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INSIDE THIS MONTH
008
LETTERS & EMAILS
009
FROM THE EDITOR
012 DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW
014 PIPPA COOM: COUNCILLOR FOR WAITEMAT-A & GULF 016 RICHARD NORTHEY, WAITEMAT-A LOCAL BOARD 017
EREBUS MEMORIAL PARK
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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS
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CHLÖE SWARBRICK: MP AUCKLAND CENTRAL
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PREDICT WEATHER.COM
030 COVER STORY - GAEL BALDOCK 032
PONSONBY PARK
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HELENE RAVLICH: HOT PROPERTY
039 EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 046 LIVING, THINKING + BEING 049
P67: First Tuesday on 6 October marks the 26th concert in this series. St Matthew’s is pleased to welcome back Lisa Chou (piano) for her third appearance, with Yid-Ee Goh (violin) making his second appearance.
FASHION & STYLE
050 FUTURE GENERATION
EDITOR/PUBLISHER: MARTIN LEACH M: 021 771 147 martinleach@xtra.co.nz or martin@ponsonbynews.co.nz
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DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: JAY PLATT M: 021 771 146 jayplatt@xtra.co.nz or jay@ponsonbynews.co.nz
HONOUR MITCHELL: TEEN PICKS
052 PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS 056 064
HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS STREAMING GUIDE SEPTEMBER
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
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ARTS & CULTURE
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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS
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THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES
Cover Photography: Emily Raftery
M: 021 150 4095 gwynne@ponsonbynews.co.nz CONTRIBUTING MUSIC EDITOR: FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT M: 021 134 4101 finn.huia@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: JOHN ELLIOTT M: 021 879 054 johnelliott38@outlook.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: ARNA MARTIN M: 021 354 984 arna@cocodesign.co.nz
PONSONBY NEWS is published monthly, excluding January by: ALCHEMY MEDIA LIMITED, P.O. BOX 47-282 Ponsonby, Auckland 1144, T: 09 378 8553, www.ponsonbynews.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS is printed on paper sourced from sustainable, well managed forests and manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001.
4 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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LOVING, LIVING & SELLING GREATER PONSONBY
BLAIR HADDOW In excess of $450M sales in Greater Ponsonby #1 National Auction Agent 2017-2019 Top 5% Bayleys Salespeople 2010–2021
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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Grey Lynn, 633A Great North Road
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Ponsonby, 26 John Street
Herne Bay, 25 Hector Street
Sold $3,900,000
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Residen t ial / Co mmerci al / Rural / P ro pert y Ser v ices
LETTERS & EMAILS
EVENING PARKING SUGGESTION Having heard how concerned Ponsonby businesses are about the potential loss of parking spaces, I wonder if I can encourage you to take an idea to the Ponsonby Business Association? It won’t solve the daytime issue, but it would certainly help in the evening. Why don’t the businesses who aren’t open at night allow people to park in their parking lots after they close? It’s crazy to circle the streets looking for a spot when the BNZ lot is empty! This goes for many of the parking spots dotted around Ponsonby side streets - so many empty parking places with “24 hour tow-away” signs...Why? Aside from the tow truck drivers, I don’t see how anyone loses if these parking lots/ spots were made available to the public after 6pm. Just a thought. I believe we need to work together to make the community thrive. Leanne Pooley, Ponsonby THE COSTS OF CYCLEWAYS I recently requested detail under the official information act from NZTA regarding the costs of cycleways just in Auckland over the last 10 years. The result was that $324,756,110 was invested in cycleways in Auckland (assuming the numbers are correct). I then sourced the statistics from the Auckland Council web site as to the actual use of those cycleways. There are many issues that I could highlight to demonstrate that the investment has been a colossal waste of Ratepayers and Taxpayers money – not to mention the immediate and on ongoing heavy impact on the ability to get around Auckland using the main thoroughfares, by any other means. However, the key learning from the statistics is that the cycling number since December 2015 have been almost static, (at around 300,000 recorded individual trips – so about 150,000 cycle trips per month – or about 5,000 actual cyclists per day) … until April 2019. After April 2019 they have been in steady decline. An example: December 2019 - 305,000 cycle movements for the month – from 3.77 million year on year (to two decimal places). December 2020 - 288,466 (a decline of -5.4% on Dec 2019) – with annual stats at 3.77 ALSO to two decimal places - but still much lower. Since December 2020 – cycle use has fallen off a cliff – and as of June 2021 there were just 245,618 cycle movements a 6.4% decrease on already falling figures from the previous year. The trend is clearly downward! (Please note these statistics do not include the winter of 2021 but do reflect that Covid during 2020 only exacerbated the already obvious negative trend – and now that Covid restrictions have lifted, the trend is even more markedly downward). If each cyclist makes trips in two directions to and from work (or home), then it is easy to deduct that given the population of Auckland is now approx 1,657,000 and 5,000 cyclists have been recorded as using a cycle at least once – then 0.3017 % of our population are dictating to the other 99.6982% how we should best travel in, around, and through Auckland. I am not at all sure that the current investment of $64,951 per cyclist has been in any way a success. (it would have been cheaper to buy every cyclist a motor scooter, or small EV!).
Council now plans on spending ANOTHER $635,000,000 between now and 2028 ($71,000,000 per annum average). Sadly, you cannot even argue that climate change is in the air because of these statistics and the “return on investment” that almost every business case calls for cannot possibly “stack up". It is time to start removing the cycle ways from Nelson Street, Quay Street, Karangahape Road, and not even build the cycleways proposed by Auckland Transport in Great North Road – with the ensuing disruption to all the local businesses, loss of parking and ease of use for the residents and businesses of Auckland. Enough! The cycle ways are a failed experiment by zealots who did not factor in the shape of Auckland (isthmus), the geography (hilly), the weather (changeable on an hourly basis) and the time pressures on those wishing to get to and from work. The buses could work – but they are still not performing, and the CRL might help, but cars are without question now and always have been the required method of transport for 90% of us and common sense and political logic would seem to shout aloud, that cycling is NOT the solution - and certainly not at this cost. Roger Hawkins, Herne Bay CURRAN STREET & SHELLY BEACH ROAD At the risk of suggesting another way for Auckland Transport to spend our money I'm curious as to whether there are many people who could see merit in making Curran Street one way down (with a 30kph speed limit) and Shelly Beach Road one way up. Bill Allen, St. Mary's Bay GROWING FRUSTRATION AND ANGER IN THE COMMUNITY... There is a growing frustration and anger in the community about the six members of City Vision repeatedly voting as a block to drive through any initiative they want or suppressing any contrary initiatives. The example of the former is the Motion moved by Member Graeme Gunthorpe on having a periodic cycle lane over the harbour Bridge and the later of Member Sarah Trotman seeking an independent investigation into the felling of the Western Springs Forest - this initiative failed after no other member was prepared to second it, meaning that there was not even a debate on the initiative. On every issue of substance, City Vision caucus their position so that any debate is held behind closed doors and then they vote accordingly. Furthermore, we do not know who else attends the caucus and has influence over the decision on how to vote. This situation is even worse than Workshops not being open to the public - at least material presented at the Workshops can be obtained under the Official Information Act. The fact is that the 40% of constituents (who did vote), elected six City Vision members to represent them. However, it is also a fact that if a proportional representation system applied, City Vision would have three members, C&R three members and depending how the independents organised themselves, one member. Thus, it would be unlikely that any one party could dominate the Board as is the case at the moment. While the electoral system remains as it is, if City Vision and C&R had any regard for the principles of democracy, one way to avoid the present situation is for them to agree between themselves that they would only nominate a maximum of four candidates each at the next election. I don’t hold any great hope that this will happen so the community will have to continue its “guerrilla style” approach. Keith McConnell keith@keithforwaitemata.com
Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.
8 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
We will eliminate Delta if we’re lucky; there are great hopes it can be achieved, and if it is, some doubters, especially across the Tasman, will be silenced. Scott Morrison has not been a kind neighbour in recent days, but there does remain the big follow up question: How does the border opening happen, who gets in, and how do we continue to protect ourselves, while Delta, or even its successor, is rampant worldwide? Experts say high levels of vaccination will help. List MP Helen White has a new Ponsonby office which we recently attended the opening of. Her new office in Ponsonby Road was crowded with supporters and we spent some time talking to proud father, Peter White, local retired lawyer. White will share the office with Camila Belich, list MP for Epsom. Mayor Phil Goff gave a stirring speech extolling Helen White’s qualities, and wine and canapés were enjoyed by the crowd. The offices are only partly funded by Parliamentary services. White’s next challenge is to win the Auckland seat at the next election, but she does not underrate Chlöe Swarbrick, who is also on the finance committee with Helen. The public will see a more mature politician than Helen White was last year, a woman with experience and maturity, a wonderful sense of humour, quick on her feet, and an able debater. Gael Baldock is a well-known community advocate and our cover star this issue. She told Ponsonby News last month, “I've just been up against the 'machine' of Auckland Council and it's still not done, yet I feel as though I've been spat out the other end. I've been outnumbered in a 'David and Goliath' war of words in court. I've been threatened by the senior council member leading the project and even falsely accused
FROM THE EDITOR
Last month was a tricky one with the Delta variant in our community but fortunately we’ve been lucky here in Ponsonby as so far there have only been four or five places of interest in our local area.
Jay Platt & Martin Leach
of faking a heart attack by a local board member - to name just a few of my experiences." Gael tells her story in this issue. Over the past year the property market has been in the news more than ever with the pandemic buying boom a hot topic in the press and around dinner tables. Local scribe Helene Ravlich spoke to several of the neighbourhood’s most wellknown agents about everything from what spurs on a sale to their favourite place to eat. Memo to Council: Please take your own advice - Item K iv of the resource consent to fell the pines - “(we) recommend that all weeding in the park be chemical free.” Ponsonby News has raved on about the dangers of glyphosate for decades. My colleague has a niece who has developed cancer, and specialists have found that her family lived next door to a landscape gardener in a Northland town. The neighbour sprayed glyphosate like it was going out of fashion, which it clearly should have years ago. Come on Waitematā Local Board, be an important part of history, and vote this carcinogen down. Next issue is our 32nd birthday. Our first issue was published in October 1989 - a long time ago! (MARTIN LEACH) PN
HUNGRY & FEELING THIRSTY? WE ARE SPOILT FOR CHOICE!
THERE ARE NOW 295 PLACES IN THE WESTERN BAYS, WHERE YOU CAN EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY. THEY ARE ALL LISTED IN THE PONSONBY LITTLE BLACK BOOK...
ponsonbynews.co.nz/ponsonby-little-black-book PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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OUR CONTRIBUTORS
IT’S A TEAM EFFORT... WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS CONNOR CRAWFORD I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News.
DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people.
FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT I work as a booker, promoter and festival programmer. Active in all areas of the music community; folk music is my specialty.
HONOUR MITCHELL I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life. I write the column ‘Teen Picks’ which explores everything on offer in the greater Ponsonby area.
HELENE RAVLICH A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job.
JOHN APPLETON I have a keen interest in nutritional medicine and how it may be used to support people with chronic illnesses.
KEN RING My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.
KERRY LEE I’ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people I’ve meet along the way. #best job.
LUCY KENNEDY I am a young local writer who loves to read! Each month you will find my reviews of new books for people who love to read as much as I do.
PHIL PARKER Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.
PIPPA COOM
I am Councillor for Waitemat-a and Gulf Ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair Waitemat-a Local Board.
ROSS THORBY I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.
JOHN ELLIOTT
SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS
I am the founder of Ponsonby News and write for the magazine. My career has included politics, education and publishing. My interests include the environment, the economy and social justice.
A vegan for over a year and vegetarian for over seven years with a passion for writing. I am a local student reviewing some of Ponsonby’s best vegan eats.
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10 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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LOCAL NEWS
DAVID HARTNELL:
ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH SUNIL KUMAR Sunil and his wife Bhawna are both directors and pharmacists of the Unichem chemist in Grey Lynn and have both been fixtures in Grey Lynn’s Surrey Crescent area for the past 28 years. What do you like the most about working in Grey Lynn? The range of people I get to meet, the friendliness and vibrant culture, plus the fact that it's centrally located. How have you survived the pandemic & has it changed your life? We had to survive – we had no choice as we were an essential service provider. It has changed my life significantly as I had to adapt and make changes like operating in contactless ways. I have never seen anything like this ever. The terrible impact it has on so many livelihoods, health etc. What was your childhood like? Happy, playful and maybe naughty at times - only parents know this. Complete the sentence: I will die happy if... I have no debts. What is your favorite TV series? Disney’s Mandalorian. Where would your dream overseas holiday be? Europe – Turkey, Italy, France, Spain. What’s on your bucket list? A European holiday. Visiting relatives overseas - Canada, USA, London etc. What is the most Kiwi thing about you? I go out of my way to help others no matter the consequences. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Still working and contributing to New Zealand. What job would you do other than your own and why? I would really like to do some volunteer work for the Red Cross or Auckland City Mission. Helping less unfortunate people would give some satisfaction in life. If they were to make a movie about your life, who would you like to play you? Captain Kirk of Star Trek Enterprise. Beam me up Scotty. What do you most dislike about your appearance? Being a little short – I could have been taller. How would you like to be remembered? For the professional services I provide. What's something that you really disapprove of? Lies. If you were reincarnated, what would you be? A tiger. Tigers have grace, strength, agility and enormous power – virtues which I admire.
If you won a million dollars what is the first thing you would do? Donate some, pay off the mortgage, help any family or friends in financial strife and keep some for a rainy day. What is something that motivates you? Being successful starts with hard work and being organised – good time management. What do you think happens when we die? Family background tells me to say reincarnation, but in reality I think nothing happens. We become part of the cosmos. What's the best movie you've ever seen and why? I have two. The Shawshank Redemption and Forrest Gump – great quotes and just mesmerising to watch. Give your teenaged self some advice? Don’t be shy. I was afraid to talk to a huge audience initially and had to gain some guts to do it. How do you chill out? Whiskey with soda water on the rocks. Which item of clothing can't you live without? Underpants. Favorite time of the day? After work – 7pm in the evening.
What do you love most about your age? Experience. I have learned a lot over the years especially from GPs so am aware of many medical conditions and treatments.
If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand for New Zealanders, what would it be? The Cannabis Reform Bill – allow easy access for doctors to prescribe and patients to obtain assorted cannabis products for pain relief.
Your biggest disappointment? The only regret I have was not being able to meet my uncle and aunty who passed away in an accident in Toronto, Canada.
