FREE
The Winter Issue June - August 2021
Furry Friends in the Village Local News Community Events
ALL OVER
ELLERSLIE & SURROUNDS
Congratulations to the Bayleys Ellerslie team for achieving No.1 growth office for Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, year-on-year for Q3. Bayleys Ellerslie 105 Main Highway Ellerslie 09 525 1773 I ellerslie@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, ELLERSLIE, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services
Connect
Kia Ora from Ellerslie Business Association Speaking of friendly faces, we have a fantastic feature in this issue of some dogs of Ellerslie, featuring the canine companions of local business owners. Here’s me with my dog Murphy, who we adopted as a puppy from the Hamilton pound when he was found wandering the streets as a seven-week-old. We say he is lucky to have found us, as he is allergic to meat and grasses, has early onset arthritis and requires expensive monthly injections. But the truth is we are lucky to have found him! He has brought such a huge amount of love into our lives. We hope you enjoy getting to know some of the other dogs around Ellerslie and finding out more as to where yours are welcome and how you can treat them. A huge thanks to all of those who came along to our recent events, including Neighbours Day, and our night markets, it was great to meet some new people and be able to showcase all our community has to offer. We are now well underway with our planning for the Ellerslie Fairy Festival and Pirate Party on September 12, and also hope to bring you new art events and installations in the not too distant future.
And just like that winter is here. It’s now been a full year since the nationwide level four lockdown and like many of you I’m sure, memories of that time have been popping up on my devices. One that caught my eye was a quote about never again taking for granted a handshake with a stranger, coffee with a friend, going out on a Friday night, the school rush each morning, and more. It was a great reminder to appreciate and be grateful for everyday life, especially those components that involve being with others. So as we head into the cold and wet days of winter, let’s not stay inside and hibernate. Instead, head out and make the most of being with others. From a long overdue catch up, to even a brief chat with the person behind the counter, connection with others is so important. It brings happiness and mental health benefits and Ellerslie is a wonderful place to find a friendly face.
Finally if you would like to win a $50 voucher to spend in an Ellerslie retailer of your choice, we would love to hear about great service you have received from our local retailers and businesses. Let us know who has gone above and beyond by dropping a note to hello@ellerslievillage.co.nz. We look forward to hearing from you,
— Megan Darrow Town Centre Manager, Ellerslie Village (09) 579 5033 megan@ellerslievillage.co.nz ellerslievillage.co.nz F : ellerslievillage
So Many Good Sorts!
Good Sorts
Our Mother’s Day promotion was a hit this year, with three beautiful hampers given away via our Ellerslie Business Association Facebook page. Each hamper contained a mix of beauty treats, gifts, flowers, homewares and gourmet foods generously donated by our local friends, so we thank them all as our “Good Sorts”. Thank you Beauty Mark, Caci Ellerslie, Coko, Ellerslie Four Square, Ellerslie Jewellers, Flowers of St Johns, Little Luscious, Loobie & Friends, Melba Ellerslie, Mexico, Movement Pilates and Yoga, Pamper Nail & Spa, Pastrami & Rye, Sanehs Thai, Scarlett, The Coffee Club, Unichem, Union Post, Violette. You all made Mother’s Day very special for our three winners. We asked entrants to tell us why they nominated who they did. From celebrating new mums marking their first Mother’s Day, to shout-outs for community service, there were some touching stories. “I’d gift this to my amazing colleagues at Ellerslie School” said one entrant. Another nominated his wife, “who is always putting family before herself”. And from a thoughtful daughter, “My mum works super hard and humbly, and has had everything thrown at her in 2020 and 2021. She would love the Union Post voucher so her and my dad can let their hair down and enjoy each other’s company.”
Good Neighbours Community groups came together in the town square for Neighbours Day Aotearoa in late March. A big thanks to all who took part, and to Ellerslie Rotary for their cooking skills on the barbecue, serving up tasty treats donated by Four Square Ellerslie. Neighbours Day is a great way for people to see what local groups have to offer for young and old. Our younger hands included Finn Abbott, who helped give out info about rat traps on behalf of the Ellerslie Songbird Project (the traps use peanut butter, also donated by Four Square, while Barfoot and Thompson Ellerslie help with doing the group’s photocopying: it takes a village!). Amongst other groups taking part were the Community Patrol volunteers, the Ellerslie Residents Association, the Mens Shed crew, toy library parents and members of the Ellerslie Theatrical Society. If you didn’t drop by, be sure to next year, it’s always fun and a great way to connect with your community. (For more on our community groups, see page 16.)
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
5
Winter 2021 5
16
Welcome from the EBA & Good Sorts
Community Connections
7 A Day in the Life Ellerslie can sort your 'To Do' list
The Ellerslie Residents Association, Toastmasters, the theatre crew — keep up to date with many of our community groups
24 School Reports
8
Local schools share their news
Scott Milne An update from the chair of the Ōrākei Local Board
29
9
Food editor Vanessa Baxter meets the family team behind a popular café, checks out updates at Union Post, and more
Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP
Ellerslie has Great Taste
The MP for Maungakiekie gets in touch
32
10 Josephine Bartley
Village Directory
Our local ward councillor shares her news
Local business and organisations' numbers and addresses at your fingertips
12
34
Such Good Boys and Girls!
Diary
Ellerslie village is a dog-friendly part of town. Meet some of our furry personalities
What's happening this winter
ACCOUNTING BOOKKEEPING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS TRUST & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION GST FBT PAYE INCOME TAX GENERAL INVESTMENT ADVICE COMPANY ADMINISTRATION XERO & MYOB SPECIALISTS AUDITING DUE DILIGENCE BUDGETS & CASHFLOWS BUSINESS MENTORING WAGES PREPARATION BUSINESS ADVISORY BUSINESS PLANS TAX PLANNING VALUATIONS
Ellerslie Village Magazine is published quarterly on behalf of the Ellerslie Business Association by The Hobson Ltd. Editor: Kirsty Cameron Design & Production: Stephen Penny Sub-editor: Dawn Adams Editorial: Vanessa Baxter, Sonia Chelli, Megan Darrow, Karen Leach, Talia Parker, Justine Willams Advertising and general inquiries: helloellerslie@gmail.com Cover Image: Local girl Lily photographed for the Ellerslie Village Magazine by Sonia Chelli Follow us on Facebook: ellerslievillage www.ellerslievillage.co.nz Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or the Ellerslie Business Association. All content copyright The Hobson Ltd. This publication uses environmentally responsible papers
ICG Logo CMYK.pdf 1 05/08/2015 6:19:01 AM
We help business owners to succeed by giving them the financial, tax and business information and support they need to make better decisions.
We assist you and your business in English, Afrikaans, Cantonese, Gaelic, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Marathi, Mandarin, Niuean & Vietnamese.
JDW Chartered Accountants Limited, 127 Main Highway, Ellerslie 1051 PO Box 11053, Ellerslie, Auckland 1542 Ph: (09) 579 7096 | E: results@jdw.co.nz www.jdw.co.nz
6
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Tick off your ‘To Do’ list with a visit to Ellerslie Village Phew, time for a break. Mexico will do the trick with something saucy and spicy to fuel up on, washed down with a cheeky cocktail maybe? 120 Main Highway, mexico.net.nz/ellerslie
A present for your bestie? Make it a sustainable choice from the selection at Violette. 114 Main Highway, violette.co.nz
Trousers up, buttons on, nips and tucks done: Stitched Up takes care of the tailoring details your wardrobe needs. 101 Main Highway, stitchedup.co.nz
A DAY IN THE LIFE Something fresh and pretty for home, or a thank you to a friend? Morris & Wallace delivers Auckland-wide. 171 Main Highway, morrisandwallace.co.nz
Drop off clothes and goods no longer needed, and have a browse too. The Mercy Hospice Shop offers some great gems, and the money goes to such a good cause. 188 Ladies Mile, mercyhospice.org.nz
Self-care is the fuel that gets you through — Movement Pilates and Yoga takes care of your mind and body wellness. 123 Main Highway, movementpilates.co.nz
Reset with a hearty Reuben from Pastrami & Rye and grab a few pantry staples from the wall of preserves. 112 Main Highway, pastramiandrye.co.nz
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
7
Representatives
Water Fun Back in Play
However, that too will be soon completed and what we can expect, well before summer, is that it will be working better than ever before. It remains a great use of the open space under the shade and surrounded by seats. It can still be turned off allowing for the space to be used for a market or other activity.
