PONSONBY NEWS - FEBRUARY’14

+ PUBLISHED 7 FEBRUARY, 2014

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ponsonbynews.co.nz

FEBRUARY 2014

CELEBRATE SUMMER ON JERVOIS ROAD - P40 Tessuti's Harriet Sandstad and Ali McIntosh

PLANNING RETIREMENT - P106 VALENTINE'S DAY TREATS - P110

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH

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P27; David Batten, Arch Hill Residents; Greg Moyle, Waitemata Board; Mike Lee, Councillor Auckland City and Andrew Peacocke, Master Brewer, celebrating the inaugural bottling and release of Arch Hill War Chest Lager community fundraising beer at Governor's Brewery. P145; Grey Lynn Park Festival organisers Roger Bannan, Angela Tui Samoa, Kate Burke, and Roger Bannan.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM THE EDITOR DAVID HARTNELL: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD NIKKI KAYE, AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP AUCKLAND PRIDE FESTIVAL 2014 JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS MIKE LEE JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND U3A PONSONBY

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CELEBRATE SUMMER ON JERVOIS ROAD ANGELA LASSIG: LETTERS FROM MAUDIE FASHION + STYLE EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE LIVING, THINKING + BEING HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY SHEENA SHUVANI: STARDUST ASTROLOGY JOHN APPLETON ON HEALTH

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PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS LOOK WHO IS IN THE ZOO FUTURE GENERATION SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY PLANNING RETIREMENT JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS ARTS + CULTURE OUT & ABOUT PONSONBY PINK PAGES COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael McClintock

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LETTERS + EMAILS

Views in Ponsonby News reflect the author’s, and not those of Alchemy Media. www.twitter.com/Ponsonby_News

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO info@ponsonbynews.co.nz Dens of iniquity in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Freemans Bay For a Christmas present, Sally gave me Scott Bainbridge’s book ‘New Zealand Gangster Killings - The Basset Roads Machine Gun Murders’.

Fifty years ago Auckland had a nightlife that was seedy, colourful and catered for the social needs of many in society. The action took place here. Drink was seen by many as demon and in 1917, 6pm closing was introduced. This was a major victory for the temperance movement and lasted until 1966. I know both my parents voted for 10 o’clock closing. In my mother’s case, part of her reasoning was to keep her sons away from the dens of iniquity as she called the beer houses of the time.

Wellington was a much tamer place than inner city Auckland. The events and characters recorded by Bainbridge are real. These people lived and ran their businesses in our neighbourhoods. Some of them still do and the author enjoyed an afternoon with them drinking red wine and listening to jazz. I would have paid to be part of that afternoon.

These days, celebrities are famous for just existing but these characters did more than that. I am not glorifying criminals, violence or murders but we imprisoned three madams for providing services that are now legal.

Bainbridge records candid interviews with many people including former Police Commissioner, Bob Walton. In 1963, the police did not know what a joint was and thought it may have been a gun. John Banks was the unwitting getaway driver for one of his father’s safe blowing jobs. Billy Farnell explains how Flora Mackenzie got into the business. He talks of Peter Williams QC, the respect and friendship of Ron Jorgensen.

There are interesting facts such as how the machine gun would only fire single shots, John Gillies who pulled the trigger was stoned at the time, murder was not the intention and the act may have been as much about the affections of a woman as it was beer hall competition. It was about men who wished to be hard men and revelled in their notoriety and women who enjoyed their company. There was a relationship between them and the police. A code of honour and understanding existed. As Machinegun Barry Shaw said, “The good times ended with Basset Road. After, that we were all rounded up and sent to the big house. By the time I was released it was a whole new era in crime. Dirtier. It was never the same”.

each time your rubbish gets collected you'll be charged for it. They've yet to figure out the amount but it could be up to $2 per collection per bin! I was shocked that they would do that and said, wouldn't that encourage certain people to dump rubbish on the side of the road or even put rubbish in other peoples' bins?

Plus, they are also looking at providing an additional "organic" bin. I said the streets are blocked up enough with the present system... and what about the big apartment blocks - where will they store their three bins? We already pay a lot of rates for services and I think this is over the top. DC HAMMER, Ponsonby Submissions to the Unitary Plan close 28 February We were are sorry to hear of the bereavement of a close family member of Deirdre Tohill's and understand that the editorial on the Freemans Bay Residents Association needs to be deferred. Would it be possible however to remind readers in the wider area that submissions to the Unitary Plan close 28 February?

For Freemans Bay, the key proposed changes to the Unitary Plan are: 1. Zoning of the Spring Street Pensioner Housing which has changed between the draft plan of March 2013 (mixed housing zone 2-3 stories) and the notified plan (terrace housing and apartment buildings which could be 5-6 stories).

2. Off-street parking: along with other city fringe suburbs, this will change for all new dwellings from requiring a minimum number of off-street parks to no minimum requirements and maximums to be introduced.

Discussions and meetings with interested residents are currently underway on the proposed changes and more information can be found on the Freemans Bay website www.freemansbay.org.nz or through contacting Lynne at lynneb1@xtra.co.nz LYNNE BUTLER, Freemans Bay

Red Yska’s book "All shook Up" about the 1950s youth culture and "New Zealand Gangster Killings - The Basset Road Machine Gun Killings" have had excerpts and comment published in The Listener and in North and South magazines. For Ponsonby people this is a good read and an interesting history of our area.

GERRY HALL, Ponsonby Jim Blackman retires from Face Television, Grey Lynn After some 20 years of involvement in the regional/community television sector in this country I have decided that it's time to retire, effective as of the end of 2013.

I’d like to say a big thanks for your support and assistance over the years. There’s no doubt that together we have achieved a lot of innovative things and hopefully I am leaving with, the New Zealand broadcast landscape a better place than it was before we went to air.

photography: Martin Leach

There’s no doubt it’s been a real roller coaster ride full of challenges, successes and disappointments and doubtless there will be a lot of challenges still ahead - after all that’s the name of this game - but I am confident that Callum MacGilvray, who will be taking over the helm, is well equipped to lead the charge! Callum has been with us since day one and knows the ethos behind the channel, the communities we deal with and of course, our audience. His contact is callum@facetv.co.nz Once again, thanks for your support - it really has been appreciated - and I trust that support for Face Television will continue into the future.

JIM BLACKMAN, Grey Lynn Council plans to charge extra for rubbish collections I rang the Auckland Council the other day to get some bins and they informed me that in 2015 they are looking at charging every household for rubbish collection each week. So

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PONSONBY NEWS (Nielsen Media)

February 2014

Jim Blackman and Callum MacGilvray, the new CEO of Face Television

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FROM THE EDITOR

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Every February we profile Jervois Road as a great shopping and destination precinct.

Many of the businesses on this strip have become friends, like Trent Rule, owner at Momentum Framing Gallery and Trisha Martin, from Pathfinder Books (inner development and well-being). The strip has everything for easy summer living. Summer, of course, especially if you enjoy a Bloody Mary is the best time to grab a sunny outside table in Andiamo in Herne Bay village. So, over summer why not get reacquainted with the nice people and businesses on Jervois Road?

Lest you forget, Valentine’s Day is looming once again on Friday 14 February. This is always the most romantic day of the year, so throughout the issue we have made some suggestions as to how you might show your loved one how much they mean to you. To avoid disappointment, remember to book a favourite restaurant - Sidart is offering lunch and dinner menus for romantic foodies.

Flowers are always a special gift (see Nina & Co’s advertisement on page 147), as is a bottle of your favourite Champagne. Glengarry has one of the best selections and they now have six branches in our hood. Treasure the time together, what ever you do. Jay Platt’s, "Things we can’t live without" this issue is focused on gifts for the one you love.

Anyone make any New Year resolutions? Getting fit and increasing our immunity was one of the team’s shared goals. This month, we include some suggestions.

It’s a sobering thought for many baby boomers that retirement is upon them and for others it is looming. This month we look at some important issues and how best to plan for the future.

We are excited that on Saturday 22 February, Ponsonby Road will be THE PLACE to be when the Auckland Pride Parade with its 40 or more floats kicks off at 7pm. We predict it will be a big success.

The same weekend marks the return of the Heroic Gardening Festival, with some local gardens featured. This worthwhile event is a great fundraiser for Mercy Hospice.

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A word of warning to our readers. Auckland Police believe there is a link between a series of sex assaults in Ponsonby and Freemans Bay. Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Florence says the six attacks took place between November 2012 and November 2013 against women walking alone. It appears at least four of the six assaults might be linked. Mr Florence says there have been some discrepancies in the attacker's description.

However, they're looking at descriptions of a man who is a fair-skinned Maori or Polynesian in his late teens or early 20s.

He's of slight build and comparatively short with noticeably big eyes and short cropped hair.

photography: Michael McClintock

HAPPY NEW YEAR PONSONBY! WHAT A RELAXING BREAK WE’VE ALL ENJOYED. The weather was not totally perfect but just as we started back on Monday 13 January, it started to turn and now summer is well and truly with us!

Diary date; If you are proud of your home grown veggies, why not enter our competition being held at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market - see P12.

Have a great month and enjoy the rest of the summer! (MARTIN LEACH) F PN

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DAVID HARTNELL’S: ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW Grant Bridger is an iconic Kiwi actor and longtime resident of Grey Lynn.

What was your childhood like?

Dysfunctionally normal. My parents were alcoholics and often beat the hell out of each other. I would run away from home in the middle of the night around the corner to a friend’s and top and tail of the night. But there were many good times. Lots of music.

Ever written a fan letter to someone?

Yes - to David Lange and Sting.

Most annoying celebrity today?

Paul Henry - but credit where due, he’s not afraid to call a shovel a spade.

What kind of drunk are you?

Intermittent.

How would you like to be remembered?

For entertaining people as a singer/actor and person who contributed positively to life.

That I gave them pleasure.

Something that you disapprove of?

Animal testing.

Your most treasured possession?

My dog Zipa.

What were you teased about as a child?

My big ears. I was on the three metre diving board once at a Hastings Swimming Carnival and someone yelled from the grandstand "flap your ears Dumbo - you’ll fly."

Collect anything?

Occasionally my thoughts.

Hangover cure?

Don’t drink to excess the night before.

Favourite movie?

I was charmed by The Best Little Marigold Hotel and the Incredible Lightness of Being.

Give your teenaged self advice?

Cut yourself some slack! And now I understand the term "youth is wasted on the young."

But most of all "love yourself and love everyone else as if they are yourself" so look at the way we are treating ourselves on this planet - and the planet itself!

Insecure about?

Premature ejaculation

A perfect night out?

A night at a great musical, play or concert. Nice to be on the other side of the curtain and watch others work.

Favourite hero of fiction?

Rupert Bear.

Do you ever detox?

Yes, I have done a few inner cleansing fasts at Aio Wira Yoga Centre in the Waitakeres.

Best thing about your life right now?

That I can still get myself out of bed, walk on a beach, sing, and pretty much do what I please given pensioner budget restrictions, but LOVE that Gold Card!

Describe your own mind?

Busy as a drunken monkey swinging from branch to branch. Meditation helps.

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

Produce the stage musical I wrote with friend my Matthew Brown set in a pet shop.

PETTY CRIME. We will get it on sometime. It is my legacy!

What motivates you?

As Noel Coward said - "Life’s for living! Well - there’s not much else you can do with it is there!"

What happens when we die?

I have long been associated with some excellent friends who have also been mediums or channels as is the more now terminology. So I have come to understand that we are much more than our bodies and I believe there are infinite realms of existence and you can only resonate to your appropriate vibration at the time of transitioning. Life goes on after death; of this I am more than sure from the years of questions and answers. It’s a subject that fascinates me. I was once told ‘You go through many more major changes in life than the mere transition of death.

Believe in ghosts?

Ghosts to me are people who have passed on but may not realise it or accept it or have strong attachments to the physical world. Unfinished business perhaps! Angels - yes another form of life perhaps - very evolved servants of life. Vampires - possibly; but then again anything is possible. The entertainment world have certainly made the most of the concept.

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Favourite website?

A site called NATURAL NEWS which has links to all sorts of alternative media. Mainstream corporate media is controlled by greedy dark intending puppeteers with agendas which do not hold "the greater good of all" at their core.

Handshake or a hug person?

Always go for what seems appropriate at the time and I think I have a reasonable instinct for another’s comfort zone/personal space and what their response to me is. But I will always opt for a hug if it’s going. Guess I fall into the "huggy" category.

Recurring dreams?

Turning up to do a play or musical and they are doing one I don’t know and haven’t rehearsed but I have to go on anyway.

Guest list for a dinner party?

Couple of best friends and say, Barbra Streisand, Magician Dynamo, Obama, John Key and Russell Norman (for fun) oh, and David Hartnell to have a good gossip about it afterwards.

Any party tricks?

Used to be taking my pants off, never failed.

(DAVID HARTNELL) F PN

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SHALE CHAMBERS: WAITEMATA LOCAL BOARD REPORT AUCKLAND IS INDEED A GREAT PLACE to live in summer. Summer holidays are over for most of us, and our children back in school. However, the outdoors and all it has to offer Auckland continues to beckon. Waitemata Local Board is working on our next three year local board plan.

In the new Super City established in 2010 local boards were allocated responsibility for decision making on local matters, specifically for local parks, events, arts and recreational services and facilities, community facilities, libraries, and environmental management. In addition local boards have local place making and shaping responsibilities, and local leadership, which necessitate active involvement in wider transport and heritage, urban design and planning issues affecting the local level.

We realised early on that the vision and plans for our communities at the local level needed to be incorporated into our Local Board Plan; the three year plus plan for our communities developed very early in that first term.

If you wished to see your vision and plans for your community in the Auckland Council Long Term Plan and then Annual Plans, then we as a local board needed to share our vision and incorporate your ideas into our three year Local Board Plan. It wouldn’t make the cut in any Auckland Council overall plan or budget otherwise.

We developed our vision and priorities for our city and our local board area.

• A distinctive, high quality built environment that embraces its heritage.

• Connected, healthy transport options • Strong vibrant, engaged communities • Places for people • An innovative economic hub

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• Respecting and enhancing natural environments These priorities stood the test of time and the board's last term of council worked hard to turn the priorities into actions on the ground; helping to realise Auckland’s goal as the world’s most liveable city. The new plan for the 2014-17 period will be based on a number of similar priorities areas developed in consultation with you based on delivering tangible improvements for our community.

We will want to know what is important to you. We will be hosting a number of public meetings on the plan, with your local one at 1.30pm, Saturday 1 March at Grey Lynn Community Centre.

This term of council, the Waitemata area is blessed with a number of new residents groups, who we as local representatives relish the opportunity of working alongside to help shape our community’s future. In fact, every suburb within the Waitemata Local Board area now has a local group; quite an acknowledgement of an active, engaged community. We are really lucky that locals give their time and energy into advocating for a better community and city, and following this up with actions!

Freemans Bay Residents’ Association is the latest residents group to form, and we welcome them to a rich group. Each organisation has a different original reason for forming, but all are led by motivated local good citizens, who wish to see their local community a better place to live. The groups range from the long-established St Mary’s Bay Association; my local group, Parnell Community Committee, the city centre’s CBD Residents’ Advisory Group, Herne Bay Residents Association and the Grafton Residents Association; all with long track records of strong advocacy for their communities and much respect. Several other residents’

groups have formed since the Super City and this local board was established, and are fast developing a strong track record for their work; Arch Hill Residents’ Association, Grey Lynn Residents’ Association, Western Bays Community Group, Westmere Heritage Protection Association, Newton Residents and Business, and Newmarket Community Association.

The Local Board Plan offers an additional opportunity to these groups to help identify and prioritise projects important to each community. If you wish for assistance in making contact with your local residents group, contact the local board office, and our ever helpful staff will put you in contact with the right person.

Auckland Pride Festival is returning 6-23 February, with Ponsonby Road once again set to host a parade at the later time of 7pm on Saturday 22 February. Last year was fantastic, and we can expect no less colour, sequins, dance, drag queens, toned bodies, and a celebration of diversity and life.

Music in Parks is back this summer, bringing Aucklanders free music and good times for the 21st year in a row right through to 23 March. Showcasing some of New Zealand’s finest home-grown talent through a rich mix of rock, pop, jazz, blues, opera and more, there’s something for all music lovers. The Auckland favourite, the Lantern Festival is again at Albert Park and Queens Wharf 13-16 February with marvellous Chinese eating offerings and performances. Enjoy summer.

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

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LOCAL NEWS ICONIC LOCAL TREE SURVIVES SEVERE PRUNING A beautiful old macrocarpa tree at Kelmarna Gardens in Herne Bay, has been the cause of much concern in recent times.

The lovely old tree split right down the middle and arborists were called in to investigate.

Neither the Framework Trust which runs the gardens, nor the Kelmarna Trust, wanted the tree cut down, but there were concerns over safety to workers at the gardens so something had to be done.

This location was the former Catholic church farm where nuns used to milk cows under the shade of this old macrocarpa and other trees. A book is currently being written about the location’s history. Ross Kesby, Programme Coordinator for Framework told Ponsonby News that there used to be lots of large trees in the neighbourhood, including a grove of large flowering gums which attracted honey bees. Development has wiped out all these trees, negatively affecting the biodiversity of the area.

The final decision on the old macrocarpa was to severely prune it. It doesn’t look too flash, a bit lopsided now, but at least a good, large part of it has been retained, and no one need feel worried that it may descend on them while they work in the garden.

If it had not been for the care and concern for the environment that motivates those who run, and work at Kelmarna Gardens, this tree would have joined the thousands of others who have met their demise in urban Auckland.

Macrocarpa is not a native. It is of the pine family, excellent for building timber, but it fulfils all the other criteria of a large urban tree - it attracts birds and bees, it is a good carbon sink, it provides shade, and it gives visual pleasure. It was worth saving. F PN (JOHN ELLIOTT)

LOCALS IN THE NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST Six locals (and businesses) received honours in the 2014 list. They are as follows: Trelise Cooper, MNZM, for services to fashion and the community.

Alastair Carruthers, CNZM, for services to arts governance.

The severely pruned macrocarpa tree was taken from the paddock behind Kelmarna Gardens.

ARNIE SOFA The ARNIE Sofa is a great new slim arm sofa ideal for making the most of your seating area in either a commercial or residential setting.

It is tailor-made in New Zealand in your choice of fabric or leather, and available to view in-store at TRENZSEATER, 80 Parnell Road, or online at www.trenzseater.com F PN

Karen Walker, MNZM, for services to fashion design.

Francis Hooper, MNZM, for services to fashion design.

Alan Sorrell, MNZM, for services to film William Smale, QSO, For services to education.

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LOCAL NEWS DEVELOPING A NEW PARK FOR PONSONBY Members of the Western Bays Community Group made a formal presentation to the Waitemata Local Board meeting on 10 December.

We updated board members on our efforts to publicise the need for the entire Nosh site at 254 Ponsonby Road to be developed as a community park. We highlighted the launch and positive response to our petition and the establishment of our Facebook page.

Elected members were interested in our views that included: • Ponsonby needs more public space.

• The council had the foresight to secure this valuable property for a community park and already owns the land.

• Budgetary constraints prevent council from buying additional land and this will only worsen as land becomes increasingly unaffordable.

• The proposed and present intensification of Ponsonby will increase the demand for additional green-space and community facilities.

• With intensification come more families and more children needing somewhere to play.

• Creating a multi-purpose space that appeals to multi-users is too good an opportunity to miss.

• A modular approach combining many different use areas suits the dimensions of the long site.

• The park’s development can be rolled out over an extended time frame and does not need to be funded immediately by the partial sale of the existing asset.

• The site is ideal being near the middle of Ponsonby and it is the heart of both residential and school areas.

• The site is sunny, sheltered and secure and enjoys an interactive street frontage.

• A meeting of residents from both O’Neill and Tole Streets has occurred, with 16 residents attending. The majority of whom are supportive of the whole-of-site park development.

• The site will also provide for a civil defence gathering point.

Our submission was well received and echoed many of the statements made earlier by the board with regard to Gladstone Park. We were heartened by Chair Shale Chambers comment that he “questions the basis for any transfer of open land from the community” while Councillor Greg Moyle noted, “we have so little open space - we want more, not less.”

Our short power point presentation showing working examples of the many and varied facilities the park will be able to offer the local community was then made. This was followed by questions from board members and concluded with an agreement by our group to work constructively with the board on defining two possible proposals for the site to take back to the community for further consultation.

We were also advised that the Ponsonby Park site has been "decoupled" from the Ponsonby Road Masterplan. This is due to the degree of community interest in the park’s development, making it deserving of its own focus and specific consideration.

Please feel free to add your own ideas to the Facebook page as Ponsonby Park is for the whole community. You can see some of the ideas we put forward to the board.

PN www.facebook.com/PonsonbyPark (JENNIFER WARD) F

• Our community group has initiated a petition to demonstrate the support and desire for the park within the community.

INNER CITY BEACH APPEARS ON EDGE OF VIADUCT BASIN A carpeted promenade, inner city beach and outdoor decks are all being trialled as part of efforts to transform a public space on Auckland’s waterfront this summer.

Waitemata Plaza is a 450m2 space overlooking the Viaduct Harbour nestled on Customs Street West. Originally conceived as an event space, Waitemata Plaza was first opened for the America’s Cup defence in 2000 and is now about to undergo a renewal to make it more hospitable for visitors to the space.

As part of a new user led approach, council organisation Waterfront Auckland is trialling a series of different urban design applications to test a range of design responses to engage with users and stakeholders to the space. The first installation featured a 60-metre long synthetic terra cotta turf promenade followed last month by a 235 square metre sand pit complete with beach umbrellas and a 200 square metre deck with potted pohutakawa and palm trees to provide a late summer rest spot for passersby.

General Manager of Development for Waterfront Auckland Rod Marler, says whilst it is a relatively small project in the scheme of things, the approach taken holds so much potential for the future. “As a consultation focused organisation, we aim to deliver places on Auckland’s waterfront that are designed around people and users of the spaces.

With Waitemata Plaza we’re taking this to the next level with a bit of experimentation and

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getting feedback at the start of the project. We see great potential in this approach as we look to start planning for the 2.4 ha designated parkland space on Wynyard Point, where the tank farm current stands.”

The Waitemata Plaza design trials are expected to be completed by March and a design concept will be chosen shortly after once public feedback is considered. F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP

Auckland Central’s diverse communities stepping up to make a difference OVER THE LAST MONTH WHILE PARLIAMENT HAS BEEN in recess my electorate office has been very busy.

While Parliament is in recess is always a time when I get the opportunity to reflect more on local issues that have been resolved or are on the horizon. I never fail to be amazed by the wide variety of queries or local issues that people need help with or want resolved. The recent boundary change process is tough because the Auckland Central electorate under electoral law needs to lose at least 10,000 people. The representation commission have a hard job given there are so many important communities of interest with heart making a contribution to our city. Part of the privilege as a local MP is that I get to see the best of these diverse communities stepping up to make a difference.

In Ponsonby in February we will welcome the return of the Pride Festival and parade to Auckland. Many of the festival events are local and last year the Western Bays community showed strong support for the parade. The Pride festival provides what I hope is an enduring platform for communities across Auckland to celebrate the GLBTI community. I feel very privileged to have been involved with the return of the parade, and it’s superb to see the festival growing in strength each year. The parade enables Aucklanders to see the heart and diversity of the GLBTI community. In Grey Lynn the community response to the recent fire at Richmond Road School has been nothing short of outstanding. I would like to thank the local fire fighters who responded very quickly to the fire early last month. It was contained to one classroom, with several others being smoke damaged.

On the day that it happened I met with Principal Stephanie Anich and Ministry of Education officials to work through plans to ensure that there are facilities ready for students on their return to school. I can confirm that there will be four

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temporary re-locatable classrooms onsite to accommodate students and teachers before the start of the school term.

Stephanie Anich is leaving Richmond Road School, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank her for her dedication and contribution to the school.

On Waiheke Island I recently took part in this year’s Wharf to Wharf run. This event is an annual event that raises funds for the Waiheke community. I ran the race to help raise money for the Jassy Dean Trust, who have been helping support sick children and their families on the island for nearly 20 years. I have been involved in a number of cases with local children where I have seen first-hand the community help support families. Waiheke continues to go from strength to strength as a major international destination. Part of my month is often devoted to issues of local transport an tourism infrastructure as the island now has hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Auckland is a water city and as the number of tourists and population grows we must continue to invest in ferry operations and infrastructure.

2014 looks set to be a big year for Auckland Central, and I look forward to progressing several significant projects for the electorate. Consultation on my proposal to establish a conservation park on Great Barrier Island is underway, and public hearings are planned over the next few months. Following the consideration of submissions and the hearings it’s expected the Minister of Conservation will make a final decision in the middle of the year. It would be fantastic to see the status of the conservation land upgraded on the island - not only will it ensure greater management and protection for the island it will also unlock a wider range of tourism opportunities for the community. In the CBD I am also continuing to work closely with my colleagues and affected residents

and organisations on progressing the City Rail Link project following its green light last year. Given the extensive development plans proposed for our waterfront space this crucial link in our transport network is becoming even more important, as is the second harbour crossing. Some constituents have raised recent issues with the Auckland Council and the need for greater fiscal responsibility and auditing processes within the council. I am concerned about the need for greater scrutiny and transparency of some of the council’s processes and the need to keep debt under control. I hope to update you in the next couple of months on how we may improve this situation.

The Government will continue our work on addressing housing affordability and supply in Auckland with the Auckland Council. Already two batches of special housing areas have been announced, that will see 15,500 new houses consented for. This has been achieved in just a few months, and is well on track to achieving the goal of consenting an additional 39,000 houses over the next three years. Our economy is also showing positive signs, with 3.5% growth to kick off the year and business confidence up. It’s great to see local retailers are reporting growth and feeling more confident about the year ahead. There is a lot to look forward to in 2014.

Some of the progress will come from the Government and the council working on projects to progress Auckland.

However, we must always recognise the local contributions made by people across the diverse communities of Auckland Central. (NIKKI KAYE) F PN

HON NIKKI KAYE, MP for Auckland Central www.nikkikaye.co.nz

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS AUCKLAND PRIDE FESTIVAL 2014 Q&A Name: DAVID COLTMAN St Mary’s Bay resident and Ponsonby News reader since: As long as I can remember!

What is your role within Auckland Pride Festival 2014?

I am the co-chair of the trust that puts on the Auckland Pride Festival and Parade.

How did you become involved in the festival?

Last year I volunteered to help with the parade at the last minute. I had such a great time (seriously!) that I offered to help out the trust in any capacity they could see fit.

What aspects of the festival are you focusing on this year?

Providing support to the Parade Coordinator Richard Taki who I remember stopping traffic outside Surrender Dorothy’s on a weekly basis in days gone by, making sure our Festival Director Julian Cook stays (relatively) sane, and working with the trust board to ensure that the festival is sustainable and continues to meet the expectations of the communities we serve.

Give us your top 5 Pride events for 2014 (in no particular, order of course!)

The Pride Parade, The Pride Gala, PROUD - definitely the party of the year, NXT14 Youth Leaders Conference which has been made possible by the incredible support of the US Embassy, and as many of the Bear NZ Week events as my stamina can stand.

Come Pride Parade day - where will you be and what will you be doing?

I hope to be at the GABA Glamzone, making a lot of noise.

What are you most proud about?

An amazing relationship with an amazing man. Very proud of that.

What is your day job?

I am the Executive Director, Student and Community Engagement at Unitec Institute of Technology. A big title for a little man. I get to work with teams that support students studying at Unitec - from application to graduation, health and well-being, learning support, accommodation, recruitment, that sort of thing.

I am also incredibly proud that Unitec has come on board as a sponsor of the festival this year and, for the record, I wasn’t involved in that decision!

If you could only wear one colour within the rainbow flag what would it be and why?

Blue. That and black are about the only "colours" in my wardrobe.

If you could have your own Pride Parade float with any celebrity in the world (dead or alive) with you... who would you choose?

Grace Jones

How do you keep stress-free leading up to parade day?

Gratuitous and spontaneous laughter. Denial. Pacing up and down Ponsonby Road.

What would be your floats theme song?

Either La Vie en Rose or Slave to the Rhythm. If Grace was busy I would go for a wee retro number, Good Life by Inner City. Well life ain’t all bad is it?

What is your top tip for all the Pride Parade spectators?

Have fun, make some noise and let those in the parade know you are having fun.

Random acts of kindness to strangers go a long way too. F PN

Name: RICHARD TAKI Ponsonby resident Ponsonby News reader since: 1989

If you could have your own Pride Parade float with any celebrity in the world (dead or alive) with you... who would you choose?

Would definitely be Patti Labelle, her work for gay rights and the fight against HIV/AIDS is inspiring, a true DIVA.

What is your role within Auckland Pride Festival 2014?

I am the parade director and my job is to facilitate our rainbow communities, businesses and supporters ensuring they can participate in this great event.

I also coordinate the complex logistics of putting together a parade of this size safely.

What can people expect from this year’s Pride Parade?

A real sense of our rainbow history. Our theme is TIME and I’ve asked all our participants to embrace this theme. Plus, given our location in the world, I’ve asked our entries to celebrate the Pacific and I’m very excited about our first youth focused Pasefika float.

We also have some very large and colourful floats, did I say Rocket? Time does allow us to look into our rainbow future and some of the concepts that have been put forward are going to be amazing, vintage ambulance anyone?

Have you ever walked in a parade (here or abroad) before?

Yes, I’ve walked in many parades in New Zealand, I was once the Frog Prince in the Santa Parade, my alter ego Bumpa Love was also in the previous Hero Parade. I’ve also been a part of Mardi Gras in Sydney and Pride in Melbourne. The pride parade is such an important event not just here but around the world. Just the other day persecution of gay men was in the headlines, we must stand up, be counted and be proud of who we are.

What’s your favourite Pride Parade memory from years past?

The faces of everyone watching, there is so much aroha and support from people and that sense of appreciation is catchy, it makes the walk seem like 100 metres instead of almost 2km!

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What would be your float's theme song?

Patti Labelle singing "Somewhere over the Rainbow" - her live recording.

It’s the morning of the Pride Parade what’s the first thing you do?

If I manage to get any sleep! Kiss my husband good morning and get to work!

When the last float hits Three Lamps - how will you be celebrating a job well done?

Hugs and kisses with my amazing volunteer team.

When you’re not the Pride Parade Co-ordinator, what are you doing?

I perform as Bumpa Love in Australia and work on projects for the Victorian College of the Arts - contemporary dance, theatre and production. I also volunteer with Melbourne’s gay rugby team the Melbourne Charges, plus with Positive Living Victoria and the Victorian AIDS Council, lending my events, sponsorship and performance skills.

What is your top tip for all the Pride Parade spectators?

Clap and cheer till you lose your voice!

Make Saturday 22 February a PRIDE NIGHT - head along to the Pride Parade on Ponsonby Rd at the new time of 7pm and then roll down College Hill and straight into the official closing party for the festival, PROUD, at Victoria Park Market.

Head to www.aucklandpridefestival.org.nz for booking info and the full list of all Auckland Pride Festival 2014 events. F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY PRIDE! This 7-23 February the Auckland Pride Festival takes over the city - with Ponsonby being a hot Pride spot over the two weeks.

Below is a list of events you can check out around the Ponsonby area. To find out about all of the events happening this Auckland Pride head to: www.aucklandpridefestival.org.nz Pulseart Lesbian Art Exhibition Silver Project Room, Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road Tuesday 11-Tuesday 18

Alternative Bindings Poetry Meet Leys Institute Library, St Mary’s Bay Road Monday 10, 6.30pm

Auckland Pride Parade Ponsonby Road Saturday 22, 7pm-9pm

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Artspace, Ponsonby Road Thursday 13-Saturday 15

Pride Tennis Tournament West End Tennis Club, Westmere Friday 14, 6pm

GABA GlamZone Western Park Saturday 22, 4pm-10pm

Lesbian Heritage Walk Ponsonby Road/Collingwood Street Saturday 8, 3pm

Mother vs. Daughter Drag Comp Poof Bar, 212 Ponsonby Road Saturday 15, 9pm

PROUD Victoria Park Market Complex Saturday 22, 9pm-4am

Auckland Cycle Pride Auckland Domain to Coyle Park Sunday 9, 11am-2pm

Male Sexualities and the Bear Community NZAF, 35 Hargreaves Street, St Mary’s Bay Tuesday 18, 5pm-7pm

DOTS AND FAMILY BAR

photography: Michael McClintock

NEW ZEALAND CAMPAIGN FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

SCENES FROM LAST YEAR'S AUCKLAND PRIDE FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 2013 ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

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LOCAL NEWS THE SECRET’S OUT! Westmere has been enjoying Garnet Station gourmet wood fired pizzas for three months so it’s about time the secret was leaked to the rest of the Western Bays.

Everyone loves having a local to stroll to; parents come at 5pm for a relaxed early tea with the kids, friends meet for a catch up cocktail at dusk, dog walkers watch the sunset with a beer in hand while waiting for their takeaway pizza, groups gather for tapas platters in the lounge, and couples slip into the back dining room for an intimate meal.

There’s plenty of space inside and out for everyone, but if you want to come on a Friday night you'd best book!

Verity and Lisa are out and proud, and big supporters of the arts so it’s no surprise that from 12-23 February Garnet Station is calling itself the Pride Lounge for Queer@ TAPAC. There are three shows in the TAPAC Pride Festival season: Mumbai Monologues, Queen, and Songs for Guy. The 100-seat Western Springs theatre is just around the corner from Garnet Station so a pre-show pizza and bubbles or a post-show dessert is easily doable.

You can hear interviews with the cast of Queer@TAPAC on Garnet Station’s Internet radio as well as personal trainer tips on how to keep fit for Pride, good clean-the-house DJ music, and stories from the queer community.

If you have a smart phone download the Garnet Station App to listen (and for the digital PN loyalty card) or go to their website. Open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday. F www.tapac.org.nz GARNET STATION (PRIDE LOUNGE), 85 Garnet Road T: 09 360 3397 www.garnetstation.com

LUCIEN OLLIVIER, MR BEAR NEW ZEALAND 2013 - URGE BAR

THE BEARS!

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JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS

The Volatile Political World - What does 2014 offer in New Zealand 2014 IS ELECTION YEAR IN NEW ZEALAND. DON’T THEY come around quickly! And a large number of New Zealanders just don’t care. They are disillusioned with politics, and don’t believe it matters a damn whether they vote or not. No elected politician will listen to any of their concerns anyway, they feel. Even more cynical is the belief that politicians will say almost anything to get elected, but do whatever they please once they have been elected.

Having said that, New Zealanders are by-and-large, a fair-minded lot, and usually give governments a second bite of the cherry. There have been only two one term governments in New Zealand in the last 75 years (Labour 1957-1960, chucked out after the infamous Nordmeyer black budget, and Labour 1972-1975, during which term Labour lost charismatic leader Norman Kirk, and fell to National and Rob Muldoon partly because of the ineffectual leadership of Kirk successor, Bill Rowling.)

An old cabinet minister I knew had a throw away line.

"A politician is someone who shakes your hand before the election, and your confidence after it."

But two term governments are vulnerable, including the current National-led coalition.The big question this year is can National win a third term, cobbled together with a motley assembly of MMP partners (think Dot.com, think Colin Craig, think a mooted new Neo-liberal party, and of course usual suspects Peter Dunne, Act, "who are they" new voters may ask! Maori Party - if they hold any seats after Pita Sharples’ retirement), or succumb to a Labour-Green coalition. Currently National is way in the lead as the most popular party, and John Key is first with the rest nowhere as preferred Prime Minister, but MMP is an interesting creature, and it will be the combined vote of Labour and Green, versus National and whoever wins seats on the right of the political spectrum which will win the day.

