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Tuesday • december 17 • 2013
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INSIDE THIS WEEK: PG 11
• PA R A D E •
VOL 25 • NO.49
12 pages of Christmas wishes, parade photos and local business hours!
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kitchens & design
HAITSMA
A & T Haitsma Ltd, 17 Martyn Street, Waiuku Phone 09 235 7793 E.mail: Haitsma@xtra.co.nz
Thank you for the music A profile on Annette Grey, who has retired from music tuition after more than three decades teaching students from Franklin.
Sofa, so good!
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Dressed to the nines, enjoying the occasion, and arriving in style at the Waiuku Year 8 Ball last week were Waiuku Primary School students Taine Rudolph, Joe Vulawalu and Pointon Paora. The trio were part of almost 200 students who attended the annual event, which this year had the theme of ‘Glamour’. More photos, page 28 this week.
New laws tomorrow Changes to liquor licencing laws will not only affect bars, pubs and clubs, but could also mean hefty fines for people serving teens in their own homes. PAGE
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Just having a ball! Glitz and glamour as local Year 8 students gather for their annual ball.
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LAUNDRY 4 U Wishing all our marvellous customers a peaceful Christmas and a wonderful 2014 We will be closed 25 & 26 December and 1st & 2nd January
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Shop 2, 33 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe NEXT TO PIZZA HUT Phone 09 239 2964
Mayor grilled from all quarters on Monday Just a couple of hours after embattled Auckland Mayor Len Brown met with councillors over issues arising from a report as to whether he had misused council resources, he was facing another grilling - this time from Waiuku College students. In his first engagement since issuing an apology to councillors over his actions, the Mayor yesterday met with the Waiuku Business Student Advisory Board to discuss transport options for the region. The students didn’t cut him much slack either, following up on questions and trying to pin him down to commitments on waterborne transport, a fairer allocation of rates funding to Waiuku, development of the Onehunga Port, processes for community consultation and the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Student Brooke Druyven illustrated the strength of the students’ views when she pointed out that the GVR project was one of Mayor Brown’s initial ‘100 projects’, before adding that since then, nothing has happened. Mayor Brown took the questions in good spirit, encouraging the students to take on more of an advocacy role for their community, and highlighting that funding issues had to be resolved before more transport options could be developed. He indicated either a congestion charge for central Auckland, or a fee for
driving on main arterial routes looked likely, as a means of meeting the shortfall in transport funds. “There’s not enough rates, and not enough taxes,” he said - a statement which appears unlikely to win many friends. He did say he supported development of the Port of Onehunga, and admitted Waiuku’s public transport options were ‘not perfect at the moment.’ “The service levels aren’t there,” he said. Earlier in the day, the Mayor had released a statement regarding the chief executive’s report into the activities of the mayoral office. “We had a full, frank and robust discussion and I have offered a full and unconditional apology to Councillors,” he said. “I understand the frustration and disappointment that Councillors feel. I realise that I have a good deal of work to regain their trust and rebuild our working relationships in the interests of Auckland. This is my focus, starting today.” He started that focus with a productive and informative meeting with the students yesterday, but the issues still swirling around the council were evident as he left the College building to face questions from waiting television media over the report and whether he was confident in retaining his job.
gary’s santa specials! - See page 7 for details! GARY PYES Find us on facebook
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