Pharmacy Act – allow community pharmacies like in Australia some protection in location to total number of pharmacies allowed within certain km. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM) PN
12 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
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LOCAL NEWS
Grey Lynn School safe school speeds project
PIPPA COOM:
INNOVATING STREETS ARE LOCKDOWN READY It was with a sudden jolt that we found ourselves back in lockdown. Level 4 council systems were quickly re-activated to ensure essential services continued to operate and council facilities closed down safely. As with the first lockdown, council staff have been redeployed, such as the catering team now providing meals to the City Mission and environmental health officers who are supporting contact tracing efforts. We are now all very familiar with the health guidelines: stay home except to access essential services, stay within your bubble, wash your hands frequently, wear a face mask, use your QR code if you go out, exercise locally, maintain physical distancing and if you are ill, self-isolate and get tested. The central place for information is the government’s website covid19.govt.nz. A free Covid-19 helpline service is available for Auckland businesses on 0800 500 362. Exploring locally for exercise and fresh air provides a welcome break from online meetings and bubble routines. Throughout lockdown, people will be experiencing their streets and neighbourhoods differently due to lower levels of traffic and safer neighbourhoods. It also gives a sense of the enormous change needed to our “normal” lives in order to cut transport emissions by 64 per cent from where we were in 2016 by 2030. Auckland, as New Zealand’s largest and fastestgrowing city, must make a greater contribution to transport emissions reduction than other parts of the country to achieve New Zealand’s commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Just prior to the lockdown Auckland Council established a Transport Emissions Reference Group to develop options to help achieve the bold emissions-reduction targets outlined in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. The scale of the challenge means a wide range of options and methods will need to be tested. Only radical change will reduce private vehicle demand and increase the uptake of active transport. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Innovating Streets for People programme provides a fund to test out innovations enabling Aucklanders to continue after lockdown to enjoy their neighbourhoods and use streets not just as roads, but as
Students from Grey Lynn School thank the innovating streets project team
public spaces. Councils only have to contribute 10 per cent of any project costs. The ability to pilot new street layouts through the programme enables communities to get a sense of what their streets could be like before a commitment is made to major investment; testing, monitoring, and engagement occurs throughout the trial. Grey Lynn School is one of a number of schools across Tāmaki Makaurau taking part in Auckland Transport’s Safe School Speeds programme funded through 'Innovating Streets for People'. The project involves schools working with Auckland Transport to introduce new speed calming measures such as kerb extensions, speed humps, and new painted surfaces to keep children safe. It is not surprising that Grey Lynn School was keen to sign up for the trial. Only recently there was a serious injury crash on Surrey Crescent, and the school reports a lot of near misses and concerns about vehicle speeds on the approach to the school crossings. Travelling at 30km/h or lower outside schools increases driver reaction and stopping time, reducing the chances of serious crash injuries. The trial will now benefit everyone out walking and cycling during lockdown. Locking-in and expanding the best of all the innovation streets projects will be one of the many emissions reductions pathways to a decarbonised transport future. (PIPPA COOM) PN pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
14 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
NODI MODULAR SEATING SYSTEM - YABU PUSHELBERG
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LOCAL NEWS
RICHARD NORTHEY:
Waitemata- Local Board Chair Winter has brought gloom and not yet enough rain for our power supply and certainty over summer supply. It has also bought another Covid-19 lockdown. If we all obey the lockdown rules, not use playgrounds, sports grounds, or other shared facilities, we should be able to come through again. I have had both my Covid jabs, which I hope you all will ensure that you get as soon possible. The Auckland Council received a well-deserved award in recognition for the best response by a council to the challenge of Covid and we will continue to be proactive in supporting our community. At our last Waitematā Local Board meeting on August 17 we attracted 16 presentations from local people in public forum. The Board appreciates the effort these people made, and the Board undertakes to take their ideas into account in our future decisionmaking. At the meeting we formally approved the Board’s Annual Report for financial year 2020/2021. We congratulated Council’s staff for completing over 100 projects and activities in spite of the pandemic. These included the completion and opening of the Western Springs Lakeside Park Playspace, the new changing rooms at Grey Lynn Park, the Home Reserve Playground, and the Heard Park Plunket Rooms. We also saw renewals of Studio One, Pt Erin Park and the light pathways on Western Park. Agrichemical free maintenance of four major parks was continued as well as initiating a no mow pilot in part of Grey Lynn Park, shortly to be trialled in other parks. Our Parnell Festival of Roses was a success and we supported Festival Italiano, Artweek, the Grey Lynn Festival and the Santa Parade. Another decision from our August Local Board meeting was to agree to the sale of a Council property at 19 Jervois Road. We did this to raise funds for the restoration of the Leys Institute buildings. Our resolutions required that the sale proceeds go towards the restoration of the Leys buildings, noted that a start had been made on developing a detailed business case for this restoration and urging that restoration work on the site commence as soon as practicable. Council will offer advice and support to Plunket and to the Ponsonby Toy Library to relocate their services and move the Michael Joseph Savage memorial fountain to be protected on a nearby Council property. Because of revenue loss caused by Covid-19, Council’s LongTerm Plan provides for spending of only $27 million over the next four years for seismic strengthening projects across the whole region. The restoration of the Leys Institute alone would cost more than half that. Council has asked the Board to make a substantial contribution, particularly through sale of nearby Council properties
Leys Institute
such as 3 Ponsonby Road and rental properties associated with the Leys Institute. If these do not raise sufficient funds, a targeted rate could be consulted on for the Western Bay area to ensure the Leys Institute restoration can proceed. The Waitematā Local Board’s top priority projects it lobbied for in the Long-Term Plan - the restoration of the Leys Institute for public use and the creation of the Ponsonby Park at 254 Ponsonby Road, remain our top priorities. There is no specific money in the LongTerm Plan for Ponsonby Park, although the Board secured half the value of the project from another property sale, which was to be matched by Council before Covid-19 intervened. Ponsonby Park supporters have suggested that Council go ahead with half the project, being the design and open space development, in the meantime. However, the Board would need formally to decide to put the first stage in next financial year’s work programme. The Waitematā Local Board remains actively concerned about continuing issues related to homelessness and sometimes related anti-social and criminal behaviour in accommodation and on the streets in town centres in the Waitematā Local Board area. We have written again to the Government seeking the identification and appointment of a public agency to take the lead to ensure effective co-ordination and lasting solutions for these issues. I chaired a meeting of the Alcohol and Community Safety in the central City Working Party on 13 August about this. Council, Police, Noise Control, and other agencies resolved to work together to make our streets safer at all times of the day and night and I reported on this on ZB news that night. Our Board will once again be holding its Good Citizens Awards Ceremony in late November. Nominations for the awards will be open and welcomed from 20 September. (RICHARD NORTHEY) PN Keep an eye on our Facebook page for information about making a nomination: www.facebook.com/waitemata I can be contacted at richard.northey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or T: 021 534 546.
Parnell Festival of Roses
16 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
EREBUS MEMORIAL – A CREDIBLE SOLUTION IN THE WIND? At last, some common sense! A dedicated Erebus Memorial proposal is on the table. If the Government is listening and wise, they will seriously explore the offer by the Erebus Memorial Park Working Group to identify a stand-alone memorial park dedicated solely to sharing the full story of the Erebus tragedy in perpetuity. The EMP Group’s proposal is on Western Springs land free from historic heritage and other constraints: • No sharing of the Erebus Memorial with Mayor Robbie’s Memorial, diluting the significance of both and underselling the singular importance of due recognition of the Erebus tragedy. • And no sharing with the groups of unified Aucklanders dedicated to protecting Mataharehare – the remnants of the ancient Parnell headland and its great trees, including the biggest Pohutukawa in urban New Zealand and now under immediate threat from Erebus. As the EMP Group state – it is time to reflect and respect what exists. I say: Let’s not create another tragedy! The scale of the Erebus tragedy - 257 lives lost, a huge recovery operation by Overdue Ice Phase Members and a deep-seated, still smouldering row over cause – deserves a dedicated national memorial - a destination in its own right and a true place for reflection and remembrance, as an independent Boffa Miskell report suggested to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage three years ago. The EMP Group’s proposal is a get out of jail card for the Ministry’s ill-conceived Parnell proposal. They apparently concealed the Boffa Miskell report from Erebus families and the public. Not only does Parnell’s Rose Garden have no connection to Erebus or aviation, but it is a multiple-use park, is noisy and has limited scope to tell the full story of Erebus including family memories. There has never been a valid reason stated as to why the national memorial should be in Parnell. There are plenty of reasons why it shouldn’t.
It locks in a long-term genesis of conflict with existing memorials, been rejected by numerous groups including Erebus Families, Ngati Whatua hapu and locals who have noted the scale of the planned memorial is destructive to the park itself and blocks the prime view of the Waitematā Harbour. But at the heart of the conflict is a sentiment showing up currently in nationwide opinion polls. While a relatively small number, the still-growing petition of more than 15,000 signatures reflects a loss of support through a lack of listening and resulting weak leadership to ensure a logical outcome – a site dedicated to Erebus and Erebus alone. If an ongoing positive, celebratory National Erebus Memorial outcome in Auckland is the goal, the project deserves a location that does not need to be constantly defended; a location at which New Zealand’s political leaders can hold ceremonies without fear of reproach. A National Erebus Memorial near Christchurch airport is an option favoured by some of the Erebus families. Appropriately designed to evoke the stark beauty of Antarctica, the memorial could record the flight’s non-arrival. With the Antarctica museum nearby, it would be a wellunderstood memory lasting for generations – on a dedicated site that enables full recognition of the gravity of the tragedy and that gives the victims their place of honour untouched by other events, conflicts and disagreement. It deserves its own exclusive location. But if the memorial is to be in Auckland, a dedicated location adjacent to MOTAT delivers benefits through association with the Museum and New Zealand aviation history. PN (TONY GARNIER)
A Parnell resident for 15 years, Tony Garnier is a former political journalist who worked at Parliament in the 1970s and eighties, and ‘covered’ some of the early political fall-out of the Erebus disaster. PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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LOCAL NEWS
MARK GRAHAM:
The Question of Trees The dispute over removing exotic trees from Ōwairaka and the ageing pines from Western Springs Ngahere bring into the foreground the issue of when public trees should be removed, but different cases have different circumstances. Conflating them is counterproductive and interferes with making good decisions. The question is being asked–how can we remove trees when there’s a climate crisis? Most of us acknowledge that not removing trees and planting new ones is at the forefront of our response to Climate Change (alongside getting out of our cars and reducing our dairy herd). But there are several different cases of proposed or actual tree removal that get conflated together despite being fundamentally different issues. Always at the core, however, is the ‘hypocritical Council’ responsible for the damage. I believe we all strongly wish that the number of trees being removed should be reduced. I have fought to save trees with the Western Springs Pohutukawa Savers group, I have planted around 35 trees on my own property, and I’ve worked with Council to get them planted in the streets in which I live - but I believe there will always be some trees that need to be removed for a range of reasons, and a blanket ‘don’t cut down any tree at all’ response is not practical or ideal. Set in a context of a massive tree planting programme Council is undertaking, removing a few trees here and there will not make a big difference to our climate change response, especially when the huge number of trees our forest industry cuts down every day is considered.
that around quarter needed to be removed as immediate threats, with about another quarter approaching this stage, the balance being safe for a while longer. I walked the path, illegally, before the start of the tree removal itself. It was beautiful - a serene and spiritual experience, with the soaring canopy of the pines so high it was like walking through a natural cathedral. I can understand the desire of protestors to protect this beautiful forested area and, while I lament their loss, the fact is they were dead or near it. There was no question the trees were coming out – either in one action, or over several years. Board members had to weigh up the risk to the public and their responsibilities around sound fiscal management, with a protracted removal but with less damage to the undergrowth, versus the damage caused by removing them in one go. With conflicting advice, they made a choice. There are those who are intransigent in their beliefs that the Board made the wrong one and are distraught at the damaging removal technique, but there are many in the community who are pleased at the removal of ‘very tall weeds’, as I saw someone comment. The damaged undergrowth is being replanted, the creek cleaned up, and now that the danger from the pines has been removed, the Zoo can get back into the forest to undertake pest control, which I understand has become near plague proportions.
While we have seen our canopy cover reduced in recent years, almost all is down to private homeowners taking advantage of the removal of tree protections by the Key-led National government. Council, notably led by City Vision elected members, is now leading on pressuring the current Labour government to change the tree removal provisions in the Resource Management Act, giving councils back greater control over which trees can be removed.
Even the venerable John Elliot, who has recently been very vocal in his despair at the damage done, in previewing the proposals for Western Springs once reminded opponents of the success of Tiritiri Matangi Island – previously a grass and weed covered rock, now a true native forest full of native fauna - and in less than the 50-year timeframe Council has given itself for Western Springs to recover.
The Western Springs Forest is the most recent example of the contentiousness of the issue. There is clear agreement that the pines were dead or nearly dead. There is clear agreement
The other major tree controversy concerns the Tūpuna Maunga Authority plans for the Auckland volcanic peaks: to remove exotic and pest trees and replant in natives. There are two
18 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
JOHN ELLIOTT:
Maybe we will eliminate Delta if we’re lucky I haven’t written about Covid-19 before. Maybe I’m biased and nervous, because at nearly 83, and it’s old blokes like me who are most vulnerable. But I’m glad we have a compassionate PM who has said several times now that she will not sacrifice our health on the altar of GDP. The health of New Zealanders will be the number one priority, and healthy New Zealanders is a prerequisite for a vibrant economy.
if the virus is still active in the community and not eliminated at all, what then?
Despite the right wing angst of the Hoskings of this world, our economy has fared well too. As Jacinda has said, it’s no good having thousands with Covid-19 who are clogging our hospitals, some dying, and all unable to work. The economy will suffer badly. The selfishness of these critics knows no bounds.
So as of today, Monday 30 August, so far so good. Today’s total case number was 53, a big drop from yesterday’s 83. The PM was careful not to gloat at the 4pm stand up, but was cautiously optimistic that we have reached a plateau, possibly even beginning to fall. Have we peaked, she was asked? “We hope so,” she replied. The R number was down below 1 which was very encouraging. Less than one means one case is infecting fewer than one person. Delta has a reputation for an R value of 5 or 6.
Just this week Richard Prebble, good old neo-liberal, suggested putting Steven Joyce in charge. That would be like handing the border keys to Mr Delta, and giving control to the coronavirus.
The PM thanked Aucklanders for their heavy lifting for the whole country, and urged us to continue our vigilance and respect the lockdown rules.
Of course we will have difficult decisions to make post lockdown; when and how and who do we open the border to?
There remains one tricky situation. This virus has hit seven essential workers, and the government is anxious for that number to remain very low. All essential workplaces are being assessed to see if tighter restrictions are needed to keep these workers safer.
I think too many of us have not realised that there will be no return to the old normal, and neither should there be. The planet is on fire, species extinction is rife because of habitat destruction, yet we still refuse to adjust our life style. Although the neo-liberal experiment of the 80s and 90s has been proved a dismal failure, it was so deeply rooted it has been hard to dig out. I was at a meeting where Roger Douglas, architect in New Zealand of the neo-liberal revolution, was present, and although only discussed in passing, it was clear Douglas had no regrets, and wished he had been able to go even further before Lange called for a cup of tea. I understand, his National Party successor, Ruth Richardson, notorious for her self-styled ‘mother of all budgets’ also has no regrets. In Britain, Thatcher also crowed, “this lady is not for turning”, and stuck to her guns as long as she could. The important questions are at what point will we open the border if Covid-19 looks like it’s been eliminated, or secondly,
positions amongst those opposing these plans, no trees should be removed at all, or yes, remove them, but plant seedlings under the existing trees to enable their growth before removing the exotics. On the one hand, there is the issue of method of removal and replanting, which is similar in some ways to the Western Springs Forest controversy. Once again, the advice I have seen is that planting trees under the existing canopy will make it more difficult for the plantings to thrive and put them at more risk of damage when the exotics are removed - even by helicopter. However, I believe this is a moot point. The fact is that local iwi own the Maunga and it is their choice as to what to do with their own property. In fact, it is perfectly within their rights to remove the trees and build housing for their people should they so choose, but instead they agreed in the Tamaki Settlement to make the Maunga available for all citizens of Tamaki Makaurau to use and enjoy for the enjoyment of green space and recreation. That gift of access does not carry the ability to decide what happens on the Maunga.
The case history looks like this: Lockdown Wednesday 18 August Day 1-10 cases. The twelve days since have spawned the following new cases; 11, 10, 30, 21, 35, 41, 62, 68, 70, 82, 83 and today 53. That 53 looks a good number, but the government will be looking for 50, 40, 30 20 10 5, 5, 2, 2, maybe even 0 in coming days, before elimination can be claimed. There are great hopes it can be achieved, and if it is, some doubters, especially across the Tasman will be silenced. Scott Morrison has not been a kind neighbour in recent days. There remains the big follow up question. How does the border opening happen, who gets in, and how do we continue to protect ourselves while Delta, or even its successor, is rampant worldwide? High levels of vaccination should help the number of people who a Covid case passes the infection on to. PN (JOHN ELLIOTT) www.covid19.govt.nz
Once again, the example of what can be achieved is Tiritiri Matangi island. Imagine oases of stunning native forest stands dotted across our city. I may not live to see its full realisation, but this vision from Iwi is a magnificent one and testament to their generosity towards our city, and the arrogance and belligerence of opponents has been staggering. Despite denials, the opposition to these plans are rooted in an archaic, racist attitude that Pākeha know best for Māori. I celebrate protests against decisions made by a council that can be wrong and inefficient, but at some stage, those protests cross over from being constructive to being obstructionist. There comes a point where fighting against any change at all is more damaging than the imperfect changes being made. The principle of replacing exotic trees with natives should be encouraged, because in following that path there is a marvellous future - an urban ngahere full of natives nurturing our indigenous fauna. This is the future I want to see realised, not the retention of an archaic colonist ideal. (MARK GRAHAM) PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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LOCAL NEWS
JOHN ELLIOTT:
Memo to Council - Please take your own advice Item K iv of the resource consent to fell the pines. “(We) recommend that all weeding in the park be chemical free.” It’s getting ridiculous. I keep banging on about banning the proven carcinogen, glyphosate, from the whole Auckland Council region, but it goes on and on. Other activists have been campaigning against Round Up containing glyphosate for much longer than me.
and it was finally banned. 2,4,5,T was a major ingredient of Agent Orange which decimated millions in Vietnam.
The above statement from the resource consent agreed to by the Waitematā Local Board by four votes to three, called for chemical free weeding. Let’s hope they stick to their own plan.
“Remember that old guy John Elliott who raved on about the dangers of glyphosate in the Ponsonby News for so long in the early 2020s. Well he was right all along. I have a niece who has developed cancer, and the specialists have found that her family lived next door to a landscape gardener in a Northland town. The neighbour sprayed glyphosate like it was going out of fashion, which it clearly should have years ago."
Even our very own Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is having a cautious rethink. They have called for submissions from the public on the use of glyphosate - the manufacture, importation, and patterns of use of glyphosate in this country, as well as information on the availability of alternatives, and any impacts on Maori. However, they go on to say, “we have no evidence that risks associated with using glyphosate, or its hazardous nature, have changed.” The EPA still needs to open its eyes to death from cancers, and from the facts around court cases implicating Monsanto and now new owner Bayer, in multi-million dollar suits. Bayer must be regretting ever buying glyphosate from Monsanto. As I have alleged before in a Ponsonby News article, our EPA takes its cue from the US EPA, which has been implicated in questionable collusions with the manufacturers, Monsanto. I have also quoted the seminal book, ‘The Silent Spring’ by Rachel Carson, published in 1960, after which DDT was finally banned. It also took years to prove how 2,4,D and 2,4,5,T produced by New Plymouth firm Ivan Watkins Dow was killing people,
20 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
I take no pleasure in the thought of glyphosate persisting for too much longer. Consider this little pantomime from 2040.
