbishing this home and truly make it your own. This is an opportunity to acquire a foothold in this very sought-after Ponsonby location.

Call Carl Madsen to view on M: 021 953 152.

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ LAHOOD

LAHOOD, 104 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 638 8463, www.lahood.co.nz

@ MELUKA

MELUKA, 938 Mt Eden Road, Three Kings, 13a Link Drive, North Shore and 260 Oteha Valley Road, Albany, T: 09-625 3900, www.meluka.co.nz

CHESTYboy 1 Bay 4 High $1095

$876

BOOKboy 2 Bay 2 High $1125

$900

SLEEPYboy n Sto Queen $2360

$1888

Mattresses and accessories sold separately

Furniture. Simply.

100 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

meluka.co.nz

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T H RE E KIN G S 98 3 M T ED EN R D N O RT H S H O RE 13A LI N K D R ALB AN Y 2 60 OTEH A VA LLEY R D B OTAN Y D O W N S 501 TI R A K AU D R H AMILTO N 15 MAUI ST

TAU RAN G A 156 C H A D WI C K R D TAU PO 2 9 TOTA R A ST H AS T IN G S 810 HERETAUNGA ST PALME RS TO N N O RT H 699 M A I N ST LO W E R H U T T 2 8 R U TH ER FOR D ST

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

IN TOUCH WITH NATURE ON CITY’S EDGE – 22 GLADE PLACE It’s not every day a celebrated New Zealand artists’ house goes on the market.

In 1969, the von Sturmers – painter Guy and weaver Estelle – commissioned architect Ian E. George to design 22 Glade Place, Birkenhead Point, a local example of mid-century design with distinctive Japanese influences. The academic couple sought a less traditional, open-plan family home, set in the ‘Ponsonby of the North Shore’, at a time when the area was awash with artists and fellow bohemians.

Although the family has since moved on, writers, painters and potters continue to flock to the Point – and kids still play in the private lane on which the 3-4 bedroom home is situated. Right at the end, in fact, with views over Le Roys Bush. The lane itself is off Hinemoa Street, with its vibrant community feel, cafes, shops and city ferry.

“Our friends always liked to come here and the house was often talked about because it was a bit different,” says the former couple’s daughter, Michaela von Sturmer, who has fond memories of playing in the bush with her brothers as a child.

Her mother’s loom had pride of place in one of the many nooks in the mezzanine, and her father would paint by the window overlooking the expanse of native trees, a space affectionately known as ‘the Eye’. Now a sunny spot for the daybed, much of this light, airy level appears to hover above the split-level living, kitchen and dining, with its earthy matai flooring and exposed timber.

The current vendors moved across the bridge from Herne Bay with little idea of the village they’d find – or the huge array of Asian food spots they’d discover in Birkenhead and neighbouring Northcote. They’ve relished the social aspect of the home with its large entertainers’ deck, ideal for hosting many big parties. But they’ve also loved its peaceful setting that has allowed them to be semi self-sufficient, with chickens, bees and fruit trees. Bush walks are as easy as stepping out the front door.

For further information, call Trish Love on 021 226 6099 or Peter Fitzgibbon on 027 278 9336, www.premium.co.nz/10075

THE BEST OF PONSONBY - ON THE SHORE

BIRKENHEAD POINT | 22 GLADE PLACE (ALSO 22 GLADE LANE)

OPEN HOME SAT/SUN 1 - 1.30 PM PREMIUM.CO.NZ/10075 | PRICE BY NEGOTIATION TRISH LOVE 021 226 6099 | PETER FITZGIBBON 027 278 9336 THE POINTS 558 4518

• • • • • •

Iconic mid-century architecture Private bush setting 2km from Ponsonby Road Walk to city ferry, cafes and shops 3 - 4 bedrooms, open-plan living, large entertainers’ deck Ample storage and off-street parking The good life awaits - chickens, bees and fruit trees

Premium.co.nz | Fine Homes | Fine Apartments | Fine Lifestyles | Premium Real Estate Ltd Licensed REA 2008 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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KITCHENS FOR TODAY AND INTO THE FUTURE What started out as a new fridge, turned out as a beautiful new kitchen designed to serve its owners’ needs now and into the future.

No matter what stage of life you’re at – a young couple with no kids yet, forty something’s with a couple of teenagers, or empty nesters contemplating retirement – you need to plan for the future. So, when you’re weighing up the wants and needs for your new kitchen, it shouldn’t just be the latest appliances or benchtop materials that you are thinking about, you should also consider future-proofing it for what life will look like at the end of the next decade. After all, a well-designed, quality-built kitchen will last at least 15 years, probably longer. And this is something Lucy and Richard Chalmers* certainly factored in to the design of their kitchen when it came time for a new one.

“We are ‘empty nesters’, who enjoy cooking for family and friends,” says Lucy. “Our house was extensively renovated 14 years ago, but at the time the kitchen budget was a little light, consequently the cabinetry and benchtops had all worn out. We had no problems with the original design, but definitely made a mistake with the size of the fridge,” she adds.

The Chalmers live in a lovely period home in Remuera. Their kitchen, living and dining area is at the centre of the house, and enjoys a sunny, north-facing aspect that flows out on to the private back garden.

When it came to designing and installing their new kitchen, a friend recommended they call the team at Kitchens By Design.

“Initially, we asked for the same design, but with a bigger fridge,” says Lucy. “We were also keen to maximise working bench space and have an appliance centre. We felt future proofing (the kitchen) would help to avoid lifting heavy appliances on to bench tops.”

Sean Monk was the lead designer on the Chalmers’ new kitchen and he developed designs and produced 3D drawings to help them work through any issues that arose during the design process. “He listened to our concerns and translated them into design adjustments which better suited our taste and lifestyle, while maintaining the elegant simplicity of the original design,” says Lucy.

As their kitchen progressed into the manufacturing stage, the Chalmers were invited to pay a visit to the factory to view some of

the finer cabinetry details. Lucy says that this was a really special part of the process for them, and it’s something Kitchens By Design encourages all their clients to do because, for the first time, it gives a sense of scale and proportion to the finished kitchen.

Now it has been fully installed into their home, Lucy says that her new kitchen, with its new suite of appliances, is a treat and there are many new aspects they are enjoying, such as the well-organised recycling/ rubbish/compost drawer. “I also love the Corian benchtops and locally made, hand-blown pendant lights that I chose... and Richard loves his big fridge.

“We really enjoyed the whole process and found Kitchens By Design to be very hands on, accessible when decisions needed to be made, and quick to respond to our concerns,” says Lucy. Her final piece of advice to anyone putting in a new kitchen: take your time and work closely with your designer and ask lots of questions. *clients’ names changed for privacy.

KITCHENS 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.

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Visit one of our showrooms today.

Newmarket 7 Melrose Street, Newmarket (09) 379 3084 Takapuna 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna (09) 488 7201

Designing for the future with elegant simplicity.

kitchensbydesign.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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GRAND-SCALE VILLA ON 1308 SQ M – 28 PICTON STREET, FREEMANS BAY A unique configuration spread over three levels, this picturesque four bedroom, three bathroom home has it all including a self-contained guest area, sea views and generous section. www.bayleys.co.nz/1671125 On the main floor there are two spacious living areas with a separate bathroom, plenty of room for entertaining. The dining and kitchen area flows out onto a large north-facing deck, where you can enjoy sea views and sunshine all day.

Downstairs, four bedrooms with large wardrobes share a bathroom.

The master bedroom is north facing and opens onto another sunny deck. There is an abundance of storage throughout the house including a large, separate laundry.

On the lower level, a fully self-contained area including a kitchen, bedroom, ensuite and living area is the perfect opportunity for guests or extended family to stay. Sitting on 1308 s qm (more or less) of land, there is potential to get creative with a private and manicured garden that stretches down paved steps to a sunny clearing.

Offering space and privacy all within walking distance from Ponsonby’s best shops and eateries, opportunities like this are rare so act quickly.

