PONSONBY NEWS - SEPTEMBER '20

Established: OCTOBER 1989

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

SEPTEMBER 2020

LOCAL ARTIST EVAN WOODRUFFE IS EXCITED! ARTWEEK IS COMING NEXT MONTH - P94

ponsonbynews.co.nz

Connecting PEOPLE with PROPERTY IN GREY LYNN AND SURROUNDS

Luke Crockford Licensee Salesperson 021 277 8565 luke.crockford@raywhite.com rwponsonby.co.nz Ray White Damerell Group Limited (Licensed REAA 2008)

6 Maxwell Avenue, Grey Lynn 5

3

2

3

This property has been loved by the owners for 35 years, now they are moving and retiring out of Auckland.

Please contact Luke for a viewing or property information.

021 277 8565 luke.crockford@raywhite.com rwponsonby.co.nz

MEET THE VENDORS ...

Mike and Elaine, how long have you lived in this house at Maxwell Ave? What attracted you to the property in the first place?

We were living in our first home in Islington St, Ponsonby in 1985 and came across 6 Maxwell Ave by accident and noticed it was for sale and had large section, in a quiet no exit street.

What do you love most about your home at Maxwell Ave? We love that living in Grey Lynn still has a community feel about it. The local activities like the farmers market, the very active community centre, the car boot sale, the Grey Lynn RSC, the library and TAPAC bring people together. The location is so central that we have easy access to art galleries, theatres, museums, sports in the central city and all parts of Auckland. We love that our home is elevated, with the sea view, with all day sun and nice gardens to enjoy, lots of space for entertaining in all weathers.

You can always find a quiet space or a busy space. Having lots of off street parking has been a plus with the business operating from home, family vehicles and space for visitors.

What was the interest rate when you bought Maxwell Ave? 24% What cafe’s and restaurants do you go to in the area?

We have enjoyed living in a village within a city. Great to be able to walk to excellent café’s and restaurants. Recently we have been enjoying the friendly atmosphere and good food at Romulus and Remus, Viet Café and Thai Thai. Popping up to West Lynn to Malt and Frieda’s for a drink, Mamata and Big Sur café for good coffee. Bread and Butter and 300 Richmond Rd are just down the hill. We are spoilt for choice.

How many children do you have and what school did they go to?

We have four children, two girls, two boys, four grandchildren and another due October. They went to Bayfield Primary and Westmere Primary, Pasadena Intermediate, and Western Springs College. We valued sending our children to the local schools and being part of the school community. For Tertiary education they have attended Auckland University, AUT, MIT & Unitec.

What makes you happy?

Family and friends, we are lucky that our overseas children have returned and we have a wide circle of friends developed through the children, the various school communities we have been involved with and work. We love to travel but that has been curtailed unfortunately at the moment.

What place you would like to visit in New Zealand for a week?

New Plymouth, visiting family, the Len Lye Gallery, (haven’t been there for a few years) and a good explore of the Taranaki coastline.

Delve Deeper

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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Thomas Teutenberg

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.

PRINTED BY WEBSTAR, AUCKLAND. ISSN 1177-3987

6 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

@ponsonbynews @Ponsonby_News @ponsonbynews

photography: Connor Crawford

INSIDE THIS MONTH

010 LETTERS & EMAILS 011 FROM THE EDITOR 014 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW 020 PIPPA COOM: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMATA- & GULF 024 RICHARD NORTHEY, WAITEMATA- LOCAL BOARD 029 JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS 030 HELEN WHITE, NZ LABOUR 033 EMMA MELLOW, NATIONAL PARTY 036 U3A PONSONBY 037 PREDICT WEATHER.COM 040 GREY LYNN AND AROUND 041 PONSONBY PARK 044 LOVING LOCAL IN LOCKDOWN 048 FASHION & STYLE 050 WINETOPIA 054 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 059 TRAVEL BREAKS 060 PONSONBY PETS 061 JOHN APPLETON 062 TADHG STOPFORD 063 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 064 FUTURE GENERATION 066 TEEN PICKS 070 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS 074 HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS 092 ARTS & CULTURE 094 ARTWEEK 096 SEPTEMBER STREAMING GUIDE 098 HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS 099 PONSONBY PINK PAGES

Ponsonby Market Day - Saturday 8 August Adrian & Alex have recently opened Dedwood Deli on Ponsonby Road.

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 jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz AD SALES & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: ANDREA KAHUKIWA M: 021 689 688 andrea@ponsonbynews.co.nz ADVERTISING SALES/AD DESIGNER: MELISSA PAYNTER M: 027 938 4111 melissapaynter@me.com OPERATIONS MANAGER: GWYNNE DAVENPORT M: 021 150 4095 gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz CONTRIBUTING MUSIC EDITOR: FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT M: 021 134 4101 finn.huia@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: JOHN ELLIOTT M: 021 879 054 johnelliott38@outlook.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: ARNA MARTIN M: 021 354 984 arna@cocodesign.co.nz ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Within New Zealand $49. By cheque or credit card in NZ$. Please note: we do not hold back issues of Ponsonby News.

Our archive is all online as pdfs. Please visit www.ponsonbynews.co.nz The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechaal, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies and manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOVING, LIVING & SELLING GREATER PONSONBY

BLAIR HADDOW In excess of $350M sales in Greater Ponsonby #1 National Auction Agent 2017-2019 Top 5% Bayleys Salespeople 2010–2020

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

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LETTERS & EMAILS

WASTE. A WAY FORWARD. We are still putting our waste into the ground. We have Hampton Downs landfill and the new Dome Valley landfill due to open in the near future. Even though we are aware of contamination and leaching, we still ‘truck it, dump it and cover it’.

Time to stop this. Time to own the issue and not just contract it out and hope for the best.

One option - the Government should buy back the Huntly power station from Genesis Energy and turn it into a rubbish incineration plant. Yes, there would be some CO’s into the atmosphere, but would it be any more than the gases leaching out of landfills? Probably not.

Rubbish would be sent to Huntly by train in sealed carriages and be processed prior to incineration, removing the hundreds of truck journeys a week. Local waste stations could be located alongside current rail lines and taken to Huntly at night. Rubbish could be shipped from all over the North Island – from Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington and even from the Hawkes Bay. Bio security could be managed by large secure bins where the waste is stored prior to incineration and a water filtration plant built to ensure the Waikato river is not contaminated.

Proper recycling could be set up and help offset the costs.

Ian McTavish, Herne Bay CALL TO ACTION Fake and flawed consultation is endemic throughout Auckland Council, Local Boards and the Council Controlled Organisations.

Chair of the Waitemata Local Board, Richard Northey, bluntly refused to consider postponing the vote on the new Western Springs Plan despite community objections.

A public meeting to discuss the new plan was cancelled because of Lockdown, but this made no difference to the Waitemata Local Board’s intention to: 1. Lower the lake level 2. Demolish the double humped bridge 3. Turn the Lake into a “Wet Land,” instead of managing the existing weir to keep the spring water fresh and moving 4. Widen the paths so that cyclists clash with toddlers, prams and the elderly 5. Transform the park into an events venue They approved all these points except the demolition of the iconic double hump bridge at this time.

The controversial plan to put a new path through the forest behind the Lake and Zoo was held over until September. Mainly because it will require the clear felling of 217 healthy Monetary pines which in turn will ruin the 70+ year old regenerating native forest beneath.

We believe that when people who love this park realise the huge fiscal cost and environmental impact, they too will be motivated to take Direct Action by joining an occupation to preserve the park.

Lisa Prager, Westmere VICTORY - BRIDGE SAVED The Waitemata- Local Board voted on 18 August to adopt the ‘Western Springs Lakeside Plan’ and excluded from that the replacement of the much loved ‘double hump bridge’ where park goers enjoy a close encounter with native eel.

Auckland Council wanted to replace the bridge for disabled access and the ‘people jam’ caused during the two days of Pasifika each year.

Local residents have seen an electric wheel chair racing across it, just like kids bikes do when they can find the bridge free of observers.

And a resident in a wheel chair says that people are more than happy to help him cross or there’s another way around. Legal accessibility would say this bridge was too steep, if there wasn’t another way to go around the park.

Next step is to make it an historic structure and hopefully find a patron to fund an additional ‘triple hump bridge’ either side for more learning and the love of native eels.

Most of the ‘Plan’ could have been replaced with a maintenance schedule that would have saved taxpayer revenue.

1. Forest maintenance - removal of a few dead branches to ensure the track is safe - instead of removal of canopy of 218 trees.

(WLB vote on this in September) 2. Lake water quality - repair the lake flushing system that has been broken for about 5 years and floating riparian planting - instead of lowering the lake level, reducing its size, planting around the edges obscuring view of the water and birds potentially turning it into a ‘wetland’.

3. Path repairs - instead of replacement with wider paths for large truck access.

4. Bridges - minor repairs including handrails damaged in 2018 storm instead of replacement with wider bridges for large truck access.

Western Springs Lakeside Park - Te Wai Orea - Water of Eel is a unique oasis in the middle of a busy city where the entertainment is the wildlife, nature and tranquility, and a safe place for families and children in particular. Let’s keep it that way.

Gael Baldock, Community Advocate, Westmere Western Springs Lakeside Park The Waitemata- Local Board has recently been spending its time and our money discussing changing the well-functioning and popular Western Springs Park and surrounding the lake.

Expensive consultants have advised on horticulture, silviculture, water quality, birds and access for large vehicles to bring in paraphernalia for the Pacifika Festival. Cyclists have been lobbying for wider paths, presumably because they feel entitled to whizz at dangerous speed through the toddlers and prams of family groups.

I went down on a blustery Tuesday to have a look, in the light of these proposals, with my partner and her daughter, a two year old on a scooter and a six year old on her new bike (no training wheels).

We all had a good time. There has been a great reduction in ‘bird poo’, and there were lots of friendly faces and eyes above masks, cygnets (only one per mating couple, strange), ducks, and eels, etc.

The water was very clear, no smells, no problems at all.

As usual I was pushed over the ‘humpy bridge’ by my partner as it’s too steep for my wheelchair, and after all, I am an aging paraplegic and am always offered help from strangers if I am alone or access is daunting.

This was an easy, enjoyable outing for a group of five aged 2-73 with varying abilities. So why is the board consulting? Why the expense?

Where’s the money coming from? Hasn’t the board got something better to do with its time, or more ominously, does it have too much time, and rate-payers’ money, to spend on that great farce ‘change for its own sake’?

Meanwhile, in the last 25 years my rates have gone up from about $1200.00 to $10,000.00, while the size of my section has decreased by 20%. (No major improvements in this time). And Council warns us it is teetering through massive debt towards insolvency.

William Gruar, Westmere CONTINUED P19

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

10 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FROM THE EDITOR

Next month we are going to the polls to vote. It is compulsory for anyone over the age of 18 to get enrolled. If you’re not sure who to vote for just get online to check out each party’s policies.

The team here ran an Auckland Central election candidates debate on Sunday 9 August at Freemans Bay Primary School. The school hall was packed with over 400 people in the room. This is mentioned in John Elliott’s Auckland Central update.

When Auckland jumped back into alert level 3, local businesses and communities were there for each other. If necessity is the mother of invention, then the changes our local businesses have recently made reveals just how truly inventive and resilient they are. We talked to a range of retailers, service providers and cafes to find out how they overcame the challenges of this recent lockdown and what locals have to look forward to as we move down the alert levels.

Some issues make people’s blood boil! Our letters page this month has not one, but four letters to the editor regarding the ‘fun and games’ at Western Springs Lakeside Park.

photography: Connor Crawford

Local business, Garnet Station, turned 13 last month. To acknowledge this milestone the team has been busy creating Majenta, a new bar for the Westmere neighbourhood.

Fifteen-year-old Ponsonby local, Honour Mitchell’s column ‘Teen Picks’ is included in this issue. For her first contribution she has covered her personal favourite – FOOD! Our cover star this month is well-known painter, Evan Woodruffe. Evan is excited that we have something to look forward to in celebrating Artweek, (10-18 October) now in its tenth anniversary. We can’t wait to PN be cheered up! (MARTIN LEACH) 

Jay Platt, John Elliott & Martin Leach

“SAW IT IN THE HER ALD ON WWWSATURDAY, VISITED THE SO. MANY. OPEN HOME SUNDAY, BOUGHT ITBUYERS. ON MONDAY ” M AT T & RYA N N 1 I N G R E Y LY N N* Matt O’Rourke 021 375 909

Ryan Harding 021 621 580

m.orourke@barfoot.co.nz

r.harding@barfoot.co.nz

* G r e y Ly n n b r a n c h Y E 3 1 M a r c h 2 0 2 0

* * S a l e s M a d e i n J u l y by M a t t & R ya n

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 11

Exclusive cosmopolitan lifestyle 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2 Car parks An iconic waterfront sub penthouse in one of the Viaduct’s most prestigious apartment buildings, this three bedroom, single level apartment in The Quays is exceptional in every way.

Looking out over the beautiful Viaduct Basin and just a short walk to Commercial Bay and all the cosmopolitan centre has to offer, including world class eateries, entertainment and shopping. This property provides executive living and the perfect grandstand position come the America’s Cup.

12 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

3A/99 Customs Street West, Auckland Central

The highly spec’d kitchen with statement splashback is an entertainer’s dream, ready to service family and friends in the spacious open plan living and dining area with views across the harbour. Take the celebrations out onto the deck or relax in the luxe lounge because the indoor to outdoor lifestyle here is seamless.

Two double bedrooms are generous in size and share an immaculate designer bathroom, whilst the master comes with its own impressive marbled en suite. All have picture windows looking over the water and surrounding CBD. A separate study is also available for the ultimate in work from home style or perhaps an additional bedroom.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Built in 1990 and substantially and stylishly renovated, this apartment offers modern day luxury living in one of the CBD’s most desired addresses. Leave both cars at home in the secure garage and enjoy all that the city has to offer, or embrace the advantage of a seriously secure, lock and leave property.

Immaculately presented and in a truly fantastic location, this central city beauty boasts some of Auckland’s best views as well as an exceptional urbane lifestyle just waiting to be embraced. Astute buyers will not delay.

Asking price

$1,295,000 Viewing by appointment

André Boddé

021 662 873 andre.bodde@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Dan Reed

021 191 2225 dan.reed@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, AUCKLAND CITY LIVING, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 13

LOCAL NEWS

David Hartnell: One minute interview with Kim Hegan Kim’s mother and father, Eddie and Elaine Hegan ran Hegan’s Entertainment Agency in New Zealand for decades.

Was it your Mum and Dad where you got your interest in entertainment from?

Well we had no alternative, as it was the family business. Our house was always full of entertainers like Billy T James, Ray Woolf, Howard Morrison. We even had Vera Lynn around for dinner at our house. During summer holidays there were beach shows with Dad as MC/Producer. We all helped out, and when Dad became unwell in the mid 1980s, I stuck my hand up to help Mum with the business.

Tell us about the movie you have produced with your daughter.

We met a very high Tibetan Lama, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, while he was visiting New Zealand at Orewa beach in 2010. Both my daughters, Yeshe and Hanna, are Tibetan Buddhists, so when I told him the story of how I met and studied with Kangyur Rinpoche, the Tibetan Lama who had carried the Buddha’s 84,000 teachings from Tibet, escaping over the Himalayas to India in the 1950s, in Darjeeling in the 1970s, he suggested I go back to Darjeeling and film it. It took us seven years; ‘Return To Gandhi Road’ won a couple of awards and was released in New Zealand and Australia.

What is the best thing about living in Grey Lynn?

I have lived in Grey Lynn for 16 years and love the community. My favourite cafe, The Richmond Road Cafe, is just around the corner and my entertainment and filmo mates are all nearby.

What was your childhood like?

It was pretty active. The house was always full of entertainers and I was a competitive gymnast before I discovered surfing. So I was Crunchy the Clown’s (Peter Newberry’s) balancing act partner until we came a cropper off a pile of chairs at the Dinah Lee Show at Western Springs.

Peter got hurt and retired from the high balancing.

I will die happy if…

I get there in one piece.

Where would your dream holiday be?

Dad always said to make your job your hobby and you’ll never have to work a day. So we spent a lot of time in the Dordogne in France working on the last doco. It was beautiful. The next one would be about a Kiwi Flamenco Maestro, Paul Bosauder and his world of Flamenco, directed

by Ian Mune, and I love Spain so once Covid-19 is clear, we’re off.

Most kiwi thing about you?

I have a natural love of the ocean See yourself in ten years where?

By the ocean still surfing.

What job would you do other than your own?

I wouldn’t change a thing. I have finally landed the dream job telling true stories that interest me.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Billy Bob Thornton, as Bad Santa.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My Hegan pointy nose.

Like to be remembered - how?

Mindful of others.

Best thing about your age?

You can stay seated in a packed train.

14 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

Something that you really disapprove of?

Loud and noisy people.

Your biggest disappointments?

- Trust Board and Hegans were jointly developing a Maori - Cultural A Maori Centre on a special site that never made it off the drawing board. That was disappointing.

If you won a million dollars what would you would do?

Buy a wee beach bach.

What motivates you?

Making a difference.

What do you think happens when we die?

We reap what we have sown.

Favorite movie?

Secrets and Lies, Mike Leigh’s masterpiece, The Godfather. It was the first movie where real Italian’s were cast, and I love anything Francis Ford Coppola makes.”Flamenco Flamenco” Mike Figgis at his best.

What favourite bit of clothing can’t you live without?

Comfortable Shoes and Nike hoodies.

Favourite time of the day?

Sunset.

Dream home?

Overlooks the beach, big deck.

Most treasured possession?

My pair of sitars from the 1970s.

Something very few people know about you?

I’m allergic to cold water.

Favourite hero of fiction?

The Dalai Lama Mr. Happiness.

What cliché do you hate?

(Preface to racist statement) “Even though some of my best friends are Maori/Indian/Islamic etc.”

Comfort food?

Chocolate.

Dream guest list for a dinner party?

HH Dalai Lama, Russell Brand, Archimedes, Kangyur Rinpoche.

Change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?

I am a major supporter of this government... Best Government in my lifetime. THEY ARE GIVING PEACE A CHANCE! It’s about time.

PN (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM)  PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

CHARLOTTE KOFOED

SPECIALISING IN PONSONBY AND SURROUNDING SUBURBS Charlotte has an innate understanding and appreciation of the city-fringe suburbs, particularly the greater Ponsonby area.

With this comes an honest connection with home owners and potential purchasers alike. Charlotte knows what it takes to earn the trust and respect of her clients. She is committed to providing a comprehensive and personalised service, has a high level of attention to detail and takes pride in implementing innovative marketing campaigns.

Talk to Charlotte about your buying and selling requirements.

CHARLOTTE KOFOED M +64 21 241 9394 | charlotte.kofoed@nzsir.com ckre.co.nz

SOLD

SOLD

1 Kent Street, Ponsonby

203/52 Sales Street, Freemans Bay

FORTHCOMING AUCTION

FOR SALE

Apartment 5.2, The International, 9 Princes Street, Auckland Central

704/141 Pakenham Street West, Wynyard Quarter

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

LOCAL NEWS

Wanaka - a small town with a big lifestyle. Is now the time?

As Covid-19 takes centre stage, should we consider a move away from the big city?

Nestled on the edge of Lake Wanaka and surrounded by a vista of mountains, Wanaka enjoys a unique and special location. The town has wide open streets, no high-rise buildings and no traffic lights. The lake provides endless opportunities to enjoy water sports while also offering the simple majesty of watching the lake in all its changing moods. Climbing Mt. Iron rewards the walker with wide views of the lake and mountains and is highly accessible.

Wanaka offers year-round entertainment. Attracting thousands of visitors each year (normally!), the town plays host to a wide variety of nationalities and interests. In summer, paragliding, mountain biking and hiking, and in winter, skiing at Cardrona or Treble Cone is just 25 minutes drive away.

Wanaka is one of those towns that punches well above its weight.

With city dwellers working out that a small town doesn’t have to mean

small life or small thinking, this may just be the time to consider a move south.

The work situation seems less concentrated on tourism as we prove to ourselves the ability to work remotely. The regular commute by those heading to Auckland and Wellington is even waning as the reality of how successful the ‘WFH’ model has proven. Earn city wages and live in Wanaka; what a great combo!

Wanaka is, however, the worst kept secret, and already the world is eyeing up this special little town with big ideas. So take your chance and lock in a ‘tourist free’ visit to the south.

There’s never a ‘right’ time to challenge yourself, but there’s no harm in being open to the possibilities of the ‘right now’. Wanaka is a great place to visit and see for yourself. Carpe diem!

WANAKA HOME AND INCOME OFFERS ON $2.4M

6 BEDROOMS 7.5 BATHROOMS

Fabulous, purpose built home with 6 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms Luxury living right in the township of Wanaka Just a 5 minute WALK to town and lake this home works in multiple ways. Currently run as a Guest Lodge in summer (WANAKA SUITES - with manager accommodation separate) and used privately in winter. Or rent out the manager’s one bedroom self contained and enjoy the 5 bedroom house to yourself. Or have staff live on site and run all year round as a Guest Lodge (which it is licensed to do). Fabulous mountain views with lake peeks from upstairs designer kitchen and living area – this property is sound proofed, fire proofed, solar powered and energy efficient. Contact me directly for more photos, business details and any questions.

Call me with any questions. Clare 021 666 366 claredoherty@gmail.com

16 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Be local — lease local ForLease.co.nz

ForLease — Leasing local

Discover high quality commercial spaces available for lease in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Mount Eden and Parnell Visit www.forlease.co.nz Call (09) 5222 636 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 17

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

It’s a team effort... we couldn’t do it without our contributors CONNOR CRAWFORD

JOHN ELLIOTT

I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.

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.

DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM

KEN RING

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

KERRY LEE

GARY STEEL

LUCY KENNEDY

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

HONOUR MITCHELL

PHIL PARKER

HELENE RAVLICH

PIPPA COOM

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

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

JOHN APPLETON

ROSS THORBY

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

18 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

I have read a great many books about Gandhi and I realise that his character, like that of every extraordinary person, is sometimes conveniently misrepresented for headline-grabbing articles, like the one in The Guardian (27 Jan-2010), which evidently influenced Gary Steel.

A vast body of literature would prove these unfortunate descriptions of ‘sexist’ and ‘misogynistic’ as unfair and cruel, but providing literary evidence to prove this would be beyond the scope of a short ‘letter to the editor’.

Prakash Abraham, Freemans Bay

Ballot for 2021

Parents of children who live in zone who are turning 5 in 2021 & 2022 should pre-enrol to assist the school to plan appropriately.

Out of zone places are likely to be offered in all year groups. Places are allocated dependent on availability on the day of the ballot 21 October 2020.

Applications to be received by 3:00pm on 14 OCTOBER 2019.

There is an information meeting for parents interested in applying for the Ballot on FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 9:15AM please contact the school if you would like to attend 09 376 5703 Enrolment & Ballot forms are available from the school website www.bayfield.school.nz

Inspired today – prepared for tomorrow

PROPOSED WESTERN SPRINGS PARK PLAN The Chair of the Waitemata- Local Board, Richard Northey, has bluntly refused to consider postponing the vote on the proposed plan changes.

We are very disturbed by this, as a public meeting scheduled for last Sunday, 16 August at the RSC in West Lynn, was planned to inform and educate the local community about exactly what the changes and the NEW plan were. However, the order for Auckland to lock down under Covid-19 Level 3 interrupted this public meeting.

It has been very hard this year for the community to focus on issues involving public spaces because of the pressure Covid-19 has put on people, businesses, jobs and livelihoods. This pubic meeting would have shown the WLB the deep concerns shared by many ratepayers and prove that the consultation process, which might work for the WaitemataLocal Board, but essentially is a ‘fake and flawed consultation process’ as the involvement by the public has been conditional.

The issues of significant controversy are: lowering the Western Springs lake; widening the paths; allowing bicycles on the same path as toddlers, prams and the elderly; demolishing the iconic double humped bridge; the plan to turn this peaceful, tranquil park into and event venue is not widely understood. For these reasons we have asked that the WLB seriously reconsider their intention to pass this plan.

As the local community and the diverse range of park users come to understand the plan, its cost and the environmental impact it will have, they will be motivated to take direct action and occupy the park to preserve its historic and ecological values. Consultation with only those who agree, is not open, transparent or accountable governance.

Under the Local Government Act, we formally request that you postpone this vote until wide spread, genuine public consultation on these profound changes to the Western Springs Park are resolved.

Lisa Prager, Community Advocate, Spokesperson, Westmere Heritage Protection Association, Occupy Garnet Road STOP PRESS: We have only just found out, via a board member’s written reply, that the actual intention by Auckland Council via The WaitemataLocal Board is to turn the Western Springs Lake into ‘wet lands,’ instead of managing the existing weir to keep the spring water fresh in the lake. This additional major change has not been part of the public consultation process; proving our case that this is a fake and flawed public consultation and illegal.

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 19

LETTERS & EMAILS

GARY STEEL’S COLUMN IN PONSONBY NEWS In ‘Eat, Drink + Be Merry’ Gary Steel writes of Gandhi as, “a man whose beliefs and action - by 21st century standards - would be sexist if not outright misogynistic.”

One of the many islands in the Gulf - Otata Island the Noises, Photo: Rod Neureuter

LOCAL NEWS

Pippa Coom: Councillor for Waitemat-a & Gulf A brief reprieve for the Hauraki Gulf during lockdown.

Through the disruption, anxiety and uncertainty thrown up by the coronavirus, the lockdowns have provided the opportunity to reconnect with nature, to listen, to stop and observe. I’m particularly interested in the impact on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park because earlier in the year I was elected co-chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum alongside Nicola MacDonald, the tangata whenua co-chair.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is New Zealand’s first marine park. It’s a big park, stretching from Te Arai in the north to Waihi in the south.

- it includes At 1.2 million hectares, or 20 times the size of Lake Taupo, the Waitemata- Harbour, Gulf Islands, Firth of Thames and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. It is the seabird capital of the world, and a whale superhighway. Many will feel a close affinity with the Gulf as Auckland’s playground.

The State of the Gulf report published to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park made for grim reading and put a spotlight on the ongoing environmental degradation. The park is suffering from the decimation of shellfish beds, decreasing fish stocks, a seabed littered with plastics, sediment issues and increased pressure from development and tourism. The key point from the report is we need much more protection, and we need it fast.

During the first lockdown there was an immediate and observable effect of noise reduction on our marine and bird life from the significant decline in the number of vessel movements resulting in a much quieter and less pressured marine environment. There were sightings of bird life where we haven’t seen them for some time.

Ultimately the positive impact was not ongoing and not particularly ecologically or environmentally significant given that we are fighting decades of degradation.

In May, the Forum adopted an updated set of ambitious goals for the Gulf including ending marine dumping in or near the marine park and protecting at least 30 per cent of our moana in a way that respects biodiversity and habitats. Less than half a percent of the area is currently protected in marine reserves.

The Minister of Conservation, Eugene Sage, supports implementing significant marine protection. As she has said, “We have to get beyond asserting our rights to thinking about our responsibilities for the domain of Tangaroa, because we all share an interest in having a healthy gulf with abundant fisheries and marine life. It means putting aside our

20 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

Hauraki Gulf Forum Co Chairs Nicola MacDonald and Pippa Coom

assertion of rights. We’d really like to see some ambitious vision, with the fishing industry offering to stop bottom trawling and other bottomdamaging methods – to take that step to inspire other action.”

What marine protection does go ahead will be in the hands of the incoming government. The government’s response strategy to Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari, the marine spatial plan for the park designed to secure a healthy, productive and sustainable future, will be critical. Adoption of a strategy has the potential to transform the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

It was a brief reprieve during lockdown, but the tide may be starting to turn for the Hauraki Gulf Tipaka Moana Te Moananui-a-Toi. (PIPPA COOM)  PN Contact Pippa Coom via pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

David Dowse Licensee Salesperson

On the move!

After helping people move for the last 29 years, I am now moving myself, on up to join Ray White Ponsonby!

And I am looking forward to continuing to work with all of my clients.

David Dowse 027 499 3319 david.dowse@raywhite.com Ray White Damerell Group Limited (Licensed REAA 2008)

   With an amazing track record in Greater Ponsonby over a significant period of time, we are proud to welcome David back to Ray White Gower Buchanan, Director Ray White Damerell Group Ponsonby.

LOCAL NEWS

Local News: Introducing Rebecca Ward Last month Ponsonby News talked to Rebecca Ward, the head teacher at Ponsonby Kindergarten.

My name is Rebecca Ward and I have been the head teacher at Ponsonby Kindergarten since early May this year. I was a teacher at Freemans Bay Kindergarten where I taught for 20 years and have been with the Auckland Kindergarten Association since 1991.

I am also an Enviroschools facilitator where I work with kindergarten teachers throughout Auckland. Enviroschools are early childhood centres and schools committed to a long-term sustainability journey.

My role in this is to guide, support, facilitate, and collaborate sustainable opportunities in the learning community.

In my spare time I am a Brownie leader, something I have been doing for over 25 years and I have realised through lockdown that I miss the time I spend with them. I am also involved in a tramping group and spend time exploring bush around Auckland and beyond.

Tell us about Ponsonby Kindergarten: Ponsonby Kindergarten, one of 107 AKA kindergartens, is secreted in a quiet residential street just off Auckland’s bustling iconic Ponsonby Rd. It is a place where play is paramount, innovation is key, and the bespoke touches add a real charm to its children’s learning.

We have the most amazing children attending this kindergarten, and very good support from parents and whanau.

The location is excellent, and we have good facilities to extend the children’s learning.

What is Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA)?

For the past 110 years, the Auckland Kindergarten Association has

22 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

been igniting young minds by encouraging them to explore their imaginations through play.

For many of us, kindergarten was where we began our life of learning; it was where we started learning skills like sharing, tolerance, patience, respect and self-confidence. We believe child care and education should be affordable and accessible for all, and you’ll find that all our kindergartens cater to the needs of their local community.

What makes Ponsonby Kindergarten different?

Established in 1926, we’ve been in the community for almost 95 years now. We love being part of Ponsonby and we aim to maintain strong connections within the local community, fostering friendships and making the community a better place to live.

Fun fact: Last year, we clinched the prize for growing the tallest sunflower plant in Auckland (3.19m)! We can cater for 40 children including two-year-olds, and are open from 8.30am to 3.30pm each week day.

How do you contact Ponsonby Kindergarten?

Please pop in for a visit any time; Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.45pm.

We’re located on 22 Ponsonby Terrace or you can call us on 09 376 4931.

For more details, visit www.aka.org.nz.

We look forward to meeting you.

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

AUCKLAND KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION ARE TAKING ENROLMENTS NOW! Our kindergartens offer: • Beautiful large outdoor areas • 20 hours free ECE per week • Fully qualified teachers • Play based learning environments

• Long standing history and relationships in your community • An engaged, passionate and welcoming kindergarten team

Ponsonby Kindergarten 22 Ponsonby Terrace, Ponsonby 09 376 4931 ponsonby@aka.org.nz

Grey Lynn Kindergarten 25 Home Street, Grey Lynn 09 378 6941 greylynn@aka.org.nz

Freemans Bay Kindergarten 16 Tahuna Street, Freemans Bay 09 376 2465 freemansbay@aka.org.nz

Westmere Kindergarten 90 Garnet Road, Westmere 09 376 3833 westmere@aka.org.nz

Speak to our teams today or pop in for a visit to experience our kindergartens!

Western Springs Park view

LOCAL NEWS

Richard Northey: Waitemat-a Local Board Chair Thank you to those who let us know your views in our consultation with our local community about our proposed Waitemat-a Local Board Plan, which concluded on 13 August.

- Identity; Connected Our draft identifies six major outcomes: Maori Communities; High Quality Urban Design; Environmental Protection; Safe and Diverse Transport; and Economic Prosperity. It contains an emphasis on recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and a commitment to act on combating the climate emergency.

At our November extraordinary meeting we will decide on which of your ideas are priorities and that we have the capacity to respond to and include in an amended Local Board Plan. The final Plan will guide our actions for the next three years. Auckland Council’s proposed ‘emergency budget’, its response to the financial impacts of COVID-19, was decided on by the Governing Body at the end of July. It inevitably meant substantial cuts to the infrastructure projects, maintenance, and community services, although fortunately not to the library hours, provided by the Council.

At our Waitemata- Local Board meeting on 18 August, conducted

by Skype, we resolved on our own remaining budget. We reluctantly accepted the governing body decision to sell the villa at 3 Ponsonby Road, but requested that the proceeds from its sale are directed to contribute to the cost of the restoration of the Leys Institute buildings, which are sorely missed and highly valued by the community and the Board. A report on options for securing the future of the Leys Institute buildings will be on the agenda of our September 15 board meeting.

postponement and rebates to help, and people and businesses in this situation should not hesitate to contact Council to apply for this relief.

At our 18 August meeting we amended and adopted a strategic plan for the Western Springs Lakeside Park. Riparian planting will take place to improve the water quality and protect wildlife. The playground will be upgraded, with a nature theme. In response to public submissions, the double hump bridge will be kept. At our September meeting we will consider the future of the pine forest on the eastern slopes of the Park.

Regarding other issues: The Waitemata- Local Board is opposing an application to extend the operating hours of a helicopter pad in Cremorne Street. We all need to remind ourselves to maintain hand washing and social distancing to combat the return of COVID-19.

Because of the drought we all need to reduce our water use.

(RICHARD NORTHEY)  PN Although the Board Office may be closed at times, I can be contacted at 021 534 546 or richard.northey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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. We decided to postpone the Myers Park Medley by a year to help minimise any cuts in valued Council services. We will continue to sponsor the Franklin Road Lights and maintain valuable community, environmental, climate change and most transport safety services.

The Board is continuing its support for the arts and creative industries through TAPAC, Studio One and the Space Hub. We have used our own budget to restore Council’s cuts in programmes at the Ellen Melville Centre. Fortunately, the Ponsonby, Parnell, and Grey Lynn Community Centres are entering the second year of three-year funding agreements and their grants will not be affected.

We are very much aware that some people will find it difficult to pay their rates this year. Council has developed and agreed to provision for

24 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

Richard Northey with Bridgitte Sistig of Grey Lynn 2030 at the Leys Little Library

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Although this is the September issue of Ponsonby News, I am writing this at home during Alert Level 3.

So, fingers crossed everyone is safe and well, and we are back to work at Leys by the time this edition is printed. Some of you may have noticed that this month’s column is not being written by Lucia but by Chloë (me). Even if the name is not familiar, I am sure my face is to many of you.

We have reluctantly agreed to loan Lucia to the Takapuna Library.

So, if you are over on the Shore stop by and say ‘Hi’ to her. In the meantime, I am holding the fort at Leys Institute Little Library (LILLy).

Most likely you will know me as one of the team who runs our children’s programming - apologies to those of you who have been subjected to my singing over the last few years. When we are at Level 1 and our children’s programs have resumed, I will be back at the Ponsonby Baptist Church on a Wednesday morning being slightly ridiculous for the entertainment and enjoyment of the under 5’s in our community (and their caregivers.) And if you have requests for bubbles music, message us on our FB page.

Auckland Libraries’ Recommendations: As mentioned, this column is being written during lockdown. With closed libraries and more time at home in mind, it seems like the perfect opportunity to promote our streaming film service, Beamafilm.

This isn’t the first time we have written about Beamafilm, but it’s worth an additional plug because it’s very good and free as part of your library membership. So, this month’s recommendation is the documentary, Dries, a profile of the Belgian clothing designer Dries

Van Noten. In one of the opening scenes, Van Noten says, “the word ‘fashion’ I do not like; I would like a word that is more timeless.” If you are unfamiliar with Van Noten, this statement sums up his approach, creating beautiful clothes that are less concerned with the in/out time frame of fashion. Not only do we get to see the process of designing and staging collections, we also get a little personal insight as the camera follows Van Noten into his home and colour blocked garden.

And if after watching Dries, you want to have your own home fashion film festival, Beama will keep you happy, with profiles of designers Vivienne Westwood, McQueen, and Raf Simon working for Dior.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm LEYS INSTITUTE LITTLE LIBRARY, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 25

LOCAL NEWS

Chloe Fryer: Leys Institute Little Library News

OUT + ABOUT

Ponsonby Market Day - Saturday 8 August

photography: Connor Crawford

Fun. Food. Treats & Treasures.

26 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 27

photography: Connor Crawford

OUT + ABOUT

photography: Connor Crawford

OUT + ABOUT 28 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

We all hate paying tax, but we know what it’s for, and most of us tolerate it.

New Zealand like most other countries is spending a fortune on the Covid 19 stamp out, including huge money to support workers and businesses who can’t function during lockdowns.

Most New Zealanders support this borrow and spend emergency, but it will have to be paid back.

Contrary to the opinion that Labour can’t manage the economy as well as National, we went into the pandemic with a budget surplus, and a cross party agreement to keep debt at around 20% of GDP. This is among the lowest in the OECD, much lower than Australia at 45%, UK at 80% and the US at 107%.

Of course our debt has skyrocketed under Covid, but so has the debt worldwide.

Now, as we hope to eradicate Covid again, we face an economic rebuild, and tax repayment. This is where the difference between Labour and National becomes most marked.

National is bleating that Labour will increase taxes, claiming that they will add none. National are scathingly critical of the Green Party proposal for a Guaranteed Minimum Income plan, paid for by a new wealth tax on millionaires.

But here’s the thing. There are only two options - increase tax, or cut expenditure. In 2008 when a fresh faced young John Key came to power the first thing he did was cut taxes for the rich and increase GST for the poor. He called it fiscally neutral. It may have been neutral for the government, but it exacerbated poverty and inequality overnight.

So, if National continues, as I expect they will, to say they won’t increase taxes, in fact they may reduce them, voters must ask them “what expenditure will you cut?”

Free market neoliberalism, introduced to the US by Ronald Reagan and the UK by Margaret Thatcher, and New Zealand by Roger Douglas

and Ruth Richardson, set this dastardly political philosophy loose to wreak havoc on our society. It is now largely discredited, with aspects of it like ‘trickle down’ utterly false, but among right wing politicians there is still sneaking admiration for the way neoliberalism was able to accrue so much wealth at the top, and create huge misery at the bottom. The 1% still loves it.

In the 1970s, top tax rates were in the 60s and 70s percent.

Neoliberals forced that down, Douglas even calling for a flat tax, where the richest would pay the same rate as the poorest.

Those who scoff at this analysis would do well to read on the subject.

Joseph Stiglitz an American Nobel Prize winner in economics, and former chief economist to the World Bank, is the most authoritative author on the subject. His book “ The Price of Inequality” is a classic.

To read about the social ills that attend neoliberalism read “The Spirit Level”, by Wilkinson and Pickett.

So, to sum up, beware of political parties which pledge to reduce taxes, and ask them how they will balance the books without cutting vital social welfare, health and education spending. There was a huge amount of deferred maintenance on hospital buildings, schools and social spending under National from 2008 to 2017. Labour is having to address that deficit. Hopefully they can get their proposed “wellbeing budget” up and running when Covid has been whacked.

Finally, on the vexed question of what society we want, I heard a speech by retired Chief Judge of the Appeal Court of NZ, The Right Honourable Sir Edmund Thomas a few years ago, where he said this: “New Zealand will never again be a fair and just society until it rids itself of the last vestiges of neoliberalism.”

Only twice in the last one hundred years, have New Zealanders denied a government a second term, and I don’t expect this to be a third. Jacinda Ardern and Labour deserve another term, hopefully with the Greens as their partner. (JOHN ELLIOTT)  PN

John Elliott: Why hasn’t NZ banned glyphosate like more than 21 countries already have?

We help to feed the world. We send the best of agricultural foods all over the globe, and yet the corrupt Environmental Protection Agency won’t protect that food by banning the carcinogenic chemical roundup, containing the poisonous glyphosate, from New Zealand.

Litigation is taking place all over the world. People are suing Bayer Monsanto and winning record payouts.

On 24 June they announced a US$10.9 billion pay out to people who have been harmed by glyphosate, effectively an admission of guilt.

injected products, Monsanto, recently sold or merged with German giant Bayer. The conglomerate now faces thousands of lawsuits, and can expect payouts of many billions.

Our EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has taken its lead for far too long from the corrupt US EPA. The US EPA has engaged in deceptive marketing campaigns, misinformation and outright lying for years.

New Zealand government authorities and contractors and local authority contractors are still using glyphosate Roundup throughout our environment and in public spaces including around schools.

Why can’t our government take counsel from the world’s leading cancer experts who have labelled glyphosate as ‘a probable carcinogen’.

Many of the adverse health outcomes from use of glyphosate products are in the public realm. Long-time owner of glyphosate

Finally, billions of dollars worth of clean green agricultural products PN are at risk because of corporate fraud. (JOHN ELLIOTT) 

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 29

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: Only two certainties in life - death and taxes

LOCAL NEWS

Helen White: Why your choice of constituency MP matters Recently Auckland Central politics has been caught up in a little more drama than usual. Okay, that’s an understatement!

I understand why the abrasiveness of politics gets people down and even stops them voting, but the decision as to who you elect to represent you locally and as an advocate for this electorate’s interests in Wellington this year really is an important one.

• It means I know how to work my socks off.

When the Honourable Winston Peters made his decision to support a Labour led government, he said it was because he trusted Labour to steer New Zealand through the rocky times he predicted were ahead. I presume even he has been shocked at how rocky the water became. I am grateful every day that it is Jacinda Ardern who is steering us through the pandemic. She does so with the consistent ethos of putting the well-being of its people first. I think we are all well aware it isn’t easy water to navigate and no government will get it all right, but I agree with most New Zealanders, that this has been a government which has earned the trust it now has.

• Being a full-time employment lawyer and running my own business gives me a realistic grip on the economic impact of Covid-19 on businesses and workers in our city.

At the time I write this we are still in level 3 lockdown and it is again apparent that it is important we move together in the clear and steady direction which is guided by putting the welfare of people first.

‘The role of a good constituency MP is representing all’ I see the local MP’s job is about making sure the same focus on the welfare of people at central government is available in this electorate to all its constituents. For me, the core role of a constituency MP is to listen, advocate and represent people, no matter what they earn, what walk of life they come from, or even who they vote for. That is what I will do if I am elected to this important job.

What I offer • I grew up in Freemans Bay. I see the depth of my roots in this community as really helpful. It also means I really care that it thrives.

• As an employment lawyer for over 25 years I have the advantage of real experience advocating for people.

• It has taught me the importance of being pragmatic when solving people’s problems.

• It has also repeatedly taught me that sometimes we have to find the middle ground to make progress towards our goals.

• So far the part of this job I relish most has been the interactions I have with people I otherwise would have no opportunity to meet.

I think that bodes well for my capacity to represent people in this electorate. I understand the strain Auckland Central is currently under. I am concerned the plans to tackle congestion through investing in public transport, the provision of green space and well designed, affordable and quality housing, are all under pressure due to the economic strain on the city. It is all the more important this city has an advocate to persuade the Government to step in and help realise these plans where it can.

A strong voice for Auckland Central in Wellington Right now Auckland Central needs a committed community advocate with her feet on the ground about the impact of Covid and wanting to make this city a better place for us all to live and work. I see it as vital right now for Auckland Central to have an advocate taking every opportunity to gain support from government for practical projects that will support this community. I want to be a local MP advocating in Wellington on behalf of this community. Providing a strong voice for this electorate will hopefully be assisted by the advantage of being inside the government: that is my plea for two ticks for Labour this election!

Election delay I hope an upside of this delay is that there will be more opportunities for me to meet more constituents at the many events and debates planned in our community. I look forward to that chance to meet you.

