Times/EastLife - 18 October 2023 by Times Media

H o w i c k & Pa k u r a n g a Profiles, travel, fashion, health and beauty, food, interiors and more VOL 52, NO 41 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2023

www.eastlife.co.nz

www.times.co.nz

FROM OUR PAPERBOY TO PRIME MINISTER National Party leader Christopher Luxon rode a large blue wave to victory at this year’s general election

PAGE 2

BROWN ELATED AT LANDSLIDE RE-ELECTION PAGE 5

YEARS

Christopher Luxon, MP for Botany Botany@parliament.govt.nz 09 532 8390

CREATIVITY & EXPERIENCE • Repair • Design • Value

JH15994-V6

Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga PakurangaMP@parliament.govt.nz 09 572 0000

Authorised by Simeon Brown, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn. KC15718

Handling your jewellery with care since 1984

09 534 7404 | 59 Picton Street, Howick | villagejeweller.co.nz

2 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Est. 1972

FREE

– thanks to our advertisers!

Ph 09 271 8000 NEWS ROOM Editor Nick Krause 09 271 8040 editor@times.co.nz ADVERTISING Display 09 271 8026 info@times.co.nz Classifieds 09 271 8052 classifieddept@times.co.nz

facebook.com/ TimesOnlineNZ

www.times.co.nz

National set to govern as Luxon executes his big political miracle By CHRIS HARROWELL

Read the news online

www.times.co.nz www.eastlife.co.nz Editor Farida Master 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz ADVERTISING Janine Hickmore 09 271 8023 janine@times.co.nz Diana Honey 09 271 8050 dianah@times.co.nz Kelly Cooke 09 271 8026 kellyc@times.co.nz DESIGN Claire Robertson clairer@times.co.nz Published weekly on Wednesday Printed by Beacon Print Published by Times Media Ltd, PO Box 38232, Howick, Auckland 2145, New Zealand.

hristopher Luxon will become New Zealand’s next prime minister after pulling off a stunning defeat of the Labour Party just three years after he entered Parliament. The National Party leader and Botany MP entered politics in 2020 after a successful business career including as chief executive of national carrier Air New Zealand. He took over as National’s leader from Judith Collins in November, 2021. Collins led the party to a disastrous result at the 2020 general election. It received just 25.58 per cent of the party vote nationwide to Labour’s 50 per cent. That changed this year, with National earning 39 per cent of the party vote to Labour’s 27 per

24 Years Selling East Auckland

Christopher Luxon and wife Amanda with William and Olivia. Times photos Wayne Martin cent, putting National in position to form the next Government. National won 45 electorate seats around the country to Labour’s 17. For Luxon to have led his party back from a massive defeat to victory just three years later is a stunning political turnaround. In the Botany electorate, he

received 19,973 candidate votes, 13,656 ahead of runner-up, the Labour Party’s Kharag Singh, who earned 6317 votes. ACT Party candidate Bo Burns finished third with 1616 votes. New Zealand Loyal candidate John Armstrong was fourth with 491 votes while the Animal Justice Party’s Robert McNeil was

fifth with 334 and the New Conservatives Dieuwe De Boer was sixth on 223 votes. Luxon, 53, who worked as a paperboy for Times Newspapers during his childhood in Howick, ended his campaign for the Beehive in the local community on October 13, the day preceding election day. He was joined by his wife Amanda and their children William and Olivia, fellow National MPs including Simeon Brown, Erica Stanford, Simon Watts and Tama Potaka, as well as more than 100 party faithful at a function at The ‘Brook Bar and Kitchen in Highbrook. A buoyant Luxon and his family arrived at the venue on the party’s large campaign bus, on which he’s travelled around the country during the campaign. They walked through a guard of honour toward the venue’s

FAB – FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE AND WE’LL BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY

October Hamper Giveaway with Fab Drivers

“Let my expertise help you achieve your dreams”

Each drive or booking you have with us for the month of October gives you one entry into the draw for this FAB Hamper. Over $80 worth of goodies including wine, cheeses, crackers, chocolates, coffee, choc pudding and more! Prize winner drawn Monday 6th November. The more bookings, the better your chance of winning!

ERIC KOH

AREINZ

JH17554-V3

Mobile 021 388 383 E: e.koh@barfoot.co.nz www.barfoot.co.nz/e.koh Call Nicola & Rachel on (09) 576 5554 www.fabdrivers.co.nz DE0535

Kitchenware clearance store opening! New Zealand owned & operated since 1993

FURTHER 15% OFF EVERYTHING!

A privilege to care for your family

- OUR BRANDS -

Every life is special, we understand that. Let us pay tribute to the life of your loved one and celebrate the unique way they have touched you, your family and those around you.

Grand Opening: Friday 20th October 10am to 5pm 70 Waiouru Rd, East Tamaki JH15974-V5

For a personal, professional service contact us today to discuss your options:

35 Wellington St, Howick | Phone 534 7300 | www.howickfuneralhome.nz

+MORE!

outofthebox.nz facebook.com/mcpwarehousesale DY1024

@outofthebox.clearance

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 3

entrance lined with sign-waving supporters dressed in blue and loudly chanting National’s campaign slogan, “Back on track! Back on track!”. Luxon made his way inside The ‘Brook and delivered a speech in which he thanked the party’s local volunteers for their hard work. “You’ve been out there in the rain, doing human hoardings, delivering leaflets, you’ve been putting the hoardings up and putting them back up when they’ve been knocked down, you’ve gone out and made phone calls for me and done so much more. “I want to say to all of our team here in Botany and all the supporters and volunteers, thank you so, so much for what you’ve been doing for me while I’ve been so busy across the country.” He said National needed to win the general election for the people who are struggling with their

“

Change is coming in the form of a National-led Government.” CHRISTOPHER LUXON

mortgage payments or to put food on the table, and those who can’t afford to buy fuel or pay their rent. “We need to win it for the people who are working so damn hard and still can’t get ahead in this country. “We need to win it for our farmers, we need to win it for all those victims of crime because we need serious consequences for offending, we need to win it for all those parents who are worried about

what kind of education their kids Christopher Luxon embraces wife Amanda. are going to get, we need to win it for all the people who want access to a healthcare system when they need those services. “My message to all New Zealanders is if that is you, you need change. Change is coming in the form of a National-led Government. We need a Government that governs for all New Zealanders. “We’re going to bring this country together, we are going to unite, we are going to rebuild our economy, lower the cost of living, restore law and order, and we’re going to make sure we deliver better health and education so people have a better future ahead of them. “We’re going to do that on behalf of all New Zealanders.” Following the election, Luxon will travel to Wellington to begin the process of forming a Art Salon News.pdf 1 2023/10/16 下午3:44 Government.

Times photos Wayne Martin

Resene Premium Paints, Wood Stains, Primers, Sealers, Wallpaper, Decorating Accessories and Cleaning Products!

Come in and see us today! Botany Downs Resene ColorShop 451 Ti Rakau Dr, (09) 272 5100

or shop online at shop.resene.co.nz

Discounts off the normal retail price 4-31 October 2023 at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers. Paint offers also available at participating Mitre 10 MEGA/Mitre 10 stores. Valid only with cash/credit card/EFTPOS purchases. Not available in conjunction with account sales, promotional vouchers/coupons or other offers. Excludes trade, ECS, WallPrint, wall decals, Crown products and PaintWise levy.

Opening Ceremony 28 OCT 2023 11am

100 Local Artist 600+ Artworks

CM KC16073

Debbie G from B&T Offering you...

CMY

 Local knowledge  Client focused  Enthusiasm  Results driven  No upfront costs*

021 207 3139

Phone Email d.gordon@barfoot.co.nz *Terms apply JH18318

Art Salon

Free Artist Sharing & Workshop

28 OCT - 26 NOV 2023 Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland

Art Buffet

Tue-Sun 10am-3pm Tue

16 Stancombe Road, Flat Bush, Auckland DY1049

4 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

www.times.co.nz

Biomedical engineer gets taste of combat engineering I

n her day job in East Tamaki, 2nd Lieutenant Lily Feng uses her biomedical engineering training to sell respiratory devices to help with people’s breathing. In her New Zealand Army Reserve Force job, 2nd Lieutenant Feng initially spent five years as a combat engineer (or sapper) – where, as part of a troop, she uses explosives to create or remove obstacles, build temporary bridges and handle small boats to take on water obstacles so her fellow soldiers can get about the battlefield. In 2020 she took a commission to become an officer and is now in a junior leadership role. Those early foundation skills she gained have provided her with in-depth military engineering knowledge as well as a unique leadership perspective. “The only thing in common with my job and my degree is the word ‘engineer’,” 2nd Lieutenant Feng says. Originally from Palmerston North, 2nd Lieutenant Feng is a

“

I love being part of the combat engineers and feel very lucky to be in a position to serve New Zealand.” LILY FENG

marketing manager at a global medical device company, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare [FPH], where she puts her biomedical engineering degree from Auckland University to use. “I work with our international sales teams to help them sell medical devices to hospital healthcare professionals. The device provides a relatively new respiratory therapy, so my job is to lead a team that provides education and sales tools to sales reps.” She said FPH had supported

2nd Lieutenant Lily Feng says her NZ Army Reserve Force combat engineering career has challenged her in different ways to her civilian Photo supplied engineering career.

her in her Reserve Force role, and NZDF training had been beneﬁcial to her civilian employment. “The army provides me with challenges that my civilian job will never be able to give me.” She joined the Reserve Force in 2015 and has risen to become the Troop Commander of 3 Troop,

2 Field Squadron, 2 Engineer Regiment. “I love being part of the combat engineers and feel very lucky to be in a position to serve New Zealand,” she said. 2nd Lieutenant Feng supported Operation Protect as part of the government response to Covid-19 and contributed to the disaster response when Cyclone Gabrielle caused ﬂooding in the Bay of Islands. “You don’t need to already be an engineer or have a technical background to become a combat engineer. In our troop, we have people from many walks of life, university students, business CEOs, software developers, educators, data analysts and, of course, engineers and people from the trades.” 2nd Lieutenant Feng has faced testing times in her army life, but said it was rewarding work and the people and friendships help her pull through. Recruit training teams up pairs of “battle buddies”, where each person is expected to assist the

other both in and out of the ﬁeld. Battle buddies share challenging moments during their training and this often forms a friendship that spans a lifetime. “My battle buddy and I both became combat engineers, and belong to the same troop in Auckland,” 2nd Lieutenant Feng said. “The friendship was built from Day 1, forged through challenges and developed over time. It’s a great feeling to trust someone 100 per cent and know you have each other’s backs.” “I am also fortunate to have a very supportive partner. He is encouraging of what I do and it makes juggling full time civilian work, army work, family and life more manageable,” she said. Each Reserve Force company has its own training programme in line with its battalion’s training focus. Reserve training normally comprises of a training weekend and training night each month, with additional exercises and training opportunities available throughout the year.