While this may not be the ideal season to discuss playing in water, our update should still be good news for the Ellerslie community. The Ellerslie water feature or ‘splash pad’ or ‘interactive water fountain’ as some may call it, located in the town square next to the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall, is now operational again. This took a lot more time and effort than first expected but contractors reassure us that the issues have been fixed and the water feature is now more robust than ever before and will be switched back on as soon as the city-wide water restrictions on fountains are lifted. Fixing the lights is even more complicated and requires replacement of each LED light fixture, the time controller, motion sensor and bespoke fittings.
8
Speaking of which, we are very pleased to have approved a funding agreement between Ōrākei Local Board and the Ellerslie Business Association towards community-led placemaking, specifically to engage the area’s diverse community and help revitalise local economic recovery post Covid-19. There is a great deal that can be done, and we look forward to seeing increased opportunities and strengthened community connections. What a great focus for these winter months with much to look forward to in Ellerslie.
— Scott Milne, chair Ōrākei Local Board
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
New Digs, and Pizza!
Kia ora koutou! I hope you’re all keeping well as we transition into the colder months. After months of work, I’m pleased to report that my new electorate office is officially open! We have moved to 281a Onehunga Mall. We’re delighted with our new space – it’s warm, inviting and much more accessible to my constituents. If there’s anything I can help you with, please get in touch. The best way to do this is to email me at PriyancaMP@parliament.govt.nz or to give my office a call on (09) 622 2660. Unfortunately, tagging me on social media posts is not always the best way to get in touch, especially if it’s something you require me to action. I hold regular constituent clinics at the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall. These are generally on the third Friday of each month at 1.30pm (the best way to get updated information is through my Facebook and Instagram pages). If the timing of the clinic doesn’t work for you, please contact us for an alternative time. I’m also always keen to get out and about and connect with local organisations and businesses – if you’re facing specific challenges or doing something interesting that you’d like to share with me, please get in touch. I’m told that I’m the only MP who has two community theatres in my electorate: the Dolphin Theatre in Onehunga, and the Ellerslie Theatrical Society. Recently, I caught up with David Blakey, the secretary of the society to learn about the theatre’s history, the challenges they faced last year, and upcoming plays. I’m looking forward to watching their production of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde – it’s a play about a painter who becomes obsessed with the beauty of one of his subjects, and explores themes of moral freedom, the power of youth, and hedonism. Local creative arts organisations bring so much colour and character to our community – do support them if you can. I’m also always looking for new ways to connect with my constituents. After a successful ‘Pizza & Politics’ event for younger constituents in Onehunga, I’ve decided to hold a similar session in Ellerslie. It will be at Leicester Hall (20 Findlay St, Ellerslie) on Saturday 3 July at 12:30pm. If you’re between 16 and 30 years of age and live in the Maungakiekie electorate, you are welcome to come along and ask me anything you like, over some pizza. Please just make sure you RSVP to PriyancaMP@parliament.govt.nz no later than July 2, for catering purposes.
We've moved!
The Maungakiekie electorate office has shifted to 281a Onehunga Mall, Onehunga. If you require information, support or advocacy, please get in touch with us. PriyancaMP@parliament.govt.nz (09) 622 2660
Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP for Maungakiekie /priyancanzlp /priyancanzlp @priyancanzlp
Take care and stay safe! Ngā mihi,
— Priyanca Radhakrishnan Member of Parliament for Maungakiekie
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Authorised by Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
9
Catch-ups, Coppers & Coffee
Councillor Bartley with Ellerslie area crime prevention officers Constable Tatupu, left and Sergeant Uluinayau
Kia ora, talofa, greetings everyone. Safety seems to be a big issue on the Ellerslie community group Facebook page, so I have met with the new Police prevention team assigned for our side of the isthmus. Together we will be starting ‘Coffee with a Cop’ . This will be the last Thursday of the month, 8am to 9am, to try and catch people on their way to work or school drop-off. We will be confirming the venue for this shortly so please check Facebook for more details. Outside of this, you are welcome to contact me via email, josephine. bartley@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, or if you prefer face to face, then pop down to my councillor clinics at Melba café, 135 Main Highway, on the first Saturday of the month at 9am. Some of the other issues that constituents have raised with me are around the effects of the Unitary Plan. This includes neighbours affected by construction of developments next door, issues with residential and industrial mixed zones, and people wanting to see more protection for trees. I am working through with council’s compliance team regarding any breaches of resource consent conditions with neighbouring developments, and with council’s enforcement team regarding residential and industrial mixed zone issues. Trees, however, are a complex situation as the blanket protection that was offered for trees has been removed and it falls to central government legislation — the Resource Management Act — to remedy. Recently I also visited the community Covid-19 vaccination site in Leonard Rd. The team there are processing around 200 10
vaccinations a day and I encourage you, once eligible, to consider vaccination. Please call ahead for a booking on 0800 28 29 26. In Auckland Council news, the planning committee announced in late May it supported in principle congestion charging in Auckland. The committee formed this position for a submission to government as part of their inquiry into congestion pricing for Auckland. I did not support this position on congestion charging, as I feel there are too many unanswered questions at this time on how this will better serve our community. Although the submission does address the inequalities for Community Services Card holders through concessions, I am concerned congestion charging will disproportionately impact those on low incomes. There are a number of Aucklanders who are not able to renegotiate their work hours to avoid peak hours, and who will be negatively impacted. Back in March, council set water usage targets as part of our 30year water strategy. This strategy plans to reduce per capita water usage by at least 15 per cent by 2050. Council plans to do this through providing residential properties with smart water meters by 2034, education programmes and reducing leakage from our existing system. The strategy is also looking into the future as we grapple with a current drought, the impacts of climate change and a growing population. This will be a big job for Auckland Council and for our community. — Josephine Bartley, councillor for Auckland representing the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
You You can’t can’tsurvive surviveearning just 1%p.a. interest earning just 1% p.a.from your bank, youyour needbank. more. interest from If you have $50,000-$500,000 to invest, our Navigator Service you have invest call me isIfperfect for $50,000-$500,000 you. Providing you ato personal investment service, usually reservedinvestment for only theservice, wealthiest investors. for a personal usually reserved for more only the wealthiest investors. For on our Navigator Service and my thoughts on investing inVisit the hobsonwealth.co.nz current market, visit navigator.hobsonwealth.co.nz
The NavigatorCouillault Service is overseen by Warren Warren – CEO
Couillault – CEO, Fund Manager
W E H E L P M A N A G E , P R O T E C T A N D G R O W YO U R W E A LT H W E H E L P M A N AG E, P R OT E C T A N D G R O W YO U R W E A LT H H O B S O N W E A LT H . C O . N Z | 0 8 0 0 74 2 7 3 7 N AV I G AT O R . H O B S O N W E A LT H .C O. N Z
|
0 8 0 0 74 2 7 3 7
Important notices can be viewed at hobsonwealth.co.nz and disclosure statements for The Hobson Wealth disclosure statement, important viewed at navigator.hobsonwealth.co.nz Hobson Wealth advisers are available free ofdisclaimer charge byand contacting us notices on 0800can 742be737.
You can’t survive earning just 1%p.a. interest from your bank, you need more. If you have $50,000-$500,000 to invest, our Navigator Service is perfect for you. Providing you a personal investment service, usually reserved for only the wealthiest investors.
The Navigator Service is overseen by
Warren Couillault – CEO, Fund Manager
W E H E L P M A N AG E, P R OT E C T A N D G R O W YO U R W E A LT H N AV I G AT O R . H O B S O N W E A LT H .C O. N Z
|
0 8 0 0 74 2 7 3 7
The Hobson Wealth disclosure statement, disclaimer and important notices can be viewed at navigator.hobsonwealth.co.nz
www.honestskincare.co.nz
Village Life
Press Paws in Ellerslie Our main street has some big personalities helping out around the businesses — Talia Parker meets some of them. Photographs by Sonia Chelli
You may be welcomed by much more than a cheery “hello” in Ellerslie. Many of our local retailers and business operators have canine companions who are also greeters-in-chief for visitors. “Baxter is a people magnet —he loves to say hi to everyone,” says Sonya Telfar, co-owner of Mike Pero Real Estate. Baxter, above, loves it when people engage with him: he's even had a man sit down cross-legged on the pavement for a bit of play time. Many businesses have dog-friendly policies: bowls of water are put out at Little Luscious, The Coffee Club and Pastrami & Rye for four-legged visitors. And at the Epsom Funeral Home, the bereaved are welcome to bring their dogs along. “If people have animals, they're more than welcome to bring them to our services,” says funeral director Leesa King. “It's good for the owners and often good for the dogs to have closure.” And if it's just a reassuring pat that comforts, Leesa̓s own four furry companions are a gentle presence. Enjoy meeting some of the friendly, wet-nosed faces of Ellerslie village.
