PONSONBY NEWS - MARCH'16

+ PUBLISHED FRIDAY 4 MARCH, 2016

Established: OCTOBER 1989 – CELEBRATING 26 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

ponsonbynews.co.nz

MARCH MARCH 2015 2016

VIVA ITALIA: ITALIAN INFLUENCES IN & AROUND PONSONBY Matteo Bertani & Tito Cucciniello - the pair behind Pane e Vino & Rosso Pomodoro

Daring, Authentically Handcrafted Interiors Westminster sofa clad in Vagabond leather for the ultimate antique look.

Paradise Spiral chandelier, mixing architectural elements from ancient domes.

Kitkats coffee table, handmade from reclaimed English beams.

Ph. 09 476 1121 info@dawsonandco.nz www.dawsonandco.nz

North Shore Showroom 1/1 Holder Place, Rosedale Auckland 0610

Parnell Showroom 115 The Strand, Parnell Auckland 1010

DAW S O N & C O .

photography: Martin Leach

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

42 Gouty Grizzly and Councillor Cathy Casey @ The Big Gay Out @ Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier; P42: Daniel Neas, NZ Falcons @ the Auckland Pride Parade, Ponsonby

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

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VIVA ITALIA JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE VEG FRIENDLY: GARY STEEL PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE FASHION + STYLE ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

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JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH SARAH-JANE ATTIAS FUTURE GENERATION SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS PONSONBY PETS LOOK WHO IS IN THE ZOO HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN ARTS + CULTURE COVER: Martin Leach

PONSONBY NEWS+ is published monthly, excluding January by ALCHEMYY MEDIA LIMITED, L 11/386 RICHMOND ROAD, GREY LYNN POSTAL: P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. www.ponsonbynews.co.nz T: 09 378 8553 or 09 361 3356 Editor/Publisher Associate Publisher & Ad Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Sales Operations Manager Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing Music Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Proof Readers Layout Designer Designer

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MARTIN LEACH; M: 021 771 147; E: martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz JO BARRETT; M: 021 324 510; E: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz JAY PLATT; M: 021 771 146; E: jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz ANGELA MARTIN; M: 0274 108 320; E: ponsnewsnz@gmail.com GWYNNE DAVENPORT; M: 021 150 4095; E: ponsonbynews@xtra.co.nz FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT; M: 021 134 4101; E: finn.huia@gmail.com JULIE ROULSTON; M: 027 211 7169; E: julie@ponsonbynews.co.nz DEIRDRE ROELANTS; M: 021 261 8439; E: deir42@vodafone.co.nz JOHN ELLIOTT; M: 021 879 054; E: johnelliott@ihug.co.nz JESSIE KOLLEN; DEIRDRE THURSTON ARNA MARTIN; E: arna@cocodesign.co.nz MELISSA PAYNTER; E: melissapaynter@me.com

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4 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

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LETTERS + EMAILS RESIDENT’S PARKING IN GREY LYNN In response to Josie McNaught’s letter regarding resident’s parking in the February issue.

We, the residents in Grey Lynn, envy you having residents’ parking. As each inner city suburb is finally given this respite, the commuters spread further afield finding new locations and parking in our streets. AT just digs their consultative heads further into the sand and hopes the restless residents will just go away.

At a recent meeting with an AT media spokesperson, the SCWG requested they implement residents’ parking and review the outdated restrictions around our shopping centre.

A logical, sensible suggestion supported by local residents and landlords. Commuters are preventing shoppers using allocated spaces and affecting the local businesses.

Residents find commuters taking their spaces in the street all day which, in turn, results in major inconvenience when you need tradies or other services during the day.

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

NO SAFE CROSSING FOR KIDS TO GET TO GREY LYNN SCHOOL OR GREY LYNN PRESCHOOL I would like to raise awareness and promote discussion on the latest Auckland Transport plans regarding Surrey Crescent and Stanmore Road. There is currently no safe crossing for kids to get to Grey Lynn School or Grey Lynn Preschool and AT is not really addressing this and is, in fact, planning to remove the only sheltered crossing at some stage in the future. Cathy Materi, by email AN OPEN DISCUSSION ON ‘AUCKLAND TO BECOME WORLD’S MOST LIVABLE CITY’ A statement that I totally agree and support striving toward. However, is this really achievable?

Let’s look into our community of Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn.

We can sympathise with your frustration Josie when trying to consult with AT. You would have thought its priority was to consult fully with community groups and residents alike. If AT wants to get people onto buses, firstly it needs to put controls in place to discourage commuters from making it easier to drive.

Darryl Ojala, Joint Media Spokesperson, SCWG (Surrey Crescent Working Group)

• • • • • •

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT - IT’S NEVER TOO LATE The feature in the February issue on Planning for Retirement was a wake up call for me.

When we look at the attributes you would think extra care and attention would be taken in keeping a consistent image and quality workmanship.

I realised that I will not have saved $522,000 - the estimated amount for an Auckland couple (we are in our early 40s). This being the target amount based on combined KiwiSaver funds and assuming we are mortgage-free by retirement.

A pride of place for our visitors to visit? I’m afraid not so.

This is the amount that may ensure we have ‘choices in retirement, based on the spending of today’s retirees’.

I am mortgage-free because I don’t own a home. No KiwiSaver, and no ‘asset’ is a daunting prospect as I think about down the track to my golden years. As the cliché goes, it’s never to late to start, so I signed up to KiwiSaver and made a few adjustments to the household outgoings; and besides we’re quite fond of 2 minute noodles.

Name withheld, by request PONSONBY ALWAYS IN MY HEART From 1989 to 2014 I lived and worked in Ponsonby and witnessed huge change.

I saw the likes of the Gluepot, Java Jive, Calabria Italian Restaurant, Joe’s Bargain House, Tuatara and a host of other businesses from those years close down making way for more recent arrivals.

I left in 2014 to live in Hawkes Bay, but anyone who has lived in Ponsonby for as long as I did knows it’s only a matter of time and you just need to get back here for your Ponsonby fix!

Last month I did just that and was blown away by the changes that have taken place in such a short period of time - Vinegar Lane and Countdown currently under construction, the amazing apartment developments along the Great North Road ridge, the growth of Ponsonby Central and the number of new retail stores and bars - this place is going off and doing it in style!

No matter what the decade, this community continues to embrace change, diversity and creativity. And for that Ponsonby will always be in my heart!

Rosie G (ex Ponsonby resident)

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8 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

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The most expensive suburbs in New Zealand to live Council rates top anywhere in New Zealand Leaders of our region and country live Average wage outstrips national average by goodness knows how many times Walking distance from tourist ship berths (over 50 this summer) World-class Ponsonby Road at your doorstep

Recently Chorus, Watercare and roading reseals make you wonder is there a Quality Assurance programme? Do the utility providers talk and schedule works to complete at the same time minimising completing the task twice, sometimes three times? The sure fire answer is no!

Recent the Ardmore Road footpath upgrade has turned into a shambles for over five months. Where once footpaths merged with grass berms is now a trip hazard for locals, not to mention wheel scrapers for cars.

Ponding on vehicle crossings to some may be a slight inconvenience - but a major hazard to those managing with small children. Extra concrete from the works not removed but just covered over with unseeded topsoil awaiting the old grass or weeds to come through.

The most expensive suburbs in Auckland - beautiful Auckland, highest rates in Auckland left in disrepair or regard - is the most livable city achievable?

The now stark and sparse Wanganui Avenue, once beautifully tree lined now barren, car -laden with unfinished road works that are poor in quality - beautiful Auckland.

Do we blame the government for abandoning the apprentice schemes in the 1980s?

The teaching of quality and pride is lost forever. Beautiful Auckland, the most livable city.

Walking around Westmere and Grey Lynn, Chorus green boxes litter the footpaths - not upright and tall but bent and twisted, middle of the path causing trip and danger hazards.

Thanks Ponsonby News. I know this might not be published but I do feel better in my okay Auckland striving for beautiful.

Supplied anonymously, by post

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

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FROM THE EDITOR THIS SUMMER FEELS LIKE IT’S GOING TO LAST FOREVER AND we were indeed fortunate to have a great evening for last month’s Pride Parade in Ponsonby. The Parade was run in the opposite direction for the very first time and initial feedback has indicated that it worked well.

There aren’t many countries, which have influenced our daily lives more than Italy, especially in food and design - everyone seems to serve pizza, even if their theme isn’t Italian. The team from Pane e Vino are our cover stars this issue. This month we say ‘Viva Italia’ and celebrate all things Italian in and around Ponsonby.

Ponsonby Market Day is a fabulous place to grab a bargain, shop an array of gifts, crafts, jewellery, home and fashion items.

Plus, try mouth watering delicacies, new cocktails, fancy cakes and much much more! Come experience the sounds, offerings and atmosphere of Auckland’s hippest market - Diary date: Saturday 12 March from 11am.

Be first in the world to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and be on Ponsonby Road for the Hugh Green St Patrick’s Day Parade & Fleadh, being held on Sunday 13 March. The Parade starts at the corner of Ponsonby Terrace at 12noon and travels along the Ponsonby strip, and ends at the corner of Crummer Road.

The Parade has approximately 60 Irish themed items including the Irish County Banners, horse and carriage, Irish musicians, Irish character.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

photography: Michael McClintock

However, many of us who were watching were unaware that protesters at Western Park had brought the Parade to a halt.

The group was protesting against the appearance of Police and Corrections staff in the annual parade, citing alleged abuse of transgender inmates as a reason why the uniformed officers shouldn’t be allowed to take part in the march.

Martin Leach, Jo Barrett, Angela Martin, Jay Platt and Gwynne Davenport

After the Parade, skip on down to Western Park for the magical, musical Fleadh.

This event runs from 12noon to 3pm has both a band and a dance stage and features Sean Kelly and The Celtic Flyers Band, Connolly School of Irish Dance and The Doyle Academy of Irish Dance. With dancing and singing, fun and frolicking as only the Irish know how!

Grey Lynn residents who were angry at ‘out of scope’ changes to the Unitary Plan, affecting intensification in our neighbourhood, will be pleased the Council voted by 13 to 8 last month to abandon the behind doors changes. A cynical person might ask whether election year played a part in the councillor’s decision, and might also ask what next for this fraught process.

John Elliott’s article on the Henry’s submission to bowl four villas near Ponsonby Road is sure to provoke a strong response. The question is ‘should we save old houses at all costs’?

Vinnie’s restaurant in Herne Bay has been sold.

Vinnies (and Geoff Scott) has been an institution for years and will be sadly missed by all who loved it.

Vinnies is almost fully booked until it closes this coming weekend (6 March). As Geoff says, “The good news is that I am still crazy about great food and have some very exciting things in the pipeline. It includes a new restaurant and a whole host of fresh ideas around food, fun and friends. So keep watching and I’ll be updating my plans on facebook and my new website PN www.geoffscott.co.nz”. (MARTIN LEACH) F

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

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DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Frankie Stevens has one of the best singing voices New Zealand has ever produced. He’s also covered the entertainment world as an actor, MC and TV presenter. He’s one of the nicest, down to earth people you’d ever meet.

What was your childhood like?

I’m originally from Upper Hutt and my early childhood was fantastic being brought up in a family of six sisters and four brothers. We were and still are very close; the outdoors was our playground, life was a lot simpler and certainly a lot safer.

Who’s the most annoying celebrity today?

Kanye West. He’s become more of a celebrity than the talented rapper/writer he started out as. He’s become a know it all.

Your dream holiday.

Cuba. I went last year.

Which do you prefer, Tweeting or Facebook?

Facebook, only because I’ve never tweeted.

The greatest love of your life?

My mum.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good friend, father, husband and singer.

What do you love most about your age?

I don’t, if I had a choice I’d remain around 40.

Whose greatest hits would you take to a desert island?

There are two, Led Zeppelin and This is Tom Jones.

Best dressed woman on earth?

Jennifer Lopez.

The last time you turned off your mobile phone?

Three days ago coming back on a plane from Dunedin.

Something that you really disapprove of?

Disrespect of all kinds and lack of kindness in people.

Your biggest disappointments?

Not making it back to New Zealand for my dad’s funeral.

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

Swear.

What motivates you?

My family.

What do you think happens when we die?

I don’t know. I’m waiting for someone to come back and tell me - like mum as I’d believe her.

Give your teenaged self some advice?

Live, love, make mistakes and learn then to do it all again!

Tell us about your dream home?

Spacious with an indoor - outdoor pool and a recording studio.

Tell us something very few people know about you?

I pluck my eyebrows. If I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to see through the bush.

Your idea of perfect happiness?

Not having a worry in the world (not going to happen).

Your greatest fear?

Having too many worries.

Your favourite hero of fiction?

Captain Kirk of Star Trek, because he’s the ultimate adventurer/explorer and a good guy.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I would share more of my inner thoughts and worries with the people I love.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be able to play piano to a professional standard.

Do you have a life motto?

Live, love and look after whanau.

Any acting aspirations?

No, but have done a bit. Will never win an Oscar.

What gizmo can you simply not live without?

My phone unfortunately, it used to be my diary but now the phone does everything.

Your greatest weakness/indulgence?

My wife Bridget.

Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person?

Depends who I’m shaking or hugging. Sometimes I can do both at the same time!

Your favourite season?

Summer.

What is your comfort food?

Pork bones and puha or watercress.

Your dream guest list for a dinner party All my family, because it doesn’t happen very often unless it’s a funeral or a wedding so a dinner party would be great.

How do you chill out?

With a nice glass of wine with my wife lying next to the pool somewhere in Spain! Or at home over Shortland Street.

How do you take your coffee?

White with two Equals.

What is your all-time favourite book?

‘QB V11’ by Leon Uris.

Do you travel light or heavy?

Depends how long I’m away for, but usually closer to heavy than light.

Which item of clothing can’t you live without?

Jeans.

The best holiday you’ve ever had?

The very first European trip my wife Bridget and I took.

Favourite time of the day?

Sunset.

Your all-time favourite movie and why?

The Magnificent Seven, because it epitomized all that was good about people even the bad ones who made the right decisions in the end. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) F PN

What do you love about your life right now?

I’m still alive and singing and in love.

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

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SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT

Unitary Plan out of scope changes - a process fail In last month’s column, I identified the health of democracy in our city as one of the primary issues in this year’s local body elections.

By the time this column is published the governing body will have considered whether to withdraw its out-of-scope Unitary Plan upzoning requests, made last minute and in secret last December, by a slim committee majority by a small minority of councillors, and without any opportunity of the impacted property owners to have any say in the Unitary Plan process. These out-of-scope upzoning requests impact about 20,000 homes in Auckland, with Westmere and parts of Grey Lynn in particular impacted in Waitemata.

Clr Mike Lee, has been a strong critic of the upzoning, and as local board chair I joined a delegation to support the council submissions being withdrawn.

It is easy to characterise the latest controversy surrounding Auckland’s Unitary Plan as a battle between NIMBY homeowners and those who are open to intensification as the best way for the city to grow. There is a generational and ideological debate regarding the planning rules that will inevitably change the city landscape. However, the revised Unitary Plan already makes more than sufficient provision for Auckland’s intensification needs, so Auckland Council’s actions to push for ‘out of scope’ further upzoning goes to the heart of people’s rights and interests in a way that should be of concern regardless of the preferred outcome.

A West Lynn example has an historic villa going from single house to Terraced Housing & Apartment Buildings (THAB - 7 stories) to prevent ‘spot zoning’, as a result of its neighbouring properties being zoned THAB (allegedly classified as ‘in-scope’ by council planners because someone with no association with the property living across the road casually mentioned it might be a good idea in their submission). The surrounding houses were also rezoned to Mixed Housing Urban (3 stories), for ‘step down’ purposes. All from Single House and out-of-scope without any reference to the lives and homes impacted.

The person across the road was horrified at the treatment of their submission, but the knock-on effect remains and no new submissions for the out-of-scope properties permitted to rectify all this. These are people’s homes, and their life’s work. We simply can’t just do this to people in a democracy, irrespective of any academic merit devoid of human considerations.

The Waitemata Local Board and Clr Mike Lee had supported much of the zoning in the Proposed Unitary Plan, including the Single House zone (with a pre-1944 demolition

overlay) for much of Grey Lynn and Westmere pending a heritage assessment. The board fought for the Single House zoning and the demolition overlay as most of Westmere and the non-Res 1 areas of Grey Lynn were originally proposed to be Mixed Housing with no heritage assessment in the draft plan.

Following completion of the heritage assessments the governing body made a policy decision to support the up-zoning of all those areas that were Single House zone in the notified plan but didn’t meet the heritage criteria to Mixed Housing Suburban or Mixed Housing Urban (and in the example to THAB zone). This is a double and, in the case of the proposed THAB zones, triple upzoning. All without notification to the owners of the affected properties. The local board did not support such upzonings without notification to affected property owners.

The governing body was seeking a consistent zoning approach outside the single house zone across Auckland and to meet Auckland’s housing needs. These objectives are valid (and in some areas it makes sense, for example, along transport corridors), and it was the board’s expectation that zones would change following the heritage assessment, but the upzoning proposed for Waitemata is out-of-scope and supported by neither the local board nor your councillor because it has been done in the absence of public consultation or input. Any change should be done by way of plan change once the Unitary Plan is operative. This would give the public a proper opportunity to comment.

The Unitary Plan is council’s plan and it is council that has used its full resources that are unavailable to other submitters to push for out-of-scope changes. If council had not proposed the out-of-scope zone changes, they would not be before the panel.

It is therefore not surprising that homeowners are now challenging the process and demanding the council and panel act in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

The Waitemata Local Board remains committed to design-led density done well, but not at any cost. Democracy and Aucklanders’ sense of fairness demand that out-of-scope zoning proposals be withdrawn. We hope for democracy’s sake that that is the outcome.

(SHALE CHAMBERS) F PN Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

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LOCAL NEWS NEW FROM GREY LYNN COMMUNITY CENTRE RECENT CONVERSATIONS with mothers of young children with extra needs in our local community, have highlighted to Grey Lynn Community Centre manager Cath Bathe -Taylor, the need to establish a dedicated playgroup for under five year olds, that would also provide a networking space for parents and caregivers. One mother commented to Cath that people have no idea how lonely and isolated one can feel as the parent of a child with disabilities and she felt sure that such a play group would be welcomed by many.

Jam on Toast-day sponsor, Colin Bostock of Cherry and Whites coffee shop, with Cath BatheTaylor Grey Lynn Community Centre manager.

“We are keen to take up the challenge and provide this at the community centre,” says Cath. “We have the facilities and the expertise and would gladly host such a group two days a week in the middle of the day.”

Cath invites contact from anyone who feels they would avail themselves of the opportunity to bring their child or children to an extra-needs play group. Once she hears from interested parents a meeting will be held to discuss the suggestion and to take it to the next stage.

“The Ministry of Education has already indicated that it is keen to get in behind this initiative and provide a $5000 start-up grant for equipment.

“We also have the ideal person here at the community centre to co-ordinate the group.

James Doyle is well known as the popular co-ordinator of the Grey Lynn Kids Playgroup and is one of the primary supervisors of the popular school holiday programme. He comes with a wealth of experience from working with young children in the early education sector for the past 35 years. He has the distinction of being one of the first males to qualify as a kindergarten teacher in New Zealand and also holds a diploma of teaching in early childhood education.”

With so much happening in our area at the end of March the community centre’s annual Jam on Toast day has been moved to Sunday 10 April. Centre users will again showcase their activities and provide a day of family friendly fun, from 10am to 3pm. “It’s a day of celebration and festivities for families and Grey Lynn locals to enjoy and be part of their community centre,” says Cath. Local businesses provide generous sponsorship and prizes on the day.

An exhibition of art from last year’s NCEA students at Auckland Girls Grammar School is on show in the Oval Room and the exterior display window at the community centre. It is the first project of the new Grey Lynn Youth Guild, in partnership with the community centre. The Youth Guild is spearheaded by senior AGGS students Nina Santos and Shannon Jennings. Other initiatives are planned for later in the year.

The new Big Bird installation over the deck outside the Garden Room is attracting much attention. The beautifully crafted bird by Tommy Padbury, is proving to have multiple shades of meaning for people from the different cultures in our area. For example, for Maori it is likened to an albatross, representing beauty and power. Albatrosses are depicted in cave drawings and meeting houses. The Phoenix also has some generic similarities to our Grey Lynn bird, and for Chinese it is the ‘king of birds’ symbolising good fortune and opportunity as it appears only in times of peace and prosperity. As well as cultural significance, Cath says that the Big Bird installation aims to increase community awareness of how plastic and waste affect our birds and wildlife. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F PN GREY LYNN COMMUNITY CENTRE, 510 Richmond Road, T: 09 378 4908, www.greylynn.org.nz

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PONSONBY U3A: FEBRUARY 2016 Ponsonby U3A member Marcia Nalepa was administrator for the Motutapu Island Restoration Trust for five years until the end of 2014 and is still involved as a volunteer.

In early March she will lead a group of U3A members to explore the island and learn first-hand of the trust’s work in creating this pest-free sanctuary, home to many of New Zealand’s threatened and endangered species. Marcia was the 10 minute speaker at the February U3A meeting, giving a detailed history of the island, which is the largest pastoral farm in the Auckland region. The trust was formed in 1994 to restore the ecological, cultural and historical landscape of the island. The Department of Conservation‘s 2009 pest eradication project across both Motutapu and Rangitoto islands was a world first in terms of the number of species eradicated and the scale of the project, and both islands are now pest free. This opened the door to the introduction of many endangered species. The island’s ecological restoration programme is the largest of its kind in New Zealand.

February guest speaker Dinah Holman’s talk was entitled ‘Successful Self Publishing’ - and her foray into self publishing with her first novel, after four non-fiction books, was just that. ‘A History of Crime: The Southern Double Cross’ received excellent reviews; it appeared on two best-seller lists and was a finalist in the American National Indie Excellence Awards.

As the plot reveals - ‘The most dangerous people are those with the most to lose. It is 1887. The young colony of New Zealand is in the grip of a deep depression. Insolvent speculators conspire with corrupt politicians while Maori land slips from the hands of its owners...’ The book Author Dinah Holman is based on real people and events, placing a factual plot alongside a fictional plot to help readers enjoy the story. Dinah wanted people to know of the white collar crimes and corruption of the times. She explained, “The book took a long time to write, because research takes a long time and is addictive, as is the writing.” She outlined her steps to self publishing, from having the manuscript assessed to taking it to a publishing services company that took over everything else - printing, cover design, set out, proofreading. Later she employed a professional book marketer. Dinah Holman is a nationally known heritage planning consultant and author. She received a QSO for public services to heritage and is a former chair of the NZ Historic Places Trust. She is the daughter of poet ARD Fairburn and is the ARD Fairburn Literary Executor.

Ponsonby U3A was formed in 1994 and three of the original members still belong to the group. For many years U3A has been meeting at the Leys Institute every month, with two speakers at each meeting. Sixteen special interest groups meet during the month and report activities back to the monthly meetings.

L to R: Ponsonby U3A foundation member The March guest speaker will Nancy Keat with membership co-ordinator be Auckland journalist Andy Jane Jones & new member Alison Dennerly.

Stenton, with tales from his years covering major world conflicts for newspapers, radio, television and Reuters. The 10 PN minute speaker will be U3A member Vicky Carr. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F NEXT MEETING:

9.45am, Friday 11 March.

First Floor, Leys Institute, St Marys Road.

ENQUIRIES:

Annie Webster, President Ponsonby U3A. Tel: 376 2902, www.u3aponsonby.org.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

L to R: Craig White, General Manager, European Financial Services, awards Rod Williams Dealer of the Year at the Audi Excellence Awards

GILTRAP AUDI TAKES HOME TOP PRIZES Local Rod Williams, of Giltrap Audi, has taken out Dealer of the Year at the highly competitive annual Audi Excellence Awards, hosted at the Hilton Taupo Hotel on Friday, 19 February.

Grey Lynn’s Giltrap Audi performed exceptionally, also winning the Metro Dealer of the Year award.

The awards celebrate outstanding achievement in sales, parts, finance, customer satisfaction and top quality service, across nine Audi dealerships nationwide.

Gary Periam, General Manager of Giltrap Audi commended the dealership’s collective efforts. “I am of course delighted with winning this award. It backs up the acknowledgement of all the hard work from my team of delivering a seamless customer experience which is world class,” he said.

Giltrap Audi was also runner-up for customer satisfaction and individual employee achievements. Dean Sheed, Audi New Zealand General Manager, commented, “The Audi Excellence Awards are all about recognising the hard work and dedication of our staff from across the country in providing the best possible service to our customers. It’s the consistent devotion and dedication from our team members, who provide customers with the best experience and motoring knowledge, which really sets Audi in a league of its own. We are incredibly proud to celebrate our staff and would like to congratulate all finalists and winners.”

Award winning, stand-up comedian and radio personality, Paul Ego, had the audience charmed for the night as guest MC. Twenty awards were presented to dealers across 12 categories. Award-winning dealers received prizes in the form of plaques, trophies and hospitality packages. F PN GILTRAP AUDI, 150 Great North Road, Grey Lynn T: 09 336 5250, www.giltrapaudi.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

15

NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Central Rail Link and NZ International Convention Centre will transform central Auckland Over the next 30 years it’s predicted that 700,000 more people will live in Auckland. We need to ensure that our city - including housing and our public transport systems - can cope with this growth in population.

I was very pleased to work with ministers to announce the Government is looking to fast-track the City Rail Link.

This is a huge win for the city, and construction of the CRL could now start in 2018.

The project is estimated to cost $2.5 billion and will be one of New Zealand’s largest transport projects.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has been a keen supporter of the project, and has shown a real vision for cycling and rail in the CBD. We have invested heavily in local transport for Auckland over recent years, with projects including the $340 million Victoria Park Tunnel, significant investment in cycleways, and the electrification of the rail network worth $1.7 billion.

The Government has committed to providing a share of funding for construction of the CRL. We still need to work through a number of issues with the council - including how project costs will be shared - and we will be doing this in the coming months. Once these issues are resolved it’s hoped a business plan can be finalised this year.

The confirmation of the CRL will encourage more businesses and jobs into the heart of Auckland.

It is a vital artery in Auckland’s rail network. The new 3.4km underground link will double the capacity of the network and significantly reduce commuter times.

As the MP for Auckland Central I have supported the CRL since 2009. I have worked alongside constituents, the council, other agencies and the Government, to help take the project forward.

The CRL project will create jobs, as well as unlocking other growth and development opportunities in the city. It also gives certainty to major billion-dollar building works planned in the CBD. I’m conscious there will be disruption to central Auckland during construction of the CRL, and I will be working with residents and businesses to manage these concerns. It’s hoped this could be reduced by concentrating construction over a shorter timeframe.

This isn’t the only major construction project to come to Auckland. Across the construction sector in Auckland it’s estimated an additional 30,000 jobs will be created over the next few years.

Last month the soil was turned on the $700 million New Zealand International Convention Centre.

Once completed it will be an important piece of infrastructure for the city, and the Asia Pacific region, and it’s projected the centre will bring in $90 million in tourism expenditure each year.

The centre will be capable of hosting conferences of over 3150 people, and it will be a huge permanent boost to the city - creating opportunities for taxi drivers, tourism operators and retail businesses during times of the year when business is traditionally quieter, including the winter months.

While the CRL will help ease congestion issues with the projected population increase, we also need to address other issues around the growth in the number of apartments in our city.

Body corporates are responsible for overseeing apartment complexes and blocks, and over the last year I’ve been approached by people who are concerned about how they are being run.

This doesn’t only affect residents, but also prospective apartment buyers and people who contract with the body corporate, like maintenance workers and cleaners.

I’ve had a phenomenal response to the Better Bodies Corporate campaign I launched earlier this year, with over 100 submissions and emails and at least 90,000 views across social media.

A range of concerns have been raised - including transparency of information, access to timely and affordable dispute resolution, improvements to long-term maintenance plans, and better pre-contract disclosure, to name a few.

I recently held a public meeting to discuss these concerns, and another with stakeholders.

I will be providing a paper to ministers to help identify potential improvements that could be made.

It’s great to see big projects like the CRL and the Convention centre underway - they will create more jobs, more opportunities and a better future for Auckland. I’m also proud to be addressing other important issues including housing, and working to improve bodies corporate as more people look to live in apartments.

The Central Rail Link and the New Zealand International Convention Centre have the potential to massively transform central Auckland. Over the coming years these projects, and other developments, will lead to significant changes in urban design for large blocks of the CBD. I will be working hard with ministers and other agencies to make sure we PN make the most of this opportunity to transform our city. (NIKKI KAYE) F Hon Nikki Kaye is the MP for Auckland Central. www.nikkikaye.co.nz

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

17

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The Unitary Plan - what’s gone wrong?

Over the next 25 or 30 years Auckland must squeeze in nearly half a million new citizens into the existing city boundaries or sprawl even further over fertile farmland on the city fringes.

The Auckland Council decided that world’s best practice was to stop sprawling out and go up instead.

Auckland residents and ratepayers were shown expensive multi-coloured maps of the proposed Unitary Plan, and asked to comment on how that extra population could be accommodated.

There was some immediate opposition to high-rise apartments all over the city, but the general consensus seemed to be that with scarcer oil, traffic pollution, environmental concerns, and expensive infrastructure, it was better to earmark sites within the current city limits suited to high-rise apartments or terrace housing.

Thousands of submissions were received, and a group (Auckland 2040) sprang up determined to stop much of the high-rise development especially in seaside suburbs like Takapuna, Mission Bay and St Heliers. There was opposition, too, in Herne Bay where it was assumed the council was ready to approve six or eight storey apartments on Sarsfield and Argyle Streets, blocking sea views for much of Herne Bay waterside, damaging valuable amenity values.

A so-called NIMBY attitude evolved (Not In My Back Yard). For example: some on Grey Lynn heights thought Jervois Road a suitable place for high rise, while some in Herne Bay thought Great North Road an ideal place for population intensification, but both arguably resented the loss of amenity values which would result from huge towers overlooking their homes.

The council seemed to soften its view a bit, declaring that as much as 40% of the increased population would have to live outside the current city limits - some sprawl would be inevitable.

Not that this intensification at all costs will help create Len Brown’s ‘The World’s Most Livable City’.

A group of Ponsonby News readers in Grey Lynn are among those distressed by the behind doors machinations of the unelected officials. New high-rise proposals for Richmond Road between the Tongan Church on the corner of Sackville Street and Ray White Realty in the West Lynn shops has shocked David Thomas who lives at 418 Richmond, and his neighbour at 420. A high-rise in front of him would be very detrimental to his quality of life. Likewise new plans for streets full of heritage houses like Fisherton are strongly opposed.

The Grey Lynn Residents’ Association has joined a Unitary Plan petition to tell Auckland Council to withdraw their undemocratic ‘out of scope’ zoning changes.

A final word from David Thomas: “This is about loss of amenity values. How can a city improve its ‘livability’ if a ratepayer loses sun, outlook, privacy, property value and faith in his elected councillors. I seem to have no redress at all.”

At least when we know elected councillors have made decisions we don’t like, we can vote them out. These faceless, unelected officials, who deign to tell us what is best for PN us, must be reined in, or democracy in Auckland will be the victim. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

Now one of the real problems with the new Super City has become obvious.

Elected councillors no longer run our city. It is being run by bureaucrats, unelected CCOs (with the misnomer - Council Controlled Organisations) and increasingly, independent commissioners.

The reason this so drastically affects the Unitary Plan is that after submissions had closed, behind the scenes manipulation began. Now these unelected officials have come up with a new set of intensification proposals (known as ‘out of scope’ because nobody asked for them in their submissions).

One of the internationally recognised city planning principles is ‘bottom up planning’, with citizens having an important say in their city’s future development, and not ‘top down planning’, where city fathers make all the decisions, and tell residents and ratepayers what they should have.

This principle ruled initially but the recent interventions by bureaucratic boffins is ruining this democratic process, and taking the decision making out of the hands of local people.

One of the main objections to over intensification is the loss of amenity, with six or eightstorey apartments obscuring views, cutting sun, causing noise and traffic, cutting down trees, changing the whole character of communities particularly those consisting mainly of heritage villas or early bungalows.

People just don’t want that, and it now appears that a majority of elected councillors don’t either.

Aucklanders are calling for their city to be handed back to them. Almost nobody is calling for no intensification - but not jammed in, ensuring future ghettos.

A majority of councillors now appears ready to take back some control from faceless officials. Len Brown has called an emergency meeting for Wednesday 24 February, after the Ponsonby News March deadline to discuss ‘out of scope’ decisions.

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

19

DEIRDRE ROELANTS: LANDMARK BUILDINGS

Gloucester Court Flats - Franklin Road Built in 1935 on Franklin Road, Ponsonby, the complex is significant as an early example of Functionalist-influenced apartments.

Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright were notable advocates of Functionalism in the Twentieth Century. This new architectural style emerged in many Western countries after The First World War and was based on the ‘rational’ use of modern materials. Technical progress in the use of iron and glass made this possible.

The pioneers of the movement held a firm belief that in creating a better architecture, a better world would ultimately follow.[The Gloucester Court Flats followed a trend for apartments that were speculatively built for private ownership, which lasted from around the First World War until the 1940s. This coincided with a demand for inner city living by an expanding urban population which occurred after the Great Depression. Ponsonby’s working class was badly affected during those bad times.

The flats are also significant as a visually notable design by the 20th Century architect Horace Massey. Born in 1895 he had come to the attention early on the pages of ‘Progress’ after winning design competitions both here and in Britain where he went after the war to continue training. When he returned to New Zealand he was full of progressive ideas about architecture, but the 1920s were a difficult period in which to introduce them so he had to make do with publishing his concepts in essay form while establishing himself as a fashionable designer of Arts and Crafts style homes. Although he was 42 years old when the economic revival arrived and even though surrounded by the best and brightest of the recent crop of graduates, he went on to design some of the more innovative buildings of the late 1930s. He was commissioned to design The Gloucester Court Flats by Annie and Thomas Buxton who were prominent members of the Catholic community in Auckland and who had owned the site since 1905. Annie was a foundation member of the Women’s Catholic League, while Thomas was president of the Auckland Trotting Club at the time that the flats were erected. They also owned several popular hotels.

Massey and his architectural partner, George Tole, had a close relationship with the Catholic community and as a result received a large number of commissions, the most noteworthy being St Michael’s Church in Remuera which was awarded a Gold Medal by the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 1933. In the period that he designed the Gloucester Court Flats, Massey had his own practice and designed many important buildings including the impressive apartment complex, Cintra flats which was the first Modernist building in Auckland to receive another NZIA Gold Medal a year later. All three buildings appear to have been designed in 1935. Consequently Massey gained a reputation as as a progressive architect who was influential in introducing the Modern Movement’s ideals to Auckland.

ANZ PONSONBY GETS DRESSED UP FOR PRIDE ANZ New Zealand has transformed its Ponsonby, Auckland, branch into a gigantic art installation to celebrate the Auckland Pride Festival.

The branch has been wrapped head-to-toe in a Pride-inspired costume by acclaimed New Zealand artist Shannon Novak.

“Last year we brought the fabulous GAYTMs to Auckland and Wellington,” said Antonia Watson, Chief Financial Officer and ANZ NZ Pride Network executive sponsor, “and this year we’ve taken things a step further and dressed our entire branch in an amazing colourful artwork to celebrate the rich diversity of our staff and customers. We really are wrapped for Pride!

“Thirty years on from Homosexual Law Reform in New Zealand, there’s lots to celebrate and reflect on. We’re strong believers in diversity, inclusion and respect, and we’ve been supporters of the Pride community in New Zealand for over a decade.”

ANZ has five staff affinity groups - Maori and Pasifika, Asian, Indian, Pride and Flexible Working Parents, and Watson says they are all about encouraging staff to be themselves PN at work. F

Gloucester Court Flats is not as radical in design as Cintra, but as with Cintra it could be described as ‘practical for modern living’. Both were designed as straightforward architectural solutions to inner city apartment living that demanded concise interior planning at which Massey excelled. Massey was influenced by progressive American house design and believed in ‘the labour-saving house’ in which a bright, easily worked kitchen full of labour-saving devices would be pride of any housewife. He was convinced the hub of a household should be a feature rather than hidden away. In 1950 he was awarded an NZIA Bronze Medal for the design of his own home.

Photos courtesy of David St George

The Gloucester Court Flats has had few recorded alterations and the external facade remains the same as when it was initially designed. The building retains its aesthetic importance , making a significant contribution to the historic neighbourhood of Ponsonby Road and Franklin Road. (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F PN

Antonia Watson, LaQuisha St Redfern, Colin Mathura-Jeffree, Louisa Wall MP, Hon Nikki Kaye and Shannon Novak celebrate the launch of the 2016 GAYTM surrounds

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

c atchelor EXTRAORDINARY REPUTATION BUILT ON HIS COMMITTMENT TO GETTING THE JOB DONE. With considerable experience as a top performer under his belt, Chris has long been a trusted name in real estate.

Many locals see him as ‘the smart choice’. Past clients recommend him widely and word of mouth ensures he continues to be top of mind when anybody is considering selling their home.

THINKING REAL ESTATE? THINK CHRIS BATCHELOR. B +64 9 375 8494 M +64 21 217 7026 0800 1 AGENT E chris.batchelor@bayleys.co.nz Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed under the REA Act 2008 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

21

RACHAEL TE AOTONGA: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS

DEIRDRE THURSTON

New librarian at the Leys Institute

On my mind...

We have a fabulous new addition to the team here at Leys; please allow me to introduce you to our new Children’s Librarian, Helen Kerrigan.

The team is so happy to have her on board! Helen is enjoying getting to know the community, especially the families who are so enthusiastic in their support of our children’s activities.

Helen has lived in the suburbs that surround Ponsonby for many years and has been lucky enough to have worked at a few of our neighbouring libraries in the recent past including Grey Lynn, Point Chevalier and Auckland Central. Although geographically close, each community has its own special character and Ponsonby is certainly no exception.

One of the most important things a children’s librarian can offer is advice and recommendations to keep kids reading. If you have children that are stuck for reading ideas, or are reluctant readers, then come along to Leys and Helen will be happy to provide guidance. There is always a solution that will get reading habits back on track.

The power of reading to a child’s developing mind mustn’t be underestimated. Children absorb information like sponges, 90% of their brain has developed by the time they are five years old. That’s a lot of learning in the first years of life. It really is extraordinary how much learning your child can gain from being read aloud to, helping them to become a lover of the written word.

Reading relaxes the body and mind and teaches children about the world around them.

It provides excellent exercise for the brain and improves concentration and vocabulary leading to more highly developed language skills. Reading develops a child’s imagination and helps it to develop empathy. Children who read do better at school - the more often and widely they read, the better they will be at it.

The library service is a great resource to support you and your children in their reading journey. Let us help you in making your child’s education fun. Your child can become a member of the library from birth, and best of all, it’s free!

On Saturday 12 March, Leys will be out on Ponsonby Road promoting the library as part of the Ponsonby Road Market Day celebrations. Come and say hi to us and if you sign up for a library card on the day you can even grab a DVD rental on us.

Everywhere I slung my hat in February, everyone was asking me the same two questions: 1. Have you seen Breaking Bad yet?

2. Did you get tickets to see Prince?

Before I could answer, they then changed tack and irritatingly announced: “Unbelievable isn’t it? We’re nearly a quarter of the way through the year already!”

And still not listening for answers to their questions, they droned on about plastic bags and the kids’ new schools.

Sadly, I didn’t manage to grab Prince tickets. I did try. I was disappointed, really disappointed because, well, y’know - it’s Prince. And yet secretly I felt somewhat relieved even though I adore live music. Maybe I’m too old to go to the big concerts. All those people enjoying themselves, jostling and crushing into one another - and me. I used to enjoy jostling, I remember. Illicit substances being swallowed willy nilly and washed down with whatever was at hand (nowadays with sparkly water in eco-friendly stainless steel drink bottles). Loud, loud guitars and reverberating mics. Those were the days.

These days, I’m noticing I’m much more attached (too much?) to reclining on my sofa in my pj’s by 8pm, watching Netflix with a glass of wine close at hand. If any pop star could get me out of my comfort zone and join the crazed throngs of concert goers it’d be Prince. I mean, ‘Purple Rain’... but 10 minutes in, all tickets were snaffled up by defter-fingered fans than me.

No doubt one of my co-workers would have seen the purple-coated marvel. She’s young and, as yet, non-cynical. At 8pm, when I’m just settling in, she most likely would have been pre-loading (is that even still a thing?). Pre-loading’s couple of snifters is my entire evening’s consumption nowadays. She would also have been throwing some op-shop rag over her unaged body that would have had a super-model effect. Oh well, she would fill me in on the who fainted and encores’ details afterwards.

“Why did I breathe a sigh of relief on missing out on tickets?” I asked my friend who reclined on sofa number two.

“Because we’re old.” She responded glibly.

Don’t forget to like our Facebook page to get reminders of all the kid-friendly events that we have running at the library throughout the year. (RACHAEL TE AOTONGA) F PN

“Yeah, I did wonder about that. Are we really old? How old are you when you’re old?

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

“Our age.” I’d never noticed before how cruel she could be.

“I thought age was about how you feel, not a number.” I lobbed back.

“Both, and we’re both.” I wished she’d go home. Next she’d be telling me the year was whizzing by because we were old and how she’d not carried out a single New Year’s resolution.

Perhaps now was the opportune time to mention she always bought cheap plonk with her and guzzled my good stuff. Refilling her glass, she bleated on about what fun concerts used to be: “Remember when we climbed that fence and you got an infection from the barbed wire...” Guzzle, guzzle.

As I half listened to her and rubbed the wire scar on my thigh (there it was: “The year’s going so fast, blah, blah and as for NY resolutions...”). I made a pact with myself. I’d flick a raspberry beret at the ‘old’ eye. From now on I would defer pj time from 8pm until 8.30pm. Maybe even 9pm. In summer anyway. Winter is definitely another story. Soon as I’m in the door - be it midday or 6pm - I’m in night attire. The dark and all that.

New librarian Helen Kerrigan

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

So - in lieu of a ticket to see the divine Prince, I did not recline on 24 February, but sat upright on my sofa jiggling the old cellulite to Little Red Corvette while folding the washing and downloading the last two episodes of Breaking Bad. I’d show her.

(DEIRDRE THURSTON) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

MIKE LEE: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA & GULF

Too bloody big for its boots - Auckland Council arrogance sparks citizens’ backlash After years of disruptive change, increased rates and user-charges and various scandals, Auckland really did need a period of political stability and civic calm. But no.

Last November, the Council’s Unitary Plan committee, in secret meetings led by deputy mayor Penny Hulse and committee chair Alf Filipaina, supported by three other councillors and an unelected Independent Maori Statutory Board member, pushed through massive changes to the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. In a series of narrow votes, two on the casting vote of the chair, nearly 30,000 properties (more than in the original Unitary Plan) were ‘up-zoned’ across Auckland. Most of these are on the isthmus, including parts of the Waitemata & Gulf Ward, notably Westmere and to a lesser extent Parnell. In 2013, supported by Shale Chambers and Waitemata local board members I successfully battled to protect these single house townscapes (along with most of Grey Lynn) from intensification in the first version of the Unitary Plan.

This time there was no notice, no warning, no right for affected property owners to be heard or make submissions. The principal target for council planners was the single house zone - one or two storey homes on traditional lawn and garden sections. Thousands of householders who believed themselves safe from the original notified Unitary Plan changes, and who therefore did not make a submission, found that their homes and neighbourhood zonings had been suddenly changed ‘out-of-scope’ to allow for mixed-use, town houses and apartment buildings. Thousands of other single-house owners whose properties escaped the planners’ latest attentions suddenly found themselves living very close to future high-rise buildings, often with possible loss of cherished views and even sunlight. On top of this - schools and their playing fields across central Auckland have also been zoned for intensification, incentivising the development of even these islands of open space (and therefore putting more pressure on public parks).

Once the full implications of the changes filtered out there were widespread outpourings of public anger. The interests and civil rights of Auckland ratepayers, betrayed by their own council, were taken up by a group of concerned citizens, ‘Auckland 2040’, whose indefatigable chair Richard Burton is a public hero. ‘Auckland 2040’ experts maintain there is already sufficient capacity in the Unitary Plan to cater for major population growth. Indeed, as an example there are 54 apartment developments currently underway in central Auckland.

The council’s massive un-notified change to zonings is essentially another example of business deregulation, which would make Auckland even more of a free-for-all for the development lobby. Interestingly some young ‘climate change’ activists lined up with big business to support the changes. ‘Generation Zero’ argues that the all-out assault on the historic garden suburbs of Auckland is a good for young people, taking as an article of faith vague promises from the developers of ‘affordable housing’ close to the desirable city centre. They also believe a further round of intensification will force more people to use public transport. Sadly they have bought into the endless growth ideology and are not too bothered about the wider environmental impacts of overcrowding (sewage disposal for instance) nor indeed, as they freely admit, about the loss of people’s democratic rights and due process.

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

The weird assumption that unsustainable growth and urban overcrowding is the formula for quality of life and better public transport ignores the fact that in 1956 when Auckland’s population was below 300,000, incidentally a time when nearly all Aucklanders lived in single houses, public transport patronage was over 100 million trips per year. Eighty million of those trips were on Auckland’s electric tram system built in 1904 when the population was less than 100,000. Now Auckland’s population is 1.5 million and despite the injection of massive amounts of ratepayer/taxpayer cash, public transport patronage is still only 80 million trips per year. However, this assault on due process and propertyowners’ rights cannot be blamed on a handful of bloggers and misguided activists.

The real pressure for the un-notified changes is coming from the powerful vested interests led by the New Zealand Property Council - the arch lobbyist for big developers, supported by the Board of Housing New Zealand and foreign-owned Fletchers. Awkwardly, in 2011 the Auckland Council, which is meant to be the statutory planner and regulator, decided to become a member of the New Zealand Property Council. With its CCO’s, it is now the biggest fee-paying member. For a regulator this is a massive conflict of interest.

Mayor Len Brown claims the Unitary Plan changes had the full backing of the Government.

As a matter of fact this Government has had a most unusual degree of influence over the Unitary Plan and the detested SHAs. In other parts of New Zealand and in Auckland prior to the Super City, regional and district planning was solely a regional council and city/district council responsibility. But in the case of the Auckland Unitary Plan, the Government put it in place special fast-tracking legislation and Government ministers appointed key members of the ‘Independent Hearing Panel’. Ministers also appointed the private sector directors on the Board of Housing New Zealand, whose tax-payer funded lawyers are hard-line allies of the NZ Property Council before the hearing panel. That being said, what Len Brown seems to have forgotten is what John Key personally told him at a joint meeting between the governing body and cabinet ministers last July at which I was present. At that meeting the Prime Minister advised the council to exercise restraint in imposing more intensification and high-rise on what he called the ‘leafy suburbs’ of Auckland. The council chose not to take this sensible, political advice and pushed ahead with its secret plans.

This is another case of council arrogance but this time it over-reached itself. The public outrage set off a councillors’ revolt. Last Wednesday at a marathon extraordinary meeting of the council’s Governing Body, before a packed and vocal public audience, a majority of councillors overruled the advice of senior planners and lawyers, swept aside the protestations of Mayor Brown and deputy mayor Hulse and voted to dump the PN undemocratic changes. I was proud to be among them. (MIKE LEE) F Mike Lee is the Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf Ward. www.mikelee.co.nz Mike Lee is the councillor for the Waitemata and Gulf ward and the council-appointed chair of the SMART (Southwestern Multi-modal Airport Rapid Transit) Stakeholders Steering Group.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY Auckland’s Hippest Strip

PONSONBY’S BIG WEEKEND PONSONBY MARKET DAY

HUGH GREEN ST PATRICK’S DAY

Saturday 12th March

Sunday 13th March

FROM 11am TILL LATE

12 NOON ONWARDS

ENTERTAINMENT + SHOPPING + GOOD COFFEE + GREAT FOOD + GREAT BARGAINS

SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS NO ROAD CLOSURES OR PARKING RESTRICTIONS *Music and dance display at Western Park

http://www.iloveponsonby.co.nz

PARADE & FLEADH*

JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

Cycling to work from West Auckland Every week there are an increasing number of people cycling around Auckland.

A significant group use the cycleway from Te Atatu to the city each day.

One of those people is Tieneke, who lives in Waterview and who works as a nurse at Auckland Hospital. Ponsonby News asked her about the cycling to work experience.

Depending on her shift, Tieneke rides along the cycleway any time from 6am to 11.30pm.

She told Ponsonby News she never felt unsafe. If she has been on an afternoon shift she rarely encounters pedestrians (who share the track with cyclists) at midnight on her way home. When she sets out for a shift starting soon after 6am there may only be three or four people on the track, but by 8am Tieneke will encounter over 70 cyclists on a fine day. However, cyclists are hardy souls and one rainy morning Tieneke counted 60 riders as she headed for the city.

The west route starts at Te Atatu, and when Ponsonby News checked along the line one morning recently at about 8.30am there were only a handful of riders going each way at the Te Atatu end.

Tieneke joins at the Oakley Creek side of Great North Road near Pt Chevalier, and continues to Upper Queen Street. She then crosses up to Symonds Street, rides on the cycle track to Grafton Bridge and across to the hospital.

Tieneke’s journey is a bit over 8km and takes about 30 minutes, depending on work on tracks or roads on the way.

The many cyclists on this route alone show the increase in cycling and the corresponding reduction in car usage in the inner city.

Pippa Coom at the opening of the causeway bridge which is on the NW cycleway What then are the advantages of cycling to work? Most value the exercise, emphasise the reduced stress if they don’t have to drive on a congested motorway, and enjoy the cheaper cost of cycling.

Tieneke told us that cycling is an environmentally better option and she loves the cost saving too.

We assumed Tieneke would have access to good showering facilities on arrival at work, and then a change of clothes. She told us the facilities at her ADHB were totally inadequate. Not enough showers, dirty and in the basement, with broken lockers full of rubbish.

Those who cycle around our city are a hardy lot. They are critical of cars that ignore their presence and their right to be on the road, but they praise the new cycleways that council and AT are providing.

This is clearly an impediment to more people cycling to work. If they can’t have guaranteed facilities for changing and showering, they won’t cycle. Ponsonby News wonders whether other employers are as parsimonious with good changing facilities as the ADHB is. After all, few inner city employers offer free car parks for their staff.

There is a need to keep upgrading these cycleways. Some parts need to be better lit and some surfacing needs improving. There are also safety issues, because these paths are for both cycles and for walkers. Sometimes cyclists feel walkers with headphones attached are oblivious to oncoming cyclists, with potentially disastrous consequences.

We asked Tieneke what the ratio of male to female cyclists was and their ages. She said up to 60% were male and the age group was probably 35 to 60.

Overall, cycle ways are one of the futures of a modern city, and improvements and PN additions to the current stock are to be applauded. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

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26 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

Life-long learning: why not?

We’re all probably used to hearing some interesting claims coming from Parliament, but this week I have heard some doozies, and they all relate to post-school study.

PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS Ponsy Kids Preschool

First there was the claim from the Prime Minister that if you offer free education, people will value it less. Presumably that means we only ever value what we pay for? I don’t know about you, but I have valued every interaction I have had with the public health system.

• 20 ECE funded hours

And if that wasn’t curious enough, there was also the claim that if we make post -secondary education free for three years, waitresses will have to pay for it. That one was so shocking that even the universities helped disprove it. First, it assumes that waitresses don’t study after they leave school (pretty offensive) and second, there is no evidence in terms of the long-term tax take of those who are tertiary educated to support it. And what kicked off this whole debate in the first place? Robots. Well, sort of.

It has been a busy start to the New Year welcoming all our children back and also the new families who have joined us. Our families have been sending in photos of their children on holiday which we have displayed on the wall for our children to enjoy. The children have also been able to share news of all the exciting experiences they had.

For a year now Labour has been thinking and talking about one of the biggest issues we will have to tackle as politicians down the track - the future of work. We know that in 20 years’ time, 46% of the jobs we do in New Zealand today will be gone due to technology and automation. Workers of all ages will have to train, and retrain, for the jobs of the future - and that will have an impact on every other financial decision they make going forward.

Of course training for a career is exciting but the thought of big loans and debt is hardly the stuff of the great Kiwi dream. It makes all those other big life decisions - buying a house, marriage and having children - so much harder.

That’s why New Zealand is experiencing the lowest rates of home ownership since the 1950s. Young people are coming out of post-school education with an average debt of $20,000 and that takes them nine long years to pay.

We can’t ignore the problem, which is why we came up with the Working Futures Plan, the idea that anyone who hasn’t had any post-secondary school education before will be able to undertake three free years’ of study. It will cover those doing trades training, on-job apprenticeships and higher education.

Our plan will be phased in over a decade, with the first year free from 2019 at a cost of $265 million. The second year will kick in 2022 and third in 2025. It is an investment in New Zealand’s future which will cost $1.2 billion when fully implemented. And the money is already there - it is money National has set aside for tax cuts.

Employers have consistently told us the biggest issue they face in growing their businesses and improving productivity is the availability of skilled staff. We need a skilled workforce with the knowledge to adapt, innovate and grow our economy.

Higher levels of education lead to higher incomes. Higher incomes lead to a higher tax return for the government. In turn that leads to a stronger economy and an improved standard of living for all New Zealanders. It’s a win, win, win. So why not?

PN (JACINDA ARDERN) F JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central. www.jacinda.co.nz

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

Many of our children have also started at Ponsonby Kindergarten. The kindergarten is right next door, enabling our children to attend both Ponsy Kids and the kindergarten.

Our sessions are designed to enable us to take children to their afternoon kindergarten session and we also collect children from the morning session.

Our annual fundraiser is to be held on 1 April, and we are looking forward to an exciting and successful night. Thanks to all our wonderful families for their support as we prepare for the fundraiser, more details will be available closer to the date. All proceeds from the event will support our upcoming redevelopment of our outdoor area.

Ponsy Kids T: 09 376 0896, E: julie@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz Ponsonby Community Centre Programmes: Ponsonby Community Playgroup Our Ponsonby Community Playgroup has been around for over 10 years and is run by a team of committed parents/ volunteers and always on the outlook for new members to join the team.

Ponsonby Playgroup is particularly special because you meet many children and families that you will soon continue to run into around town on your daily walks and errands. Just after a couple of visits you will find you make connections with both parents/caregivers and children that will last a lifetime.

Ponsonby Community Playgroup L to R: Luna and Ruby Harris, and Cleo Asher

When you come to playgroup we have a number of areas setup for the children. We have a special babies’ area for pre-walkers and lots of trikes and scooters, a family play corner complete with play kitchen and prams and lots more. We also have other activities on for the children. For example, the past week, we did a flax purse making workshop that was enjoyed by all, plus mat time full of books and reading, active movement and singing.

So come and join us on Tuesday mornings during term time at 9.30am at Ponsonby PN Community Centre. F For more information please T: 09 378 1752, E: info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz, www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz, Facebook: Ponsonby Community Centre

28 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIAM CARROLL DRONE ENGINEER

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Patrick Clifford Award-winning Design Director Patrick Clifford led the Architectus team responsible for Wynyard Central, the first residential precinct at Wynyard Quarter.

Fundamental to the regeneration of Wynyard Quarter is a desire to build on the existing atmosphere and activities – to add to the area, not take away. That’s what I think makes it such an enjoyable space. There are fishing boats and marine activities, and to these has been added the opportunity for people to visit, work, play and, soon, live.

In addition to providing great residences, Wynyard Central will add to the experience of being in an enjoyable neighbourhood.

As a collection of smaller buildings, Wynyard Central has an open and generous connection to the surrounding parks. The laneways connecting the precinct create vibrancy by providing new places for cafés and shops, and new ways for people to move through Wynyard Quarter.

Inside, Wynyard Central is configured to optimise outlook, access to the sun and outdoor living. Deep, covered balconies can be used as outdoor rooms even when the weather is not ideal. It’s these climatic and lifestyle design considerations that work well in Auckland and will make these homes very enjoyable to live in.

LOCAL NEWS

COMMUNITY-LED DESIGN FOR 254 PONSONBY ROAD As a result of community consultation feedback, Jennifer Ward and her team are exploring how the site at 254 Ponsonby Road can be developed into a whole of site open space, for the community and by the community.

So it was fitting that on Valentine’s Day 14 February, they launched their first community awareness event for the project. They held a tea party at the site serving ginger iced tea and delicious sweet treats from Rocket Kitchen.

They handed out over 200 flyers and talked to hundreds of people about what is happening next. The Ponsonby community is excited about the development and ready for the community-led design process to begin.

“What a great day we had - we were feeling the love!” says Jennifer.

These young supporters are enthusiastic about the project - they look forward to their input as they begin the design process.

A big thank you to the Waitemata Local Board for enabling and funding this community -led design process.

If you would like to find out more or to be part of this brilliant new initiative to create a whole of site community open space at 254 Ponsonby Road come along to our first information meeting. It’s being held at the Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace on 16 March at 7pm.

We look forward to seeing you there. (JENNIFER WARD) F PN You can email us at: info@254PonsonbyRd.org.nz or go to www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

33

JOHN ELLIOTT: SOAP BOX

Should four old villas near Ponsonby Road go?

For once I’m sitting on the fence.

Heritage advocates will hope it’s barbed wire and that my nether regions are shredded, while Ponsonby developers will think I’m coming to my senses. But the Henry family, owners of Early Settler on Ponsonby Road, have come up with a plan to demolish four villas they own on Brown and Douglas Streets, to make way for a comprehensive new commercial development around their Early Settler building, and I think it is a seductively positive proposal.

There has quite rightly been outrage at the disappearance of so many old heritage houses around our inner city, in the name of ‘progress’.

The Henry’s own the building at 148 Ponsonby Road, where their Early Settler business is established. They also own numbers 3, 5, and 7 Brown Street, and number 2 Douglas Street. The Brown Street and Douglas Street properties are all zoned residential single house, but the Henry’s do have resource consent to use 3 and 5 Brown Street as offices.

They have contracted planner Michael Parsonson to provide a professional opinion on their plans, and have had multi-award winning architect Richard Naish come up with concept plans for the site.

Both Parsonson and Naish are of the opinion that the development will enhance the commercial environment and will not detract from the adjoining villas’ amenity values.

Richard Naish is not complimentary about the villas which the Henry’s want to remove. He says, “vary greatly in authenticity, with various incongruous additions and alterations.”

After inspecting them I could not argue with Naish.

There is no doubt that one of the drawbacks of strip shopping of which Ponsonby Road is a classic example, is that there is no escape behind and off the main street. People sit right on the street mixing their bagels with CO2 from passing vehicles. The opportunity to have some depth to commercial areas is an attraction for both developers and consumers alike. Ponsonby Central has confirmed that fact.

This proposed development would sit in complementary fashion across the road from Ponsonby Central, and fit in to the overall commercial environment very well.

However, and here’s the rub: The domino effect of pushing over one villa and then another can soon result in substantial loss of heritage housing stock. The proposal mentions the other end of Brown Street with shops and Richmond Road School, also the commercial developments of Fitzroy Street which intersects Richmond Road and Brown Street. The implication is that further commercialisation will not be detrimental. Tell that to some of the proud villa owners nearby.

We asked the Waitemata Board to comment and still await their reply.

Parsonson: “This development supports the Ponsonby Plan objectives to ‘enhance the outcomes and quality of lifestyle and development of Ponsonby, it improves the interface between commercial and residential activities, and it is not offensive to the respective residential and special character objectives and policies of the PAUP’.”

Part of the rationale behind the proposal relates to Henry’s near neighbour, Ponsonby Central. They point out that Ponsonby Central has plans to develop its carpark between Richmond Road and Brown Street, with three layers of underground parking, retail, commercial and apartment living on the top level, all of which impinges on the Henry’s villas in Brown Street, making them almost impossible to let, given noise and other amenity value loss.

Naish’s plans for the redevelopment include improved buffer zones between commercial and residential, activated pedestrian lanes and a pedestrian plaza. All parking will be on the development site.

We must be vigilant to save our Victorian and Edwardian housing stock, and prevent creeping demolition, but if you look at this proposal it is eminently sensible, giving depth to Ponsonby business and walking lanes and plaza space for people to relax and enjoy.

It is a hospitality precinct, and although there is no mention of business types in the application, one would presume cafes, restaurants and other eateries would thrive there.

It would enable a small business which could not afford main street rents to set up in and around the walkways and plazas.

Have a look at the plans before you throw rocks on my roof and, no, I have no commercial interest to declare. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN https://hearings.aupihp.govt.nz/online-services/new/ files/94cDeqsGNKKz69OB5eE5xwhniU3ZQ3chqWmstb6SIA94

Villas at 5 and 3 Brown Street and the Early Settler building at 1 Brown Street

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS SHOWCASING INNOVATION AT ‘THE IDEA COLLECTIVE’ The Idea Collective is an artistic collaborative installation which recently opened at MOTAT. It celebrates New Zealand’s vibrant innovation culture by bringing together a diverse set of visionaries, artists, designers and technologists. Together they have created a range of exciting displays and experiences.

The pop-up, modular installation showcases Kiwi innovation across a variety of endeavours. It consists of five themed pavilions inhabited by forward-thinking businesses or groups telling their innovation story. They have each been paired with local artists to produce a creative interpretation of what they do.

Those currently featured in this installation are: Eat My Lunch (a brilliant example of social innovation), Think & Shift (design innovation), Hivemind (technology innovation), Mohiomap (digital innovation) and Generation Zero (environmental innovation). Several of these were named as winners and finalists in the NZ Innovators Awards 2015 as well as the NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards. The artists who worked alongside the innovators include: Chris Berthelsen, Dan Blanshard, Brogen Averill, Daniel Kamp, and Ross Lieu.

Digital Experience Co-ordinator at MOTAT and project lead for The Idea Collective, Luke Diggins, says, “This is not a conventional museum exhibition, but rather a dynamic open space where visitors and participants can explore and discuss ideas around innovation, technology, and creativity.”

The Idea Collective is something completely different to anything MOTAT has produced in the past. It has a contemporary industrial design which incorporates large murals by well-known artists Aaron Glasson and Celeste Byers, Cinzah Merkens and DSide/Milarky.

Each of these impressive artworks depicts aspects of the creative processes involved with innovation, from the initial inspiration through to the design and production phases.

In March, The Idea Collective will be inviting four internationally renowned mural artists to paint additional innovation-themed murals at the museum.

Luke Diggins explains why creative expression is such a key focus for The Idea Collective, “Educators, artists and scientists have come to recognise the importance of blending the arts and sciences for the enrichment of the learning process. This supports MOTAT’s aim to incorporate elements of science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM) into all the experiences we offer. The Idea Collective definitely puts the ‘A’ into STEAM!” Visitors to The Idea Collective will get a kick out of creating their own sound and light show on the ‘Titania’ light harp. This touch-free interface generates music and triggers a light display in response to movement. The mysteries of augmented reality can be explored in an interactive installation designed by leading Kiwi innovator, Sir Ian Taylor.

A dome-like structure named The Bubble, houses a pop-up video arcade where guests can trial computer games created by independent developers from Auckland.

The Idea Collective at MOTAT The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

The Idea Collective Mural by Cinzah Merkens - The Process The installation features a sound and motion responsive bridge, a cinema area and a Makerspace office for ‘innovators-in-residence’. The New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) is currently based here and visitors to The Idea Collective are invited to interact with the resident developers and watch them while they work.

As part of a nationwide network of volunteer-led coding clubs, MOTAT has established the Code@MOTAT club where Kiwi kids come together to learn how to create their own games, animations and apps. Like all Code Clubs, it’s free to attend, and runs once a week after school. Here volunteers from the programming industry provide one-on -one support to guide children through the challenges of learning coding languages.

The Idea Collective invites open conversation about what innovation means and what the future holds. During Auckland City’s ‘Tech Week’ from 16 to 21 May, the museum will use this multi-dimensional creative space to host demonstrations and workshops covering subjects such as robotics, 3D printing, building your own computer, coding and game development.

Rather than being a static project, The Idea Collective will evolve and develop over time to become a focal point for discussing ideas and innovation. It is designed to inspire future generations of Kiwis by informing visitors and encouraging them to engage with the innovation process.

The exhibition is open at MOTAT from 10am - 5pm. Entry is included in the MOTAT general admission fee. See The Idea Collective website for further details: www.ideacollective.org.nz F PN

Mural by Aaron Glasson & Celeste Byers exploring the idea of innovation as an inspiration for future generations at The Idea Collective DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

35

VIVA ITALIA BAKING ITALIAN STYLE When you walk down Mackelvie Street you’ll catch a whiff of what smells like heaven and think, oh yeah... Il Forno is still baking!

For more than 10 years Il Forno Specialty Italian Bakery and Cafe has been filling the air within a two-block radius with the absolutely beautiful aroma of freshly baked goods.

Situated at the Ponsonby Road end of Mackelvie Street, Il Forno is a cosy and inviting place to go for coffee and to enjoy well-priced freshly baked fare - the next best thing to being in Italy!

Il Forno supplies the finest Italian styled bread - ciabatta, schiacciata and a healthy mixed grain. They also bake a large selection of sourdough breads including scrumptious organic options.

Il Forno bakes daily and besides its bread it also stocks a wide range of freshly baked goods including the cutest ginger people, the best savoury pies, macaroons and a variety of pastries and doughnuts - an array that is really overwhelming.

