Times/EastLife - 20 March 2024

Water storage capacity boosted by 45m litres

Today the equivalent of 18 Olympic-sized swimming pools is being added to Auckland’s treated water storage capacity as a $60 million new reservoir goes into service.

The 45 million litre reservoir is the third at Watercare’s Redoubt Road Reservoir Complex, the city’s largest reservoir complex, in Totara Park.

The Redoubt Road Complex receives water from Ardmore and Waikato water treatment plants. Eighty per cent of Auckland’s treated water supply passes through the Redoubt Road Complex each day.

It takes the site’s overall storage capacity to 165 million litres - and increases the city’s overall treated water storage capacity to more than 700 million litres.

Watercare chief infrastructure officer Steve Webster says the reservoir will majorly support Auckland’s population growth. “Over the next two decades, Auckland’s

population is expected to grow by 29 per cent, taking the city’s current population of 1.7 million to more than two million people.”

Webster says the third reservoir will give Watercare greater flexibility in operating the site and more security over Auckland’s water supply. “The reservoir

provides us with an increased volume of water storage that we can draw on to maintain water supply for our customers in the event of an unplanned event such as a major power outage or natural disaster.

“The site can hold up to eight reservoirs, so as the city grows,

we have the space available to build further reservoirs at the site.”

The construction of the third Redoubt Road reservoir was completed in two stages over a 30-month period commencing in late 2021.

Earthworks for the site access road began in October 2021, and the construction of the reservoir –which required just over 8000m3 of concrete involved four large overnight concrete pours for the floor and six for the roof – started in mid 2022.

Watercare project manager

Martin Hughes says before giving the reservoir the green light, it underwent a number of checks and balances, including water tightness testing.

“Water tightness testing is a standard procedure used globally to confirm that water retaining structures are fit for purpose before they are brought into service.”

Ambridge aged-care facility opens

Experienced aged care providers, Ambridge Rose Group has officially opened its third dementia-care rest home for residential care.

“

The Beach House, located on Bucklands Beach, has undertaken a full renovation, which has seen the modest rest home transform into a high-quality secure dementia care facility for residents.

“We are wellversed in the unique needs of dementia residents and the support their families need.”

ALLAN SARGEANT

Owners Allan and Linda Sargeant said opening a third facility for dementia care reflected their dedication to providing a safe, comfortable and engaging environment for older people in east Auckland.

“We are dedicated to providing exceptional care for our aged residents and we are well-versed in the unique

needs of dementia residents and the support their families need,” said Allan.

“We know the importance of creating memories and fun activities to help every resident live their best life so we offer a range of activities and menus tailored to the our res-

ident’s preferences. “The team at The Beach House has undergone specialised training to ensure the wellbeing and quality of life for every resident in our care and our facility is fully equipped to create a secure and supportive environment for their care.” Featuring 20 newly-renovated bedrooms, communal dining, lounge and sunroom overlooking the water, the fully-fenced facility brings families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are being cared for in a safe and secure environment. Linda said one specialist dementia feature people often comment on is the ‘never-ending footpath’, which provides a stable, con-

nected pathway for residents to exercise and explore. “We know many people living with dementia are constantly on the move, so having a footpath that is connected at each end allows residents to wander safely and encourages exercise,” said Linda.

The Beach House is the third dementia care rest home owned and operated by Ambridge Rose Group, joining The Cottage in Botany Downs, and The Villa in nearby Pakuranga.

Their private hospital and rest home, The Manor, is also based in Pakuranga and caters for all aged care residents with an array of healthcare needs.

To find out more, visit www. ambridgerose.co.nz.

CLASSY CRAFTS IS BACK

Watercare project manager Martin Hughes inside the third reservoir at the Redoubt Road Reservoir Complex.

Left: Faye Williams’ crafts beaded jewellery are of a high standard. Right: Angela Hsich with her gorgeous guinea pigs.

Police officers injured in crash on busy road

„

TCHRIS HARROWELL

wo police officers were hospitalised after being injured in a vehicle crash in east Auckland.

The incident happened on Pakuranga Road near an entrance to Lloyd Elsmore Park on March 12.

A photo posted to social media and shared with the Times showed the front of the police Skoda station wagon smashed with pieces of the vehicle lying on the road in front of it.

The person who posted the photo on social media said other police vehicles and St John Ambulance was also at the scene at about 9.15am.

Counties Manukau East Police area commander, Inspector Rod Honan, says one person sustained minor injuries following the crash.

“Just before 9am, a police unit was travelling along Pakuranga Road. Around this time a member of the public’s vehicle has made a turn across the road and collided with the

patrol car. One of the occupants has sustained minor injuries in the crash and has received medical treatment.

“Two police staff have also been transported to hospital with minor injuries as a precaution. An investigation will now commence into the circumstances of the crash and police have spoken with witnesses at the scene.”

Honan says anyone who witnessed the crash, and has not yet spoken to police, is asked to contact 105 quoting reference number P058068735.

The road was cleared and the vehicles involved were

towed away for further enquiries.

Meanwhile, four people who tried to evade police during an incident in rural east Auckland were caught and taken into custody. The incident unfolded in Clevedon at about 1.30pm on March 11 when police were alerted to a stolen vehicle along Clevedon Road.

Counties Manukau East

Police area prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says the police’s Eagle helicopter was able to quickly locate the vehicle and provide commentary to staff on the ground.

“The vehicle has continued

travelling through Clevedon to Maraetai and into Whitford at excessive speeds while overtaking traffic through road works. Staff have successfully spiked the vehicle just prior to Whitford town centre and four occupants were taken into custody without incident.”

Cook says people who choose to drive dangerously are putting themselves and other members of the public at risk of serious injury or death.

“Drivers who are considering fleeing from police really need to think about their actions and think hard before they put themselves, their friends and innocent people in jeopardy.

“Police will continue to take decisive action where we can so as to ensure the safety of other road users.”

Cook says a 19-year-old male will appear in the Manukau District Court on March 19 charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Three others, aged 14, 13 and 11, have been referred to youth services.

‘MAD COW’ BLOOD DONATION RULE IN NZ HAS CHANGED

The ‘mad cow’ blood donation rule has finally changed, meaning those who lived in in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland or France between 1980 and 1996 for six months or more may now be able to donate blood or plasma in New Zealand.

“New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) is thrilled to welcome these donors into its lifesaving community and hoping to see an increase in blood and plasma donors in the east Auckland area,” a spokesperson said.

Howick is the home of the monthly east Auckland plasma mobile drive, which needs at least 55 new donors every month to meet patient demand for plasma.

The demand for plasma in New Zealand is growing by 10 per cent every year. Known as ‘liquid gold’, plasma is used to make 11 lifesaving treatments. These treatments are used to help cancer patients, trauma and burn victims, pregnant women and those with blood-clotting issues.

However, the ever-increasing demand is largely driven by a growing number of people living with autoimmune disorders and ongoing health conditions who need plasma products every single week, for the rest of their lives. Every week, 940 plasma donations are needed to help patients in the Auckland region.

