The Hobson - January/February 2015

january/february 2015

rolling through the domain • school prize winners local news, views & informed opinions

Jerry Clayton BMW

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Gretchen Albrecht Rocker acrylic on canvas 1795 x 1210mm signed and dated ‘75 Realised $72 695 November 2014

Entries now invited for 2015 auctions

Contact Ben Plumbly ben@artandobject.co.nz +64 21 222 8183 Leigh Melville leigh@artandobject.co.nz +64 21 406 678

Art + ObjeCt

The January/February Issue 10

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the village Dogs need to read the rules at the Shore Rd Reserve, a cycleway to enjoy, Lions Club junior good citizens and more

the reps Columns from list MP Paul Goldsmith and Epsom MP David Seymour

the prizewinners Celebrating the success of outstanding student achievement

the district diary Local and noteworthy events for January and February

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the domain Hamish Firth takes a look right back at the formation and continued development of the park at our doorstep

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the suburbanist Light rail is just the ticket for some of Auckland’s transport troubles, says Tommy Honey

the wellbeing Triggering the right sort of immune responses is a cornerstone to health and happiness, writes Lee Parore the answers Sarsfield Brooke co-founder Donna Higginson answers our inquisition the interior Designer Andrew Cox gives a bouquet to a cool, classic local interior the sound Sweet-as summers — Andrew Dickens remembers hot times at the Sweetwaters music festival

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the journey Sandy Burgham takes a quick trip to San Francisco and returns inspired

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the cinema Caitlin McKenna’s screen picks for January and February

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the wheeze Cultural observer Eloise Grace identifies seven types of locals

the bookmark A stack of books to read to kids, to read yourself or browse in time for dinner inspiration, selected by Gail Woodward

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the investment Warren Couillault makes considered predictions on market behaviour for 2015

the pretty Beauty treats to keep you cool this summer, as selected by Melissa Williams-King

WIN!

the arts Leigh Melville looks back over a year in the business of the art market

the heritage The first in our new series — Remuera Heritage puts a story to names recorded on local WWI memorials

What a cool light — it’s just one of the new designs from Ubercool, a newly-launched online, affordable lighting store.

We have two classic-with-a-twist Dome pendant lights in either metallic gold aluminium (as shown here), metallic silver or white to give away, courtesy of Ubercool. Valued at $179, it measures W200mm x H360mm. It takes a 60 watt bulb (not included) and comes with a 1.5m flex and matching rose. If you’d like to see this light hanging in your home, email DOME to business@thehobson.co.nz by January 20. Two names will be selected at random. Please include your choice of colour and delivery address with your entry, so the light can be shipped directly to you. Check out the Ubercool collection at www.ubercool.co.nz

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issue 15, january/february 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 This Issue Josie Desmond, Zac Fleming, Melissa Williams-King Proofreader Fiona Wilson Editorial Assistant Josie Desmond Columnists & Contributors This Issue Sandy Burgham (The Journey), Peter Bromhead, Sue Cooper, Warren Couillault (The Investment), Christopher Dempsey, Andrew Dickens (The Sound), Hamish Firth (The Domain), Paul Goldsmith (The Reps), Eloise Grace (The Wheeze), Tommy Honey (The Suburbanist), Lee Parore (The Wellbeing), Caitlin McKenna (The Cinema), Leigh Melville (The Arts), David Seymour (The Reps), Desley Simpson, Mark Thomas, Melissa Williams-King (The Pretty), Gail Woodward (The Bookmark)

an you imagine the slopes of The Domain between the museum and Domain Drive hosting a fun fair along the lines of Sydney’s Luna Park? As hard as that is to visualise, there has been a precedent, when the 1913 Auckland Exhibition came to town. A roller-coaster with a view of Rangitoto?

Perhaps not something we’re likely to see again in our lifetimes but you never know — as Hamish Firth observes in his story about The Domain (page 26), land use changes over time, and like our streetscapes, it’s rarely static.

What may be a metaphoric roller-coaster this year is the city’s Long Term Plan consultation, which starts at the end of January. With rocketing rates and deferred capital projects touching every neighbourhood, it may be the year more of us need to engage with local politics. Residents’ associations feed up to local boards, which in turn give community feedback to Council. The Remuera Residents Association will meet on February 17 (see The District Diary, page 22, for details) to discuss residential impacts of the LTP. Find out more at remueraresidents.org.nz. Likewise, the Parnell Community Committee meets on the last Tuesday each month at the Parnell Trust and like the RRA, all are welcome to attend. Email parnellpcc@gmail.com to be added to their database.

We’d like to hear from you too about other things, good and bad, in our neighbourhood — the annoying, and things to celebrate. When we return after the summer break we’re planning on publishing a list of what we love and don’t — what can be improved on? Why do you choose to live here in Remuera or Parnell? Look at our Facebook page (The Hobson Magazine) and contribute your thoughts, or email me at editor@ thehobson.co.nz Have a wonderful summer — we’ll be back in late February with our March issue.

Kirsty Cameron, Editor

Photographers Vanita Andrews, Darin Campbell, Stephen Penny

Congratulations to the winners of the competitions in our November issue. Kumiko Barton, Ruby Romanos and Olivia Collinson each won an item from the hot new fashion label, Harman Grubisa. Anne Bond won a copy of St Cuthbert’s College 100 Years and Kevin Blight collected The Dwarf Who Moved

by Peter Williams QC.

Cover Fun-fair times in The Domain, c 1913. See story beginning page 26. Photo Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries 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 enquiries 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.

Frank van Hattum, the winner of our September issue competition, takes delivery of a new BMW 530d sedan for the weekend from Jerry Clayton BMW’s Yimo Wang. The prize included accommodation at Rotorua’s Black Swan luxury boutique hotel.

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.

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The Columnists Left to right from top row:

The Hobson’s cartoonist, Peter Bromhead MNZM also writes and draws for the New Zealand Herald. A long-time Parnell resident, his Gladstone Rd-based business, Bromhead Design, retails contemporary furniture.

Sandy Burgham (The Journey) is a brand strategist and an executive coach with a special interest in midlife change and transformational behaviours. She runs a central Auckland practice. Usually contributing her column, The Second Act, this month she writes on a recent trip. 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 Domain) usually writes The Plan.

He lives and works in Parnell and is principal of the Mt Hobson Group, a specialist urban planning consultancy. mthobsonproperties.co.nz Eloise Grace (The Wheeze) was a child of Remuera and Parnell, but these days observes from afar (Grey Lynn). She is a fulltime student, in her final year of a BA/BCom. Urban design critic Tommy Honey (The Suburbanist) is a former architect, Remuera resident and Dean of College at Parnell’s Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design.

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 the art department manager at ART + OBJECT auction house. She has worked for several Auckland galleries and is co-chair of the Patrons of the Venice Biennale. She lives in Parnell.

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 beauty and lifestyle 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 8

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the village

Town & Around

Hot Under the Collar Many dog walkers thought they had a bone to pick with Council over dog control signage erected in early December at Remuera’s Shore Rd Reserve and Thomas Bloodworth Park. The signs stated that dogs have to be on-leash between 8am and 7pm during the summer months, and 8am and 5pm in winter.

The Hobson received calls from hot-under-the-collar readers, wanting to know why the rules had changed. But they haven’t. Common usage of the park would seem that you can exercise dogs off-leash at any time the sports fields are not in use. But it’s a mistaken assumption.

An Auckland Council spokesperson says dog access rules have not changed for at least five years, and that the area has always been under those restrictions. The far eastern end of Shore Rd Reserve, by Portland Rd (with no marked sports fields), is, and remains, an off-leash area at all times.

“Signage has been installed to better inform parks users of the current rules,” the spokesman said.

And the rules bite. Failing to keep a dog controlled is a $200 fine, with the potential for another $100 for failing to carry a leash.

However, as reported in our November issue, the Orākei Local Board has agreed to review dog access rules for Shore Rd Reserve and Bloodworth Park in the new year. Dog owners wishing to be kept informed of the progress of this review should register with the OLB by calling 521 7023.

Until then, don’t complain to the Council – you’ll be barking up the wrong tree. — Zac Fleming p

Welcome to the neighbourhood, Italia Square Locals and foodies flocked to check out the opening of Italia Square in the ground floor of the Geyser Building on Parnell Rd. Open seven days, the complex includes a cafe, restaurant and delicatessen/grocery retailing goods from 500 food and wine suppliers, including Neat Meat, Kapiti Cheese, Lewis Rd Creamery and chocolate-makers Bennetts of Mangawhai.

Founder Antonio Aram said that the multi-offering Italia Square concept was a realisation of a dream for him. “I want to bring a small piece of Italy to Auckland and create the sights, smells and wonderful tastes of home here,” he said. “There will be Italian goods at Italia Square that cannot be bought anywhere else in New Zealand.” p

Gladstone Park Update The transfer of Parnell’s Gladstone Park to the Marutūahu collective iwi as part of a Treaty settlement has hit a new hurdle, with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei opposing the proposed transfer. The Hobson understands that Tainui, who could not be reached for comment, has also voiced concern.

As reported previously, the Hauraki-based Marutūahu — a federation of five iwi — are also attempting to have the park rezoned under the Unitary Plan to a “Maori Purpose Zone”.

Ngarimu Blair, deputy chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, says the land at Gladstone Park is of cultural significance to the central Auckland hapu, as it sits within the 3000 acres it gifted to the Crown on 18 September, 1840.

Blair says the hapu has maintained its connection to the site (currently home

Top: owner Antonio Aram, centre, with David Edwards and Jo Elwin, editor of the NZ Herald’s Bite magazine.

Centre: Hilary Shepherd, The Little Cake Kitchen’s Paul Smith and Garden to Table Trust’s Catherine Bell.

Bottom: Parnell Inc general manager Cheryl Adamson, Stephen Crockett and Miles Nathan. the hobson 10

to the Gladstone Tennis Club, a childcare centre and playground) continually for “centuries”.

“Gladstone Park is less than two kilometres from our marae at Orākei, 200 metres from our land at Quay Park, and is close to where our village once stood at Okahu.

“We cannot support this land being transferred to Marutūahu iwi, who come from as far away as Thames and Coromandel, and we urge the Crown to reconsider this proposal,” says Blair.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei wants the Crown to consult with “all iwi who have overlapping interests in the site” before signing the settlement – something that the Ministry for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations has now promised.

A spokesperson for the minister in charge, Chris Finlayson, says the views of other iwi in the region have been “sought and considered”.

“The Crown will not enter into a settlement with the Marutūahu collective until overlapping interests of other groups have been resolved to the Crown’s satisfaction,” the spokesperson said.

The group, Friends of Gladstone Park Incorporated, has also written to the minister and will appear at the upcoming Independent Hearing Panel for the Unitary Plan to argue that the park should not be rezoned. Friends of Gladstone said in a statement that they wish to “promote and protect the public interest in the ongoing use and enjoyment of Gladstone Park Land by the local community and the public at large”.

The minister has previously outlined “bottom lines” for the park, promising: “Gladstone Park will always remain a reserve, and will not be subject to intensification or commercial development.”

The minister’s spokesperson was unable to speculate on when the ministry hopes to have the settlement ultimately wrapped up.

— Zac Fleming p

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By Invitation Hamish Firth’s column (The Plan) in our November issue about the construction of the Newmarket Viaduct sparked memories for David Deutsch, and his mother, Elizabeth, of Remuera. Elizabeth’s father, Reg Bennett MBE, held several local government positions, and chaired the Auckland Regional Authority’s committee in charge of building the international airport. A scrapbook of momentoes kept by the family contains this invitation to the ribbon cutting of the Viaduct, which opened in the same year as the airport. p

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the village

¯ Local Board Orakei

Orākei Local Board update Your Orākei Local Board works hard on your behalf to deliver projects within our very small fiscal budget. Even though we are the highest residential rate-paying ward, the mayor and councillors reinvest only about four per cent of the rates we pay back into our community. We were the first local board to create an achievements register, and have maintained this since the Supercity began in 2010. I thought I would try and provide a photo snapshot of some of our achievements this last year around Remuera (it’s just one of our 10 suburbs) and one in nearby Mission Bay. For a copy of the full report, please phone our office on 521 7023. Have a very happy new year. — Desley Simpson, chair, Orākei Local Board p

VETERINARY

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Clockwise from top left: We removed mangroves and recreated Wilson’s Beach at the bottom of Victoria Ave; we opened a new walkway safely linking Remuera to the Orākei station — the tekoteko by Katz Maihi references the walkway’s heritage as a pā site; artwork from local school children on the walkway; we helped acknowledge the heritage of Remuera town centre by lighting the old post office (photo: Ian Kohler); we supported the Remuera Business Association with funding for events such as the Bastille Day street festival and Remuera Goes to Rio! (photos: Darin Campbell); we restored the iconic Mission Bay fountain; we helped fund programs at Remuera Library. All other photos courtesy of Auckland Council.

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Waitematā Local Board update Parnell is a remarkably busy area and nowhere is that more evident than on its roads. There are widespread calls across Auckland city to improve transport options, facilities, services, parking and infrastructure. Parnell is one suburb that is seeing these improvements happening.