Along with these items, Carla is still making a good strong cup of Italian coffee and Mele is still making their famous lasagne, cannelloni, gnocchi and ravioli.

Easter is early this year and only the early bird will catch the steaming hot Easter buns.

Their opening hours are a little different to most over the holiday weekend; they are open Easter Friday and Saturday but closed Easter Sunday and Monday.

Call in to Il Forno soon; it is a must for those of you who want to get an Italian fix without having to leave Ponsonby. F PN IL FORNO SPECIALTY ITALIAN BAKERY AND CAFE, 55 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 378 0264

PIZZAS MADE THE OLD SCHOOL WAY...

At Epolito Pizzeria they are into having fun and making great pizza.

As owner Chickalena Rose says, “We’re not showing you anything new or fancy. It’s tradition... pizzas hand-stretched, dressed on wooden peels, and baked on the oven stones. There’s no fire or magic dust, just love, integrity and passion!”

Chickalena makes her own dough and sauce and uses a few family secrets when it comes to the meatballs and sausage. All ingredients come from New Zealand, nothing has to be imported.

She tells us, “What is ‘imported,’ is me, Chickalena Rose, from a small town in New York.

A Sicilian friend of our family, Carlo Rovetto, taught me how to make pizza and both me and my brother went on to open our own pizzerias. I’ve been making pizza since I was 13, no

lie, a long time, it’s embedded in me! I watched my grandmother making pizza when we were kids, she even cut it with scissors... old school.”

Today the style of pizza Chickalena makes combines what she grew up with and adding her own unique flavours to it. She also loves baking bread and makes her own New York - style bagels. As Chickalena so cheerfully puts it, “It ain’t a good bagel unless you can eat it all on its own... no spreads and not toasted.” Epolito is open Tuesday to Saturday 5pm till late and they are fully licensed. F PN EPOLITO PIZZERIA, 166 Richmond Road, T: 09 361 1593, www.epolitospizzeria.co.nz

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VIVA ITALIA FILLED WITH ITALIAN PASSION! In its seventh year of business, Pane e Vino Italian Pizzeria on Williamson Avenue continues to be packed every night because owner Tito Cucciniello and his team are passionate about what they do.

It’s almost one year now since Tito and pizza maker Matteo Bertani opened their other pizzeria, Rosso Pomodoro, the local take out wood fire pizzeria, serving pizzas that satisfy taste buds at affordable prices.

To find out what makes Tito tick, we asked him a few questions...

What is your inspiration and who do attribute your success to?

I was influenced by my mother back in Vieste - Gargano Peninsula in the south of Italy. She is in her late 70s now but still continues to run her own restaurant she’s always an inspiration to me.

a ‘family’ environment at Pane e Vino and I get loads of feedback - the common element being, “eating here we feel like we’re part of the family.”

I hear you have won awards?

I won a Lewisham Award (2006) as creator of best ambience and style, and was a finalist in the category ‘best waiter in Auckland, (2009). I’ve appeared on the Good Morning show for cooking demonstration segments. Our latest award was coming second in the New Zealand Pizza Championships in 2015. F PN PANE E VINO, Williamson Avenue, T: 09 360 0263, www.paneevino.co.nz ROSSO POMODORO, 356 Great North Road, Grey Lynn

What special dish do you recall your mother making?

One of my favourite dishes I remember her making is calamari ripieni. This dish is made fresh daily using different types of fish. For Matteo, he is from Verona in the north and he remembers his mother often used wild game - pork, deer, rabbit - which she would turn into pasta dishes like homemade ravioli or gnocchi.

What is your favourite pizza?

My favourite pizza is the Regina! This is made with Palma ham, Italian blue cheese and rocket. Whereas Matteo’s favourite pizza is rather simple, it includes prosciutto and mushroom. We love all our pizzas though and we are proud to say our wood -fired classic Italian pizzas are topped with fresh local produce and quality Italian imported products such as porcini mushrooms, buffalo mozzarella, sundried tomato, pork, cured meat and more.

What can we find on the menu other than pizza?

At Pane e Vino we have an extensive lunch and dinner menu with a range of reasonably priced set menus to choose from. Gnocchi di Spinaci, Ravioli Asparagi Pesce alla Pugliese (GF) Grilled snapper fillet topped with fresh chopped tomato, capers, red onions and black olives $27 are always favourites but check out our menu on our website.

The Rosso Pomodoro menu includes a variety of classic deep fried appetisers; Sicilian rice balls with different fillings, potato croquettes, vegetarian options and crumbed fresh mozzarella. Traditional Italian desserts are also available to take out. On Tuesday and Wednesdays nights any pizza is just $15.

What is the experience you want people to be left with?

I love making my customers feel they have been transported to Italy. I have created

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

37

VIVA ITALIA AUTHENTIC ITALIAN AT SABATO Italians are passionate about good food - at Sabato we share this passion and offer a wide selection of quality Italian ingredients.

GUSTO ITALIANO - AUTHENTIC ITALIAN IN THE HEART OF PONSONBY

Our products are sourced from small, often family-run, artisan producers that use traditional methods to create authentic Italian products.

Inspired by the charm of a classic Italian restaurant, Gusto means ‘taste and enjoyment’ and brings the authentic feeling of Italy to guests.

There is no dish more Italian than pasta with tomato sugo topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano. When made with superior quality ingredients such as Sabato pasta sauces and Rustichella pasta, even this simple dish is a taste sensation.

Situated at Three Lamps along Ponsonby Road, Gusto will treat you to a true Italian experience.

Sabato’s range of rich, flavoursome pasta sauces are made in Italy using sun-ripened tomatoes and quality extra virgin olive oil. The fresh tomatoes are cooked down slowly to produce a rich, thick sugo with an intense tomato flavour. There are seven delicious flavours: basil, rocket, puttanesca, porcini, ricotta forte, eggplant and sweet peppers and chilli. These sauces are also tasty on pizzas, stirred through grains and in casseroles. Many of our sauces are now organic where possible and you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen simmering, just open a jar.

Rustichella is one of our long-term Italian suppliers who have been making pasta semolina from selected durum wheat and pure mountain water using traditional methods since 1924. This pasta is extruded through bronze dyes and has a unique firmness and flavour - simply irresistible with Sabato pasta sauce tossed through.

Our authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is carefully selected for its provenance and quality.

We offer three varieties at Sabato: traditional, red cow and brown cow, each with their own unique flavour profile. All are divine shaved over pasta.

Visit our retail store to taste our Italian products and chat to our knowledgeable staff. For Italian recipe ideas visit www.sabato.co.nz F PN

Armando, the owner, grew up in Apricena, Puglia in the south of Italy and he has been the owner-operator of Gusto Italiano for over eight years now.

Armando came to New Zealand with Wilma, his Kiwi wife, and they decided to relocate to Auckland. After three years working in other popular Italian restaurants, Armando took an opportunity in Ponsonby and Gusto Italiano was created.

Ten years ago Alessio, originally from Milan in the North of Italy, left his job as chef de partie at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan to travel and decided to settle in New Zealand. He joined the team at Gusto four years ago and together the pair brings you traditional Italian dishes from all over Italy.

The menu focuses on freshly prepared classic Italian dishes, featuring an excellent range of pasta, seafood, meats and Roman-style pizza.

If you are planning events, Gusto has an upstairs room available for hire, catering for birthday parties, family get-togethers, work functions, Christmas parties or even business meetings over lunch, or ending with dinner. F PN GUSTO ITALIANO, 263 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 1556, www.gustoitaliano.co.nz

SABATO, 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 8751

38 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VIVA ITALIA SHOWERING OUTDOORS - ITALIAN DESIGN Contemporary outdoor showers designed and made in Italy are now available to New Zealand.

There are two shower options - solar water heated or a hot and cold plumbed-in model and both showers come in four styles with various colours to choose from.

The aluminium showers’ modern design, make a statement in any urban setting - great for around the pool. The outdoor shower is perfect for any use, whether it’s rinsing off before and after entering the pool or cooling down after a hot day at the beach - what better way to keep that sand out of your house.

The High Density Polyethylene model is totally ecological and the perfect item in windswept marine environments. It does not suffer salt, lime scale or small bumps - ideal solution for the beach house.

The showers are easy to install, you simply connect to your garden hose, or alternatively you can have one plumbed in. Prices range from $850 to $1750.

Come and try them for yourself - based on Auckland’s North Shore.

URBAN ELEMENTZ, M: 021 234 2094, E: urbanelementz@outlook.co.nz www.urbanelementz.co.nz

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JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT...

Red Pizza slice $22.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Costume Nationale ‘Soul’ Parfume $275 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

New Pesto range from Sabato ‘Truffle’ $10.90, ‘Dill & Almond and Broccoli & Chilli’ $9.90 each @ Sabato www.sabato.co.nz

Bemboka pure Italian cashmere throws $99.95 each @ Chambers www.chambersnz.co.nz

Lladro ‘The Guest’ by Devils Robot $1280 each @ Design 55 www.design55.co.nz Epicurean pizza/paddle cutter $99.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

‘Vespa’ cremino bar $6.50 each @ Sabato www.sabato.co.nz

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

Alessi ‘Opus’ tray $539 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

VIVA ITALIA

Gorgonzola cheese knife $39.95 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Retro Rogue vanity bag $29.90 @ Chambers www.chambersnz.co.nz

Missoni Humbert throw ‘Moby’ $765 @ Test www.tessuti.co.nz

‘The Marriage of the Virgin’ by Venetian artist Pietro Antonio Novelli (1729-1804) $POA @ M R Norman www.mrnorman.co.nz

Marcato copper pasta machine $229 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz

Alessi ‘PetNic’ $195 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz

Bombata orange laptop bag $145 @ Chambers www.chambersnz.co.nz

Acme Espresso cup & Saucer $11.95 each @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz STYLING: Jay Platt PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santana.

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photography: Everall Deans for Ponsonby Business Association

OUT + ABOUT

Dykes on Bikes

Unitec

Coca Cola

OutLine

Pasifika Pride

Auckland Rainbow Community & Pitt St Methodist Churches

Chris Bishop MP, Nikki Kaye MP & David Seymour MP

ANZ

Alex Boff, Alan Granville & Mike Brady, Bear NZ

Paul Heard & Torrey Parker (Mr Bear NZ 2016)

Holding Our Own Float

Crowd outside SPQR

Brazillian Divas

Jacinda Arden MP

Stefano Olivieri

Miss Ribena

PRIDE PARADE 2016 - SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY - CONTINUED P44 42 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

VIVA ITALIA THE FACES @ GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Luca Cipolletta, aka Napoli Central, is at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market every week, making traditional Neapolitan pizza.

What products do you make and which are your favourites?

I have been making pizza for two years. Every week there is a special pizza topping as well as the Margherita, my favourite. Pizza Margherita, the golden disc of dough topped with tomatoes, creamy Fior di Latte, mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil and scattered basil leaves is Naples’ gastronomic gift to the world.

Where did you grow up?

Naples in Italy.

What’s the biggest business decision you have had to make?

The biggest decision that I have had to make was to decide which kind of flour to use (Italian or New Zealand ) and I choose the New Zealand one.

What’s your favourite way to relax after work?

I love to play guitar and play Lego with my two little boys.

Where is your favourite New Zealand holiday spot?

I have a few favourite spots but top of the list are Hahei in the Coromandel and Doubtless Bay. What’s your favourite thing about coming to the Grey Lynn Farmers Market?

The strong community feel of the market. F PN www.glfm.co.nz

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OUT + ABOUT

Opening Float

Amnesty International Float

Body Positive Float

Coca Cola

Labour Float

David Cunliffe & Andrew Little Labour Float

EquAsian Float

Fafafine Float

Fafafine Float

WTFNZ Float

Gay Uncles Pride

photography: Clare Gemina

Opening Float

Gorgeous Parade Goer

Hamilton Pride

Horses and Heroes

AUT Float

PRIDE PARADE 2016 - SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY - CONTINUED FROM P42 44 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

OUT + ABOUT

Lesbian Museum Float

Love Your Condom Float

Sunny, Ruby and dog Blue

New Zealand Prostitutes’ Collective

Beautiful Cheerleaders

Cook Island Dance Performer

PSA For Equal Pay Float

Ready to ride - Dykes on Bikes

Sandi Hall

Vegan Pride

Vegan Pride

Maria Hoyle & Peter Davey The Bears NZ Float

photography: Clare Gemina

Laura, Kathryn and Natalie Westpac Float

V from NZ Prostitutes’ Collective

Westpac Float

Finale Float

PRIDE PARADE 2016 - SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY - CONTINUED P114 The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

45

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET APPOINTS NEW MANAGER Dave Watson is the new market manager at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market.

Dave kicked off his first market on Valentine’s Day on Sunday 14 February with the market promotion ‘Love Your Market’ day.

Dave loves working with communities and is a passionate advocate for local food. He has been coming to the market for years and is excited about working with the vibrant community of stallholders and customers to develop and grow the positive benefits that an inner city farmers’ market can deliver.

Dave’s other day job is Director of Green Shoot Pacific, a specialist sustainability advisory providing strategic services, systems, solutions and training for the event industry. Dave comes from a film background. “I was making ads and I reached a point where I could clearly see the need to change the way we interface with the environment; I had to stop being part of the problem and get on board with being part of the solution.” Dave went on to consult on energy efficiency, sustainability for the built environment, zero waste events, sustainability training for business and developing sustainable communities.

For the market, Dave says, “I see my role at the market as a facilitator between the stallholders and the community, working with them not for them. I want to hear what you all want from the market so come along on Sundays and say hi.”

The running of the market is overseen by a voluntary management committee. Three long-standing committee members, Pippa Coom, Maggie Gresson and Louise Carr-Neil, have resigned from the committee. The committee and community thank them for their enormous efforts during their years of service to the market. The committee would welcome more members, especially those with marketing experience. Anyone interested should contact Dave at the market. F PN www.glfm.co.nz

COUNTRY’S FIRST CARBON-ZERO COFFEE ROASTERS LAUNCH NEW TRAINING SCHOOL NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST CARBON-ZERO CERTIFIED COFFEE ROASTER, INCAFÉ, IS NOW offering Auckland’s only City & Guilds barista training courses at its new Sale Street premises. Located within IncaFé’s Brew Bar, the new training school opened on 22 February and will be run by seasoned barista trainer, Nadin Rathgeber, who has over 13 years’ experience training baristas with her company Ask me 4 Coffee.

“The really exciting aspect of The IncaFé Training School is that we are presently the only facility in Auckland to offer the globally renowned accreditation. The multi-functional Sale Street premise offers a modern, well-equipped yet very relaxed space for training and we are excited to use it to its full potential,” says Nadin.

“We’ll be giving our trainees the highest level of training possible with much more practical coffee making experience than most other courses provide,” says trainer Mike Dickson, an experienced barista and barista judge.

The IncaFé Training School also offers something for all coffee enthusiasts ranging from short courses to brush up on home coffee making to more comprehensive beginners and barista upskilling courses for professional baristas. Established in 2007, IncaFé has been innovative from the outset, having combined an inherent passion for coffee, organics and sustainability to create what has become today one of New Zealand’s most successful coffee roasters. All IncaFé coffee is certified organic and Fairtrade, and the company is CarboNZero certified.

With the original roasting facility in New Plymouth, IncaFé coffee is distributed throughout the Asia Pacific region and has won awards both in New Zealand and internationally including gold medals in the 2012 and 2015 NZ Coffee Awards for its hallmark brew, Marin Estate, not to mention the 2013/14 NZ Coffee of the Year Supreme Trophy for its Ethiopian blend sold as Habesha in the IncaFé range. F PN For more information on the IncaFé training courses and how to apply, email nadin@incafe.co.nz or visit www.incafe.co.nz/barista-training

Callum McAlpine & Dave Watson, at ‘Love your Market’ Sunday at Grey Lynn Farmers Market

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SLAY YOUR OYSTER @ ROCKEFELLER Nestled on the ground level of the restored kauri timber building in Fanshawe Street, is a little-known hangout for lovers of straight up food, varied and boutique wines and very special Champagne.

While Rockefeller set out as a Champagne and Oyster Bar, owners Tim Arnold (previous manager of Moochowchow, Cibo and Euro) and partner Camilla Martin have set about dispelling the elitist air that Champagne and oysters have long been stigmatised within New Zealand.

Rockefeller offers a wide variety of dishes, catering to those less inclined to single out seafood on a menu while still serving up the freshest local and seasonal oysters.

Head Chef Sam Lee has Korean provenance, bringing an exotic buzz and years of delicate and measured Japanese training to the proverbial table. Food is beautifully prepared and honestly executed. For instance, The Korean Fried Chicken and The Member of the Board which consists of an olio of sashimi.

The original Kauri timber floors and exposed beams, Italian stone tables and mid-century seating may sound a bit luxurious, but the punk part is surprisingly reasonable prices, renegade Champagnes by the glass and a wine list Tim and Sommelier Benjamin Mardle have taken pains to create - something for everyone whatever your tipple.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Rockefeller Oyster Bar owners, Camilla Martin and Tim Arnold Rather than enduring another prosaic soundtrack to your lunch or evening out, the centre piece is the turntable configuration set in stone with a legendary vinyl collection on display ranging from Handel to Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Vile to The Ramones; a nod to the family’s involvement with music. Tim was formerly in Pluto and Camilla is a former 95bFM and c4 TV presenter.

In celebration of Bluff oysters bursting back on to the scene, Rockefeller introduces their first annual ‘Bluffy, The Oyster Slayers’ promotion, where they offer a dozen Bluff oysters for $35 (limit one dozen per customer) between 12 noon and 3pm during March.

Rockefeller opens from 12 noon Tuesday to Friday and Saturday from 5pm. F PN ROCKEFELLER OYSTER BAR, 104 Fanshawe Street, T: 09 379 4209, www.rockefelleroysterbar.co.nz facebook/rockefelleroysterbar instagram/rockefeller_oyster_bar

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

47

LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE

Lauraine Jacobs eats at Ponsonby Road’s new temple of spice, Saan Saan, the newest spicy restaurant to open on the Strip, is the brainchild and spicy temple of Jason van Dorsten, Krishna Botica and Tony McGeorge of popular spots Cafe Hanoi and Xuxu in Britomart.

The north of Thailand, is known for two merging styles of cuisine - Lanna and Isaan cooking are at the heart of the region. These are both a more gentle style of cuisine than travellers find in the south. Dishes are filled with aromatics, herbs and pretty flavours, but the region is also part of the golden triangle of opium cultivation. The Thai Government through the Royal Project has been engaged in some splendid work to get farmers off that dodgy income stream and back to more traditional vegetable and rice growing. And this reflects in the food you will find if you’re lucky enough to go to Chiang Mai and out into the country.

Saan’s menu, with many recipes taken straight from the chef’s mother’s home kitchen is a gentle one and bears faint resemblance to the Thai food we have been used to in Auckland. Gone are all those deep fried starters and in their place the Khang Tang section kick starts a meal with authentic street food snacks. There was a gorgeous little deep fried rice cracker - no resemblance to those ‘plastic puffy’ ones - topped with some incredibly aromatic pulled pork that totally melted in the mouth. It was a ‘special’ but no doubt it will be there to stay.

We loved our ab pla, fish wrapped in banana leaf and the Isaan sausages, which were strung up over the kitchen like a curtain waiting to fall. They arrived, about eight of these tiny little taste bombs, sitting on a cabbage leaf and accompanied by a tangle of pickled ginger, garlic, peanuts and chilli. “Best sausages ever,” declared my husband who is hard to entice away from fish.

Our soft shell crab disappeared in a flash as it was light, tasty and delicious, and our dish of sticky beef neck can be thoroughly recommended. Tender pieces of slow-stewed beef sat in a pool of spicy coconut broth with both soft and crisp rice noodles.

Saan serves, to accompany the food, the very sticky rice that is a hallmark of northern Thai food.

Wichian Trirattanavatin ‘Lek’ head chef at Saan

Other brilliant things about Saan: The décor is fresh and modern and I suspect the hand of Nate Cheshire in that. It’s airy and light and two, not one, kitchens are in full sight of diners.

So the service staff have to be on the ball and they were magnificent. Not a beat was missed. The wine was also brilliant and very different from most. Wines here are definitely chosen to match Saan’s food - aromatic styles and interesting varietals like gruner veltliner, albarino and some classy imports make up the bulk of the list. I chose Thai beer, however, on a hot summer night. Finally, it is not overpriced in any way. Dinner for two with two beers and one glass of wine was a mere $115. Love it! Open: Wednesday-Sunday from 12 noon till late, Monday, Tuesday for dinner only. Bookings for groups and lunch only.

(LAURAINE JACOBS) F PN www.laurainejacobs.co.nz SAAN, 160 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 320 4582, www.saan.co.nz

photography: Sarah Grace

There are other great treats but we moved on to two other sections of the menu. Jarm Rerm are small plates designed for sharing, while the Jarn Lak section offers more substantial dishes that again can be shared. A magnificent whole fish was slashed,

marinated and deep fried so that all the edges were crisp and crunchy, and, hallelujah, the fish of the day was kahawai. I love to see the choice of such interesting fish (the starter we’d had was trevally) being chosen by the chef.

photography: Sarah Grace

In this expansive move two goals were achieved: the first was to give their talented chef, Lek Trirattanavatin the opportunity to step out from van Dorsten’s Vietnamese kitchen to flex his muscles while showcasing the food of his northern Thai homeland, while the second was to put the fabulous Krishna Botica firmly back in her familiar territory of Ponsonby Road where she had fronted Prego for so long. (She shed tears of joy on opening day.) So we all win, as the result is terrific.

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SIDART, Level 1, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road, T: 360 2122, www.sidart.co.nz Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday from 6.30pm, Lunch: Friday only from 12 noon

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

49

PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Savoir Faire Sauvignon blanc is our most planted grape variety and our largest export wine.

The vast majority of our sauvignon comes from Marlborough - taking up around 18,000 hectares out of its total growing area of about 23,000 ha.

But there is more to sauvignon blanc than just the standard grassy, crisp and pungent Marlborough style. Nelson, Central Otago, Waipara, Martinborough and Hawkes Bay all grow sauvignon blanc - albeit with their own twist on the wine. Warmer climate sauvignon may have a less crisp profile and can show some tropical flavours like melon, passionfruit and pineapple. Some winemakers strive for a more complex flavour profile by introducing some oak barrel ageing.

Here’s a selection to challenge the hardened Marlborough fans.

Gladstone Vineyard ‘Sophie’s Choice’ Barrel Fermented Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $35 Very classy. Fermented and aged in French oak for four months, with 24% stainless steel fermented sauvignon added before bottling. Ripe peach and oak aromas open up on the palate with creamy toast, grapefruit and a hint of passionfruit, with a dry, slightly herbal finish. Availability - Glengarry, United Cellars www.unitedcellars.co.nz Main Divide Waipara Valley (North Canterbury) Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $21 Main Divide is the second label from Waipara’s Pegasus Bay winery. Very approachable for those who are a wee bit sauvignon averse. Low acids and a full, ripe and slightly tropical palate of passionfruit, black currant and Rose’s lime juice - with just a hint of roasted green pepper and snow peas. Availability - widely distributed through fine-wine stores.

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Alphonse Mellot Pouilly Fumé 2014 $47 From the Loire region of France, this wine was grown in the Pouilly Fumé AC area overlooking the banks the Loire river. Pale gold colour, with subtle aromas of melon, citrus and minerality. In the mouth, it reveals much more fruit characters like nectarine, passionfruit and grapefruit with a dash of clover honey. Finishes with medium-soft crisp acidity. Availability - Herne Bay Cellars.

The Supernatural Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $36.50 The Supernatural was launched in 2009 and is made from organically-produced grapes sourced exclusively from the Millar Road estate in Hawke’s Bay. Rich gold colour and a funky, yeasty nose - no doubt from the use of indigenous yeasts. Surprisingly soft on the palate, it has rich flavours of grapefruit, canned peach and rock melon with a hint of herbs. Really different. Dare I say it, a great sauv for chardonnay drinkers.

Availability - Herne Bay Cellars.

The Supernatural Green Glow Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $54.20 This wine is an example of the ‘orange’ natural wine trend where the grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation. Deep gold colour. Aromas of dried orange peel, resin and ripe banana skin. For a white wine, you do get a bit of tannin from the skin fermentation before it opens up with complex layers of flavour from beeswax to over-ripe peach, brandy and hint of honeysuckle. Not your average sauvignon by any means. Availability - Herne Bay Cellars.

Johner Noble Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $24.90 ‘Noble’ meaning affected by botrytis noble rot, ie, a fungus that sucks out water and leaves concentrated sugars in the grapes. Has aromas of pineapple and toffee apple.

Racy acidity balanced by sweet flavours of ripe pineapple, canned pear, toffee and mandarin. Availability - Herne Bay Cellars, Scenic Cellars www.sceniccellars.co.nz PN (PHIL PARKER) F Phil’s new cellar door book ‘NZ Wine Regions - A Visitor’s Guide’ is now available on Amazon Kindle. Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland. See: www.finewinetours.co.nz.

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Jafa by Night chef - Ross Birch

30 YEARS OF ORGANIC THINKING

FUNKY POP UP EATERY HERE FOR A GOOD TIME

Since 1986, Phoenix Organic has been ‘doing what comes naturally’ - making drinks with high -quality organic and sustainable ingredients.

The old Jafa Cafe on Richmond Road is getting a new lease of life thanks to a couple of young JAFAs trying their hand at new things.

From their original Ginger Beer, brewed with real ginger, to their apple and guava juices. This year marks the brand’s 30th birthday and to celebrate the team has crafted a new look for their range of sodas, plus there’s a brand new addition to the family - Phoenix Organic Zero Sugar Cola.

A new pop up restaurant called Jafa by Night has started within the old bones of the cafe and it’s pretty exciting. Serving up fresh, trendy European fare accompanied by a well-chosen selection of local wines, this new outfit promises big things.

“We constantly look to rejuvenate and improve our products to make sure we remain contemporary and exciting,� says Jenny Campbell, Phoenix Organic Senior Brand Manager. “We’re really happy with our new look and crafted labels, which tell a unique story about each drink and flavour.�

Kiwi favourites Phoenix Organic Raspberry Fizz, Orange Fizz, Lemon Lime & Bitters, Ginger Beer, Cola and Lemonade all feature the new logo and a reinvigorated label design.

They are owned separately to the cafe, with their own chefs, wait staff and manager overseeing a facelift to dress the whole place up every day for the evening meal service.

You probably won’t even recognise the place when the sun goes down.

The most curious thing about this dinner-only establishment is how their executive chef, Ross Birch, plans on changing the menu every couple of weeks to keep the locals excited. When we asked the proprietors why they employed this tactic, their answer was simple: “You can’t put a lid on creativity. You can’t expect such a talented bunch of chefs to just repeat the same things over and over again, let them try new things, let us enjoy what they create and let them fascinate us each and every day.�

Joining the line-up is Phoenix Organic’s first ever sugar-free organic cola, naturally sweetened with stevia and made with real Kola nuts and organic malt. Ponsonby News can vouch that Zero Sugar Cola tastes great, and it’s also free of caffeine and GE ingredients. F PN

Jafa by Night is here for a good time, not a long time. This is very much a pop up; a chance to try new things in a funky space for a limited time. Bookings are recommended.

PN Get in quick! F

PHOENIX ORGANICS, www.phoenixorganics.co.nz

JAFA BY NIGHT, 551 Richmond Road, T: 09 820 4143

5LFKPRQG 5RDG *UH\ /\QQ 78( 6$7 IURP SP

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

51

GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Calling Spock More Kiwis are eschewing meat, but are they seeing the big picture?

GREY LYNN-BASED MORGAN MAW OF BONNIE GOODS

According to the latest Roy Morgan Research, vegetarianism in New Zealand has grown by an astounding 27 percent since 2011. While its survey revealed that North Islanders were much more likely to go vegetarian than South Islanders, and the big growth in vegetarianism was largely amongst teens and 20-somethings, there were no breakdowns socio-economically, culturally or by specific suburbs. Aren’t you just burning up inside to know how many vegetarians live in Ponsonby? And has the number of raw vegans increased dramatically since Little Bird came to perch here? More statistically pertinent, perhaps, was the lack of data on how many vegetarians actually live in our island paradise.

A winner in the 2016 Cuisine Artisan Awards. The 2016 Cuisine Artisan Awards winners have been announced and local bakery Bonnie Goods has been named a winner for their Edinburghinspired Canterbury Linseed Oatcakes.

The signs are clear though: both internationally and locally, there’s an exponential growth of plant-eaters underway, and while the vast majority of them eat some dairy products, veganism is the shooting star.

When the husband and wife duo moved back to New Zealand in 2013, Bonnie Goods was born. From a stall at Parnell’s La Cigale market, Bonnie Goods products are now sold nationwide, RRP $8.

This is increasingly reflected in products on supermarket shelves, which are just as likely to fly the vegan flag as that of other magic marketing aphorisms like ‘gluten free’ or the preposterous ‘paleo’.

The oatcakes are produced by hand in the Bonnie Goods’ kitchen in Auckland. Morgan mills the oats herself, hand-rolls the oatcakes and cuts them with two seven-arm dough wheels she specially adapted with the help of her father to give the oatcakes a consistent rectangular shape. The judges loved the fact the linseed, which gives the oatcakes a lovely nuttiness, is from Nic’s uncle’s farm in South Canterbury. F PN

Meanwhile, social media is teeming with vegan pages where the mood quickly gets shrill if someone suggests an idea that’s a little to the left or right of the accepted ideology.

Mostly, it seems populated by serious young people whose entire directive seems to be based around the idea of not harming or exploiting animals in any way. The pages and discussions a worrying indicator of a generation that seems to have absorbed the rhetoric without understanding the wider issues.

Grey Lynn-based Morgan Maw, of Bonnie Goods, and her husband Nic, developed a taste for oatcakes during a stint living in Edinburgh. After Morgan baked her first batch of oatcakes to accompany a cheese course at her brother’s 21st, she developed a knack for the goods and continued to share her efforts with discerning locals in Edinburgh.

www.bonniegoods.co.nz

In the 1970s, vegetarianism was part of a social current that included a wide range of connected ethics, from concerns about the environment to feminism and ideas around pesticide-free production of food, and businesses running as co-ops rather than exploitative multi nationals. Knowledge about the collateral damage of dairy production (from farm run-off to exploitation of cows to the killing of their calves) was nil, and most western vegetarians’ cooking expertise went about as far as a sloppy lentil stew or macaroni cheese. Despite this, that generation understood that vegetarianism was, in fact, part of a wider perspective on societal change.

Twenty-first Century vegans, on the other hand, seldom display any interest in the wider issues. Perhaps animal exploitation has become such an all-encompassing subject - as we learn of the massive industrial machine that churns out meat and markets it to the populace - that the majority of new-generation vegans are forced to specialise.

I guess every generation has to assert itself, and it’s a rite of passage to think you know everything there is to know by the time you hit your 20s. And fair enough, too, that a new generation of vegans wants to own the movement, as if it had just come out of the blue.

It’s the lack of connective tissue that worries me. There are threads running through vegan social media pages where the conversation enthuses about eating at fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, and where the only engagement is with the idea that the junk food chain might make some vegan items. There’s no thought about the intrinsically exploitative business model a fast food outlet like that operates by: where the business sources its food, the fact that it’s meat-oriented whether or not it carries a vegan item or two, the low nutritional value of their food, the high profit motive and its multinational mentality and, of course, the low wages and poor working conditions of its staff.

Without going all hippy in front of their mates, the new uptake of ardent vegans is going to have to start seeing the wood for the trees. Perhaps it could be arranged for Spock to PN beam them all up to the Starship Enterprise for a lesson in basic logic. (GARY STEEL) F Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

Chile: from 12 to 250 Chilean wine production has come so far in such a short period of time. Back in 1995, at the time that Aurelio Montes and the late Douglas Murray were getting set to show the world the splendid wines of Montes, there were a mere dozen or so wineries.

Move forward to today and there are around 250 wineries in Chile. Whilst not as large as the 5.6% of total world production that comes from neighbouring Argentina, the approximately 3% that comes from Chile makes it an important global producer.

Particularly given that local consumption is very low and around 70% of production is exported.

When thinking of Chilean wine, we often think of the value produced there, when in reality some of the most expensive and, yes, the best value wines do come from Chile.

Chile’s winemaking area is very long and narrow. Defined by nature with the Andes to the east and the pacific coast to the west. The sea of particular relevance to this warm region; the Humboldt Current, which results from the cool air from the sea, moderates the temperatures and produces a fog that sits over the vineyards protecting the grapes from direct harmful sunlight.

planted variety is sauvignon, predominantly in the north in Casablanca. Whilst we think of Chilean wines in terms of red here in New Zealand, the third most planted variety is also a white one, Chardonnay. Chardonnay is found in the northern regions and the coastal parts of the central valley. Carménère, once a part of the landscape in Bordeaux, is found in Chile. A low acid variety, it is hard to grow and get ripe. A thick skinned variety, in a glass of carménère there’s always plenty of tannins together with wild redcurrant and coffee bean notes. A very distinctive and charming glass of wine.