THANK YOU PAKURANGA! SIMEON BROWN

FOR PAKURANGA

Authorised by Simeon Brown MP, 120A Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland. KC16103

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 5

Pakuranga stays blue with Brown By CHRIS HARROWELL

akuranga MP Simeon Brown has ensured east Auckland’s political map remains a very strong shade of blue by being returned to Parliament at this year’s general election. He beat runner-up, Labour Party candidate Nerissa Henry, by 15,533 candidate votes with 100 per cent of the preliminary votes counted as of October 15. Brown earned 21,215 candidate votes to Henry’s 5682. ACT Party candidate Parmjeet Parmar finished third with 992 votes. She served as a List MP for the National Party from 2014 to 2020 before changing to ACT for this year’s general election. Parmar returns to Parliament as the ninth-ranked candidate on ACT’s List. New Zealand Loyal candidate Phil Sothern finished fourth, with 362 votes. The Animal Justice Party’s Nicholas Hancock was fifth with 330 votes and John Alcock of Rock The Vote NZ was sixth with 185 votes. Brown and his wife Rebecca with their baby boy Thomas joined jubilant National supporters at a local venue to watch the results announced on October

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, centre, celebrates the National Party’s successful election night result with jubilant supporters. Times photo Wayne Martin 14. He told the Times on election night it was “very encouraging that National is performing really well, particularly here in east Auckland”. “We’re really proud of the campaign we’ve run and the work of our volunteers on the ground. “I’m very grateful for every single person who’s given their trust and their confidence to me and to the National Party tonight.

“I continue to remain committed to this electorate, to the people who live here, to the issues that matter to them, and I will continue to fight for them every single day I’m their MP.” What role he has in the new Government is up to National leader and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Brown said, “but I will play whatever role he asks me to play”.

Are you looking for a new hobby, a way to express your artistic side, or just a fun activity to do with your friends and family?

BOT POTS & CLAY STUDIOS BOTANY

OPEN DAY

Henry says her vote result is “quite disappointing”. “It was expected a little bit that we were going to drop a lot from what we got in 2020, but I didn’t think it would be that bad. I’m proud of my efforts and I’ll definitely stand again.” One campaign highlight was having Labour leader Chris Hipkins join her and other candidates on a visit to the Pakuranga

night market on October 7. “We had a real positive experience and lots of people were talking to him and wanting selfies,” Henry says. She appreciates the hard work of her dedicated campaign helpers. “We got a few volunteers through Facebook, through emails, and they were incredible support. We were able to get out over 10,000 A4 leaflets and then 10,000 DL leaflets. “We made hundreds of phone calls and that was all through volunteers. It was amazing to have people join who weren’t part of our movement at the beginning.” Parmar says she’s thankful to everyone who voted for ACT in Pakuranga and around New Zealand. “It’s because of this vote that we are in this position, that it’s likely we’ll be playing a significant role in the next Government,” she says. “I’d like to give credit to David Seymour for all his hard work, because he is our man. “I’m hugely grateful for that and all the volunteers who came and did so many flyers and human hoardings. “It’s a real privilege to be a Member of Parliament and I understand the huge responsibility this role comes with.”

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 10AM – 4PM

Demonstrations of throwing and hand building techniques by experienced instructors

Enjoy a sausage sizzle and refreshments while mingling with other pottery enthusiasts

A fun and creative experience for all

Paint a Christmas decoration or heart to take home on the day

Member’s and tutor’s fabulous creations will be available to buy at a mini market

Kids face painting! Ceramics painting by Clay Studio’s talented tutors

Bot Pots & Clay Studios Botany 2 Bishop Browne Place, Flatbush claystudiosbotany.online | botpots.co.nz KC16120

6 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

www.times.co.nz

Visit our East Auckland Open Day Friday 3 November, 10am–2pm Welcome home to the green Set alongside the Pakuranga golf course, with spectacular new facilities, this premium retirement village has everything you’ll need. Join us at our Open Day and view our newly opened Clubhouse building – or call Jo to book a personal tour at a time that suits you. Apartments from $725,000^

Now open at Fairway Gardens Wellness Centre with heated indoor swimming pool, spa pool, gym and hair salon Café, bar and dining areas Library and lounge with fireplace Billiards and activities room 197 Botany Road, Golflands Call Jo Ashby on 0800 600 701

Pakuranga’s hidden gem This November discover Edgewater Village, East Auckland’s best-kept secret. Our welcoming retirement village offers brand-new apartments, lovely villas and serviced apartments. Apartments from $320,000^

Features and facilities Affordable retirement living in East Auckland with a host of new facilities and care home (subject to availability) Wellness Centre featuring a brand-new swimming pool, spa, gym and hair salon Communal lounge areas, activities room, library, café

For the life you want to live Contact your local village or visit metlifecare.co.nz

6860i_MLC_EAST_HPT

14 Edgewater Drive, Pakuranga Call Sue on 09 295 0082

* Terms and conditions apply, please contact your local sales executives to find out more. ^ Price is for an Occupation Right Agreement secured by a first ranking mortgage in favour of the statutory supervisor on behalf of the residents. Prices valid for 30 days from time of printing. Stock availability subject to change. Car park not included in price unless indicated. Product images are indicative only. KC16074

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 7

www.times.co.nz

Bookarama a great success T

he grand Bookarama sale of books, games, puzzles, LPs DVD’s and CDs concluded successfully on the last Sunday of the school holidays. Hundreds if not thousands of people visited the ﬁve-day sale at Somerville Intermediate’s gymnasium and made their purchases of donated items. From the purchase of one book of interest, annual reading material or the purchase of items for re-sale through second hand or on-line retailers, people came from far and wide to make the sale another big success for Howick Rotary. The money raised from the event supports the wide range of community projects that the club runs throughout the year. From its inception, Bookarama has enabled the club to pump over a half a million dollars back into the community. Apart from being a ﬁnancial success, the event has become a community success story. While Howick Rotary members plan, manage and provide a huge manpower

Malcolm Pascoe, Howick Rotary’s president, commented, “It is a great source of pride to the club that in the last Rotary year, with the help of the associated Thomas Brydon Trust, the club has made grants of more than $60,000 to a vast range of local and international community projects including $10,000 for Coastguard operations, $10,000

Eli and Oli Cardoso were among the hundreds if not thousands of people who visited the five-day Bookarama sale at Somerville Intermediate. Photo Wayne Martin

input, the project now involves Ray Whites Real Estate for storage and sorting, Placemakers for collecting, sorting and storage, Coastguard and Pakuranga Tennis Club for the big move and set up at Somerville Intermediate, Times Media Group and numerous retailers, cafes, bars and schools for promotion and col-

EAST AUCKLAND’S BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION Listen locally on 88.1 or 107.1 or anywhere in the universe at eastfm.nz. NOW available on iHeartRadio!

lection depots. “If we did not have the support of the whole community, Bookarama would not be possible” said Bookarama convenor Geoff Thompson. “So, it is really appropriate that the money we raise goes back into the community.”

LOVELY PENCIL DRAWING TAKES TOP PRIZE The Howick Art Group recently hosted its annual exhibition at the Fencible Lounge. Held from September 27-30, during this time, the public was able to vote for its favourite painting. Howick Art Group president Elise De Silva said, “The winner of this, by a long shot, was Layton Ruiz (pictured) with his pencil drawing entitled Loving Couple. It also received ﬁrst prize in the portrait section.”

RESTHAVEN FUNERALS Lawyers in the heart of Howick

Providing All Your Legal Needs

0800 FENCIBLE

Honouring and Celebrating Life

Cnr Picton & Walter Macdonald Streets, Howick • Ph (09) 533 7493 88 Great South Road, Manurewa • Ph (09) 267 2530 www.resthavenfunerals.co.nz

Ph 533 3539 www.fenciblelaw.co.nz JH17345

JH15989-V4

JH15972-V6

Not hearing so well? Have it checked out at Focus Hearing and get to trial hearing aids for free!

Why choose Focus Hearing — your local and independent hearing care clinic • Experienced and qualified hearing care experts • Tests available

• Hearing aid funding options available

– ACC, Government subsidy, WINZ & VANZ – Payment options available – Southern Cross Easy-claim

– Full hearing assessment (adults and children) – Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) – Free hearing screening – Tinnitus & Hyperacusis • Hearing aids – Free hearing aid consultation and recommendations – Middle ear check – Hearing aid check and clean – Up to 6 weeks of no obligation free trial – Pre-employment hearing check

JH1597-V2

12 Picton Street, Howick (09) 533 6463 www.focushearing.co.nz

JH17814-V2

Phone now to book your free hearing test Daniel Kim

for Cyclone Gabrielle relief aid, $8820 for relief aid in Ukraine, $7200 for ShelterBox, $11,900 for a range of youth-related projects at Howick College and Somerville Intermediate, $3300 for the Howick Historical Village projects, $2150 for the All Saints Christmas Lunch Box Appeal and $1900 for the HVA to purchase picnic tables for market square.”

