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Vol 55 No 16 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

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YOUNG CRASH SURVIVOR OVERCOMES BRAIN BLEEDS

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Lim endorses home cooking By PJ TAYLOR

t’s election season and celebrity chef Nadia Lim has a common-sense policy that could gain traction with voters: Teach home cooking skills in schools. There have been lots of back-to-basics curriculum changes in education over the past three years and learning how to cook could be viewed as an important life skill, like maths and English. Natural health benefits are numerous, and it’s fiscally prudent, because a healthier population isn’t overwhelming the health system. Lim spoke to the Times on the 10th anniversary of her culinary creation Bargain Box, which followed the popular My Food Bag, and commissioned research that reveals 74 per cent of Kiwis say the cost of living is making it harder to serve up healthy, nutritious meals. The result, “sadly”, is not surprising Lim, she says. “I see it with my friends and family that they’ve noticed a difference. It’s pretty widespread. “I’ve really noticed prices go up and think it must be really hard for so many people around the country. “It’s a potentially bigger issue than what we might realise right now. “When it’s that number of people, that’s not just a financial issue. “I look into the future and go, this could be a public

“There could be a huge shift if we were teaching it [cooking] properly in schools,” says Nadia Lim, of My Food Photo supplied Bag and Bargain Box. health issue, because when you suddenly have that large majority of people struggling and buying less fresh produce and less fresh meat, less fresh food, and then shifting more to processed food. “Over time, being a dietitian, that’s my background, I can see a slippery slope future,” says Lim. “I feel it should be taught in schools. It’s a basic, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. Food is one of the top three: Food, shelter, water. “You can’t have a thriving population if their basic needs are not met. How to eat well, feed yourself well, is one of every human’s basic rights. “There could be a huge shift if we were teaching it properly in schools. I don’t feel it’s really been done properly lately because there

has been a shift to more food tech as opposed to basic home cooking skills. “It’s just common sense. You have to tick off the basic foundations of what’s being taught. Teaching people how to live well and for a population to thrive. “It really boggles my mind how government can’t see how important it is,” Lim says. “I try and keep my finger on the pulse, and over the last five years food prices have roughly gone up by about a third, round 30 per cent, which is huge.” Lim speaks with pride when looking back at what she’s achieved in the food industry. “We started My Food Bag a few years before Bargain Box. My Food Bag really took off. “That whole concept of

delivering recipes and ingredients to people’s homes so they didn’t have to plan or think about what was for dinner. “It helped them eat healthier and save time, and helped families eat better quality meals around the table together. “But we always felt we could be helping a much wider audience because there are a lot of people that can’t afford My Food Bag. “We thought how cool would it be if we could make this more accessible? We always wanted to have a product that could be really accessible to a much larger audience than My Food Bag, and that’s where Bargain Box came.” Lim says the business’ research into recipes is “in-depth”. > Full story at www.times.co.nz

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Community Comments Check out a few of the latest comments from our socials below. Want more? Dive into the conversation at www.facebook.com/timesonlinenz LUXON SURVIVES SECOND CONFIDENCE VOTE (Times) August 12: Heather Plummer – Best outcome. Time to really get serious and continue to get our country moving upwards for everyone’s benefit, National. Hopefully, we can become the ‘land of milk and honey’ we once were. Respect for this outcome, media, would be helpful. Daren Leng – Best person for the job, so let’s get on with it. Maxine Dignan – Wouldn’t have even been a story without the media’s concerted electioneering for the left. Saul Chambers – Quote of the day: Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said Luxon’s legacy “will be leading the most anti-Māori, anti-worker, and anti-environment government Aotearoa has ever

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seen”. “His party may like him, but his country doesn’t, and he will not be here November 7th.” Anthony Mumby – Best news for Labour. National MPs putting party before country as always. Two challenges to leadership in six months, rudderless. Roll on November. Greg Hannon – Luxon is showing leadership and has my respect. Gary Tattle – I guess the point is, why are National failing with National Party supporters. To me it’s simple, not taking a firm stance, not adhering to election promises, not protecting the interests of every Kiwi. As a four-decades-long National voter, I’m currently sitting on the fence. National, NZ First or Act (the other parties are a complete joke and

would destroy this country again), and I know I’m not alone. Domna Lalochezia – Nothing says “my caucus is totally united” like surviving your second confidence vote – in only four months – and then immediately firing your Defence Minister for trying to take your job. Aria Rossi – Leadership challenges are part of democratic politics, but repeated speculation about a Prime Minister’s position can indicate deeper concerns within a governing party. The key question is not only whether a leader survives, but whether they can restore confidence and provide stable leadership going forward. Lylah Guptill – Come on New Zealand, get behind them and two ticks blue.

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 5

Clinical pharmacist campaigning for The Opportunity Party By CHRIS HARROWELL Not many first-time – or even experienced – political candidates in New Zealand would drop a sentence such as, “I believe we’re coming to an uncertain time within the evolution of human civilisation,” into an interview with the news media. But that’s one of the things said by Kevin Huang, The Opportunity Party’s (TOP) candidate in the Pakuranga electorate during his recent interview with the Times. He’s a former pupil of Elm Park School, Bucklands Beach Intermediate School and Macleans College, then studied at the University of Otago, and works as a clinical pharmacist. Huang says he was motivated to stand as a candidate for TOP this year due to his growing concern “over subsequent elections within New Zealand politics and this pendulum swing from Labour to National and the wastage that occurs every general election”. “I don’t blame politicians, but rather I think it’s a systemic issue that lies within popular democracies itself. The risk of touching core societal issues can maybe raise or inflame or lose voters, so to preserve their own voter base all they do is Band-Aid problems, whether it’s healthcare [or something else].

“Right now, we have a lot of young people leaving our country, and a lot of my friends are leaving as well. The question is, if our future middle class is leaving our country, who’s going to fund our Superannuation or our healthcare system? “I’m not political material, but as a concern citizen I feel like I need to listen. I know the majority of New Zealanders are sensible and they’re the nicest people. I think it’s an honour representing [TOP], but it’s more than an honour to hopefully be the voice of this silent majority, which is reasonable and sensible.” TOP received five per cent support in the party vote in a recent Roy Morgan poll, which is the threshold it needs to cross to enter Parliament should it fail to win an electorate seat. It also received eight per cent support in the 1News Verian poll released on August 12. TOP is led by Auckland businesswoman Qiulae Wong and among its main policies are its tax reset, which include a ‘Citizen’s Income’, which would ensure almost all adult Kiwis

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Kevin Huang says he’s standing in this year’s general election because Photo supplied he’s a concerned citizen. receive up to $370 each week from the Government. That payment would replace most benefits, with top-ups available for people such as Superannuitants and parents. The Citizen’s Income is funded through the party’s Land Value Tax, which is designed to make housing more affordable by “shifting the tax load off working people and onto land”. It would see a 1.75 per cent annual tax apply to the value of land only, thereby discouraging land-banking and people holding large property portfolios, the party believes. Huang describes it as a tax on the unimproved value of a person’s land. “Since the 2016 election we’ve had economists and people from professional backgrounds inputting to our policies, instead of lobbyists

touching them,” Huang says. “I think that’s what I’m afraid of, if our politics or politicians are under the influence of capital, which by itself is driven by profit, then we have a society that’s only driven by profit, and I don’t think the majority of New Zealanders would accept that. “We pride ourselves as ‘radical centrists’. We don’t fall on the left-right spectrum. We’re willing to work with everyone to form a coalition Government. What we say is we turn Labour a bit right and we turn National a bit left. That’s our entire goal in terms of being centrist. We want to hold Labour accountable for the economy and we want to hold National accountable for the environment.” > Full story at www.times.co.nz

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6 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Investigation into Hoyts fire By CHRIS HARROWELL

ire and Emergency New Zealand says an investigation is under way following the fire at Hoyts Cinemas at the Botany Town Centre last Sunday. Firefighters from across Auckland responded to the incident alongside police and Hato Hone St John ambulance paramedics. Chapel Road was blocked to vehicle traffic as a firefighter doused the fire from a cherry-picker positioned above the cinema’s roof. Smoke was pouring out of the building and a chemical smell was noticeable in Dannemora. A fire alarm telling people to evacuate the building sounded for more than an hour during the incident. Small groups of people were standing near the rooftop car park entrance to the

cinema watching the emergency services personnel working. The car park had been largely emptied of vehicles by about 10.30am. A police vehicle blocked off the entrance to the car park, but vehicles were allowed to leave it. On Sunday, Fire and Emergency NZ said: “Firefighters are working to extinguish a fire in an air-conditioning unit on the roof of a three-story building attached to the shopping mall at Botany Downs. “The fire was reported at 9.28am. Smoke was reported in the movie theatre in the building. Multiple crews are at work inside and externally, with an aerial appliance also in use. Traffic in the area may be affected by road closures and diversions.” A spokesperson for Hato Hone St John added: “We have responded with one

Fireﬁghters from across Auckland responded to the ﬁre at Hoyts Times photo Cinemas Botany Downs. rapid response unit and one manager who are on standby. They have not been required so far.” On Sunday afternoon, Fire and Emergency NZ said the fire was extinguished just before 12pm and it had begun an investigation into the cause. “Three crews of firefighters are monitoring the site and the rest have left the scene.”

Botany Town Centre management says the Hoyts Cinemas is “out of action” from Monday and “the rest of the centre is open for trade”. The management says several new retailers have recently opened at the town centre including W cosmetics, Wish Beauty Lounge, Roll’d Vietnamese, and Acquisitions. Advertisement

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Crash survivor grateful to complete industry qualification A young east Aucklander who survived a life-threatening car crash that left him with serious injuries is celebrating after recently completing his drainlaying qualification and apprenticeship. Charlie Gilchrist, who lives in Whitford, sustained 18 broken bones, a broken neck, collapsed lungs, head injuries including brain bleeds, and spent four weeks in a coma following the crash in January, 2025. It took him months to recover and he’s now achieved something many people thought unlikely by returning to work and completing his drainlaying qualification. Behind that impressive achievement was not just determination but the strong support network around him, including family, his employer and the team at Skills Trades Training who supported him throughout his apprenticeship and recovery. Gilchrist says he always knew he wanted to work in the trades. Growing up in Whitford with his grandparents, mother and three siblings, he left school midway through year 12 to pursue an apprenticeship. With an uncle who runs a building company, Gilchrist had early exposure to construction, but it was drainlaying that really captured his interest. “I tried drain-

laying and really enjoyed it,” he says. “No two days are the same and there’s always something different to do.” Working at Probuilt Earthworks in Whitford, Gilchrist was progressing through his drainlaying apprenticeship with Skills Trades Training and was close to completing his qualification when his world turned upside down. He and a friend were heading home from a night out when their vehicle crashed into a ditch. It took four hours for emergency services to retrieve him from the wreckage. Gilchrist was in a coma for four weeks and spent six weeks in hospital followed by another month in rehabilitation. Doctors warned his family the outcome could be severe. At one point they prepared his mother for four possible scenarios, including permanent disability or paralysis. His recovery was slow and filled with challenges. “They definitely weren’t expecting me to get back to drainlaying,” Gilchrist says. “At the start I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t even give a thumbs up with my left hand.” Learning to move again, rebuild strength and return to normal life took months of determination. But throughout his recovery, Charlie kept one goal firmly in mind. “I always had it in my

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Training advisor Dan Pattison, left, with young drainlayer Charlie Gilchrist. Photo supplied

head that I was going to finish my qualification. Seeing everyone around me living their normal life made me want to get back to that too.” There were several moments that marked turning points in his recovery, including the day doctors removed his cast and he was able to walk again. Returning to work was another major milestone. Throughout his journey, Gilchrist was supported not only by family, friends and his employer, but also by the wider team at Skills Trades Training, who stayed connected during his recovery and helped him navigate the final steps of his training when he was ready. Training advisor Dan Pattison, who supported

Gilchrist throughout his apprenticeship, worked closely with the Skills Trades Training team to ensure he could complete the remaining components of his qualification once he’d recovered enough to return to study. Skills Trades Training plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying tutor Matthew Baylis was also part of the support network, helping Gilchrist complete his final two block courses on campus. For Pattison, Gilchrist’s sheer determination stood out. “Anyone who survives an accident with the multiple injuries Charlie sustained is remarkable in itself,” he says. “It would have been very easy for him to give up on a lot of things, but he didn’t.”

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8 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Kindergarten lights up for art night fun By CHRIS HARROWELL

he popular and wellknown works of children’s author Julia Donaldson have been brought to life with oodles of creativity at an east Auckland kindergarten. Staff, parents and children at Anchorage Park Kindergarten in Pakuranga have been busy for several months creating imaginative and colourful displays for their recent annual Art Night Light Show, which is held to raise money for the centre while entertaining locals. “This is our third year hosting this community light show,” head teacher Vicki Wright says. “It’s to connect with our community, with all the changes that are happening in our area, and to provide

a special family fun night for our whanau to be involved in. “Each year it’s grown. This year it’s become more an art light show. Every year has a theme and this time it’s been Julia Donaldson’s books. The parents have worked in pairs or with their family and whanau and created areas in each spot. “We’ve had everyone contributing. We had our mentors who come in and donate time contributing, all the families every day, and since last term they’ve all been contributing. The children have all been so excited making everything for the light show. We’ve had parents baking. Everyone’s taken on roles that they felt they could do.” Donaldson is the creator of characters such as The Gruffalo, The Ladybird, and

Anchorage Park Kindergarten head teacher Vicki Wright, left, with parent Times photo whānau chairperson Shelley Sudrajat. The Mouse and books including Room on the Broom, Stick Man, Zog and The Snail and the Whale. Wright says all funds raised by the event go back into the kindergarten. “It’s always for resources for the children from the special events that are happening.” She expected more than 90 per cent of the kindergarten’s families would go along on the night. Each of the displays across the centre’s grounds were dedicated to characters and stories from Donaldson’s books.

“It’s a way of sharing literacy, being artistic, being imaginative, and having self-belief,” Wright says. “Our community comes to see it and we’ve got past parents who come, neighbours who come, family and friends who come, and parents are proud of what they’ve created. It’s become magical and it’s driven by what the parents want to offer. It’s something special within the community, but we’re happy to share it with everyone.” • More photos on page 59. > Full story at www.times.co.nz

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10 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Cartoonist Roger Smith provides his take on local, national and global issues.

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Broadcaster partners with Junior Journalists By CHRIS HARROWELL Well-known New Zealand journalist and former Howickian Melissa ChanGreen is partnering with the Eastern Times’ Junior Journalist programme on a new broadcasting project. The Junior Journalists are local school pupils who conduct interviews and attend community events to write news articles and reviews for the Eastern Times’ twice-monthly newspaper and website. Those taking part in the project with Chan-Green are Bucklands Beach Intermediate School pupils Alina Jiang and Shaan Singh and Jianna Kapoor, who attends Somerville Intermediate School. This week they’re meeting Chan-Green to record the podcast, which she plans to publicly release later this month. She says she was their age when she wrote a letter to the editor of the Howick and Pakuranga Times, as the newspaper was

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 10

previously known. “My journalism career then began with work experience and an internship at the paper. Now three of the students who have been participating in the Eastern Times’ Junior Journalists programme are going to feature in an upcoming episode of my education podcast, School Shorts. “The young reporters have been interviewing school leaders and peers across their communities. They’ll report back on what they found out about the pressing challenges educators face, how schools can best prepare young people for tomorrow’s workforce, and what students themselves say are the issues on their minds.” Chan-Green says she’s loved seeing the enthusiasm the young journalists bring to the project. The episode is scheduled for release on Sunday, August 31, and can be found by searching ‘School Shorts NZ’ on YouTube and Spotify.

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 11

Running for playground cause By PJ TAYLOR

determined mother and daughter are running a marathon in the United States in a fundraising exercise for a school specialising in education for children with disabilities and learning difficulties. Julia Brown says her daughter Izzie, 9, attends Sommerville School in east Auckland. “She has cerebral palsy and is blind. Iz understands everything people say, but because of her cerebral palsy she can’t control the muscles needed to speak. “She loves food, going fast and is always up for an adventure.” The pair has participated in several long-distance and marathon events in New Zealand and now they’re heading to the US to run in an event there. Julia does the running while Izzie is pushed by mum in her buggy, and Julia says her daughter is working throughout the run, too, by keeping herself upright. “I’ve always loved being outdoors, but when I could no longer carry Izzie on our adventures, we felt limited by wheelchair life. “Then I discovered running. Izzie could ride while I ran, and together we’ve completed several marathons. “Our next challenge is running a sub-four-hour marathon together at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota on October 4.

Julia and Izzie Brown’s next challenge is running a sub-four-hour marathon at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota on October 4. Photo supplied

“Running has given us back the freedom to explore together. We believe every child deserves that same opportunity.” Sommerville School in Panmure, with a catchment across east Auckland, is building a new outdoor playground, for which Julia and Izzie want to raise money for its construction. “Children who use wheelchairs also need a hoist and track system mounted within a shade structure so they can safely transfer onto play equipment and enjoy it alongside their friends,” Julia says. “We’re hoping to help the school raise the $80,000

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needed to make this happen.” Sommerville School principal Belinda Johnston says: “What Julia and Izzie are doing is amazing. “Running a marathon is a huge challenge, but to take that on together and use it as an opportunity to raise money for other young people at Sommerville makes it even more special. “We’re so grateful to them. There’s such a strong connection between what Julia and Izzie are doing and what we’re trying to achieve with this project. “Running together has given them the freedom to get out and have adventures.

“We want more of our learners to have opportunities to experience that same sense of freedom and inclusion. “Many of our Sommerville learners spend much of their day in wheelchairs and need a hoist to transfer safely,” Johnston says. “Having a hoist outdoors will create so many opportunities that aren’t possible for them – standing alongside their friends for activities, moving through the sensory garden, transferring onto an adapted trike, or simply being able to join in with outdoor play. “We’ve waited more than 20 years for our new school, so we really want to make the most of this opportunity and create something special for our learners. “The outdoor hoist is one of those things that could make a huge difference. Ultimately, it’s about making sure our learners with the most significant physical disabilities have the same opportunities to participate, explore, have fun and be part of what’s happening as everyone else.” Julia and Izzie Brown have an online Givealittle page that people can make donations for the outdoor hoist and overhead track system for Sommerville School’s new playground, “so children who use wheelchairs can safely transfer from their chairs and enjoy inclusive play alongside their friends”. It’s at https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/izzies-marathonfor-play.

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POLITICS

12 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Schools nationwide selected for solar panels Five hundred schools have been selected for solar technology under the Government’s plan to improve schools’ energy affordability and resilience. Last week, we released the list of schools for the Government’s $30 million solar on schools programme, announced as part of Budget 2026. Several schools in our local area have been selected, including Howick College, Macleans Primary School, and Pakuranga College. This announcement moves the programme from planning into delivery to help lower power costs for schools. A total of 340 schools in the North Island, 157 in the

South Island and three in the Chatham Islands will benefit from this practical, forward-looking initiative that turns sunshine into savings and gives power back to schools. The announcement not only provides certainty to schools across the country who are eager to get on with adopting solar power, it will support regional and local businesses and presents a significant opportunity for the industry to build capability and showcase the value of smart energy technologies. By generating more clean, renewable energy on school rooftops, we can cut schools’ electricity use from the grid, reduce emissions, and lower their power bills at the same

time. The 500 schools have been selected because they are experiencing energy or fuel insecurity, facing higher energy costs, are scheduled for gas or diesel boiler replacements, or have a need for greater energy resilience. Under the programme, and following on-site assessments for suitability, solar panels will be installed at the 500 schools over three years. Up to 150 of them will also receive energy management systems, and selected schools will receive batteries where they are expected to deliver the greatest savings and community resilience benefits. This programme makes use of the buildings we already have, reducing the

MP for Pakuranga

Simeon Brown environmental footprint, and helping schools keep more money in their budgets year after year. Large schools are expected to save around $8000 a year on average on electricity, freeing up money that can be spent on teaching and learning. It will also give students a real-world example of renewable energy in action, right there at their own school. This is a smart, practical investment in both our schools and New Zealand’s future.

New subjects oﬀer more opportunities Every parent wants to know that when their child leaves school, they have the knowledge and skills to succeed. From 2029, students in years 12 and 13 will be able to study nine new industry-developed subjects spanning engineering, primary industries, construction, health, tourism, energy, hospitality, manufacturing, and applied intelligent systems. These subjects will give students the chance to gain skills employers need while completing their secondary school qualifications. They will open doors to university, apprenticeships, further training, or employment. By expanding offerings, National is ensuring students can succeed on the path that’s right for them. We know students are more engaged when they can see real purpose in what they’re learning and how

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 12

From the Prime Minister

Christopher Luxon

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during a visit to Botany Downs Secondary College. Times file photo it connects to their future. That’s true for young people across New Zealand, no matter what their aspirations are. Industry has embraced the opportunity to work with the education sector to prepare young people for the future. It’s a win for employers who need skilled workers, and a win for stu-

dents who can see how their learning leads to rewarding careers. New Zealand will need more skilled people to deliver the services and infrastructure our country relies on every day. These subjects will help prepare students for careers in industries that are central to economic growth and productivity.

As part of Budget 2026, National also doubled trades academy places to 20,000, giving more young New Zealanders the chance to gain practical, job-ready skills while still at school. This builds on our significant work in education, including funding 1,400 new classrooms, mandating an hour of reading, writing and maths every day, banning cell phones in schools, and designing a new qualification to replace NCEA. It’s all part of our plan to put ambition and achievement back at the heart of education, so Kiwi kids are set up for success. National is fixing the basics and building the future.