Baxter, top, is a two-year-old pug and regular office assistant at Mike Pero Ellerslie. Below, Daphanae has a botanical name that goes with her day job — the 11-year-old westie is “the marketing manager” at Flowers of St John, laughs her owner, florist Kerry. You'll often find Daphanae at the shop entrance, but if it’s a colder day, she’ll be inside, keeping cosy on top of the wifi router.
12
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Eight-month-old labradoodle Enzo, top, is “easy, friendly and engaged” when he's at Loobie and Friends. Bentley, below, is one of the gems you'll find at Ellerslie Jewellers and Engravers. Bentley is a seven-year-old parti poodle, which means he has a multi-coloured coat. Right, the team from Epsom Funeral Home. Top, griffons Louee and Lola — the cuddly breed are also known as ‘monkey dogs’. Right, black pomeranian/papillon Lillee, 13, is the princess of this pack, say owners Stephen and Leesa. Rainee, 11, is a shi tzu cross. The most recent member of the family, she’s fitted in with the gang seamlessly.
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
13
14
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Could this be the luckiest girl in town? Lily’s family own Ellerslie Meats, so she’s pretty much in dog heaven with organic treats made on the premises. The 11-year-old Jack Russell is lively and cheeky, says owner Ian. Opposite page, left, “a gentle giant”, the glossy coated Tebia can be found hanging out at Coko. Owner Leslie has two rottweilers — 13-month-old Tebia’s brother, Tekashi, is even bigger. Georgie, top, is a 10-year-old chihuahua/sheltie cross. “She's not too demanding, but she does love a pat,” says owner Barbara. You’ll find Georgie, wearing her very chic Karen Walker collar, at Violette. Sporty Pablo is a five-month-old huntaway cross. He’s the mascot at the F45 fitness centre, where he has dibs on the comfiest office chair. “He’s pretty much grown up here, so he’s really well socialised,” says owner Jordan.
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
15
Community
Residents Pitch In
Even as the weather turns cooler, the Ellerslie community retains its lively atmosphere, with parks bubbling with kids’ voices and the town centre keeping its familiar buzz. In particular, winter sport is in full swing, and our local sports clubs are again showing the strength of commitment of our volunteers. Thank you to everyone who makes community activities possible. We’d like to give a more specific thank you to all the Ellerslie residents who engaged with our e-waste collection event on Saturday April 17. Our partners, Computer Recycling, collected an amazing 16,163kg of e-waste! That’s 16 tonnes of valuable resources, most of which will now see productive reuse, thanks to all of you. Everyone loves stats, so here are some more good ones. Over 900 individual items were dropped off, an average of three items per drop-off by 300 people – that’s 50 people per hour from 9am to 3pm. Brilliant! Happily, venue hosts the Ellerslie Racecourse waived any costs for the use of their carpark, and $542 in donations were collected for Variety. Better still, that amount will be matched by Computer Recycling, for a total donation of $1084. Thanks so much everyone for making this a great, environmentally-positive community event. A particular thanks also to Computer Recycling, to Ellerslie Racecourse and to the Ōrākei Local Board for $2500 in funding. By the time you read this, construction should be underway on the new Michaels Ave pavilion. Driven by the sports clubs and funded by council, sponsorship and donations, it will include new public toilets and changing rooms, plus a clubhouse on the upper floor which is planned to be available for community groups to use. See facebook.com/MichaelsAvenuePavilion or appeal.ellersliefootball. org.nz for more details. Once the clubhouse is built, the existing concrete block toilets will be demolished and a new kids’ playground built. The vision – shared by the sports clubs, the Ōrākei Local Board and Auckland Council – of comprehensive sports and leisure facilities for all ages, accessible at all times, is on the way to realisation. Already a great asset to Ellerslie, Michaels Ave Reserve will become a park of which we can all be genuinely proud. Thanks everyone for engaging with the recent council recovery budget and Auckland Transport’s Regional Land Transport Plan. Based on your feedback, we advocated to council for:
our amazing concept art (thanks to Ron Seeto Architect) on our site: ellerslieresidents.co.nz. A growing suburb like Ellerslie needs a community hub, which this concept will deliver. It’s worth fighting for.
• community facilities such as Michaels Ave Reserve and Liston Park upgrades, the Ellerslie Community Centre concept and undergrounding of power lines in Ellerslie • transport upgrades such as addressing our dangerous intersections, opening the Ballarat St extension footpath repairs and replacement, and the Glen Innes-Ellerslie cycleway concept • security and safety actions such as secure parking for bicycles, addressing mail theft and car break-ins, security cameras and stronger enforcement of noise and smell pollution regulations.
We also advocated to Auckland Transport (AT) for
• upgrading the Robert St/Main Highway intersection, such as to a drive-over roundabout • moving the Ladies Mile cycle lane • upgrading the Ladies Mile/Pukerangi Cres/Morrin St intersection to include traffic lights • continue footpath repairs and replacement, such as on Hewson and Amy streets.
If you’re interested in our community centre concept, check out
In reality, little is planned for Ellerslie, despite all of our transport
16
issues. The ERA will continue to fight on your behalf – please keep engaging constructively with AT whenever you get the chance. In the meantime, if you see any dangerous fallen tree branches, damaged playground equipment or other issues with public spaces, please do contact the council quickly, either online via aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call (09) 301 0101. Make sure you receive and note the case number, which is critical when following up later. If you see any dangerous footpaths, street lights out or other transport problems, contact AT at at.govt.nz or (09) 355 3553. It’s important to log in to (or create) your MyAT account to get a reference number, which is critical for following up later. The Ellerslie Songbird Project continues undiminished. If you want to be part of the renaissance of native birds in Ellerslie, please get in touch and get involved in predator control. The birdsong during the quiet of lockdown and through the summer was something to behold, and we believe that the best is yet to come. Register your interest at ellersliesongbird.co.nz Finally, the ERA Committee continues to work on plans for this year and beyond. If you have any ideas or concerns about issues in our community, please let us know so we can support action to get it sorted. We achieve more when more residents work together! Please give us your ideas about how to make a positive contribution to Ellerslie directly on our Facebook page (Ellerslie Residents Association) or email us, ellerslieresidents@gmail.com We’re always looking for new ways to work in partnership with council, the Ellerslie Business Association and other community groups to help make Ellerslie Auckland’s most liveable suburb. We’re also looking for new committee members. Please lend us your ideas and inspiration! — Glen McCabe, chair, Ellerslie Residents Association
Sustainable Products For Everyday Living
NEW ZEALAND MADE G IFTS • BEAUTY HONEY • CHO COLATES Something to catch your eye!
VISIT US IN STORE
Located in Ellerslie Village 114 Main Highway, Ellerslie www.violette.co.nz
Musical Friends The Friends of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra are back with our Friday meeting in the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall at 10.30am. We have had several very interesting mornings with music from various members of the orchestra and even some of the administration team, who are accomplished performers themselves. Owing to our old enemy, Covid-19, there has been a dearth of international artists joining the orchestra for concerts in the Town Hall and subsequently coming to our meetings. However it has left a gap for our own extremely talented players and conductors to shine through, and shine they have! We have had some very interesting mornings and learned about the complicated business of actually administering, designing programmes and engaging performers. At our May meeting we had the Jade String Quartet, all members of the orchestra, but famous in their own right. They can be heard almost every weekend at the Pah Homestead. We then had a discussion with Tony Waring, who has held many positions in the administration of the orchestra in its early days, including advertising manager and chauffeur to the international players. This was followed by the usual finger food lunch. This is still the best show in town . . . Forty years after the first Friends committee meeting in the band rotunda in the Auckland Domain, we are still overcoming obstacles and raising funds to assist our fantastic orchestra. Our next meeting is on June 11, then July 9. The door fee is $20, or $15 for a member. For more info please ring Jackie: 021 570 895 or Rona: 027 644 8635
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Adrian and Edit are proud to introduce Chris Mair to their team. If you haven’t met The Frazers yet, call them today, they’d love to meet you! Adrian Frazer
027 499 3282 adrian.frazer@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, ELLERSLIE, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Edit Frazer
021 991 912 edit.frazer@bayleys.co.nz
Ray White Ellerslie, helping kiwis buy and sell real estate in your neighbourhood.
Get on board and experience the difference to
People make a house a home.
Want to know what sets us apart from the rest?
Enquire today!
09 525 2600
oday!