Chris Batchelor - top 5% of Bayleys Sales People 2018/2019 0800 1 AGENT or chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz

INTRODUCING KIWI DESIGNZ A Kiwi architectural designer with a wealth of international success.

We would like to welcome home Jason Ward, a Kiwi architectural designer who has won a number of international architectural and interior design awards during his 15-year overseas stint. Prior to departing our shores in 2004, Jason owned his own architectural business for seven years and completed many landmark residential homes.

Hope House Coatesville - alfresco outdoor area He believes that good design influences and enhances a sense of well-being, and this is the inspiration behind all their projects.

JASON K WARD, M: 021 281 2388, www.kiwidesignz.co.nz

Jason’s intention was to explore the world and broaden his design skills with a desire to bring new and exciting ideas back to New Zealand.

Starting the journey in Manchester, Jason moved around the world, living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur.

His earlier design experience served him well and he lead a number of high-profile international projects including Shanghai’s 5-star Novartis R & D Campus where he worked alongside 2016 Pritzker award-winning architect Alejandro Aravena, and world- renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma among others.

After 15 years away, Jason believes that New Zealand really is the best country in the world. In fact, when he stepped off the plane, he laughs, “I felt like kissing the ground."

Jason is now Lead Designer and Director at KiwiDesigNZ, a company servicing the local Coatesville market, along with the rest of Auckland.

104 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

International Award-Winning Designer

Architectural Design Interior Design

Jason K. Ward Designer / Director 021 281 2388 jason@kiwidesignz.co.nz

Project Management

www.kiwidesignz.co.nz

Cost Estimation

125a Tamaki Drive Mission Bay

25 Years Industry Experience at your Service

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ETHICAL CHOICES FOR YOUR WINDOWS As we become more mindful of the products we use in our homes and the impact of different production practices, it’s reassuring to know there are an increasing range of ethical design choices available locally both to dress our homes and ourselves.

Lahood recommends Hemptech Fabrics because of the selection of fibres that have a minimal effect on the environment to produce a stunning variety of design-led fabrics and textiles.

“These textiles consider the environment right from the beginning, from the way the raw material is grown to the way that the yarn is spun, woven and dyed to make the final product,” says Susan Brookes, Lahood’s senior design consultant.

The range of choice and versatility of the Hemptech’s range of natural fibre products is impressive and, as Susan explains, the textures and colours they achieve are unique. “At Lahood we work closely with international suppliers to create collections that inspire with an aesthetic that enhances the beauty and elegance of natural fibres. It’s a very sophisticated, fresh approach to textile design,” says Susan.

collection. It offers a heavy drape, very good abrasion resistance and durability. It has this gorgeous stonewash finish that gives a rugged, edgy look but it is wonderful and soft to the touch,” says Susan. Natural fibres don’t mean a compromise on features with the Rinnovo collection offering great light-fastness qualities and natural resistance to mold and mildew.

Another innovative and sustainable option recommended by Lahood is Lisborn Yarns from Designers Guild. Lisbon Yarns is an exciting new range developed from yarns recycled from the fashion industry.

Woven in Italy, these are a textured, mid-century style weave with really contemporary feel. “The look is very elegant and offers a tone and character that, combined with an extensive colour palette, makes them an incredibly flexible option,” says Susan.

One example that Susan suggests for light-filled, renovated villas is the sophisticated Estiva collection. “There’s a beauty and simplicity to 100% linen that is hard to match. The soft, muted colours of Estiva combine with a fabric weight that falls to create an airy and elegant feeling, making this a favourite for me.”

Our choices of window fittings contribute so much to our homes; they make them warmer, more energy efficient, controlling light, creating ambience and style. Sustainable and environmentally mindful window furnishungs provide another way for our homes to be spaces that are reflections of what is important to us. “It’s always about finding the fabric choices that achieve your design vision but also match your lifestyle and ethics.” says Susan. “It’s something Lahood is really good at because we have such a close relationship with our suppliers.”

When a heavier, denser texture is needed, there are a number of hard-wearing, natural fibre choices. “I really like the Rinnovo

LAHOOD 104 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 638 8463, www.lahood.co.nz

Hemptech is committed to fresh, new sustainable textile design and fabrics

CURTAINS • BLINDS • INTERIOR DESIGN SHUTTERS • ROLLER SHADES • UPHOLSTERY

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VISIT TAIRUA, THE BEST KEPT SECRET ON THE COROMANDEL Tairua is based around a gorgeous surf beach, harbour and estuary and is the central pivot for travellers and holiday makers alike surrounded by Pauanui, Whangamata, Onemana, Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, Whitianga and Coromandel township.

All of these hot tourist destinations are within 30 minutes of this beautiful beachside community.

Tairua township and surrounds has it all – magical native bush, beautiful landscapes and access to the greater Bay of Plenty for game fishing or just a seafood supper (Mayor Island, The Alderman’s and the Mercury Islands). This is a playground for all boating enterprises.

The ocean beach is a renowned surfing spot and great for swimming.

The inner harbour and tidal estuary offer safe swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and all other water experiences. Tairua township offers a laid-back Kiwi lifestyle. The myriad boutiques, restaurants and cafes are adjacent to the grocery store, butchery, pharmacy and hardware outlet. It has all the amenities to make your stay a relaxing one. Tairua is fantastic for family holidays or romantic liaisons. There are playgrounds, public reserves, tennis courts and picnic spots.

• Both the harbour and the estuary provide gentle, peaceful walks.

• Follow the upper reaches of the Tairua River to Broken Hills. Some days you may see a gold mine working, or walk to the tracks, and enter the tunnels to see glow worms and weta.

• Kayak the inner harbour.

• Go diving or sea fishing.

• Surf or swim at Ocean Beach, or use the Esplanade Beach for something more placid.

• Collect pipi in the harbour or fish off the wharf.

• Jump off Pepe Bridge – ONLY at high tide.

The local permanent population is very welcoming to visitors and holidaymakers. They are particularly proud of their town. Locals are friendly, local businesses are very helpful (most are pet friendly) and the pace is ‘laid back’. It is the perfect place to stop and stay awhile.

The local Tourism Centre recommends:

• Have a picnic at Te Karo Bay (Sailor’s Grave) or Otara Bay; catch the Twin Kauris on the way. Continue up to Trig Point on Pumpkin Hill, and see one of the most spectacular views in the district.

• Walk to the top of Paku Hill for a unique view of the area.

• Play a round of golf on our picturesque and challenging course.

More courses are at Pauanui, Whangamata and Whitianga.

• Walk the History Trail around the town, and stand on the spot where the oldest New Zealand artefact, a fishing lure, was found.

• Observe our birdlife – nearly 60 species are in or around or over the estuary.

• Walk Ocean Beach at low tide looking out to the Alderman’s, where tuatara live, or continue up the steps at the south end of the beach for more spectacular views.

• Enjoy the hospitality of our many restaurants, cafes and bars and relax with some retail therapy in our small, but very varied, shopping centre.

WAYNE RAWSON, BARFOOT & THOMPSON, M: 0274 824 662, T: 09 530 8413

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@ DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. Blok Concrete Accent Tables Indoors or out, these Blok Concrete Side Tables are so chic, modern and go so well in many different spaces. They come in two sizes, choose one, or pair two together! In stock and ready to take home today.

2. Ventura 2-Seat Sofa Create a natural and organic living space with the Ventura Teak and Rope 2-Seat Sofa. The teak and rope add stunning texture, while the frame has contemporary angles, and is topped with luxurious Sunbrella® cushions. These are included at no extra charge as shown on our website.

3. Nairobi Pure Relaxing Chairs Place the Nairobi Pure Relaxing Chairs anywhere you need a comfortable seat with a slim profile and maximum style.

4. Coco Dining Table Gather around the Coco Teak Dining Table for a delicious meal. The teak has a beautiful soft earthy finish that is warm, welcoming and graceful.

DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

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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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CONTINUE THE COLOURFUL HISTORY...

33 VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY Ponsonby’s ‘dancing granny’ – Miriam Annette Muzyka – has her grand villa up for sale.