“But glyphosate is banned isn’t it?" “It is now, probably twenty years too late for my niece. It stays in the body and can manifest as deadly cancer years down the track." “Why didn’t authorities listen to people like John Elliott 20 years ago?” There are seven members of the Waitematā Local Board: Chair Richard Northey, Deputy Chair Alex Bonham, Adriana Christie, Kerrin Leoni, Graham Gunthorp, and Sarah Trotman. As we have seen this year, it takes only four of those seven to make momentous decisions. I expect four will oppose further use of glyphosate, but I hope I’m wrong. I hope seven will bite the bullet, and vote for the health of all Aucklanders. Come on local board, be an important part of history, and vote this carcinogen down. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
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PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
21
LOCAL NEWS
CHLÖE SWARBRICK:
AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP We’ve done this before and we can do it again. While the ‘unprecedented’ clichés recede in the more than a year since Covid-19 first hit our shores, we’ve learnt a lot and evolved our systems accordingly, but unfortunately so too has this regularly mutating virus. The Delta strain is doubly more transmissible than its ‘ancestral’ strain, and we’ve seen just how critically valuable our snap lockdown was as locations of interest rippled across the city and down our country, contacts and case numbers growing, but controlled. Walking down an eerily quiet Ponsonby Road for some statesanctioned exercise during Alert Level 4, there’s a strange sense of pride in how we’re all doing this together, apart. On the scale of disruption, a global pandemic is really up there. There are some fascinating lessons in that for the challenges we’re so evidently strong, creative and collaborative enough to confront - like that facing our climate, but that’s an article for another day. It’s strange to think that just a few weeks ago, one could enjoy a spontaneous evening at Ockhee, followed by some Duck Island dessert and a round at Ponsonby Pool Hall. Lockdowns can give us some space from those norms to reflect on what we take for granted, what we value, and where we’re going. But we need to remember that these lockdowns are not experienced equally across the bubbles that fill our city. We know that for many of our small business owners and employees, particularly in hospitality and retail, that these can be incredibly difficult times. We know that for those without shelter, secure income or food supply, each day is somehow discovered to be even more precarious than before the pandemic. For these reasons, I want to make sure everyone across Auckland Central knows that my brilliant team and I are working constantly to help with anyone experiencing issues, unclear of their rights or entitlements, or in need of some help. Please, do not hesitate to email us. The weekend prior to the week that brought us into Level 4 lockdown, I had the great privilege of hosting a public meeting around the future of our city’s waterfront with the wonderful insights of our local councillor Pippa Coom, Waitematā local board member Kerrin Leoni, architect and urbanist Julie Stout and economist Shane Vuletich. We unpacked some of the visionary ideas on design of, and public access to, our Waitematā Harbour from the heart of the city.
Chlöe with panellists Kerrin Leoni, Pippa Coom, Julie Stout and Shane Vuletich at a public meeting on 14 August
We discussed the costs of action and the costs of inaction, tackling the vexed question of the port and its kilometres of reclamation. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t agree that it’ll be moving at some point, but the challenges appear to be a matter of when, where, and who pays. It’s for these reasons that I’ve stayed engaged with the Minister for Transport, Michael Wood, on the critical National Port Strategy. But when crisis calls, there’s a massive shift in priorities, and we act accordingly. For the past weeks, I’ve spent much of my day on the phone, in the emails and on Zooms across our constituency and – virtually – in Parliament. I’m stoked to have worked with our incredible Northern Region Health Coordination Centre to have facilitated a dedicated walk-in testing station in the city centre for the more than third of people who don’t own a car in our electorate. I’ve been speaking every other day to our front-line NGOs, business associations, schools, local board members, health centres and more to help and advocate for our communities. Most importantly, though, I’m here to help you. If there’s anything we can do to support you during this most ‘unprecedented’ time, until we can all walk back down Ponsonby Road for some impromptu ice-cream and pool, please give us a shout. (CHLÖE SWARBRICK) PN
CHLÖE SWARBRICK, T: 09 378 4810, E: chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz
KIA ORA PONSONBY Please get in touch with any local issues. My office is here to help. Chlöe Swarbrick MP for Auckland Central 09 378 4810 chloe.swarbrick@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by Chlöe Swarbrick, MP for Auckland Central, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
22 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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23
LOCAL NEWS
Nightmarkets Grey Lynn
@ GREY LYNN & AROUND Despite warnings that the Covid-19 lockdown in response would be swift, it was impossible for some retailers and the hospitality sector not to be caught with highly disposable products and thus unavoidable costs through subsequent waste. As always, the health response in the circumstance is not debatable, but what is debatable is whether businesses can continue to absorb such costs. We acknowledge the Government stepped rapidly up to the mark with two support packages but on this occasion they are likely to be inadequate.
We must look for solutions because as we are now told Covid-19 is going to be with us for a very long time just as flu has been for centuries. Equally it is going to be really critical when we come out of lockdown that we get in behind and support our local businesses.
Costs are escalating so fast, whether it be rates, rents, supply chain disruption, or wages, that it is proving difficult to understand just what shape business will be in at the end of this lockdown. Last year one of the most successful strategies deployed was support for businesses to engage mentoring, particularly in the technology space.
At GLA we are trying to do this in a number of ways; for example, when we are undertaking projects such as ELEMENTAL, we use local providers.
There is an assumption that most businesses now have a robust electronic platform. Recent work by the GLA would suggest that in retail well over 50% of businesses still don’t have a web page or use email, or have anyway of reaching their customers other than face to face. Interestingly many businesses are unaware of the regular up dates provided by the likes of MBIE or Inland Revenue and are reliant on their accountants to make touch with them. So perhaps there’s also room for the Government to reinstate the 100% small business grants to facilitate engagement of professional advice. This is just a thought. A month-long lockdown with a gradual step down of levels presents some very steep challenges. It’s been great to see more businesses operating but there’s still extensive debate around “contactless deliveries”. As we know many hospitality businesses are more than capable of preparing and delivering quality meals but are unable to do so. Equally there’s been some very innovative solutions, such as the dairy selling the products of the bakery next door. The very real question we have is: can we open up more businesses to contactless transactions or for businesses to continue to provide services but with a fully vaccinated work force?
A lot of work is going in with Auckland Transport at multiple levels. Currently there are three projects underway – two of these quite minor, (Grey Lynn Safer Schools and West Lynn remedial work) and one a large project – the re-envisaging of Great North Road. We’re also looking at how we become a Business Improvement District (BID) with Waitemata Board advising that they accept our recommendation to examine becoming a BID. It was also pleasing to receive confirmation that the Waitemata Board would continue to provide an operational grant to the association for the next 12 months. We’re busily rescheduling our business accelerator event which was to feature Professor Bill McKay speaking out re-envisaging urban design in our busy local villages. We ourselves would like to see very green leafy villages where “cottage” bee friendly planting accompanies much safer streets for us all. Even these small changes present challenges, as it's Auckland Council and not Auckland Transport that we have to convince. Both entities undoubtedly are being impacted by the PN resurgence of Covid-19. www.greylynn-around.com
Grey Lynn safer schools
24 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
Council finally commits to Leys Institute Library upgrading At last, after sustained pressure from us all, council staff have sent a memo to the Waitematā Local Board, outlining a path for upgrading of the Leys Library and Gymnasium. The Local Board has copied the memo to Friends of the Leys Institute and asked that it be circulated. A huge thank you to everyone in the community who advocated for the Leys with Councillors and the Local Board our persistence has paid off. The memo outlines a timetable for developing the detailed business case, then planning and implementing the works. The Council's Covid Long Term Plan Budget allocates around $11m for seismic strengthening of community facilities in 2023, and the same in 2024. We assume this is the budget that will be accessed for the Leys upgrading. It also states that there will be full consultation with key stakeholders, including Friends of the Leys Institute. We certainly expect to be part of the proposed steering group, along with the St Mary’s Bay Association, Herne Bay Resident’s Association, Freeman’s Bay Resident’s Association, and we hope, library staff. While the seismic strengthening and restoration of our precious heritage library and gymnasium is still at least two years away, we will need to keep a close watch on the process. We will have to ensure that the commitment by the Council is honoured, as we have already waited for nearly two years, with no action. Our membership continues to increase every month, and now stands at 221. Anyone interested in becoming a member of
Friends of Leys Institute can email co-ordinator Helen Geary at heleng@maxnet.co.nz, and follow the Friends of Leys Institute PN Facebook page.
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PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
25
LOCAL NEWS
LISA PRAGER:
Stop, Look, Listen We can all agree that keeping children safe in our community is paramount. However, using child safety as the excuse to justify narrowing Surrey Crescent to a single lane is simply an abuse of power. There was never any congestion on Surrey Crescent until Auckland Transport shortened the traffic light sequence, narrowed the road, erected 118 fluro orange hit sticks, built asphalt humps and dumped concrete planter boxes over meaningless painted coloured fragments on existing parking spaces. All this without even bothering to repaint the original faded pedestrian crossing so critical for the safety of the Grey Lynn Primary school children. Parents are now forced to compromise their children’s safety, stopping in the middle of the road to drop them off. A dangerous dance that plays out twice a day before and after school. In 2018, the Cohaus development commissioned a traffic report from Flow Transportation Specialist Ltd as part of their Resource Consent, it said, “In the section of Surrey Crescent between Richmond Road and Prime Road, for the five year period 2012 to 2016, a total of seven crashes were reported including three that resulted in minor injury only. The reported crashes are all low severity, appear random in nature, and do not indicate any specific safety concerns". Auckland Transport then suddenly announced that there were major road safety issues outside Grey Lynn School opposite the new build! Without any consultation or engagement with local businesses, apartment dwellers or the wider local community, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and NZTA deployed their favourite new tool, 'Innovating Streets', a technique to disrupt the safe, smooth, flow of our roads under the guise of being more people friendly. Despite all their failures - Queen St, High St, the City Rail Link, West Lynn Village, Henderson Town Centre, Karangahape Rd,
26 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
Mt Albert and now Surrey Crescent, their Orwellian plan is spreading like a concrete cancer of lumps, bumps and humps in our city streets. It is no secret that creating congestion is Auckland Council’s policy. They believe disrupting people’s ability to move around will force us to flock onto privately owned public transport. We all know public transport in Waitematā/Western Bays is a shambles. No buses go to Westmere shops from Grey Lynn, they simply turn around at the Meola roundabout and head back to where they came from, leaving the young, the elderly and disabled with no way to access Westmere Village or to continue on to Jervois and Ponsonby Road. Under CEO Shane Ellison, Auckland Transport has gone rogue, over spending and wasting our money on vanity projects like this, that are more about social engineering than child safety. Meanwhile local and multi-national infrastructure companies are laughing all the way to the bank, as these trials called 'Tactical Urbanism' get built and then demolished as public outrage grows. As a local resident and small business owner and a regularly user of Surrey Crescent, I was appalled to find Sandy Webb of Auckland Transport directing traffic as concrete cutters screamed and the road gangs in high visibility gear looked embarrassed when we insisted they stop work destroying our neighbourhood. All this proves is that Auckland is now a battle ground between the coneheads in local and central government and citizens who juggle busy lives and struggle to pay ballooning rate bills while bureaucracy turn our streets into a three ring circus. PN (LISA PRAGER, Community Advocate, Save our Streets)
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS
KEN RING:
WEATHER BY THE MOON AUCKLAND WEATHER DIARY, SEPTEMBER 2021 September is likely to have average rain, sunshine, and temperatures. The first week is the cloudiest but driest with highest average pressure, the second and third weeks are the wettest, the fourth week is the sunniest, and the last week is the warmest. Millibars may average around 1009. Most rain may be during the second week. The 4th/5th could be the best weekend for outdoor activities.
For gardeners, pruning is best between 1st-2nd and 22nd29th (waning moon descending), and sowing is best between 8th-14th (waxing moon ascending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, pick crops or flowers on neap tide days of 2nd, 16th and 30th. Always allow 24-hour error for all forecasting. (KEN RING)
For fishers, the highest tides are around 9th. The best fishing bite-times in the east are around dusk on 5th-7th, and 19th22nd. Chances are also good for around noon of 12th-14th, and 27th-29th.
For future weather for any date, and the 2021 NZ Weather Almanac, see www.predictweather.com
Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.
GAEL BALDOCK:
Just another brick in the wall I had an interesting conversation with New Zealand Herald opinion writer, Simon Wilson, about Auckland Transport's attempt to make Surrey Crescent safer for Grey Lynn Primary School students. I said, "I think the 'best bit' is the 'SCHOOL' sign printed on red on the road. And the 'worst bits' are the hump hidden behind that sign, and the taking away of parent parking." Simon said, "taking away parent parking is the 'best bit', as how else do we have social change?" Then there's the NZTA conversation with Newstalk ZB, admitting that the traffic slowing down is intentional. The anti-car lobbyists agree it's going to cause more emissions, but they think that if motorists get pissed off enough, we will abandon our cars. These are the same lobbyists who advocate for cycleways on our arterial roads. Auckland Transport has bought into this dogma and even give them final sign off. Confirmed! This "social change, intentional slowing of traffic, blocking of arterial roads and taking away parking" is about social engineering. Not a conspiracy theory! Hold on, when did New Zealanders buy into social engineering? Call it 'tactical urbanism, play streets, innovating streets, people friendly streets' or whatever spin you like, if you really want
Kiwis to decrease the number of cars on the roads, then work with us, not against us, NZTA and Auckland Transport. Kiwis are world famous for our number 8 wire mentality of problem solving, rating highest in the world, per capita, for inventors when we 'boomers' were in our heyday. So we're more than capable of coming up with innovative solutions to our emissions quota, when offered the 'carrot', rather than the 'stick. We can do this. Already parents are dropping kids off at school without stopping. Talking with them might result in more walking buses or even actual buses, as that bus route was removed some time ago. The reinstatement of the bus route would mean that the villages of Grey Lynn, West Lynn and Westmere were reconnected and people could move between them by public transport as we could previously. It's bound to be more effective that trying to control us! From studying Sociology, I remember this powerful statement, "successful societies must resist change, so only positive change occurs." (GAEL BALDOCK, Community Advocate) PN PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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PONSONBY U3A: AUGUST
2021
Life-long learning, change and stimulation... The 27th AGM of Ponsonby U3A attracted a record membership attendance, not least due to the guest speaker, well-known and well-loved icon of the theatre and Kiwibank New Zealander of the year 2020, Jennifer Ward-Lealand CNZM. President Philippa Tait, as part of her report, reminded members of the origin and meaning of U3A. Stemming from a movement in France called University of the Third Age, it has spread around the world. The aim is to enable people, once their work and family commitments allow them, to refocus on lifelong learning. As it has evolved in New Zealand, no qualifications or exams are required. The essence of the movement is to learn from and impart to others, knowledge and skills. In the process, new friendships are forged, and long-established friendships are maintained through a network of specialist interest groups. From the age of seven, Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand knew she wanted to be an actor. Thankfully coming from a musician/lawyer family meant that this news was received well by her parents. As Jennifer says, 85 to 90 percent of actors around the world are unemployed at any one time and despite the perception that they are somewhat flaky, performers have to be thick skinned and practical in their careers as freelancers. Versatility is key and Jennifer talked about the many aspects of her impressive career. For 40 years she has had major roles in theatre, film, television, musicals, and radio. She treated members to hilarious renditions of some of her voice overs and animated characters on radio and television, and talked about her many roles of both performer and director. She also shared how the actor must reflect back to the audience what it is to be human and demonstrated how ‘the inspiration of the breath’ keeps people engaged and the performance buoyant. Jennifer is also a trained intimacy coordinator for stage and screen, making sure best practice is observed in what can be vulnerable and exposing work for the actor. Her impressive array of leadership roles in her industry and the string of national honours and awards are a testament to her
stellar career. Yet a humbler person one could not meet. And just as Jennifer never stops learning as an actor, she has been on a life-changing journey of learning te reo Māori over the years, from evening classes at Unitec to a full immersion course at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. In 2017 she was gifted her Māori name, Te Atamira (the stage). In her beautiful voice she treated members to some equally beautiful Māori expressions. For Jennifer, te reo is a pathway to describe our own ‘Aotearoatanga” our New Zealandness. Ponsonby U3A vice president, Kathy Walker, thanked her in te reo Māori and Jennifer was given a standing ovation and a waiata. Ponsonby U3A membership continues to grow. If you are new to the area, in need of a stimulus or a bit lonely there is always a welcome. Guests are invited to attend monthly meetings held on the second Friday of each month but beforehand, please call President, Philippa Tait. The meeting features a guest speaker drawn from every facet of life and a member gives a short presentation on their life and interests. Members are encouraged to join at least one of about 30 special interest groups held in people’s homes. This is where the shared learning and the friendships are made. Guest speaker for the September meeting is Viv Beck, CE, Heart of the City. (CHRISTINE HART) PN NEXT MEETING: Friday, 10 September by Zoom at 10.30am ENQUIRIES:
Philippa Tait, President, Ponsonby U3A T: 027 452 3108, www.u3a.nz
JOHN ELLIOTT:
List MP Helen White has new Ponsonby office I recently attended the opening of Helen White’s new office in Ponsonby Road. It was crowded with supporters and I spent some time talking to proud father, Peter White, local retired lawyer. White will share the office with Camila Belich, list MP for Epsom. The offices are only partly funded by Parliamentary services.