Before looking at possibilities for the general election late this year (probably November), I’d like to address the question of the length of the parliamentary term. New Zealand, along with Australia, has one of the shortest terms in the western world - just three years. Britain, from whom we inherited the Westminster system, has a five year term, but governments can seek to dissolve parliament and go to the people at an earlier date to suit them. They mostly wait until pretty near the end of the five year time frame. We have had referendums in the past and New Zealanders have opted to stay with the three year term.

I think we should be looking to extend it to four years.

A three year term in practice means not too much legislation in the first year, (it takes time to draft bills and get them through select committees), flat out legislation in the middle year, and NTY (not this year) for anything slightly controversial in the third, or next, election year.

However, those who like the current government, would like a 10 year term, and for those who hate it, one year is far too long. It’s the political stability that is the issue, while giving a newly elected government a bit longer to achieve their goals.

Not so far mentioned, but never to be dismissed, is NZ First and Winston Peters. The perennial question - if he gets back, which way will he jump?

A week is a long time in politics. A year is an eternity.

Predictions this far out are either brave or foolhardy.

You take your pick, because I’m about to make just such a prediction.

I think it will be close - as 2008 was - where Labour just won a third term by holding out National and Don Brash.

But this time I predict it will go the other way and National will lose. Despite still riding high in the polls, National and John Key are vulnerable on a number of fronts.

Yes, they said before the last election they would sell state assets, but the public, when they got to think about it, didn’t like the idea, voting by a resounding margin in recent polls that they didn’t approve. The sale to so-called mum and dad investors resulted in fewer than one hundred thousand such people taking up shares in the most recent offering, further widening the inequality gap which should hurt National next election.

There are other policies which should affect National -deep sea oil exploration, the fish hooks in the TPP trade deal, the GCSB debacle, cuts to DOC, mining policies - including lignite in Southland which is regarded as the dirtiest coal, policies around tax, the pension age, capital gains tax, overseas land purchases.

This is quite a list, but unless new Labour leader, David Cunliffe hits his straps to take advantage of these potential weaknesses in National’s armoury, the centre -left coalition won’t win. Fortunately, the other leader on the left, Russel Norman of the Greens, has become a powerful force. He is regularly rated one of parliaments, best performers, and strikes fear into the hearts of dyed -in-the-wool right wingers. In a recent interview John Key said he was the politician he feared most.

The most compelling issue this year should be how each party will address the growing inequality gap. New Zealand has the biggest gap between the top 20% and the bottom 20%, of any OECD country except the USA. This is a disgrace. No country which values equality of opportunity, social justice, and a fair society, should allow the levels of inequality which we are now forced to tolerate in New Zealand.

Let’s hope the election this year will feature robust debate on real issues, and not descend to personal vindictiveness and trivia. New Zealand is at an important PN crossroads. (JOHN ELLIOTT) F

NEW BEEHIVE HOME FOR NIKKI KAYE MP for Auckland Central, Hon Nikki Kaye, has moved to a new office in the Beehive as a result of a minor cabinet reshuffle of Ministers of Parliament announced by the Prime Minister on 21 January.

Hon Chris Tremain, who had already announced his decision to step down at this year’s election, resigned from the Ministry. This lead to the appointment of another Auckland MP - Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga - as a Minister outside of Cabinet, with Hon Nikki Kaye moving from number 20 to 19 within Cabinet.

There has been no change in portfolios for Nikki – she remains Minister of Food Safety, Civil Defence, Youth Affairs and Associate Minister of Education and Immigration. But it did mean a shift for the MP, from Bowen House offices to the 4th floor of the Beehive.

She shares the floor with Hon Craig Foss, Hon Amy Adams, Hon Maurice Williamson, Hon Simon Bridges and Hon Nathan Guy. Nikki says, “It’s wonderful to be in the Beehive, and closer to my Cabinet colleagues particularly when I am advocating late into the evening on important Auckland issues - like the CRL (City Rail Link), or improving Auckland housing...Given the large number of issues and events happening in Auckland I’m also really fortunate to have one of my electorate staff based in my Wellington office.”

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It seems there is an opportunity for our neighbourhood to be further represented in the Beehive. “I am looking for some good artwork of the electorate for my office,” Nikki told Ponsonby News. “I am very proud to be the MP for Auckland Central, and I want visitors PN to parliament to see how beautiful our electorate is.” F

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARCH HILL WAR CHEST LAGER NOW AVAILABLE! Every bottle gives the residents money for their Bunnings ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL FEES get those orders in - details on the order form.

L-R; David Batten, Arch Hill Residents; Deborah Yates, Waitemata Board; Pippa Coom, Waitemata Board; Vernon Tava, Waitemata Board; Bernard, Governor's Brewery; Shale Chambers, Chair Waitemata Board; Greg Moyle, Waitemata Board; Mike Lee, Councillor Auckland City and Andrew Peacocke, Master Brewer celebrating the inaugural bottling and release of Arch Hill War Chest Lager community fundraising beer at Governor's Brewery in Arch Hill.

ARCH HILL RESIDENTS INCORPORATED (SOCIETY) OFF TO THE ENVIRONMENT COURT IN CONSULTATION WITH THEIR LEGAL TEAM AND OTHERS EXPERT IN THESE MATTERS Arch Hill residents have decided to file an appeal to the Environment Court with regard to the application giving Bunnings consent to construct a "Big Box" format store at 272- 276, 300-302 Great North Road in Arch Hill 1021, Auckland Central. Concerns that residents put to the independent commissioners in the first round consent hearing remain valid and were not been addressed in the decision. The residents group therefore have no option but to exercise their right of appeal.

The application by its very definition was non-compliant within the definition of the "Mixed Use Zone" under the current Unitary Plan template yet Bunnings were able, through mitigation, to convince the commissioners otherwise. The considerable change in council planning officers’ position referencing amenity value effect was not reflected

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in the judgement and is just one detail that seems symptomatic of the Commissioner’s response to community submissions, a conclusion reached after reviewing a number of consent decisions involving the same applicant. Through this process, the residents have found a profound sense of community, hidden depths of talent and so-far nigh on $50,000 which they have spent opposing something, that given proper and fair processes, they should not have to.

Meanwhile, the fight and fundraising continue. The Arch Hill "War Chest Lager" is a guest tap beer at iconic Galbraiths Ale House in Mt Eden Road and is soon to be followed by the bottled version. Made right here in Arch Hill by master brewer Andrew Peacocke, this lager could be your drink of choice over these warm summer months. Enjoy in the knowledge that your purchase will improve the health of our residents fighting fund. F PN

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LOCAL NEWS BUSINESS URGED TO SUBMIT ON PLANS FOR ‘SHAPING A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CITY’ A new guide on what the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan does to support longer-term economic growth has been released to help businesses understand and submit on the rules that will affect them the most.

The guide, titled ‘Shaping a business-friendly city’, identifies strong centres, new business land and better transport links as essential for Auckland’s growth.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says it is important businesses have their say on the proposed plan.

CBD PARKS ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC IN PARKS Parks across Auckland’s CBD will be alive with the music of Auckland Council Music in Parks and the silver screen showings for Movies in Parks this summer.

These events are part of Auckland Council’s Music and Movies in Parks’ fantastic line up of free outdoor entertainment.

Cr Alf Filipaina, Chair Arts, Culture and Events Committee says that these events are a great chance to enjoy Auckland’s CBD during the summer.

“The CBD is not just about stores and universities, there are some great parks in our central suburbs, which are perfect for these types of events,” he says.

Filipaina continues, “No matter what part of Auckland you are from, why not grab the whanau and head in to the city and make a day of it.”

Music and Movies in Parks runs until Saturday 22 March 2014 and features more than 70 musical acts and 18 movies in parks across Auckland.

A full listing of events across Auckland can be found online at: Movies in Parks www.moviesinparks.co.nz Music in Parks www.musicinparks.co.nz Auckland CBD specific events: Auckland Domain Band Rotunda Auckland Jazz Orchestra & Spiral Sunday 9 February, 2pm - 5pm

“This document summarises the key aspects relevant to businesses. That includes enabling business clustering, and the innovation that comes with it, safeguarding existing business land and securing new land for business growth. It also looks at how more compact and high-quality centres across Auckland will help to create public transport and infrastructure investment more viable, make businesses more accessible to staff and customers and help create a city where skilled young people choose to live and work ahead of competitor cities overseas,” she says.

Economic growth is a major part of Auckland’s vision to become the world’s most liveable city. The Unitary Plan, as the rulebook that will shape how Auckland grows, has an important role to play in enabling that growth.

The plan proposes more consistent planning rules across Auckland, providing businesses and developers with greater certainty as well as smarter digital tools that are faster to use.

The report also highlights the range of ways that creating a more compact, vibrant, efficient and attractive Auckland can enable economic growth, such as: • • • • • • • • •

Productivity and innovation driven by clustering and agglomeration A place where talented young people choose to stay, live and work Hubs that make public transport and other infrastructure investment more viable Coordinated infrastructure investment to support areas of growth Safeguarding environment and heritage as part of Auckland’s point of difference in the world Safeguarding existing business land and opening up new areas Businesses closer or more accessible to their customers and employees Transport links that help supply chain efficiency Centres and business areas that attract new and continued investment

Submissions on the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan are open until 28 February. The council is urging businesses to have their say on the parts of the plan they support as well as those they want to change.

PN The report is available on the council website www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz F

Auckland Domain Wintergardens Tom Rodwell and Storehouse & The Coco Davis Band Sunday 2 March, 3pm - 6pm Beyondsemble, The Pipi Pickers & Steven Nai Sunday 9 March, 3pm - 6pm Grey Lynn Park (MOVIE) Eagle vs Shark Saturday 25 January, 6.30pm - 10pm (approximately) Movie starts around 8.30pm Gunslingers Ball presents; Eb & Sparrow, The Broadsides, Tattletale Saints, Tami Neilson, Ten String Symphony Sunday 23 February, 3pm - 7pm F PN

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MIKE LEE

Time to end the undeclared ‘civil war’ between motorists and cyclists The terrible accident in which 37 year old cyclist John Tangiia was killed by a truck at the Parnell Rise, Stanley Street intersection early in January put the issue of cycling safety squarely back on the agenda. Mr Tangiia’s was the eighth death from cycling in Auckland in the last five years.

Ironically the year 2013 ended on a something of a high for cycling in Auckland.

At the last meeting of the Council before Christmas - we resolved to proceed to the next stage of developing the exciting Auckland Harbour Bridge walking and cycling project - SkyPath. Apart from the awful family tragedy - the recent accident has had a depressing effect on everyone involved in cycling in Auckland - myself as well.

unhelpful comments by transport officials who should know better but still don’t get it.

There is no need for a blame game here. The fact is public transport isn’t the only mode that has suffered from decades of officialdom’s excessive focus on highways and roads - and the result is Auckland has a major deficit in cycling infrastructure. As Ralph Buehler and John Pucher pointed out in the Journal of Transportation:

Last year cycle advocates Audrey and Chris van Ryn lent me a fold-down bike in the hope that I would use it. Well I have. In fact I have found it invaluable - especially when the meetings started coming thick and fast before Christmas; enabling me to whiz about the city; dashing from my office at Graham Street to meetings at the Town Hall and Civic Building; then down Queen Street for meetings at Auckland Transport and often down to the waterfront for meetings there.

"The presence of off-road bike paths and on-street bike lanes are, by far, the biggest determinant of cycling rates in cities. And that’s true even after you control for a variety of other factors like how hot or cold a city is, how much rain falls, how dense the city is, how high gas prices are, the type of people that live there, or how safe it is to cycle."

I used to be somewhat nervous about cycling in the city but familiarity has brought increasing confidence. Indeed I have found it quite exhilarating. But John Tangiia’s terrible accident has rekindled memories of the shocking death of Jane Bishop (both were crushed under the wheels of trucks) and is a reminder to all of us how unsafe Auckland roads can be for cyclists.

The question of safety has always been a sensitive point with cycle advocates - some felt talking up the danger was likely to turn people off cycling - but Jane Bishop’s death changed all that. Cycling in Auckland has all sorts of benefits for personal health and for society - but yes it can be dangerous - unacceptably so. The figures tell the story.

In 2012 there was one cyclist killed and 205 injured in Auckland. Nationally there were eight killed and 828 injured. There were 53 cycling fatalities across New Zealand in the five years from 2009 to 2013. This is an unacceptable casualty rate and it’s time we did something about it. In the wake of the latest tragedy there has been the inevitable finger-pointing and buck-passing, including thinly-veiled criticism of cyclists. Indications of an unhelpful "them and us" attitude between cyclists and motorists - and even worse

Dedicated bike paths are a key element in Generation Zero’s contribution to the Campaign for better transport and Auckland Transport Blog’s visionary "Congestion Free Network".

And cycle lanes are an exciting feature of the Waitemata Local Board’s draft Ponsonby Road Master Plan. I have already mentioned SkyPath, Waterfront Auckland is building the Westhaven Promenade bike path and NZTA has built the Grafton Gulley bike path.

Auckland Transport planned to build 22 km of bike paths in years 2013/2014 but so far only 7km has been built and the important Beach Road connector is behind schedule.

Auckland Transport is also working on ways to improve safety on Auckland’s (dangerous for cyclists) Tamaki Drive - especially the Ngapipi Drive intersection. But clearly it’s too little and it’s all too slow. Auckland is well behind most international cities in its provision of cycling infrastructure and has even fallen behind Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. We need a quantum change in the way we allocate spending for motor vehicles and bikes. Dedicated bike paths are the best way to end the undeclared "civil war" between cars and trucks and bikes - and it will make cycling in Auckland a whole lot safer too. (MIKE LEE) PN Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf www.mikelee.co.nz F

THE KEY TO LIFE CHARITABLE TRUST AND MIKE KING Mike King has for years been known as Mike King the Kiwi entertainer, but that role has changed dramatically over the last four years ever since the conception of his radio show, The Nutters Club back in 2009.

The show evolved from Mike’s own experience of mental illness and addiction and has become a huge success with it now airing on Newstalk ZB weekly on a Sunday evening and aired a fourth series for Maori Television. These days Mike is better known for his work as a prominent mental health educator with the work he does under his charity the Key to Life Charitable Trust, which aims to reverse the population trends of depression and suicide by effecting a positive social change.

MISSION: The Key to Life Charitable Trust is committed to our long term goal of a zero suicide rate in New Zealand. While many will say this is not achievable, we acknowledge the magnitude of this task and believe in the benefits of an outstanding goal rather than a continued satisfaction with mediocrity.

They believe zero suicide can be achieved through the provision of life-saving and life-affirming resources and services based on the success of The Nutters Club. They will conduct nationwide digital communities, regular meetings/clinics, advocacy and educational programmes with the aim to create safe and supportive environments which foster positivity for all those involved whether they are service providers or receiving help through our programmes. Their short-term goal is to achieve a significant downward trend in the suicide statistics starting immediately. VISION: A New Zealand where the rising prevalence of suicide is curbed and to create an open dialogue surrounding

suicide and mental health awareness to diminish stigmas through a societal attitudinal change which affects perceptions of these issues.

Mike takes a completely unorthodox approach and is getting out into schools to talk with the youth and with the communities, engaging them so that the conversation will continue and not be swept under the carpet any longer. Although suicide prevention is the big picture, Mike does not actively discuss it but concentrates on delivering a hopeful message and connecting people, services and resources within the community.

He must be doing something right because the Key to Life continues to receive requests weekly for Mike to visit schools and towns throughout New Zealand. He has tremendous support for his work from the likes of Sir John Kirwan, the former Minister of Health Peter Dunne, professional backing from Dr David Codyre (MBChB, FRANZCP) a highly respected psychiatrist who has spent 28 years working in the community mental health sector, Health and Disability Commissioner Lynne Lane and most notably Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean who is at the coalface of the suicide epidemic that New Zealand faces.

Mike is passionate about his cause and gives his time to it daily. Whether it is mentoring young men and women on a one-to-one basis or visiting schools, Mike is always delivering his message of hope in some way or another. www.keytolife.org.nz F PN

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JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND

Headlines and the year ahead A small confession from me. Over the summer, I avoid newspapers like the plague. It’s never an entirely successful endeavour.

I always find myself doing a sneaky check of the political news, and thumbing through to see if the weather is going to take a turn. But I was reminded why I have that rule when I recently saw a headline in my letterbox that read “vagrant invasion.”

It’s hard to describe the immediate source of my rage. There is no denying that we have had an increase in homelessness in recent times. You only have to walk the stretch of K' Road to see that. And I am not denying for a moment that this doesn’t have an impact on business owners in the area. But surely we can dig a little deeper than implying that, like aliens from no where, “vagrants” have suddenly taken up occupation on our streets.

Manager Cath Bathe-Taylor making the Grey Lynn Community Centre more accessible to local residents

Just before Christmas, I stopped and talked to a few of the new faces on the street. Of the three different young men I spoke to, their stories were all the same. They had lost their jobs, couch surfed for a while, and when they had exhausted their welcome, ended up in boarding houses or on the streets. They didn’t ask for money, just for food.

A NEW LOOK FOR THE GREY LYNN COMMUNITY CENTRE

We can talk about the what some call the "public nuisance" factor of homelessness, but that will be an ongoing debate until we start talking about some of the big drivers of the issue. It’s complex, and it’s hard. But some elements of it are not. Employment for example; housing, drug and alcohol issues, inequality.

For me, the issues that sit behind homelessness are the very issues we need to think about this year in the lead up to the general election. Bill English will no doubt spend much of the campaign trumpeting New Zealand’s economic recovery. But this is not a point of difference. When last in Government, Labour led the strongest continuous economic growth since the Second World War. We ran budget surpluses every year. We know all too well that we cannot create a prosperous society, without a prosperous economy. But it’s what both parties do with this prosperity that will be the real point of difference.

It’s time we acknowledged that when more people in our communities are doing well, we all benefit. We have it within our power to make that happen. We can address child poverty, make sure people have warm, dry and affordable homes, improve access to education, and make sure our health system is affordable.

PN If we can do that, I may just lift my summer newspaper ban. (JACINDA ARDERN) F

JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central www.jacinda.co.nz

GENTRIFICATION MAY BE HAPPENING IN GREY LYNN FASTER THAN JUST ABOUT ANY other Auckland suburb, but the community’s roots still run deep. The hub of the community is the Grey Lynn Community Centre in Richmond Road.

To highlight the myriad of activities and facilities at the centre, this month sees new signage on the distinctive red wall at 510 Richmond Road and a bright new logo. There’s also a revamped and expanded website detailing everything one could wish to know about the centre’s activities and programmes and venues for hire. Community groups will also be able to publicise their activities on the website.

In the two years that she has managed the community centre Cath Bathe-Taylor has seen local support run to between seven and eight thousand people a month taking part in activities and groups, using the playground, visiting the Citizens Advice Bureau, or a JP, or the popular Sunday Farmers Market. “There’s a lot happening, but we have facilities for all of this and more,” says Cath. “Often people coming here for the first time say they had no idea what goes on or what is available for public use. Our purpose is to be the hub in Grey Lynn, where our community meets to learn skills and to get to know each other, forming an integrated and supportive community.

“Venue hire is our core service and we want everyone to know that the centre is here for them and to make it as accessible as possible. For example, you can come in and hire a room for a one-off event. We have weddings, birthday parties, 21sts, meetings and seminars. Local businesses often require a room for interviews or a meeting space.

There’s a lounge seating six, the Richmond Room - an eight person boardroom style meeting and interview room, the Balcony and Oval Rooms hold up to 20, the Garden Room opening to the playground up to 75, while the main hall can accommodate 200 based on theatre-style seating. We have Wi-fi, projectors and screens. Arrangements can be made for coffee to be brought in from local cafés and there is also good kitchen space available. Rates are very reasonable and the facilities are comfortable and welcoming.”

The Community Centre is a light and airy architecturally designed building with a wellequipped playground for public use. It is staffed by five people.

Encouraging and promoting art for young people is a particular interest for Cath, who has a background in theatre and costume design. The Auckland Council recently painted the centre’s gallery space. “We like to highlight the work of young people and make space available for community groups, such as mental health. For six weeks of the year gallery space will be offered to local artists. “We are also well known for our CYF approved 'OSCAR' school holiday programmes run four times a year, providing cool holiday fun for children 5-12 years.”

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"Create work play learn together at Your Grey Lynn Community Centre" is the wording on the colourful new logo. The new signage spells it out: venue hire, community hub, meeting rooms, functions and events, GLCC Kids holiday programmes, preschool groups and Plunket, after school community programmes, art and music, health and fitness, education and clubs. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), and JP services are available. And of course what the centre is well known for, the famous Grey Lynn Farmers market that PN draws crowds from all over the Auckland on Sundays. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F GREY LYNN COMMUNITY CENTRE, 510 Richmond Road T: 09 378 4908 www.greylynn.org.nz

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SARAH JAMES: GREY LYNN 2030 NEWS

PONSONBY U3A: DECEMBER 2013

PACIFIC ISLAND WOMEN UPLIFTED BY GREY LYNN SUPPORT

An entertaining Christmas party and a scenic walk around Devonport brought 2013 to a close for Ponsonby U3A members.

The Uplift Project has been overwhelmed by the support of women who have turned up at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market with their unwanted but usable bras to be donated to Pacific Island women.

In the Pacific Islands rural and remote communities women often live on subsistence economies and do not have the financial means to buy the bras that are needed to improve their well-being. A new bra can cost 10-30 hours worth of wages, any extra of which women will often spend on other family members and children before purchasing something for themselves. Unfortunately the consequences of not wearing a bra can include skin irritations, fungal infections, abscesses and rashes, especially in hot and humid climates.

The Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away group have a bright pink bin located at the re-use depot at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market for collecting the bras. The group has been very impressed with the support the Uplift Project has received from the local community.

"Since we set up the collection bin at the Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away stand at the Market in July 2013 we have filled the bin twice over," says Lynn Green, who initiated the collection as one of the Waste Away group's waste minimisation projects.

“We've been really grateful for the good quality bras that have been dropped off by local women who have often gone to a big effort to have a clean out of their lingerie drawer. We particularly value maternity bras and bras for post operative support," says Ms Green.

The Uplift Project, with centres in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and South Africa, has so far collected and distributed 750,000 new bras since its beginnings in 2005.

A recent grateful recipient of a bra delivery in Fiji explained, "...what you did today will bring endless smiles to our ladies. Please thank all the people that made this possible.

We cannot thank you enough for this greatest gift."

The Uplift Project collection bin and re-use depot is next to the Waste Away stall at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market every Sunday of the month (except the last Sunday) at the Grey Lynn Community Centre from 9am to 12.30pm. The stall, staffed by Waste Away volunteers, is great for information about waste minimisation, composting ideas and a range of products like Ideal cups and string bags. Jam jars, containers, plastic bags and egg cartons can also be dropped off (or collected) at the re-use depot at the market.

Ponsonby U3A meets on the second Friday morning of the month at the Leys Institute.

Visitors are welcome. There are two speakers at each meeting - a guest speaker and a 10-minute speaker from the membership. Convenors of the special interest groups, which meet mainly in members homes, report on the groups’ activities. The concept of U3A (the University of the Third Age) set out by the original founders was to provide education, discussion and stimulation to those of us in the third age, through study or special interest groups.

2014 marks the 20th anniversary of U3A in Ponsonby. It also marks the beginning of its association with the Ponsonby News. The inaugural meeting was held in August 1994. Advertisements were placed in the Ponsonby News and on local noticeboards announcing the meeting, which was held at All Saints Church Hall on Ponsonby Road.

Among the first speakers was John Elliot, then editor of Ponsonby News. Last year the current editor Martin Leach was a popular guest speaker.

Guest speakers for the February meeting will be Commander Robert Green and his wife Kate Dewes, who will talk about their book "A Thorn in Their Side: the Hilda Murrell Murder" recently published in the United Kingdom. It details their pursuit of the truth behind the bizarre murder of Commander Green’s anti-nuclear campaigning aunt 30 years ago. At age 78, Hilda Murrell had gained approval to testify at the first British planning inquiry into a new nuclear power plant at Sizewell, Suffolk. A few weeks later she was found brutally murdered in a copse outside Shrewsbury, Shropshire. In 2005 Andrew George was convicted of Hilda’s murder. Robert and Kate have uncovered explosive new evidence, not presented at George’s trial, which should have acquitted him.

The 10-minute speaker will be Monika de Man expanding on her experiences on the ancient pilgrim trail El Camino de Santiago to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Galacia, Spain, where it is said the remains of St James are buried. Monika gave the first part of this talk last June. Intending members and guests are welcome to attend U3A PN meetings. (PHILIPPA TAIT) F NEXT MEETING:

9.45am - Friday 14 February First Floor, Leys Institute, 20 St Marys Bay Road

ENQUIRIES:

Jane Jones, President, Ponsonby U3A T: 09 378 7628

photography: Fionna Hill

photography: Philippa Tait

Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away is an enthusiastic, motivated group of community volunteers who meet regularly and they have some exciting projects coming up in 2014. Email the PN wasters on greylynn2030wasteaway@gmail.com. (SARAH JAMES) F

Convenors of the Ramblers special interest group Norman Stanhope and Winifred Lamb organised a leisurely walk around historic spots in Devonport to round out the year for the group, while other special interest groups celebrated at their monthly gatherings.

The Ramblers group is one of 13 special interest groups that are the lifeblood of U3A. The Ramblers enjoy day visits to interesting spots around Auckland - places that one mightn’t normally think to visit - and the bus is always full. Winifred says they have a few surprises up their sleeves for 2014. Other special interest groups are Antiques and Collectibles, Armchair Travellers, Art History, Classical Studies, Current Affairs, Dining Out, Gallery Visits, Green Fingers, Music Appreciation, New Zealand History, Petanque, and Scrabble. Through the groups some great friendships are made as people pursue their particular educational, leisure or creative interest.

Lynn Green and Nadine Wakim collecting bras for Uplift Project

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Ponsonby U3A member Noeline Creighton with Martin Leach, editor of Ponsonby News PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LOCAL NEWS THE DRAFT PONSONBY ROAD MASTER PLAN Last year the draft Ponsonby Road Master plan generated a huge amount of interest, lots of creative suggestions for the future development of Auckland’s iconic street and a number of queries about how the plan was coming together. Here is an update on the draft, the process so far and next steps.

The idea for a master plan came out of work started by the Western Bays Community Group building on previous studies, plans and initiatives such as the 40km speed limit.

A working group made up of Waitemata Local Board members, the Ponsonby Business Association, community organisations, stakeholders, and Mana Whenua representatives informed the draft master plan through a series of workshops. Auckland Council also commissioned a report on Maori heritage values and opportunities to better engage with relevant iwi for the project area. The working group was assisted by Auckland Council planners, urban designers, heritage advisers, landscape and retail specialists, as well as transportation experts from Auckland Transport.

The working group approach was unique in bringing stakeholders around the table early on in the process and developing a draft from the grassroots up. It was a big contribution from a group who volunteered their time. It meant we learnt a lot along the way, challenged “normal” council processes but ended up with final draft for consultation reflecting a wide range of views.

The vision put forward in the draft is to develop Ponsonby Road as a vibrant, well connected place for people whilst protecting, enhancing and celebrating its unique heritage, reinforcing its role as a key entertainment and boutique shopping destination and improving the natural environment. The draft identifies specific outcomes to achieve this vision over the next 30 years and is framed around four themes - transport and

movement, arts, culture and heritage, the natural environment and open space and land use.

The draft plan includes concepts for shared spaces, pedestrian improvements, cycle lanes, bus stops, native planting, street furniture designs, art works and the opportunities at 254 Ponsonby Road (the Nosh site currently owned by Auckland Council) to provide for a new open space.

Consultation on the draft took place over an extended period involving pop-in sessions, a public meeting and draft concepts on display at the Ponsonby Community Centre.

Almost 300 submissions were received on the draft which is an impressive number for this type of consultation. What was also impressive was the quality of the submissions and the comprehensive, thoughtful responses.

Overall, strong themes emerged from the feedback that will inform how the master plan is finalised and what projects should be a prioritised for implementation. A full report of the feedback will be on the board’s March agenda. It is likely that a final of the plan will be ready to be signed off by the board mid-year. Updated concepts for the development of 254 Ponsonby Road will be consulted on separately.

PN The draft plan is available on the Auckland Council website. (PIPPA COOM) F

Pollen Street

Rose Road Perspective

VINEGAR LANE IS TAKING SHAPE Vinegar Lane is Countdown’s exciting new development on the former DYC Vinegar site on Crummer Road, Pollen Street and Williamson Avenue.

The site is split into two precincts - Cider and Vinegar - a nod to the site’s historic use.

The Cider Building (on Williamson Avenue) will be home to a Countdown supermarket and specialty retail and office space. The Vinegar precinct, known as Vinegar Lane, forms the remaining half of the site and will be made up of individually owned commercial and residential lots centred round a courtyard garden.

The Countdown team recognises that it helps to know what’s going on and will publish updates in Ponsonby News as well as www.vinegarlane.co.nz

Since December work has been happening on the Vinegar Lane side of the site, and will continue until May or June when the individual lots will be ready for construction.

The team has worked hard to design a development that befits this iconic part of Auckland and they look forward to watching the transformation of this site into a new destination of which Ponsonby can be proud. F PN

Anyone with a question can contact David Lippard, the project director, via email david@integratedpm.co.nz

Being a good neighbour is important. The project team says while it will make every effort to minimise disruption, construction of this scale brings with it some temporary effects such as noise, vibration and restricted access to footpaths and roads for certain periods.

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NIKI WRIGHT: LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY NEWS

February - fun new programmes and events at the library Pride Festival Ponsonby has a long tradition as the gayest part of Auckland and we are proud to support the Pride Festival. This year we are excited to be hosting The Alternative Bindings poetry meet.

Alternative Bindings Poetry Meet Monday 10 February, 6.30PM, Leys Institute, 20 St Marys Rd Share your poetry, a favourite poem or simply listen and enjoy. Spoken presentation of a range of poetry by rainbow authors, and discussion about the state of rainbow poetry within Aotearoa New Zealand. Share your favourite rainbow poems with your friends in a supportive, friendly environment. Discussion led by Christopher Dempsey and Michael Giacon. Refreshments will be served. Look out for an extensive display of library materials on all aspects of LGBT life.

Term One activities for children Due to popular demand, we will be increasing the number of weekly storytimes and wriggle and rhyme sessions. We hope you will be able to join us for the following sessions.

Our new schedule is: Tuesday 10.30am Story time Wednesday 10.30am Wriggle and Rhyme Thursday 10.30am Wriggle and Rhyme Friday 10.30am Story time Saturday 10.30am Story time All sessions run for 30 minutes and are free.

Wriggle and Rhyme sessions provide positive movement experiences to stimulate development of both the brain and body for babies under two years old.

We are very pleased to be introducing a story time at 10.30am on Saturdays. We hope this provides parents who can’t get the library during the week an opportunity to enjoy story time with their children.

Later in Term One we will be introducing after school activities for primary school children. Please check in the library or on our Facebook page for further details Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks free Did you know that whether you are at home or away on holiday this summer, you can access our library of more than 43,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks anywhere, anytime?

An eReader, tablet, smartphone or PC gives you free access to our extensive digital library and we have just added another 6,000 quality titles from the world’s leading authors of fiction and non-fiction. Library members can borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks for up to 21 days and there are no late fees.

Visit www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz to find out how to get started with eBooks and to explore our newly expanded digital library or pop in and see us at the Leys Institute Library. If you are not a member of the library, you can join online or in the library. Just remember to bring photo id and proof of address with you and we will have joined up in five minutes.

There’s so much going on we recommend checking out our Facebook page, Leys Institute Library Ponsonby, where we will be updating you on new events, displays, and goings on around Auckland Libraries. F PN (NIKI WRIGHT RLIANZA) LEYS INSTITUTE LIBRARY, 20 St Mary’s Road T: 09 374 1315 www.facebook.com/LeysInstituteLibraryPonsonby

Story times involve stories, songs and music. The sessions are designed for 2-5 year olds. Older and younger children are welcome to attend.

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LOCAL NEWS YOUR OWN PERSONAL MUSIC EXPERIENCE - BY APPOINTMENT EIGHTEEN MONTHS AGO HAMILTONIANS TERRY AND PENNY HUMPHRIES PURCHASED a building in Auckland city that had once been a shoe factory, a machine warehouse and more recently an architect’s office. Now residing in Auckland, they have transformed this building into a New York style loft apartment, an art studio for Penny and an extraordinary audio showroom that offers clients a boutique experience by bringing their own music and relax to listen and audition a select range of special mid to high-end audio gear.

At Audio Reference they aim to offer a personable approach, understanding that everyone hears music differently; it’s your own personal experience. When you’re buying audio equipment you will want to purchase through someone who is as passionate about it as you in a relaxed, friendly and informal environment. Terry says, “We aren’t into ‘hard sell.’ We have a simple goal, and that is to help people find unique, cost effective equipment that fits their needs; from affordable, quality entry level to some of the world's finest, high-end gear that we travel personally around the world to identify and import.”

Some of the product categories include: CD/SACD and Blu-ray players, DACs, music streamers and network players etc, turntables, tone arms, cartridges and accessories loudspeakers of all sizes and design concepts, amplifiers of all types, preamps, phono preamps, headphones and headphone amps, cables, home theatre solutions and more.

Relaxed and uninterrupted browse or audition equipment to find out what will be best for PN you. Terry and Penny will afford you honest, informed and reliable advice. F www.audiorefernce.co.nz SPECIAL SPEAKER OFFER: During February/March the first five people to call mentioning our ad in Ponsonby News can buy any pair of speakers* in stock at a special, once only offer at half the normal retail price (50% discount). Auditions by appointment - email terry@ar.co.nz or T: 09 377 6077 *Excludes Brodmann VC7 and Acoustic Zen Crescendo speakers.

Limited to total of five pairs of speakers bought on or before 31 March 2014.

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CELEBRATE SUMMER ON JERVOIS ROAD

EQUIPOISE SPA YOUR LOCAL LUXURY ESCAPE Located in the heart of Jervois Road, Equipoise Spa has over 15 years’ experience in catering from advanced skincare therapies to organic holistic treatments. It has an aura of tranquillity and offers a perfect escape from the city.

At the spa they are dedicated to delivering an Equipoise experience, that many clients still come for their treatments 15 years on. And they know it’s hard for mums to get "alone" time, so they are baby friendly.

All the therapists are highly qualified and undertake regular training. They target their clients' skin concerns and provide results driven personalised programmes along with in-salon treatments.

Although they are a spa that offers regular maintenance, they also offer advanced cosmeseutical skin care and their senior therapists deliver paramedical facial treatments such as Dermaroller and Omnilux light therapies which both medical grade devices.

Jo, Lauren, and the team offer the full range of services including regular waxing, resurfacing peels, Dermaroller, facials, Omnilux Light Treatment, IPL hair removal and skin rejuvenation, manicures, pedicures, massage, spa body treatments and more. This is your one stop beauty therapist clinic.

Gift vouchers are available for all listed treatments for both women and men, plus treatment packages and seasonal and weekly specials that offer great value for money.

The spa is now offering an eclectic range of small gifts for girls and guys. And Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

Equipoise Spa is the DermaQuest Spa of the Year 2013-2014. Open seven days a week PN with four late nights. F EQUIPOISE SPA, 100 Jervois Road T: 09 378 9696 E: relax@equipoisespa.co.nz www.equipoisespa.co.nz

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UNEXPLAINED TEENAGE BACK PAIN Does your teenager have unexplained back pain? Do they carry heavy bags around school? Is slouching over a desk or laptop part of their daily life?

Teenagers are often exposed to situations which can negatively affect the health of their back. The average teenager of today spends a vast amount of time bent over technology, whether it is for studying or recreation. This can lead to poor posture, with painful curving of the spine.