Sited on a huge 1606 sq m section at 33 Vermont Street, Ponsonby, this is a special property.

Like Miriam, her home exudes personality and possibility. There aren’t many do-ups like this to be found, especially on such large pieces of prime land in the heart of Ponsonby.

Miriam co-owns the house with her two sons Vladi and Yuri. Now 85-years-old, she suffers from dementia and lives in a rest home.

Both her sons visit their locally famous mum regularly.

Peter Muzyaka, born in Kiev, Ukraine, bought the house in 1956, met English-born Miriam in Auckland, and they filled the house with a family.

Peter, a stonemason, ran the place as a boarding house after Miriam left the marriage when the two boys were young. Guests included alcoholics and single women and men. Ukrainian and Russian friends of Peter’s visited and they liked a drink or two, Vladi and Yuri recall.

Miriam moved into a State house in Avondale where Vladi sometimes stayed the night with her, though he remained living at number 33.

After Peter’s death, Miriam returned to the house and furthered her education.

She learned Russian and attended Elam School of Fine Arts. The boys continued to live with her. Vladi’s memories of this time include living in the house with his late partner as well as his mum. Miriam was definitely a favourite with the locals. She delivered circulars in Ponsonby, Freemans Bay and Herne Bay for years right into her 80s.

Miriam is dubbed the ‘dancing granny’ because, on market days, she would abandon her circular-filled trolley for a while and dance with the locals.“I can’t help it – it’s in me,” she is quoted as saying about dancing.

During her deliveries, she also made friends with the Chinese community of women in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn shops. The women would give Miriam leftover food.

Unfortunately, Vladi says staying in their home doesn’t make good sense money-wise. The rates are high for them, cash is needed for the usual maintenance an old home requires and the brothers cannot work these days due to ill health. Most importantly, money is needed to help with Miriam’s rest home care.

Viewers of the house have marvelled at the size of the land and have talked about what a great do-up project it is.

Vladi and Yuri would dearly love to see their home returned to its former beauty and grandeur. An expensive business, perhaps, but worth it in the end. Character, in the form of high, detailed ceilings, architraves, ornate fireplaces and large living areas, still exist in the old dame. The original floorboards lay in wait, under the carpet, of a good sand and polish to bring them back to life.

Someone is going to dance 33 Vermont Street back to its grandeur, and own a special home with a rich, colourful history.

For further details call Steven Glucina on M: 021 888 455, www.ponsonby.ljhooker.co.nz/AQSGUK/33-vermont-street-ponsonby

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PONSONBY 33 Vermont Street

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HUGE CHARACTER DO UP VILLA - OVER 1600m2 FREEHOLD FOR SALE First time on the market for sale in 50 years!

This Golden Oldie provides some exciting opportunities in the heart of trendy Ponsonby.

VIEW strictly by appointment for Developers may wish to redevelop this huge site or villa lovers seeking a project can qualified buyers. restore the grand old lady back to its former glory. Whichever way it’s a very unique site which oozes with absolute raw potential. ljhooker.co.nz/AQSGUK There’s an abundance of character still intact with the high detailed ceilings and CONTACT DUFKLWUDYHV RUQDWH ߔUHSODFHV DQG YHU\ JHQHURXV OLYLQJ VSDFHV Steven Glucina $OO UHDG\ DQG ZDLWLQJ IRU WKH FDUSHWV WR EH SHHOHG EDFN DQG WR SROLVK WKH QDWLYH ߕRRUV 021 888 455 which are probably Kauri, given the period. sglucina.ponsonby@ljh.co.nz ,W‫ڕ‬V D IDQWDVWLF ORFDWLRQ VHW EDFN IURP WKH URDG DZD\ IURP DQ\ WUDIߔF QRLVH RRGOHV RI SDUNLQJ IRU QXPHURXV FDUV ERDWV DQG WR\V \RX PLJKW KDYH ,W‫ڕ‬V RQO\ D VKXIߕH WR WKH SRSXODU Ponsonby Road, Bars, Cafes, Eateries and trendy boutiques.

Unfortunately these opportunities, in this prime location, on huge pieces of land, with the original character still in place, are extremely rare. Council Valuation (July 17) $3,650,000.

LJ Hooker Ponsonby

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53 Ponsonby Road

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09 376 7530

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ponsonby@ljh.co.nz

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Ponsonby Estate Agents Limited

|

Licensed REAA 2008

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ THE FAIRY LIGHT SHOP “The right lighting can turn an ordinary occasion into something sensational,” says Belinda Gregg from the Fairy Light Shop. We’ve been around for almost a decade and have a showroom just across the bridge where people are welcome to come and view the lights.

“We have an exclusive range of high-quality fairy lights, festoons and lanterns for indoors and outdoors. Better quality lights last longer which is good for the environment,” she tells Ponsonby News. “There are solar, battery or low voltage options available.

“We also hire lights for parties and events and as I always tell clients, it’s a great way to transform any space and create an enticing environment.

“I’ve had a great career installing lights and if you need help, we offer design advice. You can buy from our showroom directly or online.

“We are having a FLASH SALE on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June.

PN We’d love to see you and help you plan your next occasion.” F THE FAIRY LIGHT SHOP, 32D Barrys Point Road, T: 09 486 1586, www.thefairylightshop.com

QUALITY LIGHTS FOR MAGICAL NIGHTS

32D BARRYS POINT ROAD | TAKAPUNA | 09 486 1586 | WWW.THEFAIRYLIGHTSHOP.COM

112 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

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DEDICATED TO DESIGN With a dedicated eye for design Philly Lyus and Dinah Malyon and are some of the city’s most experienced interior designers and stylists.

In the last 22 years DMI Homestagers has styled and staged thousands of homes, delighting and inspiring homeowners with their creative flair and efficient processes.

“Being able to understand a client’s vision, the design scope of their home and then quickly turning that into a beautifully styled space has become our super power,” says general manager Philly Lyus. Philly and a team of experienced stylists and designers work closely with real estate agents and homeowners to enhance the potential of homes going on the market. “We know what style elements make a difference to a home’s value – a home is often your biggest asset and you need to get it right” explains Dinah.

Dinah and Philly have an intuitive sense for what will take a home from achieving a good price to securing an amazing price. Trisha Vincent from Bayleys Ponsonby agrees; “It’s always a pleasure to work with Philly and her team at DMI Homestagers. She has the ability to present a property in the best possible way and vendors and buyers alike are wowed by her interiors. Following a central theme throughout and tailoring the home to reflect its style and character has stunning results and helps to achieve higher sale prices for our vendors”.

The pair are experts at showcasing a home’s strengths, while not making it look like a sterile showhome. “Potential buyers need to be able imagine themselves living in the home, so it’s important that all the little details come together to create an authentic, welcoming ambience,” explains Dinah, the company’s founder.

The quality of furnishings, the art works and even the vase to hold the fresh flowers say something about a home and its potential to meet the needs of a new owner. “Having our own collection of luxury furnishings and homewares really does set us apart in this regard,” says Philly. It gives us the flexibility to create and design bespoke interiors that work specifically for each individual home, creating spaces that people want to live in,” says Dinah. “Once designs are signed off we can quickly coordinate furniture removal, storage and set up in a relatively short space of time,” says Philly.

But it’s a passion for design that forms the backbone of DMI’s successful interior design business. As well as home staging Philly and Dinah maintain a range of interior design clients in the Auckland area. From new builds and apartments to grand homes being given new life, the signature DMI design perspective offers a beautiful modern touch. Hosting clients at their office in Parnell is something the duo really loves. “Choosing fabrics, wallpapers and accessories or working on a bespoke furniture design, no two jobs are the same and that’s what keeps the design challenge so fresh and exciting, says Philly.

DMI HOMESTAGERS, 69C St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, T: 09 579 1930 or 0800 364 4663, www.homestagers.co.nz

Celebrating 22 years as Auckland’s number one Homestaging company

Talk to us about our Interior design service ...

69c St Georges Bay Road, 09 579 1930, www.homestagers.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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Got a building question?