8 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

www.times.co.nz

Hella’s illuminating history P

akuranga-based Hella New Zealand is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the automotive and marine lighting industry. Since founding in 1973, Hella New Zealand has focused on designing and manufacturing premium quality products. Over the past five decades, Hella New Zealand has grown significantly as a business by incorporating modern production techniques and heavily investing in new lighting technology. One of the biggest achievements was becoming the first in the world to achieve ECE compliance for a high-level brake light using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The foundational product range, DuraLED, has revolutionised the transport industry, offering energy-efficient LED lighting with unparalleled reliability and durability. To date, the DuraLED and

Hella New Zealand has been part of the Pakuranga community for more than 40 years, with staffing of well over 200 people. Pictured at recent celebrations are, from left, managing director Mark Taylor, export sales manager Ramon Surrey and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown. Photo supplied Jumbo ranges continue as benchmarks for transport operators across New Zealand and Australia. Every product that leaves Hella New Zealand’s facilities is individually tested, and every order line is QA inspected. On-site testing facilities subject products to extremes of temperature, intense UV light, exposure

to chemicals, and in humid and salt-laden conditions to ensure that they perform under stresses that greatly exceed those of most real-world situations. The Auckland facilities cover some 7500 square metres and boasts stateof-the-art, highly automated manufacturing capabilities. Huge investment has been

made in computer-controlled moulding machines that enable extremely precise moulding tolerances to be achieved, down to as little as plus or minus .02mm. Additionally, the Waihi electronics plant, purpose built in 2007, boasts the latest automated, high precision assembly systems. In 2013 the plant became self-sufficient in printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) production. This facility places a staggering 53,000 LEDs onto PCBAs every working day, totalling 12.8 million LEDs per year (in 2022). In accordance with Hella’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Auckland factory uses 100 per cent renewable energy and 95 per cent of waste material generated during the moulding process gets recycled into packing trays and glue tubes, and for purging machines between different types of plastics.

New Zealand’s maritime history, world-class boat building and yacht racing success saw Hella New Zealand become the global headquarters for Hella marine in 2004. The company has since created the iconic NaviLED LED navigation lamp range, which has cemented its position as leaders in marine lighting. Fifty years on, Hella New Zealand is a world-class design and manufacturing facility with the latest hi-tech equipment. With strong customers’ loyalty and support, the company looks forward to continuing to provide the transport and marine industries with the best possible lighting solutions for many years to come. To commemorate this significant milestone, the company is celebrating with weekly and monthly giveaways, with a total prize pool of $50,000. To enter, head to www.hella50year.co.nz.

Bot Pots & Clay Studios Botany open day Are you looking for a new hobby, a way to express your artistic side, or just a fun activity to do with your friends and family?

DY1038

If so, you are invited to join the team at Bot Pots & Clay Studios Open Day on Sunday, October 29, between 10am and 4pm. Clay Studios is a place where

you can take courses to learn the art of making beautiful pottery either on pottery wheel or by hand building, and then find out how to decorate your pieces with underglazes and glazes. Whether you want to make something practical like bowls and mugs or something decorative like Christmas ornaments, you will find everything you need at Clay Studios Botany. There are all sorts of activities including term courses, one-off workshops and 24/7 memberships are available. Bot Pots is the supplier of All Things Pottery to the whole of New Zealand, from kilns and wheels to clays, glazes and tools. During the open day, you will have the opportunity to watch demonstrations of throwing on a pottery wheel by talented

tutors, see the hand-building experts at work and ceramics artists decorating pieces. Kids can paint a Christmas decoration with acrylics that they can take home on the day that will last forever – and have their faces painted while they’re at it! Enjoy a sausage sizzle and refreshments while mingling with other pottery enthusiasts and take a look at the members’ and tutors’ creations available to buy at a mini market. The open day is free and open to everyone, no matter age or skill level. Bot Pots & Clay Studios Botany is located at 2 Bishop Browne Place, Flat Bush, and the wheel studio is at 2 Bishop Dunn Place – just behind the Bot Pots shop.

During the open day, you will have the opportunity to watch demonstrations of throwing on a pottery wheel by talented tutors, see the hand-building experts at work and ceramics artists decorating pieces. Photos supplied

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 9

Arson-damaged public housing complex on track

By CHRIS HARROWELL

onstruction of a controversial public housing complex in east Auckland that was damaged in a fire is going ahead, but its completion will be delayed by about a month. The blaze broke out at the multi-storey Kainga Ora complex in Guys Road, Huntington Park, in the early hours of July 24. As the Times has previously reported, Fire and Emergency NZ was alerted at about 5.30am. Photos posted to social media the morning of the incident show the complex engulfed in flames. Multiple fire trucks were still present at the scene at about 10am. Water from a fire hose atop a crane was being used to dampen the interior of the building, the steel frame of which was exposed. Part of Guys Road was blocked to traffic as firefighters removed bent and burned steel from inside the building’s ground floor. A fire investigator was

A Kainga Ora public housing development in Huntington Park caught fire in July this year. present also. A member of the public at the scene said he didn’t see the blaze when he drove past it at about 5am, but when he returned shortly after 6am the building was alight. Following the incident, a police spokesperson said officers were working to investigate the fire’s circumstances. “We can confirm the fire is being treated as suspicious and extensive damage has occurred at the site.

“An initial scene examination has been conducted and further enquiries remain ongoing.” The 48-home development is being built in stages and was due for completion in mid-2024. It’s on two sites and will predominantly house smaller families. The project has been met with opposition from the local community since it was announced. More than 600 people signed a petition earlier this year calling for its halt.

Times file photo Wayne Martin

Kainga Ora officials fronted a heated public meeting in Botany in April to discuss the development. People who attended the meeting said irate residents shouted at the officials, who threatened to leave if people didn’t calm down. Kainga Ora regional director central and east Auckland, John Tubberty, says: “The developer, Gemscott, has completed its assessment of the damage and has advised us there will

be about a one-month delay in the delivery of these 48 muchneeded new homes. “They are working hard to get these homes completed as soon as possible as they know they will make a world of difference to the families who will live in them.” Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown told the Times prior to the suspected arson being carried out he “totally understands” the concerns expressed by the local community about the development. “The reality is there is a need for more social housing in east Auckland and of course there is always going to be concerns. “The majority of Kainga Ora tenants are respectful of their neighbours and treat their properties appropriately, but there are also cases where tenants of social housing cause significant concerns for the community. “Not everyone is going to be happy but if they [Kainga Ora] engage with the community they can talk through the facts, explain what they’re doing, and have that conversation up front.”

Your Local Experts In Your Local Paper

Welcoming Saurav Arora & Aryan Bhatia

Dedicated and results-driven, Saurav & Aryan has a stellar track record, boasting a list-tosell ratio of over 90%. Experience a team that is committed to creating lifelong clients!

Saurav Arora

Licensee Salespeople

021 128 3462 saurav.arora@raywhite.com

Aryan Bhatia

strength of brand, best practice support, & superior technology.

Licensee Salespeople

021 070 7515 aryan.bhatia@raywhite.com Five AM Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

JH18350-v2

Attracted to

10 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

www.times.co.nz

SPECIALISTS ADVERTORIAL JH18378A-V2

Skinsite’s dedication to healthy skin

Dr Rianet Post

east Auckland from 1996 where she conducted mole checks before continuing her mission abroad, serving as a dermatologist in the UK for over two decades. During Covid-19 in the UK, Dr Post’s work consisted mostly of skin cancer. With her return to New Zealand, she joined Skinsite. Access to Dr Post’s expertise has never been more accessible. Patients can secure appointments without lengthy waiting times, providing peace of mind and timely care. Under Dr. Post’s guidance, patients benefit from cutting-edge clinical tools in melanoma diagnosis, including dermoscopy. The dedicated Skinsite team, which includes Dr Anthony Tam, Dr Wee-Ling Khoo and Dr Sarah Redfern, conducts thorough mole and spot checks, as well as on-site skin cancer removals. Skinsite doctors that check

Few Kiwis are aware that New Zealand has the world’s highest rate of invasive melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer. It is the fourth most common skin cancer in New Zealand and around 300 Kiwis die annually of melanoma. There is no better place for early detection than with the friendly doctor led staff at Skinsite’s Pakuranga location. The Skinsite team has provided quality skin cancer services to the east Auckland community for two decades. Skinsite’s expertise has been further enriched by the return of Dr Rianet Post, holding almost 40 years of experience in the field of skin cancer and dermatology. Dr Post trained in South Africa, where she treated skin cancer before moving to New Zealand in the mid-1990’s. She ran a skin cancer clinic alongside Dr Charlotte Brits in

Times photo Wayne Martin

Spotting melanoma at Skinsite

JAMES DONOVAN SOLICITORS James Donovan Solicitors has been established for 34 years and is the oldest law firm in Howick. It represents more than 3 decades of experience in acting for the Howick and Eastern Bays Community and has an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of work involved in relation to conveyancing, matrimonial, traffic, family law and estates with particular reference to trusts and wills.

CP1136-V2

Experience and balanced judgment are watch words of this practice.

Caring for you with warmth,

Caring for you with warmth, honesty and compassion honesty compassion Phone 0800 and 276 420 or 09 527 0266 www.arohafunerals.co.nz

Phone 0800 276 420 or 09 527 0266 www.arohafunerals.co.nz

DY0995

your local accounting company

SWITCH TO XERO WITH US

Xero can transform your construction business

• Quote and invoice on the go • Check on your cash ﬂow any time • Simply track jobs, costs and proﬁtability Get in touch with us today to start a free trial.

JH17810-V3

22 Picton St, Howick

Full body dermoscopic mole checks and mole removals Dr Anthony Tam Dr Wee-Ling Khoo Dr Sarah Redfern Dr Rianet Post Skinsite welcomes Dr Rianet Post. She has returned from the UK and is available to see new clients. Skinsite provides comprehensive skin cancer care and our doctors incorporate the latest techniques for detecting melanoma. Call for an appointment today.

Ph 09 534 7169

PO Box 38-133 Howick info@jamesdonovan.co.nz

JH18378

CP1136-V2

JH15969-V2

their patient’s spots can also conduct surgeries, cutting out the need for a referral. Dr Anthony Tam says some clinics will only have technicians to check moles and then have to refer patients onwards for analysis and treatment. “Ours is a complete service because you get every mole looked at rather than just a few select ones, plus we perform the treatments and get immediate feedback from the biopsy reports,” says Dr Tam. Moreover, Skinsite works closely with Counties Manukau Hospital and welcomes referrals from other healthcare providers. It offers affordable, quality care and is affiliated with most major health insurance companies including Southern Cross. Skinsite – Dedicated to healthy skin Phone 09 570 2080 87 Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga www.skinsite.co.nz

Ph: 570 2080, 87 Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga. Dedicated to Healthy Skin 437 Remuera Rd, Remuera.

www.skinsite.co.nz

Storewide

Spec tacular

“SURGERY BY THE SEA”

Save up to

 Skin Cancer Surgery  Cosmetic Plastic Surgery  Hand Surgery  Breast Reconstruction Surgery

$200

Half price eye examination and any 2 pairs (single vision) glasses for no more than $299*

Aﬃliated providers to Southern Cross for Carpal Tunnel release and Skin Cancer diagnosis and treatment

SPECSAVERS PAKURANGA S137/Pakuranga Plaza (Opposite Countdown entrance) Cnr Ti Rakau Dr and Pakuranga Highway, Pakuranga Phone 09 577 1431 or book online * T&C’s apply. Promotion ends Oct 26, 2023.