19-08-2026 09:35:09

POLITICS

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 13

Was amalgamation right for Auckland? The Government is currently forcing local councils to amalgamate. The rationale for such is that there will be efficiency savings and a reduction in costs and staff employed. It sounds good in theory, and I agree with it. But if the merger process is not managed well it could result in almost no gains whatsoever and have the opposite effect, with more staff and higher costs. Take what happened in Auckland. The Government I was a minister in decided in 2010 that it would be best to amalgamate all seven territorial local authorities (Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere, and Manukau city councils along with Papakura, Franklin, and Rodney district councils, plus the Auckland Regional Council) and make them into one huge operation we now know as Auckland Council. Auckland Council is huge. It represents more than a third of New Zealand’s entire

Howick Ward Councillor

Maurice Williamson

population and considerably more than a third of New Zealand’s GDP. Just the Howick Ward alone is bigger than any city in New Zealand except for Christchurch and Wellington. But let’s consider what happened. At amalgamation time the total combined fulltime equivalent staff (FTE) of all the legacy councils was just on 10,000. The Government claimed amalgamation would result in a major reduction in staff. But by June 2025 FTE numbers had climbed to

12,231. That’s a more than 20 per cent increase – not a 15 to 20 per cent decrease as was predicted. And when it comes to the rates take, things get even worse. The total rates take in 2011/12 (the first full year of Auckland Council) was $1.315 billion. And by 2024/25 that number had grown to $2.798 billion. That’s an 112.8 per cent increase in rates while inflation over that same timeframe ran at only 39.1 per cent. Even if you take into account Auckland’s population growth of 23 per cent over those years, you can still see how much more you are paying in rates compared to

back at amalgamation time. So, did ratepayers reap the benefits of amalgamation? Well not so far. And it’s for this reason why your two ward councillors, Bo Burns and myself, voted against the latest all-time record increase in your rates. It didn’t make us popular with the mayor or some of our fellow councilors, but we felt we had no alternative than to try and drive some more cost savings out of the organisation. The lesson to central government? Be careful of blindly assuming fewer councils means lower costs for ratepayers. In Auckland’s case, it certainly didn’t.

When Government taxes ‘someone else’, we all pay Every day, small businesses across east Auckland open their doors knowing the bills have to be paid. There is rent, stock, power, insurance, wages and tax. If one cost rises, the owner has to find the money somewhere. It may mean higher prices, fewer staff hours or putting off an investment. Government should understand the same basic reality. New Zealand now pays $24.8 million every day in interest on Government debt, up from $10.1 million a day in 2018/19. That money is gone before it pays for a hospital, a classroom or a police officer.

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 13

This is why ACT says paying down debt and returning to surplus must be job number one. Before the election, we will release a fiscal plan that gets New Zealand back to surplus faster without introducing new taxes. New taxes are often sold on the promise that somebody else will pay. A tax on banks sounds as though it stops at the bank. But banks earn money from customers, including families with mortgages and small businesses needing an overdraft or a loan. Higher costs eventually affect fees, interest rates or access to credit.

It is the same with a bed tax on tourists or stamp duty for foreign home buyers. The name tells us who receives the tax bill, but not who ultimately bears the cost. Motel operators, staff, suppliers, home sellers and consumers can all be affected. ACT has stopped three proposed taxes during this term because a promise of no new taxes should mean what it says. Without new taxes, Government must control its spending. It can stop programmes that are not delivering, cut consultants, and get better value from the services taxpayers already

ACT List MP

Parmjeet Parmar fund. Households and businesses already go through their costs line by line. Government has an obligation to do this too. East Auckland is full of people who work hard, run businesses and make careful decisions with their own money. They deserve a Government that shows the same discipline. More borrowing and new taxes simply pass the bill on. ACT will hold the line.

19-08-2026 09:35:12

POLITICS

14 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Plans becoming reality It is encouraging to see longawaited projects in east Auckland becoming reality. The Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre at Lady Fisher Place is nearing completion and is expected to open by the end of August. This $11.5 million facility represents more than a decade of planning, fundraising, and community commitment. Auckland Council contributed $5.3 million, alongside support from Foundation North, Lotteries New Zealand and other partners. The centre will provide boat storage, changing rooms, training areas, a gymnasium and shared social spaces for rowing, waka ama, canoeing and other paddle sports. With a capacity for around 400 athletes, it will create opportunities for schools, clubs and young people across east and south Auckland. I have supported this project over many years and have seen the passion for water

Howick Local Board Member

Peter Young

Artist impression of the Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre nearing completion. sports in our community. My congratulations to the trustees, funders, construction team, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki and everyone who persevered to bring this vision to life. Another significant milestone was recently marked with the turning of the first sod on the final stage of the Eastern Busway. This last 500-metre section will connect Ti Rakau Drive through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve to Te Irirangi Drive, Te Koha Road and Botany, along with a 600-metre shared walking and cycling path.

Most construction between Pakuranga and Botany is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the final extension through the reserve scheduled for completion in 2027. When fully operational, the busway is expected to provide a reliable 40-minute public transport journey between Botany and the city centre. The next priority is ensuring that the future Botany station is designed with sufficient capacity and strong connections to local bus services to support ongoing

growth in Botany and Flat Bush. While major infrastructure matters, strong communities are also built through everyday activities, community sport and cultural celebrations. The local board will continue supporting initiatives that help people feel welcome and connected. As someone born in Hong Kong who has made east Auckland home, I value the diversity that enriches our community. Whether people connect through sport, culture, or shared public spaces, these experiences help turn a growing area into a genuine community.

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19-08-2026 09:35:13

POLITICS

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 15

Focused on common sense E ast Auckland secondary school teacher Catherine Somerville-Ryan says the Pakuranga electorate needs growth that works for the residents who live there. A long-time Howick resident, Somerville-Ryan is the New Zealand First party candidate for the Pakuranga parliamentary seat in the general election on November 7. She says she’s taught English at Macleans College for 12 years and previously at Pakuranga College. Somerville-Ryan says housing, traffic, community safety and cost of living pressures are among the problems confronting families and businesses across the wider east Auckland area. “The 2026 election is an opportunity to put common sense back in the centre of local and national decision making. “People in Howick and Pakuranga aren’t against growth,” she says.

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 15

Experienced teacher Catherine Somerville-Ryan is the NZ First candidate Photo supplied in the Pakuranga electorate for the general election. “They’re against growth without the infrastructure to support it.” The NZ First candidate believes high-density threelevel housing developments with insufficient parking – often seen in small cul-desacs streets – is “destroying” the area’s special character. “The Eastern Busway [public transport project] is

set to connect Botany, Pakuranga and Panmure to the city centre next year. “However, congestion remains a major concern for road-users including on the Pakuranga Highway.” Somerville-Ryan raised her two children in Howick and says she understands the economic pressure families and businesses are facing.

“NZ First will break up supermarket and energy duopolies creating greater competition. “Howick and Pakuranga are fantastic places to live, work and raise a family. “I want to help protect what makes this area special while at the same time making sure it has the infrastructure and opportunities to thrive in the future,” says Somerville-Ryan. • New Zealand First party leader Winston Peters is speaking at the Grey Power Howick Pakuranga meeting being held on Friday, August 28, at Pakuranga Bowling Club in Lloyd Elsmore Park. The meeting opens at 1pm and Peters makes his address from 1.30pm.

19-08-2026 09:35:14

16 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

First quiz proves a hit By PJ TAYLOR

n inaugural quiz for secondary students encouraged school teams to work together quickly in answering testing questions about the world around them. Held recently at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick, the Rotary Club of Pakuranga’s first Interschool Quiz was themed My City, My Country, My World, challenging the students on their knowledge of Auckland, New Zealand and the wider world. Questions covered geography, travel, culture, and international knowledge. Eight teams took part in the preliminary round, with

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 16

participating colleges being Macleans, Pakuranga, Sancta Maria, Botany Downs, Ormiston Senior, and Mission Heights Junior. “The event was designed not simply as a test of memory, but as an opportunity for students to work collaboratively, think under pressure and broaden their understanding of the world around them,” says Pakuranga Rotary president Sandhya Govind, who curated the questions and was quizmaster. The four teams scoring highest points in the opening round – two each from Macleans and Sancta Maria – progressed to the finals. “The pressure intensified with students tackling visual

The eight competing teams focused on answering questions Times photo PJ Taylor in Pakuranga Rotary’s Interschool Quiz.

questions, buzzer rounds, and identification tasks, requiring them to think quickly and work effectively as a team,” Govind says. “After five fiercely contested rounds, one of the teams from Macleans College won the competition.” The event was sponsored by the Howick Local Board and attended by its members including chair Bruce Kendall, Rotarians, and supportive teachers, family and friends. “While there could only be one winning team, the real success of the evening was the enthusiasm and knowledge displayed by the students, who rose to the challenge with great confidence,” says Govind.

“This event demonstrated the important role community organisations such as Rotary can play in creating opportunities for young people beyond the school curriculum. “The evening was educational and genuinely entertaining for all present, and the response from the schools shows there’s a real appetite for this kind of opportunity. “The Rotary Club of Pakuranga has a long history of community involvement in east Auckland. “As the new Rotary year gets under way, the club is looking forward to building on its existing projects while exploring new ways to serve the community.”

19-08-2026 09:35:16

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 17

Community approach for libraries By HELENA O’NEILL

COMMUNITY-LED LIBRARIES

Across the Auckland region is a network of rural libraries run by their own local communities. Community-led (sometimes called rural) libraries have their own membership and borrowing and returning systems which are separate to Auckland Libraries’ membership. There are 11 operating across the Auckland region, with several in east Auckland and others in Franklin. Hazel Audain is the council’s community-led (rural) library co-ordinator. She says each community library’s operations tailor to the differences in each community. “Volunteers know what works for their communities and they really take ownership of these libraries.” Community-led libraries also have access to bulk loans from Auckland Libraries, allowing members to

Auckland Libraries works in partnership with 11 rural libraries in the wider Auckland region, with five out east*: • Beachlands Library (soon moving to Beachlands Memorial Hall) • Clevedon Library: Open Tuesdays from 1.30pm-3.30pm, Fridays from 2.30pm-5.30pm, and Saturday from 10am-12pm. • Kawakawa Bay Library: Open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays from 10am-12pm. • Maraetai Library: Reopening on Saturday, August 15, and open Tuesdays from 10am-12pm, Thursdays 4pm-6pm, Fridays 10am-12pm, Saturdays from 10am-12pm. • Orere Point Library: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays 10am to 12pm, Fridays 4pm to 6pm. * These hours may vary.

Auckland Council’s community-led (rural) library coordinator, Hazel Audain. Times photo Helena O’Neill

access a wider range of books. Recently community-led libraries gained access to the Auckland Libraries’ online request system, offering residents a chance to collect books closer to home. Books are already checked out to a user’s Auckland Libraries account and are delivered to community-led libraries by Audain. Returns are only collected from community-led libraries once a week. Earlier this year, the Clevedon Village Library moved into a new space inside the

Clevedon District Centre, at 2 Papakura-Clevedon Road. The move to its new location was supported by the Franklin Local Board and the Clevedon Association. Audain says the move has been a “massive change, a really positive one”, in a better location and safer access for families. “We’ve got the books on movable shelves, they all have wheels, so that way it can be pushed to the side. So, when the other groups, community groups, come in and hire the space out, they still have the space they need.”

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19-08-2026 09:35:18

18 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Dancer sharing stage with stars

By KEANA SO, of Botany Downs Secondary College

Dancing isn’t just movements to Caleb Jerome but a voice to express, inspire, and tell a story. He made the move to east Auckland at 19 after spending his childhood in Christchurch, exploring this community’s “melting pot of talent and opportunity”. Howick shaped his career as Jerome signed with local dance agency 3WJ+Boy and proceeded to train alongside New Zealand’s most respected crews. He graduated from the Auckland University of Technology and through Kiel Tutin, who built his career as a choreographer and creative director in east Auckland, Jerome experienced his first international tour. He performed alongside Jolin Tsai, “Asia’s Madonna”,

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 18

on her Ugly Beauty Tour and appeared on her Pleasure Stadium Tour in front of audiences of about 80,000 across China, Taiwan, and Macau. Jerome performed as a stunt extra in Apple TV+’s Chief of War and as a dancer in Netflix’s One of Us Is Lying. Los Angeles was his next destination, signing with MSA Agency for US East Coast representation. He then started coaching dance teams toward the Hip-Hop International World Championships. His dance journey began at 14 years old, being inspired by music and the artistry surrounding it. “It provoked emotions I didn’t even know I had, or gave emotions that needed an outlet somewhere to actually come out,” he says. “It felt very organic and natural, and that’s what made me fall in love with it. Finding my own way of ‘pronouncing’

Global dancer Caleb Jerome built his career in east Auckland. Photo supplied or accenting movement, my own way of showing the feelings the music pulled out of me. The way that music touched me made me realise this was more than just something to chill to.” Jerome says despite not being the most co-ordinated or gifted, the drive to improve motivated him. “It’s a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice, but it’s all been worth it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.” The highlight of his career so far is being involved with Squared Division, the production company behind the Jolin tours. The immersive

stadium tour is a testament to Jolin and other music artists that inspired him in the past, he says. Jerome’s message to younger dancers is to stay open-minded, hard-working, and never forget the spark that pulled them into the craft. “That’s what gets you through the seasons that aren’t so glamorous. Whenever things feel hard, you can tap back into your younger self and remember what made you fall in love with it in the first place, whether that’s a music genre, or just movement itself.” > Full story at www.times.co.nz

19-08-2026 09:35:20

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 19

Trust in business is vital

By CHARLES MILLER

everal months ago, a $400 plastic pocket watch shut down shopping malls on four continents. Tear gas in suburban Paris. Pepper spray on Long Island. Four arrests in New York. Launches in Mumbai, Dubai and Singapore were cancelled before opening. The cause? Royal Pop, a Swatch collaboration with Audemars Piguet. Eight colourful bio ceramic pocket watches on lanyards. Not a limited edition. Chaos followed anyway. By pairing an affordable product with the prestige of a luxury brand, Swatch created something both desirable and within reach. Resale prices climbed above €4,000 before quickly falling back. This story is not about watches. It’s about human behaviour. Scarcity changes the way we think.

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 19

The Swatch company recently created chaos with the launch of a new File photo supplied Meizhi Lang on Unsplash wristwatch. Behavioural economists have long observed that scarcity alters decision making. We saw it during Covid-19 when supermarket shelves emptied of toilet paper. The shortage became self-fulfilling. People bought more because they feared there would soon be none left. Three instincts drive the demand. First, status. Owning something others cannot signals success and influence. Second, belonging. We

like to be part of the moment everyone else is talking about, at the leading edge, connected to our people. Third, loss aversion. We dislike missing out more than we enjoy gaining something of equal value. A fourth factor explains why this launch was so successful. Great collaborations multiply value. One partner contributes heritage, craftsmanship or prestige. The other brings reach, accessibility and cultural relevance. Together

they create something neither could achieve alone, by borrowing the other’s audience, reputation and story. Businesses can use these ideas, but they need to do so carefully. Collaborate with someone whose reputation complements your own. A respected New Zealand artist, chef, designer or craft producer can add meaning to your product while you introduce them to a new audience. Create genuine events rather than constant promotions. One or two well executed launches each year often generate more interest than perpetual price cutting. Above all, build trust. Trust is like a bank account. Every promise kept earns a 20 cent deposit. Every broken promise, disappointed customer or manufactured shortage costs $20. Trust accumulates slowly and disappears quickly. That is why scarcity must always be genuine.

19-08-2026 09:35:21

20 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Family history from farm boy to opera stage E

verett Thorburn has written a book that traces four generations of his family’s history in the east Auckland suburb of East Tāmaki, from the farm his great-great-grandfather bought in 1864 to the opera houses of London, England. His 304-page book, entitled Sunrise Over Whitford Hills, is published by Mary Egan Publishing and is being released this month. It tells the story of Firmount, a farm held by the Ralph and Thorburn families from 1864 until 1977. William and Frances Ralph arrived in Auckland aboard the ship John Duncan in 1863, joining early settlers

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 20

such as the Bellinghams of Whitford Hills. “What began as a cropping farm on land now known as Ormiston Road grew into a dairy farm that sustained the family for generations, until Everett, the last of the family to work the land, sold the herd in 1977,” the publisher says. “Everett’s own story took him from a childhood of rugby and farming in rural East Tāmaki, through an unexpected introduction to live theatre, to the United Kingdom, where he and his wife Phyllis moved in the late 1970s. There he became an opera singer, performing across the UK, while also help-

ing take New Zealand dairy breeding stock to the world.” The book is illustrated with more than 140 colour photographs and preserves a vivid picture of East Tāmaki, Whitford, The book ‘Sunrise Over Whitford Hills’ is now Photo supplied and Flat Bush before on sale. paddocks gave way to roads and housing. It’s the dom, where he combined a story of one family’s journey career in opera with work in international dairy cattle from farm boy to opera stage. Everett Thorburn was born breeding. A passionate family and raised in East Tāmaki historian, he’s spent decades and was the last of his family preserving the stories of the to farm Firmount, bought by Ralph, Bellingham and Thorhis great-great-grandfather in burn families. Sunrise Over Whitford Hills 1864. After the farm was sold in 1977, Everett and Phyllis has a regular retail price of moved to the United King- $40.

19-08-2026 09:35:22

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22 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Youth ball aims to reconnect teens Pōhutukawa Coast teenagers are being invited to reconnect with old friends at a youth ball in Beachlands this month. The Pōhutukawa Coast Youth Council (PCYC) is organising the 2026 Youth Ball for students in years 11-13 at Rydges Formosa Auckland Golf Resort on Saturday, August 29. The group says the event was developed after young people responding to a community survey identified a formal ball as a high priority. Chairperson Blake Ingram says local teenagers can become disconnected from friends when they leave the Pōhutukawa Coast to attend secondary schools elsewhere and the ball is intended to give them an opportunity to reconnect. “This event aims to bridge that gap, offering a familiar, welcoming space for students to reconnect with childhood friends and celebrate their shared community identity.

Members of the Pōhutukawa Coast Youth Council are staging a Youth Ball on August 29. “The Youth Ball is more than just a party – it’s an opportunity for our teenagers to reconnect with childhood friends and build a stronger sense of belonging within our community as they navigate their high school years.” The evening is set to include a buffet dinner, DJ and lighting, photo wall and photographer to capture the night’s fun memories. PCYC says security has been contracted for the duration of

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the event to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees. “Our vision for this evening at the Rydges Formosa Auckland Golf Resort is to create a safe environment where our youth can celebrate their shared experiences and create lasting memories together,” event manager Charlotte Smith says. The youth council says it hopes the local community will support the initiative, which will foster belong-

Photo supplied

ing and pride among older youth. The event is supported by Franklin Local Board grant funding and PCYC reserves with the generous co-operation of local sponsors Rydges Formosa Golf Resort and Sisters on Wakelin. Tickets for the Pōhutukawa Coast Youth Council’s Youth Ball are available online at https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/pohutukawa-coast-youth-ball/auckland.

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MOTORING

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 23

SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CAR LAST LONGER With the cost of replacing a vehicle continuing to put pressure on household budgets, looking after the car you already own makes good sense. A few simple habits can help extend your car’s life and potentially save thousands of dollars.

DON’T SKIP SERVICING Regular servicing isn’t just about changing the oil. It gives your mechanic an opportunity to identify worn components and small problems before they become expensive ones. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, even if you don’t drive long distances.

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24 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

A show to be remembered S

omerville Intermediate School students have taken audiences on an unforgettable underwater adventure with their spectacular production of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. Performed on August 11-12, the production featured a matinee for local primary schools and two evening performances, giving viewers the chance to follow Marlin, Dory, Nemo, and a colourful cast of ocean characters on their journey across the reef. Behind the scenes, the production has been months in the making, says Somerville Intermediate. “Students have spent three terms rehearsing, giving up their lunchtimes and early mornings to perfect songs, dance routines, and mastering dialogue so the show sparkled.

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 24

“Their commitment was evident on stage. Students demonstrated impressive confidence, energy and teamwork, working together to deliver a polished and professional show. “From the performers on stage to the backstage crew, every student played an important role in bringing the production to life. “The fabulous costuming was another highlight, helping to transform the school stage into a vibrant underwater world. “Colourful characters, imaginative designs and attention to detail added to the visual spectacle, helping audiences feel they had been transported beneath the sea. Mrs Alana Stonex, please take a bow.” Co-director Mike Dibben says: “We’ve all been on a fantastic journey to bring this

Some of the cast members for the Finding Nemo Jr stage production. Photo supplied

amazing show to the stage. “The students have displayed unwavering commitment to the rehearsal process, and they should all feel very proud of their achievements. It has been a genuine team effort.” The school says for the students involved the production has been about much more than learning lines and songs. “It’s been an opportunity to develop confidence, resilience, collaboration and a genuine pride in their work. It has also been about form-

ing new friendships. They can rightly celebrate a job very well done.” Cast member Sofia says: “I joined because I was intrigued how it would all work. We did an amazing job fitting it all together.” Another cast member Rohan says: “I really enjoyed Nemo and hanging out with the other cast members. “I enjoyed the hard times. We overcame the challenges and I’m proud of what we achieved. I enjoyed it so much. It was such an experience.”

19-08-2026 09:35:30

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 25

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19-08-2026 09:35:31

HOME & LIVING

26 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

FIVE INDOOR PLANTS THAT THRIVE Indoor plants are an easy way to bring life, colour, and warmth into your home. And you don’t need to be an expert gardener to keep them looking good. Here are five forgiving favourites that can thrive indoors.

1. SNAKE PLANT Almost indestructible, the snake plant tolerates lower light levels and doesn’t mind if you forget to water it occasionally. Its tall, architectural leaves make it ideal for contemporary interiors.

2. PEACE LILY With glossy green foliage and elegant white flowers, peace lilies are a popular indoor choice. They prefer indirect light and will conveniently droop when they’re thirsty, making it easy to know when to water.

3. POTHOS Perfect for a shelf, bookcase or hanging planter, pothos produce trailing vines of attractive heart-shaped leaves. It’s fast-growing, adaptable, and relatively easy to care for.

4. ZZ PLANT If you’ve struggled with houseplants before, try a ZZ plant. Its shiny, deep-green leaves look striking, while its ability to tolerate lower

light and infrequent watering makes it particularly low maintenance.

5. SPIDER PLANT An old favourite for good reason, spider plants are hardy, fast-growing and produce little plantlets that can be potted up and shared with friends and family.

Whichever plant you choose, remember that overwatering is one of the most common mistakes with indoor plants. Check the soil before reaching for the watering can and make sure pots can drain freely. With the right plant in the right spot, even the least green-fingered homeowner can enjoy a little more greenery indoors.

