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OCTOBER 2021
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INSIDE THIS MONTH
008
LETTERS & EMAILS
009
FROM THE EDITOR
012 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW
014 PIPPA COOM: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMAT-A & GULF 016 RICHARD NORTHEY, WAITEMAT-A LOCAL BOARD 022
JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS
028
CHLÖE SWARBRICK: MP AUCKLAND CENTRAL
035
PREDICT WEATHER.COM
040 COVER STORY - FISHEYE 044
PONSONBY PARK
048
HELENE RAVLICH: LET'S GET PHYSICAL
052 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 056
FASHION & STYLE
P48: Helene Ravlich - Let’s get physical... It’s safe to say that for many of us, our usual fitness and wellness routines went out the window when we went into 2020’s first level four lockdown. We were locked out of the gym and yoga studios, and forced to cancel our longterm plans for wellness retreats. We started working out at home and definitely got on with it as best we could, and approaches to wellness changed dramatically as a result.
058 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 066 FUTURE GENERATION 068
HONOUR MITCHELL: TEEN PICKS
EDITOR/PUBLISHER: MARTIN LEACH M: 021 771 147
martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: JAY PLATT M: 021 771 146
071 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS
jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz
072
HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS
M: 021 689 688 andrea@ponsonbynews.co.nz
080
HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS
081
ARTS & CULTURE
086
STREAMING GUIDE OCTOBER
088
AD SALES & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: ANDREA KAHUKIWA
ADVERTISING SALES/AD DESIGNER: MELISSA PAYNTER
THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES
Cover Photography: Connor Crawford
M: 027 938 4111 melissapaynter@me.com OPERATIONS MANAGER: GWYNNE DAVENPORT M: 021 150 4095 gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz CONTRIBUTING MUSIC EDITOR: FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT M: 021 134 4101 finn.huia@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: JOHN ELLIOTT M: 021 879 054 johnelliott38@outlook.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: ARNA MARTIN M: 021 354 984 arna@cocodesign.co.nz
PONSONBY NEWS is published monthly, excluding January by: ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED, P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144, T: 09 378 8553, www.ponsonbynews.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001.
4 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Within New Zealand $49. By cheque or credit card in NZ$. Please note: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News. Our archive is all online as pdfs. Please visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechaal, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies and manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.
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BLAIR HADDOW LOVING, LIVING & SELLING GREATER PONSONBY Blair Haddow 021 544 555
blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz bayleys.co.nz/blair-haddow BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Grey Lynn 1 Ariki Street
Grey Lynn 57 Williamson Avenue
Auction 2pm, Wed 20 Oct 2021 (unless sold prior)
Auction 2pm, Wed 20 Oct 2021 (unless sold prior)
Ponsonby 30 Tawariki Street
Herne Bay 16 Masons Avenue
Sold $3,537,500
Sold $4,900,000
A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R
Re s i d e n t i a l / Co m m e rc i a l / R u ra l / P ro p e r t y S e r v i ce s
When a strong result is expected, experience matters.
Keith & Sandy Dowdle 021 877 905 / 021 877 804 keith.dowdle@raywhite.com
Ray White Grey Lynn 39/332 Great North Road rwgreylynn.co.nz DAMERELL GROUP LTD LICENSED (REAA 2008)
LETTERS & EMAILS
THE FAKE NEWS FACTS IN THE MAUNGA TREE DEBATE Mark Graham’s “The Question of Trees” article in your last issue was riddled with inaccuracies about the maunga (volcanic cone) tree situation. Here are the facts to his article’s many fictions: Fiction: Keeping the maunga exotics prevents natives being planted. Fact: Planting plans show, for the most part, natives will not be planted in areas currently inhabited by non-native trees, so there is no environmental reason why the non-natives cannot stay. Keeping them will provide windbreaks for the native plantings, and ongoing protection for the multitude of self-sown native seedlings already growing under their protective cover. Fiction: They are Mana Whenua’s maunga; they can do what they want with them. Fact: The maunga are owned by collective of 13 iwi and hapū but the Treaty settlement required them to be held in trust for the benefit of that collective and “all other people of Auckland”. They cannot be sold or developed as housing, and are subject to Reserves Act provisions. The collective’s decision to make the maunga accessible to everyone was a pragmatic one because the Treaty settlement would have stalled without that guarantee. Fiction: Just because the public are allowed to access the maunga does not mean they can decide what happens on it. Fact: The Authority administers the maunga lands but does not own them. It is a ratepayer-funded co-governance organisation. Half of its members are Auckland Council representatives who are appointed to represent all Auckland residents. If they must not have any say on behalf of the public, then why are they there? This question drives to the heart of what the “co” in co-governance actually means.
RUBBISH IN WESTERN SPRINGS FOREST I have recently visited Western Springs Forest now that it has been re-opened to the public and what I observed was rather disturbing. Not only is it devastating to see such a huge gap in the forest after the destruction of the mostly healthy pines and huge amounts of the natives, but the amount of debris and chip on site is concerning. I am also appalled at the amount of rubbish - paint cans/trays, bottles, drink and spray cans, plastic rubbish, numerous pieces of rusting tin AND a folding chair which I believe belonged to one of the Red Badge Security staff, who was sitting on it whilst observing the excavator tearing down the forest. I find it abhorrent that it was left on site ignored by Council staff, the contractors (Treescape), Red Badge and the Ecologists (Wildlands) supervising the planting. I have visited the forest on numerous occasions over the years, being a local resident, and photographer. It was my happy place. There is no longer a forest. With the big hole in the centre of the bush, the enormous impact on the natives means that there are obviously fewer birds. They are now mainly around the edges where there weren't trees felled. One would presume that the new stairs and sealing of the track would make walking safer, but that has not been the case. Whilst going up the path the other day, I had to step aside off the walking track, as a cyclist came hurtling down. It gave me a fright. I nearly got bowled over as I hadn't see him coming. He had bounced down the dozen steps on his race to the bottom. Gone was the feeling of a forest full of life, and I felt I as if was on a dangerous sports track! Sharon Jones, Local resident
Fiction: The Authority’s plans will result in “oases of stunning native forest stands dotted across our city”. Fact: Planting plans show there is no intention to “cloak” Tāmaki Makaurau’s maunga in forests. Instead, there will be limited areas of plantings largely comprising low-growing species such as grasses, flaxes and shrubs. The end result will be mostly bare looking maunga with small areas of intensive plantings on the lower slopes. Documents show the Authority intends for the maunga eventually to look like the bare pa sites of old. Fiction: If you want to save the maunga trees then you must be a racist. Fact: Maunga tree protectors come from all ethnicities and walks of life, including Māori. If standing up for Papatūānuku /Mother Earth automatically qualifies us all as racists, then so be it. Fiction: Retaining the non-natives is retaining an “archaic colonist ideal”. Fact: What utter nonsense – just ask the tūī, kereru (wood pigeon), kākā, rurū (morepork) and pīwakawaka (fantail) who routinely use the maunga non-natives as food, homes and shelter. Where does Mr Graham think they are going to live, roost and eat in the 50-100 years it will take for the tiny number of newly-planted native tree species to reach maturity? Non-native trees aren’t “colonist ideals”; they are trees; trees that help mitigate climate change and provide us all with oxygen. Anna Radford, Honourthemaunga.org.nz, Ōwairaka/Mt Albert
LETTERS CONTINUED ON P20
Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.
8 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
FROM THE EDITOR
As we go to press with our October issue we are in Level 3. Many say it’s like Level 4 but with takeaways. We thought we went down to Level 3 a week too soon, but we recognise the tremendous pressure the government is under. We are not out of the woods yet and to date we’ve still only had one day of single figures. Delta has a long tail, the experts keep telling us. There are too many cases still occurring randomly in the community even though 'everyone' has been locked down. However, Jacinda and her team are doing a great job keeping the worst at bay. A little more short term pain, before hopefully some long term gain. Unfortunately, the internet produces as much rubbish about vaccination as it does useful information. Would you rather believe someone who had recently read two or three blogs about the dangers of getting a vaccination jab, or an epidemiologist with 30-years experience, including 10 years as a University Professor? Vaccination levels against Covid-19 are still too low in New Zealand. There are reportedly 20-25,000 over 65s in Auckland still not jabbed at all. We can and should do better. With 90% plus of all New Zealanders vaccinated we can keep Delta at bay. But just like no one wants cholera, polio, or other now controllable diseases, we shouldn’t have to plead with anti-vaxxers. Isolate them for the good of the team of five million. A new book, ‘Voices of Aotearoa-25 years of Going West Oratory’, from our best writers has just been published. Going West was Auckland’s first major literary festival, and it’s now the country’s longest running. It began in 1996. In the introduction to the book, which celebrates the 25 years of its existence, it states, “ Going West continues its kaupapa of holding our writing and reading whanau close, of honouring tangata and whenua, and hosting the festival at our place - West Auckland, the Waitakere
GOOD PEOPLE WORKING WITH
GOOD PEOPLE
Jay Platt, John Elliott & Martin Leach
Ranges, home to the creative spirit - to writers, musicians, architects, poets and potters. In Helene Ravlich’s ‘Let’s get physical’ feature this month she points out, "It’s safe to say that for many of us, our usual fitness and wellness routines went out the window when we went into 2020’s first Level 4 lockdown. We were locked out of the gym and yoga studios, and forced to cancel our long-term plans for wellness retreats. We started working out at home and definitely got on with it as best we could. Approaches to wellness have changed dramatically as a result. Our cover stars this month are Jeremy and his beautiful dog Banjo – two of the team from Fisheye, who are an essential telecommunications provider providing IT to essential businesses and workers. After 20 years of IT troubleshooting for New Zealand businesses, Ponsonby based Fisheye are launching Bootup, a new online workshop platform to help improve remote work tech issues. October also marks the 32nd birthday for Ponsonby News. We’ve come a long way since our launch in 1989. The Ponsonby we know today is a very different one – but it’s our home and we love the place. We also say shop, eat, drink Ponsonby – support our local businesses. (MARTIN LEACH) PN
M AT T & RYA N N 1 I N G R E Y LY N N*
“We’re stoked. Selling a property can be stressful, but they made it easy” Craig & Jacqui - Grey Lynn
Matt O’Rourke 021 375 909
Ryan Harding 021 621 580
m.orourke@barfoot.co.nz
r.harding@barfoot.co.nz
* G re y Ly n n b ra n c h - ye a r e n d i n g M a rc h 2 0 2 0
PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
9
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
IT’S A TEAM EFFORT... WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS CONNOR CRAWFORD I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.
DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.
FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT I work as a booker, promoter and festival programmer. Active in all areas of the music community; folk music is my specialty.
HONOUR MITCHELL I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life. I write the column ‘Teen Picks’ which explores everything on offer in the greater Ponsonby area.
HELENE RAVLICH A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job.
JOHN APPLETON I have a keen interest in nutritional medicine and how it may be used to support people with chronic illnesses.
KEN RING My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.
KERRY LEE I’ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people I’ve meet along the way. #best job.
LUCY KENNEDY I am a young local writer who loves to read! Each month you will find my reviews of new books for people who love to read as much as I do.
PHIL PARKER Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.
PIPPA COOM
I am Councillor for Waitemat-a and Gulf Ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair Waitemat-a Local Board.
ROSS THORBY I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.
JOHN ELLIOTT
SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS
I am the founder of Ponsonby News and write for the magazine. My career has included politics, education and publishing. My interests include the environment, the economy and social justice.
A vegan for over a year and vegetarian for over seven years with a passion for writing. I am a local student reviewing some of Ponsonby’s best vegan eats.
Join us on Sundays at 2pm... for our weekly service including demonstrations of clairvoyance. See you when we are in Level 2.
25 New North Road, Eden Terrace / www.goldenlight.org.nz
10 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
DAVID HARTNELL:
ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH JULIE STEVENS Julie Stevens first opened her shop, Moa, 35 years ago in Grey Lynn. Tell us about your designs. I am inspired by fabrics - their movement colours and patterns. I design what I would like would to wear, timeless garments that traverse activities and occasions, amplify significant events and feelings through life's ups and downs. What is the best thing working in Grey Lynn? Knowing that I can walk from home, across the Grey Lynn park to work, passing beautiful villas and tree lined streets, and being able to say hi to those I encounter. Being based in the West Lynn Village working in Moa means that many locals come past the shop and it is easy to connect and converse about what’s happening around the neighbourhood - catching up with people's lives. Working in the shop on Sundays especially, we see such a diverse range of people and cultures in our neighbourhood - from local teens congregating, seeing the way women from Pacifica churches style their wrapped woven garments , locals visiting the markets, and of course the comings and goings of the Grey Lynn RSC! How have you survived the pandemic? Making sure I have a backup supply of basics in the pantry, becoming more fluent and active with the digital world to grow our business on line, embracing opportunities to celebrate and spending time with family and friends, more tuning in with the natural cycles of life - life style and work style balance. What was your childhood like? Growing up in the Manawatu, weekends were often spent on my grandparents farm hanging out in the sheds and barns, making Russian fudge, watching movies all day on their colour telly. I remember roaming the street with the neighbours, roller skating and biking a lot in to headwinds, walking the Square on a Friday night. Being involved with hand making crafts in the 70s we hung out in the garage with Mum and Dad where they would make leather bags and belts. I would make leather jewellery with the offcuts. It was always a chilled out time on a Sunday afternoon listening to Casey Kasem and American Top 40. We had a stall at the local market where we sold the leather work, amongst other stalls of enamelled copper, hand-spun knitting, glass ships in bottles, plant terrariums, macrame and an art gallery with endless Kona coffee. Shops weren’t allowed to open on weekends, so Dad spent quite some time at the local council to get a permit so the market could trade on Saturday mornings. I was very lucky to come from a crafty family that set me up for becoming a maker and creator. What would be your dream holiday? Somewhere on a gentle coastline, with simple local produce, happy locals with artisan studios and galleries to visit. Spain, Croatia, some lake in Italy, a tropical island. Your bucket list? Create a garden full of dahlia and gladioli, take a year off and travel the entire coastline of New Zealand, canoe the Wanganui River, learn another language, learn how to play Erik Satie Gymnopedie No. 1 on the piano. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? On a porch overlooking a valley of native forest, listening to nature, with binoculars and a good coffee or glass of red. Bantering and
12 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
having a laugh with old and new friends. Actually I’m already doing that a bit... If you were reincarnated what would you be? An adored feline or a free flying falcon. What is something that you disapprove of? Mispronunciation of Maori names and places, the disrepair and crumbling state of the iconic 130 year old Carlile House in Grey Lynn. It would be an amazing community resource. Favorite time of the day? The sunset hour. Popping down to Pt Chev to watch the sunset, especially on a moody stormy grey day when the sky change lasts for ages. Over the years this beach, with all its nooks and crannies has provided time to think, laugh, share kai, celebrate matariki, pretending to be in the Mediterranean when diving off the clay rocks at high tide and the location of many Moa photo shoots. What are you insecure about? Wondering if the piles on the old villa I live in are actually slowly moving down the hill. Comfort food? Dad's homemade bread, Mum's marmalade and muesli, anything my sister cooks, my partner's Fijian curry, my son's coffee, my goddaughter's one pot wonders. If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be? Where do I start… stopping the chopping down of 50+ year old native trees by developers. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) PN
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MAXIMISE YOUR SEASONAL ADVANTAGE WITH BAYLEYS THIS
SPRING
Following one of the biggest periods of a property boom Kiwis have ever seen, residential sales activity paused for breath over winter. But, with the market now adapted to new conditions, and warmer weather on the horizon, all signs point to a bumper spring season. With listing supply low and demand high, NOW would be the best time to sell. Call me today for a FREE no obligation appraisal.
Cheryl Regan Residential Sales 021 772 583 | cheryl.regan@bayleys.co.nz 305 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
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LOCAL NEWS
Bruce, owner of Big Sur cafe in West Lynn serves up a contactless coffee at Alert Level 3
PIPPA COOM:
COUNCIL’S SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS ACROSS ALERT LEVELS The move into Alert Level 3 will be of relief for Aucklanders who have done their bit to keep all of Aotearoa safe but it is not the time to become complacent. Mass mask wearing, getting vaccinated in large numbers and following the golden rules of lockdown gives us the most favourable chance of moving out of restrictions as soon as possible. A robust health response is the best insurance for avoiding a return to an Alert Level 4 lockdown. At that setting up to 30% of Auckland’s economic activity is inhibited (approx. $100 million loss in GDP/day), while the reduction caused by Alert Level 2 is around 5%. This represents a significantly disparate impact on Auckland’s economy compared to the rest of New Zealand. Prior to the recent Delta outbreak, Auckland had already spent nearly a month longer at Alert Level 3 than the rest of New Zealand due to community cases in August 2020 and February 2021. Over the 12 months ending March 2021, Auckland’s GDP fell 4.1% (-$4.98 billion), while the rest of New Zealand only fell 1.2% (-$2.38 billion), a $2.6 billion disparity. This aligns with spending data, which shows that spending in Auckland was down 7.5% over the same period, compared to only a 2% drop across the rest of New Zealand. The hospitality and tourism sectors have been particularly hard hit by the extended lockdown. Due to spending more time at Alert Levels 3 and 2 in August and September 2020, as well as in February and March 2021, Auckland hospitality and accommodation spending was down 20.4% from April 2020 – March 2021, while the fall was only 7.5% across the rest of New Zealand. This data comes from Auckland Unlimited, the council CCO responsible for leading support for business. To receive regular updates subscribe via business@aucklandnz.com. Two key areas of financial support for businesses right now are the Resurgence Support Payment and the Wage Subsidy Scheme. Eligible businesses can apply for both of these payments. Helplines like the Covid-19 Business Helpline (0800 500 362) or Pacific Business Trust Helpline (0800 287 7526) are available to talk it through. The Mayor has raised
Masks, social distancing and contactless sales on Ponsonby Road in Alert Level 3
with the Minister of Finance the need for further government support for businesses including extending financial support via the wage subsidy and continued resurgence payments throughout the duration of level 2. He’s also written to Minister Hipkins asking for consideration to be given to long-term, fit for purpose quarantine facilities out of the city centre. Council is offering flexibility and support in a more relaxed approach during Alert Level 2 to help the hospitality sector. Fast-tracked new street trading licences and extensions to food-only dining applications are now available to Auckland businesses as they prepare for Alert Level 2 trading. Visit the council website for more details. I’ve also asked for the 21/22 postponement scheme for business rates to be re-established as I know that is another way council can provide support at this really difficult time. I’ve appreciated hearing from business association representatives with ideas and advice. Auckland Council has a role to reinvigorate economic activity across Auckland and in the city centre, as alert level restrictions allow. Please reach out for the support available. (PIPPA COOM) PN pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/licences-regulations/business-licences/Pages/covid19-alert-levels-guidance-hospitality-businesses.aspx www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/how-auckland-council-works/council-controlled-organisations/ Pages/auckland-unlimited.aspx
14 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
The alternative to low interest rates
Expected average annual returns After fees, before tax on a suggested minimum investment term of 5 years.