Amber Moazzam

FRCS (PLAST) Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive & Hand Surgeon

First Floor, “Compass Building”, Ara Tai Drive, Half Moon Bay Marina. Ph 09 534 4040 www.marinaspecialists.co.nz | EDI: marinasp DY1037

JH18267

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 11

Hundreds provide feedback to Howick Local Board’s draft plan

By CHRIS HARROWELL

everal hundred people have provided detailed feedback about what they want to see happen in the community over the next three years. The Howick Local Board’s draft Local Board Plan 2023 outlines its strategy and goals for the next three-year period. It will be finalised and adopted this month before coming into effect in July next year. Board chairperson Damian Light previously said the plan’s divided into five areas, being people, environment, community, places, and the economy. It’s critical as it helps to inform not just local residents but also Auckland Council about what’s important to the community, he said. “The plan says what we’re looking for, what we need to deliver on, and gives direction to the rest of council about what our priorities are.” Integrated into those categories are efforts to ensure the board contributes to climate mitigation and meets its legal obligations to Maori.

The Howick Local Board’s nine members will soon publicly release their draft Local Board Plan 2023. Photo supplied Auckland Council The council has published online a 1019-page document that contains 269 pieces of anonymous written feedback the public provided to the board on its draft plan. The very first individual feedback to the board provides an example of what locals want to see happen in east Auckland. Its unnamed author says they “partially support” the position that the board’s draft plan reflects the needs and aspirations for the community over the next three years. “There are good high-level objectives and plans without details in terms of tackling issues.

“

The balance of dog-owner rights versus other people’s rights is out of kilter, particularly at Mellons Bay.” FEEDBACK

“E.g. good objectives about transport, and to address the limits on in-fill housing, etc, but no mention of some key issues ...

of rampant curbside parking in streets not designed for it ... parking on footpaths because people don’t want their cars damaged.” One of the submitter’s criticisms relates to dog access at Mellons Bay Beach. They say the board has allowed the beach to become a “virtually unrestricted dog zone, with faeces over the grass areas and the beach itself, creating an unsafe area for small children who grow up nearby and should be able to play for longer periods of the day without dogs running up to them”. “The balance of dog-owner rights versus other people’s

rights is out of kilter, particularly at Mellons Bay. “Also, there has long been mention of better boat access at Mellons Bay ... but this is not addressed anywhere in the plan.” The submitter says the board needs to include a focus on ensuring residential streets are “safe driving/riding zones”. They say the board needs to work with Auckland Transport to install no-parking lines on roads where safe driving and cycling is no longer possible, with Moore Street, O’Halloran Road, part of Mellons Bay Road and Cheriton Road named as examples. The submitter also comments on the board needing to consider a new approach to how it delivers services more efficiently due to the council having less funding than in previous years. “Selling facilities is fairly shortsighted when there are groups crying out for a place to meet, etc. “We’ll never be able to buy them back. And also land, particularly if it’s to a private developer who simply puts up high-density housing.”

Auction bought forward 10.30am Thurs 19 Oct 2023

Just

Hardwood Floors

W: www.jhf.co.nz | T: 0800 999 543

DY0863-V7

SHOWROOM HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY – 9.30AM-4PM 34B ALLENS RD, EAST TAMAKI

Howick Guitar School

CP1594-V19

W: www.jhf.co.nz

Bucklands Beach 7 Luana Way T: 0800 999 543

So much to love!

All ages Visit our showroom: 34B Allens Road, East Tamaki Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm & Sat 10.30am-1pm. Email: sales@jhf.co.nz Beginners welcome

Trinity College Exams (opt) Learn to play popular songs Theory, scales, solos, blues, rock, song wri�ng, recording, electric guitar and much, much more!

Contact: 021 267 5702 Email: howickguitarschool@gmail.com Visit: howickguitarschool.nz

DE0299-V8

This tranquil haven offers a superb opportunity that seldom presents itself, with its unique panoramic views and established gardens. Showcasing a functional and free-flowing layout, this relaxed, five bedroomed, residence has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the diverse needs of a growing family. Fabulous living areas capture the alluring outlook, while delivering exceptional flow out to substantial decks. Close to Howick Village and the Half Moon Bay ferry service to the CBD.

bayleys.co.nz/1852347

1,467 sqm

Auction (unless sold prior) 10.30am, Thurs 19 Oct 2023 85 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland View Sat/Sun 12-12.30pm Jenny Benoy 021 722 933 jenny.benoy@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, HOWICK, LICENSED REAA 2008

JH18372-V2

Learn Guitar The Right Way! One-on-one

12 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

EAGLE USED IN HUNT FOR SUSPECTS The police’s Eagle helicopter was seen above east Auckland in the early hours of October 13 as part of a search for two suspected thieves. A police spokesperson says one person was taken into custody and enquiries are ongoing following a burglary in Point England. The Times understands east Auckland locals saw the Eagle helicopter flying above Sunnyhills and low over the Tamaki Estuary between 3-4am the morning of the incident. “At around 3.15am, police received a report of two males entering a building on Riverside Avenue,” the police spokesperson says. “Police arrived quickly, locating one of the alleged offenders hiding inside. “The man has resisted arrest and been aggressive towards the attending police. “Enquiries are ongoing to locate the other offender involved.” People with information on the incident can phone 105, referencing job number P056347023. Information can also be provided anonymously via the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

www.times.co.nz

Sunflower fundraising concert for Ukraine A

local group fundraising for embattled Ukraine has a concert planned for early next month. Concert organiser Action Group NZ 4 UA has been fundraising for medical and humanitarian relief for Ukraine. Ukranian-born Kiwi Valeriy Boyko, of Howick, and the group have been fundraising for Ukraine since early last year. Last year, he and wife Elena Boyko went to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid. “Join us for this fundraising event, for a night of quality music, to stand with people of Ukraine and support those who have been directly affected by the Russian aggression in Ukraine,” said Valeriy. “The concert will blend jazz, soul, folk, popular and Ukrainian music, featuring musical and cultural performances by our local Auckland musicians and artists. The line-up for the Sunflowers event [it is Ukraine’s national flower and is becoming a global symbol of soli-

Valeriy Boyko darity] features the Howick Brass Band, The Up Doos, Dasha Volga, Ant Hunt & Panacea, Natasha Hine Doula Kids Show, John Olding & Co, Back to the Hillside, Raylee Bradfield, Sergiy Klymchuk and Yuri Gladun. All of the artists donated their time for this event. “We are so grateful for receiving an outpouring of support from our local east Auckland community,” said Valeriy.

Meanwhile the latest shipment should have arrived in Ukraine at the beginning of the month. The group is planning another one with medical equipment for mid-to-late December. “As well as general fundraising to continue providing humanitarian aid for Ukrainian people in need, we are now focusing on specifically raising funds to start working on our two new projects,” said Valeriy. These include a mobile dental care unit, and hot line and direct psychological support unit. “The dental care unit already exists and operates in close to the Red Zone area and in newly-liberated areas providing dental care for those who have not seen a dentist for months,” said Valeriy. “We are to provide or assist with procurement of medical consumables, filling materials etc. The dental team will consist of medical volunteers. “The psychological support unit is in set-up stage. The

main purpose is to provide professional psychological assistance to those who have lost their husbands, sons, mothers, daughters, kids or parents during this illegal and awful war. “Professional psychologists (also volunteers) are expected to travel across various parts of Ukraine for faceto-face interactions with their patients or group of patients, should on-line sessions not be sufficient.” Sunflowers fundraising concert for Ukraine, St Columba Church, 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany November 3 from 6.30pm [7pm start] to 9.15pm. Tickets from $20. Kids under 14 free (accompanied by adults). It is a first come, first seated event. For those looking to support further, donations also can be made via givealittle.co.nz/cause/ medical-and-humanitarianhelp-for-ukraine or directly to our fundraising account NZ 4 UA 12-3118-0515169-00.

H o w i c k & Pa k u r a n g a www.eastlife.co.nz

ATTENTION PLEASE

Next week the Times will be available for pick up a day later, on Thursday, October 26, due to Labour Day H o w i c k & Pa k u r a n g a

PICKUP LOCATIONS BEACHLANDS • Beachlands Countdown, 129 Beachlands Rd • Barfoots, 42 Wakelin Rd • Pepperjacks Bar & Cafe Pine Harbour, 190 Jack Lachlan Dr BOTANY • Ray White, 20 Crescent Lane, Botany Town Centre • New World, Botany Town Centre • Info Desk, Botany Town Centre • PO Box Lobby, Te Koha Rd, The Hub • The Vet Clinic, 739 Chapel Rd • Kings Garden Cafe, 280 Botany Rd BUCKLANDS BEACH • Books N Bricks Cafe, 83B Hattaway Ave • Bucklands Beach Superette, 224 Bucklands Beach Rd • Priestly Dr Superette, 56 Priestly Dr COCKLE BAY • Seaside Meats, 3 Litten Rd • Bellevue Bakehouse Café, 11 Litten Rd FARM COVE • Farm Cove Superette, 190 Fisher Pde • Whiteacres Superette, 31 Whiteacres Dr FLAT BUSH • Pizza Hut, 345 Chapel Rd • Texture Cafe, 1 Arranmore Dr • Xpress Mart, 3/123 Ormiston Rd • Ormiston Hospital, 125 Ormiston Rd • Ray White Ormiston, 240 Ormiston Rd • Ormiston Town Centre, 240 Ormiston Rd

