The Hobson June15 issu

june 2015

the song, dance and love issue local news, views & informed opinions

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The June Issue 4

36

the editor’s letter

the pretty Beautiful things to banish winter blues

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37

the columnists

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the village A cement silo for Quay St, bus lanes to impact on Ayr St, high school musicals are a high note-, Theo Schoon at Kinder House, Desley Simpson on the Long Term Plan, and more

22

the reps Columns from local MPs David Seymour and Paul Goldsmith

23

the resident Singer Lizzie Marvelly speaks out for young women

the wellbeing Lee Parore salutes that hard-working organ, the liver

38

the wedding Jeremy Caughey and Victoria Stagg’s lakeside wedding

42

the heritage Historic Whitby Lodge reveals some surprises

44

the cinema Caitlin McKenna’s choices at the movies this month

26

the district diary All that’s happening in June

45

the bookmark Gail Woodward and Sally Ewers select books for juniors

28

the plan & the investment This month, columnists Warren Couillault (The Investment) and Hamish Firth (The Plan) both analyse from their perspective what is driving Auckland’s housing market

46

the sound Andrew Dickens stops resisting, and enjoys country music

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47

34

48

the suburbanist Crowd-sourced expertise helps Nepal’s tragedy from afar, writes Tommy Honey the second act Sandy Burgham and Lorraine Lipman discuss career reinvention

the psyche Strategies to cope with stroppy kids, from Dr Amrit Kaur

the anzacs Remuera’s nurses are remembered

WIN

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issue 19, june 2015 Editor & Publisher Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz Art Direction & Production Stephen Penny design@thehobson.co.nz Advertising Inquiries business@thehobson.co.nz Writers Kirsty Cameron, Zac Fleming, Melissa Williams-King Proofreader Fiona Wilson Columnists & Contributors This Issue Sandy Burgham (The Second Act), Sue Cooper & Jenny Haggitt (The Anzacs), Warren Couillault (The Investment), Andrew Dickens (The Sound), Dr Michael Dunn, Hamish Firth (The Plan), Paul Goldsmith (The Reps), Amrit Kaur (The Psyche), Caitlin McKenna (The Cinema), Lee Parore (The Wellbeing), David Seymour (The Reps), Desley Simpson, Melissa Williams-King (The Pretty), Gail Woodward (The Bookmark) Photographers Greta Kenyon, Stephen Penny Cover Victoria Stagg and Jeremy Caughey at their summer wedding, photographed by Greta Kenyon. See story, page 38 The Hobson is published 10 times a year by The Hobson Limited, PO Box 37490 Parnell, Auckland 1151. www.thehobson.co.nz F: TheHobsonMagazine T: @thehobson Ideas, suggestions, advertising inquiries welcome. editor@thehobson.co.nz Or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TheHobsonMagazine

The content of The Hobson is copyright. Our words, our pictures. Don’t steal, and don’t borrow without checking with us first. We aim for accuracy but cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies that do occur. The views of our contributors are their own and not necessarily those of The Hobson. We don’t favour unsolicited contributions but do welcome you getting in touch via editor@thehobson.co.nz to discuss ideas.

here’s been so much happening that affects our neighbourhoods, and our wider city, that it’s hard to know what to consider first. In her regular column, (page 19), the indefatigable Orākei Local Board chair, Desley Simpson, distills the highlights — if you can call them that — for this area of Auckland Council’s newly-revealed Long-term Plan. As the British red-tops might sum it up in a headline, “Rates Up, Services Down”. Desley has previously referred to the Orākei ward as “Auckland’s EFTPOS” — this time though, it feels like every part of town is having its buttons pushed.

And as a city, we’re about to be landed with a 29m high silo holding 30,000 tonnes of cement on Ports of Auckland land fronting Quay St (see Zac Fleming’s story on page 8).

I well understand the need for a working port, but I’m firmly with those who question expanding port operations in the heart of the city, to the detriment of one of our most remarkable assets, the Waitematā harbour.

MP David Seymour writes in his column (page 22) of whisking visitors to the top of Mt Eden for a city-wide orientation, en route from the airport. I don’t know if you’ll have a line of sight to that part of Quay St from up there, but from any angle, a 95-foot tall cement silo bang on Auckland’s waterfront will take some explaining.

Kirsty Cameron editor@thehobson.co.nz

Z

WINNERS: We didn’t have room last month to publish the names of the winners of our March and April competitions. In March, we gave away gift packs from The Aromatherapy Company of Therapy Coffee Body Balm and Body Scrub. The winners were Sue Christophers, Jennifer Strange, Gavin Pollard, Amanda Yap-Choong, Sophie Birch and Jack Thornton. Our April prize of a fabulous “Geometric” rug from Artisan Flooring was won by Julia Foley. Congratulations to everyone.

Two of our regular contributors are missing from our pages this month: “The Arts” columnist Leigh Melville is off in Venice at the Biennale, and commitments precluded Waitematā Local Board chair Shale Chambers from filing his regular column.

They’ll be back.

The Hobson is Remuera and Parnell’s community magazine. We deliver into letterboxes in these neighbourhoods, and copies are also at local libraries, cafes, and at businesses including Vicky Ave and White Heron dairies, and Paper Plus Parnell.

For more about us, visit www.thehobson.co.nz or TheHobsonMagazine on Facebook.

Distribution by

This publication uses vegetable based inks and environmentally responsible papers.

WISH

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G N I L I E C E TH

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To find out more about Bayleys and how we approach selling a home, contact:

Rachel Dovey Regional General Manager Eastern Bays 50 Remuera Rd Newmarket B 520 8888 M 0272685550 E rachel.dovey@bayleys.co.nz Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

The Columnists Left to right from top row:

Sandy Burgham (The Second Act) is a brand strategist and an executive coach with a special interest in midlife change and transformational behaviours. She runs a central Auckland practice. www.sandyburgham.com Remuera resident Warren Couillault (The Investment) is a partner in and director of Richmond Investment Management, the manager of a boutique fund of hedge funds. He is a shareholder in and director of Generate Investment Management Ltd; manager of a registered Kiwisaver scheme and an adviser to S.AG Private. www. richmond.co.nz Andrew Dickens (The Sound) is the host of Andrew Dickens’ Sunday Cafe on Sunday morning, from 9am, on Newstalk ZB. He is also the music reviewer on Jack Tame’s Saturday morning show on Newstalk ZB. He grew up in Remuera.

Hamish Firth (The Plan) lives and works in Parnell and is principal of the Mt Hobson Group, a specialist urban planning consultancy. mthobsonproperties.co.nz Dr Amrit Kaur (The Psyche) lives in Meadowbank and is a NZ-registered clinical psychologist specialising in helping children, families and young adults. She is part of the multidisciplinary KidzTherapy practice.

Caitlin McKenna (The Cinema) of Remuera is passionate about the cinema — she majored in film, sociology and marketing, graduating recently with a conjoint BCom/BA. Leigh Melville (The Arts) is director, art, at ART + OBJECT auction house. She lives in Parnell and is cochair of the Patrons of the Venice Biennale. Her column does not appear this month as she is attending the Biennale.

Lee Parore (The Wellbeing) is an expert in executive health. A qualified naturopath and a personal trainer to elite athletes and executives, his wellness clinic is in Newmarket. www.leeparorehealthlab.com One of New Zealand’s leading lifestyle and beauty editors, Remuera’s Melissa Williams-King (The Pretty) is a former editor of Fashion Quarterly.

Gail Woodward (The Bookmark) is the senior book buyer for Paper Plus Newmarket. A “forgiving reader” across genres, she belongs, and advises on selections, to book clubs.

the hobson 6

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the village

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SET IN CONCRETE The Ports of Auckland industrial landscape on the Waitematā Harbour is to be further cemented with the construction of a 29 metre high cement silo fronting on to Quay St. Holcim Cement is building the $50 million project on Ports of Auckland land at the corner of Plumer and Quay Streets. Currently, cement is stored at its Onehunga operation, but that will cease once the central city silo is up and running in late 2016.

A Holcim spokesperson told THE HOBSON that the 29 metre high, 41 metre wide, silo will hold 30,000 tonnes of cement.

The silo’s construction has concerned both community groups and some Auckland councillors, as like Ports of Auckland’s Bledisloe Wharf extension approval in April, the public was not consulted during the consenting process.

“Given the huge level of public interest in all things to do with the waterfront, and particularly new man-made structures that are overseen by Ports of Auckland, it’s disappointing to think such an obscene structure, that’s going to be so big and so intrusive, can be consented and built without any public notification or opportunity for any formal feedback,” says Orākei ward councillor Cameron Brewer.

“The mayor wants to spend millions of dollars on beautifying Quay St and turning it into a pedestrian boulevard … and this will just aesthetically desecrate it.”

The Holcim spokesperson said all construction “will take place within the existing port area,” and Holcim “has all the approvals required and will fully comply with all regulatory requirements”.

Parnell Community Committee chairman Luke Niue says regardless of consents being granted, allowing structures of this size — and other developments mooted —is an “obscene move with no vision to making Auckland the world’s most livable city”.

“We were recently told Ports are still in serious discussion with car importers to build multi-level car storage buildings on the port

Image courtesy of Holcim

– yet again inappropriate use of our stunning harbour for industrial purposes,” Niue said.

“Economic importance needs tempering against the environmental, social and cultural effects of ad hoc port expansion that seems to have no end.

“This massive cement silo is just one example of new generation industrial ugliness coming to downtown Auckland.”

Councillor Brewer agrees. “It’s a really important area of Auckland that people want to see improved, not destroyed. These kind of structures have no place in a modern day waterfront city.”

The Holcim spokesperson said the silo will be “the first of its kind in New Zealand. The Auckland terminal will provide an effective supply to the greater Auckland region and the upper North Island.”

— Zac Fleming p ON THE DRAWING BOARD FOR REMUERA The Orākei Local Board’s representative to both the Remuera Residents Association and the Remuera Business Assocation, Mark Thomas, provided this update on local developments now in train.

A proposed new petrol station and two retirement home developments have been keeping Remuera residents busy recently.

BP is planning to convert the former motel site on the corner of Greenlane East and Ohinerau Rd into an eight-bay, 24-hour petrol station. The station would contain a Wild Bean cafe and a car wash.

This development came as a surprise to many, as it is a consequence of the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan starting to have effect. Although the PAUP has yet to complete its hearing process, there is provision for some of the new planning rules to apply now. The proposed new mixed-use zone of this area therefore permits developments like petrol stations.

Iain Valentine, from the Remuera Residents Association, has picked up this challenge and, working with a number of concerned residents, submitted on the change, with all 36 submitters opposed.

Iain has convened a series of meetings looking at the major concerns including traffic congestion from the Greenlane roundabout, noise impacts and health and safety issues. The hearing on the proposal is expected to take place this month.

In Rangitito Ave, the redevelopment of the former Rawhiti Bowling Bub into a retirement home has taken a new turn, with significant changes proposed by the developer to the originally approved plan. The 6000sq m site was sold last year, with plans to house up to 90 residents in the new development. However, several changes are now proposed affecting the height and site coverage, including a proposal that three quarters of the development exceeds the permitted 8m-height limit. Local residents have concerns about any increased intensity on the site, and the spillover impact into the neighborhood. The local board is feeding these concerns through to council planners to inform decisions around notifying these impacts.