Ask Brendon on brendon@nextlevelconstruct.co.nz Q: My wife and I have just received back our concept drawings from our architect for our renovation and extension project in St Marys Bay. This is our first time renovating and we really have no idea what we are doing. What do you recommend we do from this point?

A: Undergoing your first renovation can be a very nerve-wracking time. However, if you follow my advice you will find it easier than you first thought.

Firstly, it is extremely important to work out what your maximum budget is. Unless this is your forever home, and the only time you will be moving out is to a nursing home or cemetery, you need to ensure that you won’t be over-capitalising, which can happen, even in St Marys Bay. Once you know how much you can spend, try to get an idea of what your project is going to cost. Talk to people who have done similar work, check out online tools or have an informal chat with a local builder. Costs for renovation and building projects can vary hugely depending on where you live and the materials and fixtures you use.

You will need to factor in costs for: • Labour of builders and other trades.

• Building materials.

• Fixtures and fittings, ie, curtains, carpets, etc.

• Insurance – the cost of a policy to cover renovation work can be up to two times your annual house cover, so speak to your insurance company early to make sure you budget enough.

• Contingency.

• Alternative accommodation.

WHY MOVE WHEN YOU CAN IMPROVE? If your home isn’t working for you anymore, let us show you how it can.

If you visit www.buildingguide. co.nz, they have plenty of resources available including a budget calculator which you may find useful.

Now that the research is done, it is time to get an indication of cost. You can get this from an independent Quantity Surveyor (QS) or from a residential building company, like Next Level Construct.

If you aren’t ready to engage a builder or haven’t found a builder that you want to work with, then I recommend you employ the services of an independent QS. Engaging their services when your project is still in the concept stage will make sure that what your architect has drawn matches with your budget. The QS will prepare your indication of cost using their knowledge of residential building, as well as costs from projects they have priced similar to yours.

The benefit of using a QS is that they can offer advice on cost-saving measures. You can then ask for these changes to be made on your architect’s final plans.

If you are looking for an independent QS, we highly recommend the services of Nick Clements from YourQS. Nick can be contacted on 0274 433 732 or nick@yourQS.co.nz The other option is to engage the services of a residential building company. The sooner a building company gets involved the better, as we will be able to share our years of experience and knowledge.

We can advise on cost planning and constructability methods, value management and project risk mitigation, and can provide our recommendations (with your approval) directly to your architect.

We at Next Level Construct use a QS, who will also prepare your indication of cost using their knowledge of residential construction and our database of existing jobs. I highly recommend that you work with a building company that employs the services of a QS. If your indication of cost comes back, and the price is above your budget, it is important to work with the independent QS or residential construction company to find areas that you can make changes to. This will result in a reduction of cost, instead of giving up on your dream home due to cost. As I mentioned above, both the residential building company and the independent QS will have cost-saving measures.

It is also important to remember that no matter who you use, at the concept stage these costs are only indications and not a full fixed price quotation. Although both an independent QS and a residential building company will be as accurate as they can be, sometimes there will be a difference in price between the indication of cost and the full fixed price quotation. This is because there is more detail in your final plans compared to concept drawings, especially when it comes to the structure – which can add costs. The best thing you can do is be open and honest with your builder, architect and independent QS if the price is out of your budget. They are experts and can help advise where savings can be made.

Best of luck with your project. (BRENDON SOWERBY) F PN

Fixed price

One invoice

Dedicated Project Manager

Extensions | Renovations | New Homes 0800 NEXT LEVEL | nextlevelconstruct.co.nz

114 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

Brendon Sowerby is the founder of Next Level Construct, an awardwinning, end-to-end residential construction company specialising in renovations, extensions and new builds. Brendon has worked in the building trade for over 17 years, meaning he knows the ins and outs of the industry.

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CONCIOUS DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE STYLE JI Home is proud to represent brands like Halo and Artwood who are proactive about including sustainability and conscious design principles throughout their collections.

The Havana Modular sofa by Halo is an amazing example of thoughtful, sustainable design, using up-cycled denim to produce a versatile and stylish modular sofa. The beautiful woven denim fabric is created from denim mills in Guatemala, where the unused scraps are collected, ground back into fiber then spun and woven. The result is a series of sofas and armchairs that are fresh and modern and kind on the environment.

Another environmentally conscious option we love at JI Home is the Artwood plantation-grown rattan furniture collection. With eco friendly, water-based finishes, it’s a classic furniture range with a relaxed and welcoming aesthetic that will last for years.

Visit us at our Ponsonby showroom and we can show you the full range of sustainable furniture options and homewares from these two incredible brands.

JI HOME, 36 Pollen Street, T: 09 930 6268, www.ji.net.nz

Open: Mon-Fri 9am–5.30pm, Sat 10am–3.30pm or by appointment.

Ph: 09 930 6268. Carparking available.

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ARE YOU A CURRENT OR POTENTIAL PROPERTY INVESTOR? Let’s look at five, common, property investing mistakes.

Losing sight of the big picture Stay focused, regularly check on your portfolio’s fundamentals, ie, your equity, available depreciation, cash flow, rent reviews, interest rates, etc. Consult with your mortgage broker, accountant or property manager to know what is best to do to optimise your portfolio.

Neglecting your property Well-maintained properties attract good tenants and generate good rents. Make sure you talk to your property manager who regularly inspects the property and ask for recommendations on how to keep it in good shape.

Catalise is happy to share its knowledge to optimise your property potential and advise on what maintenance/improvements will give you the best ROI. Underestimating running costs Create a realistic budget that factors in the running costs, repayments, rates, insurance, etc, of owning investment property and ensure you can meet them.

A Herne Bay local for over 10 years, Sandie Casano owns a boutique property management business, ‘Catalise’. A property investor herself, one of the reasons for Sandie’s success is that she is handson, focuses on understanding her clients’ objectives and will advise how to maximise returns for owners.

With a background in Project Management, Sandie is organised and noted for taking the stress out of letting and managing rental properties, which can be a minefield.

Falling in love with a property Treat your property investment as a business. Numbers need to make sense. Look for something solid, low maintenance in an attractive location with good schools or transport or where you can add value.

Forgetting to leave emotions at the door Make sure you behave professionally, always treat tenants fairly, promptly and with respect. Know your rights as a landlord and what is the current rental value of your property. If you are not confident handling this relationship directly, it is a good idea to have a third party, an experienced property manager, to do it for you.

Catalise Property Management has been providing residential and commercial property management services in Auckland since 2011. It is a small, dedicated team focused on building long-term relationships with their clients.

If you want 15 minutes of free tips from a boutique property management agency, where no question is off the table, contact Sandie to set up a time to speak. We’re here to help.

CATALISE LTD, 203a Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, M: 021 352 670, wwww.catalise.co.nz

unlock your property potential providing a pathway to To look after your biggest asset, you need someone you can trust - contact Sandie:

www.catalise.co.nz

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Residential/ Commercial/ Air BnB

Step by step, we partner with you to bring out the best in your property, attract the right tenants, and succeed with your investment

success 021 352 670 sales@catalise.co.nz 203a Symonds St, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010 PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

GRAND TRADITION, PRIME LOCATION A premium example of the kind of home usually found in Herne Bay, but without the hype and hustle, this character-filled grand dame truly is one of a kind.

You won’t find many like this. A large stately home held by the same family for 40 years and lovingly preserved. Built in 1923, it is still awash with traditional features such as stunning leadlight windows, an ornate fireplace and decorative light fittings. The possibilities are endless for those looking to freshen up an already beautiful residence.

The numerous living areas on the ground floor include a large formal lounge, dining room and study, as well as a retro bar that has been a key social room of the home over the years. The kitchen comes with its own sunroom and separate casual dining area. Multiple doors open onto the expansive rear garden, which includes access to a discreet studio and is shaded by mature planting.

Upstairs, four double bedrooms with built-in wardrobing share a large family bathroom complete with skylight for bathing beneath the stars, whilst two covered sunrooms offer snuggly corners for coffee or a glass of wine as you follow the sun. The home really is purpose built for a happy family life, with multiple interconnecting rooms, the ability to add another bedroom and off-street parking for three cars along with a double garage.