(HELEN WHITE)  PN www.facebook.com/HelenWhiteLabour Authorised by Dianna Lacy, 160 Willis Street, Wellington.

30 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Helen White

for Auckland Central www.labour.org.nz/helenwhite Helen.white@labour.org.nz

Helen_white_labour Helenwhitelabour + September 2020 31 PONSONBY Authorised by Timothy Grigg, 160 WillisNEWSStreet, Wellington

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: Auckland Central National party candidate Emma Mellow is the National Party candidate for Auckland Central, after the retirement of four term member, Nikki Kaye.

Nikki Kaye won the seat from Labour in 2008, the first time National had ever won it. She has been an excellent MP, and many of us are sorry to lose her.

I’ve met Emma Mellow just twice, briefly-once after her selection a couple of weeks ago, and then with Nikki Kaye the next day, also for just a few minutes. These fleeting meetings were enough to determine that Mellow is a personable young woman, engaging in conversation, and keen to follow Nikki Kaye into parliament.

Of course I have not had time to dive into her political beliefs or philosophy very deeply.

I’ve since had a chat to her on the phone, and learned more about her.

Emma Mellow is a young woman, but has been very interested in politics for a long time. She has been mentored by Nikki Kaye since she joined the young Nats at 18. She told me she had not expected to enter the fray this cycle, but Nikki’s retirement presented too big an opportunity and that is why she jumped in.

Mellow is looking forward to meeting as many Auckland Central voters as she can. Those she has already spoken to have been interested to talk to her. People are angry about the continued lock down she told me. Jobs are being lost and businesses are going bust.

People are resilient, Mellow claims, but they need a strong MP to help deliver jobs and a healthy economy.

Emma Mellow is not a new comer to political involvement. She grew up in Auckland, brought up by a sick solo mother, who died when she was just 16. During her OE she worked for a Minister in the New South Wales government, and took courses at the London School of Economics and at the University of California.

32 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

She has nine years commercial experience, and is a young, yet mature, 30 year old.

Mellow has a keen interest in social issues, including women’s health (she suffers from endometriosis), family violence, and is keen to give more support for the LGBTIQA+ community.

I suggested that placed her in the liberal wing of the National Party and she agreed, although she emphasised that National is a broad church.

She would not be drawn on issues of the term of parliament, Maori representation on Councils, the STV vote, but she did support allowing rich foreigners into NZ especially if they set up businesses that employ local people.

I asked Mellow how the government should pay back loans that were essential for supporting workers and businesses during Covid.

“Growth in the economy,” she answered. She does not believe New Zealand needs more taxes, even for the rich. She doesn’t want to see benefits cut either. She echoed the old right wing mantra that growth and technology will solve everything!

I’m sure Emma Mellow will hold her own in debate against two very able Auckland Central candidates, Helen White and Chloe Swarbrick, and I hope voters will take the chance to go and hear her.

Covid is interfering right now, but when the time arrives, expect vigorous debate between the three major contenders for the Central seat, Swarbrick, White and now Mellow.

We’ll miss Nikki, Emma. Now the National baton has been handed to you. Good luck. (JOHN ELLIOTT)  PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Emma Mellow: Candidate for National for Auckland Central Seat It’s fair to say that regardless of your political stripes, no one wants to be in lockdown again.

Business owners are suffering and many are saying they won’t survive.

The hospitality sector is struggling, with 12 per cent of Auckland industry preparing to close within the next 30 days. Our elderly and vulnerable are worried about the risk of new outbreaks. Albert Street remains a mess and our CBD is missing the usual foot-traffic from office workers and tourists. University students and young people face much poorer job prospects than a few years ago. Simply, we are facing some of the most challenging circumstances in recent history.

In Auckland Central, we have the highest number of millennials in the country and we must make sure they have opportunities to get ahead. Like the rest of the country, Auckland Central needs jobs.

They need a Government that has a plan for jobs and who can actually deliver real infrastructure.

National has already produced a hefty amount of policy to do just that, such as our $31 billion infrastructure package to transform the way we get around, investing in rail, rapid transport, ferries and a second harbour crossing or initiatives that will help small business like JobStart, which give a $10,000 grant to employers for taking on a new employee, BusinessStart to support those who want to start their own business and the Tourism Accelerator.

Beyond the Covid-19 challenges we’re facing, Auckland’s future is bright. I’m excited about realising a vision where we have the transport infrastructure to connect easily with our neighbouring suburbs and islands. I want our thriving communities of Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier to have the ferries, schools and infrastructure that supports their unique communities. Our diversity in Auckland Central is a strength, and there is more to do to work towards equality for our LGBTIQA+ communities. There’s much potential to unlock; like finally getting the St James Theatre opened for everyone to enjoy. These will be my priorities as your local MP. It’s been a pleasure being selected to represent your voice in Auckland Central this election. I live, work and spend most of my time

in our city. My fiancé, Chris, and I are in our early 30s and live in an apartment in Eden Terrace. We love the neighbourhoods here – you’ll often see us running together around the electorate and eating out in and around Ponsonby. We both work in the CBD in the banking and finance sector.

One of the experiences that shaped my politics is growing up with a sick, solo mum. She was on a benefit for most of my childhood and died when I was 16. That experience shaped a progressive and compassionate lens to my politics. I believe we must provide support to struggling families. We must encourage people to take risks on new enterprises and to employ others. Instead of driving the politics of fear, our leaders must provide hope that there is a fantastic little economy bursting at the seams, just around the corner.

Nikki Kaye was an incredibly effective local MP. She worked tirelessly to advocate for you, businesses, students, residents and the vulnerable. She demonstrated how you can be effective in and out of Government. I’m humbled to have her support this election.

I want to build on her achievements and passion for areas including our environment and education. I also have a strong focus on social issues including preventing and decreasing rates of family violence.

As a sufferer of endometriosis, I’m also passionate about improving healthcare, particularly for women.

The most important job of an MP is to listen, to advocate and fight for what Auckland Central needs. I want to be accessible to everyone in our electorate. I’m calling constituents every day to offer help and to introduce myself. I also run a Facebook Live event every Monday night at 8pm. Please tune in and ask any questions you might have or let me know about issues you are facing, I’m happy to help.

I look forward to meeting you soon and earning your vote this PN election. (EMMA MELLOW)  Live on Facebook: FB.com/emmamellow

Emma Mellow Monday 8pm

Live on Facebook: fb.com/emmamellow

Authorised by E Mellow, 48A College Hill, Freemans Bay, Akl.

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 33

LOCAL NEWS

John Elliott: Helen White - Chloe Swarbrick - Emma Mellow I think this is a genuine three way go.

The tide is out for National, making it much harder for newcomer Emma Mellow than it was for Nikki Kaye when she won the seat in 2008. Kaye worked hard, but rode in on John Key’s coat tails when the tide was full for National.

on the national stage. Neither is it all about ‘celebrity’ with Swarbrick.

She has a sharp mind, and the last three years has developed her ideology, increased her commitment, and strengthened her capacity to put her beliefs into action.

All the momentum this time is with Labour; some polls still putting them 20 points ahead of National. Labour has a good candidate, the personable, highly respected local barrister, Helen White. White stood in 2017 and got within 1500 votes of Kaye. White is confident she can win the seat back for Labour.

In the one candidate meeting in Auckland Central to date, Chloe Swarbrick stole the show. She presented with energy, enthusiasm, warmth, and gave an outstandingly articulate performance that wowed the 400 plus voters who attended. She was firing on all cylinders and summed up complex issues with clarity and an impressive grasp of detail. It was a mature performance.

This time with no Nikki Kaye, one of the better MPs I’ve known in 65 years, National is on the back foot while Labour is in the ascendancy, so it’s all over, isn’t it?

Enter Chloe Swarbrick, Green Party candidate. Last time the Green party candidate, Denise Roche, got only 2,800 electorate votes, but many more party votes. White got 11,500, and Kaye got 13,000. How could Swarbrick possibly bridge that gap?

Emma Mellow had not been selected when we held that debate, but she will have some difficulty matching Swarbrick’s ability in future debates.

There is no denying the ascendancy of Swarbrick. She’s a rising national star.

She just might pull this off.

Firstly, Swarbrick isn’t Roche, and Roche campaigned only for the party vote. Also, Swarbrick has become something of a media darling after one term as a Green Party list MP. She has proven to be a hard worker and has built a profile which assures her of a bright future

34 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

Without detracting from good candidates like Helen White and Emma Mellow, how exciting would it be to have a truly national up-and-comer like Chloe Swarbrick, as our local MP. (JOHN ELLIOTT)  PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

“We are working very hard and have been lucky with Auckland going to Level 3, that construction can still go ahead.”

“The car park entrance will be on Brown Street and will feature new underground car parking for Ponsonby Central. Due to open mid September.” www.ponsonbycentral.co.nz

ELECTION DAY

SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER DON’T FORGET TO ENROL AND HAVE YOUR VOTE!

I will be working to serve you until the election on October 17th Please do not hesitate to contact me or my office at: 48C College Hill Rd, Freemans Bay, Auckland nikki.kaye@parliament.govt.nz 09 378 2088 Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central

Authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 48C College Hill Rd, Freemans Bay, Auckland.

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 35

LOCAL NEWS

Welcome news from Ponsonby Central... their car park is finally almost ready to go!

LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby U3A: August 2020 Back into Level 3 lockdown and back to zooming for Ponsonby U3A! The AGM was delayed for two weeks until the end of August and held

by Zoom. Two weeks later the September 11 meeting most likely will be zoomed. Not to mention that a good many of the 20 plus special interest groups are zooming, keeping everyone in touch with each other, continuing informal learning and strengthening friendships.

From the beginning of the first lockdown in March, president Christine Hart was concerned about how to keep connection with members, particularly those living alone or with limited mobility. In the first week of lockdown, she and a proactive member, Hazel Hodgkin, who had experienced only one Zoom meeting with family members internationally, decided to experiment with Zoom and agreed that it would be great to encourage the special interest groups to try virtual meetings during the lockdown. Several group leaders led the charge and responded enthusiastically. Members, ranging in age from 60s to 90 plus, were learning on the job. Several 80 plus-year-olds arranged for someone in their bubble to install Zoom, and others were talked through the process by phone. Some members became hosts of meetings and soon Ponsonby U3A was buzzing, albeit virtually.

Came the second lockdown and with the minimum of fuss, Zoom took over where it left off. Since March there has been only one face-toface general meeting, in July, and one zoomed general meeting, which was a great success and drew an enthusiastic audience to hear Dr Gavin Ellis speak about developments in the media in New Zealand.

Speaker for the next meeting on September 11 (likely to be held by Zoom), will be Jenny Lynch, former magazine writer and editor. She will draw on material from her memoir Under the Covers. Jenny worked on magazines principally in the 1960s, 70s and 80s – decades often seen as the golden years of journalism. Her 32-year career was bookended by the NZ Woman’s Weekly and was full of drama.

Ponsonby U3A continues to grow – five new members in August alone – fulfilling its aim of people coming together to continue their enjoyment of learning and sharing knowledge and forging new friendships. It is a movement for people in their “third age” post career and family.

U3A was started in France in 1973 and has spread throughout the world. In Auckland there are more than 25 groups with a total

FOUR ON SURREY

membership of over 3,600. Throughout New Zealand there are over 80 groups.

The lifeblood of the U3A movement are the special interest groups. Ponsonby has over 20 groups - Antiques and Collectibles, Appreciating Architecture, Armchair Travellers, Art History, Bijou Home Cinema, Concert Going, Current Affairs, Dining Out, Drawing - Language Group, Gallery Visits, Green Fingers, History ad hoc, Maori - Te Reo me Nga Tikanga Maori, Music Appreciation, New Zealand History, Petanque, Poetry, Public Art, Ramblers, Science, Scrabble, Ukulele, and Sing-along. The groups mostly meet in members’ homes, giving members the opportunity to get know each other well and develop new friendships. Because of their popularity, it is planned to duplicate a number of groups and to develop a number of new groups before the end of the year.

Ponsonby U3A normally meets at the St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby and hopes to be holding face-to-face meetings again shortly. In the meantime, meetings will be held by Zoom. Ponsonby U3A meets on the second Friday morning of the month (10am to 12 noon) and features an invited guest speaker and a ten-minute speaker drawn from the membership. Guests are welcome to attend a meeting when meetings are resumed in person at the St Columba Centre, but are asked to first telephone Philippa Tait on T: 027 452 3108.

PN (PHILIPPA TAIT)  NEXT MEETING: Friday 11 September ENQUIRIES: Philippa Tait, President, Ponsonby U3A (2017)

M: 027 452 3108, www.ponsonby.u3a.nz

Sitting on the sought after north-west ridge this is a rare opportunity to be part of a bespoke development in Grey Lynn with only four homes - with balconies and private gardens.

Enquire Bill Myers: bill.myers@raywhite.com or 021 890 006 | facebook @fouronsurrey

36 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

September may be drier and cooler than normal, with average sunshine. The first week is the sunniest and the last week may be the cloudiest.

The third week is the driest and warmest with the least number of wet days, while the fourth week sees most rain. There are more wet days in the second half of the month. Atmospheric pressures should average about 1018mbs, with southerlies predominating.

For fishermen, the highest king tide may be around 18th. The best fishing bite-times in the east are at dusk from 1st - 3rd and 16th - 18th, (and in the west around noon on those days).

Chances are also good in the east for noon of 9th - 11th, and 23rd - 26th, (and in the west around dusk on those days).

For gardeners, the best pruning days are 3rd - 12th (waning moon descending), and 18th - 24th are best sowing days (waxing moon ascending). For longer shelf-life for crops, harvest at neap tide days on 12th and 26th.

(KEN RING)  PN For future weather for any date, see www.predictweather.com

Guerrilla Gardening at Leys Institute Local residents are so distressed by the lack of maintenance of our mothballed, forlorn Leys Institute that they have resorted to guerrilla gardening.

A couple of weekends ago some St Mary’s Bay locals breached the wire fence cordoning off the Leys Library and Gymnasium, and proceeded to clean up the grounds. The lawns were mowed, the shrubs were trimmed and the gardens weeded, giving the buildings’ surrounds a much needed general spruce up.

Council officials and the Waitemata- Local Board assured us all when the Leys Institute was closed that there would be ongoing maintenance of the buildings and the site. We certainly hope that this will happen, and that the local community won’t need to step in again.

At a recent workshop, Board Chair, Richard Northey, told Friends of Leys Institute, “on 20 August 2019 the Waitemata- Local Board approved the development of an indicative business case to understand service and investment options to improve the use of the Leys Institute. Since the Institute’s closure, in December 2019, the council’s project team has been working to identify solutions to allow for the preservation and its reopening. The findings from this work will be presented to the local board for consideration and to seek a decision on the preferred options before going out to engage with the community on its future.”

The community will be heartened to hear that detailed work on strengthening the Leys is happening. They certainly expect the Waitemata- Local Board to opt for full upgrading of the Institute, and

the return of the library and community services.

The Waitemata- Local Board is due to receive a report from council on - including the Leys Institute. community facilities in West Waitemata, Friends of Leys Institute encourages all who are interested and have the time, to attend the next Waitemata- Local Board meeting on 15 September. See the Local Board webpage for meeting details.

And do keep letting Waitemata- Local Board members, and Councillor Pippa Coom, know of our expectations regarding the Leys Library PN and Gymnasium.  Friends of Leys Institute Co-ordinator, Helen Geary, heleng@maxnet.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 37

LOCAL NEWS

Ken Ring: Auckland weather diary, September 2020 – weather by the moon

JOHN & NIC

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LOCAL NEWS

Grey Lynn & around celebrates Auckland Artweek2020 Perhaps our lockdowns have reminded us how art in all its forms is so valuable to our souls.

Across the art world, with galleries forced to close their doors to visitors and cultural calendars of exhibitions, talks, and shows that have been cancelled, artists have been fast to find new ways to share work with their audiences online.

Fingers crossed we will be out and about celebrating Artweek Auckland, in its tenth anniversary this year from 10 - 18 October.

Grey Lynn & Around is one of ten precincts across Auckland where we’ve been inviting emerging artists to exhibit in available spaces around our buzzy neighbourhood.

The heart of the ‘Trail’ will run from Great North Road, into Grey Lynn Village, past Grey Lynn School onto Surrey Crescent, along Richmond Road into West Lynn village, down Richmond Hill and ending at Kelmarna Gardens. (Or vice versa). Shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses will all be able to display our local art, theme their windows, stage their own events or simply paste up our poster.

YOUNG AUCKLAND ARTIST WINNER OF OUR POSTER COMPETITION Our Artweek theme in Grey Lynn & Around is Papatu- anuku - Urban Flora and Fauna Trails. Here is our beautiful poster that will be the flag for our event. You’ll see it flying on billboards, in local shops and bars, on windows and walls, and on our flyer which will feature a map of all participating venues and artists.

Introducing the young Auckland artist who has created our poster, Holly Schroder: “I was honoured to win the poster competition and I hope that the design inspires our community to come together to experience Artweek Grey Lynn & Around. This is an event that can help build connection through identification with others in a time of isolation

for many. After the challenging year that many people have faced, it will be exciting to experience the city brightened up with art. In Maori tradition, Papatuanuku is the land. She is a mother earth figure who gives birth to all things, including people.

Reference: https://teara.govt.nz/en/papatuanuku-the-land.

With the theme of this year’s Artweek being ‘Papatu- anuku, Urban Flora and Fauna Trails’, I created an artwork inspired by the native New Zealand flora, with the design having an urban sculptural twist. The design for the poster features as a still image or as a moving image GIF. In my art practice, the mediums I work in crossover between painting, sculpture and moving image projections, so naturally this design emerged having a mixture of these qualities,” says Holly.

THE GREY LYNN & AROUND PROJECT TEAM The Grey Lynn & Around Project team for Papatu- anuku Urban Flora and Fauna Trails and related activities comprises board members, Jules Carroll and Sue Warren, and local resident and art enthusiast Hannah Holm. Their goal is to create a presence for Artweek2020 that reflects local community values and encourages collaboration between local creative talent and retailer and hospitality enterprises. ”We’ve looked for unrepresented artists not with dealer galleries; giving an opportunity to show their work,” says Hannah Holm, who has considerable subject expertise, local networks and credibility in the creative and arts community.

“There’s been a very positive response from the artists we’ve approached - showing a broad range of visual artists, photographers, ceramicists and two sculpture installations in Kelmarna Gardens,” she says.

Sue Warren brings 25 years of communications experience to the role of promoting Grey Lynn & Around and its arts and creative hub, providing a unique opportunity for the community to foster talent, and celebrate the local buzzy ‘vibe.’

“Everyone can benefit from the vision of artists during the pandemic; to help spread the message of caring for our local environment, and connect and learn from each other,” she says.

“We are working with local mana whenua to learn more about the history or our area and the walking routes that have historical significance in Grey Lynn; the Great North Road ridgeline was a - to reach the Manukau Harbour long walking route used by Maori before European settlement of Auckland / Tamaki Makaurau.”

Social Sustainability expert, Jules Carroll, has impeccable project management skills gained during 25 years in leadership and operational roles here and overseas.

Covid-19 restrictions or not, we are planning this event to cover all eventualities with art both inside and in window fronts. We also view the overlap with elections as a great opportunity. Walk the Trail on route to your polling stations!” says Jules.  PN LOCAL GALLERIES Whitespace Contemporary Art, 20 Monmouth Street Fox Jensen McCrory, 10 Putiki Street Orexart - new location to be announced!

TUITUI ART SPACE, Lvl 2, 58 Surrey Crescent BSA Gallery, Browne School of Art Trish Clark Gallery, 142 Great North Road Ivan Anthony, 564 Great North Road Toi Ora, 6 Putiki Street Monmouth Glass Studio, 5 Great North Road www.greylynn-around.com

40 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOCAL NEWS

Ponsonby Park – September Update News regarding the new civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road.

Here’s an overview of what our volunteer community-led design group has been doing recently and how we would like to see the Ponsonby Park project progress whilst under Council ‘s Emergency budget constraints as imposed by COVID-19.

Unfortunately, Ponsonby Park has been temporarily delayed by COVID19-related funding shortfalls. Ponsonby Park, as the Waitemata- Local Board’s ‘one local initiative’ (OLI), was scheduled to obtain funding approval at the Finance and Performance Committee meeting on Thursday 19 March. But the published agenda was set aside in order to address the implications of the COVID-19 outbreak - a necessity our community-led design group understands and fully supports.

Council has actively sought ways to ensure all of the long-awaited and needed community projects in the OLI collection are achieved.

We promoted that Ponsonby Park be included in the long-list of ‘shovel ready’ projects drawn up by Council for consideration by Government as suitable infrastructure projects to help re-boot the economy. Ponsonby Park filled the requirements of creating jobs, supporting key trades, and providing real public benefit.

Unfortunately, it did not make the short-list.

The Waitemata- Local Board has recently undertaken phase two of its 3-year budget consultation. In a recent presentation to the local board, we requested that they join with our community-led design group in seeking that work continue to progress through the design and planning stage. This makes practical and financial sense; the momentum for the development is maintained, jobs are created without committing the full Capex, and the community is recognised

for all of the ongoing support and effort they have put into the project to date.

It was 20 years ago that the need for Ponsonby Park was first identified and 14 years since the site was purchased for the purpose of fulfilling this community need. The Waitemata- Local Board initiated the community-led design process five years ago. We understand that these are extraordinary times and that we need to ‘cut our coat according to our cloth’ so we also propose that Ponsonby Park, although delayed in the immediate future, be provided with a meaningful and symbolic physical presence on Ponsonby Road in the interim and that a portion of the site at 254 Ponsonby Road be made available for the community and beautified, as a place for people to meet, gather, rest, and relax - until the project can be fully completed. Exactly what this might look like would need to be determined, but we don’t envision it involving the existing buildings.

This would be a tangible progression for the community that recognises their ongoing commitment to this project.