Cycleways are fast connecting Parnell with other suburbs and the city centre.

Board member Christopher Dempsey talks of this progress on page 14.

A new Parnell Train Station has been proposed for a number of years. Funding for the station development was deferred as part of the review of Auckland Transport’s budget for Council’s Long Term Plan.

Its construction however remains a key enabler in the regeneration of Parnell, and is one of the local board’s key advocacy projects.

The Parnell Train Station plan is nevertheless being finalised and is still on schedule to be released early 2015. Thank you to everyone that got involved in the public consultation around design and location of this proposed station. The local board remains confident that a review of projects within any streamlined Auckland Transport budget will see perhaps a slimmed down version of the station proceed within a short period, and we can all look forward to this long overdue new edition to Parnell’s landscape.

Auckland Council is now consulting on the Long Term Plan 2015-2025, which sets out city improvements planned for and funded over the next decade. As a community, we tend to expect to see new projects go ahead whilst a growing number of facilities and infrastructure remain cared for – without rates increasing – this is an impossible task, the maths just doesn’t add up.

Rates, which fund about 4 per cent of council’s revenue (the

waitemata¯ Local Board

balance coming from fees and charges and investment returns), are proposed to be increased on average of 3.5 per cent pa, which next year is an average 5.6 per cent household increase due to business rate differentials being reduced over time.

Taking into account the recent property revaluation — more modest on this occasion for the inner city, that equates to an average increase of 3.78 per cent for Waitematā households.

The board will be holding a public consultation on Waitematā specifics of the Long Term Plan, which will include speaking opportunities and meetings held in conjunction with the wider Council. Please do keep an eye out for those opportunities to provide your view on the level of city improvements we should fund to balance progress against affordability going forward. For example, is the level proposed about right?

On behalf of the Waitematā Local Board members, deputy chair Pippa Coom, Christopher Dempsey, Vernon Tava, Rob Thomas, Deborah Yates, Greg Moyle and myself, I wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday season.

— Shale Chambers, chair, Waitematā Local Board p

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the village Cycle infrastructure such as these new connected cycleways provide for an increasing numbers of cyclists moving around our city, whether for pleasure or for commuting. The separated cycle lanes on Beach Rd are a good example of this kind of infrastructure development, where cyclists are physically separated from general traffic. This improves safety for cyclists, and improves vehicular flow. — Christopher Dempsey, Waitematā Local Board

Better from a bike The Waitematā Local Board recently unveiled a new cycleway bordering Parnell, and the Orākei Local Board has announced a two-wheeled initiative. The Hobson invited board representatives to tell us about them.

A new iconic view of Auckland has been revealed with the opening of the Grafton Gully Cycleway. It features the magnificent Grafton Bridge framing a small glimpse of the harbour between its expansive trusses. But this view is only available to cyclists and pedestrians using the new Grafton Gully Cycleway (photo above).

Sneaking along a small strip of land next to the motorway at Spaghetti Junction just off Upper Queen St, and curving downhill towards Beach Rd, this cycleway has a lot to offer. Built by collaboration between NZ Transport Authority (NZTA) and Auckland Transport, separate on-road cycleways, such as Beach Rd, now connect our suburbs and the inner city like never before.

The cycle route now carries on along Beach Rd and leads cyclists to Tamaki Drive, where they can then head east towards Mission Bay, or west towards Queens Wharf and Wynyard Quarter.

Right next door to Waitematā, based in the Orākei Local Board, another exciting shared path for pedestrians and cyclists is being designed by Auckland Transport and the NZTA. It will follow the eastern rail line from Merton Rd, near Glen Innes Station, through the Purewa Valley to Tamaki Drive, allowing locals to walk, run or cycle from Auckland’s eastern suburbs right into the city.

Ken Baguley, Transport Lead for the OLB, is working closely with the project. He reports that the first stage from Merton Rd to St Johns Rd is planned to start in April, with the Purewa Valley and upgraded Orākei Basin links to follow. The still to be finalised Hobson Bay to Tamaki Drive stage will complete the shared path.

The project will deliver a seven kilometre-long path constructed in four stages until 2018. It will complete a missing link in the Auckland Cycle Network, and connect with cycle routes to Pt England and to the currently shared path along Tamaki Drive.

As liaison to the Remuera Residents Association on behalf of the OLB, I attended a very popular open day held in Meadowbank in November, with other members of the Board and more than 100 locals, where the plans (see the illustrations, opposite page)- and timeframes were revealed.

The natural beauty and magnificent views along the route will appeal to people commuting into the city, as well as those using the path for fitness and recreation. Residents wanting further information should contact the Orākei Local Board office on 521 7023. — Mark Thomas, Orākei Local Board

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Parnell-based Christopher Dempsey is a committed cyclist and uses his bike as his main form of transport not only around Auckland but also, on occasion, to visit his family home in Ohiwa, in the eastern Bay of Plenty. He offers this advice about the growing popularity of e-bikes.

Increasingly, electronic bikes or e-bikes as they are known, are becoming popular with cyclists because they offer a means to overcome the hills in Auckland’s topography. As yet there are no standards for e-bikes in NZ, which means that they can be quite variable in power output and consequently can pose risk to riders (and others) if not handled correctly. Ordinary (non-electric powered) bicycles are limited in power to how strong you are at pedalling, and generally are safe to use on our busy roads. E-bikes overcome this limitation by supplying variable power to the wheels and therefore may pose a risk by unexpectedly moving too fast. If you are considering investing in an e-bike for summer, I would recommended that you research the different kinds available, and use the bike in isolated areas (supermarket car parks for example) until you gain confidence in the bike’s handling.

Auckland Transport has a great program of activities for cyclists throughout the summer (https://at.govt.nz/ cycling-walking/cyclings-the-go/) so there is no better time to dust off your wheels or invest in some new ones… and don’t forget to head along the new cycleway and check out Auckland’s newest iconic view! p

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the village Writing the Pool Story Parnell Heritage has been commissioned by the Waitematā Local Board to publish a history of the Parnell Baths to mark the Baths’ centenary. If you have any information, photographs or memories to share, the editors would like to hear from you. Please contact Joanna Boileau on 528 1174, or joanna1boileau@gmail.com. p Reversal on Parking People power has won — Auckland Transport will not be proceeding with an idea to do away with the angle parking outside Parnell’s Gladstone Rd shops. A petition drew thousands of signatures, and the plan to remove the parks and replace them with half the number of parallel parks went away, as quietly as it had appeared. p Lions Young Stars Local students were recognised at the annual Lions Club of Remuera Junior Citizenship Awards. The ceremony, held at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School, honours Year 6 and Year 8 students nominated by their schools for demonstrating attributes including honesty, generosity, respectfulness and willingness to accept responsibility.

“This event was first held 48 years ago,” says Remuera Lions’ president Karen Cramer. “It is a very highly coveted award in the schools, and pupils are honoured to receive this recognition from their respective schools.

“Danyon Loader was the keynote speaker, and all the recipients and their families enjoyed hearing about his journey from learning to swim, through to his successes in Olympic Games.”

Co-ed schools may nominate a boy and a girl from the primary section, and a boy and girl from the intermediate section. Single sex schools may nominate one student from each section.

Baradene College Neeve Boyd Cornwall Park School Ben Ewens Annabelle Davison Dilworth School Patrick Toriente Diosecan School for Girls Anneke Cummack Bess Watson Kadimah College Hattie Parker, Jack Levy Benjamin Gregory Meg Dickson King’s School Marco Giltrap Jacob Pearson Meadowbank School Jamie Smithson, Stella Naudts Mt Carmel School Gian Villaroman Tiana Salesa Newmarket Primary Annie-Rubie Akolo Antonio Adzievski

Parnell District School Campbell Jackson-Mee Reika Yusa Remuera Intermediate Olivia Cody-Matheson Benjamin Goffin Remuera Primary School Jonti Matthewson Ryan Morrissey Saint Kentigern Boys’ School Leo Lindsay-Smail Patrick Reidy Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Nieve Campbell Selena Agaimalo St Cuthbert’s College Rebecca Fala Anna Van Wijk St Michael’s Catholic School Shaantay Quiroz Jesus Damian Tuala Victoria Avenue School Hannah Bautista Olivia Cocker

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DAVID SEYMOUR

A

uckland Council recently prescribed grotesquely large rate rises for thousands of ratepayers. 126,000 households will face increases of 10 per cent or more; 25,000 of 20 per cent or more, and almost 4000 facing increases of more than 40 per cent.

Has the Council lost its collective mind? There isn’t even a transition to the new structure – the Council voted to implement this in one brutal blow. The fightback has started, and an angry Council meeting has put some of these decisions on review.

The pressure on rates is caused by some basic factors.

Firstly, the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) is set too low. The idea behind a UAGC is that while capital values give a rough idea of ability to pay, they don’t indicate how much council resource a household uses.

The average UAGC across the previous eight councils accounted for 18 per cent of rates revenue. By law it can go as high as 30 per cent, which would reduce the unfair burden placed on households when rates are determined by property values.

A higher UAGC would be fairer for the retired couple living in a house that over time has become valuable, but whose income is now not at all large. Their use of council resources is low, yet they would be hit hard. The plan sees the UAGC fall to only 12 per cent of rates revenue. It’s shameful. The second aggravator is the decision to make this move in one hit. Surely it would be fairer to phase it in?

For now, the large cost increases are focused on a subset of Auckland households. But in future everybody will pay, due to our biggest challenge: Council’s spending surge.

Grandiose capital spending plans are driving projected rate rises of four to five per cent a year through to 2022, which is a growth rate far higher than inflation projections.

Ratepayers are being set up for a thrashing.

Council debt is set to nearly triple in just 10 years, rising from $4.8 to $12.5 billion by 2022. And who really believes there won’t be cost-overruns pushing this higher?

What happens if interest rates rise more than expected?

The Council claims that fixed-rate borrowing and hedging can minimise interest rate costs. But hedging doesn’t take you too far ahead in time, and almost all debt is less than 10 years to maturity.

This mountain of debt will still exist in 20 and 30 years.

Ratepayers will be vulnerable to rising interest rates in the decades ahead. In short, Council is looking at a looming crisis. When facing a gargantuan debt blowout you stop spending, scale back the plans. Auckland’s issues are manageable. We just need some common sense, fairness, and realism. The Council needs to scale back its ambitions and focus on providing core services to its ratepayers.

David Seymour is the MP for Epsom. He is parliamentary under-secretary for education and regulatory reform

PAUL GOLDSMITH

R

oll on 2015. Looking back on 2014 from a political perspective, I feel a mix of pride and frustration.

Pride, to be part of a National Government that the people of New Zealand have entrusted with power for a third term.

Frustration, that debate on core economic and social issues was largely set aside during the election campaign.

It was a campaign of side-shows, with a disproportionate amount of airtime given to players, who in the end attracted only a tiny fraction of the votes.

Meantime, the Dirty Politics saga, with its hacking of private communications and their posting online, crossed a new threshold for New Zealand politics. It is true that these types of political campaigns are becoming the norm worldwide. But I hope that people across the political spectrum, the media, the blogosphere and public will be reflecting on the campaign over the Christmas period.

There is a price for this style of politics: the real risk of dissuading more and more New Zealanders from engaging in the political process – be that through voting, being involved in an issue of interest or even becoming involved in public life themselves.

Through it all, the National government, led by John Key, kept its focus on what we knew was important – working to build New Zealand’s future through a strong, stable economy; more jobs and business growth; more support for families; and safer, healthier communities.

We will carry on working towards those goals in 2015.

On a local level, I’m conscious of the fact my friends and neighbours in Remuera, and throughout the Epsom electorate, want to see local and central government working together to provide effective investment in transport to keep this growing city moving, and to increase the supply of new housing.

I’m keenly aware of deep concern around the substantial increases in rates in this part of town. The mayor and Council are, of course, primarily responsible for this and they have the two most powerful levers to control rates at their disposal. These are, controlling spending and spreading the burden more equitably with a higher uniform charge.

Meantime, at the central government level we continue to consider carefully how best we can encourage discipline and efficiency in this important sector, which affects our lives and the local economy so enormously.

I’m looking forward to some downtime over the Christmas period, and to returning to parliament next year to continue my work as the National list MP based in Epsom and as the Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

I wish you a happy New Year.