The location is stellar – with no opposing neighbours, easy access to parks and beaches and just a short walk to the wharf and a relaxing

10 minute ferry commute to the CBD, this is one of this is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Enjoy coffee at one of the area’s cafes, socialising at the iconic Northcote Tavern, a film at the Bridgeway or a balmy evening swim – the good life is here for the taking.

• • • • • •

Cherished, stately, four bedroom heritage home Multiple formal and informal living spaces Large rear garden with artist’s retreat Scope to add value and make your mark 809m2 freehold land Easy access to cafes, beaches, parks, CBD

Malcolm Low 0274 18 18 18 and Greg Nelson 021 856 789 Damerell Group Limited Licensed (REAA 2008), www.rwponsonby.co.nz/PON26836

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

JERVOIS Jervois, in Herne Bay, is a confident expression of contemporary residential design by multi-award-winning architects Monk Mackenzie.

The north-facing boutique development directs living areas towards the harbour to take advantage of the sensational views.

The striking façade affords private enclosure to Jervois Road, yet still allows residents to take in all aspects of the street. The curved screen is a modern interpretation of the bay windows that are so prolific in the lovely old villas in the area, says Hamish Monk of Monk Mackenzie.

The eight large, double-ended dwellings have a central courtyard to capture light, circulate air and offer nature’s peaceful respite. On either side are generous living and resting spaces, with all layouts providing three bedrooms.

The interiors have been designed by Amelia Holmes and are an expression of understated elegance. Natural, textured and luxurious materials are set against a sophisticated palette and a backdrop of subtle minimalism.

The bespoke nature of the project allows residents’ individual needs and preferences to be met. Each apartment comes with two basement carparks and a storage locker.

The existing house is being moved off site in June and Federal Group has been appointed as the construction company.

Display suite at UP Real Estate, 162 Jervois Road, Monday - Friday 12.30 - 2pm or Sunday 10.30am to 12 noon. Contact Patrick McCarthy, M: 0272 333 988.

JERVOIS, 113 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, www.jervoisapartments.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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APARTMENT LIVING – THE MODERN LIFESTYLE New Apartment Developments – Apartment Furnishings and Home Décor

LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS OR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT Contact martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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@ ARTISAN

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Real Estate Update: Karen Spires There are many signs that the Auckland property market is shifting in favour of buyers.

There are some extremely competitive mortgage rates on offer from the banks, and the Official Cash Rate remains historically low at 1.50% after a further cut last month. This, combined with the stabilisation of house prices across much of the Auckland region over the last three years, has opened opportunities for buyers who have previously been priced out of the market.

The latest statistics from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) show average house prices across the Auckland region remaining unchanged between April and May, with average values staying at $850,000. Average house values in Auckland City remained mostly unchanged, with just a 0.1% increase. The average price is now sitting at $951,000.

Despite these opportunities, the uncertainty around legislative changes and difficulty accessing finance cast a cloud over the first quarter of this year, and we have seen the impact on the housing market in terms of the volumes of sales that have been completed.

In March, REINZ figures recorded an 18.2% fall in the number of properties sold compared with the previous year, which was the lowest number of sales for the month of March since 2008. In April, the number of properties sold fell by 16.3% compared with the previous year. This is the lowest number of sales for the month of April in 11 years.

In Auckland City, the number of sales in April fell by 19.6% compared with March, and 20.4% compared with the same time last year.

While sales are being completed, today’s cooler, calmer market activity has meant buyers can take a more considered approach to

their property search, without the rushed, pressured environment many experience when the market is running hot.

Buyers and sellers are having to make adjustments in their estimations of where values currently lie in order to make a sale happen. Many vendors can still underestimate how much the market has changed from just a couple of years ago, while buyers are tending to overestimate the changes and expect to get a bargain.

Because of this, some homeowners may be looking to take a longerterm approach to maximising the return on their investment. This may include adding value by investing in carefully considered renovations.

Before embarking on any major work it is very important to do your research first. This should include checking out the recent sales in your neighbourhood as your property value will often be related to the prices achieved by similar homes nearby.

It is also important to consider what will appeal to the widest number of potential buyers. That is, most people are looking for a home that feels spacious, warm, modern and light. Kitchens and bathrooms are good areas of the house to focus on as they are the areas that get a lot of use. If your property is located in an area that is likely to appeal to families, such as in a desirable school zone, then adding an additional bedroom or bathroom can increase the desirability of your property.

It is also important to not underestimate the little things, like a fresh coat of paint on the walls, fresh carpet, or polishing wooden floors.

PN (KAREN SPIRES) F www.bayleys.co.nz/karen-spires

WORK YOUR WAY We live in an age of limitless possibilities when it comes to the ways we work.

We no longer need be confined 9-5 in grey office cubicles, but can shift and change our working hours and environment to suit our mood, the job that needs doing, or the clients we’re meeting!

But finding inspiring work spaces isn’t always easy (or affordable) and working from the kitchen bench isn’t always appropriate when you’re distracted by dishes piling up or need to meet someone important.

Now, there’s YOWO. YOWO connects you with cool local cafes and bars that welcome workers, allowing you to step out of your home office and into a variety of inspiring spaces that help you make the most out of your working day. Whether you plan to sit there for the day, or just a couple of hours while you wait for traffic to die down, as a member you’ll be welcome to perch yourself at any YOWO-friendly venue across the country. You’ll also get access to high-speed WiFi, charging stations for your laptop and phone, discounts on food and coffee and other great member benefits. You can host meetings, and some YOWO venues even offer private rooms and catering packages for bigger groups.

YOWO is for those who are doing things a little differently, the people feeding off the unique environments in which they work. Perhaps you want a view of the ocean one day when you’re coming up with creative concepts, and a quiet spacious environment the next when you’re in need of deep concentration. Perhaps you want a different space every day of the week, or maybe your style is more about

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having a comfortable local where you know you’re welcome and can make yourself at home with regularity. With YOWO – it’s your choice.

Monica Yianakis from YOWO says this platform is a win-win for workers and venues. “There are many existing shared office spaces around the country, but we recognised that there are already so many inspiring spaces that are under-utilised during the working day – cafes and bars! Through YOWO, workers can have access to awesome, and varied, work environments all across the country without the astronomic cost associated with many fixed working spaces. With this access, they’re also bringing life and trade to venues during quiet times. We believe it’s going to greatly improve the working life of many Kiwis.”

YOWO is launching in Auckland with over 30 venues across the city, with a national rollout planned from June.

The app is subscription based, priced at $99 per month but the first 200 earlybird members will receive a lifetime special of $50 per month. Find out more and see participating venues at yowo.co.nz, or download the app on iPhone and Android to start working your way. www.yowo.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE Laneway

Auckland – City of Music Auckland is now the 31st City of Music. Formal designation of this was in November 2017, and the strategy and planning for what this means and will look like has been revealed in the last few months.

A Steering Group has been put together and consists of music sector stakeholders and relevant Auckland Council representatives. It is responsible for governance of the City of Music designation.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.

By joining the network, Auckland is acknowledging its long and rich musical history and its commitment to sharing best practice, developing partnerships that promote creativity, and strengthening participation in cultural life.

Mark Roach, at Recorded Music, has been championing Auckland’s application and progress since the kernel of an idea came to him in 2015. Ponsonby News spoke with him at the Recorded Music offices on Hakanoa Street in Grey Lynn.

There are currently 31 Cities of Music, from every continent, including cities from Belgium, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Italy, Jamaica and Australia (Adelaide). Mark speaks to about 10 of them on a very regular basis, including Frutillar in Chile. “I have a great connection with Frutillar. We got on like a house on fire, but their city is 30,000 people. The things that affect Frutillar are completely different to what is affecting Auckland. That’s the thing, there is no template, no one size fits all for what a creative city policy looks like.”

Adelaide is another City of Music, and one that is much closer in size to Auckland. Mark first came up with the idea as he tracked Adelaide’s progress; they were designated in 2015. Every city has different issues relating to live music, recorded music, creating spaces and caring for venues. Despite the similarities in size, Mark attests that there are still huge differences in the issues these two proximity cities face.