The vision for Ponsonby Park has always been of a place for people to gather; to rest, relax, and recreate; a place to meet new people or catch up with old friends or to simply spend some time to chill and take a moment. These valued outcomes are even more important now. We need a place to come together, to have the common ground and public space where both optimism and resilience can be nurtured and sustained.

Ponsonby Park is this place. For more information please visit our website www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz (JENNIFER WARD)  PN

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 41

LOCAL NEWS

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42 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOVING LOCAL IN LOCKDOWN The Songstress & The Silvereyes - Kirsty Nixon, The Poi Room

LOVING LOCAL IN LOCKDOWN

If necessity is the mother of invention, then the changes our local businesses have recently made reveals just how truly inventive and resilient they are. We talked to a range of retailers, service providers and cafes to find out how they overcame the challenges of this recent lockdown and what locals have to look forward to as we move down the alert levels.

TAKE TIME TO READ Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop, The Women’s Bookshop, Novel, Dear Reader and Paper Plus are amongst the many places we love to shop for books that entertain, distract, feed our minds and souls. This time round our local retailers are offering a range of ways to make sure contactless sales are even easier and focusing on processes to ensure customers are safe and comfortable to shop in person again at alert level 2.

When Auckland jumped back into alert level 3, local businesses and communities were there for each other.

alert level 3 last time. “We had so many web orders come in and that really kept our business afloat!”

Their click and collect service and bike delivery team were back in action offering same day deliveries to local addresses.

“We’re also including a $5 COVID Level 3 voucher for every online order, redeemable in the shop when we open again,” says Helen.

After over 100 days without a new case of Covid-19 it’s been a bit of a shock for many to be returning to alert level 3. One book that Mary and Helen recommend is Just Breathe by Jen Sievers. “It’s a New Zealand book about how breathing and mindfulness can help when you’re feeling worried or sad,” says Helen.

Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop Helen and Mary Wadsworth of Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop on Jervois Road appreciated the enormous support of customers during

Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop is opening with reduced hours during alert level 3, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and Sat and Sunday 10am-3pm.

Novel Andrew Mabel from Novel on Jervois Road in Herne Bay is committed to making sure readers don’t suffer under alert level 2 and 3. ”I’m doing it again,” confirms Andrew. “If any customers who are local and are in desperate need of some books, I can sort something out and deliver them without contact. All covers (except cloth) will be wiped with disinfectant and payment can be made online,” he added.

Local delivery team from Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop Helen Wadsworth, Matthew Moore and Rosie Moore

44 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LOVING LOCAL IN LOCKDOWN Triumph and Disaster, Ponsonby store

Paper Plus If you need more than books, Ponsonby’s local Paper Plus store has all the arts, crafts and home office supplies you will need if alert level 3 continues longer than planned. Like most businesses, Mark Worthy and the team at Paper Plus are making transactions super-fast and super easy. “Customers can make purchases on our website for the same day click-and-collect,” explains Mark. “If we don’t have a book in stock, we can have it in store within 3-5 days and if you’re walking by and need something just give us a call and we can manage the transaction over the phone.”

-Flying Tu i and Kotukutuku Petrol 2020, Flox Signature pieces

Like other businesses around the greater Ponsonby area Andrew doesn’t want customers going without the solace and comfort books offer. Andrew has recommended his current favourite novel Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell. It’s the story of a band starting up in London during the 60s. Described by Good Reads as THE longawaited new novel from the bestselling, prize-winning author of Cloud Atlas and The Bone Clocks - it does sound like a book likely to take you to lands far away.

At the moment there are two New Zealand books that have been in hot demand at the local Paper Plus store; the critically acclaimed - by Becky Manawatu, and Rose Carlyle’s hot new thriller novel, Aue, The Girl in the Mirror. Paper Plus still has a few copies of Aue- left in stock and had just secured another shipment of The Girl in the Mirror before lockdown.

GIFTS Triumph and Disaster We cannot neglect the guys this September, so it’s only fitting that we hear what’s been happening at our local specialist male grooming and skincare store, Triumph and Disaster.

Since moving to alert level 3 they have offered click and collect, contactless sales from their flagship store on Ponsonby Road. Part of the narrative behind the Triumph and Disaster brand is how important rituals and preparation can be for well-being and of course skin health. With many of us working from home more and more, rituals like skin care can be an easy way to keep motivated and stay focused. Ben Luke, sales manager for the brand says, “our gift sets

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 45

LOVING LOCAL IN LOCKDOWN

are a great way to get started on a good basic skin routine that can soon become a morning ritual.”

Like many retailers, Triumph and Disaster have found ways to innovate despite the challenges. “August is historically one of our biggest months, so losing half of it to lockdown definitely hurts.

Luckily, we still have click & collect available, so customers are taking full advantage of this and getting their grooming essentials as they need them. Jason, the store manager has been able to pack all orders on his own, which is a lot of work, but he’s handling it like a champion,” says Ben. As Auckland gets ready for a move down alert levels shoppers needing something for their Dad will be reassured to know the Triumph and Disaster team are ready. “Once we’re in level 2 it will be full steam ahead, ready for the Father’s Day rush, which historically happens in the last week or so,” says Ben. If you need another reason to shop local with them this Father’s Day, online purchases over $75 will be rewarded with a free styling product.

The Poi Room Expertly curated pieces draw you into The Poi Room. It’s the kind of store that reaches out and connects with you, which is exactly the intention of owners, Clayton and Melanie Jane Smith. One of The Poi Room’s strengths is how it communicates with customers, staff and artists.

“We have daily brainstorming with our creative team to come up with different ways of doing business and get that message out to our clients while all the time keeping the coms up with our artists and suppliers so they know we have their back in these tough times as well,” explains Clayton. This sentiment is echoed by their artists. Painter and printmaker, Kirsty Nixon, whose work often features in The Poi Room, believes that while isolation may seem like normal conditions for an artist, she has really missed the inperson connection. “I love to catch up with the team at The Poi Room and often pop in if I’m in the area for a browse. I get energy and motivation from the staff and love to see what inspirational work other artists are producing,” says Kirsty.

Kete by Anna Gedson, The Poi Room

Haus of Flox For Haus of Flox, the transition to alert level 3 was less of a shock.

“We all feel a bit more well versed in knowing what to expect and how to go about providing a safe environment for workers and our customers,” explains Hayley King.

For the Flox team, the customer experience is the most important focus - whether in studio or online. Their recent investment of time and resource in their website is one that has really paid off since Covid. “We have had an incredible response to the new site so far and online sales have certainly gone through the roof,” says Haley, who has been heartened by messages of support from locals and the wider Haus of Flox community.

“I see heaps more smiles and generally more caring. We’ve been inundated with messages of support and sales after recently having experienced quite a major art theft at the showroom, plus wave 2 of Covid. It’s just so lovely to see and hear the support and humanity out there,” says Hayley.

To keep fans and followers inspired while staying at home, the Flox team are working on releasing another virtual puzzle. Hayley King believes Flox helps create joyful environments, which is what people are looking for more and more. “I feel like the style of Flox artwork is really positive and inspiring in general. There’s a colourful and playful nature to it, while at the same time being representative of who we are here in New Zealand. For a lot of people, Covid has created a sense of perspective and so focus shifted to wellbeing.”

46 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

Hayley King in the Haus of Flox studio

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

These businesses have been committed to delivering the same level of deliciousness, quality and service during lockdown and have worked hard to keep their businesses afloat, their staff employed and their customers happy.

All of those Ponsonby News has talked to have innovated, adapted and are proud to be doing their part in the fight against Covid-19.

Café Lei Saione Greer of Cafe Lei in Grey Lynn told us things have been a challenge. “We’re trying to make the best of level 3 by doing takeaway coffee and some cabinet foods from our kitchen, but it’s challenging when most of our regular customers are working from home. We hope many of them will be back next week under level 2 as we’ll have all hands on deck along with our full menu.”

Cafe Lei, run by brother and sister duo Saione and Natasha, brings friendly Island hospitality and foods to Ponsonby and features a stunning Flox mural.

Bread and Butter Cafe Bread and Butter Cafe has worked with the Grey Lynn Farmers Market to not only make sure customers get their Bread and Butter favourites but also enjoy the deliveries of incredible vege boxes and organic staples.

“At Bread & Butter Bakery we try to stay positive and connected with our local community,” says Isabel Pasch. During level 3 they have been offering take-away coffee with a smile, a daily mix of pastries, sandwiches, and of course their organic sourdough breads. “Because we are also part of the Grey Lynn Farmers Market community, we

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS OnePlan To ensure people have access to advice through level 3 lockdown Greg Moyle and the team at OnePlan have adapted the way they deliver their service. “We know the current uncertainties mean our advice and support is needed more than ever and it’s important to us that we make sure we are there to help,” explains director, Greg Moyle.

OnePlan gives people the tools to manage their money in a way that enables them to enjoy the same standard of living once they stop earning a traditional income. In the current environment financial fitness and resilience becomes even more relevant. “Knowing what your choices are and having the confidence to make those choices is really empowering,” says Greg.

“Ryan Melton, financial advisor at OnePlan, has coordinated a set of resources people can use to get started and is available to meet with people via Zoom throughout level 3 and into level 2 if they prefer,” explains Greg.

“I’ve put together information that is easy to digest and covers some really helpful strategies. There’s a free book on achieving financial freedom in New Zealand, a range of free virtual business events, free Zoom consultations, subscription to my weekly newsletter, a training course on retirement and of course our podcast,” says Ryan.

People don’t have to leave the comfort of their bubbles to gain the benefits and know that they can connect with Ryan at any time for help. Simply visit this link for access to everything Ryan mentioned. https://solo.to/ryanjmelton Local businesses are part of the fabric of the wider city fringe experience. They are intrinsic to the thriving and supportive community we love and it’s wonderful to see locals continue to support them in the ongoing fight against Covid-19.

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 47

LOVING LOCAL IN LOCKDOWN

Spray free fruit and vege boxes & organic milk from Bread and Butter Cafe

Saione Greer of Cafe Lei in Grey Lynn

TAKE-OUT LOVE Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay and Westmere are home to some of the most innovative cafes, restaurants and foodie spots in the country.

Almost all have switched to easy contactless ordering for take-aways, either pick-up or delivery. During level 3 if you felt like a coffee from your favourite cafe, a loaf of fresh bread from the bakery or your favourite pasta dish, chances were you could easily do this while at the same time supporting our dedicated local hospitality industry.

are offering spray-free veggie & fruit boxes, fresh free-range eggs, organic A2 milk and other fresh produce from growers and producers that normally sell at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market,” says Isabel.

Orders can be made via Bread and Butter’s online store with pick-up on Sundays from the Grey Lynn Bread & Butter Café.

FASHION + STYLE

EVERY SEASON IS A FRESH, NEW CREATIVE PROJECT Ponsonby News asked fashion designer Jane Daniels, to tell us how she gets inspired.

Ultramarine blue skies, the brilliant turquoise of the Aegean sea, white sugar-cube houses, vivid bougainvillea and vibrantly coloured caique fishing boats were the inspiration for my new summer collection; plus sun, sea, sand, glorious food and fabulous history, which were all found in Greece and its beautiful islands.

It is the differences in the world that inspire me: cultures, vernacular architecture, artefacts and colour combinations in the landscape, in decorated tiles on buildings, in rugs, weaving and traditional clothing and in art around the world. Syria, Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Oman and Zanzibar as well as India, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, Russia and now Greece have all provided a wealth of ideas that have each inspired one of my collections over the years.

The first 12 years were spent in a Ponsonby villa, which I eventually outgrew. I then moved about 500 metres to my own building in Eden Terrace.

I often think how lucky I am to love my work as it encompasses so much that I enjoy: art, painting and a love of colour, culture, biographies, history, and hopefully more travel.

Every season is a fresh, new creative project. (JANE DANIELS) www.janedaniels.co.nz

Travels to these exotic destinations have been enhanced by my role as brand ambassador for The Innovative Travel Company. I am an avid reader and have a longstanding love of the arts and history and a great deal of research goes into every trip before I go.

I have worked closely with European mills over many years to ensure the best fabrics for my clothing. Innumerable visits to the often familyrun mills have established longstanding and close relationships.

Some children of these families have even come to stay with me here to further their English, as well as to explore our beautiful country.

These close ties have been essential in overcoming the challenges that Covid-19 has put in front of running a successful label and business. We are adapting to the new business environment with a series of virtual styling sessions run by our retail stylists in our Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch stores. Those customers taking part here and in Australia seem to love the concept. Our online store has certainly shown good growth and we have been able to transition one of our team to manage this.

My label is known for its fine tailoring and design, superb fabrics and interesting detail, the acorn of which probably came from my childhood years in Ascot, watching the exquisitely dressed women, and all the royal parties arriving in their open landaus to the Royal Ascot racecourse. All this colour and flamboyance was very exciting for a young girl.

A diploma in graphic art, another from a private pattern-making and tailoring school in London, working as a designer in London and then in New Zealand, readied me for starting my own label.

48 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 49

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Delve deeper into the best of New Zealand wine at Winetopia this October Or as Bob Campbell MW puts it, “It’s a simple formula. Put hundreds of top wines in one room, season with delicious foods, talks and masterclasses, and you will attract the very nicest people I’ve ever met.”

This year, Bob, one of New Zealand’s original masters of wine, will be joined by the country’s newest, Wellington-based Stephen Wong (MW) for the first time together at the Auckland event.

NZ WINE TOUR IN THE HEART OF AUCKLAND CITY Some of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries, which also happen to be some the finest in the world, will be amongst the 60 showcasing hundreds of lovingly crafted wines. Meet the wine makers that have made this country’s wine their life’s work and taste delicious drops from Te Mata Estate, Craggy Range, Framingham, Greystone, Nautilus Estate, Palliser Estate, Man O’ War, Pegasus Bay, Escarpment, Prophet’s Rock and Quartz Reef to name a few. This year, you can also taste some of the most expensive wines in the country with a new ‘Golden Coins’ offering. Experience it all at the country’s largest cellar door.

FIND YOUR WINE MATCH Like the idea of your own private wine guru? Winetopia masterclasses are the closest thing to it (sort of). Enjoy an intimate 45 minute class with one of our leading, local wine gurus and sommeliers. Whether you’re serious about sparkling, prefer a bit of pinot noir, have an eye on ‘outside the box’ white wine varieties, or want to learn what wines go with which foods, there’s a masterclass for everyone. These tickets are always in hot demand and must be purchased before the event alongside your Winetopia session ticket. Strictly 25 tickets per class.

TEST YOUR TASTING PROWESS New for 2020, Winetopia brings you ‘Wine Blind’. Intimate, interactive

50 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

and a lot of fun, go underground and tantalize your senses, as each wine tasted will be concealed until the big reveal after a series of clues by guest MCs. You get to guess the variety, region, vintage or something completely left field. Have you got what it takes?

‘SHARE A GLASS’ WITH...

Suzy Cato, Antonia Prebble, Ben Hurley, Laughton Kora will all be hitting the main stage for a 20 minute Q&A with MC Mermaid Mary.

The best part – everyone in the audience will literally be sharing a glass of the guest speaker’s favourite wine!

SHAKIN’ THINGS UP To close off the last hour of each session with a bang, Auckland based outfit Coco-Rocky will be hitting the main stage to send every wine lover off with a grin as wide as the Gimblett Gravels. With a repertoire focusing on 70s and 80s dance floor disco and funk, be prepared to go out in style at the end of your Winetopia experience!

STOCK UP ON THE ESSENTIALS Can’t wait to get your hands on the good stuff? A selection of the top wines from Winetopia are now available through winetree.co.nz.

You can “Pick Your Own” mixed case of wine, or have a box sent direct from the wineries. Plus, every case purchased leads to a native tree being planted right here in New Zealand. Feel great about supporting local businesses, enjoying great wine and contributing to a stronger, healthier New Zealand in the process. From Central Otago Pinot Noir to Marlborough Methode or Waiheke Rosé – it’s all there at great prices and delivered to your door. Shop at winetree.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Sergio Maglione – Growing up on food and wine in Naples Sergio Maglione is best known as the chef and owner of Farina Restaurant on Ponsonby Road. We caught up with him to discover what makes the Italians so passionate about their food and wine.

Growing up in Naples we didn’t just consume food and wine, we made it. Bread, olive oil, vinegar, wine – everything. I remember when I was growing up I used to love to go with my grandfather on one of his trips to a small village north of Naples. My family had a strong connection there. In this village my grandfather would buy grapes to make his own wine. I used to love these trips because we would also pick up delicious olives to make the olive oil. It was always like this, we would make wine for our family. If we ran out then another family would give us some of theirs and we would do the same. Many families in Italy still make their own wine today.

Wine in Italy is an important part of lunch and dinner. After school, my grandad would drop red wine in some soda water so the kids could try some too with our dinner. Wine is always served with food. Even if you are having a glass of wine to socialise you would still always have at least some good olives to go with it. I think you taste the wine on a different level when it is with food.

At Farina we try hard to keep that connection. While we have Italian wines as well, we are also very proud to support local especially in this challenging year. We work with Francesca and John Kirwan and their fantastic local Italian wine company JK14, and by the glass we are serving great New Zealand produced wines like the Deep Down Organic Pinot Noir and the McGeorge Chardonnay – I got to know the winemaker Simon through mutual hospitality friends, then fell in love with their wine!

The support for us from the local community here has been really amazing too. We invested a lot into the restaurant recently with upgrades including a new covered sun terrace. We were hoping that the community would continue to support us and they really have

which means so much. We are looking forward to having all of these lock downs behind us so we can have a full restaurant once again.

On the Farina pop-up restaurant at Winetopia?

The food we will be serving at Winetopia is all about freshness. We will use the best seasonal produce and create simple dishes including fresh pasta stirred in our parmesan wheel, beautiful New Zealand olive oil and ingredients to balance the wine and to let it sing. There will be some classic Farina dishes on the menu as well. We will serve some of our best food at the event and serve it quickly to make sure we provide a great service to our customers and help to make a fantastic overall experience.

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 51

Q&A WITH BOB CAMPBELL (MW) What do you look forward to most about Winetopia?

Catching up with old friends and discovering new wines. I can cover more ground in an afternoon at Winetopia than treading the wine trail for a week.

What can we expect from your Winetopia Auckland 2020 masterclasses?

I’ve got a great selection of sparkling wine styles that will showcase the diversity and quality of NZ fizz. “Fun Facts and Serious Sparklers” will focus on the qualities I expect to find in great sparkling wine. “Pick of the Pinots” is all about my favourite wine style, pinot noir. We’ll examine different regional and wine making styles by tasting the best available.

“Prestige Masterclass” is an indulgent tasting of the very best wines available at Winetopia. Expect the earth to move very slightly.

Which wines have particularly interested you this year?

I’ve been enjoying wines from the 2019 and 2020 vintages, two spectacular harvests that put a big smile on the faces of most of the country’s winemakers.

Bob Campbell (MW)

Who are you excited to see at this year’s event (in terms of wineries)?

I’m excited to see so many wineries from so many different regions.

It’s not fair to single out just a few names from such a lineup of truly rock-star winemakers. It’s hard to know where to start ... and where to stop!

ANGIE ATKINSON, THE WINE WRITER @thewinewriternz “I look forward to Winetopia every year. We’re all there to immerse ourselves in something we’re all passionate about; wine! Presenting at the show is so much fun. I love engaging with everyone who comes along and encouraging them to try wines they aren’t familiar with.

Winetopia is the perfect platform to do this, with so many amazing wines all in one place. I can’t wait to see everyone again in October!”

Stephen Wong (MW)

FROM THE COUNTRY’S NEWEST MASTER OF WINE, STEPHEN WONG (MW) “It has become an annual ritual for many wine-loving Kiwis to stock up at Winetopia. I see it as the perfect opportunity for folks outside of the industry to experience what life is like for a wine-buyer, to be presented with a bewildering array of wine from all over New Zealand. The energetic yet casual atmosphere allows the space to talk to wineries and winemakers (often including local wine legends) and get the hottest takes in the wine world straight from the source.

Savvy buyers also use it as an opportunity to stock up for the coming season’s wines based on actual tasting so you know that every bottle in your cellar is exactly your style. Given the breadth and diversity of wineries participating, it’s the equivalent of driving for two weeks around the country visiting cellar doors to cover as many wines as you would in one day at Winetopia. A great chance to fill up the boot of the car for months of enjoyment. I’ve heard so much about how lively the Auckland crowd is, so I’m coming prepared this October.”

Angie Atkinson

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Meet Winetopia’s Wine Connoisseurs

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY Winetopia Auckland, 30 & 31 October, Shed 10, Queens Wharf Get your tickets at www.winetopia.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 53

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Phil Parker: Retirement Well, it’s a funny old thing becoming a funny old thing. I turned 64 this year.

Pre-Covid, I had imagined a glorious semi-retired sunset lifestyle beyond my mid-sixties. A portfolio dilettante career of my favourite things: hosting wine tours, freelance journalism, wine writing and cartooning. But the universe had other plans. And all those commercial activities are now pretty well null and void due to border closures and economic downturn.

I am now retired - by virtue of being unemployable.

I did inflict myself on a local company as a driver recently, but I lasted a mere five weeks because of my aversion to early starts and shift work.

It did not help that I possess the navigational skills and sense of direction of a baked potato. We parted by mutual agreement. Their loss was also their gain, I’m sad to say.

But it’s not all bad. I’m lucky enough to have some savings to fall back on, and I look forward to a modest Govt superannuation next year. I also get to be more of a house husband, spend time with Mr. Merlot (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), do home handyman projects and catch up with my dear friends. And of course, I’ll keep writing my monthly column for Ponsonby News. Anyway. Wine...

Pierre Brecht Alsace Pinot Gris France 2018 - $20.89 Great value easy drinking and affordable Alsatian wine. Crisp and clean flavours of stone fruit, with a bit of minerality and a tad of clover honey.

Just off-dry style that would go well with seafood of slightly spicy dishes.