The third development concerns the expansion of the Remuera Gardens retirement village on Richard Farrell Ave, off Ladies Mile.

The current 83-unit complex with its 100 residents will nearly triple in size to more than 310 units. The redevelopment will be contained within the existing 2.7ha site and has been flagged for a number of years. Traffic is a key concern for some locals, but the developers say the expansion will enable all new parking and traffic demands to be accommodated on site.

We know Auckland needs to grow, but a valid criticism of Auckland’s current growth plans is that residents do not have all the information they need about what might be happening next to them.

I will be working with other members of the Orākei Local Board on Remuera issues, including Troy Churton, portfolio lead for planning and bylaws, and current board deputy Colin Davis, also on planning and bylaws. We will continue to work hard to improve the flow of information, and support residents to get a fairer deal.

— Mark Thomas p For the impact of the Council’s Long Term Plan, read Orākei Local Board chair Desley Simpson’s regular column, on page 19.

the hobson 9

the village

CELEBRATING THEO SCHOON A new exhibition of rarely-seen photographs by NZ artist Theo Schoon is now open at Parnell’s Kinder House. The photos come from the extensive private collection of art historian and former head of the University of Auckland’s Elam art school, Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts, Michael Dunn. Dr Dunn enjoyed a long friendship with the late artist. Here, he writes for THE HOBSON about the exhibition he has curated.

Theo Schoon was of Dutch parentage but was born in Indonesia. He came to New Zealand in the late 1930s as a war refugee and was a confirmed pacifist. The photographs in this show are mainly ones taken in the years 1965-1966, when the artist was working in the Rotorua district. I was fortunate enough to accompany Schoon on a visit to the the hobson 10

geothermal regions in Easter 1965, and to see him at work at his favourite location, a hot mud lake near the Lady Knox Geyser at Waiotapu.

Because Schoon had taught me photography, I was given information on his method of taking photographs while he was in the field. At that time he worked in black

and white film and used a Rolleiflex camera, often hand-held. He took light readings with a Weston light meter and also used a flash.

By 1966 Schoon had based himself in Rotorua and continued with his geothermal photographs. At that time he began using 35 mm colour slide and print film in addition to the larger format black and white negatives. The photographs were sent to me in negative or slide form since Schoon did little printing in his later years. He was itinerant and had no personal darkroom.

These photographs provide an intimate and personal view of a period of his creativity. They have the added interest that he chose them to represent his practice at the time. The shot of his camp at Waiotapu with tent is especially evocative of his working situation.

In all cases, care has been taken to achieve the highest quality image from the negatives and slides. The works should be seen as a series as well as individual prints. Schoon tried to cover as many aspects of the subject matter as possible, even working at night with the aid of flash. Consequently there is a full range of effects from dark and mysterious to light and airy, and from close up to more general views.

Besides his photography, Schoon also did paintings, carving and illustrations. His works are held in many public art galleries throughout New Zealand including the Auckland Art Gallery.

In the show is also an interesting ceramic dish that was the outcome of collaboration between Schoon and the famous potter Len Castle. While dying and lying in bed in a rest home, Schoon made stamps that he used to impress designs into the wet clay of Len Castle’s bowl, which was then cast. The stamps show a range of motifs including double spirals that make an amazing decorative pattern on the interior of the bowl. This is a very rare piece and one that complements the photographs where patterns in the subject matter of boiling mud are featured in the works. There is an autographed letter from Schoon on display as well as a copy of Schoon’s book on his jade carving, called Jade Country.

Kinder House has been freshly painted inside to allow the professional display of artworks in its main rooms. New track lighting also allows the works to be seen to advantage. It is hoped the building will be able to mount a continuing series of small art shows, in addition to its memorial function to the life and work of Dr John Kinder. — Dr Michael Dunn p Above left,“Fern & Mudpool, Waiotapu, 1966” by Theo Schoon, and a self portrait of the artist. Images copyright the estate of Theo Schoon.

Kinder House, Ayr St, Parnell

the village for Outstanding Scholarship in English, Media Studies and Physical Education, and Scholarship in Art History, Chemistry and Physics. Epsom Girls Grammar School’s Jane Waterhouse (Design and Visual Communication) and Doris Zhang (Japanese) were Top Subject scholars.

Outstanding Scholar Awards went to Zoe Chen, Rebecca Holland, Thealyssa Ng and Catherine Zheng (St Cuthbert’s College), Shuyu Guo and Samantha Jacobson (Diocesan School for Girls) and Myron Liu (Auckland Grammar School). Almost 8000 students participated in Scholarship exams last year. Scholarship awards provide financial support to students over their next three years of tertiary study. p Photo: Top scholars Jonathan Hart and Rahul Sood, centre, and their families, with fellow Grammar old boys, Minister for Commerce Paul Goldsmith and Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie

TOP SCHOLARS National winners of the 2014 New Zealand Scholarship Awards were recognised at a ceremony at the Beehive recently. Many local schools were represented — from Auckland Grammar School, Jonathan Hart and Rahul Sood received the top honour of Premier Awards. Jonathan was recognised for Outstanding Scholarship in Economics, English, French, Latin and Media Studies, and Rahul

CAN THE AYR ST INTERSECTION GET ANY WORSE? Well, yes, it would seem so. A 600-metre long bus lane planned for Parnell Rd is boiling the collective blood of business and homeowners nearby, but Auckland Transport say the lane will benefit everyone.

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A New Home …

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the village

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T R I B A L

R U G S

The lane, to operate on the southern side of Parnell Rd between 4-6pm Monday-Friday from St Stephens Ave to Sarawia St, is yet to receive final approval, but has met opposition from locals who have raised doubts about its promised benefits.

More than 15 buses use Parnell Rd each hour, and an Auckland Transport spokesperson told THE HOBSON the project would chop an average of two-and-a-half minutes off the time it takes them to travel through the area, heading towards Newmarket.

But the “main improvement is bus reliability, removing the occasional situation where buses can take up to 17 minutes to travel this section,” the spokesperson said.

“There will also be a slight improvement of six seconds for general traffic flow at the intersection with Ayr St.” Locals and community groups told THE HOBSON they remain sceptical of AT’s promises, primarily that it will improve general traffic flow at Ayr St, and are unhappy with what they say was inadequate consultation.

“How is Parnell going to cope with one lane for private traffic?” asks resident Cheryl Whiting, who lives near the top of Ayr St, and did not receive any correspondence from AT. AT’s spokesperson told THE HOBSON it “consulted all the properties that are directly affected by the proposal”, as well as Parnell Inc, the Parnell Community Committee, the Newmarket Business Association, and Residents’ Group.

“Getting in and out of Ayr St at peak time is bad enough already,” Cheryl Whiting says. “One lane will just make it worse.”

Echoing her concerns is Raymond Henderson, owner of the hair salon, Raymond Salon de Coiffure, on Parnell Rd, near the Parnell/Ayr/Domain Drive intersection. He says he received a letter informing him of the proposal, but was given no opportunity to voice his concerns.

“There was no consultation process whatsoever. What do we do at 4pm with people parked outside who have colour in their hair?

Do we tell them to go outside and move their car? It’s absolutely ridiculous. I pay commercial rates, the council should help my business not hinder it.”

If all goes to AT’s plan, the lane would also shorten parking by 3m and 5m respectively outside Holy Trinity Cathedral and the commercial building at 470 Parnell Rd. Works were planned to start in late April, but were changed to

align with the road resurfacing programme, which is due for completion by mid-late June.

AT says the total cost of the project has not yet been finalised. — Zac Fleming p UPDATE ON GLADSTONE PARK We asked MP for Epsom, David Seymour, to update us on the progress over the transfer of public land at Gladstone Park, Parnell, as cultural redress to the Coromandelbased Marutūāhu confederation of iwi. He contacted the minister for treaty settlements, Chris Finlayson, and the minister’s response is reprinted, with permission, here (right). p

the village TENNIS FOR LOUISE

The Parnell Baths are ideal for a long distance triathlete like me.

There is nothing more pleasant than swimming there in the summer with the sun on your back and doing those long lengths.

Stewart McRobie, March 2015.

The girls were here, the boys were here, the fun was here, the action was here. … My heart and soul is with the Parnell Baths, always has been, always will be. … You can’t get what you have here at any other pool almost in the world.

John Fay, December 2014.

It’s like diving into a bottle of champagne. It’s a pleasure beyond pleasure.

Parnell Baths: a jewel in Auckland’s crown

and nurturing women with secondary breast cancer. Martin’s mother, Francisca, died from the disease, and Sweet Louise supported her during her illness. p Don Hooper, Metro, January 1991, p. 29.

THE BATHS CELEBRATED

Joanna Boileau and Sue Monk

Parnell Heritage, with the support of the Waitematā Local Board, has produced Parnell Baths: a jewel in Auckland’s crown, a commemorative book recording the colourful history of the Parnell Baths, which celebrated its centenary last year.

Authored by local historians, Dr Joanna Boileau and Sue Monk, the book recounts the transformation of what began as a fenced off area of the Waitematā Harbour, to a contemporary seawater pool surrounded by boardwalks and a 1950s elegance. It also tells of evolving social attitudes to swimming, the challenges of maintaining water quality, changing fashions in swimwear, and the huge public support, which sustained the Baths through uncertain times in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Joanna Boileau is a historian and heritage consultant, and editor of the annual Parnell ISBN: 978-0-473-31553-5

A fundraiser tournament hosted by Gladstone Tennis Club coach Martin Colenbrander has raised $5000 for the Sweet Louise charity.

Sweet Louise, established in memory of the late Louise Perkins, is devoted to supporting

ByJoanna JoannaBoileau Boileauand andSue SueMonk Monk

Heritage Journal. Sue Monk is a historian specialising in oral history, and also chairs the Parnell Baths Support Group, an organisation that keeps a watchful eye on the Baths.

Parnell Baths will be launched at Parnell Library on Thursday June 4 (see The District Diary for details), with copies for sale for $20 from Paper Plus Parnell, and the White Heron Dairy, Gladstone Rd. p

Epsom Electorate Office Suite 2.4, Level 2, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket.

PO Box 9209, Newmarket 1149.

To contact me for an appointment please call 09 522 7464

David Seymour, MP for Epsom davidseymour.epsom@parliament.govt.nz

Promoted by David Seymour, MP for Epsom.

the village CHEERS TO MARTINI AND JAM When established designer Yvonne Bennetti and a long-standing friend, Remuera fashion blogger Nikki Gapes, realised they both wanted the same thing in “everyday” wear and shared a visual and style aesthetic, a business idea was born. Martini and Jam has launched with a collection of separates, priced under $550. THE HOBSON asked Bennetti and Gapes some quick questions about their collaboration (model in M&J styles pictured right).

How did the name come about?

Nikki Gapes: Martini for the glamorous sophisticated woman, and jam representing the working woman always on the run, or the busy mum — the real life woman. Putting these two together encapsulates what we think our brand stands for. Comfortable, versatile pieces that look and feel glamorous.

