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Vol 55 No 17 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

WILBUR’S HEROES Students at Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre are staging a production of the classic tale ‘Charlotte’s Web’. Photo supplied

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 3

Artists celebrate salon’s milestone anniversary By CHRIS HARROWELL

ome of New Zealand’s most talented artists are publicly showcasing their creativity through a community initiative celebrating its 10th anniversary. They recently came together for the Opening Ceremony of the First Session of the 2026 Art Salon at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush. The exhibition is curated by Venerable Abbess Manshin and staged at the temple’s Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland in Stancombe Road. It’s open to the public until September 26. During the opening ceremony Abbess Manshin handed out special awards to recognise “the remarkable individuals whose dedication, creativity, vision and unwavering support have contributed to the journey of the Art Salon”. The Founding Vision and Distinguished Support Award was presented to Howick Local Board member Adele White for her work in helping to create the event a decade ago. Abbess Manshin told those in attendance the weather was so cold, “but you bring all the warm hearts together and you bring all the temperature and the warmth to the community”. “A big ‘thank you’ to all the crystals, the diamonds, in

Venerable Abbess Manshin, centre, at the Opening Ceremony of the First Session of the 2026 Art Salon at Fo Photo supplied Sue Townson of Howick Photographic Society Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. the community. This session, we’ve received 108 artists together with more than 750 pieces [of art] at this venue. “Thanks to all those who support the artists to do all the crazy, amazing work. It’s the 10-year anniversary. Since 2017, when we received 32 artists from the first time, and we had the crazy idea with Adele White. “It seems like only yesterday we were having a meeting with the local board, Adele, and I was telling her I want to do something like this. We need a platform to do something in a small way and we didn’t know they would come on the journey in the last 10 years. “Ten years – it’s not easy. I witness how much the artists have improved your work. Not only me but also

the team, and this year’s style that you present, and more colour than any other year, and to see that you have improved so much.” Bob Markstein, who’s one of the many artists whose works are on display in the salon, thanked Abbess Manshin, Vicky Han, and “all the people who are behind this tremendous amount of work”. “As an artist, you cannot imagine how difficult it is sometimes to get your work in the marketplace for people to see it. This is a fantastic opportunity we are given here today. When I went through originally and took a look at things I could not believe the artists that are here and the diversity in their work from oil paintings to pastels to sculptures.”

Markstein said artists often work alone and “you’re sitting there by yourself in your studio or wherever you work”. “This gives us the opportunity to come out and show our work to other artists and other people. When I look through here, I say, ‘wow, maybe I can try that next time’. “A very big ‘thank you’ to the temple for how it’s enriched our community, how it’s integrated within our community, how it’s given us a richer and more prosperous and engaging community. The temple has done so much for us.” The showcase also features eye-catching work by members of the Eastern Times’ community partners, the Howick Photographic Society.

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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 OPINIONS WANTED ON PAY-TO-USE ROADS SCHEME (Times) August 26: Keith Chan – The Government has failed to solve the problem and is now penalising the public instead. A large-scale protest would be justified as a way of sending a clear message that the public expects better solutions rather than simply more penalties. Lesley Vale – Give us the “NO” option. Rumilda Raps – People use roads basically to and from work and not for leisure. Get feeder buses or minivans to and from the cities or to the stations will ease congestion of cars on the road most countries have this system. Doug Sainsbury – [Mayor] Wayne [Brown] is already implementing his solution. Keep increasing rates by eight per cent per year so

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nobody can afford to live in Auckland. Jon Pryor – Might be time to move out of Auckland if this happens, that will reduce congestion. Or even head over to Australia. Sad what our leaders have done to New Zealand over the last 40 years. Karl May – We don’t want any congestion charges.

LUXON PLEDGES “NO NEW TAXES” IF NATIONAL IS RE-ELECTED (Times) August 24: Brian Hinchco – Just a whole lot of new levies, charges and fees added to almost everything. According to 1News the key word in the announcement is “new”. Anything already announced will go ahead including congestion charges on all Aucklanders using the motorways from 2027. Vote Labour for honest

tax policies. William New – Isn’t the new road user charges for all vehicles a tax? Alan Galley – Vote for your local National candidate but give your party vote to either ACT or NZ First. This will guarantee a right-wing Government. Mitch Mac – Will just increase the existing ones. Fuel excise, increase road tolls, another round of increases to vehicle registrations. Kevin Wild – He has no idea what his revenue stream will be and based on how things aren’t going so well, he would either have to cut more services, reduce Government employees or borrow. Currently the coalition are doing all three and so voting for any of the coalition parties just means the same policies with the same outcome.

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 5

Peters aims to stop “communists” By PJ TAYLOR Winston Peters arrived back in east Auckland determined as ever to secure votes in the upcoming November 7 election which he described as “pivotal” in the country’s history. The fit and healthy New Zealand First party leader, who practiced law in east Auckland before first arriving at Parliament in 1979, spoke to an audience of about 100 at a Grey Power Howick Pakuranga meeting last Friday afternoon at Pakuranga Bowling Club. Answering a Times question from the floor: Why do you still do this – the politics? Peters started his answer by saying, “I’m not doing it for the money”, and that “Howick was a good place to do business” and ended his reply by saying: “To stop these left-wing communists from winning the election.” The 81-year-old’s talk was a mix of reading from prepared speech notes and anecdotes, and he was in his customary combative form when assessing other political parties’ policies, though he ended on a hopeful note. “We must change the path we’re on and make New Zealand the number one country in the world, like we once were. “There’s a lot of uncertainty around the world and at home, but with hard work and perseverance, tomorrow will be better,” Peters said. “We live in a country that,

NZ First leader Winston Peters campaigning in Pakuranga on August 28. Times photo Sue Townson Howick Photographic Society at its core, traditional New Zealand values once saw us amongst the world leaders. “We’ve inherited a country that our forebears fought and died for, but only if we are proud of what we inherited can we come together and move forward to shape the vision of our country’s future. “The coming election is going to be pivotal for the direction of our country. What’s needed now more than anything else is real skill, and serious experience in the next government.” Peters described the potential of a government formed by the Labour, Green, Maori, and Opportunity parties “will be a total shambles for our seniors”. “The left bloc wants capital gains taxes, wealth taxes, inheritance taxes, land value taxes, asset taxes, and gift taxes. “As one person once said: ‘The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money’. “NZ First understands the

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real pressures that are put on our seniors. We’ll continue to deliver important and practical solutions. “In the last two and a half years, we’ve delivered improvements to the rates rebate scheme thresholds, retained the winter energy payment, boosted Super payments by $84 per fortnight for a single, and $130 for couples, and put $35 million of funding allocation to make the SuperGold card a valid form of government ID, in case you don’t have a driver licence or passport.” He then reminded the audience of mostly senior citizens of NZ First’s track record of representing older and retired Kiwis. “Thirty-three years ago, we created this party, and over the following decades we’ve remained steadfast, and grown to become the most successful new political party in modern New Zealand history. “NZ First does not support changes to the entitlement or eligibility of New Zealand

Superannuation,” Peters said. “We don’t support raising the age to 67 as some have proposed, we don’t support means testing as some have proposed, nor do we believe that superannuation is unaffordable as some have proposed. “We worked hard for our elderly providing extra money for elective surgery, funding tens of thousands more operations, providing free influenza vaccines for seniors, and we introduced the SuperGold Card. “That means free bus rides, train rides, ferry rides and tens of thousands of businesses honouring the SuperGold card price concessions.” Peters described the present political debate as “most unusual”. “All the other parties are telling you what they’re going to spend, but only one party, NZ First, is talking about an economic plan to uplift this country’s earnings and afford what the other parties are going to spend. “They haven’t got a credible economic strategy and the only way they can balance the books is by further selling state assets that your grandparents built and cutting payments to the old. “Much of it comes from vested interests who want superannuation funds, not spent on smoothing out future retirement costs, but something sinister – they want the Superannuation Fund privatised.” > Full story at www.times.co.nz

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6 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Students’ musical talent shines By PJ TAYLOR

Young east Auckland musicians received accolades at the recent Bandquest 2026 competition for Manukau area intermediate and primary school students. Somerville Intermediate School music specialist teacher Adam Ward says two of its bands collected coveted prizes. “It was another successful night at the Rockshop BandQuest 2026 for Somerville Intermediate School. “Two bands competed. The three singers from Zenturies scooped an award for their vocal performance, and Friday Harmonies took out first place. “This was a massive achievement, especially with 14 amazing bands competing from across the Manukau region.” Ward says Zenturies performed a medley of pop songs from across the decades. “The mash-up ranged

Friday Harmonies take the spotlight after winning the Manukau area Photo supplied Bandquest 2026 contest. from a New Kids on the Block track representing the 1990s, through to a recent piece by Kiwi heroes, Drax Project. “The three vocalists from Zenturies took home a well-deserved award for their high-energy dance routine and vocal harmonies.” Friday Harmonies delivered a polished medley consisting of New Zealand songs

representing a variety of moods, Ward says. “Their set included Take It Away by L.A.B. and I See Red by Split Enz, culminating in a crowd favourite, Freaks, by Timmy Trumpet featuring south Auckland’s own Savage. “Winning first place overall was a remarkable feat given the extremely high calibre of the competing bands.”

Told to slow down at 82

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Eperu, the drummer for Friday Harmonies and a Year 8 student, says the band was stunned when their name was read out as the overall winners. He says that although they knew they had performed well, the bandmates were encouraging each other not to be disappointed as all the other awards were announced before theirs. Ward says more importantly than the prizes, it was “truly rewarding to see primary-aged students giving music a go”. “They genuinely encouraged one another and enjoyed the night alongside students from a wide range of competing schools. “There were certainly some tired students after dancing the night away in support of their peers! “Congratulations to all the talented students involved. The future of music at Somerville Intermediate is looking brighter than ever!” Advertisement

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he have gone otherwise? “Probably not.” Now it is a barrow of wood before lunch and a full day in the garden. “I certainly wouldn’t be doing the garden if I didn’t have the tablets.” Asked how old he feels inside, Ken settles on 30. This Highlander, however, has wood to shift.

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 7

New church opening its arms to youth By CHRIS HARROWELL

and Times Junior Journalist SHILOH SINGH

oung people who are looking for safe, healthy and fun activities to get involved with on a Friday night are welcome at east Auckland’s newest church and community centre. Reverend Warner Wilder has launched a youth group at the $8.4 million St Paul’s in the Park Church, which opened in Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush earlier this year. The group meets every second Friday from 6pm to 8pm. It’s open to locals aged from nine or 10 years old up to about 20, and they don’t have to be members of the church. “It’s really important for a church to get involved in the community, to be relevant, and to reach out,” Wilder says of why he’s created the youth group. “Gone are the days when as a church you’d just stand at the front door and people would come in and join you. “Years ago that’s what you did as nothing happened on a Sunday, so you went to church. For a church to be growing, to be relevant, it’s got to move out into the community and be involved. I’ve always thought that very

strongly, which is why we built the community centre.” Wilder says engaging with local young people is a core part of his church’s mission. “Youth is obviously very important. We’ve got a few young people, but we want lots more. I want to promote to the community that this is not about youth coming together and having a worship time, it’s about youth coming and having fun, tearing around the place and finishing up with pizzas. “I really want to be open to the community, that is very important to me. My big goal is to grow it. It’s just about young people coming together, getting to know each other, having a good time, and offering them avenues of enjoyment that are healthy. I’ll ask them what they want to get involved with.” There will be no pressure placed on anyone who gets involved with the youth group to also attend the church’s services on a Sunday, Wilder says. “There’s no expectation. If that happens, fantastic, because of course we want our church to grow. The whole idea of the youth group is not to get them into church, far from it. “We’re just feeling our way at the moment and I’ll

Times Junior Journalist Shiloh Singh with Reverend Warner Wilder at St Times photo Paul’s in the Park Church. be guided by the young people. We have card games and they throw balls around and we have pizzas, but I’ll ask them what they’d like to do. We’ve got this fantastic auditorium with screens and one thing I’d like to do is have the odd movie night. “Show an appropriate movie that young people would enjoy and that’s got a good message. I’ll definitely be guided by asking the young people what they want from us. The other lovely thing about our congregation is we’re very culturally diverse.

“We have one or two people turn up from other Anglican churches and they said, ‘wow, there wouldn’t be another church that’s so culturally diverse’, and that reflects our community. “Flat Bush, Ormiston, Howick, Botany, they’re very culturally diverse. Luckily we reflect that and I think it’s a real feature and a strength of who we are.” Responsible adult supervision will be provided for the youth group, Wilder says. Young people interested in getting involved with it can email shireen@thepark.co.nz.

Christopher Luxon FOR BOTANY

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8 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Money raised for big cause By CHRIS HARROWELL

here were live auctions and music, dancing and great food and drink as people came together from far and wide to raise money for a vital community organisation. Tōtara Hospice provides specialist palliative care at no cost to patients and their families across south and south-east Auckland. Its recent inaugural Black and White Ball asked guests to take one elegant night off and step into a reimagined bygone era, when black tie meant more than just a dress code – it meant a night to remember. The glitzy event was staged at the Cordis Auckland hotel and featured a fully curated evening hosted by award-winning comedian Michelle A’Court with cana-

pés, bubbles, a live jazz band, a sumptuous three course dinner, entertainment, a full dance floor and a high energy covers band to carry the celebration into the evening. Organiser and Tōtara Hospice fundraising lead – events and appeals, Jodi Pretscherer, says the organisation extends its gratitude to the ball’s principal sponsor, Davis Funerals, as well as JP and Associates, South Auckland Motors, BNI Metro and Nicoline Dickinson Photography for helping to make it such a success. She says the event was inspired by the legendary Black and White Ball hosted by American writer Truman Capote in New York City in 1966. “By many it’s considered one of the most iconic social events of the 20th century.

About 180 people attended Tōtara Hospice’s first Black and White Ball. Photo supplied Nicoline Dickinson Photography

“We wanted to recreate that old-world charm. A reason to get dressed up for a night to remember.” Pretscherer says 180 people turned out to Tōtara Hospice’s Black and White Ball and the main goal was “for people from all over Auckland to come together and celebrate life, share stories and dig deep into their pockets for the community of south and south-east Auckland to help make the world a better place for dying people”. “We absolutely achieved this goal, with people coming

from Birkenhead to Cambridge. With the current climate of world affairs playing out, we’d lowered our expectations for the fundraiser figures. In the end we raised the most we ever have at a Tōtara Hospice event – we’re thrilled.” Hospices are only partially funded by the Government, so events like the Black and White Ball help to make up the shortfall. Planning is under way for the second annual Black and White Ball, to be staged on Saturday, March 13, 2027.

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 9

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Luxon, Brown holding local public meeting

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, left, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will Times file photo address the public at a meeting in Botany on September 8. With the campaign for this year’s general election under way, interested voters are invited to a public meeting featuring Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon and Health Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown. Luxon and Brown are coming to Botany as part of the National Party’s ‘Building the Future’ tour. They’ll talk about how a re-elected National Government will “fix the basics and build the future for New Zealand”. “This is a great opportunity for east Aucklanders to engage directly with the Prime Minister and their

local MPs on the issues that matter to them,” Brown says. “National has worked hard to get New Zealand moving in the right direction with a growing economy, enabling us to invest in key public services like education, health, law and order, and infrastructure. “We have a strong plan to fix the basics and build the future, and have committed to no new taxes in our next term. If you’d like to hear more, please come along. We look forward to seeing you there.” The meeting is being held at 7pm on Tuesday, September 8, at St Columba Church, 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany.

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 11

Seven decades of positive influence By PJ TAYLOR

s individuals, Taffy and Joan Williams are east Auckland legends, notably for their respective accomplishments in the sporting arena. And as they enter their 71st year of marriage, they’re recognised for being a strong combination in life that has been a positive influence on many for a long time. The Times visited them recently and the ease at which they are with each other spoke volumes. There’s plenty of natural love and respect. Taffy and Joan met in 1955 at a 21st birthday celebration in Waharoa, and as Joan puts it, they looked at each other across the room and there was instant attraction.

They married in Matamata Presbyterian Church in 1956 and shared farming backgrounds, with Joan coming from a farm in Okauio, and Taff working on them in the east Waikato. He’d started at one in Ngarua after landing in New Zealand as a 16-year-old from Wales. Taff, now 92, has many sports stories from a lifetime’s involvement in pretty much everything that moved with a ball, and one about his introduction to football in this country takes some beating. He hadn’t been here long and was invited to play “football” and duly went with the Clarke family to the Saturday match. When putting on their boots, Taff noticed his were different because they were

brown and had shorter sprigs than the other players’ black ones. He realised that when he was asked if he played football, the locals meant rugby union, because up until the recent past, rugby has always been known as football in New Zealand. Surprisingly, Taff, coming from Wales where rugby is the national sport, had never seen or even played rugby, only heard radio commentaries. His coach of the day, Mr Clarke, said Taff would be okay out on the wing, and that his son, Donald, would look out for him. Donald was Don “DB” Clarke, who went on to be one of the All Blacks’ greatest fullbacks and goalkickers. So, in Taff ’s first and only

Taffy and Joan Williams celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Photo supplied June 19. game of rugby in this country, he ended up playing alongside Don Clarke, for the Kereone club in Morrinsville. They remained lifelong friends. During the Williams’ first five years of marriage, Taff continued farm work, and their first two children, Anne and Lloyd, were born. The family took off on an adventure in the early 1960s, a round-trip to Wales and the United Kingdom by ship and arrived in Howick for the children to be enrolled in school. > Full story at www.times.co.nz

KEEPING JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING IN NEW ZEALAND As international competition increases, one East Auckland jewellery company is making a deliberate choice to invest in local manufacturing and help preserve jewellery-making skills in New Zealand. TJ Gold & Diamond is developing its jewellery manufacturing operations in East Tāmaki, combining modern manufacturing technology with traditional jewellery craftsmanship. The decision comes as New Zealand manufacturers prepare for an increasingly competitive international market. New Zealand and India signed a Free Trade Agreement in April 2026 which, once in force, will remove New Zealand tariffs on Indian imports. India’s Ministry of Commerce has identified gems and jewellery as one of the sectors expected to benefit from improved access to the New Zealand market. For TJ Gold & Diamond, the changing environment has strengthened its commitment to manufacturing locally rather than relying solely on imported finished jewellery. Inside its Auckland operation, a piece can progress from an initial idea or sketch through computer-aided design (CAD), preparation, casting, bench work, stone setting, polishing and final quality control. Keeping these capabilities in New Zealand requires investment in specialised equipment, skilled craftspeople and training while competing with jewellery manufactured at much larger scales overseas. TJ Gold & Diamond believes those skills are worth preserving.