“The problem with live music in Auckland is likely more of a problem with Auckland itself. Public transport, the sheer size of the city and the cost of living all have a huge impact on music, musicians and consumption of music. We can protect our venues all we like, but can people even still afford to go to a gig and get there and back again?

These are all basic things that we hope to address.”

Music connects people and communities, Auckland is blessed with a diverse music history, and some of the biggest artists from New Zealand have come out of suburbs within Auckland. The Auckland Music Strategy Document aims to strengthen and improve Auckland as a creative city far into the future. It provides a framework for ideas and projects, and the Steering Group will act as facilitators in this.

“We’re not going to try to solve everything overnight, but this is a really good opportunity to address these things now. It’s great that it is happening, and one of the biggest benefits is having so much of the music sector – media, promoters, bookers, publicists, musicians – all coming under an umbrella. Everyone is talking, the Auckland Philharmonic is in the same room as Smokefree Rockquest and indie The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Mark Roach bands. That hasn’t happened before, and that opportunity to talk as a community about what we can do to make things better is very exciting.”

The strategy outlines a summary of actions that provide this framework for how Auckland can develop as a City of Music. These include promoting grassroots venues, growing sustainable, creative communities and promoting music in public spaces. Collaborating - music on the world with other creative cities, championing Maori stage and supporting music and networks within the Pacific are crucial steps. Finally, preserving our music heritage and continuing to value Auckland’s music history.

Mark comments on our music heritage, “Look at our history and musical heritage – it’s massive. What is Auckland’s vibe? Dunedin, Seattle, Nashville all have this vibe you can conjure up. When you start talking about Auckland neighbourhoods, that’s where this vibe shows up. That’s where the focus lies, in potentially looking at heritage trails.”

The Gluepot and Ponsonby played a huge part in Auckland’s music history for a long time, fostering bands that went on to become household names. Any heritage trail would surely start or end here.

Mark is very concerned about the cost of being a musician. Whether it’s the cost of gear, travel or learning.

“We’re looking at different models for how to assist artists. It’s a tough gig being an artist, especially at the beginning. This R&D period in any other industry gets paid, but not in music. This conversation is on the table, finally, it’s not just being talked about at the bar or on social media. We have a vehicle to push this through, and there’ll always be some give and take, but I think this represents the best opportunity as a music community to make some meaningful change.”

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN If you’d like to read more about this, or check out the full Strategy document, head to www.aucklandcityofmusic.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ June

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MATARIKI AT LAKE HOUSE ARTS If you’ve not been to Lake House Arts before, it’s a stunning heritage building located just over the harbour bridge in Takapuna.

Even though it’s just a few minutes’ drive from central Auckland, the picturesque grounds make it a unique and relaxing setting to enjoy a coffee and take in some art, away from the rush of the city.

Lake House has long been a supporter of wood carving, running a number of symposiums since opening as an art centre in 2000.

During this year’s Matariki, Lake House welcomes back live wood sculpture! Master carver Natanahira Pona will be running a creative showcase ‘Toi Roto Whakairo’ (Art of the Lake Carving).

- art of carving in wood, stone or bone. Wood Whakairo is a Maori was traditionally formed into houses, fence poles, containers, taiaha, waka and tool handles.

Master carver Natanahira Pona

Natanahira Pona, who has been taking part in wood carving showcases at Lake House since the first one held back in 2001, is joined by guest artists, Lawrence Makoare, Bill Rata Smith and Andy Turner, to create interactive carvings themed around the environment of a lake.

The artists will be working on site and we welcome the public to watch them carve. There will even be opportunities for the public to try carving a small panel under the supervision of Natanahira, who will also be teaching a carving workshop from July. All works created by the artists will become features around the grounds at Lake House for friends and whanau to enjoy during Matariki and beyond.

While the grounds at Lake House Arts become the hub for wood carving, the main gallery will be hosting a very special exhibition.

Mixed-median painter and artist Mere Clifford is the guest curator for ‘Pou Toko Manawa’ (Heart of the House). Over 50 invited artists and members of the Lake House community have created unique Pou Panels which honor their family and history.

This exhibition is inspired by poupou, the wall panels located - wharenui (meeting house). underneath the verandah of a Maori Poupou are generally built to represent the spiritual connection between the tribe and their ancestors and thus each panel is carved with emblems of the tohunga whakairo (carver’s) particular lineage.

Wood Symposium

Lake House will also run a school holiday programme from the 8-19 July where kids can learn more about and celebrate Matariki in fun, PN hands-on art classes. F Toi Roto Whakairo - Art of the Lake Carving, 22 June - 20 July Pou Toko Manawa - Heart of the House, 23 June - 6 July Matariki School Holiday Programme 8 - 19 July For more information www.lakehousearts.org.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

@ ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra in an all Mozart concert with iconic, illustrious luminary Michael Houston. Conductor José Aparicio - Sunday 16 June 2.30pm. Be there - feel the buzz!

If you have not heard St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra play, then you are missing one of the finest musical experiences in Auckland. Gillian Ansell (NZ String Quartet) says, “St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra’s players’ high-quality music-making bring their audiences much joy.” For the already converted, this will be a wonderful concert: looking forward to seeing you there.

Michael Houstoun was born in Timaru, New Zealand in October 1952. He began piano lessons at the age of five and under the guidance of Sister Mary Eulalie and subsequently Maurice Till, he moved through the grades of the Trinity College of London examination system with astonishing success (ATCL 96%, LTCL 97%). He won all the major piano competitions in New Zealand and began playing with orchestras.

In 1973, at the age of 20, he entered and placed third in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. This led to a year of study with Rudolf Serkin at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In 1975 he placed fourth in the Leeds International Piano Competition and then in 1982, sixth in the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition.

Michael Houston returned home in 1981 where he has enjoyed life as something of an ‘Artist in ResideNZ’, performing recitals, concertos and chamber music all over the country year in year out. Most years he performs one or two new programmes and consequently has built a very large repertoire spanning from J S Bach to the present day. Included are many compositions by New Zealand composers and quite a few commissions. Michael Houstoun has twice presented the complete Beethoven sonatas in seven-concert cycles.

More recently, he has performed the 48 Preludes and Fugues of Bach’s ‘Well-tempered Klavier’ in two-concert events. Since 1999 he has recorded for Rattle Records (www.rattle. co.nz) with five of his albums winning Classical Record of the Year awards.

He has honorary degrees from Massey and Victoria Universities, is a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a Laureate of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand.

He is Advocate of Chamber Music New Zealand, and Patron of The NZ Institute of Registered Music Teachers, the NZ Music Examinations Board, the Kerikeri International PN Piano Competition and the Nelson School of Music. F TICKETS: Eventfinda or door sales cash only. Adults $30. Concessions $25.

Children under 12 free. ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets, www.smco.org.nz

Sun 16 June at 2.30pm PROGRAMME

Mozart Symphony No 1 K16 in E flat Mozart Piano Concerto No 14 K449 in E flat Mozart Symphony No 41 K551 in C, ‘Jupiter’ SOLOIST Michael Houstoun CONDUCTOR José Aparicio

@ ST MATTHEW’S FIRST TUESDAY On 2 July, First Tuesday at St Matthew’s welcomes the Music Association of Auckland, an ethnic membership choir of Chinese from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan residents in Auckland.

This big choir of 40-plus members offers performance opportunities and friendship though music.

The choir, under the direction of Dr Marie Lin, will perform music by Mozart (Ave Verum Corpus), Leonard Cohen (Hallelujah) and Caccini (Ave Maria) as well as folk music of Chinese origin, and standards with gloriously evocative titles like Under the Silvery Moonlight and Flower Dialogue.

Instrumental items for solo flute and violin with piano accompaniment will also be part of the programme.