The "accident prone" nature of teenagers also means that they can injure themselves and appear to recover quickly. However, these injuries can cause asymmetry, nerve problems and weakness in the back which is exacerbated by teenagers' fast growth.

These problems can remain unidentified, until they start to cause persistent back pain frequently involving irritability, nausea and fatigue.

General back and spinal asymmetry that develops in adolescence can become fixed later in life. These can cause serious pain and disability, impinging on an individual’s personal and work life. Accurate diagnosis is at the forefront of providing an appropriate treatment plan to resolve these issues which is both effective and timely.

Discover the Gilmour difference at Gilmour and Associates Physiotherapy, where the original cause of the injury is identified and addressed, rather than a simple focus on symptom relief. Give your teenager the best chance of a healthy spine. Talk to John who has over 30 years experience in this field with an astounding success rate. F PN GILMOUR & ASSOCIATES, 134 Jervois Road T: 09 376 4500 www.gilmourphysio.co.nz

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CELEBRATE SUMMER ON JERVOIS ROAD

NEW ARTWORK FOR MILNE & CO OFFICES Pene Milne has recently had a new mural displayed in her Jervois Road office. Ponsonby News asked the artists (former Ponsonby residents) to tell us more.

Who are the artists?

BMD is their collective name, representing two creatives from Wellington and New Plymouth. We travel the country creating the largest scale public artworks in New Zealand and also make office spaces cooler when they can.

What medium did you use?

For Milne & Co, a high quality Japanese paint marker was used. This allows for clean hand-drawn line work, and paint markers are permanent and odourless, making them perfect for interior application.

Pene and the artist discussed the theme for the piece but there were no preliminary drawings; she was very trusting of our work. Milne & Co is in the property business so we tailored the work to focus on buildings and structures. The client wanted something on brand, which is why we chose to keep it refined, minimal and black and white. We wanted something that was clean, geometric and interesting, without stealing too much attention from the office space. The result was a balance of these elements.

PN www.bmdisyourfriend.com F MILNE & CO, 160 Jervois Road T: 09 360 6966 www.milneandco.co.nz

DON’T MISS THE MARCH PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE COPY DEADLINE: Thursday, 20 February PUBLISHED: Friday, 7 March

MARCH SPECIAL FEATURES + VIVA ITALIA + KINGSLAND + FASHION / SHOES + TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or t: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 e: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz w: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW Maia and what matters, by Tine Mortier & Kaatje Vermeire.

Published by Book Island, $$29.99 Maia is an impatient little scamp, just like her grandma. When something pops into their heads, they want it now! Right away! They get along like a house on fire. One day Grandma falls ill and all her words become muddled. The grown-ups can't understand her, but Maia knows exactly what she means! Amazing multi-media artwork adds an ethereal quality to this tender, cross-generation story.

DOROTHY BUTLER CHILDREN'S BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road T: 09 376 7283 www.childrensbookshop.co.nz F PN

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CELEBRATE SUMMER ON JERVOIS ROAD

BORDEAUX AVAILABLE AT DIDA'S Bordeaux is the aristocratic region in Southern France that is arguably the center for great wines of the world. At first glance, it can appear somewhat confusing, so let’s start with a few key tips that’ll make you an expert in no time at all.

There are five red varieties in Bordeaux: Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Bordeaux White wines are made from Sauvignon and Semillon, and unlike most New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc are aged in oak. The sweet wines from Bordeaux are made from the same grape varieties as the white wines and are some of the finest sweet wines in the world.

The region is divided into two parts, the left side of the river and north of the centre of the city and the right side, beside and south of the city. Wines made on the left bank are usually predominately Cabernet based and those on the right bank Merlot based. Whilst the labels don’t show you the varieties, on the right bank (the Merlot side) there are only two villages, St Emilion and Pomerol, making everything else on the left side and Cabernet based. Some of the well known villages on the left hand side include Margaux, St Estephe and Pauillac. So now you know the varieties, the banks and the villages, next step is the vintages.

The top producers make outstanding wines year in year out, in great vintages they require a good part of your lifetime in the cellar whilst the tougher vintages are usually earlier drinking. In the last decade Bordeaux was blessed with a number of exceptional vintages, the first being 2005, a vintage that will be remembered for many reasons - the quality of the 2005 wines is incredible as were the new heights prices and international demand for the wines reached with that vintage. Then came 2009, a vintage that was unanimously dubbed in the trade and with the media the Greatest Vintage ever! Now that’s a big call, fortunately the wines have no difficulty pulling themselves up to these great heights and in delivering, from top to entry level. Then came the 2010 vintage, I must say, I was a tad skeptical when this was quickly referenced as one of the greatest vintages ever, I was fortunate to taste this vintage from barrel in the spring of 2011 and quickly fell in love with the wines and the vintage. 2009 and 2010 will definitely go down in history as the greatest pair of vintages.

In the 80s when licensing laws changed to allow the importation of wine, Glengarry led the charge, jumping into sourcing, selecting and importing Bordeaux. Our first offer of the top wines of Bordeaux was the 1982 vintage - a legendary vintage. We’ve continued since then to import Bordeaux and have established a great network within the region. Throughout February we are having a Bordeaux sale on a scale seldom seen in New Zealand - go to www.glengarry.co.nz/bordeauxsale or come in store. Also throughout February we are pouring a selection of classified Bordeaux by the glass at Dida's Wine Lounge Jervois Road, these are wines that are rarely seen on retail shelves, let alone poured by the glass, a unique opportunity.

Then in March, we kick the month off with a visit from Alfred Tesseron of Chateau Pontet Canet, it’s Alfred’s first visit to this part of the world and to mark the occasion the Chateau have released many back vintages for a series of tastings in Auckland and Wellington. The details of these events are on our website: www.glengarry.co.nz/tastings (LIZ WHEADON) F PN www.glengarrywines.co.nz

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TRISHA MARTIN: INNER DEVELOPMENT & WELL-BEING The Weight Escape: Stop Fad Dieting Start Losing Weight & Reshape Russ Harris, J Ciarrochi & A Bailey, Penguin $37 Dr Russ Harris, medical doctor and author of bestseller The Happiness Trap, has teamed with psychological practitioner Ann Bailey and scientist Joseph Ciarrochi to devise an ACT-based programme for weight loss and wellbeing.

When it comes to the urge to eat junk food or avoid exercise, acceptance and commitment therapy says: don’t fight it, resistance is futile! ACT is a mindfulness-based arm of cognitive behavioural therapy. In simple terms, where cognitive behavioural therapy asks people to challenge their unhelpful thinking, ACT asks them to accept it, distance themselves from it, move past it towards a meaningful goal and accept any discomfort that might entail. That pain and suffering are a normal, inevitable part of life is one of its central tenets.

The Weight Escape focuses on the mental barriers that can stop us setting and achieving our goals, it promotes a holistic approach to well-being and weight loss - one that goes beyond meal plans and calorie counting to give a deeper meaning and mindfulness to how you live and what you eat.

Through practical exercises, quizzes and personal stories, it shows you how to: • • • •

Use your values and strengths to give your life direction Motivate yourself in the face of ongoing challenges Deal effectively with cravings, urges and stressful situations Develop self-acceptance.

WARM VIBE AT ABOUT FACE THE TEAM AT ABOUT FACE SKIN CLINIC LOCATED IN JERVOIS ROAD FEELS LIKE they’re building a family as they meet new clients and establish themselves as part of the community. Since About Face took over the skincare side of the hair and beauty business last year, manager Tracey Henry and her team have been loving getting to know the locals.Following a complete refurbishment during the summer break, the skin clinic is light and airy, its four treatment rooms now beautifully decorated in soothing natural tones with modern fittings and ornate mirrors.

“The vibe is warm and welcoming, and so is our staff,” says Tracey. We’re serious about helping you make the most of your skin. We have the knowledge, products and treatments to deliver real results, and we want to develop an ongoing relationship - to be your partners in keeping you looking and feeling your best.”

Heading the team - and the friendly face behind the counter - is clinic manager Tracey.

She is always on hand to recommend the right homecare for your skin and make sure you’re delighted with your About Face experience. With more than 10 years’ experience, Adriana specialises in advanced facials, IPL, electrolysis and enjoys sharing her vast knowledge regarding all things skincare related.About Face veteran of nine years, Gabby specialises in IPL for hair removal and skin rejuvenation. She gets huge satisfaction from helping clients slow or reverse the ageing process.

Get the weight-loss results you want - and so much more.

PN (TRISHA MARTIN) F

Falan worked at About Face Mt Eden for several years and with 12 years of experience, including in Wellington and London, she is a consummate professional and facial specialist.

New to the team, Jackie owned a successful clinic in Christchurch before moving to Auckland. She has gorgeous massage hands and a professional manner. Make an appointment and start making a difference to your skin. For the treatment menu and PN latest promotions visit the website. F

PATHFINDER BOOKSHOP, 182 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 6269, www.pathfinder.co.nz

ABOUT FACE, 18 Jervois Road, T: 09 378 4140 www.aboutface.co.nz

TESSUTI HAS A LITTLE MAKEOVER To make space for their ever-growing family of brands and products, Tessuti in Herne Bay has re-opened following a little makeover.

photography: Michael McClintock

A new combination of vignettes have been created to inspire moments inside the home: from a made-up bed complete in Stonewashed Linens and Missoni throws, to an exciting dining table setting using bright and cheerful Rachel Carley plates. The curation of all of the products in store align beautifully through colour and texture - a signature Tessuti touch.

As owner Ali McIntosh told us, “At Tessuti we believe that stepping inside a home, a room, or a store for that matter, should instantly fill you with inspiration. An environment PN that not only sparks ideas but somewhere which feels comfortable.” F TESSUTI, 224 Jervois Road T: 09 376 4802 www.tessuti.co.nz

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CELEBRATE SUMMER ON JERVOIS ROAD

CREATING ROMANCE FOR YOUR SWEETHEART

URBAN REHAB AT CHANTAL LANDAIS HAIR STUDIO

FIND THE PERFECT VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT FOR YOUR SWEETHEART AT SEVENTYSIX Design. They are a jewellery studio with a difference, focusing on modern contemporary design. Their retail shop has a stunning range of earrings, pendants and rings available for purchase, or if you prefer, they can custom make a special piece for you. We work with all the precious metals; gold, silver, platinum and palladium and can source a large variety of gemstones. SeventySix Design has a professional, talented team ready to help you create that romantic and sentimental gift.

To be in this part of the world and commencing a New Year sunny side up is magic; holidays and long weekends, chilling out in the great Kiwi summer is a positive start.

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

But back to the city, and a little rehab is often needed.

With feet back in shoes, glowing complexion in need of hydration, hair needing nurturing to enhance or repair the overdose of wind and sun or just wanting a new look for 2014, then URBAN REHAB for city slickers is our little “coup de main” to get you back into the groove.

Book a cut and blow wave and purchase two Kerastase products to experience a COMPLIMENTARY FUSIO-DOSE RITUAL delivering amazing results in combining deep nutrition, resurfacing densification and luminosity. Or, book a colour touch up or a colour refresh with a cut and blow wave appointment and the purchase of one Kerastase product to enjoy the benefits if this complimentary offer.

The head massage, the performance of FUSIO DOSE and the lasting results will ease you back into 2014. Cut, grown, coloured, bleached, straightened or curled, hair is the most versatile fashion accessory worn every day, don’t allow it to lay you down.

The dedicated team of stylists at Chantal Landais is looking forward to taking you to a successful hair recovery.

For full information on FUSIO DOSE check the website or to book your URBAN REHAB PN contact the team at Chantal Landais. F CHANTAL LANDAIS, Jervois Road T: 09 376 4402 www.chantalandais.co.nz

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photography: Michael McClintock

“We love to incorporate ‘a little bit of you’ in our designs, so come in to our store and see what we can do.” F PN

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

VERMONT STREET, PONSONBY 15 FEBRUARY 1925

Dear Nora Of course I couldn’t tell Mother about the "incident" as she would be very displeased about me having three men in my parlour at such an hour! I was feeling so sleepy by 2 that I told Mother I was feeling a little under the weather and would she mind if I took a nap on the verandah. Five hours later Mother woke me for a light supper by which time I was feeling a little better and by the time Pa drove me home, I was feeling more my old self.

Belated New Year greetings to you my dear and thank you for your charming post card. What an extraordinary hat!

I don’t quite know how you’ve managed to find such exquisite cards on your travels. Perhaps you have taken a stash of them with you? Only last week I decided to paste them into an album that is already more than half full! It will be useful as a diversion for the little ones who are occasionally brought along with their mothers to a fitting... a little less wear and tear on my hideously expensive fashion journals. Last December a little poppet cut a picture of a Vionnet gown from my latest French journal before we realised and stopped her. I suppose one could argue that the girl has taste!

Best of all, when I walked in my gate, who was there to "meet" me but George, who was snoring loudly on my fully assembled and gorgeous swinging garden seat with Tiger asleep at his feet! What a delightful ending to a rather strange Christmas Day!

I was so pleased to read about your very happy Christmas.

How perfectly lovely to have your brother back from London for the holidays. Please do send him my regards. If he makes it up to Auckland you must make sure that he comes to see me. And I’m sure George would be delighted to meet him.

Well, I was wide awake by now, as were the neighbours, and as it was now Christmas day, albeit very early Christmas day, I brought out the port and a plate of fruit cake and we all had a good old laugh and toasted the day! By 3am everyone had left but of course by then, what with all the excitement, sleep had now abandoned me. Another glass of sherry to fortify me and there I was, rolling pastry, whipping eggs, squeezing lemons and making the most delicious lemon meringue pie that my father swears he ever tasted! I also baked a batch of date scones that I took around to Violet and Myra, a pair of dear old spinsters who live further down the street.

They’re always up early so I wasn’t a bit surprised to find them dressed and ready to receive me when I knocked on their door at 6.30. We must have talked for well over an hour - they know so much about Ponsonby in the old days. I must pop by more often and find out more.

Before I go, I have to tell you about a little triumph. Last Friday morning Sally and I decided to go and see Valentino in his latest - "Monsieur Baucaire" - at Everybody’s[i].

Luckily we arrived an hour early (we wanted to have morning tea), as there was already a very long queue. This was, however, the most fashionable queue I have ever spied before 8pm on a Saturday night! It seems that Everybody’s was offering the first 50 of Auckland’s snappiest flappers free seats! I felt a surge of pride as I spied at least two young ladies wearing "my" gowns. While the sequins and fringes looked a little out of place in the bright sunlight, how gorgeous the girls looked as they shimmered with every laugh and delighted wiggle as they waited for the doors to open. Unfortunately the queue proved much more entertaining than the movie, not withstanding the scene where Valentino tore off his shirt to reveal his divine torso to the audible delight of not only myself !!

Well my dear, I must close soon as I am due at the Madame Tate’s [ii] very soon.

I’ve decided to have a permanent wave - fulfilling a New Year’s resolution to finally get something done about my hair! Haven’t I been talking about it for simply years! I’ll have George take a photograph when I’m done and will post it with my next letter.

Until then, wishing you lots of luck with your trout fishing. I’m dying to learn how to fly fish, perhaps we can have a weekend at Lake Taupo in the early spring - just you and I - and you can try and teach me!

With summery wishes,

Maudie xx [i] Everybody’s Theatre, Fort Street, Auckland [ii] Madame Tate (Hair salon) - Above Bon Marche, Newton

Father came by at 10 and took me home to help Mother with the luncheon but I’m not sure how useful I was as my lack of sleep had started to get the better of me.

+ February + NEWS 2014 48 PONSONBY PONSONBY PARISH NEWS

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

illustration: Michael McClintock

You asked about my Christmas... Hmm... Where do I start? As a way of a prologue: Sometime in November I began to suspect that George was making me a swinging seat for the garden.

The next thing I know it is Christmas Eve and I am busyness personified. After having supper with George followed by a long walk with Tiger around Ponsonby (to say “Merry Christmas” to all his doggy girlfriends), I decided that I was far too tired to attend the carols. Being a stickler for tradition, Mother convinced me that I really must go. Mother and Pa dropped me home very late and while I was in bed 10 minutes later, I just couldn’t get to sleep. I made myself a glass of warm milk and opened the window to let in some air, belted my pillow into a comfortable shape and tried to drop off again. And then I started hearing things! At first it was a light wind rustling the leaves and then something that sounded like footsteps on my shell path! I crept to the window and knelt, snatching a peep through the lace at window ledge level... and to my horror, I saw a man’s shadowy figure moving around in my front garden. I managed to summon the courage to telephone the police who, to my relief, arrived very quickly indeed. The next thing I recall, George is being hauled out of my pohutukawa tree and handcuffed! All of a sudden it dawned on me what was going on - not that I should have been surprised! My well-meaning darling thought that he’d try and set up my garden swing to surprise me when I awoke on Christmas morning!

FASHION + STYLE WEDDING FLOWERS FOR EVERY SEASON Flowers are a very important part of your wedding, bringing colour, vibrancy and natural beauty to your special day.

With so many choices available it can often become an overwhelming task to select the perfect flowers.

On average, a bride will spend one tenth of her wedding budget on flowers. This includes the bridal bouquet, bridesmaid’s flowers, corsages and buttonhole flowers, as well as ceremony and reception arrangements. Some brides will opt to allocate even more of their budget to flowers as they love the atmosphere floral arrangements bring to a room or venue. However, before you make any definitive decisions on the type of flowers you would like for your wedding, it’s very helpful to know what’s in season so you won’t be disappointed when you visit your florist.

This month we spoke to florist Victoria Leitch from Willoughby Road, who recommends her favourite seasonal flowers, as well as some ideas on how to make your wedding bouquet unique to you.

Spring My favourite flowers for springtime weddings are anemones and tulips. Anemones come in a range of colours such as white, blue, purple and pink. Tulips are a great option for spring bouquets as they can add a pop of colour to your wedding. Tulips are available in many shades, including yellow, orange, pink, and red - a perfect combination of spring colours!

Summer Brides getting married in the summer have a huge range of flowers to choose from. I would recommend

peonies, hydrangea, sweet peas and dahlias. Peonies are very popular for wedding bouquets and brides looking to create a vintage theme, and are in season over November and December. They not only come in beautiful soft colours like pink and white, but also vibrant shades, such as deep pink.

Winter One of my favourite choices for winter wedding flowers is lilies. From elegant white to pink, orange and yellow, lilies lend to a more traditional look. Oriental and calla lilies provide structure and fill space effectively, while lily of the valley looks stunning in cascading bridal bouquets.

Hydrangea are made up of many small flowers and are great for not only wedding bouquets but also for table centrepieces and large floral arrangements. They are available in pastel colours or in bright shades of purple, pink and blue.

Lilacs pair nicely with lilies and provide colour against the more neutral tones of lilies.

Autumn Autumn is the perfect time to feature roses in your bouquets. From soft, delicate and sweetly scented to rich and velvety, there is a rose to suit every palette and to work with every theme! Roses are perfect for brides opting for a classic and romantic look for their wedding.

If you are searching for something a little bit different for your autumn wedding, I would suggest choosing the helleborus winter rose. Flower colours vary from creamy white shades, through to pinks, purples, apricots and bicolours. Pieris japonica with its cascading bunches of little bell-like flowers make another excellent autumn choice, adding an interesting texture, flow and colour to wedding flower arrangements.

Making Your Wedding Bouquet Unique There are many ways to make your wedding bouquet special and unique to you. Florists can incorporate something from your mother’s or grandmother’s gown, for example pearl buttons, ribbon trimming or a piece of lace. Jewellery or diamante pins can also be used to adorn your bouquet; roses look lovely with a jewel in the centre of each flower. Lace trimming on the handle or embedded broaches are also growing in popularity, especially for brides looking for something different.

By putting a little bit of time into choosing the right flowers for the season of your wedding and the colours that will complement your theme, you have everything in your power to create that perfect look you’ve always dreamed of. F PN

AUCKLAND WEDDINGS, 64/386 Richmond Road T: 0800 203 778 www.aucklandweddings.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE: JULIE ROULSTON

New season investment pieces Your heart may still be at the beach, but new season autumn/winter fashion collections will soon be dropping into local boutiques.

There’s no escaping the fact that those who shop for fashion early, can choose special pieces of limited availability that are otherwise fast snapped up. Yes, it’s the old, "first in, best dressed." At Ponsonby News we are great believers in buying well and buying to last. We asked some of Greater Ponsonby’s top labels, to tell us about investment pieces that you may want to put into your winter fashion budget.

Helen Cherry Sarah Theobald from Helen Cherry says, “This short sleeve silk chiffon dress with a layered tiered skirt is the perfect playful party dress. The wool crepe shawl collar jacket and cropped trouser with invisible zip at ankle offer a fresh take on the tailored pant suit in "klein blue" - a pop of colour that will always be classic.”

tkstore Designer Turet Kneufermann says, “This luxurious 100% wool trench makes for the ultimate everyday coat. Its durable fabric and construction perfect for New Zealand winters, the Street Coat looks its best teamed with casual pants and sneakers with the sleeves pushed up. The coat’s removable cape provides an elegant statement for wearing over an evening dress, too. An absolute must-have.” tkstore Street Coat $775 - in-store 1 March

Helen Cherry Tiffany Dress ("emerald") $629 - in-store February Helen Cherry Wool Crepe Jacket $639 & Zip Cigarette Pant $459 ("klein blue") - in-store February.

WORLD Benny Castles from WORLD says, “An elegantly detailed and printed Japanese pincord blazer is a statement piece that will resurrect the sunshine this coming Autumn.

Be bold and dress to your personality this coming Winter with WORLD's new collection, "PENNY WISE POUND FOOLISH!!!"

taylor Boutique Designer Vicki Taylor says, “The Divided Shirt is a wardrobe staple that will go with just about anything. The double front placket and tuxedo-style tail give it a point of difference, and we think it's really worth investing in a white cotton shirt that's a flattering shape and well constructed. All taylor garments are designed and manufactured here in New Zealand so you know it'll last the distance. Also, you can't go past investing in a classic coat. The Division Coat features raglan sleeves and a contrast lapel, and comes with a fabric belt to cinch it in at the waist. It is available in black and white tweed with a black lapel, or black with a charcoal stripe lapel.” taylor Divided Shirt $447 - in-store late February taylor Division Coat $797 - in-store late February

WORLD Penny Wise Blazer $899.00 - in-store first week of February

Zambesi Zoe Philpott from Zambesi says, “Zambesi leather trousers are the perfect investment.

The premium deer leather used is superior quality and the design is unique and versatile; zips at the calf create the option of either a slim fit trouser or a bootleg cut.

The Curve coat is the ideal over-piece.

Transeasonal, sculpted design detail and resilient neoprene fabric make it the perfect winter coat.”

Zambesi Curve Coat $695 - in-store February Zambesi Bootleg Leather Trousers $1120 - in-store March

Helen Cherry www.helencherry.com taylor Boutique www.taylorboutique.co.nz tkstore www.tk.net.nz WORLD www.worldbrand.co.nz Zambesi www.zambesi.co.nz

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FASHION + STYLE DESIGNER TEES, EZIBUY PRICES FIGHT BREAST CANCER Three Ponsonby designers - Andrea Moore, Moochi and Trelise Cooper - have each designed one of a mini-collection of limited edition tees for an EziBuy/Breast Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) collaboration. Exclusively available from EziBuy, 100% of all proceeds from every t-shirt will be donated by EziBuy to BCRT to help find a cure for breast cancer.

“New Zealand has one of the highest incidence rates of breast cancer and has the third highest death rate in the western world. There is an urgent need to find a cure for breast cancer and stop it in its tracks,” says Phillipa Green from BCRT.

photographers - everyone has provided their services for free, for which we’re extremely thankful. This means all the money raised can go towards the number one cause - curing breast cancer,” says Edwina Neilson, GM Marketing for EziBuy.

Green continues: “This is the first major fundraising initiative with EziBuy. By working together with three well-respected fashion designers, we are looking to raise funds to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Each limited edition tee is exclusively available to purchase from the EziBuy contact centre (0508 500 500), on the EziBuy website (www.ezibuy.co.nz/cure) and at EziBuy stores. The tees retail for $29.99 and are available in sizes XS to 3XL. F PN

“What’s truly amazing about this campaign is that 100% from the sale of each tee will go back to BCRT. From the designers, printers and models, to the stylists and

www.breastcancercure.org.nz www.ezibuy.co.nz/cure

Andrea Moore

52 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2014

Moochi

Trelise Cooper

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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GARY STEEL: VEG FRIENDLY

Binge Or Bust 2014 is really still just getting out of bed and putting its booties on, yawning and wondering what to have for breakfast, but for many of us, new diet regimens have already been tried and discarded just a month after making those resolutions.

Isn’t it amazing how easily we break promises to ourselves?

So here’s an idea: instead of trying this fad diet, or that fad diet, how about aiming for some genuine balance in your daily food consumption? With a little thought and pre-planning of meals through a week, it’s pretty easy to figure out how to get what you need, and you know what? If your body is getting everything it really needs, you might just find that your lust for sweet things is subsiding.

I’m celebrating my 55th birthday this month, and my 36th year as a vegetarian. Meat eaters often ask me if I find it hard, and look into my eyes searchingly as they ask whether I desperately want to eat meat when I smell bacon cooking, and my answer is always the same: nope. There are challenges being a vegetarian, but most of those are external. Things like finding good vegetarian food at restaurants or parties can be a bit of a trial, and dealing with the attitudes of entrenched meat eaters who consider vegetarianism unhealthy (despite all the evidence to the contrary). But no, generally, vegetarianism is a breeze. I have never found it to be a burden and in fact, the reality is quite the opposite. Apart from the fact that my conscience can rest easy that I haven’t contributed to the death of thousands of animals over my lifetime, I’ve also experienced the opening up of a whole new world of taste sensations.

And there’s a multi-faceted bonus: for most of my adult life I’ve had no trouble with weight issues, and apart from being vegetarian, haven’t had to think too much about whether I’m consuming a little too much of this or that. On top of that, I’m told I look young for my age, something I have also noticed in my vegetarian friends. I guess the mere act of avoiding animal flesh makes you more conscious of seeking out healthy food options.

Nevertheless this year, feeling the impact of a genetic predisposition to a type of arthritis, for the first time in my life I’m on a type of diet. During January, I cut out all processed sugar, and within a week my aching bones were showing signs of improvement. Giving up my wife’s delicious muffins and cupcakes and other baked goodies was much more tortuous than going vegetarian ever was, but I found that the yearning for sugary things was mostly psychological, and that the yearning could be easily addressed by substitutions. No, not sugar substites. For instance, if I made sure I was getting all the right proteins and minerals in a day, there was no real craving, and a lot of those proteins and minerals can be supplied not by expensive multivitamins, but by something as simple as (for example) a single hazelnut.

Simplicity. And sophisticated simplicity. That’s what I’ve noticed about the revolution occurring in both home cooking and in the more forward-thinking restaurants. While I can eat a nut to get a lot of what I need, cafes like the Little Bird Unbakery are creating whole new cuisines around raw, living food that’s packed with goodness, but is also exquisitely prepared and full of flavour.

I love the fact that there’s a new generation of herbivores who have taken the essential elements of those unappealing, radical 1970s raw food diets, and created dishes that are every bit as mouth-wateringly yummy as the very best that fine dining can offer.

I guess that’s why so many fine dining restaurants are now offering vegetarian or vegan degustation menus: this wouldn’t be the case if the chefs considered it impossible to make genuinely fantastic food from non-cruelty sources.

There are a lot of depressing things in this world - the fact Colin Craig can even be considered a viable political candidate and that the country’s being sold to foreign interests and that our natural resources will doubtless be pillaged for oil and that Bunnings is moving in to Arch Hill, for just a few - but we can take solace in a few small but good things. By eating vegetarian (or better yet, vegan) you can save sentient lives, and you can also get your own health back on track through sensible, wholesome eating, PN rather than binge dieting. Happy New Year! (GARY STEEL) F Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs online vegetarian resource www.doctorfeelgood.co.nz. He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com

54 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2014

ROASTED VEGETABLE QUINOA SALAD Quinoa is an easy-to-prepare ingredient that is perfect for summertime salads.

Serves 4, time to make 40 minutes 1 red onion, thickly sliced 2 red capsicums, halved 1 yellow capsicum, halved 1 cup cherry tomatoes oil spray 1½ cups quinoa 3 cups vegetable stock (made with 3 teaspoons stock powder) 3 tablespoons fresh basil, roughly torn 6 tablespoons balsamic dressing (made using 3 parts balsamic vinegar to 1 part olive oil) Step 1; Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place vegetables in a lightly-greased ovenproof dish. Spray with oil and cook in oven. Remove tomatoes after 10 minutes, cook other vegetables for 25 minutes or until darkened at the edges. Remove from oven and place capsicums in a bag. Leave to cool slightly.

Step 2; Meanwhile, place quinoa in a saucepan. Pour over stock and add some fresh herbs, if preferred. Cover with a lid and bring to the boil.

Step 3; Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 12-15 minutes until all water has been absorbed. Stand for 5 minutes before fluffing up with a fork.

Step 4; Spoon quinoa into a bowl. Peel capsicum and chop roughly. Add to quinoa with roasted tomatoes, roasted onion, basil and dressing. Toss lightly and serve warm.

NOTE: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free stock.

Nutrition Low kilojoule, high fibre, high calcium, diabetes-friendly, no dairy, vegetarian.

Recipe: Sarah Swain, Photography: Melanie Jenkins Recipe reprinted from Healthy Food Guide magazine with permission from Healthy Life Media Ltd. Find more easy-to-prepare, summer fare as well as a special school lunch ideas feature in the February 2014 issue of Healthy Food Guide magazine ($5.90), on sale in supermarkets and bookstores or subscribe at www.healthyfood.co.nz F PN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

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LAURAINE JACOBS: THE SEASONED PALATE

Japanese Passion at Cocoro There's a little hidden gem in the backstreets of Ponsonby that exudes sophistication rarely found in an area where most dining is casual and laid back.

In a low slung, perfectly crafted space decked out with sleek timber and fashionable concrete, tucked under an old industrial brick building in Brown Street, Cocoro offers a seriously good dining experience that feels and tastes authentically Japanese.

It’s the brainchild of Ricky Lee, a thoughtful and dedicated restaurateur who we first got to know at Soto in St Mary’s Bay. His masterstroke there was, and now here at Cocoro, the very talented and zany chef Makato Tokuyama who presides over the kitchen, attracting attention from some of the city’s most discerning diners.

Chef Makato, Cocoro, Ponsonby

Chef Makato has a passion for fresh fish and the parade of courses in his omotenashi or degustation menu leaves no doubt as to his skill with any and every type of seafood.

I called by one afternoon recently with some Japanese food writers who wished to meet him and typically he welcomed us and then proudly rushed us into the kitchen to view some gleamingly fresh fish. It had just arrived from the fishing boats of the revered Lee Fish company north of Auckland and I swear the fish was still almost wriggling.

I lamented we could not return to feast on this but my companions were flying out.

The menu at Cocoro is seasonal. Japanese cuisine always stands out above all others for signalling the seasons on the plate, whether it’s the freshly harvested produce, or the accompanying garnishes and presentation that enhances the food and sets the scene. And that’s exactly what Chef Makato concentrates on.

To get the best experience, it is wise to make a reservation and book the omotenashi menu.

A six or more course meal of exquisite tastes will be delivered and, as the friendly and helpful staff will have ascertained any dietary requirements and food preferences, diners who choose this are in for a real treat. This may be the best value $85 experience around.

One evening we started with crunchy tender octopus and another night it was paua. Our sushi and sashimi course appeared in the most intriguing hinged box, and opened up like a miniature wardrobe, revealing three shelves packed with delicate plates of perfect seafood. An oyster in its shell, garnished with seaweed and cucumber, some shiny fresh fish precisely cut into perfect sashimi, and delicate salmon nigiri and more.

Subsequent courses continued to delight, with the highlight being a meltingly tender gratin of scallop, prawn and oyster alongside the most wonderful chawanmushi I have ever had... silky smooth savoury custard that had a tiny queen scallop hidden within. You are also likely to be served grilled fresh fish, grilled beef and all will be garnished with vegetables of the season.

If you don’t book, or wander in at lunch time, the more prosaic casual menu will be offered.

There’s a large table that dominates the centre of the restaurant and it’s perfect to perch at for the casual eating of the extensive offerings which are called “Japanese Tapas.” Makato makes some lovely salads, offers excellent sushi and sashimi, crisp light tempura, old favourites like teriyaki chicken and more. There’s also some fine donburi dishes that make a complete lunch on their own.

The wine selection is well chosen, emphasising excellent local and organic wines, but it’s also well worth exploring the sake menu. Who would have thought there were so many amazing flavours and textures to dive into that could match this food so well.

But for the very best experience, look out for the special degustation evenings that are held from time to time. One of my all-time favourite evenings was when a boutique sake maker presided over a sensational parade of different styles of sake matched to some beautifully thought out dishes by Chef Makato - a total revelation of food and beverage matching, complete with some fresh tuna flown in specially from Tokyo. Another night the chef’s skills were to the fore with some fabulous food to match the stunning wines of Pyramid Valley. It was hard to decide which PN I loved best; Makato’s delicate food or the complex and aromatic wines. (LAURAINE JACOBS) F COCORO, 56 Brown Street T: 09 360 0927 www.cocoro.co.nz www.laurainejacobs.co.nz

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

WHAT’S HOT AT SABATO For the gluten-free gourmand...

There seems to be ever more need for healthy and allergy friendly food products with gluten-free, paleo and raw food enthusiasts on the rise.

Pasta is one of those things that we all love, but it is one product where the gluten-free alternatives are not quite the same as the real thing, often lacking all important flavour and texture... until now.

To join our range of artisan Italian pasta we now have a beautiful gluten-free option - Riso di Pasta. From the Vercelli region of Northern Italy, an area famous for its abundance of water and rich soil, comes this exceptional product made by Riso Viazzo, a 100-year-old company committed to quality, sustainability and supporting local farmers.

Riso Viazzo transforms their top-quality Italian-grown rice though a secret natural method to create gourmet pasta that is 100% gluten-free. All the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are present in the husk of the rice are also present in the end product - a darker coloured rice pasta, full of goodies!

Where many gluten-free pastas tend to overcook easily, Riso di Pasta maintains the "al dente" texture and taste of traditional pasta. Enjoy this pasta as you would your favourite wheat pasta - to make a delicious dish perfect for the gorgeous summer weather, just add fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, pine nuts and olives with a shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano over top... divine. F PN SABATO Limited, 57 Normanby Road T: 09 630 8751 www.sabato.co.nz

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LIZ WHEADON: WINE, GLORIOUS WINE

Low and no alcohol wines If you've been listening to talkback during January you will no doubt have heard the myriad of views on low alcohol and no alcohol wines.

It’s a market that’s been a hot topic globally and interest sparked in New Zealand late last year. This coincided with the Government’s identification of a new export opportunity and their announcement to assist the wine industry in researching methods to produce great quality, low alcohol wines. Looking at the reach the news of this grant achieved, it's fair to say there is international interest in low alcohol wines from New Zealand.

So, what's it all about and how does one go about making a wine low alcohol? There are various methods, and the wines available in New Zealand span these approaches.

Leaving some sugar: By stopping the fermentation process early and leaving some sugar in the wine, the resulting product is lower in alcohol. If it's fewer calories you are looking for, these low alcohol, sweet wines don’t quite fit the bill!

Picking the grapes earlier: The less time the grapes spend on the vine, leaves less time for the sugar and alcohol in the grapes to develop. So, by picking the grapes earlier you’ll end up with a wine lower in alcohol and sugar. Certain grape varieties lend themselves excellently towards early picking.

Donations are always welcome… www.cartiertrust.org.nz

Removing the alcohol: Without going into the technical details, it is possible to remove some (or all) of the alcohol from a wine by spinning it and separating out its parts.