To find out more call us on 0800 377 2277 or visit www.nzfunds.co.nz Total funds as at 31 August 2021 including both retail and wholesale mandates: $60 million. Total returns since inception in October 2020: +10.4%. All numbers after fees, before tax. Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future returns. Expected average annual returns are based on modelled returns only, which may not be an indicator of future returns. For more information on the calculation of expected average annual returns, see ‘Other Material Information’. Visit nzfunds.co.nz/income-generator to view the latest copy of the Product Disclosure Statement. New Zealand Funds Management Limited is the issuer of NZ Funds Income Generator. Total returns since inception calculated from 22 October 2020 to 31 August 2021.
LOCAL NEWS
RICHARD NORTHEY:
Waitemata- Local Board Chair Spring has brought wet and windy weather and the continuation of a Covid lockdown. We are hopeful of moving down the levels and the Council has worked hard to relax the rules on using footpaths, parklets and carparks for outdoor dining to help cafes and restaurants under Level 2. If we continue to obey the lockdown rules, mask up, and not use playgrounds, sports grounds, or other shared facilities, we should be able to come through again. I have had both my Covid jabs, and I strongly urge you all to get yours to ensure that we get back to Level 1 as soon possible. Our Board will once again be holding its bi-annual Good Citizens Awards Ceremony at the Town Hall reception lounge on the evening of Friday 26 November. Nominations for the Awards are now open until 17 October. These awards are to recognise and celebrate those who go above and beyond for the benefit of our diverse communities and environment in the Waitematā Local Board area. The award categories are: individuals, children and young people under 25, and community groups. Please think about those who deserve this recognition. Make your nomination using the online nomination form at our website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemata. Contact our local board office for assistance if you’d like to make your nomination by phone, email, or post: 09 301 0101 or waitematalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz At our last Waitematā Local Board meeting on 21 September, held entirely by Skype, we had a very busy agenda. We acknowledged the death of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei's kaumatua Bob Hawke, heard from the community through deputations, public forum presenters and ward councillor Pippa Coom. Then the Board considered giving up our Board Members’ carparks to ensure we all use public and active transport; a renewed lease for the sea scouts in Cox’s Bay; Business Improvement Districts Policy; adding a possible loop track for the Western Springs forest; forthcoming CRL works in Basque Park; making our Local Board grants to community organisations; the Victoria Street Linear Park Project; Auckland Transport’s Parking Strategy; Bylaws for the Water Supply and Wastewater Network, Public Trading Events and Filming and Animal Management; Kerbside Rubbish Collection Charging; Age-Friendly Auckland Strategy; and our feedback on the Government’s Three Waters Reforms. It was a very busy meeting.
Festival Italiano
consultation before anything is implemented. Alex and our Board want to make sure that any changes to enable more housing in our area also properly protect the character housing and communities in our inner suburbs and help maintain and develop a high-quality liveable environment here. The Waitematā Local Board has instituted a system of bimonthly community clinics. In these the Board members meet with a series of community groups and individuals for 15 minutes each, in a convenient suburban location, to have a dialogue that is not possible at our formal Board meetings, on issues of concern to them. The August meetings went well, and we look forward to those interested booking in with the Waitematā Local Board for our next sessions on Wednesday 13 October from 7pm onwards. The October sessions will be held via Skype due to uncertainty around alert levels. We are also organising community forums hosted by groups we don’t hear enough from, starting with a Forum hosted by the Chinese Community before Christmas. We look forward to the resumption of the community festivals and events that the Board supports after lockdown. These include Festival Italiano in Newmarket on 7 November, the Parnell Festival of Roses on 14 November, and the Grey Lynn Festival on 20 PN November. (RICHARD NORTHEY) I can be contacted at richard.northey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or 021 534 546.
Council is supporting the seismic strengthening and restoration for public use of the Leys Institute buildings. A start had been made on developing a detailed business case for the restoration and a Project Guidance Steering Group for it appointed, including myself and a representative of the Friends of the Leys Institute, Ponsonby Community Centre and the Business Association, mana whenua and local residents’ associations. The Board is also actively seeking ways in which the first stage of the Ponsonby Park project could be commenced by Council. The Board is aware of community concerns about the possible effects in our area of the application of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development. Council elected members and staff, including the Board’s knowledgeable Deputy-Chair Alex Bonham, are meeting frequently to develop proposals for an appropriate and beneficial Council response. These proposals would be the subject of widespread and extensive public
16 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
Good Citizens’ Awards 2019 award recipient Gerry Hill (centre) with (left to right) Shale Chambers, Councillor for Waitematā and Gulf Pippa Coom, Mike Lee, Waitematā Local Board Chair Richard Northey and Gerry’s dog Queenie (foreground).
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email melissa.bowman@apartmento.co.nz web apartmento.co.nz 8 Ponsonby Road, Auckland
NEW
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LETTERS & EMAILS
LETTERS CONTINUED FROM P8 FACT OR FICTION The opinion piece in the last issue on Western Springs was based on a lack of research or evidence.
Waitematā Local Board want to put a 'loop track' down one of these fragile valleys, to encourage off road cyclists into this 'Significant Ecological Area'.
Auckland Council website contains these reports and documents that refute that article. A summation of links is available in the pinned post on Facebook page 'Protect Te Wai Ōrea'.
It's ironic that the protectors of this forest were bought together by local artist, Annette Isbey, after mountain bikers were threatened with trespass order in July 2007 after they created a 250 metre long illegal trail the year before. A decision needs to be made whether this sport or the ecology is more important, again.
Auckland Council commissioned an 'Independent Risk Assessment' by 'The Tree Consultancy Company' that proved wrong their original arborist, Gerald Collett, who said the Monterey Pines were "dead and dying". But Waitematā Local Board Chair Richard Northey, Councillor Pippa Coom, and their acolytes tediously repeat this misinformation. This almost a cult-like belief, being pushed by some people, that somehow introduced trees, except for those that feed humans, need to pay the price for colonisation by pakeha ancestors. The birds don't give a flying fig about these silly ideas. That's not how nature sees it, nor do indigenous cultures, including traditional Maori philosophy, with the belief in the interconnectedness of all life on this planet.
Gael Baldock, Community Advocate WAITEMATĀ LOCAL BOARD It is important to all ratepayers that the Council spends our money wisely. The first step is to ensure that wherever we spend money, it is supported by good financial analysis. Looking at the money spent on the felling of the trees in Western Springs Forest, Stuff recently reported that there has been a significant blowout in costs, which will get worse if legal action is followed through.
The forest at Western Springs has been destroyed unnecessarily.
To elaborate on just one element. For the tree felling, the budget figure was $436,896. Treescape, the successful tenderer, won the contract with a tender price that was 15% under budget. So far so good. However, we now find out that the actual money paid to Treescape exceeded the tender price by 41% ($152,986). I have made an official information request to get copies of the invoices that make up the expenditure. In addition, there are questions raised as to whether the tender documents accurately specified the work to be done.
There has been a loss of 30% of urban ngahere in the Waitematā Ward, removed mostly by Council, since the National Government removed Tree Protection. Evidence can be found in Auckland Council's 'Urban Ngahere Plan' and the results of the 'Aerial Lidar Mapping System Report'.
There is now a proposal from the same Council department to build a walking track around the area. The proposed cost is $83,000 to be paid from a fund controlled by the Waitematā Local Board. The Board at its meeting on 21 September agreed that the proposal be released as is for public consultation.
Moving on we have to create a new canopy to bring back the birds. Auckland Council are failing on that too.
The Board agreed to this without questioning the robustness of the costing. Furthermore, the Council official would not answer a question from Member Trotman ‘who would pay for any overrun?’. ‘A fool and their money are soon parted’.
WLB Member Graeme Gunthorp tweeted the truth that 200 trees in Western Springs Forest, at 100 years were 2/3 of the way through their life and 1/4 of the trees were dangerous. However, his decision that it was fiscally responsible to remove them all at once has also been proven wrong, with the cost over $1.8million.
The overland watercourses haven't been returned. The correct trees that like 'wet feet' haven't been planted. Auckland Council's soil register deems this hillside 'fill/weak', yet
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Keith McConnell keith@keithforwaitemata.com
NON ESSENTIAL OUTING Little niggle creeping around the periphery of my thinking a contamination of sorts in a time of contamination
How might a prevention ideal become an opportunity for repression? Oh dear, I must walk it out. Walk it out. Walk. Head to Western Park, a nonessential expedition not seeking medicine not seeking food. But surely health and sanity are essential and exercise is allowed (thank you Jacinda). And we should remember too that exposure of eyes to the light of day is necessary for health and stimulation and what’s more, it saves us from the madness of overfamiliarity with Al Jazeera. In the park I am cautious about my social distancing but here it is easy, no persons close-by. In the distance, yes a dog walker (James Herriot) a cyclist (my child self on a mission to find portugals) a couple (Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson) all on separate paths all on the outer edge of vision conflated with memory I sit on a cool, thick mat of grass Idly observing the panorama of trees. Old, old trees planted and nurtured so long ago (late 19th Century) by urban planning visionaries who imagined the future and the potential, of this distinguished public space. These days, along the ridge at the southern edge of the park, many concrete and glass towers imagine a different kind of civic life. Looming erect like meercats, ever vigilant, scanning their private horizon for danger. (ALEXA LAWRENCE)
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LOCAL NEWS
JOHN ELLIOTT:
Selfish anti-vaxxers are endangering lives Unfortunately, the internet produces as much rubbish as it does useful information. Which person would you rather believe, someone who had recently read two or three blogs about the dangers of getting a vaccination jab, or an epidemiologist with 30 years experience, including 10 years as a University Professor? Vaccination levels against Covid-19 are still too low in New Zealand. There are reportedly 20-25000 over 65s in Auckland still not jabbed at all. Rates among Maori and Pacifica peoples are much lower. Many of these people are vulnerable if they catch the virus. Too many people, through poverty and poor housing, have underlying health issues that make them targets for Delta. Many of those Maori and Pacifica are also sometimes over influenced by fundamentalist Christian sects. I understand that three National Party MPs remain unvaccinated - Maureen Pugh (Westland), Simeon Brown from Pakuranga, and Simon O’Connor from Tamaki. O’Connor is Bridges brother-in-law and religious. Brown is by report religious too. They are certainly setting a poor example for their constituents. I understand they will get vaccinated. I expect there are Labour MPs unvaccinated, maybe Act too - the libertarians. I hope these all set an example for their own good as well as the team of five million, because as of today just 56 of every 1000 people in the 12-19 age group and 93 per 1000 of the 20 to 45 age group are fully vaccinated. That’s about 5% and 10% only. Vaccinations against more than 20 life threatening diseases worldwide saves millions of lives. The World Health Organisation says vaccination prevents two to three million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles/rubella. Remember what happened when measles hit Samoa last year. Tragically a number of children died. Vaccines do protect against measles.
WHO has a global strategy to leave no one behind. Antivaxxers should note their three aims: 1. Save lives and protect the health of populations. 2. Improve productivity and resiliency. 3. Enable a safer, healthier, more prosperous world. WHO says between 2010 and 2018, 23 million deaths were averted with the measles vaccine alone. Typhoid, cholera,and meningitis have now got reliable vaccines. The WHO stresses that vaccination is the key to global health security. If you know an anti-vaxxer please talk to them. Ask them to follow the science, not some self appointed guru online. It is endangering us all. Compulsion is becoming a big part of the argument. Can people be banned, or should they be, from bars, nightclubs, or work places if they are not vaccinated? Human rights lawyers are looking at these Bill of Rights questions. I think of it a bit like driving. We’ve seen these ads on TV “my car, I do what I like with it”, but only until the police stop him. Then for his own safety, and that of others he is prosecuted. I will be asking people, known or unknown, on certain occasions, “are you fully vaccinated?”, those who are not I will keep at a distance, and probably not allow in my home. I believe there is a law which prohibits a person with HIV from having sex with somebody without revealing they are HIV positive. The same should go for Covid-19 vaccinations. So, I’m for no jab, no job, no jab, no night club, no jab, no work at the border ...etc etc etc. With 90% plus of all New Zealanders vaccinated we can keep Delta at bay, but just like no one wants cholera, polio, or other now controllable diseases, we shouldn’t have to plead with anti-vaxxers. Isolate them for their own good and also for PN the good of the team of five million. (JOHN ELLIOTT)
Photography: Everall Deans, Ponsonby Business Association
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Voices of Aotearoa: 25 years of Going West Oratory from our best writers Going West was Auckland’s first major literary festival, and it’s now the country’s longest running. It began in 1996. In the introduction to the book which celebrates the 25 years of its existence, it writes,“ Going West continues its kaupapa of holding our writing and reading whanau close, of honouring tangata and whenua, and hosting the festival at our place - West Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges, home to the creative spirit-to writers, musicians, architects, poets and potters. Each year there is a festival theme that is addressed-directly, obliquely or contrarily-by the keynote speakers and each appears in this book along with the year and orator's name. All the orators are entertaining, witty and interesting. There are a handful of themes running through the presentations. One of them is about whakapapa, place, identity, and home. Peter Wells, the 2012 speaker, talked about 'the fracture line which is migration' and a ‘motherland that is now a foreign country'. Peter lived in a lovely old villa in Curran Street, Ponsonby, before he returned in about 2011 to his mother’s home town of Napier. Researching in the library in Napier some time later, Peter was aware of people coming in to ask librarians about their genealogy. He quotes one visitor he overheard, who was looking for a great-grandfather. “What’s his surname?” asked the librarian. “Smith, he lived in London.”
Photography: Gil Hanly
LOCAL NEWS
JOHN ELLIOTT:
Wells goes on to explain how hard it was for most immigrants no social security - if you lost your job the family went hungry - if the breadwinner died the family might face poverty. Dame Marilyn Waring, the 2002 speaker, talked about identity, and discussed the word ‘pakeha’. She grew up in the little Waikato town of Taupiri, and says she could not conceive of calling herself European. “We all went home for kai,” she writes, wore a potae, took a mimi behind the trees. This would have been a foreign language for any European child. I agree with Marilyn, and for years have written ‘other’, if pakeha was not an ethnic option when I filled in forms. I couldn’t end this report without including Stephanie Johnson and Vincent O’Sullivan. I do know the former personally, but knew nothing of the latter. Johnson is best known for her book 'The Shag Incident', about the women who enticed an academic, supposed woman abuser, to Western Springs Park, where they tied him up and beat him. It’s been described as darkly satirical and wickedly funny. I was not surprised by Stephanie Johnson’s thoughtful contribution to the Go West collection. And finally, the 1999 oration by Vincent O’Sullivan. At the beginning of his address he said, “When I was a child the civilisation of the West began at the silver-painted dome of Ponsonby Post Office at the Three Lamps.
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Peter Wells
“It was only when I was kindly asked to speak at this festival that it came home to me quite how much I had written - often when I thought I was doing something else - about the Ponsonby where I was born, the Westmere where I grew up, the Grey Lynn where I went to school. Even about Point Chevalier, that tree-flecked promontory beyond the reef that spilled like an enormous ink stain as you stood on the shallow banks at Sunnybrae.” “I knew,” O’Sullivan mused,” that Kerry and Cork were further than Freeman’s Bay, and I knew I lived on the other side of the world.” O’Sullivan speaks knowingly about old identities in Ponsonby, some good, some who disappear for a few months at a time. There were other famous writers with excellent contributions: 1997 Maurice Shadbolt 2001 Michael King 2010 Dame Anne Salmond They all stand out, and fit like a glove into the interwoven fabric of the West and Aotearoa. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
LOCAL NEWS:
REPAIR CAFÉ AOTEAROA NZ TO BE LAUNCHED ON INTERNATIONAL REPAIR DAY This worldwide Repair Day celebrates the strength of community coming together and helping each other fixing small household items, preventing stuff going to landfill. It campaigns for the Right to Repair and the shift to a circular economy. WHEN: Saturday, 16 October from 1.30pm – 3pm RSVP to attend While recent months have made it difficult to come together and repair in person as a community, we have also realised more than ever just how essential repair is. · Join Repair Café Aotearoa NZ and our partners to learn how you can be part of this growing movement.
· In person Repair Café events will be running in different parts of New Zealand depending on Covid-19 Alert Levels. We will keep you updated. This event is brought to you by Repair Café Aotearoa NZ and our partners, Zero Waste Network NZ, Consumer NZ, Para Kore, Environment Hubs Aotearoa and Repair Café International Foundation. Sign up for our newsletter by emailing info@repaircafe.org.nz
· Listen to key people in the Zero Waste movement in Aotearoa, what they have to say about repairability, product stewardship, circular economy and more. · Watch and learn repair skills from our volunteer repairers, listen to success stories and what makes some repairs difficult. · You can also join us at the Auckland Climate Festival www.acf21.co.nz
Share this event on www.facebook.com/RepairCafeNZ/ Repair Café Aotearoa NZ Launch on International Repair Day event. Tickets via Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com/e/international-repair-day-launchrepair-cafe-aotearoa-nz-tickets-170517466332
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LOCAL NEWS
JOHN ELLIOTT:
How does the Western Springs Forest look now? In late September, I went for a walk through the forest. I entered via the rebuilt track from West View Road. This track has been significantly improved since the pine removal. As I’d previously noted and commented on, there is a lot of the native under storey still present, some of it 20 or 25 feet tall. The road in, built to remove the pines, has been planted with small natives, but it is still covered by metres and metres of pine chip and mulch. The newly planted natives, have mostly survived the planting, but a few look pretty sick. Many of the ti, or cabbage trees, are yellowed and fragile looking. I’m not sure there are enough future canopy trees planted-Totara, Rimu, Karaka, Puriri. I saw no Kowhai either—lovely natives for the edge of a forest to attract the honey eaters like tui and bellbird. There are wet patches along the road, where water courses normally run down the hill. I’m advised that these water courses have not been restored as required under the resource consent. Those mountains of chip and mulch should have been removed too.
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I remain concerned at the range of natives being used in the restoration. Also, no planting has yet been undertaken amongst existing under storey growth. I was unable to pin point where the loop track proposed is to be created. I think the forest is big enough to warrant a loop track, as an alternative for visitors, who currently have only the up and down track from West View Road to use. It will be a long while before we hear the dawn chorus in the forest, but it can be done with assiduous weeding (without glyphosate), and careful overall management. A voluntary local group to help the professionals would be a good idea, both in an ongoing way, and for special weeding days. The huge gash caused by an excessively wide road has done permanent damage to the whole forest, but renovation and renewal can now take place. It will, however, require PN continuous careful maintenance. (JOHN ELLIOTT)
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
JOHN ELLIOTT:
How is Level 3 working in Auckland? I thought we went down to Level 3 a week too soon, but I recognise the tremendous pressure the government is under. Now seven days in, we are not out of the woods. Twelve cases today, better than eighteen yesterday and sixteen the day before. We’ve still only had one day of single figures. Delta has a long tail, the experts keep telling us. But there are other worrying signs. Criminals, including gang members, are now cases. Police are having to PPE up carefully. There are too many cases still occurring randomly in the community. Why is this happening when everyone has been locked down, and most still should be? People are sick of lockdown, although it was salutary to see the poll which cited two thirds of New Zealanders wanted border protection until 90% vaccination had been achieved. A smack in the face for ex prime minister, Sir John Key, who in a most unstatesmanlike statement said New Zealand was stuck in a ‘smug hermit kingdom model’, and referenced the ‘North Korea’ option. Sorry John, the majority of New Zealanders disagree with you; a shame if it curtails your golfing exploits in Hawaii. I want to disabuse people too of the belief that New Zealand was too slow to order vaccine. What Prime Minister Ardern did was to join with six other countries who agreed with the World Health Organisation that the vaccine roll out should include poor African and other third world countries. New Zealand signed up to that, meaning we got vaccine a little later than those who jumped the queue, paid a premium, like Israel, and hogged the vaccines. Still, when we can get to 90% plus fully vaccinated, we can afford to breathe a bit again and ease up on border and other controls.