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 26

19-08-2026 09:35:33

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 27

Volunteers and guests had a great time at the 2026 Kimjang Day event. Photo supplied

Kimchi brings community together By CHRIS HARROWELL Dozens of people from a range of cultures and backgrounds have come together to celebrate an enduring Korean tradition in Auckland. The 2026 Kimjang Day event was organised by east Auckland-based YongRahn Park, chief executive officer of the Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust. Among the locals who took part were Howick Local Board member Adele White and Howick resident Vinson Chao Yu, who supports new migrants, among other voluntary endeavours. When the guests arrived at the Kimjang Day event we were greeted with a long table on which were placed large pieces of cut cabbage and bowls of kimchi paste in front of each attendee. Park ran through a slideshow introducing us to the story behind the tradition, what it means to the Korean com-

munity in New Zealand, and how kimchi is made. “Today we come together to celebrate the Korean tradition of making and sharing kimchi,” she said. “Kimjang Day is much more than preparing food. It will create community spirit, cultural heritage and generosity. We’ll learn how to make kimchi step-by-step while learning about the culture and tradition and heritage of Kimjang Day.” Park said kimchi can be used in dishes such as kimchi pancakes and kimchi rice. It’s considered a “super food” because it’s more than a side dish. It’s a flavourful nutrient-rich, fermented food that promotes gut health, supports immunity and adds a distinctive taste. “One important aspect is that when we make kimchi on Kimjang Day, we share it with our friends and neighbours,” Park said. “Kimjang Day helps to keep an import-

ant Korean tradition alive and also brings the community together. “It’s a way to share our culture with our local community and support elderly people who cannot make kimchi themselves. This is about much more than sharing food. Kimchi carries a spirit … which is a Korean sense of warmth and care and human connection.” We learned kimchi paste is made using ingredients including Korean red pepper flakes, fish sauce, salted shrimp, garlic, ginger, sugar, onion, Korean radish, and spring onions. As Park was telling us about Kimjang Day, dozens of volunteers in pink high-vis clothing were busy making and packaging meals of kimchi to be distributed to local senior citizens. Each of us then put on gloves and a hair net and used our hands to rub the preprepared paste into the cabbage on the table in front

of us, making sure to lift each cabbage leaf to ensure the paste was thoroughly spread through. The kimchi we’d made was eventually placed into large plastic tubs for us to take away and we had the chance to sample a range of tasty ingredients as well as different varieties of kimchi meals. National Party MP Melissa Lee, who’s of Korean heritage, arrived and told us she’s a big fan of kimchi and that in Korea there’s a saying, “without kimchi I cannot eat”. “Kimchi is amazing. There is nothing that is wasted with kimchi, so when it’s fresh, like this, you can eat it, and when it gets sour and fermented you can eat it as well. There are different ways that I enjoy it. I love the sour kimchi, but kimchi and pork goes really well. Kimchi with soup, with tofu, goes really well.” The event ended, fittingly, with a shared meal, conversation, and connection.

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Join your Tour Manager Manage g r as we fly ge l to Melbourne (4 ly ( nights) s at our centrally s) lly located hotel. All breakfasts breakf kkfasts and most dinners rrs included. We spend a fabulous day a at the ay Tesselaar Tulip Festival with hundreds of different diff f erent coloured Tulips on display, ff display a , the ay largest large ggest Clog in the Southern hemisphere, cheese demonstrations, scones and tea and much more. We also enjoy a visit to Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens for some display beautiful Spring flower on display, aay, take high tea at the historic Windsor Hotel, enjoy a dinner Cruise on the Yarra River taking in the sights from a diff different ffferent ange angel. ggel. Including airf airfares r ares from Auckland/Wellingt rf Auckland/Wellington g on or Christchurch ((a gt (ask sk about other areas) areas), ss), accommodation in twin/double rooms ((S (Single ingle room supplement applies) applies), s , all s) breakf breakfasts, kkfasts, complimentary r chocolate hour each aft ry afternoon f ernoon at the hotel, entrance to ft Tesselaar Tulip Festival, Yarra River Dinner Cruise, High Tea at the Windsor. ((o (optional: ptional: Ticket to Neil Diamond Musical “A beautiful noise”)

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 27

19-08-2026 09:35:40

28 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Social supermarkets support Kiwis For various families across Aotearoa, food insecurity is present in their daily lives. According to the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) Hunger Monitor 2025, 32 per cent of Kiwi families are struggling to live on their working incomes. Although traditional food banks provide packages of food, different people have unique dietary requirements and necessities depending on their needs or cultural lives. That’s when social supermarkets come into the big picture. New Zealand’s first social supermarket was launched in 2021 as a partnership between Wellington City Mission and Foodstuffs North Island. Access and consent to a social supermarket is granted through a referral from a social worker, budgeting service or agency, though another approach is to contact through their websites to book an appointment. Social supermarkets work using a point-based system,

Highland Park

JIANNA KAPOOR

Kiwis who are struggling ﬁnancially can receive food support at social Photo supplied supermarkets. where each product on the shelves has a value in points. Whether you’re an individual or a family, the authority will work out how many points per visit. Depending on your situation you may be asked to give a small donation like a tip or a gift. The structure of the building is the same as your day-to-day supermarket and customers go through the same process. The only difference is when you reach the counter

the pressure of paying for your goods is gone, since you don’t have to pay at all, your allocated points will cater to your trolley. You might be wondering, where do social supermarkets get access to all that food when they only run on a small donation? They rely on various sources: co-operating with partnerships like Foodstuffs North Island which supplies and supports Pak’nSave, New World and Four Square, receiving an immense load

of donations from the community, Government funding, and offerings from charities and food banks. There are currently 14 social supermarkets in the North Island. Though in Auckland there are several social supermarkets including: Manaaki Kai, Tatou Social Supermarket, Seed 2 Harvest Fale-Kai, and Mission Grocer. I believe that in the future, when we have more programmes and services like these, we can support our community to make a better place for everyone who needs a hand. > Full story at www.times.co.nz • Jianna Kapoor is in year 8 at Somerville Intermediate School

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Find out if you’re at risk of sleep apnoea and scan the QR code to take the online Sleep Quiz *Valid from 15 July to 15 September 2026 at participating pharmacies only. Promotion only valid if Epworth and Stop-Bang score criteria are met. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. $50 can only be redeemed for a level 3 home sleep test and not any other products or services. Credit will not be paid if the home sleep test is RRP $50 or less. e.g. if the home sleep test is RRP $30 you cannot receive a $20 credit. If a qualifying patient needs to be retested after the promotion expiry date, Philips will honour the promotion. Terms & Conditions apply.

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 28

Unichem Mainstreet Pharmacy Howick Address: 45/47 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland 2014, New Zealand

19-08-2026 09:35:42

BUSINESS

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 29

Stunning clifftop property earns builder gold award

By CHRIS HARROWELL An east Auckland company that builds high-quality homes has earned some major silverware at the recent 2026 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards. Moore Quality Building was awarded Regional Gold in the Auckland / Northland / Coromandel Competition’s Resene New Home $2 million-$4 million category, for a stunning clifftop home constructed in Rangitoto View Road, Cockle Bay. Hayden Moore, the founder of the Cockle Bay-based building company, says he and his team are “incredibly proud to have the home recognised alongside some of New Zealand’s leading builders”. “This was a project we were particularly proud of, and the award reflects the passion, craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the home, as well as the incredible team of trades and suppliers who helped bring it together. “We’re an east Auckland building company and having a home we’ve built locally recognised at this level is a pretty special achievement for us.” The award-winning property features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, a home gym, an internal sauna and a dedicated games room complete with a custom-built bar. It also incorporates a self-contained New York-inspired apartment where a dramatic mezzanine level creates a distinctive loft-style retreat with pale stone flooring, warm timber veneer wall linings and crisp white surfaces. Moore says what makes the home so special is how naturally its design works with its spectacular clifftop setting. “Almost every room connects with the Hauraki Gulf, making the views a major part of the home rather than simply a backdrop. “The craftsmanship and attention to detail also set it apart. Solar power, high-perfor-

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 29

Hayden and Emma Moore at the 2026 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Photo supplied Awards. mance glazing and insulation well above the minimum requirements all contribute to a more energy-efficient home. “Durability was extremely important. This house sits in one of the most extreme coastal environments, exposed to salt-laden air rising directly off the cliff face, particularly during storms. “It needed to withstand that environment while requiring minimal ongoing maintenance.” That’s why aluminium was used extensively across the home’s exterior, including Nu-Wall aluminium cladding, roofing, joinery and spouting, he says. “The result is a home that feels impressive yet highly liveable, combining thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, durability and environmental performance in a way that will stand the test of time.” Moore says a project of such scale takes a huge amount of planning, co-ordination and attention to detail and if anyone is considering a similar project they need to allow a few years from initial design and consenting through to construction and handover. “Getting the builder involved early is really

important. Design decisions can significantly impact the final build cost, sometimes by hundreds of thousands of dollars and clients don’t always realise which decisions affect the price. “The clifftop site added another level of complexity. The weather could be completely different from one end of the site to the other. “Sometimes the boys would be getting smashed by wind and rain on the cliffside while it was calm around the back.” Moore jokes that on those days he’d find a job for himself to do around the back. “We also had to be very mindful of the neighbours, who lived beside a busy building site for over a year. “Managing noise, keeping the site tidy and being considerate was important to us. “Even something as simple as keeping the site radio at a reasonable volume can make a significant difference to those living nearby.” Moore received confirmation on August 18 that the Rangitoto View Road house, pictured below, is a finalist for 2026 House of the Year Top 100. Judging for the national awards begins in September.

19-08-2026 09:35:43

Artist Impression

Summerset Half Moon Bay Retire in style by the marina Retirement is a chance to enjoy more of what you love. The coastline, the marina and the community that’s always felt like home. At Summerset Half Moon Bay, embrace contemporary retirement living just moments from the water, surrounded by familiar faces and your favourite places. With brand-new homes, inviting social spaces and the peace of mind knowing that your future needs will be taken care of, this marks a new era of retirement living in Half Moon Bay. Our show suite is now open. Explore a 3D model of the village, interactive apartment tours, and a fully fitted kitchen and bathroom. Plans and pricing are also available, with two-bedroom apartments from $895,000.* Love the life you choose.

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SUM9734_FP Half Moon Bay 30 FPs Press August_195x297 v2.indd 1 Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb

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10/08/2026 09:35:43 12:42 PM 19-08-2026

BUSINESS

A SMALLER HOME,

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 31

ADVERTORIAL

THE SAME HOWICK COMMUNITY

For Mike and Libby, the move to HBH Howick Views Apartments came down to one simple question: did it tick the boxes? After almost 40 years in Howick, they knew they wanted to stay close to the community they knew. They also wanted a smaller, more secure home, fewer maintenance worries and access to support if their needs changed in the future. HBH Howick Views Apartments stood out. With just 42 apartments, the community felt personal from the start. Mike and Libby soon got to know their neighbours and settled into a relaxed routine that still gave them the freedom to work, see friends, and stay active. Location mattered too. HBH Howick Views Apartments sits in the heart of Howick, close to shops, services and familiar places. For Mike and Libby, that meant they could downsize without giving up the area that had been home for decades. They also valued the wider

support available through HBH Group, such as rest home, hospital and day programme services. It gave them confidence that they could plan ahead rather than base their decision only on what they needed today. Just as important was the feeling of the place. Mike says HBH puts “people, not profit” first, something the couple say they see through the staff, support and everyday atmosphere. Today, they enjoy the benefits of apartment life without the upkeep of a larger property. HBH’s maintenance team helps with practical jobs, while Mike and Libby continue to live life on their own terms. If you have started to consider a move, HBH Howick Views Apartments offers the chance to stay local, stay independent and become part of a smaller community. One and two-bedroom apartments are available now. Book a private viewing: 022 199 2150

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 31

19-08-2026 09:35:47

BUSINESS

32 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

When client concentration affects value DAREN LENG, Senior Business Broker at ABC Business Sales, says businesses with customer concentration can be attractive propositions. A large, long-standing customer is usually something a business owner should be proud of. But when it comes time to sell, buyers will look beyond the strength of the relationship and consider how secure that revenue is under new ownership. Having sold many businesses over the past 12 years, I’ve found formal agreements with key customers are not always the norm. What matters is the strength of the relationship, how it can be managed through a change of ownership and the confidence a buyer has in its future. A commonly preferred benchmark is a diverse customer base, with no single customer contributing more than around 10 percent of revenue. The greater the concentration, the more risk a buyer may perceive. This can result in a lower offer, no offer at all, or ultimately a failed sale if the buyer cannot gain sufficient comfort around the ongoing relationship. It can also influence the terms of a sale. Where a significant customer represents an ongoing risk, a buyer may seek an earn-out or other performance-based arrangement, linking part of the purchase price to the business retaining that revenue after settlement. Several years ago, I sold a business where Mitre 10 represented a significant proportion of revenue. While this concerned some buyers, another recognised the strength of the relationship and worked with the vendor and customer to gain assurances around the future. Customer concentration isn’t necessarily a problem. The key is understanding how a buyer will assess the risk and finding ways to provide comfort where needed. The lower the perceived risk, the stronger the value proposition is likely to be. Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker at ABC Business Sales – Your Business Broker of Choice. Ph 021 0278 6045 or email darenl@abcbusiness.co.nz

New Zealand's No.1 Business Matchmakers www.abcbusiness.co.nz LIC REA 2008

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 32

The Electoral Commission’s ‘Orange Guy’ will be reminding people to enrol to vote at this year’s general election. Image supplied

Enrol to vote by October 25 T he Electoral Commission says 3.6 million enrolment packs will be posted out to enrolled voters so they can check their details are up to date for the 2026 general election, which is being held on Saturday, November 7. “When you get your pack, open it, and check your details are correct,” chief electoral officer Karl Le Quesne says. “The boundaries of many electorates have changed, so check your electorate too. “The packs are being delivered from August 17 to 22. If you don’t get one in the mail, it means your address is out of date, or you’re not enrolled. Right now, more than 3.6 million people are enrolled. There are an estimated 440,000 people who are not enrolled, including approximately 200,000 18- to 24-year-olds. Talk to your whānau and friends and make sure everyone is enrolled by October 25 so they can vote.” People can enrol or update their address online at vote. nz using their New Zealand driver licence, New Zealand passport or RealMe verified identity. They can also enrol or update their address using a paper enrolment form. Phone 0800 36 76 56 or text your name and address to 3676 to have a form sent to

you. Calls and texts are free. In addition, Orange Guy and Pup are back to guide New Zealanders through the 2026 general election with a new look to signal that things are different this year. The Electoral Commission’s mascots are leaving behind their orange and purple animated world and venturing into real world scenes. “When people see Orange Guy and Pup, they know an election is coming and that it’s time to enrol and vote,” Le Quesne says. “This year, there’s another important message, which is that you need to be enrolled before voting starts. You won’t be able to enrol or update your details when you vote. We need people to know they must be enrolled by October 25. A change to the advertising reinforces that. “We’re calling on everyone to enrol or update their details by October 4 so you receive an EasyVote card. The absolute last day to enrol to vote in this election is October 25, and voting starts on October 26.”

19-08-2026 09:35:48

BUSINESS

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 33

PART ONE

Advantage of personal risk insurance

Have you been putting off doing your will?

Risk Insurance Adviser Steve O’Connor helps people ensure they have the right insurance cover when they need it most.

This is article one of three in a short series from Wynyard Wood demystifying wills for Kiwi families.

Personal risk insurance is about protecting you, your family and financial future when life doesn’t go according to plan. While we insure homes, cars and possessions, our ability to earn an income is often our greatest financial asset. Risk insurance provides a safety net when illness, injury, or death creates financial pressure. There are five main types of personal risk insurance: 1. Life insurance– Provides a lump-sum payment if you die. It can help repay a mortgage, replace lost income, cover living costs and protect your family financially. 2. Trauma insurance – Pays a lump sum following diagnosis of a serious illness, such as cancer, heart attack or stroke. The payment can provide financial breathing space, fund treatment, reduce debt or allow time away from work. 3. Income protection – Provides a monthly income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It helps maintain your lifestyle and meet mortgage repayments, bills and other commitments while you recover. 4. Total and permanent disability (TPD) – Provides a lump sum if you become permanently disabled and meet the policy definition. The money can help with debt, rehabilitation, home modifications and longterm needs. 5. Medical insurance – Helps cover eligible private healthcare costs, including specialists, diagnostic tests and surgery. It can provide greater choice of treatment and reduce waiting times. Together, these five types of cover provide a comprehensive financial plan b, helping protect your income, health, family and financial security when you need it most. Let’s talk.

Still avoiding your will? If so, you are in good company. For most of us, a will sits on the list of things to get to eventually – somewhere below the guttering and above the tax return. It is one of the most important things you will ever sign. A professionally prepared will ensures the people you love and the assets you have worked hard for are protected if the unexpected happens. Most importantly, it ensures your wishes are carried out, and the people you care about are looked after. It is a simple step that can make a lasting difference. So who needs one? More people than assume they do. • KiwiSaver members. Your balance forms part of your estate – have you considered where it goes? • Anyone whose situation is complicated. Blended families, a business, property in more than one place: all call for careful planning. • Anyone with a view on who gets what. A will is your best tool for directing how your estate is distributed. • Parents. Your will is where you name a guardian for your children. • Older New Zealanders. In-home visits from our friendly team may be available for those who find travel difficult. The process is simpler than most people imagine: seven clear steps beginning with a conversation and our online questionnaire, ending with your signature. Leave your family with a clear, legally robust document that details your wishes. Whatever your age and stage, the wills specialists at Wynyard Wood can prepare a will tailored to your situation. If you have been putting yours off, contact us to protect you and your family’s future. We’re ready for what’s next. Are you? wynyardwood.co.nz/wills | 09 969 0126

Steve O’Connor, Insurance Advisor, Insurance Market, 021 862 330, steve.oconnor@insurance-market.co.nz

Steve’s got you covered

Steve O’Connor Insurance Advisor 021 862 330

steve.oconnor@insurance-market.co.nz www.insurance-market.co.nz/brokers/steve-oconnor/steve NZ Financial Services Group Limited (FSP286965)

wynyardwood.co.nz/wills Tel. 09 969 0126

Have you been putting off doing your Will? One of the most important things you’ll ever sign, a professionally prepared Will ensures the people you love and the assets you’ve worked hard for are protected if the unexpected happens. Most importantly, a Will ensures your wishes are carried out and the people you care about are looked after. It’s a simple step that can make a lasting difference. We’re ready for what’s next. Are you?

Wynyard Wood Eastern Times 82x62 20260730.indd 1 Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 33

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BUSINESS

34 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

DIY DESIGN DILEMMAS It’s easy to think you can design everything yourself. There are templates, online tools and AI at your fingertips which can certainly help but having the tools and knowing how to use them well are two very different things. You could build your own house, tackle the electrics, cut your own hair or handle your own legal issues. But unless you know what you’re doing, it’s probably not a great idea. Graphic design is much the same. Graphic designers are trained professionals. They’ve often spent years studying and developing an understanding of typography, layout, colour, visual hierarchy and communication. They know why one typeface feels trustworthy while another feels playful, how to organise information so it’s easy to understand, and how to create designs that work across everything from a business card to

a website. Designers are also creative problem solvers. Rather than simply making something look nice, they generate ideas and find interesting ways to communicate what makes a business different from others in the same field. A good designer will understand brands and markets. They’ll consider your competitors, your customers, and where your business sits in the marketplace – looking at the bigger picture, not just the individual design piece. DIY design might seem like a good way to save money, but spending hours trying to perfect a flyer might not be a great use of a business owner’s time. When a visual touchpoint is often the first experience someone has of your business, a professional design brings consistency, personality and credibility. Sometimes it pays to put down the DIY tools and call in someone who does it for a living. Get in touch with Jane on 027 490 4232 or jane@bathurstbrown.com if you would like help with your brand identity or graphic design.

THE LEADERSHIP GAP NOBODY TALKS ABOUT One of the biggest challenges facing growing businesses isn’t strategy, sales, or technology. It’s leadership. Many organisations promote high-performing employees into leadership roles because they’re technically excellent, reliable, and respected. Leading people requires a different skillset from doing the work. Suddenly, the person who excelled as an individual contributor is expected to have difficult conversations, provide feedback, manage performance, navigate conflict, and motivate others. Yet very few people receive any formal leadership training before stepping into these responsibilities. The result can be frustration for everyone involved. Leaders feel unsupported and uncertain. Teams become disengaged. Performance

suffers. The good news is that leadership is not something you’re simply born with. Like any skill, it can be learned, practised, and developed. The most effective organisations recognise this and invest in leadership capability early. They provide their leaders with the tools, support, and self-awareness needed to bring out the best in others. At Spice, we help leaders develop those skills through coaching, leadership development programmes, and tools such as Extended DISC®, which helps leaders better understand themselves, their communication style, and the people they lead. Add Spice – Your People Partner Call Nicole Griffiths, Director, 021 653 559

From people problems to performance

your people partner

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 34

021 653 559 spicehr.co.nz

19-08-2026 09:35:52

Secured investments, backed by property. Longevity, experience and that little bit extra each month. Download your free copy of Southern Cross Partners’ guide to investing with property in New Zealand.

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 35

19-08-2026 09:35:55

YOUTH ZONE

CODEBREAKER

HIGHLAND PARK

Youth council celebrates 15 years By CHARLOTTE HUTTON, Howick Youth Council

riddle I have no weight, yet you can carry me. I can be broken without being touched. Once you give me, you should keep me. What am I?