What are three things every woman should own as part of her core wardrobe?

Yvonne Bennetti: Every woman should have an evening piece that takes them everywhere. And an amazingly tailored shirt, and a fabulous pair of four-inch heels.

Nikki Gapes: Every successful wardrobe must have a beautifully tailored blazer, a wonderful stand-out coat, and a fabulous sexy dress.

Yvonne, you’ve built a reputation for sophisticated eveningwear.

What’s your own casual look?

I live and work in biker pants, gold trainers and sweatshirts.

EXHIBITION / CLASS

Nikki, what’s your go-to-outfit for every day?

Jeans, shirts and a blazer. Classic, beautifully tailored and easy to wear.

You’ve worked to keep prices reasonable, yet maintain quality.

Was that difficult?

CURATOR / TUTOR

PERIOD

COST

Dr. Michael Dunn

May - June 7

Donation

Guy Marrett

Starts Weds May 27 for 8 weeks

$140

Auckland Photographic Festival Curated exhibition of all art styles

Contemporary Photography Foundation / R Winstone

June 11 - 20

Donation

“Poles Apart” original art exhibition

Kinder House Society / Guy Marrett

June 28 - July 25

Donation

Phillippa Longley-Ryder, UNANZ & Maison Vauron

Sat July 18

$40, bookings: info@kinder.org.nz

“Oscar’s Friends” – our pet photograph exhibition

Kinder House Society. Submit two photos of a pet. For details, phone 379 4008

August 1 - 28

Donation

“Nuclear Free Forever” & the peace work of Larry Ross: NZ Peace Art & Non-Nuclear Archives exhibition

Kathy Ross MFA & Laurie Ross, UNANZ & NZ Peace Foundation

Aug 29 - Sept 20

Donation

Bertha Von Suttner – the first woman awarded the Noble Peace Prize – monologue play direct from Austria: The Legacy of the First Peace Builder

NZ Peace Foundation, IPB, Society of Friends, UNANZ

Fri Sept 17, 8pm

$20, bookings only info@kinder.org.nz

Auckland Heritage Festival “Kinder & Tangata Whenua Links”

Kinder House Society / John Webster

Sept 26 - Oct 18

Donation

Botanical & Floral Art Exhibition

Parnell Rotary Club

Oct 25 - Nov 21

Donation

“Christmases Past” exhibition of seasonal memorabilia

Kinder House Society/ Dale Bailey

Nov 28 - Dec 20

Donation

Theo Schoon art exhibition Watercolour classes – phone 521 1899

Bastille Day: Celebrate Paul Gauguin’s NZ visit with undiscovered French wine & food tastes

the hobson 18

Nikki Gapes: Yes, it was actually. We decided to go for looks that were “stand-out,” focusing on the overall look and feel of the garment. rather than the bells and whistles.

Where are the clothes made?

Nikki Gapes: Yvonne lived in Hong Kong and has many wonderful contacts there, so predominantly in Hong Kong, but we are making in New Zealand too. Our machinist is the last trained Christian Dior machinist.

You’ve presented your first capsule collection … when does the next one drop and what can we expect?

Yvonne Bennetti: We are currently working on our next range now. We are hoping to have it developed by mid-June. Our next capsule will be incorporating a lot more downtime pieces that our Martini and Jam woman can wear with anything, whether it be our tank worn to the office under a suit, or our tank worn with jeans on Saturday mornings watching children’s sport.

Martini and Jam is available at Yvonne Bennetti, 24 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay or visit yvonnebennetti.com. To win a Martini and Jam voucher, turn to page 2 for entry details. p

¯ Local Board Orakei

I

write this in the middle of the mayor and councillors discussing the final elements of the Auckland Council Long-term Plan (LTP). It has been an ‘interesting’ process to watch, the results of which will have a big impact on the ratepayers of this city over the next 10 years.

Overwhelmingly, Auckland gave a clear message in the draft LTP feedback for a rates rise of less than the consulted figure of 3.5 per cent. What Auckland households have been given is a package equating to more than double that — 9.9 per cent to be precise.

We have been told to accept this when our core council service levels are dropping, for example, no more inorganic rubbish collections, parks maintenance being reduced, town centre maintenance being reduced (to name but a few), and all this with a rate of inflation less than 1 per cent.

Many people have contacted me about the various media articles highlighting spend in areas well outside what is considered ‘core council business’. In fact, Auckland asked for cuts in spending, with the highest response of all coming from those keen to see a cut in the $1.3 billion governance and support budget. But for some reason the mayor and the majority

of councillors voted to increase, not decrease, this budget.

However, one of the biggest ‘surprises’ has been the extra transport charge. This has caused the regional 2.5 per cent average rates rise to skyrocket, as region-wide it has equated to an extra 4.4 per cent on our rates bill.

Many have been shocked that the mayor and councillors even set a targeted transport rate. Whilst transport is considered something that certainly needs addressing in Auckland, this particular funding mechanism wasn’t an option consulted on via the summary sent to every household, and most didn’t even know it was being considered.

The two funding options that were in the questionnaire (motorway user charge and fuel tax option), required government legislation to change, and the government had said it wasn’t going to change its legislation. Knowing that, many ask why those questions were even posed. But buried in a larger document (that wasn’t sent to every household) was a potential transport targeted rate of $58.99. How this escalated to $114 I’m not sure, but it has, and will be part of every household rates bill.

Many argue the consultation document was misleading — particularly in this area. Only 39 out of 27,383 written submissions even mentioned an interim targeted rate. I know the auditor-general has been asked to investigate the draft LTP consultation material, particularly on the transport questions, and it will be interesting to hear her response.

From our local board’s perspective, Orākei had the most positive endorsement of our priorities from our community out of all 21 local boards, and this gives us a strong mandate (within the budget allocated) to progress projects chosen by you. Our ward-wide rates increase will be 8.5 per cent next year, and with no cap on the increases, it looks as if we will have many receiving rises between 10 and 40 per cent.

The new rules set by the mayor and councillors will make capital investment hard for us, as our LDI (Locally Driven Initiatives) funding can no longer be used for new capital projects, but we will work hard over the next few weeks to develop a work programme to match our budget.

In conclusion, I would like to thank our ward Councillor Cameron Brewer, for his sterling advocacy on behalf of our community. He didn’t vote for a rise in the governance and support budget, in fact, he tried to support a one-year freeze on the ‘top line’ staff budget. Nor did he vote for the transport levy. We just have to find him a few more friends around the council table.

— Desley Simpson, chair, Orākei Local Board p

the village

It’s Show Time!

From traditional to modern, local students have stepped up and sung out in school musicals

In the Hood involved 50 Dio and Dilworth students (above and left). There were no lead roles, and the flexible format allowed solos, ensembles and chorus numbers. Written, directed and choreographed by Jeremy Birchall, musical director, Josh Clark.

Photos by Diocesan student Anna Hinton.

W

e dine well here in Camelot, we eat ham and jam and Spam a lot,” go the song lyrics in Monty Python’s Spamalot, the musical of choice for this year’s Saint Kentigern College senior musical production. While the St Kent’s cast were staging the comedic Arthurian tale late last term, at King’s College it was Danny, Sandy and the Pink Ladies taking to the stage for Grease. This term, the annual Diocesan School for Girls and Dilworth School musical turned to the modern songbook to create an original revue. In The Hood used songs from 20 different Broadway and West End musicals. At the same time, a “tale as old as time” was playing in Auckland Grammar School’s Centennial Theatre, with the Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar coproduction, Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

To all the students who acted, sang, played complicated scores, built sets, painted scenery, made costumes or sold tickets, a huge round of applause. And another round too, for the multiple-hat-wearing directing/producing/ conducting teachers, and parents and supporters.

Bravo and brava to all.p

It could only be Monty Python – Saint Kentigern College students on stage in Elliot Hall: from top left, Sir Galahad (Sid Chand) and the diva-esque Lady of the Lake (Lili Taylor); Brave Sir Lancelot (Oliver Hadfield) and fans; the Lady’s “Laker Girls”. Directed by the College’s head of drama, Emma Bishop; musical direction by head of music Ross Gerritson (who also designed the set); choreography by head of dance, Geordan Wilcox. the hobson 20

Left: Sandy (Juliette Danesh-Meyer) and the Pink Ladies in the King’s College Glee Club production of Grease. Below, Danny (head boy Chas Wakefield) and the T-birds; the ensemble onstage. The show had a cast of 30, with a further 30-plus students contributing backstage. Director Jeremy Birchall; musical director, head of music Chris Adams; producer, head of cultural programmes Nikki Bentley.

Below: Grammar and EGGS’ Beauty and the Beast. The two schools have collaborated on musicals and senior drama productions since the ’70s. Beauty involved a cast of 40, and 15 students in the orchestra.

“The musical material is shared amongst several vibrant characters,” says musical director (and school itinerant music teacher) Ben Sinclair of Alan Menken’s Oscar-winning score. “Menken also calls for a wide range of instrumental colours, allowing us to make good use of the variety of talent at our disposal.” Main picture: Gaston (Hugo Stewart) with admirers. Inset, the heroine, Belle (Lucy Su’a). Director and choreographer, Janine Donnell.

All photographs supplied by the schools involved

the hobson 21

the reps

DAVID SEYMOUR

M

t Eden is a special place to Aucklanders. Some have typecast anyone opposed to the ban on driving up the mountain as lazy, and car-obsessed. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are genuine concerns.

The proposal is that elderly and disabled visitors will drive up to a gate, phone a number, and, subject to them proving their disability status, will be given an entry code. Even the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority’s meeting minutes point out the obvious – it may be “difficult to screen people” for disability by phone.

Those who manage to convince the call centre will be allowed to drive to the summit, in the manner bansupporters find counter to “community aspirations for how they connect and interact with the maunga”. By stressing how the disabled will receive special treatment, ban -supporters miss the point of an inclusive facility.

The ban’s net effect is this: able-bodied people will get a more ‘contemplative’ mountaintop experience. Tick. But, the elderly and disabled will face an extra barrier, and the need for self-justification.

And what about busy people? Who reading this hasn’t whipped a visitor up Auckland’s tallest inland cone for a quick orientation en route from the airport? I know, what workaday considerations we busy people must make, but they are considerations nonetheless.

Tour buses were banned with the support of physics, because heavy vehicles do exponentially greater damage to roads. With the current proposal there is no such logic.

It’s the process that really grates. The Maunga Authority planned to make the decision, and then release the communications plan. When confronted by the media before their decision, they refused to talk.

I’ve made an official request for any reports they’ve seen on the science of vehicle impacts. The documentation released so far has little science. It’s about “spiritual aspirations” and “changing attitudes”. I’ve also asked what consultation has been done with a sample of mountain users. If the authority has done this, it’s been well hidden.

Some concerns are legitimate. Like all of central Auckland, Mt Eden’s use is intensifying. How many people can the mountain sustainably take each day? Should we invest in better tracks, should an access fee fund upkeep?

The authority should identify the problems, consider possible solutions, evaluate them scientifically, and consult a representative sample of users. And it should seek public input. The fact that eight mountains already lack vehicle access might prompt the authority to leave the city’s largest cone as one that’s accessible to all.

