Times/EastLife - 6 March 2024

Busway on track as new section opens

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has officially opened a new section of the Eastern Busway in the heart of his own east Auckland electorate.

Brown, the MP for Pakuranga, was joined by people including Howick ward councillors Sharon Stewart and Maurice Williamson and Howick Local Board chairperson Damian Light at the ceremony on March 1.

The latest work has seen William Roberts Road in Pakuranga be extended to connect with Cortina Place and Ti Rakau Drive.

Brown says the Eastern Busway will create more than 7km of dedicated busway between Panmure, Pakuranga Plaza and the Botany Town Centre.

It forms an integral part of the region’s rapid transport network, he says.

“This new extension is almost complete and will soon improve the way east Aucklanders travel in and around Pakuranga, as well as increasing the connectivity to community facilities and medical services.”

Brown says the busway is being constructed in stages and

will increase access to jobs and education, attract investment and growth and enable urban development.

The work currently under way follows the successful completion of stage one from Panmure to Pakuranga, which opened in 2021 and is “well used” by commuters, he says.

“Stage two and three of the Eastern Busway between Pakuranga and Burswood, and an on-road connection from Burswood and along Ti Rakau Drive to Botany, will also be completed by the Eastern Busway Alliance.

“Stage two and three will include a flyover above Reeves Road in Pakuranga, which will form a direct connection between the South Eastern Highway and Pakuranga Road to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the [Pakuranga] town centre.”

The NZ Transport Agency board will be considering the funding case for the busway’s final section, stage four, in due course, once the Government’s policy statement on land transport has been released, Brown says.

“When the entire project is fully

complete, customers will be able to travel between Botany and Britomart Station by bus and train in about 40 minutes, reducing current journey times by 20 minutes.

“The Government is commit-

ted to delivering the Eastern Busway and we’ve recently ensured remaining funds for the Auckland regional fuel tax will be prioritised to complete works currently under construction.”

AT TAKES RFT TALKS IN PRIVATE

„ By LAURA KVIGSTAD, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air

approaches - reprioritise the capital programme or reprioritise the RFT programme solely,” Kimpton said.

Auckland Transport has gone behind closed doors to discuss how to juggle infrastructure projects with less funding after the Regional Fuel Tax was axed.

At the Auckland Transport board meeting on February 27, members went behind closed doors to discuss Regional Fuel Tax (RFT) projects.

“People need to understand that we cannot deliver in an environment where there’s aspiration but no funding.”

He said the solution may be to reprioritise funding from other projects that have less merit. Cr Chris Darby said information discussed in the confidential meeting should be made public after the meeting.

After the Government announced the RFT would be removed in June, questions about the future of projects funded by the tax have hung in the air.

After the co-funding is removed, $350 million will be left for the board to prioritise but chief executive Dean Kimpton said

AT could also look at other options for the existing projects.

“We cannot rely on Governments intentions to fund. That’s left us with two

Kimpton agreed it would need to be made public but the conversations in confidential would be around balancing and prioritising projects which needed a closed context.

He confirmed AT would be giving a public update on the RFT to Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown, right, and Howick ward councillor Maurice Williamson at the opening of the Eastern Busway’s latest section on March 1.

Photo supplied

At the Auckland Transport board meeting on February 27, members went behind closed doors to discuss Regional Fuel Tax (RFT) projects.

Photo Laura Kvigstad

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

Amalevolent plot that left a man dead and his house destroyed by fire has seen one of the culprits sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the violent killing.

Personal trainer Wiremu

Arapo, 27, was found dead at his home in Minerva Terrace, Cockle Bay, after it was set alight on October 20, 2020.

Forensic evidence showed Arapo died from multiple blunt force trauma injuries to his head and neck. The injuries included fractures to his face and head and the hyoid bone in his neck.

Sean Hayde and Gregory Hart were arrested and charged over Arapo’s death and went on trial at the Auckland High court before a jury and Justice Geoffrey Venning in September last year.

Hayde, who lived in Bucklands Beach, was found guilty of Arapo’s murder and perverting the course of justice. He was also found guilty of assault and

17 YEARS

threatening to kill in relation to a domestic violence incident involving a former partner.

Hart was found guilty of manslaughter and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He was recently sentenced to serve 11 years and four months in prison for his role in Arapo’s death, with no minimum term.

Hayde appeared in the Auckland High Court to be sentenced by Justice Venning on February 29. The court previously heard Hayde and Hart had been close friends. In the first half of 2020 Hayde introduced Hart to Arapo, who was his boxing trainer, and in about July that year Hart moved into Arapo’s Minerva Terrace home.

Problems developed between the two flatmates at the same time Hayde began a sexual relationship with one of Arapo’s female friends.

Hart was often late with his rent payments and general expenses. Arapo was organised and motivated. He became annoyed Hart

didn’t keep his part of the house tidy and was frustrated at his attitude. The situation deteriorated and on October 15, 2020, Arapo gave Hart notice to move out.

Arapo’s friendship with Hayde had broken down due to Hayde’s relationship with Arapo’s female friend.

On October 17 Hayde told Hart he was about to turn on Arapo and was going to “kick his teeth out”. Two days later Arapo sent Hayde a message warning him about how he was treating Arapo’s female friend.

“That message seems to have been the tipping point,” Justice Venning told Hayde during his sentencing. “You became aggravated to the stage that the next day you convinced Mr Hart to join you in your plan where the two of you would go to Mr Arapo’s property at Minerva Terrace and give him a beating.”

Hayde and Hart spent the following afternoon drinking alcohol at Hayde’s Bucklands Beach home. Just before 6pm that day the pair went to Arapo’s home and assaulted him.

Hayde set fire to Arapo’s house in an attempt to cover up the crime and to avoid the consequences, Justice Venning said. The judge said Hayde had also assaulted his partner while she was getting ready for work on August 31, 2020.

“During the incident you pulled her off the toilet by her hair, pushed her up against a linen cupboard by her upper chest and neck, held her down on the bed by her wrists and kicked her from behind and in her back while she was attempting to pack and leave.

“You also threatened to kill her, by threatening to set the house on fire and not let her leave.”

Hayde was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years for murder.

He also received a concurrent six-year prison sentence for perverting the course of justice and six months’ in prison for assaulting and threatening to kill his partner.

Wiremu Arapo was found dead after his house in Minerva Terrace, Cockle Bay, was set alight in October, 2020. Times file photo Wayne Martin

NEW

It’s the first day of autumn, the sun is deliciously warm and a fresh westerly is blowing right into Bucks Bistro which has all its doors open to the sea. It’s full tide and salt is in the air.

From inside, Bucklands Beach and the grand entrance to Tamaki Estuary and moored yachts and a big blue sky are framed like a giant fresco. It’s a mesmerising view.

Locals will know Bucks Bistro [23A The Parade on the corner of Devon] and other businesses before it on this idyllic spot have suffered various fortunes. That’s changed and, like that westerly, it really is a breath of fresh air.

The new owners are the proprietors of the popular Italian, Mediterranean-influenced Zabr’one 500 metres down the road towards Little Bucks.

They’ve brought in young gun Sahil Patel to steer this new spot into the 21st Century. They’re very conscious of the fact the previous incarnation had, for whatever reasons, been closed a lot of the time.

The grand opening last Tuesday is very much shouting that it is open.

Sahil - a consultant and mixologist [think sophisticated cocktails] explains that the soft opening was a fortnight ago. A menu has already been developed with executive chef Prashant Kumbhar [think Prego, Euro, Jervois Steakhouse] which will change regularly.

They’ve been doing dinners but from this week have shifted into another gear. They will open for coffees every day in the morning (7am onwards) starting this week. Lunch and dinners will be served every day except Monday.

They’re ushering in a new place with a new vibe. Think city. “We want to make it a cocktail bar, a wine bar with a sharing menu, a social space, more smart-casual upmarket bistro,” says Sahil.

“We want to cater to everyone where guests will order for the table as opposed to the individual. You get to try more dishes. We recommend you order to share. It’ll appeal to the younger set too and is just like many great offerings in the city.”