White’s next challenge is to win the Auckland Seat at the next election, but she does not underrate Chlöe Swarbrick who is also on the Finance committee with Helen.
Mayor Phil Goff gave a stirring speech extolling Helen White’s qualities, and wine and canapés were enjoyed by the crowd.
Covid has seriously limited political party get-to-gethers this year, but will hopefully soon be a thing of the past so we can enjoy things we like to attend, including political rallies. When that happens the public will see a more mature politician than the Helen White of last year - a woman with experience, maturity, a wonderful sense of humour, someone who is quick on her feet, and is a more than able debater. (JOHN ELLIOTT)
Helen is vastly experienced as a barrister, but has now firmly found her feet in the political world. She told me she was enjoying her two select committees - Finance and Expenditure and Transport. Her confidence has grown, and she is thoroughly enjoying being an MP.
E: helen.white@parliament.org.nz
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HELEN WHITE:
LABOUR LIST MP, BASED IN AUCKLAND CENTRAL Kia ora Ponsonby, I hope you are all safe and well in your bubbles (if we are still in them at the time of publication!). I also hope that anyone who has the opportunity is getting vaccinated. Personally, I am counting down the days until my first appointment. The importance and assurance of vaccination was certainly bought home to me this week. It turns out I have been to a “place of interest” – a wonderful night at the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s production of The Firebird. I attended this incredible production with my daughter and hundreds of other people. The notification that my daughter and I might have been exposed was unnerving.
But I appreciate that whatever your circumstances, the lockdown experience will cause stress and anxiety. Remember, if you need help or advice at all please do reach out. My team and I are available at helen.white@parliament.govt.nz.
The next weekend – without knowing about the COVID threat at the Aotea Centre – I started to feel sick. Like many of us I wasn’t immediately sure whether to get a test. Was I wasting their time? But I joined the queue of cars and got it done.
I know that some people are reticent, and perhaps have seen how successful New Zealand has been in managing Covid-19 and feel more confident than we should. I grew up myself in a somewhat stoic family. We just soldiered on, didn’t believe in pain killers and didn’t get vaccinated for some things we should have. But things are very different now.
I recall thinking “thank goodness I went for that test!” While I still don’t have the results back on my first test as I write this and will now have to have a second and stay home as directed I have learned a big personal lesson: to adapt. Aucklanders have been leaders in soldiering on through lockdowns, and we are continuing that example now. I recognise however that each time this happens it’s different for each of us. For some people, they will just feel over it and some will have businesses under particular pressure. Of course, the wage subsidy is available again and MSD is geared up to support you.
But most importantly I think it’s a clear reminder of the importance of vaccination.
A few months ago when the vaccinations became available to our elderly, I had to work hard to persuade an older relative to get a vaccination. I am very relieved they agreed, because I couldn’t stop worrying about them. I know many of you will have had these hard conversations. Vaccinating our team of five million is our community’s way to adapt. Our individual decisions to vaccinate ourselves also protects all Kiwis – what could be more important? PN (HELEN WHITE) E: helen.white@parliament.govt.nz
Thanks for our Ponsonby community attendees at our Office Opening on 6 August. Special thanks to Search and Destroy for their cheese and pickle toasties!
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THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE I've just been up against the 'machine' of Auckland Council and it's still not done, yet I feel as though I've been spat out the other end. I've been outnumbered in a 'David and Goliath war of words' in court. I've been threatened by the senior council member leading the project and even falsely accused of faking a heart attack by a local board member - to name just a few of my experiences. To add insult to injury, I have been bullied by Auckland Council staff and local board members, yet Council have launched a campaign - "treat our Auckland Council whānau with respect" - that disregards their behaviour to us. Absolutely, everyone deserves respect. Shouldn't Auckland Council staff also treat community with respect? Here's my story... Since 2014, I have advocated for saving Western Springs Forest, a ’significant ecological area', from the destruction wrecked upon it last month. Community are in a state of mourning over the loss of the canopy trees where the birds lived, and the huge amount of unnecessary annihilation of the native under storey. Mountains of resin filled chip were made to destroy the evidence of the good healthy trees. More than shovel depth of chip remains under the planted area, with several metres deep in a large area.
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I submitted to the notified resource consent, as did 40 others. Alongside the Society for the Protection of Western Springs Forest, I was an appellant to the environment court mediation that mandated a community liaison group (CLG), consisting of myself, representatives of the Zoo, MOTAT, the Stadium and four Council members. The mediation was intimidating, with Council flanking either side of us with the full weight of their ratepayer funded resources including highly paid experts and legal council. Conversely, we were represented by one lawyer, a member of the community as second chair, and community advocates and experts in a voluntary capacity. As well as time and stress, that legal action cost one member of the community $60,000. The intention of the CLG was for Auckland Council representatives to liaise (hence the name) with the community. But engagement is NOT what Council does best. Council changed representatives a number of times until at the critical part of the project an ex-police officer had the main
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LOCAL NEWS role. That's when the flow of information almost ground to a halt. CLG members were blocked from critical information, there was a lack of clarification, and questions were evaded over and over again.
Subsequently, I submitted a complaint about the breach of the Privacy Act, and I initiated a code of conduct complaint to the CEO of Auckland Council, Jim Stabback. Months later, I still haven't received the courtesy of a response.
Community advocates continually bent over backwards with politeness in an attempt to keep the lines of communication open, but the responses lacked any professionalism or respectful behaviour. Community members on the CLG were compelled to bring support people to meetings to maintain their dignity and wellbeing. I was so stressed I had to take time out for my mental health. I culled anything from my life other than this project and my health suffered.
CLG members were refused access to the site. We wanted to ensure that the resource consent was being upheld. Council spent $50,000 per week on security guards to watch and photograph the neighbours and visitors 24/7 and six foot high wire fences were erected. Neighbours, protesters and CLG members were treated like caged criminals.
Auckland Council Community Facilities chose the day after Easter to start work while only giving one working day notice to the CLG of this intention. It fell upon me, as the appellant to take Auckland Council Community Facilities to the environment court for an enforcement order. As a layperson it took me a week to write the affidavit and assemble the evidence. Me against the 'machine'!
Many of the community have informed WLB that their all important resolution has been disregarded by the CEO, who is responsible for implementation of it. The resolution clearly states, "to protect the existing and regenerating ecology"..."low impact methods identified by Professor Visser to the extent legally possible". This matter should be in front of the ombudsman, auditor general, attorney general, and minister of local government for review.
A 'stop work' was ordered for a day for a teleconference. The judge sent an environment court commissioner to the CLG meetings. He determined that communication had broken down and therefore it needed to go to hearing - so not "frivolous or vexatious".
As guardians of the project and representing the 'land owners', I have informed WLB that there are breaches of the resource consent. The consent states, "Within 3 months of pine tree removal being completed, the access track, culvert and landing/chipping areas shall be disestablished and the area returned to the same general topographical formation as existed prior to the works being undertaken". That means the slope and the valleys of the land must be returned to their original shape so the over land water courses can flow rather than pond on the track area, therefore the land can become a 'significant ecological area' again.
The council's in-house lawyer repeatedly sniggered in court with council representative on the CLG, including when I shared with the judge personal matters and the mental toll of council's lack of good faith engagement in the CLG.
I presented these breaches to the board in their public meeting with a croaky voice as the stress of the last 5 months has been so intense that I lost my voice for the last month. It's rather ironic as it's really a metaphor for how voiceless I've felt during this debacle.
The judgement was around the vibrational impact on the old mill cottages, from 40 metre high trees smashing to the ground. Even then, the council representative wouldn't provide the measures required.
Why should saving a forest be so hard when Auckland Council has an 'urban ngahere plan' and a 'climate change emergency'?
The Auckland Council lawyers called my application "frivolous, vexatious, and an abuse of court process" and asked for a security of costs, in an effort to have me withdraw the enforcement order.
Breaching my privacy, council's representative rang me the day after the traumatic court hearing. Her threatening call left me in foetal position. Escalating pains resulted in my doctor insisting on the hospital conducting an ECG on my heart. In desperation, I reached out to Waitematā Local Board (WLB). Their role is to liaise between community and council. But the chair shut me down in a state of deep distress, saying I couldn't criticise staff. A board member even accused me of "faking a heart attack", which was bizarre as she had accompanied me to hospital. This has been one of the worst experiences of my life.
The council and compliance process appeared, in my architectural experience, to be treated very differently to how any private contract would be run. To me the death of this 'gold standard transitioning native forest', Te Wai Ōrea, deserves a eulogy in its honour. I feel an obligation to restore the land and complete the process, having lost the battle, and hopefully, walk away with my sanity intact. The survival of pathetically small plants now sitting in chip, not in soil, is dubious. One thing is certain, there won't be a forest able to sustain the level of birdlife that inhabited it before the carnage, in my lifetime. This reality has also made me look into the abyss of my longevity. That being said, there's no excuse for PN the abuse I've had to endure. Gael Baldock, Community Advocate
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Ponsonby Park - SEPTEMBER UPDATE Good news! With the significant budget shortfalls caused by the impacts of Covid-19, Council has necessarily delayed the commencement of several planned projects. These projects all drew upon funding allocations from the Long-term Plan (LTP) Budget. Ponsonby Park, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road was one such project and were it not for the pandemic, the new civic space would already be well underway and nearing completion. However, we have received some good news, but first a bit of context. In 2019 Council approved the allocation of funding (up to $5.5 million) from the sale of 200 Victoria Street West for the development of Ponsonby Park, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road (Resolution FIN/2019/88). The Victoria Street West site was an endowment property, consequently strict legal requirements around the sale and subsequent use of any funds generated from its sale were applicable. The sale of 200 Victoria Street West had been impacted by Covid-19, but the good news is that it is now complete. This money is not part of the LTP funding and it is already allocated to the Ponsonby Park civic space project. And happily, all of the original planning for the Ponsonby Park project (before the sale of 200 Victoria Street West was even a consideration) was for a two-stage development.
Stage 1: Detailed design and consents Open space development Stage 2: The buildings Pre-Covid, the sale of 200 Victoria Street West would have enabled Ponsonby Park to be completed in only one stage. Yet this is not essential nor - given the current inflationary economic conditions - even desirable. So let’s return to the original twostage plan and get started! With an allocated budget line (from the sale of 200 Victoria Street West) of $5.5 million, specifically for the development of the Ponsonby Park civic space, which doesn’t require any LTP funding, Stage One of the development can happen. We are confident the Waitematā Local Board will work with us to persuade Council to revert to carrying out the project in two stages. If agreed to, Stage one could be put back into the local Boards’ work programme for 2022-23 and detailed design and consents commenced as early as next year. We’ve already been waiting for twenty-one years since the need for the new civic space was first identified. We think this is long enough. Watch this space! (JENNIFER WARD) PN www.254ponsonbyrd.org.nz
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Auckland showroom, 299 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, sales@ligne.nz, 64 9 393 5636
HELENE RAVLICH:
HOT PROPERTY
Over the past year the property market has been in the news more than ever with the pandemic buying boom a hot topic in the press and around dinner tables. I spoke to some of the neighbourhood’s most well-known agents about everything from what spurs on a sale to their favourite place to eat.
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HOT PROPERTY Blair Haddow
Blair Haddow, Bayley’s Real Estate, Ponsonby The past year has been crazy in the property market, with Blair saying that for him it’s the team work between a vendor/s and agent that secures a successful sale through hard work, constant communication and building great rapport with purchasers. The hardworking agent says that in a year of highs, every sale is “a memorable moment helping vendors and purchasers in their property journeys”.
When he’s off the clock, travel is his favourite way to unwind; “but with no international travel on the cards I love to get to Queenstown often. It’s a beautiful spot that we are blessed to have in our backyard." You will always find him enjoying what Ponsonby has to offer however. “Ponsonby is just so full of wonderful cafes, bars and restaurants I love to frequent my favourites often. If I had to pick one? I absolutely love SPQR - you just can’t go past it. I have been going here for 28 years.”
SPQR
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Matt O'Brien
Matt O’Brien, Jervois & Co Matt O’Brien is passionate about the neighbourhood he works and plays in, and about the industry he plays a part in. “Selling real estate is as much about people as it is property,” he says. “You have to be able to really connect with people, read people, and communicate with different types of people on their level. People need to really trust you, and for that to happen you need to be authentic.” For Matt, a successful sale is “when both my vendor and purchaser are really happy with the result, through my honesty and hard work”. When asked if he has had any particularly memorable moments over the past twelve months, the busy agent says: “My sale of 5 and 5a Northland Street, Grey Lynn was a real feelgood moment for me. A family had owned both houses for years, and shared the backyards, no fence. I ended up selling both to another family who's going to keep the properties combined, with kids and grandkids in one house and grandparents in the other. It’s so nice that an extended family will carry on that special fused family living.”
Josy Cafe
Matt says that despite the nature of his work, he’s pretty good at switching off these days, adding, “you really have to, otherwise you burnout. I love spending time with my kids Bella and Bobby, wherever that takes us. We're usually big Asia explorers but not at the moment, obviously. We enjoy skiing and getting out around New Zealand as much as possible.” Closer to home, Matt calls himself a true creature of habit, “and Dizengoff has been my staple cafe for years - always great coffee, and I love a good sausages and eggs, or a Stevie Scram from there. And when I'm in Grey Lynn and craving a bit of Asian, the Vietnamese omelette from Josy cafe is insane, so good!”
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Tez Mercer Photography
Lillius
Keith Dowdle, Ray White Grey Lynn The affable Keith Dowdle from Ray White Grey Lynn is another agent that believes in the power of connection, saying “the most successful sales are based on a great partnership between the owner and us. I guess that is the same with any service industry. “Much of our business is based on repeat clients and referrals, so this already establishes a level of trust, which is critical.” He recognises that selling a home is always a stressful time, “and good advice, clear communication and a robust process helps ease uncertainty and creates the environment for informed decisions”. Every successful sale is a memorable moment for the popular agent, “not specifically the actual sale, but the fact it is usually a step along a new journey for our client and it’s such a privilege to be involved in people’s lives at that personal level”.
Anyone who follows Keith on Instagram and Facebook will have met him and his partner Sandy’s two 'leisure mates', in the form of adorable pups, Theo and Olive. “They are our home crew and compulsory ‘time-out’ enforcers,” he says; “both are rescue dogs who definitely have their own quirks and much of our home-time is spent with these two. They’re great therapists and have a brilliant understanding of confidentiality when it comes to our unloading chats at the end of the day!” Like Matt, Keith is a big fan of Dizengoff, where “every morning has started for about the last eight years or so and where there is always good coffee and excellent service from Anita and her crew”. Across the road from his office in Great North Road, Better Me has become a quick new caffeine stop, “and our regular weekend dinner is down the road at Nishiki – cheap and cheerful, and fiercely supported by the Freemans Bay locals”. For something special, he loves Lillius at the top of Khyber Pass, “which is hard to beat for imaginative and brilliant Kiwi cuisine".
Keith & Sandy Dowdle
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Will Gluestein, Barfoot & Thompson Ponsonby & Wynyard Barfoot & Thompson agent, Will Gluestein says that key to a successful sale is being prepared, with a comprehensive marketing program that covers all bases, including a good mix of print and extensive online advertising. "You also need to choose the right company and an agent that you are comfortable with and that you think is the right fit.” He adds the beauty of Barfoot & Thompson is their un-franchised network - “we have over 1500 salespeople across Auckland over 75 branches - giving us greater reach and selling power!” His most memorable moment of this year would have to be the sale of a beautiful villa he sold in Mount Eden. “Not only was the home one of a kind, I was lucky enough to have the dream vendors,” he says; “the home had a large, impeccably landscaped garden which the vendors had done themselves over a number of years, and we held the auction on site in the back garden on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Holding the auction onsite in such a beautiful setting made it very special.”
Will Gluestein
When asked if agents are ever off-the-clock, he says, “technically we are never really off- the-clock as our phone will ring at all times of the day and night. But when I do get a chance to relax, I just like to hang out with my nine month old daughter Tilly, and my partner Georgia." For nights out he loves Hotel Ponsonby for its “great food and great vibe no matter what day or night of the week you are there”. Prego is another long-time favourite, with Will saying, “I've been going there for so many years and it never disappoints; the food, the service and the atmosphere is always exceptional time after time and after having a young baby, I have found them so accommodating, which means we spend PN most of our family dinner nights there.” (HELENE RAVLICH) Prego
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
ALL ABOUT PORT Port is not all about fireplaces, a warm drink in the cold, or a stuffy billiard room. There are so many different ways to enjoy port. Before we get into these, here’s Port 101 to get you started.
a deep intense colour to the port, they are very vibrant in their youth.
