SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY
Junior Warriors make it all, all right Forget the disaster of the 2015 Warriors season, there is still plenty to be proud of for Rugby League and Warriors fans. First of all, from a senior’s side perspective, they still have the ability to attract top quality football players to the Auckland Franchise. Luring Roger Tuivasa-Sheck away from the Roosters is a major coup, and Blake Ashford from the Sharks is another real positive. The Warriors have been in desperate need of a quality centre since Brent Tate finished up and Ashford definitely fits that brief. It’s great to see their recruitment process is getting back on song and let’s hope Isaac Luke, another Kiwi returning home, can produce the type of form he had when South Sydney won the NRL title in 2014. Secondly, the Under 20s side continues to prove there’s plenty that is going right at the club by reaching the Holden Cup finals series for the eighth consecutive time. And when I think back to why the Auckland based NRL Club was established 20 years ago, the mandate was to profile some of the prolific talent New Zealand, and more immediately Auckland had to offer.
For some reason they just seem to be able to shift up a gear when knock out football starts and they’ve done that again this year. They are shaking off a late season slide to be possibly unstoppable again this year and a real shot at defending their crown. But regardless of the reason for that, there’s not another club in the NRL that comes close with a record like this. While Shaun Johnson is the shining light to have come through the clubs junior system, there are plenty more success stories, both at the Warriors and now plying their trade at other clubs. Elijah Taylor is a prime example of that at the Penrith Panthers. So, while you may be disappointed with the way the Warriors NRL side folded towards the back of the year, maybe take a breath and even turn the TV on a couple of hours earlier, the Warriors under 20s are one hell of a team to watch. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN
Full trophy cabinet for Auckland hockey Back to back title winners has a pretty nice ring to it for the Auckland Women’s Hockey side who demolished Northland to again claim the national hockey title. In a replay of last year’s final, it didn’t take long to see the Auckland women would be far too strong with the first of their six goals coming inside the first four minutes, thanks to a penalty corner converted by Liz Thompson. Katie Glynn and Julia King also added their names to the score sheet in the first half with one goal each. Despite having home turf advantage and a vocal crowd behind them, the class of the Black Sticks-laden Auckland side offered up little to nothing for Northland other than heartache, with Northland kept scoreless as well as leaking another three goals.
A-Z GUIDE OF LOCAL CHILDCARE PROVIDERS continued from p76 FREEMANS BAY PLAYCENTRE, 124 Wellington Street, T: 09 376 1492, www.freemansbayplaycentre.org.nz FBPC is a high quality early childhood education option for children from birth until school age. Parents/caregivers attend with their children, learning through play together, whilst also running the centre cooperatively. They offer high adult to child ratios, free adult education courses, a community atmosphere and lots of fun!
Deanna Ritchie, Sam Harrison and Monique Wilson all scored goals in the second half. Despite today’s loss, Northland defender Brooke Neal was named Women’s Most Valuable Player for the tournament after a top class week of hockey. In the men’s tournament, the Aucklanders weren’t quite able to match the heroics of their female counterparts, although they did manage to sneak on for the final podium spot. Their hard fought 3-2 result over Midlands bagging them the bronze medal, thanks to two second half goals from striker Simon Child. Joe Crooks was the other goal-scorer for Auckland. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN KINDERCARE GREY LYNN, 7 King Street, T: 09 376 5198, www.kindercare.co.nz Since 1972, Kindercare has provided heart-centred full and part-time care and education for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Separate rooms and outdoor play areas ensure your child will receive responsive, focused attention at each stage of development. At their small, homely centre in Grey Lynn, loving relationships, a safe environment, and their creative ‘Care and Play’ curriculum will foster your child’s potential.
HERNE BAY PLAYCENTRE, 211 Jervois Road, T: 09 360 0890, www.hernebayplaycentre.com Looking for preschool education where you’re involved? Herne Bay Playcentre supports parents to be their children’s first and best educator. They offer excellent facilities, free adult education, great parking, fun times and a supportive environment. Sessions are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for children from birth through to school age.
LITTLE ENGINES, 56 Surrey Crescent, T: 09 378 9502, www.little-engines.co.nz Little Engines seeks to create entertaining and enlightening learning opportunities for children by providing an environment where children’s natural love for life and learning are encouraged and nurtured. A strong sense of community is promoted, within the walls and beyond, as is a caring and respectful environment. An authentic Montessori experience in a well-resourced and beautiful environment with a talented and highly experienced team.
HONEYBEES PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE, 127 Hobson Street, T: 09 309 9303, www.honeybees.co.nz Honeybees is a stunning preschool in the inner city, with a large bright and sunny outdoor area, and the most natural and nutritious menu you will find anywhere. The centre is richly resourced and there are no toxic and poisonous chemicals like bleach used on your children’s toys. Keep your family close while you are hard at work, and let the Honeybees family take the very best care of yours.
MONTESSORI @ HERNE BAY, 44 Shelley Beach Road, T: 09 378 8056, www.beststarteducare.co.nz Set in a beautiful old villa, their teachers are trained and experienced in the Montessori method, as well as mainstream early childhood education. With low teacher-child ratios they provide a quality programme and excellent support for children. Their Montessori programme runs across two separate rooms for age groups. Children at the centre develop a solid grounding in numbers, reading and writing in preparation for school.
KARITANE LIMITED, 560-562 Richmond Road, T: 09 575 7174, www.karitanenannies.co.nz Now known as Karitane Limited, they are the only nanny agency in the Ponsonby / Grey Lynn area. They have been placing Karitane nurses as well as maternity nannies in positions since 1978. They provide live-in, daily, causal, temporary and overseas nannies, Karitane nurses, maternity nannies, experienced nannies and babysitters for private homes throughout New Zealand and overseas.
OMA RAPETI EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, 1 Pratt Street, T: 09 376 7282, www.omarapeti.net.nz Nurturing, nourishing, natural. Their family-owned centre is where children come to learn through play in a natural garden with fruit trees, vegetables, pet rabbits and bantam hens. Their philosophy follows the inspiring work of Dr. Emmi Pikler. Through respectful primary relationships, trained teachers meet your children’s individual needs. They care for family, community and the earth. They love, celebrations, music, arts, organic wholefood, walks, foot spas and fun! continued p79
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH
PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2015
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