PONSONBY NEWS - JUNE '21

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CELEBRATING 31 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

JUNE 2021

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GOING GOING…GONE!

DEMOLISHED TO GROW A NEW ONE... P36

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INSIDE THIS MONTH

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LETTERS & EMAILS

007

FROM THE EDITOR

010 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW 012

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

014 PIPPA COOM: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA- & GULF 016 RICHARD NORTHEY, WAITEMATA- LOCAL BOARD 022

CHLÖE SWARBRICK: MP AUCKLAND CENTRAL

036

WESTERN SPRINGS TREE MASSACRE

038

PONSONBY PARK

040

PREDICT WEATHER.COM

042

HELENE RAVLICH: WINTER WANDERLUST

047

TRAVEL BREAKS

049

FASHION + STYLE

051 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 059 LIVING, THINKING + BEING

P49: NZ Fashion Week is 20 years old this year.

Pictured a model wearing Zambesi on the runway back in 2005.

068 FUTURE GENERATION

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: MARTIN LEACH M: 021 771 147 martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz

069

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: JAY PLATT M: 021 771 146 jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz

HONOUR MITCHELL: SIX60 CONCERT

074 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS 078

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

090

ARTS & CULTURE

096

WHAT TO WATCH THIS JUNE

098

HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

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THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

AD SALES & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: ANDREA KAHUKIWA M: 021 689 688 andrea@ponsonbynews.co.nz ADVERTISING SALES/AD DESIGNER: MELISSA PAYNTER M: 027 938 4111 melissapaynter@me.com OPERATIONS MANAGER: GWYNNE DAVENPORT M: 021 150 4095 gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz CONTRIBUTING MUSIC EDITOR: FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT M: 021 134 4101 finn.huia@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: JOHN ELLIOTT M: 021 879 054 johnelliott38@outlook.com

PONSONBY NEWS is published monthly, excluding January by: ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED, P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144, T: 09 378 8553, www.ponsonbynews.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001.

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER: ARNA MARTIN M: 021 354 984 arna@cocodesign.co.nz ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Within New Zealand $49. By cheque or credit card in NZ$. Please note: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News.

Our archive is all online as pdfs. Please 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.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

BLAIR HADDOW LOVING, LIVING & SELLING GREATER PONSONBY Blair Haddow 021 544 555

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

Grey Lynn, 633A Great North Road

Grey Lynn, 67A Wellpark Avenue

Sold $2,520,000

Sold $3,225,000

Herne Bay, 28 Trinity Street

Grey Lynn, 40 Grosvenor Street

Sold $5,050,000

Sold $3,240,000

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LETTERS & EMAILS

PONSONBY NEWS - MAY ISSUE I would like to give John Elliott a big thumbs up for his local news column in the May issue of Ponsonby News.

I also cannot express my exact frustration with the forecast proposal

by Auckland Transport.

As a Grey Lynn/Ponsonby resident and homeowner, I feel we also need to factor in that Ponsonby Road has become a glorified on-and -off-ramp for the North Shore, for Mt Eden, Eden Tce, and Epsom folks and whatnot.

I strongly feel it’s time for an on-and-off-ramp at the Hopetoun bridge area of spaghetti junction to alleviate the congestion in order to prevent AT from vandalising our historic road. The proposal to divert traffic through the side streets is utter barbaric thinking.

Could you please forward my reply to John. I am happy he contacts me if he knows about some up and coming community meetings about this grave and worrying matter.

Andrew Curtis, Grey Lynn WESTERN SPRINGS FOREST - WELLBEING OF COMMUNITY On Monday 24th May, the last of the magnificent Monterey pines that have towered above the Western Springs forest for decades were needlessly felled, causing the destruction of a large portion of the mature native under storey.

Rejecting the lower cost option of maintaining these iconic trees, Council have created now a ‘site of death and destruction’, with mounds of toxic mulch. NIWA has predicted extreme weather events, these will result in mulch being washed down the hill into the Waiorea Stream probably killing the endangered eels.

It is hard to fathom how the contractor is going to return the ‘track’ back to the quality of a ‘Significant Ecological Area’ as required by the Resource Consent, ready for planting next month. I doubt they will bother to comply.

For years the local community have fought against the might of the Auckland Council, who have waged a war of misinformation, capped off last week with the circulation of two flyers that contained numerous significant ‘inaccuracies’ that set out to mislead, including claims that contradict the ‘Independent Risk Assessment’ on Council’s own website which stated only a quarter needed dead trees and branches removed; it’s called ‘maintenance’. The Council’s own ‘Independent Risk Assessment’ also proves the original ‘expert’, got it wrong when in 2006 he claimed all the 200 trees were ‘dead and dying’. That being said, this whole process has been about winning even when being proven wrong, by themselves.

Council have ignored expert advice around measuring the potential structural effects of falling trees on neighbouring homes. Residents were told by Council staff that homes without the relevant measuring equipment would not be covered by insurance. Understandably, without assurances, residents refused to vacate and stayed within the ‘two tree length no go zone’ for leverage to try and get Council to do what the court mandated.

The community made one last plea to save one of the most magnificent Monterey Pines, with a luscious crown of green needles standing sentinel on the ridge, overseeing the new forest. Experts have deemed it has another 50 years of healthy life.

Whilst awaiting a decision, a group of protectors stood under the tree, but instead of a modicum of engagement with community, Chief Executive Jim Stabback doubled down on his nonsense ‘Health and Safety’ rhetoric and refused the request.

As we stood on a nearby property, chainsaws roared and with a huge creak and thud the tree fell crushing the native forest beneath. Two local police constables comforted shocked and tearful residents, at the finality of this loss. I have to admit, being hugged by constables in full body armour was not on my ‘bucket list’. Their empathy was compassionate and honourable, a credit to their uniforms.

For Auckland Council, this ‘win at all costs’ ideology, when the public question shaky rationale and unnecessary expenditure, has been characterised by a failure to engage in authentic consultation with the community. The tragic result of this bullying has been the destruction of a large section of mature native forest, at huge financial cost to ratepayers. It has placed a huge emotional strain on the community who has rallied against this madness. The actions contradict Council’s ‘Urban Ngahere Plan’ and their self-proclaimed ‘Climate Change Emergency’.

Council has the chance to regain some community support, by selecting two to five metre high natives to replace the mature natives that were both cut down to build the access road and also those that were crushed by felling pines on top of them, rather than the 20cm high PB5 seedlings proposed. Planting larger trees now will be the difference of a young native forest in our lifetime or a shrubbery.

Gael Baldock, Community Advocate THE WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD MEETING The big governance issue at the Waitemata- Local Board meeting on Wednesday 18 May was, “Can members ask other members questions about matters NOT in their monthly reports?”. Question Time, as it is called in Parliament, is an important element of holding members to account.

This issue is one that has simmered for some time starting when Member Sarah Trotman was prevented from asking Councillor Pippa Coom questions that were not in her report.

On this occasion, Member Sarah Trotman was ‘shutdown’ when she asked Member Adriana Christie, who is the Portfolio Lead of Parks, questions about the Western Spring Forest and the Erebus National Memorial. The two major flashpoints in Waitemata- at this time are in these parks. In the case of Western Springs there has been a recent hearing in the Environment Court and major tree removal works are occurring. In the case of Erebus, a petition with 12,500 signatures was presented to Parliament and a number of locals are sleeping in Dove-Myer Robinson Park where the memorial is to be located.

Conveniently, neither Chairperson Richard Northey nor Member Adriana Christie included these items in their reports.

Additionally, Chairperson Northey said that a discussion on whether members should be able to ask such questions would be covered in a workshop for resolution, which is another affront to good governance as the public can’t attend the workshop so the decision will be made “under the sheets”.

Ironically, Member Alex Bonham asked a question of Member Sarah Trotman, which she hadn’t covered in her report - she said she was happy to answer the question even though she had not included it and proceeded to do so.

The community voted in six City Vision so they have a clear majority and thus the power to decide whatever they wish, but they should exercise this power cautiously.

If you wish to view a montage of the proceedings, please get in touch with me and I will send you the link straight away.

Keith McConnell, keith@keithforwaitemata.com

Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.

6 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Health and safety is of course critically important but with regard to the forest it has become an issue which has overtaken common sense.

We accept that people are entitled to their opinions, but preferably educated ones.

Rev Grant Ridout, Minister at Ponsonby’s historic St Stephens Presbyterian Church is confident the church building will be saved after it was devastated by a horrible fire. He and his congregation have massive local public support and the Church is holding a mid-winter Christmas concert on Saturday 29 June at 7pm. Tickets are $30 or $15 for concessions. For more information please contact the Church on 09 360 1728.

RSAs around New Zealand are struggling to survive. Our old veterans are dying, and some clubs have failed to adapt. Not Grey Lynn RSC. Manager, Kris Hall, has ensured they move ahead with the times, and will not be caught out like other clubs.

The team at Ponsonby News have been fighting for a while to get what is now regarded as a ‘human carcinogen’- glyphosate banned from New Zealand. Many others have been fighting the battle for much longer. If, like us, you’ve had enough, please tell the head of hazardous substances at our EPA Dr Chris Hill. Here is the EPA’s email: glyphosate@epa.govt.nz We hope our feature this month, ‘Winter Wanderlust’, will inspire you to getaway for a short break. Cooler temperatures and longer nights often lend themselves to a little wanderlust, with both ski holidays and fun in the

Seriously committed to your best possible outcome

FROM THE EDITOR

photography: Connor Crawford

Our cover this month is a controversial one.

There was no need for this extreme devastation of the Western Springs native forest in order to keep walkers and hikers safe.

Jay Platt & Martin Leach

sun now very exciting options thanks to our country’s expert handling of the pandemic and a gradually widening international travel bubble.

According to local folklore, the Ponsonby Pool Hall has been operating since the early 1900s. The owner Elias Hanlon’s recollections go back to the early days of the 50s and 60s. Situated originally at the top of College Hill, and known as the College Hill Billiard Hall, it has reflected the changing times of the neighbourhood.

Beer lover? Brewport Ponsonby is a new microbrewery and beer garden in the heart of Lot3. We spoke to the owners, Greg and Kim, about how Brewport came about.

A changing of the guard is about to take place at one of New Zealand’s most celebrated restaurants with Sid and Chand Sahrawat selling their fine dining establishment, Sidart. The new owner is Chef Lesley Chandra, a long-time friend and trusted colleague of the Sahrawat’s.

This year, Matariki will set on 2 June to rise again from 2 to 10 July. The star cluster, known in Western science as Pleiades, signals the Maori PN New Year. (MARTIN LEACH) 

M AT T & RYA N N 1 I N G R E Y LY N N*

“To put it quite simply, a great team to work with. Not only did Matt & Ryan help me get the price I wanted for my apartment, they also found me a new home exactly to the spec I was after” Pete - Grey Lynn

Matt O’Rourke 021 375 909

Ryan Harding 021 621 580

m.orourke@barfoot.co.nz

r.harding@barfoot.co.nz

* G re y Ly n n b ra n c h - ye a r e n d i n g M a rc h 2 0 2 0

PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

7

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

IT’S A TEAM EFFORT... WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS CONNOR CRAWFORD I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.

DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.

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

HONOUR MITCHELL I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life.

I write the column ‘Teen Picks’ which explores everything on offer in the greater Ponsonby area.

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

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

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

KERRY LEE 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.

LUCY KENNEDY I am a young local writer who loves to read! Each month you will find my reviews of new books for people who love to read as much as I do.

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

PIPPA COOM

I am Councillor for Waitemata- and Gulf Ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair WaitemataLocal Board.

ROSS THORBY 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.

JOHN ELLIOTT

SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS

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.

A vegan for over a year and vegetarian for over seven years with a passion for writing. I am a local student reviewing some of Ponsonby’s best vegan eats.

Join us on Sundays at 2pm... for our weekly service including demonstrations of clairvoyance.

25 New North Road, Eden Terrace / www.goldenlight.org.nz

8 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH ANDREA STEVENS Andrea Stevens is an architect-turned-copywriter helping businesses tell their stories to the world.

What area do you live?

I live in Point Chevalier, which has amazing public venues – MOTAT, Auckland Zoo, Coyle Park, Western Springs Stadium, the beach. It feels busy with community.

How have you survived through the pandemic?

Thankfully, my work only slowed for a short time. But with a world in crisis, I have had to focus on what I can control and accept what I can’t. It has forced a total reset of my priorities.

What was your childhood like?

My dad’s work took us to Italy and Sydney for a few years, but it was otherwise spent growing up in West Auckland exploring the bush and West Coast beaches.

I will die happy if...

I get the chance to write a book about Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural histories.

Your favourite TV series?

The Queen’s Gambit; Anya Taylor-Joy is so mesmerising. It also follows the classic hero’s journey format which I have always loved.

What would be a dream holiday?

I would choose a destination based on food and design. So, both Italy and Japan are very high on my list.

What’s on your bucket list?

As well as visiting Japan, I would love to have a significant ceramics collection.

And if I wasn’t allergic, to adopt a chocolate Doberman Pinscher.

Most Kiwi thing about you?

I wear jandals to work in summer, although not to a client meeting... yet.

Aisle or window seat on a plane?

Definitely the window seat. Being up in the clouds is such a surreal experience.

You truly feel the scale of the planet up there!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully, doing exactly what I am doing right now, surrounded by great people with a shared vision.

If they made a movie about your life who would play you?

Tilda Swinton or Cate Blanchett.

If you were reincarnated what would you be?

If it was an animal, it would have to be one of the big cats, a) to be at top of the food chain, and b) to enjoy that physical power.

Do you read movie or TV reviews?

I love reading well-written reviews. The longer the better. Insights into the historical context or character motivations grab my attention and influence my choices.

How would you like to be remembered?

As being kind, interesting and open-minded.

Favourite movie?

The Imitation Game; Turing is so driven and focused on solving a problem.

Give your teenaged self some advice.

Work overseas in your 20s. Don’t take things too seriously. Live in the moment.

How do you chill out?

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and other great comedians help.

What can’t you live without?

My winter scarf and my jandals.

Favourite time of the day?

Sunset is beautiful, especially when the sky turns red.

Most treasured possession?

I try not to treasure possessions, but if I had to choose, it would be my grandfather’s old stencils.

Insecure about what?

That I don’t know enough.

What’s something very few people know about you.

I am part Italian and part Samoan.

Favourite hero of fiction?

Frodo, because of his perseverance in the face of fear.

What superpower would you like?

The ability to fly and the freedom that would bring.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be a great painter or sculptor. I think this would have been inspired by living in Italy as a child.

What cliché do you most hate?

I’m a writer, so I try to avoid all clichés.

Best thing about your age?

I am wiser than I was ten years ago.

Dream guest list for a dinner party and why?

Trevor Noah, Amanda Gorman and Cate Blanchett, because they all show such passion for what they do.

What would you would do if you won a million dollars?

Give some away, go on a family holiday, buy a bach.

Do you have a party trick?

I can wiggle my ears, but I think that party trick lost its edge when I turned 15.

What motivates you?

Doing the very best I can do with a sense of achievement.

Change one law or policy in NZ - what would it be?

I would love to see more equality in New Zealand and take some of the stress off parents working long hours. We specifically need a targeted capital gains tax and to start prioritising private homes for families not investors.

(DAVID HARTNELL MNZM)  PN

What do you think happens when we die?

We live on in the memories, DNA, values and beliefs of our children.

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Our local rental market is certainly running hot right now. However, along with this period of high demand and low supply has come a new set of rules and regulations, as well as a lot of industry commentary.

At Custom Property Management, we know it’s our job to cut through the noise and deal with the new legislation on our clients’ behalf.

Rest assured, we’ll find you incredible tenants and position your asset for strong and safe returns long into the future.

FB.com/CustomPrMa

@custom_property_management

www.custompm.co.nz

LOCAL NEWS

JOHN ELLIOTT: ICONIC PONSONBY CHURCH, ST STEPHENS, WILL BE SAVED “Our local community is strongly in support”.

Rev Grant Ridout, Minister at Ponsonby’s historic Presbyterian Church is confident the church will be saved, after it was devastated by a horrible fire. He and his congregation have massive local public support.

It has been established that the church, built in 1879, was set on fire by an arsonist. Police are chasing leads. So, almost 150 years after it was built, this beautiful old wooden building has survived, but perhaps only just.

You can see the spire of the church poking out into the Ponsonby sky from many parts of Auckland.

It is much admired by tourists, and of course all local residents treasure its existence.

Insurance is likely to cover the major repairs to the roof and walls, also the nave, but there are some doubts about the organ and pews.

they are still there, keen to serve the community in the best way they can.

In the mean time, services are carrying on as usual in the hall, and Grant, his treasurer and administrator, Annabella D’Lima, and wife Hope, are making the best of a difficult time.

Drop in and have a chat, he urges, “We were finding our feet after Covid-19 and now the fire.”

They are a bit frustrated that time is passing and council consents are slow. Their main concern has been to make the church property safe. They did find a small amount of asbestos in two ceilings, which has now been completely removed. Those were ceilings renovated in the 1930s.

Minor internal changes will be made to bring the church up to date, and these will fall outside insurance remits.

The main aim will be to restore the beauty of St Stephens to its original glory. Minister Grant Ridout just wants to remind locals that

An interesting addendum to this story - my house in Wanganui Ave was built in 1906 by John McLeod. He built this as his own home, but he and fellow Scots, built a number of local houses around 1900.

Grant Ridout told me there was a surge of Scots who worshipped at St Stephens at that time, and the congregation boomed.

Perhaps John McLeod was a worshiper at our historic St Stephens Presbyterian Church.

We at Ponsonby News wish St Stephens all the best for their reconstruction, and we are confident locals will rally round to help PN too. (JOHN ELLIOTT) 

Reverend Ridout, and his congregation have massive local public support and the Church is holding a mid-winter Christmas concert on Saturday 29 June at 7pm. Tickets are $30 or $15 for concessions. For more information please contact the Church on 09 360 1728.

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VISION + PASSION + ACTION =

RESULTS

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Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

Photography: Luke McKeown

LOCAL NEWS

Auckland Domain Committee Chair Desley Simpson and Deputy Chair Adriana Christie

PIPPA COOM: PUKEKAWA AUCKLAND DOMAIN GETS EXTRA LOVE FROM A SPECIAL COMMITTEE Pukekawa Auckland Domain is uniquely governed. Established in 2015, the Domain Committee is made up of three councillors, three Waitematā Local Board members and two Independent Māori Statutory Board members.

The Committee, led by Cr Desley Simpson and Deputy Chair Adriana Avendano Christie (in the photo above), has responsibility for parks, recreation and community services and activities in the Auckland Domain. It is working to the principles from the Auckland Domain masterplan 2016 including creating a safe, people friendly places and pathways for visitors to Pukekawa.

The Domain is our oldest and one of our largest urban public parks and provides a range of things to see and do. It was one of 24 parks across Aotearoa to receive a Green Flag Award in 2020. The award recognises and rewards parks and green spaces providing high quality and innovative recreational experiences for our communities.

Unfortunately for those needing to drive to access the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Wintergardens, and use the open spaces for relaxing, recreation and playing sport, are finding visitor parking increasingly hard to find. We’ve seen an increase in vehicles parked at the Domain by commuters and workers who aren’t using our premier park’s facilities.

The use of the Domain as a large commuter car park is also having a negative impact on the safety of walkers and riders. The Auckland War Memorial Museum has raised concerns that heritage views of the museum are being obscured by parked cars, and that the increase in vehicles circulating around the museum circuit is a safety risk to visitors and blocking access to the museum for buses and coaches.

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

Accessibility improvement is a focus for the Auckland Domain committee and so we’ve agreed to take steps to improve visitor’s safety, open the heritage views of the museum, and to ensure there is access to parking for visitors. From 8 June there will be changes to where and when people can park. Some carparks from Cenotaph Road and the museum circuit are being permanently removed and we’re introducing access restrictions to Titoki Street carpark.

Gates are being installed at the Titoki Street car park and will be used to limit access to the free, time restricted 130 parking spaces during weekdays. The gates will open at 9.30am and close at 10pm, Monday to Thursday and will remain open over the weekend. The change in access will be trialed over the next year before a final decision on these changes is made. There is no change at this stage to the remaining 430 free, time restricted carparks in the Auckland Domain.

As a member of the Committee I’m very supportive of this positive step towards meeting Council’s obligations under the Auckland Domain Act 1987 “to make the Domain available as a place of public recreation and enjoyment” but it will take more radical changes to end the vehicle domination of our premier park. No one expects to drive through internationally renowned parks such as Hyde Park or Central Park or to park all day for free. We can aspire for so much better for our previous green spaces too. (PIPPA COOM)  PN pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

When a strong result is expected, experience matters.

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LOCAL NEWS

Te Wananga downtown public space

- LOCAL BOARD CHAIR RICHARD NORTHEY: WAITEMATA The Waitematā Local Board met on 18 May. We heard from and formally expressed thanks to Sally-Anne Kerr, the retiring executive director of The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC) about the great work they are doing for community development and community arts.

We debated and agreed to detailed submissions from the Board on the Regional Land Transport Programme with us advocating major changes to reduce carbon emissions from transport in Auckland, more provision for public and active transport, better urban design and streetscapes and quality consultation with the community on their projects.

We made grants to many worthwhile locally based organisations either to help them with the costs of their accommodation in our area or for valuable community work and projects they intend to carry out.

We recommended the local business associations’ targeted rates and commented on council’s draft economic development plan: the 10-year Recovery Budget.

The Downtown carpark is subject to redevelopment, and we sought the right balance between it providing for a choice in transport modes, and appropriate activation with office space and a mix of residential accommodation.

We unanimously resolved to oppose the rezoning and sale of pocket parks at 45 Georgina Street and 60 Cooper Street in favour of retaining them for public use and enjoyment.