This shouldn’t be difficult, but the agenda is being driven by elites with scant regard to those who use the mountain.

It’s time for the Maunga Authority to change track.

David Seymour is the MP for Epsom.

PAUL GOLDSMITH

R

eading the Herald one morning over my Weetbix, I was surprised to find an article written by Steve Howie, an Auckland paediatrician. He was at Grammar and med school with my older brother, and is by all accounts an excellent man, so I took special notice.

His theme was that lucky Kiwis need to keep making a lot of noise about child poverty, not just in faraway places such as Africa, but also in New Zealand, where according to Ministry of Social Development figures, 17 per cent of our children are living without basic needs being met.

He’s right. Kiwis are generally fortunate, but we shouldn’t cease to push for improvement, particularly for our most vulnerable.

That’s one of the things that motivates me to be in politics. The key question, however, is what to do about it?

The instinctive answer of many is that we have to redistribute wealth more. But I’m not sure that many people understand just how much we already redistribute.

Treasury estimates that this year households earning over $150,000 a year – the top 15 per cent by income – will pay 49 per cent of income tax. But when benefit payments, Working for Families, paid parental leave and accommodation support are taken into account, this 15 per cent are expected to pay 74 per cent of the net income tax.

By contrast, households earning under $60,000 a year – just under half of all households – are expected to pay 9 per cent of income tax. When we take income support payments into account, as a group they will actually pay no net income tax at all.

So, is the answer yet more redistribution?

Surely the issues are deeper and so are the solutions.

A strong economy, creating jobs. A first-class education system that provides opportunities for all. And genuine progress requires doing a better job delivering public services to the people who need it most. The government is now using better information to drive spending decisions in the public sector. We have identified factors in the life of a child that predict how dependant they are likely to be on government services as a teenager and adult.

For example, a child aged under five who was known to Child, Youth and Family Service, had at least one person in their household on a benefit and one parent who had had contact with Corrections was, by the age of 21, seven times more likely to have been in prison, and by the age of 35, five times more likely to have been on a benefit.

We are focusing on using the data and our front-line knowledge to intervene earlier to help people lead more fulfilling lives. We call this social investment. We are willing to pay a bit more upfront to secure long-term results for the most vulnerable New Zealanders.

Paul Goldsmith is a list MP based in Epsom and Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs

the resident

Lizzie, Unfiltered

A

t 25, Lizzie Marvelly has achieved a professional career as a singer, both as Elizabeth Marvelly, chart-topping classical cross-over singer, and national anthem chanteuse; and as the more pop-inclined Lizzie. It was as Lizzie Marvelly that she released her well-received EP, Collisions, last year (“for a first step in a radical change, it’s a good thing,” wrote THE HOBSON’s music columnist, Andrew Dickens, who also called her “inspirational”).

More recently, she’s the proud bearer of a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and psychology, a five-year act of essays and love fitted in around her music commitments. And now, disheartened by a lot of the media for, or about, young women, she’s created an online site aimed at women aged 16 to 25. Villainesse.com launched late last month with the tagline, “No filter, no bullshit media for young women”.

“I’ve lived through that demographic,” says Marvelly, who will turn 26 next month. “The media I wanted to read, I couldn’t find.

And frankly, I got sick of reading stuff about how to get a boyfriend, or ‘win him with a text’. I wished for a deeper conversation!”

So, she’s doing it herself, building a collaborative site and calling on “a diverse community of young women” in the target demographic, and not-too-far from it, to contribute (though she’s not putting a bar on an upper age limit). The content will be, she says, “media that’s relevant, interesting and beneficial to young women”.

Marvelly’s put the call out on social media, visited schools, talked to students and teachers, signed up young TV personality Erin Simpson and politician Jacinda Arden, and attracted contributors from around the globe. The credo is open communication, honesty, safety, and to be non-judgemental. Comments will be moderated,

and gate-keeping technology should keep out the creeps.

She’s backing the venture herself and worked with a web design team to build the site. Villainesse will need sponsors to support its existence, and EcoStore is the first on board.

Marvelly lives in Parnell, and we’re talking over coffee at Rosie, which is an interesting backdrop, as recent events have offered up the sort of content likely to form lively discussion threads on Villainesse.

She considered all sorts of names for the site until she came to “villainess,” and loved the way it worked on several levels.

“It’s about not being afraid to stand out and speak up — to be totally badass in a good way! There’s a history of strong women being targeted for standing up and speaking out, from Joan of Arc to Malala. So the name’s a bit of a play on that history too.”

Marvelly sees herself as being part of a “fourth wave of feminism”.

She grew up in the age of “the Spice Girls, Helen Clark, Theresa Gattung, Dame Sylvia Cartwright.” (Meeting the former PM, the articulate Marvelly was lost for words. “I just couldn’t speak!”).

The conversation about possible Villainesse topics ranges from the mainstream discourse on bondage and discipline, thanks to 50 Shades of Grey, to the relative safety of growing up without a smartphone. ­Marvelly’s teen cohort had Bebo and MySpace, but their cellphones didn’t have internet connectivity, and they largely escaped the “sexting, revenge porn and dick pics,” the “communication” landscape that young women, and men, navigate today.

“It’s there, so let’s talk about it,” she says. “No question is too risky to ask — I just want to empower women to make decisions about what’s right for them.”

All power to her. — Kirsty Cameron p

Lizzie Marvelly — “Young female voices are not heard as much as they should be.” Photo courtesy Lizzie Marvelly the hobson 23

Simply Matching Pe

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the district diary - june

monday tuesday wednesday

1

Queen’s Birthday public holiday Thank you Your Majesty (who turned 89 on April 26)

2

Auckland Festival of Photography Runs this month, until June 20. 100 events at 70 venues across the city, for info see photographyfestival.org.nz

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4

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Rhymetime at Parnell Library A new program for the tinies, from 18 months to 3-years-old.

Free, Parnell Library, 11 11.30am every Wednesday

EGGS Teacher Only Day

8

Preschooler Storytime at Parnell Libary Stories and songs for 3 to 5-year-olds. Every Monday from 11 to 11.30am.

Parnell Library, 525 Parnell Rd

9

Book Group at Remuera Library 11am

King’s School: Meet the Headmaster Morning tea and a chat with Tony Sissons, 11am at King’s School. kings.school.nz St Cuthbert’s/Grammar Careers Evening 6pm, at Grammar

Parnell Baths: a jewel in Auckland’s crown by Joanna Boileau and Sue Monk launches at 6.30pm, Parnell Library. RSVP parnell.library@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz Art + Object Dame Judith Binney collection auctioned (see below)

Auckland Festival of Photography exhibition opens at Kinder House, 2 Ayr St, Parnell.

To June 20, entry by donation.

Visit kinder.org.nz for further information

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Wriggle & Rhyme Tuesdays Active movement for babies to 2-year-olds, 9.30 - 10am every Tuesday, Parnell Library, 545 Parnell Rd

Book Group at Remuera Library 11am

Webb’s & Auckland Festival of Photography Charity Auction Bids open (see webbs.co.nz) from June 12 for the auction tonight.

6.30pm at Webb’s, Falcon St, Parnell Parnell Community Committee Monthly meeting, 7.30pm, Jubilee Building, Parnell Rd. All welcome

Got an entry for The District Diary?

Community groups, schools, special events, birthdays and anniversaries too if we have room! Email details to hobsondiary@gmail.com

the hobson 26

thursday

Open Campus Tour, King’s College 9.30am. Come and visit King’s. kingscollege.school.nz

Teen Book Club at Remuera Library 4 - 5.30pm 429 Remuera Rd (always fourth Thursday of the month)

friday

saturday sunday

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Advertising Booking Deadline for THE HOBSON’s next issue (July-August)

Remuera Intermediate Open Day Tours between 8.45-11.30am, no need to book. Ascot Ave, Remuera. www.remint.school.nz

Parnell Farmers’ Market Every Saturday from 8am, Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell

King’s College v Grammar 1st XV Kick-off 2.30pm, at Grammar

La Cigale French Market Saturday and Sunday mornings, 69 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell

Advertising Material Deadline for THE HOBSON’s July-August double issue

Clean up the Waipapa Stream Help weed, clean up and regenerate Parnell’s historic waterway. Inquiries to kay@ parnellheritage.org.nz

Orākei Local Board Winter Splash Get out of your Uggs and into your togs: brave the chill at Mission Bay, 12 to 2pm. For more info, see www.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/events

New issue out today! Look for our combined July-August issue in your letterboxes this weekend Grammar v Sacred Heart 1st XV Kick-off 2.30pm, at Sacred Heart

Eminent historian, the late Dame Judith Binney, and her partner, Sebastian Black, University of Auckland deputy head of English, acquired a significant art collection during their 40 years together. Works by artists including Brent Wong, Greer Twiss, Colin McCahon, Bronwynne Cornish and Ralph Hotere (all represented, right, in the couple’s Mt Eden living room) will be auctioned from 6.30pm on Thursday June 4 at Art + Object, Abbey St, Newton.

Proceeds will contribute to the establishment of the Dame Judith Te Tomairangi o Te Aroha* Trust at the Royal Society of New Zealand, where she was one of the first historians to be elected as a fellow. The trust will establish fellowships for scholars working on any aspect of New Zealand history.

For further information, visit artandobject.co.nz *Ngāi Tūhoe bestowed the name Te Tomairangi o Te Aroha, which translates as ‘the little rain of love’.

the hobson 27

notes

the plan

Two Wise Heads This month, two of our regular columnists chose to write on different aspects of our city’s over-heated housing market, and its causes. Urban planning consultant Hamish Firth considers infrastructure development, while over the page, investment director Warren Couillault looks at drivers, and solutions

E

very day we hear of a house that has gone up a $1000 a day, or there being no choice for first home buyers.

Finance minister Bill English recently attended the opening of a residential development in Auckland’s Flat Bush, and commented, “Even a greenfields development like this ... it’s taken years to get here, just because these are generational decisions”.

For the last 25 years the NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard people) have ruled the roost. No, you cannot cut your villa into three flats; no, you are a metre short so you cannot subdivide your section; no, you cannot add a 200-lot subdivision ... no ... no ... no.

And then the Auckland Super City came along, and the prospect of one district plan, one set of rules and one direction. But we must understand that the new plan needs to be tested – hence the need for submissions. And

the hobson 28

we must understand that to deliver 100 houses or sites or apartments takes a lot of time, effort and money. For example, an apartment building in the Auckland CBD that my consultancy started working on in October 2013 achieved a resource consent in April 2014, a building consent in November 2014 and will complete construction in March 2017. There is no one to blame for this, there are processes that need to be followed across a wide spectrum of matters.

The Council is rolling out SHAs (Special Housing Areas), they are helping facilitate solutions; the Government has provided the legislative pathway and is pushing the Council to meet targets on numbers of new houses. But it all takes time. And we need to overcome 25 years of inertia.

It may take another two years before demand can meet supply. And in between, moaning about the issue will get

us no closer to solving it. Where were those media critics who sat on the sideline while the NIBMYs ruled?