The police car was involved in a crash on Pakuranga Road on March 12.

Photo supplied Rose Clark

Embrace Life in Clevedon’s Premier Community

Discover Conmara Estate, a remarkable 56 lot residential development nestled within the vibrant and growing rural community of Clevedon. Set amidst the picturesque landscapes of horse and farming country, Conmara Estate offers a unique opportunity to experience the charm of countryside living while enjoying the convenience of modern amenities.

Connected by scenic bridle and walking paths, Conmara Estate merges with the natural beauty of Clevedon. Immerse yourself as you explore the pathways, meandering along the banks of the Wairoa River and Taitaia Stream. Situated just a short 20-minute drive from the Manurewa Motorway Access, Conmara Estate provides seamless connectivity to the bustling city centre, placing urban conveniences within easy reach while allowing you to retreat to the serenity of Clevedon. Map Key

Motorists set to be squeezed by fuel tax, rego fee hikes

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

The coalition Government plans to increase fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees, despite having campaigned last year on tackling the cost of living crisis.

Transport Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown released the draft Government policy statement on land transport on March 4.

“Over the next three years, our investment of around $7 billion per year prioritises economic growth and productivity, increased maintenance and resilience, safety, and value for money,” he says.

“It balances the need for investing in new projects, while ensuring our transport system is maintained to a high standard.”

To balance its transport budget, the Government is proposing an increase to the motor vehicle licensing fee by $25 in January,

2025, and a further $25 in January, 2026. And it plans to increase fuel taxes. “We will also provide a Crown grant of $3.1b, a Crown loan of $3.1b, and a 12 cent, 6 cent, and annual ongoing 4 cent per litre increase in fuel excise duty (FED) and road user charges (RUC) equivalent in January 2027, 2028, and 2029, respectively,” Brown says.

“We will not be raising FED and RUC this term.”

During last year’s general election campaign, National Party MPs frequently criticised the previous Labour Government for its spending of taxpayers’ money, which they said contributed to a rise in inflation and the cost of living crisis.

Earlier this year Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon said the Government will axe the Auckland regional fuel tax, which increased the price of fuel by 11.5 cents a litre.

“We are determined to reduce

the cost of living for hardworking New Zealanders, and this will go some way to easing the pressure on them,” he said at the time.

Brown says the Government is delivering on its coalition agreement commitments by re-introducing the Roads of National Significance programme, with 15 projects included.

The two projects in Auckland are Mill Road and the East West Link.

The draft Government policy statement commits up to $2.3b for public transport services and $2.1b for public transport infrastructure over the next three years. “Delivering reliable, effective, and efficient public transport is a priority, particularly in our main cities of Auckland and Wellington,” Brown says.

The draft policy statement increases road maintenance funding by $640 million.

Brown says potholes have become increasingly apparent on

the country’s roads in the past five years.

“To address this, we have established new State Highway and Local Road Pothole Prevention Activity Classes.

“These activity classes will direct between $3.1b and $4.8b to address potholes on state highways and local roads.

“Road safety is a responsibility we all share. There will be a stronger focus on road policing and enforcement, investing in new and safe roading infrastructure, and targeting the leading contributors to fatal crashes.”

Following Brown’s announcement on March 4, Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins said the Government’s move to raise fuel taxes in the second term was a broken campaign promise.

“Christopher Luxon made the cost of living his number-one election commitment.

“He said they weren’t going to be introducing any new taxes.

Property values rose in almost three-fifths (58.7 per cent) of New Zealand suburbs – including some east Auckland localities – over the past three months, illustrating the slow and steady spread of the country’s market recovery.

CoreLogic’s NZ’s interactive Mapping the Market tool reveals 549 of the 935 suburbs analysed saw an uptick in median estimated property values in the three months to March. Of the 386 suburbs in decline, only 152 saw falls of one per cent or more since December. CoreLogic NZ chief property economist Kelvin Davidson highlighted over the three months to March there were 103 suburbs which saw

value gains of at least two per cent, with seven up by five per cent or more. “Four out of the seven fast-riser suburbs currently have median values under $500k. They are Blaketown and Cobden in Grey District, Patea in South Taranaki, and Wellington

Central,” he said.

Over the year to March, 27 areas saw values increase by at least five per cent, with 10 of those in Auckland, seven in Wellington, and five in Queenstown.

“Queenstown continues to demonstrate market resilience,

Achieving ‘SOLD’

Leverage the readership of Howick and Pakuranga Times, both online and in print, to engage with local buyers. Reach out to us or your real estate agent to discuss print and digital advertising options. Together, let’s achieve that ‘SOLD’ sign.

with growth in Sunshine Bay (10.6 per cent) a standout example,” Davidson said.

“The presence of Grey District in these lists illustrates its affordable starting point, while Auckland and Wellington fell quickly, so perhaps have more headroom to recover too.”

AUCKLAND

Over the past 12 months, 52 per cent of Auckland suburbs have seen values rise, and 10 of those have seen increases of at least five per cent – including Fairview Heights [North Shore], Somerville, Northpark, Pinehill [East Coast Bays], and East Tamaki.

Herne Bay remains Auckland’s most expensive market

He said they weren’t going to be increasing fuel taxes. In fact they’re doing both of those things.”

The draft Government policy statement on land transport is available online at www.transport.govt.nz.

Consultation closes on April 2.

Housing recovery spreads to much of NZ

with a median value of $3.31 million. Manukau and Auckland Central are the most affordable both with median values less than $600,000. Davidson said the data confirms that the recovery phase is spreading to more parts of the country, as mortgage rates top out, employment continues to rise, migration remains high and credit conditions ease. But the trend is not nationwide yet.

“This only reiterates the view that the market’s recovery is unlikely to be a straight line from month to month, or region to region. With mortgage rates still high and affordability stretched in many areas, an underwhelming upturn remains on the cards for 2024,” Davidson said.

Over the past 12 months, 52 per cent of Auckland suburbs have seen values rise, and 10 of those have seen increases of at least ve per cent.

Fuel taxes will start rising from January, 2027. Times le photo

Govt sets health targets to deliver quality, reliability

As part of its commitment to bettering the lives of all New Zealanders, the Coalition Government recently announced five new health targets to ensure our health system provides quality healthcare for Kiwis.

In recent years, our health system has struggled to keep up with demand, with the previous Labour Government unwilling to take real action to fix the problem.

National believes it has long been the right of all Kiwis to receive easy access to quality public healthcare, and we’ve shown in the past that setting proper targets for the health sector brings wait times down and ensures more people receive the care they need.

Our first health target is to see at least 90 per cent of patients receiving cancer management within 31 days of the decision to treat. Too many Kiwis receive their cancer diagnosis and then wait months for further action to be taken, which is simply not good enough in a country like New Zealand.