Sealed with a screwcap. Available: Glengarry Grower’s Mark Gisborne Chardonnay 2018 - $15 Appealing rich green gold colour in the glass. Stone fruit, citrus and vanilla on the nose. This wine is big and lush in the mouth. Creamy with a vibrant yeasty tang and a hint of butterscotch. A bargain. Good match - creamy seafood pasta or a rich chowder. Available: Widely.

Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley Aged Release Riesling 2010 - $40 A lovely mature wine with classic aged characters. Deep gold colour in

the glass. Aromas of toffee and beeswax. Rich and complex flavours of grapefruit marmalade, nectarine and crème brûlée but with a crisp off-dry lengthy palate. Would be amazing with a selection of premium New Zealand cheeses.

Available: Pegasus Bay wines.

Filigree West Auckland Field Blend 2017 - $26 From winemaker Renée Dale’s MOI Wine label, this syrah/merlot is an easy drinking spicy red, with minimal oak influence. A tiny bit of cabernet sauvignon and malbec have added to the tannin structure. Boysenberry, raspberry and cherry flavours with medium tannins. Great with a nice tomato-based pasta or meaty pizza.

Available: Online at www.westbrook.co.nz Search: MOI wines.

Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley Aged Release Pinot Noir 2010 - $65 Very classy pinot noir from top rated Pegasus Bay. A personal favourite of mine. Flavours of cherries, plums and black berry fruit. Savoury undertones of black olive and mushroom. Soft velvety tannins. Good match for rich Italian tomato-based dishes.

Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Waipara Valley Aged Release Pinot Noir 2010 - $120 Epic North Canterbury reserve pinot noir. Pegasus Bay nails it again with this superb wine. Silky and generous with flavours of dark chocolate, cherry, poached spiced plums and a hint of Glühwein. Great with duck, mushroom dishes and Beef Wellington.

Available: Pegasus Bay wines.

Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 - $39 A consistently brilliant pinot. Seamless and silky with classic Burgundian savoury spice flavour profile. Some subtle florals, with truffle, soy and spiced plum and black berry fruit. Soft tannins and lengthy aftertaste.

A match for spiced roast duck and mushroom dishes. Available: Glengarry, Pt. Chev Organic Wines, Liquorland. (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

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

www.finewinetours.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Neighbourhood favourite launches new Bar Garnet Station in Westmere turned 13 in August, a teenage milestone in a turbulent year.

To make a point she changed her image, cut her hair, and grew up all of a sudden. No more toys in the bedroom or cupcakes in the cake tin. The iconic coffee cup welcoming you to Westmere was replaced with Wellington art, monarch butterflies on the parapet drying their wings before flying free. There’s nothing as constant as change.

Now she is a bar: pretty, sophisticated, pink, pohutukawa red, coppery and candlelit, a match for any sunset straddling the clear sky of the city’s fringe. As she matured her tastes changed, even though she didn’t want the parents knowing she enjoyed a tipple. After a childhood shunning wicked deep fried food, she now sells it. A tad cynical, but something’s gotta kill you in this time of Covid-19, and it probably won’t be panko crumbed cauliflower.

She’s learning how to pour a tap beer without too much head, how hard and long you need to shake an espresso martini to make foam for the coffee bean to float on. At last she is a bar, with glorious food as an optional bonus, advised on a first date, not necessary with an anniversary, essential for a birthday. Garnet Station loves drama and celebration, hence the arrival of the Tiny Theatre. Then lo and behold, while no one is watching she gilds the gates, waterproofs the lane, commissions a mural, and behind newspapered windows toils in the summer heat with the help of local craftsmen to transform a loved café into the lovely bar Majenta!

No more rushed mornings, much less waste, time aplenty to talk, to play music, focus on fun, be a place for hilarity, for harmony, for a decent coffee when everyone else is closed, for a G&T after the bus PN ride home.  www.garnetstation.com

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 55

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Faces at Grey Lynn Farmers Market Keria Paterson can be found selling Midnight Baker bread and crackers, at the market on Sunday mornings.

You are a university student?

Yes, I’m in the final year of my communications degree with a film major. It has been a challenge this year with the lockdowns. We had practical assignments that we have had to do without having access to AUT’s specialist equipment and resources.

What are your plans after university?

I want to network more and spend a year freelancing. I’m interested in getting involved with some local documentary projects, music videos, and whatever comes my way. Then I’d like to go back and do some post-grad work.

How long have you been working at The Midnight Baker?

Over two years - I love the communal and strong ethical culture there.

What is your role?

I represent the brand at the markets as well as being part of the production team. Our bread is popular with vegans, people with allergies and celiacs, because it only uses grains. There is no wheat, no eggs, no yeast and none of the usually binding agents. Instead we “set” the grains with chia seeds and psyllium husks, before baking it.

I love being able to sell people a product that I have personally made, and it is much easier to talk to customers about exactly what goes into a loaf and what benefits they might expect.

Tell me about your customers at the market.

I love the sense of community there and the dedication of people

creating a ritual around coming to the market every Sunday and bringing their family with them. A lot of Grey Lynn customers already know about us and are grateful to find us at the market.

Have you had anything funny happen at the market?

I’ve had couple of people ask me what kind of meat I’m selling! Our product is vegan! I think it is because our bread is so dark, and it has a different texture than the bread people are used to. It’s funny, but it does spark a conversation.

Where did you grow up?

Apart from a few years in Dunedin, I spent most of life in rural West Auckland. I loved the strong music focus at Kaipara College.

So, music is important to you?

Music has always been a strong part of my family and I studied music at school. I write my own music and I am currently putting together a solo EP, recording all the parts and compiling them together. I can play a lot of instruments so it comes quite naturally for me to shift from instrument to instrument. That works when I’m recording, but I have a backing band for live performances, with me singing and playing guitar.

In September, I’m really looking forward to performing as part of The Others Way Festival – it’s an exciting festival celebrating independent artists who will be performing at venues in the Karangahape Road district.  PN www.glfm.co.nz

Sunday mornings at the Grey Lynn Community Centre 510 Richmond Road 56 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

at PONSONBY CENTRAL

DRINK & DINE IN OUR POP UP COCKTAIL GARDEN

SEPTEMBER 2020

FREE ENTRY | 1800 TEQUILA COCKTAILS COMPETITIONS | LIVE MUSIC

Over the wreck of the Titanic

TRAVEL BREAKS

Ross Thorby: Somewhere Mid-Atlantic mid Covid-19 On 21 March 2020 at 1.49 pm precisely, the master of the Cunard ship, the Queen Victoria, sounded her whistle.

We may be fleeing across these waters into an uncertain future, the fate of our home-away-from-home and her crew unknown, but in another time at this place, an earth-shattering event took place that also bode ill for another ship full of passengers; a life-changing event.

At this moment, we were passing over the wreck of the RMS Titanic.

As we crossed the corpse of what was left of this “Ship of Dreams”, we began to follow the five-mile-long debris field that is strewn below us.

Boilers and hull plates, the contents of her interiors, saucepans, dishes, bottles of wine and oh so much luggage, shoes, children’s dolls - all the vestiges of people’s lives, that for some was all that they owned, as they navigated the Atlantic for a new life in the “New World”.

Hanging silent and invisible in the murky depths, are the remaining souls of those who lost their lives at this spot. Some still trapped inside the hull as she took her final plunge, others dying of hypothermia after being thrown into a bitterly cold Atlantic Ocean. It was at this point, the pride of the White Star Fleet had descended violently into the inky black depths, never again to feel the warm sunrise on her decks or to host gay, joyful events in her elegant public rooms.

It was in their memory, that 108 years later, a few of us hardy souls stood on the top-most point of our ship in silence and respect before turning to stare out over the aft as our wake marked our track and the field of her debris.

I have never been this close to her before , although I did manage to touch a piece of her hull once. On a travelling exhibition of recovered artefacts in Melbourne a few years ago, there was a salvaged section of the ship and the lone security guard was being distracted by a miscreant climbing into a lifeboat.

The low-slung guide rope was no match for me as I shimmied over it and towards the historic steel plating. Touching it was a highlight of my life at the time, but now at this time here we all are, and 12,600 feet below, under our most beautiful ship in the world and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic, sits the wreck of the world’s most beautiful ship of that time; an example of man’s hubris and his attempt to build the biggest, the most luxurious and the safest ship

58 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

Original life jacket from Titanic

“41.726931° N, 49.948253° W.”

afloat, but one that left lives ruined and families torn apart. Careers and reputations were lost and the birth of a legend was all that remained amongst so much death here.

It’s ironic that this crossing should be the journey that brings me here. Now sprinting towards the safety of our ship’s home port of Southampton, we have been unsettled by the news of a burgeoning Armageddon spreading around the world. As we flee, the vestiges of a pandemic was sweeping the very continent that we had just been visiting. South America’s borders are now closed, our flights home cancelled, destination hotels closed, and here, helpless in the midAtlantic, I learn worryingly that even New Zealand borders are now closed. Home, Ponsonby, and my parents never seemed so far away.

We have no control over our fates when the only option is to sit tight and wait until we reach land and then what? Gossip at the cocktail parties and balls centre around what life is like on land; talk of a changed world of face masks, hand sanitiser and public gathering restrictions, are incomprehensible here in our safe yet ignorant bubble. We circulate and drink champagne and eat caviar while Rome appears to be burning.

There are a number of passengers out on deck after being fore-warned earlier by the Captain of the occasion. Of course all the Titanic buffs (and there are many on board) were well aware of today’s significance.

We look around and below us. Disappointingly, the water belies nothing of what languishes below. There are no markers, no gravestones, no icebergs and no indications that this area could be anything other than just a random spot somewhere Mid-Atlantic.

For those of us also “in peril on the sea”, we stand looking out over the dark grey water, the white-caps and white-horses whipped up by the bitter wind flying off the troughs and waves and remember and feel just that much... “nearer my God to thee.”

PN (ROSS THORBY)  PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FRENCH INSPIRED NEW ZEALAND CUISINE

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

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

- Gusto Italiano GUSTO MEANING ‘TASTE AND ENJOYMENT’

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.

CONTEMPORARY INDIAN DINING 5 Fort Lane, CBD T: 09 379 9702 cassiarestaurant.co.nz

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

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

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 59

PONSONBY PETS

Buckle up... kitten season is almost here!

It’s the SPCA’s busiest time of the year, and it’s only round the corner.

As we officially enter spring and rejoice at all the lovely changes the warmer weather brings, teams at the SPCA are bracing themselves for kitten season. So, what exactly is kitten season?

• Donate – it costs SPCA up to $500 to look after each litter, and we receive very little government funding.  PN Head to www.spca.nz/donate

Coinciding with the warmer summer months, kitten season is when cats breed and vulnerable cats and kittens end up at the SPCA needing help, stretching resources at the SPCA shelters to the very limit. A typical kitten season sees well over 9,000 cats and 17,000 kittens come through the SPCA’s doors.

“While kitten season is the cutest time of year with so many babies being born, the impact on our centres, resources and staff is enormous. Every year we are forced to hire extra staff just to manage. Many kittens that arrive to us have been abandoned, neglected, are desperately sick, or very young. Some have had a tough start to life; we’ve seen day old kittens rescued from under a spa pool, a pregnant mum dumped at one centre in a chilly bin, and another litter of kittens left in a bush off a deserted highway,” says Andrea Midgen, SPCA CEO. SPCA Centres have already begun preparations for this busy period which is just around the corner. So, how can you help?

• Have your cat desexed, if it isn’t already.

• If you find any sick or injured cats or kittens, report this to our SPCA Auckland Centre on 09 256 7300.

• Sign up to foster if you’re keen on helping SPCA look after the influx of felines; the peak of kitten season can see up to 400 cats and kittens needing foster homes at one time.

Bake a difference for animals on 21 & 22 September It’s easy. Just bake, sell and raise money!

Register at spcacupcakeday.co.nz

Ponsonby News readers are everywhere…

Fashion designer Jane Daniels’ three cats having a nose at our latest issue.

She tells us they are all British Blue Short-hair, from Matamata, and has four of them. They are 2 and a half years old and all get on incredibly well like a family, which of course they are.

60 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Since man first walked on the earth, the human immune system has always been our key first responder that is always primed and ready to protect us from disease. Sadly, the importance of this seems to have been overlooked in recent times.

As we age, our immune function can become more dysfunctional making us more prone to infection and the impact of an infection can be more severe. There are however, a number of things we can do to ensure that we are as well ‘prepared’ as we can be, particularly in winter.

The easiest is exercise, but for many people sitting in front of the TV is a lot more appealing than a power walk. They say that it takes 21 days to change a habit so, give it a go. Cut loose from the comfort of the arm-chair regardless of the weather and get the legs moving.

Brisk walking while breathing through the nose increases overall oxygenation of the body. It works the lymphatic system which gets rid of ‘waste’, improves muscle tone and helps to retain strong bones. In addition, regular exercise significantly reduces stress which is known to suppress immune function.

Get adequate sleep. Research shows that individuals sleeping six hours or less a night were more than four times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who were logging more than seven hours of sleep. With every hour of sleep lost, the risk of catching a cold continued to rise.

Linus Pauling, a double Nobel Prize winner said, “optimal nutrition is the medicine of tomorrow”. He was right and there are very few of us who could not benefit from improved nutritional status. There is so much we can do, including reducing the amount of sugar we consume, making vegetables a much more important part of every meal, and drinking plenty of pure, preferably filtered, water to ensure that we remain hydrated throughout the day.

I do my very best to ensure that my immune system is up to speed at all times. It’s almost impossible to avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria and toxins, but it’s how my body reacts to infection that is of the utmost importance.

During these ‘difficult’ times, I have embraced a number of key nutrients that are known to have a key role in building immune defences. My top three are vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. For me, vitamin C is a must have every day. Most of us are aware of just how important vitamin C is for all humans. Unlike most animals, we don’t

make our own vitamin C so we must obtain it from dietary sources or via supplementation.

Vitamin D is known to have a very important role in our immune system. During the summer months we should be able to maintain adequate vitamin D levels via exposure to the sun. However, many New Zealanders cover themselves in ‘block’ and thus, unless they are supplementing with vitamin D, they may never achieve an optimal level of vitamin D. During the winter months it’s easy for our vitamin D status to fall well short, which is not helpful. I take vitamin D via a supplement every day to ensure that I am covered.

Zinc is a mineral that is deficient in New Zealand soils and it’s difficult to get it in our diet. Zinc is known to support immune function, and research shows that zinc helps control infections by gently tapping the brakes on the immune response in a way that prevents out-ofcontrol inflammation that can be damaging and even deadly. I take a well absorbed form of zinc known as Zinc Picolinate.

During these very challenging times, looking after ourselves, family and friends is more important than ever. Your local pharmacist or health store is a one-stop-shop for everything to do with supporting immune function. (JOHN APPLETON)  PN www.johnappleton.co.nz

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LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

John Appleton: The Importance of the human immune system

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

Tadhg Stopford: Vote YES for the “Cannabis Legalisation & Control Bill A founding doctrine of medicine is that ‘the physician tends and nature mends, let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food’.

But ‘health’ industries and their lobbyists have twisted law and healthcare far from food. Nutrition has been switched for drugs in medical education and legislation and that’s why cannabis is a uniquely politicised plant. It’s a monopoly profit killer, unless monopolised itself.

Is our ‘Cannabis System’ under-taught in medical schools because nutraceuticals are pharmas fear?

Perhaps we should... vote YES for the ‘Cannabis Legalisation & Control Bill’, because we can make New Zealand healthier, wealthier, happier, and more sustainable AND the Chief Scientists’ Report supports a YES vote. In fact, the Chief Scientists’ Report says YES, without even taking into account the reduced binge drinking, opioid deaths and expensive drug prescriptions that will follow legalisation and control. Furthermore, the Report says YES, without mentioning the public cost benefits, of “do-it-yourself medicine” (Aka, having hemp/cannabis legally available to the public).

Interestingly, in Italy pharmaceutical sales dropped by 11 percent in three major categories when industrial hemp became legal. So we could potentially improve health, make money, and save a billion dollars a year in health costs (based on our health spend, and the percentage of medicines that target the cannabinoid system) simply by voting YES to an ‘olde garden remedy’ that medicine is slowly remembering.

If you want to read the Chief Scientists’ Report summary ‘Legalising Cannabis: At a Glance’, google it now, or copy the footnote below.

Let’s tax gangs out of business.

We can, if we vote YES. In Italy, the mafia has lost hundreds of millions of euros to legal industrial hemp. Isn’t that also interesting? People do hemp instead of drugs because it’s about getting healthy, not high - CBD, CBG and more. It’s not about THC.

Colorado, about our size and population, also taxed gangs and supported local industry by legalising cannabis, and they just earned their first billion dollars in tax revenue. We could do that, if we vote YES. But even with a big profit motive and open industry, legalisation in Colorado has been a public health success; with youth use dropping and the population supporting the new way of life it seems there is little to fear.

The Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill that we will be voting on, is much less commercial than Colorado’s. In fact, we will still have the most conservative and controlling cannabis legalisation bill in the world.

If we vote YES it will enable cottage industry and individual entrepreneurship in a broad range of sustainable industries such as in food, fibre, medicine, and pleasure. But if we vote NO, we are leaving cannabis markets to be monopolised by crime, business and medicine. We will lose health and wealth opportunities, and probably not even realise what we have lost for decades.

A NO vote will see Kiwis lose out to greed and ignorance. Our Poor, Elderly, and Sick will be denied preventative and curative home remedy medicine. Due to its cost, and fearful doctors, ‘medical cannabis’ is a failure right now. It’s not as good, it’s too expensive, and most doctors simply won’t prescribe it.

These are some of the reasons why you should vote YES. It’s the PN people’s plant. Free it for the people! (TADHG STOPFORD)  #MakeItLegal

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Enquire via GreatHempNZ@gmail.com or see us at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market

62 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THIKNING + BEING

An asthma-friendly spring clean We can reduce the impact of asthma on our everyday lives by keeping our homes as free from irritants and allergens as possible.

1. Assess your asthma.

If you have asthma, make sure it’s being managed, and have an inhaler close by if you need it – before you start cleaning.

2. Dampen down the dust.

While you’re cleaning, try to avoid kicking up dust, by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and dampen dusting surfaces and knick knacks.

3. Kinder cleaning products.

Harsh chemicals used in many cleaning products can irritate skin, while fumes and artificial fragrances can trigger asthma. Switch to gentle fragrance free formulations, like ecostore’s Ultra Sensitive range.

4. Go to your room.

Once surfaces are free of books, clothes and other objects, use a clean, damp cloth with Ultra Sensitive Multi-purpose Cleaner to wipe down skirting boards, walls, bookshelves and windowsills.

5. Laundry list.

Wash bedding, cushion covers and curtains with Ultra Sensitive laundry liquid, using hot water if you can, and dry them in the sun or a hot tumble dryer to kill dust mites and mould spores. (Check care instructions first to make sure this won’t cause damage or shrinkage).

6. Break the mould.

Wipe down your empty fridge and under sinks with the same surface cleaner to kill mould. In the bathroom, wash mouldy shower curtains (most can be washed in a machine with an old towel).

7. Start a new shift.

Move furniture and wipe, mop or vacuum before putting it back in its place.

Ecostore’s Ultra Sensitive range of home and body products is independently endorsed by the Sensitive Choice® programme. The most popular products are dermatologically tested and proven to be a better choice for people with sensitivities.

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

Shop safely and local Our flagship store is remaining open and extra safety and hygiene measures have taken affect. Our first priority is to keep our customers and our team safe and well. When visiting please respect the safety measures we’ve put in place. For more information please call (09) 360 8477 or visit us on Facebook. Noho ora mai.

Shop Hours

Visit us in store

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

1 Scotland Street Freemans Bay Auckland

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 63

FUTURE GENERATION

Meet the Teacher Jacqui Tutavake is the principal at Te Kura o Ritimana/Richmond Road School.

Richmond Road School is part of the local community of learning, - Ako o Waitemata’.

‘Te Kahui I understand that there is an interesting story behind the name?

- Ako brings together the twelve local schools that are close Our Kahui - the flint stone which to our Harbour. Its name is derived from Te Mata, is a pinnacle rock visible at low tide off Kauri Point and is referred to, on charts, as Boat Rock.

What makes this K-ahui Ako unique?

This Community of Learning (CoL) is based on a partnership with our Maori-medium units within our kura. Maori-medium education within the Kahui Ako are known collectively as Te Reo o Te Mata, in recognition of the mana and responsibility they shoulder for the - te reo me onapreservation and development of matauranga Maori, tikanga (language and culture).

Te Kura o Ritimana/Richmond Road School is also unique with its four language units.

- – two are bilingual (Samoan, and French), one Yes, we have four ropu is immersion (Maori) and the fourth is as an English-medium unit.

How did you become tumuaki (principal) of Richmond Road School?

I was a deputy principal for ten years in a West Auckland school before I moved to the University of Auckland to lecture in education, supporting schools in professional learning and development. My research for my PhD focuses on bilingual education, specifically; Pacific bilingual - bilingual andi immersion education. When the role was education; Maori advertised, I was drawn to Richmond Road School because it is the most historical bilingual school in New Zealand. And here I am! And loving the tamariki, staff and our multilingual school community.

Richmond Road School has some unique practical challenges because Ministry of Education formulae for calculating teacher-student funding ratios aren’t designed for language r-opu.

Yes. Staffing ratios are not suited for schools with bilingual units. It’s

Established: OCTOBER 1989

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PUBLISHING HISTORY!

MARCH 2020

a struggle, and something I’m working on changing and finding any loopholes to get money into our school.

You mentioned that you are doing a PhD. Yes, I’m still working on it. The title is ‘Found in Translation’ and focuses on the voices of teachers in Maori, Samoan and Tongan bilingual/immersion units in English-medium primary schools and how they make sense of (mostly English-medium) professional learning and development. Obviously, none of our school’s units are part of my research, which would be unethical, but we definitely benefit from what I’m learning.