Local manufacturing provides greater control over quality and gives customers something increasingly valuable — a connection with the people and processes behind the jewellery they wear. From engagement and wedding rings to diamond, gemstone and individually designed pieces, the company’s aim is to continue developing the capability to manufacture jewellery here in New Zealand. For TJ Gold & Diamond, the issue goes beyond jewellery. It is about retaining specialist skills, creating opportunities for future craftspeople and ensuring New Zealand continues to have the capability to make high-quality products locally. Importing may sometimes be easier. TJ Gold & Diamond believes making things in New Zealand is still worth investing in.

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POLITICS

12 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Government to cap rates The Government recently announced that council rates increases will be capped at four per cent as we move to help keep rates affordable for households and businesses. For too long, ratepayers have been hit with steep and unexpected rates increases, adding pressure to household budgets at a time when many New Zealanders are already feeling the squeeze. This year, Auckland Council pushed through a 7.9 per cent rates increase on Aucklanders, despite options backed by our local councillors, Bo Burns and Maurice Williamson, to reduce it. These options included cutting back-office expenditure, reducing wasteful

MP for Pakuranga

Simeon Brown spending on consultants and contractors, and getting rid of the green bin, which barely anyone uses yet costs Aucklanders around $100 per household each year. Sadly, these options were ignored by a majority of councillors and the mayor. Our Government is

focused on easing cost-ofliving pressures and getting councils back to basics. Under this rates cap, councils will be required to keep annual rates increases within an initial target range of two to four per cent, putting a brake on excessive increases and giving ratepayers greater certainty. It will also sharpen the focus on delivering the services communities expect councils to get right, like fixing the potholes, collecting rubbish, and running our pools and parks. We recognise there will be limited circumstances where councils need greater flexibility, such as recovering from a natural disaster or respond-

ing to events outside their control. Exemptions will not be granted lightly and will only be available in exceptional circumstances where there is strong justification. Ratepayers nationwide have been hit with median increases of 14.2 per cent and 9.2 per cent over the past two years, respectively. This rates cap is about driving greater fiscal discipline, keeping rates affordable, and ensuring councils are focused on delivering the services ratepayers rely on. Councils will need to consider the target range from July 1, 2027 when preparing their long-term plans, and the caps will take full effect from July 1, 2029.

Things are looking up The last few years have been tough for New Zealanders dealing with an economy that had gone off track, but we’ve turned the corner and things are looking up. Data shows that rising domestic confidence is expected to grow our economy faster and stronger over the next couple of years. Businesses are putting more money back into their operations and this growth in business investment is carrying momentum across the economy. National has been focused on growing the economy because that is how we create more jobs and lift wages. When we came into Government, inflation and interest rates were out of control. We’ve worked hard to fix this to improve the cost of living. Annual rent increases are now at their lowest in 25 years – compared to an increase of $180 a week under Labour. Food inflation rose by 1.9 per cent in the year to July – compared to when they rose 12.5 per cent in one year under Labour. Exports are up $20 billion under National, and our eco-

From the Prime Minister

Christopher Luxon

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, centre, says the economy is improving. Photo supplied

nomic plan is set to create 220,000 new jobs over the next four years. All this can only happen because of National’s sensible economic management. We have delivered tax relief, cut wasteful spending, lowered inflation and eased pressure on interest rates, and delivered more funding to frontline services. But we cannot take our economic recovery for

granted – and there is a myriad of politicians lining up to take it away from you. Kiwis have a clear choice at the election. Labour has $18 billion in spending promises and needs to find the money to pay for it. That means more taxes are coming. Conveniently for Labour, its prospective coalition partners in the Greens, Te Pāti Māori and TOP are all pro-

posing a raft of new taxes. Between the four parties, there are nine new taxes on the table to pay for Labour’s bill. These taxes will destroy growth in our economy, worsen your cost of living, and mean fewer jobs and lower wages. If you back yourself to get that pay rise or new job, you have to vote for it. National is the only party with the plan and the ideas to take New Zealand forward, and to keep our economy growing. National is focused on fixing the basics and building a stronger future so people in our community can get ahead and build a better life. That means a growing economy with better jobs, higher wages, low taxes, and more opportunities for you and your family.

POLITICS

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 13

Students shouldn’t be forced to borrow for services they don’t use A university education is expensive enough without being forced to borrow money for services you never use. Tuition fees are only part of the cost. There are textbooks, transport and food. Then comes a charge many families only discover when the bill arrives: the compulsory Student Services Fee. A domestic university student can be charged up to $1,253 this year. Over a degree, that adds thousands to their loan. Think of a student living at home in Howick or Pakuranga, commuting across Auckland and working parttime. They may never use the university gym. They may not want to fund student media or advocacy they disagree with. But they cannot say no. That is not real choice. ACT made student union membership voluntary in

2011. Yet universities have undermined the spirit of that reform by collecting a compulsory levy to fund services and organisations students may not support. I recently announced ACT will finish the job by making Student Services Fees voluntary. Universities would be required to offer services as a menu. Students could choose useful services and pay only for those. Anything they did not initially choose would remain available on a transparent user-pays basis. Important services will not disappear. Instead, universities and student organisations will need to show students what they are charging for and convince them the service is worth buying. That is how other organisations operate. If a service provides real value, people will choose to support it. If it cannot attract willing users,

ACT List MP

Parmjeet Parmar

Dr Parmjeet Parmar says university students have too many costs. Photo supplied

it should improve what it offers or spend less. This would also restore the independence of student

associations. An organisation meant to challenge university leadership should not depend on university management for its funding. Young people already face high living costs, years of study and a sizeable loan before earning their first fulltime wage. We should not add thousands more to that debt for things they did not choose. Students understand their own needs. ACT trusts them to make that decision.

Rates caps are one thing, but what are core services? The Government’s proposed rates cap has reignited an important conversation about council spending. I don’t have an issue with the principle that councils should live within their means, find savings, create innovative new sources of income and focus ratepayer money on the services Aucklanders actually need. For Auckland, the mayor has already promised rates increases of around 3.5 per cent for each of the next two years, putting us below the Government’s proposed four per cent cap. But for me, there is a much bigger conversation we need to have: what exactly are the council’s core services?

Howick Ward Councillor

Bo Burns

I think most ratepayers would have a fairly clear answer. Roads and transport, rubbish and waste, water infrastructure, stormwater, parks, pools, libraries, community facilities, and the essential services required to keep Auckland functioning. We then need to transpar-

ently look at how much we spend in each of those buckets, whether we are getting value for money and where our priorities should sit. When households face financial pressure, they prioritise. They pay the mortgage, electricity and groceries before spending on nice-to-haves. You wouldn’t expect a family struggling to pay its bills to dine out for five-star expensive dinners, instead of buying cost-effective groceries. Council needs to apply the same common sense. That doesn’t mean things such as public artwork, beautification, or other discretionary spending have no value. It means that when finances

are tight, we must distinguish between needs and nice-tohaves. I believe we should pause nice-to-haves while we are struggling to find a budget to fix serious infrastructure shortfalls. Just as I have pushed for a proper governing body discussion about Auckland’s rates system, I want us to have the same transparent conversation about core services. A rates cap alone won’t fix council finances. We need discipline, innovation, alternative revenue, efficiencies, and clear priorities. Aucklanders deserve to know their rates are being spent wisely on the things that matter most.

POLITICS

14 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Planning for the future Time has flown since I was last given the privilege of writing a column for the Times. Things on the board have been very interesting lately. I am starting to wrap my head around the inner bureaucracy of the council, as well as gaining a broader overall picture. Anyway, back to the future. Let’s talk about intensification. Auckland Council withdrew Plan Change 78 (PC78) and replaced it with Plan Change 120 (PC120). Submissions on PC120 are open until 5pm on September 24. Anyone can make a submission on these proposed changes or new amendments. Previous submitters do not need to resubmit unless they want to make new requests. You can find more details at AK Have Your Say. I must say, I was a little unimpressed and concerned that some of the internal staff seemed unsure whether the total figure of 1.4 million houses included

Howick Local Board Member

Luke Collings Auckland’s housing intensification rules are being debated. Times file photo existing dwellings or extra ones. Board member John Spiller specifically asked for clarification on this and received conflicting information. While we are down to a slightly more reasonable 1.4 million houses, it still represents an uncomfortable level of density in and around little old Howick Village! Auckland Transport (AT) seems to just throw money at traffic lights. I was a little sad to see the board support the intersection upgrades at Aberfeldy, Hutchinsons, and Pakuranga Road. It will be a nightmare for Howick to have yet another set of traf-

fic lights along Pakuranga Road. I thought public opinion was pretty clear at Simeon Brown’s meeting, and I believed this was the whole point of transport reform. Members Adele White and Mike Turinsky did not support it, remaining loyal to the democratic will. Hopefully, more members will come to appreciate the opinions of the constituents who elected them over the so-called “experts” at Auckland Transport. On a brighter note, the upcoming Quick Fix campaign is actually a fantastic idea. There are so many small things we could do to

improve traffic flow around Howick and Auckland – areas where AT has seemingly neglected or ignored most non-bike or non-bus-related infrastructure. The campaign focuses on practical changes: extending turning bays and medians so cars do not pile back and block lanes, adding yellow lines to stop parked cars from obscuring flow in critical areas (while trying not to take away too much parking), and clarifying road signs and layouts. If you think of a spot that needs a fix, write it down and have a look at ourauckland. nz/quickfixes.

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16 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Five decades of art activity By PJ TAYLOR

search eventually led him to the Howick Art Group. He’s been a very active member since. Watercolours changed to painting in oils, as the strong light in this country caused fading to his works, he says. Living in a country surrounded by water has enabled him to embrace his passion for marine painting. Snow says he researches and enjoys finding out about the history of the subjects he paints. The historical accuracy of his works has led to him to receiving commissions from several New Zealand museums. As for the secret to his longevity, Snow says he never smoked and didn’t play sport, but he doesn’t mind the occasional gin and tonic drink. And he enjoys being a regular volunteer for the Howick Art Group at Green Gables Cottage Gallery, in Hawthorndon Reserve at 66

eith Snow is one of the many colourful Howick Art Group characters who’s looking forward to its Spring Festival Exhibition over the next week. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday and has been a Howick Art Group members for 51 years, having joined it in 1975. Snow is originally from England and emigrated here with his then young family when his homeland was struggling economically and politically. The family settled into Papatoetoe, and Snow built his first small boat to be used all around Auckland waters. He says art and painting have always been a passion, with skills first developed in his mid-20s. Early on in New Zealand, Snow wanted to find a group of artists to join, and his

Keith Snow, 90, and one of his accomplished nautical themed paintings. Photo supplied

and diverse membership,” says spokesperson Julie Mitchell. • The Howick Art Group Spring Festival Exhibition is open daily from September 6-13, 10am to 4pm, at Howick Bowling Club in Selwyn Road. Entry is free, and the event is supported by the Howick Local Board.

Cook Street, where his works can also be viewed. The annual Spring Festival Exhibition opens for eight days of public viewing and sales from Sunday, September 6, to Sunday, September 13. “It’s showcasing the immense talent of the Howick Art Group’s talented

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CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF YOUNG LEADERS IN EAST AUCKLAND Recreation centres • • • •

Howick Leisure Centre, 563 Pakuranga Road, Howick, 09 261 8436. Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure, Sir Lloyd Drive, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, 09 535 5502. Check out the splash pad over the summer. Marina Fitness, Level 1, Compass Building, Ara Tai Rd, Half Moon Bay, 09 534 3590. Pakuranga Leisure Centre, 13 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga (entrance through William Roberts Rd), 09 261 8391.

Auckland Council services Rubbish and recycling The council collects recycling (yellow top bin) every two weeks and rubbish (red top bin) every week. Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rubbish-recycling or phone 09 301 0101 to find out when your collection day is.

Water For water supply information, inquires, and issues, go to watercare.co.nz or contact

For 15 years, Howick Youth Council has been proving that young people Watercare on 0 9 442 2222. aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow — they’re already leading today. Public transport

Thein 2011, areaHowick is served by a bus doing service. There is athrough ferry service between and Half Established Youth Council it. We’ve seen that years, whilecity HYC advocacy has helped (HYC) has become a strong platform for the ideas they’ve brought forward, contribute to initiatives such Moon Bay. Timetable and service information at at.govt.nz orBotany phone 09 355 355as 3.the young people across Howick, Botany, the projects they’ve created and Youth Space. Ormiston and Pakuranga to have their say, the difference they’ve made in our Its impact has also extended beyond Where your build confidence andto turnwalk their ideas into dogcommunity. I’m really proud that the Local the council itself, with alumni going action. Board has been able to back them every on to create Auckland Youth Voice Many of our parks and beaches allow you to walk your dog without a leash but The Howick Local Board has step of the way.” and take up leadership roles across supported HYC since establishment, Made up out of young business, at education, media and the wider there are its some exceptions so check thevolunteers handy from search function providing ongoing funding and backing local secondary schools and the wider community. aucktoladevelop ndcoand unclead il.gtheir ovt.nz/dcommunity, o g s-anim alshasordelivered whenyouth-led in doubt, phone 09HYC 30has 1 0more 101.than 30 young people HYC Today, own programme of activities and events. events, advocacy, community projects volunteer members and continues to give ChairReporting Bruce Kendall says 15-year and opportunities focused on issues that young people a genuine role in shaping a the problem milestone is a chance to recognise not matter to young people, from mental their community. you a maintenance issue, isand broken or the rubbish bin is the legacy of Howick just whatIfHYC hassee achieved, but what health,something financial literacy employment After 15 years, its members continue to bring to East to environmental action and social Youth Council is overflowing, at one of our local parks, beaches, maunga (volcanic cones)clear: or when young Auckland. connection. people are trusted, supported and given ndcoun cil.Summit govt.nhas z/report-iatplatform, . facilities go to auckItslatrademark “Ourcommunity youth aren’t waiting for Youth they can create real change in permission to lead — they’re already brought young people together for their community. For general inquiries, including dog and noise control, call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. Contact us Visit: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz | Follow: Facebook.com/HowickLB Phone: 09 572 0148 Enquire: howicklocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Write: Howick Local Board, 1 Aylesbury Street, Pakuranga 2010

Real Estate Roundup

www.times.co.nz | Friday, July 17, 2026 | 1

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 19

People exiting the water at Eastern Beach during Photo supplied last year’s Spring Plunge.

Take the plunge for mental health People are encouraged to take the plunge into east Auckland’s icy waters this month to show support for members of the community facing mental health challenges. This year’s ‘Spring Plunge’ is being staged at Eastern Beach from 6.15am on Friday, September 11. It’s organised by east Auckland building company Walker Homes alongside I Am Hope, Flex Fitness Howick, The Elite Community and East Auckland Tourism. “We’re coming together again to raise awareness for mental health and well-being and we want to get as many people involved as possible this year,” Walker Homes says.

“Challenge your team. Challenge your friends. Challenge your family. You don’t have to jump in the water to be part of it. Whether you’re taking the plunge, standing on the beach cheering everyone on, bringing your family along, or encouraging your workmates to get involved – we want you there. “This is about more than the plunge. It’s about bringing people together, starting conversations, showing our support, and reminding people that mental health and well-being matters. The more people we can bring together, the bigger the message we can send.” The company says it

wants to get the message out that everyone is invited, not just those taking part in the plunge. “We want people to come down, bring their families, support from the beach, cheer everyone on and simply be part of the morning,” Walker Homes’ Wesley Botha says. “The Spring Plunge is about bringing our community together, raising awareness for mental health and well-being, and showing up for each other. You don’t have to plunge to make a difference. Just being there matters.” Participants are asked to arrive at Eastern Beach at 6.15am with the 90-sec-

ond plunge taking place at 6.45am. With 630 New Zealanders suspected of having taken their own lives last year, the 90 seconds each plunger will spend in the ocean represents about seven of those lives lost. “For 90 seconds, we’ll plunge together in the cold, to remember those we’ve lost and stand beside those who may be silently struggling today. Because sometimes ‘I’m all good’ means anything but.” The plunge is being held at the right-hand end of the beach opposite 65B The Esplanade. Register for the Spring Plunge online here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/NdvmRUmG1E.

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20 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

School pupils perform at Auckland’s Big Sing and Gala 2026 Highland Park

PIA GROVER

Choirs from schools across the city recently had the chance to perform at the Auckland Town Hall. Photo supplied Pia Grover

The recent annual Big Sing Auckland and Northland Regional Competition took place in the Auckland Town Hall. The event saw over a whopping 88 groups of choirs from all around Auckland perform in four days. When I and my fellow participants first walked into the Town Hall, a wave of wonder and warmth rolled over everybody entering. Melodic sounds went into the cochlea and did a happy dance, people chattered and giggled and prepped, nerves buzzing and excitement dripping and moving in waves like swirling ribbons making even those who are dreading it burst like fireworks with thrill.

Each school sent several choirs to the competition and once everyone was seated at around 1.10pm we began the competition. All the choirs in our section were amazing. The range in composition, voices and positions played a role in the incredible performances each school gave. Everyone was co-ordinated and in the right placements. All the kids performing knew what they were doing, whether it was singing the right words or remembering the actions that go with their performance. After the halfway break it was our school’s turn to perform. We went backstage, warmed up and practised for a couple of minutes. A moment later we stepped into the spotlight.