Port is a fortified wine made with grapes grown in Portugal. Grape spirit is added early in the winemaking process to stop the fermentation, leaving the sweetness, and fortifying the wine.
Late Bottled Vintage Port A port from a single year, aged longer than vintage port prior to bottling - generally for four to six years. Aged to be enjoyed on release it's a vintage style, bottled with extended ageing so you don’t have to age it in the bottle.
Ruby Port Ruby red in colour, with a strong vibrant taste, aged for two to three years and bottled young to be enjoyed straight away. A blend of multiple vintages, the port is stored in wood, cement, or steel before it is blended, filtered, and bottled. Tawny Port Essentially aged ruby port that turns tawny in colour with extended ageing in wood. This ageing changes the colour and gives a silky, nutty and complex palate to the port. Aged Tawny Port The age on the bottle is an approximate age; the official ages allowed being 10, 20, 30 and 40, or over 40. To have this on the label the port has been tasted and approved by the regulatory body. The older the tawny port, the more integration and complexity. Vintage Port Less than 1% of all port sold is vintage. It is the pinnacle. A single year, bottled after two to three years in wood. This is a style of port that is destined to be aged in the bottle. Only grapes from the very best vineyards go into vintage ports. With
White Port Made the same way as ruby port but from white grape varieties. Most are aged for 18 months in inert vessels, though some are wood aged, which produces a gold colour, and dry, nutty tang. Check out these amazing port drink ideas: · What about a Port Negroni? Tawny Port, Gin and Cardamaro in equal amounts over ice, garnished with orange. · White Port and Tonic is a classic - mix as you would a G&T. · And what about Ruby Port and Vodka in equal measures, with a dash of lemon, a dash of sugar syrup and mixed with loads of ice. It’s delicious! It’s International Port Day on 10 September - join us online to try out these cocktails, via the Glengarry Instagram page. PN
VERSATILE PORT
www.glengarrywines.co.nz
An old drink with new potential JOIN US
IT’S INTERNATIONAL PORT DAY ON SEPT 10TH, SO JOIN US VIA OUR INSTAGRAM AS WE TRY SOME COOL & TASTY PORT-INFLUENCED COCKTAILS.
W W W . GL EN GARRY .CO .N Z P : 0800 7 3 3 505 E : S A L E S @ GL E N GA R R Y . C O. N Z
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
FACES @ GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET Helena Teichrib sells her Sonntag plant-based cheese at Grey Lynn Farmers Market on Sunday mornings. How did you come to live in New Zealand? I came here on a working holiday visa more than seven years ago. I loved it and was lucky enough to move here permanently. Was there a particular area that you fell in love with? Nelson and the Takaka area were highlights for me. But even in a big city like Auckland, nature is so close, and people are very connected to the outdoors. The Auckland beaches are beautiful and easy to get to - I love that. Have you always worked with food? I worked as an industrial designer in Germany, mainly designing furniture and lighting. Then, when I came here, I worked on aircraft interiors. What happened to change that? It started as a Level 4 lockdown experiment. Cheese is such a delicious food and since becoming plant-based, I was missing it. In Germany, I had always dabbled in traditional cheesemaking, and lockdown gave me the space to try making an alternative that is just as good. Is it hard to find good vegan food? I have enjoyed the adventure of discovering new foods and the creativity of trying new ways of cooking and eating. For me, that has been one of the attractions of becoming plantbased. And veganism suits my sustainability values. Is it really cheese when it hasn’t got any dairy product in it? I use traditional cheese-making processes, including fermentation with specialised cultures just like the dairy version. Calling my product cheese, also helps people understand how they might eat and use the product. It can be used the same way as dairy cream cheese. I spread it on a slice of sourdough or on bagels with jam. I used it in baked cheesecake, lasagna and as a topping for burritos or savoury pancakes. You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy this. Is it good? It’s delicious. My friends first tried my cheeses, loved them, and encouraged me to make this a business. My goal is to deliver a taste and eating experience that is as good as dairy-based cheese. It's full of good, healthy ingredients too.
Where did the name Sonntag come from? Sonntag is German for Sunday. Sunday is typically the day of rest in Germany and many people use this day to enjoy good food like extended breakfasts. Making food that I want people to indulge in, Sonntag was the perfect name.
[Ed. ... and the name is a great fit with the Sunday Farmers Market.] You bring all your products and signage to the market on a bike; is it an electric bike? I use a bike trailer to carry everything, but the bike is powered by my legs. It is not an e-bike; it’s just how I get around. What hobbies do you have? I’m a co-founder of Hackland and I love to tinker, make and design things. We have some fun tools like a laser cutter, wood lathe, and sewing machines that members can use for their projects. I really enjoy this vibrant and creative community. PN sonntag.nz hackland.nz glfm.co.nz
GREY LYNN FARMERS MARKET @ the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, www.glfm.co.nz
Sunday mornings at the Grey Lynn Community Centre 510 Richmond Road 40 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
DIDA’S WINE LOUNGE The team at Dida’s are looking forward to seeing you once it is safe to do so. In the meantime, check out the recipe for the amazing chicken, pancetta and leek pie that our Chef Michael is cooking during lockdown. We also asked our Wine Lounge Manager Carmen what wine she was enjoying during lockdown. She has headed back to her South Australian roots and is enjoying the Geoff Merrill Shiraz and taking advantage of our Australian Shiraz Month.
In the same pan, over a medium heat, add the sliced leeks and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until soft. Add the butter and allow to melt. Once the butter has melted, add the flour, and mix until a roux has formed. Cook the roux for a few minutes whilst stirring.
Chef Michael’s recipe – what he’s cooking during lockdown Chicken, pancetta, and leek pie
Add the chicken stock in 3 stages, each time mixing well to avoid any lumps in the sauce. Once the sauce is done, add the chicken and pancetta mix. Add your chopped herbs and check for seasoning. Allow the mixture to cool in the fridge whilst making the pastry.
Shortcrust pastry: 240g plain flour 60g chilled butter 60g lard 2 eggs 2 pinch of salt Chicken, pancetta, and leek filling: 5 chicken thighs diced 100g pancetta diced 1 leek sliced 2 cloves garlic finely chopped 50g butter 50g flour 1l chicken stock 50g chopped chervil/tarragon or herb of choice Olive oil Puff pastry sheets Start by making the pie filling: Add 2 tbsp of olive oil into a large pan. When hot, add the diced pancetta and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced chicken thighs into the same pan until coloured. Set aside.
For the shortcrust pastry: Sift the plain flour into a bowl and add the chilled butter and lard. Rub together with your hands until the mix resembles breadcrumbs. Add salt and then add the two beaten eggs. Mix with hands until the dough forms and comes together. Don’t overwork the dough. Wrap in clingfilm and leave to rest in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour. Once the dough has rested, bring out of the fridge, and leave for 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to work with. Roll the dough out until it is around the thickness of a $1 coin. Line your chosen pie tin and place in the fridge to rest again. Blind bake the pastry at 175c for around 20 minutes or until the pastry has good colour and is crisp. Allow to cool. Add the pie filling to the cooked pastry shell. Top with a puff pastry lid. Egg wash the pastry lid and bake at 180c for around 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is crispy and the centre is hot. PN
DIDA’S WINE LOUNGE, 60 Jervois Road, T: 09 376 2813, www.didaswinelounge.co.nz
WE’LL BE BACK SOON STAY SAFE, we can’t wait to see you when it’s safe to do so. 60 JERVOIS RD
(0 9) 3 76 2 8 13
DIDAS .CO.NZ PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
41
SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS:
VEGAN VIBE
The talk of the town at the moment seems to be Auckland’s new vegan restaurant revelation that is East on Nelson Street, and it’s no surprise that this is the case.
42 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY Stir-Fried Yaki Udon, Edamame, Beansprouts & Broccolini
With strong flavours, a diverse menu and accommodating staff, it is a vegan’s dream come true and a delight all in one. My visit there was for my mother’s birthday dinner, which we celebrated with a small family gathering. We began our menu expedition with Miang Kham - betel leaf, coconut, bamboo, chilli bites with plum sauce. These one bite wonders had a beautiful balance of sweet, zing and spice, and overall encapsulated the essence of the flavours presented throughout East’s menu. A highlight - to say the least. Following, we enjoyed the ginger caramelised bang bang mushrooms, which undeniably were mouthwatering. I genuinely believe I could happily live off these chewy and delicious bite sized treats packed with sweetness and spice; they’re just that good. In addition to these, we tried the papaya salad, Peking jackfruit pancakes, caramelised black pepper tofu and stir fried yaki udon. While all of the dishes were great in their own respective ways, my family and I agreed that the Peking jackfruit pancakes stood out as what one might call an interactive dish. Served in a bamboo steamer and multiple other plates, it was a thoroughly enjoyable process of a ‘build your own’ concept of dining. For the sole reason that I got to load up on the flavoursome and delectable jackfruit, this dish became a highlight for me.
As a pleasant surprise, my mother’s choice of dessert, the salted caramel tart, was brought out with an arrangement of candles and decorations for her birthday. After last year's lockdown birthday, it was nice to actively celebrate this year, with both family and a restaurant such as East. With so many of us experiencing these lockdown birthdays, it makes events like this all the more precious. Accompanying the food is a well-researched selection of drinks, all of which are vegan. Typically in modern made wines, multiple non-vegan ingredients are used as ‘fining agents’ making it sometimes tricky to drink when strictly vegan. Thanks to East’s thoughtful offerings, the decisions are that much easier. East’s menu is a cacophony of flavour, but it’s not just its stunning dishes that make it so good. The staff, environment and atmosphere are unmatched with friendly and approachable service and beautiful surroundings which cater for all dining experiences - with friends, family or a date night with one’s significant other. East is part of the Sudima Hotel and as one of Auckland’s newer hotel offerings is forward-thinking with its commitment to plant based eating. This is impressive for a larger corporation and I hope to see more follow its lead towards a more sustainable and ethical way of eating for our planet. PN (SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS)
EAST, 63-67 Nelson Street, T: 09 399 2361, www.easteats.co.nz PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
PHIL PARKER:
DICHOTOMY This month we are exploring the theme of dichotomy. It’s a very cool word and I don’t often get to use it in casual convo. It also rhymes with lobotomy, but that’s not particularly relevant - though years ago I did stand-up comedy and a dear colleague, the late Andrew Kovacevic, had a great one liner; 'I’d rather have a bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy'. My thesaurus defines dichotomy as 'contrast, opposition, contradiction, and separation'. Thus, the first three wines are full-bodied, multi-faceted Californian chardonnays, clocking in at around 14% alcohol. And the last three are very light and refreshing, but are not exactly wine, having had 99.5% of the alcohol removed. All six are all grape-related beverages for sure but they react very differently on the palate. Stags Leap Hands of Time California Chardonnay 2018 - $45 Restrained and elegant in the subtly oaked chablis style (unusual for a Californian wine), with a deceptive 14.5% alcohol. Shy aromas but opens up on the palate with hazelnut oak, almond biscotti, and dry grapefruit marmalade, with a yeasty pizza crust tang. Match with seafood or creamy pasta. Available: Pt Chev Organic wines. First Glass. Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection California Chardonnay 2018 - $32 More in the familiar big Californian style than Stags Leap, yet way more subtle than the last Coppola chardonnay that I sampled; this wine has upfront spicy vanilla oak that segues into a full rich palate of peach, almond, mandarin citrus, with a hint of fresh cut pineapple and a very long finish. Match with Thai chicken curry, halloumi salad or falafel with a creamy garlicky sauce. Available: blackmarket.co.nz Bogle California Chardonnay 2019 - $22 If you’re a fan of buttery, toasty fruit-led chardonnay (as I am), then this one’s for you. It’s our family go-to, medium priced chardonnay with aromas of pineapple, toasty vanilla oak and a hint of herbs. In the mouth it’s a fruit bomb of ripe pineapple, stone fruit plus spice, toast, creamy yeast, and a crisp finish. Nice with creamy pasta and chicken dishes. Available: Pt Chev Organic wines, Meldrum Philips, Caro’s. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Washington Chardonnay 2018 - $23 Creamy, elegant, and light bodied with hints of nectarine, clover honey, almond nougat, and cinnamon brioche. Very much in the style of Kumeu River’s mineral taut and structured chardonnay. Great drinking right
now as an aperitif, but would reward cellaring for two-three years. Available: blackmarket.co.nz The next three wines are from Giesen’s new zero percent de-alcoholised wines. There is a tiny percentage (about 0.5%) of alcohol still present in the wines, but the majority has been removed via new ‘spinning cone’ dark magic technology. Don’t ask me how, but it removes alcohol like an 18-year-old at an open bar tab. At 10.6 calories per 125ml serve, a glass of Giesen 0% has 85% less calories per serve than a traditional 12.5% alcohol sauvignon blanc. The verdict? Well, the sauvignon blanc is the truest to style with typical distinctive aromas and flavours. The rosé and the pinot gris have elegant and light flavours reminiscent of the typical profile of a normal wine. These wines would all be best served lightly chilled – about 30 minutes in the fridge. As with most low alcohol wines, the normal unctuous mouth feel of alcohol is lacking. But they are refreshing, low calorie alternative to the real deal, nonetheless. Giesen 0% Pinot Gris - $16 Shy bouquet. On the palate, light off-dry flavours of clear apple juice, and pear with soft acids and a clean finish. Available: giesen.co.nz, some major supermarkets. Giesen 0% Pinot Rosé - $16 Very light aromas of red berry fruits. Light and fresh palate of subtle strawberry and cranberry with a dash of pomegranate. Available: giesen.co.nz, some major supermarkets. Giesen 0% Pinot Sauvignon Blanc - $16 Typical sav aromas of blackcurrant, with a hint of herbal thyme. Medium acidity and soft flavours of blackcurrant, green capsicum and passionfruit. Dry, crisp finish. Available: widely, including supermarkets. (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
44 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
www.finewinetours.co.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY Photography Josh Griggs
Photography Greta Kenyon
PROGRESSIVE INDIAN CUISINE SIDART, Level 1, Three Lamps Plaza, 283 Ponsonby Road T: 360 2122 www.sidart.co.nz
- Gusto Italiano GUSTO MEANING ‘TASTE AND ENJOYMENT’
Photography Kate Battersby
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.
210 SYMONDS STREET T: 09 377 1911 www.sidatthefrenchcafe.co.nz sidatthefrenchcafe
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 2021
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LIVING, THINKING + BEING
TADHG STOPFORD:
HEMP - better than the Mediterranean diet... Hello neighbours, how are you? I hope you're not feeling too anxious in these trying times. If you are, perhaps try some hemp extracts, or even just some plain old Mary Jane. Personally, I’ve found hemp extracts to be a quiet oasis of calm, an understated blessing because, although rich in CBDs, they are low in THC. So there's no haze to your day. Many hemp CBDs are anxiolytic, pain reducing, and more. They are also potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. We naturally make CBDs (cannabinoids) inside our body, and they occur widely in food plants too. But they are most abundant in hemp; aka Cannabis Sativa (sativa means 'cultivated'); Hemp/Cannabis is humanity's oldest and most sacred food crop. The most well known hemp CBD is actually called CBD (Cannabidiol). According to the WHO, it has “no scope for abuse”. It also has a ludicrously broad range of therapeutic benefits, from anxiety, through pain, cancer, and psychosis. But it’s just one of more 180+ Hemp CBDs. Hemp CBDs interact with our cannabinoid system in the same way that Mediterranean foods do (Mediterranean foods have small amounts of similar molecules). i.e. as powerfully protective antioxidants, anti inflammatories, and much much more.
Zealand's current medical cannabis supply chain. By 1 October all of their existing products must be destroyed. Previously CBD products have been acceptable if they had no more than 2% THC; but now Medsafe has banned all products that do not meet the most unneccessary standards in the world, despite NO ADVERSE HEALTH EVENTS REPORTED SINCE THE MARKET OPENED IN 2017. Their talk of 'safe and legal' makes zero sense to anyone who understands this field. The question must be asked: are patients being protected or exploited? In 2016 Food Safety Aus NZ (FSANZ) proposed that CBD rich hemp become a legal food as it is throughout the EU, UK, USA, and much of the world. But this sensible health proposal was trashed by MedSafe. OIAs show that MedSafe's goal was to ensure “therapeutic goods” were not available to the public as food, unless rendered “sub-therapeutic” by stripping the CBDs out. This is a mind boggling fact. The Ministry of Health's medicines regulator opposed a food that could benefit the public's health. Is that a conflict of interest, or just the way our public service/government works?
Ponsonby’s own Medical Cannabis Company, (MedLeaf) pioneered affordable medical cannabis access for patients and provides a third of the patient population with CBD oils and THC flower/bud.
Irritatingly enough, no politician seems to want to know about this failure of public service in one of our most important, and expensive ministries. Now, in 2021, New Zealand's most affordable products are being pushed out of the market, meaning that our most vulnerable people will have to pay more. Or maybe your taxes will subsidise overpriced medicines?