We reviewed our Waitemata- Local Board portfolios and created a portfolio - outcomes to reflect what is a new outcome in our recently released of Maori Waitemata- Local Board Plan. We appointed member Kerrin Leoni of Ngati Paoa as the portfolio holder. Our other portfolio holders were reaffirmed.

I went on a tour of the new downtown facilities at the bottom of Queen Street: Te Komititanga Square, the new Quay Street lined with mature pohutukawa trees; Te Wananga, the new plaza on the seaward side of Quay Street and the new ferry wharves.

Thank you for all of you who gave feedback on the Auckland Council’s proposed Long-Term Plan and Budget. The Waitemata- Local Board members and staff carefully read the views and ideas coming from you the people, and organisations we represent in this area.

On 4 May we had a special meeting to decide on what to advocate to the governing body on 12 May. There, we took your views into account in our presentation, supporting greater action on climate change, more spending on cleaning up our harbour and streams, action to make our roads safer, particularly around schools, and an early restoration of the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium for the public, and creation of a public plaza and park at 254 Ponsonby Road.

Our next Board Meeting will be on Tuesday 15 June held at the WaitemataLocal Board Office at 52 Swanson Street, Covid willing. People can take PN part either in person or by Skype. (RICHARD NORTHEY)  I can be contacted at 021 534 546 or at richard.northey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

We thanked Kerrin Leoni for her work and support to the Board and community as she stepped down as Deputy Chair and welcomed member Alex Bonham to her planned succession to that position until the end of the Board’s term next year.

It is intended to reopen the forest on the eastern side of the Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Orea Park in a few months now the aging pines have been taken out. Then the regeneration and planting of a native forest, with community participation, will be progressed.

I enjoyed a number of the events and presentations at Auckland’s wonderful Writers’ Festival in May. There was also the celebration of the commencement of the Community Recovery and Recycling Centre in Western Springs, the opening of Freda Barnes Plaza in Wynyard Quarter, and the launch of the Dame Whina Cooper tunnelling machine to bore out the Central Rail Link tunnels.

I enjoyed being the speaker at Ewelme historic house, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its opening to the Auckland public.

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

Te Komitiitanga Square opening event

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PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

17

LOCAL NEWS

JOHN ELLIOTT: WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL PARTY STAND FOR IN 2021? HOW DOES IT MAKE A COMEBACK? National is not the first major political party in the democratic world to be in the doldrums. Nor will it be the last.

The countries most like us are Britain and Australia. Each has two major parties, historically called left-wing and right-wing.

versus renewable, roads versus rail and public transport. But what about the influence of leadership on democratic parties?

Along with New Zealand, all three have a “Labour Party” left- wing. All have similar right-wing parties; in Britain it’s the Conservatives, in Australia it’s the Liberals and in New Zealand it’s National. We three all come from the British “Westminister tradition” of parliamentary democracy.

Britain still has a right-wing government, although a gentler one than before. This was partly because Corbyn, the Labour leader, was seen as unelectable. Similarly in Australia, Labour had a leader perceived as very weak and thus virtually unelectable, Bill Shorten. Scott Morrison won almost by default. So if National can sort out its leadership problem, could it romp back to power?

In all three countries the political pendulum has swung gently left and then gently right for a very long time.

Take New Zealand - National was formed in 1935, as an amalgamation of the Liberal and Reform Parties. Labour was already a contender and it achieved power in 1939, governing throughout the Second World War and crucially introducing the “Welfare State “ to New Zealand. National first took power in 1949.

For the next 35 years National and Labour alternated as Government, without either party dismantling the welfare state. National tended to support business and farmers, Labour was wedded to the unions and to protecting workers’ rights.

Drastic change came to New Zealand in the 1980s, when Labour, with Roger Douglas as Finance Minister, introduced neo-liberalism to the country. Followed assiduously by National’s Ruth Richardson, the ‘State’ became a dirty word, and we were told by neo-liberals that the free market should rule. State assets were sold off, including energy companies and New Zealand Railways. Inequality and poverty exploded in New Zealand, as it did in the USA, Britain and Australia. (see The Spirit Level, by Wilkinson & Pickett). Right-wing governments had a field day while the social implications bit hard.

Now, in the 2020s, neo-liberalism has been discredited around the world.

Read Frenchman Thomas Picketty’s, Capital in the 21st Century.

So, in New Zealand up until the 1980s we had a fairly benign pair of parties who fought out issues within a firm set of democratic parameters, and were never poles apart. That must auger well for a National Party comeback relatively soon surely. Not necessarily.

Times have changed, and the 2020s sees the Labour Party strengthened by younger, mainly women, and a vigorous ethnic mix. National is still saddled with too many older white males who are on the wrong side of history on many 2020 issues, including climate change, oil and gas

But remember Norman Kirk; a charismatic leader, who led Labour to a stunning victory in 1972, promptly died, and left a weak successor, Bill Rowling, who rolled over submissively to Robert Muldoon in 1975. National has discussed leadership succession. John Key just suddenly upped and left, leaving Bill English right in it. English, like Cullen and Palmer was an excellent number-two-man, but without real leadership qualities or ambition. Lange dropped Palmer in it too. Helen Clark groomed no successor, and Labour had every David in the phone book as leader until they settled on Jacinda Ardern.

But it’s not just about Collins versus Bridges versus Luxon versus a comeback Key. It’s about what the National Party stands for in the 2020s.

The leadership issue will sort itself out. That’s all about timing.

Where’s the talk about policy, or principles or philosophy for that matter. Do they still believe in equal opportunity for all, a fair and just society? Do they still have the mantra used prior to 80s neo-liberalism that National believes in: private enterprise but will look after “ the old, the young, the sick, and the underprivileged”. What role do they see for the State in the 2020s? Should it help to curb excessive inequality, and to root out poverty?

Labour has a huge task post-Covid to reduce inequality and poverty. It has made a start. A budget out by the time the Ponsonby News reaches you may help, but National has shown little attempt to join in the fight of producing a more equal society - where the 1% isn’t running away with all the cream while many cannot put a decent meal on the table for their tamariki. Are National capable of forming a well functioning social democracy?

Listen to The Right Honourable Sir Edmund Thomas, retired judge of the Court of Appeal, who said just a few years ago, “New Zealand will never again be a fair and just society until it rids itself of the last vestiges of neo-liberalism.”

PN Can National help to do that? (JOHN ELLIOTT) 

Photography: Everall Deans, Ponsonby Business Association

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2A/128 Customs Street West Just Listed

Seaside, Space, Style, Sophistication 4

3

3

296m2 Gabriela Galateanu Licensee Salesperson 020 4141 3853 gabriela.galateanu@raywhite.com PREMIER MEMBER 20-21

André Boddé Licensed Real Estate Agent 021 662 873 andre.bodde@raywhite.com ALAN WHITE

P E R F O R M E R 20 - 21

Offering views over the harbour and in one of the city’s most vibrant locations, this apartment in The Parc offers luxury and liveability in the heart of the Viaduct precinct.

Spanning 296m2 and more akin to a large home than an apartment, the lifestyle-led floorplan sees living, dining and kitchen positioned to the north of the residence, and bedrooms to the south. They are separated by secure lift access and a private lobby, which leads you intuitively to the spacious living and dining area with designer gas fireplace for the cooler months and a direct flow to covered al fresco dining come summer. Outdoor entertaining is a given thanks to an integrated barbecue and stone benches, with prep easily taken care of in the showstopping kitchen.

Add to this triple car parking along with storage and even a workshop space, and you have a cityside residence with all the space and essential elements of a house, but in a secure, luxury development. With access to The Parc’s 4,000m2 of spectacularly landscaped gardens and just minutes’ from the exciting Britomart and Wynyard precincts and their world class retail and dining, this property presents a rare opportunity to secure your slice of this prestigious address.

Gabriela Galateanu Licensee Salesperson 020 4141 3853 gabriela.galateanu@raywhite.com

PREMIER MEMBER 20-21

Deep knowledge meets high standards

André Boddé Licensee Salesperson 021 662 873 andre.bodde@raywhite.com ALAN WHITE

P E R F O R M E R 20 - 21

SOLD

St Marys Bay

4

2

3

3

2

1

SOLD

35/143 Quay Street, Auckland Central

H2/135 Halsey Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010 | 09 308 5511 | wynyardquarter.nz@raywhite.com | City Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

LOCAL NEWS

CHLÖE SWARBRICK: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP This year, Matariki will set on 2 June to rise again from 2 to 10 July. The star cluster, known in Western science as Pleiades, signals the Māori New Year.

Half the year on from the height of summer, this reflection on where we’ve come from, celebration of where we’re at, and contemplation of where we’ve got to go offers a profound moment in the midst of crisp winter.

I often think about what it must have been like thirty odd years ago, in the shoes of Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald, talking about something as seemingly novel as global warming. It’s because of their dogged, tireless and composed advocacy that it is now so ‘common sense’ to have due concern for the planet on which we rely on for survival. These historical fights are not always won at the time, and more often than not, they rely on many hands to tend their flowering.

Waitemata- Local Board Chair Richard Northey’s contribution in May’s Ponsonby News spoke of the need for general tree protection and local government’s advocacy for it. As a Member of Parliament’s Environment Select Committee in 2019 during an Amendment to the Resource Management Act, I sought to reinstate just that, but was voted down by all other political parties. The prospect still sits alive in the member’s ballot with a Bill in the name of my colleague, Hon. Eugenie Sage.

Such is the way of campaigning. Things don’t happen overnight; when it feels they do, it’s often because the long march to the finish line has been largely invisible in the mainstream. This past month’s Budget, launched by Minister of Finance Grant Robertson on Thursday 20 May, felt a bit like that. With healthy investment in public transport, support for the lowest income New Zealanders and a transformative commitment to recycling funds from pollution into green, regenerative projects, our future is very paved by the decisions we’ve made today, just as our present is informed by the work done by those before us.

Please get in touch if we can help you with local issues 09 302 0166 chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz

We’ve still so much more work to do. If we want to ensure every child in this country grows up with the opportunity to follow their dreams; if we want a stable climate with predictable summers, winters and the crops in between; if we’re to invest in a city we can all get around with ease.

One of the many examples of our future potential is Richmond Road School, the country’s only school with four ‘official’ languages: Te Reo Maori, French, Samoan and English. If we can rally Government to fund some necessary new buildings for its young students, we ensure a thriving environment for the learning and mixing of ideas.

Among those great opportunities are weaknesses, like the cruelty of an immigration system that refuses to allow families to reconcile. After our Auckland Central office has tried individually to process dozens of applications that will not fit through a disjointed bureaucracy, it’s time for systemic change. Please do join me at 3pm on Saturday 12 June at Freeman’s Bay Hall, along with Green Immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March. This isn’t a moment to gripe or to lay blame, but to create the overwhelming mandate for change. Because, at the end of the day, how do you facilitate political change?

We build a community unwilling to accept anything less.

PN (CHLÖE SWARBRICK)  www.greens.org.nz/chloe_swarbrick

Auckland Council - 09 301 0101 COVID-19 advice from Healthline 0800 358 5453 Healthline: General health advice 0800 611 116 Inland Revenue - 0800 257 777 Ministry of Social Development 0800 559 009 Need to talk? Free counselling helpline - Phone or text 1737

Chlöe Swarbrick MP for Auckland Central

Authorised by Chlöe Swarbrick, Parliament Buildings Wellington

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Growing up, his father owned a furniture store where he worked after school sweeping floors and arranging stock. He watched as dad greeted customers, started a friendly chat then almost by ‘accident’ sold them something.

Today Chris does what dad did make people feel comfortable.

How do properties differ up here?

There are many similarities – the character homes of Remuera and Fendalton, the cutting edge architecture of new builds in Greater Ponsonby and Merivale. However, the key difference is the height and scale of Auckland’s inner-city and vibrant waterfront versus Christchurch’s low-rise developments.

I’m captivated by the energy and pace of the projects in Wynyard Quarter.

Now, with 16+ year’s experience in the Garden City of Christchurch where some of our country’s biggest challenges have shaken us all Chris realised his best attributes have helped him succeed.

You have a great reputation in Christchurch does it feel like it is translating to Auckland?

Thank you, I built a strong referral-based business over 16 years in the Garden City and look forward to building that momentum in the City of Sails! Transitioning to my new home and work area is about consistently doing the right thing and simply be a decent human being every day.

Stay calm, be kind and lend an ear.

What was your first job, career or business?

Well, it’s no wonder I like making people feel comfortable because I started out my working life as an upholsterer. I spent many years in the furniture industry restoring, recreating and designing classic furniture, as seen in this photo.

How did you end up at Ray White Wynyard Quarter?

Family holidays and getaways have been spent in and around Auckland and I’ve developed a love for the region. My wife Diane surprised me with a night at the Park Hyatt Hotel, in the morning I spotted a Ray White office directly across the road, so I walked in, asked if they were hiring and to my delight we all clicked so the next thing we knew we were moving to Auckland.

City Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

Sit back and chat with Chris Lewis

How are you dealing with our famous traffic?

Let’s face it - all of New Zealand has a car culture so it’s no surprise that with more people there are more cars, so I’ve been expecting it. But I’m spoilt - from home I can walk the harbour suburbs and waterfront to get to the office or visit clients. I haven’t had the bumper-to-bumper experience yet!

What does it take to keep up the sales?

At the end of the day preparation equals performance, so I always go back to what my upholstery craft taught me - prepare a solid framework, build up the required layers and lastly, arrange the final details. But mostly I just love bringing people together so that everyone wins.

Auckland gets a pretty bad rap sometimes so are you feeling welcomed in the Big Smoke?

Everyone is so friendly, when you grow up with the rivalry thing between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand, it’s easy to be guilty of a bias. Now I’m happy to eat humble pie and shout from the rooftops ‘Aucklanders are awesome!’

Christchurch has had a tough go of it in the last decade - and the whole country has felt it too - what lesson can be learned from what Christchurch went through?

Leadership and support are the key words that describe how we got through, from a national, local government and workplace level we were incredibly grateful. It was an amazing example of kiwis doing what kiwis do best, rallying around with resources and directing them to the front line.

You have had a staggering 920 listings which seems like a considerable amount.

Very proud of those numbers, I find it fascinating that almost exactly 50% were auctions and 50% exclusive listings so yes, I have learned a thing or two, but you’ll still see me at every training session.

Chris Lewis Licensee Salesperson Ray White Wynyard Quarter chris.lewis@raywhite.com M 027 405 0287 rwwynyardquarter.co.nz

LOCAL NEWS

JOHN ELLIOTT: PROPOSED WEALTH TAX DOESN’T FIT During the US Presidential primaries last year I supported Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren for the Democratic nomination.

She didn’t win for several reasons. She was regarded as too left wing, she was regarded as too old (she is about seven years younger than Joe Biden), she was a bit schoolmarmish (she had been a teacher and a law professor).

Still, without a CGT, and without more progressive income tax rates, something is needed if we are to return New Zealand to a more fair and just society.

So, I supported Elizabeth Warren, why not our Green Party?

I was attracted to much of her philosophy, and her policy platform, but here I want to talk about her wealth tax proposal.

I strongly supported Warren’s wealth tax which she pushed pretty hard. It proposed a 2% annual tax on anyone with assets over $50 million. Warren set out in detail what this could accomplish for the poorest of Americans, and it was very persuasive. There are a large number of Americans with assets well above $50 million.

I attended the Green Party launch of its poverty package before our election last year, and then just a couple of weeks ago I attended a Fabian Society lecture on housing and taxation by two well known left wing economists, Susan St John and Terry Bauchier.

I was surprised to hear at the Fabian Society the proposed ‘Fair Economic Return’ method, a wealth tax by another name, and almost identical to the Green Party one. Both are well meaning attempts to level the waka somewhat, as inequality and poverty have got out of hand in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

At both meetings I heard about the aggregation of wealth in the hands of the one percent, and the first decile of citizens too.

At the Fabian meeting other taxes were canvassed, including the now much maligned capital gains tax. I think it a huge mistake for Jacinda Ardern to have ruled it out as long as she was leader. Bright line tests or not, if someone buys and sells property as a living and makes a profit on it, they should pay tax like anyone else does where they work to sell goods or services at a profit.

But the Fabian lecturers and the Green Party hierarchy both settled on a wealth tax.

Wealth taxes have been on the decline around the world, with fewer countries using them. Some countries have watered them down so much with exemptions they bring in little revenue. Clever accounting, and trading in overseas jurisdictions has hidden much wealth from the tax man too.

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

The targeted asset level was set too low. Mainly because of house price inflation, hundreds of Aucklanders I know, and many other New Zealanders are now living in multi-million dollar homes through no fault of their own. Some can sell up and move to the provinces, taking a lump of cash out of their Auckland home. Others love their home, their proximity to friends and family and don’t want to move.

These fixed income families are already burdened by increasing rates, maintenance and insurance. They are virtually renting their homes now.

Every home around the central city is now worth one, two, three, or more million dollars. The Greens proposed exempting the first million dollars - two million for a couple.

That still left couples on pensions only (some with small nest eggs earning almost no interest), possibly paying $10,000 a year on their 2.5 million dollar home and a $500K family bach.

People were told they could defer payment until the sale of the property.

That’s just a disinheritance tax. Another hazard-if one partner dies, the surviving one has only one million exemption, not two.

Now these sound big numbers, but a million dollar property is now just a national average price. Millionaires are two a penny, and many have little or no income.

Introduce a capital gains tax, increase income tax brackets for the thousands of people earning two, three or more hundred thousand dollars.

Finally, do introduce a wealth tax, but like Elizabeth Warren proposed, set it high enough to avoid pensioners who have a highly valued house through no effort of their own - just through rampant house inflation.

The New Zealand level - exempt the first five million dollars.

PN (JOHN ELLIOTT)  PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

GREY LYNN’S BID FOR PROGRESS Grey Lynn and Around, the Grey Lynn Business Association, is moving to become a Business Improvement District (BID).

All the other city fringe business areas – Ponsonby, Newmarket, Karangahape Road and Kingsland – are BIDs. Grey Lynn and Around is the exception. We’ve resolved to attempt to fix this.

At present we’re funded by voluntary member subscriptions and small grants from the council. A lot of our work is done by volunteers.

While it is great to be in an organisation of businesses helping businesses, we are unable to deliver the range of programmes, promotion and support for businesses in Grey Lynn, compared to other city fringe areas.

We have a great and unique vision. Seeing business, community sustainability and environment coming together in a sweet spot will ensure Grey Lynn is New Zealand’s best place to live and work. But we need to be better resourced to make this happen. So, we are now on a two-year journey to become a BID, which means predictable funding each year as part of the rate. We have the support of the Waitemata- Local Board and we will now be going out to all local businesses in the Grey Lynn area to discuss how a BID could be best structured to work for the area.

We are not rushing this – we need to get it right. We look forward to working with our local businesses on this exciting step. If you want to get involved, go to our web site and get in touch.

While this is going on, we are continuing to work for the community.

Partnering with Auckland Unlimited, we will be delivering the local Elemental Food Festival. We are planning a series of Saturday night markets in July, with multiple food trucks, entertainment, crafts and arts, plus special signature dishes from local eateries.

success. Andrew, Neil and the team at 606 Great North Road are now developing a start-up Eco Market in Grey Lynn village. They have held one successful event and are looking to make this regular, and to complement the farmers’ market. We are supporting this venture with local promotion. It is great to see local business bring vitality and culture to our streets. We all benefit.

Earlier this month we held a well-attended business accelerator event with speakers from Auckland Transport, the Grey Lynn Residents Association (GLRA) and ourselves talking about making Great North Road a safer and better place.

A huge thanks to Liz Mitchell Designs and Pearl at 149 Great North Road, who hosted the event. The resident’s association and Auckland Transport each put forward their vision for the development of Great North Road and local businesses were able to ask questions, challenge and debate ideas.

The future of Great North Road is of critical importance to the Grey Lynn community supporting intensification and businesses as well as enabling multi-modal efficient safe transport. We are concerned the Auckland Transport plan is not aspirational or visionary enough. Getting the upgrade right can turn the road from a bleak and windswept corridor into a place that is people friendly and is a catalyst for high quality regeneration of the Great North Road ridge.

The alternative is to lock in a second-rate solution for a generation.

This is a huge opportunity to get urban planning and our roading right. We want Great North Road to be a gateway to Auckland we can all be proud of.  PN www.greylynn-around.com

We are also helping to expand Grey Lynn as a market destination.

The Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is already an icon and a huge

Photos are from our highly successful event 5 May 2021.

PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

25

SOLD

Boundary lines are indicative only

14 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby

Sold by auction

100% a vendors agent.

Acutely tuned into the local market.

Another record sales result in Ponsonby.

Experience is essential...

Jason Trowbridge 021 358 888

jtrowbridge.ponsonby@ljhooker.co.nz LJ Hooker Ponsonby 09 376 7530 Licensed Agent REAA 2008

All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

36 Crummer Road, Grey Lynn

4

2

5

Unique Opportunity - Palm Springs Modernist Style In the lap of luxury this one of a kind Grey Lynn Penthouse apartment is over 300m , including two large covered decks, plus a 100m (approx.) garage/ 2

2

workshop to tinker about in. Positioned on a corner site, the North West facing

sunny elevated aspect is overlooking this popular central suburb with only a few minutes stroll to Ponsonby and Karangahape Road.

Built of solid concrete construction, enjoying a very high end fit out, like the amazing copper feature gas fireplace and grand entrance into the home

Deadline sale Thursday 24th June, 5pm (unless sold prior) View Sat & Sun 12-12:30pm ljhooker.co.nz/ C06GUK

reinvigorating Palm Springs modernist architecture, and a spa pool on one of

the entertaining decks. Set up as three comfortable bedrooms, which include

a sumptuous owners suite and interconnecting ensuite bathroom. The media room could easily be used as a fourth bedroom if required. This could be an

excellent lock up and leave, or maybe perfect for a home based business. You will be impressed with what this remarkable property has to offer.