In the interim the big challenge is the infrastructure that is needed to support new development. The basis of calculating the benefits, and the timing and payment of delivery, remain lopsided in the favour of further delay.

Perhaps the Government needs to roll up its sleeves to deliver sensible funding schemes for local infrastructure. Migration is high and the distribution is heavily weighted towards Auckland.

On one hand you have ratepayers who have had enough and in order to contain rates and debt, the Council is proposing to slash $3.8 billion from the transport budget, leading to further traffic congestion and substandard public transport. On the other hand, Council is planning for one million new residents over the next 30 years, but is only budgeting for 716,000 people. So there is a gaping hole.

The medium growth figure in the draft budget is at odds with a high growth figure of one million more Aucklanders in a new planning rulebook for the Super City.

History suggests underinvestment in infrastructure, rapid population growth, unprecedented demand for new and expanded better infrastructure and constrained funding, only leads to major problems down the track.

The gap between infrastructure demand and available funding is so large, we need a financial strategy that ensures we get the most value out of every dollar or get more dollars from somewhere else. Or we can carry on like we are and accept a lower standard of infrastructure. — Hamish Firth p

the hobson 29

the investment

The Real Driver of Auckland House Prices

I

n recent times, during another exciting day in the New Zealand financial markets, I listened to a speech from the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), Grant Spencer. In it, he warned about the dangers of a housing bubble collapse, stating the RBNZ’s belief that speculators making huge tax-free profits are driving the boom in Auckland house prices. He further commented that to address these high-price woes, the RBNZ would like to see a capital gains tax on investment property. Oh dear, I thought, here we go again. I noted in this column last year that capital gains tax, stamp duties and banking restrictions on lending to value ratios do not, and will not, change the path of house prices. There is no evidence of their success in reining in house prices where these regimes are in place overseas. Witness Sydney, London, Manhattan etc ‌

the hobson 30

In any case, there is already an income tax arrangement in place to tax those who chose to buy and sell property for capital gain. By all means, those undertaking this activity and not paying tax should be brought to account. But even then I doubt whether this would cool the housing market to the extent the authorities desire.

We need to look at the underlying cause of increasing house prices before implementing measures aimed at arresting this increase, of course always being aware of the law of unintended consequences. I think it is very simple to see why house prices are increasing to the extent they are in Auckland, and the principle is something I learnt in economics in seventh form. There is an excess of demand relative to supply: more people (including owneroccupiers, rental investors, speculators etc) wanting houses than there are houses available to buy. Let’s look at the key

fundamentals driving this excess demand.

Net permanent immigration has increased from 2,500 in the year to March 2013, to 32,000 the next year and more than 56,000 in the most recent year to March. This net gain has been driven by a decline in the numbers permanently leaving NZ (from 83,000 in 2013 to 57,000 last year) and an increase of nearly 30,000 in the number arriving to 114,000 last year. And interestingly just over 50 per cent of the net arrivals (i.e. 26,000) indicated they will be settling in Auckland.

So fewer departures and more arrivals, equating to an increase in net immigration with over half staying and settling in Auckland. On top of that, I believe there is a domestic immigration into Auckland from other parts of New Zealand, but it is difficult to quantify. And on top of that again, New Zealand’s natural population increase — the number of births less deaths — is a relatively steady 25,000 to 35,000 per annum. Furthermore, there is foreign buyer interest (non-resident, non-owner occupier) in the market adding to pressures as well. So with all that happening on the demand side, it’s easy to see why there’s an increasing requirement for Auckland property.

Now let’s look at the supply-side. From 2010 to 2013, annual building consents issued in NZ for all dwellings (houses, apartments, retirement units etc) numbered just

15,000 to 17,000 each year. National consent numbers lifted to 22,000 in 2014, and 25,000 in 2015. In 2015, just 7,000 consents were issued in Auckland. It’s easy to see why there is upward pressure on prices when there is something like 50,000+ more people wanting to live in Auckland each year, and only 7,000 more houses likely to be built. And there’s a lag in the consent being issued and the consented house being ready to occupy.

Auckland needs more houses right now to meet current demand, let alone to meet likely demand from more population growth over the next few years. Demand is running way ahead of supply and this is likely to stay a structural issue for many, many years.

Current rates of price increase may continue or ease off for a time but for the foreseeable future there is only one way prices are headed and that is up. So if anyone tells you that a capital gains tax on investment properties is going to cool the market and make it easier for people to buy houses, you need to say, “Which houses? We don’t have enough to go around.” And doing anything at all which restricts the housing supply and the building of new houses is nothing short of a disaster. The answer is for central and local government to accelerate and incentivise the building of new houses right now.

— Warren Couillault p

the hobson 31

the suburbanist

A

round the world, people have been desperate to find ways to help the recovery efforts in Nepal in the wake of the earthquake that devastated the country in April. Over recent weeks stories have emerged of empty planes – that could have been carrying supplies – arriving for the sole purpose of evacuating Westerners. Scenes of chaos emerged of aid destined for far-flung villages in desperate need, diverted from its proper path. Sam Johnson, the young man behind Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army, accepted an urgent invitation to travel to Kathmandu and work alongside the Nepalese Ministry of Youth. He was not looking to recreate the volunteer army, but believed young people can make a difference to the relief effort.

And yet, the biggest difference to the relief effort may have been made by people who never left the – frustrating – comfort of their armchairs. Amateur mappers have been helping the recovery efforts in Nepal with the assistance of a website with the unlikely name of Tomnod, a crowd-sourcing satellite-imagery site that made headlines when Malaysian Flight 370 disappeared last year, and is now being used to plot parts of Kathmandu in need of aid.

Tomnod is a project of the geospatial content company DigitalGlobe that provides constantly updated satellite images of an area and the tools to digitally “tag” items of interest.

The day after the earthquake struck in Nepal, DigitalGlobe’s satellite had captured images of the destruction in the city and its surrounding villages and had uploaded them online — nearly 5,700 square miles in all. Since then, over 16,500 volunteers have used the Tomnod platform to compare the new satellite images with the old, placing 74,000 tags on major destruction areas, damaged roads, and ravaged homes. Their crowd-sourced data is plugged into an algorithm that identifies frequent tag alignments to discover which

areas are in need of the most help. That information is then made available to relief groups, who can use the images to target survivors in need of food, water, tents, and medical supplies.

There are about a million people in the Tomnod community volunteering their time to assist from afar. Professional mappers are also volunteering to help with more sophisticated tools available to them in the open-source mapping platform, OpenStreetMap, which is providing rich data to humanitarians on the ground.

However Tomnod’s strength is its simplicity and possibly its ubiquity: it can be used by anyone, young or old, near or far, from your desktop or your phone. There is also an intimacy, a closeness, that this process delivers. Westerners often suffer from disaster fatigue, the result of too many grainy satellite photos of rubble and strife, plastered anonymously across television screens. But when people can engage with the situation themselves comparing, essentially before and after photographs, an immediacy emerges that is both deeply personal and globally useful.

Users have described how toggling between images, they find that a road or a cluster of homes is just gone. One Tomnod Facebook commenter said, “After looking at more images, I have come to realise these images are real. Village after village has been wiped from the face of the earth. Major rivers have expanded in breadth and one in particular has carved a new, very deep riverbed. Very sobering. In the blink of an eye ...”.

Tomnod allows our eyes to see and do good. When Google Earth first hit our screens, it prompted a vague voyeurism where we felt simultaneously curious and entitled to view the world through a new lens. Tomnod moves us from the passive to the active, and utilises us collectively, as the best kind of crowd to help those who need it most. — Tommy Honey

the hobson 32

Roberto Romanin/shutterstock.com

Crowd-sourced Relief

Meet the Headm aster!

Please register to attend on admissions@kings.school.nz

The first steps in education, laying down strong foundations for the future.

(Pre-school children are welcome to attend and will be cared for

by King’s School staff )

If you have a pre-school son who will soon be starting school, please join us at King’s School for morning tea and hear what Headmaster, Tony Sissons has to say about boys’ education.

You will also get a chance to meet senior boys and tour the school.

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the second act

The Next Step After a call-out via this column for “mid-life reinventors”, I was introduced to Parnell resident Lorraine Lipman.

Lorraine has led a fascinating life, with four exceptional career reinventions. Having just reached her sixth decade, she has recently embarked on an OE, so we corresponded via email. Here is some of our exchange.

LORRAINE: When I was in my 40s, a friend said to me. ‘Do you know Lorraine, that you have had a different career for each decade of your life so far? In your 20s, a teacher; in your 30s, in business; in your 40s, a lawyer. What are you going to do in your 50s – be a brain surgeon?’

SANDY: I wouldn’t be surprised. After arriving from England to NZ in 1985, via a short stay on a kibbutz in Israel, you embarked on a real career journey. Tell us how it all happened.

LORRAINE: After I’d arrived and decided that I didn’t want to teach anymore, I saw the world as my oyster! I had … no fear of trying something new. I spent 18 months working on a government training programme as a life skills tutor, and also finding 15-19year-old trainees jobs and apprenticeships. While I enjoyed it, I was driven by the injustice I had felt as a newbie in the country and the treatment I got from the personnel consultants. So I went into personnel recruitment with a philosophy to treat everyone as equals, and in the same way that I would want to be treated. This in turn led to me studying and retraining as a lawyer in my late 40s.

SANDY: That takes courage. What is your secret to successful career transitioning?

LORRAINE: The secret is to use everything I do as a building block to my next adventure. So I put the people skills gained as a teacher to use in personnel consulting; used the interview skills I learnt in personnel work to great advantage in my law practice.

Also, gaining my BEd enabled me to cut a year out of my law degree by cross-crediting. I’m not a great believer in the five and 10 year plans. So each career move has not been based on much contemplation! More I get an idea, and if it feels right then I pursue it until I reach my then goal.

SANDY: What do you think your “superpower” is — the thing that really drives your life and success?

LORRAINE: I think I have Peter Pan syndrome. I just believe that age is no barrier to what I do. Maybe only being 4’8” [142cm] means I can’t believe I am an adult yet — I have been likened to a ‘pocket dynamo’. Basically, my philosophy is that there is a lot to do in one life, and I intend to make sure I do it.

SANDY: Are you a lone wolf in this?

LORRAINE: I am lucky that I have friends in my age group who are also still working and pursuing their goals. But, I think in general a lot of my age group are preparing themselves for

Lorraine Lipman, and inset, photopgraphed in Sicily on her current OE. Photos courtesy of Lorraine

the hobson 34

retirement and the ‘quiet life’. That mindset does not sit well with me! I wish people in mid-life would stop thinking about mid-life, and concentrate on life. Saying that, since finishing law school I have engaged in public speaking on a variety of topics, but for me the most important topic was on mid-life career change and tips and mindset for that.

SANDY: So any advice to those just starting out?

LORRAINE: Put everything into what you do, do not separate 40 hours of each week into going to work, and the rest as your time. Each hour is your life, and if it doesn’t feel right after a while, visualise what would and make plans to make it happen. I can’t say that multiple careers were always part of the plan, but for me the defining moment of wanting to be successful was when I was 11.

SANDY: What was that defining moment?