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You could hear our words clearly, we were standing in the right place, our hands raised in unison, and it was just magical. The beauty of our words danced over the audience, goosebumps travelling up our arms and we felt on fire, a fire that could not be stopped, everyone was bang on time and each and every person knew the tune and notes, we did it! After our performance we sat down, nerves no longer crawling up our spine and clinging on. Some of the schools performing were Takapuna Grammer School, Manurewa High School, Mount Albert Grammar School, Avondale College, Rosmini College, Westlake Boys High School,

Diocesan School for Girls, Dilworth School, St Cuthbert’s College and more! Our session ended at around 4.30pm and because we were taking part in the Gala Concert we stayed in the city and had some dinner. The gala concert’s purpose is to celebrate outstanding performances from the festival and to recognise choirs that particularly stood out, but instead of performing for the adjudicators, we perform for parents, teachers, and a wider range of audience members. Instead of being formal and official the gala is fun, light, and airy. Everyone was having fun, cheering their friends on and there was no face in the room that was not smiling. There were 23 choirs that performed in the gala in total. There were 13 performances in the first half and 10 in the second half. After all the awesome, stunning, and incredible performances awards were presented. After the awards, all the choirs in the hall worked together and sung Ka Waiata. This piece was beautiful to hear, the collaboration of the different sections, voices and vocals was an awesome way to end this incredible night. • Pia Grover is in year 9

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22 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Little learners thriving through school’s personalised support  By CHRIS HARROWELL The principal of east Auckland’s newest school couldn’t be happier with how things have gone since it opened earlier this year. “It’s been absolutely amazing,” says Libby Slaughter, who leads Te Kura Rau Iti in Flat Bush. “Doing this has been the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’ve loved it from the inception, and last year doing all the build work. Having students has been amazing, but the best moment was day two. They all came back with these big smiles. “When you see them every Monday walk through the door really happy and excited to learn and to be here, you think, ‘yes, this is great’. It conﬁrms all your decision making, all the time and energy you’ve spent on

Te Kura Rau Iti foundation principal Libby Slaughter is proud of the library Photo supplied space her school provides for its eager young readers. decisions. “You see it come to life and this is validation that the decisions we made have worked. I’ve loved getting to know all the parents and the community. They’ve been so positive and supportive about what we do.” Te Kura Rau Iti caters for new entrants up to year 6 and has a current role of 64 pupils. It was built to be able to accommodate more than 600 pupils, factoring in future population growth in

the community and the need to reduce pressure on other nearby schools. The school has 30 teaching spaces with specialist arts and science rooms, a library, gymnasium, and administration spaces, three hardcourts for basketball and other sports, and junior and senior playgrounds. Slaughter says it’s been nice starting the school year with a small roll, as that’s allowed her team to get their systems working and ﬁne-

tuned, “before we go to the big numbers”. “What’s been wonderful to see is how quickly our children have settled into school, built strong friendships, and grown in conﬁdence. With small class sizes, our teachers are able to get to know each child exceptionally well, providing personalised support and opportunities that help every learner reach their potential and achieve their learning goals. “As our kura continues to grow, we’re excited to keep building on these strong foundations. “Every decision we make, every professional learning opportunity we embrace, and every step we take is guided by our commitment to providing the very best learning environment and outcomes for every child.” > Full story at www.times.co.nz

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 23

WHY YOUR CAR NEEDS A DECENT DRIVE If most of your driving consists of five-minute trips to the shops, school or work, you may be clocking up fewer kilometres – but that doesn’t necessarily mean your car is having an easy life. Repeated short journeys can actually be harder on a vehicle than longer drives. Every time you start a cold engine, it needs time to reach its optimum operating temperature. On a very short journey that may never happen. Moisture can accumulate in the engine and exhaust system rather than evaporating, while engine oil may not reach the temperature at which it works most effectively. The battery can suffer too. Starting the engine takes a significant burst of power, and a short drive may not give the alternator enough time to fully replace that charge. Add headlights, de-misters, heated seats and other electrical equipment, and repeated short trips can gradually leave a battery struggling. Diesel vehicles can be particularly affected. Many modern diesels have a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that periodically needs sustained operating temperature to

burn off accumulated soot. Constant short journeys can interrupt this process and eventually trigger a warning light. Brakes and exhaust components may also experience increased moisture and corrosion when vehicles rarely get properly warm. The solution isn’t to make unnecessary journeys, but if your car predominantly does

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short runs, giving it an occasional longer drive can be beneficial. And don’t assume low kilometres mean servicing can be postponed indefinitely. Service schedules generally specify time as well as distance. Sometimes the car sitting quietly in the driveway needs just as much attention as the one covering thousands of kilometres.

24 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Young actors staging productions of family favourites The heartwarming bond between a young pig and his human friend is at the centre of one of several upcoming shows by students at Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre (HCYT). The classic children’s tale Charlotte’s Web is being staged at Harlequin Theatre in Howick. Each performance is about 90 minutes and they’re suitable for children aged five and older. Charlotte’s Web tells the story of Wilbur, a young pig who’s saved by his kind-hearted human friend Fern and a clever spider named Charlotte. “Charlotte’s Web is one of those stories that’s timeless,” director Michelle Field says. “Parents and grandparents will already be familiar with the book and possibly the film versions, so it’s fantastic to bring the story to the stage

and introduce it to a new generation.” The shows are at 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, at Harlequin Theatre, 563 Pakuranga Road. Tickets cost $10 per person and can be purchased by emailing hcyt@xtra.co.nz. HCYT is also performing a selection of short stories for children in a delightful one-hour show comprised of well-known tales including Goldilocks, The Hare and the Tortoise and How Maui slowed the Sun. Each is about one hour long and is suitable for audience members four years and older. There will be the opportunity to get up, stretch and sing songs in between the stories. They’re performed at 10am and 11.30am on Saturday, September 19, and 11am on Sunday, September 20, at Harlequin Theatre. Tick-

Ashley Field, left, and Archie Vivash star in the production of the play ‘Our Photo supplied Town’. ets cost $10 and can be purchased by emailing HCYT. Finally, HYCT is staging a production of Our Town, which is about two hours in length and suitable for youths aged 12 and older. Its Senior Children’s Theatre students have been busy rehearsing a challenging and thought-provoking production of Thornton Wilder’s classic play of the same name. Set in the small town of

Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, between 1901 and 1913, it follows the everyday lives of the Gibbs and Webb families. The poignant and powerful play explores love, family, growing up and the passage of time. Our Town is performed at 7.30pm from September 17-19 at Harlequin Theatre. Tickets cost $10 per person and can be purchased by emailing HCYT. > Full story at www.times.co.nz

Taranaki Garden Festival

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 25

Feel free at The Helier What if retirement could feel this good? At The Helier, life has a particular ease to it. Spend hours floating in a pool you never have to clean. Linger over lunch on the terrace with neighbours and friends. Spend an afternoon in the ever-evolving studio, doing something different every week. Then come home to an apartment that feels like it was designed just for you, with all the space and none of the upkeep. Architecturally crafted and beautifully finished, our apartments start from $999,000^. Each one designed for an effortless lifestyle, in one of Auckland’s most loved neighbourhoods, just a stone’s throw from St Heliers beach. And with care on site whenever life calls for it, you’re free to simply get on with living*.

If this sounds like your pace of life, don’t hesitate to get in touch and book a viewing. 09 356 1800 28 Waimarie Street, St Heliers, Auckland thehelier.co.nz Retirement Living for residents 70 years and above. *Access to care subject to availability and not guaranteed. ^Apartments are available under a license to occupy.

Retirement. Living.

26 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

HOME & LIVING

Improve your home with what matters with StaySafe HomePlus Your home is more than just a place to live, it’s where you and your family should always feel safe, comfortable and secure. Whether you’re renovating, building new or simply looking to improve your home’s functionality, choosing quality products and experienced professionals makes all the difference. For more than 40 years, StaySafe HomePlus has been helping New Zealand homeowners enhance their homes with premium security and lifestyle solutions. Known for their innovative approach, professional service and customer-first philosophy, the team has built a reputation for delivering exceptional workmanship and tailored solutions that stand the test of time. StaySafe HomePlus offers a comprehensive range of products designed to improve both security and everyday living. Their custom-made security doors provide an effective barrier against unwanted intruders while allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the home. Insect screens keep pests outside without compromising ventilation, making them a practical addition for any household. The company also supplies roller shutters, retrofit double glazing, soundproof glazing, gates, balustrades and handrails,

ensuring solutions for homes of every style and stage of life. Every installation is made to measure, with custom colours available to complement your home’s existing joinery. Additional options such as three-point locking systems, pet mesh and pet doors allow homeowners to personalise their investment to suit their lifestyle. Security screens are independently tested to Australian Standards, while gen-

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erous warranties provide confidence that quality is built into every project. What truly sets StaySafe HomePlus apart is its commitment to customer service. Every member of the team brings more than 20 years of industry expertise, offering practical advice, detailed quotations and honest recommendations from the first consultation through to installation. Their experienced installers work efficiently, respect your home and leave every site clean and tidy on completion. It’s this attention to detail that has earned the company a loyal customer base and countless word-of-mouth referrals. Whether your priority is increasing home security, reducing outside noise, improving ventilation or adding stylish safety features, StaySafe HomePlus provides solutions designed to add lasting value to your property. Backed by decades of experience and a genuine commitment to quality, they’re a trusted partner for homeowners looking to invest in comfort, protection and peace of mind. To find out how StaySafe HomePlus can help transform your home, visit staysafehomeplus.co.nz, or contact the team on 09 624 5545 or sales@staysafehomeplus.nz for a free, no-obligation measure and quote.

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 27

Challenge on to grow spuds  By PJ TAYLOR

ast Aucklanders are being called on to exercise their green-ﬁngered talents and grow potatoes in a special “fun-draiser” for charity causes. The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay’s Great Spud Tub Challenge encourages people of all ages to grow the biggest, smallest, the most, and even the ugliest potatoes, says spokesman Stewart Maclaren. “We’re inviting the community to get their hands dirty this spring with a lighthearted growing competition designed to raise funds for local charities while bringing neighbours, schools and retirement villages together. “The premise is simple: Each participant plants a single seed potato in a 16-litre Flexi Tub and nurtures it through to harvest, with prizes on oﬀer for the biggest, smallest, most potatoes

Stewart Maclaren and Heather Cochrane, manager of Kings Plant Barn Photo supplied Botany. from one tub, and ugliest spud grown.” Maclaren says anyone can enter, but the Challenge is aimed primarily at two key community groups – retirement villages and primary schools. “We’re encouraging residents and students alike to try their hand at potato growing. The kits will be delivered directly to these groups.” A gardener category, open to the wider public, is also

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being promoted through Kings Plant Barn Botany, he says. “Kings Plant Barn Botany will have everything budding growers need in one convenient package: A 16-litre Flexi Tub complete with one seed potato, available for $20. “With Father’s Day on Sunday, September 6, Rotary Half Moon Bay is suggesting a fun and unusual gift idea – why not set dad up with his

own Spud Tub and see who in the family can grow the best potato? “Then, after months of watering, weeding and watching, and no doubt plenty of friendly rivalry, all gardeners’ tubs will be judged on Harvest Day, Sunday, December 13. “Growers will empty their tubs to reveal what’s been growing beneath the soil all season,” Maclaren says. “The Great Spud Tub Challenge is ﬁrst and foremost a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local community charities. “Rotary hopes the initiative will also foster connection across generations, linking primary schoolchildren and retirement village residents through a shared, simple gardening project. “We encourage residents, schools, retirement villages and gardening enthusiasts to get involved, grab a tub, and start growing.”

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Unichem Pakuranga Address: 11 Cortina Place, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010, New Zealand 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.

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 29

New bush boardwalk open By EMMA LIM, Tyndale

Park Christian School Year 11 student

ne of Tyndale Park Christian School’s greatest natural treasures has been largely out of reach of its students for almost a decade. Now, the Tyndale bush is alive with children’s voices again. On a recent Saturday, a crowd of excited onlookers attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to a new walkway through the bush. This was the grand opening of the Tyndale Park Christian School Forest Boardwalk. A wave of exuberant children surged forward, running at full speed down the newly laid gravel walkway, leaping gleefully onto the fresh wooden platform, and exploring the recently built paths, bridges and board-

Families exploring the new bush walkway. walks. Why is a long walkway and viewing platform so special? Part of the answer to the question can be found by exploring our beautiful school bush. Tyndale is blessed with an area of native bush, a unique remnant of the native forest connected with the wider environment of neighbouring Murphy’s Bush in Flat Bush. Its dominant plants are kahikatea, kohekohe and pūriri, towering trees with

Photo supplied

thick trunks and a long history. Smaller trees, such as the matte green karaka, spiny orange totara, tufty cabbage tree, and slender nikau, also take residence here. Even little shrubs and plants, including ferns and coprosma, fill in the gaps. The bush also provides a home and stopping place for native birds commonly seen around Auckland, including tūī, kererū, pīwakawaka (fantails), riroriro (grey warblers) and pihipihi (silvereyes).

The Tyndale bush used to be a great part of school life, being the highlight of many students’ days and place where fun memories were made. It was like the ultimate natural playground where forts could be built, games invented, bugs collected, birds counted, and friendships deepened. However, concerns about safety and supervision in the bush led to its closure a decade ago. The bush went from an action-packed home of play to a quiet ornament on the school grounds, only a decorative addition to the school landscape. Now it has changed. After weeks of thoughtful, loving planning by members of the school board and diligent, warm-hearted work by volunteers from Friends of Tyndale, a solution was implemented. > Full story at www.times.co.nz

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30 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

Students create product for neurodivergent children By CHRIS HARROWELL Two east Auckland secondary school pupils have teamed up to create a product designed to help neurodivergent children regulate their emotions when they’re overstimulated in everyday environments. Ormiston Senior College year 13 pupils Kiana Paoo and Manas Kaur have launched a business named ‘Chewables’. They came up with the idea for the business and its product from connections they both have to the neurodivergent community. “My younger brother is high on the spectrum and is very codependent on my family for guidance and support,” Kiana says. “Manas’s mother is a special needs teacher and coincidentally ended up being my brother’s teacher. “In my family, and through my brother’s autism,

it became clear that chewing, biting and oral stimulation became a tool he relied on to regulate his emotions. This caused him to chew through multiple shirts and objects, resulting in my parents having to go through financial strain of buying new shirts and sensory toys that never supported his problem. Manas’s mother also noticed this problem in the children she worked with.” The product Kiana and Manas have created is a durable and reusable handheld sensory chew tool that people can use to help them regulate their emotions when overstimulated. “It makes us different as it’s a handheld toy compared to necklace-style products that present safety hazards,” Kiana and Manas say. “This problem is evident within our community and in using this product we aim to sup-

Ormiston Senior College students Manas Kaur, left, and Kiana Paoo have created a chewable product for neurodivergent Photo supplied children. port these children who need it the most.” They say they’ve learned a lot from having created their own business and product. “We’ve learned that establishing and running a business as young people, especially as students, allows space for growth, development and learning. “Through our product and the purpose of our business, we’ve learnt the struggles and needs of the neurodivergent community and further understanding that autism is not a one-size-fits-all. It truly

is a wide spectrum with so many diverse children with different needs. “We’ve further learnt how to keep our business centered on the core values of supporting those who struggle with oral stimulation while spreading the awareness it needs.” Their product sells for $14.99 and can be bought through sending them a direct message via social media online at @chewables. nz. They’re currently in the presales stage due to manufacturing still taking place.

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BUSINESS

32 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

HASHIKA SAMUEL Travel Specialist and Owner, Travel Culture Ph 021 484 417 | hashika@travelculture.co.nz www.travelculture.co.nz

Charles Miller writes that a lot can be learned from history’s first File photo supplied John Baker / Pexels steeplechase race.

Strategy starts with a steeple By CHARLES MILLER

n 1752, two Irishmen settled a bet by racing on horseback from the church at Buttevant to the steeple at Doneraile, four and a half miles away. They fixed their eyes on the spire and rode, crossing hedges, streams and ditches, relying on judgement and instinct. That tussle was the first steeplechase. The steeple was the purpose. Everything else was terrain and tactics. Business strategy is often made to sound complicated. It isn’t. Before worrying about products, markets or competitors, decide why you do what you do, and where you are riding. For most small businesses, purpose starts with the owner’s reason for being in business. Unlike a listed company, an SME is usually there to build a particular life as well as earn a living. If your business and personal goals point towards different steeples, sooner or later you will get lost. An owner-operator gardener is a good example. The purpose may not be to build the largest gardening business in town. It might be to earn a comfortable income, work four days a week, stay fit, spend Fridays fishing and be known as the go-to gardener. The need isn’t mowing lawns.

It’s helping people enjoy well-kept gardens and giving owners peace of mind when they lack the time or ability to do it themselves. That need is unlikely to disappear. But purpose needs testing. Imagine a small family café whose steeple is providing a good family living while becoming the local place where people meet. Now ask some harder questions. If the café becomes twice as busy, does that take the family closer to its purpose, or further away? If customers demand evening opening, does more revenue justify losing family evenings? If competitors discount coffee, must we follow? If every café competes on price, margins fall. If ours refuses and concentrates instead on becoming the neighbourhood meeting place, will customers value that enough to stay? What might competitors do next? And what would we then do? These questions don’t yet tell us which route to take. They test whether we’ve chosen the right steeple. Products change. Markets change. Technology changes. Owners age and ambitions change. A strong purpose sits above all of them, connecting an enduring customer need with what the owners want their business to achieve. > Full story at www.times.co.nz

I’ve been fortunate to spend more than 20 years in an industry I genuinely love. For me, travel has always been about more than simply getting from one place to another, it’s about the experiences, the memories and helping people discover somewhere new. My career began at Air New Zealand’s contact centre in 2004, before I moved to Flight Centre and worked across some of the country’s leading stores. Along the way, I was proud to receive both individual and team global awards. After becoming a Travel Broker, I took the leap and established my own business, Travel Culture, alongside an incredible team. In 2023, I was honoured to be named one of Flight Centre’s top three brokers in New Zealand. I continue to travel whenever possible so my knowledge stays current and my recommendations remain genuine. Recent highlights include touring Morocco with Intrepid and sailing the Mediterranean with Viking Ocean Cruises. Building my business has taught me that success is not only about achievement, but also about relationships. I take time to understand my clients, share first-hand knowledge and give them the confidence to explore the world in ways that feel truly personal.

NAV KAUR Senior Solicitor, Dawsons Lawyers 09 272 0002 | nav@dawsonslawyers.co.nz www.dawsonslawyers.co.nz Hi, I’m Nav, a senior solicitor at Dawsons Lawyers. Most of my work is property: buying and selling homes, refinancing, commercial property, and business sales and purchases. For most people, a property transaction is the biggest financial decision they’ll make, and it usually comes with a deadline and a fair bit of stress. My job is to take that stress off your plate. What I’ve learned is that good property law is mostly good communication. Clients don’t want to chase their lawyer for updates or decode jargon in an email. So I keep things moving, explain what each step means, and tell you straight away if something needs your attention. I’m Punjabi and speak both Punjabi and Hindi, and I value being able to connect with clients in the language they are most comfortable with. I take pride in explaining legal matters clearly and making sure clients leave knowing what they are signing, why it matters, and what happens next. Before joining Dawsons I worked across property and immigration law, so I’ve helped a lot of people through big life changes, not just big transactions. Outside work you’ll find me with family and friends, usually trying a new restaurant or making the most of the outdoors. If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, get in touch. I’d love to help.

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 33

SHOBHNA GOLIAN

NICOLA KOCK

Consultant, Sutcliffe Matson Law Ph 09 279 8351 ext 211 | Email shobhna@smlaw.net.nz www.sutcliffematsonlaw.net.nz

Owner, Stonewood Homes Ph 021 222 2668 | Email nicola.kock@stonewood.co.nz www.stonewood.co.nz

For Shobhna Golian, property advice is about more than completing a transaction. It is about building trust, understanding each client’s needs and providing clear, practical guidance tailored to their circumstances. These values have shaped her client-focused approach throughout her career.