Steven Glucina 021 888 455 sglucina.ponsonby@ljhooker.co.nz Dee McDade 021 448 832 dmcdade.ponsonby@ljhooker.co.nz LJ Hooker Ponsonby 09 376 7530 Licensed Agent REAA 2008

All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

LOCAL NEWS

Anzac Day services at Grey Lynn RSC Every April Ponsonby News attends the annual Anzac Day service at the Grey Lynn Returned Services Club. It’s a time to reflect and pay our respects to our armed services. The club tell us that the last Anzac Day over 2000 people attended to support the club.

JOHN ELLIOTT: SAVING AND REDEVELOPING GREY LYNN RETURNED SERVICES CLUB RSAs around New Zealand are struggling to survive. Our old veterans are dying, and some clubs have failed to adapt.

Not Grey Lynn. Manager, Kris Hall, has ensured they move ahead with the times, and will not be caught out like other local clubs.

Since Kris and his staff’s modernising actions, turnover has increased three fold. Younger people have been particularly welcomed, and are always asked to join. Membership is compulsory for frequent attendance.

Kris reckons people these days need a reason to go to the pub, so they have introduced a plethora of activities every day of the week. Since quiz nights, DJ nights, and other music events have been introduced good quality wines have been in demand, something oldies told Kris would never happen.

The functions room upstairs is in constant use. Kris amusingly told me that last year so many people missed out on a good 40th, 50th or 60th birthday party, because of Covid-19, he now has a number of 41st, 51st and 61st lined up for this year. Kris’s is one of those - I won’t say which one!

Kris Hall stressed to us that he and his staff respect the Honours Board at the club and the club’s history and raison d’etre.

Anzac Day this year was a huge success. Mayor Phil Goff was a guest speaker. Also present were Labour MP Helen White and National MP Melissa Lee. Over 2000 people attended during the day.

No, we have not forgotten.

Dress rules have been amended somewhat, without any detriment to behaviour and decorum. It has made some young people feel more welcome.

Kris Hall told Ponsonby News they will entertain any group who can add to the flavour of the club. There is something on every day of the week.

New Caterer, Ben’s Kitchen, produces food Wednesday to Saturday.

Ben is a Grey Lynn super star. He made No. 6 in the 2014 Australian Masterchef series. No bookings - so get there early.

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

I’m a life member, but had just about forgotten the camaradie at the club until I visited again several times lately. The Grey Lynn Returned Services Club is in good hands, and serving our community very well.

There are a variety of events on all week, so no excuse not to call in for a pint and check out the menu, food or music.

Grey Lynn RSC is open every day from 11am. Joining fee is just $30 per year. Call Kris Hall anytime for more information. There is PN something new happening every week. (JOHN ELLIOTT) 

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

JOHN ELLIOTT: HELP MIGHT BE ON THE WAY FROM THE EPA TOWARDS BANNING GLYPHOSATE IN NZ I’ve been fighting for a while to get what is now regarded as a ‘human carcinogen’-glyphosate banned from New Zealand. Many others have been fighting the battle for much longer.

Glyphosate is the active weed killing component in Roundup, and a number of other products. It is now banned in a number of countries around the world, and previous owner Monsanto, and new owner Bayer of Germany, have already shelled out billions of dollars in costly court actions to families whose loved ones have died of cancer after using glyphosate.

Bayer bought the rights to glyphosate from Monsanto for - wait for it - 64 billion dollars in cash.

The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is finally seeking feedback on glyphosate use in New Zealand. It won’t admit it, but it has been partly held back by using the USA EPA as its goto organisation. The USA EPA has been accused of collusion with Monsanto, helping to publish articles saying glyphosate is perfectly safe, and they should now be ignored.

So now, we at Ponsonby News urge you to put a submission in to our EPA calling for glyphosate to be banned, at the very least from our streets, parks, berms, school gates and public walk ways. If you, or someone you know, has had their health compromised by contact with glyphosate, please tell the EPA.

Glyphosate is still used extensively on Auckland street berms, in parks and reserves, outside school gates, and on sports fields. It is important to stress that it is not only Roundup which contains glyphosate. There are 60 or 70 other commercial products which do too.

We personally had a landscaper doing some work on our section. He said he would spray first, to make the clean up easier. I specifically told him - No glyphosate. He told me he used an organic glyphosate-free spray. When the weeds died so spectacularly, I was very suspicious.

Sure enough, the weedicide he used said ‘organic, glyphosate free’ but the fine print on the pack said ‘includes glyphosate’. It wasn’t him that was being deceptive, it is the bloody producer of this cancer causing product, hidden away in so many weed killer products.

Let’s hope our EPA gets the full story from users, and the abused, and bans this deadly product. Sometimes cancers take 30, 40 years to come to light. How many of our young are we allowing to absorb this dangerous product, who may be ingesting a carcinogen which will eventually kill them.

The head of hazardous substances at our EPA is Dr Chris Hill. Here is PN the EPA email: glyphosate@epa.govt.nz (JOHN ELLIOTT) 

THE LIFE CENTRE Multi-dimensional Well Being

A Sanctuary for Soul, Mind and Body Open Day Saturday 26 June 10am – 3pm.

88 Jervois Road, Herne Bay. Come and sit in our pyramid meditation room, contemplate our large and extraordinary garden crystals, or book a life enhancing session with one of our 15 experienced, literally, ‘out of this world’ practitioners.

“Restore the spirit and the rest will follow” We look forward to welcoming you. www.thelifecentre.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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Photography: Jamie Cobel

LOCAL NEWS

MOVE INTO YOUR BRAND NEW LUXURY HOME SOON Jervois & Lawrence on the corner of Jervois Road and Lawrence Street, a new landmark high up on the Herne Bay ridge, is almost complete.

Designed to take full advantage of its elevated position, the 28 luxury apartments offer an intriguing variety of harbour, city, and volcanic Auckland views. Every part of the build has been fastidiously designed, from the elegant, timeless stone facade through to every inch of the luxurious interiors. Jervois & Lawrence is the best of the best.

Rich interiors for luxury living crafted in partnership with Matisse showcase exquisite kitchens, bathrooms and wardrobes designed by a collection of the world’s most renowned designers.

The prize possession is the Arclinea kitchen designed by the great Antonio Citterio; be the owner of an entertainer’s dream and professional chef’s kitchen at home. The elegance of Convivium doors combined with the warmth of a back wall and island in American walnut is offset by the clean lines of white lacquer drawers.

Natural stone vanities with lacquered negative handle doors from Ideagroup, feature in the bathrooms. Wardrobes by MisuraEmme

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exude luxury, featuring Italian Bronzo doors with Panama Grey internals and a full length bronze split handle detail.

Matisse offers a complimentary design consultation and an exclusive package to purchasers to furnish their new apartment with lounge, dining, bedroom, lighting, and outdoor furniture from the world’s leading brands including B&B Italia, Cassina, Rimadesio, Herman Miller, Vitra and more.

It is not too late to secure your new home from the remaining beautiful apartments available in Jervois & Lawrence. Two-bedroom apartments starting from $1,690,000.

To arrange a time to view the show apartment, please phone Aaron Cook 021 612 642, Alex Kramarenko 021 049 4824, or Luke Shi 021 137 6845.  PN www.barfoot.co.nz/805657

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

NEW RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS SET TO ELECTRIFY KINGSLAND A new collection of 33 boutique residential apartments have been announced for the heart of Kingsland. Located on the ridge line at 445 New North Road, The Electric is bringing a distinctly different approach to apartment living in one of Auckland’s most vibrant communities.

Based on the concept of ‘live differently’, The Electric has been designed to acknowledge and to be suited to the diverse personalities that make up the central Auckland suburb.

Designed by an award-winning architectural team led by Simon Woodall, director at Chow:Hill, the concept for The Electric was originally born in 2016.

“Our team, including Katie Dickens, Amy Land and myself, wanted to create an apartment complex that set itself apart from the neighbouring developments. The Electric has been designed to capture the essence of Kingsland, a suburb that embraces both heritage and modernity, a community of forward thinking, design savvy residents.

“The architectural language of the building took clues from our observations of bold, high profile multi-residential developments in Australia, most notably around the Sydney foreshore. We wanted to produce a piece of design that simultaneously felt at home in Kingsland and yet stood out in the middle of a constantly evolving, energetic neighbourhood,” says Woodall.

The L shaped building has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate green space and beautiful outlooks in every direction. Unique features include climbing greenery and floor to ceiling glass bifold or sliding doors to the outside face of balcony spaces which allow these to be enclosed and used as sunrooms or outdoor living spaces interchangeably.

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The proudly unconventional building design offers multiple floor plan options to suit a variety of lifestyles with several boasting sunsoaked terraces that look west towards the Waitakere Ranges. With expansive outdoor terraces, sunrooms, contemporary interiors and designer kitchens with integrated appliances, The Electric has been created with entertaining in mind. The lush climbing greenery, private outdoor spaces and spectacular views provide a refreshing retreat from city fringe living.

The residence also includes a Japanese inspired Zen garden with a water feature and green wall to complement the raw and refined materials that speak to the historic streetscapes Kingsland is known for.

Apartments range from 50 to 155sqm, excluding outdoor spaces, with layout options that include studios, one, two and three bedroom units and a rooftop garden penthouse of 667sqm which boasts a 360 degree view across Auckland and an extensive outdoor terrace. All apartments have single or tandem car parks and full height storage units have been allocated for the one, two and three bedroom units. Bike storage and motorbike parking bays are also available.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 with purchasers taking up residence in early 2024.

The Electric’s on-site showroom will be open from June at 445 New North Road. Prices range from $695,000 to $2.75M+ and the garden penthouse is POA. Register your interest at www.theelectric.co.nz.  PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Flow Padded Armchair with Rock Table designed by Jean Marie Massaud and Random Bookcase designed by Neuland Industrie Design. For all enquiries, please email design@matisse.co.nz or visit www.matisse.co.nz Auckland 99 The Strand, Parnell +64 9 302 2284 | Christchurch 134 Victoria Street +64 3 366 0623 | Queenstown 179a Glenda Drive +64 21 246 9980

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LOCAL NEWS

PONSONBY U3A: MAY 2021 A slice of Auckland life in the month of May. Ponsonby U3A featured another delight this month - a stirring presentation by Wayne Brittenden. A local these days, café philosophy facilitator, an award-winning journalist and broadcaster, and a film buff, Wayne has also written a book, The Celluloid Circus: The Heyday of the New Zealand Picture Theatre 1925-1970, a richly informative and often hilarious record of a crucial part of our social history.

Wayne whirled his attentive U3A audience from Tokyo to China, from Rome to Copenhagen and then to London, outlining his exciting work as a foreign correspondent for international media. Wonderful stories and anecdotes abounded as he met with many prominent leaders and influencers. Some accounts were hilarious, some revealing about personas, and some downright disillusioning about the ‘heroes’ of the time.

As for many foreign correspondents, his research and ‘probings’ uncovered uncomfortable facts and issues so that sometimes he was exposed to danger, occasionally necessitating a speedy exit from a country. Undoubtedly the work of some journalists can make a difference. For example, in Ethiopia, there was a scandal about agricultural pesticides sold unnecessarily to peasant farmers with labels only in foreign languages. A two-week jeep trip with a camera crew revealed that the containers for the unused toxic chemicals were seeping into the soil and waterways. Live on BBC World Service radio, Wayne subsequently confronted the director of the global organisation of manufacturers who finally agreed to clean up the poisons. All in all, Wayne’s was a lively, informative, and riveting account of a life well spent as a correspondent.

Dr Colin Harvey, a member of U3A, gave us a stimulating and positive presentation entitled, Resource Full NZ. A Londoner by birth, Colin at 10 years’ old went on a council paid vacation to the Kentish coast collecting fossils. The idea of being at work while doing something of interest sparked his life-long commitment to geology. Studying geology and chemistry at the University of Auckland, he began his career with Crown Lynn Potteries, spending the next 15 years

developing New Zealand industrial resource and assisting developing countries to identify and develop their natural resources. In the next 20 years, as New Zealand deregulated, he changed direction from minerals into geothermal energy, consulting and teaching internationally in over 20 countries, particularly those on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Back in New Zealand, he became manager of GNS Science to continue geothermal research. In 2002 geothermal energy was at 6% of generation. Now at close to 18% and increasing, Kiwi expertise in the resource is in great demand for developing nations.

New Zealand has a target of 90% renewables and the mix currently is 60% hydro, wind and solar 6% (all vulnerable to climate change) and the balance natural gas or coal. On a positive note, Colin asserts there is potential to grow geothermal energy to 30% which puts New Zealand in a strong position to be self sufficient with 90% renewable electricity generation.

Ponsonby U3A holds a general meeting each month and hosts a guest speaker with topics ranging widely over social, political, scientific, economic, cultural and health issues of the day. It is a great meeting place to stimulate the mind and/or flex the muscles and most importantly to make new friends. Opportunities abound to learn and share knowledge and skills. Special interest groups cover nearly 30 different special interest areas, and it is in these small groups where friendships are forged.

Visitors are always welcome to attend monthly meetings but are asked first to telephone, Philippa Tait on T: 027 4523 108.

Guest speaker for June is architect Pete Bossley - Themes, Obsessions, and Ideas in Architecture. (CHRISTINE HART)  PN NEXT MEETING: 10am Friday 11 June, Herne Bay Petanque Club,

Salisbury Street, Herne Bay ENQUIRIES:

Philippa Tait, President, Ponsonby U3A, T: 0274 523 108, www.u3a.nz

LEYS INSTITUTE STATE OF PLAY “Nothing’s happening at the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium – it’s been 18 months since it was closed – what’s the story?”

This is being asked of the Friends of Leys Institute frequently, so here is a quick summary of the state of play.

Council reports from September 2020 to the Local Board say the Leys Institute is fit for purpose, should be strengthened and have library services restored. Waitemata- Local Board fully endorses this and has been advocating for the buildings in its submission to the proposed council Long Term Plan 2021-31.

Many locals and Friends of the Leys Institute members put in submissions to the Long Term Plan in March, asking for funds to be allocated to the Leys.

The Long Term Plan and its budget will be released at the end of June, so until then all we can do is hope that our lobbying has been successful.

Council has analysed all the submissions and reported back to the public. 954 submissions were made from the Waitemata- Local Board area, with 722 comments on investments in community facilities, with specific mention of the Leys Institute a key theme.

We all understand that council finances are constrained, so we’re asking for a commitment from the council to strengthen, restore and return library and community services to the Leys Institute, even if funding is not immediately available.

Councillors held a workshop on 12 May to discuss all the Long Term Plan proposals, and before it, Friends of Leys Institute emailed all councillors, outlining the case for the Leys buildings.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of Friends of Institute can email co-ordinator Helen Geary at heleng@maxnet.co.nz, and follow the Friends of Leys Institute Facebook page.  PN

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

JOHN ELLIOTT:

WESTERN SPRINGS TREE MASSACRE... GOING GOING GONE...

Wanton destruction of the already regenerating under storey of native trees in Western Springs forest a disgrace as our planet faces apocalypse.

If ever there was a local example of American environmentalist Gus Speth’s fears for human existence, the devastation of the native forest at Western Springs is a classic.

Speth said, “I used to think the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and climate change. But I was wrong.

“The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy and to deal with these we need a spiritual and cultural transformation and we scientists don’t know how to do that.”

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Speth would be devastated by the chainsaw massacre occurring in the Western Springs forest, and like me would blame the bureaucrats who have pushed for it, and the politicians who allowed this.

A convenient lie has been built up that Western Springs forest action is actually about a native restoration project.

It is not. It is about the wanton and frightening destruction of an already regenerating native forest. There are thousands of substantial natives in the understorey, and already in building the road in to facilitate extraction, Council has smashed hundreds of these, including 15-20 feet kauri and pohutukawa.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

What with huge fallen pine logs, and smashed regenerating natives, piles of chip and mulch, there will be little room for the supposed 8,000 trees and shrubs planned to replace them. I understand too, that many of the replacements will be native grasses, not trees.

Pippa Coom, our Waitemata- Local Ward Auckland Councillor, continues to support the massacre. She and other elected board members who have aided and abetted this project should know better.

I feel I should return my Good Citizens Award, as I now have so little faith in our local elected members, and have difficulty not being scathingly critical of their performance.

I’m sure hundreds of local citizens would be appalled to see the state of the forest today. Of course it is being police protected 24/7 (at what cost to ratepayers?), so we can only see the evidence which concerned locals have been able to secrete out - photos and drone footage.

And just as I write this piece, the Herald has published an article from the Auckland and Coromandel regional conservation manager for Forest and Bird, Lissy Fehuker-Heather, pleading for an end to the ‘environmental vandalism of our trees’.

She calls on councillors and MPs to return nature amongst us, and instead of turning a blind eye to constant felling, to do their bit for nature.

Fehuker-Heather reports that 80% of our native birds, 88% of lizards, and all our native frogs and bats are threatened with extinction. She further reminds us that David Parker’s RMA reforms must reinstate Auckland’s blanket tree protection rules.

Some environmentalists are saying it’s five to midnight in our fight to save our planet, and yet here in our backyard Council is spending a couple of million dollars of ratepayer money, to destroy a regenerating native forest, in order to plant a new one. It’s a kind of madness I just don’t understand.

The Auckland Council secured a resource consent to fell all the iconic pines in the Western Springs forest.

Dead and dying trees are dealt to as and when necessary on tracks, streets, in parks and reserves all over New Zealand. A few of the Western Springs pines were at the end of their life. Most of the 200 remaining were not. The problem ones could have been removed as and when necessary at considerably less expense than the couple of million plus security costs ratepayers are now up for.

Western Springs pohutukawa stump

There will be rotting pine timber and firewood clogging the forest floor for decades when demolition is complete, with precious little room, when the chainsaw boys finish chipping and mulching, for the tiny native seedling replacements proposed to get traction.

The ungodly mess on the forest floor is a disgrace.

I’m sure locals would be ashamed if they could see it now, but of course they can’t, because it’s policed PN 24/7. (JOHN ELLIOTT)  Western Springs Kauri felled by Council

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LOCAL NEWS

PONSONBY PARK - JUNE UPDATE Not only will Ponsonby Park be a beautiful civic space, but the buildings themselves can play their part in meaningful and ongoing climate change mitigation.

Buildings keep us warm and dry while providing shelter and sanctuary.

Yet our buildings are also responsible for significant climate-changing pollution. Emissions from the construction sector have grown by 66 percent in the past decade with the built environment now being responsible for approximately 20 percent of New Zealand’s carbon footprint. The construction and renovation of buildings in New Zealand pumps out climate changing pollution equivalent to the emissions from one million cars on the road every year.

We need to curtail emissions from the building and construction sector by transforming the way our buildings are designed and built, thereby dramatically reducing our carbon footprint and improving people’s health and wellbeing. This is why the community-led design group would like the new Ponsonby Park buildings to be a zerocarbon, Green Star build that has smarter construction techniques, greater resource efficiency, water and energy savings, and lower running costs. This will deliver a healthier environment for everyone who uses them.

The energy efficiency of a Green Star building can be improved by 20-30 percent, resulting in significantly reduced operating expenses despite only adding a minimal 1-2 percent additional cost to construction. The technology and know-how to do this already exists and includes; better insulation, the inclusion of airtightness and thermal bridging, improved ventilation, mitigation of overheating, and energy efficiency standards.

There are more than 3000 green building projects in New Zealand, including the 15,500 sq/m Fonterra head office in the Wynyard Quarter which gained a 5 Green Star rating for its indoor environment with all-electric heating to deliver low carbon emissions, an energyefficient thermal envelope, building services design, and a water conservation system using rainwater harvesting. This is precisely what the built form of Ponsonby Park, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road, can achieve and contribute to further reduce our climate change emissions.

Ponsonby Park – Bring It On! (JENNIFER WARD)  PN www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

SRW (SCIENCE RESEARCH WELLNESS) LABORATORIES LAUNCH @ FLYING FISH STUDIO, PONSONBY ROAD SRW (Science, Research, Wellness) recently held its brand launch at Flying Fish Studio in Ponsonby introducing the world’s first anti-ageing supplements based on the science of the nine hallmarks of ageing. Its BioAge test which reveals one’s ‘real’ biological cellular age was also revealed. srw.co

Top Row: Simon McManus, Fiona Nagy, Virginia Larson & Ashleigh Cometti; Greg Macpherson looks on as Damien Christie reveals to Yin Zhang her biological age test result. Second Row: Colin Mathura-Jeffree & Damien Christie; crowd at the SRW brand launch. Third Row: Jessica Yu, Imogen Cahill, Michelle Anson & Patric Seng; Caitlin Wigg, Dani Robinson & Trudi Brewer; Fourth Row: Rachel Grunwell & Anna King Shahab; Ayla Surtees, Louise Hilsz PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

KEN RING: WEATHER BY THE MOON AUCKLAND WEATHER DIARY, JUNE 2021 June sees average rain, sunshine and temperatures. The second week is the driest with the most sunshine and is the best week for outdoor activities. The third is overall the wettest week, but most rain may fall at or near 26th. Winds are expected to average from the southwest.

Atmospheric pressures may be highest around the second week. They may average for the month around 1017mbs.

For fishermen, the highest tides are around 26th. The best fishing bite-times in the east are around sunset on 8th-11th, and 23rd-25th.

Chances are also good for around noon of 1st-3rd, 15th-18th, and 30th.