Forget stuffy menus and bland cocktail lists. These will both be tantalisingly contemporary and the menu prices are pretty good for a place like no other out in this

eastern part of Auckland.

The menu offers snacks, smaller offerings, bigger offerings, sides and a couple of desserts. It’s about sharing. And ordering what you want. You could try trevally crudo, blood orange, shallots, capers and chard vinaigrette [$22] and grab house-made flat bread with burnt butter [$11] or get them to send out a bowl of chips instead, or a salad. It’s flexible. It’s supposed to be.

What about tom yum Cloudy Bay clams with charred sourdough [$28] or the lamb skewer, labneh, paprika oil, parsley and pickled onion [$20]. These are both on the smaller menu.

Or go large. The bigger menu offers Carrara wagyu tomahawk, caramelised shallot cream, green pepper sauce [$20/100g]. If you’re two or four, you can get a tomahawk up to 1.4kg which the chef will slice for the group. There’s no waste. There’s a scampi tagliatelle with preserved lemon, confit garlic and bisque butter [$42] or maybe roasted half snapper, cafe de Paris capers and fried potatoes [$40].

CITY CHIC WITH COMPETITIVE PRICES

“We wanted to keep it simple and not go too overboard but still offer something special,” says Sahil.

Heading into autumn, he wants people to consider Bucks Bistro before heading into the city [it seats around 50 indoors and around 100 all up counting the outdoor arrangements.

“Right now it’s about educating people that we’re now open, educating former customers that this place is open again under new management and it’s got a good menu, good drinks, good vibes, good music,” Sahil says. “Also, there’s no dining-drinking spot in Auckland with views like this.”

Govt move to beat gang crime

The Government will ban gang insignia in public as part of its effort to restore law and order.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says over the past five years gangs in New Zealand have recruited more than 3000 new members, a 51 per cent rise in their numbers.

“At the same time, we’ve seen a significant escalation in gang-related violence, public intimidation and shootings, with violent crime up 33 per cent. As part of National and ACT’s coalition agreement, the Government will introduce legislation to ban all gang insignia in public places, and create greater powers to stop criminal gangs from gathering in

groups and communicating.”

Goldsmith says police will be able to issue dispersal notices, which will require gang members to immediately leave an area and not associate with one another for seven days. “The law will also be changed to give greater weight to gang membership as an aggravating factor at sentencing, enabling courts to impose more severe punishments.”

In a sign of Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon’s coalition Government’s desire to reduce gang crime, six motorcycles that belonged to members of the Comancheros gang have been destroyed following a court order.

Thieves nick rego plates, parcels

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

East Auckland motorists who find their vehicle’s registration number plates have vanished thanks to theft aren’t alone.

The issue is widespread across the community and Howick Police community services supervisor, sergeant Brett Meale, is asking people to help make the plates less appealing targets for thieves.

“It’s a pretty steady thing,” he told the Times

“Registration plates are being stolen off cars overnight while parked on the road or in driveways.

“Those plates are then used by offenders to carry out petrol station drive-offs and things such as that.”

Meale says one of the ways police work to prevent such crimes is through its ‘Safer Plates’ programme, which is run by local community patrols.

“Several times a year we run events at shopping centres or local supermarket car parks, where we exchange the screws in registration plates,” Meale says.

“Normally it’s a $5 fee to change the screws to ones that are tam-

per-proof. They can’t be removed without a special tool.”

Such events in east and south Auckland are publicised on Counties Manukau Police’s Facebook page.

“We’ve done them in the East Tamaki business area and at Botany Town Centre,” Meale says.

“It helps prevent a vehicle’s plates being stolen and the owner going through the hassle of having to get new ones.”

A second crime issue causing problems for locals according to Meale is the theft of courier parcels from people’s properties.

“That’s still a fairly regular occurrence,” he says.

“People need to arrange with their courier company somewhere that’s more secure on their property to store the parcel.

“A lot of people have CCTV cameras monitoring their front doors, so we’re getting some identities of these offenders.

“It’s just for people to be on the lookout for anyone who’s arriving straight after the courier’s been.

“Often they’ll be wearing a highvis vest to make themselves look official.”

Meale says the actions of thieves filmed on CCTV that he’s watched are brazen.

“They walk in as though they’re meant to be there. They bend down and grab the parcel and off they trot with it.

“I watched one recently of a guy on a bike and he rode in, picked the parcel up, and rode off.”

Local residents may also notice their mail occasionally going missing.

As the Times has previously reported, two people were arrested and charged in June last year following reports of alleged theft from mailboxes in Bucklands Beach.

They were apprehended in Pakuranga and have since appeared in the Manukau District Court charged with theft.

“This was an excellent demonstration of teamwork between different areas of policing and we are pleased to have brought a resolution to those in the community who may have been impacted,” police said at the time.

People can report theft to police by phoning 111 if it’s happening at the time or on 105 after the incident.

Three of the distinctive motorcycles belonging to the Comancheros gang that were recently crushed. Photo supplied

Woman charged over vandalism Relief at the pump from July 1

A few weeks ago, the Government announced we would be repealing the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT) to provide some relief at the pump for Aucklanders, who were seeing an extra 11.5 cents per litre tax on their fuel.

The RFT was putting an unnecessary extra cost on Aucklanders who were paying more at a time when budgets are tight, and many are struggling with the cost of living.

When this Government was elected last year, we promised we would provide tax relief to try and ease the cost of living.

Removing the RFT is an important first step as we put together Budget 2024 in a few months’ time, which will continue our focus on the cost of living.

The reality is that too much of the money raised by the RFT was being used on projects of low value, like speed bumps, more cycle lanes and blanket speed limit reductions, while around half of the money – some $340 million – was sitting unspent in Auckland Council coffers.

The good news is that, as part of our repeal of the RFT, the Government has committed the remaining money raised to priority projects like completing the Eastern Busway, more trains to support the City Rail Link and funding for local roading improvement projects.

We will also soon be releasing the Government Policy Statement on Transport which will further outline our focus on making it easier for people to get where they need to go.

Removing the Regional Fuel Tax is just one part of the Coalition Government’s plan to better the lives of New Zealanders and we will continue working hard to get our country moving in the right direction.

 Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

Awoman is facing charges over vandalism at the local electorate offices of Members of Parliament including that of Botany MP and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Police say they’ve made an arrest as part of an investigation into vandalism at Auckland electorate offices in recent months.

Acting detective senior sergeant Matt Bartlett says the incidents happened between November, 2023, and January, 2024, across the region.

Police have charged a woman as part of enquiries conducted so far.

“The 27-year-old has been charged with six counts of intentional damage, and she’s been bailed to appear at the Manukau District Court on February 21,” Bartlett says.

“Police recognise and respect the right to freedom of expression and the right to protest, however our role is also to uphold the law.

“Police will continue to investigate and act upon instances where criminal offending is identified.”

Investigations are continuing and further arrests and charges cannot be ruled out, Bartlett says.

As the Times has previously

Don’t miss this experience!

Set in one of the best locations in Pakuranga, minutes from Half Moon Bay and the coastal cycleway, Pakuranga Park is proudly hosting Experience Bowls and Experience Croquet this month. We hope you can come along and join our welcoming community vibe at Pakuranga Park Village.

The lifestyle we enjoy here is friendly and inclusive - and perfect for those wanting independent retirement living with a genuine social connection with others. Each day you can socialise with new friends, go on an adventure, share a BBQ dinner - or relax in the gorgeous indoor pool! We all love living well here!

RSVP to reserve your spot!

Bowls - Thursday 14, 1-3pm

Croquet - Monday 18, 9-11am

Let Sylvie know you’re coming on 027 314 5767 - or email her on sylvie.borrett@realliving.co.nz

Red paint was thrown on National Party leader Christopher Luxon’s Botany electorate o ce one night in November last year. Photo supplied

reported, red paint was thrown onto the outside of Luxon’s Botany office on November 23 last year. It was quickly removed.

A group protesting the military conflict in Gaza in the Middle East vandalised multiple MPs’ offices across Auckland in similar fashion.