During March, we feature the wines of South America in store and online. In all parts of the range, you’ll find quality and value that’ll amaze. There are in store tastings of these wines at Glengarry stores around Ponsonby, check out www.glengarry.co.nz/tastings for PN more details. (LIZ WHEADON) F www.glengarry.co.nz

Unlike most winemaking regions in the world, phylloxera, the nasty mite that destroys the vines roots and has resulted in most of the wine produced in the world today coming from grafted vines, does not like the conditions here, nor the sandy soil. The absence of a requirement to graft is just one of the reasons that it’s relatively cheap to produce wines in Chile.

Like New Zealand and Australia, harvest is in March. The climate is Mediterranean with a very long ripening period; good for producing ripe, fruit-driven, affordable wines.

The diurnal shift, the wide range between the day and night temperature, is key to producing the clarity of fruit flavour that you enjoy in Chilean wine. Producing wine in these conditions does come with its challenges; summer is very dry with little rain, though irrigation is allowed. With the warm conditions and good soil conditions, the vines do like growing here, which often results in lower levels of acidity in the wines, making them soft, gentle and approachable while young.

With all the expansion and success in a relatively short timeframe, the Chilean wine industry is not standing still. In fact, spend any time with some Chilean producers and you’ll come away with the distinct impression they are only just getting started. Whilst the Central Valley today is the heartland of Chilean winemaking, there’s much development going on in the north, particularly close to the coast, to take advantage of the cooling influence in white wine making and on the hills with less fertile soil and ideal conditions for pinot noir. The central valley is divided up into a number of smaller parts: the Maipo, a warm sub region which favours cabernet; Cachapoal to the south of Maipo, where merlot is at home and joined by cabernet; Curicó has a higher rainfall than Maipo, resulting in a different flavour profile; Maule, the oldest of the central valley regions has three times the rainfall of Santiago, volcanic soils and is an important area for cabernet and carménère.

In the North, the cooler coastal region of Casablanca is home to sauvignon blanc in Chile. The cool sea breeze makes the growing season a month longer than the central valley, resulting in the tropical, pungent style of sauvignon that Chile is known for.

We can hold the French responsible for the varieties we find in Chile today. Cabernet sauvignon is the most widely planted variety, particularly in Maipo. The second most

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

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JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM I don’t know about you, but my February was a super busy month with work, travel and loads of gardening.

And no surprises either given the amount of rain and warm temperatures that we had experienced over summer, the garden is falling all over the place!

Do you ever surprise yourself by doing something erratic? While standing and staring at a dwarf tomato covered in smelly uninvited green shield beetles, I leant over and ripped out said plant. I must admit being slightly surprised with myself, but then truth is I had over planted as per usual and this tomato had got very bushy restricting airflow and making it a perfect environment for pests and disease. But don’t shake your head in disbelief, I rescued all those green toms, threw them in a bucket which I traipsed indoors.

I pickled some, threw others into bags for the freezer and handed the rest to Andrew who loves green fried tomatoes (minus the bugs of course).

Green bugs aren’t the only pests that are annoying me either. Each year, thanks to the humidity in Auckland, the fungal nasties appear and as I have cucurbits growing everywhere (think pumpkin, zucchini and cucumbers) leaves are starting to sport those white floury spots. Time to give that fungi a mini wakeup call, change the pH of the leaf (hopefully) by spraying with baking soda and water and make their day a tad unpleasant. Does it work? It makes me feel better; let’s put it that way. Do you know of any good remedies?

Our orchard has been on steroids! We have never seen crops like it. Sure, some trees are devoid of fruit, but there are others that have never produced before and are boasting lots of fruit. A phone call to the neighbors is on the agenda - go and help yourself, please.

The wild turkeys are back in force too! Every year without fail they move in and can be seen pecking away at fruit. This wouldn’t be so bad, except they take a peck out of one and then move on to the next and the next.

Unfortunately, I usually end up running through the orchard hurling abuse and whatever I can get my mitts on.

Not all is bad though. Bill, my father-in-law, has been freezing damson plums, peaches, making jam (which he is going to take home with him to the United Kingdom) and cooking us the most amazing meals. Can you imagine twice-cooked pork served with cabbage and bacon and fondant potatoes. Trust me... I’m going to miss him when he is gone.

Living on a lifestyle block often necessitates the services of a top dog, be it to chase those unwanted turkeys, ducks or just provide good company while working away doing farm things. Dan our border collie is suffering from hip and knee issues (let’s call it old age), so his activity lately has been seriously restricted; he is not impressed and I’m missing his doggy antics.

February also saw us in Marlborough for the Wine & Food Festival. If you love culinary and wine events, then you should pop it on your calendar. What better excuse could there be for a weekend away. Lots of taste sensations, cooking demos, entertainment and some fine New Zealand wines to taste. It was great meeting everyone and sharing the Toi Toi love.

At the time of writing this I’m sitting at the airport in Auckland yet again, destination Melbourne.

My garden will have to do without me for a few days... I’m trying not to think about what will grow while I’m away. (JULIE BONNER) F PN Happy gardening - follow me at www.frogpondfarm.co.nz for more news or gardening tips.

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

BEDFORD SODA & LIQUOR It’s a Tuesday, early evening, and this New York-styled bar is pleasantly full. types of bitters, it has a grown up aperitif vibe (if you disregard the toasted marshmallow on the rim) and is right up my street.

I am here to meet Bedford’s new Bar Manager Phil Spector (true!) and sample some creations from his new cocktail menu. Not being one to drink alone I have brought along a girlfriend and her social media-savvy 18-year-old.

Lastly, a delicate china teacup is put before my friend, full to the brim with a dark-looking brew and garnished with a cinnamon quill. This is the Harbour Master and clearly a favourite of Phil’s as he launches into the story behind it. It’s a tale of rum, the sugar trade and the American influence on the English Caribbean. “Rum has no rules, it’s the frontier liquor,” he enthuses. Now I’m suffering from drink envy and simply have to have a taste. It’s seriously boozy with layers of complex flavours. “It’s made of three quite different rums,” Phil explains. “And the cinnamon quill?” I ask. “Just for show,” smiles Phil. “This job is a lot about theatre and presentation, and obviously we totally embrace social media, but I’d like to think we can also open people’s minds to new taste sensations and experiences.”

A young man approaches the table bearing drinks. He is easier on the eye than that other Phil, and considerably more fresh faced. At just 25, Phil took the top bartender title in the Diageo Reserve World Class Nationals last year, and went on to represent New Zealand in the international competition. Phil is the first to admit he was the youngster in the line up but he is not fazed by it, and once he starts talking about his creations we realise the depth of his knowledge. This guy knows and loves his stuff.

And he can read his customers. In front of 18-year-old he deftly places The Tanqueray Daisy - a tall, flowered quencher made of gin, rhubarb, ginger, grapefruit and soda. True to her demographic, out comes the phone for a gleeful post to instagram before she takes a sip. I get the Equestrian, one of Phil’s so called Fanciful Creations.

Tequila based, with Aperol, strawberry, lemon and two

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Bar Manager Phil Spector

photography: Stacey Simpkin

There’s a fashionably mixed after work crowd, dating couples huddled intimately, and the usual gaggle of girls sharing summery pitchers on the tables outside.

Job done well then in this case. I will certainly never look at rum in the same way again. (FIONA GARLICK) T: 09 378 7362, www.bedfordsodaliqour.co.nz BedfordSodaLiquor bedfordballers

Cocktails - New Amsterdam and the Tanqueray Daisy

THE DAIRY MELT BAR

BOAR & BLADE

Trying to keep the beef off? Try our delicious buffalo burgers! Organic lean buffalo meat from the Whangaripo valley with beetroot relish and melted blue cheese!

Get amongst it for $16.50

And then there were five! Due to great demand for our fine services Boar & Blade has expanded, and we now have five chairs.

Book online for weekday appointments, but Saturday and Sunday it’s Walk in Weekends.

T: 09 972 2642 www.the_dairy.co.nz

M: 027 384 3862 www.boarandblade.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER “It doesn’t look any bigger than the Mauritania? Really, Rose, you can be blasé about most things but NOT the Titanic.”

These words rang in my ears as I alighted from my taxi to look up at my ship towering above the berth just as Rose had done before her fateful voyage on the Titanic.

Southampton has a long maritime history, the pilgrims left for the new world from here, White Star and the Cunarders grand Queens also sailed from here along with many of the Ten Pound Poms, leaving to start a new life downunder. It is the United Kingdom’s most popular port and the beginning for many a great adventure.

The city itself belies its history, and is full of Roman ruins. Recognising the natural and tranquil harbour the The Titanic memorial at Southampton Romans built a fort and enclosed the city in a wall that still exists. It has been burnt and savaged by various invaders but recognising its vital position was always rebuilt. Lately it has being savaged by property developers and tall concrete blocks now jostle for room amongst Tudor and Victorian homes still inhabiting the ‘old town’.

And of course there are the memorials to the Titanic’s, now included in a popular ‘Titanic Trail’. One of the most famous and most recently renovated is to the Titanics engineers.

A vast edifice of granite and bronze, it is a nod to the stature of steel and what those guys were made of. It is topped by an angel holding outstretched hands flanked by

bronze reliefs showing them still working, even as the great ship sank beneath their feet.

I had a drink in a bar called Grapes. It is an old establishment and was known as a ‘Stokers’ pub. A rough ‘man’s man’ pub where fights were frequent and quickly sorted.

The sailors, having returned from a stint at sea now thin and malnourished, would drink their pay and sort out any differences with their fellow workers and then sign on again for another crossing back, the best of friends again.

Southampton. There are four ships leaving today and amongst them the three Queens, Elizabeth, Mary 2 and my ship, Victoria, all off on world voyages. Although we are the only ship doing a full circumnavigation - all the way there and back again. The traffic at a standstill as 8000-odd people descend on the terminals to board for a trip of a lifetime.

Chaos, and to any other city possible Armageddon, but Southampton is used to it and seems to thrive on the mess. Soon the last whistle will be blown, the streets will empty, the ships will depart amongst their bands and fireworks and the next day another set of ships will arrive, disengorge their passengers, fill their bellies with eager punters once again and depart back down the Solent. That’s life in Southampton. In amongst them is one particular Kiwi boy still pinching himself that he is actually here, and actually doing this. A lifetime ambition, to sail around the world - there and back again.

Ok, so I admit it, I was up at 3am excitedly watching for our three ships to come up the Solent. My hotel is right opposite the pier and I could have watched it from the comfort of my bed through the window but that’s not the Thorby way. I had to be out in the full black pitch of morning darkness at the sea’s edge to watch them loom up out of the darkness. Great cliffs of metal lit up in a bright luminescence out of the pitch blackness.

Slowly edging their way along the riverbank to be tethered to land for a few hours before departing again.

The excitement among the other passengers was palpable. All scrubbed and ready to go, we were met in the grand lobby after our boarding procedure by red-jacketed bell boys, wearing the Cunard livery and offering to porter our bags to our staterooms. There was barely enough time to open the Moet before bagging a place on deck to watch the lines thrown off and we floated - nay pushed off - down the estuary. Great fireworks exploded all around us as the three ships passed below and we sailed into the darkness of the Bay of Biscay and beyond.

The first night is aways one of great anticipation, the ship humming and buzzing, a farewell brass band in the ballroom, quartets playing and the bars full to overflowing.

Though nothing unruly, this is Cunard after all. (ROSS THORBY) F PN

Fireworks for the departure of the Queen Victoria from Southampton

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The brass band play for the Southampton departure PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

by Caroline Clegg, World Journeys

There’s something refreshingly traditional about travelling by train, and often the rail journey can be a destination in itself.

Dining cars with full-service meals, uniformed wait staff, fascinating off-train excursions - there’s so much to love about travelling by train.

We’ve gathered together our top six ‘Great Trains’ experiences here to get you on the right track: THE BLUE TRAIN Follow in the footsteps of kings and presidents who have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star ‘hotelon-wheels’ from Pretoria to Cape Town (or vice versa).

Spot occasional wildlife as South Africa’s awe-inspiring landscapes pass by your window. The cuisine that comes out of a tiny galley is exquisite and matched with the very best South African wines. The 24-hour personalised butler service is enough to win over even the most seasoned traveller.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER Rocky Mountaineer takes you through pristine Canadian wilderness to witness towering mountain ranges, rushing waterfalls, snow-capped glaciers and quaint alpine towns. Look out for bald eagles, ospreys and even black bears along the way. Different routes offer a variety of

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scenery and can be combined with further touring or even an Alaskan cruise.

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS The Eastern & Oriental Express train travels for two days between Singapore and Bangkok (or further afield if time and budget allow). Gleaming green and cream carriages evoke the great bygone age of luxury train travel and are a world of opulence and fine craftsmanship. Watch the unfolding views from the Observation Car, and stop to explore ancient villages, tranquil rural landscapes, historic monuments and tea plantations.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS Our favourite journey aboard this luxury train is from the romantic city of Budapest to Venice through the lush landscapes of the Balkan States. Stop along the way to visit the 14th Century Bran Castle (rumoured to be Dracula’s castle), haggle in the ancient bazaar of Mostar, and enjoy some wine tasting in Eger. You have two nights in Venice at the end to top it all off.

trains. Our favourite is the Palace on Wheels, previously frequented by the Maharajas of the princely states of Rajasthan, Gujurat and the Nizam of Hyderabad no less.

The regal theme continues with visits to magnificent forts and palaces; the Taj Mahal, of course, and you can stop off at Ranthambore National Park to try and spot the rare royal Bengal tiger.

ANDEAN EXPLORER Arguably one of the most beautiful journeys in the world is across the Peruvian Andes aboard the Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Lake Titicaca. Spectacular Andean scenery appears out of every window, and you stop in some truly out-of-the-way, authentic places to interact with the locals and catch of glimpse of a still traditional life in the highlands.

You don’t have to be a trainspotter to enjoy travel by rail - these luxury trains are experiences anyone with a hankering for travel in style and elegance can absolutely relish - all aboard! F PN

PALACE ON WHEELS The opulent days of the Raj linger on aboard India’s luxury

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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1. Our columnist Ross Thorby, currently on Cunard’s Queen Victoria takes time to catch up reading Ponsonby News at Lake Atitian in front of the Mayan Village in GUATEMALA with fellow passenger Deirdre.

2-4. Ross Yu sent in his snaps and told us, “The children were on holiday on the GOLD COAST, pictured are our 13-year-old cousin Jessie pictured with 12-year-old Ryan. They really enjoyed their holiday. The photos are from the Gold Coast airport and Movie World.”

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

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4 PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE BRIARWOOD RETURNS TO ITS PONSONBY ROOTS

THE FREEDOM OF THE 70S INSPIRES CLASSIC RANGE AT SMITH & WESTERN

BRIARWOOD FOUNDER, ANGE MARSHALL, BOUGHT HER FIRST HOME IN PONSONBY IN 1990, when there was one solitary cafe on Ponsonby Road. At that same time, Ange was acting out a long-term dream to design and manufacture shoes and bags. Ponsonby was anything but fashionable in those days.

As the seasons evolve, Smith & Western takes inspiration from the freedom of the 70s in a range of blouses, shirts and dresses in fine prints and soft, draped fabrics.

The first Briarwood shop was in Newmarket, then Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney, Tauranga and Hamilton and, afterwards, in up to 40 wholesale clients up and down the country... but never in Ponsonby. So, in a funny way, Briarwood is coming home. A couple of months ago, Briarwood relocated its warehouse, and subsequently its outlet store, to Ponsonby - at the top of Crummer Road, opposite Vinegar Lane.

Briarwood is a story about ‘less being more’. It’s not a conventional story. The company has never sought the spotlight. In fact, those who have discovered it have almost kept it their secret. Their approach is anything but ‘marketing’ in the current frantic world of hype and celebrity endorsement. Briarwood has found its own defined sense of place in a cluttered market that has seen all sorts of enterprises rise and fall around them.

Briarwood’s customers keep coming back.

Ange often jokes about it taking 20 years to become an overnight success. “We put so much into our designs so that they will never be fads. Classic with a twist, sounds cliché,” says Ange, “but you get the picture.”

Why then, after so long, has Briarwood decided to add a clothing range? “Well,” says Ange, “we just keep doing what we do - quality fabrics, well made, that still carry our design signature. This was the next step, almost as inevitable as night following day. In the end, we just couldn’t not do it. And you know what, we’re loving the response from our customers.”

Briarwood is now at Crummer Road as well as 215 Broadway, Newmarket. “Pop in and see us.” F PN BRIARWOOD, 8 Crummer Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 361 2172, www.briarwood.co.nz

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The gypsy-inspired bell sleeves, pussy bows and ashram-inspired shirts, work just as well in the office as on the street.

Belted, loose dresses in a range of prints and plain, draped fabrics deliver the ‘go to’ one piece that can be layered later as the season cools.

Fine marle knits and wools evoke a casual street cool and relaxed chic.

Team these with their range of classic crepe pants, the new denim and Italian boot ranges, and all your classics are covered while still giving a nod to your inner bohemian.

The store also continues to deliver a range of hand-selected imported homeware and gifts, ensuring your home also echoes this sense of freedom and subtle luxe.

New styles arriving weekly. F PN SMITH & WESTERN, 14 Jervois Road, T: 0800WESTERN, www.smithandwestern.co.nz

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 15 MARCH 1925

Dear Blanche, They normally don’t bother me but right now my nerves are in complete tatters. The reason for this sad state of affairs is that I’ve a coat to have finished in a week’s time for an important customer. While I have been known to sometimes leave things to the last minute (‘only sometimes?’ I hear you say!)

I could not have anticipated such a disaster. Mrs C. (who shall remain nameless) and I spent a good deal of time settling on the fabric for her new afternoon coat. She eventually selected (and has her heart set on) a most particular tweed that she found in the fabric cupboard in my workroom more than a month ago now. It’s a very special length that I purchased only two years ago during a jaunt to Wellington, along with some pretty printed crepe lengths that have long been made up. Anyway, I went to lay out the fabric this morning, only to find that - to my horror - it had been attacked by moths in the most vicious way. The little devils have so completely ruined the piece that it is good for nothing now, not even patchwork. Serves me right for leaving it so long.

Mrs C. is now out of town, staying with friends until two days prior to her setting sail for London. I’m really not sure what to do... I can’t remember now if it was the colour or the lovely way it had been hand woven, or both, that so besotted her. At least three other garments - a blouse, a skirt and an afternoon dress have already been made to co-ordinate with said coat.

Sorry about the smudges. Writing about my dilemma has made the panic set in and there’s only one thing that will assuage the feelings of dread - Mortensen’s best Russian caramels.[i] As evidenced by my grubby fingers I’m gobbling them down with less decorum than usual. Jens was surprised to see me as I normally only let myself visit once a week (for a piece each of caramel and chocolate fudge) and had only visited yesterday. However, the caramels and my cup of tea are working beautifully to steady my nerves but I’m still not sure what to do.

The one thing I am loath to do is to ask around the local dressmakers thus giving them the opportunity to gossip about their perceived state of my organisation (which I admit could be improved) and my housekeeping. With regard to the latter, a thorough check of all my fabrics, undertaken just after the dreadful discovery, has found only one other damaged bolt. Interestingly I purchased that wool at the same time as the green tweed. All I can think of is that this lot of wool had some type of finish applied that our Ponsonby clothing moths have decided is thoroughly delicious!

I much prefer doing the rounds of all the local drapers. I think there are about 20 in all [ii] - some I haven’t been to for an age. Trouble is that I have allowed myself only two days at the very most to find the exact, or an equivalent, substitute fabric. Failing that, I’m going to have to find another lovely tweed and remake the ensemble garments. Because she is such a good customer, not only will I have to make a full confession to Mrs C. in the humblest possible manner (nothing short of tears will do), I will have to insist that she accept the collection for free. Knowing Mrs C. as I do, she will accept the free collection and still grumble about me to all of her friends. So as well as losing out on payment, I will have to pay for an extra two assistants to complete the garments on time, not forgetting the cost of the fabrics and trimmings. I think I need more caramels, or perhaps some of those nice pink

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pills that mother takes for her headaches. I feel quite depressed and think I need to take Tiger out for a walk. I’ll come back to you a bit later, hopefully with better news.

Oh Blanche, I’m thoroughly exhausted and quite depressed after the whole day spent hunting without success for the elusive green tweed. I must confess though that I bought myself a little bit of joy in the form of a rich sapphire blue velvet scarf with luscious silk tassels. That was from a delightful little Fancy Goods shop [iii] not far from here that I like to frequent whenever I feel the need for cheering up! Miss Diamond knows me so well and always has one or two special things to tempt me.

Please forgive the grubby fingers. I’m writing to you now from the Hygienic Home Made Cake and Pastry Depot [iv], one of my favourite Ponsonby tearooms, not least for its name! I’m so desperate for solace that I’d gobble even unhygienic cake at this point. I have chosen a slice of the most chocolate of the chocolate cake selection, as only this will do at present. You probably think it queer me telling you about all of this but it does help to write it down. I feel calmer already.

I can hardly believe that I am able to write to you, after the passing of only a couple of hours, with such good news. I am saved!! On my walk home I bumped into (literally) a delightful Scotswoman, Mrs McKinley, who keeps a little shop in Brown Street. I’ve passed it many times during my walks with Tiger but don’t shop there, as the biscuits are cheaper at the larger grocers. It turns out that Mrs. M’s sister lives on Harris in the Outer Hebrides and is a weaver of tweed. Furthermore, for every birthday and at Christmas, Mrs M receives a good length of tweed woven by her sister. When she heard of my plight, she bade me come home with her right away to inspect her collection. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. So many folded lengths of tweed, forming a subtle rainbow of moorland colours.

Imagine my delight when I found a piece that matched the hues in my swatch. The quality is far more superior to my holey tweed and while the pattern is different, I don’t believe that it should prove a problem with Mrs C. She probably won’t even notice!! Mrs M insisted that I take the piece and in grateful exchange I have promised to make her anything she wants in any of her sister’s lovely tweeds.

So dear, now you have the whole sorry story and its rather wonderful happy ending. I wondered about sending you this letter but thought you would find it amusing, grubby fingerprints and all.

Well, my sweet confidante, I bid you a fond farewell and only ask that you write very soon.

All my love, Maudie xx, [i] Jens Soren Mortensen was a confectioner at 17 Ponsonby Road in 1925 [ii] There were 20 drapers listed for Ponsonby in Wise’s Auckland Directory for 1924-25 [iii] Miss May Diamond, Fancy Goods Dealer, 145 Ponsonby Road in 1925 [iv] 285 Ponsonby Road, T. Charles Palmer (Proprietor) in 1925

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: Michael McClintock

I can hardly hear myself think! The cicadas are so numerous and so chirpy that peace and quiet is a pleasure to be found nowhere.

FASHION + STYLE ACHIEVE YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE AT MAGGIE POTTER Whilst the name MP or Maggie Potter is new to Ponsonby it has a strong heritage in fashion with stores in Parnell and Wellington for the last 24 years.

Louise Anderson owner is delighted with the move to Ponsonby and excited about being part of a thriving community.

When you come to Maggie Potter you will get the complete attention of the staff and honesty in helping you create the wardrobe you want.

The beauty of MP is that they don’t have one look; the range of labels they partner with provide unique looks for each customer. They really know their customers and understand the style they want to achieve. At MP they make sure to let their customers know when the labels they love arrive in - giving them first choice.

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MP hand pick the pieces so they remain special and in demand and they love to bring in new labels and travel the globe introducing fresh and interesting designers to the New Zealand market.

Come and introduce yourself to Louise and the team. Have a coffee or wine and enjoy trying on the beautiful shoes, clothing and accessories on offer. F PN MAGGIE POTTER, Vinegar Lane, Corner of Crummer Road, T: 09 379 4452, www.facebook.com/maggiepotterfashion

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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FASHION + STYLE ZERO CALORIES IN A CHOCOLATE DIAMOND

TWENTY-SEVEN NAMES, PONSONBY RD WEDNESDAY 3 FEBRUARY

Today people expect more from their jewellery than just great design. They are looking for pieces that are both unique and intrinsically exceptional. This is why Diamonds On Richmond now offer the very exclusive Chocolate Diamond.

Their chocolate diamonds have been both sourced and selected from Argyle Mines, Western Australia. As the world’s largest supplier of natural coloured diamonds, the Argyle Mines are renowned for producing exquisite coloured diamonds.

Chocolate diamonds are independently graded and adhere to the highest standards set by the Australian Diamond Grading Laboratory. Independent grading gives you the confidence that you are purchasing a natural diamond at the specific colour, clarity and cut grade that you have been promised - one that is completely conflict free.

Willow Henderson, Juliette Wanty, Rachel Easting and Alice Lines

Along with natural pink diamonds, chocolate diamonds are the only coloured diamonds in which hue and value does not result from impurities in the stone, rather the colour originates from a process known as ‘plastic deformation and reformation’.

During plastic deformation, while in the ground, heat and pressure severely alter the crystalline structure so that it completely loses the original parallel structure of white rough diamond and reforms into a freeform crystalline structure as it cools. Chocolate diamonds are colour graded against the Argyle Colour Grading Scale, ranging from C1 to C7, with C1 being the lightest stones and C7 the darkest.

To enquire about chocolate diamonds visit us in store. F PN DIAMONDS ON RICHMOND, 98 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 376 9045, www.dor.co.nz

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Tyla McKenzie, Tennille Ziegler and Lucy Slight

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

New season shoes We’ll say it again: your shoes are the key to your new season look, particularly in the cooler months.

One thing these beautiful styles from greater Ponsonby stockists have in common: none of them are basic. This is the season to make sure you choose anything BUT plain black. In the words of Miuccia Prada: “Craziness in a shoe is great - you can have much more freedom, you can exaggerate and it doesn’t feel stupid. But to have too much craziness near your face, that would just feel weird.”

We’re loving Rihanna’s attitude too: “Nicki Minaj has a better booty; but I have better shoes.”

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WHERE TO BUY IN GREATER PONSONBY 1. Mi Piaci heel $280 www.mipiaci.co.nz 2. Chaos & Harmony heel $299 www.chaosandharmonyshoes.com 3. Mi Piaci heel $270 www.mipiaci.co.nz 4. Alexander Wang boot $1069 www.workshop.co.nz 5. Alexander Wang boot $1098 www.workshop.co.nz 6. Mi Piaci boot $320 www.mipiaci.co.nz 7. Mi Piaci boot $300 www.mipiaci.co.nz 8. Revie boot $399 www.revie.co.nz 9. Mimco heel $199 www.mimco.com.au 10. Mi Piaci heel $260 www.mipiaci.co.nz 11. Miss Wilson boot $349 www.kathrynwilson.com 12. Dr Martens brogue $259 www.clash.co.nz 13. Chaos & Harmony brogue $329 www.chaosandharmonyshoes.com 14. Vic Matie brogue $645 www.taylorboutique.co.nz 15. Chloe boot $1698 www.workshop.co.nz 15

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FASHION + STYLE CELEBRATE VINTAGE CHARM AND CLASSIC COOL Fetch your best frock and dust off your blue suede shoes as New Zealand’s favourite vintage festival, The Very Vintage Day Out (VVDO), is returning to Alexandra Park on Saturday 9 April. Celebrating its 5th birthday this year, the VVDO will be a vintage mecca.

The action continues again through Sunday with The Very Vintage Weekend Tiki Party for a weekend of vintage-inspired fun. Transforming Alexandra Park into a vintage haven, the VVDO takes a step back in time to bring together the top vintage sellers from all over the country. With over 50 stalls offering fabulous fashion, beauty, homeware, knick -knacks and everything in between.

The highlight of the afternoon sees 10 terrific ladies compete for the coveted crown of Miss Pinup New Zealand 2016. The talented contestants will put their vintage skills to the test before a team of judges who will mark the women on their poise, knowledge and vintage styling. This year, internet sensation Miss Victory Violet will lead the judging panel, bringing the experience she has gained as Miss Viva Las Vegas 2015 and Miss Pinup New Zealand 2014 to the table.

Headlining act The Gramophone Band will bring their old-school cool and dulcet tones to the stage with a set that swings from the 1920s to the 1960s. The entertainment line-up also includes the Darktown Strutters and Sisters of Swing.

It wouldn’t be a birthday celebration without cake so this year a bake-off will be taking place so the VVDO can blow out its 5th birthday candles. Entrants can choose to bake either a cake or a savoury pie and the results will be judged on the day.

This year the VVDO is hosting an up-cycling competition and the entries will be modelled on the runway for the judge’s decision. Milliner and vintage aficionado Amy Jansen-Leen will provide her knowledgeable opinion and winners will be rewarded with sewing prizes to further their skills.

The ever popular high tea returns again this year to offer attendees tempting delights while they enjoy the day, and tasty food stalls will be available in the outdoor area for

photography: Jana Greissner

“2016 is a special year for us celebrating the VVDO’s 5th birthday,” says Talia Stephens, organiser and founder of The Very Vintage Day Out. “Our event has grown so much over the past few years and we’re so thrilled with the huge support the VVDO has and how many people travel from all over New Zealand to spend the weekend with us. We have another amazing weekend planned with top-notch entertainment and some of the best vintage shopping you’ll find under one roof.”

those who want to take in the vintage car display while enjoying an appetizing treat or a cool drink.

Also making the most of the beautiful outdoor setting is the photo safari where budding and professional models and photographers are paired up to create wonderful vintage -inspired images. If you’re keen to learn some new skills there will be vintage-style workshops not to mention a curve confidence panel session from Team Pinup.

Attendees are also encouraged to dress in the spirit of the day with great spot prizes for the best-dressed ticket holders.

The Very Vintage Day Out 2016 promises to be bigger and better than ever and there is PN definitely something to delight everyone. F Tickets available from: www.veryvintage.co.nz/buy-tickets/ For more information go to: www.veryvintage.co.nz www.facebook.com/theveryvintagedayout

OFFCUT RELEASE LANDFILL CAPS Cap company Offcut is pleased to announce the launch of its highly anticipated second release of New Zealand-made five panel caps.

Offcut teams up with companies to use their waste fabric and save it from going to landfill.

Offcut launched its first offering just before Christmas, not long after best mates and co-founders Adrien Taylor, 26, and Matt Purcell, 27, came up with the original concept.

“My old man was in the textile industry. I went to his Christchurch warehouse last year and saw a room full of discarded fabric which was still brand new,” recounts Taylor. “Dad told me they paid someone to pick it up twice a year and dump it to landfill. I thought that was an insane thing to be doing in the 21st Century so asked him if I could take the fabrics and turn them into caps.”

Offcut have now teamed up with almost a dozen companies to source their fabrics, all of which are offcuts, end-of-lines, misprinted or discontinued styles. Police and army uniform fabric feature in the range.

Fabric waste is a huge source of pollution worldwide. In New Zealand alone, 100 million kilos of textile waste ends up in landfill every year: the equivalent of almost 150 medium-sized men’s t-shirts per person. Textile dyes and glues leach into the

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earth’s soil and the fabrics release greenhouse gasses as they breakdown.

As well as reducing textile waste, Offcut has a One for One business model inspired by Toms Shoes. “We wanted to not only take something away from the planet - fabric waste - but give something back, too. So we’ve teamed up with Trees For the Future to plant a tree with every cap sold,” explains Taylor.

The first release sold out within four days. “We were blown away by how it went, and people have been begging us to make a second batch since,” says Purcell. Fans have had their wishes granted with the launch of the second release (general release was on Sunday 21 February).

Offcut is the first foray into fashion for both Taylor and Purcell.

Christchurch-based Taylor is a former 3 News reporter and founder of www.Bamtino.com, and Dubai-based Purcell is a First Class airplane cabin crew member. F PN OFFCUT CAPS www.offcutcaps.com PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE CHAOS THEORY MAKES ITSELF KNOWN AT MAAIKE New Zealand brand Maaike opened the doors to its Ponsonby Road store in late October 2015 and its new winter collection ‘Chaos Theory’ is arriving in store weekly.

The Chaos Theory range will be complemented by the other labels that Maaike stocks including Cybele, Company of Strangers and Jason Lingard, as well as the popular organic cotton brand, Kowtow.

Specifically, Maaike’s custom-printed fabrics are always the cornerstone to its collection and this year is no exception. This season sees a bold and graphic black and white brushstone print destined to hit the racks shortly.

Mid to late March will see the drop of the highly anticipated merino knitwear - all knitted right here in Auckland.

Textured, oversized cardigans, cosy jumpers and long scarves will be available to keep you wrapped up and warm this winter.