For gardeners, pruning is best between 1st-9th and 27th-30th (waning moon descending), and sowing is best between 14th-24th (waxing moon ascending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, pick crops or flowers on neap tide days of 4th and 18th. Always allow 24-hour PN error for all forecasting. (KEN RING)  For future weather for any date, and the 2021 NZ Weather Almanac, see www.predictweather.com

Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.

@ LEYS LITTLE LIBRARY Kia ora Ponsonby. This June, Auckland Libraries is celebrating We Read Auckland – Ka Pānui Tātau i Tāmaki Makaurau, one place, many stories – he wāhi kotahi, he kōrero rau.

Starting on 31 May and running through till 13 June, We Read - Tatau - i Tamaki Auckland – Ka Panui Makaurau celebrates Auckland’s readers and writers and the stories that bring us together. This free programme of exciting live and online events has something for every reader, featuring your favourite authors, reading champions and family fun at community places and libraries across Tamaki Makaurau Auckland.

Here in Ponsonby, we are celebrating We Read Auckland with a special Storytime at Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop. Come and listen to author (and Aucklander) Melinda Szymanik read her two new books, Moon & Sun and My Elephant is Blue, plus join us for a wee craft activity too. By the end of it you may have your very own blue elephant.

Melinda Szymanik is a writer for children and young adults. She won Children’s Choice with her picture book, The Were-Nana, at the 2009 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards, and Librarians’ Choice for her novel, A Winter’s Day in 1939, at the 2014 LIANZA Children’s Book Awards.

June also signifies that winter is truly here – as is winter solstice, the shortest day of the year on 21 June. This means it’s time to plant garlic, which will be ready to harvest on the longest day of the year. Additionally, it’s time to put into place plans for any Matariki celebrations you may be contemplating. It’s the perfect excuse to

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cook all those Christmas foods you want but really can’t be bothered cooking at the height of a muggy Auckland summer.

If you need inspiration for what to make, let us help with some cookbook suggestions: locally, some of my favourites are Ima Cuisine: An Israeli Mother’s Kitchen by Yael Shochat, Haikai by Monique Fiso, The Recipe: The World’s Finest Chefs and the Essential Classic Recipes for Anyone Who Loves to Cook by Josh Emett. If you want to opt for a vegan/vegetarian celebration, I can recommend Whole Again by Bronwyn Kan, Little Bird Goodness by Megan May and Two Raw Sisters by Rosa and Mago Flanagan.

If you want some more options from across the seas, I suggest anything and everything by Yotam Ottolenghi, Anna Jones and Alison Roman.

Happy mid-winter cooking; or if you are anything like me, you will browse many of these cookbooks but then go to a restaurant for dinner – all the delicious flavours with none of the washing-up.

CHLOË – COMMUNITY LIBRARY MANAGER - Pouarahi, Pataka Korero a-Hapori.

Open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm; Saturday 9am-4pm; Sunday closed.  PN LEYS INSTITUTE LITTLE LIBRARY, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL EXPERTISE DELIVERING RESULTS Greg’s reach in real estate is extensive having listed and sold a variety of properties including apartments, development sites, lifestyle properties and luxury lodges in Auckland and beyond. When it comes to residential property his focus is on the area he knows best – Ponsonby, St Mary’s Bay, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn, Westmere and Point Chevalier.

As one of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty High Achievers for 2020, Greg works in partnership with his clients to achieve outstanding results.

Call Greg for an appraisal of your home.

GREG DENNERLY M +64 21 042 0966 greg.dennerly@nzsir.com

Properties Sold by Greg Dennerly

5 KOTARE AVENUE

WESTMERE

504 / 12 1 CUSTO MS ST R E ET WEST

30 WEST END ROAD

HERNE BAY

43 & 43A ARGYLE STREET

HERNE BAY

41A WRIGHT ROAD

POINT CHEVALIER

DELAMORE LODGE

WAIHEKE ISLAND

nzsothebysrealty.com Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.

Rarotonga photo: unsplash.com

EAT, DRINKWANDERLUST + BE MERRY WINTER

HELENE RAVLICH:

WINTER WANDERLUST

Despite the warmer weather we’ve experienced over the autumn months, there’s no denying that winter is creeping its way in.

Cooler temperatures and longer nights often lend themselves to a little wanderlust, with both ski holidays and fun in the sun now very exciting options thanks to our country’s expert handling of the pandemic and gradually widening international travel bubble. This has got us all dreaming of much-needed escapes, so here’s a little inspiration for your next getaway - be it near or far.

Hawkes Bay A short flight – or leisurely drive - from Auckland, Hawkes Bay is a wonderland all its own whether your passion is great food, fabulous wine or indulging in a little nostalgia. In the heart of wine country, the award-winning Craggy Range’s Giants Winery in Havelock North is most definitely worth a visit for a cellar door tasting or meal in their stellar restaurant. You can also stay a few days and relax in style in one of their glorious accommodation options - the Vineyard and Garden Cottages, or elegant Luxury Lodges.

Also in Hawkes Bay is the art deco capital of New Zealand, picturesque Napier. Stop by for the boutique retail offering or inspired cuisine at the likes of Bistronomy or Mister D, and stay the night at the historic and very cool Art Deco Masonic Hotel Napier.

Right on the waterfront and sporting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, it is also opposite Hawke’s Bay’s MTG (museum) and The Art Deco Centre, so perfectly positioned for making the most of a few days immersing yourself in the 1930s vibe of sunny Napier.

Surprisingly affordable and proudly boutique, it comes highly recommended.

Rotorua Rotorua has been a popular tourist spot in New Zealand for the longest time, and with very good reason. Whether you’re in town to sink into the hot pools, indulge in a spa treatment or get your adrenaline pumping, it’ll keep everyone happy and then some.

Craggy Range Lodge

Boutique accommodation among the vines and under the escarpment of Te Mata Peak is a beautiful place to get away from it all whether you’re a wine lover or not. For me, the ultimate indulgence is spending

a few nights in one of their two-bedroom luxury lodges overlooking the Tukituki River. This is a dream escape with great food and wine mere steps’ away if you really want to kick back.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WINTER WANDERLUST Aro Ha, Queenstown

Must do’s include The Redwoods Treewalk and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, both completely unique to Rotorua. Majestic and really rather magical, the Redwoods Treewalk experience sees you suspended high above the forest floor among 75-metre-tall redwoods, walking across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Wingspan Bird of Prey Centre is a unique conservation programme and a must do for fans of these glorious birds, featuring threatened New Zealand falcons, hawks and owls.

Designed to regenerate your body and mind, Aro Ha’s programs are based on research that suggests we can fundamentally transform our physical and emotional health through our daily habits. Waking to the beautiful chimes of a Tibetan bowl, you begin your day watching the sunrise over the mountains from the yoga studio before tucking into plant-based cuisine and exploring subalpine trails, immersing yourself in the transformative power of nature. From mindfulness to healing bodywork, the magical Aro Ha encourages you to switch off from technology and renew your awareness.

If you’re staying for a few days, treat yourself to a suite at a five-star hotel or a room in a historic hotel like the Prince’s Gate Boutique Hotel, which was built in 1897. Well-known brands such as the Holiday Inn and Accor hotels are also there, most of them conveniently located within the city if you’re travelling with family.

For a vibe all its own, Sherwood, midway between Frankton and Queenstown is a great place to base yourself in the fun loving town.

Set on three hectares of rolling hillside with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the mountains, Sherwood is close enough to Queenstown to walk, bike or catch the bus yet far enough away to be a peaceful oasis.

Queenstown As well as being the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, modern Queenstown is most definitely more than just skiing, skydiving and bars. If you need to reset and recharge, you can’t go past a week on retreat at award-winning Aro Ha near Glenorchy for a totally transformative experience.

Their eco-chic guest rooms traverse the humble luxury of a lakeside studio to the comfort of a one or two bedroom apartment, and you’ll find the sheltered central garden perfect for sun drenched breakfasts and late afternoon cocktails. The surrounding bike track and kitchen gardens are so much fun to explore, before you hit the restaurant for some of Queenstown’s most inspiring fare. The kitchen specialises in fresh, seasonal, soul food harvested from their own kitchen gardens, orchards and surrounding farms, while the bar team curates an ever-changing selection of independent craft beers, fine natural wine, and rare spirits. There are also yoga and meditation instructors on site, plus a selection of massage therapy offerings and an ever-changing line up of live music, film, writers and artists in residence.

Redwood Treewalk, Rotorua photo: unsplash.com

On my wish list is a visit to Treetops Lodge and Estate, which must be one of the true jewels in Rotorua’s crown. Nestled in 2,500 acres of 800-year old native forest, the ecology inspired award-winning lodge is a nature lover’s sanctuary. Located smack bang in the middle of the trout fishing region with rivers, lakes, waterfalls and hiking trails, they also have natural heritage and native wilderness inspired ‘Signature Experiences’ offered daily.

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WINTER WANDERLUST Aro Ha, Queenstown

Wellington Wellington accommodation prices are notoriously inflated, but if you keep an eye out for special packages you can nab a few nights at the likes of the QT Wellington and Naumi for a fun short getaway in the capital.

secrets), or grab the bus to Zealandia, which is a nature haven and definite must do. Go seal spotting at Red Rock Reserve, head over to Wairarapa to visit the home of endangered birds at Pukaha Mount Bruce, or stay closer to town with a wander around the city’s peaceful Botanic Gardens.

As well as just strolling Cuba Street right in the heart of the city, foodies can’t miss a look around Hannahs Laneway, which is the perfect place to taste local flavours. Somewhat of a gourmet’s heaven, thanks to the likes of residents Leeds St Bakery, Wellington Chocolate Factory, Shepherd, Fix & Fogg and Golding’s Free Dive, there are also regular pop-ups, so do your research before you fly.

And no trip to Wellington is complete without a visit to the incredible Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Discover great treasures and stories of our country, its unique natural - culture, art and heritage. And be sure to exit via environment, Maori the gift shop for some beautiful finds.

Sydney Who else is excited about our new bubble fellows across the ditch?

So close but so unavailable for the past year, Sydney is the city that never sleeps.

Wellington photos: unsplash.com

In terms of sightseeing, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour at the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop for a peek into incredible artistry and remarkable Kiwi innovation (as well as a few industry

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WINTER WANDERLUST

My pick for a treat is a few nights at the gorgeous Langham Sydney, which is centrally located in Millers Point and just minutes from The Rocks Markets and King Street Wharf. Wander to Pitt Street Mall to give your credit card a workout, before taking your pick from the city’s numerous – and always evolving - restaurant and bar offerings.

Cantina OK! and Bulletin Place (both named in the official list of the 50 best bars in the world) are some of the coolest cocktail offerings, using seasonal produce wielded with a twist for a mixology experience you’ll never forget.

If you’re looking to base yourself closer to the beach, QT Bondi is a breezy, seafront boutique offering so close to the ocean you can smell the salt in the air. Typically QT, and most definitely quirky, QT Bondi is filled with art and unexpected surprises as well as being just steps from the surf and the super cool cafes and bars that make up the iconic seaside suburb. And as far as dining with a view and delicious flavours goes, the names Sean’s Panorama, North Bondi Fish and Icebergs Dining Room and Bar have endured for many years with good reason. A holiday in Bondi without hitting one – if not all – of the award-winning trifecta just isn’t an option.

Rarotonga’s lagoon marine reserves are most definitely not be missed, with fascinating coral formations and numerous species of colourful tropical fish to be seen just steps from the sand. Exploring these reserves with a mask and snorkel is definitely one of the best things to do in Rarotonga for free, with Fruits of Rarotonga in Titikaveka a popular favourite due to its big coral bommies, deeper water and plenty of large tropical fish. Aro’a Beach near the Rarotongan Resort is another top spot with shallower water, scattered coral and a sandy bottom.

Chuan Spa dual treatment room, Cordis, Auckland

When it comes to choosing your Rarotonga accommodation, there are hotels and resorts dotted around the coast that range from the blissfully basic to seriously decadent. You’ll also find plenty of selfcatering options, ranging from a small cottage or a house for the whole family to luxury beachside villas. Getting around the island is easy with bikes, scooters and cars for hire, and there are also hourly bus services circling the island in both directions.

Bronte Baths, Sydney photo: unsplash.com

Rarotonga Definitely the most exciting new bubble buddy for those looking to escape the colder weather, the laidback paradise of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands never disappoints. With plenty of white sand beaches to stroll along, turquoise lagoons to explore, a temperate climate and accommodation to fit almost any budget, Rarotonga really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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WINTER WANDERLUST MONA, Tasmania www.mona.net.au

Tasmania Known to locals as “Tassie” and previously not always top of the average traveller’s list of across the ditch must-do’s, Tasmania is the only island state in Australia and offers a wealth of amazing experiences. It’s well-known for its rugged wilderness, clean air, fascinating art scene, great hiking, and equally fabulous food and wine, and with 80 percent of the island covered in world heritage wilderness areas and national parks, it’s definitely a place where you can truly get away from it all.

Tourism hotspots such as Wineglass Bay, the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain have been notably featured in Lonely Planet’s annual ‘Best of Travel’ in previous years, and a trip to Tassie wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the island’s completely fascinating art gallery, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

Staycations are a wonderful way to recharge your batteries when you’re feeling the need but pressed for time, and the Cordis rejuvenating wellness and spa accommodation package known as ‘For the Wellness Fans’ is most definitely all about you. Including a stay in a stylish room or suite, a 60 minute Harmony or Balancing massage at the incredible Chuan Spa, 15% off any additional Chuan Spa treatments during your stay and complimentary valet parking, it really is like indulging in a little wrap-around-self-care.

For a staycation with a view and a touch of modern luxury, Sofitel Auckland at Viaduct Harbour offers a stellar outlook combined with a distinctly French vibe. Dine at La Maree by Marc de Passorio or go on a soothing wellness journeys in Sofitel Spa while you’re there, and then re-enter reality feeling shiny and new. (HELENE RAVLICH)  PN

Sofitel Auckland

Auckland Sometimes you just need to escape from it all when the grind gets exhausting but the time and expense of a full-blown holiday isn’t an option. This is where the staycation comes in, one within an easy drive

of home but a million miles away when it comes to just plain relaxing.

I recommend dipping your toes in the wellness-related package at the luxe Cordis Hotel near the corner of Symonds Street and Karanghape Road, which offers a little mini retreat just a hop, skip and a jump from Ponsonby Road.

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS

ROSS THORBY: ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA - UNOBTRUSIVE ELEGANCE She sits at her berth in Leith, Edinburgh Scotland, with her steam turbine engines that had propelled her around the world once for each of her 44 years of service - now silent and decommissioned.

Her crew - or yachties as they were known - are now disbanded and absorbed back into the military services from whence they came.

She sits at her berth in Leith, Edinburgh Scotland, with her steam turbine engines that had propelled her around the world once for each of her 44 years of service - now silent and decommissioned.

Her crew - or yachties - are now disbanded and absorbed back into the military services from whence they came.

Built at Clydebank by John Brown Shipyards, who built the legendary Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and QE2, her pedigree is irrefutable.

She is the Royal Yacht Britannia.

I was lucky to visit the once floating palace in 2017. She is the UK’s most popular tourist attraction and conference centre, but now instead of receiving leaders of nations and the upper echelons of society, she now hosts bankers, car salesmen and curious tourists.

Commissioned in 1952, two days before the death of King George VI, the ship became the only royal residence that the new Queen with her Duke were able to design, build and call their own. The Duke, taking a particular interest in the royal yacht’s progress, used his naval background to influence her design, insisting on all the latest technology and innovations be used in her fit-out. The brief to all involved was, “understated elegance and to be the most technically advanced ship available”.

Based on the design of a North Sea ferry and with some clever redesigning, such as the external companionways being lowered two feet so that privacy could be maintained throughout the royal apartments from any passing sailor. Other features included the addition of a clipper bow to travel through both Antarctic and Caribbean seas and masts to fly the royal ensigns. Britannia was to rule the waves as a classic portent for super yachts in the years to come.

She was also designed to be converted into a hospital ship should the need arise. Ironically, by the time she was needed for military service during the Falklands War 30 odd years later, she was deemed to be too old and expensive to send to the theatre of war.

On her way to New Zealand for the Queen’s 1986 visit however, she was pressed into service to rescue and evacuate British citizens from war-torn Yemen. Their surprise at being rescued by the Queen’s own personal yacht can only be imagined.

The internal decorations may at first astound Britannia’s visitor, as they are completely the opposite of what you might imagine the most famous royal family in the world would consider as their floating refuge from service and duty. It may be coincidental that the yacht was designed and decorated in the same year that Laura Ashley first hit the British decorating scene with the style “Romantic English”.

“Undue luxury” was avoided in her decoration. Designed and decorated just after WW2, she reflects not only the personal taste of the royal couple, but the austerity of the era.

The Queen has always insisted on being consulted on any changes to the original design to the point that not a cushion or curtain could be moved or changed without her approval and thus, the original drawing and colour boards from the 1950s are still recognizable in her interiors.

The large, spacious and comfortable royal apartments and state rooms belie the cramped and crowded rooms below deck where 250 officers and crew lived and worked. The order of the day being “unobtrusive elegance”, they communicated with each other using sign language to maintain peace and serenity for the imperial guests.

Also popular amongst honeymooning royals, Britannia was nicknamed the Love Boat. Her only double bed was brought on board by the Prince of Wales for his honeymoon with Princess Diana.

This is the only palace in the world where the bedroom of a reigning monarch can be viewed - ‘His’, a very masculine “alpha” styled room while ‘Hers’ in contrast, a very feminine statement in paisley.

The Queen’s favourite room on board was the aft sun lounge. Lined in wood and with cane furniture, it was the preferred place for relaxing with a gin and dubonnet; the Duke mixing the concoction from a discreet cabinet built into the wall. The room which opens out onto the verandah deck with its teak decking was a special place to sunbathe and relax in total privacy.

Britannia’s last official orders were to bring back the Governor from Hong Kong just as the sun was setting on the Empire and famously, the Queen was said to shed a tear at the decommissioning ceremony not long after.

Understandably she hasn’t been back since. Rule Britannia - for PN Britannia always ruled the waves. (ROSS THORBY)  roscoesseafever.blogspot.com PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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LOCAL NEWS

END OF AN ERA: SID AND CHAND SAHRAWAT TO SELL SIDART A changing of the guard is about to take place at one of New Zealand’s most celebrated restaurants with Sid and Chand Sahrawat selling their fine dining establishment, Sidart with the changeover effective September, 2021.

Sidart’s new owner is Chef Lesley Chandra, a long-time friend and trusted colleague of the Sahrawat’s who has worked for the couple since 2014. The Sahrawat’s have vendor financed Lesley into the restaurant to help him realise his dream of owning his own restaurant and will act as silent partners in the business, available to mentor Lesley when needed.

Chandra has been open about running his own restaurant one day.

That day has now come to fruition with the genesis of an idea first casually mooted years ago during a meal with the Sahrawats at Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck in England.

Serious discussions took place earlier this year and the couple say they are happy to hand over the mantle to a valued team member who has previously worked at Sidart and is passionate about carrying on the restaurant’s vision.

“Obviously, we feel quite nostalgic selling our first-born restaurant, but we’re absolutely delighted to hand the restaurant over to someone we have so much respect for,” Chand Sahrawat says. “We know we can safely entrust Lesley to continue the legacy of Sidart.

“When we first started Sidart we had an angel investor who believed in our vision and loaned us the money needed to purchase the restaurant. Had it not been for him and his guidance we wouldn’t have succeeded as we have.

“For many years we’ve had a desire to pay the gesture forward and were waiting for the right person and the right time. We know Sidart will be in wonderful hands and we can focus on other aspects of our business so it’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

Sid agrees Lesley is the right person for the venture.

“There is a difference between being a good chef and being a good business owner,” he says. “Lesley is calm and fair and earns the respect of everybody he works with. This isn’t something you can teach – you have to have the X-factor, be talented and innovative, and able to run a kitchen through tough times, like a pandemic, which Lesley has proven he can do.”

Sid is well-known for introducing a progressive style of modern Indian cuisine to New Zealand and Lesley Chandra says he has no intentions of changing that style of food at Sidart – although he will introduce more flavours of the South Pacific into the menu over time.

Lesley says his Fijian Indian heritage combined with his time working at Cassia and Sidart has fuelled his passion for Indian cuisine.

“It has always been my dream to own my own restaurant and I am beyond excited and honoured to be the new custodian of the Sidart brand which I have the utmost respect for,” Chandra says. “I worked at Sidart after a sabbatical in the UK, so for me it’s like returning home. Sid and the Sidart team have created something very special, and I won’t be changing the style of cuisine,” he says.

“It’s evident Kiwis and international visitors alike have an appetite for Sidart’s progressive Indian creations, and I will continue to work with the team to deliver the same passion, attention to detail, and flavours that Sidart diners have come to expect.”

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

Sid & Chand Sahrawat and Lesley Chandra, Sidart

Established in Ponsonby’s Three Lamps Arcade in 2009, Sidart was the Sahrawat’s first restaurant, and it has enjoyed many accolades over the years, including most recently, Cuisine Good Food Awards Supreme Restaurant of the Year in 2019. One of just four establishments nationwide to be awarded 3 Hats by Cuisine, Sidart has also featured consistently in La Liste’s Top 1000 Restaurants in the World.

Over the last seven years the Sahrawats have added Cassia and the iconic Sid at The French Café to their restaurant stable and have now decided to sell Sidart in order to concentrate further on their newly launched Cassia at Home brand, the range of curry sauces and spices for home cooks. The couple launched the venture in November last year and are focused on taking that side of their business to the next level.

In planning for the future, Sid and Chand knew they wanted to pass the Sidart baton on to someone they could trust to continue the restaurant’s proud legacy.