Being a director of Stonewood Homes Auckland East and South has given me the opportunity to grow alongside an industry that is constantly evolving. Over the years, my role has expanded far beyond building homes. It is about leading a team, making important decisions and creating a business culture we can all be proud of.

Shobhna regularly assists clients with buying and selling homes. Recently, she has seen buyers face challenges when purchasing new builds. Although a new home may come with a code compliance certificate and a 12-month defects warranty under the Building Act, these protections do not necessarily mean the property is free from hidden issues. For this reason, Shobhna recommends that all buyers, including those purchasing newly built homes, arrange an independent pre-purchase building inspection. A code compliance certificate confirms minimum building code compliance, but it may not reveal problems with weathertightness, moisture, framing, roofing, cladding, drainage, plumbing or electrical work. Identifying issues before settlement gives buyers the chance to seek remedies before final payment and avoid costly surprises later. If you are considering buying a new build, contact Shobhna for guidance.

I believe good leadership comes from being approachable, adaptable and willing to learn. Construction can be unpredictable, so being able to problem solve, stay positive and support the people around you is incredibly important. One of the things I value most is seeing our team grow in confidence and watching everyone bring their own skills and ideas to the business. There is something special about working together towards a shared result and celebrating the successes we achieve together along the way.. As a woman in business, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about what is still ahead for Stonewood Homes Auckland East and South and our team.

THERESA BOSCH

JENNY MOORE

Director – Owner, Kip McGrath Tutoring Howick Ph 027 271 1013 | Email howick@kipmcgrath.co.nz www.kipmcgrath.co.nz/howick | kipmcgrathhowick

Social Worker, HBH Howick Views, part of HBH Group Ph 09 538 0800 | Email enquiries@hbh.org.nz www.hbh.org.nz

By the middle of term three, many parents begin to notice something isn’t quite right. A child who previously enjoyed reading may start avoiding books. Homework takes longer than expected. Maths concepts that seemed manageable earlier in the year suddenly become challenging. These are often signs of learning gaps. Left unaddressed, small gaps can gradually grow into larger obstacles that affect both academic progress and confidence. One of the most common comments I hear from parents is, “My child is starting to fall behind, but I’m not sure how to help.” The reality is that identifying the cause of the struggle is often the most important first step. Every student learns differently. Some children need additional time to master foundational skills, while others may have missed key concepts during periods of absence or transition. The good news is that learning gaps can be addressed effectively when they are identified early. A structured assessment at Kip McGrath Howick can help pinpoint exactly where support is needed, allowing learning to be targeted and purposeful rather than relying on guesswork. When students experience success at the right level, confidence grows, and confidence is often the catalyst for further progress.

For Jenny Moore, social work has always been about helping people through change. With more than five decades of experience across health and mental health settings, Jenny has spent the past 26 years as a social worker at HBH Howick Views, where she supports families as they consider residential care for someone they love. “Many families contact me at a time of crisis. They’re often dealing with a very difficult situation, and I try to support them so they can make the decisions that are right for their situation.” Jenny began her social work career after moving from England to New Zealand in 1972. She later completed formal social work training and a master’s degree in sociology. At HBH, she values the opportunity to support families from their first enquiry through admission and beyond. “My role is all about listening, supporting and providing information to help families make decisions.” For Jenny, the reward comes from knowing that her experience can help make a difficult time a little easier. “I feel very fortunate to work in a job that I love and to make a difference in the lives of others.”

BUSINESS

34 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

CONVEYANCING

AI didn’t create your data risk – it removed what was hiding it  By SHIV NARAYAN, founder of ClearEdge

Businesses across New Zealand are rapidly switching on artificial intelligence tools such as Microsoft Copilot to help staff write, summarise, search and work faster. The benefits are real. But there is a risk many businesses miss. Copilot can surface information an employee already has permission to access, simply because they asked the right question. That matters because, in many businesses, file permissions have accumulated over years. A payroll spreadsheet might sit in an old Teams or SharePoint site. Board papers may have been shared too widely. Customer information, legal matters or even passwords may be buried inside folders that technically hundreds of staff can access, even though almost nobody knows they are there. Previously, that information had a degree of accidental protection because someone had to know where to look. AI changes that. An employee can simply ask: “Show me salary information.” If those files were shared too widely, they get an answer. The AI has not hacked anything. It is simply using permissions the employee already had. AI did not create the security problem. It removed the obscurity that was hiding it. There is also a second risk: staff using external AI services. Confidential documents are increasingly being pasted into consumer AI tools, browser extensions and AI meeting assistants. Some third-party AI applications can also be connected directly to company email, calendars and files. So, what should businesses do first? First, audit file sharing and permissions. Look particularly for folders shared with “everyone” or through open links. Second, identify and label sensitive information such as payroll, HR, legal and customer records. Third, make sure security controls actually block inappropriate access rather than simply reporting it. Fourth, initially limit which employees and parts of the business AI can access. Finally, set clear rules on which external AI tools staff may use and what information may be entered into them. None of this means avoiding AI. The bigger mistake is pointing AI at years of accumulated data before understanding what employees can already see.

Ph 09 573 0577 | Email shiv@clearedge.nz

www.clearedge.nz

What it really means By Chris Dykes and Alistair van Schalkwyk, directors of ASCO Legal in Howick

For most Kiwis, buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions. It is exciting, often stressful, and usually comes with plenty of questions. That is where conveyancing comes in. Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It starts well before settlement day and involves far more than signing a few forms. For buyers, it includes reviewing the Sale and Purchase Agreement, checking the title, considering LIM and building reports, confirming finance and insurance, and making sure any conditions are properly met. The legal details can reveal issues that are not obvious at an open home, such as easements, covenants, cross-lease arrangements, rights of way, or restrictions on future renovations. For sellers, good conveyancing helps keep the sale on track. Your lawyer can review the agreement before you sign, liaise with the buyer’s solicitor, arrange discharge of any mortgage, prepare the settlement documents, and ensure the sale proceeds reach your account on settlement day. The most important step is getting advice early. Once an agreement is signed, it is legally binding. A rushed condition, unclear chattels list, or overlooked title issue can create unnecessary stress and expense later. Getting your lawyer involved before you sign gives you the opportunity to understand what you are committing to and make sure the agreement protects you. At Asco Legal, we know property transactions are about more than paperwork. They are about families, new beginnings, investments, and the next stage of life. Our Howick-based team helps buyers and sellers across east Auckland navigate residential, commercial, and investment property transactions with practical advice, clear communication, and a steady hand throughout the process. We make conveyancing clear, practical, and well managed from the moment you sign through to settlement day. With over 300 five-star Google reviews, our clients say it best: “The communication and service provided by Kylie was exceptional. Her feedback and guidance made the entire transaction a breeze. We highly recommend Asco Legal and their team to anyone looking for legal representation.” Whether you are buying your first home, selling a family property, or making your next move, the right legal support can make all the difference. 09 308 8070 | ascolegal.co.nz | info@ascolegal.com

BUYING OR SELLING PROPERTY? Here's What Conveyancing Really Means ascolegal.co.nz | 09 308 8070 Chris Dykes & Alistair van Schalkwyk

Get in touch today

BUSINESS

Building value, not just revenue DAREN LENG, Senior Business Broker at ABC Business Sales, says growth is an important part of the wider value of a business. When it comes to business, growth is often seen as the ultimate measure of success. More revenue, more customers and more employees can appear to indicate a more valuable business. But when buyers assess a business, revenue is only part of the equation. In a business sale, EBITDA – essentially the underlying operating profit of the business – is a key factor in determining value. Buyers are interested not just in how much a business sells, but in how much it earns and how sustainable those earnings are. It’s also worth remembering that not all revenue is created equally. A business may generate impressive sales, but if achieving those sales requires significant effort, discounting, staffing or working capital, buyers may question how sustainable that revenue really is. A $10 million sales business with thin margins and high customer concentration may not necessarily be more attractive than a $5 million sales business generating stronger EBITDA, with recurring revenue and a wellestablished customer base. Growth is important, but profitable and sustainable growth is what creates value. Ultimately, buyers don’t just pay for revenue – they pay for the quality and sustainability of the earnings behind it.

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 35

Finding the best deal TONI DAWSON, a fully qualified Mortgage Adviser, with more than 15 years’ industry experience, shares her expertise. SHOULD I BREAK MY INTEREST RATE, AND RE-FIX? This is a question I am asked a lot. Honestly, every situation requires running the numbers before making a decision. Sometimes it makes financial sense; sometimes it doesn’t. Each situation differs because interest rates, fixed-rate terms, loan amounts, and re-fix rates vary. Reach out if you’d like to look at your options.

WHAT’S YOUR STRATEGY? With the election campaign heating up and another three OCR decisions by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand still to come in 2026, the property landscape could shift quickly in the months ahead. While shifting rates and economic headlines always generate plenty of noise, having a proactive lending strategy is what really gives you control over your financial position. From resilient borrowers holding firm and first home buyers leveraging low-deposit options to easing property values and cost-saving solar regulations, proactive Kiwis are continuing to find strategic advantages in today’s market.

NZ ECONOMY GROWS FASTER THAN EXPECTED New Zealand’s economy expanded more than expected in the June quarter – across all 16 regional economies, according to Infometrics principal economist Nick Brundsdon. Provisional estimates show economic activity rose 2.6 per cent in the quarter and 1.7 per cent over the year – a stronger-than-expected result. Despite this, the unemployment rate has continued to rise, and household spending remains cautious.

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

Toni Dawson

NZCFS Level 5, BBS, GradDipBusStuds (Personal Financial Planning) FSP1000506

Click here for my Publicly Available Disclosure

027 646 9269 38A Wakelin Rd, Beachlands 2018 loanmarket.co.nz/toni-dawson ToniDawsonLM tonidawsonloanmarket

The information provided in this column is for illustrative and discussion purposes only. Whilst all care and attention is taken in its preparation, any party seeking to rely on its content or otherwise should make their own enquiries and research to ensure its relevance to your specific personal and business requirements and circumstances.

BUSINESS

36 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

PUT YOUR BRAND IN THE BOX YOUR NEXT CUSTOMER IS SEARCHING ON SOCIAL MEDIA From welcoming a new staff member to thanking a loyal client, branded kits are a clever way to turn promotional products into a memorable experience. Promotional products have come a long way from simply putting your logo on a pen. One of the latest trends we’re loving at Promo Factory is customised kitting, bringing together a selection of quality branded products in one beautifully presented box or bag. Think new employee welcome packs with a branded drink bottle, notebook, cap, coffee cup and tech accessories. Or create a client thank you kit filled with products they will genuinely use and enjoy. The beauty of kitting is that it can be tailored to your brand, your

budget, and the person receiving it. It’s perfect for staff onboarding, client gifts, conferences, events, product launches, Christmas gifting, or simply saying thank you. And presentation matters. Rather than handing over individual promotional products, a carefully curated kit creates an experience from the moment it is opened. At Promo Factory, we believe the best promotional products are the ones people actually want to keep and use. Every time they do, your brand goes with them. Want to put your brand in the box? Talk to the Promo Factory team about creating a customised kit that represents your business: sales@promofactory.co.nz

For years, social media marketing was all about getting attention: polished posts, clever captions, and chasing the next big trend. But the recipe has changed. Today, people are using social platforms like search engines. They are typing in questions such as “best accountant in east Auckland”, “how to choose a builder” or “marketing help for a growing business”, and they expect useful, relevant answers. That means your content needs to do more than look good in the feed. It needs to be discoverable. Start by listening to the words your ideal clients use. What questions do they ask before they buy? What problems are they trying to solve? Then create clear, helpful content that answers those questions in their language. Use those natural search terms in your

captions, video text, headings, and spoken content. This is not about stuffing posts with keywords or posting more for the sake of it. It is about becoming genuinely useful at the exact moment someone is looking for what you offer. For Kiwi businesses, especially those serving a local community, this is a significant opportunity. A well-written post about the questions your customers already ask can keep working long after it is published. The best marketing is not always the loudest. Often, it is simply the easiest to find. Ready to make your marketing more searchable, strategic and effective? Let’s build the right recipe for your business. Contact The Marketing Baker at marketingbaker.com or email candice@marketingbaker.com

your people partner

We understand people come in a variety of spices

021 653 559 spicehr.co.nz

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 37

When you’re planning for the years ahead, knowing where your income comes from matters. Download your free copy of Southern Cross Partners’ guide to investing in your retirement.

southerncrosspartners.co.nz *Southern Cross Partners Ltd is licensed to provided peer-to-peer lending services under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.

YOUTH ZONE

HIGHLAND PARK

East After Dark:

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On Saturday, August 15, Ormiston Junior College’s Manawatere (auditorium) was filled with young talent and high energy. More than 300 people came together to support 61 talented young performers from across the east – setting a brand-new record for the Howick Youth Council as our largest event yet! Over 30 per cent of east Auckland’s population is made up of young people. As youth ourselves, we know just how much passion for music exists within us, and we wanted to create an opportunity for them to share their passion for music – so we fixed that. Daniel Ng (team lead), Olivia Gu, Ethan Govender, Carla Mursean and Kahuriki Vasquez, who make up Team 1 at the Howick Youth Council, planned and delivered East After Dark with the aim of providing a platform to empower rangatahi (young people) and allow them to represent themselves through music in a non-competitive and supportive environment. After wrapping up our previous event, Stitched with Love, our team spent countless hours planning, coordinating and pulling everything together for East After Dark. Seeing the turnout exceeding anything we could have imagined made all the hard work worthwhile!

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By DANIEL Ng, team 1 lead

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riddle

E E U N D E R S T A N D F F I U G C O N F I D E N C E Ask this question Rall day long, andSyou’ll O E T S C A R S J all W answers always get different answers, yet E T U M O U R S will be correct.DWhat is the question? A R I O I N D E F I N I T E S D A T E P R I N C E E A U T E L E V E N T H I S B E G E O S O O N E R S A N G W T Y

Highland Park

503/505 Pakuranga Rd, Highland Park

More than 300 guests from east Auckland came to support the 61 young performers across 17 performances – featuring a variety of bands and soloists spanning different genres of music. Howick Local Board member Kai Zheng says he couldn’t be more proud of Term 1 and the entire Howick Youth Council. “Beyond the incredible performances, East After Dark showed that when rangatahi are given the opportunity to lead, they become the stars of the night.” We sincerely thank the Howick Local Board and Auckland Youth Voice for their continued support for the Howick Youth Council. Their backing is what enables the Youth Council to exist, operate, and create opportunities for our rangatahi. Alongside, we’d like to thank the people who made East After Dark happen: The Rock Factory, Rollin’ NZ, Tyler Tantin, Wireless Rentals, BIG FAN, Ormiston Junior College and Programmed Facility Management for making East After Dark possible. Most importantly, thank you to every performer, audience member and volunteer who made East After Dark happen. This night happened because YOU showed up! Ka kite anō, Daniel Ng Team Lead at the Howick Youth Council

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

HIGHLAND PARK

YOUTH ZONE

Book launch sparks major excitement I

recently attended the book launch for Surface: Emerging Voices of Tāmaki Makaurau which is written by taiohi (young people) of Tāmaki Makaurau. The event was extremely enjoyable and I felt privileged to meet Tessa Duder, a well-known New Zealand youth and children’s writer, who was also the judge for this year’s competition. I was presented with my own copy of the book, which Tessa Duder signed for me. At the event I was honoured to read aloud my winning piece, Everyone you meet is ﬁghting their own battle. So be kind. Always, along with three other young authors. The Taiohi Writing Competition was available for young people aged 13-18 years old. It’s run by Auckland Libraries and entrants submitted a 500-2000 word piece about who they are, what matters to them, and what they want to share with their peers. Twelve finalists were chosen. Each winner was given a $250 gift voucher and had the opportunity to be published in an anthology which will be available from Auckland Council Libraries. I interviewed Tessa Duder and asked her what she believes can make a great writer and if she has any words of wisdom for a young writer. She

Junior Journalist Josh Arnold, left, with Kiwi writing legend Tessa Duder. Photo supplied Auckland Council

answered, “I believe someone who wants to succeed as a published writer, whether of fiction or creative non-fiction, needs to have three things: an innate sense of curiosity about the world and about people – what drives them? “Second, a basic ear for language, pleasure in finding the right words, in constructing a sentence that reads well, and third, the capacity for sustained work and persistence. All the great writers I know – Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley and Kate De Goldi – are three I particularly admire because they’re curious, hard-working and generous of spirit.” I asked what she was looking for in a piece of writing for the competition. She explained, “I looked primarily for engagement, for

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

a piece of information, a line of dialogue or an unusually worded phrase that made me curious and want to read on. My longlist choices usually focussed on only one basic idea. I also looked for authenticity, for the story to have that basic ‘ring of truth’ whatever the genre.” The next question I posed was what has she enjoyed about writing children’s books? She stated, “So many rewards! The thrill of holding the advance copy of your book in your hand. “Hearing from a parent or teacher that my book has unlocked the world of fiction for a reluctant reader. The privilege of friendship with other writers, illustrators and publishers who are as passionate as you are about storytelling, about reading

Highland Park

JOSH ARNOLD and books. And joyful travel – being a writer has taken me to Australia, US, UK, France, Italy, the Antarctic. I could never have imagined all that when I was a beginner struggling with Night Race to Kawau back in 1979!” I also interviewed Kate Innes-Monsalve, the manager of library content development at Auckland Council Libraries. I asked what Auckland Libraries’ vision for this writing competition and book launch was. Kate commented that, “Auckland Council Libraries has a publishing programme that supports emerging writers, shares local stories and diverse voices, ensuring our collections reflect the communities we serve. The Taiohi Writing Competition encourages young people to create writing that helps other young people feel seen, inspired, understood or challenged. “We want to foster creativity and showcase the depth of talent among young writers in Tāmaki Makaurau and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.” The new writing competition is open. More information is at www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz. > Full story at www.times.co.nz • Josh Arnold is in year 10 at Elim Christian College

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

EDUCATION

40 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

EDUCATOR IN ACTION Daniel Ng of Ormiston Junior College How long have you been an educator, and where did you train? I wouldn’t label myself as an educator in the traditional sense. I’m not a trained teacher and don’t hold a teaching qualification. What I do is quite different from classroom teaching. My journey with Ormiston Junior College (OJC) started as a student in 2021, before moving to Ormiston Senior College for years 11-13. At OJC, I was involved in the school’s Makerspace and produced videos for the school. In November 2023, while in year 11 at Ormiston Senior College, OJC offered me a job assisting with the Makerspace. I supported staff and students with 3D printers, laser cutting, computers and digital design, using skills I’d developed while I was a student there. My role expanded into media aspects. I had been part of OJC’s Filmmakers Club, and after I was employed, the club was eventually handed over to me. This gave me the opportunity to develop what’s now the OJC Media Team, capturing key moments around the school and showcasing the kaupapa of what OJC is all about. While I don’t have formal training as an educator, I’ve learnt through experience, first as a student, then as someone supporting other students. I’ve been fortunate to have staff trust