Sunlight: Through smart vineyard management practices, it is possible to increase the grapes exposure to the sun and light, to produce ripe grapes and wines that are naturally lower in alcohol.

The challenge I see for this wine category is maintaining quality. The Government’s investment into low and no alcohol wine research will no doubt drive this, and I am sure we will soon see some great additions to the excellent products already on our shelves.

If you’re looking for a good low or no alcohol wine, pop into a Glengarry Wines store this month and give them a go! (LIZ WHEADON) F PN www.glengarry.co.nz

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY XIAO DAN RESTAURANT AND BAR OPENS IN PONSONBY Xiaodan Lee and her husband Johnny, have created an enviable reputation over the years with their popular restaurant, ‘Flavour House’ located in Balmoral on Dominion Road. Since opening Flavour House in 2002, it has become an essential dining experience for Chinese and Kiwi alike.

Dan and Johnny have brought all that experience and success to Xiao Dan Restaurant and Bar, which is now open for business on Ponsonby Road. Xiao Dan Restaurant offers outstanding, fine cuisine dining with a modern take on your favourite Chinese dishes, using only the freshest produce available.

On their menu you will find a delicious variety of hand-made dumplings, succulent roast duck and exquisite seafood dishes along with an extensive wine list - are all well worth coming in for!

The restaurant interior has been decorated to create a modern and upmarket dining environment complete with a fully licensed bar.

The long wait is over; the finest Chinese cuisine has arrived in Ponsonby!

PN Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11am -11pm and Sunday closed. F XIAO DAN RESTAURANT AND BAR, 161 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 9908

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EAT, DRINK + MERRY

SUPERB SUMMER MENUS AT SPQR SPQR OWNER CHRIS RUPE SAYS, “THIS YEAR WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO celebrating 22 years and have created new specials and exciting menu changes. We are grateful to our regulars and the local support in Ponsonby.”

The SPQR two course Working Lunch (including a glass of wine) for $35 has been a long-standing menu for express lunch diners, and they are now extending the option of three courses (including a glass of wine) for $45. The Working Lunch Menu is available seven days.

On Sundays they feature an impressive three course BYO lunch menu for $55 - bring your own wine or bubbles (1 x 750ml bottle per person only). This is the perfect lunch for birthdays, family get-togethers and work functions.

Coming up this summer enjoy their offering of salmon gravlax cured in Hendrick’s gin, SPQR hot smoked salmon and Akorua cold smoked salmon.

Their oysters are flown fresh from Stewart Island and their snapper is delivered fresh from Jimmy the Fish. You must try their traditional Spaghettini alle Vongole (cockles) which also features on their Working Lunch Menu.

SPQR head chef Giovanni Pisu from Sardinia would like to extend a warm summer’s PN welcome to you! F SPQR, 150 Ponsonby Road www.spqrnz.co.nz

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JULIE BONNER: NEWS FROM FROG POND FARM HOW WAS YOUR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR? WE HAD A GREAT TIME. It was so nice to shut the office door (bolt it actually) and forget about work for a few weeks... Time to get outdoors and endeavour to "catch up" on some gardening, and with the gorgeous start to summer, the garden was skyward bound.

So what has been happening in our plot? Loads.

We have been digging up our wonderful Maori spuds and munching regularly on those gorgeous kowiniwini and some unknown purple variety. Both very tasty and loaded with flavour, so much better when you know that you have grown them yourself. Now why is that I wonder?

The salad bed has been growing beautifully. I have been juicing Chioggia beetroot and using their greenery in stir-fries. Our heirloom cucumbers have been sliced and diced and thrown into tasty fresh Greek salads. The dwarf beans have been cropping nicely, so we have been eating these nightly as you do. I noticed the other day that we are "sharing" them now - those rotten green shield beetles have arrived for the summer.

Our Great Lakes lettuce leaves make the perfect wrap stuffed with smoked salmon, feta and cucumber. Yum! This raised bed has been providing just nicely. As I love companion planting there are blazes of colour from the variety of flowering plants - borage (sneaky self seeded), geranium, zinnia, shasta daisy, pansies (still flowering), alyssum and my favourite nasturtium.

The garlic has been lifted with just a few bulbs left in situ. We have something like 160 bulbs drying in the garage and not a vampire in sight. I still haven’t hoisted out the red onions but I’ll get cracking as these can rot if left in the ground too long. Those Egyptian walking onions are delicious - stand aside red onions and shallots, you have some serious competition.

While plodding around the Bonner plot one morning pre Chrissy, I literally stopped in horror by one of the beds. It appeared that something from Ghostbusters had visited my garden - it had been slimed! On viewing my raised chilli garden, there appeared to be some sort of vomit on the ground. It looked for the world like dog vomit, but rest assured it wasn’t. Nope, it appears that this horrid growth is called "slime mould" and aptly named too, I think. The bizarre thing is it seems that I have introduced it into my garden in my mulch. Yes, this invader called "Fuligo septica" which resembles dog vomit was alive and well in one of my raised beds and it loves consuming organic material?

The good news is, it’s gone and no apparent damage done either!

Our wonderful runner beans are crawling up and over their trellis and providing us with loads of yummy long green lengths. This bed is completely overplanted as usual with tomatoes, a zucchini that is a "vege producing machine", basil, parsley, celery and an array of flowers. We ate our very first Tommy toe tomatoes the other night and yes they were divine.

Our orchard is looking good although many of the trees have dropped loads of fruit due to spring/summer winds. Then of course wild turkeys have also been assisting with denuding the trees. I honestly can’t believe that they find eating unripe quinces pleasant or apples for that matter. I loathe finding the pecked fruit on the ground and turn into a screaming banshee when I find them meandering around the orchard. They aren’t the only uninvited visitors either, our neighbour's piglets (15 or so) dropped in to say gidday the other day and root around amongst the trees as you do when you are a piglet.

PN Happy gardening. (JULIE BONNER) www.frogpondfarm.co.nz F

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY FOR THE LOVE OF AMAZING FOOD Ponsonby International Foodcourt is a family owned business which was started by Irene van Kuyk. Irene has been in the food and beverage industry since the 60s and has had many adventures based around her love of travel and passion for food.

Born and raised in the Spice Islands of Indonesia, Irene grew up watching her mother and grandmother create the most delicious mouth watering food from the diverse range of spices, fresh produce, meat and seafood.

In the 70s, Irene and the family moved to Auckland, where she got busy setting up the first Indonesian restaurant. The successful restaurant was a popular place, not only for Kiwis, but many celebrities and trans Tasman regulars. A successful catering career followed, including teaching the art of Asian cooking. After hanging up her chef's hat, Irene moved into property investment and has a large portfolio under her belt.

Her love of food continued to linger like the aromas of the Spice Islands, so Irene decided to share this with everyone and set up the Ponsonby International Foodcourt - PFC. Her goal was for everyone to have the opportunity to try cuisines from around the world at affordable prices under one roof. Established over 10 years ago, you can savour food from: Italy, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, China, Turkey, Thailand, Laos, India and Indonesia.

PFC has become an iconic institution and loved by all for value, great atmosphere, cleanliness and of course amazing food. Putaruru International Foodcourt situated PN south, takes care of our country friends. F PONSONBY INTERNATIONAL FOODCOURT, 106 Ponsonby Road www.ponsonbyfoodcourt.co.nz

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PHIL PARKER: WHOSE WINE IS IT ANYWAY?

Time to smell the rosés NOW THAT SUMMER HAS KICKED IN, THE SHELVES ARE STEADILY FILLING WITH A NUMBER of very respectable light reds vinted from grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, and even Cabernet Sauvignon. Plus the really good thing is, in warmer weather you can chill many of them with a clear conscience.

Rosés are made by crushing red grapes, then leaving the juice on the skins for a short period (as little as 12 hours) to extract a minimum of colour and maximum grape juice flavours before pressing and racking off into fermentation tanks. The resulting wines are light, often blush pink and have red fruit flavours of strawberries, plums and raspberries. These are crisp, refreshing drink-young wines, which will not benefit from cellaring. They also come in a spectrum of sugar level from dry to medium sweet. Buyer beware. It may be lolly water or Pinot-Lite depending on the whim of the winemaker.

The sweeter rosé styles can tolerate chilling before serving, but the more delicate dry, to off-dry rosé, could be cooled in the fridge for no more 30 minutes or so prior to serving.

Food matches - BBQ tuna, salmon, crayfish, prawns, chicken, crab, spiced rare lamb.

And here comes summer! Woo hoo! Here’s a selection, from sweeter to dryer, and finishing with a fantastic bubbles.

Anna Caselberg and Helene Ravlich

Soho Waiheke Rosé 2013 $26 Hand-picked Waiheke Island fruit - Merlot and Malbec are blended to make this sweetish/ medium rosé.

Kate Radburnd Hawke's Bay Berry Blush Rosé 2013 $16 A Hawke's Bay rosé from Pask winemaker Kate Radburnd. This one is just off-dry, with red berry fruit ripeness and soft acid finish.

Wooing Tree Central Otago Rosé 2013 $28 Dry and crisp. Flavours of red plum and strawberry. A cocktail of flavours. Ripe cherries, pink marshmallow, passion fruit and plum - with a crisp finish.

Bélouvé Côtes De Provence Rosé (France) 2012 $24 Cabernet, Grenache and Syrah go into the blend for this French rosé from Provence.

Dry, restrained and elegant with the complexity of a rosé Champagne style.

Marques De Caceres Rioja Rosado (Spain) 2012 $19 Two typical Rioja red grapes- Tempranillo and Grenache are blended to create this wine.

Mild oaky flavours, and a rich just off-dry ripe palate of plums and strawberries.

Quartz Reef Rosé Methode Traditionelle Central Otago $40 Delicate pale salmon pink in colour, 100% organic Pinot Noir fruit, and aged for 24 months. Rich and rounded with a lingering savoury spice finish. A lovely elegant bubbly for the summer season. (PHIL PARKER) F PN Read Phil’s blog at nzwineblogger.blogspot.co.nz Phil Parker is a wine writer and operates Fine Wine & Food Tours in Auckland. www.insidertouring.co.nz

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Mark and Trudi Nelson

EAST IMPERIAL GIN AND TONIC MASTERCLASS 1885 BRITOMART 10 December 2013 “Gin is as glamorous, elegant and beautiful as she ever was,” says Kevin Law-Smith of new-to-New Zealand East Imperial Tonic Water. The Singapore based tonic boasts considerably less sugar and (Ponsonby News concurs) a vastly more sophisticated flavour than supermarket brands, and is designed to reveal the beauty of the gin it is partnered with.

East Imperial uses all natural and sustainably sourced ingredients and the company is a member of global cause, 1% For The Planet - giving back a percentage of its profit to the communities who support them. East Imperial also produce a soda water and PN www.eastimperial.net a ginger beer. F

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photography: Michael McClintock

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

Amin Shahin, owner of Dessert Dojo Ponsonby busy at work creating delicious cold stone ice-cream creations

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TRAVEL BREAKS: THE NEW THERAPY!

LAKE WANAKA; EXPERIENCE THIS SPECIAL SLICE OF NEW ZEALAND Lake Wanaka is truly unspoilt and basking in natural beauty, especially highlighted during autumn.

Lake Wanaka’s Lifestyle Reserve - In the same way that wildlife reserves and national parks have become holiday destinations, the concept of a lifestyle reserve acts as a draw-card for those wanting to experience the ultimate Kiwi lifestyle The crystal clear waters of the lakes and rivers, the fresh mountain air, the stunning alpine views at each turn. Lake Wanaka is the perfect setting for an unhurried weekend getaway, an action packed outdoor adventure, a leisurely family holiday and a photographer’s dream. There’s no shortage of activities for all ages on land, on water or in the air. There are plenty of reasons to visit Lake Wanaka.

One of those reasons is the infamous War-birds over Wanaka air show held biannually, 2014 is bound to be more spectacular than ever before.

‘Warbirds over Wanaka’ - A spectacular air show set in one of the world’s most stunning locations within New Zealand; held over 18, 19 and 20 April.

Warbirds over Wanaka 2014 will be a unique warbirds air show with a one-off special event commemorating the First World War on Friday and a Rides Day on Monday. The air show culminates in a huge mock air battle complete with the best pyrotechnics ever seen at an air show in New Zealand.

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See some of the most famous warbirds in the world to join forces with the classic aircraft of yesteryear and the modern jets of today to present a veritable feast of aviation attractions. On the ground you can view and experience a variety of military vehicles, vintage tractors, vintage machinery and an aviation trade expo will vie for your attention.

2014 will bring a one-off special event celebrating 100 years since the First World War over Lake Wanaka on Friday 18 April. This year you will also be able to experience for yourself a flight in a warbird, micro-light and other aircraft. To complement your warbirds experience a stay at RiverRun is a must!

One of New Zealand’s hidden accommodation treasures, this unique property sits within 500 acres of riverside land with superb mountain and valley views.

RiverRun offers exceptional hospitality, handcrafted boutique luxury accommodation and a magnificent base from which to explore Lake Wanaka resort and Mt Aspiring National Park, in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Built with passion and style in mind, RiverRun offers a level of elegance, comfort, relaxation and fine dining that exceeds the usual small lodge. The lodge is set on an escarpment and surrounded by 500 acres of private land bordering New Zealand’s largest river, the Clutha, with walks and running trails and spectacular and uninterrupted mountain views. This luxury lodge is stylish, charming and private, with attention to comfort and detail. In the evening lodge guests enjoy fine food and wine prepared by the lodge chef and a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Riverrun is a perfect retreat for those wanting a tranquil rural setting with sublime views that is still conveniently close to the airport for your warbirds experience, PN Wanaka township, restaurants, services and activities. (WENDY DOBSON) F For all your "Warbirds over Wanaka" package deals including accommodation please contact Wendy.

ART OF TRAVEL, 17/386 Richmond Road E: wendy@artoftravel.co.nz T: 09 360 1456. www.artoftravel.co.nz

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MEDITERRANEAN MUSINGS

by Kate Gohar, Director, World Journeys

The silliest of grins takes over my face the minute I set foot in Venice.

No matter that I’ve been there countless times, it can even start during the water taxi ride from the airport! Picture-perfect scenes of ancient bridges, tiny balconies jutting out from centuries old palaces, battered and peeling houses jostling against each other beside the lesser canals and a lively pulse in the city all collide to make Venice mesmerising. Just one of my favourite places in the Mediterranean, nay, the world!

A close runner up is the masterpiece that is Florence. The Gothic style Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) took 140 years to complete; its Brunelleschi dome is an architectural miracle and even today it remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. Ponte Vecchio, spanning the Arno, is the oldest bridge in Florence dating back to the 1300s. It has glittered with all things gold since the 16th century when the Medici family ordered the original butchers of the area to leave due to the appalling smell! It is also the only Florentine bridge saved from destruction by the Germans in 1944 - a real treasure.

The charm of Barcelona is endless. The soaring spires of La Sagrada Familia pierce the skyline, the banter of the artists and "con artists" on Las Ramblas endlessly amuse and the mountains of colour and fragrance in La Bouqueria Food Market always leave me salivating. Add this to the quirky delights of Park Guell where Gaudi was let loose with rampant and enchanting energy, the old Gothic Quarter with its array of wonderful shops and buildings, opportunities to enjoy Catalan cuisine, sangria, the engaging spirit of the locals and you have a pretty special destination.

For a real feel of "Old Town Europe" I head for Dubrovnik. The staunch façade of the city wall encircles baroque buildings, a gleaming pedestrian thoroughfare bursting with churches, cafés, museums and shops, a delightful small harbour at one end giving you a tantalising peek at the glistening Adriatic with the promise of lush landscapes and crystal beaches just beyond.

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And what is there not to love about the Cinque Terre? These five charming villages cling to cliffsides backed by hills so steep that a coastal road was impossible. The villages are connected by train, a good option on a hot day when walking is not for the faint hearted, but my favourite way is by ferry, permitting spectacular views of the coastline and its chaotic sprawl of villages.

Combine all of these delights of the Med and add on time in Lake Como, and you have World Journeys’ small group tour aptly named “Best of the Med”, departing in May and September 2014. Touring the Cinque Terre and Lake Como is followed by a 12-night Holland America Line cruise from Venice to Barcelona. Fully escorted from New Zealand, this is the kind of journey where the silliest of grins would be entirely PN appropriate at any point. F

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ROSS THORBY: SEA FEVER

Where do old ships go to die?

In the dark, riding the gentle rise and fall of the swell, a captain awaits the high tide.

Silhouetted by the red glow of the bridge lights, he stands poised for just the right moment to alert the crew manning the engine room. At full tide, he gives an order and the ship surges forward, engines gunned to maximum speed. She is driven hard towards the mainland and right up onto a beach, her prow burying deep into the sand.

In the early light, an army of workers descend upon the once proud ship, and the work of hand stripping the vessel begins.

Alang Beach, a graveyard for ships. An oil covered beach south of Bhavnagar in the state of Gujarat, India. Here stand the steel ribs of now forgotten ships, stripped bare of steel and anything recyclable. Asbestos, oil and dangerous toxins abound in this environment, but the industry provides income and boosts the economy of one of India’s most industrialised states. India and Pakistan’s beaches hide the deaths of such illustrious ships as the Franconia, the Canberra and the Fairstar amongst other names easily recognisable to us here in Oceania.

Such fate awaits most of today’s cruise ships once their working life is over. Ships today are built only with a 20-25 year life span with the exception of a few including the Queen Elizabeth 2.

Recently a friend pointed out an article relating to the QE2. She is currently holed up in Dubai, alone and reportedly un-manned, her once fine interiors deteriorating in the Dubai heat. The original plan when the Emiratis bought her in 2008 was to have her as the centerpiece of the new Jumeirah Island development. Along with the ship’s superstructure, they also bought the culture of the Cunard Line including many of her artifacts obtained during her 41-year history. With the onset of the global crunch, these plans were shelved and more recently she was sold to Asian interests who want to base her in the Far East, also as a floating hotel. The start date of her new future came and went unfulfilled and the old skeleton crew who had manned her since 2008 were recently “let go.”

The QE2 seems to be awaiting a future which continually seems to elude her.

Many “shipnuts” like me, would prefer her to be towed out and scuttled into the Atlantic that she once ruled. A dignified burial to an old matron of the sea, her days ending where she was the most comfortable and where she could again rule the waves for eternity.

This seems to be a far more fitting end than an ignominious future as a grotesque floating accomodation and convention center, as one observer put it, “an upmarket boarding house,” or even worse... end up on the beach at Alang.

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Cunard’s flagship was in the autumn of her days when I began cruising on her in 2002.

Although there were more luxurious and better fitted out ships at the time, she had a personality and atmosphere gained over a lifetime of being patronised by the infamous and elite of the day. By the time I joined her she even had a permanent resident among the rich old ladies who continued to use her as a floating retirement home.

She had heart and soul that would be impossible to recreate on any other ship.

Sailing on her was akin to staying with a favourite aunt in the old family home. Decorated in old fashioned fabrics and a pastiche of styles which somehow worked, she exuded a familiarity and comfort that made you feel immediately at home. Her superstructure groaned and creaked in a swell, but like a greyhound, she would ride the waves with an ease that modern liners envy. A real “shippies” ship.

I’m remembering her fondly, particularly this month, because I’m embarking in South America on one of Cunard’s “new” ships, the Queen Victoria. We will travel a portion of the world cruise that the QE2 did often; down and around the treacherous Cape Horn and across to Easter Island, then back to New Zealand. At five years old the QV is just starting her career, but much as she is my favourite, I doubt she will have the longevity set by her older sibling and I wonder whether she too, will eventually suffer the indignity of the final beaching and the fate of many others visiting our shores this cruise season.

Sail on them while you can, life for a ship can be short. (ROSS THORBY) F PN

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2 Caroline Clegg from World Journeys in Ponsonby sent in a couple of photos of Ponsonby News being read in MOROCCO, at the Roman ruins of Volubilis. "This magazine certainly does get around!" she says!

1. Youssef, guide at Volubilis, MOROCCO 2. Ange Pirie and Mum Maryann at Volubilis, MOROCCO Dear readers please keep sending us your holiday snaps reading your favourite magazine, we love getting them! Photos need to be in high resolution (300dpi), so please email them to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz without reducing the size.

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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5 3. & 4. Chaohai Cui is a St Marys Bay resident who has been living around Ponsonby area for a few years. "Last month I flew back CHINA to spend a short holiday in my hometown, Shenyang. My friends took a few photos for me with Ponsonby News, some were taken from the imperial palace of the Qing dynasty in SHENYANG. It is a world heritage site now. I love this magazine, Ponsonby News, every month it is put in my mailbox, I'm the first to check it out and read it."

7 6. Bless my friend Rozana Lee, who squeezed not one but TWO copies of Ponsonby News into her luggage when she went to see her family in Indonesia last month. She is pictured with her dad in his fabric shop in ACEH. His business was established in the 1970s and which he had to rebuild after it was destroyed by the Boxing Day tsunami.

7. Rosie Oliver sent in a photo of herself reading Ponsonby News in AMSTERDAM, beside the monument to commemorate the fight for civil rights of all gay people.

5. Simon Warbrick sent us this snap of his wife, Linzi Jones, reading the Ponsonby News outside ION Orchard, on Orchard Road in SINGAPORE. "We tried to get the guy next to her to smile, but he was too engrossed in his newspaper."

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PONSONBY NEWS READERS ARE EVERYWHERE

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11 8. & 9. Jason Nicholls is photographed in CHONGQING, CHINA and tells us he never leaves New Zealand without a copy of PN... he loves us!

10. Kerry Coldicutt sent us this shot reading the Ponsonby News in Bern, SWITZERLAND this summer. "My Mum loves the Ponsonby News, so here's one for her," she told us.

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11. We love this shot! Tom Berry having a break from dog sledding in OTTAWA, CANADA, while his “friend” has a read of December’s Ponsonby News.

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13 12. Ponsonby News fan Lance Lee spent time at the Pacific Resort at AITUTAKI in the Cook Islands. "Surrounded by the crystal clear turquoise waters of Aitutaki lagoon, the idyllic atoll of Aitutaki is a magical destination," he told us.

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14 13. Emily, Jess and Tom Berry enjoying Ponsonby News in NEW YORK. 14. Tom Berry reading Ponsonby News at DISNEYLAND. DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING CYCLING IN AUCKLAND BUT IT’S SO DANGEROUS! YES, YOU ARE RIGHT. SITTING AROUND, DOING NOTHING, IS very dangerous. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in New Zealand and many of these deaths are premature and preventable by doing just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Mainstream media loves to scare and at present they appear to be fixated on the dangers of cycling. It’s just not sexy to write about the dangers of inactivity and yet far too many New Zealanders are obese, have high blood pressure and cholesterol and are at far greater risk of heart disease because of a lack of physical activity. Cycling is a proven, low-impact, cardiovascular workout; increasing muscle tone, stamina and endurance while helping with weight loss. Additionally, regular exercise like cycling reduces stress and depression.

Did you know that once you are on the North-Western Cycleway you can get all the way from Central Auckland, out west to Oratia while remaining off-road for most of the way?

The Twin Streams cycleway provides an excellent path riding experience for the whole family while following the very pretty Henderson Creek. It takes you through the historic Corban Estate, through various West Auckland Parks and even to the Oratia Market where you can buy produce and refreshments or just listen to live music on a Saturday.

Auckland Transport also provides free skills sessions and guided bike tours over the summer with good practical bike training to get you started and they cater for cyclists from complete beginners to those that want a leg up into commuting more regularly.

If you want to know more about cycling but don’t know where to start then pop along to your local bicycle shop where we can give you advice, and pointers on bicycles, maintenance, and free maps. Doing nothing is not an option. F PN RODE, 2 Carrington Road T: 09 950 3198 www.rode.co.nz

photography: Michael McClintock

But what about Auckland’s car drivers? If you want to get into cycling but aren’t confident that you can foot it with aggressive traffic then try starting out in one of Auckland’s many parks. Riding on the grass or pathways is an easy way to learn to cycle and you can progressively get more adventurous with some of the dedicated cycleways that Auckland has or head out of town and cycle some of the awesome “rail trail” style tracks like the Hauraki Rail Trail. Auckland Transport has some really good maps of places to cycle while avoiding traffic and the Hauraki Rail Trail will allow you various options of cycling and sightseeing between Thames, Te Aroha and Waihi while remaining completely separate from the traffic.

Cycling enthusiast Pippa Coom of the Waitemata Board

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE CYCLING Auckland Transport is launching a campaign to raise the awareness of cycling as a preferred and efficient mode of transport.

“Cycling’s the Go” encourages Aucklanders to sign up and attend free cycling training courses.

Community Transport Manager, Matthew Rednall says, “We want to improve the skill level and confidence of cyclists and to increase their knowledge of safe cycling behaviour.”

Forty-five per cent of Aucklanders have access to a bike but only 20 percent use a bike at least once a month.

The last “Cycling’s the Go” campaign, before Christmas, saw 587 people take cycling training courses. This is a 126 percent increase from the courses at the same time in 2012. Mr Rednall says “It’s great to see Aucklanders improving their skills and confidence on their bike.”

There are 34 summer cycling training courses including: • beginner bike training for adults • the basics of bike maintenance • commuter leg up course • novice on-road training for adults • intermediate on-road training for adults A key focus of the campaign is to personalise cyclists through the use of specific course related videos. “We are showing people what they can expect from these courses, we want to make it as practical as possible.”

These videos promote beginner bike sessions, basics of bike maintenance and the novice on-road training course. The people we have interviewed actually took part in one of our 2013 spring cycling training courses.

• Novice - http://youtu.be/AovpOy5TRNY • Beginner - http://youtu.be/ygsYrpeOHnA • Maintenance - http://youtu.be/7jpTpqBFx3c For more information, including how to register for the summer cycling training courses: www.cyclingsthego.co.nz. F PN

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING CARBON DIOXIDE - THE BREATH OF LIFE CARBON DIOXIDE HAS RECEIVED A BAD RAP EVER SINCE IT WAS FIRST RECOGNISED as a by-product of respiration by French nobleman and chemist Antoine Lavoisier in 1782. To this day, most people think of carbon dioxide as a waste gas, so it will come as a surprise to learn that many of us are deficient in this vital elixir of life.

Contrary to what you might think, we require an optimal level of CO2 in our blood to be healthy. Optimal carbon dioxide is essential for cellular oxygenation and greatly affects every bodily function. Breathing more than the physiological norm depletes this optimal level and can result in symptoms such as breathlessness, headaches, snoring, nasal congestion or light-headedness.

How does this happen? Prolonged stress, over-work, emotional trauma, illness, bereavement, prolonged use of screen technologies, lack of exercise and over-training are some of the ways you can end up habitually over-breathing. This can result in permanent carbon dioxide loss and a condition known as hypocapnia (carbon dioxide deficit).

Insomnia, sleep apnoea, anxiety/panic attacks, asthma, hay fever and high blood pressure are some of the disorders that can result from long term over-breathing and hypocapnia.

If you suffer from, or are taking medication for, any of the symptoms or disorders listed above, it is likely you are suffering from hypocapnia and need help with your breathing.

And here’s a tip to get started: Try to breathe in and out through your nose at all times, even during vigorous exercise. If you find this difficult you are probably overbreathing and will benefit from one of the Buteyko Breathing Clinic programmes. To book a breathing assessment or for more information about their programmes, phone them at PN the Buteyko Breathing Clinic on T: 09 360 6291 F Buteyko Breathing Clinic are offering a 20% discount off your first appointment to all Ponsonby News readers for the month of February.

Glenn White is Director of the Buteyko Breathing Clinic www.buteykobreathing.co.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

Yin yoga comes to East West I’ve been aware of how essential it is to introduce some form of restorative exercise practice into my life for some time now, and Yin-style yoga seemed like the one that appealed most and I love it!

Restorative - or "Yin" - yoga is a form of yoga that seeks to achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation with the aid of a few props. It provides healing for the body and the mind, and is a must when you have a brain as fast-paced as mine and an exercise routine that sees you go, go, go. It is especially useful when you need to eliminate the fatigue and stress that result from your daily activities, and can also help you recover from illness and injury or overcome emotional depression - pretty powerful stuff!

It is known that restorative yoga can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which enables automatic control of the body. As such, the regular nervous system will be at rest, and the muscles will become more relaxed. Constant practice of restorative yoga will make your body less vulnerable to stress-related illnesses and help you achieve optimal health.

The owner of the East West Bikram Yoga studios in Ponsonby and Newmarket, Nikki Harris, is a strong advocate of Yin and recently added a couple of classes to her timetable with (hopefully, given how popular they are!) more to come. After attending a few classes around town I was recommended Nikki's classes and fell in love on the spot - it really did feel that good.

Intelligent and thoughtful, the petite brunette officially embarked upon her Bikram yoga journey in 2001 whilst working as an accountant in Canada. She had dabbled in various other forms of the ancient exercise over the years but never really found one that clicked - until then. “I have always been a naturally stiff person and was doing a lot of running at the time,” she says, “which certainly wasn't helping matters. My first Bikram class was a real eye opener for me and demonstrated the current state of my body and its deterioration like never before.” She says she was shocked at the general “state I had got myself into,” and as she practised more she began to see the difference it was making to her aching joints, tight hamstrings, shin splints and general lack of flexibility.

“I started to sense change happening and that is always so encouraging and motivating.”

She began attending classes on a daily basis as per the Bikram way, and found that the stress of her job became more manageable as she began to look forward to her yoga fix every night. After a year she was leaving Canada for London and decided to spend the down time in between training to be a Bikram teacher at a nine-week residential course in Los Angeles. “I loved it and knew it was what I was meant to be doing,” she says, adding that within weeks she had cancelled her London plans and returned to Vancouver to teach. In 2004 she returned to Auckland and opened her studio in Newmarket, and a few years later her spacious studio near the top of Ponsonby Road.

So with all of the success she’s had teaching exclusively Bikram, I wanted to know why the time had come to add Yin to her repertoire. “I first took a Yin class 10 years ago, “not long after I started teaching Bikram” she explains. “It was definitely in its infancy in the West back then, a few teachers rocked it out together and instantly if felt like the missing piece. It has been a steady home practice for me since then, it truly is the "yin" to balance out the "yang" of the stronger practices such as Vinyasa and Bikram and it even balances out the rigours of daily life.” She adds, “these days the practice is gaining popularity, and our lives are perhaps getting more and more busy - in some ways I feel negligent that we didn't introduce it to our schedule years ago! Our students are really loving it, and realising - just like I did - that it’s just what they need to balance out the more yang aspects of their yoga practice and life.”

Not strictly textbook restorative, Nikki says that the Yin classes at East West are “slow and mainly floor-based so can be used restoratively, but for our healthy students, they will find they can move quite deep into their practice and take a healthy body/mind to an even more optimal state. To go deeply inside and stay still is quite intense! But you get to choose that depth of course.”

She believes everyone in our community can benefit from Yin as “exercise, work, family, city living all enrich our lives, but too much of these good things and the scales get tipped out of balance. A good Yin class balances the effort of daily life with surrender… the strength is balanced by some softness. And the social nature of our lives is balanced by some deep solitary work.”

I have seen all ages and types of students coming along, and Nikki says “desk-based executives love the hip and lower back release, dancers love the healing deep tissue work, and older students love the increased mobility about their joints. Everyone leaves PN feeling a little dreamy!” (HELENE RAVLICH) F www.eastwest.co.nz

BEAUTIFUL HAIR, BEAUTIFUL FLORA Matrix Biolage - the United States' top selling salon-only American haircare brand has been reinvented.

New variants available in local salons comprise four new formulas that mimic nature, drawing on the anti-fade properties of the orchid, the humidity control power of the camellia, the moisture reserve power of the aloe and the expansive property of cotton.

To coincide with the new collection and in keeping with its sustainability commitments, a new partnership with Project Crimson - a charity dedicated to rending and restoring New Zealand's iconic Pohutukawa and Rata - has been announced.

The Project Crimson Trust was established to fight for the survival of our iconic natives' when, by 1990, it had become clear that they could be wiped out in some parts of the country. Today the trust is a leading conservation organisation.

From early next month, selected Matrix Biolage stickered product will see $1 go towards Project Crimson to help keep our coastline colourful. Matrix Biolage salons will also drive visibility and awareness of the cause throughout March and April - look out for the cheery red graphics. F PN www.projectcrimson.org.nz

74 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2014

L to R: Matrix Biolage Colorlast Shampoo RRP$30.00 Matrix Biolage ColorLast Shine Shake RRP$30.00 PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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SHEENA SHUVANI STARDUST ASTROLOGY (January 20 - February 19) ♒ AQUARIUS Element of air. Symbol: The Water Bearer Quality: Fixed = stability (true to yourself)

Planetary Ruler Uranus Character Deep thinker, day-dreamer, rainbow child wandering in a utopian wonderland future.

Individual, often artistic, innovative, slightly eccentric (now and then flashes of genius).

You are stubbornly true to your vision of an improved world. You are honourable, idealistic and principled. Humanitarian and ecologically inclined, you are ever adventurous and ever embracing change, yet stubborn and unbending in your convictions. You are truly a free spirited idealist. Anti-authoritarian, a rebel with a cause!

Career Aquarius, you love to break new ground, venture into new territory. Careers that help or entertain or instruct humanity, nature or save the planet appeal. Your dazzling intelligence and flashes of brilliance inspire others. Work related travel always appeals.

You are often found in marine biology, science, acting, show business, music, writing, avant garde movies, pilots and explorers, quite simply it is your instinct to plunge into the unknown.

Love and Sexuality With your effortless social skills you belong to everyone and no one. You are often emotionally detached and not ruled by sex, seldom expressing deep feelings, more attached to a concept than a person. You love to try new things, so surprise and sudden adventures appeal. Thus sex on the deck of a seagoing yacht, or impromptu elevator encounters, outdoor couplings, tantric sex and wild, impulsive mile-high lovemaking and exotic locations are your bag. The ho-hum and the hum-drum are not for you.

Past Directions Impatient and seemingly ungrateful at times, you have huge expectations of your partners and the world, acquiring new friends daily, paradoxically you sometimes choose space and solitude to gloomily mull over the state of the world and unlock the secrets of the universe.

Helpful Advice Learn to deepen intimacy and communication with your lover. You possess awesome concentration, acute intelligence and ability to analyse. Your desire is to share quality time with others and still retain your freedom loving ways. Sometimes you do not appreciate yourself enough.

Your Lucky Number According to Cheiro (the world’s most famous seer) the day of your birth is the luckiest of all numbers for you!

Your Deepest Desires Sharing, improving, free travel.

Favoured Precious Stones Sapphires, opals, black pearls, celestial crystal, amethyst Favoured Metals Quicksilver Favoured Colours Aquamarine, turquoise blue, lavender, sea greens, paua shell colours.

PN (SHEENA SHUVANI). F

ACTION AGAINST OBESITY EPIDEMIC TAKES NEW APPROACH Obesity levels in New Zealand have reached an all-time high with 28% of adults aged 15 years and over and 10 percent of children aged 2 -14 classed as obese.

Just as shocking are statistics recently reported by the Ministry of Health showing a further 35 per cent of adults and 21 per cent of children aged 2-14 are overweight, but not obese. In fact New Zealand has the fourth highest obesity levels amongst the 34 OECD member countries.

Drastic and different measures need to be taken to stop this epidemic in its tracks and a team of influential, high profile health professionals plan to do just that.

Leading the battle against obesity at ground level are integrated health practitioner Dr Frances Pitsilis (Is Modern Medicine Killing You), dietitian and Master Chef winner Nadia Lim, buteyko breathing expert, Glenn White and personal trainer to many of New Zealand’s top athletes, Sean Hughes. They are four of the highly talented professionals taking part in the pilot health programme combining both orthodox and complementary health practices.