Our second target is to fully immunise 95 per cent of Kiwi kids by the time they turn two-yearsold, to protect them from common afflictions with proven vaccines.

The number currently stands at 81 per cent, well behind other countries with equivalent econo-

MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown

mies and health systems, and we must make more of an effort to keep our children healthy and safe.

This goal will be supported by the $50 million package we announced previously to help Māori health providers lift immunisation rates.

Our third target involves wait times in emergency departments, where we want to see 95 per cent of patients admitted, discharged, or transferred from an ED for specialised treatment within six hours of arriving. It is a huge failing of our health system that people have had to wait longer than that while sick or in pain, and we are committed to doing better.

The fourth target we have set involves specialist treatment, where again too many Kiwis wait too long for just their first specialist assessment.

Enjoy morning tea at our place this Thursday & Friday

We’re hosting morning tea at our Open Days so why not come and enjoy our hospitality!

While you’re here view our sunny apartments and villas offering:

• Open-plan kitchen, dining, living room

• Heat pump and appliances

• Non-slip tiles and walk-in shower

• Free village shopping van

• Full security 24/7 call buttons

• Parking, garage and storage options

• Leisure facilities, dining and lounge onsite.

Live independently with the freedom to come and go as you please. Our apartments can become serviced apartments for you at any time.

Call Sylvie anytime on 027 314 5767 or email sylvie.borrett@realliving.co.nz

We want to bring that wait time down to less than four months for 95 per cent of patients, to ensure you get seen sooner and can begin a specialised treatment plan more quickly.

As it stands now, only 66 per cent of patients waiting for a specialist assessment are seen within that timeframe, a dire statistic.

Our final target is to see 95 per cent of patients waiting less than four months for elective treatment. While this type of treatment may not be urgent, it is nevertheless important to ensure people aren’t waiting 6+ months to get the care they need.

We won’t pretend these goals aren’t ambitious and challenging to achieve, or that it wasn’t difficult for the previous Government to make progress as well.

But we won’t sit idly by while things get worse, blaming factors outside of our control. Setting effective health targets, and reporting on them publicly, helps us identify where there are problems, allowing us to take action to improve things.

National is committed to improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders and the setting of these new targets is an important step.



Simeon Brown, Member of ParliamentforPakuranga

Last years’ Eggstravaganza in full ow!

EGGSTRAVAGANZA RETURNS FOR EASTER

The Easter Eggstravaganza is returning in 2024 to the East City Wesleyan Church Centre.

This year’s event at 219 Burswood Drive, off Ti Rakau Drive is running in the week before Easter on Saturday, March 23, from 10am - midday. The Easter Eggstravaganza follows on from the Christmas in Burswood event, part of East City Wesleyan’s commitment to offer free community events that celebrate the key Christian festivals. KidsConnect pastor, Rev Lauren Millington, says the event will provide a range of fun family activities alongside the significance of Easter in the Christian calendar.

“There will be plenty of activities including food, bouncy castle, games, crafts and lots of prizes. We’ll also be retelling the Easter story in a creative way. We’re excited

to be welcoming families back to the Eggstravaganza in 2024,” says lead pastor Rev Brett Jones.

The Eggstravaganza kicks off East City Wesleyan’s celebration of Easter which includes a Good Friday service “Four Trees” on March 29 at 6.30pm and a family-friendly Easter Sunday service “There’s Someone in My Garden!” on March 31 at 10am. “Our Easter services will be creative and engaging with something for everyone. Our Good Friday service will offer a contemplative, reflective space,” Jones says.

“Easter Sunday will be an all-age celebration of Easter. We’re an all-age church with people from a variety of backgrounds so it suits us to keep things fresh.”

All are welcome to join in the festivities.

March 21 & 22

10am-1pm

With coffee, scones and cream!

6 Lodge Lane, Pakuranga. realliving.co.nz

MYSTERY OVER MISSING PLAQUE

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

Abronze plaque installed to commemorate Howick’s 175th anniversary has gone missing from a public park.

It was attached to a low plinth in Picton Street’s Fencible Walk Park and unveiled by Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown at a community event on November 17, 2022.

The plaque’s inscription notes the arrival of the Fencible families who sailed from Britain to Auckland in the “hope of creating a secure and prosperous future for themselves and their descendents”.

Its disappearance was raised by a person who posted a photo of its now bare plinth to a Facebook community page, saying she’d noticed it missing during her walk in the area.

Former Paper Plus Howick store owner Katie Treneman, who served as the 175 committee’s treasurer, says she saw a post online about the plaque

being missing and was then contacted about it by Howick Village Association (HVA) manager Jane Newbury.

“The committee was looking at how we were going to commemorate the event and we wanted to leave some sort of permanent symbol in the village of the fact we had 175 years since the Fencibles arrived,” Treneman says of

the plaque.

“We thought Fencible Walk Park was the ideal area and it was a memento of celebrations and the milestone that had been reached.”

She says the damage caused to the plinth during the plaque’s theft is “ugly”.

“We’re devastated. We can’t just leave it looking like that.

The committee is disbanded and there’s no money in the coffers to fix this.

“It’s really disappointing and it was a beautiful plaque.”

Treneman appeals for whoever took the plaque, or who has it now, to return it.

“It’s for the community to enjoy and be aware of and it is part of our heritage.

“We envisaged it would be in the park for everyone to enjoy for years to come.

“It’s meant to have tamper-proof screws so whoever’s done it has gone to some effort.

“It’s a nice bronze plaque for the community that’s worth thousands of dollars.”

Howick Police community services supervisor, sergeant Brett Meale, says the plaque may have been stolen to sell for scrap.

“You’d like to think any scrap dealers would adhere to the legislation and be aware it is not scrap metal, with the information that’s on it about the 175th anniversary, and they have to record who’s sold it to them.”

He says the person who has the plaque can drop it off anonymously to the Howick Police station, at 76 Cook Street.

HVA chairperson Gerald Patterson says the association endorses disappointment felt by the 175 committee and hopes whoever stole the plaque is identified and dealt with.

Marcel Morgan, manager area operations Howick and Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Boards: says: “Auckland Council is working closely with the Howick Village Association, who believes the plaque was stolen on the evening of March 11.

“If anyone has any information about the missing plaque we encourage them to contact NZ Police.”

The Times also contacted Luxon’s and Brown’s offices in Wellington for comment but did not receive a response.

People who know who removed the plaque from Fencible Walk Park, or its current whereabouts, can phone police on 105.

Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon, left, and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown unveiled the plaque in November, 2022. Times file photo Wayne Martin

Anyone who provides lodging or ride-sharing services through an online marketplace in New Zealand, such as Airbnb or Uber, will be affected by new Goods and Services Tax (GST) changes starting April 1 this year.

With the National Party having promised to repeal the platform economy GST rules (the so-called “app tax”), it came as a surprise to many when late last year the incoming coalition Government indicated they wouldn’t repeal the “app tax”.

What is the new legislation?

Service providers are presently exempt from GST if their turnover is below the $60,000 GST registration threshold.