• Physio Moves, 142 Stancombe Rd HALF MOON BAY • Fresh Choice, 1 Ara Tai Rd • Ray White, Compass Building, Ara Tai Rd • Sealink, 37 Ara Tai Rd HIGHBROOK • The Quest, Highbrook, Highbrook Dr HIGHLAND PARK • Palmers Pakuranga, 189 Pigeon Mountain Rd • Laundromat Pakuranga, 44 Fortunes Rd • Aviemore Dairy, 168 Aveimore Dr • Highland Park Library, 16 Highland Park Dr • Countdown Highland Park, 507 Pakuranga Rd • Paper Plus Highland Park, 491 Pakuranga Rd • Howick Historical Village, Bell Rd, Lloyd Elsmore Park HOWICK • Apothecary, 27 Picton St • Rices Mall, Picton St • Poppies Books, 83 Picton St • Lily Whyte/Marbled, 113 Picton St • Ray White Howick, 12 Uxbridge Rd • Howick Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd • Times Media, 10 Central Tce • Taste Explosion, Howick Village Mall, 21 Central Tce • Fig and Plum, 109 Vincent St • Bin Inn, 219 Moore St • Botany Road Superette, 6 Botany Rd • Juliet Dairy, 59 Juliet Rd

MEADOWLANDS • Countdown Meadowlands, cnr Meadowlands Dr & Whitford Rd NORTHPARK • Sunny Dairy, 3/128 Millhouse Dr PAKURANGA • Pakuranga Plaza, Countdown Foyer • Pakuranga Plaza, rear entrance by Steakhouse • Ray White, 102 Pakuranga Rd • Tiraumea Superette, 56 Tiraumea Dr • Ti Rakau Dr Superette, cnr Edgewater Dr and Ti Rakau Dr PAKURANGA HEIGHTS • Gossamer Dairy, cnr Ussher Pl and Gossamer Dr • Pakuranga Heights Four Square, cnr Reeves Rd and Gossamer Dr • Gossamer Mini Mart & Lotto, 147 Gossamer Dr • Cascade Superette, 123 Cascade Rd WHITFORD • Whitford Dental, Whitford Village Our senior readers won’t miss out either with copies for residents available at the following retirement homes: Bruce McLaren, Pakuranga Park Village, Edgewater Retirement Village, Dannemora Gardens, Highlands Metlifecare, Summerset Flat Bush, Ambridge Rose Manor, Fairway Gardens, Howick Baptist, Golf Views Rest Home

Check www.times.co.nz for an interactive map

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 13

Questions linger over discovery of hard hat June, 2024, will mark the 20th anniversary of the disappearance of east Auckland man Jim Donnelly. He hasn’t been seen since. By CHRIS HARROWELL

he Times is looking back through a series of stories at one of the most baffling unsolved cases in recent New Zealand history. Donnelly was 43 years old when he went missing on Monday, June 21, 2004. He hasn’t been seen since and his whereabouts are a total mystery to his loved ones and the police. The married father-of-two was living with his wife Tracey and their two young children in Dannemora when he disappeared. Coroner Sam Herdson held an inquest hearing on the matter in Auckland in 2007. Her subsequent report states when Donnelly vanished he’d been working at Glenbrook Steel Mill in Waiuku, South Auckland, in a supervisory engineering role for 19 years. Despite extensive searches at the mill and surrounding area, and an in-depth investigation,

the coroner found what happened to him remains unexplained but “the presumption is Jim has died”.

VEHICLE FOUND IN CAR PARK Inspector Dave Glossop previously held the file on Donnelly’s disappearance. Glossop says police learned Donnelly had arrived at work as normal that day but his behaviour was unusual. “He was acting strangely at his locker and he when he was seen walking up the gantry, like he was trying to hide from people. “Jim went into an office he shared with other people and when they arrived he wasn’t there. The muffin he’d bought for lunch was sitting on his desk. “I think all the time about scenarios but can’t believe he would have been taken out under duress without everybody seeing him.” Donnelly’s vehicle was in the

mill’s car park, but extensive searches of its grounds failed to establish where he’d gone. Glossop says it’s possible someone who worked with Donnelly knows what happened to him. “It’s been the subject of podcasts, it’s been on TV, and there’s nothing that’s ever come out to date that’s been useful.”

THE HARD HAT

One of the strangest aspects of the case centres on Donnelly’s safety hard hat, which was found five days after he went missing. It was located near an acid vat inside Glenbrook Steel Mill, leading some people to speculate his body may have been in the vat. “We are 100 per cent certain the hard hat wasn’t there on the days of the search,” Glossop says. “It stood out and it was in a thoroughfare, an area that people were walking past. “It’s a big yellow hat with ‘Donnelly’ written on the front and it’s a bespoke hat and old style. It has

Dannemora man Jim Donnelly vanished in June, 2004, and has not been seen since. Photo supplied

earmuffs attached to it.” Glossop believes the hard hat was placed where it was found five days later to draw police to the acid vat. “We found [in the vat] his wallet, his Palm Pilot, and a lock he used to lock out machines so they couldn’t be turned on, and we found banknotes. “Why would someone throw cash away? But then there are telltale things that weren’t thrown away like his father’s watch, which meant a lot to him. That wasn’t in there. “And the fact his car was still there. Everything is a mystery.” Glossop says the mill runs 24-7 and he doesn’t know how someone would be able to walk around it carrying Donnelly’s hard hat to then place it by the acid vat without being seen. “It’s uniquely known as his hat and to put it there without being detected, you can’t walk around without a helmet on in that place. “You have to wear all your

safety gear and they’re very good at enforcing that. So who put it there? The only options are either Jim returned to the scene five days after he disappeared and placed his hat there, or someone else did.” Glossop says the acid in the vat was not strong enough to dissolve a human body. Police drained it and an examination by Environmental Science and Research found no trace of body fat. Even the banknotes found in the vat weren’t damaged, just discoloured, he says. “There’s no way to get in there [to the vat]. You would have to go through some rollers. “You couldn’t just climb in, so what was the purpose of that red herring? My belief is the hard hat was not there during the search but was put there later.” The next story in this series examines more of the evidence relating to Donnelly’s disappearance.

Enjoy morning tea at our place this Thursday We’re hosting a morning tea and Open Home so why not come and enjoy our hospitality as we show you around our wonderful community?

This Thursday, October 19, 9am-12pm. Ruru Apartments, Park Avenue, Pakuranga. Morning Tea provided.

Live independently with all the freedom you want in our wonderful new apartments - or alternatively enjoy one of our lovely single level villas. We have a range of bedroom and garage options and sizes on offer for you now. We also have a sunny one bedroom apartment with ensuite available, set amongst mature and manicured gardens. And for your peace of mind, our dual care Open Morning facility offers private hospital-level Morning Tea care, should you ever need it.

Provided

We’d love to see you on Thursday! Or alternatively, you can call Sylvie anytime on 027 314 5767.

KC16058

October 19 Lodge Apartments, Fortunes Rd, Pakuranga. realliving.co.nz

14 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

www.times.co.nz

Crs deliberate defunding youth well-being strategy

By LAURA KVIGSTAD,

Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air

bleak report on youth well-being in Auckland prompted the mayor and councillors to question defunding Auckland Council’s strategy intended to help. At the Planning Environment and Parks Committee on October 5, councillors voted in favour of a change of tack for the youth wellbeing strategy, I Am Auckland, by incorporating it into council’s Thriving Communities Strategy. The recommendation came after a review of the strategy which involved speaking with 400 children and young people in Auckland. The review details children’s concerns around the cost of living, climate change, worsening mental health and how Auckland does not always feel safe, to name a few. Senior policy advisor Hannah Anderson said the strategy was not fit for the future and the accountability mechanisms were not working. The report recommending consolidating the strategies had no details on the financial implications attached which Mayor Wayne Brown took issue with. “The report says ‘can be delivered in the existing budget’. You didn’t say whether other

Auckland Councillors have voted in favour of a change of tack for the youth wellbeing strategy, I Am Auckland. Photo Andrea Piacquadio options were cheaper – Nothing in this council is living within its budget,” Brown said. “From now on I want to see financial implications treated with respect. We have a climate crisis, we have a financial crisis.” Brown said the issue was not specifically with this strategy but was an issue across council’s reporting. Later in the day, he also questioned the Age Friendly Auckland strategy and said if there were 300 strategies at council the cost would be staggering. Several councillors expressed

similar concerns around the strategy’s finances. Cr Maurice Williamson said just because the report said the strategy was already budgeted did not mean it was not wasteful. “We are in a dreadful financial position. We are going to have to make really, really, really big decisions about trade-offs, about what we keep doing and what we don’t,” Williamson said. He said council was not able to do everything and pointed to Government, the Mental Health Foundation. “There are Ministries coming out of our ears in

Death referred to coroner after body found at beach Police say the death of a person whose body was found at an east Auckland beach will be referred to the coroner. The body was found by a member of the public at Green Bay Reserve in Beachlands just before 7.30am on October 10. Police say they’ve been investigating a “sudden death” near the reserve. “We can now advise the death will be referred to the coroner. Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time.” Police initially said they were investigating the circumstances of the person’s death A scene examination was under way and the public was asked to avoid the area. Zaelene Maxwell-Butler, of local iwi Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, posted on social media on October 10 the iwi had implemented a rahui over the

affected area for two weeks. “This morning Ngai Tai ki Tamaki attended to the coastal marine area beneath the Green Bay Reserve Lookout to carry out our tikanga (protocols) for the young man whose life was lost, for his family, and for the police attending,” she says. “This notice is to advise we have laid down a rahui closing off the Green Bay Reserve Lookout and the Reserve, and the access to the coastal marine area from the bottom of the Belisi Way pathway and extending out to the area beneath the Green Bay Reserve Lookout. “Out of respect for the young man and his family, we ask that all activities in these areas cease and that the rahui be acknowledged for a period of two weeks.” A rahui is a Maori customary practice banning people from accessing an area and its resources.

this country. Should they not be doing a whole lot of this stuff and we be sticking more to our core role and functions?” After several calls for how much the strategy cost, Independent Māori Statutory Board member Tau Henare insisted on an answer with staff eventually estimating around $150,000. Cr Andy Baker said the decision in front of the committee had nothing to do with the budget but he agreed with Williamson and the mayor. “We are simply deciding today on what strategy we will take forward and then when it comes to the [Long-Term Plan] discussions we will then have the discussion as to whether we fund this strategy,” Baker said. Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said it was important for council to have its own strategy and information. “We often say we do not like the direction that Wellington gives us as far as what they want to do to us,” Simpson said. “We need to decide, as the governors for this region, what we believe is right for our children and young people.” Cr John Watson said he felt like he was “in a parallel universe” with the concerns around budget. “We have a crisis – it was bad back in 2021, it is worse now. That is pretty much the conclusion. It is a lot worse for young people. The mental health out-

comes are really disturbing,” Watson said. The review included self-reported suicide attempts which were as high as one in four young people and Watson said that was the most distressing thing. “The council is limited and strategies, by themselves, don’t address any of this. It is actually actions.” He said young people were asking for simple things from council; to keep facilities open, hold on to green spaces and make places safe. “I would hope that out of this comes some very pragmatic responses that go to maintaining what we have got, enhancing it where we can.” Cr Maurice Williamson and Cr Sharon Stewart were the only councillors to vote against consolidating the strategy.