And you can be sure you will be buying something special at Maaike. Limited runs ensure that you will be getting a unique garment that has been constructed and presented with love and meticulous care.

To enjoy the latest offerings, visit them in store or browse online at www.maaikeandco.com. F PN MAAIKE + CO, Shop 1, 175 Ponsonby Rd, T: 09 302 4120, www.maaikeandco.com

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HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION LOVE

Talking to Vicki Taylor Inspiring for her own design aesthetic as well as her willingness and joy in promoting the work of other fashion names, Vicki Taylor is the sort of woman that we love to acknowledge as a local.

She established the taylor label in 1999, and all of these years later still sticks to her guns when it comes to crafting striking, wearable clothing that is proudly designed and manufactured in New Zealand with incredible skill and dedication. She grew up in a fashion industry family and is passionate and continually inspired by fabrics and textural combinations, and this is immediately evident when her eyes light up when it comes to the subject of all things design.

Just under two years ago she opened The Shelter, a shared contemporary space of like-minded, design-led brands on Mackelvie Street in Ponsonby that has seen a steady stream of loyal taylor customers and excited newbies passing through its doors. It was a dream come true for the designer and businesswoman, who was always keen to help spread the word about the next generation of talent bubbling up in the industry. “I love the fact that I can discover and talk to young, up and coming designers and help bring their brand to market,” she says, “and it gives them a presence in a beautiful store. You can’t gloss over the fact that rents are going up, foot traffic is decreasing and people are short on time, so the idea of The Shelter was to give customers an amazing retail experience under one roof and introduce them to something new and exciting.”

Past and present brands under their roof include Danish designer Barbara Gongini, highly coveted MM6 by Maison Margiela of Paris, German designer Bernhard Wilhelm, Finnish designer Daniel Palillo, Canadian jewellery and footwear designer Arielle de Pinto, and local brands such as Children of Vision, Jimmy D, Lela Jacobs, Monday’s Child from Christchurch and Vicki’s own brand, taylor. The Shelter also features an on-site cafe, EAT, a carefully curated selection of local and international homewares and natural beauty collections. They represent a vast number of countries and each brand complements the next, not only through aesthetic and design values but also via their ethical and sustainable practices.

She says it is “so much fun taking emerging brands and taking them to a whole new market, and now we’ve taken over management of our cafe EAT, we can do the same with food too”. She prides herself on an even spread when it comes to purchase price across the beautiful store as well, offering everything from premium European label Margiela to $15 tea towels and bespoke beauty products.

When we catch up for tea at the aforementioned EAT, I ask her how she chooses which new labels get added to The Shelter roster, and how does she find them? “Vicki just goes shopping!” laughs The Shelter and taylor events manager, Victoria Cooper-Smith, and indeed it is Vicki’s frequent trips to Europe and Japan that allow her to both find new design discoveries as well as source high-quality, leading-edge fabrics from some of the best mills in the world for her own label. “We have so many talented young designers in New Zealand and we know about them because they are at our back door,” says Vicki.

“When I travel I can find those same kind of designers all around the world and that is what really excites me - people who are so passionate about what they do and staying

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true to their vision. They are also still manufacturing in their home countries and can truly be called artisans.”

She says that she personally gravitates towards an Italian style of dressing, in the beautifully cut, slightly austere sense of the word as opposed to over accessorised Versace. She also likes the smaller, cooler producers, saying why would she go only for big brands when they are readily available online and on the streets of Auckland. “I want to offer collections that people will see, try on and fall in love with for their style and authenticity,” Vicki says, “and I guess you could say that is the key philosophy behind what we buy.”

She also deals directly with designers as opposed to agents and says that is one of the most satisfying parts of what she does when she’s on the road. “It’s a lovely little network that we have built up over the past year and a bit, and the way that the young designers are trained internationally is so different to the way we are here,” she concludes. “These young people are business savvy and eager to succeed, and the fact that I can help in some way is just an amazing place to be.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F PN THE SHELTER, 78 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 376 6544, www.theshelter.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FASHION + STYLE RETAIL SUPERSTAR Katie Revie - REVIE

How did you come to be a retail salesperson?

After launching Revie exactly two years ago, we hosted pop-up stores to coincide with each of our collections. It was a great way for me as the designer to engage with our customers and for customers to explore and learn about my brand. The success of the pop ups lead us to open up a full time bricks and mortar store at the end of last year.

Ponsonby was the perfect location for the label with a mix of established and up-coming local brands.

NEW AT SEVENTYSIX DESIGN Inspired by the beauty of the frangipani flower, these rings celebrate the elegance of nature. Set with white diamonds in every second flower, the yellow gold ring is available for $2980, depending on finger size. The white gold ring has white diamonds set into every flower ($4240, depending on finger size).

SEVENTYSIX DESIGN, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 0676, www.seventysixdesign.co.nz

MYSTERY SUITS TO STAR AT DESIGNER SALE IMAGINE DRESS FOR SUCCESS AUCKLAND staff’s surprise and delight when they discovered a donated box of some of the most immaculate tailor-made suits the staff had ever seen - tiny in size and hailing from around the 1970s. The bottom halves were all pencil skirts or wide cullottes and the colours ranged from mustard yellow to autumnal patchwork. All the pieces had been crafted by local legend Adrienne Winkelmann and Michael Mattar, a prominent designer from Taumaranui who won three awards at the Benson and Hedges awards in 1968.

What do you love about your store?

I love that the space and fit-out reflects our clean, curated brand aesthetic. It is a fantastic space to spend the day in and reflects a serene luxurious environment. Along with our range of Revie shoes we are lucky enough to also stock the beautiful clothing collections from Lucy McIntosh and Mia Undone. It is great to work with other young designers and to be able to support one another with lots of opportunities for collaboration.

What makes a standout retail salesperson?

A standout retail salesperson is relaxed, personable and engaging. Shopping should be an enjoyable experience!

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

We have had a few ladies come in early in the year and purchase the same shoe in multiple colours, it’s always a compliment. If you know what you like and what you get wear out of, it’s great to invest!

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

Marion Cotillard - she is a fabulously chic woman!

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

Freda Stark (not a living legend but a legend in her own time).

Where do you enjoy shopping?

I don’t think you can beat the Ponsonby strip for a mix of established and new-era New Zealand designers. It is also an exciting time for the area with the new Vinegar Lane development opening soon.

Name someone you think is a great greater Ponsonby retail salesperson...

Lynette from Zora Bell Boyd - she is so lovely and so chic. Definitely a store worth a visit!

REVIE, 78 Ponsonby Road, T: 021 377 939, www.revie.co.nz

Some gems from the mysterious box along with racks and racks of other designer and vintage garments will go on sale for Dress for Success at their annual Designer Sale this month.

Dress for Success is a worldwide organisation, operating in seven locations throughout New Zealand. Auckland is the largest in the country and each year serves about 1500 female clients who are seeking a confidence boost so that they can go on to gain work and support their families. They come from all walks - some are long-term unemployed or recently released from jail, others are new graduates or women who have endured an unforeseen life change.

Executive Director Lani French says that around 70% of clients go on to secure employment. “It’s more than the numbers that count,” Lani says. “It’s the feeling of confidence and the self belief that women leave here with that matters most. Many say they hardly recognise themselves - we are reminding them what they are capable of.”

Attending the Dress for Success Auckland’s Great Designer Sale will see you participating in the cycle of giving, receiving and changing lives through clothes. Preview tickets are available at $20 for those who like the first look.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS DESIGNER SALE, Friday 18 March, The Sapphire Room, Ponsonby Central, www.dressforsuccessauckland.org.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

Talking to Vicky Cullinane, Studio Red yoga I think of myself as somewhat of a connoisseur when it comes to yin yoga. I have seriously tried what is perhaps every class of its type in Auckland, with varying degrees of success.

So when I make the call that I may have found the city’s best yin class, I am not messing around. Where did I find it? At a brand new Auckland yoga destination that is committed to shaking up the yoga scene with its quality hot yoga experience, masterful teachers and retreat-like setting.

It’s called Studio Red, and it is located in Auckland’s City Works Depot, making it lovely and central and an absolute bonus for the plethora of people who are now working in that area. It opened its doors at the end of last year but I have only recently been wooed by its charms, in particular the aforementioned yin offering hosted by the amazing Erica Davis. Her super-soothing, mellifluous tones coupled with one of the best uses of music in a yoga class make it top notch, not to mention the completely gorgeous surroundings.

Those surrounding are the work of award-winning ‘it’ architects Cheshire Architects, who have created a light, airy and totally contemporary space featuring elegant fittings and little luxuries that make it hard to leave. Coupled with its sophisticated temperature and ventilation control system, which filters fresh ventilated oxygen continually throughout the room, Studio Red is far from your average yoga destination. And definitely far from most hot yoga studios, which can be a little challenging not on the bod but also on the senses - if you know what I mean!

“We want Studio Red to be more than just a place to practice yoga,” owner Vicky Cullinane tells me in the studio’s softly stylish reception/waiting area. “It’s designed to be a modern sanctuary that feels more day-spa than fitness studio - and a real experience in itself.” She jokes that many hot yoga studios face a challenge when it comes to the feel and smell of the place, “And I used to say hot yoga was my dirty little secret, I did it but didn’t want to tell my friends because it was really grubby!” Studio Red is quite the opposite, and most definitely a space that you don’t want to leave as opposed to rushing quickly out of post-shower. Their bathrooms, mats and towels are pristine, and hot yoga classes aren’t held during the day so that the doors can be thrown open and fresh air enters the studio.

Vincent Bolletta will be mentoring the team of Studio Red teachers on an ongoing basis, including yoga therapy sessions every fortnight.

While yoga is celebrated worldwide for its compelling effects on physical wellbeing, the team at Studio Red are also inherently focused and passionate about the holistic benefits of yoga, and how practising can improve all aspects of life, including confidence, focus, and direction. They have worked hard to create a truly inclusive studio and welcome anyone and everyone looking for an amazing yoga experience to come and try it out.

“Yoga can truly benefit people from all walks of life, and we welcome any level and look forward to helping them begin their journey.”

The latest thing to be added to their innovative line up of offerings is a series of Saturday afternoon workshops, which kick off by exploring meditation and breath technique. The studio runs classes until 11am every Saturday morning and then their carefully curated workshops take place in the afternoon, many of them focusing on the likes of breathing techniques, meditation and yin-style yoga. “Anyone can attend our workshops,” says Vicky, “even if they have never been to the studio before. It seems a natural progression for us as a team with more and more people wanting to explore the likes of meditation more deeply, as well as yin.” She is keen to emphasise that “we are all about yoga and don’t pretend to be lifestyle advocates, but our teachers want to be yoga advocates and the workshops help them go further down that path.

“Let’s take some risks and see what happens,” she concludes, and I most definitely will be watching that space. (HELEN RAVLICH) F PN www.studioredyoga.com

Couple this beautiful space with a team of handpicked teachers hosting a range of classes, and it is immediately obvious that Studio Red can only succeed. Vicky says that she always knew she could “design and open this, and source elements like the most amazing heating system possible for hot yoga, but I knew I could not teach. My aim was to attract the best teachers to the studio, and amazingly they came. Our teachers are professionals who really get off on teaching - and on learning - and I am so grateful for that.” She adds with great integrity that she is “there to work for them”, and I absolutely believe her. She tells me that acclaimed yoga instructor and all-round wonderful guy,

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING VINNY’S BARBERSHOP - KEEPING THE ART OF TRADITIONAL BARBERING ALIVE We asked Calab Vincent-Goncalves some questions about Vinny’s Barbershop.

Your face is familiar, where were you before you opened Vinny’s?

Before opening Vinny’s last year, I worked at Maloney’s Barbershop in the city. Without Julian I would have never been given the confidence to open my own shop.

What services do you offer?

We offer all the services one would expect from a traditional barbershop such as skin and razor fading, flat tops, beard shaping and cut-throat shaves.

What makes Vinny’s special?

I’d like to think it’s the extra touches we offer our clients such as razor clean ups on the neck, hot towels after your cut, an assortment of colognes and of course a whiskey while you wait. I’m trying to keep the the art of traditional barbering alive.

Where are you based?

Vinny’s is located in the heart of Mount Albert next to Burger Wisconsin and the ANZ Bank. F PN Vinny’s Elaine and Calab Barbershop team

VINNY’S BARBERSHOP, 896 New North Road, T: 09 390 3411, www.vinnys.co.nz

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CLARE CALDWELL: THE ART OF LIVING Recently I came across an article about talking to your body; that our cells are actually listening.

When interviewed, indigenous medicine practitioners in many different cultures all say the same thing, that every part of your body has its own consciousness or its own soul.

It is a concept that is alien to most of us but one we need to reconnect with.

Researcher Cleve Backster spent 36 years studying these phenomena. A former interrogation specialist for the CIA, he had a defining moment when working with plants which led him to change his life direction and write his book ‘Primary Perception: Biocommunication with plants, living foods and human cells’ (2003). Most of you will have heard of his work (and others) with plants in the 60s where he attached electrodes to the leaves connected to polygraph equipment.

In humans, an intense surge of polygraphic activity is associated with intense emotions.

Backster imagined burning the electroded leaf of his plant and to his amazement, the instant he thought this, the polygraph pen shot up the chart. He then removed the matches and the reading went down. However, when he pretended he was going to burn the plant, there was no reaction, thus he concluded, it could differentiate between real and artificial intent. He eventually discovered that plants become attuned to their primary care-givers, reading and responding to their positive and negative emotions and even ‘recognising’ them when they’d been away for some time.

Backster later expanded his research to include testing human cells for signs of consciousness by collecting white blood cells from human donors, electroding them in a test tube, then recording the cells’ reactions as the donors experienced different emotional states. Once again, the emotions had to be real. Interestingly, distance seemed to be irrelevant and the emotional reactions of the donor seemed to be felt by their electroded cells even when the donor had moved several states away.

Because these experiments were carried out with equipment that screened out the usual energies used for information transmission - electromagnetic radiation - it suggests that this communication “is carried by a field still unidentified by conventional science” (Therese Wade, MSc. ‘The Mind Unleashed’). Some scientists believe the key to understanding these communications of emotional intent between living things may lie within the further understanding of quantum physics. In his book ‘Entangled Minds: Extrasensory experiences in a quantum reality’, D. Radin talks of quantum entanglement where two particles of matter which have interacted with each other still seem connected even though they are miles apart, eg, when a change is made to one of the particles, the other responds immediately.

ACHIEVE YOUR FITNESS GOALS FASTER Jetts Fitness Grey Lynn has recently expanded and relocated into new premises on Richmond Road, just behind Animates.

Members are enjoying the new spacious area which now also includes a boxing room along with a great range of cardio machines, resistance equipment and free weights.

Members are achieving their goals faster and staying more motivated by using the knowledge of our experienced exercise professionals. They are also making use of the complementary support nights which the club runs on a regular basis.

Members have 24/7 access to the club, along with the freedom to use any of the 56 clubs nationwide and offers no lock-in contracts.

This month, there is a fantastic promotion to help you kick-start your health and fitness goals for 2016, to find out more contact the club directly.

Mention this advert when you join and go in the draw to win a Jetts Prize Pack. Valid at Jetts Grey Lynn only, includes one month membership, bag, water bottle and towel, join before 30 March 2016 to be in with a chance to win. F PN JETTS FITNESS, 318 Richmond Road, T: 09 215 4544 or visit www.jetts.co.nz

This all points towards a revaluing of the Eastern concept of oneness - that all of nature is interdependent. Ancient cultures understood this interconnectedness, “as a living universal energy field that sustains life while guiding the evolution of consciousness throughout the universe.” (Therese Wade) Many indigenous peoples today still understand and live by this law. This exquisite complexity should be honoured, not destroyed, but it seems we will need the validation of science to prove its existence. This is how nature intended us to live. We should wake PN up and listen to her wisdom before it’s too late. (CLARE CALDWELL) F Clare (Claudie) Caldwell is a creative arts therapist who runs a small private practice from home. She now runs a voluntary art and art therapy programme at Auckland City Mission. She is also a freelance artist.

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

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JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Simple immunotherapy could reduce the incidence of hospital infections The feature article of a recent Listener magazine was headed ‘How Safe Is Your Surgery?’. The article starts by highlighting the case of an Auckland urologist and surgeon who had been in hospital for fairly routine heart valve surgery.

Two months and three operations later he was still laid up with intravenous antibiotics dripping into his arm as he fought off a life-threatening infection in his chest wound.

The article continues with a mention of Foreign Minister Murray McCully who was off work for two and a half months as he battled the superbug MRSA. According to a paper which appeared in the NZ Medical Journal we have one of the highest post-operative infection rates in the OECD. Last year for surgery-related injury claims, ACC paid out $43 million in compensation, rehabilitation and treatment for more than 4200 claims.

If today ACC is paying out at four times the level it did in 2010-2011, clearly we have a significant problem.

What can we do about this? As I see it, new thinking is required. A renowned Austrian endocrinologist said, “Progress can only be made by ideas which are very different from those accepted at the moment.”

History tells us that when it comes to the way ‘medicine’ is practised, it can take a long time before new thinking is introduced and becomes accepted practice.

An example of this is handwashing, which seems to be the most commonly mentioned preventive measure to reduce the risk of infection. This reminds me of the very sad story of Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis who set out to find out why so many women died of infection after giving birth. Dr Semmelweis discovered that surgeons were not washing their hands between patients and thus transferring infections from one patient to another.

Despite various publications of results where hand washing reduced mortality to below 1%, Semmelweis’s observations conflicted with the established scientific and medical opinions of the time, and his ideas were rejected by the medical community. Some doctors were offended at the suggestion that they should wash their hands. Dr Semmelweis was committed to a mental institution and died there as a result of a beating. It wasn’t until many years later that hand washing became accepted practice.

Another example is when Scottish naval surgeon James Lind (1716-1794) discovered that he could cure and prevent scurvy simply by giving limes to the sailors. This is the reason why British seamen are often referred to as Limeys.

In 1753, Dr Lind published his findings but it wasn’t until 1795 that the admiralty began prescribing daily doses of lime juice. Countless thousands had died unnecessarily before that time, all for want of a token dose of vitamin C. Although the statistics about infection in our hospitals make for sobering reading, a sharp focus on improving the immune status of patients prior to arrival at the hospital, during their stay and when they return home could make a significant difference.

Vitamin C is essential for a properly functioning immune system. Surgery has a massive negative impact on the immune system due to stress. It’s important to remember that vitamin C is made by animals in response to stress. Humans are not able to make vitamin C. This should be a clue to the problem. Currently the use of vitamin C in our hospitals is actively discouraged. Why? How many people arrive at hospital without being aware of their vitamin D level? Almost all I imagine. Vitamin D is crucial to activating our immune defenses and without sufficient intake of the vitamin - the killer cells of the immune system, T cells, will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections. A simple blood test and supplementation to achieve an optimal level is all we need to do to tick this box.

Zinc is a mineral that should be on the must-have list for anyone wishing to boost their immune system. Zinc is known to play a central role in the immune system, and zincdeficient persons experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. The immunologic mechanisms whereby zinc modulates increased susceptibility to infection have been studied for several decades.

Beta glucan which is derived from yeasts and some mushrooms is an immunomodulator which helps make the immune system smarter. It can help raise the immune system’s response so the body can naturally fight off infections.

The above is all very basic but I hope we don’t have to wait 50 years before such simple safe and effective interventions could be used to not only save lives but a lot of money too. It could also be very helpful if sugar in all its forms was on the prohibited list in our hospitals. (JOHN APPLETON) F PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362, john@johnappleton.co.nz, www.johnappleton.co.nz

PONSONBY ULTRASOUND CLINIC: OFFERING EXPERT CARE IN A SERENE ENVIRONMENT The newly opened Ponsonby Ultrasound Clinic aims to offer an intimate, interactive and boutique experience for all patients and has the latest in 3D and 4D technologies to improve diagnostic confidence and accuracy.

Opening their doors in mid-January this year at 211 Ponsonby Road, an extensive renovation of one of Ponsonby’s much loved villas has provided the clinic with beautiful rooms and facilities. The stunning décor and ambience creates a serene environment and relaxing experience for patients.

Appointment times are set so that the patient is not rushed through the examination and the sonographer has time to answer any questions the patient may have and, accordingly, patients can have their scans fully explained to them. Their aim is to provide excellent and thorough patient care, as well as providing referrers with accurate and useful reports.

While the clinic provides a full range of ultrasound services covering musculoskeletal, general, small parts, gynaecology, paediatrics and steroid injections, it is also highly specialised in obstetrics. This includes 3D and 4D ultrasound, foetal echocardiography and full Doppler assessment for high-risk pregnancies including twins.

They also offer 3D and 4D assessment for gynaecological scans (female pelvis) and techniques to aid the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis. The sonographer at the clinic is Julie Mitchell who has 20 years’ experience in ultrasound; much of which was gained at Christchurch Hospital and Christchurch Women’s Hospital, where Julie was the Charge Sonographer for a number of years.

She worked closely with the foetal medicine unit in Christchurch and is highly specialised in all areas of women’s health. She also has extensive experience in paediatrics.

When Julie moved into private practice six years ago, she developed her skills further into musculoskeletal ultrasound.

When you need an ultrasound scan or steroid injection, give the friendly team at Ponsonby Ultrasound Clinic a call. F PN PONSONBY ULTRASOUND CLINIC, 211 Ponsonby Road, T: 0800 272 346, www.ponsonbyultrasound.co.nz

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That’s $135 worth of care for $40 (Valid until 31st March 201 ) SO ACT NOW! EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT CHIROPRACTORS ACHIEVE EXCELLENT RESULTS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS BACK AND NECK PAIN, SCIATICA, SCOLIOSIS, HEADACHES, HIP, SHOULDER AND KNEE PROBLEMS, AND PINS AND NEEDLES INTO THE ARMS OR LEGS.

* /!41 ( %þ 1(0%!/Č ) 5 (( ! helped with Chiropractic.

However, many people are not aware that Chiropractic may help other conditions that may not produce symptoms of back pain, yet may be caused by problems in the spine.

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T Three Lamps Chiropractic 09 378 0069 | Suite 6 | 283 Ponsonby Rd | Ponsonby 0 www.threelampschiropractic.co.nz w The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016 75

SARAH-JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING Welcome to the new column from local osteopath Sarah -Jane Attias who will answer readers’ health concerns.

I came to your clinic last year with my newborn baby, she was unsettled with reflux and I was suffering from exhaustion. Your gentle, effective treatments and take-home advice has really helped me and I’m now considered the font of knowledge amongst my girlfriends when it comes to ‘reflux’. Now I am finding that with lifting my baby in and out of cot and car seat I am suffering with constant lower back pain. Can you explain to me what’s going on, I’ve never had this problem before and please suggest a couple of simple exercises to relieve the pain and re-energise me?

Emma & Sophie

Q:

I remember you and Sophie. This is a good and often-asked question. As you have discovered, motherhood is one of our most creative and miraculous events, it’s also an incredible physical achievement; you could compare it to a series of triathlons, with a Coast to Coast thrown in at the end! At Living Osteopathy we like to be part of your training crew at the many stages of motherhood. Obviously it is best to come into the clinic so we can give you a individual assessment and plans for you to take away for a full recovery. Here are a couple of relieving exercises for you.

A:

• Always try and reduce lifting and twisting to a minimum (hard, I know, with a baby and some mothers may have a toddler as well).

• Don’t hold your breath. With pain we often hold our breath, anticipating pain. If possible, slow down and plan your movement before you move, breathing in to prepare and breath out on the movement.

• When at rest, either at night or during the day, use pillows to help keep your back neutral, ie, if lying on your side, place a pillow between your knees, if on your back place a pillow under your knees.

• Your partner could use my favourite cream from Absolute Essential, Body Repair Cream, and while you are lying on your side, in your supported position, gently massage up and down the spine on one side and then turn over and do the other side, this can include the muscles of the buttocks and into the top of the arms. This is therapeutic for both partners. After you have had a baby, there is a change in your posture due to the extra weight being carried ‘out front’. There is softening of your ligaments relating to ribs and pelvis, to increase the space for your baby to grow into, and change in tone of your abdominal muscles, which are part of the support structure of your lower back.

When Sophie was born she was adored and so there are a lot of ‘looking down’ especially during breast feeding and also the added weight of milk supply placing a strain on your upper back. The ligaments of your body are slowly ‘firming’ up, however, there is still a lot more movement within the joints of your back and pelvis, which can create more instability, coupled with weaker abdominal tone. (SARAH-JANE ATTIAS) F PN Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a specific health problem you should seek advice from a specific health care provider. Living Osteopathy is a Primary Health Care Provider registered under the OCNZ. Living Osteopathy does does not accept any liability other than to its clients.

LIVING OSTEOPATHY, 29 Scanlan Street, T: 09 361 1147, www.livingosteopathy.co.nz

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CARING PROFESSIONAL Jill Goldson, counsellor and family mediator Grey Lynn-based Jill Goldson has a huge interest and compassion for human struggle and triumph - especially in family life.

She says that as a middle child of an immigrant family, and then as a career woman and single parent of two, she has learnt a lot about navigating life’s changes.

How did you come to be a counsellor and family mediator?

When I was eight I read a book about a social worker and decided at that very moment that that was what I wanted to be. I did post graduate studies in social work, worked in different countries and settings from Auckland hospitals to Bengali communities in inner London, became a counsellor, and later an academic lecturer and researcher, and also trained as a mediator. I wrote a book about including children’s voices at the time of parental separation. The demand for this particular service caused me to eventually opened my own private practice, where I work with individuals and families in transition.

What do you love about your job?

It has to be one of the most interesting, compelling and satisfying jobs around. Watching people gather mastery and management of their problems, and most of all watching them quite quickly feeling a whole lot better, makes me feel humble and creatively connected at the same time.

What do you find challenging I would not be honest if I didn’t acknowledge that it is hard work. Staying very focused and ethically accountable for your part in this work is essential - it’s only when you stop that you can realise how much energy you have given out. The challenge is to keep that energy replenished, even when answering all the emails and phone calls in the evening. People often ask me if it is stressful, I feel hard work which is productive is not really stressful.

How do you differ from similar professionals?

Possibly I am different from others because I work from a fusion of research-based disciplines - counselling psychology, family therapy, family law, mediation and facilitation.

I have many, many years of professional experience and have received several awards for my practice and my research, teaching and writing.

Can you share an anecdote about a case?

Yes, I quote this one relatively often because it is the perfect metaphor to describe what parental conflict does to children. I worked with a little boy of seven, who was becoming very unwell with tummy pains from the stress of his parents’ high conflict. He told me

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

his worst problem in the world was that mummy liked blue and daddy liked green and therefore he could not choose a paint colour for his new bedroom at dad’s house. He was tortured by this impossible dilemma. His parents were stunned to learn this and it had a big impact on their learning to lower their conflict.

What do you do to care for yourself?

I try and prioritise daily physical exercise and meditation as a balance to all that listening.

I spend time cooking and being with friends who make me laugh and with the family I love, and I get as much sleep as I possibly can.

What’s your advice to people seeking family mediation or counselling?

About the time it all feels impossible, you will feel an urge to reach out for some assistance. Don’t ignore that, it is a sign of strength that you are open to that impulse.

The relief of finding a way through when it seemed too hard is liberating. You owe yourself that opportunity.

THE FAMILY MATTERS CENTRE, 66 Wellpark Avenue, Westmere, T: 09 360 8868, www.thefamilymatterscentre.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING PELVIC STEAMS PELVIC STEAMS ARE AN ANCIENT WISDOM FOR WOMEN’S HEALING, REPRODUCTIVE health and wellbeing. “My first pelvic steam and Arvigo abdominal treatment at Aroha Healing was one of the most relaxing treatments I have experienced with profound results. Not only did it bring my awareness to the part of my body I was previously not nourishing, I now have pain-free, cramp-free menstrual cycles. Everything has changed for the better.”

Arvigo Maya Abdominal therapies® is a strong and vital healing modality now available at Aroha Healing. Rosanna Marks, Aroha Healings principal therapist has just returned back into New Zealand after an enriching trip to Belize, in the heart of the Maya people’s tradition, learning more of their ancient healing therapies.

Women need not experience their monthly cycle with pain and discomfort. Pelvic steams are beneficial for women of all ages including teens and through and after menopause.

Although Arvigo Maya abdominal therapies are for men and women, a necessary element of the women’s Arvigo treatment at Aroha Healing begins with a bajos (ba-hose) as they are called in Spanish. Bajos or pelvic steam baths are an old, respected treatment for women used by Maya midwives and traditional healers in Central and South America.

The practice is mentioned in the chronicles of Spanish friars who took time to record the healing practices of the Maya and Aztec.

Pelvic steaming treatments with specific organic herbs are given in a private respectful space within the Aroha Healing rooms and are a common and effective treatment for many female complaints, especially those of a serious or chronic nature. They are excellent for dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, ovarian cysts, thrush, fertility issues, cervical fibroids, dryness and as a general health aid and preventative to any of the mentioned ailments. Pelvic steams also assist safely and gently in healing and cleansing on deeper, emotional levels.

To read more about Arvigo® therapies please go to the Aroha Healing website or email Rosanna directly. (ROSANNA MARKS) F PN AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street, M: 0273 866 587 or T: 0800mindbody, E: info@arohahealing.co.nz, www.arohahealing.co.nz

ALI LAWRIE: PERSONALITY TYPES

Dispelling the CV myth One job that most people absolutely hate is writing their CV. Part of this is having to self-promote our skills and attributes, which culturally can be difficult, as well as the chore of actually having to work out what to write. CV preparation has certainly changed over the years. What was once almost a complete autobiography, chronologically written, printed on high-quality paper, professionally bound and finally posted out in carefully addressed A4 envelopes has now become a one to two page Word or PDF doc that is simply emailed.

I love writing other people’s CVs but still find writing my own an arduous task. Part of the pleasure of writing someone else’s is that they are so grateful and generally pleased with how they look in another’s eyes. Definitely the warm fuzzy part of my work.

A CV does not get you a job but it will secure an interview. The interview is the crucial part of the process that will check out your suitability for the position. The CV will point to and highlight your skills, the interview is where you will attest to and qualify those skills.

Your CV should be a living and versatile document, changing its form depending on what role you are applying for. The aim of the CV is to get into the ‘interview’ pile and not the delete bin! To do this you need to first read the job description and think of it like an exam or essay question. Your CV is the answer. You will make clear concise statements letting the employer or recruiter know that you have the skills and experience that is called for. You keep this document as neutral as possible to avoid any opportunity for discrimination. No birth date, no gender, no health or relationship status, no photo (unless it’s a film or TV role!). The moment you walk into the interview some of these qualities will be evident. Different professions require different types of CVs, recruiters require more information and want a lot more detail than a regular employer.

I like to imagine that the person receiving the CV has a pile of 100 to go through, they are very tired, potentially have the flu, it’s Friday afternoon and they really want to be home for the weekend. Bearing this in mind you keep everything you write totally targeted to the particular job and make it easy for the employer to choose you as the person they want to meet.

The interview process is not always predictable but often employers will outline how it is going to run, the format, the number of interviewers and often who these people are.

This is all valuable information. The trick with interview success is simply preparation.

Time spent really understanding the role of the job and the company can make all the difference. Alongside that, knowing inside and out what you have written on your CV and be ready to explain in more depth the examples you have given. Essentially this document is what they have to go on in terms of your pitch for the role. There are usually predictable first questions, ie, “Tell us about yourself”. I will encourage people to answer these in a work-related way, rather than getting too personal. If more personal information is wanted it will be asked for. Having an idea of the culture of the workplace will help you plan your answers and your outfit! Most interviewers today will ask dreaded questions such as, “Tell us about a time when you had to persuade a team to do something they didn’t want to”. Commonly known as behavioural questions, these are the questions that it pays to have prepared answers to, so you are not caught like a possum in the headlights. Often these questions are based on the job description itself so this is a good guideline to follow. Prepare relevant examples as evidence of how you have done these things in the past. Keep it simple; outline the situation, what happened and how you dealt with it.

If you can find out about the interviewers this can help with your prep too. Knowing their Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality type is ideal, as then you will be able to work out what kind of responses will appeal. You can glean information from such open sources as Linkedin or Google. They of course will be searching your name to find out more information about you! Remember they are hoping that you are the one!

In the end it’s about preparation, do the homework, practice your pitch and know why PN you are the best person for the job. (ALI LAWRIE) F For help with CV and interview prep contact ali@personalitytype.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING CACI AUCKLAND'S NEWEST CLINIC IN THE VIADUCT Caci Viaduct is Caci’s newest central city clinic, conveniently located in The Kauri Timber Building on Graham Street in the CBD, with an alternative access from Fanshawe Street.