Clinical nutritionist and master neuro-linguistic programmer, Sheena Hendon says people’s reasons for not being able to lose weight are complex and diverse.

“Most of us realise the key issues are to do with more energy going in (food and drink) versus less energy going out (activity and exercise),” says Hendon. “But, in my experience it’s not as simple as asking people to cut back on unhealthful foods or join the gym.”

“For example for some people, physical imbalances may cause weight to pile on, others don’t know what a balanced diet is, have emotional problems or have failed to lose weight so many times they feel defeated. All of these need to be addressed to beat the problem,” she says.

That is why Next Generation Health & Racquet Club, New Zealand Fitness magazine and Sheena Hendon Health have joined forces to put together a health and fitness day retreat to address the modern day health concerns - stress, obesity and ageing - through holistic medicine.

“The aim is to provide people with an educational day, addressing possible mind and body causes of their health issues - from imbalances in biological hormones and chemicals, understanding the right exercises to do and what to eat to lose fat, to the importance of breathing and identifying un-useful beliefs and behaviours,” says Sheena Hendon.

“The attendees will get the opportunity to explore the many possible causes of their stress and weight issues and come away with the tools for change and be better armed to take action and start getting results,” she says.

Both Next Generations general manager, Carlos King and New Zealand Fitness magazine publisher, Lorraine Thomson are passionate about the event.

“We are passionate about getting the message of Change + Action = Results, out to Kiwis and supporting them in being the best they can be - which will hopefully include reaching their ideal weight and being less stressed,” says Mr King.

The pilot programme, which aims to be the first of many running nationwide, takes place on 15 February 2014 at Next Generation Health and Racquet Club, Auckland.

Participation is expected from all over New Zealand.

For further information please contact: Sheena Hendon, M: 021 316 677, T: 09 585 2252 or view www.methode.co.nz/shop/Health+%26+Fitness+Retreat.html PN or email sheenahe@sheenahendonhealth.co.nz. F

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING HEALTHY LIVING FROM AROHA HEALING Nga mihi o te Tau Hou! Keep that relaxed holiday vibe with Aroha Healing bodywork, Reiki and facial therapy.

Transition yourself into 2014 feeling balanced and calm with all Aroha Healing has to offer. Learning to meditate with candle light and intention is easy, and the team at Aroha Healing will be including guidelines for a wonderful candle meditation with each candle purchase this month.

The team at Aroha Healing have been busy creating and hand pouring some wonderful candles that are unique and offer the intention of love, abundance and sacred femininity, or masculinity, for that someone special that you wish to acknowledge on 14 February or any day of the year.

Aroha Healing’s focus candle for February is the Aroha (Love) Candle available in three sizes. This candle is perfect for anyone, combines essences of fresh floral essential and fragrance oils and wild mint to evoke a loving heart space and environment.

Our Aroha Healing "Wahine" candle is popular, poured under the full moon each month.

This special candle celebrates sacred femininity as a powerful force. With deep floral essences and succulent peach, this candle makes a wonderful gift for any woman of any age - great for mums, partners and friends as something a little different and always very well accepted!

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

For men, Aroha Healing has recently created the divinely masculine "Tane" candle, celebrating masculine energy as standing in the power of his own truth. A rich blend of deep woods and fruity essential oils infused with kauri leaves, karakia and the intention of strength, vitality, balance and peace. Aroha Healing have some amazing workshops and nature retreats coming up. You can check out their website or contact Rosanna or Benton directly. Wishing all Ponsonby News readers a happy and prosperous 2014. F PN AROHA HEALING, 3 Maidstone Street T: 0800mindbody info@arohahealing.co.nz www.arohahealing.co.nz

IMPROVE YOUR LEVEL OF FITNESS What better way to get some exercise than by playing nine holes of golf in the evening. Twilight golf will help burn those calories and allow you to enjoy the ambience of Auckland’s iconic public golf course in a park like atmosphere.

At Chamberlain Park Golf Course have fun while exercising and getting in some good clean fresh air. Make it a family event or a group challenge. It allows people of all ages to join in and be part of the game.

Golf lessons are available from the professionals to help you improve your game and why not get the children started with lessons and playing golf while they are young!

Chamberlain Park never turns people away, you just turn up and play. The course is open 365 days, weather permitting. Come along and see for yourself.

CHAMBERLAIN PARK GOLF COURSE, 46A Linwood Avenue Western Springs, T: 09 815 4999 F PN

78 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2014

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

Our health in 2014 French novelist Marcel Proust (1871 -1922) said “The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”

At the beginning of a new year in 2014 let’s open our eyes and try to see why the "cures" for chronic degenerative illnesses remain as elusive as ever. As I see it, "we" will never find what we are looking for if we keep looking in the wrong place. Unless we are willing to look at the role that lifestyle, - diet and the environment play in the development of disease, the search for a "cure" will continue to be a very costly delusion. As Baby Boomers become increasingly concerned about their health they are looking for ways by which they might prevent or reverse the illnesses associated with ageing.

The human body has an amazing ability to heal itself if we give it the right tools to work with. The tool kit can be summed up in three words NUTRITION - NUTRITION - NUTRITION. While drugs can be lifesavers in emergency situations, with chronic illnesses, I fail to see how it will ever be possible to "drug" a sick body back to health. There are however vast sums of money generated by this thinking and thus it is highly unlikely that the truth will emerge.

My own approach to diet is anti-inflammatory plant based - gluten - dairy - sugar - alcohol and caffeine free. I drink plenty of pure filtered water and significantly limit consumption of highly processed vegetable oils. Recommendations - get a copy of the FOOD MATTERS documentary available from my website www.johnappleton.co.nz - check out World’s Healthiest Foods website www.whfoods.com and another great website www.greenmedinfo.com My dietary approach as above is not specific to any one disease or condition - it’s all encompassing. All of our cells "talk" to each other - what is good for one cell is

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

JOHN APPLETON: ON HEALTH

equally good for another. Exercise is a must for all of us. Get out and walk every day. There is no need to run - walk as briskly as you can - a stroll might not cut it. Lift some light weights every day.

Supplementation - should be seen as supporting a health inducing diet and not a "crutch" for a health reducing diet. My top 3 are vitamin C - a really good multi vitamin - high potency pure omega 3 (from marine oils).

If there is any one suggestion I would make for everyone in 2014 - learn everything you can about vitamin C - it could one day save your life or that of a loved one. I have an excellent ebook about vitamin C and heart disease that I can email to anyone interested.

To get you thinking here’s a brief round-up of a number of diseases/conditions with nutritional interventions that are worth exploring.

Arthritis - two glasses of pure filtered water with the juice of a lemon on rising - organic apple cider vinegar prior to each meal. Curcumin BCM 95 form - omega 3 (many cheap omega 3 oils are oxidised be careful) - ginger tea - niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) - vitamin D. For any form of arthritis - the goal is anti-inflammatory. A recent study found that arthritis is much less about wear and tear and more about inflammation.

Coronary artery disease - refer dietary approach as above. Vitamin C - high potency omega 3 - a really good multivitamin - high blood pressure - magnesium - coenzyme Q10 - high potency omega 3 - back up with amino acid L-Arginine powder if necessary - heart rhythm - magnesium - coenzyme Q10 - high potency omega 3 - heart failure - coenzyme Q10 - D-Ribose L-Carnitine - magnesium - vitamin D. Diabetes - diet is paramount for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. I’m sure you already know that but are you making a commitment to it? The more raw food you eat the better. Vitamin C is at the top of my list together with R lipoic acid - sprinkle Mrs Rogers Organic Cinnamon on your food.

Heartburn - reflux - indigestion - focus hard on the diet as above - heal the gut - probiotics - digestive enzymes - ginger tea (homemade from root) - slippery elm powder in water before bed. Constipation - freshly made vegetable juices twice daily - drink plenty of room temp water during the day - magnesium citrate powder in water before bed.

Kidney stones - prevention is the key. Diet is very important.

Avoid dehydration and drink the juice of a lemon in a large glass of water on rising and in the afternoon.

Cataracts - antioxidants are very important - vitamin C and R-lipoic acid. There’s a treatment option developed in Scotland - N acetyl carnosine drops. One of the well-known brands is Can C eye drops. Can be combined with other key nutrients for the eyes lutein - zeaxanthin - bilbery extract (which are top of my list for macular degeneration) Hemorrhoids - diet is paramount. Dehydration/ constipation is the enemy. Danger time can be after anaesthetics. Vitamin C is important to improve the integrity of blood vessels.

Two products that are well worth considering Venapro Capsules www.Venapro.com Heal Hemorrhoids (Healing Natural Oils) www.amoils.com (a marker of inflammation) homocysteine (an important risk factor for heart disease) lipoprotein a (Lpa) a little talked about form of LDL but an important risk factor. Vitamin D - it’s really important for all of us to know our level. New Zealanders generally have way less than optimal levels. I pay to have a vitamin D blood level done.

Do your own research - ask a lot of questions - there is plenty of evidence if you know where to look - have a look at www.science.naturalnews.com the evidence might surprise you and hopefully your doctor too.

(JOHN APPLETON) F PN APPLETON ASSOCIATES, T: 09 489 9362 john@johnappleton.co.nz www.johnappleton.co.nz

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

Meet Chris Lim: the man behind MARACA When I met impeccably dressed Grey Lynn resident Chris Lim at the opening of the Auckland flagship for luxury goods store Coach towards the end of last year, I was struck immediately by his passion and enthusiasm for all things bright and beautiful. This includes his sweet-smelling, wonderfully international baby - the extraordinary MARACA. The culmination of a life long dream to create a truly beautiful-yet-accessible lifestyle brand, MARACA was officially born in 2012 in Auckland, the city that Chris now calls home.

At its helm is the effervescent and passionate founder, who sees the key touchstones of the brand as being: luxury, quality and style, with a firm emphasis on harnessing nature’s most effective ingredients. Born in Malaysia, Chris fell in love with the mysterious powers of fragrance and indulgence at an early age. “My aunt worked in the beauty industry and had the most amazing collection of perfume miniatures,” he told me over coffee at Toru at a later date, which would entice him to spend hours playing with them whenever he had the chance. “I really couldn’t keep away,” he adds with a laugh, and says that he has been obsessed by fragrance ever since.

wants, so MARACA is always developing new scents and innovative product lines that are unique and always tempting and challenging the savvy consumer. The brand is also proudly unisex with freshly designed, slick, clean packaging and scents that will appeal to men and women whether they are in bodycare or home fragrance form. To say that they would work a treat on any mantelpiece or dresser would be putting it mildly - they are built to impress and they most certainly do.

Chris wants the world to embrace MARACA in all its beauty, and from what I’ve seen thus far - the romance has officially begun. (HELENE RAVLICH) F PN

This soon led to an early career turn when he was employed behind the fragrance counter of a luxury store at the age of 17, which coincided with the beginning of his now vast fragrance collection that runs into hundreds of sparkling, beautifully scented bottles. He spent seven years in the industry working with iconic global fragrance names like Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hugo Boss, Estee Lauder, DKNY and Gucci, before he moved to the Australian city of Melbourne to study marketing and retail management at prestigious Victoria University.

2012 saw him living in New Zealand and embarking upon his lifelong dream to establish his own lifestyle brand in the form of MARACA, and just two years later the journey is fast picking up pace with the brand now sold internationally and new fragrance lines in constant development. “Fragrance is essential to my own life and I believe it plays a major role in others’ too,” says the company founder and keen nose, “I want to see MARACA grow and take my passion for fashion, beauty and culture to the world.”

The beautiful MARACA collection includes lush, decadent bodycare products as well as home fragrance lines divided by scent, story and inspiration. Each of the collection’s signature scents are designed by "nose" Chris and formulated in France, whilst the range’s candles are individually hand-poured in New Zealand using natural plant waxes for better fragrance throw and a truly decadent feel. Not a detail has been left unchecked by the self-confessed “fashion and beauty fanatic”, and everything from the ingredients to the packaging is totally unique. My personal favourite from the line thus far is the "Sunset Dreams" candle, which is the perfect accompaniment to long, warm, summer nights.

Inspired by “culture and fashion” rather than merely the latest trends in beauty and bodycare, MARACA was designed by Chris to stand on its own against international brands of the same ilk but with a totally boutique approach. He and his team love nothing more than to keep in touch with fans of the brand and track their needs and

80 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2014

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

LIVING, THINKING + BEING

THREE SIMPLE STEPS TO BETTER HEALTH AND FITNESS Vibra-Train and Symbiosis Slimming health mission: To create and utilise new technology to help people better understand their bodies and therefore make better choices. Just how are the team at Vibra-Train and Symbiosis Slimming going about that?

They believe you must be more realistic about how hard it is to stay active.

First step: invent a new way to exercise. 10 years ago vibration training sounded crazy, now it is a valid science practiced all around the world. We often hear that exercise is "prescribed" to people, but the opinions on what exercise is vary wildly and which one is best really depends on the expert you talk to.

Something to think about, exercise is split into disciplines; yoga, Pilates, running, swimming, weight training, martial arts, gymnastics, climbing, trampoline work to name a few however, being good at one form of exercise does not mean you automatically master another.

Vibra-Train's solution for you is to become a master of Vibra-Train. It works by replicating climbing without leaving the ground. Sounds ridiculous until you try it, but that is exactly what the machines do. They cause the exact same muscle reactions as climbing with all the health and fitness benefits but none of the risks.

Second step: take away the excuses. It might be that you are poor on time, low on energy or you are worried your fitness level is not sufficient to do anything really useful and effective. Or you are not a natural athlete and are worried about being embarrassed. Whatever excuse you may have, Vibra-Train was designed for people with these issues. You only need to master a few static poses, stretches and massages to get the best results. And the good news is, it all only takes 15 minutes.

Third step: create goal orientated motivation. By using technology that basically lets you cheat. Yes you heard us right, outright cheating the laws of nature which normally do not allow you to target body fat with diet or exercise. Symbiosis Slimming (the sister company to Vibra-Train ) combines super two hour sessions of combined Ultra Sonic Cavitation and Lypo treatment to break down fat in localised areas.

If you want to talk to people who sincerely understand the challenges faced by people who have jobs and a life, but still want to be and look healthy, come and see the team PN and start your journey. F www.vibra-train.com www.symbiosis-slimming.com

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HELENE RAVLICH: NATURAL BEAUTY

Have a beauty-full Valentine’s Day Some file it under ‘commercial exercise’ but an awful lot of people still do love Valentine’s Day, and in this busy world it is pretty amazing that we can still single out a day every year to be all about pure, unadulterated romance. Yep, it should be happening every day but chances are - it doesn’t.

It’s a time when you’re given free reign to dip into the beauty world for gifts too, especially when it comes to fragrance. There is a plethora out there to choose from if you’re heading down that path, so I’ve picked out a few favourites that are pretty much guaranteed to please.

I’m a sucker for beautiful visuals, so before I’d even smelled Estée Lauder’s new fragrance, Modern Muse I was in love with the beautiful, bow topped bottle and heavenly image of the extraordinarily gorgeous - and well-named - Arizona Muse as its spokesmodel. Out right now, Modern Muse is described as a fragrance that "captures your style, your confidence, your creative spirit." But more importantly, the scent is a groundbreaking innovation for the company - and the industry - in an essential way. Modern Muse has what Lauder call "a unique dual-accord structure," meaning it blends the different and distinct notes of Jasmine with a super woody - but still feminine - scent. The dynamic duo at the fragrance's heart means that it is complex and unusual, and definitely not your average run-of-the-mill release. The textures of jasmine sambac with citrus fruits come together to create a multi-faceted mix, which is then joined by two patchouli essences wrapped in the "creaminess" of Madagascar vanilla, rich amber wood and soft musk.

If you look at the fragrance note by note, you’ll also find exotic mandarin, honeysuckle nectar, dewy petals, China absolute, tuberose fleur firNat, fresh lily, patchouli coeur and patchouli crist - making for a totally unique scent if ever there was one.

The Jo Malone Red Roses collection is another beautiful option, taking a flower traditionally associated with love and making it totally modern. It is inspired by a voluptuous blend of seven of the world’s most exquisite roses and includes crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon to keep things fresh and on trend. It’s nostalgic as well as new on the nose, and I fell totally in love with it at first sniff.

As well as being available as cologne it comes as a hand and body wash, luxurious body crème, soap, bath oil, candle, scent surround diffuser and room spray, so you can take a subtle or provocative approach - depending on the recipient!

Another great gifting idea come Valentine’s Day is an extra special scented candle, and Ecoya’s Zhou Xuan from the Decadence range is one of my absolute favourites.

Ecoya are a company that in my mind can do no wrong, but they seriously raised the bar on luxury with this exquisite collection. The Decadence range pays homage to powerful, iconic and sassy women of the 1920s, an era later referred to as the Art-Deco period, which was defined by unprecedented social change, freedom of speech and women’s liberation. Widely acknowledged as the most creative era of the 20th Century, the Art-Deco period is the inspiration behind the bold and artistic packaging of the range, with each soy wax candle poured into the most beautiful cut glass, Deco-style holder. 1930s Shanghai was known as the "Paris of the Orient", and the jewel in its crown was the glamorous Zhou Xuan. A singer and star of the screen, she was singlehandedly responsible for the transformation of the Qipao dress or Cheongsam, which during her era took on a life of its own due to a higher hemline and dramatic figure hugging lines. Known for her collection of beautiful Qipao, Zhou was a style leader for her time and this beautiful candle does more than honour her memory. The oriental exoticism and romance that is old school Shanghai is captured perfectly in this candle by dark wood and musk, with just a hint of vanilla, bergamot and lemon in a rich, floral heart of jasmine, ylang ylang and rosewood. In other words: to die PN for. (HELENE RAVLICH) F

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING YOU CAN ELIMINATE MUSCULAR BACK PAIN Say you come off your bike and break your collarbone. All the muscles surrounding this bone go into trauma. They seize up and hold the clavicle still.

This protects the bone and gives it the best chance to heal. They are now in spasm protecting your body. The protection sequence is, "be tight and don’t move". They have learned a new "muscle memory." Later the bone heals.

Generally however, nothing tells the new muscle memory to deactivate. It may stay tight, "protecting" the collarbone for years to come. This pulls the skeleton out of balance because tight muscles cannot fully extend and relax therefore in effect these muscles are shorter than they are designed to be.

The body seldom forgets a learned muscle memory, just as you don’t forget how to ride a bicycle. Your muscles have to re-learn a new muscle memory of being neutral. Then you and your skeleton go back into pain-free balance.

The physical body and the meridian system (the life force energy system as addressed by acupuncture) work in conjunction. Meridians work like a drainage system and when they get blocked we have pain and tension - compression in the body. Structural realignment therapy opens these pathways to release and relax, treating stress, headaches, back pain, accident-initiated and post-surgical muscular pain and more.

Structural realignment therapy is a treatment not a massage, it combines traditional Aztec and Egyptian methods, and is effective on chronic pain. It initiates a natural detox and is a useful tool in fifth dimensional ascension work. SRT has developed into a gentle and deeply relaxing therapy session. (WARWICK POWELL) F PN www.warwickpowell.co.nz

IMPROVING PONSONBY ROAD I LOVE PONSONBY ROAD, BUT IT’S PRETTY HARD NOT TO FEEL THAT IT COULD DO WITH an upgrade. Last year the Waitemata Local Board proposed a number of ways we can improve the old strip; both aesthetically and in its economic performance.

Here: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/planspoliciesprojects/ plansstrategies/Councilstrategies/Pages/draftponsonbyroadmasterplan.aspx Two ideas in particular stand out. One of the best ideas is to make the footpaths continuous across the tops of the smaller side streets by raising the road crossings up to footpath height with what are known as pedestrian tables. These slow drivers turning into side streets by making it clear that the continuity of the pavement is predominant rather than the continuity of the road surface. Essentially this increases the realm of the shopper, the café user, the rambler, calming traffic and encouraging movement along the strip.

The other obvious need is for bike lanes. The results from all over the world show that these bring business to retail areas. It might seem hard to see how that could be as the number of riders currently along the road is low, but that is clearly because it is such an inhospitable riding environment, only taken up by the bravest of riders. The plans show just how easily the strip could accommodate bike lanes, without affecting the current balance of the road much, taking out only a few parking spaces. A fast way that Ponsonby Road can regain its competitive advantage.

Parking supply and control is always a hotly contested issue but we know that people value the quality of the physical environment as well as parking convenience so it is worth considering if the balance is quite right currently, especially in light of the results of this NZTA study: “Shoppers value high-quality pedestrian and urban design features in shopping areas more than they value parking and those who drive are willing to walk to the shopping precinct from other locally available parking areas.”

Especially as we know a whole lot of additional carparks are coming as a result of new developments, 680 alone at Vinegar lane. For a deeper discussion of this issue go here: www.transportblog.co.nz/2013/10/01/parking-in-ponsonby/ Ponsonby Road has a great reputation but it is worth asking whether it is living up to it.

Have we got the physical bones right? (PATRICK REYNOLDS) F PN For more: www.transportblog.co.nz/2013/09/13/ponsonby-rd-masterplanfeedback-extended/

A bike ride to the Concious Consumer breakfast along Ponsonby Road in November 2012

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LANI LOPEZ: HEALTHY LIVING

Lean, mean, eat protein To have energy, look and feel fit you just have to eat protein.

There’s a big focus on protein at present for maintaining a healthy weight. So let me take you on a journey of the power of protein.

What is protein?

A major nutrient, protein is found in many foods such as meats, dairy products, nuts, vegetables, grains, legumes and beans. The body uses protein by breaking it down into the amino acids to be utilised in building blocks.

How does protein keep you lean?

Protein foods including chicken, meat, legumes, beans and fish curb an overactive appetite. Plus protein’s effect on blood sugar is slow and steady and doesn’t cause spikes like potato mash or sugary snacks do, so you don’t get hungry immediately. And if you want to keep weight off, put it all in the blender and have your soup. It keeps you fuller for longer so reduces an overactive appetite. That said don’t go overboard, moderation in everything is key. Don’t discount the goodness of fruits, whole grains and good fats to a balanced diet.

Why else do we need it?

Protein is a building block for our muscles, tissues, bones, organs, blood and it helps maintain healthy nerves, cholesterol and fat metabolism. Not only that, but without protein we couldn’t make hormones, transmit messages to our cells, have a libido or even stand and move.

How much protein do we need each day?

To avoid muscle breaking down the daily minimum intake is about 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight or somewhere about 46g to 64 grams of protein daily depending on gender and genetics. Roughly what can conservatively fit into the palm of your hand three times per day.

The bottom line is protein is your dietary pal. Most healthy, well-balanced diets will give you enough protein each day. Because of the lowfat content the best animal protein choices are fish and poultry but if you love your reds, stick to very lean cuts and moderate portion sizes and not a daily habit - two to three times a week and steer clear of the processed variety like bacon. Eat loads of vegetables with fruits and moderate amounts of nuts/seeds and carbohydrates including kumara, pumpkin, potato, rice and breads. (LANI LOPEZ) F PN Lani Lopez BHSc, Adv.Dip.Nat is a naturopath, clinical nutritionist and top-selling author.

Founder of lanilopez.com find her and ask questions about your well-being on facebook.com/lanilopez.com or email Lani personally naturopath@lanilopez.com

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RE:AB – WHERE GETTING FIT AND HEALTHY IS FUN

UP CLOSE CARING AND PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST JOHN HEWLETT

WALKING IN TO THE PILATES AND FITNESS STUDIO THAT IS RE:AB ON SELBOURNE IS unlike walking into any other fitness centre in town. You are immediately struck by the soaring arched ceiling, art deco fretwork and the bright open workout area flooded with sunlight. Somehow you instantly feel a spring in your step!

John Hewlett is a clinical hypnotherapist with 30 years’ experience in the helping professions.

re:ab’s distinctive architecture, thanks to its former life as the 1950s Cameo Movie theatre, is also reflected in the unique collection of services on offer. Under this one exceptionally beautiful roof you will find everything from Pilates, spin classes, and one -on-one personal training to physiotherapy, massage, boot camp, nutrition advice, a hair salon, beauty therapy and more!

After gaining his initial formal qualification in clinical and applied psychology, John worked extensively in community-based mental health care in the greater Auckland area as a senior practitioner in care supervision. Upon gaining further tertiary qualifications in psychology, education and clinical hypnotherapy John transitioned from public health care to private practice and in 2005 he established the Positive Change Therapy clinic in Westmere.

"We wanted to create a one-stop-shop for our clients for all their health and wellbeing needs,” says owner Kirsty Wilkinson. re:ab provides a very social, friendly environment specialising in personalised health and fitness services. There is a real community feel about the place; everyone is greeted on a first name basis, classes are small and interactive, and the highly experienced instructors provide individual training advice and motivation. re:ab’s physiotherapists also have an excellent reputation for their work not only in general injury rehabilitation but in post-natal and lymphatic drainage physiotherapy.

Ask Kirsty to explain what re:ab is all about and she’ll laugh, “we’re the gym for people who don’t want to go to a gym!” Which is exactly what sets re:ab apart from every other fitness centre. “The very best in Pilates, fitness, physiotherapy and massage PN - that’s what we’re all about!” F RE:AB ON SELBOURNE, 2 Selbourne Street, T: 09 360 2929 www.reab.co.nz

John tells Ponsonby News, “I love the satisfaction of promoting personal change and happiness in the people who undertake Positive Change Therapy. Whether it’s a person wanting to stop an unwanted behaviour, wanting to improve their performance in some area of their life, or reduce unhealthy stress in order to achieve more and feel better about themselves, seeing people change - and receiving positive feedback on my role in that change - is very rewarding.”

The work is not without challenges. “People come to me for therapy holding an expectation of what it will be like based on the media’s portrayal of stage hypnosis.

That unfortunately leaves some people feeling wary and anxious that they can be put into a ‘zombie-like’ state and ‘open to mind control’. The reality is far from that... stage hypnosis is for entertainment, carried out by a performer using a basic hypnotic formula to create one-off displays of frivolous behaviour by highly suggestible people. Whereas hypnotherapy is a process of meaningful therapy that can be accessed by everyone wanting to make permanent, desired changes in their life. The positive that comes from educating people about the difference is that when they have an accurate understanding of hypnotherapy and how it works, they are then more able to relax, release any fear about the process and be open to hypnotherapeutic change.”

“Positive Change Therapy is different from other forms of therapy in that it is solution -focused therapy, rather than a problem-focused therapy,” John continues. “The main difference being that less time and energy is spent trying to make sense of the past, when it is much more productive to take action now to secure the future the person wants. Positive Change Therapy is an approach that combines the most effective elements of life coaching, hypnotherapy and conscious mind counselling.”

To stay at the top of his field, John says he takes on board feedback from others about his service, maintains his practicing certificate and accreditation and keeps up to date with developments in the field of clinical hypnotherapy.

A recent standout for John was the professional sports person who came to see him because of underperformance due to lack of confidence and focus. The person went on to higher honours once this was addressed with Positive Change Therapy. Another person had been labelled as clinically depressed and was living up to that label. but with John’s help was able to reconnect with positive thoughts and feelings and live a meaningful, purposeful life.

Asked how he cares for his own health and well-being, John said, “Self-care is really important to remain effective in the helping professions. For me exercise, a good social network and reading inspirational books really boosts my energy levels.” His advice for people seeking hynotherapy? “Currently there are no national standards for hypnotherapy in New Zealand. Unfortunately for the public, this allows people to advertise themselves as clinical hypnotherapists, though they have little or even no formal tertiary qualifications. For your safety insist as a minimum that your therapist has an NZQA-accredited qualification in psychology, and appropriate post-graduate training in clinical hypnotherapy. This demonstrates a combination of practical and theoretical PN ability, and only then can you have confidence in their clinical competency.” F POSITIVE CHANGE THERAPY, T: 09 378 1890 www.positivechange.co.nz

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LIVING, THINKING + BEING

WE SAID NO TO NUCLEAR - WE CAN SAY NO TO DEEP SEA OIL “Deep sea oil drilling should be stopped, and can be stopped,” according to Greenpeace campaigner, Steve Abel, but it will take time.

Sure, licenses have been granted for several exploratory drillings, notably to the notorious American company Anadarko, who were found jointly responsible for the huge Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Also disappointing to Greenpeace, is the lack of a proper risk benefit analysis on deep sea oil drilling. The risk shows that an activity with low probability of spill, with catastrophic consequences if it does occur, actually represents a HIGH RISK ACTIVITY.

But Steve Abel, who is passionately opposed to deep sea oil drilling around New Zealand’s coasts, cites the time it took to end nuclear testing, and for New Zealand to take a world lead and go nuclear free. Finally David Lange got much of the credit, but public pressure had been on successive governments for some years, before Lange showed real courage and made the decision.

This, the Government, led by John Key and Steven Joyce, along with Energy and Conservation Ministers Simon Bridges and Amy Adams, are denying.

It will take equal political courage to end oil exploration in New Zealand waters, believes Abel. Steve Abel is a local guy. Brought up in Mt Eden, Steve’s parents moved to Freemans Bay, which he considered his home until his mum Jan died three years ago, and his father, well known local accountant and Green Party supporter, Neil, sold up and is now on the road in a campervan. Steve lives with his partner and his two and a half year old son Quinn.

A man of many parts, Steve is a singer-songwriter, well known around the city clubs and cafés. He performs with band The Chrysalids, most recently at the Wine Cellar, and is working on a new album.

Steve Abel campaigned hard against introducing GE to New Zealand, and sees the tight regulatory regime put in place, with many hurdles to jump before it could be introduced, as a precedent for how deep sea oil drilling might eventually be controlled or even stopped in New Zealand waters.

“We are at a time in history when we have to close the door on fossil fuels,” asserts Abel, “not only as a moral imperative to stop stealing our grandchildren’s inheritance, but also as an act of survival for rational reasons.”

Steve Abel believes the evidence about climate change, and the influence of fossil fuels is unequivocal, and that New Zealand is in an extraordinarily powerful position to act.

“At an economic level we are much less dependent on fossil fuel than, for example, Australia or the United States. Our entire mining sector represents only 1% of GDP.” Abandoning reliance on oil especially for transport, “would not be such a bitter pill to take for New Zealand,” says Abel, and in fact a local biofuels sector could create thousands of jobs. He adds that electric cars and trains make more sense for New Zealand, than for countries where electricity is made by burning coal.

Steve Abel is sure that prospects for New Zealand, economically, are far more realistic with a retention of our clean green image, rather than going down the track of dirty oil.

Steve Abel believes we are up against the most powerful companies in history, and if we don’t have the courage to say no, they will ride roughshod over us, just like tobacco companies did for years. “Still today,” says Steve, “tobacco companies would sell to 14 year olds if it was legal. They, like oil companies, have no global social conscience.”

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There has been significant downplaying of risks, when Adams, Minister of Conservation says the impact of a spill would be “significant”, when what officials told her was that it would be “catastrophic.”

Bridges’ claim that oil companies have been “put through the wringer”, is scoffed at by Steve Abel. “New Zealand had a scant regulatory framework for deep sea drilling and the EEZ when these permits were issued, and to suggest they’ve gone from next-to-nothing to ‘the best regulatory regime in the world,’ (to quote Bridges) is just ludicrous.”

So, what is the best way to persuade New Zealanders that for the sake of the planet and our grandchildren, the fossil fuel industry has to go out of existence?

We have to start asking questions like, "Is this what we want for our country? Do we want to be taking this risk with something as valuable as our oceans and coastlines? Do we want to be part of the climate change solution, or just another oily backwater?"

Abel and Greenpeace believe in keeping on with the protests. On the nuclear issue people kept saying France is taking no notice, protests are failing. “Yes,” agrees Steve Abel, “year after year you could say we failed. And you’re right, you aren’t winning till you win. But we did win that one. We are nuclear free, and respected around the world for our stance. Deep sea oil drilling can be next.”

This is not a left wing versus right wing argument, as Steven Joyce likes to paint it.

It is about science, and apart from a few climate deniers, most reputable scientists, including those responsible for the IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change), are urging global action before it is too late.

It will take a national conscience raising effort, and strong political courage to say “no more” to deep sea oil drilling, but Steve Abel for one is confident that New Zealanders will eventually insist that government takes action, and sends these environmental saboteurs on their way.

“We don’t want the Anadarkos of this world putting at risk the very environment that produces jobs for over 110,000 people who work in tourism, when there are only about 1100 jobs in total in onshore and offshore oil and gas,” insists Abel.

New Zealanders like Steve Abel, principled and persistent, can make a difference.

(JOHN ELLIOTT) F PN

PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

TRUE PILATES NEW ADDITION True Pilates would like to introduce Ying Jie to their team of certified instructors. Originally from Malaysia, Ying Jie moved to New Zealand in 1998 and was first introduced to Pilates when she represented Malaysia and New Zealand in swimming.

After completing a Diploma in Fitness Training based at AUT, Ying Jie decided to take up a great opportunity to work as a marine mammal trainer in Singapore. While still working out as a client at the pilates studio there, Ying Jie decided to undergo the year long certification to become a Pilates instructor.

LIVING, THINKING + BEING GET THE BEST WORKOUT WHILE PLAYING SQUASH One of the oldest and largest squash centres in Auckland sits right in the heart of the city, not far from Upper Queen Street and directly across the road from the iconic Kings Arms Tavern.

Former national rep and Auckland Squash Centre owner manager Scott Harrison says, “It’s old and quaint but the centre has eight courts and a lounge bar with a relaxed sports club feel. It is a public centre so anyone can play here.”

Now at True Pilates NZ, Ying Jie is excited about helping and educating clients about the unique benefits of an authentic Pilates workout. Whatever your age or level of fitness, they invite you to experience the True Pilates difference, while working out in their distinctive, peaceful studio.

Scott just loves seeing new people come and try squash for the first time and leave having had the most amazing workout and catching the squash bug. Scott caught the bug when he was six years old when playing the game with his older siblings and is still as passionate about the game as he was back then.

Opened in 2007, the studio is a haven away from your daily pressures and provides a peaceful and pleasurable environment to work out in. You will appreciate the spacious sunny room, wooden floors, and grand windows with spectacular views.

“It’s the best workout without being a workout,” says Scott, “you are so busy thinking about where to hit the ball and how to out think your opponent that you don’t realise how much exercise you are doing. In one hour of squash you have had an amazing cardiovascular workout you have worked your legs, butts, arms, improved your speed and coordination, agility and flexibility, and burnt "cazillions" of calories. It is also a great release. After whacking that little black ball as hard as you can for a few minutes a tough day can be a distant memory.”

At the end of each session you will walk away with an improved feeling of balance, good posture and confidence that will carry you throughout your day.

Ying Jie wants to give all her clients the same level of skill, compassion and motivation that she has received from all her years of training as a competitor and as a Pilates PN client. Book now to fulfil your New Year resolution! F TRUE PILATES NZ, E: helen@truepilatesnz.co.nz T: 09 376 7203 www.truepilatesnz.co.nz

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Scott likens it to meditation in that you have to concentrate on the game so you can’t think about any problems or woes. Play squash after work and you go home a completely different person. F PN AUCKLAND SQUASH CENTRE, 21 Karaka Street Newton, T: 09 379 4115 www.aucklandsquash.co.nz

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HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS

What your stars hold this month ♒

BEAUTIFUL 'BARE' BACK IN THE HOOD

Aquarius (the Water Carrier): 21 January - 19 February It’s a new year and there is a special day around the corner just for you. Feel free to dream and plan the year ahead as you will. But if you are realistic in your ideas you’ll receive much more pleasure from completing them.

Specialists in 'natural and organic', Bare PR recently moved back to its original home on Jervois Road in Herne Bay after a short stint at the Viaduct.