Ray White Ellerslie
Ray White Mt Wellington Exact Realty Limited (REAA 2008) ellerslie.nz@raywhite.com
A Concert to say Thanks During the past three years Christ Church, the Anglican church in Ladies Mile, has been privileged to receive much valued assistance from the local community as it has sought to fundraise for the preservation of the church’s historic stained glass windows and the heritage building which houses them. The refurbished church, eye-catching with its new paint on walls and roof, is testimony to the success of the venture. We would like to thank the community as a gift of gratitude by inviting all who wish to come to a special concert in the church on the afternoon of Sunday June 13, at 2pm. The concert will feature the choirs of our local school, One Tree Hill College. The choirs are themselves a gift to the community. The boys’ choir, Esquire, has been chosen for the finals at the national The Big Sing competition three times in recent years and the girls’ choir, Peka Totara, has also been well acknowledged. In 2018 the One Tree Hill choirs gave a special fundraising concert for our windows project. This time, the church would like to give the proceeds of the concert to the community, donating it equally between the school for the use of the music department, and to the Auckland City Mission for its important work. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 a double. Afternoon tea is included. Booking in advance is advised: please email events@ ellerslieanglican.org.nz. On the day, there will be door sales but cash only (no eftpos). We do hope that you can join us. — Reverend Kate Berkley, priest in charge, Christ Church Ellerslie
Building Up at the Men's Shed 2021 is advancing rapidly and so is the development programme at the Mens Shed Auckland East. The long term vision for this facility is to create a community resource that will support many generations of retirees into their golden years. The mental health and physical wellbeing of our seniors are being catered for in an environment of supportive friendship while cultivating productive activities that benefit many younger members of our local community. In the last couple of months we have been successful in obtaining and upgrading the old tractor shed next to our main shed. A canopy
BESPOKE JEWELLERY
has been constructed, along with a vehicle accessway servicing the new roller door, providing direct access to Abbotts Way. This new shed is being used for large projects like our ongoing rat and stoat trap production for several environmental groups, the ‘Trees for Survival’ nurseries assembled and delivered to schools, and one-off projects like the playhouse recently built for a local kindergarten. Next on the agenda is an extension to the existing mezzanine floor in our main building. This will add substantially to our floor area, utilising the high stud in the main building to the maximum. This area is intended to be used for craft projects, where well-lit bench space is required for intricate and detailed model making. An innovative laminated timber, engineered interlocking floor (pictured above) supported by heavy portal frames is being erected by our in-house team of skilled workmen under the watchful eye
LICENSED GOLD BUYERS
REPAIR AND REMODELLING
115 Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland email: info@ellersliejewellers.co.nz Ph: 09 579 5673 www.ellersliejewellers.co.nz 20
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
of project manager Alan Minson. The work is expected to be completed and ready for occupation by the end of June. Once completed, our Mens Shed will have the potential to accommodate many different activities simultaneously — the seminar room, electronics workshop, technology centre, the timber machining and fabrication shop, metalwork machining and fabrication shop, the ongoing production workshop and the handcraft shop. Currently we have around 170 members from many different backgrounds with many different skills and interests. With such a wide range of activities to choose from, we offer our local community many opportunities for engagement. Not only for today, but for future generations who will inherit the use of this workspace. Among the many benefits our shed offers, are new friendships, the engagement with the local and wider community, education provided by associating with other skilled members, the guest presentations and the improvement in mental health achieved by having an active focus on the world around us. We are online at www.msae.nz and are open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9am to midday, at 98 Abbotts Way, Remuera, next to the Waiatarua Reserve. We look forward to engaging with you.
Messy Fun! At Ellerslie Playcentre it has been wonderful seeing the relationships growing between our children as they play and get messy together! Lately our tamariki have been exploring water pouring through pipes down our hill. It is amazing seeing them learn about gravity, colour mixing, water speed, even the sounds pipes make when you bang them — all through play.
Fun and friends at Ellerslie Playcentre
Our recent garage sale fundraiser was a huge success. We had lots of visitors come check out the donations we received, and it was wonderful to see them stay and enjoy the sunshine while the children played in our sandpit, delighted in the giant bubbles and played with our lovely fairy who came to visit. Thank you so much to our past and current families for their help in organising the event, as well as the following local businesses who supported us: Zurri hairdressing, Far Fetched K9’s, Mint Cakery, PAK’nSAVE, New World Stonefields, Beauty Mark, Organic Stela, The Clay Centre, CLM The Bays, Forever Fairytales, Ellerslie Nature Playgroup and Loaf. Playcentre is a parent-led early childhood education centre that offers learning and fun for caregivers and their children. We also offer free NZQA-approved workshops for our members. If you would like to find out more about us, please email us at ellerslie@playcentre.org.nz, or visit our Facebook page. We hope to see you soon!
Scientific Dentistry with a Holistic Approach A consultation with Angela Lowe-Ho could be life-changing. As well as a comprehensive range of dental services including gum treatments, teeth whitening, gap replacements, and smile creation, Angela also offers strategies to maintain oral health. Personalised, affordable and caring, Angela Lowe-Ho can make you smile again, even if you’ve been putting off a dental visit for some time! Text your inquiry: 027 4720 638 or call 09 579 4746. Angela Lowe-Ho B.D.S Otago, 126a Main Highway Ellerslie, with parking at the door. See www.Wellness-Dentistry.com for the full range of services and patient testimonials. Seniors Special discounted rates; ACC and WINZ provider.
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
21
Enjoy a night at Dorian Gray
NEED TO FEED A CROWD? BOOK A
FOR 6 - 600 PEOPLE
2 ROBERT ST. ELLERSLIE | PH 09 579 5162 BOOK ONLINE MEXICALIFRESH.CO.NZ OR EMAIL ELLERSLIE@MEXICALIFRESH.CO.NZ
Ellerslie Theatrical Society is working hard on rehearsals for our next production, which will open on Thursday June 10 at 8pm. This will be our usual gala opening when we welcome you with a glass of bubbles and nibbles before the show. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is directed by our Bruce Brown. This classic and very entertaining play has stood the test of time and remains relevant. Our last play, Sham by Jess Sayer, was very well received by all those who came to see it. The set itself was a masterpiece well worth seeing. Don’t let Dorian Gray slip past. The Ellerslie Theatrical Society has been a part of the Ellerslie Village community for the last 25 years, helping with local shows and joining in communal events, yet we still hear people saying, “Theatre? I didn’t know there was a theatre in Ellerslie.” Theatre itself has been around in one form or another since the beginning of civilisation, sometimes just pure entertainment and sometimes more serious. We cover all spheres and can send our audiences home smiling and chuckling, or more seriously discussing the message within the entertainment. If you have never experienced the excitement of live theatre, come to the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall in June — there will be eight evening performances of Dorian Gray and two 2pm matinees. Tickets are at www.iticket.co.nz, or phone (09) 361 1000. For more information on our society, visit www.ellerslietheatre.co.nz or ring (09) 525 3336.
Step Up with Toastmasters Whether you are Jacinda facing New Zealand at the height of the pandemic, or a student standing up to deliver your group presentation, being in front of a group is never easy. Showing leadership, confidence, and your unique charisma in front of an audience is difficult, and yet so vital.
Bringing Law to the Community p COMMERCIAL LAW p FAMILY LAW p CONVEYANCING & PROPERTY LAW p EMPLOYMENT p WILLS & ESTATES p TRUSTS p ENDURING POWERS OF ATTORNEY
Building No.4 195 Main Highway, Ellerslie Ph 09 525 2163 Email general@bsmlaw.co.nz www.brucescottmullerlaw.co.nz
When I joined Ellerslie Sunrise Toastmasters the first time, I was still a young university student hoping to head into professional courses. I was back home again after my first year away, and was still dealing with much of the uncertainty of purpose that many students feel. Toastmasters for me was about stepping up and putting myself out there. Now, as a graduate, Toastmasters is about becoming committed to goals, and stepping up to leadership challenges through roles like joining the executive. Ellerslie Sunrise does this by modelling leadership and commitment from the top down via mentorship. Toastmasters, like the rest of us, has been dealing with the challenges of Covid-19. It was the response of the club to this that provided me the opportunity to rejoin in 2020 while living in Wellington. At the height of lockdown, meetings via Zoom were a source of connection, and gave me a sense of moving forward despite the odds. Now that we’re in alert level one most of the time, the club has adopted hybrid meetings, where we meet in person and our clubroom, but still use Zoom for members as close as Sylvia Park and as far away as London. This structure allows for members from all over to participate in leadership and development. I would encourage anyone interested in practising public speaking and leadership in a safe, welcoming, and constructive environment to take up the challenge of Toastmasters. Ellerslie Sunrise Toastmasters meets at 7am every second Tuesday at Christ Church, 169 Ladies Mile. Email ellersliesunrise@d112tm.org.nz or see our website: ellersliesunrise.toastmastersclubs.org — Geoff Hoggins, incoming VP Public Relations.