STAPLE ISSUES

As some readers have advised, some issues of the Times/Eastlife were stapled through the fold of the publication last week, an error that occurred during the printing process. The error is regretted.

Ormiston Hospital undergoing expansion Ormiston Hospital in Flat Bush is undergoing expansion which will almost double its floor area. The hospital today [Wednesday] hosted a ‘roof shout’ to mark an important moment in the progress of the expansion. The event featured presentations from Vital and building contractor Savory Construction – a long-established, New Zealand-owned contractor – followed by refreshments and a site walkthrough of available areas. Ormiston Hospital – majority operated by Southern Cross and owned by NZX-listed Vital Healthcare Property Trust – was purpose built in 2008 and comprises 5000sqm over three levels. Vital is undertaking a 4500 square metre expansion to provide a new

Ormiston Hospital has hosted a ‘roof shout’ to mark an important moment in the progress of the expansion.

Photo supplied

endoscopy suite with three procedure rooms, 15 additional beds, 900 square metres of consulting space and future expansion space. The $38 million expansion is being delivered in collaboration with Ormiston Hospital and Savory Construction. On completion of the expansion, the 9500 sqm facility will be majority leased to Ormiston Hospital (itself majority operated

by Southern Cross) on a new 20-year lease and will provide general surgical, endoscopy, medical consulting and specialist treatment areas including cancer and oral health. The project is about half-way through and is scheduled for completion in mid-2024 at which time the facility is expected to be valued at more than $100m representing 3 per cent of Vital’s $3.4 billion portfolio across Australia and New Zealand (10 per cent of Vital’s $1b NZ portfolio). It is the only private surgical hospital in the Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau catchment. Earlier this year, Vital acquired 7500 sqm of land adjoining the hospital for $13m to assist with further expansion of the hospital in the future.

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 15

School questioned over preferred pronoun policy By CHRIS HARROWELL

lobby group that fights for people’s right to speak their mind is asking questions of an east Auckland school about its policy on pronoun use. The Free Speech Union (FSU) posted an open letter from its chief executive, Jonathan Ayling, to Mellons Bay School principal Colleen Margison on social media on September 21. The letter was copied to Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown and is about the “alleged compelled speech” of the school’s pupils, according to the FSU. Ayling tells Margison the organisation was recently approached by one of its members, who is one of the school’s parents, alleging Mellons Bay School will “use and require the use of preferred pronouns”. Pronouns are the words people use to express their gender identity, such as he, him, she and her. The letter references a PDF document the organisation

says it was sent in which reference was made to a seven-point response to a parent’s questions. One of the questions asks if students who do not comply with pronoun preferences will be disciplined, and if so, how. According to the PDF document the school responded: “Behaviours that exclude or aim to hurt or depreciate someone would be addressed. “Gender-neutral language can help create a more inclusive society where individuals of all genders are recognised and respected and encourages language that is inclusive, and respectful i.e. Police Officer, Fire officer, instead of Policeman, Fireman.” Ayling tells Margison in the open letter such “compelled speech” may be a “direct breach of the speech rights” of the school’s pupils and asks her to respond. He also says the organisation notes the school requires its staff to use pupils’ preferred pronouns but such a requirement

cannot be “legitimately placed on to students too”. “Due to a number of factors, including the duty of care and the power imbalance, expectations on the way teachers relate to students are naturally different to the expectations that can be required of how students relate to each other. “Further, an important distinction exists between constraining the speech of a student towards another, and compelling the speech of a student towards another. “The requirement to use the preferred pronouns of students, under threat of punishment, stands to coerce a student into an ideological position that is legitimately debated and dissented from within our society.” There is no reference in the school document to a pupil being “disciplined” if they do not comply with preferred pronoun use. Another question from a parent in the document asks if the school’s staff are compelled by policy to comply with student

Darrow appointed acting chair of Auckland Transport Former east Auckland resident and experienced business leader Mark Darrow has been named the new acting chair of Auckland Transport (AT). Darrow, who used to live with his family in Whitford, will take up his new role at AT from November 1 until Auckland Council selects a permanent chair to lead the agency’s board. He replaces Wayne Donnelly, who’s been in the job since October last year. Donnelly has asked to remain on AT’s board as its deputy chair until March next year. Mayor Wayne Brown says: “We are very grateful to Wayne for stepping up to the chair role over the past year. “It’s been a year where Auckland Transport has started to show improvements as they work to implement the direction given to them by the mayor and councillors. “At the best of times chairing

Mark Darrow is Auckland Transport’s new board chair. Photo supplied

the Auckland Transport board is a challenging job and Wayne has stepped up to this admirably for the last year. “I thank him wholeheartedly for his efforts and continued commitment to Auckland. “I wish him and his family all the best and am pleased he is staying on the board.” Brown says Darrow is a highly

skilled director with real-world experience in the transport sector. “I have great confidence in him to professionally deliver on what Aucklanders need. “He is well placed to steer Auckland Transport while we go through the process to select a new chair.” Darrow was first appointed to AT’s board in 2021 and has been supporting Donnelly as acting deputy chair and as chair of the finance and audit committee. He lives in Auckland and is an experienced independent board chair and director with extensive knowledge across many sectors. Darrow is a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and of Charted Accountants Australia and New Zealand. He’s chair of TSB Bank, Armstrong’s, Invivo and Co, MTF Finance, Riverton Farm and Inland Revenue’s risk and assurance committee.

The Free Speech Union is asking Mellons Bay School about its use of preferred pronouns for pupils. Times photo Wayne Martin

requests for preferred pronouns. The response states: “Teachers must create a safe and inclusive culture where diversity is valued. Please see our ‘Health, Safety, and Welfare Policy’ which you can access through our website.” The Times contacted Mellons Bay School and the Ministry of Education for comment and received a response from the ministry’s Isabel Evans, Hautu (deputy secretary) Te Tai Raro (north). “The boards of all schools,

including state-integrated schools, are required, under s127 of the Education and Training Act 2020, to be inclusive of, and cater for, students with differing needs, and to make sure the school is a physically and emotionally safe environment for all students,” Evans says. “Schools are required to have clear policies and procedures to promptly address and resolve any complaints or concerns raised in the school environment, including about racism, discrimination and bullying.”

NEWSBITES

HOWICK RSA SOLD

Howick RSA has been sold. Dennis Spice of Harcourts in Howick told the Times, “Harcourts (NAIHarcourts) and People First Real Estate are thrilled to have helped The Howick RSA make progress towards their goal of rebranding and re-energising the RSA in Howick. The RSA is an important part of Howick’s heritage and Harcourts are proud to have been their chosen partner in the selling process.” Comment is pending from RSA management.

GRANTS AWARDED

NZ Community Trust awarded $587,333.21 in the Auckland region in the latest funding round. Among the recipients are the Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre Inc which was awarded $20,000 for salary and Mellons Bay School $10,000 for uniforms.

OKAY, WHO WANTS CHRISTMAS CAKES?

The famous Lions Christmas Cakes are now available for this year. Bucklands Beach Lions have more than 200 cakes available - a quality rich and fruity, full of flavour - not crumbly but a nice moist 1kg cake - 15 x 15 x 5cms. “At $25 per cake, it’s a bargain,” says Roger Robinson from the Bucklands Beach Lions Club. “Plenty to share with family and friends. They have a long shelf life with a best before date of April 2025.” Robinson says the cake sales have run since 1971 with the funds raised from their sales supporting the club’s on-going community projects which include funding prescription eyeglasses distributed through Kidz First Children’s Hospital for young school children, helping to fund disabled children on the Spirit of Adventure and many others.

Roger Robinson from the Bucklands Beach Lions Club with some their famous Christmas Photo supplied cakes. “In Lions, 100 per cent of money raised from the public goes to support community projects.” J Want to help a great cause? Contact Roger on r.robinson@ xtra.co.nz for your Christmas cake.

16 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

50% off. Sanctuary Royal.

www.times.co.nz

50% off. Sanctuary Midnight.

50% off.

40% off.

50% off.

20% off.

10% off.

30% off.

UP TO

Swisstek Elite.

Swisstek Select.

Design Mobel Vitality.

Selected Mattress Protectors.

Serenity Peace.

Serenity Essence. UP TO

Selected Sheet Sets. The experts in sleep. Locally owned & operated

30 Day Comfort Guarantee

Mt Wellington 48 Mt Wellington Highway

Botany Town Centre

bedsrus.co.nz

50+ stores nationwide

Over 30 years experience

*Offer valid to 24.10.23 or while stocks last. Discount offers apply to selected beds and bedding only, prices as marked. Offers exclude Everyday Dream prices, run outs, clearance stock (unless otherwise stated) and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. See in- store for details. We reserve the right to correct errors and misprints and to change product specifications. All products are advertised in good faith and will be available, except in circumstances beyond our control. Product ranges vary between stores and some products are available in selected stores only. KC15846

www.times.co.nz

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 17

PURC take three honours at Auckland Rugby awards “

By BEN PLUMMER

akuranga United Rugby Club (PURC) has been honoured at the recent Auckland Rugby awards night, scooping up three trophies. After an outstanding year coaching the PURC U21 Cannons, Sani Sanileva was recognised as the most promising club coach of the year by the Auckland Rugby Union (ARU). “Sanileva’s potential as a future coaching star was recognised with this award after leading the Pakuranga Under 21s team to an undefeated title,” said an ARU spokesperson. The Cannons raised the Arthur Bayliss Cup after defeating Grammar TEC in the U21 final at Bell Park in July. They also claimed the Whetton Brother Cup and the Sir Wilson Whineray Challenge Cup during their undefeated season of 14 games. PURC director of rugby Grant ‘Boof’ Henson says Sanileva did a great job with a massive squad of over 40 players as well as leading his coaching unit of five assistants and a team manager. “Sani being the great leader that he is, credits his team for his

We can’t wait for Sani to bring his experience and winning momentum into the Pakuranga premier team.” GRANT HENSON

Celebrating, from left, PURC U21 coach Sani Sanileva, club chairman Rob Neil, director of rugby Grant Henson and COD member Iain Leigh. award and has been rewarded for his efforts in 2023 and his previous work across many teams of various levels in the wider community with his premier assistant coach role in 2024. “We can’t wait for Sani to bring his experience and winning momentum into the Pakuranga premier team,” Henson says. Sanileva was also one of four nominees for the Club Coach of the Year award, narrowly missing out to the Gallaher

Shield-winning Manukau Coach. It wasn’t the only award that the U21s contributed to however, with the club also claiming the Southland Shield. The Southland Shield is awarded to the club with the best average championship points over the U21 and U85 restricted grades. Alongside the U21’s title win, the PURC U85 Black Panthers finished runners-up on their grade.