However, the new legislation coming into effect on April 1 mandates GST on accommodation and transport services facilitated through electronic marketplaces, regardless of the GST registration status of the property owner or driver.

The legislation introduces a new category of services called ‘listed services’, encompassing commercial, short-stay, and visitor accommodations (like Airbnb and Bookabach), as well as ride-share

and food/beverage delivery services (such as Uber and Ola).

What You Need to Know:

GST on Digital Platforms:

• Platforms will become responsible for charging GST on services offered, even for providers earning under the $60,000 threshold.

• This move aims to integrate the gig economy more effectively into the GST framework.

Opting Out Options:

Large operators, such as hotels and those with over 2,000 nights annually can opt out of these rules provided they meet certain criteria. This allows them to continue handling GST on the full value of services rendered.

Impacts on Accommodation

Providers:

Providers not registered for GST will see platforms charge 15 per cent GST on services on or after April 1 (even if the accommodation provider earns well under the $60,000 per year GST threshold from the accommodation).

The 15 per cent GST charged by the platform will be split, with

6.5 per cent of the GST being paid to Inland Revenue and the remaining 8.5 per cent of the GST charged being paid to the accommodation provider by the platform as a “flat-rate credit”.

GST-registered providers must zero-rate supplies to platforms unless opting out.

The property’s GST status remains unaffected.

Providers already registered for GST will be required to charge

GST on the nightly rental (and any other fees charged) on each booking made through their platform on or after April 1. If this occurs the GST registered accommodation provider must zero-rate their deemed supplies to the platform. Many operators who earn over $500,000 are expected to opt out of the platform rules and continue to account for and pay GST themselves.

Transitional Repayment Rule:

A new rule offers a window until April 1, 2025, for property owners to potentially remove their property from the GST regime under certain conditions, focusing on those primarily used for private purposes.

• This is particularly relevant for property owners who rent out their property for short periods (e.g., a few months each year) but primarily use it for personal purposes.

Action Steps:

Providers and platforms must adapt to these changes through system updates and revised processes. It’s essential to review your current GST status and consider the implications of these changes on your operations. For large operators and those with specific circumstances, exploring the opt-out provisions may provide a preferable course of action.

For more information and assistance, please contact team today.

Kinghans + Louw & Co

2/22 Picton St, Howick

Phone 09 533 8420

www.kinghans.co

your local accounting company

Xero can transform your construction business

• Quote and invoice on the go

SWITCH TO XERO WITH US

• Check on your cash flow any time

• Simply track jobs, costs and profitability

Get in touch with us today to start a free trial.

The team at Kinghans + Louw & Co – Sabera, Riz, Glenn, Andy, Mahitab, David, Trudy and Jacqui. Times Photo Wayne Martin

‘Eventually there’s going to be more rubbish than grass’

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

The amount of rubbish Dave Upfold removed from a short stretch of an east Auckland road in just 60 seconds is gobsmacking.

To highlight a growing problem in the local community the well-known Pakuranga resident recently donned gloves and a high-vis vest before filling a black rubbish bag with litter plucked from a traffic island near the intersection of Pakuranga Road and Ti Rakau Drive.

Into the bag went steel drink cans, glass bottles, a vehicle’s plastic wheel cover, a full bottle of flavoured milk, broken pieces from a vehicle’s exterior, part of a store’s sign, cardboard, an empty KFC chip box, and more.

Upfold says he sees people throw litter out of their vehicle while driving around east Auckland “all the time”.

“It’s all hidden,” he says of the roadside litter. “What you can’t see, people don’t care about, but it’s still creating a problem with rubbish.

“Eventually there’s going to be

more rubbish than grass and it’s all hidden because the grass is three-feet high.”

If Upfold sees people throw litter out of their vehicle as he’s driving around the community he honks his vehicle’s horn at

them.

“I think it’s got to the stage where people buy a takeaway on their way home, they eat it and when they’re finished the box gets bombed into the verge when they stop their car,” he says.

Illegal littering and rubbish dumping is potentially being exacerbated by Auckland Council removing more than 150 rubbish bins from reserves and other public spaces in the Howick Local Board area.

As the Times recently reported, the move has been met by a loud backlash from angry residents who say it’ll make it harder to dispose of waste including dog faeces.

Council general manager parks and community facilities

Taryn Crewe previously said the organisation has about 10,000 rubbish bins across the city.

A large portion of them are “underutilised” and contain little to no rubbish when being emptied, she said.

“Accordingly, the council has undertaken a rationalisation exercise as part of the annual budget savings target, aiming for a 30 per cent reduction in the number of bins currently located across the region.”

Upfold says the council removing so many bins won’t help keep the area tidy.

“That’s the problem. Nobody’s

done their research. We can save money and everyone says, ‘well great, but it’s going to cost us double to clean it up’.”

He encourages locals to adopt a spot in their neighbourhood and try to keep it clean and free of litter.

“If I can fill a rubbish bag in 60 seconds, we’re asking people to give up 15 minutes of their day once a year and 20 of us will have this whole street cleaned from Pakuranga Plaza to Panmure.

“We’ll be able to fill five rubbish bags.”

And he has a message to those who think it’s okay to throw their rubbish onto the ground for someone else to clean up.

“You’re living in the wrong country. It’s time to move.

“In this place 20 years ago you wouldn’t have seen that [all the litter he collected] and look at it today.

“It’s simply a lack of leadership right from the top, getting rid of bins and people are saying we’re paying for something we’re not getting.

“It boils down to getting rid of the rubbish bins.”

Dave Upfold is pitching in to help keep his part of Pakuranga tidy. Times photo Wayne Martin

The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay celebrated a milestone on March 11 when they were again host for the 26th year of its charity event at the Pakuranga Golf Club.

Stephen Glading, who’s part of the charity golf organising team, has assisted with most of the events.

“The 26 years has gone very quickly, and we have had so much fun organising and executing them year after year it has become like a well-oiled machine. We are now back to pre-covid events attracting 38 teams.”

The Annual Charity Ambrose Golf Day has been supported by two principal sponsors Continental Cars Audi and AA Business Solutions for over 10 years. All holes were also sponsored by many local businesses such as Airey, Foodtech, RSM and Team

Raos, again for over 10 years. This year’s principal beneficiary is the Rising Foundation who have been working alongside the Rotary Club to assist with the organisation of the event. “Over the years many local charities have benefitted from the generosity of the attendees and sponsors of the Golf Day and that

is one of the reasons we continue to host it”, added Stephen.

The Rising Foundation was founded in 2009 and operates a five-to-seven-year voluntary programme to assist young people in high school and beyond. These young people are supported until they are successful in tertiary education or employment.

New pitch for Fencibles

Fencibles United AFC is this week celebrating a new facility at its home ground at Riverhills.

The Eastern Busway project team and Fencibles United AFC and guests staged an opening celebration to mark the completion of the new pitch at Riverhills Park yesterday afternoon.