Israel has carried out an invasion of Gaza since a terror attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas claimed the lives of about 1200 people in Israel on October 7.

News media reported the protest group Tamaki for Palestine had claimed responsibility for the vandalism.

ACT Party leader David Seymour’s

Epsom office and other National Party MPs’ offices, including those of Dan Bidois, Judith Collins, Paul Goldsmith, Melisa Lee and Simon Watts, were targeted also.

Following the acts of vandalism, police publicly released a photo of a person they wanted to speak to in relation to what they described as a series of wilful damage incidents at MPs’ offices.

The person in the image is wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, black shoes, and a black cap and Covid facemask. He has gloves on and is carrying a white bag in one hand.

Detective Inspector Callum McNeill said police obtained the CCTV image in relation to an incident of wilful damage at an office on Earnoch Avenue in Takapuna at about 1.30am on November 23.

After Luxon’s Botany office was vandalised, a National Party spokesperson said: “We support the right of individuals and groups to freely express their views, but everyone should do so legally, respectfully and peacefully.”

People with information on the vandalism can phone police on 105 or go online to www.police.govt.nz/ use-105 and reference file number 231123/9959.

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

Happy Leap Year but watch out on social media

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the extra 24 hours February gave us. I know the Howick Village Association [HVA] office was happy to have an additional day to prepare for the Cultural Food Festival held on Saturday.

Howick Rotary has again been a generous benefactor and donated two further picnic tables to be used in the market square.

Please support their upcoming activities being the Fun Run & Walk on March 24, Blanket 4 Winter campaign in May and Bookarama for Kids in early July.

Unfortunately, events over the past four-six weeks have shown the negative

side of social media and how taking online comments as gospel can adversely affect a viable business in the village.

Fortunately, this was corrected in a recent Times article and things are now looking up.

Sadly, this is not the only example and, on behalf of the HVA and Village businesses, I would ask that people be mindful of how any social media comments and shares [of posts on social media] may adversely impact others. It is easy to be a ‘keyboard warrior’ but it is important to ensure that what is being said is factually correct and not endorsing or magnifying a previously incorrect opin-

ion or commentary.

Congratulations to those village businesses that have been selected as finalists for the East Auckland Business Awards, the winners of which will be announced on March 20.

Reaching this level are Daisy Chang Restaurant, The Prospect of Howick, Poppies Books, The Flower Bar and Resonate Health. Well done on reaching this stage and all the best when the winners are announced.

Lastly, for those of us who have Irish heritage (and those who happily participate anyway), happy St Patrick’s Day for March 17.

Gerald Patterson Chairperson – Howick Village Association

Wellington St car park showing new artwork

Have you seen the wonderful new artwork on the rear wall of Howick Village Jewellers – facing into the Wellington Street car park? These amazing frames are a collaboration between Arts Out East, the property owner and Howick Village Association [HVA]. The images will be changed regularly (two monthly) giving this area a fresh and exciting display by local artists,

for everyone to enjoy.

“We hope you take a moment to visit this area and appreciate these wonderful new designs,” says HVA manager Jane Newbury.

“We would like to thank Ashley and Brianna from Arts Out East and our property owner, for all their hard work and determination to bring this project to the village and our community.”

These amazing frames are a collaboration between Arts Out East, the property owner and Howick Village Association.

Travel advice during city’s busiest time

The next two months are expected to be the busiest in the past five years on Auckland’s roads and public transport network.

Auckland Transport (AT) says more people are moving around the city from mid-February to early April than at any other time.

During that period in 2024, the organisation anticipates there will be about two million trips each week on Auckland’s buses, trains and ferries.

“This is the highest public transport usage we’ve seen since before Covid-19,” says AT group manager growth and optimisation Richard Harrison.

“Since then, Auckland’s population has grown by more than the size of Nelson, but AT has plans in place to respond to this increase in demand on our transport network.

“Our buses are fully staffed and we’ll be boosting the capacity of routes we know will be the busiest.

“This could be deploying bigger buses with more seats, or adding extra trips so even if a bus is full, the next one won’t be far away.”

Passengers can see how busy their bus or train will be on the AT mobile app or on passenger information displays at train stations and some bus stops, Harrison says.

The organisation is

working with KiwiRail to ensure train services will still operate on all lines while the rail network rebuild continues.

“AT will be monitoring and reviewing the performance of the public transport system daily, allowing us to rapidly identify any pressure points and make optimisations where we can, though this won’t always be possible with the resources we have available,” Harrison says.

“Aucklanders can have confidence we’ll be doing everything we can to keep them moving, but it will be busy and there are things we can all do to have a better commuting experience.”

He says mornings and mid-to-late afternoons is when the transport network is at its busiest.

It could take longer to get around then, so peo-

ple may want to allow extra time to travel at peak periods.

“We’re also asking people to move down the bus and use every seat when it’s busy, to make sure there’s enough room for everyone.”

Another tip for commuters is to explore travel options, which Harrison says can be fast and enjoyable.

“We’re encouraging Aucklanders to try different ways of getting around.

“That could be cycling, riding an e-scooter, taking a scenic ferry ride, catching the bus or train, or walking if the distance isn’t too far.

“There are so many ways to get around our city, and though these next couple of months will be busy, AT is committed to keeping Auckland moving.”

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT

I’m Jessica Chand, the owner of Vanilla Plant Based Kitchen.

I wanted to get in touch with the Times to say how grateful I am that you have taken the time to allow me to tell the truth about what happened with the recent presence of my business in the media.

Through your article published Feb 20, ‘Reporting errors leave bad taste in the mouth’, you have helped to restore my trust that journalism can be relied on as a strong source of information and is truly in existence as an outlet for factual information to serve the community.

Since the release of your piece last week, which is proudly displayed in my shop window, the support from the community has been overwhelming.

We have had people who normally wouldn’t come in, pop in for a coffee to share their views on the matter and assert how appalled they were that news outlets could publish such slanderous articles without consequences. You have helped to bring to light a much bigger issue of irresponsible journalism that has become all too common.

GUIDELINES ARE EVIDENCE-BASED

Unfortunately, I found the front page of our local paper at the dairy today [December 26].

It was disappointing and hurtful to find the headline about the very important gender and sexuality guidelines being opposed by one parent.

These are outdated, not evidence-based opinions of a very small group of people. By doing so, you are perpetuating and normalising these views and adding to the hurt these children and their families will be experiencing.

This is not balanced or evidence-based reporting. Please consider how you report this issue going forward. If reported like this it may need a trigger warning and helpline included because we know these policies’ place [is] to protect mental health and [against] suicide. This is evidence-based.

The guidelines, when read in full, are used age-appropriately by schools and based on evidence.

Kristina Marckean

COUNCIL LITTER BINS

We have a City Council responsible for collecting our trash

At least we thought so, but a recent decision appears rash

We currently have litter bins in recreational places for scraps

Where folk out for a walk or picnic deposit ice-cream wraps

These bins are emptied and taken by truck to the local landfill

But now a Council decision is destined to rob it of public goodwill

As part of a Mayoral savings initiative, the Council has decided To remove 2500 litter bins, a decision so misguided

This public service, the Council believes, costs them dearly

If litter bins are removed, $1.363m can be saved yearly

Is there a risible idea in here, that if you don’t collect refuse

The amount going into landfill will be reduced

If bins were removed, it is hoped environmentally-aware voters Would pack their dog’s droppings, bottles and nappies into their motors

They would do the right thing and carry smelly rubbish far No matter the weight or distance, back to their car

The Auckland City Council has an elevated opinion of the human race No bin? Let’s leave it piled high in the bin’s place

Soon the mound becomes unsightly, then a festering odour

Beautiful recreation areas foul, while Auckland City Council turns freeloader

NZ is a windy place, and rubbish unhoused would blow around Landing on beaches and waterways where it won’t break down

It will ultimately finish up in the sea, causing all sorts of strife

To float in and out on the tide, choking and poisoning marine life

Emergency services responded to an incident in east Auckland that left two people injured.