Daniel Ng teaching Ormiston Junior College students about media technology. Photo supplied

me with opportunities and responsibilities, and I’ve tried to give those same, if not better, opportunities back to students I now work with. What’s the best thing about being an educator? What I love most is creating as many opportunities as possible for students. I believe authentic, real-world and place-based learning is incredibly valuable, especially at a young age. One example that means a lot to me is Willowbank School. I was a student there. This year, I approached the school and arranged for the Media Team students to run photography workshops for their students. My students planned and delivered the workshops themselves. Seeing both groups enjoying the experience was incredibly rewarding. There was something special about returning to my primary school

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years later, this time bringing my students and giving them the opportunity to share their knowledge with younger students. I also take the Media Team on trips to experience different types of photography. Last year, we visited Auckland Zoo for wildlife photography, and earlier this year we visited the FromThePit live music photography exhibition in the city, giving them exposure to the many opportunities out there. Being able to make these opportunities happen for my students and seeing them enjoy and learn from them, makes me love my job even more. As someone who only graduated from secondary school last year and was once an OJC student, I occupy a space that’s quite different from most school staff. I remember what it feels like to be a learner – navigating friendships, chasing goals, and

trying to work out who you want to become. I now have the privilege and responsibility of supporting learners from the other side. Because of that many students see me as more than just the person who “runs media”. They often approach me with questions about their futures, aspirations, school life, life challenges, and opportunities beyond school. There’s a level of relatability and openness that comes from having been in their shoes so recently, while also being able to guide and support them as a staff member. It’s a perspective that a very few people get to experience. Most students never get to see how a school operates behind the scenes, and most educators have not been learners themselves in the very recent past. Sitting between those two worlds has allowed me to build relationships with young people in a way that continues to surprise and inspire me. What’s special about Ormiston Junior College? It gives students opportunities to discover strengths outside of academics. OJC has a culture of giving students opportunities and allowing them to learn by doing. I experienced this firsthand. In year 9, I became involved in lighting operations for the school’s musical productions. > Full story at www.times.co.nz

EDUCATION

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 41

School pupil awarded Climate Action grant Nitya Kakadiya, a year 12 pupil at east Auckland’s Macleans College, has been awarded a $6,000 Climate Action grant through Maketime – by Meantime NZ – to develop a youth-focused podcast and zine project called the Zinecast. The project aims to create meaningful conversations between young people, decision-makers, organisations, and community leaders on issues that directly affect future generations. Nitya says it works by using street interviews and youth empowerment platforms such as buzzly.nz to gather question from young rangatahi around the country. Those questions are then answered by stakeholders to bring about changes in how youth perceive real climate action. It teaches them how to get more involved in the

Highland Park

KATHERINE ZUO cause as well as how effective changes can be implemented. “The podcast seeks to bridge the gap between young people and policymakers by creating opportunities for open discussion, questioning, and collaborative problem-solving,” Nitya explains. The Zinecast and podcast both cover topics such as sustainable transport, public transport accessibility, climate action, environmental sustainability, youth participation in decision-making, and community resilience

Nitya Kakadiya attends Macleans College in Bucklands Beach. Photo supplied

and local environmental challenges. Zinecast explores these ideas through interviews and videos, and the podcast is where the idea is talked about openly. With Zinecast under way, rangatahi now have a platform for the

answers they need to make systemic change. People can check it out online at https:// linktr.ee/zinecast.nz?utm_ source=linktree_profile_ share&ltsid=6e82379e-5b1c4b9e-aa90-2cba639edc25 • Katherine Zuo is in year 11 at Macleans College

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OUR PEOPLE

42 Friday,July September 2026 | www.times.co.nz 2 | |Friday, 3, 2026 4, | www.times.co.nz

Q&A

with

NZ FOOTB ALL LEGE ND

ARTHUR EGAN

PJ TAYLOR talks with the Flat Bush resident who has turned 90 and is acknowledged as this country’s longest-serving and muchrespected volunteer servant to the Beautiful Game – football – or as it was known when he started out, soccer, 71 years ago. He never played, which surprises and makes his contribution as an administrator and in team management, truly, for the love of the game. “I’ve certainly had an enjoyable life,” he says in his customary cheery manner. Where were you born and grew up?

What did you do for work?

In Palmerston North where my parents lived. Dad was then transferred to Auckland to work at DSIR [Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, now Mt Albert Research Centre], on Mt Albert Road by Alberton House. Then we moved to Parry Street and Kiwitea Street in Sandringham.

I was an electrician and worked for the Ministry of Works for 23 years, when it was based down by Victoria Park. Then, my wife Margaret and I went to Willow Park Christian Camp at Eastern Beach. We served there for six years. I enjoyed working with the young people. I was in the kitchen cooking. It’s changed remarkably over the years. Originally, the people staying there would bring their own dishes and had to wash in long troughs. Then they changed the situation and supplied dishes and cutlery. Later, I also worked for Bishman’s as an electrician.

Near Freyberg Field, home ground of Central United and what would become your favourite club, Auckland City FC? Yes, and the supporters’ drummer, is living in the house. He’s painted it blue and yellow all over [Central Utd colours].

Where did you go for schooling?

“I’ve been most fortunate to have had the jobs I’ve had in football.”

I went to Edendale Primary School, Balmoral Intermediate, and later Seddon Memorial Technical College [which has evolved into AUT] in Wellesley Street. The late Bruce McLaren was there the same year I was, before he went on to all his successes in motor sport.

How did your affection for football start? Did you play? No. When I was at Seddon Tech we played rugby. I used the tram to get to tech, and to get to Victoria Park or the Auckland Domain, we had to walk there for our practices on those grounds. From there came my first real connection with Blandford Park in Grafton Gully where the motorway was developed. That was the headquarters for the Auckland Football Association (AFA). One of my first rolls, from 1956, was that I would collect all the results – if you remember the pink paper – then dropped them down to the Auckland Star [former daily newspaper] offices for the Saturday night 8 O’Clock newspaper. Later, I was involved in scheduling junior club fixtures. That was a great job. I remember one Saturday the weather was bad, and I was in my pyjamas from about 6am to after 11am, on the phone trying to shuffle games to other grounds. Once the motorway was built, the AFA moved to offices at Newmarket Park, home of Auckland football, but in 1979, disaster struck when after torrential rain the eastern grandstand

OUR PEOPLE

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 43

slid down the bank into a gully totally destroyed, leaving the AFA without a ground to play games. Ultimately, the AFA took up offices at Mt Smart Domain. I served on the AFA control board until 1987, and it honoured me with life membership.

What’s your club? Auckland City FC. In 2004, when they started in the national league, I was the kit-man there. I had also worked with All Whites’ coach John Adshead at Mt Roskill and then Mt Wellington.

You’re remembered affectionately as the kit-man for New Zealand’s first men’s team at a FIFA World Cup, in Spain in 1982. How did you get the job? I was on the AFA control board and knew John Adshead and AFA chairman, the late Charlie Dempsey, who would fly out bigname club teams. The 1970s were the most active and financial years in the life of the AFA. During the decade, Auckland Football arranged tours and matches with English and Scottish top sides including Glasgow Rangers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Middlesborough, Dundee, and Tottenham Hotspur. My position for these tours was as liaison officer and one of the nice things we did was take the visiting teams to Waiwera Hot Pools for the day. The teams really enjoyed the outing but the next day it did have a slowing effect on them. Once John arrived here from Australia, he and I got on well. I enjoyed every All Whites and football trip. There was a lot of travel involved. They were the most travelled team to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup – 15 games.

What are some of your memories of Spain 1982? Charlie’s cargo was his Guinness beer and his golf clubs, and the players were looking, saying: “Are we going on a holiday or are we going for an international match?” And when I got to Spain, I said to John: “They haven’t registered me as part of the team”, and John said, “well Arthur, you go and tell them we’re not leaving here until you are registered. I need you in the dressing room.” We had [matches against] Scotland [lost 2-5], Soviet Union [0-3] and Brazil [0-4]. The Brazilian great, Pelé, came into the dressing room for us. John controlled the team, the front man, and [co-coach] Kevin Fallon was the taskmaster. We’d go for a run every morning, and I’d have to get the players up at 6am. One day some of them decided to go a bit slower, so Kevin worked this out, and he came to me and said, “send them around again”. For my role, John said: “Now, Arthur, get this straight: You don’t get on a bus, plane, train, anything, before the whole team and

Arthur Egan gives the thumbs up to another of his club Auckland City FC’s successes in New Zealand Football’s National League. Photos supplied everyone is on, right?” So, everyone was accounted for. And if the players wanted a banana at 10.30pm, don’t say you can’t get it. You just go and get it. That was my guideline and I have carried it out to the best of my ability. The arrangement with FIFA was that once the team had been eliminated from the competition they had 24 hours to vacate the five-star hotel before they start paying. Prior to setting out to the Brazil match, our bags were packed ready to go as our departure was early the next morning. We arrived back from the game, and the hotel had a farewell supper plus music and dancing. It was a night to remember. The team did not return to New Zealand as a group as many of the English-born players went to see relatives. Kevin led our party back. Charlie’s final act of the World Cup was to sack John and his management staff, too, seven months after the biggest moments in New Zealand’s soccer history. The disappointing aspect was that New Zealand Football never capitalised on the impact and support the code had gained through the World Cup.

For you, who are some of the outstanding figures in New Zealand football? Wynton Rufer. He was an unknown 18-year-old player when we picked him up [for the All Whites]. We were going to Israel for a practice game, and he came. He developed into our top player. He was magnificent. Charlie was chairman of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), and its Auckland headquarters is a tribute to the work done by him for the football islands around the Pacific.

What does Auckland City FC mean to you? In 2004, that’s when they were first formed. Allan Jones, the former All Whites coach who followed on from John, was the first Auckland City coach. Then we’ve had some

good ones such as Ramon Tribulietx, José Manuel Figueira, Paul Posa, Albert Riera, and the present one, Rudy Mozr, who is from the Czech Republic. We’ve won a lot of championships in 22 years – Northern Leagues, National Leagues, the OFC Champions Leagues, and then qualification to the FIFA Club World Cups. I was kit-man for them until I was 84. I was also the kit-man and a match-day administrator for the Football Kingz and the Auckland Knights, the professional teams here years ago before Auckland FC. I’ve been most fortunate to have had the jobs I’ve had in football.

How has your faith sustained you? In my early childhood, my parents encouraged my sister and I to go to Sunday School in Sandringham. Later, in 1959 at Carlaw Park, [American evangelist] Billy Graham held a crusade, and Margaret sang in the choir. I went forward to give my life to Christ and became a Christian. Margaret and I went to Pakuranga Bible Chapel in 1984, and our family is at St Columba Church in Botany. I have been one who has lived out the faith and not preached at everyone. Whether it was with a junior team or the ACFC team my gift was to serve with acts of kindness and love and people would know I was a Christian.

Were you involved in bowls at Pakuranga Bowling Club? Yes, and during the 13 years of active bowls from 1991 I enjoyed playing in the club’s championships, inter-club matches, Auckland Bowls’ events, and even one New Zealand Bowls Championships in singles, pairs and fours. Pakuranga Bowling Club in those years hosted many big tournaments. During my active years at the club, I served on the administration as club secretary, bowls secretary, president, chairman and with many sub-committees.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

44 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

WINTER ILLNESS IS PEAKING – 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.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF AND OTHERS New Zealand is in the middle of a serious winter illness season. Hospitals across the country are under real pressure, with flu-related admissions reaching their highest levels in a decade in Auckland, and national infection rates at a four-year high and still rising. Schools and rest homes are feeling it too, with some schools forced to combine classes or close entirely due to high numbers of sick students and staff. Flu is circulating widely alongside other infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and strep throat, with untreated strep raising the risk of complications like rheumatic fever, adding to the pressure on families and communities.

Clinic

Phone

Auckland Family Medical

09 524 6249

Beachlands Medical Centre

09 536 6006

Clevedon Village Medical

09 292 8189

Botany Junction Medical

09 265 0321

Botany Terrace Medical Centre

09 274 1818

Ormiston Medical Centre

09 265 1325

Marina Medical

09 534 5414

Highbrook Medical

09 273 4876

Highland Park Medical Centre

09 535 8095

Eastern Family Doctors

09 222 0168

Crawford Medical Centre

09 538 0083

Howick House Medical Centre

09 535 8797

Howick Community Medical

09 538 0130

Juliet Ave Surgery

09 534 8780

Millhouse Integrative Medical

09 537 4980

Picton Surgery

09 534 7176

Kawakawa Bay/Orere Health

09 292 2812

Pukekohe Family Health Care

09 237 0280

www.easthealth.co.nz

Caring for yourself and your whānau at home Most people can manage winter illness at home with: • Rest, including more sleep. • Keeping warm. • Staying hydrated. • Simple pain relief. If you’re caring for a child, keep an eye on their breathing, hydration, and alertness – and don’t hesitate to call your GP or Healthline if something feels off.

Stopping the spread Simple habits make a big difference: • Wash and dry your hands often. • Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. • Stay home from work, school, or social events while unwell. • Clean shared surfaces regularly. • Open windows to let fresh air circulate indoors.

Vaccines are still available It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine, and from September 1, all children aged under five (under 59 months inclusive) are now eligible for a free influenza vaccine. Children under five years of age are more likely than any other age group to be admitted to hospital resulting from influenza, and recent data has shown increasing hospitalisations in this age group. The flu vaccine remains one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you, especially older people, young children, and anyone with existing health conditions. Take care of yourselves and each other this season. Bought to you by East Health Trust

HEALTH & WELLBEING

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 45

By MIKE KING, founding

trying to survive.

Imagine living in a single-income household earning $50,000 a year with bills of $55,000. Mum works three jobs to keep the family afloat, but the bills keep mounting. There’s $70,000 on the credit card with no realistic hope of paying it off.

Then every election, another fancy-pants suitor comes down the driveway promising our family the world. “I’ll fix the house, look after Grandma and Grandpa, help the kids and make everyone’s life better.” There’s just one problem. He never has any money in his pockets.

ambassador, I Am Hope Foundation

One week into the marriage, it’s always the same. We have to make cuts. But cuts to what? Did you not read the part about the house falling apart and the serious challenges we’re facing? The problem isn’t what we’re spending. The problem is what we’re earning, and someone needs to say that out loud.

Then there’s the house. The roof leaks, the wiring is unsafe, the plumbing is failing, the hot-water cylinder needs replacing, and the car is on its last legs. Even a million dollars wouldn’t fix everything. Did I mention Grandma and Grandpa are living there too? There’s an unemployed nephew, a disabled niece, an auntie with cancer, an uncle who refuses to work, a son with a toothache, a daughter who needs a school uniform and three more kids on the way. All supported by this hard-working mum.

What I want this election is someone brave enough to sit the whole family around the kitchen table, spread out the bills and tell us the truth. Tell us the size of the problem and what we actually have available to fix it. If we’ve got $100 billion worth of problems and only $1 billion to spend, say so. Explain that spending a dollar to save a child with cancer means a child with an equally harrowing problem dies because the money simply isn’t there for both. These aren’t numbers on a

Can you imagine trying to run that household? Imagine no more, because this metaphorical household is New Zealand, and Mum represents every hard-working New Zealander getting up every morning just

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spreadsheet. They’re choices between real people who all deserve our help. Once that reality smacks you in the face, stop pretending you have all the answers. You can’t fix this on your own. Bring businesspeople, farmers, scientists, teachers, nurses, economists, entrepreneurs, iwi, community leaders and ordinary New Zealanders around the table and ask: how do we solve this together? How do we grow the pie instead of fighting over smaller slices? What are we good at? What could we become world-leading at? I don’t want another politician promising to fix everything. I want one brave enough to tell us the truth, show us the size of the problem and ask all of us to help solve it. Under 25 and need someone to talk to? Book a free counsellor at gumbootfriday. com – no GP referral Mike King needed.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

46 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

SHOWING SUPPORT FOR MEN’S HEALTH By PJ TAYLOR A well-known east Auckland hospitality venue is turning blue again, supporting and promoting men’s health by staging a fundraising event. Blue September is the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand’s annual charity initiative, and The Good Home/The Prospect of Howick holds its always well-supported lunch in aid of the cause on Saturday, September 12. “It will be our 10th annual Blue September lunch as we come together to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ,” says The Good Home Howick. “It’s an opportunity to make a real difference for men and their families affected by prostate cancer. “Over the past nine years, we’ve proudly raised $77,800 and with more support, we’re aiming to make our 10th year our biggest yet.” Ticket sales for the event have been very good

to date. For the $75 entry, attendees have a special guided tasting of three premium whiskies, including “the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label”. There is also “a delicious three-course lunch, a surprise guest speaker, and exciting auctions and raffles”. Through its blueseptember.org.nz website, the Prostate Cancer Foundation encourages New Zealanders to show their support. “Ride, host an event, reach a push-up goal – or set a challenge of your choice this September,” it says. “Inspire your community to tackle prostate cancer together. Raise vital funds and show support for your mates and whānau impacted by the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Kiwi men. “One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Take on Blue September to help us change these stats.” The foundation says money collected

through the many events held nationwide goes towards “powering research into better diagnosis and treatments to improve outcomes from prostate cancer diagnoses”. “Helping make a lot of noise to advocate for improved healthcare services for men with prostate cancer. “And raising awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of getting regular checks for men.” The Blue September fundraising lunch at The Good Home/Prospect of Howick is on Saturday, September 12, from 11am.

Here for your health. Here for your family.

Having trouble driving at night? You may have cataracts and yes, it’s treatable

Barry O’Shaughnessy and April Campbell of The Good Home/ Prospect of Howick after a successful Blue September lunch in Photo supplied recent years.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

MORE CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDED FLU VACCINES

Associate Health Minister David Seymour. East Auckland parents will be interested to know that more than 260,000 young children will become eligible for funded influenza vaccinations from April next year following a decision by Pharmac to widen access. Every child aged six months until their fifth birthday will be eligible for a funded influenza vaccine from April, 2027. Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the decision will give parents another tool to help keep their children healthy and reduce the impact of influenza on families. “Winter is a challenging period for many Kiwis. Strong flu strains in recent years have made it much more difficult. Flu season puts a lot of pressure on households, workplaces, schools, and the health system. [This] decision will make next winter more manageable.” Seymour says making more than 260,000 children eligible for funded vaccination is a practical investment in prevention. He says it’ll help reduce illness, doctor visits and pressure on the health system during winter. The change is part of a broader package of vaccine investments confirmed by Pharmac, with 1.6 million New Zealanders expected to receive vaccines included in the decision during the first year of funding. The influenza vaccine is currently funded for people aged 65 and older and people aged under 65 with certain health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness. From April, 2027, funded influenza vaccinations will move to newer vaccines intended to provide improved protection for older New Zealanders, eligible at-risk people aged under 65 and children aged six months until their fifth birthday. Pharmac is also changing the funded brands of influenza, meningococcal ACWY and pneumococcal vaccines from 2027. Seymour says Pharmac received strong support for the proposals during consultation. “New Zealanders told Pharmac they supported broader access to innovative influenza vaccines and stronger protection against pneumococcal disease. These changes give more New Zealanders access to better protection against serious illness while ensuring public funding helps improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.” Seymour says the decision is also an example of the culture being built at Pharmac. “This is another example of the culture we are building at Pharmac. Pharmac funding the medicines that Kiwis need, based on the feedback of Kiwis in need.”