I know these guys, and they have performed heroically, in the face of a mercilessly uninformed, unsympathetic, (and apparently conflicted) regulator - (MedSafe).
Food is medicine. Why did MedSafe oppose natural hemp, and fortified foods? I think Pharma takes care of itself, and we should take care of each other.
Despite its rhetoric, this Labour government is needlessly destroying not just this patient centered company, but two thirds of New
Write into Ponsonby News and tell me, what you think. (TADHG STOPFORD) PN www.thehempfoundation.org.nz
Use religiously
TIGERDROPS
HOLY HEMP
46 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021 CHRISM BY DESIGN
Prohibited food. Not intended for the treatment or prevention of any disease or condition.
WWW.TIGERDROPS.CO.NZ
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
LIVING, THINKING + BEING
MORAL FIBRE: Five ways to upcycle fabric scraps As fast fashion increases demand for fabrics, we’re seeing its effects on our planet. Around 20% of pollution is attributed to the textile industry, from the harmful and toxic chemicals used during manufacturing, and the waste and pollutants released when textiles reach the end of their lives – in landfill and burning. By making something useful out of fabric scraps, you can reduce waste, need less new stuff, and have a bit of fun in the process. Get a few friends together and turn your upcycling into a crafternoon tea after lockdown. Five no-sew or low-sew things to make with fabric scraps: Hair accessories - hair upcycling projects make a great gift. Stretchy, silky fabrics work well for this. Sew a tube and thread elastic through to make a scrunchie. For a headband, attach the ends together with a sewn seam or tie together to create some decorative drama. Nonslip hangers - Fabric scraps can give boring wire clothes hangers a makeover. As a bonus, they’ll also make your hangers non-slip. Just wrap long strips of fabric neatly around and around the hanger and seal ends with hot glue or doublesided tape. Patches - If you rip a hole in a favourite pair of jeans (or any other item), a patch can save the day. This is an easy item to hand sew; just fold and iron the edges of the patch over first so it doesn’t fray. You might want to make a feature of it by using a contrasting colour patch or thread.
Napkins - Cloth napkins are fancier than paper ones and can help you reduce waste. This one works best with linen or cotton fabrics. Simply cut scraps into squares, roughly 40cm x 40cm. Create a fringe by pulling the threads, or, if you have a sewing machine, hem them. Twine - It’s easy to make fabric ‘string’ by twisting or plaiting long skinny pieces of scrap fabric together. You might want to tie a small knot at each end to prevent unravelling. Use it to decorate gifts, in the garden, or anytime you need to tie something up (or down). This fabric ‘wool’ can also be used in knitting, weaving or macramé projects.
ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz
PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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LIVING, THINKING + BEING
JOHN APPLETON:
VERTIGO When the room is spinning but you aren’t... I first wrote an article about vertigo several years ago. Recently however two people I know well told me that when attempting to get out of bed, they find the room is spinning around them. This form of dizziness, often accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting is commonly referred to as vertigo. Vertigo is however a symptom not a diagnosis and it’s important to understand this as there are several potential causes of this condition which may require other forms of treatment including hospitalisation. The most common form of vertigo is a condition known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) which can occur during specific head movements while standing up or bending over or getting out of bed. BPPV generally lasts less than one minute but during that time it can be very frightening for the person suffering the ‘attack’. If it lasts for minutes it could be vascular resulting from reduced blood flow, or if it’s hours, it may be Meniere’s disease (vestibular migraine). BPPV usually affects older people with most cases occurring in folks over 50 years of age. BPPV is thought to be caused by small fragments of debris (calcium carbonate crystals) which break off from the lining of the channels in the inner ear. The fragments are commonly referred to as ‘ear rocks’ but the formal name is ‘otoconia’ They don't usually cause a problem, unless they get into one of the ear's fluid-filled canals. When your head is still, the fragments sit at the bottom of the canal, however, certain head movements cause them to be swept along the fluid-filled canal, which sends confusing messages to the brain, causing vertigo. What can be done to help anyone suffering with BPPV? Dr John Epley MD an American Ear Nose and Throat specialist discovered a surprisingly successful treatment option which was first described back in 1980 and is now known as the Epley manoeuvre. The procedure is as follows and many GP’s are familiar with it. 1. The patient begins in an upright sitting posture on the edge of a bed. The legs are fully extended and the head rotated 45 degrees towards the side of the affected ear.
2. The patient is then quickly and passively lowered backwards by the clinician performing the treatment into a supine position with the head held approximately in a 30-degree neck extension, and still rotated to the same side. If it is the correct side, the symptoms of spinning may be quite severe. The patient will not always know which is the correct side and the process may need to be repeated to determine this. 3. The clinician observes the patient's eyes for “primary stage” nystagmus (rapid eye movement). 4. The patient remains in this position for approximately 1–2 minutes. 5. The patient's head is then rotated 90 degrees to the opposite direction so that the opposite ear faces the floor, all while maintaining the 30-degree neck extension. 6. The patient remains in this position for approximately 1–2 minutes. 7. Keeping the head and neck in a fixed position relative to the body, the individual rolls onto their shoulder, rotating the head another 90 degrees in the direction that they are facing. The patient is now looking downwards at a 45-degree angle. 8. The patient remains in this position for approximately 1–2 minutes. 9. Finally, the patient is slowly brought up to an upright sitting posture, while maintaining the 45-degree rotation of the head. 10. The patient holds sitting position for up to 30 seconds. I have observed this treatment on several occasions and I have been impressed with the outcome. The Epley manoeuvre can easily be done at home but my recommendation is to consult with a doctor in the first instance in order to obtain a correct diagnosis. (JOHN APPLETON) PN E: john@johnappleton.co.nz www.johnappleton.co.nz
COPY DEADLINE: Friday 20 August PUBLISHED: Friday 3 September
48 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
Bamboo Body Layering Top-Black $77
Reebok
NYDJ Missy Marilyn Straight Ankle Jeans-CleanMonet $293
Bamboo Body Layering Top-White $77
Zaket + Plover Rainbow Stripe Top-Mint $139
Mingk Seven Rings-Steel $109
Zaket + Plover Rainbow Stripe Top-White $139
Candy Coated styled outfits for Summer 2021.
FASHION + STYLE
@ ZEBRANO
ZEBRANO, 22 Morrow Street, Newmarket - opposite Westfield, T: 09 523 2500, www.zebrano.co.nz
Shoes not available at Zebrano
稀攀戀爀愀渀漀
PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
49
FUTURE GENERATION
Butcher's Son
HONOUR MITCHELL:
TEEN PICKS It’s been one year since I started writing Teen Picks for Ponsonby News! I am extremely thankful and overwhelmed by the opportunity I was given to contribute to such a prestigious magazine. It has been so much fun and great to have real "work experience". Given this is my anniversary article, I thought I’d post an update on the first topic I explored - FOOD (aka Teen Eats). This time I’m profiling four different restaurants. I’ve never left any of them without a fully scraped plate and a large grin smeared on my satiated face. The Poni Room (172 Quay Street) Just down the road from Ponsonby, in the heart of bustling Commercial Bay, is a hidden charm - The Poni Room. By 5pm this place is generally bursting with happy customers and dishes galore coming from the kitchen. I advise making a reservation as you certainly do not want to be turned away! My family and I ventured out early one Saturday evening to this Asian-inspired pot of gold, after browsing the retail shops below. It was a seamless connection from fashion to food. We started the night off with the Edamame Beans, honestly, you cannot go wrong with this simple starter. Next were the real winners: Duck Fat Potatoes (so decadently good, don’t let the name put you off), Asian Slaw (refreshing and tasted good with everything) Typhon Shelter Cauliflower (scrumptious with such awesome flavours), Butternut Squash Yellow Curry (expertly spiced, think curry on steroids, and a perfect accompaniment to the potatoes and cauliflower). And for afters there was a unique concept on offer - selfserve White Sesame Ice Cream, which came with an array of delicious toppings. I was a bit on edge about the flavour but it actually ended up being the perfect blend of sweet and savoury! This is a food paradise - plus the ambiance and sea view will welcome you with open arms. The Butcher’s Son (204 Jervois Road) Some people can be quite apprehensive about sitting down for a meal without an ounce of animal protein in sight. Appreciating well-crafted vegan cuisine can be life changing. The Butcher’s Son is an all-vegan restaurant with some of the best meals I have ever eaten, despite having an omnivore palate. I promise you, once you look past the potentially frightening all-vegan sign, a world of exciting opportunities awaits you with a healthy smile. My family and I dine here very regularly for a reason - the yumfactor! Most recently we found a host of newly-added dishes, which is a great thing about the Butcher's Son; fresh menu items
50 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
land seasonally, so you never get bored. Let me give you a lowdown on our latest meal. Black Bean Nachos, which is a popular staple with all the normal convincing flavours and is probably my favourite dish on the menu. Our family always fights for the last chip. Pad Thai, which barely tastes different from your normal Pad Thai, because their use of a vegan “fish" sauce is astounding! Caesar Salad, complete with “fak'n bacon", capers, avocado and a Brazil nut creamy dressing that is quite something. Who needs an egg? Gobi ‘Butter’ Masala Curry which is a mild, creamy, tomato curry with fried cauliflower - this really hits the spot on a chilly evening. The Butcher's Son also has a cabinet of desserts, all sugar free, ranging from "Snickers Bars" to delectable “cheesecakes" and that night we were lucky enough to get my favourite flavour: Peanut Butter & Jelly. Janken (158 Jervois Road) My most prized restaurant! The menu has never failed me and I always look forward to visiting this cosy, exquisitely designed, neighbourhood hotspot in Herne Bay. It is our go-to for important family celebrations because we know it won't disappoint. Thankfully Father's Day is just around the corner! We always gravitate towards a few vital dishes; the Sweet Miso Salmon is melt-in-the-mouth perfect, any of their Sushi Roll options because they are always ridiculously fresh, the Tofu or Pork Teriyaki Bao Buns, my favourite dish on the menu, and a constant craving that often appears in my dreams! A nice way to finish the meal is the Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake which has a silky, velvety texture and tastes so good, even though there is no sugar added. If I came here as often as I'd like to, I’d notch up some serious debt. Saan (160 Ponsonby Road) Another standout spot in my humble opinion, is Saan; the wide variety of authentic dishes is inspired by the Lanna and Isaan regions of Thailand. Service is such a key part of Saan and we are aways welcomed with the friendliest of greetings - heavens, they even know our names! The atmosphere is a blend of tranquility, style and comfort. An inviting private dining
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
FUTURE GENERATION Saan
room is perfect for functions, especially for my 16th birthday party! But let's move on to the main reason that makes Saan the popular attraction it is: the cuisine. To start, the Spicy Grilled Beef on Perilla leaf is a must. These little bundles of explosive flavours are like petit Thai tacos. Then I recommend then the Silken Tofu & Peanut Sauce (crunchy,
yet smooth sensations blend well with the flavoursome sauce), Crispy Roast Pork Belly (with caramelised soy, chilli, tamarind and watercress - Dad's favourite), Mussaman Lamb Curry, (a standout, belly warming treat!). Actually, I don’t think I can quite wait until my birthday. Saan I am coming for you, I need a Thai High! (HONOUR MITCHELL) PN
I Love Lucy Book Review:
They Both Die at the End - Adam Silvera - 14+ “I’m at the finish line, but I never ran the race.” In this book’s world, there is Death-cast. Death-cast calls you around midnight on any given day and the person on the other end of the line says, “You have 24 hours to live, we here at Deathcast are very sorry to lose you.” Then you have your ‘last day’ to live out any way you want. This book follows two teenagers, Mateo and Rufus who find themselves alone on their ‘last day', two strangers that have a matter of hours until their hearts stop beating. Using an app called ‘Last Friend’ they meet to spend their last day alive together. Reading this book you feel a morbid suspense, wondering when the main characters will die, and how they will die. The suspense is perfectly created and built up throughout the book, which makes it even more heart-breaking when you reach the ending. The concept of Death-cast also made me wonder about our current society, would it be better or worse if we knew when we were going to die? Would it make it easier to say good-bye, to know that you don’t have to waste your last day doing something meaningless like working or staying in bed, and instead living your limited time left to the fullest? If we had the opportunity to have access to technology like Death-cast, would we have it or want it? I really enjoyed reading this beautifully written book. I finished it abnormally quickly simply because I couldn’t put it down. Time I would normally spend on my phone, drawing, or going for a walk, was now spent with me holed up in my bed, electric blanket on its highest setting and this book in hand. ‘They Both Die at the End’ has great LGBTQ+ representation and will add diversity to your bookshelf. It also adds a certain thoughtfulness to your everyday life, and will make you think - as all good books do. (LUCY KENNEDY) PN www.lucykennedywriter.wixsite.com/reviews instagram @lucykennedybookreviews Available at www.dorothybutlerbookshop.co.nz
out of 5!
PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
51
PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS
TALKING TRUSTS:
ROB AND LYN'S Rob and Lyn had set up a trust fifteen years ago on the advice of their accountant.
Tammy McLeod
They owned their business 50/50 with another couple and at the time they set their trust up it was part of a restructure of debt, sorting out the shareholding arrangements in the business and asset protection. Not only was the trust a helpful form of asset protection with Lyn being a director in the company, it also gave them some tax efficiencies, as Rob was a stay-at-home Dad and income was able to pass through to him from the trust at a lower tax rate.
Rob and Lyn also liked having their trust as an asset planning tool. As well as their business, the trust owned their family home and bach and some other investments in managed funds. The bach was an asset that they wanted to be held long term for their two daughters who were now in their mid to late 20’s. The trust provided the perfect vehicle to ensure that the bach could be kept in the family and the way they had worded their wishes, it would be retained unless a majority of their grandchildren wanted to sell it in the future. The trust also provided a great platform for helping their two daughters financially. It was a much easier conversation to have with their daughters’ partners that the trust required them to enter into a loan agreement, rather than if it was just Rob and Lyn! Rob and Lyn’s accountant had always been their independent trustee. They had had a very good relationship with him over the years and they felt like their trust was well managed. However, their accountant had recently retired and sold his practice to a bigger firm. The new accountants said that they were no longer wanting to act as trustees, as the area had become so specialised and they thought the risk was too great. They suggested that Rob and Lyn set up a company where they were the only directors and shareholders of and that the company could be the trustee of the trust. Rob and Lyn thought that this sounded a bit odd – after all these years of having a well run trust they didn’t want to jeopardise their position by putting in place a structure that made them feel uncomfortable. They decided to ask their lawyer what he thought. Their lawyer was lovely – he described himself as a GP lawyer, but had helped them with all the property transactions and their trust
work over the years. He advised that due to the complexities of the trust law now, he was now advising that his clients seek specialty legal advice from someone who specialised in the area, so Rob and Lyn made an appointment with the lawyer he recommended. The specialist lawyer explained to them that one of the most important things in modern trusts was having an independent trustee. She said it was very difficult to argue that your trust is an entity independent of you if you are the sole trustees. Further, even if it was a company, not you personally, if there was no independent element of your trust (i.e. an independent director or shareholder) it would be very hard to say that the trust was not just you, if it was ever challenged. She said that these days “self managed” trusts were really a thing of the past and while it was not always convenient, a good independent trustee would help manage the trust and ensure that every administrative “i” would be dotted and “t” crossed. There are so many benefits to having a trust for those who need them that any pain associated with having an independent trustee would be outweighed by the gains of having a properly run, independent trust. The lawyer also explained that lots of trust deeds do not allow a sole corporate trustee. It was important to read the trust deed and see if a company was able to act as the sole trustee of the trust. If not, then the trust deed may have to be varied, if possible, or they would need to re-think the structure of the trusteeship. Rob and Lyn asked whether their eldest daughter could be a trustee. The lawyer cautioned against having your children as trustees while you are alive. In most cases, she said, people don’t want their children to say what they can and can’t do with the trust assets, and sometimes it may not be your children you have to worry about – it can be the people that influence them, i.e. their partners. After the meeting Rob and Lyn decided to appoint the specialist lawyer as the independent, professional trustee on their trust. They knew they were in safe hands and that the administration of their trust would continue to be well managed, and that they wouldn’t have to worry. For Specialist trust advice don’t hesitate to contact Tammy McLeod or the Trust team at Davenports Law.
DAVENPORTS LAW, 331 Rosedale Road, Level 1, Building 2, Albany, T: 09 883 3284, www.davenportslaw.co.nz
52 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
C RAFTED L EGAL ADV ICE FOR PE ACE OF MIN D.