Highland Park

503/505 Pakuranga Rd, Highland Park

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The Howick Youth Council (HYC) recently celebrated its 15-year anniversary, a milestone that marks key change and progress for the youth council. They held a formal event on Saturday, August 8, where their key partners and alumni were invited to join the celebrations. They took this opportunity to acknowledge those who have shaped the council, celebrate how far the council has come, educate people on the council’s past and key vision whilst also looking towards the future. When discussing the council in its current form, the leadership team acknowledged their newly founded connections with Pakuranga Counselling and the Eastern Times. They heard from Howick Local Board chair Bruce Kendall and expressed gratitude for the board’s continued support. They also recognised the importance of the schools and the role they play in supporting the council. Additionally, they thanked their established partners Te Tuhi, Uxbridge Arts and Culture, the Youth Space and Auckland Youth Voice. They touched on the introduction of the Council Community Lead role and subsequent expansion of

Charlotte Hutton the leadership team. They also highlighted the introduction of Auckland Youth Voice, which changed the council’s fundholding and introduced a facilitator position. The council’s facilitator, Mila Veljkovic, spoke about her experiences. This section included an overview of the council’s key statistics over the past five years, seeing over 850,000 engagements physically and digitally. This section included a speech from former youth council member and current local board member Jack Collins about his experiences on the council and how it prepared him for his role on the board. The final section of the presentation looked towards the council’s future with an interactive element that allowed attendees to provide feedback. Overall, the event was a huge success, and the leadership team is grateful to everyone who’s played a role in shaping the Howick Youth Council. Aroha nui, The Howick Youth Council > Full story at www.times.co.nz

DON’T FORGET FATHER’S DAY! SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6

19-08-2026 09:35:58

HIGHLAND PARK

YOUTH ZONE

1990s celebrated at disco E

very year Bucklands Beach Intermediate School (BBI) hosts their annual disco, each one ranging from a different theme and giving students the opportunity to celebrate something at school. This year, the theme was ‘The 90’s/1990s’, which was a popular theme among many students. So, on a lively recent evening, students, each wearing unique attires, chatting with friends, and with smiles on their faces, attended the disco. The air was bubbling with noise and laughter as the students all hurried in, determined to be the first in line for the many things that awaited them. There were neon banners, hung all around the hall, with disco balls decorating the tables, even a few balloon flamingos hanging around perched on objects. The music was blasting, with chanting and singing of excited students bouncing around. The first thing I noticed was how the café was very popular. On the menu, there were savouries such as ice cream, doughnuts, lollies, fizzy drinks and many others that each looked delicious. Curious to see why the food was so popular, I bought a bag of lollies and one of the ice creams to taste. The ice cream, which came with a small wooden spoon, tasted sweet, its vanilla giving the hint

Highland Park

ALINA JIANG

There was recently disco fever in the air at Bucklands Beach Photo supplied Matthew LeJune on Unsplash Intermediate School. of creaminess it needed, while the lollies were soft and chewy, one being eggshaped, one squared, others oddly shaped yet still giving off that iconic sweet and sour taste. I used to think the school hall could only ever be a place for formalities and tests, but after this day I’ve realised it can be more than just “meant for school”. It can be the place where friendships are made, for students to be themselves and enjoy delightful moments. I finished my ice cream and lollies, tidied up and headed back into the crowded gathering of students dancing under the disco ball. On the way I saw someone jumping a skipping rope, a few students breakdancing, and a whole section of the hall filled with colours and songs being sung. With an hour remaining, I planned to enjoy everything I could, including the games and photo booth. One was

WHAT TREAT ARE YOU GETTING DAD THIS FATHER’S DAY?

to ‘Guess what was inside of the box’. I thought it was a crystal ball at first but after watching others have many goes I discovered it was a strangely shaped marble. The next was, ‘Throw a pingpong ball into the cups’. To my surprise, I got one on the first try and was awarded a strawberry-flavoured candy which tasted okay. The last of the few was the dice-rolling game where you had to roll two of the same number. My luck was particularly bad with this game and in the end I didn’t win anything from it. Finishing off the entertainment parts of the disco, I and a couple of my close friends headed to the photo booth to take photos with the strange accessories they had. Giant sunglasses, disco-themed headbands, moustaches, emoji faces, and many others. It was fun, I have to admit, and I enjoyed it all. It was the last 30 minutes of the disco when I finally decided

to head back onto the front of the hall, which was crowded and filled with the sounds of classic 1990s music as well as some extra student favourites like Waka Waka, Beauty and a Beat, Apt, Lush Life and others. I joined in with the dancing, singing the songs with all my heart as I took the time to join in with the enthusiastic people beside me. The night ended at Y.M.C.A., which was the most popular of all of the songs. Everyone joined in and the disco ended with a big smile on everyone’s faces. This year I was incredibly lucky to be chosen as one of the members of the 2026 Disco Committee; the groups that help organise the disco and the behind the scenes. Everyone in the group was extraordinary in their jobs, whether it’d been coming up with the ideas, writing the scripts, making the posters, and many more. It was a chance for students to take leadership, responsibility and still be creative! > Full story at www.times.co.nz • Alina Jiang is in year 8 at Bucklands Beach Intermediate School

Shop with us for low-price deals to spoil Dad this year. We’ve got everything to make his day special. SMART SHOPPING STARTS HERE

PAK’nSAVE Highland Park

503/505 Pakuranga Rd, Highland Park

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 37

19-08-2026 09:36:00

38| |Friday, 2 Friday,July August 3, 2026 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz | www.times.co.nz

SchOol EnrOlmEnt Enro Enrolments r lments ro t Open ts p for f r 2027 at fo Pakuranga P Pa k ra ku r nga Intermediate Intermediate

Is your child starting start r ing Year rt Y ar 7 in 2027? Now is the time to Ye begin the enrolment enro r lment process ro pro r cess with Pakuranga ro P kuranga Intermediate Pa IIn-zone n-z zone enrolments enrro olments t are ts r encouraged re enco c ura co r ged by ra b October Oct c ober 2026. ct Out of o zone applications applica c tions must ca s be received st r ce re c ive v d by ve b 2 September Sept p ember 2026. pt Ballot o taking ot t king place ta c on Wednesday ce W dnesday 9 September We Sept p ember 2026 if required. pt r quire re r d. re T enrol, To enro r l, simply complete the application form ro f rm fo https://www.pakurangaint.school.nz/parent-info/enrolment/ htt t ps:// tt //w // /www.pakurangaint.school.nz/ z pare z/ r nt-info re f /enro fo r lment/ ro t and provide t/ pro r vide all ro rrequired re quire r d supporting re support r ing documents either in person rt pers r on at the school office rs off ffifice or via ff email to of office@pakurangaint.school.nz o ffi ff fice c @p paku k ra ku r ngaint.school.nz

Year Y Ye ar 6 families f milies are fa r warmly invited to arrange a visit and experience Pakuranga re P kuranga Pa Intermediate firsthand. fif rs r thand. Meet the Principal, explore r our facilities re f cilities and learn fa more r about the opportunities re opport r unities available for rt f r your child. fo

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA school Faith Based

Guided by the Gospel values of Justice, Respect, Service, Resilience, and Courage– we offer inclusive, innovative learning that nurtures cultural identity and supports diverse learning styles. We set high standards, excelling in literacy and numeracy, and engage students through eﬀective teaching practices. Our school fosters communication, collaboration, creative and critical thinking. Every learner is celebrated in a warm and welcoming environment.

ENROL NOW FOR 2027

We warmly invite families to enrol for Year 9 in 2027, please follow the link below and complete the enrolment application. www.howickcollege.school.nz/enrolment

In Zone Applications The roll is filling quickly, please apply as soon as possible to secure your place.

The Year 9 2027 out-of-zone enrolment ballot will be drawn on Wednesday 09, September 2026.

Catholic Education Accepting Enrolments Now

14 Oakridge Way, Northpark, Howick | Ph 09 538 0195 office@starofthesea.school.nz | starofthesea.school.nz

Out of Zone Applications The Year 9 2027 out-of-zone enrolment ballot will close at 3:30pm on Wednesday 02, September 2026.

ENROL HERE

09 534 4492

Sandspit Road, Howick

Discover Shelly Park School Now Welcoming Out-ofZone Enrolments for 2027

At Shelly Park School, we are a warm, community-focused school dedicated to growing great young humans. We pride ourselves on fostering strong, supportive relationships with both our students and their families, ensuring every child feels valued and connected. Our learning programmes develop: • Creative & Critical Thinking • Character & Citizenship • Collaboration & Communication With the addition of our specialist Art and Science teachers, our students receive a truly well-rounded, hands-on education that sparks curiosity and innovation. Out-of-Zone Enrolment Details Applications for out-of-zone places are now open. Closing Date: All out-of-zone enrolment applications must be received by 14th of October Ballot Results: Drawn on the 21st of October How to Apply: You can easily complete your enrolment application online via our website or come in and pick up an application pack from the office. Join Us for Our Open Morning Come and experience the Shelly Park difference for yourself. Meet our team, tour our wonderful facilities, and see our school in action. Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am To Register: Please email Brooke Taylor at brooket@shellypark.school.nz to secure your spot.

Apply online today: www.shelly www.shellypark.school.nz ypark.school.nz

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 38

In-zone and Out-of-zone Enrolment Places 2026 / 2027 Applications are invited for prospective in-zone students to enrol at Elm Park School for 2026/2027. The Elm Park School Board of Trustees has determined that there are places for out-zone students. Currently there are places at: Y0/Y1 (2026/ 2027) Ballot dates will be held on October 15 2026 (if required) Enrolments can be completed online from the school website: www.elmpark.school.nz or alternatively please contact school office on 09 577 0070 Please contact us if you would like a tour of the school or to meet with a member of our leadership team to discuss whether Elm Park is the right fit for your child.

19-08-2026 09:36:02

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 39

Pigeon Mountain Schoool Out-of-Zone Enrolmeent

At Pigeon Mountain Primary School, our core values of Respect, Excellence, Responsibility, and Resilience shape everything we do. We combine outstanding academic programs and modern, single-class learning spaces with vibrant extracurriculars like camps, chess, mathex and enviro clubs. We also have specialist teachers in Music, Art, Health, and PE. Enrolment is now open, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Pigeon Mountain Primary family. Out of Zone Enrolment information: We have a limited number of places available for Year 0-5 students residing Out-of-Zone for entry during 2027. We offer a school tour at 9.30am on 6 August, 3 September and 17 September. Please book your place on the tour via our school website. As per Ministry of Education requirements, a ballot will be held if the number of applications exceeds the available places. If you would like to apply, please email enrolment@pmps.school.nz to express your interest. Application closing date: Wednesday 14 October 2026 Ballot date: Wednesday 21 October 2026

Sunnyhills School 2027 Out of Zone Enrolment Notice

Enrolments for the 2027 academic year are now open in the following categories: In-zone - all years - enrolments must be received by Monday 14 September. Out-of-zone ballot - categories 2-6 - Year 0 and Year 1 only. Enrolments must be received by Wednesday 14 October. The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. Further information can be found at: https://www.sunnyhills.school.nz/enrolment/enrolmentinformation. If a ballot is needed this will be held on Wednesday 21 October. A school tour will be held on 16 September for all prospective out of zone families. Please direct all inquiries to enrol@sunnyhills.school.nz

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 39

19-08-2026 09:36:04

EDUCATION

40 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

PRINCIPAL IN PERSON

With Billy Merchant, Paku–ranga College How long have you been an educator, and where did you train? I’ve been an educator for more than 30 years. I’m originally from the UK and trained at the University of Exeter before beginning my teaching career. Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work in a variety of schools and leadership roles, experiences that have shaped my belief that strong relationships, high expectations, and a genuine commitment to every young person are at the heart of a great education. I immigrated to New Zealand in 2002 and have loved contributing to the education sector here over the past two decades. When did you become principal of Pakūranga College? I officially became principal in June 2024, after previously serving as acting principal when Michael Williams moved to a role at the Ministry of Education. It was a role I was incredibly proud to accept because I’d already developed a strong connection with the school and its community since my arrival in 2007. Since taking on the role, I’ve been focused on growing the college’s many strengths while continuing to lift student achievement, strengthen our culture, improve facilities, and ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve their per-

and strive for excellence. Our vision is simple: Empowering every student to achieve their personal best and shape their future. Every decision we make is guided by that commitment.

Principal Billy Merchant with senior Pakūranga College students. Photo supplied

sonal best and shape their future. What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal? Without question, it’s the people. Education is one of the few professions where you can genuinely change the direction of someone’s life. Whether that’s helping a student discover a passion, supporting a family through a difficult time, or seeing a teacher grow into an outstanding leader, those moments are incredibly rewarding. As principal, I also have the privilege of helping create the conditions where both students and staff can flourish. Every day is different bringing new challenges, but every day offers an opportunity to make a positive difference. What’s special about Pakūranga College? There’s so much that’s special

about this place, which is the reason why I’ve been here so long. Pakūranga College is an incredibly diverse, inclusive, and welcoming school. We have students from many different cultures and backgrounds, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. What impresses me most is the sense of belonging we have here. Students feel connected, staff genuinely care about young people, and there’s a real culture of aspiration. We want every student to leave us with excellent qualifications, confidence in who they are, and the skills to thrive in whatever pathway they choose. We have amazing and talented staff, outstanding programmes across academic, sporting, cultural, and performing arts fields, and a supportive community that takes enormous pride in the college. There’s a real sense of momentum as we continue to raise expectations

Is there anything you’d like improved in the education or school management sector? Schools are being asked to do more than ever before. We’re not only educating young people academically, but we’re also supporting their well-being, mental health, attendance, behaviour, family circumstances, and future career pathways. I’d like to see greater recognition of the increasingly complex role schools play in society, along with better access to specialist support services that allow teachers and principals to focus on what they do best, which is teaching and learning. I’d also welcome greater stability in education policy. This is very relevant in an election year, especially with the large volume of curriculum and assessment changes being implemented. We do our best work when we can focus on long-term improvement rather than continually adapting to changing initiatives. Giving schools the time, trust, and resources to embed meaningful change ultimately benefits students the most. > Full story at www.times.co.nz

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EDUCATION

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 41

Students’ product has health focus By CHRIS HARROWELL East Auckland business students are using their entrepreneurial nous to earn a profit while supporting the mental well-being charity Youthline. Six Pakūranga College pupils have formed a business named ‘Fuzion’ as part of their participation in this year’s Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), which gives young Kiwis the experience of creating and running their own business. Fuzion is comprised of pupils Elaine Zhu, Hashmeet Kaur, Maylee Srey Chhoun, Cullen White, Mari Blokker and Amon Sivilay. They have different roles including as financial officer, marketing officer, sales manager and production officer, with Elaine as chief executive officer. A quarter of their profits will go back to YES, to encourage future young entrepreneurs, and five

The members of Pakuranga College business group Fuzion, from left, Elaine Zhu, Mari Blokker, Hashmeet Kaur, Maylee Srey Chhoun, Cullen Photo supplied White and Amon Sivilay. per cent will be donated to Youthline, which supports young Kiwis through its free, 24/7 phone helpline. Fuzion’s product is a Wellness Drink Powder with the students working on product development, branding, packaging, designing, marketing, and sales. It sells for $25 per pouch, each of which provides 28 servings. “Our goal was to create a functional drink that supports calm focus and everyday well-being, especially for

students, athletes, and people with busy lifestyles,” Elaine says. “Our Wellness Drink Powder contains L-theanine (amino acid in green tea) and Vitamin C (immunity antioxidant). Our recipe has been developed with guidance from food technologists at Pacific Flavours, local New Zealand suppliers, and our packaging and nutrition information has gone through professional food labelling guidance.” The powder is available in

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Lime or Blackcurrant favour and is low-calorie, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and with no added sugars. It’s made with natural flavouring and sold in biodegradable Kraft packaging. The students sell it at the Howick Village Market, Clevedon Village Farmers Market and the Parnell Farmers’ Market. They’ve also partnered with Chatz Café in Auckland, which stocks the products to support Fuzion. “In my final year of high school, like many students, you feel stressed, burnt out, and I know many rely on high-sugar and high-caffeinated energy drinks for a quick boost,” Elaine says. “I wanted to create a healthier alternative that people would use to feel calm and focused energy, whether they were a student, athlete, full-time worker or living a fast-paced busy lifestyle.” People can buy Fuzion’s products online at fuzionnz. com.

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 41

19-08-2026 09:36:07

PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

PROPERTY

PROPERTY PULSE

AUGUST 21, 2026 Explore the latest opportunities and expert advice in Property Portfolio. Discover sections for sale at Conmara Estate and G.J. Gardner house and land packages in Beachlands, or find your place among Paerata Rise’s award-winning homes. Angela Rudling from Bayleys asks whether it pays to renovate before selling, while Loan Market’s Geoff Peterson navigates the September interest rate forecast.

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 42

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PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

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PROPERTY FACTS:

Does it pay to renovate? By Angela Rudling of Bayleys Real Estate

There is no definite answer to this question, however the decision usually comes down to two important issues: 1. Where buyers in our market will see value according to what you are asking for. 2. Whether the investment will be recovered in the final sale price. The Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) has recently indicated increased listing numbers and buyers taking longer to commit, meaning sellers cannot assume renovation spending will automatically be rewarded; however, we strongly believe a freshly decorated home gives buyers more confidence to make an offer.

BUYERS PAY FOR TWO THINGS: 1. Certainty. Confidence that major issues such as roofing, wiring, leaks, moisture or deferred maintenance won’t create unexpected costs. 2. Taste alignment. This means improvements should be neutral and broadly appealing rather than highly personalised. This brings to mind a common seller trap: renovating according to strong personal preferences. Bold colours, unusual tiles, and feature walls are not recommended. For most sellers, the safer strategy is to focus on high-impact, low-risk improvements. Neutral interior painting and replacing tired carpet are often the strongest options. They improve photographs, make the entire home feel cleaner and fresher, reduce buyers’ perception of immediate work, and avoid imposing a strong personal style. Recently renovated homes may attract stronger interest, and great presentation can broaden the buyer pool and help a property sell considerably faster. However, that doesn’t always mean a higher net profit – just faster results, in this current market. This leads to the second issue: return on investment. Most buyers don’t value renovations according to the cost; they judge how much the property is worth compared with competing homes. Ultimately, renovating where it improves presentation and gives buyers confidence is ideal, and remembering a simple refresh can often achieve much of the benefit without the risk of overcapitalising. For advice before you start your renovation project, we offer free home appraisals and can discuss each property on its own merit. Please call Angela Rudling on 0274770176 or Michael Chi on 021886363 or call in to our Bayleys office at 85 Picton Street, Howick.

Navigating the September rate forecast. With the Reserve Bank increasing the Official Cash Rate to 2.5% in July and economists watching for a potential push again in September, fixed-rate strategies are back under the spotlight. Over half (56%) of New Zealand’s existing mortgages by value are due to reprice within the next 12 months, making this the ideal time for homeowners to re-evaluate how their loan is structured. Rethinking single-term fixing Rolling your entire mortgage onto a single 1-year term has been a standard strategy for many Kiwi households. However, placing your entire balance on one fixed term means 100% of your debt reprices at the exact same time. In a shifting economic landscape, that can leave your budget exposed to unnecessary volatility when renewal day arrives. The benefits of a split structure Splitting your home loan across two or three terms (like combining short and longer fixes with a small floating tranche) creates a smarter balance. Staggering your refix dates avoids the shock of your entire mortgage repricing at once if market rates move. At the same time, a floating portion gives you the freedom to make penalty-free extra repayments, while longer fixed terms lock in predictability for your core monthly budget. A custom strategy for your household Standard bank auto-renewals generally offer a quick, single-term roll-over. But taking the time to design a custom split-structure allows you to protect your household budget against whatever the market does next.

Refixing in the next 6 to 12 months? Let’s chat about your options.

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BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, HOWICK. LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 43

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19-08-2026 09:37:03

Not One Award-Winning Home. An Entire Award-Winning Community. Across Paerata Rise, multiple builders have been recognised by the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards for excellence in design, craftsmanship and innovation. From Gold Awards and Category Winners, to Top 100 national recognition, our Build Partners continue to set the benchmark for new home construction.

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19-08-2026 09:37:10

PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 45

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19-08-2026 09:37:12

OUR PEOPLE

2 | Friday, July 3, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Q&A

JOHN SPILLER

with

PA SSION FOR COMMUNIT Y & E NVIRONMENT

John Spiller is a well-known east Auckland local through his connection with the Spillers Hardware store in Howick, his membership of the Howick Local Board, and his passion for the natural environment. Where were you born and where did you grow up? My father, Ross Spiller, and grandparents, Oswald and Gladys Spiller, moved to Howick in 1942 from Ohakune and ran a small general store in Picton Street for around 11 years. I was born at the Howick Obstetric Hospital in Selwyn Road, now the Gulf Views Rest Home, and I joke to people that I might end up in the same building again one day.

What was your first connection with east Auckland? I attended Mellons Bay School, and had a wonderful teacher in standard four, Mr Hanlon, who once told me off for doing too much homework. There were no digital distractions in those days. Howick Intermediate School was next, for two years, where we discovered acetylene by dropping calcium carbide into the drains and igniting the ensuing fumes. I don’t think that behaviour would go down too well today. My more formative years were at Pakuranga College, where I survived until the seventh form, but after three days there I decided my school days were over and applied for a business course at Auckland Technical Institute in Symonds Street. This course did not enthuse me either and after only obtaining a couple of subject passes at the

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end of the first year I had the opportunity to open a small ships chandlery supplies shop in Howick, sponsored by my father.

How did you come to work in the hardware store in Picton Street, Howick? Dad had purchased a block of land in Picton Street in the early 1950s and with the support of his parents, had opened Spillers Hardware in 1952. As the business developed, he put in a section of marine hardware, ropes and fittings, which gradually expanded as demand grew. It was from this component of the hardware store that I took an interest in boats and yachts and the chandlery shop, Howick Marine and Sports, was established at Rosscourt, 43 Cook Street, another property my parents had purchased years before. Ten years of being confined to one place of work finally became overwhelming and the business was sold. I then bought an existing lawnmowing round in 1983 to expand my horizons. Winter weather soon put me off this business as a long-term prospect, and I was able to sell the round and move on. I spent the next seven years working as a commission sales rep for a number of companies and was moderately successful. My next move was working in our familyowned Hammer Hardware business in Howick with my father, Ross, and brother Paul, who were the majority shareholders.

What inspired you to get involved with local politics? In 1995 I was approached in the store by the chairperson of the Howick Community Board, Barbara Haszard, who suggested I should consider standing for a seat on the board at the up-coming local body elections. I subsequently attended the next public meeting of the Howick Community Board to listen to the sorts of issues that were discussed. Initially, I wasn’t that motivated because a lot of the agenda items appeared pretty dull. However, there were some that held my attention, and after more encouragement from Barbara I decided to throw my hat in the ring. I became part of a political ticket, called Howick Community Spirit, with other like-minded candidates and was amazed when not only did I get elected but I’d polled the highest on my first attempt. I was in no doubt that the longevity of our family name in the wider community had a great deal to do with that result. Over time, and because our family had a long-term commitment to Howick, I became ever more interested in community outcomes, advocacy on behalf of our constituents, and that the board could work proactively for the area. My particular focus has always been on the environment, conservation, and protection of our endangered plant and animal species. Coastal protection against

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OUR PEOPLE

Howick Local Board member John Spiller is a keen member of the Howick Tramping Club and helps to protect New Zealand’s native birds. Photos supplied

erosion from weather events has also been a concern. In 2007 I was unsuccessful in winning a Manukau City Council seat, and as I suddenly had more time on my hands, I started volunteering in the Hunua Ranges with the Kokako Management Area team of volunteers. This was an awesome opportunity to help protect one of New Zealand’s most endangered birds (you can see one on the NZ$50 note), spend time in beautiful native bush, and maintain my fitness. It took around 40 minutes of uphill walking to just get to the starting point where we picked up our bait and handheld radios and were told which tracks we’d be working on that day. It was a very satisfying experience and the sight and sound of a kokako or two in the tree canopy was simply wonderful, should you be lucky enough to have such an encounter.