Toy Stories Who doesn’t love a new toy? All fresh and shiny in the ‘latest trend’ colour scheme, up-to-date technology, adorned with images of the biggest cartoon stars. However, the team at Ellerslie Toy Library have discovered that sometimes nothing beats the old classics. Among the most popular toys at the library are the mini trampoline, pushalong lawn mower, balance bike, blocks, fancy dress and Thomas the Tank Engine puzzle (Thomas is 66-years-old by the way). “We are constantly reviewing our toys,” explains Jacyln Ho, the library’s committee treasurer. “Purchasing of new toys depends on grants and membership numbers but we do try to stay on top of trends and retire those that need to be replaced or just don’t go out enough. This enables us to keep offering what our members want within the limited storage space that we have. Irrelevant of new trends, some toys remain popular constantly. “The mini trampoline rarely ever sits on the shelf, because it’s just great for birthday parties and playdates. I love how much it tires my two out, they can play for hours, and then they sleep very soundly, it’s perfect! But at the moment they are both also fond of the library’s new robots and seem to navigate around the technology involved with ease. It’s about finding the right balance,” says Jacyln. Members are encouraged to visit regularly and also check online so that they know what toys are new. See Facebook: Ellerslie Toy Library.
Tai Chi's Many Benefits Our Ellerslie weekly Tai Chi is an endorsed safe and effective ‘Stronger for Longer’ class. ACC, through their ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ website, encourages older adults to find suitable and safe exercises to keep active and mobile. Tai Chi improves both the mind and the body and develops flexibility, strength and balance. It can be of great benefit practised either sitting down, standing, or a combination of both. It can help boost the immune system, manage stress, improve blood pressure and manage blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular and respiratory functioning, and manage symptoms of arthritis. Tai Chi is also shown to reduce falls in older adults by 47 per cent. The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Classes are on Wednesdays, 10.30-11.30am in Leicester Hall, 20 Findlay St. “After a Tai Chi class I feel energised and tranquil” is a typical comment. Contact Alison on 021 528 744 or email alison. taichi@gmail.com
Out & About with Probus The Ellerslie Combined Probus spent a very happy day recently in a part of the Drury area, the fertile soil that used to grow Auckland’s vegetables. We visited the Drury Hills winery and sampled many varieties of wine made from all kinds of fruit other than grapes, although there were some traditional wines. Then it was on to the Red Shed Palazzo, which has won the award for best country café several times, for a pleasant lunch in a delightful garden setting. There are more interesting trips being put together. One suited to colder weather will be the trip to JC Ryders Cinema in Avondale to see a film. This will be followed by a delicious, old-fashioned roast lunch cooked in an old-fashioned Aga stove, like our grandmothers used to use. How many of us could chop the wood, light the fire, wait for the oven to heat, put the food in and then keep the fire burning enough to cook, but not burn, the meal? We have many interesting speakers lined up to come to talk to us in the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall at 10am on the third Friday of each month. Anyone may come to these meetings, and there is no door fee. We always suggest you come to a couple of meetings and even an outing (on fourth Fridays) before you pay the sub of $20 per year, with a one-off joining fee of $10. The outings are individually priced depending on actual costs, but average $30 a trip. Our next meeting is June 18, at 10am. We are a friendly bunch and look forward to meeting you and your friends. There is also a board game morning on Thursdays in the Christ Church hall in Ladies Mile. Although Probus organises this, it is not necessary to be a member — just turn up at 9.45am with $3 to cover rent, and tea and scones. It’s great fun, definitely not competitive. For more information ring Rona (09) 579 7605 or Maureen (09) 520 7403.
23
Schools
Book Week a Real Page Turner at Stanhope Road
Reading rules! That’s the word on the street at Stanhope Road School during their May Book Week, an annual event that showcases the best of children’s books and reading. Highlights included ‘celebrity readers’ visiting classrooms to share a story, a fabu-mouse treasure hunt and the cheese-loving star himself, Geronimo Stilton, who dropped in to chill out in the library. The judges had a tough job choosing winners at the book characters’ costume parade. Everyone from Winnie the Pooh and Little Red Riding Hood to extra-orange Oompa Loompas and a whole lot of Dr Seuss Fish and Things turned up to wow an appreciative audience. As always, Stanhope Road teachers got into the spirit of the event, including principal Zane Wilson. “Book Week is a fantastic event,” he says, “and it reinforces our school’s consistent message, that reading is one of the best things you can do in life.” Reading is at the forefront of academic growth at the school, which has embraced science-based structured literacy 24
programmes profiled in the media over the past year. “We have upskilled our staff and invested in resources to give our students the very best opportunities for achievement in literacy,” says Mr Wilson. “Already we’re seeing confidence and growth. We’re seeing lightbulbs come on for some of our students as they experience real success as readers.” As another fun Book Week drew to a close and children clutched new books purchased at the Scholastic Book Fair, some were already looking ahead to next year’s event. “Geronimo Stilton was cool,” said one excited Year 4 student, “but I hope Darth Vader comes next time!” The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Much-loved book characters, including Thing One and Thing Two (principal Zane Wilson and teacher Steve Ramdhanie), popped up at Stanhope Road's Book Week
Michael Park's Sustain-a-Ball On Sunday June 27, the Michael Park School charity team will once again be holding their Sustain-a-Ball event. It has long been known that the fashion industry plays an enormous part in the global climate crisis, making up four per cent of the world̓s yearly global waste. Not to mention the many fashion houses where outfits are made with slave labour. Michael Park School charity team, Gift of Hope, is offering a unique experience to step back from the consumerism culture of ball. Come and browse through a range of formal dresswear to rent or buy, kindly donated by our community. Enjoy The Ellerslie Village Magazine
refreshments while taking tips on how to style your hair. This event is for anyone who has an interest in formal wear, great tips and a good time, and is not exclusive to just high school ball-goers! Come and join us from 2pm-5pm on Sunday June 27, down at Michael Park School. Entrance requires a $5 admission fee which covers access to talks and refreshments. All proceeds will be donated to the World Vision anti-slave trade project. Let us stop and think where our clothing comes from.