♓ Pisces (the Fish): 20 February - 20 March

Celebrating eight years in business, founder Rebecca Purdy says, “I have witnessed an explosion in the natural skincare and organic food industry since starting the company. “There are hundreds of brands out there claiming to be 100% organic and naturally sourced. Increased certification and regulation in the industry is helpful so that consumers can be sure these products are of the highest quality and integrity.”

You seem to have always had that lucky touch about you, and going on last year's form you pulled it out of the hat time and time again. Don’t get complacent though as you know your luck is bound to run out sometime or another.

♈ Aries (the Ram): 21 March - 20 April

Your eagerness to please has been a bone of contention for some people. On one hand you see it as a way to move forward and are just getting on with it. Some people see it as something else. Ignore the haters I say.

♉ Taurus (the Bull): 21 April - 21 May

You know you're able to have your cake and eat it too if only you would start believing how good you are, not some of the time but all of the time. You’re talented, creative and have had lots of success. Just keep building on it.

♊

Gemini (the Twins): 22 May - 21 June Last year was a strange year for you as you veered between opening up to people even complete strangers, about your life and then thinking to yourself after what have I done?

This year you need not be so insecure as you have learnt to hold back and let others do the talking.

♋

Iconic skincare brands such as Trilogy, Weleda, Karen Murrell lipsticks and Manuka Doctor are on the books at Bare PR alongside organic food brands Pitango and Lisa’s and leading home fragrance and bodycare brand Ecoya.

“It’s fantastic to see such an influx of new organic brands in New Zealand as it reflects the increasing importance on health and lifestyle but also the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well at home,” says Rebecca. “The power really is in consumer hands when it comes to supporting the most ethical brands. My advice is to check products for recognised certifications such as Natrue, which is internationally regulated, to make sure that quality eco brands survive.” F PN BARE PR, Level 1/158 cnr Jervois Road and John Street T: 09 3782020 www.barepr.co.nz

Cancer (the Crab): 22 June - 22 July You know how flexible you are, well it looks like you are going to be even more accommodating than usual and any plans that you have personally won’t come into fruition. This is going to be a year that will go either way for you and thankfully you are emotionally stronger, but is this just for show?

♌

Leo (the Lion): 23 July - 21 August You seem to be stuck emotionally and are dreaming that things can be the way they were without any change or compromise on your part. You appear to be happy but really you're not. So unless you have had enough, you need to do all you can to make it better.

♍ Virgo (the Virgin): 22 August - 23 September

You shouldn’t doubt any decision that you make any more as by the time you register regret the deed has undoubtedly already been done. Once you get over the realisation that you can and probably will make mistakes, you’ll begin to relax and enjoy life more.

♎ Libra (the Scales): 24 September - 23 October

This new year will find you more accepting of the world around you and at the same time you will be encouraged to be more creative as you found your life to be a bit stifled and held back these last few years. You’re not sure what’s changed in you but suddenly it seems you have a fresh pair of eyes.

♏

Scorpio (the Scorpion): 24 October - 22 November If you feel the need to use your imagination as a way to deal with your stress then go ahead and do it, It’s better to deal with any inner conflict you have the way you know how than to leave it to fester and become overwhelming.

♐ Sagittarius (the Archer): 23 November - 22 December

SAY IT HANDWRITTEN Locally based, lovingly created homeware and gift business Father Rabbit has been on the hunt for the perfect Valentines cards. These beauties are letterpress printed with antique machinery, with some using gold foil.

You can't beat handwritten, heartfelt words on Valentines Day - $8.95 each. F PN www.fatherrabbit.com

You have always been one to crave a bit of power and always seem to be in some way or another involved in a power struggle. You need to give up and let go, it’s ok to lose occasionally, as long as you stop taking things so personally, it’s not attractive.

♑ Capricorn (the Goat): 23 December - 20 January

Your leadership skills are beginning to be called into question as recently you kept changing your mind and confusing a lot of people with your behaviour. You need to see and remind yourself what was going on and what you did last year and fix it pronto, otherwise you will lose any trust you have built up.

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS

TINA MOORE AND TIM PHIN WITH BUDDY AND PARIS Tina Moore is editor of Remix magazine. Her dog Buddy is a two year old Cairn Terrier. Tim Phin is Remix’ publisher as well as a DJ and concert promoter, and Paris is his 10-year-old Boxer.

Tina and Buddy “I've had Buddy since he was about three months old. I had one of those "Oh, let's just pop into the pet shop and look at the cute puppies" moments while I was out shopping one day. The second I saw him, I knew I must have him. He was all alone and the last remaining puppy from his litter. He looked like a little old man, all alone. I NEEDED to have him. I had to leave him there that day so that I could go home and convince my boyfriend that we should get him. Luckily I can be quite persuasive... We went back the very next day and picked him up. His name - it was the very first thing I called him when I was at the pet shop. "Oh hey there little buddy! Look at you!" It stuck.

I would say that our favourite thing to do together is walking; we go for long walks around the waterfront early every morning. However, I think Buddy would say "chasing things".

ALL the things. Leaves, birds, balls, other dogs, terrified children, floaty bits of trash, rogue gusts of wind... You name it. If it moves, he will chase it.

Buddy’s bestie is Tim's dog, Paris. They hang out all day at the Remix office. Buddy would also say that our two cats are also his friends, but I doubt they would say the same in return. He's quite optimistic.

Buddy likes to eat our cats' food, whenever he can sneak past me... Other favourites include poop, tennis balls, jandals and kitty litter.

Tim and Paris Paris chose Tim at the pet shop, and she has had him since she was the size of his hands - Tim had just come back from Paris, hence her name.

“Paris just loves sticks, the bigger the better. She will find a 2metre one at the beach or park. Buddy is her buddy; she loves all humans, other dogs she’s sometimes not so good with. Paris is on a strict diet of only vet supplied pellets. And leftovers from us.” F PN

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MARCH SPECIAL FEATURES + VIVA ITALIA + KINGSLAND + FASHION / SHOES + TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or t: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 e: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz w: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

BIG DAY OUT DETAINS LOCAL Has anyone seen our Ted... he is a dark brown 18-month-old Burmese cat.

Ted went missing on the weekend of the BDO and Wilson, his litter brother, is literally crying he is so sad. So are we.

Please check basements, sheds and garages and if you see him call Susie on T: 09 360 0789 or M: 021 815 504. Or take him to a local vet so his microchip can be scanned. We have a reward for his safe return. Thank you!

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PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS ASK ALEX

WILL YOU BE AN SPCA HERO IN 2014?

Each month Dr Alex Melrose answers readers’ pet related issues. email yours to: alex@vetcare.net.nz

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get fit, or be more active?

We have a beautiful Rottie girl up here in Vava’u and are flying to you to get surgical treatment for her. We want to fly in on a Monday morning, and depart Tuesday evening. Nikki is 14 months old at present and weighs approximately 50kg. She needs to be spayed. We have lined up some accommodation nearby. Also, can you confirm not to feed her in the morning of the flight and operation, as well as anything else we should be aware of in regards to before and after her operation? She had her first season one month ago. Many thanks and look forward to getting her to you. Karen.

Do you want to do some good for the animals of Auckland? If the answer to either (or both) of these questions is “Yes!” then you could be one of the heroes that SPCA Auckland are looking for.

Team SPCA Auckland is looking for people who are willing to challenge themselves in 2014 whilst raising much needed funds for the animals of Auckland.

Would you be willing to participate in the Ports of Auckland "Round the Bays" in March?

How about the World Tri-series or Orewa Beach half-marathon in April? Or perhaps the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge in June is more your thing?

However you decide to challenge yourself, fundraise for Team SPCA Auckland - the animals will thank you for your efforts!

How can you become a hero?

It's easy to fundraise for SPCA Auckland: 1. Choose your event 2. Sign up on spca.org.nz 3. Let us know which event you're doing 4. START FUNDRAISING! Simple! You're now part of Team SPCA Auckland and will be contacted by a member of the fundraising team to welcome you to the team and provide fundraising support and advice. Plus if you raise more than $100 for SPCA Auckland, you’ll receive a free Team PN SPCA Auckland t-shirt to wear during the event. F For further information just visit www.spca.org.nz or contact the SPCA Auckland fundraising team on T: 09 256 2520 or fundraise@spca.org.nz

Q:

Thanks for all your effort to provide such great care for Nikki, and for planning the logistics out so clearly. We are really looking forward to being able to help you and your Rottweiler. Arko is our resident Rottie, featured on our website and pictured, as one of our Clinic Manger Vanessa’s many, many pets. He is 13 months old, 49kg, and likes long beach walks, snuggling and rolling upside down. So Nikki and Arko could get on rather well I suspect. We need eight hours of fasting pre operatively i.e. from about midnight, after a late supper the night before, to ensure an empty stomach and reduce the chance of aspirating food during anaesthesia. Please don’t withhold water, dehydration being our enemy. We will run pre GA bloods on her before the procedure to check her organ function and potential pre-existing illness including clotting disorders.

One month after her season is a good length of time to ensure the reproductive tissues have receded in size and blood supply. At her age and weight however I would strongly suggest staying longer, to acclimatise after the stress and pressure changes of the flight inwards, and to allow longer to check her post operatively before flying out, including wound appearance, temperature, pain levels, appetite and mobility.

(DR ALEX MELROSE BVSC, MRVS)

A:

VETCARE GREY LYNN, 408 Great North Road T: 09 361 3500 PN www.vetcare.net.nz F

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LOOK... WHO IS IN THE ZOO!

Cheetah Osiris stops to survey his surroundings while out on a cheetah walk with carnivore keeper Lauren Booth and a 'Keeper for a Day' participant

Ultimate Experience Cheetahs and spider monkeys (pictured) are among animals you could get to see up-close on a Keeper for a Day Experience that involves working alongside an Auckland Zoo keeper in a day that’s all action!

This is an incredible opportunity to see a side of the zoo that’s not on offer to any other visitors. As well as meeting a huge variety of animals, you’ll help prepare animals’ food and enrichment items, and also get to muck in and help with cleaning and whatever else is required that day.

SPEEDY CAT

Just as every day is different for our keepers, every person’s experience of Keeper for a Day is unique, including what animals they get to see and work with. Keeper for a Day is offered to people 16 years+ on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (9am3.45pm). To find out more about what’s involved and the cost, phone 360 4700 and visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

If you think your cat is quick off the mark when its natural instincts kick in, it’s barely moving compared to the cheetah, which can accelerate from zero to 100kmph within three seconds!

This majestic African big cat, the fastest land animal on the planet, has light bones, a small head and a tail that helps it balance and turn easily while running. It also has incredible vision; its elongated eyes can help it to spot prey or predators from up to 5km away.

Just as they would in the wild, the zoo’s cheetah boys Anubis and Osiris are constantly scanning their environment with their super sight, whether in their enclosure or out walking around the zoo with their keepers.

Despite the cheetah’s spectacular speed, including its ability to outrun Usain Bolt in the 100-metre dash (google cheetah Sarah of Cincinnati Zoo) it is losing the race against human encroachment into cheetah habitat.

There are now just 7,500 cheetah remaining in the wild, and in South Africa there are fewer than 1000; with only an estimated 500 of these believed to be free roaming.

Our eight-year-old brothers Anubis and Osiris were reared at South Africa’s Cheetah Outreach in Cape Town as part of its Ambassador Training Programme, and are here as advocates for their wild cousins.

It’s Monkey Business Time 15-16 February 9.30am - 5.30 pm Auckland Zoo is celebrating monkeys of the world over the weekend of 15-16 February; a great time to bring your little monkeys in for some fun activities!

Collect your complimentary monkey activity sheet on arrival - filled with everything you and the kids need to start your interactive journey of discovery.

The Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund supports Cheetah Outreach, which runs an incredibly successful Anatolian Livestock Guard Dog Project. This involves training Anatolian shepherd dogs to help protect farmers’ livestock, which in turn prevents cheetah from being trapped, poisoned or shot by farmers - a win-win.

There’s a fun challenge to see if you can tell which of our primates are monkeys and which ones are apes. You can get along to spider monkey and lemur encounters, and get physical and swing, balance and jump on the special "monkey movement trail".

To date, 153 dogs have been placed on livestock farms in South Africa and along the border areas with Botswana. This year, four new dogs will also be placed on farms in remote southern border areas of Botswana.

Each day will also feature a monkey-themed storytime (10.30am) and face-painting for a gold coin donation - with money raised going to support the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund.

Like to meet our cheetahs? The zoo offers a behind-the-scenes cheetah experience that involves an early morning walk around the zoo with Anubis and Osiris and their keepers.

Phone 09 360 4700 to find out more.

Plus, be sure to hang on to your monkey activity sheet so you can enter the competition to win a behind-the-scenes primate experience for two people! Normal zoo admission prices apply. Visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

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FUTURE GENERATION GREEN SCHOOL HUB POLICY TO BENEFIT AUCKLAND KIDS The Green Party’s school hub proposal will have a significant impact on Auckland with 162 schools and 59,025 kids in the region set to benefit from having dedicated school hub coordinators, onsite school nurses, lunch for hungry kids and free after school and holiday care.

Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei announced the Schools at the Heart hubs proposal at the weekend, which establishes community hubs in all decile 1 to 4 schools in New Zealand.

“Schools at the Heart is a significant proposal that will tackle the increasingly negative impact of inequality on our kids’ education outcomes,” said Green Party Auckland-based MP Julie Anne Genter.

“The recent OECD PISA education report showed why school hubs are needed. It showed that not only has National overseen a fall in international rankings, but that poorer kids have slipped even further behind.

“Our school hubs proposal will ensure that a healthy lunch, health care, social services, early childhood education and out of school sporting and cultural opportunities are available to kids who might otherwise miss out. And it will ensure their families have opportunities to thrive too.

“This is about ensuring kids are healthy and ready to learn so they can achieve everything they’re capable of achieving.

“Schools in Auckland are already the heart of their communities. The additional support our policy offers will take the load off principals and teachers so they can be freed up to PN do what they do best - teach.” F Schools at the Heart policy: www.greens.org.nz/schoolhubs

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AT KING’S SCHOOL THE EMPHASIS IS ON RAISING FINE YOUNG MEN AS A CHAMPION OF BOYS’ EDUCATION, KING’S SCHOOL HEADMASTER, TONY SISSONS was recently honoured to have been invited to sit on the Board of Trustees of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition - a three year appointment.

The coalition is a not-for-profit coalition of independent and public schools from around the world dedicated to the education and development of boys world-wide. Its president, Headmaster of Eton College, Tony Little, chairs the Board of Trustees invited from boys’ schools all around the world.

One of the discussion points that Tony is particularly passionate about at King’s is on making boys feel safe, from an academic perspective. Boys love the competitive instinct and can reach whatever standards you expect of them.

Boys at King’s School are challenged academically to go far and not feel inhibited.

“It is my belief,” explains Tony Sissons, “that if you don’t have expectations and set goals, then boys will easily gravitate to the middle ground. But if you cater for their needs, provide a nurturing environment, recognise and reward success, then you are well on the way to creating good men.

Ultimately, we are responsible for creating responsible citizens of the future, and so we must create an environment for them to build self-esteem and do well. This will continue PN to be my focus going forward.” F KING'S SCHOOL, 258 Remuera Road, T: 09 520 7770 www.kings.school.nz

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MEET THE TEACHER Christine Carr Westmere Kindergarten How did you come to be a kindergarten teacher?

I originally trained as a primary school teacher and taught intermediate. After living in Australia for a while I returned to New Zealand and got a job in a childcare centre. I loved it so much I decided to retrain as an ECE (Early Childhood Education) teacher.

Where did you train?

I did my primary teacher training at Auckland College of Education, as it was then known, as well as going to Auckland University. I retrained for ECE through Massey University.

TE ATATU PONY CLUB IS LOOKING FOR MEMBERS You can live in Ponsonby and have a horse… read on. Are your kids keen on ponies? Do you wonder if it is possible to live in the city but also allow them to ride, or even have their own pony/horse?

The Te Atatu Pony Club is like a little country pony club, only about 8-9kms from Ponsonby and they are seeking new members. They also have grazing available for a limited number of mounts.

The pony club has been part of the Te Atatu peninsula community since 1972. They have members who come from as far west as Titirangi and from Grey Lynn and Point Chevalier, and they would like to attact more.

What brought you to Westmere Kindergarten?

After five years at Mt Eden Kindergarten as head teacher I was told there was a job going at Westmere Kindergarten. As it was nearer to my home I thought it would be a good move and it has been.

They offer weekly two hour pony club rallies, with experienced instructors, plus a number of competitive and fun events. Pony Club is a fun place designed to help children (up to the age of 21) learn to ride and care for their pony. Rallies run from early September to December, then from late January to April. They also have adult riding members.

What are your favourite things about being a teacher?

Working with the children and their families is always exciting and truly rewarding.

A cross country course is under development. Their committee is also working to provide additional facilities for their members.

Highlight of your teaching career?

Joining the Auckland Kindergarten Association and becoming a kindergarten teacher.

Annual membership costs $160 for a riding member. Grazing is available on their approximately 25 acres of land, by arrangement, at a cost of $95 per month. They have a group of riders who do not have their own horse or pony and at present the club has a pony available for this group to ride, under guidance, during rallies.

Low point of your teaching career?

Changes in government policies that reflect negatively on ECE teachers e.g. no longer requiring 100% trained staff on the floor.

Check out, www.teatatuponyclub.co.nz, where you can find membership application forms and grazing conditions, or call Andrea on 021 446 604, for more information. F PN

How would your supervisor describe you?

Maybe diligent, caring, inclusive, respectful, full of fun.

How would other teachers describe you?

Hopefully fair, honest, open, accepting and forward thinking.

How would your students describe you?

I asked a couple: “She looks after me.” “She is kind to me.”

If you could wave a magic wand in your classroom…

I would like every child to be the happiest and most satisfied child one could hope to find anywhere.

Five tips for mums and dads: 1. Take your child to kindergarten.

2. Allow your child to be physically active and to socialise with their peers, which is so important at this age.

3. Have high expectations for your child but keep them realistic. Find out about the research Brainwave Trust does.

4. Teach your child to respect others and their environment.

5. Enjoy your child in the moment as they will change so rapidly.

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EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS AT ST MARY’S COLLEGE, PONSONBY St Mary’s College in New Street welcomed past pupil Bernadette Stockman as Principal in Term 4, 2013.

As a student Bernadette travelled in daily from Auckland’s outer suburbs to fulfil her parents’ dream that she would receive an education provided in a Catholic girls’ college.

The Mercy Sisters are no longer teaching as they were when Bernadette attended, but are still an active and vibrant part of the college. Compassion and social justice remain the ongoing corner stones of Mercy values, visible in activities such as raising money for worthy causes and caring for the less fortunate.

The Mercy Order established the school on the site in 1863 and the college will celebrate the sesquicentennial this year. The campus contains many new buildings and excellent facilities to cater for the 950 students who will attend in 2014. Bernadette says, “It is an exciting time in the history of St Mary’s as we celebrate outstanding academic success and provide an education based on faith that is relevant to today.” She is full of praise for the dedication of the excellent teachers and the support of an active parent community.

An architecturally designed, multi-purpose gymnasium building will be opened next month at St Mary’s College. The state of the art building contains an international standard basketball court, a dance studio, offices and five new classrooms which open onto a mezzanine gallery for viewing sports fixtures.

A key feature of the exterior of the new building is a large, illuminated cross which will be clearly visible on the cityscape and will be a significant landmark for Auckland.

Most Reverend Bishop Patrick Dunn DD will open and bless the building at the opening in mid-March. The building will be named “Paul Keane Gymnasium” in honour of the chairman of the board of directors of the college.

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St Mary’s College Principal Mrs Bernadette Stockman St Mary’s College Principal Mrs Bernadette Stockman says, “the modern building has been designed to meet students’ current and future needs and is sited in the traditional, landscaped grounds of the college, harmoniously complementing the older buildings from earlier eras.

“The new gymnasium forms part of a growth and development strategy which has been designed to ensure that the long held traditions of excellence and mercy at St. Mary’s College are maintained for current and future generations of students,” says Mrs Stockman. The board of directors would like to acknowledge and thank the local Ponsonby community and friends of St Mary’s College for their ongoing support.

The wonderful facilities and central location of St Mary’s College as well as an excellent academic record and faith based education, creates an outstanding opportunity for international students wanting to be educated in New Zealand. An extensive programme, with options of both short and long term stays, combines to provide an enriched, cultural and excellent educational experience for all. St Mary’s is actively looking for families to host our international students and thanks the families who are already part of our international homestay programme. We encourage other families in our community, who feel they would like to be part of this rewarding experience, to contact St Mary’s College to find out more about hosting a student. F PN

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BILLY HARRIS: KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY

Jack Duncan - he’s much more than just a figure of speech Most Kiwi action heroes - think Pinetree Meads, Buck Shelford, Sir Edmund Hillary - are men of few words, but Herne Bay youngster Jack Duncan is not among them. In fact, words are almost a way of life for the ex Bayfield Primary School student.

Last year Jack won the Auckland Champion of Champions speech competition with an outstanding speech which compared the lives of school children in New Zealand and Syria.

As Jack explains: “We all complain about school from time to time and I wanted to show people how lucky we are to live in New Zealand where we take education, and a lot of other things, for granted. We sometimes moan about homework, or that the field is closed, but we are lucky to live in New Zealand. The children in Syria are being robbed of their future. Did you know that five million people are in refugee camps and half of them are under the age of 18? Most schools in Syria no longer exist. They have been bombed or are being used to shelter homeless families.

“The reason I chose this subject is because I had seen a lot of news about Syria in the paper so I decided to do my speech about it. My speech was about three minutes and 20 seconds long. If your speech was under two minutes 30 or over three minutes 30 you were penalised.”

Becoming the champion of champions was an arduous process for Jack. First he had to write and present the speech as part of his schoolwork. He competed in the school finals and won the year six category. That took him to the Inner City Schools Zone final, at his own school, as Bayfield’s representative. Seven other students were in the zone finals, speaking on such subjects as global warming, commuting, braces and taking responsibility. But Jack was well prepared. His mother Rachelle is a voice artist and has also done a lot of voice coaching. “Mum taught me that the most important thing about making a speech is to really understand and care about what you are talking about,” explains Jack. “She showed me video footage of people like Martin Luther King and how a speech can be powerful and make people think.”

Jack’s delivery, passion and subject matter proved a winning combination, and he was able to win the inner city final, which propelled him into the champion of champions final

at Royal Oak Primary. Some of the speeches there were about nuclear war, happiness, how to write a good speech, and why it’s important to learn a different language. But Jack probably wasn’t enjoying them too much. Speaking last of all 14 competitors, Jack was concentrating more on controlling his nerves!

If he was nervous it didn’t show, and Jack’s win was a culmination of a lot of practice and a lot of competing over the years. He started public speaking in year 2 where he was a main character, the great emperor Kublai Khan, in the school production.

In both year 3 and year 4 Jack reached the middle school final with speeches about "Why Cartoons are Better than Movies" (in year 3) and basketball (year 4). In year 5 Jack took first place with a speech about the history of the Olympic Games. The fact that the athletes used to compete naked was a big hit with Jack’s audience!

And in year 6 Jack was a main character in the school production, as well as taking top prize in Auckland. Making the win all the sweeter for the Duncan family was the fact that younger brother Joe won the school’s year 5 competition with a humorous speech about what he wants to be when he grows up.

Despite Jack Duncan’s way with words, there are times when his actions speak louder.

He’s represented Bayfield in cricket, softball, swimming, cross country, rugby union, rugby league and touch at the Inner City Zone tournaments. He also enjoys tennis and plays the guitar. He was part of a particularly sporty, competitive batch of boys which won the Auckland Basketball Championship, and Jack fondly remembers the jump shot he nailed with 20 seconds on the clock to tie a match with their main rivals and maintain their unbeaten record. Not to mention being named in the tournament team. And the crowning jewel - winning Bayfield’s All Round Excellence and Achievement award.

So now that primary school is over, what does the future hold? Plenty. This year Jack goes to St Kents, where he’ll be taking full advantage of their great sporting facilities. If his sporting commitments allow, he might even spend time on his studies, especially the subjects of maths (his favourite), science, English and French.

Looking further down the track, Jack’s choice of possible careers is as wide as the range of subjects he’s made speeches about. He’s tossing up between becoming a basketball player, a sports commentator, or an investment banker like his father. And he appreciates his good fortune in having those options open to him. The children in Syria aren’t so PN lucky. (BILLY HARRIS) F

RICHMOND ROAD SCHOOL FIRE During our Christmas break we heard of the large fire at Richmond Road school, which is being treated as suspicious, the fire service says.

An entire block at Richmond Road School, in Ponsonby, went up in flames early last month. Fire-fighters were called to the scene just before 6am in the morning.

“It was quite a significant fire,” said northern communications shift manager Tania Matthews. “There was an entire school block well involved (when fire-fighters arrived).”

Fire investigators were at the scene, but Ms Matthews said it is already being treated as suspicious.

No-one was injured in the blaze, however it is believed the fire caused serious damage to the school. F PN

PONSONBY NEWS CHRISTMAS TREE Karen Withers sent us this shot of Nicholas (age 7) with his recycled Ponsonby News Christmas tree. F PN

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ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

FUTURE GENERATION

A LIFE SKILL JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WALKING AND TALKING We all expect our children to grow up to talk and walk well. We should also expect them to swim well. Swimming is one of life’s most important skills.

Water Safety New Zealand says that 7 out of 10 Kiwi kids can’t swim to save themselves. It’s a scary statistic when you consider that being in the water is part of New Zealand’s culture. Learning to swim doesn’t happen by accident. Ingrid Sharp of Hilton Brown Swimming explains: “Swimming is what’s known as a ‘gross motor skill’. It’s a whole-body action that takes time to learn, just like walking and talking.”

Hilton Brown Swimming’s benchmark for competent swimming is being able to swim 200 metres using correct stroke and breathing techniques.

“We offer new customers a free trial lesson, so that we can see what’s needed in the way of coaching,” says Ingrid. “Our lessons are structured so that children are taught at the right level - not too easy, not too hard. We promote them to the next level as soon as they’re ready, so they can make progress at their own pace.”

Apart from the obvious life-saving benefits, being a good swimmer is great for self -esteem. How will your children do at this year’s swimming sports? If you want to give their skills a boost, now’s the time for a free trial at Hilton Brown Swimming. F PN www.hiltonbrownswimming.co.nz

CHRIS SISARICH EXHIBITION FOR SURF LIFESAVING IF YOU TAKE CHILDREN TO THE BEACH IN NEW ZEALAND, THEN SURF LIFE SAVING New Zealand has your back. The not-for-profit supports our community in the water and relies on partners, volunteers and fundraising to rescue an average 1,200 people each season, from drowning.

www.dhlsaferbeaches.co.nz to vote for their favourite photograph, and enter in the draw PN to win the original print. F SURF LIFE SAVING NEW ZEALAND, www.surflifesaving.org.nz

DHL and Surf Life Saving are marking 10 years in partnership this summer, and to celebrate have unveiled a public photography exhibition in Wynyard Quarter, of surf lifesavers wearing their iconic red and yellow DHL-sponsored uniform.

Highly-regarded photographer and Westmere resident Chris Sisarich travelled all over New Zealand in January to capture Surf Life Saving volunteers, including singer -songwriter Jamie McDell and world champion and record-holding surf lifesaver Laura Quilter. The photographs are being exhibited at Te Wero Island in Wynyard Quarter in Auckland on the 14th, 15th and 16th of February (Friday - Sunday).

Entry to the exhibition is via a gold coin donation in support of Surf Life Saving New Zealand. Visitors to the photography exhibition are also invited to go to The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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FUTURE GENERATION LOCAL PRE-SCHOOL DANCE LESSONS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS After years of friends asking her to teach dance classes closer to her Grey Lynn home, Kyra Rice has answered the call and established Grey Lynn Dance School - something she hopes will become a local institution.

Based at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, the school focuses on pre-school dance lessons for boys and girls. The emphasis is on participation and fun. “I know plenty of parents who would love for their children to join in dance classes but who don’t like the formality and structure of many dance schools,” says Kyra.

Classes are a blend of jazz dance, ballet, hip hop and musical theatre, and Kyra says she adapts the lessons to the students as much as possible. The classes mix basic dance skills, high-energy movement exercises, simple dance routines and mime (using props like butterfly wings, pom poms and pirate swords). The focus is on fun but the children are learning new skills too. “Parents are often surprised at how much dance their young children can learn,” says Kyra, “and, of course, each class is an exercise in taking turns, following instructions, counting and learning their left from their right.”

Kyra is an experienced dance teacher who has been teaching children for years. Now the mother of two young children herself she understands the realities of getting kids to lessons. To this end Grey Lynn Dance School sells a concession card for five classes rather than charging a fee for an entire school term. Says Kyra: “That way parents effectively only pay for classes when they can make it, which gives them the flexibility they need with young children.”

And the first class is free. “Even the most dance mad child can be overwhelmed by a class at first, but after a few lessons they’re totally involved,” Kyra says. “It’s lovely for parents to see their children enjoying themselves so much.”

WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION AT KING’S COLLEGE THE FOUNDER OF KING’S COLLEGE, GRAHAM BRUCE, STATED THAT THE SCHOOL WOULD aim to provide “the best all-round education it was possible to obtain”. Over 100 years later, this vision both guides and underpins all that we do at King’s College.

“We aim to be the best we can be in our academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual and social aspects. This has seen King’s College, throughout its history, endeavour to preserve its values whilst still being prepared to innovate to remain at the forefront of education.”

One of the largest boarding schools in New Zealand, King’s College caters for students from all over the country and overseas. Boarders form the heart of the college, their involvement in the sporting and cultural arenas gives King's College a competitive edge.

A student’s experience of the life of the college is underpinned by a powerful house system, providing a sense of ‘family’ within the overall school community. Our programme of worship, religious education and community service encourages our students to explore their own spiritual pathway.

The college has a proud academic record; small class sizes and low pupil-to-teacher ratio ensures students are given greater individual attention in the classroom and students take a variety of pathways upon leaving King’s College, including entry to leading universities throughout the world. “Our programme of music and the arts is designed to inspire our students to broaden their listening and artistic horizons. Through sport, they seek to instil a healthy competitive spirit and the values of teamwork, physical fitness, commitment and initiative.

We set our young men and women on a course to become the leaders, innovators, creators and role models of their generation. We celebrate our rich heritage, whilst PN welcoming and valuing all who may wish to join the King’s College community.” F KINGS COLLEGE, www.kingscollege.school.nz

Grey Lynn Dance School offers separate boys and girls’ classes but Kyra is quick to point out that classes aren’t strictly gender segregated, “it’s the content that differs.

Generally speaking, I’ve noticed boys and girls favour different styles of dancing and love using different props. But the main thing is that the class is the right fit for the child.

If your little girl is more into breakdancing than ballet, or your little boy loves butterfly wings, then bring them to the class that suits them.”

Kyra hopes to grow Grey Lynn Dance School into a full-service dance school. “I’ve taught ballet and jazz dance to senior students at another large dance school for many years,” she says, “and I would love to develop the school so that it can become part of growing up in this community.” F PN GREY LYNN DANCE SCHOOL M: 021 867 709, E: greylynndanceschool@gmail.com

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SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Golf in New Zealand belongs to a couple of teenagers LYDIA KO’S BEEN GRABBING HEADLINES FOR A FEW YEARS NOW. IT SEEMS PRETTY difficult not to know who the teenage golfing sensation is, whether you’re interested in golf or not. And rightly so. The 16-year-old's an amazing talent and long may that continue, the rewards of her abilities are a lot further reaching than just her bank account, despite what some may believe.

Koh’s win earns him a place in the 2014 Australian Open and he hopes it has advanced his chances of competing in the World Amateur Team’s Golf Championship in Japan later in the year. “One of my big goals for 2014 is to make the Eisenhower team and hopefully this helps my chances. I know there is a long way to go and a lot of great players going for that team but I will give it my best."

But it seems another Koh has found a way to grab a share of the limelight. Auckland golfer Tae Koh made history at the Australian Amateur Championship Final in Adelaide becoming the first Kiwi golfer to win the championship in 22 years, since Michael Campbell won in 1992 at the Royal Adelaide Golf Club. Having never even won a New Zealand national title no one saw this result coming.

“The Australian Open is going to be a huge opportunity for me to test myself against a lot of great players in a top professional event. [This win] also gives me a lot of World Amateur Ranking points and a huge amount of confidence. I am pretty excited about where my game is going.”

There’s talk that the 2014 Australian Amateur will be remembered as one of the hottest ever staged in the tournament’s history, which dates back to 1894. It will also be remembered as the time that Tae Koh came of age, when the 19-year-old from the Manukau Golf Club completed a dominant performance when he defeated West Australian Curtis Luck 6 and 5 at The Grange Golf Club.

This win is also a big boost for New Zealand’s hopes of getting close to a men’s golf medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, while the 19-year-old still has a long way to go, and is yet to turn professional, there’s nothing like having talent and commitment to work with. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

“I am feeling great,” said Koh shortly after his win. “This is a big championship to win and I am really proud of myself.” Koh is only the third New Zealand golfer to have won the Australian Amateur after C E S Gillies in 1899 and Campbell, who famously went on to win the US Open in 2005. And just like his female counterpart it was an impeccable short game throughout the final that was a key part of his breakthrough win.

“My short game was really solid today,” said Koh, whose golfing hero is Luke Donald. “It was pretty windy out there so it was hard to hit the greens. Even if you hit the green it was hard to hold them as they were running at about 12 [on the stimp meter] so that meant the short game came into play a lot. I chipped really well. The rough over here wasn’t very thick so that meant you could spin the ball quite a lot and that played right into my hands.”

Tae Koh - Australian Amateur Trophy

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PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

SIDELINE WITH GEORGE BERRY

Local talent set to stay in Auckland

Lawn struggling to hang up her bike

It’s no secret that identifying and nurturing talented young sports people is the key to the country's continued success at international level, whether it be the All Blacks, the Silver Ferns or Olympic sports, New Zealand looks to have the recipe sorted.

As the emotion poured down Joanna Lawn's face it was easy to see there was more to her third placed podium finish at Auckland’s 70.3 Ironman.

With High Performance Sport New Zealand about to toss one million dollars into a new programme dubbed “Pathway to Podium” the results look certain to compound if the right ingredients continue to turn up.

“We have many talented young athletes and coaches throughout New Zealand, but we lose some of them along the way because the pathway to high performance is not clear, or they were not well prepared for it,” said High Performance CEO Alex Baumann.

“Pathway to Podium will help ensure talented young prospects around New Zealand get the support they need to have their best shot at success. We expect some of the athletes selected in the initial 2014 intake to go on to win medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games or at World Championships.”

Selected athletes and their coaches will receive wide-ranging support and guidance, including in the areas of performance planning, training regimes, strength and conditioning, and nutrition. About 220 to 250 young athletes are expected to be selected in the first year of the programme, and around 150 coaches.

Sport New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin says the programme will be delivered through a number of regional talent hubs around the country.

"Through Pathway to Podium, the athletes will be able to access local facilities and train in close proximity to their homes, families and peer support until they’re ready to enter the formal high performance system.

High performance sport is mentally and physically tough. So the more we can do to prepare our young people the better. This is an exciting development, as it will help close a previous gap in our system, between community and high performance sport,” Miskimmin says.

As well as Government funding, the regional talent hubs will be supported by key local stakeholders from within and outside the sports sector. Details of which sports will be part of the programme and the location of hubs are still being finalised, but Auckland is very much a key location. (GEORGE BERRY) F PN

The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

Second out of the water and again amongst the lead bunch on the bike, when the 40 year old entered the final straight and with the finish line in sight the tears began to flow.

Lawn’s won long distance races all over the world, and the seven time Taupo Ironman champion is easily one of the best multisport athletes the country has produced, but this placing was more special than the others, as it was more than likely her last.