This is your second year as tumuaki of Richmond Road School. What have you enjoyed most?

Our staff, students and the community at our kura are definitely the biggest highlight. I’ve been heartened by the way our community has kept our children, whanau and staff well-being at the centre of how we respond to national challenges like the current COVID-19 situation.

What about life outside of school?

I have a very close-knit family with a lot of teachers among them.

I enjoy spending time with my two children and extended family and am often out West Auckland, when COVID allows, to visit family or watch nieces and nephews play sport. I play netball regularly and enjoy road trips around Aotearoa. And of course, I’m looking forward to a time when I can again travel to Rarotonga and other Pacific Islands.  PN

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NEWS + LOCAL POLITICS + FASHION + STYLE + CELEBRITY + EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY + TRAVEL + LIVING, THINKING + BEING + PETS + FUTURE GENERATION

Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira, actor, advocate and long-time local with Ruby her cat burglar - p12

64 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

+ SPORTS + HOME + REAL ESTATE + ARTS + CULTURE ponsonbynews.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

Children need help with their school work?

Local resident Rachel Roberts is a former teacher offering private tutoring to families in the Western Bays.

What are you offering?

I’m offering in-home tutoring in English (Reading and Writing), Maths and ESOL for students in Years 1-10.

What experience do you have?

I’m a NZ registered teacher with experience in classroom teaching, ESOL teaching and private tutoring.

How do you work?

I work mainly after school and during the weekends. I provide: • support to help students improve their knowledge and skills in a particular area; • assistance with any class work or homework; • a challenge for those students who may wish to extend their learning.

What do you like about the work?

I enjoy being able to focus on one student and personalize their learning. Because of this I feel I’m making a difference in each student’s life. I also enjoy seeing my students increase in confidence and apply their learning outside of our tutoring sessions. The difference this makes in their achievement at school and in their lives is really rewarding.

Any results to share?

I have testimonials to share: “As a tutor, Rachel was encouraging, engaging, and firm with our children. They understood that Rachel set high expectations for them, and this inspired them to learn.

She regularly monitored our children’s progress, customized their learning programmes accordingly, and kept us informed of their development. We feel very fortunate that our children were able to benefit from Rachel’s vast teaching experience and knowledge”. Pania.

“I believe my son transitioned smoothly from intermediate school to college because of the work Rachel did with him, and I have recommended her to many of my friends as a result. Rachel is friendly, open, and easy to communicate with, and as a parent I have truly appreciated this”. Deb. What areas do you cover?

I cover St. Mary’s Bay, Freemans Bay, Herne Bay, Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, and Westmere.

How do you switch off?

I love to go out out walking, particularly by the sea. I also love traveling and I have long held interests in property and fashion.  PN RACHEL ROBERTS E: inhometutor2020@gmail.com; M: 027 236 6402

I Love Lucy Book Review: Burn Patrick Ness - 14+ ‘Burn’. Isn’t that just the best name for a book? It sounds so mysterious. It certainly hooked me in. ‘Burn’, in Patrick Ness’s own words, is set in 1950s America with dragons. That is probably the easiest way to describe this awesome and complex book.

I really connected with the main character, Sarah Dewhurst, who, like me, spends a lot of time in the library and loves her pets. She’s an almost-16-year-old girl living on a farm with her Dad. However, the farm isn’t doing so well and is running out of money.

Sarah’s Dad decides to hire a dragon to help out on the farm, despite it not being socially acceptable. That’s when things start to get a little strange. This story includes FBI agents, a cult that worships dragons, a teenage assassin, a parallel universe and not one, but two forbidden loves. What more could you ask for?

The character that I found most interesting was Kazimir, aka the dragon. He was strong and mysterious and well, a dragon; that’s bound to make a character interesting. Kazimir was witty and knowledgeable and struck a chord with me when he responded to Sarah’s comment, “I’m just a girl” with “It is tragic how you have been taught to say that with sadness instead of triumph.”

On the other hand, I found myself develop an intense hatred for the character of Deputy Kelby, a homophobic and racist who is bad through and through! Like Sarah Dewhurst, I didn’t like him one bit.

I found this book impossible to put down, so if you are looking for adventure, mixed with fantasy and a hint of magic, this book is for you! (LUCY KENNEDY)  PN



out of 5!

Lucy Kennedy is a young local writer who loves to read! You can read this and Lucy’s other book reviews @ilovelucybooks PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 65

FUTURE GENERATION

Teen picks Hello residents of Ponsonby! My name is Honour and I am just about to turn 15.

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

I love this neighbourhood and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.The vibe is amazing it’s like a small town in a big city.

TEEN EATS Whether you are out with your friends, your family, or even by yourself, Ponsonby is a hot spot for delectable food. The choices seem endless, but here are five of my absolute favourites:

Bread & Butter

We’re so lucky to be surrounded by delicious cafes, awesome shops and cool hangouts.

Our community has such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere - always giving off that “at home” feel. Over the next few months I’m going to be writing a column called 'Teen Picks'. I want to explore everything on offer but I just have to start with my personal favourite - FOOD!

4. Prego - Ever since I can remember, my family and I have been going to Prego for the most delicious and beautiful meals. Although some of the prices are a bit tight on my teen allowance, the other night I went and shared two pizzas with three friends and we were all very happy, especially with change for Duck Island! The pizzas at Prego and setting are so authentically Italian I could almost picture myself in Florence. I recommend Prego for the cosy, relaxing atmosphere. If you go there with your family I suggest you get the calamari. Perfecto!

5. Food Truck Garage - One of my favourite places to eat out for dinner. Located in the City Works Depot, this spot gives off super-cool and comfy vibes. Normally I would get the sides of fish and burnt broccoli, which are amazing. But sometimes I go for the burger, which is also delicious. And I never leave the Food Truck without a yummy Fro-Yo - Pixie caramel is my fav. This food is such good value and worth every penny. And there are so many different options from wraps to burrito bowls that even offer vegan nut mince!

(HONOUR MITCHELL)  PN

66 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

Duck Island

3. Duck Island - Where do I start? Duck Island is a dream ice cream shop. I absolutely love everything about it - the friendly staff, the unique and delicious flavours and the simplistic design of the indoor/ outdoor eating area. Although I always want to try something new here, I tend to cave in and go with my favourite flavours: salted caramel cocoa crumb and peppermint slice. I can feel my mouth watering already! I love going to this place for a treat, with my friends.

You can find Duck Island in the old fire station on Ponsonby Road.

Prego

2. Crêpes A Go Go - It never ceases to amaze me how good these crêpes are. From savoury to sweet, each one is uniquely delicious.

Whether you want a healthy lunch or a little sweetness, this is a perfect spot to go with your friends, solo or even on the run. The crêpes are buckwheat-based and are suitable for gluten, dairy and sugar free people - as well as vegans. When I’m not getting the Nutella crepe, I go for the Mediterranean. Nestled in vibrant Ponsonby Central, it’s like a little bit of France. I could watch them make those crêpes for hours - as well as eat them!

Crêpes A Go Go

1. Bread & Butter - Bread & Butter is our family’s “go to” cafe. We can always count on them for friendly service, warm, inviting drinks and no surprises AMAZING bread! The Sourdough is spectacular.

An onsite bakery means you can always expect the freshest food.

There are great meals too - I love the breakfast salad when I’m really hungry. Since B&B is conveniently positioned right next to Farros in Westmoreland St West, it’s a perfect stop for a breakfast/ shopping combo. (There is also a Little Bread & Butter located in Ponsonby Central).

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

@ Ficino Preschool Ficino School provides a philosophically inspired private school education for boys and girls from preschool to year 8.

Children who come to Ficino develop confidence, a love of learning and a strong sense of self while growing their innate ability to care for others. Our programme is based on three key platforms.

Academic Excellence Our unique curriculum incorporates aspects of the Cambridge Primary programme and New Zealand’s National Curriculum, as well as specialist programmes. We focus on the fundamentals to provide a strong foundation for learning - understanding punctuation and grammar, learning times tables by heart, and practising good handwriting to develop fine motor skills. As the children grow, their natural passion for enquiry is ignited through deep exploration of the subject matter.

Culture Children’s horizons are expanded through the rich material found in our global traditions. They study great men and women in our History, Myth and Culture programme, read and enact Shakespeare plays, enjoy inspiring classical music, and learn from the best and brightest cultures and civilisations around the world.

Mindfulness Great weight is placed on the need for inner quiet and contentment; at the beginning and end of each activity, children briefly close their eyes, and come to rest. They listen to the sounds around them and pay attention to their senses.

They are encouraged to develop this power of attention by truly focussing on the task at hand – pen to paper, hand to instrument,

listening to the person in front of them. This greatly improves the way children learn, and their efficiency while working.

Courtesy, respect, and good manners are part of everyday life at Ficino. By fostering a love of learning, teaching the ability to be calm and centered and encouraging respect for all, Ficino School helps our students to build strong foundations for life. www.ficino.school.nz

Your Child’s Stepping Stone to School Ficino Preschool nurtures and develops the social, intellectual and physical skills your child will use to thrive and take the next step to our on-site primary school.

Book a visit. Hop online, book a visit and discover why Ficino Preschool is more than a stepping stone to school.

It is the Greatest Gift you can give your child.

BOOK A VISIT TODAY

FICINO.SCHOOL.NZ

PRESCHOOL TO YEAR 8

MOUNT EDEN

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 67

FUTURE GENERATION

A dream come true for aspiring artist and ACG Parnell College alumna After graduating from ACG Parnell College in 2019, gifted artist Sammy Chen is now heading to London to begin her studies at University College London’s (UCL) Slade School of Fine Art. Ranked as the UK’s top art and design educational institution, UCL is one of three UK universities keen to open their doors to the artful ACG Parnell College alumna. For Sammy, landing a place at UCL is the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Slade is so renowned for its Fine Art programmes and it has cultivated many great female artists,” she says. “I can’t wait to broaden my knowledge of art and immerse myself in the artistic atmosphere of the city. The campus is located right next to the British Museum, so it will be magic!”

Originally from China, Sammy came to New Zealand in January 2017 to complete her high school studies at ACG Parnell College. She flourished during her three years at the school, taking out the Young Artist Award in Year 13 and gaining the skills and confidence she’ll need to succeed at university.

“ACG taught me good study methods and excellent time management skills and I will take this study pattern through to UCL with me. My teachers also taught me the importance of relaxation – it’s vital in order to stay in a positive cycle of studying, learning and working.”

Sammy’s passion for art began when she was just five and has continued to grow over the past 14 years, thanks in part to her inspirational art teachers and a love of anime (Japanese hand-drawn and computer animation).

“I had lots of hobbies when I was little, but art is the only one I’ve continued to concentrate on. As long as I’m drawing or painting, I feel peaceful. I think I will continue to love art for the rest of my life.”

With a fine art degree under her belt, Sammy will have the backing she needs to turn her passion into a career.

“After I graduate, I plan to work in an art-related role for a few years.

Once I have a sufficient store of knowledge and money I’d like to work as an artist or an illustrator. That would be a dream come true.”

If you’d like to know more about ACG Parnell College, please join us for our next Open Day on Saturday 19 September or visit parnellcollege.acgedu.com

68 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TOP IN NZ

IGCSE 2019

5

TOP IN THE WORLD 2019

10

TOP IN NZ 2019

Early Learning | Primary | College

Open Day Saturday 19 September 9.30am – 1.30pm Enrol now | parnellcollege.acgedu.com

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Meet some of the team at Vega “All our mortgage brokers come from the inside of banks. They’re professional, articulate, knowledgeable, and know how to talk in detail about buying a house or a business, or financing a business. With 20:20 vision on our clients we can help you to achieve your goals with clarity and speed.”

SAM STEPNEY Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Essex in England in a town situated on the border of Hertfordshire and London. I moved to New Zealand by myself in 2012 and settled on Auckland’s North Shore.

How did you get into Mortgage Broking?

I’ve primarily worked in financial services and started in Fraud in banking and insurance. I transitioned into lending a few years ago when I recognised synergies to the fraud risk world and mortgage advising.

I wanted to be more client facing and this role has enabled that.

What cliché do you most hate?

I don’t actually know – there’s probably a few that I sigh to when I hear them.

What gives you joy?

The small things bring me joy – being in nature and enjoying New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes. Coffee in the morning – one of my favourite rituals. Spending time with good people, exercising, new experiences, travel and enjoying some of New Zealand’s great wines.

If you won a $1million lotto prize today, what would you do with it?

I would most likely purchase a few investment properties, gift to family and have some ‘fun’ money in the mix too.

What is most important to you in friendship?

Authenticity on both parts.

What is your best movie ever?

Shawshank Redemption – could watch it and have watched it several times.

What are the three words that give you inspiration?

Believe – Accomplish – Gratitude.

What is a pet peeve?

Someone who is chronically late – I think this devalues your time and commitment.

Tell us something very few people know about you.

I was a dancer for 14 years growing up (ballet, tap, modern and Jazz), I reached professional levels in exams and part took in Pantomimes, shows etc, but decided to study Crime Scene and Forensic Investigation as an extension to my curiosity in Criminology growing up.

70 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

ALEXANDER MCALPINE Where did you grow up?

I am a local, grew up in the amazing suburb of Grey Lynn.

How did you get into Mortgage Broking?

After working as a mobile mortgage manager at one of the big four banks, I thought, how else can I help my clients even more. The only way was to have access and work to a wide range of lenders and be able to provide tailored solutions to best suit customer needs.

Mortgage broking was the natural progression.

What cliché do you most hate?

Gingers cannot tan…some gingers can tan…slightly.

What gives you joy?

Meeting new people from all walks of life. Travelling the world was also amazing pre Covid-19.

If you won a $1 million lotto prize today, what would you do with it?

Be smart with it. Invest it and make it grow into $2 million. Then buy some toys with the $1 million.

What is most important to you in friendship?

Trust and loyalty. Friends are there to push you to be a better person.

They also should be brutally honest with no filter! Say it how it is.

What is your best movie ever?

When I was a kid, it use to be Grease Lightning. Nowadays, I enjoy movies based on real life with a powerful message.

What are the three words that give you inspiration?

Never give up.

What is a pet peeve?

Negativity. People who say ‘they can’t do it’. Find a way to make it possible, if not now, then in the future.

Tell us something very few people know about you.

I speak French. Bonjour!

Contact our Vega team on: Call 0800 834 253, Email: hello@vegalend.co.nz, www.vegalend.co.nz Facebook: @Vegalend, Instagram: @vega_lend Mortgages Ponsonby team 0800 834 253

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Found your dream home?

Let us help you find your ideal loan.

Call us now on 0800 834 253 to talk through your needs or click here to find out more vegalend.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 71

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

Logan Granger: Election 2020: Taxing times ahead One would have thought we would have heard plenty about tax policy from the major political parties given the expenditures on COVID-related support measures, and the fact that somebody actually needs to pay the bills being incurred.

To date we haven’t heard much at all, but we will at some stage, and then it seems inevitable there will be discussion around how to gather more taxes. Typically when this happens a number of urban myths crop up, often as what appears to be deliberate misdirection on the part of politicians. So here are a couple, with our take on them.

Myth 1: New Zealand is one of few developed countries that doesn’t tax capital gains Do not believe it. Some examples of ‘capital’ gains that are taxable in New Zealand include: • Land under many circumstances, including when it is acquired with any purpose of intention of disposing of it, or where 20% or more of any gain made on its sale within ten years is due to zoning or consenting changes or district plan changes or the likelihood of such changes, and including where it is ‘tainted’; • Residential land disposed of within five years of acquiring it; • Gains in relation to “financial arrangements” (debts or advances or similar), and including exchange gains (realised and often even unrealised), and including debt remissions; • Gains made by a lessee on the disposal of ex-lease assets; • Transfers of or withdrawals from overseas superannuation funds; • Proceeds of selling any non-land property acquired with a dominant purpose of disposal (eg shares); • Gains realised on overseas shares (not always, but often); • Sale of shares where the sale proceeds are considered to be in lieu of dividends; • Some capital distributions from companies and trusts; There are more. But the point is, many so-called ‘capital’ gains are in fact taxable in New Zealand. To say New Zealand does not tax capital gains is simply not correct, although we do not have a “capital gains tax” as such.

Myth 2: Capital gains tax (CGT) is easy The common belief around capital gains tax is, you bought it for X and sell it for Y and the difference is taxable. The reality is the capital gains tax would be much more complicated than that.

It is worth noting the Tax Working Group in its report noted comments from Australian practitioners re CGT that for those affected by the rules, the rules “are complex and difficult to apply”.

CGT would be palatable so long as it was offset by reductions in income taxes elsewhere - in other words a CGT is not used as a device to increase government revenues but as a device to broaden the tax base as part of a tax-neutral package. We suspect CGT will raise its head again in the not too distant future and be justified on the grounds the Government needs more revenue (and is unwilling to significantly reduce its expenditure).

Myth 3: New Zealand’s tax rates are (too) low The myth is Australia’s top rate is 45% and also the UK’s top rate is 45%. Of course in comparison our top rate of 33% looks low.

Focussing on these headline rates alone is meaningless. We also need to understand things such as: • are some types of income taxed at different rates to the ‘normal’ tax rates; • at what income levels do these tax rates start applying; • what expenses or deductions are people allowed to claim for tax purposes; • are people permitted to file joint returns; • are there tax concessions for income applied to certain things (like income diverted into self-managed super funds in Australia which is taxed at 15% and not at the normal tax rates), etc.

All of these things affect the ultimate tax payable, yet generally we don’t hear anything about these other relevant factors when people ‘debate’ tax rates. Yes both the UK and Australia have top tax rates of 45%, however they also both have more concessions and potential avenues for legitimately reducing tax payable, so be very careful when just comparing tax rates between countries.

The team at Johnston Associates wish the Ponsonby News readers all the very best in these hard times, and we are here if you need us!

(LOGAN GRANGER)  PN 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

72 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS

The value of advice Traditionally New Zealanders have adopted a DIY approach to making and managing their investments, and they are mostly unfamiliar with the concept of paying for professional financial advice.

This may be due to a lack of confidence that the advice is of value, or not knowing where to source that advice.

Another possible reason is a failure of education, as empirical evidence shows that New Zealanders have a relatively low level of financial literacy, in that they cannot differentiate between investment and speculation.

For the record, investment is about making money by not losing it, whereas speculation is a form of gambling.

Investment will not necessarily make you rich, but, it will ensure that you are not poor.

Speculation may make you rich, but, like Lotto or horse racing, the chances of success are slim.

Retirement, like death and taxes, is inevitable, and the sensible approach to ensure that you will have sufficient resources to fund your preferred retirement lifestyle is investment, not speculation.

A successful retirement plan begins with determining a date for when you intend to cease paid employment, and deciding the amount of cash-flow required (either monthly or annually).

An assessment of your risk tolerance (for dealing with investment market fluctuations) is required before determining how your investment funds will be allocated within the four major asset classes: cash, bonds (fixed interest), property and equities (shares).

The last piece of the puzzle is to stick with the plan to ensure your goals are achieved.

Your retirement plan should be flexible, as, with the best will in the world, your expectations will change along with the economic environment.

A trusted financial planner advising you on your retirement plan is the equivalent of your accountant or legal adviser who is there to help with your business, tax and succession matters (wills, powers of attorney or family trusts). A financial adviser is there to help you make the right decisions at the right times to achieve your goals and to protect your resources. In the current Covid-19 environment they will give you confidence that your current strategy is fit for purpose, whether you are saving for retirement (e.g., using KiwiSaver) or spending in retirement from your investment base.

When Covid-19 panic sent global investment markets into free -fall, many KiwiSavers, without advice, switched from growth to conservative or default investment portfolios, thereby crystallising a loss to their investment that could have been avoided with proper advice. These KiwiSavers also lost the opportunity, through ongoing contributions, to purchase low-priced investments prior to the market recovery. If they do not return to their original investment strategy, the loss of opportunity is likely to significantly undermine their future financial well-being and retirement lifestyle.

For retirees, cash-flow is essential to funding your lifestyle. There are a number of approaches to achieving this, but the safest and most certain is to have funds in a diversified investment strategy, preferably in managed funds, which will provide you with greater flexibility.

A trusted financial adviser can assist with this process, and their fee will be much less than the cost of not receiving that advice. www.gregmoyle.com/podcast ONEPLAN, T: 0800 1plan4u, www.oneplan.co.nz

0800 1PLAN4U or 09 309 3680

198 FEDERAL STREET, AUCKLAND CBD, AUCKLAND 1010 WWW.ONEPLAN.CO.NZ

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 73

Photography: Jody Mitchell

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Honey bee on red clover

Plants that bring all the bees to the yard For bees, some plants are really worth buzzing about, and others not so much.

Unsurprisingly, the best bee plants produce lots of pollen and/ or nectar and make these rewards easily accessible to pollinators.

Plants that flower in autumn, and early spring are also bee favourites as they supply nectar and pollen when little else is available.

The Trees for Bees NZ team has been working for the last 10 years to identify what plants are best for our bees. Trees for Bees has produced regional, seasonal, urban and rural guides on what to plant for bees which are all available on its website www.treesforbeesnz. org. Trees for Bees has identified some true star performers – those plants which have ‘a buzz’ about them, literally.

Property transactions that come up smelling of roses.

SpeCial FIxEd FEE PrE‑AuctIOn rEPOrt $300

©Copyright Ross Jones 2010- 2016

www.jonesthepainter.com

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

Talk to us about conveyancing Call us today

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Business & Commercial

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

|

Pip fruit trees like apples, pears and quince produce masses of flowers filled with protein-packed pollen and plentiful nectar. The flowers of these trees have a bee friendly ‘open dish’ shape, so bees can simply fly right in and get what they are looking for! Some plants have large ‘open dish’ flowers called super-bowl flowers, including peonies, some camellias, and magnolias.