By many overseas standards New Zealand has done an excellent job in keeping Covid-19 at bay, but it is clearly very difficult to eliminate completely. A little bit more discipline now will pay off down the track. Look how some countries have yoyoed in and out of lockdown, confusing everybody including businesses. I’d rather be here than Sydney or Melbourne, where hundreds of cases a day are still the norm. Today we had 12 cases. Can we dream of zero? Probably not, Delta is such a beast. But Jacinda and her team are doing a great job keeping the worst at bay. A little more short term pain, before hopefully some long term PN gain. (JOHN ELLIOTT)
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LOCAL NEWS
CHLÖE SWARBRICK:
AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP I’m writing this from my city centre apartment on the cusp of Alert Level 3, reflecting on all that has happened since we went into Level 4 lockdown over a month ago. The business of Parliament continues this week, including legislation that brings into effect the Clean Car Discount and rule changes to require local government politicians declare their ‘pecuniary’ interests - a register of, for example, property or shares that could constitute a conflict of interest - as MPs are required to. In Select Committee we’ll continue interrogating Unit Titles reform, where I’m collaborating with Nicola Willis (who picked up the Bill from Nikki Kaye!) on changes to improve, professionalise and simplify Body Corps for better apartment living. I’ve reached out to Finance and Expenditure Committee Chair Dr Duncan Webb to secure some Treasury officials time to interrogate the regional impacts of Covid-19 - particularly here in Auckland which should hopefully have a better fate than the weekly motion I put up on scrutinising house price forecasting (supported, consistently, by the Greens, National and ACT, but consistently voted down by the simple majority of Labour MPs). As part our advocacy towards the local Covid-19 response, my team politely hounded the Northern Regional Health Coordination Centre to almost double the capacity of our walk-in Covid Vaccination Centre, going from 600 per day capacity at the former Elliott Street site to 1,000 at 35 Graham Street. Shout out to Dr Anthony Jordan and the NRHCC team for this mahi, and for bringing ever more pharmacies on board (including Unichem in Three Lamps).
Chlöe after receiving her first vaccination at the Auckland CBD Vaccination Centre on Graham Street
I’ve continued to touch base weekly with business associations across the electorate, and want to specifically shout out our local Ponsonby Business Association’s Viv Rosenberg for her mahi in helping us to pull together an online hui for grassroots feedback directly from those impacted. This feedback, plus that gathered from KBA, Heart of the City, the Restaurant Association and Auckland Hospitality Association, has informed letters to Auckland Council and the Minister of Finance on the specific support needed, along with lines of inquiry and ongoing advocacy for commercial tenancy relief. When we one day wake up in Alert Level 2 - or, if we can dream, Level 1 - it would be incredible to do so with some creative and exciting community celebrations. That’s why I’ve also been working with Councillor Richard Hills and the team on how we can best remove arduous regulatory and cost barriers to achieve a beautiful network of outdoor dining, to highlight and provide awesome hospitality (literally!) for people to visit Ponsonby. Every single week I continue to touch base with our phenomenal frontline workers in Auckland City Mission and Lifewise, and with the drop to Level 3, my office will be collaborating to get reusable masks out to members of our community who need them.
We’ve also been fielding requests from community members who are elderly or disabled and ensured vaccinators are available for home visits. The Victoria Street carpark pop-up testing site we helped establish has continued servicing our central community, churning through thousands of tests in less than 24 hours turn-around over the past five weeks. Thank you, thank you, thank you to our frontline healthcare workers.
In the cut and thrust of Covid-19 news, it’s easy to forget some of the longer-standing issues we’ve been dealing with. On the front of arts, culture and heritage, it’s been a delight to hear of developments to restore our Leys Institute - that never would’ve happened without the galvanising of the community. It’s also been incredible to begin coordinating the ask for Government to front up, like Council has, to restore the mighty St James Theatre.
Thank you, as well, to all of you who’ve stuck to your bubbles and done your bit to keep our communities safe. I can’t even imagine the work for parents (I’ve privilege in only having had to deal with a very needy cat!) in juggling school and work from home. Touching base with principals of schools in the electorate, it’s clear there’s immense demand on our families to make this work, and however you did it, all power to you.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be putting some information out there about the Auckland Central Youth Board we’ll be forming, to inform and develop some young leaders in our area towards the fun and excitement of Youth Parliament next year. If there’s a young person in your life (between 16 -18 years old in November this year), make sure they drop us a line on chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz if PN they’re interested in keeping in the loop! (CHLÖE SWARBRICK)
CHLÖE SWARBRICK, T: 09 378 4810, E: chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz
KIA ORA PONSONBY Please get in touch with any local issues. My office is here to help. Chlöe Swarbrick MP for Auckland Central 09 378 4810 chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by Chlöe Swarbrick, MP for Auckland Central, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
28 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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LOCAL NEWS
JASON TROWBRIDGE
THIRTY YEARS PLUS It’s a fantastic business; you are consistently meeting a diverse range of people, dealing with many varied aspects of life. Many clients have become great friends; we have travelled the world together. You have been at L J Hooker for a long time. I’ve always enjoyed the flexibility and agile approach of a small boutique agency. Right back in Ponsonby Real Estate days we could always offer options and solutions that corporates simply could not. Today being a boutique agent with the backing of a large international company ensures the world's eyes are on the vendor's property. You are a vendor’s agent solely? 30 years on I have always been a dedicated vendor’s agent, meaning it’s my sole interest to over achieve and set a record price in the area for the vendor. Is this something you always do? Over my career I am certainly responsible for many of the record sale prices in Ponsonby and its surrounding areas. You will have seen so much industry change. Yes, the industry has changed so much it’s like black and white. Digital platforms and instant communication have changed the entire experience when it comes to exposing your property into the local market and onto the world stage. Vocation your vacation. Real-estate is a passion. It always has been for me and it allows tremendous flexibility accompanied with huge accountability. I have always had huge passion for the industry bringing energy to the process and consistently over delivering on the vendor’s expectation is a magical feeling. I feel that amazing energy each and every campaign! How long will you continue to sell? The day I don’t love it, I will stop! What will you do? Emh, a small cocktail bar in the Greek islands has appeal, or an antique ring dealer in Portobello Road, Notting Hill in London. Clear concise process? I have always had a process. A vendor wants as much money as possible and through a process you can ensure there is no rock unturned. It’s essential when you are dealing with huge assets and when a vendor engages you it’s all about trust;
30 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
simply not going above and beyond has never been an option during my career. Astute listener? Understanding what a vendor wants is essential; being able to listen and then felicitate is crucial. Are you interested in flash industry awards, promos? No, this has never been part of my ethos. The most prestigious award I can receive is a vendor recommending me to a friend at a dinner table. Do you live in Ponsonby? Yes, I live in a villa that I had tried to buy many times over twenty years. Eventually it came to the market and the mammoth renovation started and lasted 12 months. Your hobbies? Well, I am very active in keeping fit, loads of gym classes and love RPM. I am very active in the decorative art world and love collecting the unusual, eclectic pieces. When travel is possible you will find me deep in the heart of French street markets in Paris. Being a pastry chef in prior real estate life I thoroughly enjoy entertaining and spoiling friends with experiences and food. And I believe you have beehives here in Ponsonby. Ah yes. I have beehives on my property in Ponsonby. Having bees in the city is fantastic. They thrive in the Three Lamps area as there are so many magnificent pohutukawa trees for them to graze on. Last year I produced about 140 kg of honey. What do you do with it? I give it away to friends and clients. Bees are fascinating insects and watching how a hive operates is not that different to human life! What's your advice to a potential vendor? Choose an agent you feel comfortable with, somebody you trust. It’s essential, as it’s a team effort. Having those tough discussions up front makes it so much easier for all parties. Final Words. 30 years of experience costs no more. I WILL GET YOU MORE. (JASON TROWBRIDGE) PN
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Jason Trowbridge 30 years of continuously setting the standard. A highly skilled negotiator working for you, the vendor at all times. A confidential chat over a coffee is always a great starting point. I will get you more...
Jason Trowbridge 021 358 888 jtrowbridge.ponsonby@ljhooker.co.nz
LJ Hooker Ponsonby | 53 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby | Ponsonby Estate Agents Limited MREINZ | Licensed Agents REAA 2008
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LOCAL NEWS
@ GREY LYNN & AROUND We remain in lockdown at the time of writing this article. Let me start by a big shout out to Ponsonby News for providing such a spread of commentary on local issues and of course the on-going focus on promoting businesses within our local community. Our recent survey about the safer school’s project at Grey Lynn Primary provoked a wide range of responses with 52% supporting the trial continuing and 49% of respondents rating the traffic calming measurers as very good or excellent. Subsequent to our survey being conducted AT have advised that the comment period will open when Auckland is operating at L2. When this happens be sure to put your comments into akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/grey-lynn-school The trial, once finalised, will be in place for a minimum of 18 months. The work of AT around Grey Lynn Primary brought up questions around whether there is an intent to revisit the cycleways through Grey Lynn to Westmere. We’re not aware of any work AT intends to undertake on cycleways except along Great North Road. There is still remedial work to do in West Lynn and this is likely to be scheduled for early next year. AT have been working closely with us on this project and we are satisfied with the extent and level of engagement on this project. At our September board meeting, we moved forward with our plan for Grey Lynn to become a Business Improvement District (BID) – like the Ponsonby Road Business Association or Heart of the City. Grey Lynn is the only significant inner-city suburb not represented by a properly funded organisation working on behalf of businesses. At the moment the Grey Lynn Business Association is run by volunteers, with some small funding for projects. Our first step in the process is to develop a database of businesses in our area and then to conduct a survey asking businesses about their issues and identifying what the priorities should be for a business organisation representing Grey Lynn businesses.
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We will then take this information and, working with businesses, we will develop a plan for how a new business organisation would work and what it would focus on. Finally, we will take this plan back out to businesses and they will be asked to vote on whether they support the development of a Business Improvement District in Grey Lynn. This process takes time – and at this stage we are aiming to become a BID in 2023. We are looking forward to engaging with our local businesses and to discuss how we can help make Grey Lynn an even better place to do business in. Becoming a BID will allow us to provide a much wider range of services for local businesses and to be able to promote Grey Lynn as a business destination on an equal footing with the other city fringe suburbs. We know that many businesses, especially retail, have been hit very hard this year. Lockdown is destroying cash flow and eating into reserves and the difficult labour market is making it hard to get skilled staff. Also, Covid-19 changes customer habits and while we go down levels, many people are still choosing to work from home. We join the call to push hard for at least 90% vaccination as soon as possible. It is the only way to get our city back to life and our businesses back on their feet. Without full vaccination, we will face rolling lockdowns, which will devastate small business. PN www.greylynn-around.com
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CONSTRUCTION
S T A RT E D Limited number of sky residences available – for further details contact Jason and Scarlett. Jason Gaddes
Scarlett Wood
M +64 21 994 921 M +64 21 686 856 jason.gaddes@nzsir.com scarlett.wood@nzsir.com
51ALBERT.COM
Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Browns Real Estate Ltd (Licensed Under The REAA 2008) MREINZ.
LOCAL NEWS
GAEL BALDOCK:
The story the Auckland Council doesn't want you to read The original budget for the 'native bush restoration' was $436,896. However an ongoing public lead investigation has already unearthed costs that run to over $1,800,000 and we are still decades away from a ‘restored forest’. These costs are dwarfed by the millions of dollars of needless damage done to the forest. An estimated 15,000 existing natives were destroyed. Auckland Council and Waitematā Local Board are concerned that the contractor was not advised that they must adhere to the mandated 'Visser Low Impact Methodology'. This was one of 10 conditions of the Board's Resolution WTM/2020/268 giving the go ahead to the ironically named 'Western Springs Forest Native Forest Restoration Plan'. The Board, representing the landowner, is responsible for guardianship of this 'Significant Ecological Area'. No one in Council is claiming that the contractors were advised they must use this methodology, "to extent legally possible" under the Resource Consent. Of course, no one is claiming that the work complied with that methodology – because the devastation done clearly show it does not. Chipping all the tree trunks was an afterthought, not in the contract. It turned 7800sqm into a wasteland. Here 3,900 plants were planted in shovel depth of unweathered chip. These were intended to go in amongst the existing ngahere to form the new canopy, not only in quarter of the site. Since the contractors were not told "to protect the existing and regenerating ecology", they even destroyed 937sqm of designated 'Priority Areas for Protection'. The resource consent stated track would be "disestablished and the area returned to the general topographical formation that existed prior to the works being undertaken", within 3 months of the felling. That has not occurred so the overland watercourse has not been returned. The 'Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act' requires information is received in 20 working days. Yet in one particular LGOIMA request, seeking information on costs incurred, public investigators waited 190 days for a response. These costs should have been readily at hand. Costing of projects is normally done prior to implementation. These are ratepayer funds.
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Auckland Council has clearly been reluctant to answer this question. LGOIMA responses have been vague, misleading and many of the costs excluded - for example, the Council incurred huge legal costs for the resource consent and appeal with the Environment Court Mediation. Since their lawyers are on retainer, Council claim they can't extrapolate the amount. Yet all lawyers record their time! The Environment Court Mediation established a 'Community Liaison Group', so that Community and Council could work together. But some Council staff refused to cooperate and withheld information. The Council also refused the CLG access to the site to allow inspections to confirm the work was being done as per the Board resolution. They paid a security company $50,000 per week to keep anyone going on site. When the community representatives on the CLG complained to the chief executive about being bullied and treated very badly by Auckland Council staff, he ordered staff not to attend the CLG meetings. A member of the public, who had been on site, advised the Board that work appeared to not be complying with their resolution. Board members declined to go on site to inspect the work. The Waitematā Local Board might have demonstrated better guardianship of their resolution. Instead of making his staff accountable for their unreasonable conduct, the chief executive has launched a 'Code of Conduct Complaint' against Board Member Sarah Trotman, who as a whistleblower, stood up for transparency and accountability to ratepayers by asking the hard questions. What went wrong? Why? Who was responsible for this fiasco and the millions of dollars of damage done to this ratepayers’ asset? Council staff are trying to obfuscate who is responsible. As a catchall they are saying that ensuring the Waitematā Local Board resolution was complied with, is ultimately the responsibility of Chief Executive, Jim Stabback. It is time for Auckland Council CEO, Jim Stabback to resign. (GAEL BALDOCK, Environment Court Mediation Appellant and PN Community Advocate)
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
KEN RING:
WEATHER BY THE MOON AUCKLAND WEATHER DIARY, OCTOBER 2021 October may be much wetter than average, cloudier and with lower temperatures than normal. The first week is the sunniest and the warmest, the second week may be the wettest with lowest atmospheric pressures, the fourth week should have the lowest overnight temperatures, and the last week may have the highest pressures. The barometer should average about 1015mbs. Most rain may be around the 22nd. The 30th/31st could be the best weekend for outdoor activities. For fishers, the highest tides are around 8th. The best fishing bite-times in the east are around dusk on 4th-6th, and 18th21st. Chances are also good for around noon of 11th-13h, and 26th-28th.
For gardeners, planting is best between 7th-12th (waxing moon ascending), and pruning is best between 22nd-26th (waning moon descending). For preserving and longer shelflife, pick crops or flowers on neap tide days of 14th and 30th Always allow 24-hour error for all forecasting. (KEN RING) For future weather for any date, and the 2021 NZ Weather Almanac, see www.predictweather.com.
Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.
HUNGRY & FEELING THIRSTY? WE ARE SPOILT FOR CHOICE!
THERE ARE NOW 295 PLACES IN THE WESTERN BAYS, WHERE YOU CAN EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY. THEY ARE ALL LISTED IN THE PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK...
ponsonbynews.co.nz/ponsonby-little-black-book PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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LOCAL NEWS
PONSONBY U3A: OCTOBER
2021
A great city needs a beating heart. There’s nothing like a Zoom with a passionate advocate to dispel lockdown gloom. Ponsonby U3A members were lucky enough to have Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City, the business association for Auckland’s city centre, as guest speaker for their September meeting. Charged with fostering a successful city centre economy with a vibrant, accessible, and thriving heart, Viv inspired members by shining a light on the future beating heart of Auckland. The city has been hit by a perfect storm. The pandemic resulted in loss of spending by tourists, students and people working from home. Large scale construction ripped up streets and many small businesses. The life drained out of the city leaving it deserted, and as Viv says, 'almost apocalyptic-like'. Heart of the City, supportive of the government health response, liaised with government agencies and businesses to focus on recovery and rebuilding. Starting with click-and-collect capability, events came next, ranging from August restaurant month, exhibitions such as Van Gogh and Toi Tū Toi Ora, to shows like The Lion King and Jersey Boys. Despite lockdown setbacks, huge progress has been made. Many businesses have returned to the city. The Waterloo Quadrant has had a major transformation with state-of-the art offices while retaining its marine heritage. Prime occupancy of office space is holding up. Residents, an important part of the recovery, are increasing as new apartments become available and major residential developments are underway or planned. Shared offices are appearing indicating working people miss collegiality and friendships. Commercial Bay and Britomart have transformed retail, restaurant, and hotel experiences in the centre. Transformative access is seeing the growth of public transport going up and cars remaining static. Access, for the disabled, for distribution, for vehicles delivering people to events is important. Heart of the City believes the City Rail Link will be vital provided impacted businesses are compensated. The Business Association also supports initiatives to house rough sleepers and provide work opportunities. Safety is being worked on with a greater police presence encouraged. Rounding off her inspiring vision, Viv emphasised that the iconic Queen Street needs to be part of Auckland’s beating heart. Still on the recovery theme, U3A member Carole Davies gave an equally impassioned account of her work in the community. In 2017 she became involved with a fledgling group to rid her community’s part of the Newmarket Stream of weeds and pests and over ten years, replace them with native plants. As the name of the project, ‘From the Deck’ implies, success depended on reaching out to neighbours, to local boards for funding, to Council, to Healthy Waters for advice, and to Conservation Volunteers New Zealand to provide workers.
Viv Beck
If you are new to the area, in need of a stimulus or a bit lonely there is always a welcome at Ponsonby U3A. Guests are invited to attend monthly meetings held on the second Friday of each month but beforehand, please call President, Philippa Tait. The meeting features a guest speaker drawn from every discipline and a member gives a short presentation on their life and interests. Members are encouraged to join at least one of about 30 special interest groups held in people’s homes. This is where the shared learning and the friendships are made. Given the current Covid-19 climate it is certain that we will need to meet next by Zoom. Guest speaker for the October meeting is Associate Stephen Hoadley on British Foreign Policy and AUKUS. (CHRISTINE HART) PN NEXT MEETING: By Zoom at 10am, Friday 8 October.