What achievements of your time on the Howick Local Board are you most proud of? In 2010 I was led back into local body politics when I was asked to stand with a team of candidates representing the Citizens and Ratepayers campaign. Under Minister Rodney Hide’s re-jig of electoral boundaries when the Auckland ‘Super City’ was formed, Howick was split up into three subdivisions for voting and representation purposes. I was a candidate in the Howick subdivision and was again successful in winning a seat. It was all very new, and elected members and council officers alike were feeling their way because it was a very different ‘beast’, and responsibilities, duties and accountabilities were still being bedded in. Initially, elected members were given ‘portfolio’ responsibilities, and one of mine was sport, which I also had a keen interest in. One of the proudest achievements I had a hand in as a member of the Howick Local Board was the funding and subsequent provision of the artificial turf fields at William Green Domain, primarily for football with some use by lacrosse. These fields have endured well, which has been a great return on the substantial investment that went into the site 12 to 13 years ago. More recently, the Howick Local Board supported and funded

Q&A.indd 3 2026-08-21.indb 47 Eastern Times

the major playground upgrade at Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush, which has proved extremely popular. This facility, co-designed in collaboration with local iwi, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, won the top prize at the 2026 Parks Awards, something that all stakeholders are very proud of.

What are your interests and passions away from local politics? Away from my time commitments with the Howick Local Board I’m involved with the Howick Tramping Club (HTC) and have been a member for well over 20 years. I love a good stroll along the coast, on a bush track, or if my motivation and fitness allows, maybe a climb to somewhere above the bush line in a national park. Every fortnight, a friend from the tramping club and I spend half a day volunteering on the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, at the southern end of Duders Beach. We each maintain a trapline of around 20 traps, which are set with bait to catch our introduced mammalian predators. This helps protect our coastal and bush-dwelling native birds in that area. Sometimes we’re asked by the park ranger to help with tree planting, or other maintenance work, which isn’t too onerous as we’re working in a beautiful part of the Pohutukawa Coast. I’ve been a member of the Friends of Mangemangeroa organisation for many years and also help in the reserve with tree planting when I can. Part of my current role on the Howick Local Board is to liaise with the Friends’ committee and support the terrific work they do in the Mangemangeroa Reserve, a project that’s been running for over 25 years. The difference the infill planting has made has to be seen to be believed.

What do you think of the changes you’ve seen in the community over the years? The population growth has been very significant and the Howick Local Board area is the largest by population of all 21 Auckland local boards. Although some of the growth has occurred in greenfield areas, much of it more recently has been due to infill housing. This has placed a huge strain on our infrastructure such as storm and

wastewater systems, on-street parking and community facilities. We have a vibrant multi-cultural ward and this is celebrated by an array of events such as Matariki, Diwali, Chinese New Year and a host of others. Howick Village remains a very desirable historic shopping precinct and competes well alongside the bigger and newer centres such as Botany and Ormiston. Pakuranga Plaza should eventually come back to life once the Eastern Busway project is completed and the mall owners move ahead with their development plans. I’m very confident the wider Howick ward area has a great future, and this is borne out by the ever-increasing number of residents who choose to call it home.

Do you have much time for travel and where have you been? Spending time in the outdoors at the places I’ve mentioned above has been a special part of my more recent life, as well as enjoying some challenging and exciting New Zealand tramping with Howick Tramping Club over the past 23 years. I’ve also managed some tramping in Tasmania, Cornwall in the United Kingdom with the former FMC (Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ) travel club, and some fabulous canyon exploration in Utah and Arizona in the United States with the HTC. Last year was a recent highlight with a flight to Darwin and eight days exploration of parts of the Northern Territory of Australia, including Kakadu National Park, Catherine Gorge and Litchfield National Park, again with the Howick Tramping Club. I’ve got something planned for November this year too, but that will be another story.

8/13/2026 12:52:03 PM 19-08-2026 09:37:13

HEALTH & WELLBEING

48 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

FINDING CALM: YOUR LOCAL HEALTH CARE We are a group of doctors, nurses and people trained & skilled in health care. Our Primary Health Organisation has 18 clinics & 100 General Practitioners located in Howick, Pakuranga, Botany Junction, Beachlands, Clevedon, Kawakawa Bay, Ormiston, Highbrook, Remuera & Pukekohe.

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2026-08-21 - P48-49.indd 48

Everyday stress has a way of creeping into every corner of life – sleep, relationships, work, and health. For people looking for practical tools to manage it, East Health Trust's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programme offers a structured, supportive way forward. Run over eight weeks, with sessions of 2.5 hours each, the programme is designed to fit around real life. Participants can choose to attend across the eight weeks by picking to be in a morning class that starts a 9.30am or the evening class at 6pm. The course is led by a qualified mindfulness teacher and covers a well-rounded set of skills, including learning to breathe better, mindful meditation, gentle stretching, and working with emotions. Just as importantly, participants learn from others in the group – sharing experiences and building a sense of connection that often makes the practice easier to sustain once the course ends. This isn't about quick fixes. Mindfulness-based approaches are widely recognised for helping people respond to stress rather than simply react to it, building resilience one week at a time. By the end of the eight weeks, all participants come away with a toolkit of techniques they can keep using long after the sessions finish – whether that's a few mindful breaths before a difficult conversation, a short body scan before bed, or simply noticing daily moments with a little more presence. Best of all, the programme is completely free for patients enrolled with any of the 18 clinics across the East Health Trust network. Interested individuals simply need to speak to their doctor or nurse about a referral or complete the online self-referral form directly through the East Health website using the QR code below. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pace of daily life, this programme offers a gentle, evidence-informed path back to balance – one breath, one session, one week at a time. Bought to you by East Health Trust

19-08-2026 09:52:22

HEALTH & WELLBEING

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 49

THE MOST DANGEROUS SENTENCE IN NEW ZEALAND By MIKE KING, founding

suddenly we hear: “They’re just doing it for attention.”

In my line of work, I hear a lot of things that concern me. Young people who feel worthless. Parents who don’t know how to help. Teachers watching children carry burdens far heavier than they should. But there’s one sentence I hear over and over again that worries me more than most: “They’re just doing it for attention.”

But what’s so wrong with wanting attention? Every one of us seeks it. Children need comfort and reassurance. Adults seek approval from friends, family and colleagues. We share our successes and tell our stories because human beings are wired for connection. We all need to know that somebody sees us, hears us and believes we matter.

ambassador, I Am Hope Foundation

It sounds harmless, and most people who say it aren’t trying to be cruel. The problem is that we use it to dismiss someone’s pain rather than understand it. Once we label someone an attention seeker, we give ourselves permission to stop asking what might actually be driving their behaviour. Think about it. If a child breaks their arm and cries, we don’t accuse them of wanting attention. We recognise that something is wrong and respond. Yet emotional pain is different. A teenager starts acting out, posts something concerning online, talks about self-harm or becomes disruptive at school, and

So, when a young person desperately seeks attention, perhaps the question shouldn’t be: “How do we stop this behaviour?” Perhaps it should be, “What are they trying to tell us?” Through Gumboot Friday, I’ve spoken to thousands of young people. I’ve met plenty who felt invisible, unheard or simply didn’t have the words to explain what was happening inside them. Many had tried being quiet, coping alone and pretending everything was okay. Sometimes what we call attention seeking is what happens when everything else has failed.

That doesn’t mean every behaviour is acceptable or that boundaries disappear. It means we should be curious before we are judgemental. The disruptive child may have chaos at home. The angry teenager may be terrified or lonely. The concerning social media post may be someone desperately hoping another person notices. When we dismiss people as attention seekers, we stop looking for the reason behind their behaviour. And when we stop looking, we stop listening. That’s why “They’re just doing it for attention” may be one of the most dangerous sentences in New Zealand. Sometimes the attention they’re seeking isn’t the problem. It’s the solution. What looks like a cry for attention may actually be a cry for help. Under 25 and need someone to talk to? Book a free counsellor at gumbootfriday.org.nz – no GP referral needed.

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 49

19-08-2026 09:37:16

HEALTH & WELLBEING

50 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

REDISCOVER CONFIDENCE AND COMFORT at DENTURE CREATIONS

A confident, natural-looking appearance can change the way you feel about yourself.

Being able to eat your favourite foods, speak comfortably, laugh freely and feel at ease in social situations are simple pleasures that can have a profound impact on everyday life. At Denture Creations, that’s exactly what they’re passionate about – helping people rediscover comfort, confidence and freedom through quality dentures. Recognised as a market leader among denture clinics in east Auckland, Denture Creations combines clinical expertise, quality workmanship and genuinely personal service. The clinic is headed by Gary Inggs, Clinical Technician, supported by Kerry Moore, the friendly and highly organised patient liaison at the front desk. Together, they ensure every patient receives individual attention from their first visit through to the completion of their new dentures. Denture Creations specialises

in full and partial dentures, flexible Valplast dentures and implant-supported dentures. Every solution is carefully considered to meet the individual needs, lifestyle and expectations of the patient. For the team, dentures are about much more than replacing missing teeth. A well-designed, comfortable denture can help restore facial appearance, improve speech and eating, and give people renewed confidence in their everyday lives. And their patients say it best. “Very caring staff. Going way beyond service, I have great respect for all their help. Thank you all so much,” Karen, Pakuranga. “The friendly team at Denture Creations always make an extra effort to accommodate me so that I feel relaxed during all my clinic visits,” Mrs D Robinson. “Absolutely thrilled with my new dentures. Staff so friendly and accommodating, professional

YOUR SMILE IS YOUR ULTIMATE ACCESSORY

The Denture Creations team of Gary Inggs, left, and Kerry Moore. Photo supplied

and very knowledgeable – thank you so much,” Margaret, Dannemora Gardens. “Pleasant, friendly and professional every visit. So much care and attention to detail, couldn’t ask for better!” Sandra, Ngatea. If you’re ready to regain comfort, confidence and a natural-looking appearance, talk to Denture Creations – creating confidence, one patient at a time. Visit Denture Creations, Level 1, 168 Aviemore Drive, Highland Park. Free phone: 0800 GR8 SMILE (0800 478 764), Phone: 09 534 2444 AMPLE FREE PARKING AVAILABLE.

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 50

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19-08-2026 09:37:20

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 51

19-08-2026 09:37:21

HEALTH & WELLBEING

52 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

PREPARE TO TRAVEL

Highbrook Medical’s travel vaccination service Overseas travel is exciting, but it comes with health risks that don’t exist at home. Diseases like yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, and hepatitis are still common in many parts of the world and staying protected starts with the right preparation. Highbrook Medical Centre’s travel vaccination service is designed to help patients travel with confidence. The team begins by reviewing each patient’s routine immunisation history against the New Zealand recommended vaccine schedule, then identifies any additional vaccines needed for the specific countries on the itinerary. Requirements vary widely by destination and change over time, so Highbrook’s clinicians stay current on what’s needed and when it should be given before departure. Vaccines that may be recommended include polio boosters, hepatitis A or B, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis ABCWY, HPV, strep pneumococcal, varicella, and yellow fever (which Highbrook now offers on site). Timing matters. Because some vaccines take time to build full immunity, patients are encouraged to book their travel vaccination appointment 8-10 weeks before departure, allowing enough time for any booster doses required. Beyond vaccines, the clinic also covers other essentials for staying healthy abroad, including advice on reducing the risk of blood clots (DVT) on long flights, and prescribing malaria prophylactics for travellers heading to at-risk regions – sometimes needed before departure. It’s worth noting that travel medicine isn’t covered by Ministry of Health subsidies, so a consultation fee applies: $96 for adults and $48 for children, with a double consultation fee for yellow fever vaccinations given the extra time and documentation involved, including fit to fly certification where required. With a little planning, and Highbrook’s experienced clinical team on hand, travellers can head off on their trip properly protected – and with one less thing to worry about.

highbrookmedical.co.nz

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 52

ARE YOU LIVING with CHRONIC PAIN?

MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals. Are you one of the one in five Kiwis who experience chronic pain? Maybe you’ve had an injury at some point, and afterwards the pain never completely went away, or perhaps you have pain without a known source or cause. Chronic, or persistent, pain, is pain that goes on for more than three months – it can even last your whole life. It might come and go, or it might be there all the time, but either way, it can be exhausting. It drains your energy, disrupts your sleep, and can interfere with you doing the things you want to do. It’s important to see your doctor as there may be something going on that needs treatment, but sometimes, no cause can be found. Your body can get stuck in a pain response, like a faulty loop that keeps triggering for no apparent reason. Whether it’s headaches, joint pain, or conditions like fibromyalgia or long Covid, there are a few things you can try to help manage persistent pain. It can often feel like you just want to curl up and rest, but although rest is important (make sure you’re getting enough sleep), so is movement. Inactivity can make chronic pain worse, so include gentle movement when you can – little and often is the trick. A 10-minute walk or some gentle yoga when you can manage it will be really helpful in the long run. Of course, if you’re having a pain flare, some days that may not be possible, but do what you can when you’re feeling up to it. Resistance training has also been proven to be helpful. Lifting weights a few times a week, at the gym or at home, or trying a Pilates class on equipment with spring resistance will build strength, build and retain muscle mass, and improve joint mobility and strength too. Move mindfully, with good form, and listen to your body – stop before you feel completely wiped out. Meditation, whether guided or self-led, is another modality that’s been shown to help with managing chronic pain. It doesn’t make it go away, but it can help regulate your nervous system and change the experience so that you feel more in control and less overwhelmed by your pain. While long-term pain can feel frustrating, it can be manageable, as long as you put tools and strategies in place to look after yourself. www.michellekeenan.com

19-08-2026 09:37:23

HEALTH & WELLBEING

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 53

Tired eyes? How extended focus lenses can help Kristine Jensen, owneroptometrist at Eyes of Howick, highlights how having the right lenses benefits your comfort and visual wellbeing.

SKIN CANCER TREATMENT

EXPANDING INTO GP CLINICS New Zealanders will be able to have suspicious skin spots and moles checked and removed at a local GP clinic as part of the first stage of a $23 million investment in community healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has among the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Skin cancer is our most common cancer, and it’s one of the most treatable, but only if it’s caught early. “For too many New Zealanders, what happens after a suspected skin cancer is spotted depends on where they live. In some parts of the country there are excellent community skin cancer services. In others, the only options are a long hospital wait or paying to go private.” The $23m investment will move more care out of hospitals and into local GP clinics and community services, starting with the removal and treatment of suspicious skin spots and moles. Over time, it will also include cataract follow-up with optometrists, symptomatic bowel cancer detection, and respiratory care, Brown says. “This first stage will build on the skin cancer services that already work well across the country, creating a nationally consistent approach to how this care is delivered. A key part of this is funding GPs to upskill, so more clinics can offer this care. That includes training in dermoscopy, which uses a specialised magnifier to examine suspicious spots closely, and skin excision, so those spots can be removed on site rather than in hospital.” It builds on the $5m the Government invested last year to enhance general primary care services, which has enabled the expansion of treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding and minor gynaecological procedures into participating GP clinics in every region of the country. “When skin cancer is caught and treated early, outcomes are significantly better for patients,” Brown says. “This initiative means more New Zealanders will be able to have suspicious spots checked and removed sooner, without waiting for a hospital appointment or paying to go private. It also means better use of our hospital specialists, who will be able to focus on the more complex cases that require hospital-level care, helping to bring down waiting times for those patients.”

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 53

As your local optometrist here in Howick, I see many patients describing tired eyes at the end of the day – even when their glasses are up to date. It’s no surprise, as modern life asks a lot of our eyes and most of us now spend hours shifting between multiple screens and devices as well as face to face conversations. That constant change in working distance can create real visual fatigue. For many of my progressive or reading glasses wearers, Essilor’s Varilux Immersia lenses have become a game changer. These extended focus lenses are designed specifically for people who work for long periods at intermediate and near distances. Whether you’re at a desk, running a business, working from home, or enjoying hobbies like sewing, crafting, or reading, Immersia provides a wider, more comfortable field of vision exactly where you need it most. One of the things patients notice immediately is how natural the visual experience feels. Immersia supports a relaxed posture, reducing the need to tilt your head to find clarity. You get smooth, comfortable vision from near to around one to two metres, which often means less neck strain and far less end of day tiredness. For those spending long hours on digital devices, Immersia can also be paired with Essilor’s advanced blueviolet light filtering technology. This reduces exposure to high-energy light from screens and artificial lighting while still allowing beneficial blue light through. If you would use them outdoors, they’re also available with the latest Transitions tint technology. At Eyes of Howick, we often recommend Immersia as a dedicated second pair for work and home. Patients are frequently surprised by how much easier their daily tasks become with eyewear designed specifically for their working distance. In an increasingly digital world, the right lenses can make a remarkable difference to comfort, productivity, and overall visual well-being.

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19-08-2026 09:37:23

HEALTH & WELLBEING

54 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

EAST AUCKLAND 50KM LOOP PATH

By DAVID MALLOWES How about an individual or family walking challenge! Progressively explore this awesome walk, enjoy our beautiful city. The landscape of east Auckland from the Tamaki Estuary to Mangemangeroa and Point View is much more than an urban area, beaches and shopping centres – there are many excellent interconnected walkways linking beaches, estuaries, bush reserves, volcanic features, and superb parks. From the western side of the Tamaki Estuary, the Rotary Walkway and then the Wakaaranga Creek Path follow the coastline from Panmure to Pigeon Mountain towards Half Moon Bay – an easy mainly flat route with views across tidal flats and mangroves. Walking routes continue along Bucklands Beach, around or up Musick Point, along Eastern Beach, then

a choice of up through Macleans Park to Murvale Reserve, or around the coastline to Mellons Bay. Mellons Bay has 1.6km of superb shaded wide walkway from the beach following a stream planted by volunteers on both sides with native grasses, bushes and trees. At low tide continue along the foreshore to Howick Beach, enjoy the shade under the fringe of pohutakawa, continue along the coast to the beautiful Cockle Bay and recently restored and replanted pathway network. Ready for more on another day, continue to Shelly Park Beach and on along the boardwalks and up through the regenerating forest of the Mangemangeroa Reserve, under the Whitford Bridge and maybe rest at Point View Drive. Or continue south to enjoy hill-climbs through the mature forest of the Point View Reserve. Then seek out the paths that lead through the

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 54

Coastal walking – check tide times and low tide height – the lower the better. Try to walk on dry surfaces so sunny days are best, early morning can be slippery. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip.

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Kellaway Reserve, Kilkenny Park and Logan Carr Park to the Botany Town Centre. There are green spaces and paths from there that follow behind The Hub retail centre. Cross Ti Rakau Drive and from Burswood Drive explore the Burswood Walkway loop. Venture back to Golflands to Lloyd Elsmore Park. Not finished there, you can follow the Cascades Walkway to Meadowlands as a diagonal across the circuit or complete the adventure via a few streets back to the Rotary Walkway.

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19-08-2026 09:37:26

BEAUTY

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 55

WHERE SHOULD MY BLUSH ACTUALLY GO? By SARAI ELORA, Bonita Artistry Blush can be one of the simplest steps in your makeup routine, but where you place it can completely change the finished look. Scroll through social media and you’ll see plenty of rules: apply it high to lift your face, keep it away from the centre, follow your face shape, or sweep it across your nose for that sun-kissed finish.

colour. Makeup doesn’t always need to look natural to look beautiful.

Your face shape is a guide, not a rule You’ll often see tutorials telling you exactly where blush “should” sit depending on whether your face is round, oval, square or heart shaped.

Placement changes the effect

Understanding your facial structure can help you predict what different placements might do. Higher placement can create the appearance of lift, while colour concentrated through the apples brings more attention to the centre of the face.

Blush doesn’t just add colour. Where you place it changes where the eye is drawn and how your features appear.

But that doesn’t mean you need to use makeup to make your face appear slimmer, longer or more “balanced”.

If you love a lifted, sculpted look, try placing blush higher along the cheekbones and blending towards the temples. Keeping the colour away from the centre of the face can create more definition.

Instead, ask yourself: What do I want my makeup to feel like today?

you more control and creates a seamless, skin-like finish.

Soft? Sculpted? Romantic? Fresh? Bold?

Then experiment. Place your blush slightly higher one day. Another time, bring it further onto the apples. Or try sweeping it across your nose or towards your temples.

But as professional makeup artists, we see blush differently. There isn’t one “correct” place to put it.

For something soft, fresh and youthful, bring your blush onto the apples of your cheeks, then softly diffuse the edges, so the colour melts naturally into your skin.

Let that answer guide your placement.

If you love that sun-kissed, just-been-outside feeling, sweep a little blush across the cheeks and lightly over the bridge of the nose. The result feels less sculpted and more relaxed, warm and playful. For something more expressive, take your blush higher towards the temples or experiment with stronger

Build and experiment One of our favourite professional tricks is to build blush gradually. Pick up a small amount, tap off any excess, and begin with a light layer. You can always add more. For cream or liquid formulas, try working the product into your brush first rather than placing a large amount directly onto your cheek. This gives

Because the best blush placement isn’t necessarily the one that makes your face look slimmer, younger, or more lifted.

It’s the one that creates the version of you that you want to see in the mirror that day. Makeup should give you tools to express yourself, not another set of rules to follow. For more professional beauty education, makeup tips and personalised makeup lessons, follow @bonitartistry or explore bonitartistry.co.nz/makeup-packages for our Makeup Your Way lessons.