New Zealand flax (harakeke, korari and wharariki) produce pollen with the highest protein content of any plant studied by Trees for Bees so far. Flax has a tubular flower but it makes the pollen readily available to bees, by sticking its pollen-bearing anthers out beyond its petals. Flax flowers also make lots of nectar which is loved by birds, bumble bees, honey bees and native bees. Honey bees can reach this nectar if the tubular flower is ‘full’ but as the nectar level decreases, they sometimes can siphon nectar from between petals at the bottom of the tube. Other native plants loved by bees include cabbage trees, hebes and rengarenga.

Two species of lacebark (Hoheria populnea and H. sexstylosa) produce lots of pollen and nectar in autumn, a time when little else is available. These plants produce an abundance of ‘open dish’ starshaped flowers which are perfectly suited to foraging bees.

Five finger (whauwhaupaku) flowers from mid-winter to early spring.

The male trees have only male flowers offering both pollen and nectar to bees, and the female trees have female flowers producing nectar only. Female flowers have no petals, and when they exude nectar, they look like tiny toffee apples, a tasty treat for all nectar-loving garden dwellers especially birds that lick up the nectar!

For non-gardeners, there is an easy option to help our bees. Bees love weeds like clover and dandelions and while it’s never a good idea to plant pests, letting the weeds on your lawn flower from time to time will make your bees happy (and give you a break)!

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

The first of these is rosemary; beloved by bees as it is almost always in flower especially in spring and autumn. Rosemary flowers are conveniently shaped for easy bee access with petals forming two ‘lips’. The lower lip makes a perfect bee landing platform that the bee can hang onto while reaching inside to drink nectar. Trees for Bees notes that most Mediterranean herb plants, like rosemary, oregano and thyme, are excellent sources of nectar.

www.beeawarenz.co.nz Property

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 75

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

In the pink Most people play it safe when it comes to choosing a colour for their new kitchen, opting for a non-offensive white, or at least going with a neutral palette – and with good reason.

Firstly, the kitchen is the dominant space in most open-plan homes – therefore the colour you choose will tend to dictate the scheme for the rest of the living spaces. Secondly, there’s re-sale to consider. Not everyone is going to like a lime green, or a turquoise blue kitchen, and it’s not a cheap fix to repaint it.

However, if you really love a colour, and you’re not intending to move home in the not-too-distant future, why not go for it? You only live once.

When our client said she ‘quite liked the idea of having a pink kitchen’, our designer took her at her word and delivered a beautifully subtle kitchen design that perfectly fitted her brief.

Interestingly, though, the pink cabinetry is not the dominant surface in this kitchen – the stunning Invisible White Marble is the hero.

“I found this particular marble and I really liked it. I then brought down the pink to more of a blush colour that worked really nicely with the marble – and my client loved the combination,” says the designer.

For the splashback, the designer sourced some square tiles that feature a faint grid pattern, in gold, so they marry up perfectly with the gold in the marble and also reference the gold-painted grid pattern of the steel shelving that sits in front of it.

Every last detail has been carefully considered and coordinated in this kitchen. It is brighter and functions so much better than its predecessor, and has become a real focal point for their client’s open-plan living space.

If you thinking about putting in a new kitchen, give the team at Kitchen

By Design a call, or pop into the Kitchens By Design showroom at 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna T: 09 488 7201. And for inspiration, take a look at their website at www.kitchensbydesign.co.nz

The soft pink of the cabinetry perfectly compliments the gold and the light grey veining in the marble. And to further enhance the relationship between the benchtop and the cabinetry, negative details are painted in a matching gold colour.

“We also picked up on the black veining (in the marble), by introducing some black elements into the kitchen, such as black granite-finish sink and tap, black induction hob, and twin black ovens. The black grounds the kitchen, gives it some strength,” he says.

The other striking detail in the kitchen is the backlit, steel and glass open shelving that weaves its way along the back wall. “My client has a beautiful collection of ceramics that she’s built up over the years, and wanted somewhere to display these pieces.”

In order to allow the shelving to flow freely along the entire wall, there could be no overhead extractor that would get in the way. The designer’s solution was to install a cooktop with a built-in downdraft extractor.

76 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Visit our showroom today.

3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna (09) 379 3084

Functionality, with natural light, colour, and fun.

kitchensbydesign.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 77

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Local Market Wrap with Charlotte Kofoed The greater Ponsonby real estate marketplace witnessed a return to a very healthy volume of transactions over July with 62 completed property sales, up markedly from 42 sales in July 2019.

The REINZ July statistics for the greater Ponsonby area (Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Saint Marys Bay, Freemans Bay & Westmere) show a number of interesting insights for our area; • The median sell price for greater Ponsonby increased 9% year on year, from $1.49M in July 2019 to $1.63M in July 2020.

• The wider Auckland market had its highest level of July sales activity in five years.

• The number of properties sold via the auction method of sale in July for the greater Ponsonby area was 47%, compared with only 19% in July 2019.

• The number of apartments sold in greater Ponsonby climbed to nearly 30% of total sales, and these apartment sales were predominantly completed ‘by negotiation’ rather than auction.

• Average ‘days to sell’ for greater Ponsonby dropped from 71 days in June to 64 days in July.

In summary, the REINZ data illustrates that the greater Ponsonby area has continued its winter momentum through July across a spread of property types, suburbs and sizes.

LONG TERM MARKET DRIVERS If you are considering buying or selling property it is always important to understand the drivers behind the marketplace that you are interested in, both short and longer-term, to help you make the best real estate decisions for yourself and your family.

So what has driven the resurgent market over winter, and will it continue into spring? Economist Tony Alexander recently summarised a number of key drivers that may well be here to stay for some time yet; • Record low borrowing costs for buyers, with 2-year rates edging ever closer to the 2.5% mark.

• Ongoing constrained levels of housing stock available, with many homeowners choosing to stay put (and often renovate instead of moving) • Record sharemarket growth both here and overseas since March giving many buyers increased confidence and available funds.

• A long term positive net migration growth trend as Kiwi ex-pats return home and need somewhere to live.

Properties Sold Average Sell Price Median Sell Price

July 2020 62 $1,832,581 $1,625,000

• A growth in the proportion of first home buyers as traditional overseas travel plans are shelved. We are seeing a number of first home buyers entering the greater Ponsonby market at higher relative price points than previous economic cycles.

• An extension of the mortgage deferral scheme helping to prevent a glut of property coming onto the market at any one point in time.

So while we can never tell what may happen in the future (as the recent lockdown 2.0 so unpleasantly reminded us) we can see that a number of the above factors are probably here to stay for spring and perhaps the medium to longer-term, so it’s my opinion that sellers can have some confidence going to market over September. However, as always, buyers and sellers need to keep a vigilant eye on local market trends and other economic developments as they arise.

FOCUS ON WESTMERE The highest residential property sale in New Zealand in 2020 recently occurred in Westmere. Well known for bungalow-style homes on substantial sections, residents of the family-friendly, city fringe suburb enjoy easy access to popular schools, outdoor recreational resources, and great local shopping in Garnet Road. Over the last few years, the area has become increasingly redeveloped with beautifully crafted architectural homes.

Over July, Westmere saw a surge in selling activity with nine sales, seven of which sold under the hammer, compared with just one recorded sale in July 2019. Whilst the neighbourhood boasts the highest sale of the year so far, Westmere’s 3-4 bedroom family homes with their large average section sizes and generous floorplans are clearly being seen as strong comparative value in today’s market.

If you are thinking about selling I’d be happy to talk with you about the greater Ponsonby market trends relating to your property at any stage.

Thank you for reading.

CHARLOTTE KOFOED, M: 021 241 9394, T: 09 353 1220, www.ckre.co.nz, E: charlotte.kofoed@nzsir.com June 2020 55 $1,863,938 $1,750,000

July 2019 42 $1,591,569 $1,487,500

REINZ Statistics for Freemans Bay, Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Westmere, St Marys Bay & Herne Bay

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Revolution Creative is​a ​‘not-for-profit’ social enterprise that initially launched in 2019.

It’s administered by ​Depot Artspace which was opened in 1996 by a community of creatives in order to celebrate, unify and make viable the contemporary creative world.

Revolution Creative is a website designed to connect creatives and employers.

‘Creativity is an indispensable and very tangible resource in making​ our work, living and natural environments more live-able, dynamic and open. Our mission is to support creatives to make a living from their creativity and for businesses to profit from creative solutions.’

Revolution Creative removes barriers, allowing creatives and businesses to connect.

By joining and using this platform you’re supporting the power of innovation, declaring your investment in our creative economy, and validating the pursuit of a career in the creative arts.  PN www.revolutioncreative.co.nz

“On the website, I found out there is no third person, which is really appealing to me, and I don’t have to go through an agent who would talk to the client on my behalf. I found it is important that I can talk to the client directly.” – Lucie Blaze, Creative Revolution Creative is designed so you can discover someone you​wouldn’t ​discover somewhere else. You can do this by simply searching profiles and contacting a creative directly by private message, or you can post an opportunity which will appear on the creative’s dashboard.

“I really love the whole concept of Revolution Creative. I think it’s fantastic for people like me who have a creative business, to be able to find the right people.” – Mandy, Creative Matters

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Contact Chris on 0800 457 776 for an obligation-free consultation to see how your home or work space could benefit from our services.

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PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 79

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Revolution Creative website relaunches post COVID

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

What’s happening on site at Jervois & Lawrence?

Although Auckland has been in level 3 restrictions, it’s business as usual at Jervois and Lawrence with construction activities progressing well and at pace, with the balance of the glazing installed and the façade stonework bringing the building to life.

The building is now mostly watertight, services up to level 5 are being run, allowing the gib wall linings to be fixed and ceilings to commence.

The second and final lift is now complete, well ahead of schedule.

Garden apartments sit thoughtfully nestled behind private courtyards, while the lower levels offer a sleek, urban style that captures the unique Jervois Road vibe.

The shipments of joinery are starting to arrive from Italy, allowing the mirror cabinets to be fitted in the coming weeks. Vector is currently installing the main power feed and transformer, which will allow the temporary diesel generator to be moved off site.

Northwest-facing apartments offer impressive balconies, perfect for outdoor entertaining and living, while other apartments feature elegant winter rooms. Fully enclosed, these considered rooms open up to enjoy the morning sun and provide a much sought after second living area.

The overall programme is on target for an early 2021 completion.

About Jervois & Lawrence Developed by the award-winning Synergy Development Group and in partnership with reputable design teams Leuschke Group Architects and Stewart Harris from Macintosh Harris, Jervois & Lawrence stands proudly on the crest of Herne Bay’s northern slopes and offers a variety of living options across 28 luxury apartments.

Designed for quality and luxury, the apartments at Jervois & Lawrence have options to suit all lifestyles.

Display suite: 218 Jervois Road, Herne Bay - Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30am – 1:30pm or by private appointment.

Peter Tanner; Mobile: M: 021 379 379; E: peter.tanner@bayleys.co.nz; Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Ponsonby Kirsten Bishop; M: 027 660 6446; E: kirsten.bishop@bayleys.co.nz; Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Takapuna Residential www.jervoisandlawrence.co.nz

View from level 5

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NOW’S THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR MOVE WE’LL BE READY IN THE NEW YEAR. WILL YOU? Start to right size your life right now. Jervois & Lawrence is scheduled for completion in Q1, 2021. Which gives you the perfect window to get your current home ready for sale and go to market in spring, traditionally the best time to sell.

This stunning 28 apartment complex is on track for completion next year, so this is not a time to delay. Talk to us today about the right apartment for you and how we can help get you started on your journey to Jervois & Lawrence.

Two bedrooms, one bathroom from $1.62m.

Three bedrooms, two bathrooms from $2.70m.

Level One SOLD OUT. 10% deposit, 20% for non-residents, with balance on settlement.

Peter Tanner +64 21 379 379 peter.tanner@bayleys.co.nz Bayleys Real Estate, Ponsonby, Licensed under the REAA 2008

Kirsten Bishop +64 27 660 6446 Kirsten.bishop@bayleys.co.nz

SHOWROOM 218 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 11.30am-1.30pm Wednesday - Sunday Or by private appointment jervoisandlawrence.co.nz

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Takapuna Residential Licensed under the REAA 2008

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 81

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Profile: Luke Crockford Luke Crockford has recently joined Ray White in Ponsonby. He talked to Ponsonby News about work and family. Getting that balance is crucial to success and happiness. Work - Life - Balance.

What do you like most about your job?

Well for me it is the meeting of different people at different stages in their lives. With every phone call to every open home there is a variety of reasons while people need some advice or just a chat about property; I love the diversity of what I do. I love problem solving, and a lot of the time in this job, that is what you end up doing when it comes to getting things together with contacts and dealing with peoples’ expectations.

How long have you been working and living locally?

I have been in Ponsonby/Grey Lynn for about 25 years when I even flatted with B-Radio host and now TV super sports star, Andrew Mulligan, and that was about the year 2000 in Sussex Street.

How did you get into real estate/last job?

I have two very good friends that have been in the industry for years and almost every second year, they would say, “when are you going to get into real estate?” So I sat my real estate licence back in 2001, however, I decided not to go ahead and took up an advertising sales job at local independent radio station GEORGE FM. You may have heard of it? After spending several years there, in what was an amazing time in media, the question remained, “when are you going to get into real estate?” So I started and have just been amazed at how many different ways you can help people. I just enjoy it so much, even constantly having to be on the phone.

Your tag line is connecting people with property.

Please tell us more.

I have always worked in an industry and been the sort of person that connected people together with a product or other people who could help them out. It comes from having a very large network of friends and clients who I have worked with in my 33 years of being in sales and marketing. So when it came to looking for a tag line – mine just made sense. I have been doing about 40%

82 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

of my business working with very qualified buyers. I am connecting buyers with properties that are coming to the market before they get there... so a few off market sales thus the “connecting people with property” fitted in well.

Do you support any local charities, schools or businesses?

Yes, for around five years I have supported Richmond Road School, with gala sponsorship, and one year myself and another company I worked for sponsored all the schools sports uniforms.

Favourite cafes, bars and restaurants?

Ok here we go... Longroom, Elmos/Hoppers, SPQR, Malt Bar, il Forno for the most amazing pasties you will ever get, Tokyo Club, Blue Breeze, and the list goes on... oh and Farina... I love my pasta.

How do you switch off?

To be 100% I am still learning this, as with technology these days and the busier life gets the harder it is to find spare time. People are always wanting property information NOW, like yesterday, so being a proactive agent I like to try and get back to them as soon as I can.

I am trying to get into the habit of not having the phone on between 4.30pm to 6.30pm so I spend the time with our two children, Elsa and Leo, during dinner and bath time.

Does your partner work?

Yes. Rebecca has been a property manager at Crockers for the last 14 years and she is the best manager! She works so hard for her investors and clients managing around 180 apartments and with Covid-19 going on I have no idea how she manages everything.

Rebecca is also an amazing mother to our children and we are very lucky to have the life we live.

Luke’s phone number has not changed in 35 years. He is always keen PN to talk real estate on M: 021 277 8565.  PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

NEW LISTING

GREY LYNN

ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY! First time avail. since ‘87 - 3 legal flats on elevated 607 m² site in ‘Single House.’ zoning is a 3 flat conversion in a double-gable villa from 1910 of approx. 200m² floor area. Fl 1 :studio, Fl 2: one bedroom, Fl 3: three bedroom flat. Under-rented & huge scope to improve potential for more income. Sited for the northern sun the rear garden is bathed in light whilst the two front flats capture the afternoon sun. Within level gardens an extra studio/sleep-out and an external workshop and laundry. There’ll be no regrets as you reminisce in the afterglow of your purchase. Buy into this high-growth area & benefit from the eggs this golden goose keeps laying, year after year! The retiring owners motivation to sell is 10/10!

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Jonathan White AREINZ 021 320 850 j.white@barfoot.co.nz Grey Lynn 09 360 2323

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PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 83

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Phillipa Gordon - a local Property Management Professional Phillipa Gordon has been a property manager since 1994. She runs ‘Hot Property’ at the top of Franklin Road.

Tell us about yourself.

I moved into Ponsonby in 1982 after returning from my O.E. The day Victoria Park Market opened in October 1983, I opened a small flower shop called Impulse Flowers and worked there seven days a week from 9am – 9pm. It was crazy hours but we had a fantastic time as it was absolutely buzzing. Five years later, seven day trading came in elsewhere and we lost our edge, and things started to slow down.

In 1994 after 10 years of flowers I left the market and moved up the hill and went into real estate. I sold for a couple of years and then went into rentals with Culmers, and in 1998 I bought the rental business from Rick Culmer. In October 2000 we moved into the premises at 1/1 Franklin Rd and I started Hot Property Management & Rentals Ltd and haven’t looked back since.

I enjoy travelling and my greatest pleasure comes from regular safaris to Africa, which I try to do each year. I should have been in Namibia and then trekking to see the gorillas in Uganda and Rawanda last month but that was all put on hold to next year, but I am not too hopeful that it will even happen; I think we may be stranded for a few more years.

Are you a licensed property manager?

When I set up Hot Property Management & Rentals, I needed the same license as an owner of a real estate company so I went to Massey University part time and got the qualification as well as a sales persons’ certificate to rent properties. However about 12 years ago the Government decided to deregulate property managers so the Real Estate Institute said we no longer needed to hold a license to operate. We all disagreed and put in submissions against this but to no avail. I still believe property managers should be licensed, or at least registered but they are not.

What is your fee structure?

Our management fee is 7.5% + on the rent collected and bills paid on landlords behalf. This is charged at the end of each month before the rent is paid into the owners’ account. This fee has not increased since I started in 1996. We also charge $40 for each three monthly inspection we do, but not for the initial or final inspection. We do not charge landlords for advertising and we do not charge an annual admin fee.

How are potential tenants screened?

The screening of potential tenants starts with the first email or text from them. After this I always phone them so I can talk to them, as a lot can be learnt from a phone call. Once an appointment is made

and I show them the property, which is all part of the screening process - do they turn up on time?

If they send in the application forms, one for each person living in the property I always insist on phoning the existing and previous landlords, even if they give me a written reference. Their previous landlord will tell you a lot more on the phone than in a letter. If required, we can do a credit check as well. After 24 years of doing this job with some of it also using ‘gut feeling’, I get very few bad tenants.

Who handles the maintenance work?

Our maintenance work is done by a team of loyal trades people.

Some of whom I have been using for 24 years, like Hoffman Plumbers who now have the third generation working for me, which is pretty cool. All our tradesmen are very precious as they really look after us and prioritise our jobs as they know we will look after them and pay their bills on time.

How is rent collected?

Tenants set up automatic payments coming into our trust account either weekly or fortnightly in advance. We check these daily, so if a tenant gets in arrears we can email or phone them and let them know immediately, as often the bank doesn’t notify them, and generally they will get it sorted as soon as they can.  PN HOT PROPERTY, 1 Franklin Road, T: 09 378 9560, www.hotpropertyrentals.co.nz

T: 378 9560 M: 0274 746 507 E: Phillipa@hotpropertyrentals.co.nz 1/1 Franklin Road, Ponsonby www.hotpropertyrentals.co.nz

“TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF BEING A LANDLORD – CALL US”

TREE & HEDGE WORK

At moderate prices, operating from the city fringe For free advice and quotes, contact Mike 021 075 2356 / service@growthmaintenance.nz

www.growthmaintenance.nz 84 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS Ergohuman chair from $999 + GST

Shade chair $289 + GST

Hummer chair $299 + GST

Take a seat The importance of a good chair when you’re working for long periods of time at a desk shouldn’t be underestimated.

With more people and companies opting to work remotely from home, the dining room table and chair can no longer be considered a viable option. In fact, not having the right chair and desk can have negative long term consequences.

Setting up a home office can be fun; however it is important to ensure that the seat you are going to be sitting on is ergonomic. At Systems Commercial there are a wide range of well-designed chairs to choose from.

Each chair is designed with a specific use lever and purpose in mind. “Our 3 lever task chairs are designed for people who are in their chairs for 8 hours plus a day. They feature 3 independent levers with back tilt, seat tilt and adjustable seat height so that you can adjust the chair to the optimal position for comfort,” says Francene Ellis, interior designer for Systems Commercial.

Popular mesh models that all offer great adjustability include the Quay chair, the Hummer chair, the Shade chair, the Ziggy chair and the Halsey chair. “Our most adjustable and stylish model is the Ergohuman. It’s comparable to the Herman Miller Aeron chair which was a big hit during the first lockdown,” says Francene.

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If you are after a chair at alert level 3 or below, the Systems Commercial team offer contactless pick-up and delivery, as well as any virtual consultations and quotes for furniture you might need.

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PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 85

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Creating a home office space A home office haven is set to be a permanent part of the way we work from now on.

While many of us made temporary adjustments so we could work from home others embraced it as the new way forward. Now after a second lockdown working from home is part of the new normal for just about everyone who used to work in an office full time.

We talked to Amanda, Showroom Manager, at Lahood Window Furnishings, to understand how window treatments are a great place to start when designing the perfect home work space.

“Creating the right mood in your home office can have a big impact on your comfort and productivity. Three important considerations for a great home office are light, privacy and style, and your choice of window coverings are integral to this,” says Amanda.

Light Creating a light and bright space plays a major role in achieving productivity. Several studies have confirmed links between exposure to natural light and improved work performance. Utilising natural light also allows you to reduce costs, as you aren’t relying on electricity for lighting or heating. Of course, the problem with natural light like this is that it also leads to screen glare, which is not ideal, especially for video calls.

Amanda suggests using a light-filtering material such as a sheer curtain or sun filtering blind to combat this. “Both reduce heat and glare while still allowing light into the room” explains Amanda.

Venetian blinds or shutters are another option that also offer precise light control. “You can even add sensors so your shutters or blinds will tilt automatically based on the sun’s intensity,” says Amanda.

Privacy and Distractions While windows fill a space with natural light, in a home office they leave your important and often confidential work exposed, plus changes in natural light can be a distraction.

“With the right window treatments, you can protect yourself and block out external factors which can disturb or distract you. By covering windows with sun filter blinds or sheer curtains, your privacy can be maintained during the day. If you are more of a night owl and work late into the night with the lights on, shutters or venetians are a better option,” she suggests.