Their combined success is palpable. They have cleared weeds, removed pests and debris, built paths and bridges and by June 2021 they had planted 4,350 native trees, grasses, and flaxes. Now they work with other such community groups to share information, expertise, and advocacy. Carole describes the experience as one of the most satisfying in her career. What’s more, the birds are back!
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ENQUIRIES:
Philippa Tait, President, Ponsonby U3A, M: 027 452 3108, www.u3a.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
WAITEMATĀ LOCAL BOARD SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR GOOD CITIZENS’ AWARDS Waitematā Local Board is seeking nominations for its Good Citizens’ Awards. These awards recognise individuals and groups going above and beyond for the benefit of the diverse communities within the local board area. The board introduced its Good Citizens’ Awards in 2013 and has run the event biennially since then. Waitematā Local Board Chair Richard Northey says sometimes the work recognised reaches further than just the Waitematā Local Board area. “At our last Good Citizens’ Awards ceremony in 2019, award recipients included community groups, I Got Your Backpack, and US Youth New Zealand. While both groups do important work with communities and young people in our local board area, they also help and empower people across Aotearoa.” Chair Northey says in addition, awards were given to a variety of individuals for making a positive difference; like Newton Central School student Luca Scott who fund-raised successfully for a basketball hoop to be installed at the school, and Rohan MacMahon for establishing the Auckland Street Choir in response to rising homelessness in the city centre.
Contact the Waitematā Local Board office for assistance if you would like to make your nomination by phone, email, or post: 09 301 0101 or waitematalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Nominations are open now, closing on Sunday 17 October 2021 at 11.59pm. The successful nominees will be recognised at the Waitematā Local Board Good Citizens' Awards ceremony, which will be held at the Auckland Town Hall on the evening of Friday 26 November 2021. AWARD CATEGORIES Individual Award Recognising individuals who give their time to make a positive difference for the benefit of the community.
“Our local board immensely values community-led work and our Good Citizens’ Awards is one of the ways we celebrate this good work. We encourage people to make nominations,” he said.
Children and Young People Award (24 years of age and under) Recognising children and young people under 24 who give their time to make a positive difference for the benefit of the community.
You can nominate a person or group working to make a positive difference within the Waitematā Local Board area by using the online nomination form at our website: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemata
Community Group Award Recognising community organisations or groups that make an outstanding contribution to the community, and/or that provide a platform for people to volunteer their time. PN
Waitematā Good Citizens' Awards 2019 ceremony
PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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LOCAL NEWS
AD CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT TO BRING IN DEPOSITS ON BEVERAGE CONTAINERS The Kiwi Bottle Drive is launching an ad campaign today, to encourage the government to immediately implement a beverage container return scheme. Every year 1.3 billion beverage containers end up either littered or landfilled in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is more than half the total number of drinks put on the market, and equivalent to around 30 times the size of the Beehive. A key solution to our rubbish crisis is a 20-cent refundable deposit on all beverage containers. A well-designed Container Return Scheme would more than double New Zealand’s beverage container return rate, from the current rate of around 40%, up to 85% or even higher. The result would be less landfilling, less litter, more high-quality recycling, more green jobs, and the potential to wash and reuse more bottles too – like in the old days. “We already know that 83% of New Zealanders and 90% of local councils, as well as organisations like Coca Cola and the New Zealand Beverage Council, support the introduction of a nation-wide beverage container return scheme,” said Olga Darkadaki, campaigner at the Kiwi Bottle Drive. Local councils stand to make significant gains under an effective container return scheme, which could see collective savings in the tens of millions each year. “The government already has a comprehensive proposed scheme specifically for Aotearoa, having funded a design process throughout 2019 and 2020. All that is now required is for the government to take the next step and agree to making
38 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
this scheme a reality in New Zealand through law,” added Darkadaki. “Rather than winding up on beaches, roadsides and in landfills, bottles and cans will be collected and made available for good quality recycling or better yet, reuse,” added Darkadaki. New Zealand is lagging behind other countries when it comes to container return schemes. Such initiatives are commonplace throughout Canada, Europe, and increasingly, Australia, which will have a scheme in all states by 2023. Countries with container return schemes see far higher return rates than countries without schemes, and much lower rates of litter. For example, Germany’s scheme, operational since 2002, achieves a return rate of 98%. “We can’t afford to let these massive quantities of valuable recyclable materials simply become rubbish and marine pollution. Adopting a national container return scheme with a 20-cent deposit on beverage containers is essential. We urge the government to act and call on the New Zealand public to help us push the government to do this,” said Darkadaki. The public can show their support for a comprehensive Container Return Scheme for Aotearoa by sending an email to Environment Minister, David Parker through the Kiwi Bottle Drive website www.kiwibottledrive.nz PN
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE MEETING ROOMS AVAILABLE! The Ponsonby Community Centre is situated at the Three Lamps end of Ponsonby, with ready access to fabulous cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for your next meeting! The Centre has professionally presented, medium and small meeting rooms; or larger hall spaces for seminars or workshops. Their board room, the Gluepot, is equipped with wifi, a projector screen, a white board, a smart TV, kitchenette and a projector PN (separate hire fee). The Centre will be open again when Auckland is in Level 2. Contact them on info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz for more information.
HIRE A MEETING ROOM IN THE HEART OF PONSONBY!
Ponsonby Community Centre Business hours availability Special rates for community groups
For more information and hire rates email info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz or visit our website www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz/venue-hire
PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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Photography: Connor Crawford
LOCAL NEWS
MEET THE LOCAL IT COMPANY SET TO LAUNCH A REMOTE WORK SHAKEDOWN... After 20 years IT troubleshooting for New Zealand businesses, Ponsonby based Fisheye are launching a new online workshop platform to help improve remote work tech issues. London, 1997. Jeremy Hunt was 22. Two years out of uni he’d landed a technician job with Barclay’s investment bank during its biggest IT project of that era, the London Stock Exchange crossover from analogue to digital. "The City in the mid 90s was the wild west. Information technology was brand new and everyone was thinking big. But people were also nervous. Digitising the LSE was like swapping the tracks out with the trains still running. I remember the night we finished the testing and were ready to hand over. We were all terrified. "All the big investment banks were lining up to patch in their servers. At about 2.00am our number was up and my boss hit enter. The drives spun up and the cooling fans engaged and we all just stared at this little green light on the front panel. Finally, this bloody light stopped flashing and went solid. That was that. The LSE had gone digital!" It was a baptism of fire that served Hunt well. By the early 2000s he was back in Auckland with a dream of his own. Fisheye IT was born and he never looked back. "Those early years in London were super exciting technically, but the big takeaway for me was to never leave the people out of the equation. Time and time again that proved the case, even with our biggest corporate clients. Technology only does its job if people can engage with it properly."
issues that would have previously been thought of as personal problems, not company ones. "The number of times we’ve seen a major bottleneck caused by a lost password, or printer not connecting, or a laptop crashing at a critical moment – it’s crazy. Multiply that by however many staff you have and it’s a big problem. We thought it was a good moment to pivot and help solve the problem. As a partner brand to Fisheye, Hunt and Cadwallader are launching Bootup, an online workshop and micro-learning platform for businesses with remote staff and freelancers who lean heavily on home hubs. "We’re throwing our arms around the whole issue of remote working from an IT perspective. Bootup will offer full shakedown of security, device optimising, password management – absolutely everything people need to keep their personal IT in good order and stop operational bottlenecks. We’ll be deploying our substantial tech experience to make sure it’s done properly. "We’ve had an amazing response so far with test sessions. This is something remote workers really want and it’s something managers and business owners are quite desperate for. We see it as digital wellbeing or just another way of keeping a healthy work/life balance."
Now, as the 20th anniversary of Fisheye approaches, Hunt and client manager Rae Cadwallader, are about to launch their next venture.
The Bootup website is now live and booking its first series of workshops in November. All welcome - from individual freelancers to large scale teams.
"We’ve noticed through Covid-19 just how integrated personal devices and home systems have become with business IT systems. When staff work from home, their own personal tech is suddenly critical to operations. Not having the support they get at the office means things can start to slip really quickly. You’d be surprised how much time and money gets lost on tech
"If you’d told me back in ’97 I’d be launching a support service for people’s phones I’d have laughed at you. But then again my iPhone 12 could probably have run the LSE by itself back then!”
40 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
For more information email info@bootup.nz or call T: 09 941 8340.
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
DISRUPTION NO OBSTACLE FOR BAYLEYS PONSONBY Servicing a community that boasts multiple suburbs in the top ten most expensive areas across the country calls for inventive strategy, bespoke service and an emphasis on results, says the team at Bayleys Ponsonby. Fresh off its second consecutive win as Medium Residential Office of the Year at the recent Real Estate Institute (REINZ) Awards for Excellence, Bayleys Ponsonby is celebrating success and its status as a market leader in what is now New Zealand’s largest industry. With news the property sector feeds more than $41 billion (or 15 per cent GDP) into an economy recovering from pandemic disruption, the moves key players make to drive sales activity become all the more valuable. Recording a six-month auction clearance rate of 83 per cent between February and August 2021, the Bayleys Ponsonby team comprises 17 salespeople and a capable, diligent administrative and management team. Prolific across New Zealand’s most expensive region covering the leafy streets of Freemans Bay, right across the water’s edge to Westmere into the urban reaches of Grey Lynn, the team understands clients in their community are informed and certainly discerning. “The high value of homes means we operate in a market where buyers and sellers have an understanding of market dynamics and usually, an acute eye for design too,” Bayleys Ponsonby Sales Manager Bernadette Morrison says. “As one of the country’s top-performing real estate offices on a proportional basis, attention to detail is key, whether it’s
pouring over professional imagery, advising home staging or creating tailored strategies to capture the attention of buyers that don’t even know they’re in the market yet,” Morrison says. She says her team is empowered further by the strength of the Bayleys brand. Spanning 94 offices from Kerikeri to Invercargill, Bayleys is New Zealand’s largest full-service network, proudly Kiwi owned and operated by the third generation of the Bayleys family. “The family ethos of the Bayleys business continues to inform our inclusive team structure. When a client engages one of our elite team, the salesperson becomes the project manager; informing, advising, managing and collaborating to ensure every moment of the marketing campaign from listing to ultimate sale and beyond settlement exceeds expectations,” Morrison says. Backed by many in-organisation awards and the REINZ Awards for Excellence, the team credits its success to a depth of industry experience, focus on communication and unwavering commitment to service. “This ensures an optimal outcome for clients ensuring they can make an informed decision when buying or selling in this PN aspirational community,” Morrison adds. www.facebook.com/bayleysponsonby
BAYLEYS PONSONBY
Bayleys Ponsonby 09 375 8494 | 305 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services
42 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ANOTHER TWO REASONS WHY
BAYLEYS PONSONBY IS ALTOGETHER BETTER
BAYLEYS PONSONBY IS HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED AT THE 2021 REINZ AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE. THE REINZ AWARDS PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE EXCELLENCE IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY.
2020
2021
Awards for Excellence in Real Estate
Awards for Excellence in Real Estate
WINNER
WINNER
MEDIUM RESIDENTIAL OFFICE OF THE YEAR Bayleys Ponsonby - 2020 & 2021 We are privileged to be acknowledged by our peers, but the most important thing for us is to be valued by clients – a big thank you for your ongoing support.
0800 BAYLEYS I bayleys.co.nz LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services
LOCAL NEWS
Ponsonby Park - OCTOBER UPDATE The good news continues. The Waitematā Local Board’s top priority, ‘One Local Initiative’ project is the creation of Ponsonby Park, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road. It has been the focus of their considerable advocacy work on behalf of the community since 2015 when they established the volunteer Community-Led Design group.
work programme for 2022-23 and detailed design and consent work be commenced as early as next year!
As Board Chair and Parks portfolio holder Richard Northey advised in September 2020: ”We also confirmed that proceeds from the sale of a commercial building at 200 Victoria Street go to fund the Ponsonby Park project at 254 Ponsonby Road and urged that that project only be delayed by a year. The Local Board does not want to see the development of Ponsonby Park delayed by more than a year due to the impacts of Covid”.
Stage 1 Detailed design and consents. Open space development.
With the allocated budget from the sale of 200 Victoria Street West of $5.5 million now available (and that legally can only be spent on the development of the Ponsonby Park Civic Space) we are excitedly waiting to hear when Stage One of the development will begin. It is no longer reliant on any LTP (Long term plan) funding to do so. We are confident the Waitematā Local Board will persuade Council to return to the original two stage project. Once this is agreed to, Stage One could be put back into the Local Board
44 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
The original plan for Ponsonby Park was as a two stage development.
Stage 2 The buildings. Pre-Covid, the sale of 200 Victoria Street West would have enabled Ponsonby Park to be completed in only one stage. Yet this ‘all-at-once’ plan is not essential, nor given the current inflationary economic conditions, even desirable. The local community, local businesses, and visitors to Ponsonby have been waiting for twenty-one years since the need for the new civic space in Ponsonby was first identified. We think this is long enough. Let’s get it done. (JENNIFER WARD) PN www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
MELISSA LEE:
Backing Auckland businesses during Covid-19 I am incredibly heartened by the amazing levels of support so many here in Auckland have given to their local shops and businesses during the Covid-19 Delta outbreak. It is a difficult time for many with restrictions on trade where they were forced to get creative in providing their essential goods and services as well as coping with paying rents and topping up wages for staff while there was hardly any income to no income. I was thrilled at Level 3 to support my favourite takeaways and coffee places and I know so many others in our gorgeous city were too. From kebabs to cappuccinos, our city rallied to back local businesses and I am looking forward to lower alert levels where we, like the rest of New Zealand, can meet again in our cafes, restaurants, shop more freely and maybe finally get a much needed haircut. Covid-19 has been devastating on so many small business owners with mortgages, rent, and overheads to think about, let alone their families and their futures. I want to acknowledge all those who are still facing hardships and make sure you know we are championing your needs in Parliament. I am regularly in contact with Government officials helping SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Business Enterprises) navigate the complex issues Covid-19 has brought to the way we live and work. Know we are doing everything possible to help keep your businesses afloat and to support you.
In particular, I have recently been urging the government to make better investment into vaccine information translation so more people in our country, no matter their ethnic background, can get the vaccine as soon as possible and was pleased to see greater investment has been made towards ethnic outreach in the Covid-19 response. Most importantly, we are fighting to get our economy working again so generations of Kiwis are not saddled with crippling debt for decades to come. Whether you need help understanding the Covid-19 alert level rules, support accessing the wage subsidies or anything else, my Parliamentary team are here to help. Just give us a call on 09 520 0538 or send me an email at MPLee@parliament.govt.nz. These lines remain active when we are required to work from home with English, Mandarin Chinese and Korean language support available. (I can say personally I am on the phone constantly right now fighting for constituents late into the night!) Once we get back to lower alert levels my office is able to operate safely for booked appointments, please get in touch. PN Keep safe everyone! (MELISSA LEE MP)
If you require any assistance I and my office are always happy and ready to provide advice and support Please get in touch on 09 520 0538 or at MPLee@parliament.govt.nz to make an appointment.
Melissa Lee National List MP based in Auckland MPLee@parliament.govt.nz • melissalee.co.nz •
mpmelissalee
Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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LOCAL NEWS Photography John Clark
Accusations of racism and colonialism marginalise Māori in the maunga tree debate We read in your last issue with exasperation Mark Graham’s racially based criticism of those trying to prevent Tūpuna Maunga Authority from felling around 2500 exotic trees on Auckland’s maunga (volcanic cones). Ironically, the racists are the Pākeha who are taking the Authority’s side. This is because incorrectly positioning an environmental issue as a racial one has focused attention on the Pākeha who want to save the trees, while ignoring and thereby marginalising the many Tangata Whenua and People of Colour who disagree with the Authority’s environmentally destructive plans. This narrative also conveniently neglects to acknowledge that a maunga tree protection group – Protect Mt Richmond/ Ōtāhuhu – is led by a Māori woman who shares the same concerns as the well-known Honour the Maunga group at Ōwairaka/Mt Albert. But there’s a far bigger issue at hand, and that is the extent to which Tūpuna Maunga Authority and its supporters are actually undermining – not protecting - Mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge and culture). What is Tūpuna Maunga Authority and how it is disrespecting Māori culture and knowledge? A 2014 Treaty settlement vested ownership of 14 Auckland volcanic cones (maunga) in a collective of 13 iwi/hapu on the basis that they are held in trust for the common benefit of that collective and “all other people of Auckland”. The “others” include Tangata Whenua from iwi/hapu who were not part of that Treaty settlement, and people from other ethnicities. All maunga are public reserves, and public access is guaranteed. Tūpuna Maunga Authority is the administering body for the maunga (it does not own them). It is a ratepayer funded cogovernance organisation, whose voting members equally comprise iwi collective and Auckland Council representatives. Thus, criticisms of the Authority are levelled at its Auckland Council members as much as anyone. Although it is a Crown construct, the Authority had the opportunity to exercise true tino rangatiratanga (self-determination authority and chiefly autonomy) and operate in accordance with Mātauranga Māori principles. Instead, it has been corporatised into a winner takes all model that weaponises race. It gives no voice to Tamaki Makaurau’s
46 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
Shirley Waru
kaumatua and kuia and even less voice to Tangata Whenua and others in local communities. A true rangitira (leader) works for the people and is a master of weaving (ranga) them together – something that is not happening regarding the maunga trees and other Authority decisions. Instead, the Authority and its supporters are playing the deeply divisive race card to distract attention away from its environmentally, culturally and socially harmful actions. In eroding Mātauranga Māori the Authority and its supporters are eroding Māori identity, which concerns us deeply. It is doing this in many ways, such as by failing to act in accordance with Tikanga Māori or its required protocols. For example, after more than a year of denials, the Authority admitted that nobody was consulted about the specific intention to get rid of all the exotic trees; in fact, this was never even voted on. PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
Have your say
On proposed speed limit changes around Waitematā A tikanga-led approach would have seen extensive and genuine grassroots consultation with maunga communities about the tree felling plans. Who are the real Kaitiaki? Central to Māori culture is the belief in one universal lifeforce – Mauri, which binds all things together as one collective energy across space, time, location and dimensions. To us, everything is born of the earth, Papatūānuku, and has the same life force that comes from the Creator, Io Te Waiora. Protecting Papatūānuku and all of her children should therefore lie at the front and centre of all decision making. In claiming to exercise Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) the Authority disrespects our culture because this requires honouring the whakapapa (ancestry) of the maunga themselves and all the Kaitiaki such as the birds, native and exotic trees, and other life forms.