A friendly match was played on

the new pitch yesterday. The new pitch has come out of a collaboration between the AT Eastern Busway project team, Fencibles United and Auckland Council to improve the sports field and walking paths in Riverhills Park. The busway project team saw an opportunity to enhance the park for the local community

BARLOW NABS

WOMEN’S U18 DOUBLE

Imogen Barlow (Pakuranga Athletic Club) has made her mark in the national women’s U18 division adding the 1500m crown (4:36.27) to the 3000m title she grabbed on Thursday in a personal best of 9:58.23. She also won bronze in the U18 800m.

FREE GENERAL COUNSELLING

The CAB offers free confidential, empathetic and non-judgmental online and face-to-face counselling to help people deal with challenges including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationships, stress, sexuality and more. Sessions are client-led and struc-

alongside the new Gossamer Station for the Eastern Busway. The turf installed is the first of its kind in New Zealand and has been used by the Matildas at their home base (State Football Centre, Bundoora, Victoria) during their World Cup campaign in Australia last year and is also used on FIFA’s three pitches in Zurich.

Charity golf day now 26 years old NEWSBITES

tured to individual needs. Adults (16+) of all genders, cultures and abilities are welcome. No couples counselling available at this time, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To book contact Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga, call or text WhatsApp 028 438 2188 or phone 09 576 8331/Botany 09 271 5382. Email enquiries.pakuranga@cab.org.nz

All smiles, from left Don Mann, from the charity the Rising Foundation with Marie Raos and president Martin Duffy of the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay.

PIC Insurance (the winners Jerome Mitchell, Finn Mason and Jeff Cooper) with Indie Assessing. Photos supplied

HOMESTAY CO-ORDINATOR

We are seeking an enthusiastic, vibrant, self-motivated Homestay Coordinator who is keen to support our growing base of International Students.

This position is 20 hours per week, term time only with additional hours at peak times to meet the expectations of the job description.

See website for full job description and application forms.

Email employment@sanctamaria.school.nz

Applications close 4pm, Thursday, 4 April. DE290570

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EVENTS COORDINATOR

St Columba Presbyterian Church 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany

Would you like to be part of St Columba’s vision to be a community hub for the Botany area?

We are aiming to strengthen and extend connections between our Church and the local community, and are looking for an energetic, creative, and outgoing person to lead these efforts.

The Outreach Coordinator will build on existing relationships between our faith community and the various community groups who use our facilities. The Outreach Coordinator will also be responsible for forging new connections under the direction of the St Columba Executive and Senior Minister to initiate, promote, and support community facing activities at St Columba.

This is a part-time position for 12 hours a week, with flexibility as to how these hours are divided up during the week. There is also scope for some remote working, although we envisage that most of these hours will be spent in the office.

SOLUTIONS

SITUATIONS VACANT

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 31 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-v3

For a full job description, please contact our office administrator at admin@stcolumba.org.nz MP290554

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.

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:

Friday, 22 March 2024

QUICK NO. 8151

Across – 1, Corvette. 6, Brat. 8, Scar. 9, Ancestry. 10, Drain. 11, Allude. 13, Twitch. 15, Garnet. 17, Kipper. 19, Scope. 22, Sportive. 23, Veal. 24, Eros. 25, Hilarity.

Down – 2, Occur. 3, Verdict. 4, Tray. 5, Exchange. 6, Basil. 7, Abridge. 12, Churlish. 14, Whimper. 16, Recover. 18, Paris. 20, Plait. 21, Dell.

CRYPTIC NO. 8151

Across – 1,A-ssem-ble.

6, A-dd-s. 8, Wood. 9, Bad score. 10, C-lare. 11, Nat-I’ve. 13, Freeze. 15, Excess (XS). 17, Stel-lA. 19, Punch. 22, Meant-I-me. 23, So-on. 24, Star. 25, Moles-Ted.

Down – 2, Stool (rev.). 3, End-or-se. 4, BA-be. 5, End-anger. 6, Ascot. 7, Derives (anag.). 12, Geranium (anag.). 14, Retreat. 16, Courses. 18, Lin-er (rev.). 20, C-love. 21, We’ll.

FILL IN BLANKS NO. 131

 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

Howick Presbyterian Church 11 Vincent Street, Howick 1.00-1.05pm – Welcome 1.05-1.45pm – Speaker from Fire & Emergency

1.45-2.00pm – Refreshments

2.00-3.00pm – James Duncan –Our golden history of trams

All Welcome!

Bring a friend!

Grey Power

DE290604

Easter and Jesus

Easter eggs, hot cross buns and an old, rugged Cross seem to have little in common.

Most of us have different rhythms to our lives. Some would have engaged with Lent. Some might have worked harder in the gym, at school, at work, at play.

However we have spent our days leading up to Easter or Passover weekend, all of us would have been aware that a long weekend is coming up.

For some of us it is just free time to do as we please. For the retail people it will be a very busy time coming up.

For Christians it is a significant time in our faith journey. It is more than just a few days off. It is more than a fleeting memory of a Man who died on an old, rugged Cross.

It is worth remembering, as He hung on that Cross, He uttered these heart-wrenching words “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

He was taunted, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:35,39) - Christ, coming from the Greek word Christos, meaning ‘anointed one’ or Messiah, from the Hebrew word, meaning Saviour.

So, on Holy Friday, leading up to Resurrection Sunday, let us remember, Jesus Christ, our Messiah, who refused to save Himself from an old rugged Cross, so that we can live a reconciled life with God, our Creator.

Keep the faith!

Brigitte Crowe

Lead Pastor: Howick Community Church

Thursday,

Maundy

Friday,

Good

Sunday,

Easter

Howick Community Church

Easter with HCC:

Easter with HCC:

Friday 29 March 2024

9am – Good Friday Service

2024

For Christians, the Saviour, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, died for us. He made a redemptive sacrifice so that we can be reconciled with our Creator. It is worth remembering that Jesus died for all people, not just the Jews. It is worth recalling that He took our sins and transgressions with Him to the cross. It is worth exploring His teachings on service, loyalty, love and repentance. His teachings had upset people then, as it does now.

MAUNDY THURSDAY – MARCH 28 7pm Washing of the Feet

GOOD FRIDAY – MARCH 29

10am Celebration of Christ’s Passion

EASTER SUNDAY – MARCH 31 9:30am Holy Communion

10am - Easter Sunday Service

Sunday 31 March 2024

10am – Easter Sunday Service

120 Picton Street, Howick

In His deepest suffering, Jesus expressed loving concern for others (Matthew 27:32-55) - the women of Jerusalem and the thieves hanging beside Him.

120 Picton Street, Howick

www.hcc.co.nz or phone 538 0050

www.hcc.co.nz or phone 538 0050

Everyonemostwelcome. 141 Chapel Road, Flat Bush.