Asset protection. Do you need a trust? The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people. Trusts are invaluable asset protection mechanisms, which allow a person to hold property and assets on behalf of another for the good of the beneficiaries. However, not everyone needs a trust, so ensuring other forms of asset structuring including your will and enduring powers of attorney are up to date is important. Contact us for more information about asset structuring. 0 9 883 32 84 DAV EN P O RTS L AW.CO.N Z
PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS
SARAH TROTMAN:
GETTING READY TO REOPEN While Auckland remains at Level 4 for longer, the rest of the country, having moved to Level 3, is swinging into action in preparedness for the increased normality that Level 2 will eventually bring. While Level 3 is often described as Level 4 with takeaways, small businesses are permitted to operate if they can do so safely and maintain social distancing. This is the time some careful planning can go a long way to ease the transition into Level 3 and beyond. Contact with Suppliers Making contact with suppliers now to plan for a resumption of deliveries may put you ahead in the queue. The pressure will be on once Auckland is in Level 3 and many businesses will be able to restart. Good Communication Keeping good communication up with staff will ensure they’re on the same page and know the next steps to be taken. Make sure they have been given good notice of when they’re expected to return to premises and in what capacity. Some may be hesitant to return to their workplace and it is better you sort these issues out now before you actually get there. Review Processes A review of your current processes may be necessary as there could be changes that need to be made to meet current standards. Any downward move in alert levels will be bringing more customers your way, so make sure you’ve investigated all options for maximising every sales opportunity with every customer. Now that mandatory record keeping has been introduced, the onus is on the business owner to ensure customers either scan the QR code or manually sign in on a paper register. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $1000 for the business owner.
Health and Safety Stringent health and safety protocols are in place for a reason and this may mean a change to office layout or workflow and the number of people permitted on the premises at any given time. If you are preparing to re-open in level 3, business owners can visit their premises to reorganise anything required such as setting up social distancing requirements during level 4, once a level drop has been announced. Good hygiene practices such as hand sanitising, social distancing, masks and perspex screens are essential in every workplace. The government has signalled that, if necessary, they will tighten health and safety practices to leave little room for Delta to wiggle its way in. We all need to do our part to keep Delta out. If you have had to make staff redundant during lockdown has this left you short staffed once trading is allowed again? With the tight labour market it may take extra time to find the skills you need so an early start to the process may be required. Get yourself a Business Mentor But perhaps one of the best things a small business owner can do is seek help from a business mentor. Mentoring can provide support in a number of valuable ways, from learning time management skills, obtaining HR or financial guidance, sharing a problem and getting help to solve it, to generating new ideas and being connected into relevant networks. But most of all, business owners that have had a mentor say one of the biggest benefits is just having that sounding board and at times like these, independent, experienced advice can be a lifeline. (SARAH TROTMAN, ONZM) PN www.businessmentors.org.nz
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS
LOGAN GRANGER:
Cybersecurity tips for your business We thought with another lockdown or lockdowns (who knows by the time this is published!) and with you and your team back working from home and remote working environments, it is a good time to review your cybersecurity. The reality is any business is exposed in the current environment and we are seeing more and more intrusions of a cyber nature for clients and in the media and a greater degree of skill being applied by criminals. Here are some basic and non-exhaustive cybersecurity tips to help you combat cyber-attacks: 1. Conduct a security risk assessment. Understand the critical threats to your business, such as system failures, natural disasters, together with malicious actions, and determine the possible impact they have on your business. You should conduct regular security assessments, especially those businesses that have client records or must adhere to certain standards and regulations. Regular assessments help you understand your current security measures and help you adjust the level of security your business needs. 2. Train your employees. Make your employees aware of the risks; train and keep them up to date on common scams and avoidance techniques. Because threats constantly evolve, you must frequently review and update your training to ensure it is current. 3. Use multiple layers of protection. Implement a password policy that requires strong passwords, that are regularly updated and changed; ensure you have a firewall, VPN, and antivirus technologies to ensure your network and endpoints are not exposed to attacks. Implement MultiFactor authentication, and hard drive encryption. 4. Keep software up to date. Unpatched and out-of-date software allow breaches to your security. Cybercriminals
exploit software and vulnerable businesses using a variety of tactics to gain access to your computers and data. Don’t forget to keep your cell phones security up to date as well. 5. Create cybersecurity policies for your team. Write and distribute clear rules and instructions on cybersecurity best practice for your team. This may change from business to business, but you may consider policies on social media use, bring your own device (BYOD), authentication requirements, and such. 6. Back up your data. Daily (or more frequently) backups are a requirement to recover your data from any form of loss or corruption, or security breaches. There are many types of backups, tape, disk, cloud, on site, and offsite; it pays to have several, so if one fails another has it covered. Remember it's not just the backing up of data that is important, it’s the ability and speed of data retrieval as well for many businesses, as downtime can significantly impact your business’ ability to generate income. 7. Know where your data is. The more places you spread data, the greater the risk that unauthorized people will have access to it. Therefore try to limit the spread of your data and ensure when it is in multiple places you have good security practices for all of it. 8. Control access to computers and devices. Each access point creates an individual risk, so limit access to specific data your team needs to perform their jobs. Plus, keep administrative rights restricted to highly trusted team members with the skills and security awareness to keep your PN business safe.
Disclaimer – While all care has been taken, Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Ltd and its staff accept no liability for the content of this article; always see your professional advisor before taking any action that you are unsure about.
JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, 202 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 361 6701, www.jacal.co.nz
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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
@ Dawson & Co. Top Kida hanging lounge chair RRP $6,179 Dala lounge chair from RRP $6,739 Middle Sealine 2 seater sofa RRP $11,339 Bottom MBarq high back 2 seater sofa RRP $16,349
DAWSON & CO., Northshore Showroom, 38 Constellation Drive, Rosedale T: 09 476 1121, Parnell Showroom, 115 The Strand, Parnell; info@dawsonandco.nz www.dawsonandco.nz
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
BLAIR HADDOW:
Spring selling resurgence comes right on schedule for greater Ponsonby’s residential property market It’s hard to believe, especially with the recent bouts of chilly temperatures and regular downpours, that spring is now officially on the way.... especially for activity in Greater Ponsonby’s residential property market. While the winter months of July and August were quiet for real estate agencies from a listing volume perspective – as they traditionally have been – anecdotal data is showing the market is now warming up as more homeowners decide to place their properties up for sale in time to be out by Christmas. Leading Bayleys Ponsonby salesperson Blair Haddow said that while the winter season was historically the industry’s flattest period with many vendors previously focussed on overseas holidays, this year should have been different as a result of New Zealand’s international travel quarantine restrictions keeping most Kiwis at home.
• A substantial eight-year-old home in Westmere – packed with the latest high-tech gadgetry for controlling everything from lighting and the sound system through to underfloor heating, electric vehicle charging points, and security. The grand four-bedroom/four-bathroom home on a full site overlooking Meola Reef in the inner-harbour has a study, swimming pool, and double garaging with internal access. Marketing details were again being completed as Ponsonby News was going to press, and Blair would also be notifying his extensive buyer database on the opportunity within days.
“Regardless of the reasons for this year’s winter hibernation and market malaise, spring is back to normal patterns. I’ve kicked off the season strong, and now expect volumes to continue gathering momentum right through until Christmas,” said Blair.
Also on Blair’s listing radar for the start of spring is a chic twobedroom/two-bathroom/two-level apartment in the heart of Auckland City. The designer freehold Queen Street address has its own balcony sitting above a globally-renown fashion retailer in the city’s foremost shopping locale. Watch Blair’s website for more information as it comes online any day now.
“These are vendors who have taken the educated opportunity of getting their property on the market at the head of the spring bow-wave when competition is low.”
www.bayleys.co.nz/blair-haddow
In recent weeks alone, Blair has taken on a handful of new homes being marketed for sale in the coming weeks and months. They include: • 1 Ariki Street in Grey Lynn – a three bedroom, two bathroom, two living area villa renovated just four years ago. The family home on a flat north-east facing section has double car garaging and additional off-street parking for another vehicle. Extensive decking wraps around the kitchen and dining room – making for a relaxed al-fresco space accessed by large bifold doors. The home is being marketed for sale at auction on 15 September. • A prime do-up project at 57 Williamson Avenue in Grey Lynn – a classically styled three-bedroom/one-bedroom villa with off-street parking for two vehicles. In its near original format, the property has been a rental for it its current owners for quite some time, and has plenty of scope to add value through renovation and modernisation. • A mixed-use property in Franklin Road originally a fourbedroom/one-bathroom residence with double off-street car parking which has been used as commercial premises by its current owner and their professional services business. The single level villa offers a ready-made opportunity for a ‘work from home’ scenario, or could just as easily be converted back into a purely residential address in a street famous for its Christmas lights display. This property is scheduled to come into the market early September with an auction on the 22nd.
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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
QUALITY HERNE BAY OFFICES AVAILABLE Sue Collis from Barfoot & Thompson speaks to the landlord about the benefits of his building. Our offices are suitable for small professional businesses that can work close to home without working from home! What are the benefits of the building? The existing fitout is good quality with decks on both sides of the building with opening doors. The car parks are easily accessible and good ratios available. The offices are “move in" ready as the previous tenant spent good money on the fitout that has been retained. When are the offices available? Immediately. This is the first time in 15 years these offices have become available. The previous tenant loved the building so much they stayed for 15 years, Sue negotiated the lease deal back then so I hope she can find us another great tenant. The only reason that tenant has moved out is that they bought a building to occupy. What is the expected tenure of lease? The landlord understands that the working environment has changed and businesses have a shorter view on commitments, so will consider any reasonable length of lease term. What does the area of Herne Bay/Ponsonby offer in the form of amenities? Great cafes and nearby restaurants, and close proximity to the CBD and all motorway entry and exits. It's also suitable for staff coming from the Shore as the bridge entry point is basically at the end of the street!
For more information call Sue Collis on T: 021 885 545, or E: s.collis@barfoot.co.nz
QUALITY HERNE BAY OFFICES 160 Jervois Road, Herne Bay These well-located offices are ‘move in ready’, complete with existing quality fitout. Boardroom, separate executive offices, kitchens and bathrooms in each tenancy. The total area for lease is approximately 171m², divided into three tenancies that can naturally separate different parts of the business. The tenancies have suburban views and Jervois Road outlooks from decks on both sides.
– – – –
1A - 84.94m² plus deck 1B - 26.50m² plus deck 1C - 59.69m² plus deck 1B and 1C combine easily to interconnect - total 86.19m² – Good on-site car park ratios available
For lease POA plus GST Sue Collis M 021 885 545 E s.collis@barfoot.co.nz
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barfoot.co.nz/86339
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
104 Mt. Eden Road Mt. Eden, Auckland Phone: 09 638 8463 www.lahood.co.nz
Are you renovating, redecorating or building a new home? FREE MOTOR AND REMOTE AUTOMATION
WITH TE RA ORIGIN OR EURO FOLDING ARM AWNINGS*
For all enquiries and orders, visit lahood.co.nz and complete an enquiry form. CURTAINS • BLINDS • INTERIOR DESIGN • AWNINGS • ROLLER SHADES • UPHOLSTERY *Special conditions apply - lahood.co.nz/promotions. Offer finishes 31/10/2021.
HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
ED CRUIKSHANK FOR CUSTOM FURNITURE Ed Cruikshank lives and works in Queenstown where he specialises in the design and creation of outstanding custom furniture. His high quality pieces are designed specifically for each customer and hand-built in New Zealand to last a lifetime. After a five year training in fine cabinet making and an industrial design degree, Cruikshank headed the Linley design team in London and managed their special projects, one of which brought him to New Zealand in 1999 to design the interior of a beautiful sloop being built in Auckland by Alloy Yachts.
their ideas so clearly that we knew exactly what to expect before we signed off on the designs. They delivered on time and at the exact budget we agreed and it was a fun and rewarding experience. Most of all we treasure the thought that our family will enjoy it for many years to come.”
Twenty years later, having set up home in Queenstown in 2002, he has designed all manner of things, including unique and extraordinary custom furniture pieces, a collection of timeless chairs and tables and his devilish Infernorator firepoker and blower for clients in New Zealand and around the globe.
With many of Ed’s customers based in Auckland and elsewhere in the North Island, he has decided to create a small and perfectly-formed presence in the heart of Ponsonby working with strategic communications specialist Julien Leys at Pendulum Strategies at historic Letham House on Jervois Road.
According to one of Ed’s long standing customers, “the quality of Ed’s work and the care and attention he puts into every aspect of the process are a rare thing these days. We love the fact that our furniture was built here in New Zealand, but the thing that stood out for us was the way he and his team seamlessly combined creativity and design expertise with an ability to communicate
Ed will be in Ponsonby on a regular basis and will be happy to also make special visits if you are looking for anything from a handmade dining table or contemporary-classic leather reading chair to a full interior scheme. He can work with you directly, or alongside your architect or interior designer.
You can contact Ed to arrange an appointment by visiting his website or calling him directly on M: 027 441 3434, www.edcruikshank.co.nz
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
@ MELUKA
www.meluka.co.nz
BY
DANSKE
MØBLER
Furniture. Simply.
15% FF
D R AW E R S SHOP ONLINE OR IN STORE NOW
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HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
APARTMENT LIVING
A WHOLE NEW WAY OF HOME LIFE Lahood Window Furnishings make the apartment interior design process a breeze, with strong links with many developers and body corporates in the Auckland market. While apartments are an increasingly popular choice for many people, high-density living is radically different to a leafy suburban lifestyle. For apartment owners who move into new developments, there are the challenges of interior design to work through. With smaller spaces and body corporates wanting to maintain consistencies in décor and materials for flooring, wall coverings and window furnishings, the use of an interior design consultant makes the job so much easier. At Lahood, they specialise in providing that important link between the architect or developer and the purchaser. Lahood’s Interior Design Consultant Tricia Dunlop says “We provide a complete service to guide owners through the whole process. They come in with their dreams, and we make it as easy as possible to help their imaginations become a reality.” Because Lahood have preferred provider status with many of the developments, they are fully aware of the design guidelines that need to be adhered to. Tricia carries swatches and samples of all the flooring and wall covering options for each development. New owners can compare those with the substantial range of fabrics and blinds in Lahood’s showroom and build a design plan that suits the décor and the client’s budget. “Because we have the product knowledge and we stock the full range of product options, we can put all the combinations together for the right style and design. It is very satisfying to see a whole project through from start to finish, we handle everything right though to installation,” says Tricia. “We often get involved in soft furnishings and accessories to match, not just the window treatments. We can restyle existing furniture with new upholstery to suit, we carry a wide range of cushions and throws; that is all part of the service to make the apartment a real home.” Apartment living can be very different to a home is the suburbs. Often with large window areas, apartments can be very bright and hot in summer. Privacy is also an issue, as is noise from busy street activities and traffic. It’s important to plan how these factors can be minimised by using the right fabrics and layering. Lahood has a wide range of coloured linings to match all interior fabric colours and designs. Using heavier fabrics will also help to limit sound transmission through windows. With modern styling in new apartments, automating window furnishings is very popular. Nearly all blinds and curtains today
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can be fitted with fully automated systems. And owners can manage all rooms via mobile device apps. So, when not at home, window furnishings can be programmed to open and close together, separately, or be adjusted at any time if the weather decides to surprise you with unexpected heat or cold. Whether you have a newly purchased apartment, or just want to give your existing windows a modern makeover, you should talk to Tricia at Lahood. She will make your project a pleasant and rewarding experience and show you why Lahood Window Furnishings is the most complete and trusted service in Auckland. For all enquiries and orders, visit the website and complete an enquiry form. www.lahood.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
HOME WHERE THE HEART IS
Q&A with Antoine Roset Synonymous with modern luxury, French furniture brand Ligne Roset has long graced the homes of discerning design devotees in all corners of the globe. The enterprise encompasses both a family tradition rich with more than 160 years of experience in furniture making and artful collaborations with established and up-and-coming talents in contemporary design. Arguably its most notable partnership being in the early 1970s with Michel Ducaroy of the famed Togo settee, which catapulted the brand into worldwide recognition. With a global network of more than 200 exclusive stores, the latest addition to the Ligne Roset footprint is right here in New Zealand. Ligne Roset Marketing Director and the founder’s great-great-grandson Antoine Roset shares insight into his family’s business ahead of the exclusive Auckland showroom opening in August. Describe Ligne Roset in one sentence… A high-end, contemporary French furniture manufacturer and a family business operating since 1860. Which of the brand’s achievements are you most proud of over its centuries-long tenure? Our worldwide recognition. How many different designers has Ligne Roset collaborated with over the years and how does the partnership process take shape? We’ve worked with more than a hundred designers. Collaboration is formed through various channels including furniture fairs, annual design contests, word of mouth and contacts between designers.
What is your vision for how the brand positions itself to ensure future success? Through creativity, customisation and high-quality products. Your grandfather, Jean Roset, who headed the company at the time, had to field initial doubts about the Togo but believed in designer Ducaroy’s vision. What qualities make for a successful product pitch and how does the brand differentiate between a bold idea and something that will actually sell? I wish we knew the answer to that! We call it a combination of both talent and chance. A mix of several criteria makes a new product successful including creativity of the design, its comfort and the approval of the public.
Following Lockdown the Ligne Roset Auckland showroom at 299 Great North Road, Grey Lynn will be open again. On display are an extensive range of lighting and accessories, and living and dining furniture from the 2021/22 collection, including Ducaroy’s coveted Togo settee. Other firm favourites are the Prado sofa by Christian Werner, Ploum sofa by R. & E. Bouroullec, Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin and Pukka sofa by Yabu Pushelberg. The selection of outdoor furniture will arrive in time for our 2021 summer.