Paul Goldsmith is a list MP based in Epsom. He is Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Associate Minister for ACC

the prizewinners

The Honours Board

Congratulations to all students who received subject and service commendations at ceremonies at the end of term four — here are some of the top academic and service award winners, and 2015 leaders, at our schools

Auckland Grammar School Dux: Jonathan Hart Proxime Accessit: Rahul Sood (also Ian MacKinlay Memorial Scholarship for personal excellence in every field of endeavour) Rope Cup: Best all-round boy in the school (personality, leadership, scholarship, sport): Matthew Wylie (also old Boys’ Association Prize for Head Prefect) Torch of Tradition: The boy most conspicuous for devotion to the school and its traditions: Ben Rainger (Captain of the 1st XI, Ben also won the Woolley Cup for best all-round performance in the 1st XI, the Grahame Thorne Cup for batting and the Hatch Batting Award) Baradene College of the Sacred Heart Duces: Helena Douglas-Thomson and

Jessica Stanners The Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne Pendant: Jessica Stanners The Madeleine Sophie Medallion and Cup (awarded to the student who most closely represents the philosophy underpinning education within Society of the Sacred Heart schools): Ellen Kingston Epsom Girls Grammar School Dux: Tasneem Haradasa Proxime Accessit: Emily Wang Te Kaitaka Cup for Fostering Encouragement and Community Spirit: Lina Lee Te Ropu Wero Cup for Service to the School: Greta Stacey and Charlotte Collins Akoranga Cup for a Significant Contribution to Learning: Aileen Zhou and Neha Raphael Victor Macky Memorial Cup

for Service to School Sport: Rose Tynan King’s College Duces: Sam Clarke and Michael Ball Proxime Accessit: Harry Mander 2014 Sportsman: Dylan Schmidt (Trampoline) 2014 Sportswoman: Tayla White (Hockey) Foster and Lawry Prizes for students who have achieved ideals of the College: Foster Prize (Best all-round male student): Sam Clarke Lawry Prize (Best all-round female student): Elspeth Hughes Lloyd Seabrook Memorial Prize for the Arts: Thomas White School Leaders 2015: Head Boy: Chas Wakefield (Greenbank House) Head Girl: Amanda Ngo (Taylor House) Deputy Head Prefects:

April Kerr (Middlemore House), Harry Legget (St John’s House), Martin Luk (Marsden House), Awanuiarangi Morris (St John’s House) King’s School Foster Cup for Loyalty to the Ideals of King’s School: James Tang Glenie Cup for All-Round Performance (Year 6): Max Chaplin Baker Cup – Commitment to King’s School: Cullen White D G E Brown Plate and Award for All-Round Performance in Year 7: Cameron Li Major Memorial Cup: Cody Heron Whitecliffe Prize for Excellence in Art: Simon Wei Walker Trophy - Preparatory School Fixtures: Temple Kalepo Worsp Citizenship Cup: Jakob Pearson Hsu Trophy for Outstanding

Grammar 2014 head prefect Matthew Wylie receives the Rope Cup from deputy headmaster Wayne Moore; Baradene’s duces Helena Douglas-Thomson, left, and Jessica Stanners the hobson 18

Contribution to Music: James Mead J S Lazarus Trophy: Amosa Gould Kay Award for Sportsmanship: Lachlan Dickson King’s School Old Boys’ Cup Contribution to King’s: Lachlan Dickson Victor Ludorum (Top Sportsman): Oliver White Hellaby Cup for All Round Performance: Zack Limbrick-Jones Headmaster’s Prize for Head Boy: Oliver White The Pengelly Trophy Dux 2014: James Mead

House Cup for Senior Music: Renee Yee and Indigo Harding Student Council Award for Support of and Dedication to the College: Sarah Ann Hardacre Art Cup for Most Dedicated Art Student: Ella Wang Joan Holland Award for Poetry: Sophie van Waardenberg Mae Lovie Speech and Drama Memorial Trophy: Lily Leishman The Old Girls’ Association Terry Stringer Prize for Head Girl: Nadia Schroeder Carr Cup for Oratory: Simone Smith

Mt Hobson Middle School

Middle School Awards

Highest Year 7 Academic Achiever: Taka Okawa Highest Year 8 Academic Achiever: Ignacio Van Looy San Martin Highest Year 9 Academic Achiever: Edmund Smith Highest Year 10 Academic Achiever(s): Caitlin Ward, Jack Callaghan Highest Visual Art Achiever Year 9 and 10: Caitlin Ward Highest Music Achiever Year 9 and 10: Snir Tenembaum MHMS Citizenship Award: Jazmyn Astill, Hannah Black Outstanding Sports Achiever Male: Daniel Woud Outstanding Sports Achiever Female: Caitlin Ward Harper Speech Cup: Irianna Young Yen

Y8 Prize for Academic Excellence: Charlotte Ryan Trust Board Scholars’ Award: Charlotte Ryan and Elise Bailey The Sydney Old Girls’ Award for Citizenship and All-Round Excellence: Elizabeth Hayman Outstanding Achievement in Sport: Emily Hacket Pain and Isabella Gill

St Cuthbert’s College Senior School Dux: Rebecca Holland Old Girls’ Award for Citizenship: Isla Foote

Junior School Merit Cup for Citizenship and All-Round Excellence: Stephanie Lu Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award: Peyton Leigh Top Score for NZ and Pacific Region in Year 5 ICAS English: Brena Merz

Citizenship Cup: Middle School Thomas King Citizenship Cup: Senior School Zachary Morrow Head Boy 2015: Michael Hiddleston Deputy Head Boy 2015: Benjamin Humphries Saint Kentigern College Dux, NCEA: Sian Seeley Dux, International Baccalaureate Diploma: Andrew Qi Middle School Dux: Joshua Looker Head Boy 2015: Oliver Hadfield Head Girl 2015: Grace Wood Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Dux: Kate Pennycuick Proxime Accessit: Sharon Susanto Citizenship Award: Zoe Spencer Sportswoman of the Year: Zara Smith Service to the Preschool: Fayth Dohery Service to the Junior School: Emilia Radisich Head Girl 2015: Moiralisa Ainu’u Aneru Deputy Head Girl 2015: Zara Smith

Saint Kentigern College IB dux Andrew Qi, and NCEA dux Sian Seeley

Saint Kentigern Boys’ School Dux: Gibson Nevill Proxime Accessit: Steven Cho Senior Sportsman of the Year: Bronson Gleye Middle School Sportsman of the Year: Charles Wilkes Citizenship Cup: Junior School Sam McLeod

King’s School board chair the Hon Justice Simon Moore presents a prize; cups and awards ready at the King’s School prizegiving

the hobson 19

the district diary - january

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

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New Years Day

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Term One Begins Diocesan and King’s College

Term One Begins Baradene

Heineken Open ASB Tennis Centre

Anniversary Day Ports of Auckland Regatta Visit www.regatta.org.nz for more information

Preschool Storytime at Remuera Library 10 - 10.30am every Wednesday and Thursday 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

Book Club for Adults at Remuera Library 11am - 12 noon 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

Annual TSB Extended Tournament Until Thursday Remuera Bowling Club

Term One Begins Grammar, ACG Parnell and St Peter’s College Book Club for Adults at Remuera Library 11am - 12 noon 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

the hobson 20

Remuera Bowling Club Re-opening Tournament Remuera Bowling Club 6 Market Rd, Remuera

Teen Book Club at Remuera Library 4 - 5.30pm 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

friday

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Public Holiday

saturday

sunday

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ASB Classic Tournament ASB Tennis Centre Parnell Farmers’ Market 8am - 12 noon every Saturday The Jubilee Building carpark 545 Parnell Rd

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

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Auckland Council’s Music in Parks concert series starts in The Domain and around Auckland, until mid-March.

See aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for listings

Heineken Baseline Open Party 1pm, ASB Tennis Centre

Auckland Anniversary Weekend Celebrate the city’s 175th birthday with displays, special events and fireworks this long weekend at Queens Wharf.

See aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information

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Term One Begins EGGS and Saint Kentigern College

Got an entry for The District Diary?

Community groups, schools, special events welcome.

Email details to hobsondiary@gmail.com

the hobson 21

notes

the district diary - february

monday

2

Term One Begins Parnell District and Meadowbank Primary

tuesday

wednesday

3

Term One Begins St Cuthbert’s, Saint Kentigern Boys’ and Girls’ schools, Victoria Ave Primary, Remuera Primary, Remuera Intermediate, and Mt Hobson Middle School

4

Preschool Storytime at Remuera Library 10 - 10.30am every Wednesday and Thursday 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

thursday

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Term One Begins St Michael’s Catholic School Adult Book Group 10 - 11am, Parnell Library 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell

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St Cuthberts’s College Centennial Celebration: 1915 Day and Picnic World of Wearable Arts After Hours 6 - 8pm, Atrium and Special Exhibitions Hall, Auckland War Memorial Museum

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St Cuthbert’s Senior School Athletics Day

Tuesday Morning Social Bowls Recommences Remuera Bowling Club Call Jo Cheng, 309 9993 for info Book Club for Adults at Remuera Library 11am - 12 noon 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

Remuera Residents Association Meeting to discuss resident issues arising from the consultation of the Auckland Long Term Plan (LTP). 7.30pm, St Pauls Methodist Church hall, 12 St Vincent Ave, Remuera

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Book Club for Adults at Remuera Library 11am - 12 noon 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

St Cuthbert’s Swimming Sports

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26 Open Days at King’s School and Saint Kentigern Boys’ School Register at kings.school.nz and saintkentigern.com Teen Book Club at Remuera Library 4 - 5.30pm, 429 Remuera Rd, Remuera

the hobson 22

friday

saturday

sunday

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Waitangi Day and 175th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi Exhibition at the Museum, on until September, free entry with museum entry

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Parnell Farmers’ Market 8am - 12 noon every Saturday The Jubilee Building carpark 545 Parnell Road

Judges Bay Harbour Swim 9.30 -1pm, Judges Bay

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The Color Run Not local, but a lot of messy fun.

QBE Stadium, Albany. Race commences at 8am, visit www. thecolorrun.co.nz for more information

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Art in a Day Artists are given one day to create a work representing the Parnell, Grafton and Newmarket area.

Register at www.artinaday.org.nz

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

St Heliers Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Visit www.try.weetbix.co.nz for more information

28 Craft Harvest Market In the Jubilee Hall alongside Parnell Farmers’ Market, 8 11.45am, 545 Parnell Rd

Got an entry for The District Diary?

Community groups, schools, special events welcome.

Email details to hobsondiary@gmail.com

the hobson 23

notes

Simply Matching Pe

www.remuerareal

Fabulous family home ... what you want, where you want it

Fantastic home with space and privacy for all the family

33 Arney Rd

46A Bassett Rd

For Sale $5,950,000

For Sale $3,790,000

Floor: Land:

Floor: Land:

543m² 927m²

View by appointment

467m² 1133m²

View by appointment

Designed by Robin O’Donnell, built of concrete, and only six years old, this large northwest facing family home has key family living that flows seamlessly to the outdoors ... where the paved sitting/dining, flat lawn and large pool are all bathed in sun and the natural centre of summer family life. The home has been cleverly designed to provide ‘together spaces’ plus good separation where you want it, and it offers an environment that many families would just love to live in, in arguably the best street in Remuera.

Set down a quiet right-of-way, this totally renovated and upgraded home is ideal for a large family with the layout providing significant shared and separate living areas. The spacious open-plan indoor/outdoor family living pavilion features welcoming living/dining areas and a fabulous kitchen, with the pavilion opening on both sides to stunning outdoor garden areas. Best of all, all-weather louvre roofing and the outdoor fireplace means you can enjoy this substantial space all year long.

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City-end haven, sun, serenity, peace and privacy

2 Woodley Ave

For Sale $4,150,000

For Sale $3,500,000

Floor: Land:

Floor: Land:

View by appointment

Nestled at the top end of the Bassett Road valley, with wonderful sun and its own treed environment, is this architecturally designed concrete home. The outdoor living flows naturally from all living areas to a stunning pool with inifinity waterfall sides, and stone terracing that runs the length of the house.

We can’t communicate in words, or capture in pictures, the feeling of absolute peace and serenity that surrounds you in this wonderful environment - you simply must come and experience it.

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Charming family home with all the benefits of separation of living

32B Bassett Rd

420m² 1001m²

5

412m² 867m²

View by appointment

Located in one of Remuera’s best regarded ‘family’ streets is this three-storied, north facing, updated classic. From the moment you enter the drive with its front courtyard, fountain and pond, to the first glimpse of the dark polished floors inside, this home has a wonderful, picture-book feeling. But what makes it really special - aside from its location, and the charm and character of the building - is the harmonious family living that can result from separation of bedrooms and additional living spaces.

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Terry King 021 484 332 terry.king@remueraregister.co.nz

The Kings o

Remuera Real Estate Register

eople with Property

lestateregister.co.nz

Wonderful family living ... land, sun and pool 37 Dell Ave For Sale $2,980,000 Floor: Land:

260m² 982m²

View by appointment

Standing proud, on the high side of Dell Ave, this character family home offers great lawns to play, decks to lounge and an absolutely private pool and cabana. The house has been updated and upgraded over time but retains many of the original architecural features, and today the layout is ideal for smaller families. The current owners have enjoyed this wonderful peaceful environment and location for 18 years now is the time for your family to add its own personal touch to the house and do the same.

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Hidden from view ... one of Remuera’s outstanding homes 224 Victoria Ave For Sale $5,500,000 Floor: Land:

417m² 954m²

View by appointment

This stunning, concrete, Malcolm Walker designed home enjoys an abundance of light and interior spaces which work together beautifully. The site is bordered by mature planting and the north/north-western aspect means that sun is in evidence till the very end of the day. Formal and informal living areas flow directly to the outdoor living spaces, lawn and easy care pool. Designed for the best of family living, built with the best of materials and situated in one of the best residential locations in Remuera.

of Real Estate

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Diana King 021 613 884 diana.king@remueraregister.co.nz

r Limited licensed REAA 2008

We will be here right through the holidays, so if you are buying or selling, please do give us a call.