Rev Warner Wilder Ph 021 548 407 warnerwilder30@gmail.com

Holy Saturday

Saturday, March 30

Confessions 10-11am

Easter Vigil – Blessing of Fire and First Mass of Easter 7.00pm

Easter Sunday

Sunday, March 31

Mass 9.00am NO 5.30pm Mass

Photo Wayne Martin

Continued from page 13.

Walking through the meandering pathways, bubbling brooks, lush gardens punctuated with breathtaking views and lookout points, makes one realise that a twenty-minute ride from Howick to this serene sanctuary is just what the doctor ordered. It’s the elixir of life that we’ve all been looking for.

As you soak in the serenity and tranquil environs that help you unwind, you notice the lineup of specialist plant growers who’ve arrived from different parts of country to be a part of the annual fair. They are selling rare, top-quality plants.

Jacqueline McConnell, daughter of the first lady of horticulture who has put east Auckland on the world map (by magically transforming bare paddocks to 16 acres of Ayrlies Garden with 36 acres of wetlands) says they couldn’t have organised the two-day fair without the help of dedicated volunteers.

The serious plant buyers made their way on Friday morning despite the rain, while other visitors found the perfect weather on the following day, with lots of sunshine and sheer beauty of nature to bask in.

We tend to have great faith in our pets’ navigational abilities. The sad reality is that this is more the exception than the rule. Most pets have the same sense of direction that we have, without the help of Google maps ... they get completely lost!

This is the reason why veterinarians strongly advise you to have your pets microchipped and to do so when they come in for their puppy or kitten vaccinations. Most lost pets will eventually be found but if they do not have a microchip, they cannot be uniquely identified and returned to their loving homes. Beware, collars are not a fail proof way of identifying your pet as they can easily get separated from your pet. Animal shelters are sadly filled with pets that have lost their way and their collars!

A microchip is about the size of a rice kernel and contains a unique barcode that gets registered on a public database. It gets injected under the skin over the shoulder area. It does not give your pet superpowers or access to bank safes. It is also not

We’ve watched Homeward Bound and heard stories of pets crossing mountains and deserts to get back home. But not all pets are made equal, says Adri Rossouw of True Vets.

a tracking device, but it does provide lifelong identification.

If you are also interested in tracking the exact whereabouts of your pet, you can invest in an Airtag that can be fastened to their collar. These nifty devices not only assist you in finding your lost luggage at a busy airport, but it can also help you track your dog in the park. It must be mentioned that although handy, an Airtag cannot replace a microchip though as it gets attached to the collar or harness and can easily fall off.

The take home message is that all cats and dogs should have a microchip to ensure that they can find their way home.

Photos Wayne Martin

Beverley McConnell with daughters Nancy and Jacqueline.

EASY EASTER CRAFTS

Has Easter caught you on the hop? If so, while you are busy shopping Easter goodies at local stores in Howick, we have some tips to help children exercise a little creativity and have fun as they get crafty with eggs and rabbits!

PAINTING EGGS is an old favourite that can easily go awry often producing more mess than decoration. Raw eggs can be used but this requires removing their insides, using a small drill and bulb syringe, before (carefully!) washing and drying the fragile empty shells.

Luckily, there is an easier way, one that’s less likely to see children and adults end up with egg on their faces – hard boil eggs, leave them to cool, job (almost) done! Paint, felt pens and stickers can all help little imaginations shine, and cooking the eggs ensures there’s less chance artful designs will go off the boil.

PAPER RABBITS are also easy to make. White paper or plastic cups (or cups painted white) form the basis for these bunnies. Long ovals cut from light, coloured cardboard form the insides and outsides of the ears while a strawberry shape makes a delightful button nose.

After some finishing touches little imaginations can run wild and to their little hearts’ content providing extra decorations. Then these dapper rabbits will be ready to roll – well, they can’t hop, obviously!

GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH

With over 100,000 Kiwis having glaucoma, over half of them don’t realise they have it, says Kristine Jensen, owner of Eyes of Howick.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in New Zealand. It always amazes me how much vision a patient has to lose before they notice any issue.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Eye disease leading to optic nerve damage, glaucoma usually leads to a slow, painless and irreversible loss of peripheral vision. If untreated, only a small island of central vision may remain. In end-stage glaucoma, complete blindness may occur.

GLAUCOMA SUB-TYPES:

> Primary Open Angle Glaucoma:

The most common glaucoma in New Zealand, POAG is related to elevated eye pressure damaging the optic nerve. Risk factors include a family history, increasing age, high myopia or short sight.

> Normal Tension Glaucoma: A variant of POAG in the fact that the optic nerve becomes damaged but the eye pressure appears within the normal range. It is postulated

that NTG involves a mechanism of poor blood perfusion to the optic nerve with risks including Raynauds disease and migraine.

> Angle Closure Glaucoma: Occurring by way of a physical obstruction of the eye’s anterior (pressure) chamber, ACG results in a sudden, severe rise in intraocular pressure. This may lead to a red, painful eye with a dilated pupil and blurred vision. This is an ocular emergency as without eye pressure being normalised the optic nerve may die within 24 hours. Some patients may suffer more chronic or intermittent angle closure which may occur without the eye pain, so once again without symptoms, the only way to know if you are at risk is to have an eye examination to check the anatomy of your anterior chamber. Risk is family history, high hyperopia (long sight) increasing age or being of Asian descent.

Pop in and see our friendly team for quality eye care, advice or check out our wide range of the latest fashion glasses.

100 Picton Street, Howick. Ph: (09) 534 5565 | www.eyesofhowick.co.nz

FUN RETREAT FOR BURN SURVIVORS

Last week the Castaway Resort was host to a very special retreat that was both empowering and healing for women that have sustained severe burns. The Women’s Burn Retreat held annually by the Burn Support Charitable Trust, was packed with activities, workshops and pampering sessions that provided a perfect respite for burn survivors.

SURVIVORS NOT VICTIMS

When Howick resident Michele Henry first spotted TV personality and former model Colin Mathura-Jeffree at Maccas, the events coordinator and administrator for the Burns Support Group promptly approached him to be a speaker at the upcoming Annual Women’s Burn Retreat to be held at the Castaway Resort.

He remained in the show.

“Initially, I was a bit unsettled because I saw these women were equally as brilliant, vivacious, sexy and real,” he says of the upbeat women who have been through a trial by fire, literally.

Instead of stories of depression, disfigurement, and surgeries, the women who have gone through multiple grief situations were out to have fun as Colin shared styling tips on posing like a pro for photography.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

BILL

POTTER

– Maverick Thinker. Global Speaker. Personal Power Coach. Bill has made personal presentations in 53 countries.

Let’s start with... ‘adjust our attitudes’. Wot? OK, there are still too many ‘variations’ trying to define ‘attitude’, which has to be the backbone of our Life journey. From the umpteen choices, let’s adopt... an ‘honest, uncomplicated and proven pathway’, to reach our best goals.

We already know the ‘bad’ performers in society. Too many of them are dishonest, who try to complicate everything in their favour or deliberately attempt to eliminate the opposition. So please adopt my first Power 3Be© for this message...