Lesley Chandra has worked for the couple since 2014 (with a oneyear sabbatical in London), and is currently head chef at Sid at The French Café, moving back to Sidart at the beginning of June. With a career spanning 18 years, Chandra gained his diploma at Hotel Chef’s Training School and worked at Baduzzi under Ben Bayly’s mentorship before becoming head chef at Cassia in 2014, assisting Sid create the restaurant’s eclectic modern Indian menu.

In 2016, a 12-month sabbatical saw Chandra working at the renowned Typing Room in East London. In 2017, Chef Chandra returned to the Sahrawat stable and to a research and development role created especially for him at Sidart. He led the R&D at Sidart, launching the new progressive Indian menu and then moved restaurants in September 2018 when the Sahrawat’s acquired Sid at The French Café where Lesley assumed the role of head chef.

Sidart’s change of ownership will take effect from 6 September; the PN final service with incumbent owners is on Friday 3 September.  www.sidart.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE Hailwood

NEW ZEALAND FASHION WEEK RETURNS AND CELEBRATES 20 YEARS New Zealand Fashion Week returns this year to celebrate its 20th anniversary and will be bigger and better than ever with a packed schedule of events occurring between Monday 23 August – Sunday 29 August.

Returning to the iconic Aotea Square and Auckland Town Hall, the traditionally trade-only show will be open to consumers for the very first time. To give fashion lovers a chance to experience New Zealand Fashion Week alongside industry and designer guests, iTicket will offer a limited number of hosting packages to selected shows including Kate Sylvester, Kathryn Wilson, Hailwood and Zambesi, as well as the very special 20-year Retrospective Show. To extend the experience further, a fan zone will be set up in Aotea Square where the public can view selected shows on a big screen and participate in a number of activities.

After the postponement of New Zealand Fashion Week last year due to Covid-19, the return of this iconic event has been highly anticipated by the wider industry. There has also been a resurgence of the appreciation of what New Zealand Fashion Week does for the local industry.

Dame Pieter Stewart, NZFW founder and managing director: “There is no other event in New Zealand that brings our industry together in the way New Zealand Fashion Week does, nor is there an event which provides a platform for designers, make-up artists, stylists, photographers and models to showcase their unique skills and talents to the world. We should not underestimate the power that New Zealand Fashion Week has to influence, promote and celebrate New Zealanders.”

Beyond fashion, New Zealand Fashion Week has made a positive impact by leading conversations around pertinent issues such as

diversity, inclusion and sustainability, all of which are now important elements of every New Zealand Fashion Week. This year New Zealand Fashion Week will continue to highlight the importance of these issues building on the momentum established in previous years and above all celebrate the diverse careers that have been ignited through the event.

“There have been so many defining moments over the past twenty years and I am proud that we have managed to drive real change in the industry. When New Zealand Fashion Week started all those years ago, nobody thought that we’d make it to year two, never mind build an event which transformed the industry, especially with regards to diversity, inclusion and sustainability,” comments Dame Pieter.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, opening night will feature a special Retrospective Show with a selection of designers who have previously shown at New Zealand Fashion Week and been a part of its history, along with footage from years past. A unique and commemorative logo has also been designed to pay tribute to the significant milestone.

Sponsor support for the 20th edition of NZFW has been immense with a number of key sponsors already confirmed. This year will also see Auckland Unlimited and Heart of the City play a key role in bringing the event to life.

New Zealand Fashion Week runs from Monday 23 August until the close of Fashion Weekend on Sunday 29 August.  PN nzfashionweek.com

Kate Sylvester

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50 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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Curate by Trelise Cooper - Take A Puff Coat $299

Tuxedo Blazer by Stella Royal $189

Curate by Trelise Cooper - The Last Layer Skirt $269

Nicole pleated Skirt by Stella Royal $ 179

Curate by Trelise Cooper - Love Long $329

Astrid fur jacket by Stella Royal $229

FASHION + STYLE

@ ZEBRANO

ZEBRANO, 22 Morrow Street, Newmarket - opposite Westfield, T: 09 523 2500, www.zebrano.co.nz

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匀椀爀攀渀

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

FRENCH PINOT NOIR The romantic region of Burgundy starts with Chablis in the north and finishes with Beaujolais in the south.

Wines from Chablis are made from 100% Chardonnay. From the heart of Burgundy, white wines are also made from Chardonnay, whilst red wines are made from Pinot Noir. In the south, the grape variety of Beaujolais is Gamay.

It is the red wines from the Côte d’Or, the heart of Burgundy, which we are interested in for this article. It is here that some of the finest wines in the world are made. Those that many winemakers aspire to and hold in high esteem. They are the holy grail.

The Côte d’Or is divided into two: the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. The Côte de Nuits is quite literally home to the world’s most expensive vineyards and wines. Virtually all are Pinot Noir because of the soil being heavier and more clay based. The Côte de Beaune, in the lower part of Burgundy central, is dominated by Chardonnay and is the home to the most expensive Chardonnays in the world from the village of Puligny Montrachet.

The Côte de Nuits is comprised of several villages that all have their own specific characteristics.

Gevrey-Chambertin is a village where the vineyards are located on gentle slopes with layers of pebbles on the top. The wines from Gevrey show red berry characters when young and game characters in the richer wines. As they develop they tend to have more licorice characters.

Morey-St-Denis is not as well-known as the other villages in the Côte de Nuits. Located between Gevrey and Chambolle, the vineyards in MoreySt-Denis have a good free draining gradient and a base of limestone.

Chambolle-Musigny produces wines that are some of the most delicate in Burgundy, displaying fragrant fruit and finesse. The light

soil and varying gradients of the village create this delicacy and the complexity of these wines.

Vougeot is home to one Grand Cru, Clos de Vougeot, which covers more than four-fifths of the area under vines here. Clos de Vougeot wines are rich and generous yet not overpowering.

Vosne-Romanée is home to the most expensive wines in Burgundy.

The village of Vosne-Romanée is home to the Grand Crus RomanéeConti, La Romanée, La Tâche, Romanée-St-Vivant, Richebourg and La Grande Rue, and also home to some of the best domains, including Domaine de la Romanée Conti.

There are various levels of quality in Burgundy. At the top is Grand Cru. Next is Premier Cru, followed by wine from a specific village and then Burgundy generic appellations. In total there are more than 400 Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy. There are 32 Grand Cru vineyards in total – eight white Grands Crus, 24 red Grands Crus. Of these, 24 are from the Côte de Nuits and eight from the Côte de Beaune.

This month at Glengarry we are celebrating everything Pinot Noir, including the great wines from Burgundy. Check out the range of Pinot Noir instore and online, with superb deals to match. We are also hosting a walk around tasting at our Victoria Park store where you’ll be able to taste over 50 different Pinot Noir. www.glengarrywines.co.nz

Saturday 26 June

118 Wellesley St West, Auckland

GRAND PINOT NO R TOUR Join us alongside winemakers in tasting over 50 top Pinot Noir from across the country.

WWW.GLENGA RRY . C O. N Z | P : 08 00 7 3 3 505 | E : S A LE S @ G LE NG A R R Y .CO .NZ

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

PHIL PARKER: 100 NOT OUT This month I celebrate my 100th wine column for Ponsonby News. Huzzah! I shall raise a glass or two. It’s no mean feat these days to maintain a wine column in print media when so many publications have gone out of print. Hats off to Martin and the Ponsonby News team for keeping me on!

And what better reason than to feature some genuinely great wines from home and away.

and a crisp, clean finish. Great with Thai cuisine and rich seafood dishes. Available: blackmarket.co.nz, Vino Fino.

First up, two wines from Kim Crawford’s certified organic Marlborough estate. Then an absolute ripper Albariño from Marlborough’s Leftfield label. To finish, three wines from Cristom winery - an Oregon wine producer and vineyard based in the Willamette Valley. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to visit Cristom as part of a wine research trip to California and Portland.

Cristom Willamette Valley Mt. Jefferson USA Chardonnay 2018 - $75 For a USA chardonnay, this is much more in the current New Zealand style – crisp and mineral with lots of citrus and subtle oak influence. Subtle nose, with mandarin, clover honey, hazelnut oak and a dry lengthy finish. Match with seafood or creamy chicken pasta.

Available: Star Superette Wines, Karangahape Road, Onslow restaurant Princes Street.

Loveblock Organic Marlborough Pinot Gris 2020 - $21 Crisp and clean, with fresh cut pineapple, nashi pear and jasmine, plus a hint of green tea. Fruity and technically dry but complex and full flavoured with a tangy citrus finish. Great with seafood or Thai foods. Available: Pt. Chev Organic Wines.

Loveblock Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 $22 A generous and lush version of Marlborough Sav. Fruity and full of ripe blackcurrant flavours, with sweet ripe nectarine and guava with a tad of grassy herbals. Shows complexity from partial wild yeast barrel ferment and malolactic. Match with seafood, pasta and chicken.

Available: Glengarry.

Left Field Gisborne Albariño 2020 - $16 Lovely wine, and a refreshing take on a variety that can often come off in New Zealand as lean and mineral. Pale gold with grassy aromas. Rich palate of mandarin, elderflower, a hint of rock melon

Cristom Willamette Valley Mt. Jefferson USA Pinot Noir 2018 - $109 Definitely one to put away for four to five years. Young and savoury with firm tannins and lots of black cherry, plum and spice with a hint of tobacco. Bursting with flavours, a precocious youngster that should be a debutante in a few years. Match with beef casserole or ratatouille.

Available: Herne Bay Cellars, Ahi restaurant Commercial Bay. Cristom Willamette Valley Mt. Jefferson USA Pinot Noir 2019 - $75 More approachable and softer than the 2018, with smoky flavours and a hint of tar. Medium tannins, cherry, plum and truffle with a dash of soy sauce umami oomph. Would be fab with mushroom dishes or venison. Available: Herne Bay Cellars.

(PHIL PARKER)  PN www.finewinetours.co.nz

FINE WINE & FOOD TOURS “No. 2 Auckland Wine Tour” – TripAdvisor Your host, Phil Parker wine writer.

Affordable tours for small and large groups.

E: phil.parker@xtra.co.nz

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

www.finewinetours.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

THE GOOD OLD SUNDAY ROAST AT DIDA’S The history of the Sunday roast traces back to England. During the reign of King Henry VII the royal bodyguards were known as ‘Beefeaters’, so named for their love of eating roast beef.

The Sunday roast flourished in the UK during the eighteenth century, with William Kitchiner recommending eating six pounds of meat a day as part of a healthy diet. The history of the roast is intertwined with a large fireplace and family. Its partner in gravy from the early days was, and still is, the Yorkshire pudding. A little-known fact is that the Yorkshire pudding was usually eaten as a starter with gravy.

Sunday roasts or Sunday dinner forms part of culture in many countries, including New Zealand. Whatever form it took, or takes today, we all have a story about a Sunday roast, generally accompanied by fond memories.

Family, a roaring fireplace, and fond memories are all things you’ll find in abundance at Dida’s on Jervois Road and now you’ll also find the Sunday roast. Looking at the overwhelming feedback on Lazy Susan it seems we are not alone in thinking that our Sunday roasts look and taste amazing.

“Dida’s on Jervois Rd have started doing Sunday roasts! Beyond awesome, I would highly recommend!”

“I love a top-notch roast. This looks like it will rival Jervois Steak House, and theirs is very decent too.”

“I think I’m going to see how many roasts I can eat over winter.”

“Very very impressive! Lovely take on a traditional roast amongst an overabundance of average “roast palaces” scattered throughout Auckland. Can’t wait to come and try it out!”

“Yeah, it’s brussel sprouts cooked with bacon. Yum! You can’t see them well but there’s also a pile of roast carrots and pumpkin in the middle of the board.”

Booking is required. Pop us a message via facebook or instagram, phone, or email. We will reserve your spot and look forward to seeing you soon.

There are options for two, four and so on. See you there.

DIDA’S, 54 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2813, www.didaswinelounge.co.nz

DIDA’S SUNDAY ROAST

Come try our delicious Sunday roast platters. Make sure to book to grab yourself a spot.

60 JERVOIS RD | 376 2813 | DIDAS.CO.NZ PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

A LITTLE HISTORY OF THE PONSONBY POOL HALL According to local folklore, the Ponsonby Pool Hall has been operating since the early 1900s. My recollections go back to my early days of the 50s and 60s.

Situated originally at the top of College Hill, and known as the College Hill Billiard Hall, it has reflected the changing times of the neighbourhood.

In the days of 6’oclock closing, it was the place for the menfolk to head to for an evening when the pubs shut. On Saturdays it teemed with eager gamblers, sharks and hopefuls, playing a cut throat, quick-fire game called ‘Alleys’. Like its counterparts worldwide, it operated in a murky twilight world, living up to the ‘dens of iniquity’ tag line that was so often used to describe them. As liquor laws became more relaxed, and many more leisure activities became available, the heyday of the pool halls came to an end. From having a presence in most suburbs of Auckland, the College Hill Billiard Hall was virtually the last one standing when I became involved in 1989.

For all of its shortcomings, a redeeming feature was that it filled a niche as a social hub; so when the walls came tumbling down in 1992, I was determined it would survive and continue to be a special part of Ponsonby - hence the communityassisted shift to 106 Ponsonby Road, under the Ponsonby Food Court. Replacing the background of horse racing commentaries with an eclectic music mix, and obtaining one of the first liquor licenses for a pool hall - making cleanliness and behavioral standards paramount - helped to ensure further generations have been able to continue to enjoy a pastime that has entertained and challenged people for so many years.

The Ponsonby Pool Hall means so many things to so many people. For some it is a place to hone their playing skills, to others a venue for socialising, and for an increasing number of businesses a place to hold a corporate function or a team-building exercise. A refreshing aspect is the large female clientele - a far cry from the virtually male domain of the past.

So from the days of its smoky, dubious past, the PPH has changed and adapted constantly. Not only does it sit alongside the current array of hospitality venues, it has become a must visit part of the Ponsonby experience. Over time it has played host to many thousands of patrons including some well-known faces. Imagine looking across to the next table to see U2 playing doubles, or Roger Waters keenly potting the nine ball. Anthony Kiedis of RHCP even fondly recalls a visit here in his 2004 autobiography. Indeed, our very own Che-fu, Karl Urban, Dai Henwood, Justine Smith, and The wonderful Headless Chickens have all been more than casually acquainted with PPH. Without a doubt the heart and soul of the business are the customers who year after year - 32 on my watch - have enabled us to keep on keeping on. Long may that continue. Thank you all!  PN PONSONBY POOL HALL, 106 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 2356, www.ponsonbypoolhall.co.nz

Elias Hanlon @ Ponsonby Pool Hall

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY POOL HALL

Dedwood Deli.

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

BREWPORT - A NEW MICROBREWERY AND BEER GARDEN Brewport Ponsonby is a new microbrewery and beer garden in the heart of Ponsonby.

We spoke to the owners, Greg and Kim, about how Brewport came about.

2020 was a very interesting year for a lot of people and businesses; what made you both decide to open a brewery in the middle of a pandemic?

Kim: (Laughs) A very interesting year indeed! Well towards the beginning of last year, it became obvious that I was going to be made redundant from Air New Zealand. I was a long haul flight attendant for 17 years, but still quite junior, so I began thinking about other businesses that I could try. I was bouncing ideas around with a friend of ours, Andy, who I had made friends with on my flights, and he suggested taking Greg along to brew at one of the big breweries after lock down.

Greg: I’ve always loved home brewing and the thought of going to a large brewery to help brew was really exciting, so I went along and that was it really. I was hooked!

Kim: I went to pick Greg up after the brew was finished and as soon as I walked in I just loved the vibe! Everyone was chilling, laughing and talking; Greg had a huge smile on his face, and I thought - This is it!

What are some of the biggest challenges you face?

Greg: Well apart from the obvious; I mean we are still in very uncertain times, and the hospitality industry certainly has its challenges even at the best of times, but we knew that going in, and we’re up for it!

Kim: I think one of the biggest challenges for us has been getting new people into Brewport. We are quite hidden down alleyways; it’s not always easy for people to find us.

the time and we genuinely want our guests to feel welcomed, and comfortable. This is a place where they can relax and hang out, and we really enjoy getting to know them.

And you have now opened up a café!

Kim: Yes! Well we thought since we have a great space, we might as well utilise it during the day as well, so we have coffee, cabinet food, and a salad bar and hot soups available from Monday to Friday.  PN BREWPORT, LOT 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0606, www.brewport.co.nz or www.brewport.cafe 130 PONSONBY ROAD

And what would you say makes you stand out from the rest?

Greg: Well the fact that we are the only microbrewery in Ponsonby means we can offer freshly brewed craft beer, straight from the tank; you can’t get any fresher than that!

Kim: I would have to say the customer service. All our staff aim to give our guests a great experience. Greg or I are on site most of

56 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

RICHMOND ROAD

Kim: Yes! Come and find us!

THE PO ROOM I

HOPPE RS BAR

80 MACKELVIE STREET

Greg: We’re a hidden gem!

LOT 3

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY Photography Josh Griggs

Photography Simon Moore

BESPOKE EVENTS AT SID AT THE FRENCH C AFÉ

210 SYMONDS STREET T: 09 377 1911 www.sidatthefrenchcafe.co.nz

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

sidatthefrenchcafe

- Gusto Italiano GUSTO MEANING ‘TASTE AND ENJOYMENT’

Photography Greta Kenyon

When you dine with us, the focus is on freshly prepared classic dishes, featuring an excellent range of pasta, seafood, meats and our pizza classics.

We also offer our pasta dishes to takeaway, phone for details or check our website for the menu.

263 PONSONBY RD, THREE LAMPS, 09 361 1556 www.gustoitaliano.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

FACES AT GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Yohei Hattori makes luxury artisan chocolates that amaze customers at the market.

Have you always worked making food?

I have worked in food service since I was 16, working in the noodle house. In my early 20s I was working as a barista in the early morning, swim-coaching youngsters during the day, and then ending my day as a bartender at night. After that, I trained as a french-style pastry chef and made a few trips to France to hone my skills.

Did you grow up in Japan?

Yes, but it can be hard to fit in there because every prefecture has its own culture. So even a neighbouring area can feel like a foreign place.

So you left Japan?

I got itchy feet and wanted to work abroad. My first overseas work experience was a year in a Noosa cafe. It was hilarious because I didn’t speak much English and I was working with a French pastry chef, the owner was Korean, and the chef was German. The accents there were challenging. At the start, I mainly communicated through the French vocab that I had picked up in my pastry chef training.

What brought you to New Zealand?

I came here to do a business course and this is where my English improved the most. Now I am a permanent resident and I would become a citizen if I could do that without giving up my Japanese citizenship.

Is chocolate making your main job?

My day-job is as a production manager in a big bakery ensuring that we maximise the efficiency of the kitchen. I love the people that I work with during the day. It’s a very satisfying job.

So how does that fit with your chocolate business?

My day role is just a portion of the bakery business, and my chocolate business gives me the opportunity to put my business course into practice. I do everything, from the website to the accounts, packaging, and customer relationships - as well as making chocolate.

Do you have much machinery?

No - that would mean that I had to make much bigger quantities. It would change what I’m trying to do and I wouldn’t have the flexibility to make as many different flavour combinations as I do at the moment. I make everything by hand.

So this really is an artisan chocolate business.

Yes. I like selling directly to customers so that I can maximise the quality of the ingredients. I use top Belgium chocolate, and fresh, natural ingredients. That’s why I sell at the market on Sundays, from my Royal Oak shop on Saturdays, and through the website.

Are there other reasons for selling direct to customers?

My chocolates are made to be eaten and not sit on a shelf. I don’t use preservatives and everything is made slowly at low temperature to maximise the flavour. Selling direct, means that I can be sure that customers get fresh chocolates.

So this side-hustle is almost a hobby for you?

Yes. It’s a very creative process and I love listening to the customers who challenge me to try new things. I have mostly used dark chocolate, ruby and white chocolate. Kiwis love milk chocolate so I am now working on some milk chocolate options.  PN chocolatestudio.co.nz

GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET @ the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, www.glfm.co.nz

Sunday mornings at the Grey Lynn Community Centre 510 Richmond Road 58 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

YOGA NEW ZEALAND LINKS WITH INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION Yoga New Zealand and the High Commission of India in New Zealand have connected and are intent on developing a deeper relationship with international yoga day as the common ground.

It is a special bond for YNZ and the High Commission in India, who were recently saddened by the loss of one of their long serving staffers to Covid-19. It is important for YNZ and the High Commission in India to have the connection because of yoga’s value, especially during the pandemic.

Yoga significantly helps in people’s long term health and mental outlook of life, Yoga New Zealand Council Chair Heather Robinson says.

“Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga.

“The activity improves flexibility and strength, including the core muscles. It eases stress, anxiety levels and improves sleep.

“Our habits in taking practices may influence our sense of purpose in life and our sense of purpose may affect how much we practice. An interesting new study of the reciprocal effects of feeling for life has meaning and being often in motion.”

The study, recently published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine, set out to find links, if any, between moving and meaning.

The research of more than 18,000 middle-aged and older men and women found those with the most stalwart sense of purpose at the start were the most likely to become active over time.

“Science already offers plenty of evidence that being active bolsters our mental and physical health,” Robinson says.

“Study after study shows that men and women who exercise are less likely than the sedentary to develop depression or anxiety.”  PN The United Nations has set 21 June as International Yoga Day. www.un.org/en/observances/yoga-day

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PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

ENHANCE, REVIVE & REJUVENATE AT ACAJOU, PONSONBY! The Skinject Pro Hyaluron pen treatment is a non-invasive method that helps penetrate hyaluronic acid to plump up the lips, rejuvenate the skin and reduce fine lines.

How long will the results last? For optimum results, we recommend a course of 4-6 treatments.

Once you complete the recommended course, the results can last from 12-18 months. It is a non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment aimed at diminishing problem areas on the face.