We are here to help!

“We are living proof of the polished operation and success of the Remuera Register - we had three people through our property on the first day it was on the market, and sold to the second people through on that same day. We were extremely happy with that outcome.

Then within a day, Terry and Diana found us a property that they thought would be perfect for us, which it was, and on that same day our offer for that property was accepted. We never realised that selling and buying real estate could be so seamless and stress-free. Terry and Diana have delivered us a faultless result. We would highly recommend them to any people wanting to sell or buy real estate in our area” - Charlotte Macdonald

the domain

Once Upon a Wonderland

Parnell planning consultant Hamish Firth takes a look at one of his happy places, the Auckland Domain

The extensive Auckland Exhibition opened in The Domain in December 1913 and ran over the summer. Photo: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries

T

he Auckland Domain is Auckland’s oldest park, and at 75 hectares it is one of the largest in the city. Bordering Parnell, Grafton, Newmarket and the CBD, it is an integral component that contributes to the city’s sense of belonging and identity while providing the city with an immense amount of pride.

For me The Domain provides so much more than a green space. On a rainy day, I take my kids up to the Museum, on Anzac Day I stand and remember those who made the great sacrifice. On summer Sundays I lie around the bandstand and listen as a band lulls me to a snooze. I marvel at the wonders in the botanic gardens, and when I can, I struggle up from the bottom of Domain Drive, pretending I am a runner as I think what might have been if I had been fitter and faster in my younger days. The Domain is one of my favourite places in Auckland. 4

the plan

The area in which The Domain — also known as Pukekawa — lies was formed by volcanic activity around 140,000 years ago. The impact of that activity has shaped the land into what we know today. The larger crater has formed a natural amphitheatre which hosts social gatherings such as ‘Christmas in the Park’ and a number of recreational sporting events.

Formerly, the crater floor was a small lake with a stream running into the Waitematā Harbour, however, over time the lake silted up which formed a swamp. Post European settlement, the swamp was removed and replaced with the playing fields which exist today.

The volcanic activity created a variety of natural features, which is what makes The Domain such a significant location. The duck ponds are fresh water springs derived from ground water that eventually drained the crater lake and swamp. In 1866 the springs provided Auckland’s first piped water supply.

Prior to European arrival, Māori occupied Pukekawa as a place for gardening, planting kumara on the fertile north-facing slopes of the volcanic cone. The slopes were also terraced to later provide homes and storage pits.

The name Pukekawa, or “hill of bitter memories”, references the battles fought here until 1828 between northern Ngapuhi and the Waikato tribes.

The foundations of The Domain as a public park lie in the 3000 acres [1200 ha] of land purchased by the Crown from Ngāti Whātua in 1840. Two hundred acres [80 ha] were set aside as public domain and by the September of that year, the Public Domain Act was passed and the Auckland Domain, formerly known as Auckland Park, became a recreational reserve and Crown land. In 1865, this act was amended, stating that administrative authority could be delegated to any persons and a Domain Board was established to administer the Domain and leasing of land. This administrative function shifted to the Auckland City Council in 1884, as they acted in the capacity of the Domain Board. In 1893, the Auckland Domain Vesting Act was passed which ceased the functions of the Domain Board and shifted the administrative authority to the Council, where it still sits today, legislative amendments notwithstanding.

According to The Auckland Domain, by James Taylor/Auckland City Council, the provisions of the Vesting Act stated that “the Domain is to be held as a place of public recreation and enjoyment” and under this Act the Council had complete administrative jurisdiction. As a result, 10 hectares of sports fields and cricket grounds were established, which enabled Council to “grant the exclusive use of the cricket ground, to a body or society for the purpose of particular sports, games or other recreation”. These are still widely used today for cricket, football, rugby and many other athletic

pursuits. On the basis of this Act, in 1861 and 1863 the Auckland Bowling Club and Auckland’s first cricket ground were established. Notably, the bowling club is still in existence, one of Australasia’s oldest sports clubs.

Since the Vesting Act was passed, a number of other legislative acts have been included giving Council further powers subject to certain circumstances. In turn, these additions have been reflected in the altered boundary of The Domain. While the Vesting Act managed the leasing of land, further special legislation was sought to enable the leasing of certain public buildings. Under these provisions Council has an obligation to manage the leases of certain parts of the land to enable sports and recreational activities to occur in a manner that was beneficial for all.

Today the legislative basis for The Domain is administered by Auckland City under the Auckland Domain Act 1987, which consolidated and amended the original 1893 Vesting Act legislation. Markedly, this Act has been amended by the 2008 Auckland Domain (Auckland Tennis) Amendment Act, which extends the lease of this land to the tennis facility on Stanley St. Back in 1898, there was plenty of fun and games when the Industrial Agricultural and Mining Exhibition opened at The Domain. It was followed in December 1913 by an “Auckland Exhibition”, opened by the prime minister of the day, William Massey, and Auckland mayor Peter Dignan.

Attractions included a concert hall, art gallery, machinery court, band rotunda, palace of industries, exhibition tower and the Wonderland, which included a water shute, toboggans, a railway, roller-coaster and

Above left the Wintergarden in full flower in the 1980s. Photo:Eric Young, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries; Right, an aerial view of The Domain and Auckland Museum, photo courtesy of Auckland Council the hobson 28

The most recent revision was enacted in 2003, and enabled a 60 per cent increase in the museum’s floor area, which provided for collection storage, workshops, visitor services, a theatre, and the rooftop events centre with its birds-eye views to the Waitematā.

Today, a Trust Board is the governing authority over the museum. It hosts more than 70,000 schoolchildren and 250,000 international tourists every year, which reflects the high significance of this landmark.

But imagine today if we tried to get a rollercoaster, or heaven forbid, a building as imposing or majestic as the museum, approved for The Domain precinct.

Times have changed, but as long as it is a park and the area is not being eroded, then we should enjoy what it can provide us, as those before us have for more than 150 years.

The Domain affords wonderful views of the city and the harbour. It continues to be a popular destination and used for sport, recreation, entertainment and a wonderful place to visit.

Rich in both Māori and European history, it is that opulent story that has shaped The Domain into what it is today — a real asset for Auckland.

— Hamish Firth a tearoom. The band rotunda from that popular fair still stands today, as do other significant buildings constructed around the same time, such as the stucco kiosk and the heritage-protected Wintergardens. Located on the northern side of the volcanic cone and within the site of a former quarry, the glasshouses were part of a post-WWI gentrification process to attract visitors during the winter months.

And let us not forget the museum. At the top of the Pukekawa/Domain hill is the iconic Auckland War Memorial Museum. Designed by architects Grierson, Aimer and Draffin and completed in 1929, it had humble beginings in 1852 as a two-room cottage in Grafton.

The siting of the museum is thanks to the 1918 Auckland Institute and Museum Site Empowering Act, in which Auckland Council granted permission for its erection. These acts of parliament have been amended over time to allow for the expansion, management and maintenance of the museum.

Sources consulted for this article include Auckland Domain: Self-Guided Heritage Trails; Auckland War Memorial Museum, which details The Domain’s geology, Māori history and present day attractions; The Auckland Domain, James Taylor, Auckland City Council; The Amenities, Assets and Activities of the Auckland Domain, Grafton Residents Association; and readings of the various acts of legislature mentioned above.

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the suburbanist the hobson suggests

Lessons to Save Lives

S

even out of 10 Kiwi kids can’t swim to save their lives. This is a sobering statistic in a country where, for most of the population, the beach is rarely more than an hour’s drive from home. Water Safety New Zealand reports the concerning statistic that 71 per cent of 12-yearolds can’t swim 200 metres – the distance considered the survival benchmark.

With the summer holidays upon us, water safety will be foremost in every parent’s mind as their child prepares to enjoy the surf.

New Zealand Olympic swimmer and coach at St Cuthbert’s Swim School, Dylan Dunlop-Barrett, says that the best way to ensure your child can swim to save their life is to start lessons from an early age.

“We offer lessons from six months of age,” says Dylan. “The earlier your child starts learning, the more comfortable they will be in the water, and the more skill they’ll be able to draw on should they ever find themselves in difficulty.”

St Cuthbert’s Swim School is dedicated to providing quality swimming lessons to boys and girls of all ages and stages. With a brand new facility on the St Cuthbert’s College campus in Market Rd, and instructors who have achieved at top levels of swimming, it is geared up to do just that.

A learners’ pool provides a dedicated space for beginners to build their confidence in the water before moving to the main pool, where technique is perfected. The 25 metre main pool’s moveable floor also allows for swimmers to enjoy the water in other ways, with water polo games and trainings regular fixtures after Swim School lessons.

And the latest technology is in use too, with a UV and vacuum-sand filter system that ensures purer water and less chlorine, which is good for sensitive skin and eyes.

The rapidly growing swim school, managed by Ben Feinberg-Danieli, is also offering school holiday programmes, specifically focused on keeping safe in the water, from January 12.

“We want to address the issue of water safety with our community,” says Ben. “Swimming is an essential survival skill and we want parents to have the opportunity to enrol their kids in a course that will help keep them safe in the water.”

For more information and bookings, visit www. stcuthberts.school.nz or phone 520 8272.

W

Time for a Tram?

hen Mayor Len Brown was first elected, his highest transport priority was the $2.4 billion City Rail Loop (CRL). His second was a $140 million rail link to the airport – by 2020. But, like many an election commitment, it slipped down the list; on this occasion, in favour of a new road link from Onehunga to East Tamaki – trucks trumping tourists. The target was moved out to 2030 and the ambition extended to a loop through Onehunga and Manukau. Cost to you: $1.18 billion.

But wait, there’s more! The latest estimate is now $1.63 billion for a single link extension to the Onehunga line. By 2045. Imagine how many tourists won’t be served by such visionary thinking.

Which is why Auckland Transport (AT) is reconsidering light rail (think modern trams) to the airport to cut costs. Light rail is much more flexible with where it can go – it can move on the surface where heavy rail would require substantial trenches to be built in places. Substantial infrastructure costs could be saved, but at what cost to the user? Mike Lee, Auckland Council’s infrastructure committee chairman, who chaired the multi-agency group, as well as the Campaign for Better Transport, has pointed out that light rail is suitable for inner-city transit but not long-haul work.

So the cheapest way will be to have arriving tourists catch light rail to Onehunga, where they would change to a train – hardly an exciting way to herald arrival in our fair city. Alternatively, light rail tracks could run from the airport all the way into the city, a journey of 23 kilometres. It would run on existing suburban roads, competing with other traffic and adding to congestion. The cost of such an effort would likely consume all the savings made by not building heavy rail with its encumbent trenches. It seems like AT’s move back to the drawing board might have to go back once more. Here’s hoping that they’ve made a decision by 2045 so our great-great-great-grandchildren can choose between a tram and a gondola.

AT is not alone in thinking light rail is the way of the future.

New Zealand First Spokesperson for Transport, Denis O’Rorke, is a big fan. He has released a statement on Auckland’s transport options and they revolve around – you guessed it – light rail. He cites efficiency, social, environmental and economic benefits. Light rail can carry more people than buses and is cleaner, quieter and more environmentally friendly than most alternatives. Noting the high initial capital cost of establishing light rail systems is usually beyond most councils to attempt on their own, he has come up with a novel solution: get the government to pay! O’Rorke’s proposal is that the government should fund 75 per cent of a city’s light rail investment. Given the current government’s appetite for getting in behind the City Rail Loop, we might be waiting until 2045 to get them on board with this idea. Incidentally, O’Rorke also thinks the government should step up its contribution to the CRL to 75 per cent, so at least he is consistent.

O’Rorke’s proposed routes for light rail include a Viaduct Harbour Line extending the existing Dockline tramway in the Wynyard Quarter, along Quay St to the Britomart Transport Centre in Queen St; a St Heliers line from Britomart along Quay St and Tamaki Drive to St Heliers; and a Mt Roskill line along Queen St, Upper Queen St, Ian McKinnon Drive and Dominion Rd to the Roskill South shops on Richardson Rd. You get the picture. He also has plans for a Western Springs line, a Botany line and a Howick line.

So six new routes and not an airport in sight. Perhaps Mr O’Rorke needs to get together with the good folk at Auckland Transport. — Tommy Honey

the investment

Future Forecasting

I

thought it would be good timing to look to the year ahead and provide a set of predictions for what we expect to happen in the financial markets in 2015.

First, exchange rates. I think the NZ dollar will continue to fall throughout 2015. This year it has dropped about 10 per cent against the US dollar from the late 80s, to around 78.60 at the time of writing and I’m expecting it to get in to the 60s over the next 12 months. The US dollar has been pushed down over the past two years by massive central bank monetary stimulation and this is coming to an end. With US economic growth recovering, broadening and indeed strengthening, we’ll inevitably see an increase in US interest rates from their current lows – remember US rates spiking a couple of times in 2014 when markets thought the Fed was about to signal/start tightening? Rising interest rates will see the US dollar continue to recover from low levels seen over the past few years, and the consequent tidal wave of money flowing into the US will see other currencies, including the NZ dollar, fall.