Vicar of St Matthew’s, Helen Jacobi, says, “I’m delighted that Music Association of Auckland has accepted our invitation to perform in First Tuesday. St Matthew’s is a culturally rich parish with lots of links to the Chinese community. We host many Chinese weddings and this will be the first visit by the choir to sing in our beautiful space.”

In August and September there will be organ concerts on each First Tuesday. These concerts by Stephen Beech and John Linker (Christchurch Cathedral) will show off the magnificent Henry Willis organ.

“First Tuesday is a growing cultural phenomenon in the Auckland music scene and offers a platform for a wide range of classical music,” says Paul Chan, Director of Music at St Matthew’s. F PN For further details please contact Tim McWhannell on M: 021 104 5993. www.stmatthews.nz

St Matthew-in-the-City’s Helen Jacobi

Music Association of Auckland Asian Pictures / Eastern Beauty Tuesday 2nd July, 12.10-12.50pm A programme of classical choral music, folk, and instrumental music performed by Auckland’s premier Chinese Choir.

Entry by koha.

ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY Cnr of Wellesley & Hobson Street, Auckland City

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Julianna Barwick

Unique collaboration at the Tuning Fork Over the past decade, harpist Mary Lattimore and ambient composer Julianna Barwick have each created their own inimitable universe of light.

Barwick builds evocative choral symphonies, including most recently a score using the New York skyline as her muse. Lattimore conjures expressive beauty with her harp and synth effects. Together, in a never-before-seen collaboration, these two powerfully emotive voices create an immersive sonic dreamscape like no other.

Julianna Barwick is a master of ethereal soundscapes. They are often wordless, built instead around multiple layers of sound and unique mixing of her own voice. She’s released many records over the years, and often works on unique and stand-alone projects. In 2014 she recorded the Rosabi EP, a collaboration with Dogfish Head Brewery that incorporated recordings of the brewery into its pieces. She’s collaborated with many other artists, including Yoko Ono, Philip Glass and The Flaming Lips.

Her latest project was based at the Sister City Hotel in Manhattan.

She collaborated with Luisa Pereira, a music technologist at New York University, to create a dynamic and perpetually evolving score.

This piece of music, to be played in the hotel’s lobby, changed in response to the atmosphere and sky above the hotel. A camera was placed above the hotel and used Pereira’s programme to trigger sounds that Barwick had composed. Barwick scored different pieces and different sounds to accommodate all the events that could occur – pigeons, planes, clouds and stars. The music is played 24 hours a day and acts as a pseudo weather forecast for those indoors.

Now based in Los Angeles, she is working on a variety of projects including having written original music for BalletCollective and

a commissioned piece for The Ecstatic Music Festival in New York City.

Mary Lattimore is a Los Angeles-based harpist. She experiments with effects through her Lyon and Healy Concert Grand pedal harp. The improvisations and semi-structured noise that she produces centres on her Line 6 looping pedal. This allows for sounds that diverge from the expected on a classical harp.

She is well versed in collaborations herself, including co-writing a reimagined score for the 1968 experimental silent film, Le Revelateur. She writes and works with many of the top songwriters currently performing, contributing harp parts for the likes of Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten and Steve Gunn.

Her newest album, Hundreds of Days, sees Lattimore go further than the harp and prove her abilities as a composer of ambient music. The record centered around her two-month residency at the Headlands Centre for the Arts in Marin, California. She overlooked the Golden Gate Bridge and experimented on an array of instruments, including electric guitar, theremin and synthesizer. Her most important instrument in this project was her voice. She added her harp and pedals to this, and the result is a new sound and a broadening of her palette. Hundreds of Days is the best of Lattimore so far.

The Great South Pacific Tuning Fork and 95bFM are excited to welcome these two internationally acclaimed songwriters to perform one special collaborative show at the Tuning Fork on 19 June. It will PN be a soundscape unlike any other. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+JULY FEATURE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN + WINTER EVENTS COPY DEADLINE: Thursday 20 JUNE PUBLISHED: FRIDAY 5 JULY CALL 09 378 8553 TO BOOK OR EMAIL martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE We are everywhere. We see faces in clouds and whorls of wood. We impress ourselves onto the environment and make it us.

Figuration is so much more interesting when we have to work at it.

A portrait is all very well, but a likeness only reveals what we can see – what of the real person, their emotions, thoughts, way they interact with the world? All we need to see a face is two dots and a line, so how a painter moves on from there can take the viewer from merely seeing a face, to wondering at who they themselves are.

A dot that has pressure exerted on it becomes a line. Julian Hooper’s faces are formed often from a single line that bends in a sparse geometry to form a pictogram. His intention of a visage is clear, but the rest is enigmatic. When unsure what we are looking at, we draw on our experiences and intuition to fill in the gaps; we engage our brain with the painting to help form the picture and, in doing so, personalise the work.

Hooper’s faces are intriguing because so little is given, yet in a highly concentrated way. They can appear contemplative, humorous or

Laith McGregor, Untitled (Strand)

Laith McGregor, Untitled (Remnant)

Julian Hooper, the Absent Minded Professor

Julian Hooper, Dum-blo

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

edgy. One thing he is clear about – they’re paintings. The images are on irregular canvas pieces that seem too small for the wooden frames they’re stuck onto, except the exposed wood is painted on canvas, too – the joke of trompe l’oeil. Worth seeing in the flesh at Ivan Anthony.

Australian Laith McGregor’s work sprawls over the walls and floor at Starkwhite. Long fabric arms with hands at each end curve like snakes into ‘S.O.S.’ Here, too, is the vital endorsement of materiality, with a strong sense of studio residues. Hanging on walls covered with stained dropcloths, McGregor’s portraits hover between the real and subconscious. The frames incorporate carved figures, lending legs to one and a head to another, so that even the abstract insides to Untitled (Strand) becomes a visual stand-in for the hidden life of PN a person. (STUDIO ART SUPPLIES) F www.studioart.co.nz

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@ WHITESPACE

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS

Garry Currin Screenplay Until 22 June

Landscapes appear to be the subject, yet the dark shades, the atmospheric smudges of light and shadow carry a cipher of another world that shifts between experience, memory and dreaming. Although man is evident, he is not present in these landscapes where light plays, shifting and elusive, through pale veils, teasing the connections between eye and memory, tempting us to capture the sense of a real place, a real time in the shapes of hills and waterways.

Part of the mystery lies in the ambiguity of form, as visual rhythms capture our need to identify evidence of our place in the landscape... a row of fence posts, a road? An abandoned building? Exposed momentarily in the light, landmarks like staging posts in our imagination.

A highlight in the Auckland Symphony Orchestra’s calendar each year, Last Night of the Proms returns for another year to celebrate the best of British with a night of joyous music and revelry.

Dust off your song book and get ready for a right royal party with this feel-good concert at Bruce Mason Centre on Saturday 22 June and the Auckland Town Hall on Sunday 23 June.

This highly anticipated annual extravaganza of musical fanfare sees over 150 performers take to the stage. Amongst the performers for this year’s Last Night of the Proms, are two astounding talents – tenor Harry Grigg who was a semi-finalist in the 2016 Lexus Song Quest. Harry will perform alongside New Zealand pop royalty, Suzanne Lynch of The Chicks and The Lady Killers.

Suzanne has travelled around the globe singing with Cat Stevens, Lulu, Art Garfunkel, Olivia Newton-John and many others! In 2001, she was awarded the Queen’s Honour of New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to entertainment.

These talented performers will accompany an impressive 80 musicians from the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, alongside 70 singers from the North Shore Chorale for the concert’s incredible 18th year entertaining Auckland audiences. Performers will take the audience on an energetic musical journey, with something to please everyone from local pieces to classics, such as Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and Jerusalem.

Osmosistem Until 22 June

Last Night of the Proms is the perfect chance to get a group of friends together or take your nan out for a joyful night of high-spirited fun and music.

Presenting the latest video installation by Rebecca Swan and Charlie Ha that explores the interconnection of all life in the face of climate change and pollution.