Hyaluronic acid is the serum used to improve your skin and promote collagen production for long-lasting youthful skin.

The SkinJect Pro Hyaluron Pen is the leader in rejuvenation techniques and is the device that generates enough pressure to launch hyaluronic acid mixture into the skin. It is a device for transferring one liquid that is pretty vital when it comes to anti-aging and beauty into our skin and compared to injecting the fillers, the risks are significantly lower. When it comes to using the pen, the pain is very minimal, with a low risk of bruising or swelling.

Call to make your appointment today.  PN

ACAJOU BEAUTY THERAPY SPA, 37 Richmond Road, T: 09 378 4180, www.acajou.co.nz

JOHN APPLETON: SORE KNEES? YOU ARE NOT ALONE How many of us have friends or family members who have hobbled around often for years, putting up with pain from knees that are showing signs of wear and tear. I am sure we all know of people who have had to resort to surgery in order to get their ‘life’ back.

As we age, and injuries suffered on the sports field many years prior, significantly reduce our ability to get around, it becomes very clear just how important our knees are. Arthritis (inflammation of a joint) is the most common form of chronic knee pain. Arthritis tends to creep up on us and the problem for many is reliance on pain relieving medications for too long only taking action when the almost constant pain becomes unbearable.

Surgery (knee replacement) can be very successful, and it’s certainly something that is an option for many people if other less invasive interventions don’t achieve the desired outcome.

When I was in my 20s, I spent a lot of time hurtling down steep European mountains on skis. An injury to one of my knees has recently come back to ‘bite’ me and an ultrasound showed that the joint had become arthritic.

Because I am very active, I investigated a potential ‘fix it’ that may avoid the need for surgery when the situation progressed beyond what could be described as a progressively worsening level of discomfort.

I had previously had treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in a shoulder joint and given that the result was much better than I anticipated, I decided to find out if the same ‘magic’ might work for my knee. PRP is a treatment option that can be described as ‘very cool’. It’s totally safe, relatively inexpensive and it’s been around for many years.

Dr Zaid Matti is a musculoskeletal doctor in Albany who specialises in PRP treatments. The process involves an ultrasound ‘tour’ of the joint which Dr Matti uses to help with a diagnosis. The next step involves, a local anesthetic which is injected around the site to be treated.

The really ‘cool’ part of the process involves drawing a cylinder of blood from an arm and spinning it in a centrifuge until the red blood cells end up in the bottom leaving the yellowy coloured fluid, plasma at the top. Within

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

the plasma are the platelets, which are the smallest of our blood cells and so called because they resemble ‘plates’.

They have a key role in forming clots to stop bleeding when we sustain an injury, but they have another very important function as regenerative cells that release growth factors which promote healing and repair. They actively ‘recruit’ stems cells to the site of injury which go about rebuilding damaged tissues.

Armed with a syringe filled with plasma, ‘rich’ in regenerative platelets, Dr Matti injects the PRP around the joint using ultrasound for guidance.

It’s all but painless and apart from limiting my exercise programme (powerwalking) for a couple of days, I was ‘good to go’. I have been very pleased with the outcome. I am walking pain free with only a minor ‘niggle’ when walking up steep hills.

The cost is around $1,500 for a treatment and I understand that some health insurance companies will cover it. I am with Southern Cross and they don’t. For the benefit that I have felt and the likelihood that I may sidestep a surgical intervention, I think it’s well worth the outlay. One treatment may provide sufficient relief, but additional treatments may be necessary for some folks. I am going with two.

A retrospective study conducted in Spain which included 667 patients found that with PRP treatment, 86% of patients in the survival analysis study did not undergo joint replacement surgery during the five year follow up period.

As I see it, the most important thing is to seek treatment as early as possible in the disease process. (JOHN APPLETON)  PN www.johnappleton.co.nz john@johnppleton.co.nz T: 09 489 9362 PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

HOW TO GET KIDS TO HELP YOU CLEAN Comedian Phyllis Diller said “Cleaning the house while your kids are still growing is like shovelling the walk before it stops snowing.”

It’s challenging to keep things shipshape with kids at home, so here are some handy tips for getting the kids on board with housework, from busy parents within the ecostore whanau.

Make them part of the solution - It’s good to talk to the youngest members of the household about why it’s important to do their bit, then lead into the different things you can each do as part of the family.

Keep it age appropriate - It’s all about finding chores they can do. For preschool kids, that’s probably putting toys back in the toybox or pulling the duvet back up in the morning, while bigger kids can help with the dishes.

Let them help (even if it takes longer) - Spending time now can pay off in the future. Getting the kids to pair up their socks, or put their folded clothes away in their drawers, starts with hanging out and showing them how it’s done.

Gamify clean up time • Reverse scavenger hunt: For example ‘put away everything that’s blue’.

• Beat the timer: Tell the kids what you want them to do, then put on a favourite song, and they have to finish the job before the song ends.

• Slam dunk: Using the toybox as a goal, get the kids to toss (unbreakable) toys in, while you shout ‘she shoots, she scores’ etc.

• Break it into bite-sized chunks – ‘Clean up your room’ feels overwhelming when you’re a kid. Try breaking bigger tasks into small, specific ones. For example, ‘let’s put the toy cars in the blue bin’, or ‘now we put the animals on the shelf by the window’.

Avoid the blame game - While it’s tempting, telling kids ‘you got it out so you have to put it away’ generally leads to protests of ‘he/she did it’. Encouraging your kids to clean up relies on everyone working together, regardless of who made the mess.

Picture what you want - Chore charts are great visual prompts for pre-reading age children, and a good way to track their achievements.

Likewise, sticking a picture of the object to the box, shelf or drawer it goes in, makes it easier for little ones to put things away independently.

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

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE & THRIVE! Many high achievers/top of gamers give and offer so much of themselves professionally that they have often popped their personal lives into a smaller than ideal closet!

This can result in feeling overwhelmed, out of balance, lethargic, and demotivated. It also can result in the symptoms of burnout starting to creep in. I work with my clients on strategies that keep them sharp, happy, on-track with their goals, and keep them away from burnout or associated symptoms.

Together we aim for a balanced and healthy integration between work and life. Much of this is achieved by setting solid boundaries and better understanding our priorities and desires.

Here are some short tips to help you thrive vs burnout: 1. Take lunch breaks and tea breaks every day! (You deserve this).

2. Keep meetings short and sharp. Long meetings can deplete energy.

3. Up your personal life game. Fun, social, community etc.

4. Share the load. You are not a machine!

5. Stay curious for longer. Slow down and ask more questions to better understand vs jumping to conclusions or giving advice.

6. Say NO to more, or at least give yourself time to consider. Less is more!

7. Set boundaries that serve and nourish you.

8. Avoid people pleasing – you do not need to seek approval.

9. Put yourself higher up on your priority list.

10. Stay in your lane of talent, strengths and super power. Don’t meddle or fiddle!

11. Be decisive. There is no guarantee to a decision being the right one, but there is great power and momentum created in making one.

12. Take on a great coach – you deserve to invest in YOU! (Bit cheeky that last one).

I limit new client intake to only two per month, so take a look at my website, and if you feel we could play well together please get in touch.

Lesley Colcord: Providing wellbeing/de-stress hacks and boundaries for high achievers helping you stay at the top of your game and be a master of your craft without compromising LIFE - supporting you being creative, energetic, WELL and living an abundant life professionally and personally.  PN Contacts: lesley@lesleycolcord.co.nz or T: 021 850 523; www.lesleycolcord.co.nz

LET’S GET YOUR LIFE AND BUSINESS IN BALANCE

C OAC H TO TO P O F G A M E R S

lesleycolcord.co.nz 021 850 523

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CHANGING THE ANTI-AGEING PARADIGM WITH PROFHILO®

BEFORE - FACE & NECK

AFTER - FACE & NECK Are you noticing the signs of ageing with the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, saggy, crepey, or dehydrated skin. Speak to the experts at Skin Institute about Profhilo®.

Profhilo® is one of the latest injectable treatments for bio-remodelling using hyaluronic acid (HA) which stimulates the production of natural collagen and elasticity in the skin. Profhilo® has a unique formulation which is free of additives. It hydrates the skin and has a stimulatory effect on the cells producing collagen and elastin to help tighten and lift.

Skin Institute Ponsonby is now offering Profhilo®. Book your treatment appointment today!

Visit us at Level 1, Old Ponsonby Post Office, 3 St Marys Road, Ponsonby.

Call 0800 SKIN DR (754 637) or visit www.skininstitute.co.nz.

Individual results may vary. This medical device must be administered by a healthcare professional. Skin Institute Level 1, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622. Profhilo®, containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class lll medical device for the treatment of the face and body for contours, redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo® has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such as laser resurfacing or medium deep skinpeeling. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site.

PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021 63

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

A HEAVY BUMP TO THE HEAD WAS ALL IT TOOK Sprinting down her hallway and sidestepping into her room, Helen Tufui stumbled and whacked her head on the door frame.

In the months that followed, she suffered from the full effects of that “knock” – nausea, a pounding headache, disturbed vision, fatigue. “Concussion, headache and migraine just really drags you down. Even simple tasks are really hard to face, let alone complete,” says Helen.

As a professional physiotherapist Helen knew something wasn’t right. Her research led her to the discovery of a link between treatment of the upper cervical spine (upper neck) and headache and migraine symptoms.

With treatment in this area, Helen’s constant symptoms were alleviated.

Inspired by her discovery and wanting to help others, Helen completed training at the Watson Headache Institute in Australia and went on to open The Headache Clinic, the first solely dedicated practice in New Zealand to focus on the treatment of headaches and migraines via the upper neck.

In seven years, The Headache Clinic has grown to four locations across New Zealand with ten consultants, including a clinic in Ponsonby.

From people working everyday nine to-five jobs, children, elite athletes and everyone in between, The Headache Clinic treats patients with symptoms in the head by addressing issues in the upper neck, giving patients a new lease on life – even people who have suffered with symptoms for decades.

“Often when patients are coming to our clinic they have tried a number of other unsuccessful treatments to reduce or alleviate their headaches and migraines, so when we get to the underlying cause, it really is life-changing for them,” says Helen.

“They’re like a new person.”  PN THE HEADACHE CLINIC, 41c Crummer Road, T: 0800 432 322, Facebook: @theheadacheclinicnz, www.headacheclinic.co.nz

GET BEHIND SCREENING In a year where we’ve all become more health-conscious and learned the correct way to use masks and wash our hands, we’re being encouraged to remember the other life-saving initiatives also on offer – such as cancer screening.

The National Bowel Screening Programme, already operating in most other DHBs, is now being rolled out to people aged between 60 and 74 living in the ADHB area. People in this age range are mailed the test kit to do at home and send back free by mail to the testing laboratory.

The great thing about this programme is it can find bowel cancer before symptoms even begin. Finding and removing pre-cancerous polyps (growths on the bowel) can also prevent the development of cancer in the future.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the OECD and it is the second highest cause of cancer death in the country. Bowel screening aims to find cancers early when they can successfully be treated. People who are diagnosed with early stage bowel cancer and who receive treatment early have a 90% chance of long term survival.

Invitations to participate in the programme will now begin to appear in the letter boxes of those eligible (dependent on their birth date) and continue on a two-yearly cycle.

Programme Manager, Gaye Tozer, says, “More than 3,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually in New Zealand, with 1200 people dying from this disease each year. We want to see ADHB residents stay out of those statistics. Please make sure your doctor has your up-todate contact details and do the test when it arrives.”

Screening is for people who do not have symptoms of bowel cancer. Anyone with symptoms should see their doctor.  PN For more information, contact the National Bowel Screening Programme on 0800 924 432 or go to timetoscreen.nz

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Want to take control of your headaches and migraines?  Book your free 15 minute consultation today.

0800 HEADACHE (0800 432 322)

headacheclinic.co.nz

The Headache Clinic

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month Screening is now available all across Auckland It’s FREE, you can do it at home in five minutes and it may save your life.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR TODAY OR FREEPHONE 0800 924 432 www.timetoscreen.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

TADHG STOPFORD: HEMP/CANNABIS SATIVA - THE QUEEN OF VEGETABLES Here’s the thing, despite what you may think, Hemp/Cannabis Sativa is the Queen of vegetables.

That’s why CBD can help with conditions as diverse as anxiety (anxiolytic) and cancer (antiproliferative), and why it’s a safer, more effective antipsychotic (Leweke et. al, 2012) and anti-epileptic (Cunha et. al, 1980) than pharmaceuticals.

Without even talking about food and fibre for a sustainable future, She (Hemp) is the tree of life, and the healer of nations. That’s why China produces half of the world’s hemp (and patents), and wants 3.2 million acres in production by 2030.

So, why do decent and informed Kiwis in patient groups, the hemp and medical cannabis industries, medical/professional/NGO groups, (and teachers/activists like myself), think that the regulators and politicians are always doing the wrong things to hemp?

CBD was an unregulated molecule in New Zealand until (in 2016) it became (in my opinion; unethically, irrationally, and fraudulently) a controlled drug only available via Ministerial approval.

So, is government always doing the wrong thing? And, if it is always doing the wrong thing (eg. by disabling the world leading legislation given to us by Helen Clark in 2008) why is it doing the wrong things for a known (and important) resource that could help us improve many difficult issues such as healthcare and a sustainable economy? After all, to get it right is simple.

If we want to help our people, and strengthen our economy, we need a sensible, humane, natural products bill, and for Hemp/Cannabis Sativa to be unprohibited as a food. After all, that’s what FSANZ has recommended twice.

So, why can’t we enjoy CBD? Or the nutraceutical benefits of Hemp? Let’s get healthy. Let’s unprohibit hemp as a food. There’s no reason not to, and we are globally abnormal in having prohibited it as food.

Lets unprohibit hemp as food. It’s the right thing to do. (TADHG STOPFORD)  PN www.facebook.com/TheHempFoundationNZ/

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

THE HEALTH CLINIC OPENS IN GREY LYNN The Health Clinic specialises in traditional Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine, and there is more and more quality research showing that Chinese medicine offers safe and effective treatments for a wide range of conditions.

The Health Clinic offers the full range of acupuncture treatments, including moxibustion and cupping. We prescribe Chinese herbal medicine either as a standalone treatment or to complement our acupuncture treatments, all of which are tailored specifically to suit your personal needs.

Many of our clients come to us with old and recent injuries and for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Many clients see us to help reduce stress, improve immunity, energy and mental clarity, relieve digestive and respiratory conditions, and for fertility issues or other female health concerns.

Mary has been practicing traditional Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine for 36 years, and she held an academic position at the University of Technology Sydney, until her retirement in 2020.

There she was a clinician, senior lecturer and program director for the university’s Chinese medicine bachelor degree programs. Her latest book, Chinese Medicine Psychology – A Clinical Guide to Mental and Emotional Wellness, was coauthored with her long-time collaborator Professor Qu Lifang from the Shanghai University of Chinese Medicine, and published last year.

Stephen has been in practice since 2017 after studying Swedish massage at Wellpark College. He then continued on to study a co-joint degree in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Looking to further his studies in the coming years, Stephen is considering undertaking his masters in TCM. With a passion for helping people, whether it be working with acute pain, to complex chronic conditions, Stephen is results focused and loves combining both herbal medicine and acupuncture in his sessions.

We are excited to be opening our practice in this vibrant community – it’s such a great mix of residents, allied health, fitness and selfcare professionals and businesses. We have already enjoyed a very warm welcome from so many of our neighbours and locals.

We are open Monday to Saturday and bookings are super easy with just a couple of clicks from our website www.thehealthclinic.co.nz THE HEALTH CLINIC, 2/571 Great North Road, T: 09 360 0738; www.thehealthclinic.co.nz

09 360 0738 | 2/571 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, 1021 | www.thehealthclinic.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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FUTURE GENERATION

MEET THE TEACHER Rachel Allwood has been a Head of House teacher at Western Springs College Ngā Puna o Waiōrea, and has recently been appointed to Across School Teachers for the Kāhui Ako te Waitematā (Community of Learning).

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a little town just outside of Worcester in the UK. I moved to New Zealand when I was 18, and although I miss my hometown and the people from there, New Zealand very much has my heart and I couldn’t really imagine wanting to live anywhere else.

How did you get into teaching?

It was actually just as I was finishing my degree. I have always been interested in science so decided to study Biomedicine. I had always just assumed I would move into research, but one day a group of my friends were trying to figure out how the eye processes images; everyone was stuck, so I got up and started explaining it from a different angle. I saw the moment that they just clicked and that was it for me. I decided to give teaching a go and, from my very first lesson I knew that was what I wanted to do. I feel very lucky that being in the classroom still gives me the same joy I experienced all the years ago at university.

wellbeing and it is such an important first step to help parents have those conversations with their kids.

What made you want to become an Across School Teacher?

It was the focus on wellbeing that really got me interested in the role. I have spent the last few years at Springs working as a Head of House which involved providing pastoral care for over 300 students. In this new role I saw the immense challenges our young people face when it comes to mental health and I wanted to do something that would make a positive impact for them.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

Seeing the impact you can make with very small actions. I had students reach out recently to let me know what they are up to.

They wanted to thank me for a conversation we had had at the end of a lesson a few years before. It was just a few minutes between classes but they said it made them feel seen and cared for. As a teacher you have these conversations without even thinking, but knowing that these small gestures can make a child feel safe and heard is something very special.

Tell me about an initiative that you are excited about.

We have just started discussing how we can help parents navigate the difficult issues that many children face. After all, parenting doesn’t come with a handbook. We are looking into getting specialists to come in to host talks with parents about how to have the difficult conversations and how to spot signs that a child might be struggling. Parents are such an important part of a child’s

What is something people might not have guessed about you?

I am a trained radio DJ! I spend one night a week at Starship with the charity Radio Lollipop. We go into the wards and provide play for the kids as well as running the hospital radio station. Patients can come in and speak on the radio, request songs and enter competitions. We are just like any other radio station, but we play more of The Wiggles.  PN

I LOVE LUCY BOOK REVIEW:

‘IT’ - STEPHEN KING - 16+

“Come on back and we’ll see if you remember the simplest thing of all - how it is to be children, secure in belief and thus afraid of the dark.”

‘IT’ is an ancient being that has been feeding off the children of Derry, Maine since the beginning of time. ‘IT’ shows itself in many ways - most commonly as a demented clown called Pennywise. Other times, ‘IT’ reaches into your subconscious and pulls out your deepest fears, appearing to you as the thing that will haunt you most. ‘IT’ lives in the sewers beneath Derry, and ‘IT’ isn’t afraid to come out and play.

As children begin to go missing a group of seven friends are pulled together to fight and defeat ‘IT’, unbeknownst to the rest of the town. But then, as most children do, they grew up, they left Derry, went their separate ways and forgot about the monster living under the small town. 27 years later as ‘IT’ begins to rise from its slumber, they return to fight ‘IT’ once more.

Although this is a mammoth 1000 page book, Stephen King’s descriptive writing style is vivid and engaging to read. His characters are really easy to relate to and have incredibly complex personalities and unique personality traits. When I finished the book I wanted to re-read ‘IT’ because I missed the characters and town of Derry, Maine.

I really enjoyed this book. It has been something I have wanted to read since ‘IT’: Chapter One came out when I was 10 years old. ‘IT’ is now PN my new favourite book and I rate it at 5 out of 5. (LUCY KENNEDY)  www.lucykennedywriter.wixsite.com/reviews instagram @luce_kennedy

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

out of 5!

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

HONOUR MITCHELL: SIX60 CONCERT Most of us have been lucky enough to go to a concert in our lifetime - one, two or perhaps more. Exciting, adrenaline-pumping and hectic are just a few words I’d use to describe the experience.

Seeing an artist you admire performing live is a one-of-a-kind moment. Sure, listening to music on your phone is great, but when you get the opportunity to hear a band live the tunes move to a whole new level. The energy alone in the mosh pit (or wherever you may be) gets your heart pounding and your body moving. Being surrounded by so many people getting their groove on and just dancing the night away is pretty euphoric. And quite the mood booster!

You can’t really leave empty-handed either; you’ll take home some of the best memories of a lifetime, nicely packaged up as videos on your phone. Phew! Thanks to the digital age we can look back and enjoy those little parcels of happiness whenever the feeling grabs us.

The first concert I went to was Benee at Spark Arena late last year clearly I’m still a bit of a rookie. So, honestly, when I first heard about the SIX60 concert I was a bit on edge - over 50,000 people attending?

My anxiety rose but the opportunity was far too good to pass up!

This was going to be the largest live, in-person concert world-wide since the Covid-19 pandemic began and I wanted to be part of this historical moment, of which I suspected music fans globally would be jealous.

SIX60 started off as a few Otago Uni students jamming around before they formed a band in 2008 - not knowing - I bet - they would later become one of the most popular bands in New Zealand.

Then suddenly they were playing magical song after magical song.

Blown away by the performance, the crowd was left begging for more.

And I was not surprised. Just hearing their music live was so much more amazing than on the radio (and their songs are pretty good on the radio.)

Something I really loved about the concert was the way they made fantastic connections to New Zealand’s heritage.

In their song ‘Don’t Forget Your Roots’ they brought on a full Kapa Haka group who did a spectacular performance to the Maori verse of the song... a very nice cultural touch.

And, in ‘We Won’t Fade Away’ they had soldiers come on and play trumpets and drums as an Anzac day tribute. As it was 24 April (the eve of Anzac Day) this was also a major hit with the crowd since it was a chance to reinforce how memories of our brave soldiers haven’t faded away over time!

Overall the concert was a blast and actually was the most fun I have had in a very long time. I guess all the effort we Kiwis put into lockdowns and keeping the virus out of our country gave us a chance to live it up big time! There was something so thrilling about being able to partake in such an awesome event.