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 47

Looking after the vision of our community. Dr David Pendergrast Our eyesight plays a vital role in how we experience life, from reading and driving to recognising loved ones and maintaining our independence. When vision problems arise, it’s reassuring to know that expert care is available close to home. Dr David Pendergrast, a founding member of Auckland Eye, has spent more than three decades helping New Zealanders protect, restore and improve their vision. As a specialist ophthalmologist, he provides expert care for a wide range of eye conditions, with particular expertise in cataract surgery, corneal disease, laser vision correction and complex anterior eye surgery. What sets Dr Pendergrast apart is not only his extensive experience, but his commitment to ensuring patients have access to the latest advances in eye care. Modern developments in cataract surgery, laser vision correction, corneal transplantation and lens technology now offer treatment options that were simply not possible a generation ago, helping many people achieve clearer vision and a better quality of life. Alongside caring for patients, Dr Pendergrast is dedicated to serving the wider community through education and training. As a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland and an examiner for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, he helps train and assess the next generation of eye specialists. In doing so, he plays an important role in maintaining high standards of eye care for future generations of New Zealanders. Many patients first seek advice from Dr Pendergrast when they notice changes in their vision, experience discomfort or irritation, or are considering options to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Others are referred for specialist assessment of cataracts, corneal conditions or complex eye diseases. For Dr Pendergrast, the most rewarding part of his work is helping people regain confidence in their vision and enjoy life without unnecessary limitations. Whether it’s preserving sight, restoring vision, or exploring the latest treatment options, Dr Pendergrast combines decades of experience with a genuine commitment to helping people see their world more clearly.

To book an appointment 0800 25 53 93 www.aucklandeye.co.nz admin@aucklandeye.co.nz

HEALTH & WELLBEING

48 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

WALKING:

BLUE SEPTEMBER:

Let’s talk about prostate health

THE CHEAPEST WELLNESS TOOL WE HAVE GOT

Every September, the Blue September campaign turns the spotlight on men’s health – and prostate health in particular. Here at Botany Junction Medical Centre, we want our east Auckland community and beyond to use this month as a gentle nudge to check in on the health issues men often put off discussing.

WHY IT MATTERS Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in New Zealand men. The tricky part is that earlystage prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all. That’s why awareness – and timely conversations with your GP – make such a difference.

Nurse smear taking | Mole check and minor surgery FREE sexual health visits if you are under 22 | Jaydelle and IUCD insertion Visiting psychologist | Mental health nursing support IV infusions for osteoporosis | IV infusions for iron deficiency

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS • Age (risk increases from around 50, or 40 if you have a family history). • A father or brother with prostate cancer. • Ethnicity – some groups carry a higher risk.

MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness WATCH FOR CHANGES coaching programmes tailored to surgery Nurse smear taking | Mole check and minor While many cases show no early signs, it’s worth mentioning FREE sexual health visits if you goals. are under 22 | Jaydelle and IUCD insertion their unique to your doctor if you notice: • Needing to urinate more often, especially at night. • Difficulty starting or stopping urination. • A weak or interrupted flow. • Pain or discomfort, or blood in urine or semen.

Visiting psychologist | Mental health nursing support IV infusions for osteoporosis | IV infusions for iron deficiency

WHAT YOU CAN DO THIS SEPTEMBER Book a check-up. Our GPs can talk you through whether a PSA blood test or further assessment is right for you, based on your age, family history, and symptoms. It’s a quick conversation that could make a real difference down the track. We’re also encouraging the wider whānau – partners, mothers, and mates – to remind the men in their lives this is a sensible thing to do, not something to be nervous about. Let’s make east Auckland a Blue September community. Give our friendly team a call or book online to arrange your check-up today. Your health is worth the 10 minutes it takes. Botany Junction Medical, 110 Michael Jones Dr, 09 265 0321

If there's one thing almost every expert agrees on, it's that walking is universally beneficial – whether you’re old or young, fit or not, most of us will gain something positive from getting out for a walk. It’s low impact, completely free, and you don’t need specialised gear. But knowing it's good for you and actually wanting to do it are two different things, so how do you turn a walk from something you don’t really want to do into something you genuinely look forward to? First up, let go of the idea that a walk has to be a certain length or pace to count. I speak to so many people who think if they’re not doing an hour at a brisk clip, it’s not worth it. Not true! Ten minutes around the block after dinner is 10 minutes you weren’t doing before. Start there. If it turns into 20, great. If not, you still did it. If listening to a podcast or a good playlist gets you out the door, that’s fine, just stay safe - keep an eye on traffic and what’s going on around you. Even if losing yourself in a story while your legs do the work is your preference, if you've never tried walking without a soundtrack, give it a try one day. You might notice birds you hadn't heard, the way the air smells after rain, or just feel your own thoughts settling into a rhythm that doesn't happen when you're plugged in. Your route matters too. A walk along a main road with traffic buzzing past doesn’t feel the same as one that cuts through a park or follows a stream. You don’t have to go totally off-road – even a street with big trees arching overhead changes the feeling completely. Find a loop that gives you a bit of green, a bit of quiet, and you'll find yourself wanting to do it again.

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Finally, see if you can find a walking buddy. It gives you someone to chat with, obviously, but it also means you're way less likely to bail when the weather is average, or you're feeling flat. www.michellekeenan.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 49

WELLNESS WALKS

By JODI LITHERLAND, East Auckland Tourism

You may have heard about East Auckland Tourism’s WellFest – a month long celebration of wellbeing running from September 1 to 30. WellFest brings together more than 45 events across the region, grouped into five themes: move and connect outdoors, slow down and restore, culture and craft, community and

a two-part Chinese calligraphy workshop, with part one inspired by a guided bird walk through the Ayrlies Wetlands. Families can enjoy Together in the Park, organised by Youth Project NZ – a short walk with fun activity stations and prizes at the finish. Photography enthusiasts will love Pixels and Pathways, a guided photography walk, using your camera or phone, with the Howick Photographic Society and WalksOutEast.

family, and health and giving back. Within these, you’ll find several walking experiences to suit every pace and interest. Guided walks include a mums and bubs wellness walk at the Farm House Cafe in Clevedon, a connect to nature ranger walk through Macleans Park, and dog wellness walks with professional trainers and Dave’s Raw Dog Food. Creativity meets movement in

YOUR SMILE IS YOUR ULTIMATE ACCESSORY

And for those who appreciate breathtaking landscapes and artistic wonders, there’s a self-directed wander through the spring blooms and growing collection of permanent artworks by New Zealand sculptors at Riverhaven Artland Sculpture Trail. Most events are free or low cost, with many offering limited spaces, so early booking is recommended. Full calendar and bookings can be found at: www. eastaucklandtourism. co.nz/wellfest

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50 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

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BEAUTY

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 51

WHY YOUR MAKEUP MIGHT LOOK BETTER WHEN YOU USE LESS By SARAI ELORA, Bonita Artistry For years, beauty trends taught us to add another step. More foundation. More concealer. More powder. More contour. And if something wasn’t sitting quite right, the instinct was often to add another product on top. But one of the biggest lessons we’ve learnt as professional makeup artists is surprisingly simple: more makeup doesn’t necessarily mean better makeup. In fact, sometimes it can do the opposite. That doesn’t mean abandoning your favourite products or only wearing natural makeup. You can still create a polished, glamorous look. The difference is being intentional about where you place product and how much you actually need.

Start with the skin you want to keep Beautiful complexion makeup doesn’t have to completely cover your skin. Instead of applying the same amount of foundation everywhere, start with a light layer and assess what still needs attention. You might want more coverage around redness or pigmentation while leaving areas of naturally clear skin almost untouched. Then use concealer strategically rather than adding another heavy layer of foundation. The result? Your complexion still looks polished, but you can see the natural dimension and life in your skin.

Powder doesn’t need to go everywhere

Powder is brilliant for controlling shine and helping makeup last, but too much can quickly take away the natural texture of the skin. Concentrate powder where you genuinely need longevity or oil control, commonly through the centre of the face, around the nose and anywhere your makeup tends to move. Leaving other areas with their natural finish can make the complexion appear fresher and more dimensional.

Let your features guide you We’ve spoken previously about why copying a makeup look online doesn’t always give you the same result, and this is where that lesson becomes particularly useful. Your face already has its own structure. Before automatically adding contour, blush, bronzer and highlighter, look at what you actually want to enhance. Perhaps blush alone gives your cheeks enough definition. Maybe softly defining your lash line enhances your eyes more beautifully than a dramatic wing. Makeup becomes much easier when every product has a purpose.

Step back before adding more One of our favourite professional habits is surprisingly simple: step back from the mirror. When we apply makeup centimetres away from our face, tiny details can suddenly feel enormous. We notice every pore, patch of redness or area that isn’t perfectly even, and our instinct can be to add more. More foundation. More concealer. More powder.

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Another makeup step. But too many layers can emphasise texture, create heaviness, and cover the natural dimension of your skin. Instead, step back and look at your makeup from a normal conversational distance. Look at your face as a whole and ask: does this actually need more? You might realise that little imperfection you were about to cover isn’t noticeable at all. Great makeup isn’t about perfecting every centimetre of your face. It’s knowing when a little more will make an impact and, just as importantly, knowing when to stop. 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.

ARTS & CULTURE

52 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

EAST AUCKLAND ART KETE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 This is a shared arts column space put together by Howick Historical Village, Te Tuhi, and Uxbridge Arts and Culture.

EVENTS: Saturday, September 5, 9am to 2pm: Uxbridge Arts and Culture Workshops offers Cake Decorating. Learn how to create fun, eye-catching cakes perfect for any special celebration. $129/pp at 35 Uxbridge Road. Book via: uxbridge.org.nz. Saturday, September 5, 1pm to 4pm: Uxbridge Arts and Culture Workshops offers Cake Decorating Artistry. Learn the creative world of flood icing and fondant work. $95/pp at 35 Uxbridge Road. Book via: uxbridge.org.nz. Sunday, September 6, 9am to 2 pm: Browse the fresh veggies and beautiful gifts at The Village Farmers’ Market at Bell House ,75 Bells Road, Pakuranga. Free. Saturday, September 12, 10am to 3pm: Te Tuhi presents Relief wood carving workshop with Tui Hobson. Held at 21 William Roberts Road, Pakuranga. Book via: info@tetuhi.art. $40/pp (includes tools and materials; please bring your own safety gloves). Saturday, September 12, 11am to 4pm: Uxbridge Arts and Culture Workshops hosts Soft Stone Sculpture. Create your own masterpiece for your garden or outdoor space. Book via uxbridge.org.nz. $159/pp. Sunday, September 13, 10am to 3pm: Howick Historical Village Live Day/Spring Fete at Bells Road, Pakuranga. Live Day prices. Sunday, September 13, 10am to 11.30am, 12pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 3.30pm: Howick Historical Village’s Perfume workshops at Bell House. Ages 14+. Bookings essential via Eventfinda. $45/pp, Live Day fee separate. Saturday, September 19, 9.30am to 12pm: Uxbridge Arts and Culture Workshops present Portrait Photography. Join Howickbased photographer Kate Wark to learn the fundamentals! Book via uxbridge.org.nz. $95/pp. Saturday, September 19, 10am to 12.30pm: Te Tuhi presents the workshop Writing in the

Uxbridge October School Holiday Programme – fun, creative and inspiring kids’ workshops. Check it out at uxbridge.org.nz. Present Moment and into the Unexpected with Spoor Books authors Richard von Sturmer and Terri Te Tau. Held alongside Pallavi Paul’s To Be in Someone Else’s Prayer. Limit 12. Register via tetuhi.art/events. Free. Sunday, September 20, 10am to 12pm, or 2pm to 4pm, and Thursday September 24, 6pm to 8pm: Te Tuhi presents a soap carving workshop with Ngaroma Riley. Book via: tetuhi.art/events. $20/pp (includes tools and materials). Wednesday, September 9, Wednesday, September 23 and Saturday 24 October, 1.30pm to 3.30pm: Enjoy Howick Historical Village’s flower-pressing workshop. Book via Eventfinda. $34/$48. Includes admission. Tuesday, September 29, 10.30am to 11.30am: Join the Polish Museum for a fun Auckland Heritage Festival event, from Midwinter Feast to Christmas Eve supper: an illustrated talk. Sunday, October 4, 2pm to 4pm: Join the Polish Museum for a fun Auckland Heritage Festival event, a Christmas Eve supper craft workshop at 125 Elliot Street, Howick. Book via phtmuseum@outlook.com. Prices vary. Saturday, October 3 to Sunday, October 4, 9am to 5pm: Te Tuhi presents a Book Fair alongside Spoor Books, Satellites, and Nowhere Books. Details forthcoming. Free. Sunday, October 4, 9am to 2pm: Browse the delights at The Village Farmers’ Market at Bell House. Free. Sunday, October 11, 10am to 3pm: Dig into Howick Historical Village’s Live Day/ Pagotomania: The Great Victorian Ice Cream

Craze! Live Day prices. Various days and times throughout October: Festival of Frights returns to Howick Historical Village with three great events! Save by booking ahead via Eventfinda. Prices vary.

ONGOING: Now until Sunday, October 4: Immerse yourself in Te Tuhi’s current exhibitions: Pallavi Paul’s To Be in Someone Else’s Prayer; Kāhu Kaan’s Te Tuhi Billboards project, Whao; and a group exhibition Dalosa, Lafo & Iva. Free. Now until December 16: Arts Out East presents Dream Weavers, a vibrant collective installation by artist Dizzie Pixie. See the community woven artwork at the Cultural Hub next to New World, Ormiston Town Centre. Free. From September 4 until Friday, October 23: Uxbridge Arts and Culture presents their Exhibition on Screen series. Discover acclaimed documentaries exploring the world’s greatest artists. For the schedule and to book tickets: uxbridge.org.nz. $15/pp. From Tuesday, September 15 to Sunday, September 20, 10am to 4pm: Hook into East Auckland Embroiderers Guild bi-annual showcase 2026 at Howick Historical Village. Free with regular admission. Saturday, September 26 to Saturday, October 10: Te Tuhi and Arts Out East present Celebrating Culture Pop-Up at Botany Town Centre. Honouring East Auckland’s cultural diversity through workshops, performances, and creative activities. Free.

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 53 COMMUNITY

THIS WEEK’S COMMUNITY HERO IS

Leo Sowerby

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 Leo Sowerby. He’s nominated by Ivoga Vernon, who writes: “On August 19 at midday I was driving along Whitford-Maraetai Road with my eight-yearold daughter when I noticed an unusual noise coming from my car engine and also a distinct smell from the car. “Leo was driving behind my car and noticed smoke emitting from the rear of my vehicle. “Concerned for our safety, Leo followed my car until we came to a complete stop outside Maraetai Beach School. He introduced himself to me and then for about 20 minutes he proceeded to assess the damage to my car. Leo left once the tow truck was booked. Leo was very thoughtful and caring and did not ask for anything in return. “Leo is a true local hero caring about his community.”

To nominate a Community Hero, go online to www. times.co.nz/nominate/.

54 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

MAKE DAD’S DAY at MEADOWLANDS SHOPPING CENTRE

Shop, dine and celebrate Dad this Father’s Day! It’s the perfect excuse to spoil Dad, and Meadowlands has plenty of ways to make his day extra special.

Shopping at Meadowlands could put you in the running to win one of two Ultimate Ears (UE) Boom 3 portable bluetooth speakers. Simply make a purchase at Meadowlands and fill out an entry form in-centre to enter the draw. But don’t leave it too late – entries close Saturday, September 5. The UE Boom 3 is made for taking the party wherever Dad goes. Delivering immersive 360° sound and powerful bass, this compact speaker is designed for life on the go. It’s waterproof, dustproof and floats, making it ideal for the backyard, beach, boat or wherever Dad’s adventures take him. With up to 15 hours of battery life, Dad can keep the tunes going all day, while the convenient magic button makes it easy to play, pause and skip tracks. It’s a prize Dad will definitely want. And talking of things Dad will really want, why not celebrate him with a relaxed Father’s Day

lunch at The Coffee Club Meadowlands?

decide they’re all his!

There’s something for everyone, with all the usual Coffee Club favourites on the menu – plus their delicious loaded nachos, available in three flavours: Mexican beef mince, Mexican chicken breast or beans for a vegetarian option.

With plenty of other breakfast, lunch and cafe favourites to choose from, The Coffee Club is a great place to get the family together and give Dad a well-deserved treat.

Loaded with crunchy corn chips, melted cheese, salsa, kidney beans, corn, smashed avocado, sour cream and spring onion, they’re perfect for sharing ... although Dad might

Father’s Day this Sunday Nothing beats Loaded Nachos at Meadowlands Coffee Club

Planning to celebrate on Father’s Day? It may pay to reserve a table ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the occasion. Happy Father’s Day from Meadowlands!

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DISCOVER

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 55

What's On

September 26

Scan me �� m��e �oca� �vents

Spring Art Show 2026

Clevedon Village Craft Market

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

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

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.

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.

Sip n Paint

Spring Plunge 2026

Wednesday, September 9, 6.30pm, The Earl, 127 Picton Street

Friday, September 11, 6.15am to 7.15am, Eastern Beach

Join a Paint Social pop-up and paint a stunning sunset framed through the reeds. Come solo, bring a friend, or meet new people over a glass of wine and a paintbrush. Purchase your ticket here https://paintsocial. co.nz/products/sunset-reeds-theearl Guided painting session with all painting materials provided. Casual, social atmosphere with other guests. No experience needed just come ready to have fun! Come paint, sip and make a night of it!

Welcome spring with an early-morning community plunge at Eastern Beach as part of East Auckland WellFest. Locals are invited to come together for an energising start to the day beside the coast. The event combines fresh air, movement, and community spirit in a waterfront setting. Participants should check the organiser’s latest event information before attending, for any practical updates beforehand.