CHECK IT OUT! Too few DO!

Which leads us to the 3be© of : ‘be timely’, ‘give careful thought’ and ‘stop rushing to judgement’. If we bothered to take the time to check, we would be mortified by the number of occasions that moronic monsters ‘rush’ into just about anything! Like ‘Wars’ for instance!

If only the collective IQ of those who wouldn’t even remotely understand this powerful 3be© of the

Colin was apprehensive. Coming from a fashion and beauty background he wondered if the burn victims who have gone through the trauma and pain of sustaining burns would think him to be shallow and vain.

“Michele reminded me that these women are survivors and not victims and that I have a life story to share,” says the former TV judge on NZ Top Model.

“The shoot was just like TV’s Top Model,” is his verdict on the prowess with which the women preened and posed.

‘RSA’ (Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association) which also has a great message... ‘lest we forget!’ Sadly the message will never reach the Idiots!

So back to attitude! Your and my attitude to life and its contents is like this : ‘It is our mental disposition or posture, that we adopt with a situation, person or event’. That’s it! No, we do not need a whole lot more twaddle! Once we can believe in ourselves, we can start our journey!

I followed this model from the time I was in a prison-of-war (POW) camp, for four years with my saintly mum from when I was only two months old. By maintaining my focus on the best situations, on persons and on events, I have lived an amazing life. Always believe in yourself!

Here are tips to get you started. https://soulsalt.com/how-tobelieve-in-yourself/ No... my mantra has never changed. It is still... I CAN until I CAN’T! Till next time.

duitdammit@gmail.com

“When I arrived at the Castaway Resort, I had no time for trepidation as I was greeted with the most open smiles and energy. I spun out stories of my terribly wild career and the most embarrassing bits got the biggest laughs.

“I even remembered in 1993 a show in Wellington that had a guy who had survived burns and how the organisers nearly dropped him out. I struggled to speak up for him because he was the most handsome male model in the show.

“These women suddenly smouldered under direction. They leaned into the fantasy. They took the smallest of cues and were vogueing all over the chairs, the deck and the floor. I was so impressed. True beauty shone because these women aren’t just limited to the title ‘survivor’, they’re more than inspirational, I realised they are a force of nature,” says the former judge for New Zealand’s Hottest Home Baker.

HEALING AND SELF-CARE

Michele who looks after the day-to-day administration for the trust, adds saying,

“Michele reminded me that these women are survivors and not victims and that I have a life story to share,” Colin Mathura-Jeffree

“The Burn Support Charitable Trust, now in its eighth year is the provider of this event. It’s a privilege to see the invaluable benefits gained by all. With the amazing support from various organisations and individuals, the retreat offers a safe haven to openly discuss the burn survivor journey, creating extremely close bonds that very quickly are established from day one.

“This week, Colin made a memorable impact with his wealth of knowledge, charismatic delivery and sincere compassion,” she says. “Colin shared his ambitions and achievements connecting effectively and leaving a lasting impression. It was wonderful to watch the ladies express their inner beauty through a fabulous photo session. Their confidence at an all-time high.

“Over the 4-day retreat women participated in workshops gaining tools and strategies to enhance and better everyday life.”

The retreat offered a diverse range of activities tailored to cater to the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of participants. Therapeutic workshops focused on healing and self-care techniques, including meditation to promote holistic well-being.

The Q & A forum was an interactive platform for attendees to engage with fellow survivors,

The next retreat will be held from March 12-15, 2025. If you are or know of anyone that has sustained burns and would like to take part in this transformative event, please contact michele@burns.org.nz

share stories gaining an insight towards healing and acceptance.

“The heroes of the event are the beautiful, courageous and greatly inspiring ladies that

HOTSPOTS

Shop

attend,” says Michele. “Their contribution is immeasurable, they are a sisterhood and an encouragement for each other, affirming the resilience and strength of women overcoming physical and emotional burn trauma.”

AN ENRICHING LEGACY

The Burns Support Group was founded by Howick residents, Delwyn Breslau and her husband, Alan whose tireless work for burn survivors and their families helped them rise like the proverbial Phoenix from the ashes.

At 37, Alan’s life had changed dramatically after a commercial plane he was a passenger on flew into a tornado. The Mohawk Airlines plane with 40 passengers tragically crashed and burnt as it broke into two in Rochester, New York. Trapped, unconscious in burning wreckage, Alan, who was on a business trip, was held upsidedown by a seat belt, surrounded by seven dead people, including the pilot and co-pilot.

Alan sustained third and fourth degree burns over 40 per cent of his body, losing the top of his head, an eye, ear, nose, thumb, and some fingers.

The chemical engineer who helped design Neil Armstrong’s seat to fly to the moon went through the ordeal of over 80 surgeries.

Refusing to be overcome by depression, Alan rebuilt his life and helped thousands of other lives by establishing the Phoenix Society. He also initiated the first World Burn Congress – a global movement for burn survivors that brings hope and healing to help those who have been through horrific experiences.

He helped establish the first camp for children with burns in Pennsylvania and started the Magic Carpet programme to fly burn-injured children and adults from third world countries to the US for probono surgeries. His message for burn survivors was: They are victors of circumstances and not victims.

Phone

Email

www.poppiesbooks.co.nz/howick

CELEBRATE POLISH EASTER WITH CRAFTS

Sunday, March 24, 2pm, Polish Museum, 125 Elliot St, Howick Celebrate Easter this year by designing your own Polish Easter egg and create a colourful Easter palm in this creative workshop for ages seven to adult. Part of World of Cultures 2024, the workshop starts at 2pm and finishes by 4pm (alternatively gather your own group of five or more people and book a time to suit). $10 per person. Bookings preferred. Ph 533 3530 / Email: phtmuseum@outlook.com.

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY

Saturday, April 13, 9.30am, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, 16 Stancombe Road, Flat Bush

Buddha’s Birthday celebration for World Peace ceremony will commemorate the auspicious occasion with blessings and engage in the sacred Bathing of the Buddha. In addition, there will be prayers held for world peace under the guidance of different religious leaders. The collective celebration is held to foster a sense of harmony and create cherished memories.

POP-UP EXHIBITION AND SALE

Saturday, March 23 at the Fencible Walk Reserve (over the road from the very popular Howick Village Saturday Market), Picton Street, Howick, 9am to 12.30pm. Howick Art Group will be holding a Pop-Up Exhibition and Sale. A variety of work will be showcased. Members of the group work in a range of mediums -oils, acrylic, watercolour and various drawing tools. Artists will also be on site, some painting in plein air [painting outdoors].

BOLLYWOOD DANCE

Join us in celebrating the World of Cultures in a Bollywood Dance Workshop by Anju Desai. Botany Library, Tuesday, March 26, 11am. Email botany.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

HEAR ABOUT ST JOHN

Come along to Howick Library and listen to our guest speaker from Hato Hone St John who will talk about their organisation and what services they provide, Friday, April 5, 10.30am – 11.30am. Refreshments available. Free. All Welcome.