Inflation: forget about it!

Interest rates here in New Zealand. They’re low at present as they are everywhere else in the world. They tried to edge higher earlier this year but didn’t really stay up as economic data showed inflation staying rather low here in NZ (and indeed everywhere around the world). However, as economic growth picks up, in the US and NZ, we are likely to see interest rates lift from where they are although the extent of any increase is difficult to predict. As I mentioned back in the February issue of The Hobson, we are likely to experience an unusual scenario where we have interest rates rising and the New Zealand dollar falling (historically they’ve typically moved in the same direction).

Stock markets. Share markets have been booming for the past few years thanks to the huge surge in liquidity from central banks. Monetary stimulus has driven interest rates way down and investors have been forced to look for better returns elsewhere: ie sharemarkets. So in the next couple of years, with interest rates likely to rise as liquidity is withdrawn and monetary conditions tighten up, I do not think we will see a continuation of such strong stock markets. I do think that continued economic expansion – sometimes strong - will provide share markets something of a tail wind, so you will probably see positive returns next year but somewhat more modest, in my view, than recent gains.

Residential property prices. House prices are going one way and that’s up. Rising interest rates will not stop that. Lending restrictions on low-deposit mortgages will not stop that. House prices will continue to rise because of the shortfall in supply of existing houses and massive demand. Domestic immigration to Auckland as well as international immigration will continue to outstrip the ability for the building industry to build houses.

Simple.

A couple of other interesting predictions: there will be a rates revolt in Auckland which will have a major impact on the incumbent mayor and the Council, leading to a change in direction at the next election. It’s very very easy to maintain rates at current levels: stop spending! The All Blacks will retain the Rugby World Cup in England to the cheer of everyone. The release of Apple’s new watch (essentially the iPhone on the wrist) in March or April will be massive, and greatly exceed expectations – remember the company sold 10 million new iPhone 6s in the first three days of its release. Apple’s market capitalisation will top – wait for it – US$1,000,000,000 or one trillion dollars in 2015.

Happy holidays. — Warren Couillault

WELCOMING BOARDING AND DAY STUDENTS NOW or CALL 0508 46 25 46 TO ARRANGE A VISIT

the hobson 31

the wheeze

Seven Shades of Locals

Have a belated Christmas gift to buy, or a birthday to mark? Eloise Grace identifies local sub-species and helpfully suggests a few treats and gift ideas for now, or later Type 1: The Leonardo Years ago, when I was still at school, my father and I used to go to Domain & Ayr (which was then Kokako) for breakfast each morning. One day a young man who hailed from Working Style, situated across the road, came in to the café. He was wearing a deep royal blue suit, a caramel coloured thin tie, a white shirt and dark brown double monkstrap shoes. Instantly I fell in love, and naturally my father’s sentiments were not so friendly. Later, I found out that my father’s jealousy was not due to a daughter’s shifted attention, but rather due to the young man’s dazzling shoes. We saw him almost every day for a year after that, and decided to name him Leonardo due to his astonishing physical resemblance to Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as sharing the actor’s taste for a pretty girl.

Gentlemen, all I can say is that a muted tie with a bold suit goes a long way. Check out the Diamond Grid Tie ($149) at Working Style to kickstart your Parnell Prince Charming look. Working Style, 523 Parnell Rd. Type 2: The Culture Clinger By any chance does your mother think matching her Trelise Cooper dresses with an Indian bindi and press-on metallic Native-American inspired tattoos (which she read in Teen Vogue ‘is the look of the festival season’) is the height of fashion this summer? Does she call it ‘boho chic’, while you refer to it as ‘cultural in-appropriation’ or ‘a walking, talking example of conflicting ideologies’? No doubt she also clasps her hands together in a prayer gesture and says ‘khop kun krap’ to the Thai waitress when you are eating in an Italian restaurant. Cringe! However, without these fabulous women, we might not have fusion restaurants. Treat her to true cultural infusion with dinner at the Java Room. The Masala Prawn dish ($26.90) will blow your minds and hopefully you can con the waiter into believing her outfit was for a costume party. The Java Room, 317 Parnell Rd. Ph 366 1606 Type 3: The Cycling Cranks He might be saving the planet but he looks like a fatter, balder, male version of Olivia “Let’s Get Physical” Newton-John in those

bicycle shorts. With the wooden bicycle attached to the wall acting as a beacon, scores of cyclists flock each morning to Domain and Ayr. You can’t blame them though (for their location, I mean you certainly can blame them for their outfit choices). Unfortunately, my boyfriend is one of these maniacs — a recent embarrassment being the purchase of a riding top to match that of Tour de France’s Andy Schleck. Honestly, had I rolled my eyes back a millimetre further I would have caused myself a brain bleed. However, as well as contributing fewer emissions, these pedal-pushers are teaching us about the joys of clean eating; for which Domain and Ayr are masters unmatched. Give the bircher muesli a try. It comes with vanilla bean yogurt, chia seeds, rhubarb and lavender compote ($14). Lycra optional.

429 Parnell Rd. Type 4: The Golfing Grandad James May, a star of Top Gear, once told Joan Rivers that he has “the amazing ability to make both very cheap clothes and very expensive clothes look equally crap”. In my opinion, the same goes for golfing enthusiasts. There’s something about those checked pants that makes rich old men look like ancient sous chefs, especially after spilling the post-game drinks on themselves. However, as Tiger Woods taught us, golf certainly helps with attracting the ladies. Furthermore, I have only seen the active reintroduction of cheese-cutter caps in the golf community and on Harry Styles from One Direction, and I am certainly not about to support the latter. Let’s embrace our ball-bashing enthusiasts and throw some Karen Walker Helter Skelter Crazy Tort ($329) sunglasses the golfing gramps’ way. With those and his cheese-cutter, who on earth cares what’s on his pants? Karen Walker, 6 Balm St, Newmarket, or karenwalker.com Type 5: The Private School Princess If your daughter’s outfits don’t make seasonal sense, such as tiny denim shorts and a Kathmandu puffer jacket, she’s a Private School Princess. If she’s never read a newspaper nor watched a political debate, and yet doesn’t plan to vote because Russell Brand told her that ‘conventional the hobson 32

politics provide no answers’, she’s a Private School Princess. If she delivers such insults as “can you drop me around the corner from school? I just don’t want anyone to see me in this car,” she’s a PSP. What can you do but pray to the gods that one day she will stop talking like she’s in an American teen sitcom, and come back to you? Whatever nonsense comes out of their tiny mouths, it does make for good dinner party stories. The Mighty Purse is made for her — it’s a clutch that charges an iPhone ($139.95). That way, when her 21st rolls around, you will have a mighty collection of Instagram shots from the phone that never died. Available at Hedgerow, 371 Remuera Rd. www.hedgerow.co.nz Type 6: The Go-Go Granny I am not sure what it is, but every time I go for a drink in Remuera there’s always older women with dyed hair, more jewellery than Mr. T, and more plastic surgery than the late Phyllis Diller (often with the ancient smoker’s voice to match). For some reason, she’s also always wearing all white, is very tanned and often the life of the party.

They are a part of what defines this area’s stereotypes, and that is a cause to celebrate.

Give her a more natural glow with Lucy and the Powder Room’s ‘Fake Tan Fridays’ treatment ($50) and, a personal favourite, a bottle of Hendrick’s Gin ($115, from Glengarry) to accessorise. Lucy and the Powder Room, 16 Morrow St, Newmarket, 524 6702. Glengarry, 400 Remuera Rd. Type 7: The Young Ones To be honest, I am at a loss about our young men. They seem to want to look like they are either out of an MTV series where chavs get drunk, and beat up or sleep with other chavs; or if they just rolled off an all-night video shoot for The Cure. Either way, men in make-up with poorly dyed hair do not lure the girls you want as daughtersin-law. As parents, take responsibility for the sake of future generations — I refuse to allow those a thousand years from now to think that Justin Bieber was what 2015 women wanted. Book your boy an appointment at Pony Professionnel ($120 for a full head colour) and say ‘Yes, We Can!’ to a better quality man. Pony Professionnel, 290b Broadway.

the hobson suggests

Happy New Year from Lucy & The Powder Room Sans [ceuticals] presents The Perfect Gift, $75 (valued at $120)

To celebrate the launch of their online store, the girls at Sans [ceuticals] have bundled together a prescriptive combination of nourishing goodies to create the perfect gift to kick start your new year.

Sans [ceuticals] The Perfect Gift pack includes:

• Sans [ceuticals] pH Perfect Body Wash • Sans [ceuticals] Lip Aid • Sans [ceuticals] Nourishing Ultra + • 2015 Sans [ceuticals] Calendar

• Sans [ceuticals] Recipe Card – Lacto-Fermented Beets + Life Changing Bread • Vial of organic Bulls Blood Beetroot Seeds

Available at Lucy and The Powder Room Newmarket (09) 524 6702 and Takapuna (09) 488 0585, and online at sansceuticals.com

the pretty

Ice Queens

Melissa Williams-King is ready to cool off with these refreshing beauty treats Benefit Ultra Radiance Facial Re-Hydrating Mist, $49.

A gorgeous pick-me-up for tired skin, this hydrates and soothes instantly with a subtle fresh scent. Smith & Caughey’s, Newmarket.

Matrix Biolage Scalp Sync Cooling Mint Shampoo, Conditioner and Soothing Serum, $30 each.

These haircare products contain refreshing menthol to cleanse and soothe the scalp. Ainsley’s, Blaze, Q Hair, Rodney Wayne, Roger’s Design Forum and Shampoo N’ Things.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, $37.50.

Ultra-light and refreshing with the texture of softened gelato — ideal for moisturising without adding oil.

The Body Shop, Newmarket

Shiseido After Sun Soothing Gel, $43.

This cool gel feels heavenly on skin after a day in the sun – keep it in the fridge for even more impact. Farmers, Queen St.

Eye Slices, $37.

De-puff and re-energise the eye area with these cooling, reusable gel pads.

See eyeslices.co.nz.

Estée Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator, $138.

This lightly tinted cream (available in two shades) targets dark circles and puffiness, and diffuses light for a fresher look around the eyes. Life Pharmacy 277, Smith & Caughey’s.

L’Occitane Verbena Cooling Hand Gel, $38.

This crisp gel dries to a matte powdery finish, leaving hands dry, cool, and deliciously scented.

L’Occitane, Newmarket.

The Aromatherapy Co Therapy Feet Soothing Soak with Wild Mint & Sage, $15.99.

Pep up tired soles with this cooling formula that contains 100 per cent natural essential oils. Palmers Garden World, Wylie’s (Life) Pharmacy, Remuera. the hobson 34

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Roll-On, $24.99.

This handy roll-on is packed with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps skin hold onto hydration. New World, Remuera.

Dr Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner, $69.

This nifty mask feels chilly on skin as it sucks up excess oil from clogged pores. Mecca Cosmetica, Newmarket

WITHOUT WITHOUT SURGERY OR OR SURGERY DOWNTIME. DOWNTIME. High on Life New Year, New You the wellbeing

the hobson suggests

K

nowing what’s under the hood of your immune system’s engine can help you better understand why that take-away dinner, staying up late for too many nights in a row, or getting yourself worked up over life or work stuff can tank you.

Immunologists have found two major immune responses that either stimulate or suppress the autoimmune response. These are known respectively as the T-helper 3 (TH-3) and T-helper 17 (TH17) responses. Basically the TH-3, are the good guys that can help The non-surgical body contouring treatment that regulate or suppress autoimmunity, so you want to do what it takes FREEZES AWAY STUBBORN FAT. to support TH-3. A TH-17 response on the other hand stimulates autoimmunity. It’s like adding fuel to the fire of autoimmunity, and its a response you want to avoid activating as much as possible.

Essentially, you want to activate the TH-3 response without activating the TH-17, as this one step is crucial to dampening® the autoimmune response and to maintaining great health.

So, how do you activate to dampen autoimmunity?

WellCoolSculpting: let’s Show offTH-3 the body you’ve always dreamed of with start with exercise the as anon-surgical good example.

The act oftreatment pushing yourself, The non-surgical body contouring treatment BEFORE 8 WEEKS AFTER that 9 WEEKS AFTER body contouring that freezes and FIRST COOLSCULPTING SECOND COOLSCULPTING even when you want to quit,eliminates creates what is called an ‘opioid release’. naturally fat from your body.

No needles, no surgery TREATMENT TREATMENT (No weight change) and of all, no downtime.

Developed

by Harvard The best example of anbest opioid release is the euphoric feeling you getscientists, FDA-cleared, safebest andrelease, clinicallyyour proven. after you exercise,CoolSculpting the ‘exerciseishigh’.

To get the Have you resolved to get back in shape for 2015?

We will develop customized CoolSculpting treatment exercise has to challenge you andaget your heart rate up, even if it’s plan The team at Prescription Skin Care have a secret weapon to address your specific areas of concern so you can say just for a few minutes. Like performing push-ups to fatigue, to the goodbye to stubborn fat! for you: Coolsculpting, a non-invasive method of fat point when you feel you can’t go on, but you make yourself do just removal which trims those stubborn areas that diet and a few more. That’s when you release opioids. exercise can’t seem to shift.