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 55

19-08-2026 09:37:28

ARTS & CULTURE

56 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

OLD-FASHIONED STORYTELLING MAGIC LIVES AT HOWICK HISTORIC AL VILL AGE

This is a shared arts column space put together by Howick Historical Village, Te Tuhi, and Uxbridge Arts and Culture. From basic animations by gloved hands, to rod figures with flapping limbs, to elaborate string ‘marionettes’, puppetry is a form of entertainment spanning centuries and cultures. Relying on the multi-tasking manipulations of the puppeteer, inanimate and wooden figures magically come to life, to enact a drama before their audiences. At Howick Historical Village this dying art is being revived by village educator and puppeteer Linda Darby Coring, with shows – adaptations of fairytales and the 1935 book Little Grey Rabbit’s Christmas – running on Live Days and during school holidays. Enchanted by the Loney Goatherd puppet show performed by Maria and the Von Trap children in 1965 film The Sound of Music, Linda set out to master puppetry in 2002. With a theatre built by her cabinet maker husband David, Brightspark Theatre was founded. Her first shows took place at Highland Park Library. Creative Communities funding, a short TVNZ piece, and puppetry work for ads and music videos helped Linda hone her craft and propelled her into filmmaking, where she learnt audio production. Enhanced sound design added a new dimension to her productions, with music, voice and sound effects, as well as occasional collaborations with her famous brother, comedian and actor, Rhys Darby, who narrates her Jack and the Beanstalk show. Linda’s sets are decorated with a visual feast of rich detail. Built on half of a circular stage on a turntable, the two half sides revolve as required. They can be swapped out completely with another two-set stage. Her Goldilocks production has four sets on two

Linda Darby Coring in action with Photo supplied Brightspark Theatre. revolving stages. Ma and Pa bears’ room has a staircase leading to the attic, which miraculously switches over to baby bear’s room – a charming woodland tree house. In Jack and the Beanstalk, the space in front of the theatre becomes the world of the giants, and the show spills out where children sit in the audience breaking the barrier between the fictional realm of the story and our reality. This is a chance for subtle interactions and fun as Edna the giant sweeps around the kids. Here the puppeteer performer is seen and their manipulations are visible, but even young children understand how to ‘suspend disbelief’ to believe in the magic and the illusion of the story. The puppets themselves are handmade or upcycled, embellished found toys. Devices such as magnets allow them to perform actions and pick up things. These small, simple gestures have an endearing charm. In an age where digital entertainment transports us passively into dazzling

visual spectacle, this is a different way of experiencing a story. Grounded and unfolding before you in real space and activating the senses, it is tangible and tactile. Wonder, human interaction, and real drama are the timeless essence of puppet plays. Keep an eye on the website for the next shows at Howick Historical Village or to get in touch to book a performance for a group or birthday party at www.historicalvillage.org.nz. By Francesca Lolaiy, Operations Manager

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 56

19-08-2026 09:37:31

COMMUNITY

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 57

Community

This week’s Community Hero is

Hero

Louise Boswell

The Times is recognising the many wonderful people in our local east Auckland community who go out of their way to help others with our regular Community Hero Award. If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community, please email 50 to 100 words describing why they deserve this recognition, highlighting specific actions they’ve taken to benefit our community, with your and their contact details and a high-resolution photo of them if possible to chrish@times.co.nz. Be sure to include details about what they’ve been doing, the impact they’ve made, and how long they’ve been involved in these efforts. The award is sponsored by New World Howick. Recipients will receive a $50 New World gift card and will be featured in our newspaper and on our website.

The latest recipient is Louise Boswell. She’s nominated by Jo Hayes, who writes: “Louise Boswell has hosted Chatty Café at Books N Bricks Café [in Bucklands Beach] since its launch, running weekly sessions that bring people together over conversation and connection. “Across four ongoing weekly events, Louise has welcomed 56 people through her table, offering isolated and lonely community members a warm, consistent space to belong. Her dedication as a volunteer host has helped Books N Bricks Café become a genuine hub of manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (connection). Louise’s steady commitment since day one exemplifies the heart of community connection, and she richly deserves recognition as a Community Hero.” To nominate a Community Hero, go online to www.times.co.nz/nominate

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Louise Boswell is making the Chatty Café initiative a success in Photo supplied east Auckland.

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58 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

MAKE FATHER’S DAY EXTRA SPECIAL at MEADOWLANDS SHOPPING CENTRE

Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Dad, and with Sunday, September 6 just around the corner, now is the time to get your Father’s Day shopping sorted at Meadowlands Shopping Centre. Make a quick visit to the centre before Father’s Day, pick up something special for Dad, and go in the draw to win a fantastic prize.

When you shop at Meadowlands before Father’s Day, simply fill out an entry form for your chance to win an Ultimate Ears (UE) Boom 3. Designed to bring big sound wherever the celebration takes you, the portable Boom 3 delivers powerful, immersive 360-degree sound in a compact, waterproof and dustproof design. With wireless connectivity, a durable build and impressive battery life, it’s ideal for backyard barbecues, beach days, family gatherings or relaxing at home with Dad’s favourite playlist. It’s a prize Dad is sure to love. And if the gift hunt has you stumped, there’s another way to make Dad’s day delicious. Skip

the gift hunt and pick up Dad’s Celebration Cake from The Cheesecake Shop. It’s a delicious treat the whole family can share and enjoy together, with four irresistible flavours in one spectacular cake. Dad can start with Caramel Mud, layered with Speculoos mascarpone and finished with chocolate-coated pretzels. White Mud is paired with vanilla mascarpone and passionfruit sauce for a bright and creamy combination. Chocolate Mud brings together pistachio kataifi and cookie crumb for a decadent twist, while Marble Mud is topped with strawberry mascarpone and fresh strawberries for a fruity finish. With four delicious flavours to discover, Dad’s Celebration Cake is the perfect centrepiece for your Father’s Day table and a treat everyone can enjoy. Then, on Father’s Day, make Dad feel extra special by taking him to The Coffee Club

at Meadowlands for a well-deserved treat. Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast, a coffee and something sweet or a relaxed family catch-up, it’s a simple way to spend some quality time together and give Dad the day he deserves. So, make your Father’s Day shopping simple this year. Head to Meadowlands before Sunday, September 6, enter for your chance to win the Ultimate Ears Boom 3, pick up a Celebration Cake from The Cheesecake Shop and plan a special Father’s Day catch-up at The Coffee Club. Celebrate Dad with something special, something delicious and quality family time at Meadowlands Shopping Centre.

@MeadowlandsShopping meadowlands.co.nz

Be in to WIN this Father’s Day Purchase anything in the centre go into the draw to win one of 2 UE Boom3’s for Dad. Fill out an entry form in-centre to be in to win Entries close September 5th 2026 Terms and conditions apply. Excludes purchases from Woolworths. See website for details

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19-08-2026 09:37:35

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 59

KINDERGARTEN HOSTS ART NIGHT LIGHT SHOW Families and the community have gathered to enjoy the recent colourful Art Night Light Show staged at Anchorage Park Kindergarten in Pakuranga. The centre’s staff, families and children worked hard for months to prepare for the annual event, which sees its grounds transformed with illuminating displays and imaginative characters. This year’s theme was the books of children’s author Photos supplied Sue Townson of Howick Photographic Society / supplied / Times photos Julia Donaldson.

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60 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

DISCOVER

What's On

August/September 26

Clevedon Village Craft Market

Beats by Bingo at The Earl

Every Sunday, 9am to 2pm, Clevedon Community Hall, 1 Papakura-Clevedon Road

Wednesday, August 26, 7pm to 9pm, The Earl, 127 Picton Street

Our friendly community market is open every Sunday, rain or shine. Located inside the community hall in the heart of Clevedon, near the roundabout, it features welcoming stallholders and a wonderful range of local crafts, gifts and treasures to explore. Bring the whole family and enjoy a relaxed Sunday outing, with a playground conveniently located next door for the kids.

Come check out the beautifully rebranded The Earl for dinner and musical bingo, hosted by Disco Dad. Expect a high-energy night of throwback hits, singalongs and guilty-pleasure anthems as bingo becomes a full-blown party. It’s free to play, with prizes to win throughout the night. Gather your crew and book a table now at www.theearl.co.nz/reservations for an unforgettable evening out.

Bucklands Beach Craft & Wellness Market

Free Composting Basics Workshop

Saturday, August 29, 10am to 3pm, Buckland & Eastern Beaches Memorial Hall, 48 The Parade, Bucklands Beach

Saturday, August 29, 11am - 12,30pm, All Saints Church, 17 Selwyn Road

Spend the day exploring the Crystal Visions Holistic & Craft Market, with a wonderful mix of guidance, empowerment, healing, mindfulness, and unique New Zealand-made products and services. Discover a variety of stalls, including exciting new vendors, while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere and great vibes. Entry and parking are both free, making it an easy and enjoyable day out for everyone.

Join Ali at All Saints Anglican Eco Group for a free composting basics workshop. You’ll learn how three simple composting systems work and which one suits your home and garden best. This is a great opportunity to connect locally, try something different and enjoy quality time in the community. Come along and enjoy this friendly relaxed welcoming engaging local event.

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Plan your next great day out!

19-08-2026 09:37:39

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO

★

www.times.co.nz | Friday, Find more events happening inAugust 21, 2026 | 61 your community online now!

www.times.co.nz/whats-on

PLEASE NOTE: information regarding times & dates of these events was correct at the time this issue went to print. However, readers are advised to check events online for updates.

Scan me for more local events

Thursdays @ Seven Winter Series Concerts

Coastal Beauty with Watercolour Workshop

Thursday, August 27, 7pm to 8pm, All Saints Church, 17 Selwyn Road

Saturday, August 29, 10am to 3pm, Beachlands Baptist Church, 59 Third View Avenue

Enjoy an evening of live performance as the Thursdays @ Seven winter concert series continues at All Saints Church. The series offers an intimate night of music in a welcoming local venue. This is a great opportunity to connect locally, try something different and enjoy quality time in the community. Come along and enjoy this friendly relaxed welcoming local event.

Capture the beauty of our coastline in a creative watercolour session with award-winning artist and highly regarded tutor Elise De Silva. Whether you’re an experienced painter or simply keen to try something new, this welcoming event offers a chance to learn, connect and enjoy time in the community. Come along with family or friends for an inspiring East Auckland experience.

Daffodil Rally for Cancer

Spring Art Show 2026

Sunday, August 30, 10am to 2pm, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, 16 Stancombe Road

September 6 to September 13, 10am to 4pm, Howick Bowling Club, 33 Selwyn Road

Join us for the Daffodil Rally for Cancer, featuring a special park and display at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Open Day. Come along to admire a fantastic selection of cars while supporting the fight against cancer. Cars are requested to arrive before 9.30am, with the public display running from 10am to 2pm. For further details, please contact Jodi Tomlin on 021 678 258.

Visit the Howick Art Group’s Spring Art Show 2026 and enjoy a welcoming celebration of art and creativity. Take your time exploring the displays, discovering different ideas and seeing what the group has brought together for this year’s event. With free admission, it’s a relaxed outing for visitors of all ages, whether you regularly enjoy art or are simply curious. It’s a magical experience for the whole family.

WHAT'S ON

LOCAL EVENTS • ACTIVITIES • THINGS TO DO

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 61

www.times.co.nz/whats-on

19-08-2026 09:37:41

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 62

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 63

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

64 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

MARVELLOUS ‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’ Howick College’s recent production of High School Musical was absolutely fantastic! The minute one walks into the Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre the sweet scent of homemade baking swirls in the air. There were student helpers guiding people to their seats, helping with ticket sales and purchase goodies like coffee, fizzy drinks and extravagant baking items like bacon and cheese scones, caramelised onion and cheese pinwheels, lemon poppy seed muffins, chocolate chip cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and galore! The show started promptly at 7pm. The narrator, in the form of a school PA announcer known as ‘Jack Scott’, took the stage and gave a word on the policy of no filming. The production started off with some cool tricks done by the awesome cheerleaders. The actors, all throughout the production, were absolutely marvellous. Everyone was confident, no one seemed nervous and

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 64

Audiences were taken back in time for the production of ‘High School Musical’. Photo supplied everybody was giving the production their all. Whether their job included pressing a button at the right line cue or if it was to dance their heart out, everyone did an incredible job that contributed to the magnetic pull the audience was feeling towards paying attention to every unique character. The characters were easy to distinguish and clear with unique costumes. Each member of the audience seemed impressed and taken aback by the talent that lies in the students at

Howick College. The music played by the band and conducted was compelling to watch and serene to listen to – each song and every note played was perfect and pleasing to hear. The choreography was breathtaking and vibrant to watch; each dancer was well rehearsed. The way the performers moved their body looked magical and majestic, the sharp angles each character moved their bodies in was incredible. The expansive choreography left the stage feeling so much bigger than it was. The live singing and band added to the

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT mystical, romantic, fun vibe of the production. The upbeat singing was engaging and fun to see, the audience members couldn’t help but bob their head to the fun beats. Throughout the song Get’cha head in the game all members of the audience were grooving and enjoying, and some were even singing along! The song What I’ve been looking for was graceful to hear and exceptional. The band was polished, focused and locked in, which made watching them engaging. But what stood out were songs like Stick to the Status Quo, with all cast members performing together, having fun and enjoying it. The main character, Gabriella Montez, sang a solo of the song When There was Me and You, which sounded lovely, and the consistency in volume and tone added to the beauty and delicacy. To conclude the production, We’re All in This Together was sung by the cast and sounded heartwarming and wholesome. There was a moment where the

Highland Park

PIA GROVER main character, Troy Bolten, ‘threw’ an air ball at them and the people in the lighting booth ‘threw’ it back to him using a prop stick that seemed to be whipped out of nowhere. Between 8pm and 8.20pm there was a halftime break. The crowd was abuzz with excitement and chatter about how cute the costumes were. The props were loud and noticeable; it made an enormous difference especially the big locker used in the background, that really helped sell the ‘school effect’. The fantastic ensemble made a huge difference and added to the laughter that seemed to circle through the auditorium every few seconds. The energy was infectious and frenetic! Full story at www.times.co.nz > Pia Grover is in year 9

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 65

Gluten free made easy: Our week with My Food Bag By CLARE MCGILLIVRAY Having two coeliacs in our family means dinner can involve a lot more planning than simply deciding what we feel like eating. So being able to try My Food Bag’s Gluten Free Food Bag, supported by Coeliac New Zealand, for a week was a real treat. The biggest win was the convenience. There was no checking labels, working out substitutions or adapting recipes to make them suitable for everyone. On busy weekdays, being able to unpack the ingredients and simply get on with making dinner made a huge difference. We deliberately chose dishes we wouldn’t normally make ourselves, which made the week much more interesting. The standout was Nadia’s One Pot Beef Brisket, Mushroom & Miso Pie. The tender pre-cooked brisket and rich mushroom and miso filling were delicious, but the real novelty for us was the ready-made gluten-free flaky pastry. Pastry is something I rarely make at home, so having a proper comforting pie that everyone could eat felt like a real treat. The Lemon Garlic Pork Meatballs with Roasted Greens & Potatoes were another favourite. The meatballs were full of flavour and the creamy herb yoghurt dressing brought everything together beautifully. We also tried the Chipotle Bacon & Corn Chowder, Teriyaki Chicken Traybake, and Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Buttery Walnut Potatoes. Every meal was straightforward to prepare, really tasty and achievable on a weeknight, with most taking around 30–35 minutes. What we enjoyed most was getting some variety back into family dinners without adding extra work. When you’re cooking gluten-free, it’s easy to fall back on the same trusted meals, so having five different dinners planned, portioned and suitable for the whole family was fantastic. A delicious, genuinely convenient week – and, best of all, nobody had to read a single label before dinner.

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Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 65

19-08-2026 09:37:52

66 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

FOOD

SMALL WAYS TO MAKE EVERYDAY MEALS TASTE EVEN BETTER ROA ST OYSTER SHOULDER OF L AMB Slow roasted until it’s so tender you can almost pull it apart, oyster shoulder is one of the most underrated cuts of lamb. The onions roast underneath the lamb, soaking up all those flavours and becoming the perfect base for a rich lamb gravy.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lamb oyster shoulder (approximately 1.2 to 1.4kg) • 3 to 4 medium brown onions, peeled and cut into thick slices

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil • Finely grated zest of 1 orange • 2 Tbsp Gault’s Moroccan Seasoning • Salt (I use Murray River Salt)

METHOD

Remove lamb from fridge 1 hour before cooking. Preheat oven to 160°C. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil into a roasting dish; season lightly with salt and Moroccan Seasoning. Arrange onion slices in a single layer, scatter with orange zest, drizzle with remaining oil and season with salt and remaining Moroccan Seasoning. Rub lamb with remaining oil; season both sides generously with salt and remaining Gault’s Moroccan Seasoning. Place fat side up on onions. Roast uncovered 2½-3 hours, until the thickest part reaches 92-95°C. Rest uncovered on a cake rack over a plate for 20-30 mins. Add onions to Rich Lamb Gravy. Pull lamb from bone and slice or break into serving pieces. Serve with Rich Lamb Gravy.

SIMON SAYS Cook to temperature, not time. Oyster shoulders

vary in size, so use a meat thermometer and cook until the centre reaches 92-95°C for tender meat that still slices well. Rest for 10-20 minutes before carving. Leave the rendered fat in the roasting tray and build your gravy with the roasted onions. Leftovers are delicious in sandwiches, salads or gently reheated later.

Watch recipe video here! TASTE WITH GAULT gaultsdeli.co.nz

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 66

Great cooking isn’t always about complicated recipes or expensive ingredients. Often, a few simple tricks can turn an everyday meal into something much more memorable. Start with seasoning. Salt doesn’t just make food salty – used correctly, it brings out the natural flavours of other ingredients. Season gradually (or in layers) as you cook rather than adding a large amount at the end, and taste before serving. Acidity is another secret weapon. If a soup, sauce, or casserole tastes a little flat, it may not need more salt at all. A squeeze of lemon, splash of vinegar, or spoonful of mustard can instantly brighten the flavours. Fresh herbs are an easy finishing touch. Parsley, basil, coriander, mint and chives added just before serving bring freshness, colour and aroma. Even finely sliced spring onion can lift a simple weeknight dinner. Texture matters too. A handful of toasted nuts or seeds, crisp breadcrumbs or crunchy fried onions can make a soft or creamy dish far more interesting. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of a good finishing ingredient. A drizzle of quality olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, cracked pepper or a little chilli oil added at the table can make a surprisingly big difference. The best part is that none of these ideas requires hours in the kitchen. Keep a few flavour boosters in the pantry and fridge and you can make even the simplest midweek meal taste as though you’ve put in considerably more effort than you actually have.

19-08-2026 09:37:53

LEISURE

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 67

WATCH

LISTEN

READ

WHAT WE ARE WATCHING

NOTEWORTHY PODCASTS

BEST NEW BOOKS

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S SEVEN DIALS Netflix England. 1925. At a lavish country house party, a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong. It will be up to the unlikeliest of sleuths – the fizzingly inquisitive Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce) – to unravel a chilling plot that will change her life, cracking wide open the country house mystery. A witty, epic and fastpaced drama from the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, is brought to life in a thrilling new version for Netflix.

NEW ZEALAND SPY TVNZ+ New Zealand's newest spies – and the only three who applied – are tasked with protecting our nation from incoming threats, most notably those noisy neighbours in Australia. Across six episodes, these unlikely candidates are thrust into espionage, fumbling through betrayal, romance, and escalating absurdity. Starring Rose Matafeo, Paul Williams, Bret McKenzie and Joe Thomas. Made with the support of NZ On Air.

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Prime Video Fifteen years after tracking down the Sword of Power, Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) is whisked back to his home planet of Eternia, now under Skeletor's rule. With Teela and Duncan at his side, he must unlock his true power, embrace his destiny as He-Man, and fight to reclaim his world and the people he loves.

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 67

CASE BY CASE (OPEN JUSTICE) Every case tells a story. But understanding what happens in court, a tribunal or disciplinary hearing, and why, can be just as important as the verdict or finding itself. Episode four: A Hamilton mother stole nearly $14,000 worth of vacuum cleaners, perfume, tools and other goods – sometimes simply filling a trolley and walking out. Jane Yee and Open Justice reporter Belinda Feek examine the case, the unusual refund trick she used, and why the judge gave her one final chance. Then, they look at the changing face of shoplifting in New Zealand: increasingly brazen bulk theft, online resale, growing violence against retail workers, facial recognition technology and the proposed expansion of citizens’ arrest powers. New episodes each Tuesday.

ALL IN HER HEAD When doctors can’t agree on a diagnosis, who is believed? Rachel was rapidly losing weight and struggling to eat. Some doctors believed she had a rare and debilitating condition requiring urgent surgery overseas. Others argued the evidence was weak, the diagnosis controversial, and the proposed treatment dangerous. They believed Rachel’s symptoms were psychological. As her health worsened, Rachel and her family became desperate. All In Her Head is a narrative investigative podcast with Anusha Bradley about EhlersDanlos syndrome (EDS), following Rachel’s search for answers through a maze of competing diagnoses and highstakes medical decisions.

ANOTHER DAY LIKE YESTERDAY, RRP $40 A collection of rollicking tales from Guy Clapshaw’s early days flying for Air New Zealand. Back in the mid-1960s, the airline had just begun to expand from Tasman Empire Airways, a tiny three-aeroplane regional airline into Air New Zealand, the international giant it is today. Set at a time when air travel wasn’t just another mode of transport, the book’s pages hum with larger-thanlife characters, tricky customers, sticky situations and laugh-out-loud scenarios.

GO HARD OR GO HOME: MY STORY, RRP $40 Kiri Allan’s memoir of ambition, disruption and survival in NZ politics and beyond. As a highly recognisable figure, Kiri’s overlapping personal story also played out under scrutiny: divorce, new parenthood, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and mental health struggles culminating in the car crash that led to her resignation. This is the story of the person beyond the headlines, from church-going child to charismatic hitchhiker to precocious law student to former politician.

CARL’S DOOMSDAY SCENARIO, RRP $38 Carl and Princess Donut have proven that a Coast Guard vet and once-andforever feline royalty are an almost unstoppable team. Their ratings are off the chart, and the watchers can’t get enough. But the dungeon gets more dangerous each day. They call this level the Over City – a sprawling, once-thriving metropolis devastated by a mysterious calamity. But these streets are far from abandoned. Can Carl and Donut survive this level in time?