Speed Limits Amendment Bylaw 2022 Auckland Transport is proposing to set new permanent speed limits on approximately 800 roads around Auckland, including some roads in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Freemans Bay, Newmarket and Parnell. Give your feedback by 14 November 2021 Come and talk to us Speak to someone in person at our drop-in session: Saturday 13 November, 10am - 12pm Grey Lynn Library Hall, 474 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
J007502_22.09.21 - Ponsonby News
Pouroto Ngaropo, Korowai
To learn more and tell us what you think, go to: AT.govt.nz/haveyoursay For more information visit AT.govt.nz or phone 09 355 3553
The Authority claims felling the exotic trees will put the Mana and Mauri back in to the maunga. To suggest that the maunga are weakened and sick because of the exotic trees is wrong; Papatūānuku clearly wants them there or she wouldn’t let them grow. It is also wrong to imply Mana and Mauri are exclusive to Māori only. In fact, each of us as living beings have Mana and Mauri. Pākeha wokeness is patronising and racist It strikes us that many Pākeha defenders of the Authority’s tree-felling plans are going against what they know is the environmentally right thing to do in an attempt to feel better about themselves and to atone for their guilt about “white privilege”. Yet defending the Authority’s environmentally damaging and culturally inappropriate actions in an attempt to somehow protect Māori is condescending, self-satisfying and racist in a whole new way. It is time to stop thinking of the maunga tree issue as a racial matter, for it is not; it is an environmental one. To position it as otherwise distracts attention from the questions that need to be asked around why this is being done and how this will benefit anybody other than tree felling contractors and lawyers. We therefore call upon Tūpuna Maunga Authority and its supporters to act in the spirit of partnership, in accordance with – and respect for - our ancestors’ teachings. (POUROTO NGAROPO) (Ngāti Awa ki te Awa o Te Atua, Te Tāwera Hapū) (SHIRLEY WARU) (Te Rarawa o Ngāpui/Te Uri o Tai) PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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HELENE RAVLICH:
It’s safe to say that for many of us, our usual fitness and wellness routines went out the window when we went into 2020’s first level four lockdown. We were locked out of the gym and yoga studios, and forced to cancel our long-term plans for wellness retreats. We started working out at home and definitely got on with it as best we could, and approaches to wellness changed dramatically as a result.
Sala Instructors, photography Seb Charles
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
LET’S GET PHYSICAL Barre at Sala, photography by Seb Charles
Trend reports say that instead of working out to the point of exhaustion, people have started taking a more holistic approach to their overall well-being, discovering what makes them feel happy and healthy, rather than simply the quickest way to achieve killer abs or the perfect butt. Now we’re back in level four again over a year later, it’s time to think about some of the most popular forms of exercise – and the local businesses we’ll be supporting once life gets back on track!
spend dripping sweat and hitting goals, as well as improving energy levels, metabolic rate, strength, and endurance. F45 Training workouts are designed to unify the muscle groups of the body and to help make you feel and perform better in all aspects of your life, and the functional training classes they offer continuously evolve so virtually no two workout are ever the same. Participants aim to burn up to 750 calories per 45-minute session, which is definitely no mean feat!
I’m a huge fan of barre when I want a fast, active class that quite literally keeps me on my toes. My studio of choice for barre is Ponsonby’s SALA, where a variety of amazing teachers each offer their unique take on the discipline. SALA founder, Sarah Lindsay, calls barre “the perfect all-round class, whether you're brand new to movement or someone hitting a plateau in your regular movement patterns. Due to its low impact quality, it's gentle on the joints making it perfect for those new to movement or recovering from an injury”. In class you'll always spot a few heavily pregnant women too, who aren't ready to let go of movement altogether but need that low impact form. “Don't let the low impact fool you into thinking you won't get the results though,” adds Sarah, “as barre targets and isolates small muscle groups using lighter weights, repetition and static holds to define and lengthen muscles, improve posture and gain flexibility. You'll be surprised, you'll be feeling stronger and more toned than you have in a long time!”
F45 Training F45 Training is definitely for those wanting to go hard, and go fast. The ‘F’ stands for functional training, and F45 is best described as a mix of circuit and HHIT-style workouts geared towards everyday movement. The ‘45’ is for the minutes you’ll
photography www.unsplash.com
Barre
PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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photography www.unsplash.com
50 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LET’S GET PHYSICAL Nikki Ralston, photography Tim Shoultz
Yoga Yoga is a discipline that many I know embraced under the original lockdown, and still practice today. My go-to teacher is Nikki Ralston, Auckland yogini and founder of Brown Street yoga studio, Urban Ashram. A favourite with locals and those that make the trip into Ponsonby alike, her studio is always incredibly welcoming and the wonderful Nikki’s passion - and laugh - is instantly infectious. Having devised her own yoga practice which blends together the best elements of hatha, vinyasa, precision alignment and mindfulness teachings, Nikki has created something really rather special in her boutique Ponsonby oasis, empowering her students to become their own guru in whatever they do. She stresses that yoga really is for everybody, “and it isn't all about touching your toes. It's more about what you might learn about yourself as you try, and just turning up for yourself and connecting to your body and breath, brings clarity and calm through uncertain times". She adds that bringing yoga into your life is “so much more than becoming more physically flexible, it has helped my mind become less rigid and more adaptable. Your nervous system controls everything in the body, so learning tools to regulate our nervous system through yoga helps us to navigate through stressful moments in life with more ease."
Pilates Pilates, popularised by famous faces for its long, lean, and sculpted aesthetic, has become a household name. It’s so much more than a fad however, with a significant history and a discipline that is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, size, ability, or current fitness level. The Pilates repertoire, which includes mat and specialised equipment exercises, is made up of over 600 exercises and variations. There’s something for everyone, whether you have a sedentary lifestyle, are a weekend warrior, are pregnant, are undergoing rehab, have anxiety, or even a professional athlete. And though there is an emphasis on core work in Pilates, core strength alone is not the
end goal. Rather, using that core strength to develop functional and sustainable movement patterns throughout the body is what keeps every Pilates devotee coming back for more. Created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, the exercises coordinate movement and breath together to work the smaller and deeper stabilising muscles of the body as much as your prime movers, and some great local studios offering a range of different Pilates classes include the aforementioned SALA, Kcore Pilates, Re:ab on Selbourne and Core Collective in City Works Depot.
Meditation If you’re committed to goal setting and letting go of stress, it doesn’t come much better than a regular meditation practice. Be it training in Transcendental Meditation (a favourite of creative types like David Lynch and Lady Gaga), using an app or just practising mindfulness wherever you are, there are thousands of studies that have shown meditation can positively impact mental and physical health. Whether it’s by reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing focus, or improving relationships, research shows that meditation – when practiced regularly – works. Studio Red owner Vicky Cullinane explained it best when she once told me, "Meditation is about taking time to clear your head and relax your body. Meditation, yoga, drinking tea; all these practices are quiet moments. They are coping tools so that we have clarity around everything we want to achieve and the energy to do it.” Meditation is a great way to truly spend time with yourself and build a wonderful, healthy, successful relationship with you. Supplements are also available that can give a boost to all of the above, whether you’re looking to dial your energy levels up or calm your system down. And adding a new set of active-wear to the mix can definitely help too - incorporating sportswear into your look is an extra incentive to make mindful movement a regular part of your day. (HELENE RAVLICH) PN
PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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LIVING, THINKING + BEING
WANT IMPRESSIVE RESULTS, WANT TO BURN UP TO 800 CALORIES IN 45 MINUTES? HERE’S HOW What is F45 Training? F45 Training is a global fitness community specializing in innovative, high-intensity group workouts that are fast, fun, and results-driven. F45 classes are a mix of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training and functional training (exercises that help you move better in your day-to-day life) and are designed to help you burn fat, get stronger and improve your overall fitness level. What is Functional Fitness? While it's cool to be able to press 75kg over your head or flip truck tires like a diner cook flips pancakes, when in real life you are probably never going to need to do those things. That's where the F in F45 comes in. It stands for functional training. Functional training helps provide you with the strength, stability and mobility to excel during your everyday life. The emphasis in F45 is on training the body to perform well, both in and out of the gym. What can you expect in an F45 Class? All but Saturday, our classes are 45 minutes long — just long enough to get a butt-kicking, full-body workout, but short enough for busy people who don't have hours and hours to spend at the gym. Your time is used with great efficiency. You don't have to have any experience to participate in F45, but you do need to have an open mind and a readiness to try new things. You have to be brave enough to walk through our door for the first time. After that, we’ll help you to get to where you want to be Calories burned during an F45 Class. In any of our classes, you can expect to burn 500 to 800 calories in 45 minutes. Of course, calorie burning depends on a number of factors, including your gender, age, weight, fitness level and genetics. Ultimately, it comes down to the effort you put in. The harder you work in each class, the more calories you'll burn. You can use the F45 LionHeart wireless heart rate monitors to track your workout. At the end of your workout, you will receive an email with a recap, including calories, heart rate and point score.
52 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
Is F45 Training for everyone? If all of that sounds pretty intimidating, don't stress. F45 classes are made for people of all fitness levels, from beginners to athletes. That's one of the great things about F45: Every exercise can be regressed or progressed to suit individual needs. If you're on the fence and feeling a little nervous about trying it out, don't be; F45 is about community and having fun. After all, our motto is 'team training — life changing', and most importantly – community! You’re not just another number in a big box gym. You are supported by us and the people you train with. We are your work-out community, and we are always there for you – on Facebook, in challenge groups, workshops, socially and more. “People at any level of fitness can come in and do the workout, and I had never seen somebody who’s clearly in the beginning of their fitness journey working out with somebody who is an elite athlete, and being able to do the same exercises, where they’re modified, never the same exercise twice. It's fantastic," states Mark Wahlberg. “I’ve been a fan of the F45 franchise and training model since being introduced by my friend, Mark Wahlberg,” explains David Beckham. “Health and fitness have always been a big part of my life and, since my days playing football, I've always found I’m at my best when training as part of a team." F45 has a strong community and trainers that help you reach your goals and achieve powerful results. Join us.
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LIVING, THINKING + BEING
JOHN APPLETON:
FIRE UP THE SLOW COOKER – GREAT TASTE – EASY TO DIGEST – HEALTHY IMMUNITY Recently a friend was telling me that a lot of people are packing on the pounds during lockdowns. It’s not surprising given that for a lot of folks, their daily exercise can involve many trips to the refrigerator. Here’s a healthy alternative to perpetual snacking that’s easy to make, exceptionally nutritious very easily digested and it’s very economical. To get started so you can enjoy the benefits of a wonderful health inducing meal, you will need a slow cooker preferably larger than 5 litres. Briscoes is a good place to start if you don’t have one. They have a 6.5 litre ‘Zip’ model for $70. It’s really good to know that not only will you have dinner that night there is likely to be plenty left over for lunch the next day and dinner as well. The team at Harvest Wholefoods in Richmond Road Grey Lynn will have everything that you will need including, some wonderful Kallo stock cubes for flavouring and Ceres 'Country Soup Mix’ to add some bulk. While it can be more costly to purchase organic or non-sprayed vegetables, I prefer to use these if available. With a slow cooker meal, it’s anything goes. It can be all vegetables or a combination of both vegetables and meat. Cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, kumara, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onions and leeks are on my list. If you can resist the temptation to open a bottle of wine, the savings will allow you to go the extra mile for flavour and nutrition and add in some wonderful ‘Best Bones Broth’. Bone broth is top of mind for many health-conscious people around the world. While it is very trendy today it’s by no means a new fad. Bone broth which is made by simmering animal bones has a long history. Cultures around the globe have been making it for thousands of years and it remains a huge part of traditional cuisines.
Bone broth is a great place to find over 19 easy to absorb, essential and non-essential amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). You also get collagen which helps form connective tissue and gelatin to support digestive function. For anyone with tummy troubles, bone broth should be a first port of call. I am happy with either all vegetables or with the addition of some meat. I have been varying my slow cooker ‘recipes’ using either chicken thighs, cubed beef or a ham hock. The ham hock has a lot of ‘flavour’ built in and for the last few hours of cooking, it pays to open the windows. If using chicken or a ham hock, it’s best to lift it carefully out of the slow cooker, remove the bones and any unwanted skin and then add it back in. During these tough times, it’s important that we support our local businesses. Many have had a tough time during the lockdown period. Grey Lynn Meats at 531 Great North Road is listed in the top ten butchers in Auckland. Tell them what you are planning, and they will give you what you need. I start out in the morning and have everything chopped up and ready to go at 8.30am and by 9am the slow cooker is ready to be switched on. It’s best to use filtered water and boil it up in the kettle, so it saves heating time with the slow cooker. Apart from an occasional stir if I am passing, there is nothing more to do until I switch it off at 6pm and sit down to enjoy it. I remove the ceramic pot and stand it in the sink without the lid to allow it to cool down before putting it in the refrigerator for the night. PN (JOHN APPLETON) E: john@johnappleton.co.nz www.johnappleton.co.nz
She only ever wanted what was best for you. Now let us help you with what’s best for her. There are certain people in life who shape who you are. Special people who were always there to give you advice, support, comfort and love. When the time comes to bid them farewell, make sure to farewell them properly. Talk to us we’ll help you do exactly that. 31 Ocean View Road, Northcote | 09 489 5737 | office@hmorris.co.nz
54 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LIVING, THINKING + BEING
SAVE NATIVE BIRDS IN YOUR BACKYARD Did you know that 80% of New Zealand’s native birds are in trouble due to factors like habitat loss and introduced predators? If you’d like to lay out the welcome mat for native birds, it’s essential to make sure our garden is a safe and attractive place to visit (or even live, if we’re lucky). · Set traps to keep predator numbers down. · Keep cats inside: extra important at dusk and during the night. · Place feed stations and birdbaths out of reach of introduced predators. · Clean bird feeders or water bowls regularly to prevent disease. · Provide plentiful water for birds to drink and bathe in, especially in summer. Rather than simply feeding native birds, the best long-term plan is to create an environment that’s naturally full of food. Native trees and shrubs provide shelter, food, and nesting places. Planting and protecting them will attract native birds. · Consider planting a range of natives so your garden is a year-round source of berries, nectar-bearing flowers, seeds, insect habitats, and even lichen and moss. Kōwhai, Pūriri, Makomako and Kawakawa are perfect. · Group plants at various heights – including some taller ones – for diversity and bird safety. · Let twigs and leaf litter build up on the ground. This creates a home for the insects that many native birds, like our beloved piwakawaka (fantail) rely on for food. And it’s good for your soil too.
· If you have room, create a more private “wilderness” area away from the house where birds can nest and rear their chicks. The need to feed While your native planting gets established, you may need to supplement with some food. Try hammering some nails high into a fence-post or board and putting fruit on the nails for nectar loving birds – try orange halves, pears, apples, kiwifruit and persimmons. Avoid feeding native birds these five foods · Grain – it attracts introduced birds to the detriment of natives. · Bread – birds that eat a lot of bread can become malnourished. · Dairy – birds can’t digest milk and it can create stomach problems. · Honey – birds love honey water, but this practice can spread bee diseases. · Cooked oats or porridge – as they can turn to ‘concrete’ around a bird’s beak.
ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz
Spend $100 & save $20* *excluding refills and third party products From the 17th-31st of October save $20 when you spend $100! Our retail store is open with restrictions under level 3, or for the same ecostore deals head to ecostore.co.nz where we are always open at all levels.
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Visit us in store
Mon–Fri 10am-6pm Sat–Sun 10am-5pm Public Holidays hours may vary
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Isabel Marant Etoile Naomi Skirt Isabel Marant Etoile Mindy Logo Sweatshirt
Isabel Marant Etoile Maelys Dress
Isabel Marant Casablanca Bracelet
Isabel Marant Etoile Harveli Shirt Jacket
FASHION + STYLE
@ WORKSHOP
Isabel Marant Nayogi Bag
Isabel Marant Castay Ankle Boot
Chloe Lauren Lace Up Sneaker
WORKSHOP, Ponsonby, 74 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 361 3727, Newmarket, 18 Morrow Street, T: 09 524 6844, www.workshop.co.nz Click & Collect service available from Ponsonby and Newmarket
稀攀戀爀愀渀漀
匀椀爀攀渀
56 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
䴀攀最愀渀 匀愀氀洀漀渀
䰀攀洀漀渀 吀爀攀攀 䴀愀爀挀漀 倀漀氀漀
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
FASHION + STYLE
THE STYLING BOUTIQUE A NEW WAY TO STORM YOUR STYLE Designed with their customers in mind, and the styling they have come to love and know from them, STORM have opened their brand-new concept store in Grey Lynn. With generous fitting rooms styled around walk-in wardrobes, a lounge area with drinks on hand, and onsite parking, this new space will elevate your shopping experience. Showcasing their current collection, you can pop in and shop when it suits, or book in with your favourite STORM stylist to help with your wardrobe wants and needs. You can even book the space out for group styling sessions or events! We sit down with the brains behind the brand, Deborah Caldwell, to talk about the Styling Boutique and what’s next for STORM. Q + A WITH DEB: What inspired the Styling Boutique? “Traditional, bricks & mortar, retail was changing. Our customers wanted something new, something more personable; an experience. The Styling Boutique was our solution to that. A space that caters for a truly personalised and unique shopping experience. It’s a beautiful calming space, and definitely makes the experience very relaxing.” “Getting to meet our VIP’s face to face. The space is right next to our STORM HQ meaning I can pop in and introduce myself. I often end up having a gin, a few laughs, and showing them a sneak peak of what’s coming soon.” “Since the opening party we’re very excited to host more events in the space! We have a few exciting launches on the
calendar so we’d encourage those in the area to sign up to our VIP database so they get invited!” STORM has been around for 15 years now. Where do you see retail going in the next 15? “Online shopping is continuing to soar in popularity, but I like to think people still want to shop in store – you can’t beat real human interaction. I think retail will always continue to evolve and mix things up, like we have, but having personal relationships with our customers is always going to be our priority.”
551 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday, www.stormonline.com PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
FACES @ GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Edward Pan has been selling certified organic vegetables at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market, since the market started twelve years ago. Where did you grow up? China. I grew up in a village area on the outskirts of Guangzhou. How did you decide to come to New Zealand? I came here 20 years ago. I had heard from friends, and newspaper reports, that New Zealand was a quiet and peaceful place. It sounded like a good fit for me. Did you study horticulture in China? No - I worked as an accountant when I first moved here. I always loved the horticultural aspect of village life but I studied international trade and accounting. Why did you change to become a farmer? I was trying to find a place to live and I noticed an ad for a farm in Whenuapai. It was a horticultural business. How did you learn to run the farm? The previous owner trained me for a few months before I took over the business. Since then, I have learned from other experienced growers and learned on the job. What was the farm like when you started? When I started, the farm was half hydroponic lettuces and half land-grown vegetables. I tasted the hydroponic lettuce and hated it - it looked beautiful but it tasted of chemicals. What did your customers think? Back then, the customers were all wholesalers. I tried to talk them into switching to land-grown lettuces. They weren’t interested. They liked the hydroponic lettuces because they were so attractive and clean, but they were very unnatural - I couldn’t get over how white the roots were.
Were you always an organic grower? We were using traditional farming practices, with no herbicide, no insecticides, and no artificial fertilizers. Our market customers liked that and encouraged us to grow more. It was our market customers who suggested that we become certified organic. What did you need to do to become certified organic? It takes three years to become fully certified with Bio Gro. We were very proud when we became fully certified in 2014, but it doesn’t end there. Every year we are audited for the seeds, fertilizer, and other materials that we use. Our soil and water are also tested each year. The standards are demanding so that customers can be assured about how their food is grown. You seem to be getting more and more popular. Yes - our customers are very loyal and they spread the word. Now that we have moved our stall into the Garden Room at the market, there is more space for customers and more space to display our vegetables.
You don’t grow hydroponics any more. No - I couldn’t bring myself to do that so I sold that business and moved to another farm where I could farm in a more traditional way.