The Kauri Timber Building is an exciting new hub with a clever mix of historic and industrial architecture. Clients come for gorgeous results-focused beauty therapy and appearance medicine treatments at Caci, shop for the latest looks at TK store and relax with a Champagne at Rockerfeller Champagne and Oyster Bar. At Caci Viaduct we offer treatments across skincare, laser hair removal, appearance medicine, fat reduction and all your day-to-day beauty therapy needs.

TAMAKI SPORTS ACADEMY FREE METAL COLLECTION Tamaki Sports Academy offers mentoring, coaching, and work experience to South Auckland youth who have dropped out of the mainstream school system but show some sporting talent. A major fundraiser for the academy, and an excellent source of work experience for our members, is the free metal collection service we offer. We will pick up any old metal - computers, whiteware, roofing iron, metal piping, venetian blinds, batteries, car panels, cars, metal shelving, filing cabinets, machinery, lawnmowers, engines, and so on. If you do have any metal rubbish to get rid of, we are keen to pick it up for you. It is a win-win for both of us. Thank you to everyone in advance, and to those who have donated metal to us previously. F PN Call Tricia on M: 027 5105890 or T: 09 276 0328.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Louise, the owner of the clinic is passionate about giving her clients the confidence of great skin. Louise, a former client and an employee of Caci, jumped at the chance to own her own Caci having experienced amzing results first hand.

The highly experienced team at Caci Viaduct include Caz Hodnett cosmetic nurse specialist, Ashleigh Cahill, senior beauty therapist and Jessica Townley, treatment co -ordinator. They whole heartedly believe in the client journey to achieve desired results for the client’s skin and always work collaboratively to give their clients the highest level of treatment.

Caci offers interest-free payment solutions, so you can pay for your treatments weekly, monthly or fortnightly. All advice is complementary, so the team recommends you make an appointment to discuss your skin concerns and receive advice on the treatments that are right for you. F PN CACI AUCKLAND CBD VIADUCT, 29 Graham Street, T: 09 366 4401, www.viaduct.caci.co.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION MEET THE TEACHER Sanjay Rama - Ponsonby Primary Currently teaching Year 6 (25 students)

How did you come to be a primary school teacher?

I come from a family where a lot of my relatives were teachers so therefore I had great role models. I also really enjoyed opportunities I had as teenager coaching children in sports teams. This made me realise that teaching was career for me!

Where did you train?

Auckland College Of Education.

What brought you to your current school?

A friend of mine was a teacher at Ponsonby Primary and highly recommended it to me.

What are your favourite things about being a teacher?

Working with children and helping grow well-balanced members of society. I really enjoy coaching and organising sporting events for our local cluster group.

What has been a highlight of your teaching career?

Working with great staff and a great leadership team.

What has been a low point?

There hasn’t been one.

How would your principal describe you?

Team player, open.

How would other teachers describe you?

Fun, with a sense of humour, measured, approachable.

How would your students describe you?

Fun, with a sense of humour. Strict but fair! They would say that I challenge them.

PLAY BUILDS GREAT COMMUNITIES FOR 75 YEARS! From 6-12 March, playcentres around New Zealand will be celebrating 75 years since the first playcentre opened, promoting the value of parent-led early education for children.

At playcentre children are given the opportunity to explore their environment and choose their own activities with their parent or caregiver. “The magic that happens at playcentre is that not only are the children having a great time and learning through their play,” said NZ Playcentre Federation Co-President, Viv Butcher, “but parents are also learning - about their child, about parenting, and finding a supportive community and new friendships.”

This support and friendship was the reason behind the establishment of the first Playcentres during the Second World War, to bring mothers together when their husbands were away at war. The concept was so popular it expanded throughout New Zealand and now there are over 460 licensed playcentres nationwide, catering for children from birth to school entry.

Locally, Freemans Bay and Herne Bay playcentres both have space for new families to join in the fun. “These days, playcentre isn’t just for mums, we have dads and grandparents attending too, everyone is welcome!” says Victoria Tupou, an Arch Hill resident who attends Freemans Bay Playcentre with her son. F PN FREEMANS BAY PLAYCENTRE, 124 Wellington Street, www.freemansbayplaycentre.org.nz HERNE BAY PLAYCENTRE, 211 Jervois Road, www.hernebayplaycentre.com

If you could wave a magic wand in your classroom...

I would not need anything, just a happy bunch of children who are eager to learn.

Five tips for mums and dads of primary school kids 1. Let children be independent 2. Teach children resilience 3. Get involved in what schools have to offer 4. Encourage and praise effort 5. Value and embrace the lessons learned from competition.

Metzger Tupou at Freemans Bay Playcentre

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FUTURE GENERATION CREATING A CREATIVE CAREER “What do you do?” “I’m an artist.” “Yeah, but what’s your real job?” Not long ago, to identify yourself as an artist was often met with a negative response.

To be an artist was to stand outside mainstream society; more concerned with creative expression than commercial success. Such perceptions, which can exist both within and outside artistic communities, perpetuated the ‘myth of the artist’ - the idea that an artist is ‘vague and disorganised’, and at its extreme, starving and suffering for their artistic work. More recently, however, such perceptions are being challenged. Working as an artist within any of the creative industries such as visual arts, music, film, television, design, fashion and so on, is increasingly seen as a viable profession. The artist myth seems to be crumbling, and with it, artists are becoming professional business people, developing economically successful careers in their respective field.

For those who have been raised in the era where creative careers weren’t a viable choice, this concept of surviving and thriving as an artist might seem strange. But for the youth who have grown up with the global creative industries, developing a creative career is all too real. You can see the difference by looking at what areas secondary school students are now studying. A recent analysis of the 2014 NCEA Level 2 results showed that 67% of those who achieved a NCEA Vocational Pathway Award were studying within the Creative Industries, 67%! The youth of today understand that studying creative subjects leads to successful careers.

SAE Institute is experiencing this influx of interest, with students lining up to study their vocationally focused, creative qualifications in film-making and audio engineering. Over the past few years, numbers have continued to increase and this year the Tertiary Education Commission has formally lifted the cap on the number of students SAE Institute can take. Given the transferable skills that underlie creative work - such as the ability to problem solve, collaborate, think creatively and know how to make the most of digital technology - this increased demand for creative qualifications at tertiary level is not surprising.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

In 2000, Janet Anderson, the United Kingdom’s Culture Minister at the time, claimed that, “The creative industries are growing far faster than the rest of our economy and are widely recognised as providing ‘the jobs of the future’.”

Closer to home, local art critic Warwick Brown is often quoted as saying, “There’s never been a better time to be a contemporary artist, collector or art lover.” It appears that such predictions are coming to fruition and the tide of those studying towards a creative career is now visible in both the secondary and tertiary education sectors.

So, next time someone says, “I’m studying in the arts” they should be commended for laying the foundation for a successful career. It may take some time before we all fully appreciate the value of creating a creative career; in the meantime, the students of tomorrow have already caught the wave.

About the author: Dr Suzette Major is the Campus Manager of SAE Institute. Dr Major holds a PhD in arts marketing and has published widely on the New Zealand creative PN industries, arts management and film marketing. F SAE CREATIVE MEDIA INSTITUTE, 12 Heather Street, Parnell, T: 09 373 4712, www.auckland.sae.edu

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Brendon, we salute you Despite there being no real villain (apart from a certain sports journalist who shall remain nameless), Brendon McCullum’s cricket career is probably best described as one hell of a fairy tale.

Making his debut as a brash 20-year-old, McCullum’s 14-year international career has seen him mature into a feared but highly regarded opponent an instrumental leader and willing custodian of the game.

Regardless of the result of his final Test in Christchurch, when his side were floundering in dire straits, his perfectly timed record-breaking innings was a fitting final chapter and a perfect way to finish for a man who changed the game for the better.

That couple of hours at the crease was a quick snapshot of exactly how influential he has been on the game of cricket.

To put this into perspective, one of the world’s best ranked batsmen, Kane Williamson faced nine more balls for his paltry first innings total of seven, than McCullum did to score his 54-ball century.

Cricket legend, Sir Viv Richards, the man whose record McCullum snatched, praised the Black Caps skipper, “If there was going to be an individual who you would have liked to surpass whatever you have achieved in life, certainly it would have been you. You are a great ambassador and make the game beautiful.”

While McCullum’s humble side, another attribute that’s rubbed off on the current crop of Blackcaps was evident in his post day press conference. “He [Sir Viv Richards] was my idol growing up. I’m almost embarrassed to go past him to be honest but hopefully he enjoyed a little bit of the stroke making.”

now exude has turned New Zealand’s dwindling cricket crowds into sold-out stadiums no matter where they go. He was vilified in many quarters when he was awarded the captaincy at teammate Ross Taylor’s expense, but he took all of that on the chin and set about revamping the Black Caps style of play.

No longer do they fluff around for four to five days only for the match to wind up in a draw, but challenge anything and everything in the hope of walking away victorious inside three days.

It’s amazing to think, and possibly also take for granted, just how much one man has done for cricket in this country, and the platform he leaves behind.

It’s no secret his “when in doubt, take the aggressive option” attitude has on more than one occasion landed him and his team in scalding water, but it has equally put them back on the level and or firmly into the driver’s seat on others.

He’s played the game with aggression, but smiled when the rub of the green hasn’t gone his way and turned fair-weather fans into cricket-loving regulars. Brendon McCullum deserves every accolade that’s coming his way in his retirement and let’s just hope he accepts.

His live by the sword, die by the sword attitude is infectious, and is clearly evident in the guys around him who never cease trying. That entertainment factor he and the team

I hope racing horses can quell your appetite for the rush-of-blood entertainment that you’ve provided us with for so many years. Thanks Brendan! (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

Cricket kids missing out While Christchurch isn’t the ideal blueprint for very much these days, Hagley Oval certainly is.

After being there again for Brendon McCullum’s final Test, I sincerely hope that those who are in charge of providing Auckland with world-class facilities got out from behind their desks over the summer and also spent some time at Hagley Oval.

I’m a huge fan of making a fantastic cricket venue work at Victoria Park, it’s right in the heart of Auckland’s accommodation, hospitality and transport links and the grounds team have already proven that a venue like that can be shared with the rest of the community.

While the 34 people who protested the development of the grounds won’t agree with me, Hagley is a credit to not only the people that fought for it but the region as a whole.

It’s reopened a whole dimension of cricket that had long been lost in Canterbury and is gradually being lost to budding young cricketers around the country.

But whether Victoria Park is it, or not, Eden Park is one very ugly, unsocial and uneconomic cricket ground and our kids, and the game, deserve more.

(GEORGE BERRY) F PN

Gone is the sterile concrete jungle that Lancaster and its many incarnations used to offer.

Unlike Eden Park, Hagley Oval has been bathed in kids as young as five and six turning up with their miniature size Gunn & Moore bats, sporting Black Caps replica shirts with either their own or a name such as McCullum emblazoned across the back and are sidling up to recycling bins to create a game of cricket of their own.

Unlike rugby, which is over in a couple of hours, a day of sitting still in an uncomfortable plastic seat, surrounded by acres of concrete can be a long and near impossible task for young kids. So their ability to play a game of their own on the embankment and even out on the outfield during the lunch break was refreshing. It’s also a key part in developing both cricketers and also a long-term audience for the sport.

Kids slogging tennis balls down the back of the embankment between adding their favourite players autograph to their shirt, arm or closest thing at the time, has been a key element of the sport’s development that has been lost in Auckland, and seeing it enjoyed to its maximum makes your realise just how important the norms of when you were a kid are.

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FUTURE GENERATION LEARNING FOR THE NEW JOB MARKET It seems that preparing for what’s just around the corner without actually knowing what’s coming is the very essence of education.

Students spend many hours considering the possibilities, weighing their options and choosing courses that will support their strengths, passions and overall career goals.

At St Cuthbert’s College, it is our job to read the trends and respond with a curriculum that is instep with industry changes. In doing so, we know that when our girls leave the college they take with them skills that make them highly sought-after and exceedingly employable.

Over the past two years, 50% of St Cuthbert’s College leavers have gone on to study STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at university.

Traditionally male-dominated areas of study, there are now many St Cuthbert’s students at home in university engineering or science faculties; quite literally changing the tertiary education landscape and the industries graduates gravitate to.

But our students aren’t content just to shake things up in New Zealand. More and more, we see our girls going on to make a difference in the wider world by taking up study opportunities in North America, Europe and Australia; including 31 girls who have accepted international university placements in our 2015 cohort alone.

This trend for overseas study is managed by our Head of Careers, Marianne Duston, who says that top-ranked universities are looking for more than just excellent grades.

“The world’s top ranked universities look for well-rounded students. These universities look for a mix of leadership, community involvement, sport pursuits, musical endeavours and strong academic results. Part of the reason St Cuthbert’s students have been so successful in securing overseas tertiary placements is the mix of academic and cocurricular options available to students,” says Duston.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Curriculum plays a very important part in shaping our girls future. From Year One, students are involved in the Stretch programme, which fosters creative problem solving by allowing girls to study - in addition to the College’s core curriculum - one STEM topic and one Arts topic together. Pairings can be as diverse as robotics with Italian language and culture or science-inspired crime scene investigations with Picasso.

The rational and logical approaches learned in STEM subjects and the creative freedom given in Arts subjects are then brought together by our girls to find solutions to a posed problem. As in life, there is always more than one answer and St Cuthbert’s students are encouraged to consider problems rationally, analyse information, apply their imaginations and learn from past experience to formulate their own solution.

In the senior school, this spirt of enquiry continues with our HUB programme, which offers students the opportunity to learn more about career paths they are interested in, alongside other life skills such as financial literacy, digital citizenship and leadership.

Career planning is a key focus in the final few years of school and girls are exposed to a wide variety of career options through industry guest speakers, who give them a taste of what life is like as a doctor, engineer or CEO. Whatever your daughter wants to be when she grows up - an app developer, a brand guru for social media, a physicist or a language professor - you can be sure she will find the tools to reach her goal at St Cuthbert’s College. F PN ST CUTHBERT’S COLLEGE, 122 Market Road, Epsom, T: 09 520 4159, www.stcuthberts.school.nz

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Sport for all While only an elite percentage of the population gets to experience the feeling of competing at an Olympic Games and even fewer the exhilaration that comes with winning a medal, soon after this year’s Rio Olympics and Paralympic Games, you too can take on the world in the hope of crossing that finish line first.

And here’s the best part; you don’t even have to be selected.

Entries for the 2017 World Masters Games in Auckland have recently opened, so now’s the time to secure your spot on the start line.

Twenty-eight sports, covering 45 disciplines, over nine days in 45 different locations, but almost all in Auckland, how good is that?

Cambridge will host the track cycling, Lake Karapiro the rowing and Auckland will host all the remaining events.

The sports are: archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, canoeing, cycling, football, golf, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, orienteering, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, softball, squash, surf lifesaving, swimming, table tennis, tennis, touch, triathlon, volleyball, water polo, and weightlifting.

And it doesn’t seem to matter what age you are. Some sports open up as young as 27 years old, others 35, but there are multiple levels in most disciplines. So yes, your social touch team can enter and become World Masters Champions. Wow wouldn’t that make for some good water cooler chat?

From a spectator’s point of view, it’s going to be cracking for three major reasons.

Firstly it’s an opportunity to watch that mate of yours who’s always saying “I could do that” whilst sitting on the couch. I mean surely this will be their opportunity to prove they can. And secondly, it’ll also provide the chance to see some amazing former athletes competing in the sports that made them famous, former Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Anthony Moss is returning home from the United States to compete in the pool. Allison Roe will see if she’s as good at single sculls rowing as she once was in athletics. Switching sports seems a common theme with Former Silver Ferns skipper Anna Stanley ditching the court for the straight and narrow of the 4 x 400m track relay team.

Meanwhile, one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever Paralympians, Duane Kale, will slip back into the pool. Kale won four golds and claimed four world records at the 1996 Paralympic Games before going on to be a Chef de Mission for Paralympics New Zealand.

EAT MY LUNCH HITS MAJOR MILESTONE 100,000 lunches given to Kiwi kids Over 100,000 lunches have gone to Kiwi kids in need at 30 schools across Auckland, thanks to Eat My Lunch.

Eat My Lunch, the Buy One Give One, start-up that launched in June 2015 has made 198,000 lunches since its inception; over half of which have been delivered to hungry school kids.

The school lunches have enabled teachers to refocus on learning with previously hungry kids receiving a wholesome sandwich, fresh fruit or vegetables, and a healthy snack each day.

Many of the schools involved, had teacher’s aids and teachers giving up time in the classroom to make food for the children.

With Eat My Lunch giving lunches to the kids, teachers have been able to move back into the classroom and focus on teaching with the assurance that the kids are fed during the day.

“The support we have received has been overwhelming and it would not be possible to give so many kids in need a lunch if it wasn’t for those also buying their lunch from us or those who are buying the Give Two,” says Eat My Lunch head chef Michael Meredith.

As well as recently moving the business out of their residential home where they operated for the first six months, Eat My Lunch is expanding around the country starting with Wellington.

And thirdly, if you’re a supporter of an athlete, you can actually purchase an athlete’s supporters package which will allow you to get behind the scenes to see and feel some of the same things an athlete does.

“We have wanted to expand Eat My Lunch since day one and have received so many requests from Kiwis all around New Zealand to set up in their area. For us, Wellington is the next step where we can grow the business and have a Lower North Island hub that has the facilities to make both buy and give lunches,” says founder Lisa King.

The 2017 World Masters Games runs between 21-30 April and from all accounts will be one of the best multi-sport events to hit Auckland in 2017. Check it out; pick a sport and PN we’ll see you at the start line. (GEORGE BERRY) F

In conjunction to opening up in Wellington, Eat My Lunch will also be delivering to Hamilton and the wider Auckland area.

Twenty-nine percent of Kiwi kids live in poverty and thousands go to school every day without lunch. King, with the help of award-winning chef Michael Meredith, started Eat My Lunch with the aim to alleviate a nationwide issue by creating social change through something as routine as eating lunch.

In a short time EML has made an impact on child poverty and helping schools focus on education. Their efforts haven’t gone unrecognised as they have recently won the Communicating Sustainability Award at the NZI Sustainable Business Network, a Local Hero Medal at the 2016 New Zealand Local Hero of the Year, Excellence in Social Innovation at the 2015 New Zealand Innovator Awards, and nominated for New Zealand Herald’s 2015 New Zealander of the Year.

An online service, Eat My Lunch provides affordable, wholesome lunches, made fresh daily and delivered directly to workplaces and schools. Lunches can be ordered by PN a subscription service at www.eatmylunch.nz F

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

free plunket party WED 23RD MARCH 10AM – 12PM Free ar ts & crafts par ties + y free balloon Tumm Fre animals time m & e s m a t ys t e a orni to flu + f ng co ffie ree ffe s & es *

Bring your little one along for a morning of free arts & crafts parties and balloon animals at Shore City the Wednesday before Easter weekend. Enjoy a free fluffy and free coffee (or tea or hot choccy) after the party.

PLUS give an optional gold coin donation to Plunket and get free morning tea too! Get $5 of food and beverages of your choice absolutely free from any of Shore City’s 11 foodies. Every cent donated goes straight to Plunket. *Conditions apply: Booking in advance for arts & crafts parties recommended. Book online: www.shore-city.co.nz/kids by phone: 09 978 6308 or see Shore City Customer Services. First 80 children receive a free fluffy, first 80 adults receive a free hot drink and first 80 to donate to Plunket receive a free $5 food voucher. For full conditions see www.shore-city.co.nz

CNR LAKE RD & COMO ST, TAKAPUNA PH 09 978 6300 WWW.SHORE-CITY.CO.NZ

FUTURE GENERATION

FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING WINNER AIMING FOR USA FINALS Fifteen-year-old St Mary’s College student, Thao Tran is heading to the United States in June this year, representing New Zealand at the Future Problem Solving International Conference.

Founded in 1974 by creativity pioneer Dr E Paul Torrance, the Future Problem Solving Programme International (FPSPI) stimulates critical and creative thinking skills, encourages students to develop a vision for the future, and prepares them for leadership roles in society.

At St Mary’s College, Thao has been involved in GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) for two years, and while taking part in the Future Problem Solving programme in 2015 she was awarded National Champion in Scenario Performance - Middle Division.

STUDENT GOLFER MEETS KO With the help of her 9-year-old sister, Westmere Primary pupil Eva, Nina Pleciak, a year 8 student at St Mary's College recently won a once-in-a-lifetime meet with World Number One Lydia Ko who was in the country for the New Zealand Open.

A member of the Titirangi Golf Club, Nina has been playing golf for four years. She submitted a video shot and edited by Eva, with Taylor Swift and K-Pop background music selected in keeping with Ko’s preferences, which was one of 10 selected nationwide. The winners spent 30 minutes at the Clearwater Golf Club with Ko, who Nina describes as “my inspiration and role model.”

Nina is working towards getting her handicap and her goal for the future is to get a golf scholarship in the United States. F PN

This award has led to an invitation to attend the international conference and compete against students from all over the world. With an expected attendance of 2000 students at the 2016 Conference in Michigan, United States it certainly poses a new challenge for Thao. “FPS has enhanced my thinking and inspired in me the will to be a global citizen problem solver,” she says.

Her preparations will involve researching a set topic and investigating issues arising from it. She is then required to craft a narrative set 30 years into the future which involves a central character and perform it to a chosen audience.

As FPS is a non-profit organisation, Thao is actively fundraising for airfares, accommodation, conference fees and travel expenses, and would be grateful for support PN from Ponsonby News readers. F THAO TRAN TO FPS FINALS www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/stmaryakthaot

88 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

So how does trust fit into the team culture at Johnston Associates?

“A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other” (Sinek, Simon 2013).

At Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd (JACAL), the team culture has always been a vital key to producing quality services. After all, we do spend more time with our co-workers than our families during the typical working week.

So how does trust fit into the team culture? JACAL currently has four partners, Rick Johnston, Willy Johnston, Logan Granger and Rupit Kshatriya. During recent times, Rupit became the firm’s new partner and a restructuring process was implemented.

So we all like to think of the firm as family. And since the firm began operating in 2003, the team culture has evolved.

Previously, partners could freely delegate work to any team member within the firm. With the new team structure, partners now have a senior manager responsible for delegating the workflow to each team member within their team.

If it’s your birthday, you shout morning tea. If you are the new grad, you are delegated barman duties on Friday afternoons. If it is your first day in the office, you are fooled into wearing a tie for your ‘induction’.

Our work environment is also somewhat relaxed. We have music playing throughout the day to soothe the nerves from filing the never-ending GST, PAYE and Income Tax returns.

And while accountants do spend a substantial amount of their time at the local bars entertaining clients (or being entertained themselves), we tend to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

We have a mixed touch rugby team and everyone is encouraged to play. We welcome clients, friends and family from outside the firm to join in and have a run. After each game, we take turns in producing a ‘game report’, rating the team performance and individual plays and highlighting any blunders on the field.

Team members are trusted with communicating directly with clients and completing the client’s job. Partners and managers oversee the complete job process, assisting where they can and meeting with clients on an ongoing basis. We encourage our team members to engage with clients socially where appropriate.

JACAL would like to formally congratulate Heather Webster on becoming JACAL’s new Associate. Heather is a senior accountant with 20+ years of experience.

PN (LOGAN GRANGER) F If you have any queries or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Logan Granger on 09 361 2762.

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.

JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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photography: Anna Kidman

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL AGENCIES

Andrea Hammond and Gemma Ross

Meet Hustle & Bustle As a journalist for more years than I’d like to admit, I have dealt with a lot of PR and branding agencies in my time.

They are definitely not all created equal and the ones the stick out most in mind are those that work hard at breaking out of the usual mode and making their mark due to consummate reliability as well as creativity.

One agency that rose to the top not long at all after it launched is Hustle & Bustle, with advertising, strategy and branding veterans Andrea Hammond and Gemma Ross at the helm. The pair came together as Hustle & Bustle three years ago when they put their heads together to formulate a marketing campaign for artist Dick Frizzell’s ‘Mickey to Tiki’, which was hugely successful and got quite a bit of attention. The project was spawned, quite literally while working at Gemma’s kitchen bench in Douglas Street, and before long word spread and the agency grew. “Since then we’ve been growing 50 per cent each year based on word of mouth for doing good work with a brilliant group of clients,” the pair tells me. “Our client’s brands attract like-minded brands who want to challenge their category, take a new space in the market or appeal to a new audience.”

They admit that they have become best known for being a ‘hybrid agency’: blending PR, marketing and social influence “for the purpose of making brands famous and talked about”. Gemma’s background is as a PR and activation specialist, while Andrea is a brand and marketing expert, and their team has been growing exponentially of late with yet another new arrival starting work just a week before we chat. Their base is a beautiful, light-filled office and showroom space in Eden Terrace, chosen both for its proximity to the city and to both of their homes. “We both live off Richmond Road so our goal was to find a showroom/event space inside the Ponsonby postcode,” says Andrea. From there they launch brands, build communities, create and share content, negotiate partnerships, arrange events and represent brands to influencers and media, and clients like international brands Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose, Seed Heritage, French Connection, Nine West, King Living, Texas Chicken and LG call on them regularly to get conversations started. They also have international satellite representation in New York, London, Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore for New Zealand brands wanting to spread their wings, with names like Blunt Umbrellas and East Imperial taking them up on the offer. “We offer this service to Kiwi brands looking to take on the world, one country at a time,” says their manifesto. “For them, distribution is everything, and PR is oxygen to distribution.”

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Andrea tells me that the agency’s philosophy is all about “PR outcomes but with a marketing strategy,” and that since their early days things have “been mashing up and combining and it has become key to what we do. We didn’t set out to be a hybrid agency as such, it just seemed to roll out that way”.

I ask her if it has been funny watching the more traditional agencies - both PR and advertising - in the marketplace trying to emulate that approach or at very least give it a jolly good go and she says, “But are they? I think a lot of the bigger agencies struggle with PR because they are genuinely concept/design-led and think that PR is just all about making the ad famous.” She adds that a lot of big names forget about getting people to talk about and properly engage with brands “In favour of trying to make an ad famous by doing a stunt or whatever. We want people to think about the ideas behind a particular brand and to get talking on that level.”

When asked to name her favourite Hustle & Bustle activations, Andrea says she doesn’t know where to start as so many of them have been so much fun, for so many different reasons. Bombay Sapphire has been a definite success story and the brand has allowed Hustle & Bustle to reinvent they way that they do PR. Making the British gin company a key element of the now famous Marr Factory runway shows has played an essential role in that and the yearly week-long event has been a highlight for the team to work on since the collaboration began.

Their increasing levels of success begs the question, how big does Hustle & Bustle want to grow? “We want to keep growing but we want to remain a small, tight, boutique team on the ground in New Zealand and work nimbly,” the pair agrees. “It’s an exciting time for PR. Customers are demanding deeper conversations with brands and editorial, whilst social media and marketing are blurring for brands to keep up the conversation with customers.”

“We’re really well placed to operate in the middle of this ‘blend’ and cannot wait to see PN what happens next.” (HELENE RAVLICH) F www.hustleandbustle.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION?

ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm, will answer one topical question each month.

Q:

I am having a dispute with my neighbour about the retaining wall that separates our boundaries. Our neighbour excavated the adjoining land and constructed a retaining wall a few years ago on their side of the boundary.

About two months ago, I noticed that our land was starting to subside onto our neighbour’s land. I walked over to our neighbour’s property and saw the wall was starting to crumble onto their side. I am becoming very concerned about the stability of our land. Who is liable to repair the wall? What are our rights? I appreciate your help.

A:

The basic rule is that as an owner of land, you have the right to enjoy your land.

If your neighbour does something to their land this should not affect the use and enjoyment of your own land. This rule is known as a right of support and is a natural right that passes with the ownership of land.

If your neighbour does something to their land, such as excavate the land and build a retaining wall on their land, and the action of doing so has caused your land to subside then you have a right of action against them. This rule is built on the principle that “a man must use his own land in a way that does not injure his neighbour”.

The right of support is actually a negative right. This is because your neighbour is not required to take any positive action to provide support but because they are required not to remove the support.

Your neighbour can excavate their land as long as they do so in such a way as not to cause subsidence of your land. Similarly, they may replace the natural support removed by the excavation with artificial support. Either of these actions does not incur any liability so long as you are still able to use and enjoy your land in the same way. This means that the excavation or removal of support itself does not give a cause of action to the landowner.

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Liability does arise when damage is actually sustained to your right of enjoyment of your property by a subsidence caused by the excavation or removal of support. If you cannot use the land that is close to your boundary because the land is subsiding onto your neighbour’s property then they are liable. The normal remedy for damage cause by interference with the right of support is damages.

Your neighbour should also be aware that had the subsidence occurred later on after they had sold their property that they would still be liable for the damage. This is because the liability of the landowner who excavates the land is personal and does not pass to any subsequent purchaser of the excavated land but remains with that landowner who excavated the land in the first place.

Similarly, if the natural support has been replaced by artificial support, the duty to maintain the artificial support does not pass to any subsequent purchaser. It is important for owners who excavate their land and construct a retaining wall to be aware that they may remain liable to damage even after they have sold their land.

I suggest that your best course of action is to ask your solicitor to write a letter to your neighbour setting out that your neighbour’s excavation of their land has caused your land to subside and that as a consequence you will be seeking damages. If your neighbour continues to dispute the matter you can proceed to the District Court. Please PN let me know if I can be of any further assistance. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F Disclaimer - This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

METRO LAW, Level 1, 169A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 929 0800, www.metrolaw.co.nz

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

Selini Parkinson and Blue Velvet Westmere resident Selini Parkinson takes care of PR and events for We’ar (yoga clothing and lifestyle fashion).

THESE PETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SPCA

Selini’s rabbit, Blue Velvet, is an eight-week-old Netherlands dwarf. She’s lived with Selini for a month after a late Santa delivery to Selini’s daughter Gaia.

The source of the rabbit’s name is somewhat obvious! She is a bluish colour and is soft like velvet. Blue Velvet loves to snuggle and eat garden-fresh goods (her favourite foods are coconut and kale). And yes, she has a friend: the family’s older black and white Mini Lop bunny, Sylvia. F PN

Sheila

ANIMATES GIVING TREE APPEAL DONATIONS SOAR

Minx

WHEN IT COMES TO GENEROSITY, New Zealanders are digging deep when it comes to animals, donating more than $74,000 to Animates’ annual Giving Tree Appeal - up by a third on the previous year.

Animates’ customers made donations of either $3, $5 or $10 to their preferred charity and selected a Christmas bauble, before writing a personalised message and hanging it on the dedicated Christmas tree in store. Pet safe advent calendars especially designed for dogs were also available, with 100% of the profits also going to the charities.

Topsy

The funds raised mean the Mobility Dogs Assistance Trust will be able to help more New Zealanders with physical disabilities get the support they deserve, and will allow the SPCA to rescue more animals in need.

“We are so appreciative of our wonderful customers for their significant donations to these deserving charities which are so close to our hearts,” said Jacqui Baigent, Animates’ National Manager of Brands and Partnerships.

Mobility Dogs are trained to provide assistance with everyday tasks for New Zealanders living with long-term physical disabilities including muscular dystrophy; stroke; PN Parkinson’s; spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. F ANIMATES, 316 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn T: 09 358 2087, www.animates.co.nz

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

Snowy PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet -related issues. Email yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz

Q:

Autumn

JUMP TO THE RESCUE WANTED: Animal-loving adrenalin junkies looking for a once-in-a -lifetime experience!

SPCA Auckland are looking for daredevils to take on an exhilarating 13,000ft skydive to raise money for Auckland’s abused, abandoned and unwanted animals! Could you be what they’re looking for?

You’ll feel the wind rush past your face as you jump into 45 seconds of free-fall, reaching speeds of up to 200kp/h. All of a sudden the parachute opens and everything goes quiet. You’re still 5000ft above the ground and now have a full five minutes to take in the breathtaking views before you land. You can even have a go at steering the parachute and feel like you’re flying as you float gracefully towards the ground.

Registration is $50 and you will need to raise a minimum of $880 for the animals. In exchange you’ll get this unforgettable experience for free... and still be saving lives as you do it!

So what are you waiting for? Take to the skies today and get ready to Jump to the Rescue!

Sign up today at: www.spcaauckland.org.nz F PN

I brought my cat Mousey in for a painful leg she was not walking on. She was seen by your vet team and held back for an X-ray which I was worried about, incase she really stressed out about staying there, but it turned out to be for the best. The X-ray revealed a broken bone in her paw and your recommendation was for her to stay in, rest, be on fluids and have the leg splinted. Mousey was then put on pain relief and given strict cage rest instructions (at home) for eight weeks. She’s coming back in next week to have the bandaging checked and to check her paw. She seems fine and I really want to let her out of her recovery cage. What will you guys be looking for that I may not realise is going on by looking at her here at home? Hoping for early release, Mousey and Sandra.