“With our U21s going undefeated and our U85s only losing three games (including the final narrowly) in the ARU competition all year, it was natural that this award would come the way of Pakuranga,” says Henson. He says it’s a credit to the great attacking style of both teams, but also to their stoic defence. “Well done to the head coaches Sani Sanileva and Brad Martin and their management teams, and massive congratulations to

all players involved with both of these teams... PURC are very proud to be part of your success,” Henson says. To top off an already impressive night, PURC received the Jordan Rose Bowl for the highest standards in event management, sideline behaviour, on-field discipline and match official support throughout the 2023 season. PURC general manager Mike Bongiovanni says the Jordan Rose Bowl is recognition for the great experience and management that the club employees and volunteers have committed to week in and week out. “We are happy for our volunteers and employees to be recognised with this award,” he says.

OPINION: All Blacks resurrection after quarterfinal thriller in Paris By BEN PLUMMER

off until the Semi-Finals. These were two matches that could have easily been thrilling finals. Not to mention the weekly delay in-between games. It’s not so exciting for fans. A one-anda-half-month tournament is too long.

OPINION

Sam Whitelock! The name that rung through thousands of televisions and households across New Zealand just before the final whistle was blown in the All Blacks’ 28-24 victory over Ireland at the weekend. The 35-year-old most-capped All Black stepped up to earn the underdogs a penalty, ceasing a 37-phase rampage by the Irish in the dying minutes of the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. In a tournament which has failed to conjure up as much excitement in New Zealand as in the past, this was one of the greatest All Black games in a long time. Fit for a Rugby World Cup final, the former champions were back at their finest against the best in the world. And then there were four... finally. As the All Blacks gear up for their semi-final against Argentina on Saturday, here are a few of the Times’ biggest talking

MEN AT HOME – GO BACK TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER

The All Blacks deliver the haka at Stade de France .

points from the tournament to date:

THE DREADFUL DRAW

The 2023 Rugby World Cup draw has been a shambles. And the organisers have fessed up, saying the schedule was decided over three years ago. Its structure meant only two

Photo Facebook

sides of Ireland, hosts France, New Zealand, 2019 winners South Africa and Scotland had a chance of reaching the semi-finals. It was evident from the South Africa vs France and All Blacks vs Ireland quarterfinals at the weekend, the four top teams in the world shouldn’t have to face

It’s always a pretty sight for Kiwis to see our neighbours across the Tasman get beaten, but even this was a tough one to watch. Even before the Rugby World Cup, there was not a lot of hope for Australia nor their head coach Eddie Jones, but missing out on a quarter final spot for the first time in the history of the tournament wasn’t even a thought. With losses to Fiji for the first time in 69 years and a humiliation by Wales, the Aussies have plunged to their lowest depths, ranked the ninth best side in world rugby.

Some dark days ahead for Australia Rugby amid talks of Jones now packing his bags and taking up a job with the Japanese national side.

ALL BLACKS OR WARRIORS? After dropping the opening game of the tournament to hosts France, New Zealand’s interest in the World Cup plummeted. New Zealand is saturated with union year-round, evident in the diminishing crowds at Super Rugby and NPC matches over the past couple of years. Are Kiwis tuckered out? I haven’t seen the type of support that the Warriors or Wahs had during their impressive NRL season for the All Blacks in a long time. And with the possibility of New Zealand hosting a State of Origin match as early as 2027, I think many sporting fans will convert to primarily watching league. It will be interesting to see if there is a spike in Kiwi kids registering in rugby league next year.

Move Me

2 | Wednesday, September 20, 2023

JUNK REMOVALS

www.times.co.nz

CARPET CLEANING

BUILDING

DON’T LEAVE YOUR HEAD UNDER THE BLANKET — IT’S SPRING Book your next carpet clean today.

A1 JUNK REMOVALS Your Junk, is our Business!

• New Builds • Alterations / Extensions • Renovations / Reclads • Decks

Chats and quotes are FREE

Household items | Garden waste General Rubbish | Property clean ups

• Bathrooms • All aspects of property maintenance • Seismic strengthening

Our emphasis is on quality and professionalism

PLUMBING

DE288956

022 678 5844 | a1junkremovals@outlook.co.nz

Email: admin@aladdincarpetcleaning.co.nz

aladdincarpetcleaning.co.nz

LAWN MAINTENANCE

BRADSHAW PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL

Registered IQP Certified Electricians

Phone 09 527 3053 or 09 268 1007 Terry 027 2922 708 or Alywn 0274 743 505 DE287389

DE288390-V2

• Lawn Mowing • Hedges & Pruning • Rubbish Removal • Odd Jobs • Garden Cleanouts • Gutter Cleaning

 NO JOB TOO SMALL

www.lawnrite.co.nz • 0800 101 216

KITCHENS

AMAZING KITCHEN FACELIFTS Get in before Christmas!

Just like you, your new kitchen keeps on giving… Life is a journey, best shared with friends and family. Our consultants are dedicated to helping you create the kitchen where you experience life’s finest moments. A kitchen feels like home, it’s a place where people are welcome; a place where you can be free to express your own personal style.

Kitchen Refacing and Renovating

Dream Doors can reimagine your kitchen with the seamless experience of replacing doors, drawer SECONDHAND FURNITURE fronts and benchtops. Choose from a range of high quality products and bring your vision of a beautiful kitchen to life. Talk to us about your FREE Design Consultation.

No job too big or too small! 24 hour Emergency service No call out fee if you mention this advert.

DE0447-v5



09 533 6956 DreamDoors.co.nz

Antiques, Linen, Bric-a-Brac and Clothing

DONATIONS WELCOME FREE Pick Up Service

021 130 7217 or 09 217 2217 supremeelectrical.co.nz

DE289015

Phone 09 533 6956 aucklandce@dreamdoors.co.nz

www.dreamdoors.co.nz

www.keithhunterbuilders.co.nz

Lawn Rite Looks After Your Lawns & Gardens

 Specialise in general plumbing/maintenance  Bathroom and kitchen alterations

FOR A QUOTE CONTACT:

Ph: 021 939 253 | E: keith@keithhunterbuilders.co.nz

DE274825

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

TILING

Surface Tiling Ltd TILING& WATERPROOFING SERVICES

FOR ALL YOUR TILING NEEDS

Secondhand FURNITURE Wanted!!! 9 Ben Lomond Cres Pakuranga. Ph 09 576 1507

DE0424-V3

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Rapid Onsite Fast Rubbish Removal

Property Group Ltd.

 Household Waste  Garden Waste  General Rubbish  Full Tree Work (Qualified Arborist)  Pruning and Full Removal  Stump Grinding

 0800 789 248

DE287411

New home – bathroom – kitchen renovations – patios – swimming pools – indoor/outdoor areas – stonelaying plus waterproofing and underfloor heating services. Trained and registered members of NZQA and Building & Construction Industry Training Organisation. All work is covered by their warranties. I am member of TANZ and qualified with BCITO tiling and waterproofing. Phone Tony 021 935 699 or a/hrs 09 533 5566 Email: tonythetiler@xtra.co.nz

www.surfacetiling.co.nz

DE0294-v2

DE288530-V3

Certified Builder & Licenced Building Practitioner

Call Michelle 09 537 4320

AERIALS

DY267902-v2

AIR CONDITIONING

Ph 09 537 4320

aladdincarpetcleaning.co.nz CARPET CLEANING, free quotes. Call Michelle on 09 537 4320

CARPET LAYING

APPLIANCE REPAIRS DE283234

CLEANING

COMPUTERS COMPUTER REPAIRS

James IT Solutions

0800 266 349 www.jamesit.co.nz

ELECTRICAL

CD263641

Local NZ Registered Electrician No job too big or too small! 24 hour Emergency service No call out fee if you mention this advert.