Donations Please Donations will be greatly appreciated, so if you have a dress or formal wear piece that you would like to donate, come down to Michael Park School office. As this is a fundraiser, we are also accepting sponsorships. If you are interested in supporting us or have any further enquiries, please contact Cathy, Michael Park School receptionist and charity team leader: cathyd@michaelpark.school.nz
25
TEDx and New Rooms at One Tree Hill
Young New Zealander of the Year, Jazz Thornton, with One Tree Hill participants in the TEDx Vodafone Tiny Talks event
The first term of 2021 was an outstanding start to the year for the students, staff and community of One Tree Hill College. There were various highlights, including outstanding NCEA results across all three levels, and many students being endorsed with either merit or excellence endorsements. On average, our NCEA results were 10 per cent above the national average. Success in the classroom often correlates strongly with success in co-curricular activities, such as in sport and performing arts. In Term 1, One Tree Hill College was represented in the following codes at national sports tournaments around the North Island – softball (boys and girls), volleyball (boys and girls), and 3x3 basketball (boys and girls). I am proud to inform our community that we were placed second in girls softball, as well as second in girls 3x3 basketball. In addition to this, Year 13 student Shahab Karimi won gold at the Auckland Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships and Year 10 student Ben Langley finished third in both the long jump and high jump at the Auckland Secondary School Athletics Championships. I am always so impressed by the talent of our students. After such a disrupted 2020, we look forward to a full winter sporting and performing arts programme this year. This is exciting for students as they missed these co-curricular opportunities in 2020. With most of our sporting teams in Auckland premier competitions, we wish them well throughout their respective winter seasons. In performing arts, we wish our ShowQuest group good luck as they prepare to perform at the Aotea Centre, and our boys’ and girls’ choirs as they fine tune for The Big Sing competition in the Auckland Town Hall. Recently, students have had the opportunity to pitch their very own TEDx talk as part of the Vodafone Tiny Talks competition to inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Students were invited to pitch 26
their great idea in just 60 seconds, with the most impressive pitches selected to attend TEDxAuckland. Vodafone Tiny Talks encourage students to share their ideas that will have an impact on the world. It was judged by Young New Zealander of the year, Jazz Thornton. Needless to say, she was very impressed with our students and the ideas they presented. With the college at capacity, the Ministry of Education has recently announced a very significant building project to take place over the next eight years. This will result in an additional 21 classrooms being built. This announcement is a direct result of the very high level of enrolments from students living within our school zone and the need for extra space for our community. As the school is at capacity, families in and out of zone will need to be very aware of upcoming deadlines as we start enrolling students for 2022. There will be very limited places available for students who live out of zone – please refer to our website for the college’s enrolment scheme. Our Open Day will be Tuesday June 22, followed by our enrolment days on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 June, 8am-8pm. Please check our website regularly for updates on dates and requirements, or contact the college reception on (09) 579 5049. As always, I would welcome any interested members of our community who wish to take a tour of the college to contact me to arrange an opportunity for me to show you around One Tree Hill College. This continues to be a great time to be involved with One Tree Hill College. We certainly have students with exceptional talent and it is wonderful to see them show such pride in the school. I look forward to the many successes which will occur throughout the remainder of the year. — Nick Coughlan, Principal The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Ellerslie School's Outdoor Fun
High ropes and hi-jinks at recent camps for Ellerslie School's Years 6, 7 and 8s
Life at Ellerslie School in Term 2 has already moved into top gear with two school camps completed and many events and activities well underway. The Year 7 and 8s had four days of adventure at beautiful Motutapu Is. The skies were mostly clear, as was the water with our snorkelling groups spying many fish and marine life. Our kayakers learned to ‘build a bridge’ and move from one kayak to another while those on the flying fox quickly learned to keep their mouths closed when they hit the water on the duck pond! There were pūkeko, tūī and ruru all around us at camp and we even had a native gecko sneaking a peek at our efforts on the climbing wall. Our Year 6’s had a fantastic time at Chosen Valley in week two of term. Over 100 students enjoyed three days of challenging and fun activities which included awesome challenges such as raft building, archery, obstacle courses and more. These camps, on top of exciting events, such as the House Parade and Pink Shirt Day ensures we are getting the most out of The Ellerslie Village Magazine
everyday life at school. As I wander around the school it is great to see the children engaged in the various learning programmes. Term 2’s school inquiry is ‘safety’. Throughout the learning environments children will be learning about all aspects of safety, in a variety of different ways. This will all come together in our Safety Week celebration in Week 9. Finally the school would like to sincerely thank the Ellerslie Rotary Club for its recent $3000 donation. This generous gift goes into the school’s equity fund, which helps support families with uniform, stationery and camp expenses. It also provides funds to go towards our breakfast programme. It is the third year Rotary has supported the school. We hope you have enjoyed this small snapshot of life at Ellerslie School, please drop in to visit us anytime. — Nick Butler, Principal
27
ellerslie eats Cheesy, crispy, fresh or spicy, whatever you are craving can be found right here. Eat local this winter.
f
ellerslievillage
w w w. e l l e rs l i ev i l l a ge.co.n z .
Hospitality
Eating Well in Ellerslie Ellerslie is renowned for its great selection of food to eat in or take home. In this issue, food editor Vanessa Baxter chats to the family behind a popular café, checks in with Union Post and warms up with seasonal soups
A Family Affair Warm Me Up As the weather cools, warming soups are back on the menu. Whether for lunch, an aftersport refuel or dinner option, several of Ellerslie’s favourite eateries offer seasonal soups. Little Elephants Café will nourish customers this season with Asian street-food favourites like Spiced Pumpkin and Creamy Chicken. Menu changes daily. 179 Ladies Mile Melba will be steaming up the café with a daily blackboard soup special. Check in for the locals’ favourite, Seafood Chowder. 135 Main Highway Nothing is better for winter chills and snuffles than a spicy Thai soup. Find the hot and sour Tom Yum, clear soups packed with herbs, chicken and prawn, or a coconut broth option at Sanehs Thai Restaurant. 83 Main Highway The cornerstone of any deli in New York is their chicken soup. The same can be said for Pastrami & Rye’s made from scratch Chicken Noodle Soup, available in the winter months only. 112 Main Highway Union Post offers up a daily soup special. Try a fragrant bowl of Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower. 124 Main Highway There’s chef’s soup specials daily at Little Luscious. Smooth Creamy Mushroom and neighbourhood favourite, Chicken and Corn are two winners. 101 Main Highway
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Breakfast time at Little Luscious embodies the entire focus of this community café. It buzzes with regulars and daily drop-ins, who come for the amiable service and home style dishes. The team welcomes everyone (including dogs to the courtyard) proving that food and connection are intrinsically intertwined and the creation of a friendly space has the power to spark conversation. The café is run by two couples: Abi and Brandon Ea, and Michael and Ping Cheng (Abi, Ping and Michael are pictured, above). Brandon and Ping are brother and sister, and have worked in hospitality for more than a decade. Abi
worked with them at a previous café, and when they opened in Ellerslie, Michael traded his accounting job to join the team. He’s learning to bake, fold and mix in the kitchen, becoming familiar with wooden spoons, spatulas and chef’s knives. With the two men back of house, Abi and Ping are out front along with the ever-cheerful staff. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Little Luscious closed, with the families staying home with their own young children. Michael also felt that offering a reduced menu didn’t work for their brand, and “I hated the idea of people queuing on the sidewalk for a coffee or sandwich.” Locals were understandably 29
disappointed but they were also empathetic, and have returned to Little Luscious, picking up their coffee and eating habits without missing a beat. “The community, they've just really shown their support throughout all the lockdowns,” says Abi. “We have one customer who’s supported us since we opened, who said, ‘Hey, I'm coming in extra times during the week now just to support you because of all the lockdowns.̓ I felt like I was going to cry. This is such loyalty, like having a relationship.” Then there’s customers like the man who told Michael he’d come from outside of Auckland and made a special detour for the Little Luscious ginger slice. Of the regulars, there are families who stop for breakfast before walking on to school. There’s the after-school crowd too, and everyone in between. They come for the cooked-from-scratch meals, the fresh green smoothies, the Gravity coffee — “It has to be good or you can lose your loyal customers, so we won’t serve a bad coffee,” says Abi — and the array of cabinet food. The baking (all done on the premises), includes delicious options for those with dietary restrictions. “My mum is gluten free and although we already had a ginger crunch recipe I just stole her base recipe and tweaked it, so now we have a GF ginger crunch,” says Abi. “Also, my son is dairy intolerant so I began making a little vegan chocolate cake [see the Black Forest Cake recipe following] for him when other kids had a birthday.” These are now cabinet staples along with the more-ish GF lemon cake, peppermint slice and Russian fudge. Little Luscious keeps an eye to customer feedback. “We like to say our attitude is ‘if we can, we'll try it’,” says Michael. They tweak dishes, adjust recipes and create specials to gauge feedback to determine what stays on the main menu. Having young children themselves, they’re also aware of smaller appetites so offer halfsize meals for favourites like Eggs Bene. Their warmth, engagement and commitment to serving their best menu has paid off with a loyal clientele. “When we came to Ellerslie, it was like we were instantly absorbed into the community,” says Abi. “And that’s what we like, because we’re a family business, we run it as a family. We treat our staff like family. And we hope that our customers feel like they’re coming to join our family too.” Little Luscious, 101 Main Highway
30
Little Luscious Black Forest Cake Abby has developed this cake, which is vegan (so dairy-free) and can be made as a 20cm layer cake, or as eight small cakes (pictured) or as 12 cupcakes. If she wants a quick version, she will skip the ganache layer in the middle and instead pour the ganache over the top. It is also delicious with some orange zest added. 1 ½ cups plain flour 1 cup sugar 1 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 3 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 tsp white vinegar 5 tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup strong black coffee at room temperature 1 can coconut cream (Abi prefers Solo̓s Choice brand) 400g dark chocolate chips 1 can Black Doris plums, drained and stones removed Berries for decoration if required To make the cake, heat oven to 180°C. Place all dry ingredients into a large bowl and gently whisk to combine. Make three depressions in the mix: pour the vanilla essence in one, the vinegar in one and
the vege oil in the last one. Add the cool coffee and hand mix until smooth. Tip the cake mix into a greased or lined 9” cake tin (standard size) or large muffin tins if you’re making the small cakes. Bake for 25 mins. The cake(s) will be ready when it springs back to the touch or when a cake skewer inserted comes out almost entirely clean. Ganache: While the cake is cooling, place coconut cream and chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl and gently melt either in a microwave on lower power, or over a pot of simmering water. Take care not to heat the cream too much. Whisk the cream and chocolate together until it is smooth and creamy glossy. Leave to set in fridge until it thickens. Assembly: Whether one large cake or the mini cakes, place the cooled cake on a stand or plate. Carefully cut it in half horizontally and remove the top. Use a spoon or knife to spread the ganache over the bottom half in a thick, even layer. Arrange the drained plums evenly over the ganache. Put on the top layer of cake. Whisk the remaining ganache to pouring consistency. Smother the cake with it and let it ooze down the sides. Top with fresh berries or extra plums.