Thanks for taking the time to give me a heads-up. Mousey has had a half splint applied to her fractured paw, also stabilising the carpus ‘wrist’ joint above it to prevent movement of the fracture site and allow bony fusion and healing. This treatment was the best course of action, with the fracture being small, lined up well and low down in the limb, sparing Mickey the need for major surgery with internal stabilisation using plates or wires.

A:

Having said that, while being much simpler and cheaper than internaI repairs, it’s really difficult to get splints and bandaging perfect, especially on cats. The main issue is that you need it pretty tight to keep it on, agile and determined little things that they are, without being too tight and causing swelling or pressure sores. It’s a fine line that we will be checking for at her revisit, along with assessing pain levels and monitoring the fracture site for alignment, stability and bony bridge formation.

The cage rest is super important to stick to otherwise too much movement happens at the fracture site. Then we get no healing, a very swollen paw and a lame pet heading into complicated salvage surgery at a site where bone may now have started to die off and could require a bone graft. Lets keep using the cage rest and I’m sure we will see PN a great result for you both. (DR ALEX MELRORE, BVSC, MRCVS) F VETCARE GREY LYNN & UNITEC, 408 Great North Road, Gate 3, 101 Carrington Road, T: 09 361 3500, www.vetcare.net.nz

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

Africa precinct opens this Easter Exciting new perspectives and experiences of the African savanna and some of its unique wildlife are on offer to visitors to Auckland Zoo this Easter, when our $7 million Pridelands development opens.

Following a year of construction, the Pridelands perimeter facing into what has been home to our giraffe herd, zebra, and ostrich since Pridelands first opened in 1998, has been completely re-contoured, landscaped and themed.

The new development takes visitors on a rich and colourful journey before leading them further into Africa to encounter lion, rhino, springbok, flamingo, hippo, cheetah and other animals of the African savannah. It is also home to some new residents.

Moving in are our meerkat mob, a flock of masked lovebirds, and our leopard tortoises - African species all previously located in other areas of the zoo.

In a new and unique experience for visitors, these three species are housed within an expansive walk-through aviary with superb vistas out to giraffe, zebra, ostrich and across to rhino.

The two meerkat exhibits feature under and over passes for the animals, and connecting tunnels and ‘pop-up’ windows for visitors keen to venture into to get up-close perspectives. The new leopard tortoises’ outdoor area and heated house now means these striking and fascinating African reptiles will be on display year round.

Waterfalls, a tumbledown rocky escarpment, caves, African bomas (kraal), a wildlife hide and an African village school yard and plantings all provide the backdrop for amazing opportunities for visitors of all ages to feel fully immersed amongst these animals.

For Auckland Zoo director, Jonathan Wilcken, one of many highlights of the new build is the opportunity to now experience the world’s tallest land animal at both ground level as well as from a high viewing platform.

Visitors will now be able to experience giraffe from ground level as well as from a high viewing platform.

Visitors will now be able to stand in the safety of the wildlife hide and be foot to hoof with these majestic creatures as they bend down to drink from their new watering hole.

“Giraffes are such amazing and elegant animals. When you see them close up, from the safety of the new hide, you get for the first time a true sense of how tall and extraordinary they are,” says Jonathan.

He adds: “As we invite our visitors to trek through an exciting rocky escarpment trail, there are all sorts of these great wildlife glimpses: whether giraffe and zebra drinking at the new waterhole, meerkats exploring rocky outcrops or lovebirds bathing in the waterfall pools. I think it’ll be great way to introduce people to some of the world’s amazing wildlife, and to inspire people to care for their future.”

The Pridelands development is the first stage of a comprehensive 10-year Auckland Zoo million re-development programme, which will also be launched formally during this milestone opening. This 10-year plan, that will see the zoo transformed over the coming decade, will constitute the most significant overhaul of the zoo in its history to date.

Masked lovebirds (an African parrot species) and leopard tortoises, along with meerkats, are moving in to Pridelands.

Whio Family Fun Days Sat 5 March - Sun 6 March (10am - 4pm) Over the weekend of 5-6 March, join us in celebrating the New Zealand whio, one of our most extraordinary and endangered endemic birds.

With our friends from Genesis Energy and the Department of Conservation, Auckland Zoo is working in partnership to help save this feisty native duck that makes its home in New Zealand’s fast-flowing rivers.

Be sure to grab your number at the gate, which corresponds to one of the 500 blue rubber ducks in the famously fun Blue Duck Race down the zoo stream in Te Wao Nui (11am daily).

Story Time takes place at 10am daily in Te Wao Nui’s Island’s amphitheatre, and in the whio’s High Country home, there’ll be special whio encounters with our bird keepers at 10.30am and 2.30pm daily, ‘telemetry trials’ with DOC, whio-themed face painting, and lots of fun ways to learn all about these amazing, unique ducks and their high country neighbours.

Normal zoo admission prices apply. Friends of the Zoo members free.

Proudly supported by Genesis Energy, Whio Forever and the Department of Conservation.

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ March 2016

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FURRY AND FABULOUS ANGELA BEER: PETS & PATS FOUNDER

PETS & PAT’S FARM STAYS AND DAYCARE Early bird specials from $40. Welcome to dog Disneyland, a 20-acre farm where your dog can do as much or as little as they like.

FARM STAYS: Limited to 8 VIP guests, boutique indoor living, 20 acres for outdoor fun, 24/7 onsite vet.

DAYCARE: Small numbers, 20 acres for outdoor fun, internal spaces to relax, onsite vet, all ages, pick up.

It’s the time of the year when we start planning for the year ahead. In terms of dog care, there are some key questions I think all parents should ask of the dog care facility. Here’s my essential list.

1. How many dogs are in your facility/care?

At Pets & Pats, we look after a small number of families, whereas in larger internal facilities it’s not uncommon to have numbers in the hundreds.

2. What is the staff-to-dog ratio?

Once again, in larger facilities or even with individual walkers taking out dogs, staff numbers can be as low as 1 to 40 dogs. At Pets & Pats we are 1 to 8.

3. What does my dog do when in your care?

I was shocked when looking into founding the farm that many ‘leading’ lodging facilities have dogs in ‘lock down’ in their pens for between 22-23 hours, only letting them out once or twice a day. In internal daycares, ask: how does my dog spend their day, how much space do they have, how many dogs are with them, what variety is offered during the day? What are the qualifications of the staff?

4. What onsite care is available when my dog is boarding with you?

In many facilities once the kids are put to bed between 5pm - 7am, there is no onsite care. Often kids are housed in a separate facility where they are checked on once during the night.

At Pets & Pats, we have a vet who lives onsite and as kids live inside our luxury farmhouse, they are with someone 24/7. If you’d like to try the Pets & Pats experience, your meet and greet and first session is on us.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Dog HQ: Herne Bay; Country Estate: Dairy Flat. M: 021 539 699, angela@petsandpats.com facebook.com/petsandpats

DOG SPEED DATING FOR VALENTINE’S @ VICTORIA PARK - FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY

Puppy cuddling was very popular

Nadia O’Sullivan & Will Levy with Bunny

Tairi Andrews & Luke Fraser with Jax

Scott Deverell & Sally James with Valentino

Laura Purkis of Pet First Aid & Training NZ with Keira

The Wall of Love

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DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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OUT + ABOUT

Carlos Sharp, Lily, Nicole Haddon and Stick

Entrant, Best Butch

Entrant, Best Butch

Entrant, Best Dressed

Entrant, Best Dressed

Entrant, Best Dressed

Entrant, Best Dressed

Entrant, Best Fem

Entrant, Best Fem

Entrant, Best Fem

Entrant, Best Fem

photography: Gwynne Davenport

Alison Fitzpatrick and Beatrice

Entrant, Best Owner Dog Lookalike

Entrant, Best Owner Dog Lookalike

Entrant, Best Owner Dog Lookalike

Shorty Beer, Bailey and Jo Rule

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OUT + ABOUT

Entrant, Best Special Talent

Entrant, Best Special Talent

Sophie Nannestad and Pip; Michael Barnes and Nico,1st equal winners - Best Special Talent

Entrant, Obstacle Course

Entrant, Obstacle course

Entrant, Obstacle course

Winner - Best Butch and Best in Show

MC Steven Oates, Josie McNaught, Judges Luanne Gordon, Lucy Elliott, Alison Mau and Miss Taro Patch

MC Steven Oates with judges

photography: Gwynne Davenport

MC Steven Oates, Judges Luanne Gordon, Miss Taro Patch, Lucy Elliott, Alison Mau with Best in Show winner Diesel, & Steve Montgomery

Michael Barnes with Nico - 1st equal winner Best Special Talent and Agility

Kerrin Baldock with Picco, winner - Best Fem

Spectators gather at Western Park

Mao Murakami with Zunda - winner Best Owner Dog Lookalike

Woof! helpers Margy Swainson and Milli Young

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MILLY NOLAN: DESIGNER GIFTS

Outside in Create your own urban jungle at home by bringing the outside indoors. Let leafy greens spill over hanging pot plants, fill every nook with a planter and introduce bright, botanical prints into your soft furnishings or adorning the walls.

1. Team Work Pot Plant Stand from $95 These unique wire pot plant stands allow you to add a range of flora and fauna to your living spaces - bringing outdoor inspiration indoors.

2. General Eclectic Simple Votive, $15 Pot a little cactus or succulent in this brass-toned simple votive and add a touch of greenery to a bookshelf or side table. Perfect for candles and keepsakes too.

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3. Bosske Sky Planter from $39 Bosske’s unique upside-down ceramic sky planter not only defies gravity but also encourages abundant greenery, without sacrificing floor space.

4. Blacklist Studio C’est La Vie Print, $165 You’ll be inspired to seize every day with this botanical C’est La Vie print in your home.

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5. Marble Basics Marble Planter Pot, $199 The marble planter pot will bring life to both outdoor and indoor settings. This handcrafted honed white and grey marble pot is a fitting home for your favourite leafy companions.

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6. General Eclectic Metallic Hanging Planter, $50 Fill this shimmery metallic hanging planter with your favourite indoor plant or creeper and watch your space fill with lush greenery.

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7. George & Co Hexagon Wall Planter, $45 The stylish and fun hexagon wall planter has a myriad of uses: mounted on a bedroom wall, from a planter to a vase, storage item or a decorative art piece.

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8. Kanuka Collective Palm Cushion Cover, $129 The luxe palm cushion cover will bring a sense of natural calm along with beautiful tones of green into your interior.

PN (MILLY NOLAN) F Words by Milly Nolan.

All products available at www.mildredandco.com

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INTERNATIONAL RESORT STYLE AND FLAIR A statement in luxury and relaxation, this superbly designed and finished hideaway lures you into its calm.

Flowing, light-filled living areas coax you to relax and soak up the breathtaking panorama, reaching out across the Auckland City skyline, taking in the sparkling city lights by night and the awe-inspiring twin harbours by day.

Discreet yet state of the art electronics assist you to fully control the home environment, be it sound, light, heat, communication and security to suit your every mood and requirement at the touch of a button.

After a pleasing 10-minute drive from vibrant Titirangi Village, and 15 minutes from the world-renowned Piha Beach, you are presented with electronic security gates housed in secure schist stone walls. Once admitted, the home’s entrance is subtle, warm and inviting. Light-filled and glass atrium-styled, it offers just a peek of the substantial entertaining and pool areas beyond. Privacy is paramount in this home of homes, secondary only to its magnificent vistas.

On entering, you will discover not only ample formal and informal living and dining areas, but also a private theatre room, six bedrooms (five offering hotel style ensuites) and a comprehensive chef’s kitchen including full scullery. Sun, views, space and privacy were clearly the architectural briefs.

A wine cellar, resort-style pool, sumptuous steam room complex and four-car garaging - just a hint at the extensive features list of this magnificent residence. F PN BAYLEYS TITIRANGI, 400 Titirangi Road, licensed under the REA Act 2008 T: 09 817 0101 www.bayleys.co.nz

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They’re well known as one of the best duos in the area and they lived up to that reputation.

Throughout, you stuck to your guns and ultimately held out for us in terms of value.

You guys set the standard for the future of house selling.

Refreshingly genuine and straight-up, with fantastic knowledge of the area.

Custom Residential Ltd – Licensed REAA 2008

Real numbers Truly successful real estate is about the pro-active work that gets done behind the scenes.

These numbers don’t just happen by themselves. Talk to John & Nic.

Recent Grey Lynn campaign: • 14 days on market • 110 groups viewed • 15 registered bidders • Sold $1,000,000 • CV $660,000 • 52% above CV • Street record

John Wills & Nic Blackie 021 333 053 021 505 964

Custom Residential Ltd - Licensed REAA 2008

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70S BERLIN WITH CITTA Citta Design’s Winter 2016 collection ‘Beautiful Utility’ is inspired by a divided city.

On one side, the prosperous modern West Berlin, and the other, East Berlin, a Soviet -administered zone of grit, grey and graffiti - and throughout, the 1970s zeitgeist of artistic freedom, passionate idealism and rebellious spirit. Each design has a beautiful utility: functional, useful, with simple decoration and nothing extraneous. There is also an undercurrent of the city’s non-conformist spirit running through the collection, expressed through playful texture and unexpected materials. F PN CITTA DESIGN, 34 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, T: 09 972 9293, www.cittadesign.com

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A GLIMPSE OF GREAT CITIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD Look into the past with framed city maps that pay homage to each city’s history and the life stories of its streets to reminisce on past journeys or to inspire brand new ones.

Timothy Oulton artwork is available in two framed sizes, 217.5 cm x 166.7cm $2819 each or 100.3cm x 82.5 cm $1039.

They are also available unframed - small $499 and large $1629.

Cities available include Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Moscow, New York, Paris, Rome, San Francisco, Stockholm, Tokyo, Sydney and Singapore. F PN Available exclusively from DAWSON & CO, 115 The Strand, Parnell or 1/1 Holder Place, North Shore, T: 09 476 1121, www.dawsonandco.nz

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NEW SEASON IN-STORE NOW

AUTUMN / WINTER 2016

Hamilton modular sofa in Alpha natural $3499 Spindle range in brown/brass (Arriving in April) • Coffee table $699 • Side table $299

Avenue range in natural • Queen bed $1699 • 6 drawer tallboy $1699 • 2 drawer bedside table $529

stylebyfreedom.co.nz Delivery fees may apply, please see in-store or online for further details. While stocks last.

Freedom’s standard terms & conditions of purchase apply. See in-store for details.

HEIDI PADAIN: ENTERTAINMENT IN YOUR GARDEN Early one morning while preparing breakfast, I suddenly heard screeching coming from behind me in the lounge.

I turned around and discovered a kotare (kingfisher) on one of the windowsills. Its blue, splayed wings were beating furiously as it pushed itself up against the glass. The closer I got, the louder the screeching became. It wasn’t pleased to see me at all, the bird’s posture was very aggressive. Aside from the infernal racket, what was really noticeable was that the feathers on the back of its head were raised, a little like the hackles on a dog. The eyes glared at me; neck back, the long dagger-like beak was wide open. It looked as though it was about to launch itself at me. I had encountered a panicked bird before now, but I had never faced such aggression. I have to admit, I was a little nervous.

I decided to act quickly. I placed both my hands around the bird in a motion that assisted the wings to fold down naturally. I held the bird firmly, supporting its neck and claws by splaying my fingers. The assault on my ears ceased at last. It seemed we were both relieved.

I now had a chance to examine the bird, it was a male. The female kingfisher is green with some blue, whereas the male is predominantly blue, with gold tips on the upper wings. I could see no evidence of injury but you can never be too sure. I could see by the slightly dull look in his eyes that he needed a rest before attempting a flight home, so I placed him on a cushion in my rocking chair which faces an open ranch slider.

The panic was over. No more screeching. I left him dozing in the rocking chair. When I next entered the lounge, I looked at the rocking chair just in time to see a flash of blue

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wings lift off and disappear out of the ranch slider. All good, I thought, smiling to myself as I entered the kitchen. Suddenly, from the corner of my eye I noticed movement to my right. On the oak dresser in the kitchen was a new iridescent blue ornament. Shiny, black mischievous eyes shone in my direction.

But I just saw him leave? How many are there? Is the whole family in here?

I guess he must have flown in an arc, and re-entered the house though another ranch slider. We’re rather familiar with one another at this point, so I had no problem with approaching or picking him up. I placed him back in the rocking chair. He sat on the red cushion looking somewhat regal and quite at home. I moved around him freely and managed to get some great shots using a macro lens.

While I was scrolling through the images on my Notebook, I did some research.

Apparently, Maori admired kotare for being like a watchful sentry. The bird perches motionless, then attacks its prey in a sudden blur. The word kotare sometimes referred to the elevated platform in a pa, used to watch for enemies.

“On guard” I said aloud, but when I looked up, I saw that he had gone. (HEIDI PADAIN) To see some of Heidi’s other photographic work go to www.flickr.com and type Heidi Padain into the search box, or, you can contact Heidi by email hidihi@xtra.co.nz

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y b n o s n o h iP

iPhone 4 from $135

iPhone 4S 4S from from $190 $199 iPhone

iPhone 55 from from $350 $399 iPhone

iPhone 5C from $295

iPhone 5S from $395

iPhone 6 from $715

iPhone 6P from $835

iPad Mini’s from $215

iPad’s from $255

iPad Air’s from $455

If Apple devices had a “capital suburb” it would be Ponsonby. We have a range of certified pre-owned, as good as new, iPhones and iPads.

They come with a six month warranty and are more cost effective than buying brand new.

Come and visit our store at Ponsonby Central or you can see all our stock online: www.ducttape.co.nz DUCT TAPE WORKSHOP | SHOP 2 | PONSONBY CENTRAL | 136 PONSONBY ROAD | PONSONBY | PHONE: 09 361 1234

WE BUY, SELL & REPAIR.

HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

URBAN ELEGANCE @ BOCONCEPT The Osaka sofa from BoConcept is a classic and elegant sofa that looks amazing from every angle.

Choose from three armrests - straight, curved or slightly inclined. Available in all sizes, and in 90 different fabric and leather options.

BOCONCEPT, 20 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 630 0557, www.boconcept.co.nz

KEEPING KITCHENS ACCESSIBLE, CLEAN AND ORGANISED For your next kitchen renovation, choose a designer kitchen from Keenan Interiors.

Keenan Interiors offers an in-house designer who will work with you every step of the way, from the design to navigating the many choices of surfaces, materials and hardware fittings. The end result is a kitchen that is uniquely you. So, before you start to plan your new kitchen, here are some tips to consider: Keep things accessible: Current trends lean towards having drawers over cupboards as they allow for easier access and are a better use of space.

Keep things clean: Rubbish bins are no longer out in the open, modern kitchens have the bins hidden within the cabinetry, so no unsightly mess or strange smells. Plus, you can have a mix of different sized compartments for waste, paper or recyclables.

Keep things organised: There is nothing worse than hunting for the wooden spoon amongst a drawer full of cooking tools when you’re in a rush. Keep your kitchen drawers or cupboards completely organised and clutter free with interior fittings.

To help you keep your kitchen accessible, clean and organised, all kitchens booked in before 31 March 2016 will receive an automatic free upgrade to Hettich ArciTech drawers.

Hettich ArciTech drawer systems are the perfect addition to any designer kitchen; they include a waste system that allows for up to 17 combinations of compartments and up to seven different interior organisation options, which can be customised for your requirements.

For your new designer kitchen, call Erica today to book your FREE consultation and quote on M: 027 7745 131 Keenan Interiors are proud to use German-made Hettich hardware in all their kitchens.

All Hettich products are made to the highest quality standards and have a lifetime warranty. F PN www.keenaninteriors.co.nz

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM Mathew R. Norman was born in the Waikato and left to study in Wellington at age 18.

He has an MA in Art History, specialising in Old Master prints, and has previously worked in museums in New Zealand (Te Papa, Auckland Art Gallery) and abroad (National Gallery of Ireland).

Mathew was the Harold Wright and Sarah & William Holmes Scholarship holder at the British Museum in 2011 - the scholarship allows holders to carry out an intensive study of prints at the museum for a period of up to 12 months. He recently launched his own dealer gallery in Ponsonby, specialising in historic international art, with his current catalogue featuring works from the mid-17th through early 20th Centuries.

When asked where he lives, Mathew says, “Like so many of my friends in their 30s, I live out West. While that means commuting into the city each day, needs is as needs must.”

His favourite room is the living room: “Like most Kiwi homes, it is pretty much everything rolled into one: as an open-plan living space, it includes the dining area, and the kitchen opens off it. It is where I read in the evening, watch TV, spend time with friends and mull over the day’s events.”

The living room is Mathew’s favourite because he was able to transform it from a fairly underwhelming space into something that reflects his personality. Resene’s ‘Beryl Green’

by Karen Walker is the backdrop for piles of books, assorted pictures and colourful furniture.

And Mathew’s favourite things in the room? “Definitely the books. I am an unapologetic bibliophile.” F PN M. R. NORMAN FINE & DECORATIVE ARTS, 3/14 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 5727, www.mrnorman.co.nz

MODERN OUTDOOR LIVING WITH DESIGN WAREHOUSE 1. The Toni is an extraordinary dining table by Gommaire Organic Living; it is a must have for your outdoor dining space, paired with wicker Edge chairs and only available at Design Warehouse.

2. The Joseph dining table and bench set is an absolute delight and begs for a feast to be had, you can find this dining set and table-top decor by Gommaire only at Design Warehouse.

WHAT’S HOT@ LE MONDE 1. Have a little fun, create the jungle theme with these gorgeous candle sticks at only $26 each.

2. Layer your accessories using height, texture and interest. Grey Parrot $70.

3. New York 3.5 Seater Sofa - $3950. Add a sophistication atmosphere into any room with the New York sofa.

3. Create a stunning and modern outdoor living space with Design Warehouse’s Box Concrete Sectional collection, you can customize it to fit your space.

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DESIGN WAREHOUSE, 137/147 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 377 7710, www.designwarehouse.co.nz

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LE MONDE PONSONBY, 36 Pollen Street, T: 09 376 2993, www.le-monde.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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STREET NAMES: THE HISTORICAL BOROUGH OF PONSONBY AND GREY LYNN

Beresford Street Lord Charles William de la Poer Beresford (what a moniker) was the second son of John Beresford, 4th Marquess of Waterford whose family’s ancestry goes back to those who invaded Ireland during the reign of James I. The Marquess’ estate comprised of 100,000 acres near Waterford in South East Ireland which had stables for 100 horses and employed 600 people. The entire family was keen on hunting even though Charles’ uncle was killed in a riding accident, his brother crippled in another, and he himself suffered 10 broken bones when engaged in the same pastime. Apparently he was determined to enter the navy after seeing the Channel Fleet at age 12 and started training as a naval cadet year later, successfully completing his passing-out examination in 1861.

He also entered Parliament in 1874, representing Waterford, but ran into difficulties with the Lords of the Admiralty who objected to a junior officer debating naval matters in the House of Commons. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli feared the seat might be lost to the opposition if Beresford was forced to resign. Whilst an MP, he continued to serve in the Navy, becoming a commander in 1875. A year earlier, he was one of 32 aides chosen to accompany the Prince of Wales on a tour of India which was a lively mixture of social engagements and animal hunts. The Prince insisted on dressing for dinner, even in the jungle, but agreed to cutting off the tails, thus creating the dinner jacket!

Beresford’s naval career took him to every corner of the globe, from the wild tribes of Terra del Fuego to the shadowy figure of Japan’s Emperor and even to New Zealand.

In his journal, he recorded details of his visit to our shores, describing how he saw a live pig being chased by some Maori children into a hot spring where it was boiled in a moment. He travelled to the Pink and White Terraces and bathed in water as warm as milk close to springs of boiling water where occasionally a jet of steam made him jump. He also watched what he called the “Maori’s weird and magnificent war dances” and wrote, “never have I seen finer specimens of humanity than these men. When after leaping simultaneously into the air, they all came down to the ground together, the impact sounded like the report of a gun.”

According to Richard Freeman’s biography, the British Navy never had a more wild, eccentric and outrageous Admiral than Lord Charles Beresford. When at sea he was something of a rebel and almost always critical of those in power. It’s surprising his senior officers tolerated his insubordination but being a nobleman would have mattered at that time. He also displayed a vicious streak, seeking to destroy the careers of not only those whom he regarded as enemies, but also of others who refused to side with him.

He became an overnight hero with the general public in 1882, and remained so to his death when his tiny HMS Condor took on a massive fort’s guns during the bombardment of Alexandria. Three years later, his even more spectacular adventures in Sudan made him the main hero in the failed attempt to rescue General Gordon from Khartoum. To his credit, when not recklessly throwing himself into perilous riding and wild hunting, he was found risking his life to rescue fellow sailors. His work for the poor, especially for sailors and their widows was tireless.

In fact, he was surprisingly progressive at a time when the aristocracy regarded ordinary folk as important only when they were serving their ‘betters’. He supported voting rights for women and increased pensions for widows.

TEXTILE TALENT HIDDEN NO LONGER Grey Lynn resident Nikki Walker has worked as a producer in the advertising industry for the last 25 years.

Two years ago Nikki decided to do something about her love of fabric and textiles and applied to do a Bachelor of Design (Textiles) at AUT. About to start her third year, Nikki produced these swatch samples, for a collection she calls Once Upon A Splendour.

The collection was inspired by a trip to Dunedin where Nikki photographed old building walls, lichen covered paths and cracked, painted windowsills; focusing on what was once grand but that had fallen into decay.

Nikki created art works using a combination of watercolours, ink and wax and using a variety of mediums instead of traditional paintbrushes. The knit samples were created using a domestic Brother knitting machine and an industrial Stolle knitting machine at AUT. Once Nikki has finished her degree, she would love to work full-time creating both knit and printed fabrics. Maybe Missoni will PN come knocking! F NIKKI WALKER www.particular.co.nz

During the First World War, he threw himself into committee work for various organisations such as those involved with hospitals and ambulances. During this period, his eleven committees were instrumental in raising £800,000 which equates to £34 million in today’s terms and is evidence of his popularity with the masses.

These charitable activities are in sharp contrast to his vindictive attitude towards those who disagreed with his decisions, Winston Churchill being among them. In Parliament, Churchill denounced him in a speech, saying that Beresford nourished many bitter animosities to do with naval matters.

Beresford became so difficult that his naval career ended ignominiously when, at the age of 64, all appointments were closed to him but he still continued to make his mark as an MP. He remainined centre stage when speaking in Parliament up to a few weeks before his death and was still writing letters of complaint on the day he died.

PN (DEIRDRE ROELANTS) F

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

AVAILABLE @ FORMA

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1. Stealth Chair: The sharp geometric lines of these chairs will make them a stand out feature around your dining table. Beautifully constructed from European Oak, with laminate outer edges. $795 2. Astro Chair: Viro high-end synthetic fibre weave with galvanised steel powder-coated frame.

3. Magnum Floor Lamp: This playful floor lamp features a fabric shade with patchwork and stitching detail like that on a pair of jeans. The Shade is multidirectional and can be oriented 360 degrees. F PN FORMA, 51 - 53 The Strand, Parnell, T: 09 368 7694, www.forma.co.nz www.facebook.com/formafurniturenz

WANT TO CELEBRATE THE END OF THE WORKING WEEK WITHOUT LEAVING HOME?

JOIN WINE O’CLOCK: www.facebook.com groups/343686112422675/?fref=ts

You don’t need to be mad about wine, or photography, but it helps. This Facebook group is run by Photographer Heidi Padain. Email hidihi@xtra.co.nz

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ASK AN ARCHITECT: DANIEL MARSHALL Each month architect Daniel Marshall answers readers’ property related questions.

Q: A:

Why don’t I hear anything from architects about housing affordability in Auckland, don’t you as a collective voice have anything to say?

• One to ask the design principal in charge to call the client to let them know we’re screwed;

Housing affordability is an extremely complex issue, and initially I started writing about the behind-the-scenes lobbying that the New Zealand Institute of Architecture was conducting in Wellington, and the many voluntary hours individual architects were putting into providing feedback and advice on the Unitary Plan.

But then I was reminded of a funny joke that I saw some time ago, based on a classic:

• One to call the structural engineer to see if the beam running through the lightbulb can be moved;

How many architects does it take to screw in a light bulb?

• One to sketch out the concept; • One to model it in Revit; • One to question the concept... “Does it have to screw?”; • One to write an addendum informing the contractors; • One to find the spec section and ASTM standards for screwability; • One to fill out the LEED paperwork for said lightbulb; • One to suggest a ‘stainless steel’ lightbulb; • One to suggest a skylight instead of the lightbulb; • One to research alternate methods of screwing on the internet (don’t Google that while in the office); • One to suggest having a charette to brainstorm ideas about screwing in lightbulbs; • One (intern) to build a chipboard model of the lightbulb; • One to suggest recessing the lightbulb; • One to issue addendum # 35 to have the contractor reverse the swing on the door in the room so the light switch for the lightbulb can be relocated to the other wall;

• One to render the space showing a Louis Poulsen ‘artichoke’ lamp instead of the lightbulb; • One to ask: “what the lightbulb wants to be?”; • One to discuss Le Corbusier’s use of lightbulbs throughout Villa Savoye; • One to Google ‘Snohetta/lightbulbs’; • One to remove the boundary between the interior and the exterior of the lightbulb; And finally; • One to turn off the light while muttering “less is more...” * Seriously though, none of the proposals put forward by Council or Government at present will solve or even diminish the housing issues of Auckland while net population increase continues at the current levels. We need to, as groups or individuals, think outside the box and blur the edges of what can be achieved.

I read a wonderful article in the online blog of Home New Zealand, where in Berlin due to progressive government policies on lending called Baugruppe, collectives of like-minded individuals can get together finance to build their own apartment buildings.

These buildings tend to cost a lot less due to reduced finance costs and developer margins are eliminated. And the quality of the spaces is far superior because the project PN is being created by the end user. Why can’t we do that here? (DANIEL MARSHALL) F * Jody Brown from ‘Coffee with an architect’.

DANIEL MARSHALL ARCHITECTS, 472 Karangahape Road, T: 09 354 3587, www.marshall-architect.co.nz

SALMOND REED ARE ALL ABOUT RESPECT AND PRESERVATION Why do we live in Ponsonby? Probably because we love the mix of stunning city skyline views and glimpses of the Waitemata interspersed with the pocket oases afforded by our tree-lined streets and private backyards, so close to city amenities.

Almost certainly it’s because we love the rich mix of building styles, the cottages, villas and bungalows and the Victorian commercial premises along the main shopping strips.

With the Proposed Unitary Plan identifying the majority of the Ponsonby News distribution area as a ‘special character zone’, those of us who enjoy the ambience of the older buildings have an added incentive to ensure that their special character is respected and preserved for future generations. Some have suffered insensitive and inappropriate alterations in the past and many of us now want to recapture something closer to the original character, without sacrificing the positive advantages that contemporary materials and fittings can bring to our busy lifestyles.

That’s where Salmond Reed Architects comes into the picture.

Founded by Jeremy Salmond who, back in 1986, wrote the seminal ‘Old New Zealand Houses 1840-1940’, the firm has a solid grounding in traditional detailing, construction materials and methods and a team of experts willing to go the extra mile to bring out the best in your existing home. And, as a string of design awards can attest, we also have a strong grasp on modern technologies and design innovation to help you meet the tougher challenges that renovating an older character house can present.

Take that first step towards really loving your home by contacting the experts, Salmond Reed Architects. F PN SALMOND REED ARCHITECTS, 58 Calliope Road, Devonport, T: 09 445 4045, www.salmondreed.co.nz

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BIRD OF THE MONTH The black stilt is one of the world’s most endangered birds and yet is not as widely known as many of our other rare birds.

Black stilt, or kaki, are now almost entirely found in the Mackenzie Basin in South Canterbury. They are New Zealand’s only endemic member of the stilt family but are closely related to the pied stilt, a more common and easily seen species worldwide. The black stilt, unlike many river birds, is non-migratory and can only be found in the Basin throughout the year.

Easily recognisable, with their full black appearance, long red legs and black bill, they would have been a striking companion to oystercatchers and other shore birds when widespread around the country. Young kaki can often be confused with the pied stilt as they only mature into their black plumage at around 18 months old.

To add further confusion, sometimes black and pied stilts will pair up, especially if there is no available mate for the black stilt. This is common at present as there are many more males in the wild. These hybrid offspring are fertile, but have less chance of surviving than pure black stilts. With successful breeding programmes and protection of wild populations, more female kaki will reduce the need for interbreeding.

There are currently just 61 adult black stilt in the world, and just 14 of them are female. There are only a handful of successful and productive breeding pairs.

Much work is being done in the Department of Conservation’s captive breeding centre near Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin. This plays a crucial role in the Kaki Recovery Programme.