Congrats to SIX60 for making history in a very enjoyable way!

(HONOUR MITCHELL)  PN

Twelve of their singles have gone platinum or better and they are the first band to win a total of 17 NZ music awards across their career. If you turn on the radio, I guarantee at least one of their songs will be familiar to your ears.

My friends and I arrived at Eden Park around 7pm. We slipped into the mosh pit and found ourselves a pretty satisfactory spot. First up was the renowned Dave Dobbyn and we were just in time for the Kiwi classic, ‘Slice of Heaven’, which was well appreciated by the crowd.

Next was ‘Drax Project’ who, although not as well known as SIX60, put on a great performance including a cool guy playing the saxophone, which I found captivating.

But we can’t forget the star of the show, the one and only SIX60! The opening lines delivered to the impatient crowd were, “We did it in New Zealand. We are the first band to play Eden Park”. (So not only was this concert a Covid-19 first, but it also marked the dawn of a sensational new venue for large musical events in Aotearoa.)

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FUTURE GENERATION

STEPPING UP TOGETHER: CELEBRATING THE KING’S YEAR 9 BOARDING CONCEPT Now in its sixth year, King’s College’s Year 9-specific boarding house is well-established as truly beneficial for young men embarking on their boarding journey at the school.

Te Putake Lodge was established in 2016, home to a Year 9 Boarders’ Transition Programme all about enabling them to build a strong foundation and prepare for the years ahead. The concept recognised that, fundamentally, 13-year-olds are different from 18-year-olds, and that a boarding programme tailor-made for young adolescents provides them with increased opportunities to develop their confidence and realise their full potential.

“When Year 9s start a new school and boarding for the first time, it’s a significant move,” says Deputy Head Pastoral Care and founding Te Putake Lodge Housemaster Daniel Mitchell. “So, the thought process was, let’s get them all in the same place where we can care for these guys and bring them all into the school together.”

Te Putake Lodge mentors and staff are able to focus on providing pastoral care tailored to Year 9s. “You’ve got Year 9s all at the same stage.

While individuals will have different maturity levels or stages of growth, they’re all in the same process together arriving at King’s, getting to know the school, and getting to understand their Houses,” Mr Mitchell says.

The advent of Te Putake Lodge boosted Year 9 boarding numbers, and consequently, the number of students staying in each weekend. Though they all live in the Lodge, each Year 9 boarder is assigned to the boarding House they’ll live in from Year 10 onwards. By the end of the year, they’re well-equipped to move in to their permanent boarding House, with the added benefit of having made friends in other Houses.

“You’ve got that bond with the guys you were in the Lodge with, and you’ve got another bond with the guys that stay in on the weekend,” founding boarder Aidan Jeeves says. “As we’ve gone on, I’ve still got friends in other Houses, which I don’t think would have happened if we didn’t live in the Lodge.”

For staff, there are clear signs when a student has settled in to life at King’s. “They’re a lot more independent, a lot more mature, they understand boarding and they’re ready to move into their Houses,” Mr Mitchell says.

With steady and high demand for places at King’s, early applications are encouraged. The school roll is closed for 2022 with the exception of a handful of places in Year 9. The roll is open for enrolments for 2023. www.kingscollege.school.nz

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

At King’s do you live for the weeks or the weekends?

Yes.

Week

Walk to school rather than sit in traffic.

Weekend

Run to your own timetable.

Week

Designated study time to focus on learning.

Weekend

A time where the family is the focus.

5 Day Boarding at King’s.

The best of both worlds.

There are many reasons why 5 day boarding at King’s works for both students and their families’ busy lives. If you’d like to find out more about a King’s College all-round education in 2022, talk to us now.

King’s is opportunity

kingscollege.school.nz

FUTURE GENERATION

AUCKLAND GIRLS’ GRAMMAR APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY PRINCIPAL New to Auckland Girls’ Grammar School in 2021, deputy principal Helen Long is determined to make her mark.

Long, who’s moved to AGGS from Western Springs College, where she was dean of house and head of media studies, says her one and only goal in her new job is to do right by the school’s students. And for good reason.

“I’m really passionate about education. I was raised in a house where education was the MOST important thing,” she explains.

“I think education can be the leveler, with the right support and the right guidance – no matter where you’re from.

“No matter what situation you’ve come from, with a good education, you’ve got doors open to you.”

Long believes Auckland Girls’ Grammar School is the education gem in central Auckland, and she thinks few local Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and City parents realise what’s on offer right at their doorstep.

“Absolutely it’s a hidden gem,” she says. “It’s a little bit of an anomaly, this really old traditional school, with these beautiful buildings, in this area of Auckland that still attracts girls from all over the city.

“I think that’s one of the things that makes our school really special that so many families choose to send their girls here. They’re choosing to send their girls here and that comes with a huge responsibility on our part to make sure that school is the best for them. That we do the best for them that we possibly can.”

Diversity is the school’s other massive draw card, according to Long. As she points out, Aotearoa’s a cultural melting pot and that’s represented, accepted – and celebrated – at AGGS. “There are students from all over Auckland and from all corners of the world, and I just think we’ve got so much to learn from one another.”

Long’s also impressed with the support offered to AGGS students, right across the board.

“Academically they’ve got their deans,” she explains, “but we’ve also got a really good tutor teacher system and we have a complete wraparound Health Centre – so; nurses, a doctor, a psychologist who come in a couple of times a week, plus we have two full time counselors and a social worker. So all aspects of wellbeing are looked after.”

Add to that the programmes on offer – from dance, to drama, to science, to scholarship opportunities and Long has discovered her new school is much more than most expect. And with the AGGS’ Open Day on the way, her message to local parents is loud and proud.

“Come and check us out! There is so much going on and like we say it really is a hidden gem. There are opportunities in all areas. So I would just encourage people who live in the area to come and check PN it out.” 

AUCKLAND GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL PER ANGUSTA AD AUGUSTA

OPEN DAY

Wednesday 23rd June 2021 9.30am – 12.30pm We invite you to visit our school on Wednesday 23rd June. Our senior students will lead school tours throughout the morning and our Principal will give short talks at 10am, 11am and 12pm.

Information Evening – Wednesday 23rd June 2021 6.30pm – 8.00pm.

All prospective students for 2022 and their whānau are very welcome to attend this evening.

We also welcome whānau of students interested in enrolling in Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi, our Māori Whānau Unit.

Educated at Auckland Girls’ Equipped for the World

Auckland Girls’ Grammar School welcomes enrolments from throughout the Auckland region and we hope that you will take this opportunity to find out more about us.

Parking at Gate 2, Howe Street, Newton

For more information please phone 307 4180 or email enrol@aggs.school.nz

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Auckland Obstetric Centre is a unique practice in Parnell made up of six leading specialist obstetricians and support staff. Together we have many years of experience and feel privileged to be able to share in the care of women during their pregnancy. To find out more about how we can care for you and your baby call our team or visit our website.

09 367 1200 | obstetrics.co.nz

Lynda Batcheler Astrid Budden Eva Hochstein Katherine McKenzie Kirstie Peake Jason Waugh

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

TALKING TRUSTS: LUCY & JIM Lucy and Jim had been in a relationship for a number of years.

Jim had three children from an earlier marriage and they had one child together.

For the first few years they kept their assets separate and then when they decided that this was going to be forever, they agreed to pool their assets and buy a home together. That extended to eventually a bach in Mangawhai as well.

Once the estate planning exercise was completed, Lucy was owed $250,000 by the trust, being the equity that she had brought to the relationship and Jim was owed $1,050,000. Their wills remained the same and said that if one of them died, the other would receive all the assets and then once they both died Jim’s children and their joint child would share in all the assets. They had also did a memorandum of wishes advising the trustees that all assets would be held until they both died and then distributed to all the children equally.

Jim was CFO in a large company based on the shore. When Lucy and Jim purchased their bach their lawyer told them it would be a good idea to think about putting their assets into a trust. He said that because of Jim’s quasi director role and also the fact that he was potentially an officer of the company for Health and Safety purposes, it was wise to ensure that their assets would be protected in a trust. Even though Jim had more cash to put into the trust assets and also children from a previous relationship, the lawyer said that just one trust between the two of them would be fine. He said that they didn’t need to over complicate things.

Sadly not long after the trust was established and after Lucy and Jim had married, Jim had a massive heart attack. He was on life support for three days and then died. Lucy was devastated, but felt a sense of relief that they had addressed their asset planning position before they had got married.

Tammy McLeod

He also went on to say that the cash going into the trust to purchase the home and bach should be lent to the trust. He said that while we no longer had gift duty in New Zealand, it was best to be conservative and leave the amounts going into the trust owed to each of Lucy and Jim. He said that this would mean in the event that they separated they would be able to get their original amounts out of the trust and he wasn’t a big fan of gifting anyway.

Lucy had a nagging thought at the back of her mind that this didn’t seem to be quite right. She wondered whether she should go and get her own independent advice, but didn’t say anything as she really wanted to show unity with Jim. But she did remember some friends talking about this and saying sometimes with blended families one big joint trust was not always a good way to go. She also wondered about whether she and Jim needed to do new wills, but the lawyer didn’t say anything, so she didn’t raise it. Lucy knew that she and Jim would be marrying soon anyway and she thought that would change things when they were husband and wife.

Lucy went to see the lawyer that she and Jim had gone to. He seemed to be a bit blasé about the whole thing and one of her friends recommended she go and see a lawyer that specialised in asset planning and trusts. When Lucy went to see the lawyer she was horrified to find that when she and Jim married, by law, their wills become null and void. This meant that Jim’s will was invalid and his estate would be governed by the Administration Act. Lucy was relieved for a moment because all of their assets were in trust, until she remembered that the trust still owed Jim $1,050,000 because the previous lawyer didn’t agree with gifting.

Under the Administration Act this mean that Lucy would be assigned $150,000 of the debt owed by the trust to Jim as well as 1/3 of the balance and the remaining 2/3 ($600,000) would be owed to Jim’s children who could demand payment of the debt. This would mean that the trust would need to sell the bach to pay out Jim’s children and also pay tax on the increase in value given the brightline test rules. This was far from the outcome Jim and Lucy had envisaged when they first went to the lawyer for advice.

It is so important to seek specialist asset planning advice. Often people don’t think that their circumstances are complicated but there may be legal twists and turns that you don’t think of and that a specialist will be able to help you navigate.  PN

DAVENPORTS LAW, 331 Rosedale Road, Level 1, Building 2, Albany, T: 09 883 4400, www.davenportslaw.co.nz

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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C RAFTED L EGAL ADV ICE FOR PE ACE OF MIN D.

Asset protection.

Do you need a trust?

The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people.

Trusts are invaluable asset protection mechanisms, which allow a person to hold property and assets on behalf of another for the good of the beneficiaries.

However, not everyone needs a trust, so ensuring other forms of asset structuring including your will and enduring powers of attorney are up to date is important.

Contact us for more information about asset structuring.

0 9 883 4 4 0 0 DAV EN P O RTS L AW.CO.N Z

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

LOGAN GRANGER: CHANGES TO YOUR RESIDENTIAL RENTAL INTEREST DEDUCTIBILITY The Government has recently announced changes to the deductibility of mortgage interest against residential rental income.

Currently when owners of residential investment property calculate their taxable income they can deduct the interest on loans that relate to the income from those properties (claimed as an expense). This reduces the tax you need to pay.

Interest on loans for properties acquired before 27 March 2021 can still be claimed as an expense. However, the amount you can claim will be reduced over the next four income years until it is completely phased out. This means that in the 2025–26 and later income years, you will not be able to claim any interest expense as deductions against your income. If money is borrowed on or after 27 March 2021 to maintain or improve property acquired before 27 March 2021, it will be treated the same as a loan for a property acquired on or after 27 March 2021. Interest on it will not be able to be claimed as an expense from 1 October 2021. Property developers (who pay tax on the sale of property) will not be affected by this change. They will still be able to claim interest as an expense.

For tax purposes, a property is generally deemed to be acquired on the date a binding sale and purchase agreement is entered into (even if some conditions still need to be met). A property acquired on or after 27 March 2021 will be treated as having been acquired before 27 March 2021, if the purchase was the result of an offer the purchaser made on or before 23 March 2021 that cannot be withdrawn before 27 March 2021.

If you acquired a property before 27 March 2021, you can still claim interest (for loans that already existed for that property) as an expense against your residential property income, but this amount will reduce by 25% each income year until the ability to deduct the interest is completely phased-out from the 2025–26 income year. Percent of interest you can claim: 1 April 2020–31 March 2021 100% 1 April 2021–31 March 2022 (transitional year) 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021 - 100% 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 - 75% 1 April 2022–31 March 2023 75% 1 April 2023–31 March 2024 50% 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 25% From 1 April 2025 onwards 0%

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

If you acquired a residential property on or after 27 March 2021 and take a loan out to acquire it, you cannot claim interest on that loan as an expense against your property income from 1 October 2021 onwards.

This means you’ll pay more tax on any property income you receive.

You can still claim other expenses such as the cost of insurance and rates.

If you’ve made an offer on a property on or before 23 March 2021, but the offer is accepted after 27 March 2021, and you could not withdraw the offer before 27 March 2021, your property will be treated as if it was acquired before 27 March 2021, meaning you can claim interest as an expense until the ability to deduct it is completely phased-out.

If you are considering purchasing a residential investment property, consideration should be given to how you structure the debt and where it sits from a deductibility point of view.

For more information on any of the above topics, please contact us at Johnston Associates. (LOGAN GRANGER)  PN JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz Disclaimer – While all care has been taken, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

SpeCial FIxEd FEE PrE‑AuctIOn rEPOrt $300

Property transactions that come up smelling of roses.

©Copyright Ross Jones 2010- 2016

www.jonesthepainter.com

When you’re buying or selling a property in the Auckland region, our legal expertise makes for smoother transactions, right down to securing the keys on settlement day.

Talk to us about conveyancing Call us today

THIS YEAR IS THE

POLYNESIAN PANTHERS

50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

169a Ponsonby Road Ponsonby, Auckland +64 9 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz

If you’d like to support them by purchasing a tee shirt, please email Will on polypanthers6@gmail.com

Trusts & Wills

|

Business & Commercial

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HAVE A PROJECT? CALL FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE Call 021 062 9104 Email eddie@reidpropertyservices.co.nz Visit reidpropertyservices.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

77

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

RENOWN PONSONBY ARCHITECTS’ HOME SALES REFLECT A STRONG MARKET DEMAND FOR DESIGNER DWELLINGS Two of New Zealand’s leading residential architects have sold their Auckland central city-fringe homes within a few weeks of each other – both through the same real estate agent, and both receiving pre-auction offers.

Eva Nash and Kate Rogan – principals of chic Grey Lynn architectural consultancy Rogan Nash – both listed and sold their homes in rapid succession in May through Blair Haddow of Bayleys Ponsonby.

First up, Eva Nash placed her Wellpark Avenue family home of four years on the market for sale. After just one open home, agent Blair Haddow presented an offer, and the planned auction date was brought forward.

The home duly sold under the hammer for $3.225million – nearly $160,000 more than the pre-auction offer.

Inspired by the ‘heat’ within the Auckland city-fringe residential property market and the sensational job Blair Haddow did managing the sales and marketing process, business partner Kate Rogan then also placed her Great North Road, Grey Lynn, family home on the market for sale with Bayleys Ponsonby.

Similarly, a pre-auction offer was presented after just one open home, and the planned auction duly brought forward. As with Eva’s home, Kate’s stylish two-storey four-year-old home sold under the hammer for $2.52million – coincidentally also for nearly $160,000 more than the pre-auction offer.

“The expedient nature in which both Eva and Kate’s homes sold reflects that many people wanting a residence in the Ponsonby, Herne Bay, and Grey Lynn locales have an eye for style, and are ready to pay for that,” said Blair Haddow.

“The couple who bought Eva’s home for example, had been looking for their perfect home for almost four years, and in all of that time had only seen two homes which they made offers on.”

Blair Haddow said the duo of Rogan Nash sales also showcased how auctions achieved the best sales outcomes for vendors – with both properties achieving higher values under the hammer than the benchmark pre-auction offers.

20 Murdoch Road

At the other end of the buyer spectrum though, Blair Haddow also last month sold a three-bedroom/one-bathroom ‘do-up’ property at 20 Murdoch Road in Grey Lynn for $1.8 million to a syndicate of three young first home buyers. The address – previously a rental property for the past 20-years - was also sold at auction.

The busy period of May residential property sales across Ponsonby, Herne Bay and Grey Lynn has come at a time when Blair Haddow’s professional profile in the business and property media has been reaching even higher levels than usual – with a feature in the New Zealand Herald’s One Roof property supplement, and a similar write-up in Eye magazine on successful Auckland real estate agents.

Blair was also prestigiously named in Bayleys’ Top Five Percent of salespeople within the company across New Zealand for the 2020/2021 financial year. It is the eleventh consecutive year Blair Haddow has achieved the much sought-after professional accolade. So far this calendar year, Blair has concluded 15 residential sales in the Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn triangle.  PN www.facebook.com/BlairHaddowResidential

67A Wellpark Avenue

633A Great North Road

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The Pols Potten range

The Calvo side table from SCP

The Boby Trolley

Our Wallace Sewell collection

Part of the Naver collection from Denmark

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ BOB AND FRIENDS

BOB & FRIENDS, 231 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 7350, www.bobandfriends.co.nz From 15 June you can visit their new location at 253 Ponsonby Road WE’RE MOVING After almost 7 years in our beautiful villa, Bob and Friends is moving.

Come see us in our fabulous new showroom at 253 Ponsonby Road just down the road at Three Lamps. We can’t wait to open the huge doors to the new space on the 15th June.

Tel: +649 3787350 Mobile: +64 22 021 0455 www.bobandfriends.co.nz 253 Ponsonby Road, Auckland

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ MELUKA Meluka furniture’s very first BABY range is here. With a brand new round handle called Riley, customise your very own chest of drawers or sideboard today.

Simple, stylish Meluka furniture is built tough, designed for lasting performance and arrives fully assembled. All our furniture is made by Danske Mobler Furniture in Auckland using state-of-the-art computerised manufacturing systems, ensuring absolute build accuracy and the highest levels of quality.

It’s Meluka - furniture, simply.

www.meluka.co.nz

Furniture. Simply.

20% F F EVERYTHING! SHOP ONLINE OR IN STORE NOW

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

ALBERTS OFFERING A NEW CBD WORKSPACE SMES CRAVE Small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) searching for an economic solution into a workspace that provides a central city location and opportunities often only seen by larger corporates, are finding the answer with Alberts.

Alberts sets out to redefine the modern workplace, providing aspirational design, modern technology solutions, high quality meeting spaces, and exceptional amenities to meet all SME requirements in the modern world.

Kylie Metzener, Alberts leasing manager, says that Alberts goal is to make the workplace solution simpler for our tenants and members, providing them the opportunity to grow and breathe while upgrading to A-grade premises, with Alberts offering a choice of five CBD locations.

“Providing high quality offices is the foundation of the Alberts offer, but there is much more to it than that. We want SMEs to have the same experience as large organisations, which is why we wrap them in world-class service and amenities including food and beverage, high quality collaborative spaces, outstanding concierge services and many opportunities available through our exclusive private tenants’ club.”

enjoy a workspace with high-quality design that is a modern solution to ensure your organisation works smarter. Finally, Alberts also offers traditional lease terms suitable for tenants who have a more specific requirement.

Alberts has three workspace options, explains Kylie. “Alberts Private Suites are ready-to-use secure offices where you can walk in and start working. Alberts Bespoke offers a made-to-measure space designed in conjunction with your needs and brand. Fully fitted out and secure, refits come at no cost to the tenant. This means you can

“Anyone interested in experiencing true design quality, customer service, technology and an unrivalled location for their business should consider Alberts as their next workplace destination. If you want to be part of a growing community with outstanding culture, then we’d love to show you around Alberts.”  PN

ALBERTS, five CBD locations, Auckland, Email: info@alberts.co.nz, T: 09 886 7472, Linkedin: Alberts NZ, Facebook: @wearealberts, Instagram: @wearealberts, www.alberts.nz

MORE THAN METRES SQUARED W H E R E O F F I C E S PA C E MEETS MEMBERS CLUB D I S C O V E R O U R F I V E C B D L O C AT I O N S

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

EMBRACE THE COLOURS AND TEXTURES OF AUTUMN IN YOUR HOME James Dunlop and Mokum fabrics offer the luxury and performance of velvet in their latest edit for Autumn.

Lahood’s experienced and award-winning team can help you design the perfect mix of drapes, furniture upholstery and accessories to give your home that luxurious, warm, comfortable feel for the coming seasons.

Velvet brings elegance and rich colour to a room in a way that few other textiles can, and it has a richness that is matched by its hardwearing, resilient properties.

Call in to Lahood’s Mt Eden showroom today to view these collections.

Vienna by James Dunlop PART OF THE TEA HOUSE COLLECTION A velvet to meet the demands of the modern home, Vienna offers the dry cotton look, a luxurious look and feel, with the durability of 100% polyester. With an extensive colour range, Vienna is great for drapery, upholstery and accessories like cushions.

Bespoke by Catherine Martin by Mokum PART OF THE MAJORELLE COLLECTION

Vintage Deux by Mokum PART OF THE MOKUM CLASSICS COLLECTION The new and improved Mokum classic Vintage Deux velvet is woven in Italy with a plush viscose pile and soft sublime feel. Velvet subtly shifts in tone as the light envelops a room or as you move throughout a space. The new palette features an array of greens, in both strong and nuanced shades, clean pastels, a sharp citrine and a vibrant Japanese inspired red.