How have you coped with the lockdowns? We have been lucky that we could sell everything we produced to wholesalers. But we have been missing our customers and our market friends.
And you changed who you were selling to. Yes - when we moved, our main focus was to grow nutritious and tasty vegetables for ourselves and our children. When we started producing more than we could eat, we started selling the excess at markets. The founders of the Grey Lynn Farmers Market invited us to join their new market and we have been there ever since.
Is that why you sell at the market? Yes - we have got to know our customers well over the years that we have been at the market. I love hearing how people are getting on in their lives and it’s amazing to see parents who used to bring small children with them and now those children have grown up. I’m looking forward to seeing them again when we get back to Level 2. PN
GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET @ the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, www.greylynnfarmersmarket.co.nz
Sunday mornings at the Grey Lynn Community Centre 510 Richmond Road 58 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
DIDA’S WINE LOUNGE ON JERVOIS ROAD, HERNE BAY Dida’s Wine Lounge is located on the spot where it all started for Glengarry back in the 1940s. As Ponsonby News celebrates another milestone, it seems only fitting to share a little history. The very first edition of Ponsonby News featured an advertisement promoting the very site that Dida’s sits on today. Dida is Croatian for grandfather, and as Jak Jakicevich recalls it, "in the early 1920s when my grandfather stepped off the gangway in Auckland, he had a handful of change in his pocket and very little else to call his own. His English was rudimentary, and he had only a passing knowledge of the country that was to shape the rest of his life." Josef Jakicevich arrived in New Zealand in 1920 and for several years he worked as a stonemason in Northland and Auckland, earning a reputation as a first-class tradesman. After seven years, Josef was joined by Marcia Colic. They married and in 1929 had their first son Anthony (Tony) followed by daughter Nada.
for the local wine industry, but change was on the way. In 1948 the Government created wine reseller licences in an effort to assist local winemakers.
By 1940 Josef had saved enough money to purchase ten acres in Glengarry Road, Oratia, West Auckland. 1940 turned out to be a momentous year for the Jakicevich family. A third child, Peter, was born and Josef planted a vineyard, setting the foundation for a thriving and enduring family business.
Josef was quick to see the potential and was granted one of the first two licences issued in Auckland, for the green grocery he had opened on the corner of Jervois Road and Blake Street. It’s on that site that Dida’s Wine Lounge proudly sits today.
From 1940 to 1960 the attitudes prevailing in New Zealand in the post war era were remarkably restrictive and discouraging
Congratulations Ponsonby News! The team at Dida’s look forward to sharing a glass with you and all our local loyal customers as soon as we can. Until then, stay safe everyone. PN
DIDA’S WINE LOUNGE, 60 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2813, www.didaswinelounge.co.nz
“We hope to see xyou you soon.” 60 JERVOIS RD
(0 9) 376 2 813
DIDAS.CO.NZ
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS:
VEGAN VIBE Lockdown came suddenly and despite the rest of the country being in relative freedom, for those of us in Tamaki Makaurau it continues as my deadline looms so no chance of reviewing a local vegan eatery or even a takeaway this month. We were lucky though. We’d been shopping on the day lockdown was announced – to both Countdown and Bulk Food Savings. And even if we hadn’t, we are largely pandemic prepared at all times with our pantry. Hoarding seems to be a genetic trait. Delta hit our local Countdown and Farro Fresh early in the outbreak too so it was just as well. Half of the complex where we live was put into isolation as a consequence. Thankfully we dodged that one. Our bubble is small and it is vegan. We largely eat fresh whole foods at home with an emphasis on legumes, tofu and tempeh. We know how to make bread, how to bake cakes and biscuits and have a good supply of homemade sauerkraut. We have foraged herbs on our bubble walks and have had citrus fruit gifted at our doorstep by friends. Once we had sorted out a few essentials and they had arrived – bulk supplies of Kokako coffee, All Good oat milk and Angel Food cheese locally from The Vegan Shop - we were ready to settle in. We even managed to get some seedlings from Huckleberries so we’ve had fresh lettuce, herbs and spinach growing throughout. Despite being a bit of an early bird myself, I’ve been sure to make the most of these slow start mornings. I’ve been settling into the day with stove top espresso coffee paired with either an assorted toast or oatmeal, often in the sun as I begin my day's work. With all this time at home, I’ve made the most of my kitchen with enthusiastic cooking and baking. So far on my baking journey I’ve made lemon cupcakes, snickerdoodles, jam heart cookies and afghans, all of which have been a hit in my bubble. We have eaten well for the most part with favourite dishes being stir-frys and bento bowls using tempeh or tofu, lasagne using Beyond Meat mince, pumpkin and lentil soups and roasted assorted vege salads for lunch. Anything to use up fresh food, eliminate waste and avoid the dreaded supermarket run. Although I love home-cooked meals and the constant bubble battle of rice/quinoa or noodles to pair with a stir-fry, after five weeks of it I am more than ready to hit the town and continue to try Auckland’s best. Because as much as I love a stove top coffee, nothing quite beats the taste of barista-made at some of my favourites such as Postal Service in Grey Lynn and Remedy Coffee on Wellesley Street. This is a really tough time for those in hospitality. However, great initiatives such as Kokako coffee’s ‘Support Your Local Cafe’ help these businesses just that little bit more. As we move towards level three and hopefully elimination, I am looking forward to supporting our local businesses again by ordering some takeaways and visiting of course in level two. I hope you will too. (SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS) PN
60 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
ELAIASALATA GOES REALLY WELL WITH PASTA! A quick and easy dinner that will bring joy to family and friends and that just happens to be vegan. The Elaiasalata goes really well with pasta. For a super quick meal, simply cook some pasta and add a spoonful of Elaiasalata. Delicious, child-friendly and super quick and easy. If you want to push the boat out and impress the whanau then use fresh pasta and add some caramelised onions, and any other vegetables you have to hand. To really wow the judges, serve with a fresh Fattoush salad. We had some friends round for dinner recently (recent by lockdown standards at least). These particularly friends have been vegan for many years and were particularly excited to try the Elaiasalata served with pasta rather than just enjoying it with some pre-dinner nibbles on a platter. The recipe below serves 3-4, so feel free to adjust as required. A decent spoonful of Elaiasalata weighs about 40-50g, so a 200g pot of Elysian's vegan olive dip should cater for 4-5 people. INGREDIENTS · 400-600g fresh pasta - homemade or store bought · 200g pot of Elysian Elaiasalata · 1 x large onion · 1 x red capiscum (or a carrot if capsicum isn't to hand) · 100-150g fresh brown mushrooms (if available) 1. Prepare the vegetables Slice onion and caramelise. Thinly slice the red pepper and add to the onions when they're nearly done. In a separate saucepan, melt a knob of butter and add the mushrooms (washed and sliced) and cook for a few minutes until softened. Keep them separate until you plate up. 2. Cook the pasta While the vegetables are cooking, cook the pasta (best to follow the instructions on the packet if you're not sure about this step) 3. Serve up Place the pasta in a bowl, top with the caramelised onions/ capsicum and mushrooms. Add a good spoonful of Elaiasalata and hey presto, dinner is served. For some extra colour and goodness, serve with a delicious PN Fattoush salad. www.elysianfoods.co.nz
Elaiasalata
It’s one hell of a mouthful! Tried the zingy new green olive flavour-bomb? It’s Elaiasalata – rhymes with yummy-dip-sauce-enhancer. It’ll pizzaz-up pizzas, pep-up pastas, jazz-up platters and liven-up lunchbowls. Ask for it in all the best food stores.
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
WELCOME TO iVillage Kia ora - Greetings - Namaste - Swagatam Welcome! Dimple and the team at iVillage welcome you at Alert Level 2 for dine in and takeaways at your favourite place at Victoria Park Market. Victoria Park Market is an old landmark and a symbol of life in New Zealand in the early 1900s; a time when life was simple, leisurely and modest. The distinctive chimney was used to burn the town’s rubbish brought in by horse carts. Many stables housed these horses in Victoria Park market. The ox cart, similarly, epitomised everyday life for centuries in India, in what was predominately a rural nation. The ox cart was the lifeline for the rural folk as it was a convenient means of transport for both people and goods. The cart at iVillage at Victoria brings back vivid memories of this unpretentious era. An unhurried pace when food was old fashioned, authentic and cooked in traditional ways. Here at iVillage, we serve you food that is quintessentially Indian and original, made with our special homemade spices and masalas. We invite you to explore the ‘asli’ (real) taste of Indian cuisine - as it was always meant to be. Come and enjoy.
I Village At Victoria Indian Kitchen & Bar
62 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
“Under the Chimney”, Victoria Park Market / 210-218 Victoria Street West Phone: 09 309 4009 / www.ivillageatvictoria.co.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
SCAPEGRACE @ GLENGARRY Scapegrace is a local Ponsonby story of Mark Neal and his brother Daniel McLaughlin. One I remember very well. Back in 2014 I fell over a box blocking my office door that contained a bottle of gin and two glasses. Fortuitously enough it was a Friday afternoon and the tonic inside was cold. The gin got my attention very quickly and was none other than Scapegrace, although at the time it was not called Scapegrace, rather known as Rogue Society. Wind forward a few years and they found the American beer company called Rogue had the EU trademark for Rogue Society. With a world class gin on their hands, Mark and Daniel were keen to share it with the world. They created Scapegrace, a name that means ‘a rogue’ and launched that overseas. For quite some time Scapegrace was Rogue Society in New Zealand and Scapegrace everywhere else. This was more a little like running two companies, remembering what stock to send where, production runs for different brands and two marketing campaigns etc, etc. From there Scapegrace was introduced into New Zealand and Rogue Society consigned to the archives. The liquid inside remained the same - the name and packaging was what changed. From there the dynamic team did not stand still. An epic Black Gin was released. Unlike any other Black Gin, it’s created from natural ingredients and tastes amazing. Mix it with a tonic water that has a high content of quinine, and it turns a lovely pink hue. There’s now Scapegrace Vodka, and the latest edition to this distillery’s growing range, a collection of ready to drink vodkas. All in cans and conveniently in a 10 pack. There’s Soda and Lime, Pear and Apple, and my favourite, Pomegranate and Plum. The Scapegrace distilling story is one of innovation and Kiwi know how, and it’s only just started. Wait until you see the next chapter. We can’t wait and look forward to sharing it with you. What’s more, Scapegrace distilling is a wonderful New Zealand story tied to local Ponsonby residents and one that seems very fitting as Ponsonby News celebrates another big milestone with this 32nd PN birthday edition. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
NEW
INSTORE AND ONLINE NOW
SHOP ONLINE
WWW.GLE NGAR R Y.CO .NZ P: 0800 733 505 E: SA L ES@GL ENGA RRY.C O.NZ
SHOP LOCAL
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PHIL PARKER:
EMPTY NESTER PART 3 But wait. There’s more. Just when we thought our darling teenage daughter had gone to Wellington forever to pursue her studies at Vic – she flew up for a family birthday and got stuck in a Level 4 lockdown! Yes folks, be careful what you wish for. We had envisioned a very short stay and a warm family catchup, but at the time of writing we are at Day 30 and tempers are fraying. Miss 19 had a fast burnout of living back home with ‘old people’. And meanwhile we are trying to cater for her new vegetarian diet that also excludes rice, cheese, butter, cow milk, green capsicum (red OK), onions, mashed potato (boiled, fried and roast OK), celery, and Jazz apples. Yet somehow, she manages to consume crumpets, bagels, Whittakers chocolate and Baileys Irish Cream. Plus, there are now piles of washing that appear randomly in the laundry, and used cutlery and crockery abandoned - in the vicinity of, but not inside the dishwasher. It’s not all that bad to be honest. My lovely wife is on Zoom five days a week teaching the few kids who bother to respond to her emails regarding online lessons. Daughter is studying in her room. Myself on lunch duty, odd shopping expeditions, lawn maintenance and shared dinner prep. But, roll on Level 2. Please. Man O’ War Waiheke & Ponui Islands Pinot Gris 2019 - $25 Lovely wine. Rich, unctuous and complex. By sheer chance I found this wine when I reached blindly into the depths of my modest wine cellar under the stairs. I was looking for a white wine to go with our savoury tofu and soba noodle dinner. Great food match as it turned out. Flavours of mandarin marmalade, lime and stone fruit in a medium sweet style. Available: Glengarry.
Main Divide North Canterbury Chardonnay 2020 - $25 Big and bold reductive style from Pegasus Bay’s second tier label. Flinty with a hint of struck match aroma. Crisp and dry with grapefruit citrus, and canned peach. Lengthy finish. Food match: roast chicken or creamy pasta. Available: Glengarry, Fine Wine Delivery Co. Main Divide North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2019 - $25 Fresh and youthful, with plum and cherry, and hint of smoky tar. Finishes with umami mushroom and silky tannins. Match with lamb, beef, or mushroom dishes. Available: Glengarry, Fine Wine Delivery Co. Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 - $50 Classic Central Otago pinot. Still a young thing from a relatively cool vintage, and could do with cellaring for another 12 months, but drinking very nicely right now. Smoky tar, cassis, boysenberry and a medium acid structure. A fab match for roast lamb, or ratatouille. Available: widely. Leftfield The Hatchling Hawkes Bay 2019 - $18 A heady blend of merlot, tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, syrah and grenache. Great value. Very smooth and suave, with flavours of boysenberry, black plum, cracked pepper, dark chocolate and a hint of leather. Match with your best BBQ steak, or spicy tomato-based dishes. Available: blackmarket.co.nz, leftfieldwines.com (PHIL PARKER) PN www.finewinetours.co.nz
FINE WINE & FOOD TOURS “No. 2 Auckland Wine Tour” – TripAdvisor Your host, Phil Parker wine writer. Affordable tours for small and large groups.
E: phil.parker@xtra.co.nz
64 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
www.finewinetours.co.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY Photography Josh Griggs
Photography Kate Battersby
210 SYMONDS STREET T: 09 377 1911 www.sidatthefrenchcafe.co.nz sidatthefrenchcafe
PROGRESSIVE INDIAN CUISINE SIDART, Level 1, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road T: 360 2122 www.sidart.co.nz
- Gusto Italiano GUSTO MEANING ‘TASTE AND ENJOYMENT’
Photography Greta Kenyon
When you dine with us, the focus is on freshly prepared classic dishes, featuring an excellent range of pasta, seafood, meats and our pizza classics.
We also offer our pasta dishes to takeaway, phone for details or check our website for the menu. 263 PONSONBY RD, THREE LAMPS, 09 361 1556 www.gustoitaliano.co.nz
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FUTURE GENERATION
ACCOLADES FOR POWERHOUSE PRINCIPAL AT DIOCESAN SCHOOL With a love for rock music, running and the beach, Heather McRae is Principal of Diocesan School, one of New Zealand’s top girls’ schools, with responsibility for the education of more than 1,600 students and a team of 263 staff. Heather lives the Diocesan motto, Ut Serviamus (“that we may serve”), giving back to the sector she loves in pursuit of advancing knowledge for all. With her extensive involvement in curriculum design, planning and development, it was no surprise that she was recently appointed to the Curriculum Advisory Group, established to support the new Ministry of Education Curriculum Centre. Heather understands and actively promotes the need for collaboration and collegiality across the wider education sector and is delighted to be part of the group, saying she is looking forward to working closely with people who are passionate about knowledge and making it accessible and available to all parts of society. With experience working in government, public and private schools, in New Zealand and offshore, she brings a vast bank of knowledge to all she does and is in demand when well considered and future thinking solutions for the education sector are required. She is the first to put her name forward to contribute to the Government’s education goals and, as such, has served on numerous reference and advisory groups. The recent bestowal of the 2021 Independent Schools NZ Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Service is the latest in a long list of accolades and achievements. The award is recognition of Heather’s long service, contribution to the wider community and outstanding contribution and dedication to students, with less than 10 such awards presented in the history of the ISNZ Honours Awards Scheme. Driven by a passion for science, Heather graduated university with a double major in Chemistry and Biochemistry and initially pursued work as a biochemist and organic chemist. However, the downturn in the economy and the opportunity for a ‘studentship’ to help pay the cost of her degree propelled Heather into the sector of which she is now an intrinsic part. She has since completed a Masters in Educational Administration with first class honours and received a Sir Woolf Fisher Trust Scholarship, graduating from the Hillary Leadership Programme facilitated by the NZ Leadership Institute at the University of Auckland. Heather comments: “Education is no longer about learning from books; it’s about gaining the knowledge and skills to adapt to
Heather McRae, Principal
different situations in a world where technology is changing how we live; education is about the art of human learning – a venture involving creativity, imagination and discovery. We need to be continually looking forward, addressing new equitable social frameworks, and teaching our young people how to thrive and create value in society, now and in the future.” Heather is no stranger to the need to be flexible and agile when the unexpected happens. The current Covid-pandemic is no new experience for Heather, who was working in Beijing when SARS broke out in Asia. Today’s quick pivot to online learning, daily updates to the Diocesan School community and the daily ‘checking in’ to ensure student wellbeing, are all built on her previous SARS experience of the need to adapt quickly in an ever-changing environment, with people safety and wellness as a priority. As she heads off for another day developing a new generation of leaders and valued society members, Heather says: “Every person has leadership potential within, and the role of our school is to help students place their feet firmly in life by developing mental strength, discipline and resilience.” It could be said that Heather is leading by example, living a life underpinned by service and a belief in education and the potential for greatness in all of us. www.diocesan.school.nz
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
Bella Cockle Future Royal Ballet Director
BE MORE THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED
How will your daughter make her mark? Every student deserves the chance to shine. Our Arts Centre offers a professional level experience, with purpose built spaces for music, dance, drama and a specialised recording studio. The addition of our brand new, 910 seat auditorium makes Dio the perfect place to take centre stage. Join us at our Open Day and experience the world-class opportunities awaiting your daughter at Dio.