All eggs are artificially incubated and the young chicks are then raised until they are between two and nine months when they are released into the wild. This helps prevent predation when they are at their most vulnerable. While these efforts so far have helped to prevent black stilt from extinction, there is still a lot of work to be done, especially in addressing the many issues of breeding in the wild, and protecting natural populations.

photography: Everall Deans for Ponsonby Business Association

In 1981, there were as few as 23 birds remaining, due to numerous causes. The main reasons for this severe decline over the last century was introduction of mammalian predators and intense modification of their habitat. In the Mackenzie Basin, there was

Air New Zealand

Jamie Dorreen, Love your Condom

a large decline in birds during the 1940s to 1960s which could have been a result of rabbit control that encouraged cats and mustelids to switch to easier and more common prey.

This is quite common with introduced mammals in New Zealand, as they quickly discover our native bird species are easier targets than the pests they were initially introduced to hunt. Why would a stoat chase a rabbit when there is a juicy bird that can’t fly or doesn’t realise it is in danger ready to be eaten?

Captive breeding and intense predator control around our highly endangered species is crucial, and the black stilt still has a hope of surviving to become widespread once again.

Black stilt chicks can hunt for food and swim within an hour of hatching, so it is pretty clear that something needs to be in place to protect these tiny new arrivals.

PN (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

Christopher Olwage and marching boys

Westpac

Mexico Restaurant

NZDF Overwatch

Judith Collins, MP

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Tasha Moselen - Retro Addiction Tasha Moselen has been collecting old things for many years.

‘Retro’ means anything from the 20th Century for Tash and her partner Mark Madden, and they say they never know what they’ll find from week to week.

“I just love how each piece has a story to tell,” says Tash. “Having the shop means I can continue collecting and share my addiction with like minded people.”

What were you going to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a vet.

How did you come to be a retailer?

We were just visiting our local farmers market one Saturday and the building right next door was for lease. At first, I thought it looked a little small but on closer inspection it had this huge downstairs basement. It was perfect timing so it all just happened from there.

If you weren’t a retailer you’d be?

Umm... I really can’t think of doing anything else right now, I just love what I do. I meet so many interesting people, it’s a real buzz.

What are your virtues?

Gratitude, kindness, generosity.

What are your vices?

Can’t say no to cool retro, even when there is no space for new pieces!

Your best friend would say of you...

Loves to have fun and will dance to any music.

Your mother would say of you...

Mum would say she is very proud of my determination and work ethic.

How do you keep fit?

I do a little bit of yoga and meditation, plus spend quite a bit of time moving furniture so that keeps me pretty fit.

Who’s your ultimate rock icon?

I don’t think I can just pick one... David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and Jim Morrison are all legends.

What’s your secret passion?

Visiting historic cinemas.

Where do you spend your holidays?

Up North, or one of the islands - Vanuatu, Samoa, Rarotonga.

Describe your perfect Sunday Morning fossicking around markets. Afternoon at an outdoor event listening to live music with friends.

Name your favourite Ponsonby cafe?

Crêpes a Gogo.

What’s inspired you recently?

I watched the film about fashion icon Iris Apfel, she is an amazing woman.

Name your desert island distractions Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie, That 70s Show, always a good laugh; What I Know For Sure by Oprah - really talks to the soul.

The house is on fire and your family is safe - what do you save?

It would have to be my 1950s Tretchikoff print of Chinese Girl (Green Lady).

“I’d be lost without my...

Van. One thing you have learned about life is: That it’s to be enjoyed! Have a good time and don’t take things too seriously.

Your advice to Ponsonby retro shoppers?

If you love hunting for retro treasures, definitely pay us a visit. We pride ourselves on being able to offer cool retro at affordable prices. We have furniture, clothing and collectables and are only a short drive away from Ponsonby. There is parking at the back of the building and we are nestled between design store Good Thing and Sprout Cafe.

If you visit us on a Saturday morning you have the added bonus of the farmers’ market right next door. F PN RETRO ADDICTION, 849 New North Road, Mount Albert, T: 09 815 0584 www.retroaddiction.co.nz

Your favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

Haven’t been out for dinner in a wee while but delicious Kebabs from Fatimas are always good!

Your favourite Ponsonby store?

Flotsam & Jetsam and Mr Bigglesworthy.

And your favourite Ponsonby fashion label?

Karen Walker.

What’s your best kept Ponsonby secret?

Soy Candles by elk & co. You can get them online or at Thread Design. The Coconut and Lime is my favourite.

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ARTS + CULTURE FLAUTIST CATHERINE BOWIE ‘Spirited’ flautist Catherine Bowie will perform Reinecke’s flute concerto opus 283 in D major with St Matthew’s chamber orchestra.

Sunday 20 March - 2.30pm At 15, Catherine Bowie was the youngest -ever prize winner in the 1984 Young Musician’s competition. She studied at the Paris Conservatoire and gained two Premier Prix (Flute and Chamber Music).

Ticket door sales: cash or cheque, adults $25, concessions $20, children under 12 free.

ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH, Corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets, www.smco.org.nz

Catherine was Principal Flute in the Paris -based ‘Ensemble Court-Circuit’ from 1991 to 2002 and Principal Flute with the APO from 2005 to 2013. She is currently teaching at the Auckland School of Music.

Notable for her versatility and huge energy; she can play all the flutes: Catherine Bowie c flute, alto, piccolo and bass flute. This will be a very special concert - make sure you are there! William Dart, New Zealand Herald’s Music Critic writes of her, “consummate artistry, lyrical outpouring and spirited enjoyment of (Mozart’s Rhythmic plays).”

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, which will accompany Catherine Bowie, produces music that is magic; excellence is their only option. Highly recommended, their concerts play to full houses. Make sure you get there early.

PROVOCATION, REVELATION AND PASSION ON-SCREEN AT THE AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL Last year’s inaugural African Film Festival New Zealand (held at Rialto Cinemas, Newmarket) was so well-received and successful that the volunteer organising team was encouraged to continue with plans to make it an annual event. This year’s festival will take place 7-13 April at the same venue.

For full details of the programme and ticketing-information, visit the website at: www.africanfilmfestivalnz.org.nz The guiding principles behind the festival are threefold: to improve New Zealand audiences’ understanding and appreciation of 21st Century African cultures through the medium of film, at the same time challenging widespread negative stereotypes; to help foster positive cultural relations and mutual tolerance among the many and diverse communities of Auckland; to broaden and expand the current roster of cinema festivals by introducing films from the continent of Africa.

The AFFNZ is delighted to have the support of an impressive list of iconic patrons and sponsors. (Full details on the website). One of the patrons, Witi Ihimaera, wrote last

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year: “Expect provocation, revelation and passion. Be assured of boldness, vibrancy, and vitality. Expect to come away visually enriched; and understanding, just a little better, some of the profound geographies and experiences of African people who now live in many New Zealand communities.”

Those words apply equally to this year’s list of films. The New Zealand African Film Festival is very much a labour of love for its organisers, but it cannot be sustained, long term, without the continued support of Auckland film-lovers. Check out the programme, and buy your tickets well in advance! F PN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL NEW ZEALAND, T: 09 376 9668, www.africanfilmfestivalnz.org.nz

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

The power couple of folk and country Every now and again the term ‘power couple’ gets bandied about referring to two very influential people in their field.

Let’s talk about New Zealand’s Marlon Williams and Aldous Harding. These two are likely to be household names for many of you after the New Zealand Music Awards last year.

Marlon’s name seemed to be over everything. In the space of the last two years, Marlon and Aldous have taken the folk and country world by storm, with extensive tours of Europe, Australia and America between them. At the beginning of March Auckland gets a visit from both these amazing songwriters.

Aldous Harding was actually born in Ponsonby, before moving away at a young age to grow up in Lyttleton, out of Christchurch. Lyttleton is a common name in the folk world at the moment, offering up many terrific musicians including Williams, Delaney Davidson and The Eastern. She caught the eyes and ears of Davidson and local producer Ben Edwards while she was playing alongside The Eastern and has never looked back. She recorded her debut album with Edwards and Davidson and co-producer Marlon Williams. The self -titled album was released in 2014 and is an eerie gothic style of folk that is carried by her lyrics and haunting voice. This is folk music stripped back to its purest form, raw guitar and words. Her songs cut through you and leave you thinking, fully immersed in the pictures and stories Aldous Harding has created.

Seeing Aldous live is an experience with just her alone on stage with guitar and microphone, she sings of emotions and primal feelings, with an intensity that can often leave you unsettled. To provide a counterbalance to this, or perhaps just as a source of amusement to herself, she has bizarre and witty stage banter that keeps audiences engaged and responsive to the songwriter. It has been nearly two years since the release of her first album and new songs are beginning to surface at live shows, as she works towards her sophomore release. Aldous is bringing these new songs on a small tour of New Zeland in March. On Sunday 6 March she will be performing at Whammy Bar on Karangahape Road and with a tour of Australia and Europe shortly afterwards she will not be returning to Auckland in the near future.

While they occasionally collaborate on shows, and are meant to live in the same town (Melbourne), Marlon and Aldous are often touring and on opposite sides of the globe from each other. Williams has done nothing but tour for the last few years, and is in the midst of a blockbuster tour of Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. He has taken his band, The Yarra Benders, with him and is consistently selling out venues, playing to full crowds at festivals and getting rave reviews everywhere he goes.

His debut album last year finally garnered him international recognition, as well as the Tui for Best Alternative Album at the NZ Music Awards last year. It was released internationally in February this year and he has shows supporting its release across

Europe and America until June. The 24-year-old came out of Lyttleton alongside bandmates in his school band the Unfaithful Ways, before recording three award-winning albums with Delaney Davidson. The self-titled debut solo album is all about his distinct and powerful voice, with some of his own songs mixed in with tastefully chosen classics and covers. He brings together a stunning cast of musicians to help him, and carries each song with his almost operatic, rich and silky voice. If you have not heard this album, do so, it is one of those albums that transcends the boundaries of country, folk and alternative. It is urban acoustic music that is clearly the catalyst launching New Zealand’s next music success story.

Marlon William’s show at the Powerstation on Wednesday 9 March has sold out, although I’d highly recommend scouting around for any tickets people might be looking to sell.

This show, with the Yarra Benders behind him is not something you want to miss.

(FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F PN Tickets for Aldous Harding’s show at the Whammy bar on Sunday 6 March are available from www.undertheradar.co.nz.

Finn McLennan-Elliott has a Bachelor of Science Honours degree specialising in human geography at Auckland University. In his spare time, Finn plays clarinet and guitar in an orchestra and a folk music group. He is hosting ‘Folk at the Old Folks’ on the first Sunday of every month at the Auckland Old Folks Association Hall, an intimate afternoon concert of folk music.

SPECIAL CIRCUS WORKSHOP@ CIRCABILITY CENTRAL Artist - Rhys Miller and 360 All Stars, Friday 18 March 1.30-2.30pm 203-271 Victoria Street West

Recommended for - gymnastic/circus/dance students Age group - 5 to 99 Maximum number participants - 10 Cost: FREE To register please contact: frances@communitycircus.co.nz This fantastic workshop offers local youth the opportunity to learn from a professional circus performer. Covering several styles and art-forms, this workshop gives attendees a wonderful insight in to the circus world! F PN

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ARTS + CULTURE LAMAR TO HEAD 40-ACT CITY LIMITS LINEUP Everyone’s talking about the inaugural Auckland City Limits Music Festival coming to Western Springs on Saturday 19 March.

The promoters have pulled together a 40-act lineup headlined by international stars Kendrick Lamar, The National and Modest Mouse, and including huge local acts like Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Naked and Famous, Ladyhawke and Broods.

Lamar comes to Auckland with his acclaimed album To Pimp A Butterfly, not just a multi -Grammy winner but Barack Obama’s album of the year. Lamar’s captivating rhymes and delivery are backed by a band delivering 70s funk and jazz-inspired beats that have made him the artist everyone wants to see this year.

The National’s sweeping anthems, Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids, The Naked & Famous and Phoenix Foundation will have the indie kid inside all of us singing along, while the dancing shoes will definitely be on while Fat Freddy’s, Girl Talk and Shapeshifter are on stage.

Che Fu is coming along to play all the hits from his Navigator album and Ladyhawke has a whole new set from her upcoming album.

Some of the more intriguing names further down the bill show how a perfectly formed music festival will always have something new and surprising for everyone.

We are picking the incredible soul holler of Alabama’s St Paul & The Broken Bones, Lord Huron’s rambling folk western tunes and award-laden jazz saxophonist (and Kendrick Lamar collaborator) Kamasi Washington to be amongst those getting ready to blow people away on their New Zealand debuts.

But we’re just as excited to see Jarryd James, the Aussie whose ‘Do You Remember’ was a 2015 fave, mysterious local up and coming electronic act MAALA and the queen of local country, Tami Neilson all playing the festival.

Inspired by the legendary Austin City Limits Festival in Texas, the Auckland event has picked up some of the family-friendly aspects of that show, including allowing everyone to bring toddlers and primary school-age kids along for free (billed as 10 and under, but we’ve been assured that 11-year-olds are not going to be asked for ID!) They’re even devoting a corner of the festival to Auckland Kiddie Limits - a fun festival within a festival in the afternoon where kids and parents can hang and enjoy something different. The festival’s pass-out policy also gives you a chance to get the kids home to meet the babysitter (if you can find one, maybe a call to the grandparents is in order?) before you return for the headline acts.

Other innovations include the promise that bars will not be caged so you will be able to pick up a drink and wander round the festival - where artworks from leading names like Lisa Reihana and Jeff Thompson have also been commissioned to enhance the already splendid Western Springs site that encompasses the lush natural ampitheatre and gorgeous lakeside surroundings.

They’re serving up gourmet festival fare with signature dishes and the best bites from some of Auckland’s favourite restaurants, curated by culinary wizard Che Barrington, who has brought Mexico, Beirut, The Fed and Cazador in alongside his own Woodpecker Hill menu. And bars onsite include a pop-up of Ponsonby Road stalwart The Golden Dawn with its own slate of musical antics, food and beers.

Auckland City Limits runs from 11am till 11pm. We’re expecting the neighbourhood to be buzzing for weeks after this one! F PN AUCKLAND CITY LIMITS www.aucklandcitylimits.com

photo by Justyn Denney Strother

Above left: Fat Freddy’s Drop; Below left: Tami Neilson; Above right: Kendrick Lamar; Below right: Ladyhawke

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ARTS + CULTURE GARNET STATION TINY THEATRE FOOD, FUN AND THEATRE! Cheese & Wine Tasting with Tanah Dowdle, Wednesday 16 March, 6.30pm - $35 Back by popular demand! Be prepared to try real curds made by real people, the sort of artisan cheese you can’t buy in a shop! Tanah of Gourmet Joy matches these cheeses with fabulous beer and wine.

Naked Food and Takeaway Truth (The Second Stage of Love) 23 and 24 March, 8pm, $20/$15 Rene Harrison and Raewyn Alexander have written and at times performed together since they met at Poetry Live, The Shakespeare Tavern days 24 years ago. With various others they formed The Poetry Brats, and a film of their first performance is in the New Zealand Film Archive. Both have work in international circles, and many fans know they’re entertaining and compelling to watch, and also love audience interaction, (for those brave souls who want to show off and dress up). Discover rock poetry, hum guitar, naked food, mythical prizes, fresh art and more...

Rock & Speir 30 and 31 March, 8pm, $20/$15 After a sell-out season during Pride, the comedy duo Cissy Rock and Anne Speir take to the Tiny Theatre stage again with their lip synching, stand up, sketch comedy show. Expect more silliness and songs as Pamalala and Skye keep feminism alive, and characters Andrew and Barry figure out how to have a baby.

PN Bookings advised. F

GARNET STATION TINY THEATRE, 85 Garnet Road, T: 09 360 3397 or E: garnetstation@gmail.com

SAM SCOTT’S MASSIVE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS Freemans Bay resident Sam Scott is the founder and Artistic Director of Massive Company. This year Massive celebrates the milestone of making theatre for 25 years: an awesome achievement for any small New Zealand company, let alone a grassroots theatre group that has weathered the storms of financial, governmental and artistic change.

Full of vitality and extremely dedicated to the arts, Scott was awarded the NZ Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to theatre in 2013. Scott’s work with Massive has seen the company achieve a strong grounding here in Auckland, as well as nationally and internationally. They’ve toured young artists across the globe with shows including The Brave and Sons of Charlie Paora. At home, the company has collaborated with well -known New Zealand artists such as NZTrio and writer Gary Henderson, and ongoing workshop programmes help build confidence and community in young Aucklanders from diverse backgrounds.

Scott has studied with master teacher Philippe Gaulier, and returns regularly to his school in France as an assistant. His style has influenced Scott, encouraging her to take up the challenge of devising work, using ensembles and creating theatre that is physical, genuine and distinctly Kiwi.

Currently Sam is working with co-director Scotty Cotter and a cast of seven, including established actors Bree Peters and Kura Forrester, on a new work entitled ‘The Wholehearted’. ‘The Wholehearted’ was developed through conversations with the local community, asking them to share their own stories of affection and dedication.

You can catch The Wholehearted from 1-10 April at Q Theatre. F PN

photography: Ben Baker

MASSIVE COMPANY, www.massivecompany.co.nz

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ARTS + CULTURE

‘His Story My Story’ @ LIFE CENTRAL

PLAYING @ LIFE CENTRAL ‘His Story My Story’, Good Friday 25 March

This Easter, LIFE presents ‘His Story My Story’, a multi-media Easter Presentation tracing Jesus’ love for humanity from creation, to the cross, to our story today.

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PN For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.easteratlife.nz F LIFE Central, 95 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden.

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ PONSONBY CENTRAL The Forgotten Millions: photos of the Syrian refugee crisis March 12 - 15

Eight years ago, photographer Jo Currie fell in love with Syria while travelling through the Middle East. She loved the food, the architecture, the morning prayers, but most of all she loved the people.

Five years into a civil war that has ripped out the heart of the country, Currie has little hope for Syria’s future. But the refugees she photographed in Lebanon, Jordan and in Eastern Europe for World Vision, are the same people she fell for.

“The people are just the same. They are so hospitable. When you visit these camps the first thing they offer you is a cup of tea. They want to talk to you,” Currie says.

Her photographs of refugees are being exhibited in Ponsonby Central during the week that marks the fifth year of the Syrian civil war. They are arresting portraits that give a vision into the lives of the victims of the war. The photos show their despair, but also the hope that they will one day go home to Syria.

“They don’t want to go to Germany, they want to go home. They all have a hope that will happen. That is something they hold on to,” says Currie. F PN www.jocurrie.com www.worldvision.org.nz

SHOWING @ LAKEHOUSE ARTS INITIATE[s] Until 23 March

The annual Lake House Arts INITIATE[s] exhibition profiles some of the best from New Zealand’s tertiary arts institutions.

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Showing in the 2016 exhibition are Cole Zeal, Marisa Vodanovich, Nik Hanton, Fran Carter, Nicholas Pound, Celine Saye, Louise Craig, Sharifa Karimi, Sarah Lenton and Yvonne Shaw, who have variously graduated from Elam, University of Auckland, Unitec’s design and Visual Arts School, Whitireia NZ Faculty of Arts, Wellington Institute of Technology, Whitecliffe College of Art and Design, The Learning Connexion in Wellington and Northland Polytechnic.

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The graduates have specialised in a variety of mediums including jewellery, sculpture, painting and photography, with PN some interesting and exciting crossovers between the genres. Definitely worth the trip over the bridge to view! F 1. Marisa Vodanovich; 2. Sarah Lenton; 3. Louise Craig; 4. Celine Saye.

LAKE HOUSE ARTS CENTRE, 37 Fred Thomas Drive (Barry’s Point Reserve), Takapuna, T: 09 486 4877, www.lakehousearts.org.nz

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SHOWING @ OREXART John Madden - 29 1 - 24 March Opening 1 March, 5.30 - 7.30pm

One sunny November afternoon in 2010, a devastating explosion shook Pike River’s deep underground mine northeast of Greymouth, in the West Coast region of the South Island. Over an hour and a half later, two men emerged from the mine’s entrance.

Twenty-nine were still unaccounted for. For five days the men’s families and friends held out for positive news until a second massive explosion obliterated all hope.

“This body of work speaks both politically and as a reflection of my passion for coal mining - coal is in my blood.

“I am of the underground and I have undertaken this body of work in an effort to speak the unspoken. I question who is responsible [for the Pike River disaster]. The works I have produced are for the lost men of Pike River mine and for their families; it is a requiem mass in paint.” - John Madden, February 2016. F PN Please contact rex@orexart.co.nz for details.

OREXART, 15 Putiki Street, Arch Hill, T: 09 378 0588, www.orexart.co.nz

ARTS + CULTURE THE TIE THAT BINDS 15 March - 9 April Aroha Gossage, Penny Howard, Kenneth Merrick and Christina Pataialii

Curated by Marlaina Key, The Tie That Binds will coincide with the Pacific Arts Association International Symposium, hosted by the Auckland Museum 14 - 17 March, 2016.

The tie that binds one, binds us all.

We are inextricably connected, seemingly isolated, the bonds made in life can hold us. Be it through ritual, philosophy, location or dislocation these threads wind, bind and serve in providing a logic and clarity explored and shared with others.

Kenneth Merrick Kenneth’s work forms a basis for broad enquiry and eclectic ideas. Through an evolving interest in archetypal imagery, speculative spaces, pattern and form, his work orbits a myriad of influence and is arrived at through intuitive approaches, visual thought processes and DIY methods.

Penny Howard Kenneth Merrick, Cave, mixed media on canvas, Penny Howard’s practice is often concerned with the 1240 x 1580 meeting of cultures and some of the shared superstitions and religious overlaps between Maori, Samoan, Irish, Scottish and English cultures. The works produced are an expression of the artist finding and exploring her own cultural identity. “For me it has been the mythology, religions, and bird lore. The birds have become significant as has the ocean.”

Pike Men, 29 Souls Underground, 2015, oil on canvas, 920 x 920

Aroha Gossage Aroha explores ideas surrounding time, duration and change. Using the visual language of landscape painting her current practice explores the connection, spiritually and physically to the region of her Turangawaewae of Pakiri. From a Maori world view and understanding of the beliefs of creation and the world of Te Ao Marama, she explores ways of creating images of the landscape of Pakiri that are imbued with the Wairua, the feeling and sense of the spirituality of the whenua.

Christina Pataialii Christina’s practice is an ongoing investigation of the location, relocation and dislocation, navigating memory and the quotidian through an exploration of paint, collage and found object installations. Pataialii explores the low socio-economic suburbs of her upbringing as an observer, gleaning visual language, found material and documenting the role of the outsider. F PN WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

John Madden - 29 detail

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ARTS + CULTURE BE IN THE DRAW TO WIN...

March will see the return of The Frame Workshop & Gallery’s popular ‘Lucky Draw’ for the Artist of the Month; Ross Jones with his latest work ‘Follow Me’. The value of the framed print (complete) is $1500.

Ross has recently moved back to the Ponsonby area and says, “I feel lucky to live in such a vibrant part of the city. I have quickly settled into the new studio overlooking Western Park where I am currently working on new works for an exhibition later in 2016.”

‘Follow Me’ is Ross’ largest print to date. “It’s an epic battle between long-time foes.

I have some of my favourite childhood toys back in action in a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie, all played out in the backyard.” Ross says.

Visit The Frame Workshop Gallery and enter in the draw to win this framed and vibrant image! At the Frame Workshop the team is sometimes asked if certain things can be framed. Whilst the answer is not always yes with regards to conventional framing, they will always explore options. They’ll frame pretty much anything from rugby jerseys and PN medals to porcelain plates and artworks on paper and canvas. F THE FRAME WORKSHOP & GALLERY, 1/182 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 4749, www.frameworkshop.co.nz

Ross Jones - Follow Me

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING @ TOI ORA ‘...and then there was light’ James King (Tainui, Ngati Tuwharetoa) 12 March - 14 April

Toi Ora Gallery is delighted to host. ‘... and then there was light,’ a James King retrospective during White Night, curated by sculptor Charlotte Fisher. Charlotte has followed James’ painting and mixed media work since his first group exhibition at Toi Ora in 2010.

During the evening there will be a drop-in printmaking session with Mira Glisic-Milojev from 6-9pm and creative writing tutored by Daniel Larsen-Barr from 6-8pm at the Toi Ora studio. This will be followed by ‘Speaker’s Corner’ an opportunity for poets to wax lyrical in the front courtyard of Toi Ora from 8pm. F PN Please register at info@toiora.org.nz Toi Ora, 6 Putiki Street, T: 09 360 4171, www.toiora.org.nz

Tessa Woodcut Linocut 2015

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ARTS + CULTURE THE MANY TALENTS OF LOCAL RESIDENT MAGGIE GOULD

ON THE PAPER TRAIL IN GREY LYNN

LONG-TERM GREY LYNN RESIDENT, PHOTOJOURNALIST, MUSICIAN AND AUT LECTURER Maggie Gould has photographed influential people and events around the world. She's toured with Sir Paul McCartney, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Ray Charles, Nelson Mandela, the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder and Audrey Hepburn. She's photographed the 1989 riots in Tiananmen Square, the Walled City in Hong Kong and documented the Abyssinian church community in Harlem, New York.

For 25 years artist Jude Graveson has been teaching and running workshops in fibre and paper-making along with producing her own exhibition and studio artwork. She is now ready to hand the contents of this studio on to a new generation of craft artists.

In New Zealand, her portrait of Maori activist and leader Dame Whina Cooper hangs in Te Papa Museum in Wellington. She's worked as a photojournalists for the Dominion Post and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong.

Maggie's photographic exhibition, currently on display at Vinnie's in Jervois Road, was recently on show in Carnaby Street and Kings Road in London.

A professional highlight was working with New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham at the New York Fashion Week last year.

As a vocalist, she works with partner Lance Su'a and Miguel Fuentes as Williamsburg, covering jazz, Latin, soul and pop. Maggie has performed internationally, including a residency in London's Rubens at the Palace Hotel, the BB Blues King Club in Manhattan with Brazilian performer Nanny Assis, and Hotel Danieli in Venice.

She has also featured at various jazz festivals, from Tauranga to Monterey in California.

Williamsburg performs at various Auckland locations, including SkyCity, Tom Tom and Shanghai Lil's, as well as private functions.

A rare opportunity exists to set up a community hand paper -making studio/mill or your own art/teaching set up.

For sale from The Paper Press is a complete production fit-out of professional equipment: • Hollander Beater/fibre mulcher • A large hydraulic operated press (which squeezes water from new-formed sheets up to two metres long).

• Moulds and deckles • A range of already prepared commercial and plant pulps This is a chance for this studio, with its equipment and Jude’s resources for someone to purchase equipment used world-wide in artists’ paper studios, as well as access to expertise and knowledge from the artist over a transition period.

Much of the award-winning work produced by Jude Graveson over many years has utilised plant material such as flax and wild ginger. With the renewed focus on sustainable arts and crafts, this is an opportunity to create a small production unit with a community base. F PN For further information, contact Jude Graveson: judegrav@orcon.net.nz

In March, Maggie and her daughter Olivia Round are running free photography/video workshop Shooting Back, where young people produce an exhibition of their work. This encourages them to document their own stories through art and learn communication skills. Shooting Back starts at Te Oro in Glen Innes on 5 March - all welcome. Later in the year Maggie and Olivia will hold another workshop in Ponsonby Art Space.

Maggie got into singing at the time that her marriage ended. I was photographing the Dalai Lama, and I was blessed to get marriage breakup advice. “He said, ‘do nothing, don't react, if nothing else it bamboozles the other person. Find something creative that you like that brings joy to your life’. So I started singing professionally. I found singing and studying jazz great for story-telling and meeting wonderful musicians.

“Living in Grey Lynn we enjoy the wonderful service and fine, zingy food flavours at MooChowChow and Chop Chop. I love swimming at Point Chevalier beach and surrounding beaches and sitting under the trees. We love playing at Tom Tom above Victoria Park, manager Tobias always going that extra mile.” F PN Contact Maggie Gould on M: 027 303 9910, W: maggiegouldphotos.wix.com/maggie-gould

Shooting Back: Maggie Gould & Olivia Round

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ARTS + CULTURE

UPTOWN ART SCENE Andrew McLeod deliberately handles ‘uncool’ 19th Century painting styles: neo-Classical and pre-Raphaelite subjects, compositions and contents, which he mashes up with Romanticism, Surrealism and his obvious love of the Old Masters.

In his recent show, New Oil Paintings at Ivan Anthony, the work The Warm Noticing/Contemplating the Cold and Alone has shades of Sir Lawrence Alma -Tadema (d.1912), yet the work is firmly 21st Century, formed not from a nostalgia for an idealised past, but the historical melancholy that comes from looking back and realising one’s place in the long line of Western painting.

Drawing Rehearsals at Two Rooms on Putiki Street is a group show that combines emerging artists with established practitioners of what could be termed ‘gestural abstraction’. The action of painting to bring about an image and the resulting work as evidence of that performance is central to the works of Gretchen Albrecht, Sandra Bushby, Fu-On Chung, and Rohan Hartley Mills.

McLeod interrupts the saccharine of Victoriana with a blotchy impasto paint application, much like an Impressionist undermining the Academy, and with its scattered skin tones invoking Eugene Delacroix’s Orientalist works.

Lead by an early work of Albrecht’s, one of the few artists working on a large scale and in a wholly abstract language in the 1970s and 1980s, these paintings operate in the same exploratory manner as working drawings, away from predetermined compositional structures and towards an open-ended quality. There is proof of each artist being critically engaged with the emerging piece in order for it to succeed; for Hartley Mills, however, the critical review of works is carried out “at a later date when the particulars of the working session are forgotten”. (WILL PAYNT STUDIO ARTS SUPPLIES) F PN

The close, dense violet, almost Max Ernst background adds a pregnant, ominous tension, and an eerie, supplicating figurine both connects and disconnects the central figure with its echoed statue.

The Warm Noticing/Contemplating the Cold and Alone

Andrew McLeod detail

ART ASSOCIATES With a vast collection of contemporary artworks, we make the process of leasing or purchasing art easy and accessible. Contact us to find out more.

37 Scanlan Street, Ponsonby T: 09 376 4308 www.artassociates.co.nz

X Painting 2015, Rohan Hartley Mills

UPTOWN ART SCENE Bringing creative communities together K’ROAD + NEWTON + ARCH HILL + GREY LYNN + PONSONBY + HERNE BAY To book your ad bite space contact joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz T: 09 361 3356

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

What your stars hold for March ♓ Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

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

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

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

You know what you want to say but words escape you as you struggle to communicate your feelings this month. Once you are able to convey your feelings, don’t complicate matters by rambling on.

Sometimes you can feel totally out of sync with what’s going on around you, use your intuition or when you feel disconnected in this way.

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

Try not to over commit yourself to anything you really don’t want to do, but if you do take on more than you can deliver, try stepping back from one or two of your commitments.

♊

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June Tensions and emotions will be stirred up this month as you try to stop your feelings from distracting you at work. Working under pressure has always benefited you, but keep an eye on your stress levels.

♋

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July Don’t try to think too much about your emotions this month, even though you are an emotional person. It’s okay, if you want to daydream and not think about the road ahead, just do it.

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August This month, you can contribute as much as you like to any subject that pops up as you seem to be back on form, just don’t profess to know everything about everything.

You do like it when everything sits perfectly in its place but occasionally that square peg just won’t fit in that round hole. Just take your time this month and you will get a solution for the problem that’s been bothering you.

Trying to keep some sense of balance in your life is what you strive for and when something upsets that balance you’re not always able to keep your reactions to yourself.

Try to keep an eye on the direction you’re heading in and avoid whatever confrontations you can.

♏ Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November

Trusting your instincts is the order this month as you find yourself in a situation that is a bit out of your comfort zone. Stand up for what you believe in and don’t trust other people’s judgement.

♐

Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December Listen to reason if you can and don’t make any decisions that could spiral out of control.

Take notice of any advice you’re given so that molehills do not become mountains.

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

When everything is going right in your life it’s not always good to rock the boat just because you’re bored, as this could have an impact on your future. Take time to look at what you’ve got, because you’re a lot more fortunate than most.

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

You might try slowing down a bit emotionally and give yourself time to catch up on exactly how you are feeling. Just enjoy everything around you and you may not be so uncomfortable next time you’re feeling vulnerable.

PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

NEWMARKET

Ecostore, 1 Scotland Street Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park

NORTH SHORE

GREY LYNN Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

Planet Ayurveda, 41 Gillies Avenue Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay

PARNELL Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Crescent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Atomic, 420c New North Road

Askew, 2b Jervois Road Bayleys, 305 Ponsonby Road Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Paper Plus, 332 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Servilles, Corner Jervois & Ponsonby Road Studio One, 1 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road

MT EDEN

WESTMERE

HERNE BAY Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street

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Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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Clothing Alterations

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