A police spokesperson says police officers assisted personnel from Fire and Emergency NZ and St John Ambulance at the Bucklands Beach property last Friday afternoon.

“At this stage it appears two people have been injured.

“One person is in a critical condition, while

another received moderate injuries.

“Emergency services remain at the scene to work out the exact circumstances surrounding the situation.

“We will provide more information when it becomes available.”

News media reported emergency services were called to the house shortly before 1pm.

One of the injured people was reported to have been taken to Auckland City Hospital

for medical treatment.

In an update provided to the Times on Monday morning, a police spokesperson says the person transported to hospital in a critical condition is now in a stable condition.

“An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, however it appears the person was working on a vehicle engine on a private property when it occurred, which caused the injuries.”

Overwhelmingly, to feel the support of our local news outlet and community has given me hope and energy, and I am so very grateful to you and the wider community that have shown up for my small business.

Every act of kindness and support is bigger than the entire ordeal, and that is what I will remember from this situation. It’s a business, but it is a very personal matter for me.

Jessica Chand, Vanilla Plant Based Kitchen, Howick

Areas of natural beauty will be degraded and robbed of attraction

It will then be too late for the Council to take action

Imagine the smell in the height of summer’s heat

Imagine winter wind blowing around refuse in your street

Our lovely harbour will float with rotting detritus blown from the land

Will the Council then jump to attention and finally take command?

After all they will have saved over $1m, but wait - now it will cost dearly

If only the Auckland City Council had reasoned this out and seen the problem clearly

Bear in mind also, Auckland’s population is growing by the day

We have new citizens from world parts where the habit is “throw away”

The days are gone since “Be a Tidy Kiwi” was part of our genome

We now have children not brought up to “Take Your Rubbish Home”

So bring back the bins and let’s be sensible.

Celia Martin, Dannemora

Auckland Transport’s Richard Harrison is providing commuters with advice about how to get around the city in the coming months. Photo supplied

Cycling star honours Nan and Grandad

 By ANNA JOVER

Aaron Gate is a road and track cyclist with impressive achievements, being an Olympic bronze medallist and six-time Commonwealth Games medallist.

He’s also one of the grandchildren of Connie and Des Gate, two of the most beloved residents at Pakuranga Park.

That’s why the village’s lounge was buzzing with excitement on February 21 long before Gate was scheduled to appear, with more than 120 residents eager to meet the cyclist. It was a challenging task, but [New Zealand retirement village group] Real Living feels very fortunate to have found a break in Gate’s busy schedule.

“It will be my fourth Olympic Game this year in Paris, which I’m really looking forward to. The team is working very hard on that at the moment, it’s our main focus. I’ve been out in the bike this morning to cycle to Huia and back. Huia is where I spent lots of time with Momma and Poppa as a youngster because they had a holiday house out there. I have lots of fond memories from Huia.”

Gate was very happy to see Momma and Poppa and meet their friends at the village, especially after years of a cycling career that has demanded extensive time living overseas. He started cycling when he was in high school, and he hasn’t stopped since then, with his grandparents proudly following his career every step of the way. Gate signed a contract in January to ride for the Spanish pro cycle team Burgos-BH (UCI Pro Team), and he’s currently looking forward to riding the first races with his new team: “I know this is not going to last forever, it’s a bit of a young men’s sport and I’ve probably got two or three more years left, doing what I do, before I have to get a real job in the real world and get a real haircut to go with it.”

Gate’s friendly personality and sense of humour captivated the audience at Pakuranga Park, with residents asking him everything from cross-training to sponsorship, the special relationship with his coach who has trained him since high school and, of course, safety on the road and the risks of the sport. “There’s a saying going around, there’s two kinds of cyclists, one that has broken a collar bone and one that is about to break a collar bone … I have broken my collar bone three times

already.”

Gate was named Sportsman of the Year at the Halberg Awards recently, considered one of the most successful NZ ambassadors for cycling. He praised the benefits of a sport like cycling, especially among children and youngsters, because of the camaraderie, the fresh air, and the natural surroundings that accompany the sport, ‘elements that are so great for our mental health.’

He also admitted that New Zealand cycling may not have as many financial resources as other countries in Europe.

“New Zealand is a small nation down at the bottom of the world so we’re a bit out of our depth fighting against the Italians and the Brits who seem to have bottomless budgets for equipment, but we do our best to make our legs better than theirs and try to give them a good run for their money.”

Among the spectators at Pakuranga Park was village manager Christian Pulley, a cyclist and a big fan of the sport himself, who asked Gate about his biggest win.

“The most memorable win was probably the Commonwealth Games road race two years ago. I had already won my three medals on the track, so I went there to help the other guys, I was underprepared and out of my depth. But one thing led to another and I found myself in the leading breakaway of 10 riders, being the only Kiwi, next to three Brits and two South Africans, I was quite outnumbered. I knew I had to turn this pressure around and I managed to conserve my energy in the right places, sprinting to the win. This is something I’m very proud of.”

One of the main advantages of living in Pakuranga Park is the regular contribution of guest speakers, who cover a diverse range of topics, from wellness and lifestyle advice to educational discussions and inspirational stories.

Aaron Gate’s talk was one of the most interesting visits the village has had over the years, but Gate recognised that it won’t be as well-remembered as his grandmother’s legendary baking. “If you do enough km, you can burn all the extra sugar from Nana’s baking, but it does disappear quite quickly when I come back home,” he said with a big laugh and a warm look in his grandmother’s direction.

 Anna Jover is a Real Living social media coordinator

THORPE CLAIMS ELITE KIWI TITLE

Cambridge-based Howick Olympian Ainsley Thorpe and Whakatane’s Hayden Wilde, as the leading Kiwis in their respective World Triathlon Cup Napier races recently, were crowned 2024 NZ Sprint Distance Triathlon champions.

The elite New Zealand titles will be recognised fully at the resurrected Tri NZ Awards and gala dinner in April after being reinstated following a hiatus.

The Oceania Triathlon Standard Distance Championships, in Taupo on April 14, will also double as the NZ elite champion-

ship over this distance.

Both the sprint and standard distance titles have been reinstated to celebrate New Zealand’s finest across the two main triathlon distances and to remove marketplace confusion by giving the Tri NZ Suzuki NZ Series clear status as the age group equivalent.

Thorpe told the Times, “I’m thrilled to have secured my first New Zealand national title over the weekend [February 24]. I had a solid race for my first race of the season in Napier and I’m hoping to improve on this throughout the year.

“I will be heading to the

Rowing gold for Dimock and Turrall

James Dimock of Macleans College has won the Jack Flynn Memorial Shield boys’ u18 single sculls at the North Island Secondary School Championships.

Dimock claimed another gold with club mate Logan Turrall in the boys’ u18 double sculls. The wins were secured by a demanding five second lead – over a boat length – in both events.

This was from a pool of 80 schools, 1262 crews and 1884 students. It’s a great result for the rowers with the Maadi Cup – the most prestigious event on the school rowing calendar – in Twizel in two weeks’ time.

first World Series race of the season in Abu Dhabi next week racing individually and in the mixed team relay. We then have our national standard and Oceania championships in Taupo on April 14. I will be heading to Europe in May for a couple of races as I hopefully prepare for the Paris Olympics.

 The podium places in Napier were:

MEN

1. Hayden Wilde

2. Dylan McCullough

3. Tayler Reid

WOMEN

1. Ainsley Thorpe

2. Olivia Thornbury

3. Brea Roderick

Howick’s Ainsley Thorpe has picked up an elite New Zealand triathlon title.

Photo Janos M. Schmidt World Triathlon

James Dimock holding up the Jack Flynn Memorial Shield after winning the under 18 single sculls at the North Island Secondary School Championship regatta.

Champion pro cyclist Aaron Gate, in aisle, with proud grandparents Connie and Des Gate at Pakuranga Park, seated to his left. Photo supplied

Head-turning classics bring the big crowds

TStaged at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga on Sunday, March 3, the event drew more than 1300 classic cars as well as vintage motorcycles and military vehicles. On display were British and European cars ranging from the very old to the very new and everything in between.