Style “Aesthetics are just as important in the home office as in any other room in the house and creating beautiful spaces that you enjoy working in is motivating,” explains Amanda. She suggests opting for a window treatment that blends into the rest of your scheme, if you’re after a calming and cohesive feel.

“If you like a pop of colour, a Roman blind is ideal as it stacks neatly and you can layer a venetian or roller blind behind it for light control.

When they’re pulled down Roman blinds take up less room than curtains making them a perfect option for small rooms.”

Luxaflex blockout and sun filter roller blinds are a great choice for a professional and sleek look. They’re easy to operate and available in so many fabrics and textures they’ll match the style of any home.

If you want to keep things sophisticated, white wooden blinds or shutters are the way to go. Layering your window treatments can offer the best combination. A blockout roller blind paired with a lightfiltering roller blind gives you both light control and privacy without sacrificing style.

Alternatively for a softer look, pair a sheer curtain with a blockout blind or a sun filter blind paired with a blockout curtain. “Both work and can look stunning, says Amanda. It’s all about making your space both practical and beautiful so you have an environment for maximum productivity.”

As Lahood are Auckland’s only Luxaflex Gallery store they have an exclusive range of blind fabrics to choose from. The experienced team at Lahood are always happy to work with you to find the right solution for your home.

LAHOOD, 104 Mt Eden Road, T: 09 638 8463, www.lahood.co.nz

86 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

@ Metrix 1. DURASTYLE by DURAVIT An understated ambience creates a sense of serenity, giving a moment to breathe deeply and relax. Like DuraStyle – designed by Matteo Thun & Partners, the bathroom series is deliberately understated.

With design, variety and an attractive price and performance ratio, DuraStyle sets a new standard in the bathroom and the home.

2. HAPPY D.2 PLUS Happy D.2 from Duravit is a chic, versatile and timeless modern bathroom solution. The archetypical open oval of the Happy D. design classic runs through all the elements in this new range to create perfectly harmonised washing areas.

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3. LUV Duravit’s Luv series, designed by Cecilie Manz, combines Nordic minimalism with timeless elegance. Luv is defined by precise, clear and fine forms and edges, a new design language that, both minimalist and elegant, can be interpreted in a highly individual manner.

4. CAPE COD Cape Cod, located in New England off the coast of the United States, features an unforgettable flair. The region is known for its beaches stretching for miles, crystal clear water and untamed nature. It is the inspiration for Cape Cod, the bathroom series by Philippe Starck and Duravit. From the monolithic design to the integrated head rest, Cape Cod offers a continuous satin-finished surface that is also pleasant to touch.

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5. DORNBRACHT SYNC, the kitchen mixer with new pull-down functionality. The spout can be extended downwards increasing the fitting’s radius of action and making daily tasks in the kitchen much easier to complete. Like all the other Dornbracht fittings, SYNC is 100% made in Germany.

Design by Sieger Design.

6. XViu by DURAVIT Welcome to the bathroom of tomorrow. XViu by Duravit is a new bathroom series inspiring soft, organic forms that contrast with precise geometry. Sophisticated details and material combinations, comfort-enhancing technologies plus the utmost level of perfection right down to the last detail, come together to produce absolute bathroom harmony.

To see the latest in luxury bathroom ware, visit Metrix Showroom, 155 The Strand, Parnell, www.metrix.co.nz

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88 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Duravit “A bowl filled with water on a simple table,” Danish designer Cecilie Manz describes her inspiration for Duravit’s Luv series. The result is Nordic purism combined with timeless elegance, created with gentle forms and sharp geometry. Luv is a brand new design that can be interpreted uniquely to suit your individual style.

Toilets. Basins. Baths.

Tapware. Accessories.

Saunas. Showers.

155 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland

Elegance, pure and simple.

metrix.co.nz

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 89

HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

Exquisite dress circle residence An unsurpassed opportunity to secure one of the most prestigious homes in the St Marys Bay’s dress circle. Properties of this calibre are seldom available in this closely held inner city suburb.

The meticulous award-winning renovation by Salmond Reed Architects has transformed this five bedroom villa into an impressive retreat with flexible spaces and touches of tropical luxury that take full advantage of the panoramic views across the city and Waitemata- Harbour.

The entry level enjoys an elegant courtyard, double internal garaging, two generously sized double bedrooms, a family sized bathroom, media room and huge laundry. Up the staircase featuring sophisticated b&o Casa matte French oak flooring and you are welcomed to the heart of the home with multiple spaces for relaxation and entertainment.

The impressive open plan Robyn Labb kitchen and dining area opens to the north-facing deck to soak up the outstanding harbour view. The living area with large open fireplace, flows out to the second outdoor living space that will transport you to the Bahamas with its resortstyle plunge pool, lush tropical gardens designed by Trudy Crerar, fireplace and louvre-covered area, and views right back through the house to the city. A streamlined study with a view is tucked away.

The centrepiece entertainers kitchen is timeless and elegant, with a honed marble kitchen island, bespoke solid oak cabinetry, large Smeg oven with gas hobs and masses of storage. Also on this level is a guest bathroom, large double bedroom with lounge space, double ward-robing and en suite that opens to the rear courtyard, and the master with walk in wardrobe and large tiled en suite.

Make your way up to the top floor and the sun-soaked fifth bedroom.

Sporting a pitched roof, skylights, aircon, ward-robing and en suite, it also makes a lovely work from home space. Perfectly located close to Jervois Road and in zone for Ponsonby Primary and Intermediate, PN there is nothing left to do in this dream family estate. ď Ł

Licensed under the REA Act 2008 For more information call Blair Haddow on 021 544 555; E: blair.haddow@bayleys.co.nz

90 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Tumblehome coffee table, double the size 180cm x 90cm - $5980

ROSE & HEATHER, 366 Great North Road, T: 09 376 2895, www.roseandheather.com

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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS

The Vintage Range by Bovi. Beautiful Portuguese linen with an embroidered edge.

Available in flax, white or grey.

Get it while you can. Our Tumblehome nine drawer and cabinets end this year - $4980

@ Rose & Heather

ARTS + CULTURE

Garry Currin, ’The Weight’ Oil on canvas, 2020 30cmH x 43cmW

@ Whitespace

Garry Currin - This Earth; 13 September - 8 October Currin’s landscapes are not allegories conveying meaning through symbolic representation, nor do they seek to imitate reality. Rather they employ, in the fashion of lyrical abstraction, the emotive and expressive qualities of colour, shape and brushwork to capture first the artist’s feelings, and subsequently the viewer’s.

Landscapes appear to be the subject, yet the dark shades, the atmospheric smudges of light and shadow carry a cipher of another world that shifts between experience, memory, and dreaming.

Although man is evident, he is not present in these landscapes where light plays, shifting and elusive through pale veils, teasing the connections between eye and memory, tempting us to capture the sense of a real place, a real time in the shapes of hills and waterways.

Part of the mystery lies in the ambiguity of form, as visual rhythms capture our need to identify evidence of our place in the landscape ...a row of fence posts, a road? an abandoned building? ...exposed momentarily in the light, landmarks like staging posts in our imagination.

Appreciating that there is ‘nothing new under the sun’, Currin’s search for painterly truth lies in his working processes. He paints, he says, “from the inside out” approaching the energy of the moment listening to the music of Toru Takemitsu (a Japanese composer influenced by the work of John Cage, Claude Debussy and traditional Japanese music). The process of painting, for Currin, is an exploratory sensing rather than a directional questing. The paintings that result from this process enable viewers to step outside themselves and into another world.

Behind Currin’s paint application lies a history of New Zealand’s art.

If we are looking for signs of our painterly traditions then Petrus van der Velden’s evocation of the sublime (epitomised in his images of Otira Gorge), or hints of John Gully’s somewhat Arcadian landscapes, a certain darkness of the New Zealand psyche implied by Colin McCahon, and even Toss Woollaston’s “mountainous scrumblings” mutter quietly behind the scenes.

But in the end Currin’s paintings provide us with a visual negotiation of man’s subtle and shifting relationships with the land, with history and with our sense of the spiritual. Catalogue excerpt by Jacqueline Aust.

WHITESPACE, 20 Monmouth Street, T: 09 361 6331, www.whitespace.co.nz

92 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra

Sunday 20 September @ 2.30pm Another ‘must be there’ concert Somi Kim performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with Conductor Beth Cohen South Korean born New Zealand pianist Somi Kim has established herself as one of today’s most highly regarded young pianists. With a string of competition successes to her credit Somi Kim clearly has extensive concert experience not to be missed. She is much sought after as a chamber musician, song accompanist and répétiteur.

Somi has recently been appointed as the pianist with the NZTrio, a piano trio recognised as a ‘national treasure’ and as ‘New Zealand’s most indispensable ensemble’. She is an artist for the Kirckman Concert Society, Park Lane Group, Concordia Foundation, and is a yeoman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians; a scholar on the Britten-Pears and Samling Artist Programmes, Georg Solti Accademia, and is a staff pianist at the International Holland Music Sessions, International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Gisborne International Music Competition, and the New Zealand Opera School. ​ In recital, Somi’s recent and future appearances include Het Concertgebouw, Slovak Philharmonic, Wigmore Hall, St. John’s Smith Square, Cadogan Hall, Bridgewater Hall, and the Edinburgh Fringe, Ryedale, St Endellion and Oxford Lieder Festivals.

“SOMI KIM on the piano was utterly mesmerising” - Clare Martin, Radio 13, Auckland

Somi Kim

Beth Cohen Since emigrating to New Zealand Beth Cohen has conducted the Christchurch School of Music Camerata Strings and ISO Orchestras, the Canterbury Regional Schools Orchestra, Resonance Orchestra, APO, and served as Orchestra and Bands adjudicator at the KBB Music Festival.

Currently Beth is conductor of the Christchurch’s Garden City Orchestra and Auckland’s Victorious March Band which recently won Gold in the NZCBA Festival.

This concert with St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra will be part of her PhD study on engaging audience participation (adult and youth) at the University of Canterbury.

If you have not heard St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra play, then you are PN missing one of the finest musical experiences in Auckland.  www.smco.org.nz TICKETS Eventfinda or Door sales cash only.

Adults $30. Concessions $25. Children under 12 free. Student rush on the day $15. ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY CHURCH corner Wellesley & Hobson Streets. www.stmatthews.nz

St Matthew in the City First Tuesday’s Concert Bold Beethoven piano music to celebrate Ludwig Van’s 250 birthday at St Matthew-in-the-City will be part of First Tuesday’s concert on 6 October.

Exquisite Auckland based pianist, Lisa Chou, will play piano sonata Opus 111, The Ruins of Athens (arranged by Anton Rubenstein) in her programme, and in a link to the symphonies, the 15 Eroica variations. Lisa Chou studied in Vienna with one of the greatest Beethoven players in Europe, Paul Badura Skoda.

Piano concerts sound very fine in St Matthew’s for although it is a large resonant space, it is possible to sit close for clarity and further away for a wonderful wash of sound. “Some audience members move about between pieces to enjoy the range of sound,” says John Aston, one of the concert organisers. The recently acquired Kawai Shigeru 7.5 foot grand piano is “the ideal piano

for Beethoven, percussive with a beautiful lingering sound quality: bold and beautiful in equal measure”, he adds.

A cynic might think that a celebration of a composer’s 250 birthday is a simple record company marketing ploy, but such an occasion brings out wonderful groups of music which we may otherwise not hear. In this Covid-19 interrupted year, many cycles have either been abandoned or rescheduled. St Matthew’s First Tuesday team hopes that this will proceed as planned and some of the best Beethoven piano music will be heard.

The final concert in the First Tuesday series 2020 in November will feature concert organist, Paul Chan, playing the great Henry Willis III organ. Chan is very familiar with the instrument as he is also the parish director of music, a role which involves playing the organ every Sunday for services. Dashing concluding voluntaries and improvised elements within the services ensure PN he knows every inch of the instrument’s capabilities and resources.  www.stmatthews.nz

Lisa Chou - Piano

Sun 20 September at 2.30pm

Bold Beethoven Birthday Tuesday 6th October, 12.10-12.50pm

programme

Eroica Variations Turkish March from Ruins of Athens Piano Sonata Opus 111

Fauré Pelléas et Mélisande Op 80 Copland Appalachian Spring Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No 2 C minor

Entry by koha.

Somi Kim conductor Beth Cohen soloist

st matthew-in-the-city Cnr of Wellesley & Hobson Street, Auckland City

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 93

ARTS + CULTURE

Ans Westra, ‘South Auckland’, 1984. Showing at {Suite} during Artweek. Image courtesy of {Suite}

Artweek’s ‘Open Late’ Gallery Tours Extend into Ponsonby Free guided tours of local galleries during Artweek Auckland will extend further into Ponsonby this year in recognition of its growing presence in the local art landscape.

Artweek Auckland is an annual, week-long festival celebrating the visual arts of Tamaki Makaurau, running 10-18 October 2020.

The gallery tours are hosted by artists and art professionals during ‘Open Late’ events in which select galleries keep their doors open until 8pm and encourage new audiences. The tours run from 6pm on Thursday 15 October and are bookable through Artweek’s website. In keeping with Artweek’s focus on inclusivity, all are welcome, and prior knowledge of art is not required. They run for 60-80 minutes across several galleries, with a short overview of the space and the current exhibition, and time for attendees to enjoy and ask questions.

gallery {Suite} on Ponsonby Road. {Suite} has an established gallery space in Wellington’s Cuba Street, and their expansion into Ponsonby is also a signal of things to come in the area.

This year the gallery tours will include Objectspace, {Suite}, Scott Lawrie Gallery and other art and design spaces in Ponsonby, such as Studio One Toi Tu- and endemicworld.

The tour programme is curated by artist, art writer, educator and consultant Emil McAvoy, who is excited to expand further into Ponsonby.

Visitors can also visit the participating galleries independently, and are encouraged to make a night of it – inviting a friend or a date, for a drink and a bite in the neighbourhood, or to perhaps meet others interested in art.

“We are fortunate to have partnered with the Ponsonby Business Association to grow the gallery tour programme this year, building on the generous foundation of support provided by the Karangahape Road Business Association and Artweek. As part of this expansion we have been able to include more participating art spaces and add to the pool of talented tour guides.

The ‘Open Late’ tours have formerly focussed on the region around Karangahape Road where there is a high concentration of galleries and other art spaces. However, recent years have seen the increasing prominence of Objectspace, new artist run spaces in Ponsonby/Grey Lynn, and earlier this year, the launch of dealer

Ponsonby is, of course, a centre for art, design, creativity and culture,” Emil says. “It’s pleasing to reflect that contribution further – we have a number of experienced, informed and engaging guides, and it’s rewarding that the tours can remain free and accessible to a growing public,” adds Emil.  PN

Bookings for the Open Late tours, alongside other tours during the festival, can be made through Artweek Auckland’s website: www.artweek.co.nz 1. {Suite}, gallery exterior, Ponsonby. Image: Courtesy of {Suite}; 2. Objectspace exterior; 3. Emil McAvoy, Open Late Tour Programme Curator & Guide. Image: Courtesy of Elise Manahan/University of Auckland; 4. Julia Craig, Tour Guide; 5. Ashleigh Taupaki, Tour Guide; 6. Zoe Black, Tour Guide

94 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE Moniek Schrijer, ‘Money Bags’, 2020. Showing at Objectspace during Artweek in ‘Deadweight Loss: The Value of Making’ featuring Moniek Schrijer, Laurie Steer, Cat Fooks and Micheal McCabe, 1 Aug – 18 Oct 2020. Image: Samuel Hartnett courtesy of Objectspace

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PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 95

Glow Up, TVNZ On Demand

SEPTEMBER STREAMING GUIDE Last Dad Standing Entertainment television for the whole family or flat. Celebrity Dads and regular crack up Dads compete against each other to tell lame jokes that you can’t help but smile at, some of the time.

Everyone’s got a Dad or knows a Dad who takes delight in telling this kind of joke and this show puts them on a stage for all of us to collectively cringe or laugh at. Much of the fun in watching this with your kids is that they already know half of the punch lines and tell the jokes better.

Charities are the real winners of this quite funny local show.  Glow Up Based on a successful BBC formula this local series has something for just about everyone to enjoy. On the surface it’s an entertaining reality TV series with a lovely host (ZM’s Megan Papas) and highly entertaining make-up mentors, Gee Pikinga and Tane Tomoana. But dig a little deeper and it offers more than your average reality show. In an era when Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have made stars of many self-made make-up gurus, this show provides a stage to show them as the vulnerable and passionate artists they are.

Last Dad Standing, TVNZ On Demand

Where other reality shows rely on personal conflict between contestants or extreme personalities for dramatic tension, so far (there’s only been 3 eps) Glow Up is a little different. It’s the contestants undeniable talent that provides the wow factor.

96 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020

Their work is truly impressive and is compelling because each of the challenges reveals a little of who they are as artists and why this is the artform they use to express themselves. Even if you don’t know an ‘eyebrow block’ from a ‘cut crease’ (I didn’t) this show offers so many impressive finished creations and fast paced challenges that no matter whether you are five or fifty years old it’s entertaining.  NETFLIX

Lucifer When an old testament style devil runs away from Hell, he brings with him a complicated history of emotional baggage and the weight of the world on his wings. The humour and theologically inspired storytelling of Neil Gaiman’s original Sandman comic comes through in this procedural crime drama with a twist. Each episode has a crime to solve but at the same time a bigger story of redemption unfolds as the characters explore the really big questions like love, good versus evil and faith.

Tom Ellis is a deliciously talented Lucifer; he sings, he smoulders and delivers great performances.

A highlight in Season 4 has to be his version of Creep, sung full of raw emotion while playing a grand piano in the middle of a glitzy nightclub.

DB Woodside, as the angel Amenadiel, and Rachel Harris as the devil’s therapist, Dr Linda Martin, are just some of the great supporting cast who make this show an addictive watch. Season 5 has just

dropped on Netflix so if you haven’t watched it yet you can have a devil of a binge.  NEON

FLASH - Season 1 This series is great family viewing. Flash is the modern story of the DC character Barry Allen, aka the Flash. It’s not as dark and gritty as the likes of Gotham, Jessica Jones, or Arrow, making it the perfect series to watch with your tween. If you just watch one episode at a time you can enjoy discussing your own theories about who the real baddies are and what the real end game is.  Amazon Prime

Little Fires Everywhere Set in 1990s Ohio, Little Fires Everywhere, based on Celeste Ng’s novel of the same name, is a gripping and confronting tale. This dramatic mini series is described by the NYT reviewer as a period piece, assiduously up-to-date in its racial and gender politics of today. It explores universal ideas of motherhood against a backdrop of inequity and a restless desire for change. Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington give unbeatable performances and the series has received several Emmy nominations including Best Director in a Limited Series for Lyn Shelton, Best Female Lead for Kerry Washington and Best Limited Series. If you liked Big Little Lies you will probably love this. 

Tom Ellis as Lucifer pc John Fleenor, NETFLIX

TVNZ on Demand

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

Artist Quality Paint Sale

Up to 25% off Artist Quality paints!

1st September to 3rd November 2020

35 Crummer Road, Grey Lynn 09 360 1238 info@studioart.co.nz Open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm Saturday. Plenty of parking!

PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2020 97

ARTS + CULTURE

Horoscopes: Miss Pearl Neclis – what your stars hold for September

Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February You are such a positive person regardless of what’s bubbling underneath. Do something that makes you happy as often as you can.

You know how that accomplished feeling makes you feel. Arrange your life around you rather than anyone else.

Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March You’ve never been one to broadcast your talents but to move forward you may have too. Treat this as a challenge rather than a hurdle and the experience will be much more enjoyable. Keep your emotions in check if you’re able this month.

Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April Being bold is your speciality and this month is no exception. You can be an extravagant soul and you may have an opportunity to express your creativity. Take it and run with it. You are able to multitask and with your energy you can accomplish almost anything.

Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May It’s about time you did something new with your life. There may be some sort of conflict with someone close. But this is for you to do.

Whatever path you’re on you’ll discover that it’s ok to deviate occasionally. You may even find it exciting.

Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June Being there for someone as you have can be so rewarding. And the skills you have allow you to communicate your needs and speed through any chores. Recently you have been coming up with a few money-making schemes but are sometimes reluctant to act on them.

You should follow your gut occasionally.

Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July You appear to cloak your feelings in public and go onstage as being this strong don’tlet-much-affect-me type, but that mask may be slipping. The high level of stress that you operate on ultimately won’t be good for you.

But you already know that. Whatever outlet you have that brings you joy then get on and do it.

Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August You’re very proud of your history and so you should be. Don’t let anyone be difficult regarding your achievements. Dwelling too much on what you’ve accomplished can be draining. Instead keep fixed on your current path and do the things that make you happy.

Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September Try and find a place that makes you happy.

Being surrounded by people who can be critical about life can have a negative effect on you. You’re about to discover something about yourself that is going to make you happy. Spread it about while you can.

Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October You have always known that to move forward you sometimes have to let go of the past.

Something or someone still has a hold on you and that’s the problem. Address it if you can. Moving forward without baggage is a place you’d like to be.

Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November Generally, you have always had a magnetic personality and this month is no exception.

People are consistently drawn to you. Even if you don’t need too, make friends and family feel important by sharing your interests and concerns with them.

Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December Trying something different from what you’re used too can have such benefits. You have to move on from the last few months if you can. There’s nothing wrong with looking back but learn from it.

Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January Your reliability can be a good thing but lately of course your kindness may have felt stretched. It’s not that you don’t want to be there for anyone, it’s just you have other priorities that need you now. Empower your co-workers by giving them the freedom to express themselves.

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THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES

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MATT O’BRIEN House values are always moving.

My values never change: honesty, integrity, communication, hard work. Let’s talk.

A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

Matt O’Brien 021 687 866 matt.obrien@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, PONSONBY, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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