The work wraps the viewer visually and sonically, inviting them to enter an aquatic osmosistem. The title is a combination of ecosystem and osmosis, creating a neologism to describe the visceral experience of knowing how deeply symbiotic all life on earth is. The video combines footage of ecosystems 10,000km apart, the redwood and kelp forests of California that Rebecca filmed during her Fulbright-Wallace Arts Residency and the oceans of Aotearoa. Charlie Ha’s sublime and atmospheric soundscape combines and enhances aquatic field recordings from California and Aotearoa with his original electro-acoustic composition.

Last Night of the Proms is on at Takapuna’s Bruce Mason Centre, 22 June, and the Auckland Town Hall, 23 June. For more information and tickets visit www.aucklandlive. co.nz or call T: 0800 111 999.

Rebecca Swan is an interdisciplinary artist who works predominantly with photography and video. Her work is personal in nature, drawing on her own experience and contextualising that within a social and cultural framework. Her work has engaged with a wide range of issues from cancer, sexual orientation, gender diversity and spirituality.

WHITESPACE, 20 Monmouth Street, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

Last N ght OF The Proms Presented by Auckland Live & Auckland Symphony Orchestra

26 MAY – 22 JUNE 2019

Screenplay

GARRY CURRIN Osmosistem

REBECCA SWAN & CHARLIE HA SAT 22 JUNE

Bruce Mason Centre 20 monmouth st, grey lynn, auckland whitespace.co.nz

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Conducted by Peter Thomas

SUN 23 JUNE

Auckland Town Hall

aucklandlive.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

@ PONSONBY CENTRAL 15 July to 21 July - Ingrid Mann Local Freemans Bay resident Ingrid Mann has lived and worked in New York, (Art Students League) Sydney, (Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts at the Sydney Gallery School) Amsterdam, (Inspired by the work of COBRA) Paris, (The heart and soul of any true artist) and lived in many countries to satisfy her passion for art. Ingrid has been lucky enough to see firsthand many of the greatest art galleries in the world and some of the world’s most impressive artists.

Bloom, 2019, 1010 x 1520mm

@ OREX

Stephen Allwood - Narcissus 5-29 June. Opening Wednesday 5 June 5.30-7.30pm

“I find the colours and culture of New Zealand unique and, as such, I have tried to encapsulate this in my current work. Loose, gestural marks and strong colours with constant experimentation as a symbol of my artistic freedom in exploring my native country,” Ingrid says.

Her multicultural background, extensive travelling adventures and intense passion for paint, colour and collage, inspire her to focus on the process of building layers. Blank spaces become activated while she constantly searches for exciting and challenging outcomes to engage the viewer. The current exhibition is an exhibition showing her New Zealand experiences as a returned artist.

While painting his latest beautiful, painterly works, Stephen Allwood says he was thinking of Caravaggio’s most famous painting, Narcissus.

One of Caravaggio’s most significant contributions to the Italian Renaissance was the stylistic element of tenebrism, an extreme treatment of light and shadow.

Liquorice Allsorts 3, 225 mm x 205mm

Narcissus is an exemplary showcase of this as Caravaggio entirely obscures the background so there is nothing but a youth and his reflection, highlighting the obsessive focus of the youth.

Photon, 2019, 1380mm x 1120mm

Ingrid has returned to the country of her birth after around 40 years absence, and the mixture of multiple happy memories and the colourful and exciting environment have stimulated her to try to recapture the views and experiences she has missed while being away.

Similarly, Allwood employs tenebrism to explore the power of light in relation to his subject: flowers. He recalls a school experiment with a Crookes radiometer, where tiny wind vanes turn upon exposure to light, so proving that light is a wave and a particle.

For Allwood, flowers are a perfect example for describing the ‘force’ of light over time.

“I also like to experiment with B&W to test myself (artistically). I find this challenging. However, B&W is fundamental to NZ culture,” explains Ingrid. Her working method is based on spontaneity and experiment, and she draws her inspiration in particular from her surroundings, hence a lot of the paintings in this exhibition have Kiwi references.

In his exuberantly painted Narcissus, Allwood is expressing the visceral, unseen power of light. F PN

Her work consists of abstract paintings with brilliant colour, violent brushwork and distorted landscape inspired by primitive expression.

Light depicts the beauty of flowers, whilst the light’s force works to destroy that beauty.

What is thus revealed is a different kind of beauty – in that decay, much the same way as memento mori still-life artworks are reminiscent of the brevity and fragility of life.

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

Stephen Allwood Narcissus 5 - 29 June

Walking around Ponsonby, 600mm x 1200mm

“My current works reflect my intuitive responses to all these aspects of my life featuring PN my current surroundings here in NZ,” Ingrid stated. F PONSONBY CENTRAL, 136 Ponsonby Road, M: 021 131 1710.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

15 putiki street, arch hill open tue-sat, 09 3780588

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ARTS + CULTURE

JOURNEY – COLLABORATIVE CIRCUS AND DANCE SPECTACULAR Pack your bags and get ready to join Flip n Fly Circus School and Empire Studios on an unforgettable Journey.

The show will feature a dazzling youth cast that will wow you with its strength, flexibility and grace. The story follows one young man on his global adventure, taking in culturally inspired circus and dance performances along the way. See breathtaking circus acts that have rarely been performed by Kiwi children, such as aerial cradle, German wheel, Spanish web, group skipping, and rola bola, alongside more familiar acts like aerial silks, lyra and contemporary dance.

Flip n Fly Circus School, in Eden Terrace, has been operating since 2015, and has attracted students of all ages from across the city into its beginner, intermediate, and performance classes.

“It’s incredibly difficult to put on a professional show like Journey,” says Flip n Fly co-owner and coach, Bayaraa Odonchimeg. “Very few venues have the right combination of height and stage size. Sky City Theatre offers that mix and gives our young performers a chance to entertain a wider audience and lift their abilities to pre-professional level. We hope that lots of Aucklanders will come out to support them.”

Dance pieces from Grey Lynn’s Empire Studios will complement and add to the inspiration and energy of the night. Claire Baxter-Cardy, Studio Director, says, “Our dancers loved collaborating with Flip n Fly last year with ‘Inspiro’. Integrating our passion for dance into another art form creates something very special. Our performance kids are

a mix of students who have been with us for years and some new additions, and all of them are very excited to be part of Journey.”

This creative multi-disciplinary circus and dance spectacle, starring talented young Aucklanders, will show you what modern circus is all about. Join them for a ‘Journey’ you will never forget.

JOURNEY, Saturday 22 June at 7pm and Sunday 23 June at 1pm and 4pm at Skycity Theatre. Tickets available at www.iticket.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF TAYLOR @ THE SHELTER, PONSONBY - THURSDAY 23 MAY 1. Vicki Taylor, Nina Hay & Lucia Tigri; 2. Pera May, Melissa McIndoe, Charlotte McLoughlin & Sophie Pound; 3. Joe Yen & Courtney Perham; 4. Serena Radic, Sarah Oliver, Carmelina Birkbeck & Kelly Tansey; 5. Vicki Taylor, Mike Thomson & Pam Thomson; 6. Benn Rolls-Sheppard, Acacia Drefers & Hugo Thomson; 7. Vicki Taylor, Martin Leach & Victoria CooperSmith; 8. Scott Woolright & Admir Mullaaliu; 9. Vicki Taylor & Mark Thomson; 10. Mark Knoff-Thomas, Michelle Vogt & Tina Heir; 11. Brett Alexander & Kerri Lelievre.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

Quality Properties Wanted )RU 4XDOLĂ€ HG &RUSRUDWH 7HQDQWV &RQWDFW -DPHV RQ

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PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS 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 FREEMANS BAY Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets New World, Victoria Park 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 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 KINGSLAND Atomic, 420c New North Road K'ROAD K'Road Business Association, 59 Pitt Street MT EDEN Citta Outlet Store, Corner EnďŹ eld & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

130 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019

NEWMARKET Rugs Direct, 108 Carlton Gore Road NEWTON Hard to Find Bookshop, 2 St Benedicts Street NORTH SHORE Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road PONSONBY Barfoot & Thompson, 184 Ponsonby Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Countdown, 7 Williamson Avenue Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 63 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

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