The good news is that when your body releases natural opioids Whether you’re bothered by back fat, a belly or Procedure by Edward Becker, MD they activate Results your TH-3 cells, which are loaded with opioid ® and patient experience may vary. Ask us if CoolSculpting is right for you. would just like to streamline your hips and thighs (inner In the U.S. and Taiwan,that non-invasive fat reduction for the flankThere (love handle)is andhowever abdomen. CoolSculpting, the receptors, the chemicals make youis cleared feelonlygood.

CoolSculpting logo and the Snowflake design are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2013. All rights reserved. IC1384-A or outer), Coolsculpting is ideal. Designed by Harvard a tipping point, such as in the case of exercise over-training, that scientists and Massachusetts General Hospital, it is activates an inflammatory immune protein called IL-6, which ays dreamed of with CoolSculpting: FDA approved. activates TH-17 and promotes autoimmunity.

The experts at Prescription Skin CareAFTER have performed 8 WEEKS AFTER 9 WEEKS ring treatment thatisfreezes andyourself too hard, beBEFORE So, balance the key. Push it in exercise, ® hundreds of Coolsculpting treatments on both men® and FIRST COOLSCULPTING SECOND COOLSCULPTING work life, or stuck in a relationship that sucks, our body.partying, No needles, nostaying surgery TREATMENT TREATMENT women (globally, there’s been more than a million). and the wrong switch will flick in terms of immune response. It’s a (No weight change) There are no needles, no knives and no downtime and . Developed by Harvard scientists, big reason as to how those middle-aged endurance junkies wind up because the results appear over two to three months, it with clinically heart issues, proven. jacked up on medication to stem the tide. We’re d, safe and is discreet.

There is a permanent 20 to 30 per cent loss also seeing it in fitness fiends who, through over-training, start to of fat in treated areas.

Coolsculpting is ideal for those d CoolSculpting treatment see their bodies fall apartplan — evident with all that ‘proprioception about five to 10 kg overweight. tape’so plastered all over them to hold them together. of concern you can say Food intolerances are another contributing factor to flicking the What to expect switch the wrong way. It may be something as simple as a protein Coolsculpting targets fat bulges by holding them powder that contains casein which cross-reacts to produce an between two cooling panels – you will feel pressure autoimmune response. Simple blood tests are enough to determine and cold. You will not need a local anaesthetic. During if certain foods are a trigger to autoimmunity. treatment you can lie down, relax or read a book in your Another way to generate opioids is to get ‘high on life’ and I private room. don’t mean the mary jane or white-powder-up-the-nose type of olSculpting is right high.for Ayou. positive attitude, love, appreciation for life, positive selfQuote The Hobson on booking for a free initial or the flank (love handle) and abdomen. CoolSculpting, the esteem and having to look forward to each day/week are consultation (usually $70) to see if Coolsculpting is emarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2013.something All rights reserved.

IC1384-A ways to increase opioids. On the other hand, a negative attitude, right for you. violence, poor relationships, excess alcohol and mental stress are ways to promote IL-6, which activates TH-17 and autoimmunity.

Prescription Skin Care is led by Plastic Surgeon Stephen If your body is telling you that you’ve flicked the switch the Gilbert FRCS, FRACS (plastic). wrong way, then it’s a good time to reflect and decide if you’re 243 Remuera Road, Remuera. Phone 529 5784 to book happy, and whether you have made peace with any internal demons.

It may be the most important clinical factor in determining your autoimmunity. No amount of drugs can change the effects of a negative outlook, and the stress on your autoimmunity.

Remember, the current health care model does not treat silent autoimmunity or autoimmune reactivity until it becomes a disease.

— Lee Parore

al you Sculpting.

Reveal the real you with CoolSculpting.

®

FREEZES AWAY STUBBORN FAT.

®

the answers

Donna Higginson Donna Higginson is the co-founder of Parnell’s Sarsfield Brooke, which imports and distributes upmarket Italian furniture.

She spoke to Justine Williams about designs past and future.

What is your earliest memory of “design”? I grew up in a household where my mother could sew and my father was a mad keen renovator. He was always wanting to renovate, and we moved house a lot. I also loved to sew, so from early on I had an interest in fabrics and colour and design. When I first left school I worked at Barker and Pollock – I just loved the fabrics.

What did you do prior to opening Sarsfield Brooke? As a young woman, I left New Zealand for Honolulu, where I met and ultimately worked with my previous husband. He was Italian. We owned a company called Hawaiian Rental Homes where you could rent a package of holiday home, boat and car. When the holiday homes would start to get a bit tired, we started renovating and on-selling them. I realised I had a passion and a knack for interior design.

I would fly back to New Zealand and buy interesting furnishings and take them back to create unique looks unusual for Hawaii, but it really worked. After moving back to NZ — husbandless — I began working for Classic Collection. My job was to convince developers to open show homes, which we would style and furnish.

I eventually became a buyer for their wholesale arm, replete with wonderful buying trips to Italy. It was from here that a number of Italian furniture companies asked me to become their distributor. All by fax of course! I wouldn’t have done it on my own, but my (now) husband Peter [Lancaster] agreed to join me on this adventure and we’ve never looked back.

general. I adore Christian Lacroix — I wouldn’t ever have worn his designs, but I’m about to cover some chairs for my apartment in his extraordinary fabrics. European style in general holds enormous sway with me.

You work with your husband. Do each of you have specific responsibilities? Peter has more say in all things techy, and I’m way more involved in the buying. But we share vision, usually.

What are three items every living room needs? A stunning sofa, a great piece of art and an occasional chair that’s out there on its own.

Does anyone want a formal dining room anymore? Yes! We’ve seen a return to a separate, and glamorous, formal dining area.

What is the biggest trend you’re seeing in furniture for the coming year? People are becoming less afraid of things that are unique and glamorous.

You have a lovely kitchen area in the showroom. Who’s the cook?

Me, and our friend Dave Crown. Dave and his wife, Jude Simpson, come to our house at Mathesons Bay, and Dave and I create magnificent feasts that take all day to prepare. Jude creates wonderful table settings and Peter makes the most wonderful kitchen bitch.

Where did the name come from? Sarsfield was the street we were living in at the time, Brooke was our cat. A great name that we felt was right for selling anything from furniture to jewellery to socks!

What do you do for fitness? I’m a gym and running and skiing girl – or I was until I got taken out by a snowboarder this season. But that’s a whole other story.

Who are your design heroes? My taste is too varied to ever really identify with one style or designer. I’m impressed by design in

What is perfect relaxation? Seeing the city shrink behind me as Peter and I drive to the bach on a Friday night.

the hobson 36

the interior

The Appreciation of Place I

recently bought a copy of Scientific American and inside was an article titled ‘The Evolution of Architecture’ about the homes that animals and insects build for themselves.

The amount of creatures such as ants, termites, beavers and birds that build their nests, said the article, “are an integral part of the species as they are the… limbs, eye colour, skin covering ... All are inscribed in their genes (instincts) of these animal kingdoms architects”.

I marvel at nature’s architecture: plants, trees, the evolution of mountains and glaciers, and thinking of how all these came together. I’m supposed to be writing about interior design, and I am, I’m awakening your visual senses, perhaps slowly.

Visualise the difference between the new electric trains that run along the Hobson Bay causeway, and compare them to a steam engine of a hundred years ago. The former is clean and streamlined, kind of boring to look at. And then consider the fascination of the steam engine, bells, whistles, pipes and steam coming out from top, and a cheery train driver, waving at you.

The article from the magazine concluded with how man “originally built houses where form followed function and necessity”, ie, the vernacular was being expressed.

However we humans are now accustomed, or have evolved, to follow trends, and regardless of where we live houses, and their interiors, cannot anymore be ascribed to be in one country or the other.

Open up the latest architectural, interiors or kitchen magazine and there is a general sense of sameness. Travel the business districts of the world and you can see the blandness of architecture that makes no attempt at originality, the same template used in Vancouver, Beijing, Auckland.

Yet this general sense of sameness can be usurped by designers and architects who recognise the value, and understand the visual sense, of difference. In those same magazines, and I’m writing of

recent New Zealand ones, there are interiors (and buildings) that really make the difference, and I ask you to have a look at one that is here in Parnell. It’s Rosie, the recently refurbished cafe formerly known as Rosehip on Gladstone Rd. Anathema to some, not grungy enough, a certain class of clientele.

At first I disliked it. The interior (I love the staff who work there) reminded me of a smart airport cafe, the issue of sameness I’ve written about above. However, that knee-jerk judgment has changed and I now appreciate what the designers have achieved, and of the fact that I am not stuck in my views.

Have a look at the layering of different surfaces, the ceiling shutters, the lighting. Take in the leather webbing on the benches and chairs, the colours and textures of the seating poufs, the treatment of the walls and floors, the different stones used. Going into the toilets is similar to entering a monastic cell — ambient music and lighting, stone and mosaic walls, the granite floor. It’s great; you say your prayers, have a quick, or long, meditation on life, wash your hands and go back to the bright cafe and your double-shot latte.

The cafe’s designers have used their instincts in the design of using materials and colours that create a whole image. They haven’t used 50 shades of white or grey, there is no re-interpreting what other cafes have done, no industrial chic. There are no trends here — it’s classical, cool, and will not need to be refurbished for a long time. Designers are gifted when they clearly articulate their ideas, implement them, and have the client satisfied with the outcome.

I find good design fascinating; it’s innate, as evident in the wholeness of nature, the use of scale, balance, randomness, texture, shape and form; the expression and confidence in the use of colour, having the ability of getting off that sameness train. — Andrew Cox. Andrew Cox is a Parnell-based interior designer

Are you outgrowing your family home?

If you’re running out of room at home and thinking about selling, Call Nicola Kelland on 021 474 645

Remuera Office 279 Remuera Road, Remuera Telephone 64-9-520 3095

www.kellands.co.nz

the hobson 37

the sound

Burning Memories A

nd so finally it’s summer. But not where I am. I’m in Europe and it’s cold. But I’m thinking about summer music and to be honest it’s making me a little homesick even though I’m on this great adventure. Music is so powerful at creating emotions and when you combine that with summer, which is the most evocative season of the year, then you can be taken back across decades with just a few notes.

My first great summer memory goes back to 1977. I was 14 and it’s fair to say my music taste was atrocious and undeveloped. I’d bought my first record when I was 13 and I’m ashamed to say it was an album of covers by the Mike Curb Congregation.

My second album was not much better. Believe it or not it was the greatest hits of the Osmonds, including Little Jimmy Osmond’s “Long Haired Lover from Liverpool”.

I bought it because I had an early fascination with the Osmond’s “Crazy Horses”. I really needed an older brother.

So finally in the summer of ’77/’78, I bought a proper record. It was Fleetwood Mac Rumours. We were holidaying at Orewa. It was the days when going to the Hibiscus Coast was considered to be going north, and not just a suburban outpost of Auckland. Fleetwood Mac was my soundtrack.

Rumours was summer personified. “Dreams” was obviously the sound of a hazy afternoon but all the tracks shouted summer.

“Never Going Back Again” saw Lindsey Buckingham laying someone down in the long grass to let him do his stuff. “Go Your Own Way” was the sound of driving up to the Warkworth Rodeo. “Songbird” was the sound of nightfall as the day ended with you alone. All this in the fevered imagination of a 14-yearold who was yet to have a real girlfriend.

1978 saw me rapidly becoming a punk and a Bowie fiend, so I disavowed my Fleetwood Mac fascination but it was interesting coming back to the band last decade when the 30th anniversary of Rumours came round. I hadn’t had the record for 25-odd years, so I bought the CD and it blew me away all over again. Yes it’s California breezy but there’s a real tension bubbling underneath, particularly in songs like “The Chain” and “Gold Dust Woman”. I know it was written about all the band’s relationship difficulties, but it also reflects that happy/sad melancholy of teenage summers that we all have to go through.

Summers of my youth were also dominated by Sweetwaters.

In 1981, me and three mates took summer jobs setting up the festival in Ngaruawahia. For a month we slept in pup tents and spent the days digging longdrops and erecting fences. We were

living with all the other workers who were mostly hippies in house trucks who were keen on going clothes-optional after a hard days work. It’s fair to say we all went pretty feral that January.

In the week before the event, we were assigned to the scaffolding crew to build the speaker stacks. Four kids hanging on for dear life to scaffold nugs 40 feet in the air. Not good for a boy with vertigo. But there was a reward. We were allowed to watch Cold Chisel from the top of the stack, and Jimmy Barnes decided to climb up and join us, complete with his bottle of vodka and bandanna while singing “Cheap Wine”.

Unforgettable.

65,000 people came to that Sweetwaters and they take a lot of work, so I didn’t sleep for three days. That makes for some pretty hallucinatory memories. Roxy Music was the lead act and I’ll remember their version of the Byrds’ “Eight Miles High” echoing across the teeming valley on a stiflingly hot summer’s night for the rest of my days.

I was back working at Sweetwaters in ’83 on what was the greatest summer weekend of music of my life. Talking Heads performed their Stop Making Sense stage show. Such a concept.