While the word retirement struggled to pass her lips, all the talk around it suggested just that, “yeah it’s been on my mind for a while now, that maybe I want to move on but I don’t know when, because I love it so much!”

Twenty plus years of punishment on her body has so far prevented her from starting a family and it seems the time has come to switch the lycra for nappies.

There is however no cause for concern about the state of the New Zealand mens multisport scene, Auckland’s Terenzo Bezone shrugging aside the disappointment of being forced out of last year’s race due to an injury on the eve of the race to also reach the podium, finishing third with Bevan Docherty continuing his step up from triathlon to the longer Ironman distance finishing fourth.

You don’t hear much about Bezone during the year as nearly all of his races are off shore. However, when he’s been fit, he’s managed podium finishes in the last 18 races he’s completed.

Bezone could also be joined by Christchurch’s Tom Davidson. Currently competing in triathlon there are calls for him to switch to the longer distance of Ironman. The 23-year-old recently surprised everyone, including himself with a third place finish at the National Road Cycling champs in Christchurch, finishing just seconds behind two seasoned professionals, Olympians Hayden Roulston and Jack Bauer.

Bauer said post-race that Davidson should consider giving away the running and the swim to focus on cycling after such a heroic display on the bike, but when you see his talents are just as equal in the two other disciplines it’s easy to think if Davidson sticks with his original decision to stick with multisport the future of the sport in New Zealand PN is well taken care of. (GEORGE BERRY) F

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: LOGAN GRANGER

New Zealand Companies Office Tightens Compliance Rules The New Zealand Companies Office has increased its documentation requirements for registration of New Zealand companies with overseas directors and shareholders.

One of the reasons behind this change was to help deter any fraudulent and illegal activities by verifying the identities of the non resident director and shareholder.

The New Zealand Companies Office requires that the following information and documents be presented for a non resident director and shareholder; 1) The original signed consent for every person named as a director of the proposed company.

2) Proof of residency for every person named as a director of the proposed company.

3) The original signed consent form for every person named as a shareholder of the proposed company. Where the shareholder is not a natural person, the consent must be signed either by a director of the entity if it is a company, or equivalent statutory officer, if it is some other form of legal entity, or by a person otherwise authorised to act on behalf of the entity.

If a person who is not a director or equivalent statutory office of the entity signs the shareholder consent, he or she must provide the original or certified copy of the document appointing that person and the original or certified copy of the resolution of the entity agreeing to do so.

If the shareholder is an overseas entity, a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the entity together with the original must be provided.

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4) In order to identify all natural persons who have signed consent forms, companies’ office requires each person to provide original or a certified copies of passport. If passport is not available, the two of the following can be provided: • • •

A government-issued identity card (with photograph) A drivers licence (with photograph) A birth certificate or citizenship certificate

All the above documents must be either an original or a certified copy. The certified copy must itself contain an original signature and attestation from a notary, solicitor or JP, or a person of similar standing in the community along with their contact.

As detailed above the verification requirements for a non resident director and shareholder are extensive. This process can be quite difficult and time consuming, and there can be other considerations which are outside this article that are not covered. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss anything to do with this article, please contact Logan Granger.

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 F PN

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PONSONBY PROFESSIONALS: METROLAW GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? ASK MICHAEL@METROLAW.CO.NZ

Email Michael with your question and include PONSONBY NEWS in the subject line. Michael Hemphill, a partner of the firm will answer one topical question each month.

Q: A:

I am close to retirement and I am unsure about what I need to be thinking about from a legal point of view. What do I need to consider?

There are a number of considerations facing you as you reach retirement age.

These include managing your wealth and assets to meet your needs during your retirement and estate planning to make provision for your family.

It is always better to plan ahead for these matters. Too often we see individuals or families wanting to fix problems with trusts or estates that have been caused by poor planning years before. It is useful to have a meeting with your solicitor to discuss or review the arrangements that you have in place and make sure that these arrangements give effect to your intentions.

In terms of your wealth you want to make sure that there are sufficient funds to meet your needs in retirement. You may want to seek the advice of an investment adviser.

Government regulation in this area means that these advisers need to be registered.

I recommend that you find the most professional advice possible. It really can’t hurt if they have a professional qualification and work for a respectable firm or institution. Your primary consideration should be the security of your investment.

If your primary asset is your house then you need to consider how long it will remain suitable for your needs and whether you can meet the cost and physical requirements for maintenance. It is always better to plan the time to sell your house so you can achieve the best price for it rather than being forced into a sale by physical considerations or financial need.

There are “equity release” products out there that allow you to access capital from your home while you continue to live in it but they are generally at a bit of a premium to ordinary lending and need to be repaid on your death or when the property is sold.

I don’t understand why people with any substantial assets would try and save some small amount of money by trying to complete a will for themselves either by buying a cheap will kit from a bookshop or online. Invariably every one that I have seen has been either completed or executed incorrectly. This can easily result in the will being invalid and adding significant stress and expense to your family. If there is the potential for competing interests in your estate then an improperly completed will is almost guaranteed to provide fuel for a dispute that will only be good for the lawyers.

Trusts still provide more control over your estate than owning the assets personally.

This is because there are often a variety of claims that interested parties can make against your estate. You should have a memorandum of wishes for your trust and discuss this with your trustees.

There may come a time when you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.

It is important that before this happens you appoint someone that you trust to make these decisions on your behalf by appointing enduring powers of attorney over your welfare and care and over your property. These are different from an ordinary power of attorney and must adhere to strict guidelines.

As with all things there may be unique circumstances that will require careful thought as you approach retirement so it is important to consult a professional to help you organise PN your affairs, the earlier the better. (MICHAEL HEMPHILL) F Disclaimer - This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a legal problem you should seek advice from a lawyer. Metro Law does not accept any liability other than to its clients and then only when advice is sought on specific matters.

METROLAW, Level 2, 36 Williamson Avenue T: 09 929 0800 www.metrolaw.co.nz The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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PLANNING RETIREMENT

SMART MONEY - # 1: The Crazy World of Stock Picking… the data tells the story At the beginning of each year, investment brokers from the major firms provide their picks. We thought it would be interesting to look at the picks compiled by stuff.co.nz and National Business Review to see final results.

Looking at the year 1 January - 31 December 2013, we found the: • Average return of all broker picks was 16% • Average of all shares not picked by brokers (excluding property trusts) was 23% • Market return (NZX 50 Portfolio Index) was approximately 17% • No one picked Xero, the number one performer (up 325%) • Most common picks were Diligent, the third worst performer at -30%, and PGG Wrightson, that returned 0.4% - well under the market average • One beleaguered broker picked both Diligent and PGG Wrightson, along with Chorus, which had a return of -45%. The average return of this broker’s picks was -15.7%...

• These facts don’t take into account the cost of trading, which may be as much as 1% for each trade Source: Morningstar Total Returns What the above points show is that share picking is extremely hard, and no guarantee of improved performance.

TO ENJOY RETIREMENT - MAKE DECISIONS TODAY THE IDEA OF RETIREMENT IS SIMPLE. Having worked hard your whole life, it’s the time where you are supposed to be able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour. In reality, it is never that simple and most people instead of looking forward to this stage are nervous about the financial implications that it brings.

Time and time again, we are seeing the most common response to continue to ignore the pending retirement by burying ones head in the sand, even if it leads to denial or a form of financial anxiety.

Simply, to have a retirement you enjoy, you need to make some decisions today.

In order to make the right decisions you enableMe Director, Hannah McQueen need a strategy and an action plan and most importantly execution. It surprises me how often people think their financial goals are not achievable so they don't bother trying. In reality, retirement is a goal that everyone should have.

When recommending Diligent, one of the market’s worst performers, one broker said Diligent was “at the intersection of two of the most important megatrends in computing, namely ‘software as a service’ and the iPad. In 2013 we believe Diligent will demonstrate its ability to generate substantial free cash flow while maintaining high growth rates at the top line.”

Not many of us have a tolerance to get their retirement plan wrong, so you must follow the plan and have the plan fluid enough to cope with the curve balls life throws at us.

For most of our clients, retirement is not about investing in financial products, because in reality few people have surplus money to invest. In fact a high proportion of people are going to be going into retirement with a mortgage and with no savings so buying shares or financial products is not an option on any level.

That sounds smart, rational and clear. But here’s the problem - it’s invariably information both sides of the transaction (buyers and sellers) already know. Why would sellers, who already own Diligent, not know that Diligent’s ‘software as a service’ business model is positioned to leverage off technology such as the iPad? If both parties know that information, why should only one side expect to profit from it?

So instead of investing, the first step to retirement is to make sure you are mortgage free before you hit retirement. If you are not mortgage free then you need a plan to sort this. Time is of the essence, more so than ever before. Financially speaking, we have found that where you start from is not the issue, the issue is that you need to start. The sooner you start, the sooner you take control back. The sooner you take control back, the quicker you remove the money dynamic from relationships and the better you sleep.

Looking at it another way, if both the buyer and seller of a house know the roof is leaky, the price of the house will reflect that. It’s very simple really - information known to both sides of a trade will be incorporated into the price.

Remember, before you start, you must diagnose your financial situation. We need to understand what your retirement will look like and what it will cost. For most, there is going to be a shortfall between what you are likely to have and what you will need.

A bridge must then be built between the two. For many this is a very sensitive process that takes some bravery to confront. The plan needs to be robust. We understand this and it is our job to make the process one that you enjoy and recommend.

What subsequently moves prices is information that wasn’t known at the time of the transaction. In the case of Diligent, an issue that surfaced was the need to restate fiscal results from 2010/12 to meet with international accounting standards.

Eugene Fama won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2013 for his empirical analysis of asset prices. Part of this work demonstrated that, in efficient markets, it is only new information that moves prices. There’s one thing that’s always true about new information: It’s NEW! It cannot be known in advance.

When you accept this fact, you realise that a sensible strategy is to give up trying to predict the news, and instead, focus on diversifying broadly. This may not give you the extreme highs, but it should also ensure you avoid the extreme lows.

While the diversification story may not sound as thrilling as “Hot Stocks for 2013”, and it may not sell as many newspapers, it provides greater certainty around reaching your financial goals.

Jocelyn is a director of Rutherford Rede, Authorised Financial Advisers, advising individuals, trusts and charities. F PN RUTHERFORD REDE is located at 52 College Hill, to further your planning and investment needs contact Jocelyn Weatherall or Richard Knight on T: 09 361 3670. www.rutherfordrede.co.nz

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We don’t deal in emotion. We deal with real people in real life facing real challenges but still needing to get ahead, because falling backwards is not an option. Whilst everyone’s goals are different and their situations are unique, universally money is not supposed to cause anxiousness and retirement should not be ignored. Call me now to speak about PN creating a retirement plan that will work for you. F HANNAH MCQUEEN. Director of enableMe Financial Personal Trainers. T: 09 280 1984 www.enableme.co.nz

enableMe has 20 copies of Hannah McQueen’s best-selling book The Perfect Balance - How to get ahead financially and still have a life, to give away to Ponsonby News readers!

To enter the draw please email hamish@ enableme.co.nz with your postal address.

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PLANNING RETIREMENT

SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE WHEN PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT RETIREMENT IS A MAJOR LIFE CHANGE, AND TIME TO REVIEW YOUR LEGAL AFFAIRS: Your Will, to make sure that you have properly looked after your family; and enduring powers of attorney, so that decisions can be made if you lack capacity.

At some point you will want or need to leave your family home, as it is too large for you to look after, perhaps too difficult to live in, or comprising all your capital. A low maintenance smaller house on one level with a small garden could suit you for the next few years, or maybe you will opt for a retirement home. These range from a self-contained unit in a retirement village, to a fully cared-for hospital ward if you are no longer able to look after yourself.

Retirement villages range from simple modest rental such as an RSA retirement village; to commercial enterprises operated by Ryman or Metlifecare, where you "buy" a licence to occupy a unit, but can only stay so long as you are well enough; to the likes of Selwyn Village, a charitable institution which will look after you for life.

Some allow you to keep your capital intact, while others erode your capital repaying up to 30% less when you leave.

Your retirement planning has to take into account your financial position, and down -sizing may provide the funds you need for retirement. There are complicated and possibly distressing decisions to make and you will need professional advice. Your lawyer PN can assist. F CLARK & CO, Level 1/283 Ponsonby Road T: 09 360 2413 www.clarklawyers.co.nz This article is not meant to be legal advice. If my comments have raised concerns, then see your lawyer to discuss.

DO IT YOURSELF BUT DO IT RIGHT Aucklanders planning to engage in DIY work this summer are being reminded to check the rules in advance to make sure their project doesn’t cause them any problems down the track.

Auckland Council Building Control Manager Tim Weight says well before people get their tools out they should check if the planned DIY work needs either building or resource consent and what the relevant legislation is.

“In the summer months, we know many Aucklanders like to DIY around their homes - it’s part of Kiwi culture. We’re just reminding people to make sure their project is compliant,” says Mr Weight.

Aucklanders can check their local requirements by calling the council and asking to speak to a duty planner or by visiting one of the council offices.

A project like building a fence or retaining wall may still need a resource consent approval even though a building consent may not be required.

“A lot of work does require consent under legislation, district or regional plans so it’s really important to check with us first, and remember even if consent is not required DIY work must still comply with the Building Act, the building code and other relevant legislation,” says Mr Weight.

Ensuring DIY work is compliant will also help property owners ensure they don’t compromise any future property sales.

It is also a good time to remember some simple rules when disposing of materials, to help protect the environment. Concrete waste, paint, and even soil particles can have a devastating impact if they get washed into the stormwater system and drains.

“The key to good environmental management when doing DIY is to remember that only rain should go down the drain,” says Ian Dobson, the manager of natural resources and specialist input at Auckland Council.

Concreting and painting equipment should be washed with running water onto unsealed ground which will absorb the waste water and prevent the contaminants from reaching more vulnerable stream or marine environments.

To learn more about what does and doesn’t require consent and how to minimise pollution from your project, visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and search for PN “home improvement” or contact T: 09 301 0101 to find out more. F

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JAY PLATT: WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT.....

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1 Jonathan Adler ‘Key Keeper’ jewellery box $199 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 2 Pink Flamingoes $39.90 small, $79 each large @ Republic www.republichome.com; 3 Gustav Klimt by Taschen $375 @ Novel, Jervois Rd; 4 Guard dog money box $130 @ Bob and Friends www.bobandfriends.co.nz; 5 ‘A Rose by any Other Name’ body cleanser $61 and Geranium Leaf body balm by Aesop $47 @ Simon James Concept Store www.store.simonjamesdesign.com; 6 Pink mason Cash ‘Heart’ mixing bowl 29cm $73.50 @ Millys www.millyskitchen.co.nz; 7 ‘Kali’ heart box $25.50 @ Presentz, West Lynn Shops.

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WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT 1 8

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1 Rosanna ‘Alphabet’ dishes $15 each @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 2 Sea blue ‘Spike’ ke’ vase $250 $2 @ Bob and Friends www.bobandfriends.co.nz; 3 Voluspa tin candle ‘Crème de Methe’ $59.95 @ Republic www.republichome.com; 4 ‘The little white box’ $19.90 @ Presentz, West Lynn shops; 5 ‘Mini Jack’ Eclectic by Tom Dixon $175 @ Simon James Concept Store www.store.simonjamesdesign.com; 6 Acme ‘Ben Hall’ card holder $72 @ Askew www.askew.co.nz; 7 Notebook/Journal $9 @ Presentz, West Lynn shops; 8 Pure plant oil facial serum ‘Anti-age complex’ $64.99 @ evolu www.evolu.com F PN STYLING: Jay Platt PHOTOGRAPHY: Danilo Santana David, Fisher Santana.

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REAL ESTATE UPDATE: KAREN SPIRES

Close to home Happy New Year. I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing holiday and is looking forward to another great year in 2014.

I am particularly excited to be starting the new year based at the Bayleys’ new Ponsonby Road office, which opens its doors this month. Myself and the rest of the team are delighted to have relocated from Bayleys Central Auckland to our renovated space, at 305 Ponsonby Road, in the heart of this vibrant suburb. Having 13 years’ experience specialising in real estate in Herne Bay, St Marys Bay, Freemans Bay, Grey Lynn and Ponsonby, I’m very proud to be based in this community that I love and know so well.

Speaking of pride, my son is back to school at Ponsonby Primary and with the new term commencing, my thoughts turn to the staff and students of Richmond Road School in Ponsonby. I was saddened to hear of the fire at this school on 12 January that caused significant damage to one of the school blocks. Thankfully no-one was injured in the blaze, which is being treated by the Fire Service as suspicious. Richmond Road School has been educating local children for more than 100 years and has produced a number of distinguished students who have gone on to impact our community and country in a positive way. If you know anything about this fire, please do tell the police. Our local schools play such an important role in our community.

Last year 12 primary and intermediate schools took part in the Inner City School Arts programme which is proudly sponsored by Bayleys and Master Kelwin Flooring. Each school, including Richmond Road School, hold art exhibitions at their school and have a final group exhibition at New World in Freemans Bay. The programme gives children an opportunity to express themselves through art, showing adults how they see the world and is a way of bringing the community together. We look forward to our continued involvement in this wonderful and rewarding programme. Let’s have a great 2014.

I look forward to seeing you at our new Bayleys Ponsonby branch.

Karen Spires is a Bayleys Real Estate Top Achiever - placing her sales data among the PN top five percent of salespeople within the company. (KAREN SPIRES) F

PET LAMPS: HANDMADE TO KEEP MUCH OF WHAT WE CAN BUY FOR OUR HOMES NOW IS INEXPENSIVE AND DISPOSABLE. Because it is so cheap, it is easy to throw it away, and buy something else that catches our eye. The PET Lamp from South America turns this concept on its head with lamps made from recycled plastic bottles, that are beautiful objects to keep. The PET Lamp project came out of a concert of industrial designers, an activist, the problem of plastic waste contamination in the Colombian Amazon, and, interestingly enough, Coca Cola.

Working with two indigenous groups of Bogotá (displaced by guerilla war), the bottles are kept intact at the top (used to connect the lamp) with the bottom half cut into vertical strips and then woven by the artisan, telling us a story of their traditions through fibres, colours and motifs. No two handmade lamps are the same. They can be bought individually, or in sets of three, six, 12 or 21.

Interior designer Anya Brighouse says, “I am very drawn to them because of their handmade nature, but also because of their beautiful use of colour! A single one would look amazing in a child’s room, and a 12 set over a dining table would be a showstopper!”

The PET Lamps (which debuted at the Milan Furniture Fair last year) are available from Backhouse Interiors. F PN BEAUTIFUL BEDLAM (Anya Brighouse) www.beautifulbedlam.co.nz BACKHOUSE INTERIORS T: 09 309 0500 www.backhousenz.com

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MY FAVOURITE ROOM

FIONA MCLEOD Fiona McLeod owns Flaunt PR, specialising in ‘creative PR for fashion, beauty, health and well-being clients’.

Resident in Greater Ponsonby for some 17 years, Fiona professes to love the diversity of people in the area, as well as enjoying consistent well made coffee and friendly service from her favourite cafes. “I love being in the middle of the city hum, yet so close to the water - I walk around Westhaven everyday,” she says. Fiona lives above her Jervois Road showroom.

ANY PAGE IN PONSONBY NEWS IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE SEEN

“My favourite room is my ‘office sanctuary’ - my office/lounge on the ground floor where I enjoy creating a welcoming and comforting atmosphere. Everyone who walks into Flaunt PR for a business meeting sighs and says, “Oh, it’s such a lovely space and smells like a day spa!” Aromatherapy and candles burn 12 hours a day.

Although I virtually run Flaunt PR from the room, it is a secret little hideaway in the middle of chaos. Situated on the busiest road in Ponsonby, from the outside it looks like a small dark cottage, yet when you walk inside and through to my office it’s super sunny, with large glass doors opening onto a deck and pretty cottage garden. We hold many launches and parties in this space.

My favourite things in the room are flowers, candles and my crazy collection of antique teacups - Flaunt PR is well known for serving high tea at all meetings, both for business and social occasions. We even have our own signature berry tea. However, I also could not do without my blackboard wall which keeps me organised! F PN Flaunt PR, 37 Jervois Road, Ponsonby T: 09 376 8181 www.flauntpr.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS ROCK SOLID DECEMBER SEES AUCKLAND HOUSING MARKET END YEAR ON RECORD HIGH Overall, Auckland’s housing market remained buoyant, finishing the 2013 year with a December residential average price of $700,387, the highest ever, although sales of property under $500,000 have declined.

“Seasonal trends which traditionally see higher value properties traded have not been offset by recent Reserve Bank changes and nor would they given the next three to four months of high summer season,” said Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director, Peter Thompson.

The median price in December was $629,000, a 14.25 percent increase against the December 2012 median of $550,500.

PUTTING LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TO WORK FOR YOU Trisha Vincent is delighted to join Bayleys Ponsonby team, in their new office opposite Three Lamps.

With over 20 years experience selling real estate, Trisha is excited to be able to help vendors in her favourite part of Auckland. She is a long-time enthusiast of Ponsonby and its neighbouring suburbs, and she believes that having a passion for the place and a strong local knowledge is vital to her work.

“The year ended with lack of choice again becoming an issue with new listings for December at 631. At month end we had 2969 listings on our books.

“You have to love the area, and know what makes it tick,” says Trisha. “This is a vibrant community where people can choose to enjoy a relaxed, or more cosmopolitan lifestyle within easy reach of great cafes, shopping and restaurants. The beautiful secluded beaches of Herne Bay is also just a pleasant walk away.”

Trisha is also interested in Ponsonby’s heritage buildings, as well as newer developments, like Ponsonby Central. “There’s always so much going on,” she says.

“These figures tell a compelling story about the strength of the Auckland housing market, an improving economy, and people’s belief that residential property continues to represent a dependable medium to long term investment.

Not only does local knowledge play a big role, Trisha also places huge importance on building strong relationships with local people. “It’s all about putting our clients first, and doing the very best job for them. It’s that simple,” says Trisha.

“With listings being so restricted, and buyer demand so high, it suggests that as we enter the New Year, the Auckland real estate market will experience a strong first quarter.” F PN

Naturally, Ponsonby is extremely popular, with many buyers wanting to live in the area.

According to data from REINZ based on the last two quarters, the median sale price now sits at over $1 million.

The average median for 2013 increased by 8.7 percent over the past year to $578,815 which, given the pressures on supply and the stable and low mortgage lending rates, is modest.

In December, 817 residential sales were made. Although this is down on December 2012 figures, it was the second best December in the last 10 years.

Joining Bayleys in her favourite suburb was an obvious choice for Trisha. “Yes, Bayley’s is an incredibly famous name in Real Estate, with a reputation for results that is second PN to none.” F TRISHA VINCENT, BAYLEYS PONSONBY; M:021 748 264 or T: 09 309 6020 E:trisha.vincent@bayleys.co.nz

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Rona Ngahuia Osborne Rona Ngahuia Osborne is an artist and textile designer. She and her partner Dan run Native Agent, a small gallery space featuring fine art, homewares, taonga maori "and now lovely espresso from Allpress coffee". Native Agent was based in Kingsland for many years, but moved to Ponsonby in May 2013.

Who is your partner? What do they do?

My partner Dan is an illustrator and graphic designer; he specialises in motion graphics for TV and live events. And he makes himself pretty useful around the shop too, making art prints and signs. We have two daughters. Huia is nearly 18, in her last year at Auckland Girls Grammar School. Ngaio is 12 and in year 8 at Kowhai Intermediate.

Do you have any pets?

Our house is a zoo! Tiki our exuberant Kelpie keeps a watchful eye over Ahi and Taonga our twin Tonkinese cats. We also have a geriatric Cornish Rex called Miko. We're currently between flocks of chickens, and missing the rent they lay!

Your best friend would say of you...

"When are you going to finish work and come over?"

Your mother would say of you...

"When are you going to finish work and come over?" (See the pattern forming here?)

What are your virtues?

Loyal, hardworking, passionate, honest, loving.

What are your vices?

Pinot Noir! And possibly a few other varieties :) Who's your ultimate rock icon?

Patti Smith is the first one that jumps to mind...

What’s your secret passion?

Hanging out in my garden.

What's your secret talent?

When I roast pork I can get the crackling just right... most of the time!

Where do you live?

We live in New Lynn - walking distance from the train, but close to the west coast beaches and bush. We have a large section with lots of gardens, our house is a ramshackle old bungalow. We've pulled out walls and added big decks and two studios so we can work from home. I love it!

Where do you spend your holidays?

What holidays?! When we can escape the city we head straight for my family home in the Hokianga. I grew up in the bush with no power, phone, or cellphone coverage. Paradise!

What's your perfect Sunday?

A lazy sleep in, followed by coffee and a home cooked breakfast. Then I'd take a long walk on the beach with the dog, and top it off with a hot bath on my back deck. Perfection.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

When I was little I was going to be a dancer! Don't know what happened there... LOL.

How did you come to be an artist?

I followed my heart? I'm not really sure how it happened, I guess my profession chose me, in a way.

If you weren’t an artist you’d be..?

A gardener.

What’s your favourite Ponsonby Cafe?

When I'm not drinking our own coffee I'm very fond of Little Bird in Summer Street, and the lovely peeps at Good One on Douglas Street.

Favourite Ponsonby restaurant?

Cocoro right next door to us on Brown Street serves the most amazing Japanese food I have ever eaten. That is all.

Favourite Ponsonby store?

Flotsam and Jetsam on the corner of Williamson Ave, I have been a fan of Cam's style and aesthetic since we were at art school.

Favourite Ponsonby fashion label?

I can't go past Miss Crabb and the fabulous Turet at TK Store, she has the most amazing attitude about everything she does.

Your best kept Ponsonby secret? hmm... that would be US! What's inspired you recently?

Spending time in the bush up home over Christmas, getting my toes in the dirt, catching up with old friends in beautiful places.

Share your desert island distractions: Books - Redemption Songs by Judith Binney, and the Luminaries by Eleanor Catton - which is so big I will need desert island time to get through it. Movies - I enjoy a good thriller. And just about anything Tim Burton has ever made. Especially if it stars Johnny Depp ha ha.

“I'd be lost without my...” ...glasses!

One thing you have learned about life is..?

The most important things in life... are not things. F PN NATIVE AGENT, 56b Brown St, Ponsonby T: 09 378 6324 www.nativeagent.co.nz

DON’T MISS THE MARCH PONSONBY NEWS+ DEADLINE COPY DEADLINE: Thursday, 20 February PUBLISHED: Friday, 7 March

MARCH SPECIAL FEATURES + VIVA ITALIA + KINGSLAND + FASHION / SHOES + TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS

TO BOOK ADVERTISING: ask about our special positions!

Jo Barrett on 021 324 510 or t: 09 361 3356 or 09 378 8553 e: joannebarrett@xtra.co.nz w: www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS

INSULATE NOW AND SAVE! Big changes are afoot for landlords and potentially any home owner that wishes to rent out their property in the future.

2013 saw a swathe of initiatives pushing for legislation of minimum insulation standards. According to Tony Naidu of HeatSavers, “It’s not a question of if; it’s a question of when.”

It’s estimated that around 70% of New Zealand homes are inadequately insulated.

That is a huge drain on the State in health care costs and subsidies for low income families while rising energy costs put even more families at risk. Effective and affordable, retrospective insulation is the only way forward.

“There’s no doubt that the responsibility will be placed on landlords sooner or later,” says Naidu. “And when the inevitable regulatory requirements kick in, insulators are going to be in hot demand. Landlords will be at risk of increased costs, delays and potentially untenantable downtime until they’ve caught up.”

“Our product means we can retrofit insulation into the walls of your property in days not weeks and is a third to a quarter of the cost of traditional insulation methods.

Tenants don’t have to move out as the work can be non-intrusive. Not to mention, it’s a much more sustainable approach that reduces landfill waste, while giving you virtually immediate access to all the benefits.”

He concludes, “Now is the time to investigate your options, timeframes and costs because what we know in the industry is that later is inevitably going to be more expensive.”

If you’d like to find out more, contact HeatSavers for a free, no-obligation quotation on 0800 432 872 www.heatsavers.co.nz F PN

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THE RENOVATION OF 30 DOUGLAS STREET 30 Douglas Street is located in the area of Ponsonby which has had amazing regeneration over the last couple of years - with the upgrade of the shops on Mackelvie Street, the opening of Ponsonby Central and soon the well advanced Lot 3 on the corner of Richmond Road.

There are exciting times ahead for this area of Ponsonby and you can feel the improvements have created a local appreciation and extra positive vibe within the area.

30 Douglas is just a short stroll from all of this excitement and the home is on a fantastic sun soaked and elevated site.

When I purchased the property a few years back it was visually tidy but suffered from years of unsympathetic alterations, particularly during the 1980s offering the owners a bathroom in a tiny corrugated iron windowless corner room, a kitchen where two would struggle to cook together and a bedroom in the garage. The backyard consisted of overgrown bush hiding the site from the sun.

The project to transform this fantastic site while restoring the home into a suitable Ponsonby space was an achievable challenge and one with a remarkable result. With the existing house extended and now connected to the rear by a double storey extension around a courtyard, in ground heated concrete pool and native landscaping, the space gives the feeling of a private peaceful tropical oasis with no hint of Ponsonby Road just a few steps away.

On the street level internal double garage plus two off street car parks, an office with ensuite (or fifth bedroom for guests) with its own courtyard with separate access to the street. Steps up to the first floor take you to the two living areas, three bedrooms,

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Property Developer, Tyrone Le Roux, Director of Urban Space with his son Jonty a bespoke kitchen, bathroom and butlers pantry all overlooking the sunny courtyard, pool and gardens. Up stairs to the second floor the master bedroom offers elevated urban views, with his and hers walk in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom.

Natural products have been used with black marble splashback and built in dining table with turned leg in the kitchen and white marble in the three bathrooms. Copper details the stairs with cedar paneling and heated polished concrete floors in the main living and oiled solid American oak in the original part of the house. Storage has been a huge priority throughout. We have restored the front of the house with added character features. The final outcome of the front pays homage to the history of Ponsonby while the inside gives a modern contemporary mix of design, drama and detail.

PN (TYRONE LE ROUX, URBAN SPACE) F 30 Douglas Street will be marketed soon by Heather Lanting and Marty Hall of Ray White Ponsonby; M: 0274 394 124 or 0274 500 168

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ASK AN ARCHITECT: PAUL LEUSCHKE Each month Grey Lynn resident and architect Paul Leuschke of Leuschke Kahn answers readers’ property related questions.

Email yours to jane@leuschkekahn.co.nz

Q: A:

We are going to add an addition in our backyard of our villa. Should it be a traditional or a modern addition?

dishwashers and kitchen mess which is undesirable in an open plan kitchen, so it now has a different function.

I think the issue is to make clear which is the old part of the house and which is the new addition.

For an architect the main issue is connecting the addition to the existing house.

Sometimes it’s a two storey addition to a one storey villa. The existing villa now doesn’t comply with the Auckland Council development controls, but the addition needs to, so continuing roof lines is not possible. A modern addition using different materials and shapes is sometimes the forced answer.

There is not much difference between old and new bedrooms, but the way we now live, with more glass, open plan and outdoor access means most people want a modern living area.

This can be achieved in both traditional and modern style, so it is not the look that counts; it’s how the planning allows you to live in it. The new addition will have some of the elements of the existing villa, like a high stud, which is a highly desirable feature in any house. It may have a fireplace, but please make it modern so no one is confused and thinks it’s just refurbished. The butler’s pantry is back but it now houses noisy

Designing a house with a small or modest link to the existing house, may contain the costs to the new addition only.

Personally, I like a more modern look to the addition, as we now live differently. Adding aluminium joinery or bi-folds and sliding doors to a villa replica makes it look neither fish nor fowl! (PAUL LEUSCHKE) www.leuschkekahn.co.nz F PN

RUGS GALORE: TRADITIONAL TO CONTEMPORARY Think of any shape, style or colour of rug, whether Persian, classic, modern or funky, and Rug Direct will have gorgeous examples of it.

This rug store is a sensory sojourn of colour and texture, shape and size. To really appreciate it you need to come in, wander around and soak up the experience of being surrounded by floor-to-ceiling vibrant, luxurious rugs.

From exquisite hand-knotted Persians to machine-made, synthetic, wool and wool/ silk combinations, from flat weave to shaggy pile there’s a rug that will enhance every conceivable decor and lifestyle - whether it’s for luxury, practicality or both.

A beautiful rug adds so much warmth and personality, and will give any part of your home an instant lift. Waking up each day to something you’ve carefully chosen can give you boundless pleasure and satisfaction.

Rug Direct is a family-run business that specialises in quality products, excellent customer service and affordability for all budgets. Because they import directly, Rug Direct passes on the savings to their customers, which is why you should make them your first port of call. You won’t find better value, quality or choice anywhere else. Trust between buyer and seller is paramount to the owners and they want all purchasers to leave with a piece that they really love and will feel happy with for a long time. The best proof of such dedication to excellence is in the many customers that keep returning to Rug Direct.

Rug Direct also offers an interior design service. Why not combine your ideas with their expertise to achieve the perfect look for your home? To make a difficult selection easier, they offer a home service and will drop off a rug at your house and let you keep it overnight so that you can get a feel of how it will suit your environment.

Rug Direct has a sale until mid February, and free delivery nationwide. All credit cards are accepted including six months interest-free on GM cards and three months on Q card at the moment. Located next to the ANZ. Open seven days 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends. F PN RUGDIRECT, 6 Link Drive, Wairau Park T: 09 444 0085 or M: 021 110 7570 www.rugdirect.co.nz

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THE BOYS’ BOOK CLUB WHAT WE’RE READING These include books us blokes on the Ponsonby News team have recently enjoyed. We love reading in the bath, or in bed. A real stress buster!

MARTIN LEACH LOU REED, THE LIFE

by Mick Wall (Orion) I have been a huge Velvet Underground fan since the late 60s. I was fortunate to see Lou Reed live in Wellington and in London during the 70s. Lou Reed wrote songs about drugs, squalor, transgressive sexuality, honourable prostitutes, visionary gutter queens and dollar-hustlers. He also wrote some of the most moving love songs of the era, from "Pale Blue Eyes" to "Perfect Day". Always a generation ahead, he would never receive his due until later, when it was almost too late. The Velvet Underground, the group he led under the tutelage of Andy Warhol, were despised in their lifetime. Yet all his greatest solo albums - from Transformer to Berlin to his last, the Metallica-collaboration, Lulu - were considered meagre reflections of his best work with the Velvets.

The story of Lou Reed is full of such contradictions. From the ECT treatment that scarred him at 17, to the "thoughtful, meditative" figure Bono now recalls.

From his three marriages, to his polysexual relationship with various New York characters, most especially Rachel: a transsexual to whom he dedicated "Coney Island Baby". "He was a master," said David Bowie, in the wake of Reed's death, last October. In his lifetime he was called, variously, the Godfather of Punk, the High Priest of Glam, and all sorts of similarly tremble-tremble sobriquets.

JAY PLATT Mirage

by Clive Cussler with Jack Du Brul (Penguin) Disguised as a mobster, Juan Cabrillo infiltrates a Siberian prison intending to help Admiral Yuri Borodin’s escape, courtesy of some explosives hidden in his artificial leg. Except they get discovered as they are making their getaway. It’s a $25 million payday if Cabrillo can get Borodin out, but Borodin ends up dead. The admiral’s last words “Aral ...

Eerie boat... Tesla”, sends Cabrillo and his crew down a dangerous trail.

Cabrillo and company battle from the Aral Sea to the US, there discovering a wreck that was George Westinghouse’s yacht. It disappeared more than a century ago while participating in an experiment carried out by Westinghouse’s friend, the eccentric genius Nikola Tesla. With a detour to rescue a billion dollars of purloined Iraqi aid money being smuggled to Indonesia that means destroying the Tesla-based device-equipped stealth ship tasked to sink a US aircraft carrier en route to prevent Chinese-Japanese hostilities over islands sitting atop an oil patch. Another thrill ride from from beginning to end. I love these books and just can’t seem to get enough of them.