Among those on hand to take in the impressive display were Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon, Transport Minister and Pakuranga MP Sim-

over the past 16 years.

East FM’s PJ (Phil) Taylor did his usual stellar job as MC, carrying out on-air radio interviews throughout the day with people including the event’s organisers and Luxon. Among the rarest cars on show was a 1932 Sunbeam 20 (23.8) Drophead, powered by a 3435cc engine making 125 brake horsepower. It was imported to New Zealand from England when new and is the only model of its kind to reach these shores. The car’s present owner bought the car in 1978 and has slowly restored it

Impressively it’s one of only two 23.8 Sunbeams with that body style in the world.

The car show’s organising committee chairman Steve Broadbent says, despite the weather, the feedback from car owners and the public was fantastic.

“It felt like the best one we’ve created. The stories that connect people are really interesting,” Broadbent says. “Like they used to own one of those as their first car, or their grandparents had one and they travelled somewhere in the back of it. It was lovely hearing those stories and it was just all day long.”

Laser-focused champ sails his way to victory

A 23-year break from sailing hasn’t stopped Simon Small from finding his place on the top of the podium at a prestigious international competition.

Small, who grew up in Howick and attended local schools before moving to Australia, was recently crowned a Masters World Champion at the 2024 International Laser Class Association (ILCA) World Championships.

The former world youth champion sailor returned to the sport in October last year after a more than two-decade break.

A customer at the business he works at in Brisbane learned he used to sail and encouraged him to get back out on the water, even loaning him a boat and the gear he needed. Shaking off the rust Small quickly went on to take out the Sail Brisbane regatta.

A friend then told him the 2024 ILCA World Championships was being staged by the Adelaide Sailing Club from February 2-10 and that Small could take out the top five. He took up the challenge and began training in Auckland and Brisbane.

An old colleague served as support crew and his parents chipped

in as his funders. The Sail-World.com website states that on day five of the competition, Small had two race wins in the ILCA 6 Masters category to sit eight points ahead of New Zealand’s Phil Wild.

Small led the series from start to finish and won five races overall.

At the end of the competition Wild was six points behind in second place, with UK sailor and former world open champion Jon Emmett third.

In an online video interview published on YouTube, Small said he’d only been sailing again for four months since his break from

the sport.

“I took 23 years off so I haven’t sailed since Sydney [in] 2000. So [just] four months, it’s pretty cool.

“The generosity of the Myer family ... they got me back into sailing, lent me a boat for four months, [have] given me gear, everything. It if wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be sailing, so thank you to Anneke and to Evert.”

East Auckland local and Small’s father-in-law, Robert Finley, says as a young sailor Small received a lot of helpful assistance from the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club and his parents, Brian and Lynda Small.

Former Howickian Simon Small has won a top sailing regatta in Adelaide, Australia.

Photo supplied Harry Fisher / Down Under Sail

he odd downpour failed to deter people of all ages from turning out for the eighth annual Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show.

eon Brown, and Howick Local Board chairperson Damian Light.

Want

in 2024? Want

but unsure how? FIRST

SITUATIONS VACANT

CHEF

40 hours/week (Mon/Tue/Fri 8.30am5pm, Sat/Sun 7am3.30pm), providing excellent food at our 104 bed aged care hospital in Pakuranga. Please email your CV to: brian@ambridgerose.co.nz

SOLUTIONS

QUICK NO. 8149

Across – 7, Discomposure. 8, Scheme. 9, Bangle. 10, Aviator. 12, Solve. 15, Crate. 16, Reptile. 18, Sparse. 20, Lariat. 22, Chesterfield. Down – 1, Discover. 2, Acme. 3, Emperor. 4, Lobby. 5, Turncoat. 6, Meal. 11, Attorney. 13, Valuable. 14, Declare. 17, Petty. 19, Pact. 21, Ruin.

CRYPTIC NO. 8149

Across – 7, Standing idle. 8, Eraser. 9, Ti(me)-rade. 10, F-orb-ear. 12, Livid. 15, S-tr-aw (rev.). 16, Tr-agedy. 18, S-ought. 20, Struck. 22, Running costs. Down – 1, St-Art out. 2, Ants. 3, Misread. 4, Agate. 5, Adorning (anag.). 6, Lead. 11, Br-agg-ing. 13, In-dicate 14, Pre-sage. 17, Sta-I-n. 19, Ours (anag.). 21, R-I-ot.

FILL IN BLANKS NO. 129

CHURCH SERVICES

SITUATIONS VACANT

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Times Media is seeking an experienced, freelance or contract graphic designer to work at our Howick office. The position is 30 hours a week.

permanent position for 37.5 hours per week term time only

For more details about the position and how to apply, please refer to our website: www.pakuranga.school.nz.

GENERAL PRACTICE IN HOWICK Medical Receptionist – Admin

Part time, Monday-Friday 9am to 1pm. Casual position. No stress. Must be well spoken and good with computers. Email CV to: selwynmedical@gmail.com DE290265

NIGHT STAFF

Stand Tū Māia works to support tamariki who live with whānau or are in care, and are vulnerable to cumulative harm and have complex needs.

Nine (9) hour shifts, four night per week - Monday night to Thursday night (36 hours per week).

We are a 24/7 residential care facility looking for a NIGHT SUPPORT PERSON to work shifts from 9.45pm through to 6.45am.

The candidate needs to have a can do attitude – this position requires an active person as children are checked half hourly.

Key Attributes:

• Good timekeeping and reliability

• Common sense

• Friendly & a sense of humour

• Ability to work unattended

• Loyal and trustworthy

• Police vetting & Oranga Tamaki vetting required Applications close Sunday 10 March 2024 or for an informal chat or visit, contact Michelle Pangestu on 09 5344017 or email your cover letter and CV to: auckland@standforchildren.org.nz

DE289991-v2

TEACHER AIDE

Are you ready to make a real difference in a child’s life? We’re seeking a compassionate and dedicated Teacher Aide to join our team at Mission Heights, where we provide exceptional support and a quality education to children with special needs.

As a Teacher Aide, you will work closely with our children, providing individualised support throughout the day. From helping with classroom activities to aiding in personal care tasks, your role will be instrumental in creating a positive and nurturing learning environment.

Do you:

• Have a genuine passion for working with children with special needs.

• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.

This busy and varied role involves the design and layout of magazine and newspaper editorial pages, creating print ready ads from client briefs, digital design and updating website and app.

You will need to be an all round designer with:

 Experience in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign, Mailchimp and WordPress. Online banner advertisement experience a must! Pre-press knowledge an advantage.

 NZ residency and an excellent standard of English.

 A ‘we’ll get it done’ attitude and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

 Great organisational skills and the ability to prioritise.

If you are up to the challenge of working in a close knit team with a passion for print and digital then please send your cv and portfolio to clare@times.co.nz

DE290332

We are looking for two Teacher Aides, a Farsi speaker and a Chinese speaker to join our ESOL Team. These are fixed term positions for 15 hours per week term time only.

For more details about the positions and how to apply, please refer to our website: www.pakuranga.school.nz.

SPORTS CO-ORDINATOR

• Have the fitness and stamina to meet the demands of the role.

• Find joy in helping children achieve their potential.

The hours of work are 8:30-2:30, Monday to Friday, during the school term. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to jobs@mhp.school.nz

DE290163

We are looking for a sports person to join our team to assist with the administration and successful delivery of our sports programme. This person will be responsible for organising safe and enjoyable trainings and games for a variety of sports codes. Successful applicants must have good communication, organisation and planning skills, and be able to follow BDSC and College Sport systems, policies and processes. Developing good relationships with students, their families, our community and local clubs is a large part of this role. Previous knowledge and experience in working with young people would be an advantage.

Applicants must have NZ residency and a clean drivers licence. Short listed applicants will be required to undergo a police vet.

Please send your cover letter, CV and BDSC Application Form (www.bdsc.school.nz/ our-college/job-vacancies/) to Yvonne de Graaf (y.degraaf@bdsc.school.nz) by Wednesday 20 March 2024

Fixed term, 32.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm during term time. Additional holiday/weekend hours to be negotiated. DE290340

BON APPÉTIT

French cuisine, fashion & fine art. We’ve captured the flavours, mood and moments we love.