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
A Special Delivery Even before the doors are opened for service, the warm and relaxed interior of Union Post feels welcoming. This hip-yet-comfortable gastropub inside the heritage former Ellerslie Post Office likes to be thought of as an extension of your living room. Rachel Bermingham is a local and the operations manager. We caught up for a chat about Union Post’s recent renovations, and why so many of its customers are repeat visitors (and reserving that same table for quiz night). Who is the typical Union Post customer? We have several different types of folk that come in. We have our corporates who work locally and pop in for lunch and order the same drinks and food every day. We all know their names and they know ours too. The second group are the families. We have a lot of people who enjoy coming, due to our great kids̓ menu. We get to know them and their children and what they all like to order. We serve our kids̓ food in amazing bento boxes filled with ‘worms and dirt’ — that’s burgers or fish and chips plus a little brownie. And then there are the groups of ladies. They love coming here because we've got a great cocktail menu which is super popular on the weekends. You have several different spaces. What do they offer? We now have the Aubrey room. In the past it was just the room tucked around the back, now it’s renovated with windows into the main interior, and soft furnishings to create a lodge style feel. It’s a lovely nook where friends can come in and have a nice cocktail, and it can also be booked for a special occasion, such as a birthday, baby shower or hens̓ night. The garden bar is well-loved, and we’ve recently given that a little zhuzh up too. We have groups, corporates, and local businesses who love to pop in there for lunch or after work drinks. It’s a great sunny space to watch the street and in winter, it’s got the warmth of heaters and blankets too. The interior and menus have recently been tweaked, what have you done? We are focusing on being inclusive and diverse for everybody. We want to be viewed as Ellerslie’s local living room. So if mum and dad can't be bothered cooking, you can come and feed your kids from our great kid's menu, and find something for the health conscious or the more hearty eater. Or if you're just wanting to hang out with friends on a Sunday afternoon and have a few
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
glasses of champagne, some rosé or cocktails and top up with shared pizzas, we've got that option as well. Our new menu coincided with the refit and we’re considering health-conscious people more than we have done in the past. There’s a focus on fresh ingredients along with accommodation of people’s dietary needs. For example, we can offer gluten free bases for our pizzas and vegan cheese. We are keen to offer simple, seasonal gastro-pub fare, with locally sourced ingredients where possible. Who would you like to see as regulars? We have a really vibrant young feeling in our neighborhood. All the current kids will grow up to be young adults and it would be lovely to see them feel comfortable in here for their dates. Then we would love to welcome them as young families, feed their children, their parents and have everyone accommodated through life’s stages. We will be looking to offer more specials around food, ingredients and drinks and of course we host the increasingly popular quiz night every Tuesday at 7.30pm. If you want to join you need to book though, and some tables are sacred, booked weekly as prized locations!
A Note on Gluten Free Offerings Customer demand for gluten free foods is growing and as a result many hospitality businesses are working hard to expand their gluten free (GF) options. Both Union Post and Little Luscious cater for dietary needs through staff training, recipe development and limiting crosscontamination, but do not have separated kitchen facilities that can guarantee food is suitable for coeliacs. New health and safety rules coming into effect mean food outlets can only label a dish as GF if they meet the stringent regulations to ensure there is zero per cent cross contamination with products containing gluten. Please ask if you are seeking specific GF options and need to understand how the food is prepared.
31
Connect
Village Directory
FOOD & HOSPITALITY
FOOD & WINE RETAIL
BAKERIES
Ellerslie Supermarket 133 Main Highway Ellerslie Four Square 126 Main Highway Ellerslie Liquor Centre 123 Main Highway Ellerslie Meats 128d Main Highway Glengarry 87 Main Highway
Bakers Delight 127 Main Highway Ellerslie Bakehouse 87 Main Highway Julia’s Bakery 128b Main Highway Richoux Patisserie 119 Main Highway
580 0088 579 6538 526 4919 579 1815
BARS & RESTAURANTS Ajadz Indian Cuisine 8 Robert St Charlie Baxter’s 121 Main Highway Doolan Brothers 3 Robert St E Japanese 5/101 Main Highway Little Lamb 2 Robert St Mexico 120 Main Highway Mr Tanaka’s Yakatori Hut 120 Main Highway Royals 130 Main Highway Sanehs Thai Restaurant 83 Main Highway Union Post 124 Main Highway
580 1555 525 2522 579 5592 589 1689 280 1511 281 2714 216 8914 579 7568 579 9447 579 2303
CAFES, CASUAL DINING & TAKEWAY BurgerFuel 2 Robert St Columbus 139 Main Highway Heng Seng 128a Main Highway Haru Sushi 79 Main Highway Hell Pizza 135 Main Highway Golden Dragon BBQ & Dumplings 137 Main Highway Little Elephants Café 179 Ladies Mile Little Luscious 101 Main Highway Malaysia & Singapore Cuisine 112 Main Highway MELBA 135 Main Highway Mexicali 2 Robert St Pastrami & Rye 112 Main Highway Subway 2 Robert St Temptation Indian Cuisine 129 Main Highway The Coffee Club 131 Main Highway
32
525 7752 580 0501 579 3517 525 2291 525 6664 579 8466 200 0877
579 4549 579 5259 579 5556 579 6393 571 2567
SPECIALITY & GENERAL RETAIL Aladdin Rugs 1 Robert St Amazing Frames 2/199 Main Highway Beauty Plus Souvenirs 8 Robert St Cardz Mags & Lotto 135b Main Highway Church Stores 8 Robert St Coko Design & Fashion 111 Main Highway Dollar House 101 Main Highway Ellerslie Jewellers & Engravers 115 Main Highway Flowers of St John 127 Main Highway House of Travel 108 Main Highway Loobie & Friends 114 Main Highway Mercy Hospice Shop 188 Ladies Mile Morris & Wallace Florist 171 Main Highway NZ Post Shop 101 Main Highway Smartphone Ellerslie 3/1 Robert St Unichem Pharmacy Ellerslie 125 Main Highway Violette 114 Main Highway
579 6469 579 7417 579 2887 580 2088 525 1380 530 2308 580 1926 579 5673 529 2677 525 2363 218 9651 579 1208 021 152 3519 579 7099 580 9282 579 5520 027 555 5790
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
579 6567
COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS
525 1303
Computer Tech4You 112 Main Highway Electrical and Computer Services 130c Main Highway
579 1562 526 5073 963 8405 525 0374
580 2664 579 8195
FINANCIAL, LEGAL & INSURANCE AFSN - Loan Market Level 1, 101 Main Highway Genesis Advice 195 Main Highway Andrew Lemalu Law 2 Robert St
580 1111 525 2163 525 1316 589 1701 570 7096
377 1804 950 3515 636 6010 222 3388 0800 119 0939 639 1004
PROPERTY Bayleys 101-105 Main Highway Barfoot & Thompson 107 Main Highway Broadway Property Group 139 Main Highway Inspire Real Estate 129 Main Highway Mackenzie Properties Level 1, 129 Main Highway Mike Pero 118 Main Highway Mike Webber Surveyors 1 Robert St One Stop Property Shop 116 Main Highway Ray White 2/101 Main Highway Southern Cross Plumbing 130 Main Highway Westferry Property Services Hurst St
525 1773 579 1081 525 0084 579 4050 021 822 969 390 5900 579 8411 0800 677 777 525 2600 354 4548 580 3121
OTHER SERVICES
214 7200
579 5162
Assetwise Level 1, 101 Main Highway Bruce Scott Muller Law Building 4, 195 Main Highway Duggan & Murphy Lawyers 8a Robert St Harden & Hart 101 Main Highway JDW Chartered Accounts Ltd 127 Main Highway Kiwibank ATM 101 Main Highway MBC Law Level 1, 101 Main Highway Provisional Tax Finance 101 Main Highway Schmidt & Peart Law 1 Robert St Towers Law 1 Robert St Umbrella Company 3 Robert St Wise Advice Level 1, 101 Main Highway
021 226 5050 525 2586