Open Day 21 October, 9am – 11am Register at diocesan.school.nz
FUTURE GENERATION
HONOUR MITCHELL:
TEEN PICKS IN LOCKDOWN Isolation, or whatever you call this period of hunkering down at home that has become Aucklanders' daily life, comes with a dose of mind-numbing boredom. While writing this article in September, I have no certainty for when we might be out of the current Level 4 or Level 3 crisis. To pass the time I have found it necessary to engage in some new activities to stay cheerful and get through the seemingly endless weeks. I will share my top four: Knitting What I used to think was a Grandma-dominated hobby has turned out to be very relaxing and a great way to get off the screen. It all started when I saw a lonesome pair of knitting needles sitting in my room, a remnant of a workshop I attended many years ago. So after ordering some fun coloured yarn I got to work! At first I was quite frustrated with myself. It seemed that my knitting was getting wider with each stitch. But never mind that, I kept on going and started to improve. Soon I was knitting perfectly formed squares! My next goal is to make a scarf - ahem - we could be in Level 1 by the time I finish that! I now have a newfound appreciation for everyone out there who can knit a jumper or really anything beyond a lopsided square. Knitting is a “splendid" way to relax and get in touch with your more “mature" side. Soon enough you’ll find yourself sitting up in bed with a cup of tea, your knitting needles, and not a screen in sight! Rice Paper Rolls Meals in confinement can become quite repetitive, so why not start experimenting? Have you ever been to a foodcourt or an Asian eatery and ordered those delicious rice paper rolls filled with flavour bursting ingredients. Making these tricky little parcels requires a fair bit of skill, plus loads of practice, but they have become my new favourite recipe this lockdown. Not only will all the trial and error cure your boredom, but they also taste exceptionally good! Below I have outlined my personal take on rice paper rolls; but there are no limits, just choose or add the flavours that you savour the most. Firstly, grab a packet of Valcom Rice Paper from Farros. Then start by thinly slicing three of your favourite vegetables (I normally go for cucumber, carrots and capsicum and perhaps some herbs). Once you have your vegetables ready, you could add your favourite protein, such as chicken or perhaps some avocado. Personally, I prefer just veggie rolls for a fresher taste. Next comes the important part: what flavours do you put inside your rolls? I gravitate towards sesame seeds, tamari, coconut aminos and peanut butter. And finally the tricky wrapping
process: Once you’ve soaked a wrapper in warm water, add your chosen ingredients then fold in two ends and roll to form a cylinder shape (see packet instructions). Make sure you wrap them tightly, but not so tight that you rip the rice paper. Phew! This is stressful work, remember to breathe! Just Dance Exercise workouts Just Dance Exercise workouts at home can get repetitive and sometimes lack the desired sizzle - I mean press-ups and planks to get a sweat on can be too much on a lazy afternoon. Thankfully I have a solution for you - Just Dance. It has been around for as long as I can remember and there is a reason it has stayed popular - the fun-factor. Think easy to follow dance videos with upbeat songs you can jive along to - and no shame or judgment from others. In my opinion, it is a superfun way to exercise, and puts you in a great sing-song mood (and I think we need that at the moment). By simply searching ‘Just Dance’ on YouTube you can get grooving right away, I guarantee it will heighten your spirits. Or if you happen to have an Xbox or PlayStation you can purchase a Just Dance CD. It will provide live critique on your performance and give you a score. But beware, it will get competitive fast - my sister and I have become obsessed with being the reigning champion. TV Shows There is so much choice in the online streaming world: Netflix, Amazon, Neon, Disney+, the list goes on. All these services are meant to make it easier to find a good show to watch, but in reality it makes it harder. It's rather overwhelming, making it challenging to dig, decide and persist. It was my parents who first introduced me to Downton Abbey; apparently their generation was obsessed. (I believe therapy was legitimately required for one of their friends after the final credits rolled.). Initially I was a bit reluctant to watch a six season show about a wealthy 1920s family, after all - I am a teenager. But I'm glad I did, because I could not have predicted the intense attachment I developed (not felt for a show since ‘Friends’). The scandals and plot twists really kept me hooked until (SPOILER ALERT) my two favourite characters died. Since these tragedies occurred around the halfway mark, I had to undergo a grieving process and even considered dropping Downton, but I just couldn’t. I continued on and found two new favourite characters who, thankfully, did not die. Safe to say I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the show and was very reluctant to disembark. I hope you can now sit down with your knitting needles, rice paper rolls and travel back in time to watch Downton Abbey with the help of ‘Neon’. And if you were wondering - there’s also a follow-on movie on Netflix! (HONOUR MITCHELL) PN
68 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
Specialist Obstetricians. Auckland Obstetric Centre is a unique practice in Parnell made up of six leading specialist obstetricians and support staff. Together we have many years of experience and feel privileged to be able to share in the care of women during their pregnancy. To find out more about how we can care for you and your baby call our team or visit our website.
09 367 1200 obstetrics.co.nz
FUTURE GENERATION
I Love Lucy Book Review: Little Women - Louisa May Alcott - 10+
“I’ll try and be what he loves to call me, 'a little woman,' and not be rough and wild; but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else." Little women is considered to be a best selling treasured classic, originally published in 1869. There are six adaptations of the film, the most recent one being produced in 2019. This shows you how even though the book itself is set in 1868, we are still able to enjoy the story and relate to the characters today. Louisa May Alcott was approached about writing a book ‘for girls’ which she originally declined to do, fortunately for us changing her mind at a later date. While the book was originally written for younger girls, it is most definitely a book that is for anyone of all ages. The story follows the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, as they live their lives, explore their adolescence and attempt to grapple with the concept of having a father at war. When you read this book you feel as if you are there, experiencing everything with them. In my opinion this is part of the appeal, as out of the four sisters' characters you can find someone to relate to. Jo is the main character of the novel and has been named as one of the nineteenth century's most enduring and lovable characters. Little Women is a book that I would recommend to everyone to read at least once in their lives. Even if you don’t like to read, or if you consider it might be ‘sappy’ or ‘girly’, I promise you that you will enjoy reading Little Women. It truly changes the way you perceive the world around you, and at the very least will expand your vocabulary. While some books written in the same time frame as little women are hard to comprehend because of the style of old English, this book is easy to understand and feels like you are reading something written in the last few years, set in that time period. I have read this book again and again, and it has provided great comfort for me - I hope it does for you too. I highly recommend this book, and I give it five out of five. PN (LUCY KENNEDY)
out of 5!
www.lucykennedywriter.wixsite.com/reviews instagram @lucykennedybookreviews Available at www.dorothybutlerbookshop.co.nz
LET PONSONBY NEWS READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR BRAND… ADVERTISING RATES START AT $235+GST Email info@ponsonbynews.co.nz www.ponsonbynews.co.nz
70 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS
LOGAN GRANGER:
Is my coffee expense 100% tax deductible? It has been difficult for Inland Revenue to establish the boundary between private and work related expenditures. Some costs may have been occurred with business-driven purpose, however it may not be tax deductible as it can be considered as a private expense to the taxpayer. A good example would be ‘Food’. Food is the primary survival need, therefore considered as a private or domestic expense to a self-employed person, therefore meal costs for the self-employed taxpayer are considered not deductible as a business expense. Although, exception is made when the private element is incidental to a wider business purpose. In a situation where the self-employed person is entertaining the client at the restaurant the costs are treated as business deductible expense but 50% of the cost is subject to non-deductibility under the entertainment rules. Identical principles apply to the shareholders of the Look-Through Companies and the partners of the partnership. It is viewed as the individuals have deemed to incur the costs themselves for tax purposes. However, a different outcome will apply in a scenario where the employer pays the cost incurred by an employee from entertaining a client or while on business travel. It is viewed from the employer’s perspective as 100% tax deductible staff cost/ travel cost since they are not viewed as private. All this will sound awfully complicated! Therefore the below table has been prepared to clarify things by showing different scenarios and the respective outcomes: ARE THE COSTS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
SCENARIO Self-employed individual incurs costs for own meals.
No.
Self-employed individual incurs costs for meals for self and an employee.
Likely outcome is that only the costs relating to the employee are deductible, entertainment or FBT rules may also apply. However, if the purpose for the cost is primarily business (such as a team celebration) the private element may be considered incidental.
Self-employed individual incurs costs for meals for self and a client.
Private element may be incidental and all costs deductible but subject to the entertainment rules (50% non-deductible).
Self-employed individual pays for meals of employee while employee working out of town.
Yes.
Self-employed individual pays for meals for self while working out of town.
No, except in very limited circumstances such as where there are no practical or realistic alternatives for meals (e.g. where a supermarket is not nearby and it is unrealistic for the individual to prepare their own meals). The costs on top of what the individual would typically spend may be deductible.
Company incurs costs for meals for employees (including shareholder employees) and/or clients.
Yes, entertainment or FBT rules may also apply.
Another important aspect to remember is when the expense is treated as personal, hence not tax deductible, GST treatment will be the same therefore no GST can be claimed. Inland Revenue is carefully examining the expenses claimed by the entities, therefore it is crucial to keep the accurate records of the purpose of any business expenses claimed and correctly classify them for tax purpose. If you are unsure of claiming the PN expenditures as business claim, seek advice from the tax advisors who can direct you to the correct answer. 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
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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
@ Dawson & Co. Top Gliss Master wardrobe by Molteni & C designed by Vincent van Duysen Bottom Hector Night walk-in closet by Molteni & C designed by Vincent van Duysen
DAWSON & CO., Northshore Showroom, 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale T: 09 476 1121, Parnell Showroom, 115 The Strand, Parnell; info@dawsonandco.nz www.dawsonandco.nz
72 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
BLAIR HADDOW:
Lockdown log-jam stalls spring property market – but only temporarily Four weeks of Level 4 Covid-19 community lockdown in Auckland may have stalled the spring resurgence of Ponsonby’s residential real estate market… but it failed to quench buyer demand, according to the area’s leading real estate salesperson. Blair Haddow of Bayleys Ponsonby said that while residential property sales in the locale during the second half of August and first half of September were predominantly confined to internet video auctions – seeing transactions concluded online – the number of new listings coming onto the market dried up. “Many potential vendors thought there was little point in listing when no-one is able to come to an open home. On top of the inability for purchasers to physically view properties inside, we couldn’t organise any professional photography of new listings, so promotional activity came to a halt for those homes which weren’t already on the market before we went to lockdown on 17 August,” said Blair Haddow. “However, the Level 4 restrictions simply stalled the inevitable spring activity for four weeks. And now that we’re back in Level 3, there is the ability to launch campaigns and host viewings under strict Government guidelines restricting how many people can view a property on any given day, and the ability to attend auctions. “Interestingly, our auction clearance level rose from 70 percent under the relative freedom of Level 1 conditions, to a 90 percent clearance level under Level 4. That essentially meant our listing stock has been all but cleared out.”
Extensive decking wraps around the kitchen and dining room – making for a relaxed al-fresco space accessed by large bifold doors. 57 Williamson Avenue also in Grey Lynn – showcasing a classically-styled three-bedroom/one-bedroom villa with offstreet parking for two vehicles. In its near original format, the property has been a rental for its current owners for quite some time, and has plenty of scope to add value through renovation and modernisation. 99 Franklin Road in Freemans Bay – a mixed-use property which was originally a four-bedroom/one-bathroom residence with double off-street car parking, but more recently it has been used as commercial premises by its current owner and their professional services business. The single level 112-square metre property offers a ready-made opportunity for a ‘work from home’ scenario, or could just as easily be converted back into a purely residential address in a street famous for its Christmas lights display. 12/8 Dock Street in Freemans Bay – a two-bedroom/ two-bathroom terraced townhouse with double car garaging overlooking Victoria Park.
Blair Haddow had multiple new spring listings coming to the market just as the 17 August Level 4 Covid-19 conditions were imposed. Now that the marketing collateral for those new homes has been completed, they are now officially on the market for sale, and include:
Amidst all the reshuffling of listings, Level 4 and Level 3 were also a time of celebration for Bayleys Ponsonby – with the office winning the Best Medium Sized Residential Office of the Year title at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand 2021 Awards for Excellence. It is the second consecutive year Bayleys Ponsonby has won the title.
1 Ariki Street in Grey Lynn – a three bedroom/twobathroom/two-living area villa. This family home on a flat north-east facing section situated near the Grey Lynn ridge has double car garaging and additional off-street parking for another vehicle.
It was also a dual time of celebration for Blair Haddow – whose outstanding sales results over the winter period have seen him rank among the top 10 residential salespeople within Bayleys’ national network, and top five percent of the company’s greater sales teams in the 2020/2021 financial year. PN www.facebook.com/BlairHaddowResidential
1 Ariki St
57 Williamson
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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
THE ART OF EXCELLENCE An architecturally designed masterpiece by celebrated New Zealand-born, London-based Amanda Reynolds, this two bedroom standalone townhouse just minutes from the cosmopolitan cool of West Lynn village offers a stunning easy care lifestyle. Peacefully positioned at the end of a private driveway, the home flows across four superb levels, opening with a spacious double garage with e-bike stations, and an immaculate laundry plus bespoke storage with plenty more beneath the stairs. Feel welcomed into the warm and inviting living hub of the home on the next level, anchored by an entertainer’s kitchen complete with integrated Miele appliances so you’re always ready to host gatherings both generous and intimate. Admire the gorgeous French oak flooring as you throw open the bifold doors from the living and dining to a north-west facing deck. Watch the sun set over the Waitākere Ranges, glass in hand, before retiring to the master suite a floor up with its own Juliet balcony. Custom wardrobing has been cleverly designed and finished to perfection, whilst the adjacent boutique hotel-feel bathroom sports a freestanding bath and separate shower. The uppermost level of the home is currently configured as a second living area and dream work from home space, with sliding doors opening out to uninterrupted views of the surrounding leafy neighbourhood and across to Cox’s Bay and beyond to the Upper Harbour, including a glimpse of the Sky Tower for New Year. Custom cabinetry ensures this space could easily be transformed into an additional bedroom perfectly positioned to harness the natural light. Completely refurbished just seven years ago with high spec upgrades including integrated sound and visual technology, heat pumps and wall heaters and with beautifully landscaped surrounds in a premium cosmopolitan location, this secure and stylish residence is the perfect answer to effortless living. For further information contact: Jo Pickering & Mike Vermeulen, Barfoot & Thompson Grey Lynn on T: 027 502 1468, E: info@joandmike.co.nz
74 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
Estepona Rectangle Coffee Table
Anson Outdoor Round Coffee Table
Toledo Ottoman Classic Black
Santa Monica 3 Seater Sofa Classic Black
Santa Monica Armchair Classic Black
@ OUTDOOR LIVING SUMMER 2021 Meet the Newbies
JI HOME, 36 Pollen Street, Ponsonby , T: 09 930 6268, www.jihome.nz
NEW OUTDOOR COLLEC TIONS SUMMER 2021
Visit our Auckland showroom at 36 Pollen Street, Ponsonby jihome.nz
09 930 6268
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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
Catherine Martin by Mokum, Majorelle Collection-La Palma
WHICH INTERIOR DESIGN TREND WORKS FOR YOU? Spending more time at home in recent months has made us more aware of our interior living spaces. Window treatments have always been a key part of any home design. Lahood Window Furnishings will inspire and guide you through the current trends to help you discover what suits your personality and your home. The last year of lockdowns has made many of us see the importance of our homes as sanctuaries from the world outside. How the inside of our living spaces look reflects who we are, and what makes us feel calmer and happier. Back to Nature, bringing nature indoors The theme of Back to Nature is characterised by using natural materials or hand-crafted elements to mimic nature. Bringing the outdoors in and looking to nature for inspiration has resulted in the growing popularity of patterned textiles and fabrics featuring lush botanicals. Greenery and plants are enjoyed in abundance within the interior space, said to improve one’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Orla Kiely Multi Stem Collection 100% cotton
A Calming Sanctuary The idea of Calm Sanctuary is represented by the creation of spaces where you can take solace from the pressures of everyday life to revitalise and restore. Spaces to cocoon, retreat, relax and revive within the beautiful haven of the home. Textiles made from organic materials and fabrics that copy the language of nature focus on the richness of surface textures. Calm Sanctuary evokes a feeling of mindfulness and wellbeing and represents a much needed retreat from the world. Minimalism Minimalism is still a strong ongoing trend and is sometimes a reflection of an awareness about the downsides of a consumerist society. There’s a focus on the look and the feel of the fabrics, but they sit subtly in the background and don’t intrude. Perfect if you want drapes and blinds but you want your accessories or artworks to stand out and be the focus of your interior décor.
the humbler earth tones, richer hues are redefining how the whole home feels: comforting, safe and inviting.
1970s Colours are back Decorating our houses in bold colours and earth tones linked to the 1970s is part of the back to nature and calming trends. As people are indoors more, they seek to embrace the outdoors by using more grounded colours, which evoke a sense of comfort and calm. There is also a subtle shift towards
Lahood Window Furnishings can help you discover which interior design trends inspire you to make a more comfortable and happier home to live in. Their experienced and friendly design consultants and showroom staff are ready to work with you from start to finish. And they offer a range of brands and products that are second to none in Auckland.
James Dunlop Fusion, Tactility cotton/acrylic blend
Lahood's stunning showroom is at 104 Mt Eden Road. Please phone 0800LAHOOD or visit the website www.lahood.co.nz
76 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
NEW MELUKA KIDS BOOKS Meluka now has their first ever collection of books available to purchase online. And with any purchase of a New Zealand made Meluka BOOKboy during the month of October you will get your very own book for FREE while stocks last. Little People, Big Dreams. Discover the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. Shop the full range online now at meluka.co.nz
BY
DANSKE
MØBLER
Furniture. Simply.
15% FF S H E LV E S
FREE book with every bookshelf purchased
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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
HOW TO START A SUCCESSFUL AIRBNB BUSINESS, WITHOUT OWNING ANY PROPERTY Don’t own a property? You can still own a thriving Airbnb business. My partner and I were trying to save for a house deposit. We realised that it would take a long time applying the normal equation of transferring what was left of our wages into our savings account at the end of the fortnight. We found a system referred to as ‘Airbnb Arbitrage', which was the key to us achieving our goal. Airbnb arbitrage is the practice of renting properties and subletting them on the Airbnb platform. We thought this could be a thriving business in our backyard of Herne Bay, Auckland, and best of all it didn’t require us to own any property. In our case, we found several units for rent in Herne Bay, all owned by a single landlord. The only issue was that the units were very tired and therefore unsuitable for Airbnb. We put a proposal to the landlord that they renovate the units and lease them back to us at a higher rent. The landlord declined. Ultimately this worked in our favour because we went on to renovate the units ourselves and lease the units at the original (cheap) rental rate. We paid off the renovation within six months and continued to enjoy an ongoing low rental rate, which is far better than paying higher rent long term. Why? Because of this simple equation: {Income from Airbnb} - {Rent paid to the Landlord} = Margin You may have heard the mantra of people who make a living from real estate: ‘You make your money when you buy’. A similar principle applies to successful Airbnb arbitrage - you make your money on the leases you sign with landlords. The
Ryan Weir & Carly Hensman
more favourable the lease terms are, the greater the margin will be. If run well, a person involved in Airbnb arbitrage in the Greater Ponsonby area will stand to make a margin of $10,000-$20,000 per Airbnb, per year. The beauty of Airbnb arbitrage is it is scalable - once you have the systems in place for your 1st Airbnb, those same systems can be replicated to set up your 2nd, 3rd, 4th Airbnb and so on. If you set up five Airbnbs the margin could be up to $100k p.a. - without owning any property. Not bad income for a part-time side business! (RYAN WEIR) ryan@propertyscouts.co.nz
Before & after. Ryan Weir Property Renovation
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HOROSCOPES
HOROSCOPES:
MISS PEARL NECLIS – what your stars hold for October
Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February You usually manage to overcome most hurdles that are placed in your way but sometimes you find one that is a little bit bigger than the rest and you find yourself stuck. Instead of getting stressed about it, you may have to think of a new approach - that’s all.
Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March Are you beginning to feel like any ideas that you’ve had have been wasted and you haven’t done anything about them because everything and everyone seems to come before you. Do something now that you have always wanted to and see how it feels. Perhaps that will shake you out of the rut you’re in.
Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April You have always been lucky and have been able to pursue your dreams but it might be time to focus on less of you and more on what’s coming. Any future complications that can be dealt with now should be sorted.
Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May You do feel invincible this month and that nothing can stand in your way. Also you’ve realised that you’ve slowly changed as your scenery and lifestyle have changed around you. You are more accepting and laid back than usual.
Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June You should really keep your options open where romance is concerned this month. Moreover, the more clutter that you can get rid of that seems to be around you, the better for everyone.
Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July You have always been a believer in yourself and your capabilities but sometimes you find yourself drifting off and your fantasies getting a little out of hand. Most of the time things do turn out the way they were intended but you may have to go through a few hoops to get there.
Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August Just go with your gut feeling as you have done in the past and you will feel more inclined to do the right thing. No more misinterpreting or reading into what’s not there and you’ll find life a lot more manageable.
Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September You will need to share how you feel this month as you are full of self confidence and you don’t want to become overwhelmed or bite off more than you can chew. If you do make any promises, please make sure you have evidence to back anything up.
Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October Your confidence soars this month as you realise that you have a lot more potential than you realised. You don’t have to think about now anymore and you can start thinking about what’s on the horizon.
Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November Don’t be lazy this month because thinking that you have everything sorted could lead to mistakes being made. You could start getting ready for things to come so that you can be prepared rather than surprised.
Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December You’re feeling a lot better about yourself and the support that you have been waiting for from colleagues has finally arrived. The good thing about all this for you is that you can help more and feel appreciated.
Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January Don’t distract yourself by trivial thoughts this month as you struggle to see the good in anything you do. You may have to accept that you have off days - you know you can often be overwhelmed by choice, so focus on one objective at a time.
80 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ARTS + CULTURE
UPTOWN ART SCENE As Aucklanders claw their way out of our longest lockdown, there is a veritable feast of art waiting to spark the imagination after so many weeks of streamed series and domestic routine. Not only are the galleries poised to open, but two major events are scheduled for early November: Artweek Auckland and the TENT project from Aotearoa Art Fair (formerly Auckland Art Fair). With the programme set to roll out in October, Artweek Auckland’s new directors, Rose Jackson and Matt Wiseman, had the unenviable task of rescheduling all events to November.
Sam Mitchell's 'Disney Boy' at Melanie Roger
“The past year has been tough on everyone, including the arts community,” says Matt.“ While it’s a complex process re-ordering an event of this size quickly, it’s really important that we continue to support the artists and galleries by connecting them with the audience that Artweek generates.” “Art is a great way to both soothe and stimulate the mind, which will be crucial post lockdown. This festival will also help drive economic revival by supporting the contemporary arts scene, with spillover support to local hospitality and retail venues that surround the galleries.” With a revised programme of exhibitions and experiences that can take place at Alert Level 2, Artweek Auckland will now go ahead on 5 - 14 November. Artweek Auckland is particularly excited about launching the new Artweek Every Week App, featuring gallery and pop-up listings, artist profiles, talks, moving image works, digital tours and more, offering everyone an opportunity to interact with Auckland’s art and creativity all year round. A new initiative from Aotearoa Art Fair, TENT takes place throughout Aotearoa and online.
Scott Lawrie showing Patricia Piccinini ‘Kindred’ at TENT
The Seclusion by Laura Williams showing at Artweek Auckland
The title concept and text for TENT comes from Karangahape Road Mokopōpaki gallery, and draws on our collective cultural experience of these ubiquitous structures. Participating galleries are responding by setting up temporary, makeshift shows outside their established spaces. Especially important in these unpredictable times are the specially created viewing rooms – available no matter the Alert level. The first chance to see (and buy) at TENT will be the online preview Thursday 4 November, and continue through the live exhibitions until Sunday 7 November, with an accompanying programme of special events, curated walks, chances to meet artists and more. (EVAN WOODRUFFE/STUDIO ART SUPPLIES)
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ARTS + CULTURE
@ SCOTT
LAWRIE GALLERY
From art to apps: why we love digital.
Although lockdown means gallery visits are a no-go, you can still fill up on your art fix 24/7 all year round. That’s because apps like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and of course our website, allow art lovers (and the curious) to see what’s new, and what’s in the stock room. Here’s a quick guide to what’s on offer from Scott Lawrie Gallery for your lockdown viewing pleasure. Instagram - This is quickly becoming one of the go-to apps for art lovers. It’s quick, visually driven, and won't bog you down with lots of dull, uninspiring academic art theory (which few people can even understand anyway). Our Instagram account doesn’t just show art, it also holds our video collection and has links to our website, exhibitions, essays, location maps and more. Join almost 5500 others by following us at @scottlawriegallery Facebook - Facebook (which also owns Instagram) seems to be losing ground to Instagram on a visual level. But it’s great for social interaction, news, and chatting. These days, when you post to Instagram, you can also choose to share the same post on Facebook, which is what we’ve been doing to increase our reach to as wide a demographic as possible. Just search for Scott Lawrie Gallery in the Facebook app. YouTube - We’re really proud of our short artist films, and they’ve had over 400,000 views between all our social apps. YouTube is where these live, and you can watch them – for free –anytime you like. Discover over 50 fascinating short films about art, exhibitions, NFTs, artists and more, from our part of the world and beyond. Again, just use the gallery name to search for our page and hit subscribe.
Website - We keep our website simple and easy to navigate so you can explore artists, exhibitions, essays and more. If you see anything you like, get in touch for pricing, more information or even just to give feedback. Our website now accounts for over 20% of sales, and we can set up exclusive private viewing rooms online, with prices and hi-res images. Just send us a message through the website or email scott@scottlawrie.com.
Stay safe and see you in the gallery soon! Free parking at PN 15 Williamson Avenue at the weekend.
SCOTT LAWRIE GALLERY, 2 Murdoch Road, T: 021 082 65 633, www.scottlawrie.com
THE ART OF ARTFORM, MATAKANA At Artform, we believe in giving each piece room to breathe, giving it respect and letting each item take the limelight. In doing so, the viewer can make a connection and relate to both the work and the artist. With a network of over 60 artists delivering a variety of mediums and disciplines, it requires skill and passion to curate the rich selection of work into a cohesive visual language. That is the art of Artform. PN www.artformgallery.co.nz
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ARTS + CULTURE
@ OREXART
Kathy Barber - SOUTH - 12 to 30 October While Kathy Barber lives locally, this exhibition, her exhibition, SOUTH, speaks to an accumulation of experiences spent in the Central Otago landscape. The colours are borrowed directly from the region where nature fights with climate. Moss greens vibrate over inky black granites, Manuka subtle pinks flourish amidst the charcoal tones of blackened wood where shafts of light penetrate the bush. Barber is continually drawn to the moving colours of the New Zealand landscape, the light, the horizons where nothingness seems to exist, the sublime pleasure, and awe, of being in nature. It is a desire to evoke sensations that lies at the heart of these paintings. The exhibition consists of works on canvas and on paper. Works featured are: Tethered (below), Porous and Plume. They are in oil on linen 1200 x 850mm. Please see website for details or visit us at the Gallery. PN OREXTART, 221 Ponsonby Road, E: gallery@orexart.co.nz orexart.co.nz
Plume, Acrylic and sumi ink on Linen 1200mm x 850mm
Porous, Acrylic and sumi ink on Linen 1200mm x 850mm
Tethered, Acrylic and sumi ink on Linen 1200mm x 850mm
Kathy Barber
SOUTH 12 - 30 October
est. 1990
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ARTS + CULTURE
FIRST TUESDAY @ ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY The First Tuesday Concert on 2 November at St Matthew-in-the-City features both a celebrated pianist and an outstanding piano transcription of Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony. NAOKI TOYOMURA, PIANO, is an artist of professional distinction and wide experience. As both a virtuoso pianist and an orchestral conductor he will bring fresh insight to this transcription. For the past year he has paused his studies in Auckland, but is also pursuing a Professional Diploma at the Royal Academy of Music, London with Michael Dussek and Joseph Middleton. He is currently a member of the Academy’s prestigious Song Circle. Naoki previously studied towards degrees in piano and economics at the University of Cambridge, England, Eastman School of Music, and the University of Rochester USA. He has won a string of first prizes from various competitions around New Zealand and in America and has also concertized in Japan and Germany. He has also performed chamber music with members of the Tokyo Philharmonic, NHK Symphony, Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic and Syracuse Symphonia Orchestras as well as with faculty members at Eastman and Cambridge. The November concert represents the final First Tuesday for 2021. A full programme is in preparation for 2022 and will feature organ, piano, instrumental and choral concerts. First Tuesday is St Matthew’s gift to the city and it attracts increasing audience size and always has excellent performers, says Paul Chan, Director of Music at St Matthew’s. PN www.stmatthews.nz
THE LATE ROMANTICS @ ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Featuring Cellist Ashley Brown with Conductor Michael Joel. Sunday 17 October 2.30pm PROGRAMME: Kenneth Young Douce Tristesse Lalo Cello Concerto in D minor Brahms Symphony No 2 op 73 in D Ashley Brown – Cellist. Acclaimed as a musician of “unimpeachable artistry” and playing “with a consummate beauty of tone”, Ashley Brown is one of New Zealand’s leading soloists, chamber musicians and recording artists. He was a member of the Turnovsky Trio, Principal Cellist of the APO, is a founder of and current cellist in NZTrio and is a passionate advocate for New Zealand music. His teachers have included Alexander Ivashkin, Aldo Parisot and William Pleeth (who taught Jacqueline du Pré.) Ashley plays the William Forster ‘Liberte’ cello. Conductor Michael Joel is freshly returned to New Zealand after seven years in the London music scene where he freelanced at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden as duty conductor assisting Alexander Joel, Dan Ettinger, Placido Domingo, Oleg Caetani and Marc Minkowski. Michael has conducted many of the established orchestras and companies in New Zealand and is currently Music Director of St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra. He is also an accomplished violist and teacher. St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished group with a stellar reputation. TICKETS Eventfinda or Door sales eftpos and cash. Adults $30: Concessions $25 children under 12 free. Student Rush on the day only $15. ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY PN corner Wellesley & Hobson Streets. www.smco.org.nz
Toyomura | Tchaikovsky Transcription Naoki Toyomura (piano) plays a transcription of Tchaikovsky Symphony 5
Tuesday 2nd November, 12.10-12.50pm Entry by kohā.
Sun 17 October at 2.30pm programme
Kenneth Young Douce Tristesse Lalo Cello Concerto in D Minor Brahams Symphony No 2 Op 73 in D
Ashley Brown conductor Michael Joel soloist
st matthew-in-the-city Cnr of Wellesley & Hobson Street, Auckland City
84 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ARTS + CULTURE
TADHG STOPFORD:
GUNJA GOSSIP, POT POLITICS, MADDENING ‘MEDICAL’ CANNABIS Disclosure / Conflict of Interest Hi there, if you read this column, then you know me from the Hemp Foundation; a social enterprise/education organisation. But, for the last 14 months I’ve also been pioneering the sale of novel hemp extracts to Kiwis across New Zealand. This is a big deal, as these are the first hemp extracts legally available to Kiwis. (Cannabigerol, Cannabichromene, Cannabicitran, and Hemp Terpenes) Although common in foods and cosmetics in the US, UK, EU, Tigerdrops are only legal in New Zealand as holy hemp oils and novelty canna collectables. As all of my work is evidenced based, these products spring from my background as a historian and political scientist. Please have a look at www.tigerdrops.co.nz for more info. Sales from Tigerdrops will support the education work of the Hemp Foundation, so please spread the Gospel of Hemp, and get a Holy Hemp Oil for someone you care about; or start your own Novelty Canna Collection. You’ll see the ad at the bottom of the page, for Tigerdrops CBD. Tigerdrops is a CBD product, but not a Cannabidiol product. It’s confusing, and legally it’s difficult to explain. Suffice to say Tigerdrops are unique products, prohibited foods, and not intended for the treatment or prevention of any disease or condition. Peace be with you. Use Tigerdrops religiously. Local MediCann Companys Forced out of Market by Government “Ponsonby's Cannabis Company, Medleaf Therapeutics, was founded by a local trying to save his uncle’s life. Medleaf was New Zealand's first CBD (Cannabidiol) importing company, and drove the monopoly prices down from over $500 to just $145. But on September 30th, it will be/was forced to close by the government for reasons that do not stack up. Medleaf CEO Courtney Letica writes, “There is no appetite for help, change, or compassion within the government or the Ministry
of Health. There is a severe lack of resource or focus going into the inner workings of the scheme and ultimately product that patients rely on are being taken away from them as a result.” The products that Medleaf, Eqalis and NUBU supply meet standards good enough for 886 million Europeans and North Americans, but they are somehow not safe enough for Kiwis according to MedSafe, even though GPs can order Cannabis medicines that need not adhere to any standards at all. NUBU, another local CBD importing company has been waiting over twelve months to have a product approved. Big Pharma execs who have moved into the MedCann space are stunned at the political games that are keeping them from bringing products to market. Before she became PM Jacinda told me that it would be easy to legalise Cannabis. So it’s funny that it’s still hard for even EU GMP ‘Medical’ Cannabis to legally reach patients in New Zealand. "Needless complexity" springs to mind. On that...When CBD is CBD, but not CBD. Most people do not understand that both Hemp and ‘marijuana’ are Cannabis Sativa; as Thoroughbreds and Clydesdales are both horses. Cannabidiol is a Cannabinoid in Hemp/Cannabis. Confusingly, both Cannabidiol and Cannabinoids can be CBD oils. This is not well known, and is further confused by Tigerdrops Holy Hemp CBD oil, which is different again; and does not contain Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol/CBD oils are legal in New Zealand, but you will need a prescription from a GP. (TADHG STOPFORD) PN Therefore, for people seeking to buy 'Medical Cannabis' / CBD / THC products, I recommend these good doctors: Dr Graham Gulbransen: Dr@cannabiscare.nz Dr Simon Bristow & Dr Birgit McConnachie: www.korumedical.co.nz Dr Anna Harvey: anna.harvey@cannabisclinic.co.nz www.thehempfoundation.org.nz
Use religiously
TIGERDROPS
HOLY HEMP CHRISM BY DESIGN
Prohibited food. Not intended for the treatment or prevention of any disease or condition.
WWW.TIGERDROPS.CO.NZ
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Te Ao with Moana, Māori Television, OnDemand & Māori+ App
STREAMING ARTS + CULTURE GUIDE
SPRINGING INTO LOCKDOWN STREAMING Keeping the lockdown streaming options fresh is easy with the variety of different streaming platforms there are to choose from. Even better, our local ones are completely free to enjoy. If you haven’t already, check out the slick new Māori+ App. It’s full of provocative docos, edgy drama and hard hitting current affairs. Plus TVNZ onDemand continues to showcase some of our best homegrown shows - The NYT just cited local drama Good Grief in its latest streaming recommendations (reviewed in Ponsonby News Feb 2020).
Te Ao with Moana Described by critics as the country’s best current affairs show, this multi award winning news program streams live on Māori TV every Monday night and is then available instantly to stream on Māori+. The stories are insightful, timely, provocative and well researched. Furthermore, the host Moana Maniapoto (often seen out of lockdown enjoying many favourite Ponsonby establishments) is a masterful interviewer. She balances probing questions and a decisive line of questioning with tension relieving humour, ensuring her guests are both at ease and willing to share. The Te Ao with Moana team are deserving of their award winning status and if you haven’t already, check out past episodes before you watch the latest. Ahikāroa This is an edgy, gritty drama that provides an intimate glimpse into the complex lives of an ensemble of richly developed characters. On the one hand these are unmistakably Māori characters with reo Māori seamlessly normalised with the narrative, on the other hand they are contemporary voices that all youth can relate to. Their personal dramas and concerns resonate across ethnic boundaries, their struggles are both timeless yet utterly current. Over the last four years this series has gone from strength to strength and it would be no surprise to see it amongst the NYT streaming recommendations in the future.
86 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
It’s a drama series that instantly resonates with its steadily growing audience and social media engagement skyrockets after each new episode batch drops. There’s nothing like the thrill of anticipation and being part of something special.
Ahikāroa, Māori Television, OnDemand & Māori+ App
MĀORI TELEVISION - Māori+ App
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
Only Murders in the Building, Disney+
DISNEY+ Only Murders in the Building Every Tuesday a new episode of this satisfying and tantalising murder mystery drops on Disney+. It’s the ultimate intergenerational shared viewing experience, enabling the whole whānau to schedule something compelling and rewarding to watch together.
and the way their personal stories unfold alongside a series of complex mysteries keeps things fast paced and intriguing. It’s an interesting balance between adrenaline pumping action and very intimate human stories of good, bad and the shades in between.
The star studded cast includes comedic geniuses Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez with guest appearances from big names like Sting and Tina Fey.
Blindspot High stakes from the very beginning make this compelling crime drama viewing. Both lead characters are instantly likeable
Blindspot, NETFLIX
NETFLIX
Blindspot, NETFLIX
The beauty of this show is how each character’s story unfolds against the backdrop of a suspicious death in the building they all live in. It’s charming, funny and totally satisfying, whether you're 15 or 50.
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MICHAEL OWEN SHEN® THERAPY
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Experienced wedding & ceremony celebrant. Your ceremony will be special, memorable & exclusively for you. T: 09 256 1081 M: 021 868 610 www.aucklandcelebrant.co.nz
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FOR AS LITTLE AS $5 A MONTH Your regular donation will help connect more school children with nature, empower people all over Auckland with sustainable living choices and develop and maintain a therapeutic garden. Join now at: www.kelmarnagardens.nz/donate
The Covert Theatre in Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby is NZ’s home of improvised comedy. With workshops and shows every night of the week there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out www.coverttheatre.com
You can support all the good giggle’s by donation right here, www.coverttheatre.com/how-to-help Registered charity CC53421
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COMMUNITY SCHOOL UPDATE One of the key things I love about working and living in the Grey Lynn community is the ability that when a school reaches out, I am in a position where I am able to help. A few months ago, a parent of Richmond Road School reached out to me and let me know what had been going on regarding the basketball fever that had hit the school. I was told that over the past year the amount of children interested in basketball had increased significantly; it started off with only five or six children and now the school had around 80 children playing the sport! Personally, I have been sponsoring the school for the past five or so years through my business and I was very glad to have the opportunity to be a part of this basketball sponsorship now too. It was an absolute pleasure for Gower Buchanan and I to work together and provide these children with very fashionable and trendy basketball singlets also with the help of the parents and printing company stepping in. I was very touched to be given my own framed singlet; it was very emotional to be presented with this at the school assembly as well as an enormous thank you card made by the children who had put a lot of time and effort into it. It was amazing to hear feedback from the parents about how happy these singlets made the children, how they felt part of a real team and how many of them who had never played before are getting involved and coming together across a wide range of years and language units. So apart from connecting people with property, another key factor for me here is connecting with the local community. (LUKE CROCKFORD) PN
www.facebook.com/LukeCrockfordRealEstate
Properties for Sale “Making things easy for you, I’m doing virtual appraisals now.”
Out of Auckland Escape 350 Thames Coast Road, Thornton Bay
Easy Living on Elgin 41 Elgin Street, Grey Lynn
Connecting people with property. 021 277 8565 | Luke.crockford@raywhite.com 90 PONSONBY NEWS+ October 2021
Ready to go in Westmere! 165 Garnet Road, Westmere
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LukeCrockfordRealEstate @lukecrockfordraywhite PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
Ray White Damerell Group Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)
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Luke Crockford Connecting PEOPLE with PROPERTY Grey Lynn & surrounds
021 277 8565 luke.crockford@raywhite.com
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@lukecrockfordraywhite
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