Performed on a farm in Pukekawa!? Bizarre. The Eurythmics and the Psychedelic Furs put on tremendously moody shows.

“Here Comes the Rain Again” and “Love My Way” were standouts.

The Pretenders and Simple Minds were also there. I was backstage and passed a caravan that was shaking like it was in an earthquake. Apparently it was James Kerr and Chrissie Hynde getting to know each other better. I interviewed Jimmy a few years ago and told him the story. He chuckled, accused me of gilding the lily in that beautiful Scottish brogue of his, and then said that was one of the most fun gigs they’d done.

Simple Minds were on fire in ’83 and their performance was scintillating. “Someone, Somewhere in Summertime” under the country stars was perfect.

All these songs and bands and concerts are so evocative it’s like I can smell a Kiwi summer even though I’m shivering in a European winter. But I’ll be back soon enough and ready to create new summer memories. The Foo Fighters are coming to Mt Smart for what will be a classic.

But the one that will mark the summer of ’14/’15 for me will be Fat Freddy’s Drop at the Zoo on Valentine’s Day. I’m imagining “Wandering Eye” at the bandstand with the siamang gibbons hooting along. — Andrew Dickens

Above: Sweetwaters, Ngaruawahia, 1980. Photo Wikipedia, photographer unknown. the hobson 38

Today’s Kings, Tomorrow’s Legends.

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the journey

Why I Went To ... San Francisco The Second Act columnist, Sandy Burgham takes a lightning — and enlightening — trip to Silicon Valley

A

s I mature, I am increasingly glad I live in New Zealand. This has nothing to do with wanting to slow down and retire, in fact quite the opposite. We all know the risks of living here – slow onset of a parochial mindset caused by geographic isolation. However the progression of technology, alongside static airfares, has meant with some clever jiggery pokery of time/money, we may just be able to have the best of all worlds.

While technology delivers a constant stream of inspiration wherever you live, there is nothing like a real world experience to really get the creative juices flowing. And it needn’t be more than a few days. So when I had an opportunity to do a three-night blast in San Francisco recently, I jumped at the chance.

I belong to Global Women, a membership organisation that is committed to diversity in leadership. Once a year, members are invited to join an inspirational trip to a place of significance in this changing, increasingly borderless world; a trip to stimulate conversation, collaboration and diversity of thinking. This year it was Silicon Valley and I, along with 20 other members, experienced an itinerary that covered amongst other things Twitter, Google and Stanford University, as well as meet-ups with a bunch of Kiwi tech entrepreneurs who are literally changing the world.

First stop, Twitter, in the heart of San Francisco, to meet with some of their department heads and to hear about the latest evolutions of the platform.

While that was inspiring, what I really got a kick out of (aside from tweeting at Twitter), was soaking up the vibe of such a youthful and vibrant workplace culture. Apparently the average age of a Twitter employee is 30, which is higher than Facebook and Google, allegedly 26 and 29 respectively.

At Google, it was fascinating to observe a workplace culture developed by two guys in their later university years. It is indeed the ultimate campus. There are free healthy snack stations everywhere, part of the company philosophy which has its roots in co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin’s penchant for wandering into the kitchen from their garage start-up in their early years. I felt obliged to nibble on organic kale crisps and fresh fruit, plus throw down a green smoothie on the run as we moved through the campus.

Feeling conspicuously like a bit player in The Intern (a movie about two “old” wannabe interns at Google), I was taken by a culture that thought to offer an organic garden where apartment-dwelling employees (“Googlers”) can tend to their own patch; and free boiled eggs in cute takeaway packets for those who prefer a low-carb diet. Yes it’s true, there is a fun slide access between floors in one of the buildings; there was even a tightrope available in one of the gardens (for those wanting to check their work/life balance?).

While I gave the famous colourful Google bikes a miss (the preferred mode of transport to get around the enormous campus), I did try on Google glasses and not to be rude or anything, but I can’t imagine these will ever take on (I’ll probably never live that one down).

It’s always good to see young New Zealanders doing well in dynamic places, and we did meet such people at Twitter as well as Google. Our host at Google was a Kiwi lawyer who, at 17, had written a list of four dazzling USbased companies she wanted to work for. Now 34, she has already worked for two of them and has had offers from the other two. See! Our distance needn’t

Snaps over the three day tour — from top, at Twitter, San Francisco; bikes on the Google campus, welcome to the Google-verse.

the hobson 40

be a disadvantage for those with skill, ambition and buckets of chutzpah.

This was reinforced by a variety of knockout New Zealanders we met who are each doing incredibly exciting things in San Francisco. Perhaps the “overachiever of the year” award needs to go to Sean Gourley — co-founder and CTO of augmented intelligence company Quid. A physicist, decathlete, political advisor and TED fellow, he has a doctorate from Oxford (where he was a Rhodes scholar) and amongst the clients and gigs on his CV are the likes of the Pentagon, the United Nations and NASA. I’d guess he is in his thirties still.

World-leading researchers and strategists from government to private enterprise use Quid’s ability to mine metadata to give them a deep, rich, yet a somewhat demystified world view on their issue or opportunity. The Quid presentation and conversation was mind-blowing, as well as game-changing for me.

This really got me thinking about New Zealand. Some years ago, before we hated him, Oracle’s Larry Ellison suggested New Zealand was a perfect geographic location to create innovation hubs. He was discussing how to attract a certain type of youthful knowledge worker of the future – the type who lives by a code of work/life/play (which I have since adopted as my mantra) that is able to work globally, but live in a playground that offers easy access to outdoor pursuits.

New Zealand has so much potential in this new digital marketplace – but as long as we can jump on a plane at a moment’s notice.

My mind was abuzz with ideas by the time we got to the Clayman Institute of Gender Studies at Stanford. I’ve been a social insight researcher for years, I study gender part-time at university and I also hold a role as Global Women’s director of leadership development. So meeting the team who provided the

We went on to meet up with World Class New Zealander of the Year Claudia Batten, along with a bunch of other successful Kiwi tech entrepreneurs who have sold multi million-dollar businesses.

They were each inspiring and encouraging about the opportunities that a new digital framework for the world offers New Zealand entrepreneurs, the key message for all being consistent with one of the most famous global brands – just do it.

Thinking about New Zealand’s place in the world, and the world’s place in New Zealand, was on my mind as we approached Stanford University. There we had a fascinating meeting with Professor Margaret O’Mara, a leading thinker on cities of excellence and innovation hubs. Using Silicon Valley as an example, she spoke of the need not only for world class education institutions to be a recognized part of the fabric of a city but also the inclusion of “cathedrals” — places of solitude and reflection — as well as “bazaars” — places of exchange, be it ideas or commerce — as essential.

secondary research for Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s bestselling bible for women, Lean In, was simply a bonus.

On the plane back, I reflected not just over the past few days but the past few years. As I had approached 50 I made what felt like a pretty courageous call not to consider this decade the financial home run into retirement, but to reinvent and start a whole new journey.

Hence I left a fulltime role in order to favour a portfolio of interests including my university study in gender, leadership development and coaching, and a growing interest in the digital world, which resulted in being a director in a convenience technology business.

The San Francisco journey added richness to every aspect of who I am and what I do, and gave me that shot in the arm that one gets from being away even just a few days. (Having left Sunday evening, we were back at our desks by Friday morning).

Yes, I am so excited at being part of New Zealand that I’ve committed to continually leaving it. — Sandy Burgham

From left, trying the slide between floors at Google and the Google Glass technology; a stop at Stanford’s Clayman Institute.

All photos courtesy of Sandy Burgham.

the hobson 41

the cinema

january

Summer at the Movies

into the woods — director Rob Marshall. Starring Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Christine Baranski, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine. From Disney Pictures, an all-star ensemble play characters from Grimm’s fairy tales (Lilla Crawford is Red Riding Hood, below) in this adaptation of the Sondheim Broadway musical. Streep plays the wicked witch who both curses and grants the wishes of the characters, Depp is the Big Bad Wolf.

Enigma code. His success, which helped bring an end to WWII, did not help him in later years when he was publically vilified, and criminally prosecuted, for his homosexuality. Turing, played to perfection by Sherlock actor Cumberbatch, is already a favourite for awards season, with the film having already picked up numerous prizes including People’s Choice at the Toronto Film Festival.

his 150 confirmed kills and some of the harrowing stories that accompanied them.

Juggling his duty as a soldier and that of a father, Kyle’s battle at home is also revealed, as he desperately tries to switch off for his family between tours. foxcatcher — director Bennett Miller.

Starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Sienna Miller, Vanessa Redgrave. Another true story, this one the heartbreaking tale of Olympic wrestlers and brothers, Mark and Dave Schultz.

The film chronicles the relationship between the Schultzes and their eccentric millionaire backer, John Du Pont. Released at Cannes earlier this year, it garnered a nomination for Best Film and won the award for Best Director.

february

the imitation game — director Morten Tyldum. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightly, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech, Charles Dance.

This highly acclaimed British/American thriller chronicles the life of mathematician Alan Turing, who broke Nazi Germany’s

american sniper — director Clint Eastwood. Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes, Sam Jaeger.

This autobiographical war film stars Cooper as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in US Military history. Sniper details Kyle’s military career, including

wild — director Jean-Marc Vallee.

Starring Reese Witherspoon, Gaby Hoffmann, Laura Dern, Brian Van Holt, Thomas Sadoski. After a divorce, the death of her mother and years of destructive behaviour, Cheryl Strayed (Witherspoon, lauded for her performance, pictured above right) decided to hike the challenging Pacific Crest Trail in hope of healing her soul. Her adventures — and misadventures — on the trail, which runs through California, Oregon and Washington states, became the basis of a best-selling book, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Bring your knitting to the movies!

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the blessing of the Hawking and Wilde families, who both met with the cast and crew during filming to ensure authenticity.

A safe bet this awards season, it showcases the very essence of human courage, determination and love.

fifty shades of grey — director Sam Taylor-Johnson. Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Marcia Gay Harden, Jennifer Ehle, Rita Ora. Heard of the book? Thought so. Who was going to play whom had Hollywood intrigued with just about every male actor under 40 supposedly considered for the role of Christian Grey, the billionaire with kinky tastes. It eventually went to Brit actor Dornan, super-creepy as the psycho killer in TV’s The Fall. The role of the naïf heroine, Anastasia, was given to Johnson, daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. With its lashings of sex, Fifty Shades may not be the most romantic choice for Valentines Day. But if nothing else, Beyonce has scored the film, so expect the music to be brilliant!

earlier life of eminent scientist Stephen Hawking (Redmayne) focuses primarily on his relationship with his wife, Jane Wilde (Jones, with Redmayne below), and the onset of his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Theory was made with

big eyes — director Tim Burton.

Starring Christoph Waltz, Amy Adams, Krysten Ritter, Jason Schwartzman, Danny Huston, Terence Stamp. Another of the biopic adaptations in release comes from the creative mind of Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Sleepy Hollow), who has turned his lens to American artist Margaret Keane. Known for her 1950s paintings of women and children with over-sized eyes, Keane (Adams) did battle with her former husband Walter (Waltz), who had long claimed credit for her work.

— Caitlin McKenna

the theory of everything — director James Marsh. Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Harry Lloyd, David Thewlis, Emily Watson. This cinematic depiction of the

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the arts

Spirited Bids 2

014 finished on a high note for Art + Object, with our final Contemporary Art auction of the year held on November 27.

Before the final round of auctions, the New Zealand art market had traded $16,649,000 at auction with preliminary results looking to take us to around $19,500,000. While these numbers may seem large, they represent only a portion of the whole New Zealand art market.

They also remind us of our place in the world when compared with international auction results. In November, Christie’s set art market history with its Post-War and Contemporary Art evening sale in New York, which totalled a massive US$852,887,000. There were many stars of the auction, for which viewings were held in Asia, Europe and America, but the highest price achieved was for Andy Warhol’s Triple Elvis (Ferus Type), 1963, which achieved a spectacular total of US$81,925,000 following fierce bidding on the phones and in the room.

This year we have set some record prices of our own, with solid results for a number of artist’s work. At A+O, Milan Mrkusich’s Painting II (Blue) was much admired in April for its active and subtly beautiful surface. It was hotly competed for, achieving a New Zealand auction market record of $125,455. Billy Apple’s pivotal and intriguing painting Sold was a real talking point of our August viewing. It was perhaps the most major example of the artist’s work to appear on the auction market in some time, so provided something of a test case for the market. As Peter Simpson wrote in his catalogue essay, Sold is one of the largest

of Billy Apple’s series of works which engage directly with the transactions of the art market – artists and art works, buying and selling, dealers and auction houses, commissioning and collecting, contracts and receipts, gifting and bartering. Indeed, it was only the price of this 30-year-old art work at $3000, which seemed dated. On auction night it set a very satisfactory new record of $58,625 for the artist’s work at auction.

Charles Frederick Goldie and Colin McCahon continue to be strong performers in the NZ auction market, holding eight of the top ten places in the highest prices achieved at auction in 2014. Great examples by these artists are always sought after by collectors.