Badminton Oceania 600 3097 3 Robert St Building Services Contractors of NZ 580 1160 Greenhouse Creative 021 202 9758 5b Lawry St INK Consulting 0800 800 803 118a Main Highway Optimis Systems 529 5265 Level 1, 101 Main Highway Professional Sales 580 2490 Level 1, 1 Robert St Vital 0800 101 900 2 Robert St
579 0045
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
HEALTH, SELF & ANIMAL CARE Angela Lowe-Ho Dental 579 4746 126a Main Highway Dental Solutions 525 0959 2/2 Robert St Eccentric Physio 021 022 07725 123 Main Highway Ellerslie Medical Centre 579 6147 41 Robert St Ellerslie Veterinary Clinic & Cattery 281 3481 199 Main Highway Fillan Healthcare 0508 FILLAN Level 1, 101 Main Highway Harmony Shiatsu 526 5375 Shop L, 101 Main Highway iChiropractic 526 5375 Shop L, 101 Main Highway South Pacific College of Natural Medicine 8 Arthur St 579 499 TCM Healing Centre 949 0168 Unit D, 123 Main Highway FITNESS 9 Round 2 Robert St Active Plus 180 Main Highway Anytime Fitness 87-93 Main Highway F45 Training Ellerslie 6 Findlay St Movement Pilates and Yoga 123 Main Highway
027 796 8633 579 0004 529 0144 027 234 5345 021 254 3888
HAIR, BEAUTY & MASSAGE SERVICES Baan Thai 123e Main Highway Barber Shop Co 101 Main Highway Beauty Mark 101 Main Highway Caci Ellerslie 124 Main Highway Honest Skincare 179c Ladies Mile Pamper Nail & Spa 131 Main Highway Mal's Scissorhand Barber 101 Main Highway Newbody Massage Clinic 101 Main Highway Paris for Hair 123 Main Highway Revive Spa Level 1, 129 Main Highway Scarlett 130b Main Highway Zurri 179 Ladies Mile
525 2795 571 2194 525 3852 571 0575 537 5653 579 5384 0800BARBER 579 6279 579 7745
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Anthroposophical Society 104 Michaels Ave Ellerslie Combined Probus Club Ellerslie Community Patrol Remuera Freemasons 9a Robert St Rotary Club of Ellerslie
950 7962
579 5606 525 6330 579 5033 579 4494 027 493 574
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY/INTEREST GROUPS Communicare Friendship Centre 631 5968 Ellerslie Theatrical Society 525 3336 138 Main Highway Toastmasters (Harrison Rd) harrisonroad@toastmasters.org.nz Toastmasters (Ellerslie Sunrise) ellersliesunrise@toastmasters.org.nz
SCHOOLS
UNDER-FIVES
525 8155
Ellerslie Kindergarten 122 Celtic Cres Ellerslie Playcentre 8 Lawry St
579 8828
579 6678
COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUPS
218 6902
579 5022
529 9090
C3 Church 579 1716 20 Cawley St Christ Church 579 5279 169 Ladies Mile Ellerslie Bible Chapel 525 7216 7 Robert St Horizon Church 571 3390 9 Mono Pl Mountainside Lutheran Church 579 4490 1 Harris Rd Siaola Family & Wellbeing Services 106 Ladies Mile 021 108 5597 St Mary’s Catholic Church 579 8937 58 Main Highway St Peter’s Presbyterian 579 4428 Harrison Rd
579 7690
579 8733
0800 437 766
CHURCHES
Ellerslie School 12 Kalmia St Michael Park School 55 Amy St One Tree Hill College 421-451 Great South Rd Stanhope Road School Harris Rd Stonefields School 81 Tihi St St Mary’s Catholic School 66 Main Highway
214 5937
GOOD TO KNOW All Clean Laundromat 81 Main Highway BP 171 Main Highway Ellerslie Automotive & Tyres 171 Main Highway Ellerslie Drycleaners 128c Main Highway
Epsom Funeral Home 129 Main Highway Novotel & Ibis Ellerslie Hotel 72-112 Green Lane East Stitched Up Alterations 101 Main Highway Summerset at Heritage Park 8 Harrison Rd
579 5477 579 3083
Ellerslie Playgroup ellerslieplaygroup@gmail.com Ellerslie Plunket 579 7564 138 Main Highway Ellerslie Toy Library 022 1872 304 Kiddie Garden Learning Corner 283 0352 2 Morrin St One Tree Hill Kindergarten 579 8382 21 Massey Ave YMCA Early Learning Centre 525 4753 46 Michaels Ave
SPORTS & RECREATION Ellerslie AFC 579 5477 Ellerslie Aikido Club 579 1118 Ellerslie Athletics Club ellerslie-athletics.co.nz Ellerslie Cricket Club ellersliecricket.co.nz Ellerslie Eagles Rugby League Club 579 7719 Ellerslie Domain Ellerslie Tennis Club 570 5605 Konini Park Stonefields Sports Inc enquiry@stonefieldssports.co.nz YMCA Ellerslie 579 4716 46 Michaels Ave
USEFUL CONTACTS Auckland Council 301 0101 Auckland Justice of the Peace Association 138 Main Highway walk-in Tues, Thurs, Sat 10am-2pm Citizens Advice Bureau 573 5707 Ellerslie Business Association 570 5033 Ellerslie Residents Association ellerslieresidents@gmail.com Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley 021 287 5599 Ōrākei Local Board 521 7021 25 St Johns Rd, Meadowbank Local MP: Priyanca Radhakrishnan 622 2660 281a Onehunga Mall, Onehunga
EMERGENCY SERVICES Police, fire, ambulance emergency 111 Police non-emergency 105 Mt Wellington Police Station 526 7300 6a Harrison Rd Constable Don Allan 662 8722 Ellerslie Fire Station 579 4400 634 Great South Rd
579 5049 579 6434 527 7721 579 5458
579 0076 579 1974
33
Winter Diary 27 Ball dress hunting? Visit Michael Park School’s Sustain-a-Ball event today, at the school. 2pm-5pm, $5 entry or free if you’re a donor (drop-offs to the school office welcome)
JULY 3 Shop local and support creative Kiwi artists and makers at the Ellerslie NZ Made Market. Quality, unique, locally-made goods in a range of styles, with many of the makers on hand to have a chat about their works. 10am-2pm, Ellerslie War Memorial Hall, 138 Main Highway It’s ‘Pizza & Politics’: join Maungakiekie MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan at this special event for young voters (and voters-to-be). Ages 16-30 welcome, free but please rsvp for catering purposes to PriyancaMP@ parliament.govt.nz 12.30pm, Leicester Hall, 20 Findlay St 9 Last day of Term 2 for schools 16 Every third Friday Maungakiekie MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan holds a constituent clinic, Ellerslie War Memorial Hall, 1.30pm. Check Facebook for updates on other MP-hosted events 26 Term 3 begins
AUGUST JUNE 7 Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday 10 It’s the gala opening night of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, presented by the Ellerslie Theatrical Society. 10 performances, see iTcket for details 13 Christ Church Ellerslie invites you to a special concert in the church, featuring choirs from One Tree Hill College. 2pm, at Christ Church, tickets $20 or $30 a double. Email events@ellerslieanglican.org.nz or cash only sales at the door
34
19 Matariki begins, to July 11. See matarikifestival.org.nz for events to mark the start of the Māori New Year 22 It’s open day at One Tree Hill College: future pupils and whānau welcome. See onetreehillcollege.school.nz for details 24 Concerned about local crime or security? Local councillor Josephine Bartley hosts “Coffee with a Cop” on the last Thursday of each month: see her Facebook page (Councillor Josephine Bartley) for time and venue details
7 Come have a chat with local councillor for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki, Josephine Bartley, at her regular clinic, held on the first Saturday of the month. 9am, Melba, 135 Main Highway 26 Ellerslie Theatrical Society presents Our Man In Havana, from the novel by Graham Greene. Until September 4, see ellerslietheatre.co.nz for details 28 The spring issue of the Ellerslie Village Magazine is on its way: look for it in your letterbox from today
The Ellerslie Village Magazine
Thinking of Selling? We have buyers who are looking for property, and with low interest rates now is a good time to sell. Why sell with us: • We are a team We are dedicated to complete customer satisfaction • Fairer fees Our fees are lower than many other national brands. You could save thousands. • Superior marketing, We have access to more marketing options than other agencies – Including FREE TV advertising • We are local, knowledgeable, and dedicated to getting you the best result We’d love to provide you with a complimentary market appraisal on your home, contact us today.
Aaron Telfar Business Owner Ellerslie ARIENZ Licensed Agent
Aaron & Sonya
0274 485 965 aaron.telfar@mikepero.com
Sonya Telfar Business Owner Ellerslie Licensed Salesperson
027 485 964 Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)
118 Main Highway | 09 390 5900 | www.ellerslie.mikepero.com |
sonya.telfar@mikepero.com
@mikeperorealestateellerslie