LORRAINE: In England, the schools system had the 11-plus exam, that at age 11 determined if you were to go to the local secondary school, or to the grammar school. I had in my head a picture of the grammar school, and how I would look in that ‘posh’ uniform with the white gloves. I was shocked and disappointed when I failed, and realised I was to go to the local secondarymodern school.

Then the next defining moment came when I was 16. I had been put into the exam stream at my secondary school — apparently we were borderline 11-plus failures! At 16 I transferred to the new sixth form college that was an amalgamation of the boys and girls grammar schools. At last I was in my rightful place. Or so I thought, until I overheard the two heads of the girls’ grammar school talking about us “transfers”. The comment was that we would never get degrees!

I promised myself that when I got my first degree, I wanted them to know how wrong they were. I went off to teacher’s training college at 18 and got my Bachelor of Education with Honours four years later.

SANDY: I love that; we all learn from ‘failure’. It’s how we choose to respond that counts. What other stumbling blocks have you had to face?

LORRAINE: Getting into recruitment was hard as I had no sales experience. So I went out for 11 months and attempted to sell office equipment and realised I was useless at sales! I had no problem

cold-calling, no problem meeting people, but I hated asking for money. I somehow became a specialist in engineering recruitment.

A lot of engineering companies then were run by Brits, and my northern accent became a great lead in. I enjoyed the work and learnt so much.

SANDY: The leap from personnel to legal seems a big one.

LORRAINE: I did recruiting for about seven years, and as the umbrella company it sat under grew, I began to do more, which also morphed into office management and HR. By then it was about 1991, and the then Employment Contracts Act had come into force.

I had to do a course in employment relations management, and started to draft employment contracts as they were then called, for our staff.

I started to enjoy the legal aspects of HR, which is how I found myself at law school at 40 and for some reason thought that was old! With cross-credits, I completed my LLB in three years. I was admitted to the Bar in 1999. I can honestly say I still count it as one of the best days of my life.

SANDY: Was it hard to get a job in law as a woman in your 40s?

LORRAINE: I remember before we finished some of the mature students bemoaning the fact that they didn’t think they would get jobs. I encouraged them to think of the positives of age, experience and wisdom! I got my ideal job soon after completing my 13-week professionals requirement, with a small firm in Papatoetoe. It was in family law, and I was offered an associateship after a year. I became a partner very early in my career. After [that practice] merged with one of the big firms, I decided that big firm culture was not for me, so I went out on my own as a barrister. I had by then lived in Parnell for about eight years, and decided that if I was going to become a barrister, that it was a lifestyle choice, so I moved my practice from South Auckland to Parnell, which I loved. While in Parnell, I qualified as a mediator.

SANDY: And now?

LORRAINE: After five years of talking about it, my partner and I have decided to do our old age OE. So in December, I closed my practice. I then did the Cambridge CELTA course, so I am now qualified to teach English as a second language, whether that be legal, business or general English.

SANDY: I feel another career transition coming on! p

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the pretty

Bright and Beautiful Melissa Williams-King selects the prettiest pick-me-ups to cure the mid-winter blues

Eye eye: as we age our skin gets drier, so add this anti-ageing oil, above left, to your regimen before your usual night cream. Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Restorative Radiance Oil, $133. Life Pharmacy 277. The handy little stick on the right instantly refreshes the undereye area, and adds luminosity and moisture. The Body Shop limitededition Vitamin E Eyes Cube, $34.95. The Body Shop, Newmarket

A sleek silver cosmetics purse can double as an evening clutch, especially if you’re packing for a holiday. Tender Love + Carry Braid Clamshell purse, $19.95. Life Pharmacy 277, Newmarket

These sparkly eye duos come in 10 shades (shown in Fuchsia Flash) and can be used as liner, eye shadow or on tips of lashes. Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash, $23.50. Remuera Pharmacy; Unichem on Broadway

Treat eyes to a quick morning massage with this cooling applicator, and you’ll look instantly fresher. Lancôme Advanced Génifique Yeux Light Pearl, $120.

Life Pharmacy, Remuera

DKNY’s Be Delicious is a perennial bestseller, and we love these limited-edition twists on the cult fragrance, both packed with lush fruity notes.

Delicious Delights EDT in Dreamsicle and Tutti Fruity, $69 each. Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket

MOR’s new Correspondence collection is inspired by the receding art of letter writing. Kashmir Petals Hand & Body Wash, $26.99, and Hand Cream, $26.99.

At Hedgerow, Remuera

YSL’s famous Touche Ēclat is now joined by its own primer and this new blurring compact, which minimises pores and mattifies oily skin. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Ēclat Blur Perfector, $92. Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket

Fans of the Kérastase Densifique ampules (which promote hair growth) will love this new serum, which has an antioxidant complex to help stop grey hair appearing and make existing greys feel silkier. Kérastase Densifique Serum Jeunesse, $90.

Available at Bettjemans, Orakei

Chia seeds are the next big thing in beauty – they contain the perfect ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to nourish skin from within. Goodness Certified Organic Chia Seed Oil, $23.95.

New World Remuera

the hobson 36

Pretty pastels look chic with winter’s grey and black fashion. From MAC comes the limited edittion Beauty collection: Cremesheen Glass in Japanese Spring and Fashion Scoop, $48 each. Lipstick in Notice Me, $40. Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket

the wellbeing

Love Your Liver

iordani/shutterstock.com

D

o you often feel tired and sluggish? Are your memory and vision not as sharp as they used to be? Do you have a problem losing weight about your belly no matter how hard you try? Then here’s something to consider. The most overlooked cause of problems like these is often what’s referred to as a “fatigued liver”.

Your liver is one of the hardest working organs in your body.

A powerful metabolic organ, the liver is a master chemist of sorts that Chinese medical theorists call ‘The General of the Army of the Body’. Shaped like a cone, the liver is dark reddish-brown, and is situated in the right upper abdomen.

The liver holds around 15 per cent of the body’s blood supply at any given moment, and is the only organ that has two distinct sources of blood supply; oxygenated blood that flows from its hepatic artery, and nutrient-rich blood that flows from the hepatic portal vein, draining blood from the intestines.

Essentially, the liver supports every organ in the body and is vital for your survival. Problems occur when some of its key functions, like filtering the blood and detoxification, are compromised. The liver filter that acts like a sieve is altered by many factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol, ageing, diabetes and environmental chemicals. This can lead to high blood fats, or a condition referred to as ‘fatty liver’ (a build-up of fats in the liver), atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and osteoporosis (a condition of fragile bone with an increased susceptibility to fracture).

An open, healthy liver that functions effectively as a filter, plays an important part in the body’s immune system tolerance.

When you’re young, your liver can carry out all these functions efficiently. But as you get older, your liver becomes less efficient.

On top of that, decades of exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, chemicals, alcohol, and air pollution also cause your liver to age faster. It can’t keep up with its heavy workload. It gets fatigued, and starts to deteriorate and shrink.

Even worse, it starts to develop shorter telomeres at a faster rate.

Telomeres are the caps at the end of each strand of DNA. When your telomeres get shorter, you age at an escalating rate.

As a result, you may feel tired all the time, as your liver can’t convert glucose to energy quickly. You may keep piling on the kilos around the waistline, and get more cellulite, as your liver is clogged with fat deposits. And you may suffer from sex hormone imbalances and poor sex drive.

Its performance depends on the support it gets from other systems, especially the adrenal glands. When your adrenal glands aren’t working properly, say from excessive stress, then your liver struggles, too. When your liver is healthy, you will have more energy. That’s because your liver can efficiently convert glucose into energy. It can better digest food, and convert nutrients into bioavailable forms that your body can absorb.

When your liver is healthy, you will be able to lose weight, because it can efficiently burn fat. When your liver is healthy, you will feel stronger, healthier, and happier. That’s because your liver can effectively get rid of toxins in your body. It can help your body fight off inflammation and infections, amd strengthen immunity.

The liver has an amazing capacity to regenerate itself, with up to 25 per cent of it able to regenerate into a whole new liver.

Something as simple as a glass of clean water with freshly squeezed organic lemon juice first thing in the morning, can assist the liver to cleanse and rejuvenate.

It is easy to check your liver function with a simple and inexpensive blood test, which will give you a good evaluation of its function and health. — Lee Parore

the hobson suggests

Beauty in the Cooler Months

Troubled by vein or pigmentation problems? Now’s the ideal time for treatment, since UV exposure is lessened in winter and healing can be quicker. Prescription Skin Care is the best place for safe, effective treatments to cure veins and pigmentation.

Banish veins Spider veins and red capillaries on the face, which appear as red dots or threads, can make you look flushed, and aged. Removing these is easy with Prescription Skin Care’s Cutera laser – it involves a consultation and just one or two treatments. We also work with a doctor at Ascot for more invasive vein treatments, such as treating knotty varicose veins. It’s recommended to treat veins in winter when you’ll be exposed to less sun.

And if support hose for leg veins are required as part of the treatment, they’ll easily be hidden under your winter clothing.

Say goodbye to pigmentation Treat brown and red sunspots with Prescription Skin Care’s advanced IPL treatment, which is safe and effective for most skintones. Again, wintertime is ideal, since UV exposure is much reduced, so the sun won’t be working counter to your results.

Quality counts At Prescription Skin Care, some of our clients come to us for help after having poor treatment or inexperienced operators elsewhere. So don’t cut corners — make us your first stop. Create a smooth, even complexion with the help of our nurses and doctors. With more than 12 years experience in laser, and more than 20 years in skin health, Prescription Skin Care is the place to go for reliable, safe and effective treatment.

Prescription Skin Care is led by Plastic Surgeon Stephen Gilbert FRCS, FRACS (plastic).

243 Remuera Road, Remuera. Phone 529 5784 to book your appointment.

The Right Note Victoria Stagg and Jeremy Caughey married in a place rich in family lore, and meaningful sounds

all photos by greta kenyon greta kenyon photography, gretakenyon.com

the wedding

T

here are often surprises for guests at a wedding — the sight of the vintage-themed marquee was one such “aaah” moment at Jeremy Caughey and Victoria Stagg’s wedding. Less common is the bride being surprised at the reception by a singer not on the “entertainment” list — in this case, her father. “My dad is a beautiful singer, but usually he just sings at home,” says Victoria. “He asked the band to play ‘My Girl’, and sung it to me. I joined him halfway through for a duet!

It was completely unrehearsed, and something I never thought I’d do, but we were caught up in the moment. It’s now a very special memory that I will always cherish.”

Victoria, a primary school teacher, and Jeremy, a lawyer, married on the shores of Lake Okareka, near Rotorua. The breath-taking location was imbued with meaning for the couple. Jeremy spent his earlier childhood there, before moving to Remuera. “There was no other place we would ever want to have our wedding,” says Victoria, who hails from Omokoroa, and met her future husband the first weekend she moved to Auckland. “Jeremy loves the lake and has a deep connection with it, and as soon as I got taken to it, I fell in love with it too.”

So with a backdrop of blue water, the couple wed at Lake Okareka Lodge, the service witnessed by relatives, friends and even their adored cat, Lilah.