How many in-house designers work for the brand? We’ve worked with three major in-house designers: Michel Ducaroy of Togo and Saparella fame, Annie Hieronimus of Plumy, and Claude Brisson of Multy. These products are among the best sellers in the Ligne Roset collection. Where are you based? I spent 11 years heading our US branch in New York before returning to Lyon, France, two years ago where I live close to our headquarters and main workshops. Do you have a personal favourite piece in the Ligne Roset collection? No, because that would be too restrictive! My taste changes with time. Why do you think Togo has withstood the changing trends, proving popular for decades? After 48 years of existence, it’s remained a very unique design and an example of anti-conformist seating. Lightness, durability and creativity are probably the key successes of Togo. Is there another piece, in your mind, set to take over the craze and demand of Togo? It’s difficult to predict. We have several other standout designs that have been easily recognisable for years – decades even – such as the Ruché sofa and bed by Inga Sempé, Pumpkin sofa by Pierre Paulin, Peter Maly 2 bed by Peter Maly, Everywhere cabinet collection by Christian Werner, and Multy sofa bed by Claude Brisson. Viewing by appointment is available now; see ligne.nz or call 09 393 5636 for more information. Follow Ligne Roset New Zealand on Instagram and Facebook: @lignerosetnz PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
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STREAMING ARTS + CULTURE GUIDE
LOCKDOWN STREAMING GUIDE SEPTEMBER
Lockdown can be a great opportunity to let yourself become really immersed in a story world, take time to pick up on the nuanced clues planted in a mystery plot or truly notice how characters develop and grow in a drama. This month’s streaming guide is full of shows that are worth savouring, re-watching and sharing.
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One Lane Bridge TVNZ onDemand
It’s time to savour things and set routines. While it’s always tempting to binge a compelling new series, sometimes it is even more satisfying to savour it and make it last.
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
The Panthers, TVNZ onDemand
TVNZ onDemand
AMAZON PRIME
One Lane Bridge (Season 2) This is a gripping well written mystery series that will keep you guessing. It’s filled with excellent performances by local talent and leverages it’s delicious Queenstown backdrop really well. The blend of supernatural themes within the accessible supernatural police procedural genre gives this show wide appeal.
Val In this raw and incredibly honest self-portrait Val Kilmer gives the audience a window into the soul of an actor who truly believes in the art of his craft and continues to evolve despite adversity.
The Panthers The message, the music, the history, a travesty on Ponsonby’s door step, this is a must view series; the most horrific aspect of it is that it has taken until 2021 for the nation to acknowledge its crime. The soundtrack is epic just like the Panther heroes who endured the dawn raids era. One to watch and re-watch.
From priceless behind the scene moments before Val and his contemporaries, like Kevin Bacon and Tom Cruise, became stars to the stark reality of having to make a living by attending fan events for the role that was among his least favourite. This is a story that asks you to see the human behind the mask. One to watch and re-watch.
Val, Amazon Prime
One to savour.
The richness of this doco comes from thousands of hours of home video footage captured by Val Kilmer over almost 40 years in Hollywood. Combined with frank ‘take-no-prisoners narration' (voiced by his son) this self-captured footage offers a truly unique insight into the rise and fall of one of Hollywood's often misconceived actors.
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STREAMING GUIDE Cinderella, Amazon Prime
Cinderella A cross between Teen Beach Movie and Moulin Rouge with just a dash of Glee, this will delight your 6 year old and have your teens singing along despite themselves. It’s a reinvention of the classic Cinderella story that shows our fairytale heroine at her most ‘active’. Ella chooses her own dreams and shapes her own destiny in this narrative. Sure, she’s still beautiful, kind, and talented but in this highly entertaining musical version she is far more feminist than her predecessors. It’s fun, colourful and packed with great singing talent with just enough irreverent humour to stop it being too saccharine.
Dark (Season 1) This supernatural suspense thriller creates the kind of tension that makes you want to close your eyes and turn away; but you can’t. Moody, dark and steeped in complex mystery, this clever thriller set in a small German village has been described by critics as a cross between Lost and Stranger Things. It is refreshingly paced, giving moments of tension time to breathe as well as time to reflect on the action and read the subtitles without missing any of the clues. We dare you to watch this one slowly alone.
Dark, NETFLIX
One for the whole family to watch together and sing-a-along.
NETFLIX
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ARTS + CULTURE Virgin River, NETFLIX
Cinderella, Amazon Prime
Virgin River (Season 2) This comfy slipper style soap opera drama series returns for another season. Seemingly untouched by Covid-19, Virgin River is full of people with normally ordinary problems in the picturesque town of Virgin River. Of course central to the story is the pending romance between Mel and Jack (played by New Zealand’s own Martin Henderson) which evolves against the rise and fall of a range of other Virgin River love stories that run the full age spectrum from teens to the 70+. Love and romance has no age limit in Virgin River. Watch after hard day of online school and endless Zoom meetings.
Fantastic Fungi Full of stunning footage and interesting facts about the role of fungi and the magic of mushrooms in our modern world, this is an interesting yet curious doco. It covers everything from the vast range of fungi species and their incredible ability to adapt to ideas about how the fungi have an intelligence that could be instrumental in saving the world. Packed with beautiful imagery and peppered with useful information and different perspectives, this is a journey into a world beyond the magic mushroom. Watch and rewatch - ’edutainment'.
FIRST TUESDAY @ ST MATTHEWS First Tuesday on 5 October marks the 26th concert in this series over three years. St Matthew’s is pleased to welcome back Lisa Chou (piano) for her third appearance, with Yid-Ee Goh (violin) making his second appearance. These two highly accomplished players will perform Brahms Violin Sonata no1 in G Major, Clara Schumann Three Romances and De Falla Suite Populaire Espangnole. These are three pieces which will show off the player’s skills and the astounding acoustics of the space. Lisa Chou holds a masters degree in piano performance with 1st class honours from the University of Auckland and was a
Lisa Chou (piano) and Yid-Ee Goh (violin) Tuesday 5th October, 12.10-12.50pm Brahms, Clara Schumann and Manuel De Falla Entry by kohā.
postgraduate student in Vienna (also studying privately with the acclaimed pianist and Beethoven scholar Paul Badura Skoda). While in Vienna she developed a major interest in Lieder accompaniment and this took her to Oxford as a participant in The Schubert Lieder Project 2014. She now teaches and performs in Auckland and is eagerly sought-after as both a soloist and ensemble player. She has previously performed twice for St Matthews in the presentation of Babar by Francis Poulenc and playing major solo repertoire by Chopin and Beethoven. Lisa is an outstanding pianist with formidable technique, a poetic consideration of the music and absolute engagement in her medium. Singaporean born Yid-Ee Goh is former Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington, violinist for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand String Quartet. In 2004, Yid-Ee helped setup and run The Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre for children with special needs (www.rmtc.org.nz). Yid-Ee now runs his teaching studio at his home in Golflands, Howick, and teaches violin and viola at Pakuranga College, Kings College, Sacred Heart College and Macleans College. He regularly appears as Concertmaster with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.) PN www.stmatthews.nz
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ARTS + CULTURE
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - Sunday 10 October St Matthew’s and Mobility Dogs would love to welcome you to St Matthew-in-the-City on Sunday 10 October at 1pm to celebrate the annual ‘Blessing of the Animals’. We relish the chance to be involved in this special event with you all. Mobility Dogs have been raising, training and placing assistance dogs for more than 10 years. Our primary goal is to assist people living with a disability by partnering them with a mobility dog to help in everyday tasks and to give them constant companionship, loyalty and provide a sense of security. We recognise that no disability or dog is the same, therefore each mobility dog partnership is unique. Over the years we have partnered our dogs with people living with conditions like cerebral palsy, spinal injury and Parkinson’s, to name a few disabilities. Our dogs have full access rights under the Dog Control Act which means they can go into most public places, on public transport, educational institutions, employment environments, restaurants and cinemas. We are totally reliant on community funders and on our wonderful community volunteers who help us raise and train our dogs for people who need them. Our wider social initiative is the Puppies in Prison programme where we teach prisoners how to train our dogs. We see very positive outcomes from this programme as the prisoners learn prosocial skills of working in a team as well as getting the reward from the absolute PN love and care of a dog. (JODY WILSON, GENERAL MANAGER)) www.stmatthews.nz
Gail and Mobility Dog Coda
Stan and Mobility Dog Lochy
10 October, 1-2pm Free entry | All welcome Celebrate our love for all animals, great & small. Bring your pets for a blessing, or simply enjoy this special service. St Matthew-in-the-City, 132 Hobson Street, Auckland stmatthews.nz | mobilitydogs.co.nz
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For the safety of animals and people, please ensure all dogs are on a leash & smaller animals protected in a cage.
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ARTS + CULTURE
@ ARTFORM At Artform, we believe in giving each piece room to breathe, giving it respect and letting each item take the limelight. In doing so, the viewer can make a connection and relate to both the work and the artist. With a network of over 60 artists delivering a variety of mediums and disciplines, it requires skill and passion to curate the rich selection of work into a cohesive PN visual language. That is the art of Artform. ARTFORM GALLERY, 6/2 Matakana Valley Road, T: 09 422 9125, www.artformgallery.co.nz
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UPTOWN ART SCENE
The protagonist, a doctor, of Camus “The Plague” says at the end of the book that we can only combat pestilence with decency. They defined decency as doing our job: believing in what we do, and doing it with kindness, humility and determination.
Evan Woodruffe, at 5m long, the nearly completed work hardly fits in my studio
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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
ARTS + CULTURE
The pandemic has given a broader awareness of the work people do. Front line workers such as supermarket staff are appreciated more now than pre-Covid, and one hopes this more equitable valuing of the work each person does continues post-Covid. I certainly struggled with the worth of being an artist during last year’s introduction to living in a pandemic. Was art just “nice to have” next to the essential work being done by medical professionals, civil servants, and border security? However, seeing the newly risky business of working in a supermarket elevated in our minds to an essential service (surely it always has been crucial) reminded me of Camus’ observation – that society needs all types of jobs fulfilled to exist in the face of destruction, to behave the best way it can – with decency. Being an artist in times of crisis is what Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison posits as their most important duty: “This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.”
Much of the work is painstakingly produced using paint-filled markers
The last 12 months have been about ignoring the cancelled exhibitions and now impossible events, instead focusing on making the best work I can. I’m fortunate to have had some exciting projects to work on, including a 3D piece for Artweek Auckland (now rescheduled for November) supported with the kind support of Creative New Zealand, and a major commission for MC, the Office of the Crown Solicitors, who move into their new eco-building on Auckland’s waterfront shortly. Six artists have been asked to create works for MC that “Celebrate Contemporary Aotearoa” and that express six values of the Crown Warrant. My brief was, as an artist, to convey my interpretation diversity of who we are today. To reflect this, I have made an expansive 2m x 5m painting comprised of ten square canvases. These are individual panels that can act alone yet join to form one whole; they can also be reconfigured to offer fluctuating viewpoints, and even swapped out for replacement panels to show the ever-changing demographics of our country. The abstract nature of my work allows each individual viewer to bring their own experiences to the work, so any meaning belongs to whomever sees it, rather than me.
Fabrics embedded in the painting provide texture and history
In the brief for this commission, in words that again remind me of Camus, MC state as part of its Crown Warrant that... “Manākitanga is behaviour that acknowledges the mana of others as having equal or greater importance than one’s own, through the expression of aroha, hospitality, generosity and mutual respect. In doing so, all parties are elevated and our status is enhanced, building unity through humility and the act of giving.” And that’s how we’ll get through this. (EVAN WOODRUFFE/STUDIO ART SUPPLIES)
Repetitive shapes, rough gestures, and gentle blending all jostle towards a chaotic harmony
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ARTS + CULTURE
@ SCOTT LAWRIE GALLERY Jeremy Piert: The Golden Brook
ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA A French afternoon with St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra with virtuoso soloist Andrew Beer and conductor Brent Stewart - Sunday 12 September 2.30pm Your French Afternoon - Tout pour votre plaisir. • Debussy’s ethereal Prélude à “ l’après-midi d’un faune” and his impressionistic Nocturnes • Saint-Saëns’ lyrical Havanaise Opus 83 • Wieniawski’s richly melodic 2nd Violin concerto to be performed by Andrew Beer who is famous for his virtuosity and glorious tone. Born in Vancouver in 1982, soloist Andrew Beer commenced his studies on violin at the age of five. He has performed extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has appeared in concert with Midori and members of the Emerson String Quartet. Andrew plays a J.B. Vuillaume violin from 1845, and uses a J.J. Martin bow from 1880.
Hello everyone, hope you're all staying safe and enjoying yourselves as much as you can during this unexpected lockdown. Alas, it has led to me delaying the opening of Jeremy Piert’s new solo show, 'The Golden Brook' from last week. It will still have a physical viewing when we get to Level 2 (even if it's just for a week or so) so check out website, Instagram and Facebook. But until then, do your thing beautiful Kiwis and show some support for this uber-talented young artist, who is making a real name for himself on both sides of the Tasman. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Jeremy is a consummate painter, and an extremely good draughtsman. It shows in the work. Endearing, playful and elegant – his subject matter in this series consists of birds and animals, painted in an imaginary setting at dusk, within a rich, moody, and magical landscape. This body of work by Jeremy is really an ongoing extension of his last Australian show, which also featured wildlife. They’re not illustrations so much as distinct personalities that occupy a world seemingly devoid of people. Jeremy is quite interested in allowing our deep primal human instincts to connect to these creatures at an observational level – through empathy, humour or joy – but also allow them to ‘stay wild’ in their own way, so we become passive viewers rather than active participants in their lives. These are joyful paintings created to offer us an escape. To new places. Away from old memories. And towards infinite moments of possibility. They are as powerful as they are sublime. And you can see them all (with prices) https:// privateviews.artlogic.net/2/3d5da08ef169de24daa928 in an exclusive online preview. SCOTT LAWRIE GALLERY, 15 Williamson Avenue, T: 021 0826 5633, www.scottlawrie.com
Conductor Brent Stewart Brent has extensive experience performing and touring both nationally and internationally. He has performed as a concerto-soloist (percussion) with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Wellington Youth Orchestra, and the APO and regularly performs with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and New Zealand Opera. St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished group with a stellar reputation. NEW DATE: Saturday 20 November 2021 TICKETS: Eventfinda or door sales Eftpos and cash. Adults $30: Concessions $25, children under 12 free. Student Rush on the day only $15. ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY, corner Wellesley & Hobson Streets, www.smco.org.nz
Sun 12 September at 2.30pm programme
Debussy Prélude à “l’après-midi d’un faune” Saint-Saëns Havanaise Opus 83 Wieniawski Violin Concerto No 2 Op 22 in D mino Debussy Nocturnes (revised version) soloist
Andrew Beer Ken Young
conductor
st matthew-in-the-city Cnr of Wellesley & Hobson Street, Auckland City
72 PONSONBY NEWS+ September 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
HOROSCOPES
HOROSCOPES:
MISS PEARL NECLIS – what your stars hold for September
Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February You have always been able to work well with others and you find that you can make any collaboration work well for you. Instead of rushing to the finish line on your own, you will get points if you all cross together.
Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March Working hard is second nature to you but you have found that you have become obsessed with getting to the end result. You could talk or share any concern you have with your co-workers and you’ll find they are all on board.
Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April You are okay with the idea that you have no leisure time left and you have to get back to some sort of normality but you hate knowing that you can’t be as impulsive anymore. Try and relax back into your routine and everything will fall into place.
Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May You are definitely at home this month in your own skin as your confidence rises allowing you to accomplish those tasks that you have been putting aside lately. Nothing is beyond your reach as you easily balance both sides of your life.
Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June You’re fighting against something that you may never win and for once you are not able to meet any of your obligations. You may have to prioritise a few things in your life but the outcome will be a big surprise.
Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July Sometimes you have to do the things that usually aren’t so important just to maintain a life that gives you all the freedom that you need. Keep your eye on now rather than what is going to come as you can still alter any outcome.
Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August You have been at a crossroads for quite some time now and you are still unsure of which way to go. Don’t fight any obstacles or come up with any excuses. Let yourself be guided and you will discover you’re at a place that is comfortable to you.
Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September Whatever you seem to be doing this month is coming across as new and exciting but in reality you’ve been here before. Relax and just plough full steam ahead with the knowledge that you know exactly what you are doing.
Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October There is no need to keep juggling your life the way you’ve been leading it recently. Now is the time to unravel work related commitments with personal ones and completely separate the two.
Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November You really have this tougher than thou attitude and it’s getting on the nerves of those you shouldn’t really be aggravating. Don’t second guess what’s needed, just go along with the ride.
Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December When you realise there is no way you can avoid what’s coming, you will begin to relax and accept the inevitable. Putting the pieces together as you form this puzzle will become clearer in time.
Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January You have a goal in mind this month and there isn’t anything that will stop you from reaching it. You won’t have to do much to achieve the outcome you desire as you’re firing on all cylinders.
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The Covert Theatre in Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby is NZ’s home of improvised comedy. With workshops and shows every night of the week there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out www.coverttheatre.com
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