WHAT'S ON ★

Plan your next great day out!

LOCAL EVENTS • ACTIVITIES THINGS TO DO www.times.co.nz/whats-on

56 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

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www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 57

Monday

Pizza & Pint $30

Tuesday

Steak & Frites $28

Wednesday

Burger & Bevvie $30

Thursday

Trivia Night 7pm

Friday Sarday

Rooftop DJ’s 9pm - 1am

Sunday

Live Music 2pm - 5pm

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

LIFESTYLE

KITCHE N TRICKS WORTH KNOWING

INDIAN-ST YLE BONELESS CHICKEN CURRY INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, sliced 3 cloves garlic, sliced 50g fresh ginger, peeled and julienned 1kg chicken leg meat, cut in manageable-sized pieces 1tbsp Gault’s Indian Seasoning 1½ tsp salt 400ml can coconut cream (or coconut milk)

• • • • • • •

¾ cup roasted cashews ½ cup water 1 cup basmati rice 1 cup dried brown lentils 1 onion, diced 2 tsp salt 1 tbsp Gault’s Indian Seasoning • 3 cups cold water • 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped • ¼ cup roasted cashews

METHOD

Cook sliced onion in oil over low-medium heat for 12 minutes until caramelised. Add garlic and half the ginger; cook 30 seconds. Add chicken and first measures of seasoning and salt. Stir and remove from heat. Blend coconut cream with first cashews and water. Pour over chicken, stir and gently simmer 15–20 minutes. Set aside. Meanwhile, wash rice three times. Rinse lentils and check for debris. Combine rice, lentils, diced onion and second measures of salt, seasoning and water. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, cover and cook 15 minutes. Remove from heat and steam, covered, for 10 minutes. Reheat curry if needed. Top with remaining cashews, ginger and parsley. Fluff lentil rice with a fork and serve.

SIMON SAYS Peel ginger with a teaspoon to easily reach tricky

spots. Slow-cooking onion caramelises its natural sugars, creating a rich curry base. Chicken thigh also works well but costs a little more than leg meat.

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

A few simple kitchen tricks can save time, reduce waste, and make everyday cooking much easier. Revive stale bread: Run a stale loaf quickly under the tap, then place it in a hot oven for around five minutes. The moisture creates steam, helping restore a crisp crust and softer centre. Stop chopping boards sliding: Place a damp tea towel or paper towel underneath your chopping board to keep it firmly in place. Get more juice from citrus: Roll lemons and limes firmly on the bench before cutting. This breaks down some of the internal membranes, making them easier to squeeze. Freeze leftover ingredients: Tomato paste, pesto, stock, coconut milk and even wine can be frozen in ice-cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to labelled bags and use only what you need. Keep herbs fresher: Treat soft herbs such as parsley and coriander like flowers. Trim the stems and stand them in a glass of water in the fridge. Loosely cover with a plastic bag, and they’ll last much longer. Peel garlic quickly: Place a clove under the flat side of a large knife and press firmly. The skin should loosen and peel away easily. Rescue over-salted soup: Dilution is usually the best solution. Add unsalted stock, water, or more of the other ingredients rather than relying on tricks such as adding a potato. Keep brown sugar soft: Store it in an airtight container. If it hardens, cover it with a damp paper towel and microwave briefly to soften. Sharpen up: A sharp knife is safer and makes food preparation considerably quicker. And finally, clean as you go. Those spare minutes while something simmers or bakes can turn a post-dinner kitchen disaster into just a couple of dishes.

LEISURE

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 59

WATCH

LISTEN

READ

WHAT WE ARE WATCHING

NOTEWORTHY PODCASTS

BEST NEW BOOKS

UNTOLD RAYGUN: BREAKING BADLY Netflix At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aussie Rachael Gunn (Raygun) stunned the world for all the wrong reasons. With an unconventional breakdancing routine, she failed to score a single point, igniting a global firestorm of memes and conspiracy theories. Now the subject of Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly, the ridiculed Australian athlete and academic is finally telling her side of the story.

POSSESSION TVNZ+ Set between Bristol and Jamaica, the series follows Claudia, an ambitious young bi-racial lawyer who travels to Jamaica to challenge an inheritance claim made by a local man, Cudjoe East against wealthy white aristocrat Oliver Connaught. But things grow even more unsettling when Claudia finds that the Connaught family’s former plantation, Hope Hill, is at the centre of the case – the very place that has haunted her very own nightmares.

THIS IS HOME MAORI+ Set in an urban Maori homestead in Tamaki Makaurau, This Is Home follows sisters Kara and Nina as they find themselves living under the same roof for the first time since their teens. As financial pressures grow and old family tensions resurface, they must navigate the complexities of modern whanau life together.

DEATH WRIT LARGE,

RRP 37.99

A brand-new linguistic mystery from Countdown’s resident lexicographer, Susie Dent, set in the city of Oxford.

CNN PRESENTS: CIVILIAN OR SPY When a Russian-born American citizen named Ilya Beloozerov is gunned down by the FBI in 2024, the authorities refuse to say why they’d killed him. In this three-part series, CNN’s Isabelle Chapman embarks on a sprawling investigation that takes her from the Mississippi parking lot where he died to Washington DC to unravel the mystery: Why did Ilya abruptly leave his family and his job and head for the border with laptops and cash? Why is there still no official explanation of his death? And maybe most importantly: Was Ilya a spy?

RE_COVERING

When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer. Martha is not the only one to have doubts when the suspicious death is assumed by police to be a suicide. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case, Martha and her colleagues begin to unearth a tragedy that extends beyond the ancient walls of the university. As new messages portend more death, it’s clear that a spirit of vengeance is stalking the city’s streets and may be reaching out towards them too.

AGRIPPA, RRP $38

Media chaplain and broadcaster Reverend Frank Ritchie sits down with top Kiwi journos to unpack that one story that most impacted them, personally and professionally.

Julius Caesar is dead, and the lives of two teenage boys are about to be changed forever in this fictional memoir by Robert Harris.

Lloyd Burr, The Pike River Report: Six years on from the Pike River Mine disaster, hope was fading that the remains of the 29 men who lost their lives would ever be found. Politicians insisted it was too dangerous to re-enter the mine, and media interest in the story was waning. But when Lloyd Burr came across a report suggesting re-entry was possible, he started to probe. Lloyd talks about calling out injustice, what it’s like being made redundant twice in just over a year, and his hopes for the future of the media industry.

One boy is Caesar’s 17-year-old nephew, Octavius, whom he has made his heir. The other is Octavius’ closest friend, Agrippa. To claim Octavius’ inheritance, they must fight the giant figures of the Roman Empire – and, against all odds, they win. Octavius becomes Emperor Augustus. For twenty years, they ruled the world together. Now Agrippa is 50. Ailing and alone, betrayed by his wife’s infidelity, he takes refuge in his house on the Bay of Naples and begins to write his memoirs. Yet stirring up the past can be dangerous.

TRAVEL

60 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

GOODBYE NEW ZEALAND, KONNICHIWA TOKYO!

Highland Park

This is part one of a series of stories by Junior Journalist Alina Jiang about her trip to Japan. A group of enthusiastic students from Bucklands Beach Intermediate School (BBI) were recently chosen to visit Japan.

ALINA JIANG

Japan has a lot to offer visitors of all ages including amazing historical architecture.

These students were given the opportunity to participate in cultural activities and benefit from their varying knowledge from participating in a variety of enjoyable activities selected by the school. To my surprise, I was selected as one of the lucky group of students to go on this inspirational trip, and I have to say it was one of the best experiences of my life.

Photo supplied Alina Jiang

Japan is an absolutely wonderful place to visit. It carries history, tradition, delivers well with its food, and expresses the influences of the future with its technology of all sorts. My favourite part of going there was getting to view its culture and tradition, staying with a homestay, trying a Yukata (a Japanese piece of clothing), riding the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and finding one of the biggest anime shops I’d seen.

24 4

everything and getting accustomed to those they’d be spending their trip with. With tearful eyes, each student waved goodbye to their parents and set off tramping through the airport, getting through Customs, walking past shops, and chattering with joy.

All of it was the experience of a lifetime. So, buckle up and get ready to listen to my SOLUTIONS Halfway through, everyone sat down to first-person experience going to the first part wait for the plane and students partnered of our trip to Tokyo, Japan! It was morning Puzzle 1 up and went to buy their breakfast. For me, when we first got to the airport. The air was S T E N L A R G E I was craving something that would give crisp and carried whispers of excitement as P A U L E L O me enough energy students, each bearing hats of red, hustled E R S W A L L and O Wwas a bit of a sweet M P and E L afterI much D fretting and thinking I through the airport, luggage skidding on the C O treat, I O R on Y D E R a chocolate A decided buying croissant. It tiled marble floor etched with small cracks I E U A D A M S microwaved and tasted quite lovely. and the lingering footsteps of those who had A D was L L U M E N T P passed by. O G A C T I V E The outside was aO crispC texture, crumbly and A N N E T T E Each sorted group met with their temporary C justNthe perfect E K amount N I T of crunchy, while the V E inside S E Nwas N soft Y S carried S and the chocolate parent, a teacher from BBI or other schools perfectly, a taste that easily melted in my who would be part of caring for them while mouth and made breakfast seem like a on the trip, double checking they had

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

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

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

M E

O M

T W

L O

I O

U E

I S

N E

H A

A E

F E

D L

N E

D S

It tasted like a fairy tale, soft and chocolatey. 21 6 14 24 23 21 6 21 18 24 It warmed me right up Fand perked up my energy. Following our the 24 19 14 16 small snack, 18 A group met up and prepared for our flight. We 5 26 21 6 3 24 24 16 boarded the plane, walked down the cold C boarding hall, sat down in our seats and I 4 18 24 1 24 8 24 6 E selected a couple of movies that I decided to 18 2 21 19 22 24 11 watch throughout the whole trip. 20

I ended up6 staying the whole 10 hours awake13 19 16 11 7 18 on the plane, full of energy from the food I’d eaten beforehand and excited about 1watching 2 3 the 4 varying 5 6 movies 7 8 available. 9 10 11 12 13 C

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Puzzle 2IN THE BLANKS FILL PUZUP 5X5 P

23 23 scrumptious desert. The 21 chocolate4wasn’t 11 too bitter or too sweet and went with the 3 20 6 23 21 14 24 6 3 24 bread quite well after being warmed up. I 26 20 and went 24 to McDonald’s 18 finished my treat to 19 buy a warm hot chocolate that would keep 19 3 16 26 19 25 7 me warm in the frosty atmosphere of winter24 18 4 10 20 4 26 19 seasoned Auckland.

SUDOKU

F E

CODE CRACKER E E U N D E R S T A N D F F I U G C O N F I D E N C E R O E T S S C A R S J W E T U M O U R S D A R I O I N D E F I N I T E S D A T E P R I N C E E A U T E L E V E N T H I S B E G E O S O O N E R S A N G W T Y

RIDDLE: What time is it? CROSSWORD QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8211 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Convulse. 6, Baby. 8, Poor. 9, Cretonne. 10, Drool. 11, Valour. 13, Sleepy. 15, Thirty. 17, Squash. 19, Broad. 22, Mediocre. 23, Emit. 24, Free. 25, Luscious. Down - 2, Odour. 3, Verbose. 4, Luck. 5, Enervate. 6, Broil. 7, Banquet. 12, Mythical. 14, Liqueur. 16, Israeli. 18, Agile. 20, Adieu. 21, Mess. CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8211 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Embitter (anag.). 6, Anna (rev.). 8, Cuff. 9, Miles out. 10, Storm. 11, As-tern. 13, G-Al-osh. 15, Ex-C-els. 17, P-I-rate. 19, S-port. 22, Fa-rewe-ll. 23, T(w)o-y(ear)s. 24, Flat. 25, Training. Down - 2, Mount. 3, Infer-no. 4, To-me. 5, Re-lease-d. 6, As-set. 7, Neutral. 12, Cheese it. 14, A-big-AI-L. 16, Cap-Stan. 18, Aver-t. 20, Ray-on. 21, El-la.

SPORT

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 61

Hughes Cup serves up more than tennis By LUCIA LOY, president of Pakuranga Tennis Club

The Hughes Cup.

he Hughes Cup is one of the oldest and most treasured tennis tradi-

tions. First presented in 1925 by local baker and Pakuranga Tennis Club member Bill Hughes and his wife Lucy, the annual contest between Howick Tennis Club and Pakuranga Tennis Club in east Auckland has endured more than a century. It’s survived the Great Depression, World War II and even the polio epidemic, standing today as a remarkable symbol of resilience, sportsmanship and community. The 101st Hughes Cup once again proved the greatest sporting traditions are measured by far more than the final score. While the day featured fiercely contested matches, outstanding rallies and exceptional tennis, it was the stories behind the players that truly captured the spirit of this historic contest between Pakuranga Tennis Club and Howick Tennis Club. For more than a century, the Hughes Cup, one of the oldest and most cherished tournaments, has been much more than an annual tennis fixture. It’s celebrated the enduring friendship, mutual respect and healthy rivalry between two clubs that have

Gloria Young, left, and Ching Kwok of Pakuranga Tennis Club with the Photos supplied Hughes Cup. shared generations of players, volunteers and memories. While both clubs are fiercely competitive on the court, it’s the relationships built between them that have ensured this remarkable tradition continues to thrive more than 100 years after it first began. This year’s theme celebrated the relationships that make both clubs so special – those forged through family, friendship and a shared love of tennis. Throughout the day, those connections were on display everywhere. One of the day’s most memorable matches featured the youngest pairing. At just 12 and 13 years of age, their combined age was only 25. Standing across the net

was one of the tournament’s most experienced pairings, whose combined age totalled an incredible 132 years. It was a wonderful reminder that tennis is one of the few sports where generations can genuinely compete together, each bringing their own strengths, experience and enthusiasm to the court. Another highlight saw 19-year-old twin sisters representing Howick, showcasing the family connections that have always been woven into the fabric of the Hughes Cup. Across the day, spectators watched mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, siblings, husbands and wives, juniors and seniors sharing the courts. Between points there were plenty of “oohs”

and “aahs”, high-fives, words of encouragement and laughter that echoed around the courts. Around the clubhouse, old friendships were renewed, new ones were formed, and members from both clubs enjoyed the warm atmosphere that’s defined the Hughes Cup for generations. The youngest competitor was just 12 years old, while the oldest participants were an inspiring 79 years young. Few sporting events can bring together such a remarkable range of ages, abilities and life experiences, all united by one simple passion – a love of tennis. The Hughes Cup has never been simply about determining the strongest team or lifting a trophy at the end of the day. Its true success lies in bringing people together. It creates opportunities for different generations to share the court, for families to create lasting memories, for friendly rivalries to flourish and for friendships between Pakuranga and Howick to grow even stronger. More than a century after Bill and Lucy Hughes first presented the trophy, their gift continues to achieve exactly what it was intended to do – bring people together.

THE SUN AND THE TIDES FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.37am Set 6.01pm High Tide: 12.09pm SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.35am Set 6.02pm High Tide: 12.37am 1.09pm SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.34am Set 6.03pm High Tide: 1.36am 2.16pm MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.32am Set 6.04pm High Tide: 2.42am 3.25pm TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.31am Set 6.04pm High Tide: 3.51am 4.29pm

WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.29am Set 6.05pm High Tide: 4.57am 5.28pm THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.28am Set 6.06pm High Tide: 5.57am 6.22pm FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.26am Set 6.07pm High Tide: 6.52am 7.12pm SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.25am Set 6.07pm High Tide: 7.42am 7.59pm SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.23am Set 6.08pm High Tide: 8.28am 8.44pm

MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.22am Set 6.09pm High Tide: 9.12am 9.28pm TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.20am Set 6.10pm High Tide: 9.54am 10.10pm WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.19am Set 6.11pm High Tide: 10.35am 10.52pm THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER Sun: Rise 6.17am Set 6.11pm High Tide: 11.17am 11.34pm

62 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

SPORT

FENCIBLES UTD VS NELSON SUBURBS, CHATHAM CUP SEMI-FINAL The most important match in east Auckland football history was played at Riverhills Park on August 15, a 3-0 victory to home side Fencibles Utd over Nelson Suburbs in the prestigious Delivereasy Chatham Cup semi-final. On September 5, Fencibles face Cashmere Technical in the cup final at One NZ Stadium in Times photos Howick Photographic Society Sue Townson and Shona Kebble Christchurch.

SPORT

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 63

Blake’s in it for the ride By SHANIA CALLENDER

dozen falls, a thick coat of mud and one massive grin – east Auckland mountain-biker Blake Wilson was having the time of his life. And he’s about to do it all over again, as the young Saint Kentigern College rider takes part in his first Zespri AIMS Games, which starts this Saturday and goes for a week. For the past two weekends, Blake has been at Papamoa’s Summerhill track getting some practise runs in. His first visit coincided with a mock race, which drew nearly 200 intermediate-aged riders from around the North Island. Blake finished last in every run, but it was the way he bounced back from each fall, got back on his trusty steed, and did it

all with his trademark grin that turned him into a crowd favourite among the gathered riders. “I’m not looking for a gold medal or focused on getting that first place next week,” Blake says. “I’m just focusing on having as much fun as I can, meeting new mates, getting better for next year, and coming back in one piece!” Blake didn’t know what to expect when he first took on the Summerhill tracks, but the year 7 student was quickly reminded of what he loves about mountain biking. “It’s very fun but harder than the tracks I go to in Auckland. I like it more because it challenges me and pushes me out of my comfort zone.” Blake took a big spill over the handlebars when his brakes stopped working during the mock race. Even

Mountain-biker Blake Wilson is showcasing his determination and guts in Photo supplied Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media the sport. after a visit from the medic, he had one goal in mind as he jumped straight back on. “I want to finish the race. I came here to finish the race.” It’s not only the excitement of mountain biking that Blake loves. He says his passion for the sport has largely come from his dad, Brad, with the two spending most

Sundays tackling various tracks together. “Blake loves being around other people and giving everything a go,” Brad says. “He doesn’t mind not being the quickest, but he just has a great attitude. He falls off and just gets right back on – the more mud, the more fun.” > Full story at www.times.co.nz

271 Botany Road, Golflands 09 969 2370 www.southernautos.co.nz

PUZZLES

64 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

PUZZLE TIME FILL IN THE BLANKS FILL IN THE BLANKS NO. 8209

PUZUP PUZZLE NO. 16

R 8

4 letters AGED HAND REIN TWIN

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 60

4 LETTERS 5 letters 5 LETTERS Aged Allay ALLAY Hand Eylau EYLAU Rein Greet GREET Twin Ideal IDEAL Inner INNER Latin LATINLinen LINEN Sauce SAUCE

6 letters 6 LETTERS Callus CALLUS Delete DELETE Indian INDIAN Madura

MADURA

7 LETTERS Catiche Friends Gliding Mindful Oneself Promise Swollen Undergo

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.