HOWICK COMBINED PROBUS CLUB

Why not join us on Tuesday, March 26 at the Howick Bowling Club 10am – 12 noon to hear speaker Gillian Eadie and her subject, “How to Boost Your Memory”. For more information regarding our speakers, trips and friendship groups, phone Mary 0274-532-104. New

EVENTS UPCOMING

EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA

Sunday, March 31, 10am-3pm, Howick Historical Village, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Bells Road, Pakuranga

The Howick Historical Village Easter Extravaganza is back for 2024. There is so much to do at the fun-filled, familyfriendly celebration. Explore the Village with an egg hunt, Easter trail, and take photos with the Easter Bunny. With chocolate, crafts, face-painting, and games, there will be something around every corner. Enjoy food trucks, visit the 1850s Sweet Shop, and make your own lollipop!

members and guests are welcome and morning tea will be provided.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Celebrating 50 years of singing, Pakuranga Choral is presenting a special concert on Sunday, May 19th at 3pm. With accompaniment from a specially-formed orchestra, the choir will present Vivaldi’s everpopular “Gloria”, and Mozart’s “Laudate Dominum” sung by Morag Atchison. A feature of the concert will be a new work from conductor David Hamilton, The Song is But a Door”, commissioned by the choir for the anniversary. The concert will be at Trinity Methodist Church, on Pakuranga Highway. As with last year’s “Messiah”, the choir is joined by Franklin Community Choir from Pukekohe.

INDOOR BOWLS

Monday and/or Wednesday mornings, 9.45am till noon at the Minerva Scout Hall behind Highland Park

Recreation Centre, $5. With morning tea provided. Beginners welcome.

Phone Monday Heather 0275365090, Wednesday Jenny 5767097.

GENEALOGY

NZ Scottish interest group research day. NZSG Research Rooms, 159 Queens Rd, Panmure. Bring your research problems, research help available. Afternoon tea provided, Entry $5. All welcome. Call Barbara 575 7968.

U3A ORMISTON

A club for retired and semiretired citizens, offering the opportunity to learn and to socialise. General meeting, Thursday, March 28. Flat Bush Old School Hall, cnr Murphys Rd/Flat Bush School Rd, Flat Bush, 10am – 12 noon. Main speaker, Mary Kisler – History Of Picnics. Visitors welcome (no charge). Morning tea provided. Contact Dave, 022 6449650.

PUZZLE TIME

Quick Puzzle NO. 8151

ACROSS

1. Warship (8)

6. Minx (4)

8. Mark (4)

9. Lineage (8)

10. Outlet (5)

11. Refer (6)

13. Jerk (6)

15. Gem (6)

17. Fish (6)

19. Extent (5)

22. Playful (8)

23. Meat (4)

24. God of love (4)

25. Mirth (8)

Cryptic Puzzle NO. 8151

ACROSS

1. Able to tidy up the mess in, you gather (8).

6. Says also the daughters like coming round (4).

8. It’s non-iron for golfers! (4).

9. It’s unpopuar with musicians and sportsmen alike (3,5).

10. She’s got a cold: a real streamer! (5).

11. The name I have is a local one (6).

13. A “Don’t move!” that will make you go cold all over? (6).

15. Two letters, you say, too many (6).

17. Lest, perhaps, the man returns for her (6).

19. Box for the puppet (5).

22. Intended to have one myself in the interval (8).

23. On that account, getting ahead in no time (4).

4 LETTERS Bus Cup Day Gas 5 LETTERS Coin Once Path Shoe 6 LETTERS Badger Canvas Needle Player 7 LETTERS Concept Herring Spaniel Stories 12 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 FILL IN THE BLANKS puzzle no. 131 12. For the game, I run about in the garden (8). 14. Pull out of the shelter (7).

24. The light is the best part (4).

25. Annoyed the animals and the man (8).

DOWN

2. Turning it upside – down spoils the seat (5).

3. Needs reshaping and a gold filling and you approve (7).

4. A very young graduateto-be (4).

5. Stop! Temper would jeopardise it! (8).

6. When speaking, of course, one might mention it! (5).

7. Gets revised: totally rewritten (7).

Runs classes (7).

The ship’s back again, love (5).

3. Judgement (7)

4. Salver (4)

5. Barter (8)

6. Herb (5)

7. Curtail (7)

12. Surly (8)

14. Cry (7)

16. Get back (7)

18. Capital city (5)

20. Braid (5)

21. Valley (4)

FLOWER BUNNY GIFT

will

You’ll find a number, dear, in the kitchen cupboard

(5).

You and I are going to get fit (4).

Flower Bunny gift which comes complete with an adorable reusable backpack. A beauty company with a campaigning heart, Lush is on a mission to leave the world lusher than they found it by inventing effective products with ethically sourced ingredients that uplift our planet.

In time for Easter, this week one lucky reader gets to win a Flower Bunny gift that comes with an adorable reusable backpack. Could it be yours?

LETTERS Everything Percentage Playground Settlement WELLS & CO BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS For all legal services including  Commercial  Family  Property  Employment Law  Civil Disputes  Wills & Estates Cnr Picton St & Selwyn Rd Howick howick@wellslawyers.co.nz ☎AK 09 535 4211 www.wellslawyers.co.nz Alison’s practice includes commercial and property, trusts, wills and estates. She also has significant experience in issues for seniors such as retirement villages and powers of attorney. ALISON TAIT, PARTNER HOWICK & REMUERA JU0288-v3 Architecture K V eltman m Ph: 09 527 6835 Email: kim@kva.kiwi 49 Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga www.kimveltman.co.nz Who is YOUR perfect match? Find your friend for life! Visit www.spca.nz/adopt to start your journey together The Sassy Princess The Mellow Love Bug TheIndependent Explorer

WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.22am Set 7.31pm

Moon: Rise 5.17pm Set 2.02am

High Tide: 4.19am 4.42pm

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.23am Set 7.29pm

Moon: Rise 5.49pm Set 3.04am High Tide: 5.18am 5.42pm

FRIDAY 22 MARCH

SUNDAY 24 MARCH Sun: Rise 7.26am Set 7.25pm

High Moon: Rise 7.02pm Set 6.03am High Tide: 7.42am 8.10pm MONDAY 25 MARCH Sun: Rise 7.27am Set 7.23pm Moon: Rise 7.23pm Set 7.00am High Tide: 8.21am 8.49pm TUESDAY 26 MARCH Sun: Rise 7.28am Set 7.22pm Moon: Rise 7.45pm Set 7.57am High Tide: 8.58am 9.25pm THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TIDES

SATURDAY 23 MARCH Sun: Rise 7.25am Set 7.26pm

Rise 6.40pm Set 5.05am

Tide: 6.59am 7.27pm

If the little things are getting harder to manage, we have big news.

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.