A1- ELECTRICAL NZ reg. Repairs- Installs- Rewires Phone Mark 021 959 439 Local and reliable service ELECTRICIAN Registered Electrical, Alarms, Ventolation, Hot Water. Ph Mark 027 495 4219

BARRATT-BOYES

ELECTRICAL Registered Electrician ALL ELECTRICAL WORK No job too small All work guaranteed Pensioner discount

DE268673-V3

FENCING & TRELLIS 535 6227 021 726697 Sam 027 4981810 Adrian

A.J. & S.J CONTRACTOR All fencing, decks, retaining walls, landscaping & more Competitive pricing Free Quotes

CD226123

Browse our digital papers online www.times.co.nz both current and past issues

DE288834

Contact Steve 021 949 168 www.bbe.co.nz

ODD JOBS W ayne’s Painti ng Ltd n REPAIRS Free quotes • Handyman services • Fence and deck repairs • Waterblasting – small to medium jobs • Painting – small to medium jobs Reliable, affordable and efficient service

gas and drainage • Hot water cylinders • Bathrooms, kitchens • New and repairs

All work guaranteed Over 35 years in area

Brett 534 3562 027 493 0181

• Lawn Mowing • Hedges & Pruning • Rubbish Removal • Odd Jobs • Garden Cleanouts • Gutter Cleaning

LANDSCAPES

Ph: 535 9155 thebehersings@xtra.co.nz

Silver Medal DESIGN Winner CONSTRUCTION Ellerslie MAINTENANCE Flowershow

Certifying Plumber

 Hot Water Cylinders  Bathroom/Kitchen Renovations  Roof Leaks  General Maintenance  All Work Guaranteed

535 1111 027 235 2517

BRADSHAW PLUMBING

 Specialise in general plumbing/maintenance  Bathroom and kitchen alterations  NO JOB TOO SMALL Phone 09 527 3053 or 09 268 1007 Terry 027 2922 708 or Alywn 0274 743 505

DE264603

ROOFING

www.lawnrite.co.nz • 0800 101 216

ROOFING repair service. 26 yrs exper. All work guaranteed. Ph 536-7173 or 0210-798-166

RUBBISH REMOVALS

SPOUTING AND ROOFING

CONTINUOUS SPOUTING IN 41 COLOURS OR COPPER No joins - No leaks - guaranteed

n Enhancing the look and value of your home n Made to measure on-site in Colorcote steel or Copper n All work guaranteed

LANDSCAPING

ADAM OXLEY

DE276820

Lawn Rite Looks After Your Lawns & Gardens

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

ALL YOUR lawnmowing needs, pensioner disc. Phone James 534 2639, mob 0272 372210 HOWICK Lawncare, ex Greenkeeper, large or small lawns, friendly reliable affordable. Phone Paul 027 5676 900 LOGAN’S Mowing, friendly & professional. Ph Logan 022 0144957 for free quote

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

PAINTING & DECORATING

PAINTER, Decorator, 32 years exp, quality work. Free Quotes. Phone/txt 027 4990 973

TRADIES... Just started out in business? Need a little help getting your name out there? We may be able to help you with print and digital options Phone the Classified Team today for options to suit your needs. 271 8052 - classifieds@times.co.nz

Ph Brett 533-0473 or 021-279-9118

Phone 09 532 9204 or 027 479 8942

Transit Traders Ltd

Hedge Trimming Tree Trimming Property Clean Ups Property Maintenance Ryan 021413587 www.cutback.co.nz All about

TREES

& STUMP GRINDING  Reducing  Thinning  Shaping  Full removal  Chipped onsite/removed  Good rates  Great refs  Free quotes

Ph Murray

Qualified Arborist

FOR SALE

534-7361, 292-8930 0274-767-746

We sell:

WATERBLASTING

Furniture • Household Goods Antiques • Quality Used Clothing

We accept donations of:

 Specialist waterblasting & housewashing, driveways, paths, decks & windows  Domestic & commercial  Low pressure bio-wash  Professional presentation

Call Nick 5374602 or 029 7700581

WINDOW CLEANING PROFESSIONAL window cleaning. Kevin Turner Ph 535 7321 or 027 496 9784

Good Used Furniture Household Goods • Clothing

9 Ben Lomond Cres

Open 6 Days

0800 677 467 Pick Up Service Available

WANTED TO RENT HOWICK, require 2 bdrm modern accom, semifurn. All exp included in rent. For mature working lady & son. Phone/text 021 02470755

RUBBISH REMOVAL

We do WINZ quotes

For a free quote contact Drewe Ph: 027 539 9851 or 0800 432 724 drewe@fasciaandspouting.co.nz www.fasciaandspouting.co.nz

GARDEN Household & General, also garden work & waterblasting. Fast, friendly service. Ph Peter 021 393384

Household, Garden Waste & General Rubbish Ph: 0800 789 248

TILING

TRADE SERVICES

LAWNCARE

Phone Ross 021 977 542

Hill• Certifying Plumbing plumbing,

LAWN MAINTENANCE

Amazing Kitchen Facelifts Is your kitchen looking tired?

All int/ext requirements, prompt service, 40 years experience, Registered Master Painter

www.allgoplumbing.co.nz

Ph Wayne 273 5052 mobile 021 305 127

KITCHENS

Terry’s

CYLINDER REPAIRS

Spouting, Hot Water Cylinder Repairs/Replacements, Drainage/Unblocking  ALL WORK HAS A WATER TIGHT GUARANTEE  WE RESPOND TO ALL CALLS! 24/7. Ph 09 534 5286

Interior & exterior Quality work at affordable prices

Stump Grinding Fully Insured Free Mulch

1ST FOR HOT WATER

LAWNCARE

Free quote call or text Brian 021 285 1153

DE275167-V3

MAINTENANCE & building repairs. Small jobs, showers etc. Qualified. Phone 576 7841 or 021 1481076

021 130 7217 09 217 2217

WALLPAPERING specialist. Strip, hang. Ph Andrew 027 4600048 or 5244 111

CD243734

Call: 09 533 6956

Retired builder available for smaller work.

CARPENTERS

Ph 0274 945 447 or 534 8404

aucklandce@dreamdoors.co.nz

BUILDER/ HANDYMAN Ph Alex 0274 813 448

HANDYMAN

Interior/Exterior painting, Wallpaper stripping, Plasterboard fixing/stopping, Residential/Commercial High quality workmanship Ph Vincent 5339658 021-135 3388

DE271314-v2

CATKIN

TILING

DE274460

Call Simon 021-0247-4706

PLUMBERS

John 027 492 0772

ALL TREE WORK

CD48042

• Decks • Bathrooms • Pergolas • Kitchens • Carports • On time Quality work Good price

HANDYMEN

A1 CHINESE PAINTERS

GA101040

SIMPLY RENOS

PLASTERBOARD stopping, old wallpaper walls to paint finish a speciality. Phone/txt 021 660774

 Home / Business  Fix all IT issues  Microsoft Certified  Cloud backup + data recovery, Networking, PC/Mac

CD263192

BUILDERS

PAINTER Int/Ext painting, high qual workmanship, plastering. Howick based. Phone Kenny on 021 897 445

DE286283

JENNY Cleaning. Home & office, regular & one off. Reliable & experienced. Ph 021 669908

BOBCATS & TRUCKS BOBCAT / Digger Excavations, driveways, landscaping, site clearing, rubbish removal, topsoil & metal supplies, truck hire. Phone Grant on 0274 758 468

TREES, hedges, garden work, w/blasting rubbish removal. Phone Peter 021 39 33 84

DE268840-V4

www.sos-appliance-repairs.co.nz

PLASTERERS

• Specialises in plumbing maintenance • Hot water cylinders • No job too small • Small roof jobs

CD140634

Servicing all major brands of whiteware appliances

Restretching No job too small We do it all!! Phone Terry 021 927 921

MP268165

NZ Registered Electrical Service Technician

GARDEN CARE

PAINTER/HANDYMAN, 40+yrs exp. Phone Muzza 027 6770294

BUYING

We purchase good quality house/flat and estate lots. Smaller lots also. Ask about our comprehensive clearout package. 25 years experience.

DE279274

576 1515

BRANCH MANAGER

WANTED TO BUY

KAK007

PHONE 021 369 881

PLUMBER

H3X019

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ADL PAVING & LANDSCAPING. Phone Adrian 027 603 1919 or a/hrs 537 2345

We will assemble for you!

CD261603-v3

DE271702-V4

PAINTER, experienced in int/ext, roof & plastering, free quotes. Phone Mark 022 666 6380

Flat pack specialists

& REPAIRS

Be Cool this summer, install a heat pump Sales | Installation | Service Phone 09 534 1244 or 027 534 1244 E: celsius@outlook.co.nz www.celsiusheating.co.nz

NEW decks, fences, timber/pool fencing, all repairs. Free quotes. Ph/txt John 021 023 69767

An experienced gentleman with years of experience in additions, renovations, wallpapering & painting etc. All other work considered also...

CARPET LAYING

HEATPUMP SERVICES

TREE SERVICES

CD262877

• Outlets • Home Theatre • Security Cameras • Lighting Phone Jack 532 8723 021 661 469

DE288596-v2

• Steam Carpet Cleaning • Dry Carpet Cleaning Quotes & Chats are FREE

TV AERIALS APPROVED TECHNICIAN

PLUMBERS

K54146

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

PAVING

DE284798

BOOKKEEPING Service simple solutions. Xero, MYOB, GST, PAYE. Sheryl 0212982786

FENCING & TRELLIS

DE288390

CARPET CARE

CD142804

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 19

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

CD227945

K58038

www.times.co.nz

Quality guaranteed Free Quote Waterproofing Best Prices Wall and floor Underfloor Heating David Yang 273 6566 or 021 1867 361 l l

CHURCH COMMUNITY

Book your classified advert now Phone 271 8052

TREE SERVICES DS Trees & Landscapes, all tree work & stumps, hedges, mulching, rubbish removal. Ph Doug 021 537 171 or 537 8595 GREENMAN Trees, Lawns, Garden. Free quotes. Friendly service Ph/txt 021 570 409 HARRIS Tree Services. Trees, hedges, palms, garden, trim, removal. Fast service. Ph Shane 021 876 541

MP286262

20 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Are you looking for a meeting or Workshop training venue? Do you need space for extended family gatherings? Has your hobby or exercise group outgrown your lounge? Are you looking for a venue to hold a birthday party, baby shower or reveal?

Howick War Memorial Building 91 Picton Street, Howick

Members to RSVP to manager@howickvillage.co.nz by Tuesday, 24 October, 2023

MP288710

www.hpapcommunityhouses.org.nz

(for registered members only)

PUBLIC NOTICES

Proposed revocation of reserve status over land at 2R Tī Rākau Drive, Pakūranga Pursuant to section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977, Auckland Council notifies its intention to revoke the reserve status over local purpose (utility) reserves and a recreation reserve described below. The land is situated at 2R Tī Rākau Dr, Pakūranga. The land surrounds Pakūranga Plaza. The reserves are largely used for car parking and as road. Council intends to revoke the reserve status to enable future divestment and development of the land as part of urban regeneration proposed for Pakūranga. A plan showing the areas of the reserve land to be revoked is available on Auckland Council’s website at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, search: public notices. Any person wishing to comment on or object to the proposed revocation may do so in writing by Tuesday, 21 November. Letters should be addressed to Auckland Council, Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142, Attention: Property Review team. Alternatively, you can email: PropertyReview@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Any information provided to the Council will become subject to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and may be released by the Council under that act. The Council may, at its discretion, publish or disclose all or part of any submission. Legal description Current reserve classification

Record of title

Lot 4 DP 55286