7 letters CATICHE FRIENDS GLIDING MINDFUL ONESELF PROMISE SWOLLEN UNDERGO

PUZZLES

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 65

PUZZLE TIME CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8211

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Does rankle, though I’m better off (8). 6. The coin is given back, too (4). 8. It’s fastened with a button - or a clip (4). 9. A long way from shore? You’re very much mistaken! (5,3). 10. Attack, having got the wind up? (5). 11. Like the bird behind you (6). 13. Heavens the boy has come in |for protection from the rain! (6). 15. From a hundred, Les Turner is one of the best (6). 17. I talk about being a bad sailor (6). 19. No wet blanket, having a second drink (5). 22. Were ordered to drop round and see you later (8). 23. The childen’s presents in two years wear out (4). 24. Like the heels worn in the home? (4). 25. Aiming to get practice beforehand (8).

2. Go up and get the horse (5). 3. Where, you deduce, it’s no end hot! (7). 4. As I see it, it makes for heavy reading (4). 5. Given freedom and let get into the red (8). 6. No less determined to get the advantage (5). 7. Would such a colour be unsuitable for battle-dress? (7). 12. Stop to put the finishing touch to the spaghetti (6,2). 14. A large and fine figure of a woman (7). 16. Do better than the man with the machine (7). 18. To divert, you say, will take time (5). 20. There’s a light shining at the draper’s (5). 21. Girl who wrote the two articles in Spanish (4).

SUDOKU PUZZLE NO. 186

9 5 5 2 7 6 3 6

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8211 ACROSS

DOWN

1. Agitate (8) 6. Infant (4) 8. Indigent (4) 9. Fabric (8) 10. Slobber (5) 11. Bravery (6) 13. Drowsy (6) 15. Number (6) 17. Crush (6) 19. Wide (5) 22. Fair (8) 23. Issue (4) 24. Release (4) 25. Succulent (8)

2. Smell (5) 3. Wordy (7) 4. Fortune (4) 5. Weaken (8) 6. Cook (5) 7. Feast (7) 12. Fabled (8) 14. Drink (7) 16. Nationality (7) 18. Nimble (5) 20. Farewell (5) 21. Disorder (4)

5 YEARS IN A ROW! s

6 202 om m eV te e n til a ti o n S y s

5 202 om m eV te e n til a ti o n S y s

4 202 om m eV te e n til a ti o n S y s

3 202

NZ’s most trusted ventilation

om m eV te e n til a ti o n S y s

Puzzle answers on page 60

2 202

6 2

om m eV te e n til a ti o n S y s

4 5 3 7 8 9 5 9 3 9 4 1

7 2

8 7 4

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES”

66 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

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build@xtra.co.nz buil i d@x il @ tr @x tra ra.co.nz

CONCRETE

DECKS & FENCING

NEW & REPAIRS DECKS FENCING LANDSCAPING

FREE QUOTES

aboveboardinteriors.co.nz

PHONE / TEXT

HANDYMAN H HA NDYM YMA YM MAN

Automotive & Mechanical Repair

info@fabdrivers.co.nz

CARPET Friendly local with years of experience helping with jobs around the home. Reliable service and all work considered.

09 576 5554

BUILDERS

021 446 716

2/59 Carbine Road, Mt Wellington

FAB - Friendly, Affordable and we'll Brighten your day

Rob 021 275 0255

IN AUCKLAND & MANGAWHAI

Phone 095730877 sales@axial.co.nz for spare parts service@axial.co.nz for service bookings

Companion Driving Services Caring in-home assistance Total Mobility & ACC

Handyman Available Fences Decks Renovations Re-pairs & maintenance. Small jobs okay

COMPREHENSIVE PLASTERBOARD FIXING STOPPING AND PAINTING SERVICES

AXIAL

COMPANION DRIVING

021 023 69767 DECKS & FENCING

Visit our Showroom, or we can come to you Carpet Garage carpet Vinyl Hard flooring Friendly staff and competitive pricing 50 Neilpark Drive, East Tamaki

www.onlinecarpet.co.nz 0800522778

CLEANING

Fencing Retaining Decks Post holes Dingo k9-3 mini digger Specialists in limited access sites

Ph Dean 021 278 8087 absolutefencing.co.nz

BUILDER New Housing Alterations Extensions Bathroom + Kitchen Alterations Retainer walls Fencing Decks

fraser-rae@xtra.co.nz

Phil 0274 429 888

FENCING & GATE GAT GA ATE AUTOMATION AUTO T MAT TO A ION AT COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL WORK W RK WO AANY NY PROJECT PROJ O ECT SIZE OJ HHIGH IGH SECURITY T FENCING TY INTERNAL CAGES CAG CA AGES SSTEEL, ST TEEL, ALUMINUM, TIMBER

021 2 - 2430625 21 243 24 43062 625 62 25

www.fencestrong.co.nz w ww ww. ww w.fe f ncestro r ng.co.nz ro admin@fencestrong.co.nz admin@fe f ncestro fe r ng.co.nz ro

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES” DECKS & FENCING

ELECTRICIANS

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 67

GARAGE DOORS

09 535 6227 09 021 726697 Sam 021 027 4981810 4981810 Adrian 027

A.J. & S.J CONTRACTOR CONTRACTOR

YOUR TRUSTED ELECTRICIAN For Quality Service

ROLLER DOORS SECTIONAL DOORS SERVICING & MAINTENANCE

All fencing, fencing, decks, decks, All retaining walls, walls, retaining landscaping & & more landscaping more Competitive pricing pricing Competitive Free Quotes Quotes Free

Make the right CHOICE for all your electrical needs

Mike: 021631990

GARAGEDOORS2000.CO.NZ

DECKS & FENCING

BARRATT-BOYES ELECTRICAL SERVICES

GARDENS/LANDSCAPING

M&M

YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL SPARKY REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN ALL WORK GUARANTEED ALL ELECTRICAL SERVICES 25 YRS EXPERIENCE SWITCH BOARDS HOT WATER POWER EXTRACTOR FANS

FENCING (NZ) LTD

TIMBER FENCES TRELLIS FENCES GATES RETAINING WALLS CONCRETE SERVICES

09 272 4502

www.mmfencing.co.nz

0800 366 776

FUNERAL HOMES

AS UNIQUE AS THE PERSON IT HONOURS _____________________________

0800 276 420 arohafunerals.co.nz

INFO@FRENCHELECTRICAL.CO.NZ

09 274 8082

FURNITURE

Please Contact Bruce: Phone: 09 532 9204 Mobile: 027 479 8942 Retail Shop: Transit Traders Ltd 10 Gordon Road, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland www.transitraders.co.nz z

GARAGE DOORS

All electrical repairs & alterations NZ registered Ph Vaughan 0274907213

Garden tidy up Pruning and planting Weed removal

infogardenm@gmail.com

021 023 35489

GARDENS/LANDSCAPING

FREE QUOTES m:021 157 8701 e:sialeservice@gmail e :sialeservice@gmail .com

Mowing & more Lawn mowing Green Waste Removal Seasonal Planting Gutter cleaning Rubbish Removal Garden and yard tidy up Pruning and Trimming

Garage Door Specialists

Tree Maintenance Tree Removal Stump Grinding 09 537 8595 021 537 171 info@dstrees.co.nz

AUNw}'t }t'' ZtN U# O U#w qAU:

aucklandgaragedoors.co.nz

cÚ Z ÃËô ½ ž WÚéÄÄ¥ , ¥ cÚÃÃÄ¥ ^åéÃ× 'ÚÄ Ä¥ > Ä ½ ÚÄ¥ W ½Ã D Äå Ä Ä ž Z ÃËô ½Þ Dé½ ªÄ¥ ^ Úô Þ , Ú ž ^Ë¤å > Ä Þ ×Ä¥

Daniel Minto 027 776 6000 sales@aucklandgaragedoors.co.nz

ðĊāĮĴÐīăĊÌĮÆĨÐĮȘÆďȘĊš

Buy with confidence knowing you are dealing directly with the team installing your door • Aluminium Composite & Frame Sectional • Coloursteel ® Sectional & Roller

BRANCH MANAGER ALL TREE WORK

Stump Grinding Fully Insured Free Mulch

Ph Brett 533-0473 or 021-279-9118

GARDENS/LANDSCAPING

Greg's Gardening

WANTED TO BUY We buy estate lots and houselots of furniture. Also ask about our comprehensive clearout packages. We are kiwi owned with 35years experience.

Einstein Electricians

Garden Services

CONTACT STEVE WWW.BBE.CO.NZ

A FUNERAL CAN BE

www.frenchelectrical.co.nz

Amy & Louise

021 949 168

ELECTRICIANS

RELIABLE MASTER ELECTRICIANS DELIVERING PERFECT SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS

GARDENS/LANDSCAPING

Tķīīř ȭ ǟǡǦ ǣǦǥ ǦǦǣǥ

Weeding W We eding Pruning Hedges Small Tr T ees Trees General Tidy ups Free Quotes

0211167579 GARDENS/LANDSCAPING

Lawn La wn mowing mowing & garden g den service ser Reliable eliable & friendly Free F ree ee quot quote e

Call Mik Mike on 021 275 1201

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES”

68 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

GARDENS/LANDSCAPING

LAUNDRY

PAINTERS

HAND WEEDING

Starchi Laundromat

JK PAINTING Over 20 years experience

Arc Painters Ltd

Int/exterior painting Free quote No job too small

*Interior & Exterior Painting *Specialists in Commercial & Residential Painting *Roof & Fence Painting *Wallpaper Hanging

Charlie 027 245 0807

painters@arcpainters.co.nz

Garden tidy-up & maintenance Qualified & experienced $50 per hour

021 189 8921

SELF SERVICE!!! Latest electrionic drying g technology Gentler Gentl ler & greener care than traditional Excellent drying & washing results

FIND US AT 135 PAKURANGA RD

MARINE

GAS FITTING

30+ Years Experience

027 662 5898

LBP BUILDERS & A1 CHINESE PAINTERS

W have We h ve ha v all allll your al you yo our ur trades tra tr rad ade des es covered! c ve co ver ere red ed! d! PLUMBING

SCAN HERE TO ENQUIRE!

GAS FITTING DRAINAGE ROOFING

0800 579 7316 www.bbplumbing.co.nz www. w bbplumbing.co.nz w.

HEAT PUMPS

The Power Driving your Boat Keeping you Moving on the Water Marine Engine Servicing New Marine Engines Parts and Accessories Mercury Propellers

info@easternmarine.co.nz

09 536 6252

MASSAGE

Massage Therapy, Holistic pain management and muscle relief. Relaxation, Deep Tissue, Sports & Corporate Chair Massage

0211 274 5626 jerome@desilvamassage.co.nz

HOUSE SITTING

LUCY'S

HOUSE & PET SITTING Going away?

Reliable, caring help for your home and pets. CALL OR TEXT LUCY

027 275 3913 HOUSE SITTING PET SITTING

KITCHENS

Amazing Kitchen Facelifts Is your kitchen looking tired?

Replace your doors, drawer fronts & benchtops or have a completely new kitchen, all made to measure.

Call: 09 533 6956

aucklandce@dreamdoors.co.nz

MOVERS

Residential & Commercial Moves Reliable Friendly Careful movers

Full packing service available Leave the heavy lifting to Burly Boys!

www.burlyboysmoving.co.nz

022 425 8048

PAINTERS

LOCAL PAINTER & DECORATOR

All int/ext requirements, prompt service. Registered Master Painter

Phone Mark 027 622 4490 www.seab.co.nz

PHONE VINCENT FOR A QUOTE

09 533 9658 | 021-135 3388

PAPER & PLASTERING PAINTERS

20 years Experience

Andrew Bradley Paperhanging

Free Quotes & Advice for all wallpapering requirements

Int / Exterior Painting Roof / Fence Painting Roller, Brush, Spray Painting Plastering

apaintndeco@gmail.com

Lee 021 562 684

Local al painter with over 30 years experience Interior/exterior Residential/commercial No job too small Free Quote

Phone John Murphy

027 482 8630

Painters

Kenny’s Painting Crew LTD

Specialists in commercial and residental painting

- Interior / Exterior Painting - High quality workmanship

Midas Touch Painting Contractors

Interior/Exterior Building & Painting, Wallpaper Stripping Plasterboard Fixing/stopping Residential/Commercial High Quality Workmanship

Experienced Painters

mANY rEFERENCES 021 143 9138

- Plastering

paulcharleton@xtra.co.nz

Kenny 021 897 445

- HOWICK BASED

PAVING

30 YEARS EXP Paving & Permeable Paving Paving Uplift & Relays Pool Copings & Surrounds Tiling Planting & Landscape Ready-lawn Retaining walls, Decks & Fencing

Adrian 027 603 1919 or 09 5372345

PET FOOD

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

dogtreat.co.nz

dogtreatnz@gmail.com

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES”

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 69

PLUMBING

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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

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

021 128 3813

handyandyplumbing.co.nz

PLUMBING

Ben: 027 232 6274

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

Over 35 years in area Brett: 5343562 | 0274930181

PLUMBING

Hari Haris rs ri Plumbing Plum u bing um g 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/

ATISH NARAYAN NARA RAY RA AYA Y AN

CERTIFIED PLUMBER

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 @

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 CALL NOW -- FAST FAST LOCAL LOCAL SERVICE SERVICE Local • Reliable • Fully Insured

021 909 021 909 1179 179 79

➡

SCAN TO BOOK ONLINE

arqplumbworx.co.nz

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 coord coordination r ination (where rd ( here (w r re rrequired) re quire r d) re 3-monthly inspections inspect c ions & reports ct r port re rs rt T Tenant Te nant management & compliance 2 Months Free Fre r e Management to landlords re landlord rrds when 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

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

ROOFING

TOTAL HOME WORX LTD

House Washing Gutter Cleaning

Roofing Repair Service 30 years experience ALL work guaranteed

027 232 5990

totalhomeworx@hotmail.com

James@snowhite.nz

021 0798 166

TRAILER REPAIRS

House Washing Roof Treatments Softwash No Shortcuts. No Hassle.

www.nomoss.co.nz

021 989 274

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

PROMOTIONAL

PLUMBING

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

ben@brownswbnz.com

FREE QUOTES

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ARO R RO BROS BRO R S RO

Trailer Re R Repairs pairs

Light trailer repairs (welding, bearing or wood replacement) Call Shirley e Aro on ey 021-2778105 fo fforr a quote

TRAVEL

BRANDED S UNIFORMS Quality Workwear

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

0800 784 785 promofactory.co.nz

Exclusive Offers Personalised Itineraries Effortless Booking Real-Time Support creditcontroloncall.co.nz

ROOFING

09 576 5765

hello@travelculture.co.nz

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES”

70 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | www.times.co.nz

U3A Ormiston

The U3A Ormiston meeting will be at the Park Community Centre on September 24. The meeting will start at 10am. ‘Mayhem and Murder, Then And Now’, retired barrister Jan Naish-Wallis covers attending the Polkinghorn trial and inquest. Ex-lawyer Terry Carson, gives a colonial New Zealand legal and social history perspective including famous crimes and ‘horsewhipping’, tarring and feathering.

U3A Pakuranga

U3A Pakuranga is for 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, top of Vincent Street, Howick. Our guest speaker will be Dale Bradley, a video film maker talking about Whitford’s early settlers. Guests are welcome and parking is available at the rear.

U3A Howick

The U3A Howick meeting will be held at the Howick Bowling Club, Selwyn Road, on September 14. The meeting will start at 9.30am. Guests are welcome. U3A focuses on ongoing learning for age 55 plus, retirees, semi-retirees. Check u3ahowicknz.co.nz for further information. Come and listen to a presentation by Giuseppe Gallina about post war Italy. Giuseppe emigrated to Aotearoa in 1993 as a permanent resident. He made New Zealand home and considers himself to be an Italian North Shore boy. He comes from

the northern side of central Italy, an area rich in art and history, which also includes a part of New Zealand’s past.

Genealogists

The next meeting of the Howick Branch of the NZSG will be held on Saturday, September 12. Phil Callaghan will be speaking on how to get the most out of online searching. Door charge $5. Visitors welcome. For further information phone 09 576 4715 or 09 576 5400.

Garage Sale

The next sale at The Barn will be on Saturday, September 5, from 8am to 11am. We will have summer clothes available for the whole family, and all drinking glasses and CDs four for $1. For one day only. You won’t want to miss out!

TUITION

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES Weekly (during school terms) Wednesdays, 9.30-11.30am

STUDY TOURISM

East Auckland Embroidery Guild 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.

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.

/ pax*

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

ENROL www.itc.co.nz

SITUATION VACANT Legal Receptionist/Assistant - Permanent Full-Time

We are a friendly and supportive law firm in Howick, Auckland, seeking a dedicated and experienced Legal Receptionist/Assistant to join our team. The successful candidate is required to have experience as a Legal Assistant/Secretary and will be responsible for providing high-level legal and administrative support, which includes: • Drafting, preparing, and completing documentation across various legal practice areas • Assisting senior legal staff with firm-wide AML/CFT compliance and ongoing risk assessment processes • Providing comprehensive general reception and office administration support, including managing office accounts, correspondence, and office management • Managing client interactions, including greeting visitors with a client-focused approach and providing assistance with general client queries • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. • Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to manage a diverse workload independently and take initiative. • A reliable, professional, and empathetic manner, with a focus on client service, particularly for elderly clients Kindly send your CV to: reception@kellyflavell.co.nz

MEDICAL CLINICS

CLINIC HOURS

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.

Starting from

$2,750

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

SAY YOU “SAW IT IN THE TIMES”

www.times.co.nz | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 71

SCHOOL ENROLMENT 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

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Challenge your mind Every Day!

Care starts with a conversation Meet the team who will put your loved one first. When it comes to Aged Care, the team at The Helier Care Residences know it's the little things that make a big difference in your loved one's day. It's a day trip out and about, just because the sun's shining. A visit to our in-house salon for a morning of pampering. It's the popcorn ready and waiting in the boutique cinema, just before the grandkids arrive. Whether it's Rest Home or Hospital-level care, our team take the time to truly know your loved one, delivering 24/7 clinical care that always feels personal. Because at The Helier, the little things aren't little to us.

Care Suites available from $535,000^

Get in touch to chat through your options or book a visit on 09 356 1800. 28 Waimarie Street, St Heliers, Auckland thehelier.co.nz *No referral required. For residents 65 years and above. Psychogeriatric and dementia care are not offered at The Helier. ^Care Suites are sold under a licence to occupy.