MASTER, EDITOR

It can’t get better than having a selection of Classic French Recipes from the foremost authority on home-cooking in France. Celebrated food writer Ginette Mathiot, author of Je sais cuisiner (the best-selling home-cooking book in France for over 90 years), taught three generations of French families how to cook. Published by Phaidon, and priced at $80 Classic French Recipes offers more than 170 of the finest French dishes. A quick lesson in mastering the art of French cooking.

EGGS IN MEURETTE SAUCE – OEUFS EN MEURETTE

This specialty from Burgundy consists of poached, soft, or hard-boiled eggs served in a red wine sauce and garnished with fried garlic-rubbed bread. The name of the sauce, including the bread garnish, was codified by the chef and food writer Auguste Escoffier in 1928. The name’s origin is debatable: among other possibilities, it may derive from the Latin moretum, a Roman sauce mentioned by Ovid (only quite different), or from the archaic adjective moret, meaning ‘dark.’ The eggs can be poached in wine before the sauce is made, and kept warm in a bowl of salted warm water. Select a Mâcon red or Beaujolais wine to make the sauce and accompany the dish.

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 25 minutes,

Serves: 6 Eggs

> 6 eggs

> 3 tbsp white wine vinegar (optional, if poaching eggs)

> salt and pepper

Meurette sauce

> 3 cups (750ml) red wine

> 1 small onion, finely chopped

> 1 shallot, finely chopped

> 1 sprig of thyme

> 1 bay leaf

> 2 sprigs flat-leaf parsley

> 5 tbsp (70g) butter

> 2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose (plain) flour

> salt and pepper

Fried bread

> 6 slices bread

> butter, for frying

> ½ clove garlic

Make the eggs: Bring a small pan of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water and boil for 10 minutes to hard-boil, or for 5 minutes to soft-boil. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and plunge into cold water. Peel and discard the shells. Alternatively, poach the eggs: pour 12 cups (3 litres) of water and the vinegar into a pan and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a cup or ramekin, then let it slide into the water so that it is just covered. If necessary, spoon the white back over the yolk. Simmer gently for 3½ minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a bowl of salted warm water. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and keep warm in the salted water. Make the meurette sauce: Put the wine, onion, shallot, thyme, bay

leaf, and parsley in a pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until reduced by half. Place the flour and 2 tablespoons (25g) of the butter into a small bowl. Work the butter into the flour to make a smooth paste, called a ‘beurre manié.’

Whisk this into the wine and then boil for 1 minute to thicken. Whisk in the remaining butter. Strain the sauce through a sieve into a fresh bowl. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Make the fried bread: Melt a little butter in a skillet or frying pan and place one or two slices of the bread in the pan. Fry on both sides for a few minutes, then rub the slices with the garlic. Repeat for the remaining slices of bread. Place the eggs on top of the fried bread, coat with the sauce and sprinkle with black pepper.

FARIDA

PÂTÉ IN PASTRY – PÂTÉ EN CROUTE

Pâté en croûte—or pâté-croûte in Lyon and the Champagne region – is meat and stuffing encased in pie dough (shortcrust pastry). It’s a glorious addition to a buffet spread or picnic. A generous slice can also be served at lunch with a green salad. The dish probably originates from medieval times, when a then nonedible crust simply helped cook and preserve the meat. It was later that scrumptious pastry started to be eaten, blending the traditional arts of charcuterie and pâtisserie. Cooks often take pride in pinching the edges in pretty patterns and shaping decorations with the cuttings.

Preparation time: 1½ hours, plus resting time

Cooking time: 1½ hours

Serves: 6

Pie dough (shortcrust pastry):

> 4¼ cups (500g) all-purpose (plain) flour, plus extra for

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

First, make the pie dough (shortcrust pastry): Place the flour in a bowl, make a well in the centre, and add the butter and salt. Rub together with your fingers until the mixture has a breadcrumb-like texture. Add enough ice-cold water to just bring the dough together, mixing with your hands. Turn out onto a floured counter and knead well for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth. Form the dough into a ball shape, then place in a clean

dusting

> scant 1 cup (200g) chilled butter, diced, plus extra for greasing

> 2 tsp salt

> 2/3 cup (150ml) ice-cold water, to bind the dough

bowl. Cover and allow it to rest for 12 hours in the refrigerator.

Grease a 12 x 3½ x 3½-inch (32 x 8.5 x 8.5 cm) pâté dish or terrine with butter. Roll out two-thirds of the dough and use it to line the dish, leaving ¾ inch (2 cm) of dough above the rim.

Assemble the filling: Place a layer of bacon slices (rashers) at the bottom, then a layer of stuffing, a little of the ham, then a layer of the veal, seasoning each layer well with pepper. Continue making layers until you have used

For the filling:

> 200g thin bacon slices (rashers)

> 1½-2½ cups (400g) stuffing of your choice

> 300g ham, sliced

> 300g veal, cut into strips

> 1 egg yolk, whisked, to glaze

> salt and pepper

all the ingredients.

Roll out the remaining dough to create a lid slightly larger than the dish and use to cover the filling.

Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal. Brush with the whisked egg yolk to glaze and make a hole in the centre of the lid, keep it open during cooking with a small funnel made of cardboard. Bake in the oven for 1½ hours, or until deep golden brown.

Remove from the oven and cool completely before serving.

ONION SOUP GRATIN – SOUPE À L’OIGNON GRATINÉE

This gratinée version of onion soup is considered a Parisian classic, to be eaten at very late (or very early) hours after a night out in town. It’s really quite marvelous how just a few ingredients, including the humble onion, can become such a delicious, restorative broth. Although it conquered the big city, this recipe is evidently a typical example of rustic yet ingenious cooking. Day-old bread is fine to use (to avoid waste), as it will be moistened by the liquid.

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 30-35 mins

Serves: 6

> 4 tbsp (60g) butter

> 1 cup (250g) onions, chop finely

> 2/3 cup (80g) all-purpose

Preheat the oven to 240°C. Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle with the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for a few minutes until browned. Pour in the broth (stock) and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Place the bread, if using,

(plain) flour

> 6¼ cups (1.5 litres) any broth (stock), hot > 6 slices bread or 50g vermicelli

> Grated Gruyère cheese, for sprinkling

> Salt and pepper

in an ovenproof tureen, then strain the soup to remove the onion and pour it over the bread. Alternatively, return the strained soup to the pot, add the vermicelli, and cook for a few minutes until the pasta is tender, then pour into an ovenproof tureen. Sprinkle with grated cheese and brown in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

FALL IN LOVE WITH WINTER

In fall-winter 2024, moody tones like dark khaki, olive greens, and merlot dominate the runway. Red is also a significant colour trend this season. As winter approaches, we asked Niki from Belle in Howick about the season’s upcoming trends, colours and wardrobe must-haves.

THE SKETCHBOOK

Make sure you don’t miss the upcoming group exhibition at Quay Gallery, aptly titled sketchbook, as it invites the viewer to explore the concept beyond the obvious.

An eclectic and inspiring show, Quay artists will bring personal individual works and small collections of sketches using a variety of different mediums. The works offer inspiration to the audience to evolve ideas, thoughts, feelings and emotions through the creative exploration of the ‘sketch’.

Sketches are an important and integral component of the artistic journey and often used as an emotional outlet in combination with words to

convey message and meaning or purely to remember – a scene, a moment, a person, an idea. Through sketches you experience things differently. It’s more than a snapshot. The exhibition seeks to inspire and inform, to invite discussion and open an internal dialogue.

> Opening of sketchbook at the Quay Gallery on Thursday, March 14 from 5-7pm. There will be drinks and chats with artists. The exhibition runs until Thursday, March 28.

‘sketchbook’

a group exhibi�on

15.03.24 – 28.03.24

opening 14.03.24 – 5pm personal works and small collec�ons to inspire and inform to open discussion and internal dialogue

7A Whi�ord Wharf Road, Whi�ord Village quaygallery.co.nz

CLASSIC PAIR OF BLUE JEANS

A good pair of jeans that fit and wear well can be a wardrobe saviour. With so many cuts available, take some time to find your perfect fit.