Left: Victoria and Jeremy on the shores of Lake Okareka. Right, top, Victoria’s bouquet of ivory and blush roses and rustic greenery. Right, below, The couple with Jeremy’s family, from left, sister Kate Caughey, father Martin Caughey, mother Leigh Caughey and Kate’s fiance, Dan O’Connor.

the wedding party Bride & Groom: Victoria Stagg and Jeremy Caughey Bridesmaids: Monique Hemmingson (maid of honour), Emma Beech, Kate Caughey, Jaime Marinkovich Groomsmen: Tom Hood (best man), Freddie Dunphy (also master of ceremonies), Dan O’Connor, Morgan Pinfold

the fine details The dresses: The bride wore a silk Charlie Brear dress and lace jacket, Rachel Simpson shoes, and earrings all from Primrose & Finch, Parnell.

Her jewellery included her grandmother’s pearl bracelet and a necklace borrowed from a friend.

Bridesmaids wore customised “Olivia” dresses by Amber Whitecliffe, Parnell Hair: Casey Harper Makeup: Abbie from Lillybeth Groom and Groomsmen: Suits, shirts and ties from Barkers Celebrant: Aaron Bloomfield Flowers: BloomArt, Rotorua Music: Friend Jason Pemberton played guitar and sang during the ceremony, Katikati band ‘From the Sun’ played at the reception Photographer: Greta Kenyon Photography Videographer: ShaunPaulCreative Food: A buffet ‘summer dinner’ by Devour, Tauranga, with wedding cake for dessert, from Mistress of Cakes, Rotorua Wines: Coal Pit pinot noir, rosé and sauvignon blanc, Tohu pinot gris and chardonnay

Victoria arrives at the ceremony on the arm of her father, Murray Stagg; and with her father and mother, Kate Stagg, after the service. the hobson 39

The bridal party lakeside before the formalities began. Clockwise from bottom left: Kate Caughey, Dan O’Connor, Emma Beech, Freddie Dunphy, Morgan Pinfold, Jaime Markinovich, Tom Hood, Monique Hemmingson, Jeremy, Victoria. “Jeremy and I had a ‘first look’ a couple of hours before our ceremony,” explains Victoria. “It meant we could share a few special moments alone and talk to each other freely, and steal a few kisses! Our bridal party then joined us for a picnic. It was the best way to calm your nerves and feel comfortable by the time you get to the ceremony. I was in utter happiness when I went down the aisle, instead of shaking — as I probably would have been without our ‘first look’.” the hobson 40

the wedding

The reception was held at the Caughey family’s Lake Okareka retreat, The Lakehouse, a short walk from where the service was held.

The marquee was styled with a “classic vintage” theme, but Victoria was keen for the natural beauty of the location to shine, so decoration was kept subtle and elegant.

The cake awaits: buttercream icing covered a confection of raspberry, lemon and white chocolate cake.

The boys line up: from left, Dan O’Connor, Freddie Dunphy, Jeremy, Tom Hood, Morgan Pinfold.

Above, during the service the couple sealed letters to each other inside a winebox containing a 2010 Bordeaux. The box will be opened, the wine drunk and letters read on their fifth wedding anniversary. Right, Leigh Caughey’s dog, Tobi, joined in for photos with Victoria, seated, and her bridesmaids. Standing from left, Monique Hemmingson, Kate Caughey, Jaime Marinkovich, Emma Beech. the hobson 41

the heritage

Hearth of Stone Earthquake strengthening to one of Parnell’s oldest buildings has revealed some surprises

I

n its eventful existence to date, Whitby Lodge has been variously a home to sea captains and spinster sisters, perhaps an iron foundry, definitely the Cook Islands ConsulateGeneral and in more recent times, a suite of offices. It was as an office that the distinctive basalt building at 330 Parnell Rd came into the lives of Chris and Heather McGuire.

“Chris was a lawyer when we bought it about 20 years ago,” Heather recalls. “It was very rundown. We carpeted and decorated it, and he ran his practice in the rooms at the front.”

According to the plaque at its gate, Whitby Lodge was named for a Colonel Whitby, and was either built in 1848 or 1864 with stone from Mt Eden. The varying dates are due to uncertainty about whether the house existed when the land was sold as part of the subdivided Hulme Court estate, which once covered almost five acres of central Parnell. Registered as a Historic Place Category 2 by Heritage New Zealand (formerly the Historic Places Trust), the HNZ website notes that it is one of Auckland’s few surviving 19th century basalt buildings.

After working from Whitby Lodge for five years, Chris McGuire

was appointed as a judge of the District Court in Rotorua, and the family relocated from Auckland.

The building continued, as it does today, as commercial premises for a range of tenants. Then came the Canterbury quakes, and the ripple effect of requiring older buildings to comply with new strengthening standards. On inspection, Whitby Lodge failed to score enough points for a pass, so earlier this year the McGuires started on a strengthening project for the affected part — the original basalt building, which looks to have been four square rooms off a central hallway (additions to the rear of the building are timber, added at various dates from the 1880s).

When the team from Wilkinson Building and Construction started removing gib and in places, kauri sarking, Whitby’s true form revealed itself. Walls of solid bluestone belie the gate plaque’s words that the stone was added at the later date of 1874 (Heritage NZ suggests the stone building may have replaced an earlier wooden one).

In one of the front rooms, a fireplace was revealed, presumably boarded over in the 1960s given the discovery of pages from

the hobson 42

Main picture: the archway revealed in what would have been the rear of the stone building, before later additions. For what purpose it was built is a mystery. Below, Whitby Lodge currently: the roof’s supporting studs could indicate the slate roof was a modification at a later date. Also on the drawing board is a refurbished entry portico, and a garden.

Work in other rooms revealed another doorway and a fireplace, as well as number of handmade nails used in construction.

a 1964 New Zealand Herald stuffed in the chimney (it was the movie listings — Ava Gardner and Richard Burton were playing). In the room behind, a large archway appeared when the wall lining came off.

“It’s a bit like detective work, trying to work out why, who, when,” says architect Antony Matthews, of the lost-in-time reason for the archway. Matthews, whose practice, Matthews & Matthews, specialises in heritage conservation, was involved in the restoration of neighbouring Hulme Court, now home to the NZ Olympic Committee. He visited Whitby Lodge at the invitation of the McGuires when the building crew started to discover what lay beneath the scrim.

When the strengthening process began, the plan was simply to remove the wall linings, brace the stonework as required to bring it up to standard, and reline the walls again. But the discovery of the fireplace, archway, a doorway in another room and wide kauri boards, mean the McGuires now plan to leave some of that revealed construction as features. The project is expected to be completed this month. — Kirsty Cameron p the hobson 43

the cinema

The Main Feature ALOHA — director Cameron Crowe.

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Rachel McAdams, John Krasinski, Emma Stone.

After military contractor Brian Gilchrest’s (Cooper) career hits a snag, he is forced to return to Hawaii, the location of his greatest career triumphs — and most serious personal failures. As he attempts to reconnect with Tracy (McAdams), the girlfriend he so catastrophically damaged on his quest for success, Brian is forced to address the many character flaws he has so desperately tried to bury. A dramatic comedy, both written and directed

by Crowe, whose credits include Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous and We Bought A Zoo. MAD MAX: FURY ROAD — director George Miller. Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz. He’s back! It’s been 30 years since Max last stared down the enemy in his dusty leathers, while Tina Turner sang about not needing another hero. Directed by Miller, who bought the original Mad Max movies to life (1979’s Mad Max, Mad Max 2, 1981, and Beyond Thunderdome, 1985) Fury Road features British star Tom Hardy (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises) as our postapocalyptic hero. In a world where people fight to the death, Max is forced to team

up with warrior queen Furiousa (Theron), each needing the other to survive not only the elements but also the gangs that now rule the vast desert plains.

sequel to the popular television series created and produced by Mark Wahlberg, Entourage follows movie star Vincent Chase (Grenier) and his ‘boys’ Eric (Connolly), Turtle (Ferrara) and Johnny (Dillon), as they prepare for the pay day and subsequent party of their lives when Chase’s film debut as a director is released. As expected, nothing runs smoothly for the boys as they, as expected, create chaos, causing problems for Chase’s hilariously profane superagent, Ari Gold (Piven). Elevating it above the series, there are cameo appearances by A-listers including Warren Buffett, Liam Neeson, Pharrell Williams and Tom Brady.

MAN UP — director Ben Palmer.

Starring: Lake Bell, Simon Pegg, Rory Kinnear, Ophelia Lovibond, Olivia Williams. A Brit rom-com.

When Nancy (Bell) is mistaken for Jack’s (Pegg) blind date, she goes along with the ruse, as his uncontainable enthusiasm leaves her intrigued, and a little bit scared should she reveal the truth. It’s a decision that results in one of the most memorable days of her life.

ENTOURAGE — director Doug Ellin.

Starring Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara. In the hotly anticipated cinematic

— Caitlin McKenna All films listed will screen at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket this month

Bring your knitting to the movies!

We’ll put the lights on dim so you can get through your project.

All levels welcome.

Monday 15 June | 6:30pm www.rialto.co.nz

the bookmark

Top Picks for the Kids

THE UMBRELLA — Ingrid & Dieter Schubert (Book Island) A real favourite, this creatively illustrated book with no words is ideal for a parent to read with their child. On a very windy day, a mischievous little black dog and a magical red umbrella set off on a wonderful adventure, leaving behind a very curious cat. Ages 2+ SQUISHY SQUASHY BIRDS — Carl van Wijk & Alicia Munday (Craig Potton) Sammy’s favourite endangered New Zealand birds are squished and squashed between the pages of this book, their quirky personalities and colourful plumages hidden from the world. Boldly and

brilliantly illustrated, with very catchy rhymes, this is a delight.

Ages 3+

RICKY RICOTTA’S MIGHTY ROBOT SERIES— Dav Pilkey (Scholastic) With short chapters, bright illustration and fast paced storylines, these books are a great introduction to chapter books. Ideal for either reading aloud to a younger child, or giving to a confident reader to enjoy alone.

They have been a great hit with Sally’s 5-year-old son.

Ages 5-8 SQUISHY MCFLUFF: THE INVISIBLE CAT SERIES — Pip Jones (Allen & Unwin) Utterly cute and funny, the

adventures of Ava and her invisible white kitten are told in delightful rhyming verse, accompanied by amusing illustrations. Squishy and Ava will become firm favourite chapter books for little girls.

Ages 5-8

BINNY FOR SHORT — Hilary McKay (Hachette) Binny’s life has been tough, with no father, a new school, new friends and dreadful old Aunt Violet banishing her wonderful dog, Max. This Carnegie Medal contender is a wonderful heart-warming family comedy — warm, wise and witty with characters who will steal your heart.

Ages 9+

the hobson 45

DARKMOUTH — Shane Hegarty (Harper Collins) Legends (also known as terrifying, human-eating monsters) have invaded the town of Darkmouth, and aim to conquer the world. 12-yearold Finn loves animals, is not a natural fighter, but he tries really hard. A wonderfully funny, action-packed and inventive adventure that will appeal to fans of Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl and Skulduggery Pleasant.

