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Est. 1972
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9 Ben Lomond Cres, Pakuranga 0800 OP SHOP CD2024
eastgatecc.org.nz/opshop
Vol 47, No 8
General 271 8000 ■ Classified 271 8055 ■ Delivery Enquiries 271 8014 ■ Website www.times.co.nz
Retirement village lift a ‘danger’ to residents Piece of history ready for record Brit & Euro Classic Car Show By KELLY TEED
Michael Chong in his 1942 Volkswagen Kubelwagen.
Times photo Wayne Martin
There are only two 1942 Volkswagen Kubelwagens in New Zealand. One belongs to movie mogul Sir Peter Jackson. The other, belongs to Northpark’s Michael Chong. The vehicle has been painstakingly restored to its former glory days. It was built during World War II for use by the German military and served during the war. It’s taken priority in Mr Chong’s family garage, and looks as if it’s come straight from the battlefield. It even features a small swastika on its front bumper – a true sign of its time. At 1200cc, it doesn’t go much faster than 70km/h – but with only 50,435 made before production ceased at the end of the war and with fewer than a few hundred remaining in the world today by Mr Chong’s estimate – it’s an interesting piece of history to hold. The Kubelwagen was designed by Ferdinand Porsche under instructions from Adolf Hitler himself. Prototype designs began in the early 1930s, however the design was forced to be adjusted towards a military variant before the Type 1 prototype made it to production due to wartime demands. The original design was eventually produced after the war and has developed into what is now known as the popular Beetle design. The angular body design of the Kubelwagen immediately draws attention. It has a spare tyre on the front, and the engine sits in the back – quite the opposite to today’s car designs. While it’s not a spacious vehicle by today’s standards, it still seats five and Mr Chong’s two sons enjoy taking the odd ride. ➤ Turn to Page 12
We are dedicated to your personal well-being through dental health • All ceramic tooth filling materials using CerecAC omnicam, 3D technology • Permanent tooth replacements with dental implants • For gum health and maintenance call our hygienist Shelley Chadwick • All aspects of general dentistry
COLLEGE OPEN DAY 7 MARCH 2018
Our College family is waiting to meet yours. Join us for our Open Day on 7 March to see why we love learning at Saint Kentigern. For more information and to register, visit saintkentigern.com
KC12142
Evening appointments available Call us now on 530 8461 or 530 8271, Whitford Village, Whitford
R
esidents of a local retirement village are frustrated as their demands to replace a dangerous elevator fall on deaf ears. The 19-year-old lift at MetlifeCare Pakuranga Village regularly breaks down and elderly residents often find themselves trapped inside. Angela Scott, whose mother moved into the Pakuranga Village eight years ago, says the residents deserve better. “The lift is always being repaired for one reason or another and it’s just not good enough,” she says. “On one occasion that I know of, a 90-year-old lady got stuck and had a panic attack in the lift. “She is an asthmatic and didn’t have her puffer with her as she only went down to check her letter box. She was short of breath when they got to her and needed her puffer.” Scott says while she is pleased the emergency phone in the lift gets answered quickly the elevator lights turn off after a few minutes leaving the occupants in complete darkness. When the lift is out of action, the only other way of getting to and from the upstairs apartments is two flights of stairs. “The stairs are completely exposed to the elements, so the hand rails get slippery when it rains and the steps and landings pool with water which is so dangerous,” Scott says. Scott says her 76-year-old mother is still receiving ongoing treatment for injuries she sustained when she fell down the village stairs in 2012. She says the “final straw” was receiving a distressed call from her mother when she became stuck in the lift once again earlier this year. “It was only around five minutes but that was too long,” Scott says. In the nine days following this incident, the lift broke down four more times. ➤ Turn to Page 11
See how we learn.
• Teeth whitening
Make the right choice about your dental care
By THERESE HENKIN
Saint Kentigern
Rick Parfitt B.D.S. Dr Alex Lindsay B.D.S. Dr Antonia Nagels B.D.S. Fernanda Flores R.D.H. Shelley Chadwick R.D.H.
Senior College
JH12850
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Middle College