CLASSIC CREW NECK CASHMERE JUMPER

Add luxurious style with a comfy, easy-to-wear knit.

> Check out the instore event @ Belle on Wednesday, March 13, 5-7. A fashionable evening with bubbles, a capsule wardrobe and styling tips as you celebrate the new Autumm & Winter trends.

A CHIC KHAKI TRENCH COAT

Invest in a chic trench coat this season. Not only can its classic styling be worn season after season – but it’s the perfect coat to transition through the warmer to cooler months.

A PERFECT WHITE TEE

While it may be considered a ‘basic’, the classic white tee looks fresh and offers effortless style. Not all white tees are created equal, so buy two when you find the perfect one.

Women in Business

TRANSFORMING THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE

ELLEN MING

M

Ellen Ming: Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate

Ellen’s journey in real estate is one of passion, dedication and proven results. With over 25 years’ of experience, she has consistently earned recognition within Ray White.

Prior to her real estate career, Ellen honed her communication, negotiation and people skills through successful ventures in retail and hospitality. This experience translated seamlessly into the real estate world, where she has built a reputation for securing optimal sale prices for her clients.

As a resident of the community for over 30 years, Ellen possesses an intimate understanding of the local market. This local expertise, combined with her personalised approach, allows her

to successfully match discerning buyers with their dream homes.

When Ray White relocated its Bucklands Beach Wharf Road operation to Half Moon Bay, Ellen took the opportunity for a new venture. This independent space allows her to leverage the support of the Ray White brand while focusing on her own specialised marketing strategies.

With over 500 successful local sales under her belt, Ellen is a trusted advisor and a skilled negotiator.

If you’re seeking a seasoned professional who goes the extra mile to achieve your real estate goals, look no further than Ellen Ming.

Keshwin Nand – Xtreme Beauty an industry leader

Do you want to look amazing, feel great in your own skin and with who you are, and feel confident when you go out into the world?

We at Xtreme Beauty provide that to all of our clients.

We’re a multi-award-winning beauty clinic o ering a bespoke range of beauty services and treatments including eyebrow shaping, relaxing facials, massages, lash extensions, brow lamination and soon we’ll o er cosmetic tattooing. You can relax in the trusted hands of our professional therapists and technicians.

I’m Kesh, a qualified beauty therapist and lash technician with more than 20 years’ of beauty industry experience. Our mission is to make high-quality beauty services a ordable for

males and females alike. Our team of highly qualified therapists will make you look and feel empowered, confident and beautiful. We’re excited to celebrate Xtreme’s ninth anniversary on May 1 this year. The journey that began in 2015 with a teenage dream is now a reality and a highly-respected brand.

I’m blessed to have so many wonderful clients and I appreciate their continued support and loyalty to Xtreme. We’ve grown to become a team of 15 passionate and like-minded individuals. I was 26 when I started in the beauty industry and now I’m 43 and still very passionate. There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish. We would love to help you feel great and confident.

Carol Rigby – Chartered Accountant

Carol Rigby brings more than 20 years’ of professional experience to the advice and support she provides to businesses of all sizes.

The Botany-based chartered accountant is Xero-certified and says that recent events have highlighted the need for businesses to be accessible online.

“We o er Xero set-ups and training, and processing of GST and financial accounts through to tax submissions.”

Due to recent economic conditions, people are having to budget more and Carol can help with Xero budgeting and review of actual to budget with recommendations.

Rachael and Karen have an award-winning reputation in the community and this comes from providing their clients with a distinct advantage to achieving superior results. They work wonderfully together, as a team, operating in the Eastern Beaches area, based in Ray White, Howick o ice and have supporting o ices from Pakuranga to Flat Bush.

Both Rachael and Karen possess a unique set of skills to ensure superior service is delivered. This is often a client’s biggest asset and choosing their trusted representative is a big decision. Friendly and professional, they acknowledge the fact that their client trusts them to market their property.

Carol o ers prompt customer service and prefers to meet new clients for the first time in person, o ering a free 30 minute initial consultation. What sets her apart is her auditing experience obtained while working as a manager in a large firm, enabling her to understand your business.

Meeting clients first-hand enables this better understanding of your accounting needs.

Do you need to discuss your future business plans, profitability or situation with someone who can o er a professional viewpoint – phone Carol Rigby today.

Rachael and Karen have grown up in Howick; both have children that live in the area. Karen’s children still attend the local schools while Rachael’s are working and at University – and both still have a parent living close by. Rachael and Karen absolutely love working and supporting the community and businesses. They both love helping people achieve their property dreams. Nothing is too much trouble. Their clients trust them and know they will provide the highest level of service and commitment to achieve the best possible outcome. Their business is built on clients recommending them to their family and friends. They are accountable, relatable and they deliver results with integrity.

HACKS TO SAVE $ AT THE CHECKOUT

With the cost-of-living spiralling, Kiwis continue to feel the pinch and are looking to save a dollar wherever possible. EastLife has Kiwi super saver, Emma Healey, founder of Mum’s Money NZ, to the rescue.

For someone who overhauled her finances through a series of simple adjustments to her daily habits, giving her family and her financial freedom, Healey shares top shopping hacks to save (and even make) money. Also if you’ve secretly wondered whether a loyalty programme really works, the thrifty finance blogger, gives her verdict on the Woolworths Everyday Rewards programme. Is it worth it?

SIX SMALL ACTIONS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE AT THE CHECKOUT:

1. Shop your pantry first! Food waste is not only a crime against the environment but also against your wallet, so plan meals around anything that’s been lurking in your freezer, fridge or pantry before buying new stuff.

2. Buy store brands – these brands usually have the same ingredients and are made in the same factories as the name brands but you’re not paying for fancy packaging or big marketing budgets.

3. Track the prices of items you regularly buy with a price book. This can be a physical notebook or a spreadsheet where you log the cost of products over time to identify the best deals, recognise sales cycles, and ensure you’re getting the lowest prices. I tend to track more expensive products, like my preferred coffee brand, so I know when to stock up to ride out the sales cycle. This simple adjustment means I save around 30 per cent off the regular retail price of my favourite coffee.

4. Bulk out meals with frozen fruits and vegetables. They are often cheaper, can be just as nutritious and usually come prechopped to save you time.

5. Get to know when your local

store does its markdowns but be mindful of ‘spaving’ (spending money to save money on stuff you won’t use). Grabbing marked down groceries can save heaps and sometimes means you can snag the fancy stuff without blowing your budget. Meat and dairy products tend to be the best value as they can be frozen or used for baking.

6. If you find it hard to stick to your list then shop online. This is a great way to only buy what you need plus avoid getting sucked in by deals on items you don’t need.

> And finally, my verdict on loyalty programmes like Everyday Rewards…there is very little to lose and heaps to gain by signing up. Almost everyone shops at the supermarket so why wouldn’t you take advantage of member discounts and the ability to earn points that turn into vouchers (aka free money!) through loyalty programmes while you’re there.

TOP FOUR HACKS TO GET THE MOST OF EVERYDAY REWARDS PROGRAMME:

1. Look for the bonus points and personalised points boosts. These are personalised deals based on what you buy regularly to help you earn points faster, getting you to your vouchers faster (i.e. free money). For example, this week at Woolworths I could buy a 1.5kg bag of brown onions and earn 100 points, that’s 5 points for the cost of the product ($5 = 1 point for every dollar) and 95 free points.

2. Pick up your pharmacy medicines and beauty products at the supermarket to earn points on every dollar spent – at Woolworths this applies to everything excluding prescriptions and is a great way to accelerate your points instead of shopping at an independent pharmacy where you likely won’t get rewards!

3. Shop the specials – this may sound obvious but make sure you’re signed up to supermarket loyalty programmes to access member prices. Often the member price will be displayed on the ticket but if you aren’t a member or don’t scan your loyalty card at checkout you’ll miss out on the deal. Sign up to all supermarket programmes to make the most of the offers and get instant savings.