Bespoke by Catherine Martin by Mokum PART OF THE MAJORELLE COLLECTION This divine textured velvet was inspired by a desire to create the ultimate luxury velvet, one with both a linen velvet aesthetic and a soft and sumptuous feel. Bespoke was carefully constructed to create a lustrous, plush finish and antiqued surface. Custom dyed to deliver an extensive, fashion forward colour range, Bespoke offers an array of beautiful neutrals and opulent theatrical tones.

The Lahood Interior Design team create beautiful bespoke interiors for a full range of residential and commercial projects with the advantage of being able to supply and produce an extensive range of furniture, objects, artwork, soft furnishings and window treatments to complete PN your project on time and with professional service second to none.  For more information on Lahood’s range of fabrics and textiles, and their interior design service, contact Lahood or visit the showroom.

LAHOOD WINDOW FURNISHINGS, 104 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 638 8463, www.lahood.co.nz Vienna by James Dunlop PART OF THE TEA HOUSE COLLECTION

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D E N M A R K

254 Richmond Rd Grey Lynn Ph 09 360 0616 www.homage.co.nz

TIMELESS, CLASSIC CRAFTING

366 Great North Road Grey Lynn t:09 376 2895

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

CLEAN, FUNCTIONAL LINES

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

STYLE AND STAGE YOUR HOME WHEN SELLING… Selling your family home can be one of the most stressful and emotionally draining times for a home owner.

It can look a bit worn and tired from everyday living with marks on walls, worn carpets and fading furniture, making it harder to sell. But with Rigby & Co Home Staging it doesn’t have to be.

Well executed home staging draws the eye away from these ‘sale inhibitors’ and allows buyers to focus on the positives.

We ensure that it stands out from other properties on the market by making it look warm and inviting, modern and contemporary and we have a range of home staging styles to best suit your property and help it sell more quickly and for a higher price.

“Thank you Vanessa. Your amazing vision and wonderful sense of style most certainly helped us achieve a fantastic sale price for our property. Potential purchasers all made comments about how well the property was presented. Your easy manner and great communication made it so easy for us. We applaud you and could not recommend your services highly enough. Well done!” - ANNIE For more information please contact Vanessa Rigby on 027 772 0606; vanessa@rigbyandco.nz; www.rigbyandco.nz

When working with Rigby & Co Home Staging, you will work directly with me, Vanessa - the owner of the company. I’m a qualified interior designer, so you can be assured of professional and personalised one-to-one service, and I’ll help ensure we: • maximise the sale potential of your home • sell your home faster • sell your home for greater value • make your home more appealing to more people • attract better buyers And we do this by treating the property like it was our own, and it was our property we were selling. In this way we ensure we don’t miss ’the little hidden things’ that can mean the difference between success and failure, a great sale and no sale at all.

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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104 Mt. Eden Road Mt. Eden, Auckland Phone: 09 638 8463 www.lahood.co.nz

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ DAWSON & CO.

TOP Department 3 seat-er sofa from RRP $4,059 London bookcase in light smoked oak RRP $3,299 MIDDLE Reeded sideboard in blackened oak with polished brass RRP $4,599 BOTTOM Itamae 2.4m dining table in light oak RRP $3,579 Inlay dining chair in light oak from RRP $649 All by Dawson & Co.

DAWSON & CO., Northshore Showroom, 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale T: 09 476 1121, Parnell Showroom, 115 The Strand, Parnell; info@dawsonandco.nz www.dawsonandco.nz

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DAVID HARTNELL HAS BEEN AWARDED WITH HIS VERY OWN STAR Our columnist David Hartnell MNZM has just been awarded his very own star on the ‘New Zealand Walk of Fame’ in Orewa.

As David told Ponsonby News, “It’s a great honour, yet a strange one to have a star in a footpath with your name on it. People walk all over you – dogs can pee on you and there’s the possibility that late night revellers even throw up on you. Muhammed Ali refused a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for this very reason; his is the only star that was placed in a wall.

On the plaque David was presented with read, ‘For a life time achievement in entertainment.

Bringing the world of Hollywood and its stars into New Zealand’s hearts and homes’.

His star in the ‘New Zealand Walk of Fame’, along with his Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit appointed to him by Her Majesty the Queen in 2011 for his contribution to the entertainment world now firmly places David in the history books of both New Zealand and international entertainment organisations around the world.

David’s partner Somboon Khansuk was at his side as he unveiled his star.  PN

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ARTS + CULTURE

@ SCOTT LAWRIE

GALLERY

Te Tai-o-Rehua (The Tasman) 5 June – 27 June, 2021

Photography: Kimberley Annan

Many months in the making, this powerful group show is a celebration of the bonds and differences between our dual cultures on both sides of Te Tai-o-Rehua, also known as the Tasman Sea.

FIRST TUESDAY - 6 JULY, @ 12:10PM-12:50PM First Tuesday concert series at St Matthewin-the-City is delighted to welcome the Francis-Lee Duo on Tuesday 6 July in a programme for violin and piano of music by Mozart, Korngold and Sarasate.

Formed in 2016, the Francis-Lee Duo consists of University of Auckland School of Music graduates, violinist Dr Charlotte Francis and pianist Gemma Lee. Both have gained individual successes in chamber music throughout New Zealand and overseas, and have performed together in various venues across the upper North Island, including the Auckland Central Library, The Danish House, Whittaker’s Musical Museum, All Saints Howick, Waikato Museum, and the Hokianga Music Society.

Having enjoyed previously working with each other in the University of Auckland as administrative staff, the two decided to collaborate musically with long-term professional intentions.

First Tuesday on 3 August features another duo of David Kelly (piano) and Lucia Manghi (flute) playing music by Mozart, John Harbison and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The First Tuesday lunchtime concert series is a perfect antidote from the hustle and bustle of the inner city with peace, calm and superb music in a beautiful architectural setting.  PN www.stmatthews.nz

Francis-Lee Duo Music by Mozart, Korngold and Sarasate on violin & piano

The show features a seemingly eclectic group of twelve Australian and New Zealand artists – 6 men, 6 women, 6 New Zealanders and 6 Australians – covering a truly diverse range of practices, styles, and cultural influences, and all but one represented by Scott Lawrie Gallery.

As well as some younger artists showing for the first time in New Zealand, like Australia’s Benjamin Aitken (a recent finalist in both The Archibald and The Sulman Prize) and Claire Brodie, whose delightful reductive landscapes have led to sell out shows in Melbourne and Sydney – there are some also significant New Zealand artists represented, such as renowned photographer Fiona Pardington, and leading modernist painter Roy Good.

Brought together in a rich essay by Andrew Paul Wood, the show represents a snapshot of some of the most interesting artists working in our part of the world today. As Wood notes, “Together these artists capture a snapshot of what antipodean culture might be, looking simultaneously back to the past and into the future indigenous, colonist, and immigrant, connecting to the rest of the Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

“Looking at these artists’ work we very quickly realise how extraordinarily complex, rich, and diverse our part of the Pacific is.

The Tasman Sea really is just “the ditch” that is more a point of communication, an osmotic boundary, than a barrier. We are not the end of the world, we are merely the beginning.”

Gallery hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-5pm. Opens Saturday 5 PN June, with drinks from 3pm-5pm. All welcome. Free parking.  SCOTT LAWRIE, 15 Williamson Avenue, www.scottlawrie.com

Te Tai-o-Rehua ~ The Tasman 5 - 27 June, 2021

Tuesday 6th July, 12.10-12.50pm Entry by kohā.

2 Murdoch Rd, Grey Lynn (Off 15 Williamson Ave) Wed to Sun, 11 – 5pm

scottlawrie.com

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ARTS + CULTURE

@ OREXART Philippa Blair: Unbridled - New paintings 2020/21 Opens Saturday 12 June from 2pm - 4pm and runs through to 3 July Philippa Blair is one of New Zealand’s foremost abstract painters. Her paintings are composed of life and fire; they are colour explosions, the lines, loops, drips and minglings are a bravura orchestration of excitement, control and expertise built up over a lifetime. Her recent works reveal an artist at the top of her form – unbridled and running at full gallop.

and distinguished career. For the past 45 years, she has exhibited regularly, from early shows across New Zealand in the 1970s, to international solo exhibitions in New York in the 1980s, and significant museum exhibitions and teaching positions in the 1990s in Los Angeles, a city that became her home for twenty years (1995-2014).

Despite Covid-19, despite her 76 years, Philippa Blair is a powerhouse of energy and this show is testament to her long

In 2020, Philippa was the subject of a major survey exhibition at Te Uru Contemporary Gallery, Waitakere.  PN

Gym Khana 2021, 91cm x 122cm, Oil and acrylic on canvas

Somewhere else 2021, 152cm x 101cm, Oil and acrylic on canvas

Walk a Crooked Mile 2021, 152cm x 101cm, Oil and acrylic on canvas

OREXART, 221 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 0588, orexart.co.nz

Philippa Blair

12 June — 3 July 2021

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@ {SUITE} In June, {Suite} is looking forward to exhibiting the work of young Wellington based painter Jaimee Peters. The artist has recently joined the {Suite} stable and this will be her first exhibition in Auckland.

- Kahu ki Whangaroa descent, Peters currently balances a teaching career with her art practice in Wellington and has Of Ngapuhi and Ngati previously exhibition at CoCA in Christchurch where she completed her BFA at Ilam.

Her paintings, which are bold and dynamic, aim to explore the tension between abstraction and representation and seek an aesthetic resolution that is just out of reach. Her practice is full of contradictory associations of ideas and issues, fluidity, chaos and control. The forms in her work draw from architectural images, public buildings and brutalist institutional structures, reconfiguring their linear planes with incompatible colour to make new fluxing forms part real and part imagined.  PN {SUITE} GALLERY, 189 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 218 4399, www.suite.co.nz

BRAVEFACE MURAL Local supplements company Braveface recently commissioned Marcus Watson to paint a mural on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Douglas Street reading ‘You are bigger than your biggest worry’.

It offers walkers by to jot their worries down and let them go by leaving them in the locked box fixed to the site. As part of the campaign Braveface have chosen to support the Sir John Kirwan Foundation and their initative Mitey which has provided education around mental health in schools. Braveface have donated $10,000 to the foundation so far.

As Braveface told us, “Our activation has now been live for two and a half weeks and will be up until 6 June. We have had over 450 people leave their worries in our worry box on Ponsonby Road and Sir John Kirwan even came down to check it out. This week we also put out 100 stencils (semi-permanent) on Ponsonby foot paths reading ‘You are bigger than your biggest worry.’ which have seen a lot of people posting to social media.”  PN

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ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE Situated in the old Police barracks at 1 Ponsonby Road, Studio One Toi Tu is a real community arts hub, with exhibitions, classes, artists-in-residence, and even some chocolate biscuits when I called on a blustery Thursday.

Community art centres nourish the development of the arts ecology.

They are the rich humus from which things grow, and so are essential for, and indicative of, the well-being of the wider community.

Under the steady steerage of Siobhan Connelly, Studio One Toi Tu is home to a vibrant mix of art events. This year’s Residency Program nurtures artists working with film, dance, sculpture, photography and typography – a diverse and exciting mix; the results of which will be exhibited towards the end of the year.

The first floor galleries are always a delight to view. On my visit there were brightly coloured paintings of K’Road by Timothy Clarke, a slightly spooky projection onto floating silks by Emily Hurley, dense black and white photographs of Cairo by Ilan Wittenberg, and constructions of wood and paint by Brendan Moran.

Brendan’s “Ambient Plasticity” contain several small structures that scaffold painted surfaces, in some cases seeming to clamber around them as if the idea of painting were being examined. While these appealed to the intellectual, a determinedly pink work with a beautifully scalloped surface insisted in being viewed with a more physical appetite.

Impermanence by Emily Hurley

Opening in June are exhibitions by local artist Deborah Crowe who studies the urban with layered photographic and video imaging, the electric tupuna of Lissy & Rudi Robinson-Cole, ceramics from Devyani Sethi, photography from Nga Rangatahi Toa in response to lockdown on the East Coast, and mixed media work with a smile from Rachel Kiddie McClure.

Whether needing a space to exhibit, to study, to make work, or make a presentation or meeting, Studio One Toi Tu provides a central place for our creative community. And some days, chatting with the staff at reception will get you a biscuit.

(EVAN WOODRUFFE/STUDIO ART SUPPLIES)  PN www.studioart.co.nz

Brendan Moran at Studio One Toi Tu

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LOCAL-BASED INDIE-POP TRIO LA WOMEN SHARE NEW EP “CHANGED MY NAME” A project three years in the making, the EP is the result of LA WOMEN’s reinvention, transformation, and evolution since their arrival on the scene with their debut EP in 2018.

Consisting of a mix of family and childhood friends, frontman Jake Schdroski, drummer Zac Emerson, and bass player Jesse Brown, the Changed My Name EP tracks the progression of the band’s brotherhood, growing from small-town New Zealand beginnings in their Masterton hometown to their sights set on the world.

Mirroring internal reflection in the EP’s abstract cover artwork, which was shot by Connor Lambert and drummer/creative director Zac Emerson, Changed My Name, explores the idea of identity being an eternal evolution looking at growth as a journey as opposed to a destination. The new EP’s title was conceived after the release of the bands first EP, before they had even begun work on the new project setting themselves a challenge to create their most transformative project yet.

“I think the idea of changing one’s name arises in a sudden moment of realisation. The idea to completely change your identity in the simplest of forms, such as the name you go by,” LA WOMEN says: “One cannot change identity simply by a name, as identity is constantly evolving. We decided that the sophomore EP was going to be an evolution of our previous EP. The four single artworks tied in with the idea of hectically scattered names to represent this moment of sudden realisation that we wanted to evolve. Changed My Name was our way to sonically evolve as a band.”

A cohesive collection of songs complete with previously released anthemic singles ‘Daydreams’, ‘Blame Me’, and ‘Love Me’, the EP features three brand new offerings, as well as a stripped-back acoustic version of fan favourite ballad ‘Love Me’; it’s raw lyricism translating passionately to pure guitar form on the projects closing track.

A stellar showcase of the band’s instrumental progression, slow-burning indie pop groove ‘Slow Down’ is a meditative observation of the relentless pace of every-day life embellished with sophisticated saxophone, while ‘Overdue’ explores the bittersweet emotions of a long distance relationship over glimmering production in collaboration with Auckland producer duo Ambian & Sleo. Buttery melodies, pulsing percussion, and dainty chords shape the delicate atmosphere of final track ‘Perfect’, finding frontman Jake embracing his flaws on the comforting confessional co-written with R&B act Mikey Dam. Rooted in unabashed honesty, Changed My Name EP represents radical growth by way of the vulnerability found in musical expression. While resonating nationwide as the endearing boys next door, the band have also made their mark in Australia touring in support of Glades, and have gained recognition from tastemakers including MTV, Complex UK, Happy Mag, Cool Accidents, SNIFFERS, and more.

This summer, the band played peak festival sets including Rhythm & Vines and Soundsplash. The new EP arrives alongside LA WOMEN’s nationwide New Zealand co-headline tour with chart-topping Harper Finn.

LA WOMEN, facebook: LA WOMEN

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7 Years of Lukas Graham, Doc Edge 2021

ARTS + CULTURE

WHAT TO WATCH THIS JUNE This month you could snuggle in and watch dramas, mysteries, or documentaries from the couch, or venture out and enjoy the thrill of the big screen. June is the perfect month to indulge in the diverse and carefully curated films that form this year’s Doc Edge Film Festival and French Film Festival Aotearoa.

7 Years of Lukas Graham Opening this year’s festival is a documentary that chronicles the rise of the Grammy nominated Danish band Lukas Graham as they skyrocket to international success against the odds and contrary to the predictions of the industry experts.

I’m An Electric Lampshade, Doc Edge 2021

Following the band over many years, the camera is able to reveal the real impact rock celebrity has on a group of ordinary young men in their twenties. In the end it is the ability to connect with the fans all over the world that makes their journey to fame possible.

Opening films rarely disappoint.

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I am an Electric Lampshade This award winning feature film is a coming of age story like no other. An eclectic dreamscape, it follows the personal journey of a retired accountant with a goal to be on stage performing to a throbbing crowd.

From a suburban accountancy firm in New York State to a training school for drag queens in the Philippines, this is one man’s journey to recreate himself in the way he has always imagined.

As the filmmaker describes it, it’s a psychedelic, one-of-a-kind journey that blurs the line between documentary, music, video, and concert film.

It is strangely compelling to watch a very ordinary married man put his retirement savings and his marriage on the line to realise his dream. It’s the kind of coming of ‘old’ age story that affirms you are NEVER too old to follow your dream. 

The Garden of Evil, Sir Peter Blake, photography Franck Socha,, Doc Edge 2021

DOC EDGE 2021

The 16th Doc Edge Film Festival is an innovative and cleverly curated range of 83 documentary films from all around the globe. Between 3 June and 11 July Doc Edge 2021 features an impressive selection of world premieres and award winning films ensuring this year’s festival truly has something for everyone. If you aren’t able to soak in the cinema atmosphere, Doc Edge 2021 will also be available on demand from 23 June to 11 July.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE Skies of Lebanon, French Film Festival. Aotearoa 2021

The Garden of Evil This world premiere will have locals on the edge of their seats. There is nothing quite like a good murder mystery and the stakes are higher when it’s the murder of ‘one of our own’ while he was trying to help save our planet. Sir Peter Blake was not just one of the ‘good guys’ of New Zealand sporting history, he was a hero who brought sailing into the homes of a nation. Was it a robbery gone wrong, or was it something more orchestrated and sinister?

This documentary doesn’t just remind the audience how sad and needless the loss of Sir Peter Blake was, but it also reveals the bigger environmental tragedy that he felt was important enough to put his life on the line for. 

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL AOTEAROA 2021

Vive le cinema! is the catch cry inviting cinephiles everywhere to watch some of the best examples of French cinema from the last year. The festival visits Auckland’s most beloved cinemas from June 9 to June 23 at Rialto Newmarket, Lido Epsom and Bridgeway cinemas - visit www.frenchfilmfestival.co.nz for individual film screening details.

Delicious Named one of the top 5 French Films for 2021, Delicious is beautifully shot and leaves your mouth watering. On the eve of the French Revolution an unapologetic royal chef reframes the concept of fine dining bringing haute cuisine to the people.

The special Maison Vauron Centrepiece Gala screening of Delicious, is on Saturday 19 June at 4:30pm. Tickets to this one are limited so get in quick. One to look out for.

Skies of Lebanon Knowing this story is inspired by the memories of the filmmaker’s grandmother makes the romance of Alice and Joseph all the more compelling and the feeling of loss all the more real. The story begins in a time of economic prosperity and peace in Lebanon, a place to fall-in-love and a place to fall-in-love with.

When civil war destroys their idyllic paradise nothing is ever the same again for the once optimistic and hopeful Alice and her husband Joseph who dreamed of sending the first Lebanese man to the moon.

This film is so beautifully crafted that even the bleakest moments seem tender and hopeful, reminding you that sometimes love is the real dream.  Man in the Hat This could be the French equivalent to the time honoured road movie genre and the closest we all might get to a French holiday for a while. Described by The Guardian film reviewer as “a picturesque odyssey across the French countryside, the best Provençal driving holiday you’ve never had”, let yourself be transported to a faraway-land by watching an adventure on the big screen and this great French film.

The Covert Theatre in Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby is NZ’s home of improvised comedy.

With workshops and shows every night of the week there is something for everyone.

Be sure to check out www.coverttheatre.com You can support all the good giggle’s by donation right here, www.coverttheatre.com/how-to-help Registered charity CC53421 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2021

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS – WHAT YOUR STARS HOLD FOR JUNE

Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February You feel like you have unlimited energy this month and it might be due to you feeling like you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.

You feel like you can do anything. Use the time now to organise yourself. You’ll feel so much better when it’s done.

Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March Don’t hide yourself away and miss an opportunity that is about to land at your feet. You have a chance to express yourself in a way that is guaranteed to bring you joy.

This is your chance to show the world what you’re made of.

Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April You feel like something is bubbling away inside of you and you’re not sure what to make of it. You may feel on edge a bit this month.

Take time for yourself if you can. If it’s space you need, then there is no better time to do something about it than now.

Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May You might have noticed that you’re on some sort of blacklist where friends are concerned. It might be something to do with you having no filter. You can’t always be blamed for what you say. But it might not be what is said, rather the way it is being said.

Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June There’s no holding you back this month as just about everything you do seems to come right. You’ve been looking for a leg up recently and finally you may have found it.

You feel favoured at last and it’s a feeling you won’t forget in a hurry.

Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July New openings are seen to be appearing before your very eyes. The only problem is you don’t know which one to turn into. What you do know is that in the past you have been pretty fearless. Reach deep inside and remember who you used to be.

Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August Some things are clear, but sometimes you’re aware of something bubbling away under the surface. You’re aware of it but at the moment are unable to do anything about it.

Eventually everything will fit into place. You just have to be patient.

Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September Although you’ve never been one to admit it, sometimes we all need a helping hand. Even though you’re always okay doing things by yourself, it’s about time you said yes to help even if you think you don’t need it. Don’t put up any barriers and see what surprises lie in store.

Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October There is definitely an aura about you this month. You’re not sure if there’s a power coming from within you or you’re tapping into something externally. Don’t do ‘nothing as usual’. Show everyone what you’re made of.

Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November You’re bursting with positivity this month and whatever or whoever might be in your way will be guaranteed to benefit in some way. Turn your energy to something creative and do something special. Put yourself on display and let others feel the benefit.

Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December There’s no need to feel you have to prove or push yourself this month. You can make huge leaps just by pottering around. You don’t have to take control over all you survey, so take a step back. Accept change in your life; you will benefit.

Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January If you’ve been feeling cornered for a while, then this month will leave you feeling a lot freer. It won’t change overnight, but you will soon notice a difference. There’s something coming your way and if you take the calm approach, the reward will be greater.

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