The truth is, Lou Reed began where rock left off. Before him, it was about entertainment. After him, rock was literary, dark, and above all, disquietingly honest. His work belongs not in the same safe place as The Beatles and the Stones, but next to William S Burroughs, Hubert Selby Jr, Andy Warhol, and Reed's personal mentor, Delmore Schwartz. Now acclaimed biographer Mick Wall, a lifelong Lou Reed and Velvet Underground fan, brings you the story of the most misunderstood genius in rock.

While delivering Ponsonby News December issue, there was a demonstration outside Westpac Ponsonby to tell the bank to stop funding climate change, especially Bathhurst Resources plans for open cast coal mining on the Denniston Plateau.

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BUCKS, BARGAINS AND BAGS OF FUN AT CAR BOOT MARKET You may have seen a whole lot of shakin’ going on in the Grey Lynn RSC carpark on a recent Sunday - it will have been the monthly Grey Lynn 2030 Car Boot Market.

A community project launched in August 2012, the Car Boot Market is a place for anyone who wants to to sell, swap or just give away things that they no longer need. The market is for second hand items only - no new stuff, as Grey Lynn 2030 think there is already enough stuff on our planet.

Ponsonby News can vouch that the Car Boot Market is a great local alternative to running your own garage sale: no advertising necessary (Grey Lynn 2030 take care of that), no strangers descending on your home and no need for hassles with Trade Me, either. You can sell from a table, your car boot or from the ground if you bring a mat.

The market opens for stall holders at 7.30am and to shoppers at 8.30am, running until 11.30. It only costs $20 to have a site and the proceeds go to support other GL2030 community projects and the costs of running Grey Lynn 2030. The only prerequisite: you must pre-book and pay in advance to guarantee a spot. If you turn up on the day you can not be guaranteed a space.

Organiser Suzanne Kendrick asked us to give a big shout out to the Grey Lynn RSC for the generous use of their car park for the sale. GL2030 have worked closely with the RSC, who open their doors early on Sunday to provide music, drinks and toilets and a quiet place to sit down. F PN GREY LYNN 2030 CAR BOOT MARKET, email greylynn2030@gmail.com or contact Suzanne Kendrick, T: 027 360 4564 email suzanne.kendrick@gmail.com

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HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS WHELAN BUILDING LTD PONSONBY BUILDING PROFESSIONALS Whelan Building Ltd have been building and renovating quality Auckland homes and light commercial premises for over 20 years.

Based in Ponsonby, Whelan Building are experts in villa and bungalow renovation and reconstruction, construction and management of new homes, as well as light commercial construction. They have teams both in Auckland and on Waiheke Island.

Whelan Building is owned by Geoff Whelan, a professional builder for over 25 years.

Geoff is New Zealand trade qualified, an S2 licensed building practitioner and a registered Master Builder.

Geoff says, "We work closely with our clients and their architect to ensure they get exactly what they want for their new home or renovation project. Or if they prefer, we work with the client from concept stage and engage architects and other consultants to help them develop their requirements, and the consent process. We can also offer both fixed and variable cost estimates. The choice is the clients."

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Geoff is a true professional who strives to add value to each project - by understanding the client’s requirements, working with architects and subcontractors, and providing detailed project management reporting to ensure time and budget targets are met.

Whelan Building are registered Master Builders and all staff are trade qualified.

If you're considering a building project whether it involves alterations, restoration or new construction, contact Geoff on M: 0274 720 139 or at www.whelan.co.nz to discuss your project or for an obligation free quote. F PN

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ARTS + CULTURE RICHMOND ROAD, THE NOVEL Local Ponsonby writer, Miles Hughes’ latest literary novel RICHMOND ROAD is set in Ponsonby, Freeman’s Bay and downtown Auckland during the early 1900s, spanning the period of the First World War. We asked him why he relocated to Ponsonby eight years ago.

SHOWING AT TOI ORA AND TE KARANGA GALLERIES SECRET WALLS AOTEAROA - URBAN STREET ART 17 - 21 February The first Secret Walls battle took place in London in 2006. They have been growing organically ever since, to include over 1000 battles witnessed by more than 200,000 people. Events are held in 25 + countries and growing quickly. Urban street art has its roots in the element of competition.

Check out www.facebook.com/secretwallsnz for details of "Secret Walls Aotearoa", exhibitions, artists talk and online auction.

The exhibitions are a fund raiser in support of Mike King’s, "Key to Life Trust" which aims to reverse the population trends for depression and suicide by effecting a positive social change.

Featured artists include: Paul Walsh, Liger, Monty Collins, Shine Darlington, and Will Saunders. F PN TOI ORA, 6 Putiki Street T: 09 360 4171 www.toiora.org.nz TE KARANGA GALLERY, Upstairs, 208 Karangahape Road, T: 09 377 9335 www.kfm.co.nz

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A Shore boy and a Wellingtonian met in London, married and built a house in Birkenhead. Once our children left home our house was too large for us. We realised that we spent most of our time in the city attending concerts, plays, visiting the museum, art galleries. We, my wife Bronwen and I are also great walkers and spent a lot of time walking around the periphery of the city and enjoying the ambiance of the older suburbs, particularly Ponsonby. We admired the villas, the parks and the wonderful mix of people and decided that it was time for a move. After some months of visiting open homes during our walks we fell in love with our 100-year-old villa set in a beautiful garden and after the agonies of the auction it was ours. Our lives changed with our move. We sold one car and now walk everywhere, or in Miles' case he loves the big green bus and his Gold Card! It is wonderful to live in a vibrant, buzzing community where we can chat to the wonderful old characters that live in our street, observe the people going to the mosque and the nuns helping the old priests across the road, listen to the bells of All Saints and spend the evening at One to One enjoying brilliant music and spoken word. Then we have the joys of Ripe and Farro around the corner, Nosh and the wonderful restaurants and cafés on the strip. I love my monthly readings at Inside Out and Bronwen enjoys the fun of volunteering at the Mercy Hospice shop. We both enjoy the regular market days, the Pride parade was fantastic and the Grey Lynn festival is always a highlight and a little further away, Pacifica.

My latest literary novel RICHMOND ROAD is set in Ponsonby, Freeman’s Bay and downtown Auckland during the early 1900s, spanning the period of the First World War. The story is about the trials of George Bender who struggles to get to grips with the world after it falls apart for him when he is just 15-years-of age. His mother’s love never wanes, despite being put to the test many times. The shady world of professional gambling in Auckland is exposed, as is the pitiful effect of industrial warfare on the heart and mind of the protagonist’s younger brother. The tragic consequences of this haunt the protagonist for the rest of his life. However, when history appears to repeat itself with his grandson, George, though now old, steps in to save him. This is a coming of age story as much for George Bender as it is for Auckland, which is transforming from a rambunctious settler town to a 20th century city with a modern electric tramway network and public buildings built of permanent materials. The harbour scene is well portrayed through the arrival of the American great white fleet when George is still a boy, betting on boat races, mullet boat fishing and racing, and in George’s crewing on a sailing scow. Existing and former residents of the areas depicted in this book will love the settings.

The book is available as a Kindle e-book or as a paperback from Amazon.com or as a paperback through Dear Reader, The Womens Bookshop, Novel and other selected PN independent bookshops (NZ$27.95). F

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ARTS + CULTURE PROFILE OF A FRINGE-DWELLER MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF THE JOY OF CREATIVITY IS finger-painting. I was three, covered in paint and in a state of absolute bliss! I remember the sheer tactile pleasure of running my hands down through the colours - blending and caressing - the paint oozing up between my fingers, the size of the paper filling my entire peripheral vision. Now, nearly 60 years later, nothing much has changed! I'm still frequently paint splattered, still do paintings and sculptures that tower over me and still get lost in the world under my fingers that I'm creating.

Creativity for me was, and is, a life-line: a non-verbal expression of how I think, feel and respond to the world around me. Art pre-dates language. It's primal, mysterious and eloquent in a way that surpasses the limitations of words. As a young person, painting, sculpture and photography enabled me to have “conversations” on things I felt passionate about and struggled to articulate. They still do.

In 1975, I graduated from Elam with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. My time there was somewhat torturous both for me and the tutors! I was inarticulate around my art practice, shy, romantic and intuitive. They were predominantly intellectual, highly conceptual, eloquent and cynical (with exceptions of course!).

Moving to Wellington, I began painting prolifically, trying to find my direction. I was using spray-cans and stencils on paper, misting, dribbling, experimenting with endless techniques and gestural “chance” effects. Often producing 20 small abstract works a day, I created in paint what the literary world called a “stream of consciousness” technique. The immediacy of spray-cans to capture this transience was exciting and inspirational. A fascination with astro-physics, expanded consciousness and extraterrestrial Light Beings began to germinate. The movement of liquids and gases within our known universe became emotional metaphors - a microcosm within a macrocosm - resulting in my first solo exhibition of small, framed abstract works on paper.

Punk and New Wave ideology exploded around this time and had a ubiquitous influence on my work and lifestyle. My then partner was a drummer and our immersion in the music scene was total. My abstract paintings became more overtly figurative, like visual diaries, and were on board or canvas. Creative influences came from the musical culture surrounding me rather than other painters (with the exception maybe of early Fomison and American Expressionists), and from operatic and classical music. Artists such as Patti Smith extended my concepts of female sexuality, spirituality and power. Maria Callas provided exquisite empathy for my tragic inner heroine.

Still using formats of stencilled images and spray cans, I introduced layers of dripping and splattered acrylic paint and began overlaying veiling, hessian, bandaging and fragments of imagery and wood. Simultaneously my involvement with multi-dimensional energies continued to manifest in sculptures and murals. I constructed four raised relief pieces, each three metres high - two enclosed chrysalis pods - two breaking open revealing semi-formed androgynous alien white figures - made from chicken wire, hessian, plaster and epoxy resin. This was a time of blazingly beautiful clairvoyant visions and enigmatic shadows. My objective and subjective realities merged and blurred. It was an intense and creative period for me and in 1980 I had three solo shows in one year.

We decided to move to Australia. I turned our old two-storey house into a giant installation. Every space (even the bathroom and back alleyway) was filled with paintings, sculptures, props and theatrical lighting. We threw a big opening, one night only, then left the country. In 1986, after returning from Sydney, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Sarah. Feeling a new life growing inside me, giving birth and feeding my newborn with milk from my body was an amazingly primal and grounding experience. My days were now filled with breast feeding routines, nappy changes and painting my way out of a failed relationship.

18 months later I was en route to London with little Sarah. On our arrival I looked up my old friend Martin Leach who'd offered us a place to stay. We all quickly realised their small apartment couldn't accommodate a two year old! Sarah ended up sleeping on her sheepskin in their bath, and quickly removed every morning so people could have their showers! To this day Marty teases her about needing to have a headboard on her bed with taps! While in London I did an exciting collaboration with Marty's then partner, technopunk musician Manuel Puyo and his band “Oil in the Eye”. During their performances at The Flag, selected images of my darker works were projected onto screens on the The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

stage. For the next six months Sarah and I travelled round Europe in a campervan. I devoured endless galleries, visited ancient archaeological sites and generally saturated myself in the rich cultural diversities, not to mention the smorgasbord of lovely young men everywhere!

Returning to New Zealand, I realised the beauty and eroticism of European Classicism had had a profound effect. I wanted to emulate and extend those concepts to the viewing public but put them into a more contemporary context. I decided to do a series of black and white photographs, connected together like a narrative. So began “Journey” - a project I worked on for the next two years. Themes of encapsulation and metamorphosis implicit in earlier paintings and sculptures and the interplay between light and dark energies were acted out on a backdrop of existential alienation and shared intimacy. The first showing was in 1992 at The Manawatu Public Art Gallery. The second showing in 1995 was at The Lane Gallery in Auckland, edited by Ron Brownson.

In 2000, I was approached by Mercy Hospice to set up an art therapy programme, working voluntarily with patients and their families, helping people externalise and process issues as they dealt with life-limiting illness. Fifteen years later I'm still there!

What can I say about this work? It's so beautiful, so deeply profound and such an honour to be part of what's often a person's last process. My style's not busy projects and art making. It's journeying with that person, holding the ground gently and respectfully, allowing them the space to subconsciously express through simple gestural line, colour or claywork, what words often cannot. This work moves me closer to the person I want to be. This same year, I intuitively began painting two large panels, each several metres high. A white figure emerged on each: one male (unknown), one female (me), facing each other. A few months later I met my great love, Sean: the beautiful man I was to marry eight years later. I also decided to re-edit “Journey” myself, to re-state its central message of love, hope and tenderness, in a world now increasingly more aggressive and self-serving - that this is not what we're here for nor the best we can be. It was re-exhibited at Andreon Gallery, Parnell in 2009.

Now in my 50s a series of primal sepia images kept replaying in my head. Jungian archetypes emerged on canvases and I painted my way through my mid-life crisis, revisiting and re-analysing my sense of Self. My debilitating chronic pain condition had become more severe and this period is encapsulated in “Broken Wings” which won the Pain Month Art Competition, 2010. I began re-working a painting I'd begun several years before, that seemed strangely significant. It portrayed me and Sean looking at several glowing white beings approaching us in a landscape. Months later I became seriously ill and nearly died. As portrayed in the painting, I'd come right up to that edge, twice. These pre-cognitive artworks are so special. They represent a tapping into a wisdom and space/time continuum outside of our rational mind.

Artists are society's watch-dogs. As I navigate through endless issues and my stance within them, I'm conscious my art now reflects much of that thinking. Now in my early 60s I'm more objective, more conceptual in my thinking ("finally", sigh my Elam tutors!)

In 2012 I exhibited a body of work at Te Karanga Gallery on the shadow of globalisation and corporate greed and its associated displacement and dis-location of humans.

This new paradigm of “progress” before people and planet to me amplifies a renewed urgency to reconnect with the wisdom of the indigenous and natural world and greater universe, before it's too late. I had backpacked through India with Sarah a few years before and the sumptuous colours in these paintings speak for themselves.

My latest show, “Beyond the Veil” revisits an earlier metaphysical theme and expands on the ideology from my previous show: the ephemeral and hidden energies from the light and the shadow behind the known surfaces of things, that shape and form not only who we are but ultimately also the direction of the whole planet.

“Beyond the Veil”, opens at Allpress Gallery (behind Victoria Park Markets) Tuesday 4 February 6 - 8pm. Last day Saturday 15 February. Cash sales only. All welcome. This new urban gallery exists thanks to Allpress Espresso owner Michael Allpress, who generously created a multi-media exhibition space beside his cafe for artists, with no commission on sales and no rent! www.clarecaldwellartworks.com (CLARE (CLAUDIE) CALDWELL) F PN DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH

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ARTS + CULTURE SHOWING AT WHITESPACE JILL SORENSEN - AVOIDING MASTERY On until 15 February; ARTIST TALK - 8 February, 3pm.

Mastery, according to the Webster dictionary is knowledge and skill that allows you to do, use, or understand something very well and a state of having attained complete control of something.

My conundrum as an artist is that, whilst "understanding something very well" might seem an appealing and mature virtue, its close association with having "complete control of something" raises a warning flag that the cul de sac of orthodoxy lies in wait.

In art, to understand something so well as to control it runs the risk of remaking and refining something that you already know, and that your audience also knows and recognises, a closed circuit of mastery and applause. Less prone to success, but arguably more interesting is the strategy of avoiding the possibility of control, deliberately pursuing unknowing, cultivating areas of non-skill and embracing unpopular and little understood vernaculars as a vehicle for art making.

To put it more simply, maybe I think of art as a half wild pony, rather than the dressage mount. Which is not to say that there is anything wrong with dressage; I just prefer a little more excitement.

Born in Thames, Jill Sorensen completed her Post-Graduate Diploma at Auckland University's Elam School of Fine Arts in 1995, after gaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New South Wales. In 2002, she received a Master of Fine Arts with 1st PN Class Honours from Elam. F WHITESPACE, 12 Crummer Road T: 09 361 6331 www.whitespace.co.nz

CHRISTOPHER JOHNSTONE Landscape Paintings of New Zealand named in the Times Literary Supplement’s books of the year list.

Grey Lynn resident Christopher Johnstone’s Landscape Paintings of New Zealand: A Journey From North to South has been named as one of the Times Literary Supplement’s books of the year.

“Random House New Zealand couldn’t be more thrilled,” says its Publishing Director Nicola Legat. “As far as I am aware this is a first for a New Zealand illustrated book. Not only is it a great accolade for a very fine book, but it’s also tribute to this country’s art history.”

TLS reviewer A D Harvey said, "[the book] shows how the most exciting countryside in the English-speaking world has inspired painters during the past 244 years. The beautiful reproductions in this book suggest that, even before Cézanne, artists in New Zealand explored the formal, even abstract qualities of landscape while not losing sight of the subjective emotional appeal of representations of nature. This volume provides us, not only with visual delight, but with yet another reason to move on from conventional narratives of the history of landscape painting that are dominated by the French Impressionists."

Landscape Paintings of New Zealand was first published by Godwit in 2006 to much acclaim. A revised edition with 34 additional works was released in October this year. F PN

L.O.V.E. 2013, acrylic on board, 900 x 900mm

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FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

BIRD OF THE MONTH

Steve Moase - Ukulele Woman

The New Zealand robin is one of the most cheerful and friendly native birds that makes our country its home. Buller, in his brilliant 1888 book, Birds of New Zealand, describes it as a naturally tame bird and discusses its presence in both the deep forest and the outskirts of woods.

I must admit before I begin that I’ve never been a massive fan of the ukulele. But I listened to some virtuoso performers toward the end of 2013 as I wrote about the New Zealand Ukulele Festival and it opened my eyes to the vast potential of the instrument.

This is rare among perching birds, most do not live in the heart of the forest. Robins were often the only company for hiking men and early settlers deep in New Zealand’s untouched bush. The shrill chirp of the robin can be heard piercing through the forest chorus. The call is present regularly as the bird goes about its active life, constantly moving and flitting amongst undergrowth and shrubs. The male is particularly loud, especially in the latter half of the year, singing from the top of the canopy.

So when I walked into Steve Moase’s art gallery in Tutukaka in the far north and discovered he had been a Herne Bay local, I was eager to listen to his album of ukulele songs.

It lives primarily off small insects and grubs found on the forest floor and so is always eager to follow hikers and people who disturb the ground (just as the more common fantail does). There are three different varieties of robin, found on each main island of New Zealand. They are not threatened although they are restricted by mammalian predators, a likely side effect of spending large portions of time on the ground. There are numerous predator-free islands and mainland sanctuaries that are home to populations of robins and in many mainland sites mammalian predators are controlled to low levels.

Because of the numerous sites it is relatively easy for the general public to see the robin.

The North Island variant is found in Tawharanui Regional Park, the Hunua Ranges and at Wenderholm Regional Park. These sites only have low level management of predators but robins are also found on the predator-free open sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island.

The diet of the robin consists of invertebrates ranging in size from small aphids to larger creatures like earthworms and adult tree weta. Interestingly, when they are unable to eat one of their larger prey they will store portions in crevices or holes in trunks and branches to be retrieved later.

The North Island robin would have once been widespread throughout the entire North Island but due to native forest clearance for pasture and settlement, its range has been reduced to the presently stable situation. One of the main risks to robins is predation of breeding females. Females carry out all of the chick-rearing and incubation duties and many are predated upon at night. The primary predators are stoats, possums, rats and feral cats. Due to these problems many males are without breeding partners and large areas of suitable habitat are unused or underused by robins. Only in predator-free islands and sanctuaries are robins reaching near saturation point. Tiritiri Matangi has been used as a source for new populations due to the overwhelming breeding success that robins have on the island.

The Waitakere Ranges are now home to the North Island robin and I made my way out there in early January for one of the cascade walks and was pleasantly surprised to see a couple of robins from a distance. So, if you’re out that way to hike or for a slow walk keep an eye out for the little dark bird on the forest floor, or listen out for a loud chirp PN high in the kauri trees. (FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F

Steve grew up in Titirangi before finding himself in South America, London, Ireland and Denmark working as a graphic designer. When I spoke to him I asked about his time flatting in Sentinel Road, Herne Bay. He considers the Ponsonby area to be his Auckland stomping ground, as he moved around Herne Bay and finally into Grey Lynn. He has fond memories of living in the area and is extremely pleased to have his art shown in Momentum Gallery in Herne Bay. He currently lives at Sandy Bay, a small community north of Whangarei, and manages his own gallery as well as regularly performing his music at Schnappa Rock Bar on the first Sunday of every month. He knew from a young age that he wanted to play music or become an artist and he has been doing it for over forty years now - no mean feat considering the difficulties of earning a living as an artist.

He refers to himself as a Jack of all trades - master of none. He plays numerous instruments - guitar, banjo, mandolin and flute. I don’t agree with this statement as the music performed on Ukulele Woman is fantastic and has proved to me that the ukulele can be played as virtuoso instrument - it just depends on the skill of the musician.

Amazingly, I discovered that Steve has only been playing ukulele for six years! He owned his first ukulele as a child but quickly moved on to one of its older siblings, the guitar.

He never looked back at his time on ukulele, until purely by chance he stumbled across a cheap second hand one in a store in Paeroa. He was intending to give it to a young nephew but quickly became hooked on it himself. A family member who plays steel guitar, arrived one day and gave Steve a baritone ukulele, which he explains is the largest and deepest of the four types of ukulele. He fell in love with this instrument, with a deeper voice and wonderful richness to its tone. It allowed him to apply his knowledge of playing guitar to ukulele performance, through the finger picking style that netted pleasant results. “I can’t seem to leave it alone,” he informs me.

Both his two albums, the most recent one Ukulele Woman and his first, Ukulele Man, were performed by Steve on baritone ukulele. A friend did the recording for Steve after watching him perform at Schnappa Rock in Tutukaka. Both albums were recorded in one take and feature Steve on ukulele. He feels that the instrumental album fits a gap in ukulele music which has not been filled in New Zealand as most ukulele music (and ukulele orchestras) feature both the instrument and vocals.

Ukulele Woman is a wonderful album. It is written almost entirely by Steve with the only exception being a cover of the Fleetwood Mac song Albatross, a song that he has always been a fan of and a crowd favourite at his concerts. It took him a year to write the songs for it and he is already working on more songs for a third album. Listen out for the upbeat Running Skipping Jumping which is a personal favourite of mine. The Celt In Me is another lovely example of Steve’s talented finger picking style. And finally Spanish Lace perfectly encapsulates images of a highwayman stand-off.

If you are interested in getting your hands on this album visit Steve’s website below.

PN (FINN McLENNAN-ELLIOTT) F www.moaseart.com Finn McLennan-Elliott is studing for a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree, specialising in human geography at Auckland University. In his spare time, Finn plays the clarinet and guitar.

He has a great appreciation of all types of music. E: finn.huia@gmail.com

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PRODUCTION COMPANY ZOOMSLIDE HEADS TOWARDS BRIGHT FUTURE The recent appointment of Ross Cunningham as General Manager brings highly desirable skills and a fresh outlook into the Zoomslide fold.

KIWI SINGER-ACTOR WINS ACCOLADE IN NEW YORK CITY Kiwis taking New York by storm? First it was Eleanor Catton and Lorde doing their Lennon-Yoko sleeping-in-the-bed routine in Brooklyn, then Richie McCaw and the All Blacks eating pizza in Manhattan, now it’s Grey Lynn resident Linn Lorkin winning a “Cabaret Oscar”!

Having won the New York United Solo Festival’s “Best Cabaret” Award for her show “Hey, Piano Bar Lady!”, Linn enters the elite group of Kiwis who have been getting recognition in New York. There is a review in The Huffington Post called "Kiwi Songbird: An Unmissable Piano Talent".

The fourth annual United Solo Festival concluded its eight-week-long lineup on 24 November at Theatre Row on West 42nd Street. The world's largest solo theatre festival offered more than 120 productions, all of them strictly one-man/one-woman shows. In fact not one, but two New Zealanders received awards at this festival, the other being Kirsty Cameron who won Best Costume Design for "On The Upside Down of the World", performed by Laurel Devinie.

Linn's show, an original piece which depicts, in story and song, her adventures as a piano bar player in 80s New York has had two recent seasons at Edinburgh Fringe 2011 and 2012 and was a ThreeWeeks Edinburgh "Pick of the Festival". Intriguingly, her story covers the birth of her son Joseph Herscher, the young kinetic artist who is currently enjoying success in the US art-world with his eccentric "Rube Goldberg" machines.

Her performance at United Solo was so well received that she had to sing an encore, not usually done in the world of theatre. Lorkin chose to sing her original and iconic "Family at the Beach" a contrast to the New York-oriented songs in the show. The audience went right along with it, joining in the refrain. F PN www.linnlorkin.com

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2013 was an incredibly busy year for Grey Lynn based production company; Zoomslide.

Since making the decision to maintain a strong focus on long-format content, Zoomslide has been flat tack filming the first series of their new food based television show Real Pasifik. The show, presented by and developed in collaboration with acclaimed international chef Robert Oliver, aired on TV One earlier this year and received a great deal of praise from viewers and media alike.

Thankfully for Zoomslide’s clients, none of this has been at the expense of their other work and the team have continued to produce quality short-form content. In fact, the team have noticed that the new series has helped to elevate their already high standards to even loftier levels. Says Zoomslide Managing Director, Heather Lee; “When you work on amazing projects such as Real Pasifik, it’s impossible not to want to maintain this level of quality across all of your work. But of course it’s about striking that balance of achieving fantastic quality output and keeping costs down for our clients. That’s part of the reason we brought in a new general manager. As the company continues to grow, we want to make sure that all of our clients continue to receive the high levels of attention and care that Zoomslide has become known for.”

The newly appointed General Manager, Ross Cunningham, brings with him a very distinctive skill-set, with a background in fine arts and music and over 20 years of experience in the broadcast, education and management worlds, including 10 years as a freelance director and producer. Ross most recently came from the Waikato Institute of Technology where he was responsible for managing the visual arts programme. Just prior to this, Ross was a part of Sky Television’s broadcast team and during his time there was proud to have played an instrumental role in designing and establishing their training department.

It is his appreciation of growth and development which will help ensure that the Zoomslide team will continue to grow and meet the vast and hugely differing needs of their clients. Enthuses Ross; “Making the move to Zoomslide appealed to me as I really enjoy being in a position where I have responsibility for strategic planning and governance, as well as having input into the tactical. I love playing a part in the creative and then ensuring that that creative is in line with the bigger picture stuff.” One of the valuable skills that Ross brings with him to Zoomslide is his ability to easily jump between the tactical and the strategic.

There is no slowing down of pace in Zoomslide’s historical Grey Lynn premises - everybody remains fully motivated and operating in high gear. Happily, all of the team’s hard work has paid off with several exciting projects lined up for 2014. And just last month NZ On Air confirmed they will be providing additional funding for a second series PN of Real Pasifik. All in all, the future is bright for Zoomslide. F PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)

ARTS + CULTURE ST MATTHEW’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA ELIAH SAKAKUSHEV-VON BISMARCK St Matthew-in-the-city church, corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets Sunday 16 March - 2.30pm “New Zealand is an elegant place to live”, says Westmere resident and international cellist Eliah Sakakushev-von Bismarck.

With a startling stellar international reputation and currently principal cellist with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Eliah and his wife Caroline feel this is the best place on Earth to have a family and chose to buy a home in Westmere. For now it is music all the way, apart from a touch of DIY. www.eliahshai.com

Eliah Sakakushev-Von Bismarck with his wife Caroline

UPTOWN ART SCENE With everyone at the beach, there’s not much action in the galleries during January. A lot of artists have been hard at work in their studios however, getting ready for the first 2014 openings.

Fresh, new artist-run space PLAZA in Bond Street kicked off the gallery year in the Uptown Art Scene on 23 January with Sam Thomas’ exhibition New Gallery Models. If this is anything to go by, it’s going to be an exciting year in the ‘hood! The show was hugely popular; Thomas’ oil paintings on embossed aluminium of stone walls and ski holidays were chained to the wall, emphasising their materiality and making me covet them more.

Next to open was Whitespace, with Jill Sorensen’s exhibition Avoiding Mastery, with lively paintings that feature the horse (Year of the Horse began this month) to mediate about risk and control.

Eliah’s schedule during 2014 includes a number of international chamber music concerts with such partners as Michael Houstoun and Wilma Smith. He appears weekly in the over 30 APO concerts. Eliah spends a lot of time as a mentor and cello teacher as designated artist-teacher at the School of Music of the Auckland University, King’s College, as well as mentoring at APO connecting programmes like The Auckland Cello Encounter 2014.

As part of a valued and ongoing association with the APO, St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is honoured to have Eliah as guest soloist in the first concert of their 2014 Concert Season. Eliah plays the exquisite Tchaikovsky Variations - written by Tchaikovsky to pay homage to his favourite composer Mozart.

For those who have not heard St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra play, this concert will be a treat. The orchestra produces the kind of music that is magic. Excellence is their only option. They play Music in the Heart of the City on Sundays: performing a wide repertoire of music and providing performance opportunities for New Zealand PN musicians, composers and conductors. www.smco.org.nz Highly recommended! F TICKETS: Rogan Falla T: 09 276 3092 or Door Sales, cash or cheque.

Michael Lett opened with an exhibition of works by Shane Cotton that is a must see: a huge work that was made for his show at City Gallery in Wellington last year, and new paintings hot from his studio.

Suji Park’s exhibition of ceramics opened on Saturday at Ivan Anthony, a beautiful mix of archaeology, shimmering metals and glowing pigments.

OREXART opens on 11 February with John Madden’s deft and wild landscapes; next door at Hopkinson Mossman, Oscar Enberg teases with tensions between mass-production and the unique; Martin Basher’s curated group show at Starkwhite includes West Coast USA artists Kevin Appel and Whitney Bedford; and very shortly, the re-vamped Artstation galleries will open at 1 Ponsonby Road.

With this kind of start, 2014 promises to be an incredible year for art along the Uptown PN ridge - don’t miss out, get out and about! F WILL PAYNT/STUDIO ART SUPPLIES

Sam Thomas' exhibition at PLAZA artist-run space in Bond Street The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied

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OUT + ABOUT MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER AT SILO PARK THIS FEBRUARY It’s been an incredible summer down at Silo Park, and it’s far from over. Expect February to continue in full steam with an ever-changing, dynamic programme to suit the taste buds of Aucklanders and those visiting.

In February the ever-popular Silo Cinema continues with a range of awesome movies, Silo Social offers free fully-licensed dance classes every Sunday afternoon, Silo Sessions is back with even more great local artists, and the Silo Markets return with a curated plethora of treats for a waterfront weekend in Auckland.

As the long summer days roll on, Silo Cinema continues with a great selection of films.

Cosy up with a blanket as the sun goes down, grab a bite from one of the many awesome local vendors and settle in to a free open-air screening of the following movies: Mt. Zion (PG; 8 February), The Princess Bride (PG; 14 February - Valentine’s Day), Some Like It Hot (PG; 21 February - in collaboration with Auckland Pride Festival) and This is Spinal Tap (28 February).

Summer is all about having fun and enjoying the outdoors (with a cold beverage close to hand) - and this February the Silo Social is the ideal place to do it. Every Sunday afternoon Silo Park will play host to dance classes from professional instructors teaching line dancing, swing and everything in between. Sound scary? Fear not, it’s a relaxed, fun vibe - enjoy some great food and drink from the fully licensed Silo Markets, then have a go or just smile from the sidelines!

As for the Silo Markets - February brings in a series of specially curated market events for the obsessive in everyone. Saturday 1 February will see a unique vinyl market on offer, when local vinyl retailers and collectors will have allocated space to sell their crates! This is the chance to find a rare treasure, spin a yarn with like-minded vinyl enthusiasts and wax lyrical about your wax. Vinyl specialists will DJ the event from stock on-site at the market.

Saturday 15 February will see the Silo Pets Market in all its furry glory. This is a market to celebrate the other members of the family, our dogs/cats/ferrets/turtles. Featuring stalls for pets like grooming, gourmet treats, accessories and training. Bring your pet along and spoil them silly!

From the heart of Brazil to the cultured shores of Auckland, a hearty time will be had by all down at the vibrant afternoon event Rice & Beans. With a feast for the eyes, dancing feet and more, this sensational event will be held on Saturday, 22 February. Brought to you by Silo Sessions, it features an eclectic mix of music, culture, art and food.

Led by Auckland’s favourite Brazilian, Bobby Brazuka, the Mucho Aroha Music Showcase will feature a piping hot range of local and international DJs: Tamenpi (Rio de Janeiro), PG (Sao Paulo), Luiz Valente (Belo Horizonte), Latinaotearoa, Dubhead, Cian, Brazilian Divas, and AK Samba.

Au Capoeira NZ - a branch of the Au Capoeira school in Brazil - will be performing in the grass at 2pm; a spectacle not to be missed. For the sporting sorts in your family, Auckland Futsal will be organising a fun football competition for kids and parents alike.

Make summer in Auckland count this year with Silo Park, the centre of community and cultural activities, celebrating our beautiful waterfront and diverse population with good vibes and great times.

Silo Park community activity is brought to you by council organisation Waterfront Auckland as part of the ongoing revitalisation and activation of Wynyard Quarter and the central city waterfront.

For an overview of Waterfront Auckland projects that are planned or underway click PN here: www.yourwaterfront.co.nz/Your-Waterfront/Future.aspx F

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photography: Michael McClintock

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THE PONSONBY PINK PAGES PONSONBY NEWS OUTLETS FREEMANS BAY

Glengarry, Corner Sale and Wellesley Streets Kellands Real Estate, 4 Drake Street New World, Victoria Park Sale St, 7 Sale Street

GREY LYNN

Barfoot & Thompson, 533 Great North Road Barkley Manor, 400 - 402 Great North Road Grey Lynn Community Centre, 520 Richmond Road Grey Lynn Community Library, 474 Great North Road Raw Essentials, 401B Richmond Road Ripe, 172 Richmond Road Sliced,104 Richmond Road Tapac, 100 Motions Road Vetcare, 408 Great North Road

HERNE BAY

Herne Bay Post & Stationers, 240 Jervois Road Five Loaves & 2 Fish, 206 Jervois Road Icing on the Cake, 188 Jervois Road Momentum, 182 Jervois Road

KINGSLAND

Atomic, 420c New North Road

MT EDEN

Citta Outlet Store, Corner Enfield & Normanby Road Sabato, 57 Normanby Road

NEWMARKET

Studio Italia, 96 Carlton Gore Road Taylor Boutique, 1 Teed Street

NEWTON

Benediction Café, 30 St Benedicts Street Design 55, 55 Upper Queen Street

NORTH SHORE

Rug Direct, Wairau Park Dawson’s Furniture, Mairangi Bay Nose To Tail Dog Wash, Albany

Ponsonby News is published on the first Friday of each month excluding January.

Copies go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets. The issue is also published on our website www.ponsonbynews.co.nz

PARNELL

Jane Daniels, 2 Birdwood Cresent Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell Road

PONSONBY

Artstation, 1 Ponsonby Road Barfoot & Thompson, 184 Ponsonby Road Chapel Bar, 147 Ponsonby Road Fitness Trainer, 36 Jervois Road Harcourts, 89 Ponsonby Road Leys Institute, 20 St Mary’s Road The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road Mag Nation, 123 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace Spa Ayurda, 213 Ponsonby Road Whitespace, 12 Crummer Road WORLD, 97 Ponsonby Road

WESTMERE

Glengarry, 164 Garnet Road

Planet Ayurveda, 41 Gillies Avenue

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