A+O’s November sale featured a fine example of Gretchen Albrecht’s painting. Through a career spanning some fifty years, Albrecht has become renowned for her vibrant, expressive and evocative landscape paintings.

From a Dunedin collection, Rocker was in beautiful condition and found many admirers. On auction night, it fetched a sale price of $72,695.

Interest in the auction market continues to grow, with total sales quadrupling since 1994. Since the market high of 2003, auction sales have steadily climbed to exceed those figures in a way that feels stable and sustainable. The excellent sale results achieved this year are a reflection of growing enthusiasm and demand in the New Zealand art market, combined with a level of confidence that brings supply of good quality artworks to the market. 2015 promises to be another dynamic year. — Leigh Melville

Was Van Gogh crazy when he painted this?

Undoubtedly. He was in the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole lunatic asylum at the time, having admitted himself soon after the infamous “ear mutilation” incident.

This painting depicts the view from his window, possibly reflecting some of the inner turbulence he was no doubt feeling.

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the bookmark

Your Summer Selection

the book with no pictures B J Novak (Penguin) A book with no pictures? What could be fun about that? After all, if a book has no pictures, there’s nothing to look at but the words on the page.

Words that might make you say silly sounds ... in ridiculous voices ... At once disarmingly simple and ingeniously imaginative, I dare any adult not to laugh! this is the world — Miroslav Sasek (David Bateman) Collected here for the first time in one volume are some of Sasek’s most beloved adventures. From Notre Dame in Paris to a trolley car in the hills of San Francisco, with stops for sausages in Munich and a yacht race in Sydney, this book takes children and adults alike on a trip to some of the world’s greatest destinations. maps and maps activity book — Aleksandra & Daniel Mizielinski (Five Mile Press) A visual feast for readers of all ages, with lavishly drawn illustrations. The maps show not only borders, cities, rivers and peaks, but also places of historical and cultural interest, eminent personalities, iconic animals and plants, cultural events and many more fascinating facts associated with every region. The companion activity book offers hours of entertainment to young adventurers, with myriad activities to challenge the imagination on every pull-out page. josh’s backyard bbq — Josh Emett (Random House) Josh brings his magic to the home barbecue with a range of great ideas in

this beautifully designed book. With a lovely light summer feel and tasty recipes, this book will be used in homes around the country.

There’s also an excellent array of sauces and marinades, along with recipes for delicious drinks. the complete kiwi pizza oven — Alan Brown (David Bateman) Everyone needs one of these in their backyard, at their bach or holiday home. Cooking in a wood-fired pizza oven is made for Kiwi outdoor living. Should you build your own, or buy a precast oven? And most importantly what can you cook in it? Alan Brown has all the answers. the complete new zealand seafood cookbook — Auckland Seafood School (Penguin) Kiwis love seafood. Be it salmon, snapper, mussels or scallops, we are incredibly lucky to be able to catch our own seafood through fishing, diving or snorkelling — and nothing sums up summer holidays better than this. Here is your go-to-book for all things kai moana. tell you what: great nz nonfiction 2015 — Jolisa Gracewood & Susanna Andrew (Auckland University Press) Just the book to pick up when you are not involved in reading to children, barbecueing, or fishing! There is fantastic nonfiction out there live and wild in New Zealand, on the web, radio, in magazines and journals. This is a collection of some of the best of these true stories from the past year or so. — Gail Woodward

the living

The Brunch Bunch

Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or something that covers both meals this summer at favourite local cafes — there’s somewhere to suit every mood and occasion, says Zac Fleming

Best Ugly Bagels 3a York St, Newmarket You might think a bagel’s a bagel, but once you have a Best Ugly bagel you realise all bagels are not baked equal. These are based on the Montreal style, as opposed to the New York style — crispier on the outside, chewier in the middle and a little bit sweet. The result is a bagel that’s delicious on its own, or with Best Ugly’s minimalistic but oh-so-delicious adornments. Our favourite is a Swiss on sesame with Marmite. It reminds us of being a kid.

Come here for: Amazing bagels, an easy in-’n-out Coffee: Havana Summer Hours: Closed Jan 1, hours as usual after that Brighton Road Cafe 58 Brighton Rd, Parnell Inside an old railway cottage, the focus at Brighton Rd is on what goes into the food.

Everything is made in-house using local, organic or free-range ingredients. The owners’ commitment to healthy and ethical produce extends to the drinks cabinet. The baking is renowned and extremely popular for a reason (try the vegan fruit loaf).

Come here for: Food with a conscience, the baking Coffee: Kokako Summer Hours: Closed until January 15 Domain and Ayr 492 Parnell Rd, Parnell If you haven’t already, you have to try the 20-minute fluffy pancake. It’s worth the wait. The menu boasts a range of locally sourced produce, much of it free range and organic, and has plenty of gluten free options available. The coffee is always on point, as are the various juices and smoothies.

Come here for: A healthy meal after a morning walk around the domain Coffee: Kokako Summer Hours: Not available at the time of going to press La Cigale French Market 69 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell Not your typical brunch, but the French market is one of our favourites. You’ve got the option of gorging on sweet treats while sipping on a freshly squeezed juice, or picking up a savoury bite with a takeaway coffee. There is a stall for everyone here, from delicious crepes to pastries, pies and

even treats for the dog. You can eat while you walk around enjoying the sun or take a seat inside. There’s great, fresh produce too (and the wine store on site), so you can have brunch and grab groceries in one stop.

Come here for: A little bit of everything.

Coffee: Gravity Summer Hours: Open as usual in January Meadow 20 St Johns Rd, Meadowbank Our pick of the bunch. This newcomer revives the dying breed of spacious, sunny courtyards.

Attentive staff bring great coffee and a menu that covers the classics, but makes them different enough for you to want to try. Meadow has also picked up on delicious Los Angeles favourite, the acai bowl – frozen acai berry pulp is blended with fruit and milk, then topped with homemade granola, nuts and more fruit.

Come here for: A relaxing brunch in the sun Coffee: Allpress Summer Hours: Open as usual after the New Year public holidays

Clockwise from Meadow, co-owner Blerta Radovica at Remuera Local, Shore Rd Cafe, Brighton Road Cafe, colourful seating outside Rosie the hobson 46

the kiosk Mojo 110 Carlton Gore Rd, Newmarket Undoubtedly serving up some of the best coffee in the area, Mojo breaks the mold of a chain cafe. Nestled in an old car workshop, you can choose between the funky inside or sunny outside. The menu is on the smaller side, but you’ll still struggle to choose.

Come here for: A good, quick workday feed.

Coffee: Mojo Summer Hours: Open as usual throughout January Penelope 129 Parnell Rd, Parnell Modern and spacious, the light and pale-timbered Penelope sports a huge, diverse menu — you will find something you like here. It’s also great for the health conscious with items like the “protein power breakfast”. You might even get an artwork in your coffee if you’re lucky.

Come here for: Great ambience Coffee: Altura Summer Hours: Open from January 5 Remuera Local Café Bistro 371 Remuera Rd, Remuera A refreshing addition to the cafes in the main Remuera shops, the Local has cemented itself as one of the best in the whole neighbourhood. Open from breakfast through to dinner most days, the Local has a liquor license, so is perfect for a celebratory brunch. The menu has a definite European feel to it, with the croque madame and steak tartare hard to go past.

Come here for: Champagne brunch Coffee: Allpress Summer Hours: Open for breakfast & lunch from January 12 Rosie 82 Gladstone Rd, Parnell Don’t come here if you’re in a hurry — expect a wait if you arrive on a sunny weekend, and self inflicted guilt when you do get seated from the hungry queuing outside. It’s wildly popular for a reason, with a refreshingly original menu and a great selection of juices and smoothies for caffeine absconders. Part of the Hip Group (Ortolana, Milse, Cafe on Kohi), the menu explains the flavours of each dish and many ingredients come from the owners’ own farm and gardens.

Come here for: Something different, some of the best cabinet sweets in town Coffee: Allpress Summer Hours: Open as usual in January Shore Rd Cafe 13 Shore Rd, Remuera Just across from the sports fields, there’s a great outside area perfect for brunch in the sun. Usually packed by mid-morning on the weekends, don’t be surprised if you have to wait a bit.

The staff are great though, and will let you wait for an outside table, or transfer when one comes up. There’s a nice range of classic, but also some unique dishes for the more adventurous.

The Shakshuka (a peppery mix with egg and chorizo or feta) is highly recommended.

Come here for: Post-match brunch in the sun Coffee: Allpress Summer Hours: Open as usual after January 5

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the heritage

Remembering Harold Stilton As part of World War I centenary commemorations, Remuera Heritage has undertaken a research project on the names who appear on WWI memorials around the suburb. In every issue of The Hobson this year, we will publish one of these stories, beginning with that of Harold John Stilton, who is remembered on the Roll of Honour at the gates to Remuera Primary School.

Story by Remuera Heritage chair, Sue Cooper.

H

arold was the youngest son of John and Fanny Stilton of Division reservists – married men with two children. The other Remuera, born in 1892. The family lived at what is now Stilton son, George Bertram, known as Bert, had asked for an 109 and 111 Orakei Rd, and he attended exemption, as he said he was the support Remuera Primary School, where he of his aged mother, and two brothers won a prize in standard two in 1901 had been on active service — one for regular attendance. He worked as a was at present in hospital in England, printer at the New Zealand Herald, and and the other was an outpatient of the played rugby league for the Remuera Auckland Hospital annexe. Bert said he United Club (fourth grade) with his was prepared to go if his soldier brother brother, Fred.

[William] could be returned. He was Harold enlisted with the army on granted leave until February 6, 1919.

April 7, 1916. His personnel record However the rejoicings at the signing describes him as being 5’6” tall with of the armistice bringing an end to the a fresh complexion, fair hair and blue war on 11 November, 1918, were often eyes. He had his photo taken by Queen marked with tragedy, as the influenza St photographer Herman Schmidt in epidemic took a heavy toll on the 1916 — the three photos are held in the returned servicemen. Weakened by Sir George Grey Special Collections of the war’s effects — wounds, disease, Auckland Libraries. gassing — many did not have the Harold joined the 17th strength to overcome pneumonia or Reinforcements Auckland Infantry other complications which followed the Battalion (A Company) and embarked flu. from Wellington on the Devon on Harold died on 10 November, 1918, September 25, 1916, to Devonport in Auckland Hospital from the flu in England. While serving with the epidemic at the age of 26. His funeral Auckland Infantry Regiment, he was was at St Mark’s Church in Remuera, wounded in action on 7 June, 1917, at where he is buried. His name is on the the start of the Battle of Messines on Roll of Honour at Remuera Primary the Western Front. While on duty in a School’s gates. trench, he was hit by a high-explosive A day after Harold, Bert died aged shell and wounded in the back, thigh, 33, and their mother Fanny passed foot, and arm. The Auckland Weekly away three days later from pneumonia.

IN MEMORIAM News featured Harold and Fred Stilton On November 15, The Auckland Star STILTON—In loving memory of Harold in an issue dated September 6, 1917, reported “Bereavements caused by the John Stilton, late N.Z.E.F, who died as “two or more in a family killed ravage of influenza have made a deep November 10, 1918, at Annexe Hospital, in action or wounded”. Harold spent impression on the sentiment of people aged 26 years. time in hospital at Camiers in France, during the past few weeks. A case that Upright and Just in all his ways, Brockenhurst in England, and at the calls for sympathy is that of the Stilton Honest and faithful to the end of his days; New Zealand convalescent hospital at family of Orakei Road, Remuera. The Forgotten to the World by some he may be, Hornchurch, Essex. He was discharged first to fall victim to the malady was But dear to our memory forever is he. from the army on account of his wounds the youngest son, Harold, a returned Inserted by his loving brother Fred and received in action, and returned to New soldier, 26 years of age, who passed sister-in-law Em. Zealand on the hospital ship Marama, away at the Hospital annexe on Sunday.

(Auckland Star, 10 November 1920) arriving back in Auckland on 28 The following day at the Auckland December, 1917.

Hospital his brother Bert, 33 years of Harold had three brothers: Fred had joined the NZ Rifle Brigade age (second soul succumbed.) The climax came yesterday when and suffered gassing. William (WJB Stilton) was called up in a the widowed mother passed away at the ripe age of 71 years. This ballot on 21 August, 1918, in the 3rd draft of Class C of Second practically accounts for the whole of the family”.

Photo of Harold Stilton reproduced with permission, Sir George Grey Special Collection, Auckland Libraries

the hobson 48

ross.hawkins@sothebysrealty.com

1 ROCKWOOD PLACE, EPSOM

ONETHREE CHESHIRE STREET, PARNELL (15 APARTMENTS)

114 BENSON ROAD, REMUERA

21 CODRINGTON CRESCENT, MISSION BAY

26 KENNY ROAD, REMUERA

THE FORD RESIDENCES, PARNELL (11 APARTMENTS)

THE FORD PENTHOUSE, PARNELL

15 GARDEN ROAD, REMUERA

24 KENNY ROAD, REMUERA

SALES IN YOUR AREA 2014 WE HAVE BUYERS LOOKING FOR QUALITY HOMES, CONTACT ROSS TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY. rosshawkins.co.nz Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.