19-08-2026 09:37:54

MARINE

68 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

The public had the chance to submit on a review of ﬁsh catch limits for some species. File photo

Fish catch limits and sustainability under review East Auckland fishers have had the chance to share their views on proposed changes for catch limits and sustainability measures for 22 fish stocks. “Twice a year, formal reviews are done on a range of fish stocks and proposals are developed to adjust settings where necessary,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The proposed options are developed using the best available science and information about the fishery. “When a fishery can sustainably handle more harvesting, contributing to our economy and supporting our communities, we should allow it. On the other hand, it’s in everybody’s best interests to reduce fishing when needed.” When selecting stocks for review, a range of factors are considered including sustainability risks, new information about the stock from assessments and monitoring programmes, information from tangata whenua, the

public, and stakeholders, and environmental factors. The review includes proposals to significantly reduce catch throughout New Zealand’s tarakihi fisheries, Jones says. “Tarakihi is one of New Zealand’s favourite fish species, with around 95 per cent of commercially caught tarakihi sold and consumed domestically. Warming waters are likely to have impacted the number of juvenile fish. Despite efforts to reduce pressure on the fishery, supported by industry, including catch limit reductions in 2018, 2019, and 2022, the fishery has not recovered as well as hoped. “Stock assessments for both the East and West Coast tarakihi fisheries indicate levels will continue to decline, which is why significant changes are proposed for these fisheries. On the other hand, snapper and trevally continue to do well as they respond well to warmer waters. “Catch limit increases are proposed for snapper and

trevally in area 2 (East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington), reflecting increasing abundance.” The review included proposals for adjustments to deemed value rates on 11 fish stocks. Deemed value rates are paid by fishers on catch that exceeds their Annual Catch Entitlement. Jones says his decisions on changes will be announced before the start of the fishing year on October 1. Environmental Defence Society (EDS) policy director Raewyn Peart says the eastern stock of terakihi had fallen to an estimated 7.7 per cent of its virgin biomass. While the western stock is healthier at 29 per cent, it’s declining rapidly, with recruitment low and both stocks being overfished, she says. “The state of our tarakihi stocks is shocking. After 40 years of what we’ve repeatedly been told is a worldclass fisheries management system, New Zealand’s third most valuable inshore finfish

fishery is on the brink. “Tarakihi is an iconic fish for many New Zealanders. Most of the catch is consumed here at home and is a staple in restaurants, supermarkets and fish and chip shops across the country. “Tarakihi is a taonga species but given the severe depletion of the stock, the loss of juvenile habitat and the growing impacts of climate change, there are real uncertainties as to whether it can rebuild. “EDS is calling for complete closure of the entire fishery to provide the best chance of recovery. This can be achieved by setting the Total Allowable Catch to zero. “We are also seeking full protection of tarakihi juvenile habitat, juvenile aggregation areas and spawning areas from trawling and Danish seining. “If these measures aren’t implemented quickly, we will be facing extinction of one of our most commonly eaten white fish.”

THE SUN AND THE TIDES FRIDAY 21 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.56am Set 5.50pm High Tide: 12.58am 1.34pm SATURDAY 22 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.55am Set 5.51pm High Tide: 1.48am 2.33pm SUNDAY 23 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.53am Set 5.52pm High Tide: 2.42am 3.33pm MONDAY 24 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.52am Set 5.52pm High Tide: 3.41am 4.30pm TUESDAY 25 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.51am Set 5.53pm High Tide: 4.39am 5.21pm

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WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.49am Set 5.54pm High Tide: 5.34am 6.07pm THURSDAY 27 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.48am Set 5.55pm High Tide: 6.22am 6.49pm FRIDAY 28 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.47am Set 5.56pm High Tide: 7.06am 7.28pm SATURDAY 29 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.45am Set 5.56pm High Tide: 7.47am 8.07pm SUNDAY 30 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.44am Set 5.57pm High Tide: 8.27am 8.47pm

MONDAY 31 AUGUST Sun: Rise 6.42am Set 5.58pm High Tide: 9.07am 9.28pm TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.41am Set 5.59pm High Tide: 9.47am 10.10pm WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.40am Set 6.00pm High Tide: 10.31am 10.55pm THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.38am Set 6.00pm High Tide: 11.17am 11.44pm

19-08-2026 09:37:57

SPORT

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 69

Thrill-seeker takes on world W

By PJ TAYLOR

hen Ronan KerrBell is high above the ground in the middle of a tricky scooter manoeuvre, there’s one thing on his mind. “I just hope I land it,” he tells the Times, after qualifying for the World Skate Games at Paraguay in October. The Howick College 15-year-old is one of the New Zealand scooter riders to have qualified for the global event in Asuncion, which acts as the world championships for roller sports. Some 8000 athletes will be competing in scootering as well as skateboarding, inline hockey, rink hockey, roller derby, skate cross, and more disciplines. Ronan is travelling to the landlocked South American country with his supportive father, Niam Kerr-Bell, a longtime roller blader and chairperson of Freestyle Roller Sports NZ. Ronan will be contesting the open 16 age group at the World Skate Games, after qualifying at the scooter national champs in Napier. Niam says scootering is very popular in this country. “According to Sport New Zealand data, it’s the fifth biggest sport in the country in terms of active participation. The biggest land-based action sport in terms of our overall numbers. “Skateboarding has about 80 riders at nationals that compete, while across disci-

SUDOKU 5 6 1 9 2 4 7 3 8 8 1 9 3 7 5 2 4 6 4 5 2 1 8 7 6 9 3

9 8 4 3 7 2 7 3 1 6 8 5 6 2 5 1 4 9 5 4 6 2 3 7 2 1 8 4 9 6 3 9 7 8 5 1 1 7 3 9 6 8 4 6 9 5 2 3 8 5 2 7 1 4

Ronan Kerr-Bell performs an exciting move at the national scootering Photo supplied champs in Napier. Ronan scooters at the skate bowl at Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush, and SonSk8Indoor in Glen Innes, where two of his mentors, Aaron Martin and Jordan Chan, operate from. He’s grateful for the support, encouragement and coaching of Martin, the president of East Skate Club, and Chan, a local rider rated as one of the best scooters in the world. “Jordan helps me do my runs for park and street [categories].” Chan has a business where Ronan and Niam can access scooter parts and equipment, as well as from Snow and Street Action Sports based in Bucklands Beach. “East Skate Club’s been massive for his development,” says Niam. “He’s rid-

plines, we have 140, so we’re topping out. Those numbers have been going up every year.” Ronan has been riding scooters for eight years and competing for five. His specialty is trick scoot, and he started out spending many hours with mates Jackson and Mason Walker. For a simplistic, environmentally friendly sport requiring only a scooter and human energy and skill, it can also be dangerous depending on the degree of difficulty a rider wants to push themselves and their ride. He’s been to three national champs but couldn’t last year because he’d sustained injuries in a “significant crash – heavy concussion, broken cheekbone”, says Niam.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS Puzzle 1IN THE BLANKS FILL PUZUP 5X5 S P

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den there for seven years. Ronan rides in the Just Scootering Academy.” Along with other skaters and scooters, they’re looking forward to the opening of the redeveloped skate park at Lloyd Elsmore Park next month. “That will be a game changer for scootering in east Auckland because it’s being set up specifically like a jump box or a launch box. “There’s only one launch box in Auckland, at SonSk8Indoor, so this gives us an outdoor facility.” As for the upcoming World Skate Games, Ronan says he wants “to ride and have fun, and to do my best”. Niam says his son is committed to riding every day. “Since nationals, he’s put in a lot of work. He’s had a broken bone in his foot, and another injury to his ankle since nationals. But he’s still putting in work all the time.” They recently travelled to Mt Maunganui for training, as the skate park there has a different setup and obstacles to what he can ride in Auckland. Niam says there are nine Kiwi scooter riders worldranked in the top 10 of their respective classes. “And they don’t get any support from any high-performance funding or anything. “It’s all about Olympic participation. Once this gets into the Olympic programme, which it’s rumoured to in Brisbane, then these guys will start to get funding.”

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RIDDLE: A promise. CROSSWORD QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8210 Across - 1, Over. 7, Circulate. 8, Fate. 9, Stem. 10, Mope. 11, Role. 14, Vermicelli. 16, Frangipani. 19, Tied. 22, Used. 24, Dais. 25, Sago. 26, Norwegian. 27, Heal. Down - 1, Offer. 2, Extol. 3, Sister. 4, Scampi. 5, Clam. 6, Stipulate. 12, Oppressor. 13, Even. 15, Exit. 17, Indigo. 18, Animal. 20, Inane. 21, Droll. 23, Down. CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8210 Across - 1, Sol-d. 7, Bare facts. 8, Owns (anag.). 9, TA-X-I. 10, Huff. 11, Ste-p. 14, In st-itches. 16, Naked ﬂame 19, We-re. 22, A-M-I-d. 24, Rail. 25, Ring. 26, An-a-con-d-as. 27, S’ti-r (rev.). Down - 1, Stops (rev.). 2, Lan-c-e. 3, Sa-lad-s. 4, Gem-in-I. 5, O-ath. 6, Stiffener. 12, Treatm-ent. 13, Pine. 15, C-hew. 17, F-a-ring. 18, Anim-Al. 20, E-xis-t. 21, E-a-geR (rev.). 23, Duck. Puzzle 2 P R

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SPORT

70 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Howick College crowned 2026 1B rugby champions By KATE WHEELER of Howick College

t was a finish that felt like a lifetime – 10 agonising seconds on the clock, a razor-thin 23-22 lead, and an Otahuhu College side furiously inching toward the tryline. But when the final whistle blew on Eden Park last Saturday, the Howick College Boy’s First XV rugby team held their line and their breath, securing a memorable victory in front of a roaring crowd to be crowned 2026 Auckland Secondary School Rugby 1B champions. In a high-stakes clash defined by relentless hits and tactical grit, the Howick College squad proved their character when it mattered most. Holding off Otahuhu’s final, desperate attack in the dying seconds, they capped off an extraordinary performance that showcased the absolute best of secondary school rugby. Beyond the scoreboard, the emotional weight of the day was clear. With eight core players graduating at the end of this season, the hard-fought victory served as both a statement and a fitting send-off for the departing senior group. Following the win, captain Christian Curry said: “I’d like to thank the team as well for their incredible ded-

The Howick College team were supported by friends and family in the stands at Eden Park on Saturday. Photo supplied Saua Leaupepe / Auckland Rugby ication and commitment to a long season that started back in November last year and also to the people in our corner who were backing us the whole season.” Among those who played their final match was Leland Wade, who reflected on what the emotional win means for the squad moving forward. “I’m proud to leave such an amazing legacy,” he shared after the final whistle. We wish Leland and his teammates Ewald Engelbrecht, Rianco Haggard, Ethan Monk, Jonty Pilkington, Jack Read, Henry Simon and Max Willats the very best for their next chapters as they graduate from Howick College at the end of this year. Off the field, the win stands as a testament to the tireless

work behind the scenes. The management, staff and trainers worked around the clock to ensure the squad was peak-conditioned and mentally prepared for Otahuhu’s signature physicality. “The boys have worked really hard since last November for this moment, and I’m just happy they got there in the end,” head coach JP Faamausili says. “You couldn’t ask for a better finish for our year 13 students. The team showed plenty of character and resolve to come from behind and stay in the game – we’re all very proud of them.” Chrissy Plank, who’s been the team’s manager for two years, adds: “We’re incredibly proud of our young men and the journey that took

them to Eden Park. For our year 13 students, they leave behind a legacy our year 12 students will carry forward as they lead the team into next year’s 1A qualifier. The journey continues.” With momentum fully on their side, the First XV leave a benchmark for future generations to chase. Howick College supporters, coaches, managers and staff will be behind the team as they look to take on Botany Downs Secondary College in the 1A qualifier scheduled for April, 2027. • The Howick College Girls’ First XV were defeated 29-19 by Epsom Girls Grammar School in their final, held at Bell Park in Pakuranga on Monday afternoon.

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19-08-2026 09:38:00

SPORT

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 71

Bowlers beat region’s best By PJ TAYLOR

our east Auckland lawn bowlers excelled in a highly competitive regional two-day tournament last weekend, collecting a prestigious prize as their reward. Hannah Dawson, Dana Taylor and Janine Hickmore started the Campi Cup triples contest as a trio on day one, finishing Saturday in second place after four matches, but Dawson pulled out after their first game on Sunday because of illness. Up stepped Jo McCarthy to replace her, and with Taylor and Hickmore, they made the championship final and went on to a memorable victory watched by a big, knowledgeable crowd at Epsom Bowling Club. The Campi Cup tournament is for bowlers with one to five years’ experience, and club players are selected for zone teams representing dif-

Bev Campi, left, presents the Campi Cup to Janine Hickmore, Dana Taylor Photo supplied and Jo McCarthy at Epsom Bowling Club last Sunday. ferent areas of Auckland. After a six-week Saturday morning training programme at Howick Bowling Club, bowlers with one to five years’ experience were chosen for South-East Zone triples combinations, with five teams representing the zone at the Campi Cup. Men’s triples teams were also competing for the Canoe Cup in the same format at Bridge Park Bowling Club. Dawson, Taylor and

McCarthy are from Howick Bowls, while Hickmore plays for Maraetai Bowling Club. The Campi Cup is “a celebration of emerging talent in the women’s game”, say organisers. “This 1-5 women’s triples event promises high energy, fierce competition, and a glimpse into the future of bowls in Aotearoa. “This is more than just a tournament – it’s an investment in the next generation

of players.” Linda Fenton, of Howick Bowls, one of the women’s teams coaches at the Campi Cup, says the South-East Zone is very proud of the achievement of the winning triples team, as well as the performances by all the bowlers who competed including the men’s teams at the Canoe Cup. “All our teams gelled together and played with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship.” Hickmore, a first-year player in the Campi Cup, says it was a “fantastic experience”. “A big thank you to everyone involved and especially to our amazing, lovely dedicated coaches for their encouragement. “This is also the first time a female Maraetai bowler has won. Thank you to my South-East teammates Dana, Hannah and Jo. You were all great to play alongside.”

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PUZZLES

2 17, 2026 | www.times.co.nz 72| |Friday, Friday,July August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

PUZZLE TIME PUZUP PUZZLE NO. 15

FILL IN THE BLANKS FILL IN THE BLANKS NO. 8208 1

P 8

4 letters GOOD KNIT ONCE PAUL

HOW TO PLAY PUZUP® 5X5

• Use only the numbers 1-5, with each number appearing exactly five times. • Fill each outlined rectangle with a palindrome (the same number forwards and backwards i.e. 52425 or 1441). • The numbers in each rectangle must add up to the total shown on the edge of the grid. • No palindrome may be used more than once. • Each main diagonal must contain all five numbers (1-5) once. The centre square is shared by both diagonals and must be the same number. • Solution on page 69

4 LETTERS 5 letters 5 LETTERS Good Adams ADAMS Knit Adieu ADIEU Once Dance DANCE Paul Eaten EATEN Lumen LUMEN Newly NEWLY Ryder RYDER Serum SERUM

6 letters 6 LETTERS Active ACTIVE Allied ALLIED Compel COMPEL Eugene EUGENE

7 LETTERS Annette Aspects Enlarge Rations Special Swallow Turmoil Vesenny

7 letters ANNETTE ASPECTS ENLARGE RATIONS SPECIAL SWALLOW TURMOIL VESENNY

FIND 6 DIFFERENCES

Scan me

The puzzles (a webapp) are available online by scanning the QR code and the books are available at Poppies in Howick. PUZUP is suitable for all ages, comes in three sizes, and three difficulty levels.

Use every word once. One or two starter letters are already shown.

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 72

19-08-2026 09:38:02

PUZZLES

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 73

PUZZLE TIME CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8210

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Disposed of on Sunday (4). 7. The truth about strippers? (4,5). 8. The snow-drift has (4). 9. Volunteers to take the number one vehicle (4). 10. It’s a blow, pet! (4). 11. Walk, at the outset, softly (4). 14. Laughing isn’t, perhaps then is, irritating (2,8). 16. Does it streak up the chimney? (5,5). 19. Had been by ourselves again (4). 22. Among a number I notice outside (4). 24. Complain about the guide (4). 25. Encircle the arena (4). 26. And as a trick, put inside snakes (9). 27. Right - it’s back to prison! (4).

1. Sees back, but does no more (5). 2. That’s the way to catch cold, boy! (5). 3. The silly ass took the youth in cold food (6). 4. It’s a sign there’s something valuable in one (6). 5. Promise to change the hat band first (4). 6. A drink that won’t help someone starchy unbend? (9). 12. Handling the matter differently before the ten escaped (9). 13. Long for a nice, clean smell (4). 15. Cold, cut and eat (4). 17. Succeeding in giving the fellow a call (6). 18. Weird man I name “The Brute” (6). 20. Live in France and it’s about time to come back (5). 21. Keen to give the man a note to take back (5). 23. Nothing in the water (4).

SUDOKU PUZZLE NO. 185

7 1 9 5 5 4 6 3

18 19

24 25

26 27

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8210

8 2 2

7 6

6 2 3 4 7 8 5

3 2

ACROSS

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1. Finished (4) 7. Go round (9) 8. Destiny (4) 9. Check (4) 10. Brood (4) 11. Part (4) 14. Pasta (10) 16. Shrub (10) 19. Bound (4) 22. Cast-off (4) 24. Platform (4) 25. Pudding (4) 26. Nationality (9) 27. Cure (4)

1. Bid (5) 2. Praise (5) 3. Relative (6) 4. Dish (6) 5. Shellfish (4) 6. Specify (9) 12. Despot (9) 13. Level (4) 15. Way out (4) 17. Colour (6) 18. Creature (6) 20. Senseless (5) 21. Amusing (5) 23. Depressed (4)

4 Puzzle answers on page 69

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027 482 8630

- Interior / Exterior Painting - High quality workmanship - Plastering - HOWICK BASED

Kenny 021 897 445

AIR-DRIED DOG TREATS 100% Natural & Affordable NZ made - No nasties, just treats your dog will love!

dogtreat.co.nz

dogtreatnz@gmail.com

8/18/2026 12:41:36 PM 19-08-2026 09:38:10

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES” PLUMBING

PLUMBING

A Level Above All Others Reliable & Professional Residential & Commercial All Plumbing, Gas Fitting & Drain Laying Services

• Full Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations • Residential Plumbing • Specialised Services • Maintenance Specialist, including HWC, Toilets, Taps, Water Mains etc Your local plumber for over 36 years

ben@platformplumbing.co.nz

Ph Andy today! 027 600 6232 handyandyplumbing69@gmail.com

021 128 3813 1ST

handyandyplumbing.co.nz

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 77

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

SURVEYING

House Washing Gutter Cleaning

Resource Consents Subdivision & Land Development Topographical & Site Surveys Boundary Marking & Legal Surveys Expert Local Knowledge

FREE QUOTES

James@snowhite.nz

027 232 5990

TRAILER REPAIRS

FOR HOT WATER CYLINDER REPAIRS

ADAM OXLEY

Certifying Plumber

09 535 1111

027 235 2517

General plumbing/maintenance Bathroom & kitchen alterations NO JOB TOO SMALL Terry 0272922708 Alwyn 0274743505 09 5273053 09 2681007

Haris Hari rs ri Plumbing Plum u bing um g

PLUMBING

House Washing Roof Treatments Softwash No Shortcuts. No Hassle.

www.nomoss.co.nz

021 989 274

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Over 35 years in area Brett: 5343562 | 0274930181

PLUMBING

Maintenance M Ma intena nan na ance Water W Wa ater Reticulation at R ticula Re lat la ation Renovations R Re nova vat va ations Backflow IQP IQ QP QP New e Builds ew

Book Now 027 445 5 7706 6 atish@xtra.co.nz @

PROMOTIONAL

021 909 021 909 1179 179 79

Included in this fe ffee, e, at no extra ext ex xtra r cost: cost s: st Rent collection collect c ion & reporting ct r port re r ing rt Maintenance coordination coord r ination (where rd ( here (w r re r quire re r d) re required) 3-monthly inspections inspect c ions & reports ct r port re rs rt Tenant T Te nant management & compliance 2 Months Free Fre r e Management to landlords re landlord r s when rd Pro rropert rttyy Management. rt they move to Kimpton Property

0800 54 5546 46 78 46 77866 66

WWW.KIMPTONPROPERTY.CO.NZ W WW WW. WW W. PT WKIMPT PTO TONPROPERT RTY RT TY. Y. YCO.NZ

➡

SCAN TO BOOK ONLINE

arqplumbworx.co.nz

Spouting, Hot Water Cylinder C linder Cy Repairs/Replacements, Drainage/Unblocking All Work has a Water Tight Guarantee WE RESPOND TO ALL CALLS! 24/7

Ph 09 534 5286

www.allgoplumbing.co.nz/

Classy pages August 21 2026.indd7777 Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb

- House Washing - Driveway cleaning - Gutter cleaning - Roof cleaning - Anything external!

Ben: 027 232 6274

ben@brownswbnz.com

Call Shirley e Aro on ey 021-2778105 fo fforr a quote

Exclusive Offers Personalised Itineraries Effortless Booking Real-Time Support

09 576 5765

hello@travelculture.co.nz

STUDY TOURISM

Polos Hoodies Jackets & Vests Headwear & more Min order 5 units

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Light trailer repairs (welding, bearing or wood replacement)

TUITION

Quality Workwear

0800 784 785 promofactory.co.nz

Trailer Re R Repairs pairs

Our Inclusive Management Fee is 6.5% capped at $37/ 7/w 7/ /we week + GST. GST ST. ST T. ($42.55 ($42 4 .55 including GST) 42 GST S ) ST $37/week

BRANDED S UNIFORMS

Roof Leaks & Spouting Hot Water Cylinders Blocked Drains Emergency Plumbing Maintenance & Renovations Water Filtration NO HOT NO HOT WATER? WATER? ATER? ROOF A ROOF LEAK? LEAK? CALL NOW NOW -- FAST FAST LOCAL LOCAL SERVICE SERVICE CALL Local • Reliable • Fully Insured

ARO R RO BROS BRO R S RO

TRAVEL

ATISH NARAYAN NARA RAY RA AYA Y AN

CERTIFIED PLUMBER

Certified plumbing, gas & drainage Hot water cylinders Bathrooms, kitchens New & repairs All work guaranteed

easdale.nz / 09 53478452

creditcontroloncall.co.nz

ROOFING

TOTAL HOME WORX LTD

Roofing Repair Service 30 years experience ALL work guaranteed

021 0798 166

totalhomeworx@hotmail.com

Starting from

$2,750

/ pax*

ENROL www.itc.co.nz ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES Weekly (during school terms) Wednesdays, 9.30-11.30am Classes at three levels Corresponding to IELTS performance levels 0-7 Also, exercise class held @ 1.30pm INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH 2 Dannemora Dr Howick (Opp. Kmart) 09 273-3349 - www.ibcchurch.com

8/18/2026 12:42:24 PM 19-08-2026 09:38:12

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES”

78 | Friday, August 21, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

FOR RENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

MARINA BERTH FOR RENT F58, HALF MOON BAY

35 Ft / 10.67m $900 ONO /month

Community services networking

All community and not for profit organisations in south and east Auckland are invited to a networking session on Friday, August 28, 1.15pm to 2.15pm at Te Tuhi, 21 William Roberts Road, Pakuranga. This will be to share ideas, better collaborate and raise awareness of the work we do in the community. There will be five minute speaking slots available. Refreshments provided. Supported by Howick Local Board. RSVP to Vani Kapoor, email: settlement. pakuranga@cab.org.nz.