Ages 9+ — Gail Woodward, with help from Sally Ewers, mother and Paper Plus Newmarket children’s book buyer

the sound

That’s Country, Revisited

T

o paraphrase “Roll over Beethoven”; in my younger days I used to hate those country music buh-lues!

It was a deep disconnect. It was on all levels.

Sure I was a little punk, so country music lovers hated me back. But honestly, look in the mirror dudes. Ten gallon hats, Wranglers with socks in your underwear and cuban heels.

Worn by guys whose only range they’d ever been lonesome on was a golf one. The only horse they’d ridden was on a merrygo-round, and the only cow they’d ever seen was in a burger.

To me, country singers prowled around stadium stages with jewel-encrusted belts singing about how poor their daddy was, and how hard life was in a shack with a mud floor — with no sense of irony.

Country lyrics suggested a very fluid attitude towards the concept of fidelity. Lucille was taking her love to town, and Jolene was a man-stealing bitch whose eyes needed scratching out. Then there was misogyny that inferred that a woman was last in line after your horse, car, gun and dog.

There was also the excessive nationalism that country singers seemed to exude. Not only did they seem to hate all who weren’t Americans, they also seemed to hate all Americans living north of the Mason Dixon line. But they sure loved the money those Northerners paid ‘em.

And then there was line dancing and boot scooting. Please.

The ladies weren’t much better. Dressing like doilies and trilling sad, “Woe is me, my man done treat me so bad,” songs and then, horror upon horrors, breaking into yodelling.

And the one thing I disliked more than country music, was New Zealand country music. The Patsy Riggirs and Suzanne Prentices. Singers who were sounding like Patsy Cline with muddy vowels. Hell was That’s Country on the NZBC, with Ray Columbus wearing a Stetson that was the same size as the rest of his body.

And then I grew up.

I discovered the country of the poor and disenfranchised through the genius of Johnny Cash, and realised that “Achy Breaky Heart” was a genetically modified aberration of country music.

But NZ country still wasn’t doing it for me. Until this past year.

There’s been two Kiwi country albums that have probably been the best NZ releases of the year.

The first is Tami Neilson and her album, Dynamite. What Tami does that’s so remarkable is write country, blues and rockabilly tunes that are so pitch perfect, you’d swear they were standards. When I got the album, I was so impressed that I phoned her, and implored her to come into my radio studio and sing a song. So she did, and launched into her hit, “Walk”.

From Lyttleton to the world — NZ country star Marlon Williams. Photo courtesy of Universal Music the hobson 46

the psyche The first note was so improbably powerful, and perfect, that the few lucky enough to be in this little room all got shivers down the spine and neck-hairs standing on end. I implore you to search “Walk” on YouTube.

You’ll be blown away within two seconds.

Honest.

Elsewhere on the album, “Whisky and Kisses” is such a good song I’m amazed country superstars aren’t in a bidding war for it. The lyrics in “Running to You” are so tight — “I spent most of my whole life with a bucket and spade, one to carry things I love, one to bury the things I hate”. There’s not a dud track, and the whole thing takes just half an hour.

She has her collaborators too. Delaney Davidson and a young fellow called Marlon Williams duet with her, and they are simply world class.

And it’s Marlon Williams who has released the second great Kiwi country album of the year.

Marlon is just 24 and hails from Lyttelton, though his success has been so rapid that he’s now living in Melbourne. The Australian Billboard magazine has instantly picked up on him, and described his voice as that of an angel. And it is.

His self-titled debut was recorded in Lyttelton, but the sound is as good as any studio in Nashville. The album kicks off with a hiss and roar with “Hello Miss Lonesome,” which has a bite that reminds me of Jake Bugg. But it’s in the last two thirds of the album where Marlon surpasses. Mournful, moody pieces that are cinematic and deeply affecting. His voice swooping through songs that contain both the dark and the light.

He’s a murder ballad maestro. It’s just plain beautiful music sung from the heart, which is how he can sway a non-country music believer like me.

And he recognises the way I, and others, feel about country music. In an interview with The Press on Anzac Day, he said, “Everything that everyone loathes and fears about country music is true. It’s all there, it’s a hideous, distasteful world to some degree.

There’s the desire for people making country music to distance yourself from that. That’s where Americana and alt-country genre titles come from. It’s an aim of mine to reclaim the country genre and not try and make excuses for it.”

Well done Marlon and Tami. You reclaimed it and I love it. — Andrew Dickens p Marlon Williams with his band the Yarra Benders performs at the Crystal Palace, Auckland, on June 26.

The No-Drama Mama

S

ally ran crashing through the house chasing her younger brother. As she ran, she knocked down the lamp in the hallway, and dragged a jagged stick along the freshly painted wall. Her mother, Catherine, readied herself for the fight, half expecting her son to scream out in pain, or in retaliation.

It was another day in their boisterous household, with two kids, aged seven and five. Sally had long-standing impulse control issues, going from nought to 100 in almost no time at all. Forgiveness was not Sally’s strong suit.

Normally, Sally’s behaviour would result in her mother admonishing her, threatening a time out, and sending her to her room. But things were not getting better. Catherine’s nerves were frayed, and her patience had long since gone. She confessed to “not liking my daughter very much”.

After getting some advice, she decided to try something new.

Instead of yelling out at Sally to stop her behaviour, Catherine was instructed to go behind her out-of-control child, and echo the way she was feeling — accurately, empathetically, and with as much energy as Sally herself was exhibiting. As Sally was about to hit her brother for taking an eraser, Catherine got behind her, and said loudly and emphatically, “Oh my gosh, Sally. You are angry! I would be sooo angry too if someone took something of mine without asking. Hmmphh!”

As the words came out of Catherine’s mouth, they felt stilted and weird, and Catherine was soon considering the sanity of the advice.

But the reaction she got was something else. Sally looked at her like she had grown a second head, wondering what had happened to her mother, and who this person was. But instead of amping up her anger, and yelling louder, as she often did when Catherine intervened, Sally instantly calmed down.

She stopped chasing her brother, and stood expectantly next to her mother.

Catherine took the opportunity to speak calmly and slowly. Again, she repeated how frustrating it was for Sally to have her brother take her eraser, and how angry she herself would feel in this situation. While she had Sally’s attention, she asked, “I wonder how we can solve this problem?”

Now feeling heard and calm, Sally was able to engage with her mother in a discussion of what alternatives she had when her brother took something without asking.

Instead of playing referee, and stopping the fights, Catherine felt that arguments and fights were an opportunity to teach a reactive child how to notice their emotion, accept the discomfort, and find a sensible solution.

But this is not possible when the child in question feels they have to “act up” in order for you to understand just how bad they are feeling. The mirroring of the intensity of the child’s emotion frees them from having to “prove” to you how angry and upset they were, or how unjust the other child’s actions are. Also, mirroring their anger doesn’t necessarily mean “villainising” the other child, or justifying their actions: “I would be so angry too if Sam hit my arm while walking past me. Grrr. Great job not hitting him back!”

Once the emotion has been acknowledged, the ground is set to then be curious — “I wonder why he did that? Did he mean to hit you, or was it an accident? I wonder how we can tell him that it hurts when he swings his arms, even if he didn’t mean to hit you?”

For many kids, the language of emotions is a foreign one, yet understanding one’s emotions allows one to then process them, and choose to act appropriately — rather than react in anger or frustration. The technique works especially well with children with Asperger’s syndrome who tend to be generally high in intelligence, but have difficulties with empathy and in understanding other people’s perspectives. It also works well with children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who are often quick to react in anger and frustration.

But it will work just as well on the reactive teenager, as the grumpy husband.

Try it and let me know how it goes.

— Dr Amrit Kaur p the hobson 47

the anzacs

The Nurses In a series to mark the centenary of WWI, THE HOBSON is publishing each month research conducted by Remuera Heritage into the stories behind servicemen and women with connections to Remuera.

This month, writers Sue Cooper and Jenny Haggit salute two nurses.

CATHERINE WILLIAMS Catherine Amelia Williams was born on August 28, 1885, in Auckland. Her parents, James and Amelia, lived at 77 Orakei Rd (which became 107 due to later subdivision). James Williams was a stonemason, and member of the Remuera Roads Board and Auckland City Council.

Catherine trained as a nurse in Auckland in 1915 to 1918.

Her medical records describe her as being 5’3” (160cm) tall with brown hair, hazel eyes and of a fair complexion. Her brother, William Henry Williams, who lived in Russell (now Benson) Rd, Remuera, was killed in action at Ypres in Belgium in October 1917, leading Catherine to enlist in the NZ Army Nursing Service (22/513).

She was posted as a staff nurse/masseuse on the Marama, HM Hospital Ship No. 2’s sixth deployment to the Dardenelles, departing from Wellington on June 1,1918, returning again in September. She travelled again on the ship’s seventh voyage, leaving Wellington in October, and returning in January 1919.

The masseuses, who were the forerunner of modern physiotherapists, performed valuable work in aiding the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded men. The Massage Corps was a branch of the Army Nursing Service, which was established when the need for such treatment was demonstrated, and there were 31 masseuses among the 579 members of the Nursing Service.

In 1919 Catherine was posted to the Taumaru Convalescent Home for Soldiers at Lowry Bay, Wellington, where she worked until February 1920. She later qualified as a midwife. Catherine’s medals included the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

She died on August 27, 1960, and is remembered on the WWI memorial gates of Remuera Primary School.

JESSIE LAW Jessie Rachel Law lived many years in Remuera, but was born in Wellington on May 15, 1891, the third child of George and Ellen Law. The family lived in Eastbourne, where they grew flowers for the Wellington markets. After leaving school, Jessie trained as a nurse at Wellington Hospital.

Jessie’s only brother, farmer George Eckford Law, enlisted in the Army in 1916 and served in France before being wounded on December 20, 1917, at Ypres. He was transferred to No 1 NZ General Hospital at Brockenhurst, Hampshire, on January 3, 1918, but he died the next day. Jessie, whom descendants recall as being profoundly affected by her brother’s death, enlisted in the New Zealand Army Nursing Service Corps, NZEF 41st Reinforcements. She left Wellington on July 27, 1918, on the Ulimaroa, arriving in London on October 4, 1918. Ten days later, she was on duty at Brockenhurst, where her brother had died from his wounds earlier in the year.

Brockenhurst Hospital had been taken over by the New Zealand authorities from the War Office in June 1916. Although there were only a few hundred patients in the hospital during its first months, by 1918 there were times when nearly 1,600 patients were accommodated.

After the Armistice on November 11, 1918, Jessie carried on nursing at Brockenhurst until she was transferred in February 1919 to another NZ command, Codford Hospital on the Salisbury Plains, not far from the training camps where 2,500 New Zealanders had been stationed. After it was closed in July 1919, Jessie returned to New Zealand.

She married Arthur Revell Thompson in 1924, living in Christchurch and then in Remuera, at 55 Arney Rd and 14 Norana Ave. Jessie died on November 15, 1983.

Photos: Left, Catherine Williams, centre, with an unknown group of soldiers. Image from the Cenotaph database, no known copyright. Right, Jessie Law, photo courtesy of her family. For further information about this series and the work of Remuera Heritage, please visit www.remueraheritage.org.nz the hobson 48

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