4. Ditch the expensive café coffees, get your daily fix at Wildbean Cafe, and scan your Everyday Rewards card to earn points plus every sixth coffee is Free.

> Mum’s Money NZ is a personal finance blog designed to help New Zealanders find ways to save more money, pay down debt, increase income and live their best financial life.

AYRLIES PLANT FAIR

Toast to the remaining warmth by savouring our cocktails and indulging in a delightful seafood platter in our outdoor seating area. Ambrosia Bar & Restaurant delivers down-toearth cuisine, from bar snacks and breakfasts, to lunches and dinners. Ambrosia (open weekdays, 10am-11pm, and 8am-11pm, weekends) offers a wide range of fare from around the world, including a sumptuous Sunday roast –just $24.90 including any

Ayrlies is celebrating its 60th birthday! Take this golden opportunity to visit Ayrlies two-day annual plant fair. Collect plants grown by renown growers in a magnificent private setting. A ticket includes access to walk the garden and wetlands at your leisure.

Where: 125 Potts Road, Whitford, Auckland

When: 9.00am – 3.00pm, Friday 15th & Saturday 16th March

Tickets: $20 – purchase online at ayrlies.co.nz/visit/payment or cash at the gate.

Sorry, no children under 12 or dogs permitted.

WHAT’S ON EVENTS

AYRLIES 60TH BIRTHDAY

March 15 & 16, 9am-3pm, Ayrlies Garden, 125 Potts Rd, Whitford Gardeners are going to love it! Ayrlies Garden will be celebrating its 60th birthday with a unique plant fair. Situated in the gently rolling country of east Auckland, New Zealand’s best-known garden, with rolling terrain, large lawns, ponds and waterfalls, features roses, clematis and perennials as well as lush, sub-tropical plants, and many large trees – all designed to create a sense of harmony. The ticket entrance also provides access to walk the garden and wetlands at your leisure. For more information https://ayrlies.co.nz

FASHION FIX

Friday, March 15, 6-8pm, Saturday, March 16, 2-4pm, Mangere Arts Centre, crn Bader Drive and Orly Ave, Mangere

The Generator team and Emerge Aotearoa will host the first Generator Expo and Fashion Show celebrating talented Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs who have started businesses to become independent and create better futures for themselves. The Generator is where enterprising Kiwis in hardship bring ideas to life, sparking innovation. Designers, crafters, foodies, entertainers, and entrepreneurs will all be there. Free non-stop entertainment, stalls, food, demonstrations, and music.

FEAST FOR THE SENSES

The Howick Village Cultural Food Festival is a sign of the times with so many different flavours of cuisines waiting to be devoured. The cultural food festival hosted at Picton Street, recently, was a great opportunity for the community to get together and have a taste of the multitude of cuisines and cultures from Hungarian to Vietnamese, Persian to Parisienne and Indian. With more people getting adventurous with their tastebuds, the food trucks/stalls were doing brisk business. Matching the diversity of cuisines was the range of entertaining performances on stage. A special mention to Barry Hung of the Pakuranga Chinese Association and his team of enthusiastic performers for the spectacular Lion and Dragon dance.

UNDERSTANDING TAXATION

Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga is hosting a free information session on understanding taxation on Friday, March 8 from 10am to 1.30pm at Pakuranga Library. It will be facilitated by Sudhir Sagar from IRD. Topics covered will be IRD number, overseas income, tax residency, Working for Families tax credit entitlements etc. Light lunch will be provided. Registration is necessary. Email settlement.pakuranga@ cab.org.nz or text 021 459 520.

POPPY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Howick RSA Poppy Day is Friday, April 19. Volunteers are required to collect poppy donations. Various local locations are available for 2-4 hour timeframes. We would also like administration support prior to April 19. If you would like to support the RSA to raise funds for their welfare assistance programme, email Kim welfare@howickrsa.co.nz or call 027 270.8642.

HOST A HIGH TEA

With March being the Endometriosis awareness month, there is no better way to embody the theme of Living Well Together than bringing your friends, family or colleagues together for a High Tea celebration.

Endometriosis New Zealand is urging people to stir up some positive change and host a meaningful gathering to fundraise for all those impacted by endometriosis. Everyone who signs up will receive a Barkers treat box to share with their group on the day!

Endometriosis New Zealand is a national endometriosis organisation representing over 120,000 girls, women and those assigned female at birth that suffer from endometriosis. That’s one in 10 who live with this condition in New Zealand.

Not currently government funded it relies on the generosity of the community to continue providing support, information, education, awareness, advocacy, and research on endometriosis.

Endometriosis New Zealand may also help organise a speaker for your event if you let them know the details of when and where your event is likely to be held. For more information: https://nzendo.org.nz/

PUZZLE TIME

Quick Puzzle NO. 8149

ACROSS

7. Agitation (12)

8. Plan (6)

9. Ornament (6)

10. Flier (7)

12. Decipher (5)

15. Box (5)

16. Creature (7)

18. Scanty (6)

20. Lasso (6)

22. Sofa (12)

Sudoku

DOWN

1. Find (8)

2. Summit (4)

3. Ruler (7)

4. Hall (5)

5. Renegade (8)

6. Repast (4)

11. Lawyer (8)

13. Precious (8)

14. Announce (7)

17. Trivial (5)

19. Treaty (4)

21. Destroy (4)

Cryptic Puzzle NO. 8149

ACROSS

7. Not working, but not sitting twiddling one’s thumbs? (8,4).

8. There’s not a word when it’s been resorted to (6).

9. Invective read out at half time (6).

10. Don’t be afraid to hold the globe (7).

12. Furious it’s discoloured (5).

15. Was right in returning the hat (5).

16. Do your best to accomodate the old. It’s very sad (7).

18. Tried to, as a son should (6).

20. Sounded as though it had been hit by (6).

22. What people lay out on jogging outfits? (7,5). .

DOWN

1. Begin with the fat boy inside (5,3).

2. Stingy workers! (4).

3. Don’t see what is meant by the writer? (7).

4. As a stopgap, it looks attractive! (5).

5. Doing up and dressing in drag? No! (8).

6. Be first to provide a clue (4).

11. Bring a new gag in, saying how marvellous it is? (8).

13.

14. Forecast it will be, as before, green (7).

17. “Spot in the name,” I put in (5).

19. Whose has turned sour? (4).

21. The disturbance I go off about (4).

$100 WOOLWORTHS GIFT CARD

Want

money

shop? Woolworths has just launched its new loyalty programme Everyday Rewards with a new easyto-understand points system where every $1 spent at the supermarket earns 1 reward point. Everyday Rewards also offers heaps more opportunities for members to access special discounts on products, earn points and vouchers faster, save on fuel at bp and more. www.everydayrewards. co.nz. We have a $100 Woolworths gift card to giveaway to one lucky reader of EastLife

WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH

3.51am 4.02pm

THURSDAY 7 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.10am Set 7.50pm

Moon: Rise 2.38am Set 6.01pm

High Tide: 4.57am 5.11pm

FRIDAY 8 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.11am Set 7.48pm

Moon: Rise 3.54am Set 6.42pm High Tide: 5.59am 6.18pm

SATURDAY 9 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.12am Set 7.47pm

Moon: Rise 5.12am Set 7.17pm High Tide: 6.56am 7.19pm

10 LETTERS

Masquerade Monteverdi Phenomenon Sheet Music

SUNDAY 10 MARCH

We’re not for profit. But we are for providing a helping hand if you need it.

Additional services now available

As we age, the little things in life can sometimes get a little harder; like making the bed, cleaning the bathroom, or taking a shower – little things that can make it challenging to live independently.

That’s why HBH is pleased to offer a range of affordable, additional services to our apartment owners, including meals, household help, medication supervision, and personal assistance.

As a charitable organisation, we aim to provide these services at competitive rates compared to

commercial retirement villages. That way, our independent residents can remain just that … independent.

To learn more about the many benefits of independent retirement living, please visit hbh.org.nz or call Robyn for a friendly chat.