Garden Club

Howick Horticultural Society meet on the second Thursday of each month, February to December, at 10am in the Howick Bowling Club Clubrooms, Selwyn Road, Howick. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 17. New members welcome. Contact the secretary Fiona Nicol 09 534 8204.

Howick Ratepayers and Residents Association AGM

HRRA are holding their AGM 1pm Saturday, August 22 at the Howick Bowling Club from 12.30pm. An Election Candidate forum follows the AGM: Simeon Brown from National, Campbel Matthews from Labour (Candidate for the Pakuranga Electorate), Shane Jones from NZ First, Helen Houghton Leader of the Conservative Party and Sue Grey Leader of the Freedom Party. Prepared questions will be followed by questions from the floor.

Embroidery exhibition

The East Auckland Embroidery Guild invites the community to its annual exhibition of stitching at Howick Historical Village, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, from Tuesday, September 1 to Sunday, September 6. Enjoy a beautiful display of members’ work, a sales table, raffles, and more. Free entry for visitors attending the exhibition only.

Contact Rochelle Ph: 027-555-9018 for more info or to view the marina berth

Find a huge range of LOCAL businesses, trades & services www.times.co.nz/ latest-classifieds

Pain management

Join us for a friendly and informative talk to better understand pain, simple ways to manage it, and when to seek support. On Tuesday, September 8, from 12pm at the Pakuranga Library, presented by Pain Management Clinic.

U3A Pakuranga

People 55+ years looking to meet new people and to continue to learn in interest groups of your choice. Our next monthly meeting is on Monday, September 7 at 1.45pm at St Andrews Church, 7 Vincent Street. Our guest speaker will be Dale Bradley, a video film maker talking about Whitford’s early settlers. Guests welcome and parking is available at the rear.

Help restore bridleway trail

Join the community working bee to restore the Potts Rd Bridleway and Turanga Estuary banks on Saturday, August 29, at 9am. Volunteers will meet near 72 Porterfield Road / Potts Road in Whitford. Good company, and doing awesome for our local environment.

Send your free community events to info@times.co.nz. Due to limited space, we can’t guarantee every listing will run. This section is reserved for not-for-profit community groups.

Classy pages August 21 2026.indd7878 Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb

Good car parking & secure gated entry with 24/7 monitoring, a floating pontoon for safe boarding, easy access to fuel, waste disposal, and marine services. A dedicated 16A power supply for each berth to plug in any boat that has an EWOF, plus a fresh water supply for washing boats, topping up tanks, and flushing engines etc.

MEDICAL CLINICS

CLINIC HOURS www.easthealth.co.nz

Clinic name

Opening hours

Extended hours

Same day walk in service

Auckland Family Medical

Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

No, bookings only

Beachlands Medical Centre

Mon, Wed - Fri 8.15am - 5pm

Tues No, bookings only 8.15am-7.30pm

Botany Terrace Medical Centre

Mon - Fri 8.30am-5.45pm

No, bookings only

Clevedon Village Medical Centre

Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm

No, bookings only

Crawford Medical

Mon - Fri 7.30am- 7pm

Sat 9am-noon

Yes. Walk-ins M-F 9am4pm & Sat 9am-noon

Eastern Family Doctors

Mon - Fri 9am-5.30pm

No, bookings only

Botany Junction Medical Centre

Mon & Wed 7am-5pm Tue, Thu & Fri 8am-5pm

Sat 8am-noon

Ormiston Medical

Mon - Fri 7.30am-5pm

Highbrook Medical

Mon - Fri 8am-5pm

Yes. Same day acute clinic bookings M-F 8am-4pm

Howick House Medical Centre

Mon - Thu 8.30am-6pm Fri 8.30am-5pm

No, bookings only

Howick Community Medical

Mon - Fri 8.00am-5pm

No, bookings only

Juliet Ave Surgery

Mon - Fri 8.30am-5pm

No, bookings only

Kawakawa Bay(K)/ Mon, Wed - Fri K: 9am-noon Orere (O) Health Clinic Tue O: 9-10:30am K: 11am-noon No

No, bookings only

Highland Park Medical Centre

Mon - Wed & Fri 8.30am-5pm

Thu 8.30am-8pm

No, bookings only

Marina Medical

Mon - Fri 8.30am-5pm

No, bookings only

Millhouse Integrative Medical Centre

Mon - Fri 8.30am-6.30pm

Sat 9am-noon

No, bookings only

Picton Surgery

Mon - Fri 8.30am-5.30pm

No, bookings only

Pukekohe Family Health Care

Mon - Fri 8am-5pm

No, bookings only

Yes. Same day acute clinic bookings at Highbrook Medical

8/18/2026 PM 19-08-20265:04:32 09:38:13

REAL ESTATE

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES”

www.times.co.nz | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 79

SITUATION VACANT OWAIROA PRIMARY SCHOOL

LEARNING ASSISTANT

TERM-TIME PERMANENT POSITION We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and dependable Learning Assistant to join our supportive school team. You will help students feel confident, included and successful in their learning. Experience with primary-aged children, particularly those with a range of learning or additional needs, would be an advantage.

POSITION DETAILS

Monday-Friday during school terms only 9.00am-3.00pm | One-hour lunch break Approximately 25 hours per week School holidays excluded

Join a welcoming school community and make a positive difference in our students' lives.

HOW TO APPLY

MPs: • Parmjeet Parmar MP Parmjeet.Parmar@parliament.govt.nz • Simeon Brown Pakuranga MP Simeon.Brown@parliament.govt.nz • Christopher Luxon Botany MP Christopher.Luxon@parliament.govt.nz

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICE DESKS

• Monday Botany Library 12-1.30pm • Tuesday Pakuranga Library 10-11am Howick Library 12-1pm Ormiston Mall 6-7.30pm • Wednesday Botany Library 12-1.30pm Beachlands Library 5-6.30pm • Thursday Howick Library 4.30-5.30pm Botany Library 6-7.30pm Ormiston Mall 6-7.30pm • Friday Howick Library 12-1pm Pakuranga Library 1-2pm • Saturday Botany Library 10-11.30am Highland Park

Classy pages August 21 2026.indd7979 Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb

Whether buying, selling or watching the market, the right agent matters. Scan the QR code to explore trusted local Scan me real estate professionals.

021 722 933

COMMUNITY SERVICES HOWICK LOCAL BOARD: • Bruce Kendall, MBE – Chairperson 021 198 1380 • Kai Zeng – Deputuy Chairperson 027 340 1848 • Damian Light 027 276 3822 • Mike Turnisky 021 804 742 • Peter Young, JP 027 587 4888 • Krish Naidu 027 705 5572 • John Spiller 021 286 7666 • Adele White 021 284 384 • Luke Collings 021 0302132 • Karina Bungard 0800 528 286 • Jack Collins 021 111 3563

Local property experts you can trust

Jenny Benoy

Scan the QR code or complete the form: forms.gle/Gm4G4iwT1gtuu5kM7 Then email your CV to jane@owairoa.school.nz Applications close Friday 11 September 2026

POLITICIANS

P U D N U RO

Library 10-11.30am Howick Library 10-11.30am Pakuranga Library 10-11.30am

“Delivering exceptional service & outstanding results.”

Tony de Leeuw 021 716 288

“Over 30 years’ experience selling East Auckland Real Estate”

jenny.benoy@bayleys.co.nz

tony.deleeuw@bayleys.co.nz

TRUSTED EXPERIENCE. PROVEN RESULTS.

SUCCESSFUL KNOWLEDGEABLE CARING

EMERGENCY SERVICES

• Ambulance/Fire/Police 111 • Police 111 – non-emergency 105 • Howick Police 04 910 5105 • Civil Defense 0800 22 22 00

TRANSPORT

• Sealink 09 300 5900 • Fullers 09 367 9111 • Eastern Buses 09 273 3660 • Auckland Transport – Public transport 09 366 6400 – AT HOP 09 366 4467

COUNCIL COMPLAINTS

• Animal Control 09 301 0101 • Noise Control 09 301 0101 • Water Care 09 442 2222 • Illegal Dumping 0800 663 867 • Parks/Beaches 09 301 0101 • Pollution/Environmental • Health 09 377 3107 • Flooding – Emergency 111 – Road ﬂooding 09 969 9800 – Flooding caused by burst water main 09 442 2222 • Water 09 442 2222

LIBRARIES & SUPPORT • Pakuranga • Highland Park • Howick • Botany • Citizens Advice

MARIE RAOS 027 481 0199 marie.raos@raywhite.com AWARD WINNER FOR OUTSTANDING SALES PERFORMANCE P

MICHAEL ELLSE

021 978 344 “TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE” DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP

09 377 0209 09 377 0209 09 377 0209 09 377 0209 09 576 8331

LINDA HUNT

021 288 1562

linda.hunt@raywhite.com MAKING REAL ESTATE REAL SIMPLE MARILYN STYLE.

Marilyn HongMa 021 047 4498 Marilyn.hongma@raywhite.com MORE THAN 28 YEARS SELLING EAST AUCKLAND REAL ESTATE

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

• Lloyd Elsmore Gym 09 535 5502 • Howick Leisure Center 09 261 8436

RICHARD & PHEON 021 865 516 | 021 293 4255

CAROL WOODS

021 916 860

8/19/2026 12:00:26 PM 19-08-2026 09:38:13

Homes from

799k

T his is

Beachlands

DISCOVER BRAND-NEW 2-5 BEDROOM HOMES, SELLING NOW.

Selling now 6 Kouka Road

20 Kakahi Road

Terrace Home

$799,000

$889,000

Effortless modern living

Spacious low-maintenance living

Step into easy, modern living with this beautifully designed two-bedroom home. Featuring light-filled open plan living, a contemporary kitchen and a private courtyard, perfect for quiet nights outdoors or entertaining. This home is complete with off-street parking, double glazing, a heat pump, security alarm, and a Master Build Guarantee for peace of mind.

Enjoy effortless modern living in this spacious three-bedroom terrace home. Featuring open plan living, a designer kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite, quality finishes and a dedicated car park, this lowmaintenance home offers comfort, convenience and room for growing families to thrive.

22 Kanae Drive

119 Beachlands Road

$1,159,000

$1,589,000

Flexible, family-friendly living

More space, plenty of possibility

Duplex Home

Enjoy flexible living in this thoughtfully designed three-bedroom terrace home, ideal for downsizers, growing families or multi-generational living. Featuring a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom, light-filled open plan living, a designer kitchen, north-facing deck, master suite with walk-in wardrobe, and double internal access garaging.

Find your new home today. fletcherliving.co.nz

Standalone Home

Artist impression

Designed for comfort and flexibility, this home features a designer kitchen with walk-in pantry, seamless indooroutdoor flow, and two living areas across both levels. A ground-floor bedroom with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe offers versatility, while upstairs includes a master suite, additional bedrooms, and family bathroom. 4

Visit our showhome at 1 Kakahi Road

Artist impression

Find out more

Contact our sales team Vanessa Mealings

027 278 2874 VMealings@frl.co.nz

Shal Sahadew

027 422 9028 SSahadew@frl.co.nz

Elise Obern

027 313 6537 EObern@frl.co.nz

Eastern Times 2026-08-21.indb 80

19-08-2026 09:38:40

Get you rself to

WHITIANGA! COROMANDEL Home of The Lost Spring Awarded ‘Most Beautiful Spa’ In The World

DELICIOUS

DINING

STUNNING

STAYS

WHITIANGA – Less than 3 hours from Auckland

AMAZING

ADVENTURES

Get Yourself to Whitianga Thermal Ocean Village

A Trip and a Holiday You Will Love

here’s something about the drive into Whitianga that sets the tone for the whole trip.

Whitianga is waiting for you!

Stop at Tairua. 24 hour toilets and a great burger at Surf’n’Sand Takeaways.

Less than 3 hours from Auckland

Two and a half hours south-east of Auckland, the journey itself is part of the escape — wind down through rolling farmland and native bush, with the Pacific ﬂickering into view long before you arrive. Break the trip in Tairua for a coffee and a wander along the estuary. Or take the road less travelled through Coromandel Town. However you get here, Whitianga rewards the journey: golden sand, sheltered water, and a laid-back township that feels a world away from the city without ever feeling far from anywhere.

07 866 0456 121A Cook Drive www.thelostspring.co.nz

estled in the heart of Whitianga, The Lost Spring offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. This idyllic destination boasts geothermal pools formed over 16,000 years ago, providing a natural and rejuvenating experience for visitors. Immerse yourself in the lush surroundings as you unwind in the geothermal pools, heated by the earth’s core. For those seeking an extra

touch of indulgence, the treetop treatments offer a chance to connect with nature while being pampered with a variety of spa services. Dine in paradise at The Lost Spring restaurant – delcious cuisine, refreshing cocktails and relaxed island-inspired dining. The Lost Spring is the perfect destination to savour exceptional food and to unwind.

Whitianga — It’s Good For Your Soul

Where To Wine, Dine and Get Your Takeaways Clove

Indian and Indian Fusion Cuisine. Beautiful ambience and decor. Opening hours 4:30pm - 9.30pm everyday.

022 184 9115 47 Albert Street facebook.com/MatsWhitianga

07 867 1983 Blacksmith Lane clovewhitianga@gmail.com

Marina Bay Eatery

Slice Slice Baby

Waterfront dining with the marina as your backdrop, where fresh local seafood and a relaxed all-day menu make it easy to linger over lunch and stay for sunset drinks. 07 867 1710 1/15 Blacksmith Lane www.marinabayeatery.co.nz

Mat’s Cafe

Snapper Jack’s

Serving up the Coromandels’ fave Sourdough pizzas! 23C Albert Street 07 211 6545

07 866 5482 26c Albert Street facebook.com/SnapperJacks Whitianga

e of Hom the illa Godz ! a Pizz

e of Hom the illa Godz a! Pizz

Serving up the Coromandels’ fave Sourdough pizzas!

Serving up the Coromandels’ fave Sou

Follow us online for current menu & opening hours. Gluten free & dairy free options available. 23C Albert Street, Whitianga. Phone 07 211 6545

@sliceslicebabynz

Slice Slice Baby Pizza Whitianga

Follow us online for current menu & openin Gluten free & dairy free options availab 23C Albert Street, Whitianga. Phone 07

Don’t go past Basker @sliceslicebabynz

Slice Slice Baby Pizza

Right at the entrance of Whitianga on The Waterways • All day dining • Functions • Boutique weddings • Private events • Christmas parties 3 Rewiti Drive, The Waterways, Whitianga Open 7 days a week – breakfast to late Check website for winter hours Phone 07 866 0645 info@basker.co.nz | www.basker.co.nz

Wonderful, Whimsical, WHITIANGA

Attractions & Things To Do

Whitianga is a Launchpad for Adventure

op aboard a Glass Bottom Boat tour and glide over Mercury Bay’s marine reserve, spotting fish and reef life in crystal-clear water without getting your feet wet. Head south to the world-famous Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa pool in the sand at low tide — the neighbouring Holiday Park makes it easy to turn the trip into a proper stay. For those keen to test the water further out, local Fishing Charters offer both experienced anglers and total beginners a shot at landing the big one in the rich waters off the Coromandel coast. Back in town, take a slower afternoon exploring the town’s Art Gallery in Monk Street, showcasing local and regional talent. For clothes shopping Whitianga has great fashion trend shops – Stilo, Blackjack Surf, Chances, Style Makers, Harry & Her, Mainly Casual, Eye Spy, Tango Shoes and Feet Street. Come and enjoy!

Stilo Stilo Design Design •• New New Season Season In In Store Store Now Now

Your style. Your way. Your Stilo.

At Stilo Design, we make it easy to shop fabulous New Zealand and international designers, all under one roof. Whether you’re looking for timeless classics, relaxed casuals, edgy everyday style, or something fabulous for a special occasion, we’ve got the perfect look for you. Come in, discover your next favourite piece and enjoy the Stilo Design shopping experience. Stilo Design — fashion, styling & a little bit of magic.

In store and online – www.stilodesign.co.nz Open Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 10am-2pm

30 Monk Street, Whitianga

C b h a o a

G a a t w G

c v c a w

The Best Irish Tavern on the Coromandel Peninsula Whitianga’s Esplanade Tavern – Open 7 days Come to Grace O’Malley’s. Enjoy our great menu and beverage choices. Fantastic waterfront views. We have an inside and outside fireplace with extended alfresco deck (dogs welcome on deck). 12 beers on tap, cocktails. Rockfleet Bar and Function Room available for hire. Enquire today. Grace O’Malley’s Irish Inn provides a great ambience. There is plenty of space for guests, and it is a great venue to have entertainment which happens a lot at Grace O’Malley’s. From the deck you can enjoy harbour views and there is a children’s playground across the road on the waterfront.

9 The Esplanade, Whitianga (07) 866 4546 www.graceomalleys.co.nz info@graceomalleys.co.nz

Whitianga Welcomes The Whanau

Fun For The Whole Family

will love, Whiti Farm Park brings you up close with friendly farm animals in a beautiful Coromandel setting.

eep the kids (and the young at heart) entertained with a visit to the Whitianga Bike Park, purpose-built trails and jumps for riders of different skill levels, you can take a leisurely ride through the scenic forest trails.

On a rainy day — or any day — catch the latest releases at Mercury Twin Cinemas, Whitianga’s own slice of movie magic right in the heart of town. And for a hands-on rural experience the whole family

The Skate Park, a popular hangout for skaters and scooter riders alike.

Whitianga Bike Park 022 082 1230 Moewai Road facebook.com/WhitiBikePark

Mercury Twin Cinemas 07 867 1001 1a Lee Street www.mercurytwincinemas.com

Whitianga Skate Park skate@devenoges.com 40 Albert Street facebook.com/WhitiangaSkatepark

Shine Canine can look after your dog locally

Glass Bottom Boat

Cathedral cove boat tour and discover below the surface of Whanganui-oHei Marine Reserve. 07 867 1962 Ofﬁce Monk Street, Whitianga www.glassbottomboat whitianga.co.nz

Whiti City Markets and Coroglen Farmers Market

From Labour Weekend and including Easter, the markets are open every Saturday at Soldiers Memorial Park, Whitianga, from 9am until 1pm; and every Sunday from 8.30am in Coroglen on SH25.

WHITIANGA — Where the WEARY Go To RELAX

or the perfect base to explore it all, look no further than Hosts On The Coast. Offering comfortable, welcoming accommodation with genuine Kiwi hospitality,

Many Places To Stay the accomodation options listed online at Hosts On The Coast puts you close to the beach, the town centre, and everything Whitianga has to offer — the ideal home base whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay.

Annabells B&B Two beautiful rooms with ensuites, a fully cooked breakfast, robes, a spa suite, a king bed, barista coffee, delightful Nutrimetics products in the bathrooms. We call it our Paradise because it’s a paradise to your eyes: ferns and Nikau Palms on 1.5 ha of sub tropical forest. Owner Beverley Sheppard awaits your booking. Book direct online www.annabells.co.nz Ph +64 2109028855 Facebook - Annabells B&B

We also have the beautiful Waterfront Apartments, 2 Buffalo Beach Road; The Bayside Motel, 122 Buffalo Beach Road; Peninsula Motel, 93-97 Albert Street; Baileys At The Beach, 66 Buffalo Beach Rd; and lots more...

BUFFALO BEACH CLUB 18 The Esplanade, Whitianga www.buffalobeachclub.bar

LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND

Easy food, drink, relaxation and music on the Buffalo Beach waterfront Come, sit back, enjoy the music and chill at BBC

BBC PRESENTS

QUIZ NIGHT Every Tuesday 6pm-8pm

Order your Texas Pete Barbecue takeaways online www.buffalobeachclub.bar Winter hours open 12 noon Tuesday to Sunday

You Call It WHITIANGA — We Call It HOME

Thinking of moving?

Life in the Coromandel: A Q&A with Bayleys Director Shaun Paterson After leaving corporate life in London for a new chapter in Whitianga, Shaun Paterson has spent the past four and a half years growing Bayleys across the Coromandel. Recently named Bayleys’ National Sales Manager of the Year, we asked Shaun what brought him back, why others are making the move — and for a few local tips. What made you swap London and Auckland for Whitianga? I spent my childhood camping here and my teenage years living here. It’s funny — as a teenager, you’re working out how to get away, then after living in different cities and countries, you realise just how good it is and spend the next 20 years working out how to get back! Having two little girls was the trigger — my wife and I wanted them to grow up with the kind of outdoor lifestyle I’d had here. They love it! Who’s buying in Whitianga now? The diversity surprises me. We still have bach buyers and retirees, but increasingly families too, driven by demand for trades and the ability for professionals to work remotely while enjoying the lifestyle.

What can buyers ﬁnd here? Everything from the classic Kiwi bach to multimillion-dollar canal-front and beachfront homes, alongside newer suburban homes and apartments. It’s an unusually broad market. And the lifestyle? Beaches, boating and the coastal lifestyle are still key, but now they’re backed by great cafés, restaurants, retail, schools, golf courses and award-winning tourism operators. We’re also within about 2.5 hours of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. Good time to buy? I think so. Record supply means plenty of choice, and after the big post-peak market correction, we’ve had a sustained period of price stability at more affordable levels. With all that’s going on in the world, it’s not a bad time to make a lifestyle choice as well! When you’re hungry? Restaurant-wise, Basker is a daily habit, while Cooked Mexican and Luke’s Kitchen are favourites too. Shaun can be contacted at shaun.paterson@bayleys.co.nz

Selling homes in a place we call

Proudly Kiwi owned and locally operated. In real estate, they say it takes local knowledge to do a job right. At Bayleys, we’re 100% New Zealand owned and locally operated – so if you’re looking for an expert who knows their stuff and knows your neighbourhood, you’re in the right place.

Experience Altogether Better 07 866 0098 coromandel.bayleys.co.nz MH REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

This invitation to Whitianga has been published by The Coromandel Informer, Coromandel Peninsula’s weekly newspaper • www.theinformer.co.nz • Ph 07 866 2090